Eric Reese to be honored
SPARTA-Eric Reese, a senior at Sparta High School, will be presented the prestigious Brian Piccolo Memorial Award by the Sparta Chapter of UNICO National. The Brian Piccolo Memorial Award is a national award presented by the local UNICO Chapter to a student/athlete who demonstrates the attributes associated with the life of the late Chicago Bear great Brian Piccolo. The recipient must demonstrate outstanding performance on the athletic field and in the classroom while striving to attend a four-year or community college. The Sparta Chapter will present the award at the regular monthly June meeting. William P. Curcio, Chairman of the Selection Committee, cited Reese's excellent performance in the classroom and his outstanding efforts on Sparta's football, basketball and baseball teams. Reese served as Captain of the State Championship football team as well as captain of the baseball team. Reese earned SCIL All-League honors in baseball and football, along with being selected to the Sussex County American Legion All-League Baseball Team. While achieving special honors on the field, Reese excelled in the classroom as well. He ranks 23 in a class of 265 as well as having achieved the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. Reese earned SCIL All-Academic honors in baseball and football while maintaining honor roll status in all marking periods. Mr. Pat Shea, Sparta High School Athletic Director commented on Mr. Reese's selection: "Eric has won numerous awards and honors at Sparta High School. His legacy will go deeper than that. Eric will always be remembered for his enthusiasm and love of competition." Accordingly, Reese has demonstrated the athletic and educational traits to be afforded this outstanding honor. The award is accompanied by a $1,500 scholarship. Reese is the fifth recipient of the Brian Piccolo Memorial Award joining Paul Smith (Sparta), Robert Fioretti (Sparta), Chris Curcio (Blair) and Tara Varone (Hopatcong). Mr. Reese will be attending Fordham University in the fall.