Allderdice’s ESPY sports awards ceremony, held May 16th, displayed the school’s most talented athletes and its pride in its sports teams. Allderdice has long been known for athletics, and though the City League will be dissolved for most sports next year, the 13 titles amassed by Allderdice solidified its place as champions within the city. In fact, in three sports that Allderdice didn’t win the title, its teams represented the school in the championship game.

The ESPY awards were voted on by Allderdice’s student body, which selected a male and female athlete to receive an award in varying categories. If the votes were even for two athletes, they were both awarded. The overall best male athletes were Ean Disilvio and Will Graham. Janay Bottoms was voted the best female athlete. Dice’s boy’s soccer shared the title of best team with the wrestling team, while the girl’s basketball team was the sole winner for the female award.

However, there have been criticisms of the event. For one, some feel that only certain athletes were nominated. Club athletes weren’t on the ballot. “Crew isn’t often thought of as an ‘actual’ sport,” said Sophomore Jordan Lawson, “but I know athletes on Allderdice’s rowing team that would have been great candidates for certain awards.”

Some see it as an incentive to work harder, though. “I know I would be inspired if there was a real, tangible award at the end of the tunnel that was voted on by my peers,” said math teacher and JV boys soccer coach Douglas Zott. “I think it displayed our talent as a school nicely and serves as motivation to find that extra drive needed for all sports.”