Our March, First County Bank Athlete of the Month is 16 year old Frank Drugge. Drugge is one of our hardest working and dedicated athletes that come through BVSA on a daily basis. Even on the last day of business before having shut down due to COVID-19 he was in the cage on his own getting his work in. Drugge is consistently the first player at practice (early) and the last player to leave practice (late).   He does this all in the efforts to work more than what is required of him.  He is a very smart player, who goes out and completes on every pitch, and someone his teammates know will be there for him. Drugge is currently a Junior at Darien High and is hoping that all this hard work won’t be for not and the spring season can get played.

Drugge is a versatile player who can play anywhere that is needed other than catcher (can’t hurt to ask though) and he pitches as well. However, he has been playing a multitude of sports for most of his life. Drugge has been playing baseball since he could walk and continues to show the same drive he had as a child to excel to this day. In addition, soccer was a lifelong passion of his until this past fall when he chose not to play for the high school. Drugge actually played for Jhonny Arteaga of JA Elite, our soccer partner here at the facility. Drugge also picked up indoor track this past winter and made FCIAC’S in the 55 meter dash.

However, he is more than just a dedicated athlete. Drugge is another great example of the student-athletes we have at BVSA. Currently maintaining a 3.72 GPA, while in BC Calculus and AP Calculus-based physics Drugge is an active member of National Honor Society, Math Honors Society, and Music Honors Society. Additionally music is his other passion in life, something he is thoroughly engaged in as he is Darien High’s lead trumpet in their jazz band (2nd year) and Norwalk Youth Symphony’s principal french horn player (1st year). With all this going on in his life and him working as hard as he does for baseball, time management is definitely a skill Drugge has shown.

With the high school season still up in the air, we can only hope to see Drugge in his Darien blues driving the ball to all fields.  But in the chance we do not get to see this, we at BVSA get to look forward to the summer Fury season with Drugge on our 17U team. Coach Anthony Conte has this to say, “As a coach, you are constantly forming relationships at all different levels with your players.  Drugge is a kid we took to many years ago when he made his inefficient mechanics work to his advantage. He was basically throwing a slider every pitch and having great success.  Drugge has come and gone over the years but has always been polite, focused and hardworking.  He has since fixed his mechanics, grown multiple feet and continued that “figure it out” attitude.  Drugge is well deserving of this accolade!  We are pumped to be coaching him this summer as he continues his quest to find the right high academic university.  I am especially looking forward to continuing to get to know and learn from this awesome young scholar athlete,” 

Another great thing about Drugge is he will be successful in something.  Baseball, music, or something school related because that is just the type of person he is! Congratulations again on this honor, we here at BVSA are excited for his future and even more excited to be a part of his present.

Our January Athlete of the Month is 18 year old Henry “Hank” Schwoerer. Schwoerer has been a truly dedicated player to the entire process of becoming the best player he can be and to the process of getting himself recruited to play at the next level. He committed himself in the classroom, in the cage, and in the weight room to be an example of what every student-athlete should strive to be. Schwoerer is also a dynamic player who can affect the game on all sides of the ball (hitting, defense, baserunning and on the hill). Schwoerer has been a contributing member to his Fairfield Prep Jesuits team for multiple years now and plans to make a quick impact to his Western New England Golden Bears.

Schwoerer, from Stamford, started his career playing for Stamford National Little League as well as playing for Cloonan Middle School’s baseball team in 7th and 8th grade. After this though he was a mainstay for both BVSA’s Fury teams and Prep’s baseball team. He played Fury for 3 years across many seasons and has been a Varsity member at Prep all four years (a starter for 3). Last summer he played Baseball U for their black team and looks forward to competing for Stamford Legion at Cubeta field this upcoming summer. Schwoerer through all the baseball over the years developed into a coach’s player and an amazing teammate. Coach Conte had this to say about Schwoerer, “Hank was an awesome addition to the BVSA squad.  He marches to his own beat, always has a smile on his face and loves to work. I don’t care who you are, coaches love athletes who love the work and Hank is one of those athletes. He was blessed with a high level of talent but continues to develop everyday. I was personally pumped when he locked in WNE. You love to see a kid like Hank land somewhere where he has the potential to really flourish as a human being and an athlete! WNE is lucky to have a student athlete like him join their ranks.” So much so that he is one of this year’s captains in his senior campaign. Additionally he was a part of the SCC Championship Team for Fairfield Prep in 2018 and was selected on to the CT High School Coaches Junior Select Team in 2019.

