Better Late Than Never

St. Rose senior Brendan Hueth might quite an impression on the tournament staff during the recently-completed WOBM Christmas Classic. In addition to scoring 60 points in the Purple Roses four games during the holiday tournament the 6’1 guard displayed the characteristics of a true leader. When it came time to select a winner of the annual Chuck Kearney Award the committee agreed that Hueth would be the choice but there was one problem…he wasn’t at the Pine Belt Arena for the awards ceremony following the championship game. Hueth and his St. Rose teammates had played in the 3^rd place consolation game earlier in the day and had left when his name was announced. The Kearney Award has been awarded since 1989 and is named after the former Manchester Township High School and Ocean County College standout who died at a young age.

So with that said I took the award to him and last week met Hueth at RKE Athletic in Wall for the presentation (he also earned 1^st team All-Tournament honors). I’m more convinced than ever he was a great choice for the award because in an era of specialization Brendan is a true three-sport athlete. He scored 21 goals for the St. Rose soccer team in the fall, is averaging over 14 points a game this basketball season and recently announced his commitment to St. Joseph’s University where he’ll play baseball.

Hueth’s award was not the only one presented last week as in a surprise we gave Ted Maciejewski and RKE Athletic the Jim Ruhnke Award for contributions made to the WOBM Christmas Classic. RKE has been involved for more than 20 years and is the official clothing supplier of the tournament and Shore Sports Network.

Maciejewski and his staff are a valued partner and truly deserving of recognition for all they have done.

NEXT: Brendan Hueth Foul Line Jumper