Monthly Administrative Updates
April 2025 Administrative Update
by Brian Lombardo
Director of Health, PE & Athletics
The 2024-25 Season
A Banner Year for East Aurora Athletics
The 2024-2025 school year has been one of remarkable achievements for the East Aurora Athletics Department. From team triumphs to individual accolades, the Blue Devils have continued their tradition of excellence across multiple sports, earning championship titles and academic distinctions.
Dominating the Division
East Aurora teams showed their strength across both the fall and winter seasons, securing division championships in multiple sports. In the fall, the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country teams, Boys’ and Girls’ Golf, Boys’ Soccer, Girls’ Swimming, and Girls’ Tennis all took home division titles. The winter season saw continued success, with the Boys’ Swimming team and the Unified Bowling team claiming their respective division championships.
Section VI Supremacy
The Blue Devils didn’t stop at the division level—they made their mark at the Section VI level as well. Fall season victors included the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country teams, Boys’ Soccer, and Boys’ Volleyball. The winter season continued the winning streak, with the Boys’ and Girls’ Indoor Track teams both taking Section VI titles.
Individual Excellence
Several East Aurora athletes stood out with their individual performances. In the fall, cross country runner Emilia O’Leary emerged as a Section VI champion. The winter season saw a standout performance from the 4x800 meter relay teams, with Ryan DeFries, Gus Hoak, Shane Fraser, and Max Fraser winning for the boys, while Evelyn Hoak, Emilia O’Leary, Reiley Pierce, and Catherine Schoeneman secured the title for the girls.
Far West Regional and State Championship Glory
The Boys’ Soccer team emulated last year’s success, claiming the Far West Regional Championship. Meanwhile, the Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country teams capped off their incredible seasons by winning New York State Championships, a testament to their talent and dedication. In the winter season the girls 4x8 team took 3rd place at the NYSPHSAA championships while the boys’ team was 5th.
Academic Achievement
East Aurora athletes not only shined on the field but also in the classroom. Several student-athletes earned Section VI All-WNY Scholar-Athlete honors, including Emilia O’Leary (cross country), Susannah Winfield (swimming), and Erin Zagrobelny (swimming). Furthermore, numerous teams were recognized as NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Teams, including Boys’ and Girls’ Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football, Boys’ and Girls’ Golf, Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, Girls’ Swimming, Girls’ Tennis, Boys’ and Girls’ Volleyball, Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, Boys’ Swimming, Boys’ and Girls’ Indoor Track, Wrestling, and Unified Bowling. These honors highlight the commitment of East Aurora athletes to both their sports and their studies.
College-Bound Blue Devils
The hard work and dedication of East Aurora’s athletes have paid off, with multiple students signing to play collegiate sports.
The first signing ceremony on November 13th featured:
● Sydney Girard (Duquesne, Girls’ Lacrosse)
● Annabel Holland (D’Youville University, Field Hockey)
● Erin Horn (SUNY Brockport, Field Hockey)
● Grace Janish (St. Bonaventure, Soccer)
● Reagan Michel (Buffalo State, Soccer)
● Katie O’Brien (SUNY Fredonia, Lacrosse)
● Emilia O’Leary (Providence College, Cross Country/Track & Field)
A second signing ceremony on February 26th celebrated:
● Megan Cassidy (Ithaca, Basketball)
● Shane Fraser (SUNY Geneseo, Cross Country/Track & Field)
● Amelia Jones (Houghton, Soccer)
● Nate Roorbach (Hartwick, Volleyball)
● Dominic Seneff (SUNY Oswego, Cross Country/Track & Field)
● Susannah Winfield (Smith College, Swimming)
Exciting Developments on Campus
As East Aurora’s teams continue to make history, the school is investing in its athletic future. If you’ve driven by the high school recently, you’ve likely noticed the construction in progress. A new turf field and six state-of-the-art tennis courts are slated for completion by the end of the summer, ensuring that future generations of Blue Devils have top-tier facilities to support their athletic pursuits.
A Season to Remember
The 2024-2025 school year has been nothing short of historic for East Aurora athletics. From championship titles to academic honors and college commitments, the Blue Devils have once again demonstrated their commitment to excellence. With new facilities on the horizon and a legacy of success to build upon, the future is bright for East Aurora Athletics.