Off the field Schwoerer does a lot both in his school and neighborhood communities as well. At Prep he is a Freshman Orientation and Freshman Retreat Leader, helping guide the new students on what to expect along with getting them ready for the next level of schooling. Schwoerer also volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club in Stamford, as well as St. Leo’s church (also in Stamford). He is a very dedicated student as well and finds time to workout multiple times a week. When Schwoerer heads off to WNE this fall he will be studying Sports Management and continuing to be a good example for other players. We here at Bobby Valentine’s are happy to have been a part of his journey and look forward to seeing what Hank has in store next!

Our December, First County Bank Athlete of the Month is 14 year old Thomas Garcia. Garcia is truly a dedicated athlete who puts maximum effort into all his endeavors. Which is why he being recognized with this honor was such an easy decision for Andy Towers and B.V.S.A. management. A ferocious athlete with an intense drive to be the best he can be in any drill, practice or game. However it should not go unstated or unappreciated that even though Garcia is a high level lacrosse player, his passion and drive to be great in all sports comes from an appreciation for the camaraderie created with teammates. Having a common goal and love for team and teammates’ success separates him from others.

Garcia who is only just an eighth grader has a diversified portfolio in the sports he has participated in and the experiences he has had in each. For starters Garcia has been a contributing member of New Canaan’s top lacrosse team, the highly competitive Eclipse 2024 AA team for six years now. A two-way midfielder who takes face-offs has helped lead this team with the direction from great coaching. But he is only that much more prepared due to the rigorous, intense, and high-level training down here at BVSA in the winter with Andy Towers. Towers who runs Lacrosse Draws and is the head coach of the Chaos in the PLL had this to say about Garcia, “Thomas Garcia is my choice for the First County Bank Athlete of the Month. No one works harder in our program and no one is more consistent than Thomas. This kid truly exemplifies everything that a college coach is looking for in a prospect as it relates to focus, effort, and grit, and most importantly being a great teammate.” The summer was no different for Garcia, his U-13 Eclipse 2024 team qualified to play in the World Series of Youth Lacrosse in Denver, Colorado. He also played in the National Lacrosse Federation tournament where he and his team excelled. Another highlight for Garcia was in 2018, he was named a 2018 CONNY Allstar by the CONNY Coaches, Competition, and Committee.  It set him up to play in the 25th Annual CONNY East-West Allstar Classic at Yale University’s Reese Stadium where he proceeded to tally two goals, two assists and several ground balls.

However, it is important that it does not go understated that Garcia is a student-athlete. While playing lacrosse he also participated in football, wrestling, and baseball being a standout or a major contributor in all these sports as well. But away from the playing fields Garcia maintains a 4.1 GPA (weighted) for his coursework and shows the same level of determination to be great there as well. Garcia is also a member of the Model United Nations, as well as a volunteer at St. Aloysius Church and as a coach for his younger sister’s basketball team. With all of these factors only favoring the hard working Garcia he does not have set plans for college yet. All he would like is to attend a school such as Stanford or Williams where it is academically competitive and he can continue his playing career. Everyone here at BVSA, Coach Andy, Coach Pete and all his teammates look forward to seeing what he is able to accomplish in the near future!

Our First County Bank Athlete of the Month for November is 17 year old Frankie Ramppen IV.  Ramppen who was born into a baseball life has been a member of the B.V.S.A. family since the inception of the academy. However, he spent years 2-8 in Japan getting to experience pro-ball first hand because his father Frank was a professional coach for the Chiba Lotte Marines with Bobby Valentine. One of Frankie’s famous lines that he learned over in Japan and would say to anyone who would listen is that, “he was born to play baseball.” He surely was because as soon as he could pick up and swing a wiffle bat the fire and passion for the game began. Although he would swing both lefty and righty because his favorite player was a switch hitter which made him a dynamic player even at that young age. Frankie now is a Senior at New Canaan High School and a captain in his final season. The intense and fiery competitor will be a starter for a fourth straight season and will look to lead his team to be competitive in the FCIAC.

Ramppen is primarily a center fielder who can pitch as well and will be looked upon heavily in his senior season. But before New Canaan and Fury baseball for the academy, Frankie got his start in local parks in Japan. This was the site where the Baybuster little league teams would practice and play for hours on end. When the Ramppen family returned from Japan, Frankie continued his development of skills and baseball IQ through Cal Ripken in New Canaan and the Fury teams at the Academy. Frankie’s abilities skyrocketed as he played up for B.V.S.A’s Fury teams and learned from all the coaches/instructors available to him including his father. His passion and love for the game only grew stronger through the years because of getting better, winning, all the accolades, and above all else the fun that the game was and still is. One early accolade that stands out above others is the selection to the Under Armour National Future Stars team in Aberdeen, Maryland at the age of 12, which is also when he got to play on national TV. A former Fury coach had this to say, “Frankie is one of the most intense players, I have ever had the privilege of coaching. His determination to win is unmatched and separates him from other players.”

Frankie continued to produce once he hit the big field and did not skip a beat. Only thing that changed is he had more space to make plays in the outfield continue to look effortless. Once Ramppen arrived at New Canaan High School his skill level was clearly above others there, and the head coach at the time knew it. Frankie as a Freshmen batted 2nd and played centerfield for a good Rams varsity baseball team. To this point now a 3 year, Varsity starter who has hit above .300 every year, which includes batting .458 last year as a Junior his ability only grows as the years go on. He additionally earned All County East honors in both his Sophomore and Junior years. Frankie earned two local scholarship offers after his Freshman year but had dreams to go play south. Ramppen made those dreams come true as he committed to play at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Palm Beach, Florida.

Ramppen outside of baseball is a committed student and maybe an even more committed Raiders fan. His burning passion to be good at whatever he does or whoever he roots for can be heard when you talk to him. Here at B.V.S.A. we have been fortunate enough to be a part of and witness the growth and development of Frankie not just as a player but as a person. He will be missed when he goes off to college the following fall and we want nothing more than to see him have a great Senior season and an even better college career. Coach Anthony Conte had this to say, “Frankie has an intense will to win and is fun to watch play! His jumps, angles, and his catch to release in the outfield are special.  He’s a true switch hitter and a menace on the base baths. Doesn’t really see himself as a pitcher yet but he’s a lefty who can chuck it on the bump. He knew he wanted to play down south and we are pumped that he trusted his gut! We are all very excited to see what he does at PBA over the next few years.” We cannot wait to see what he accomplishes in the near future!

Our First County Bank, October Athlete of the Month is 12 year old Reagan Adiletta. Adiletta is undoubtedly one of the most dedicated softball players in the facility, but this is only a piece of why she was selected. A member of the 7th/8th grade Lady Titans team, at least one lesson a week, assisting in the 9th grade practices and catching bullpens for teammates during their lessons is part of the amazing work ethic that separates her as a player. Adiletta is driven, competitive, and passionate as a player but an amazing teammate willing to go the extra mile for each and every one of them. One of her coaches Ashley Simoneau had this to say,  “Reagan will outwork every single player on the softball diamond no matter their size or ability. Her determination, work ethic, and pure grit makes her a joy to coach. She is a very versatile player that will adapt to any position you put her at however, she shines behind the plate as she commands control of the game.” 

Adiletta is primarily a catcher who has the ability to move around the diamond with ease. Before becoming a Lady Titan, Reagan played for Darien Little League where her teams won 3 consecutive house championships and she was part of  2 District Championship teams. This winning pedigree and love for the game stemmed from watching her older brothers play baseball, sometimes watching 8 games a weekend. So it is no coincidence that when she finally started T-Ball at 5 years old she took to it and never let go. The love for catching and donning the tools of ignorance did not happen as swiftly. But at nine when her coached asked her to try catching the burning passion to be the best catcher possible had sparked. Reagan also passes her knowledge and passion on to younger players in the town of Darien as well. Coach Elizabeth Joseph said this about her, “Reagan is a very dedicated and passionate player that is always willing to learn. She comes to every practice wanting to get better. Reagan is a small but scrappy, aggressive player that can get the job done. Whether behind the plate, at shortstop, or in centerfield, Reagan has the ability and talent to make some incredible plays.”

Reagan is currently a student at Middlesex Middle School in Darien where she maintains straight A’s. Her favorite is math and has the goal of becoming a civil engineer. Adiletta is also an excellent swimmer who competes for Country Club of Darien and Darien Piranhas. She excels in the Freestyle and Backstroke, with her favorite event being the 200 Freestyle. Reagan also shows her compassionate side for animals as well, none more than her dog Preston. Adiletta has done an amazing job exemplifying what it takes to be an Athlete of the Month. That is why BVSA management and each Lady Titan coach were so ecstatic to recognize her with this honor. We all are looking forward to seeing what Reagan can achieve both on and off the field.

Coach Lauren Delgadillo – “Reagan is a dedicated athlete who strives to get 1% better each day that stems from her passion to win. She not only shows how good she is on the softball field, but shows how good she wants to be. Her hard work, passion, and dedication sets the example of what it takes to be a successful athlete. Reagan has been and will continue to be such an important part of the Lady Titans organization.”