Bensalem High School held a Division One Commitment Luncheon on Thursday, May 8, 2014, recognizing the five seniors – Victoria Brewer, Kyle Francis, Isabel Hansbury, John Lee and Andrew Moser – who will be competing in their respective sports at the Division One level next year.
By Mary Jane Souder
They used phrases like ‘Bensalem Strong’ and ‘Owl Proud,’ and there was plenty of that pride on display at last week’s Division One Commitment Luncheon recognizing seniors Victoria Brewer, Kyle Francis, Isabel Hansbury, John Lee and Andrew Moser.
“It’s just unbelievable the pride we had today,” athletic director Geoff Per said. “I guess my goal as an athletic director – I want elementary school kids to come to a football or basketball game and say, ‘I want to go to Bensalem High School and be like him.’
“We’re just trying to get that pride back in the community. That’s ultimately the goal. I started off today saying this is the first annual, and I meant it. I did kind of steal the idea from Buff Radick at Council Rock South. Five Division One kids – I just felt like we had to do something a little bit bigger.
The event, sponsored by Senator Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson and Outback Steakhouse, included keynote speaker Alexander Houston, a 1997 Bensalem graduate who went on to become an All-American linebacker at Colgate University.
“Bensalem isn’t just a school – it’s who we are,” Houston said. “It’s where we go and what we take with us and the lessons we learn.
“It does not end when you graduate. We are always ‘Owl Proud’ wherever we find ourselves.”
In addition to a full course meal provided by Outback and some words of inspiration from Houston, each athlete was recognized by their respective coach and also given an opportunity to speak. It was a day none of them will soon forget.
“In my four years, this is the first thing that is truly recognizing the Division One athletes,” said Moser. “I think it’s a great step forward because we do have a lot of great athletes here, but a lot of times, they get brushed under the rug and not really noticed. Mr. Per is bringing us to the forefront, so we can get recognized just like every school in the SOL.”
“This means a lot,” Brewer added. “Bensalem is talked down a lot, and just knowing there are other people in the school that are motivated and want to do great things – it just feels really good to be recognized.”
Hansbury echoed similar sentiments.
“I don’t even know how to put it into words,” she said. “I feel really close to the other athletes even though I’m not good friends with all of them. There’s a special connection. We’ve all worked hard, it was fun to have a special day to celebrate it.”
“This was so cool,” Lee said. “The four other kids up there I’ve been with for four years, some of them six and some of them longer, and to be part of something bigger than sports is awesome.”
“I think it’s good for Bensalem’s reputation in general,” Francis said. “You go to other schools, and there’s this stigma, ‘Oh that’s Bensalem. They’re rough and tough. They’re ‘hood.’ The reality is we’re in the same county as them, we’re down the street from them. This was good just for Bensalem’s reputation in general.”
Houston, now a pastor, spoke about three P’s – pride, privilege and promise.
“You should be proud of your accomplishments,” he said. “You should be proud that you have scholarships to go to a Division One school.
“There are many who want to be in your situation. They want the fruits, but they don’t want the sacrifice. Many people want the glory, but they don’t want the blood.
“Even though you have the privilege of playing Division One sports, I would challenge you to be a citizen of the world. When we look at it as a privilege, it allows us to see what we must give to that endeavor.”
He closed by asking the student-athletes to make a promise to themselves.
“I would encourage you to promise yourself that whatever comes up – good or bad – that you will always recognize that you have the ability to achieve,” Houston said. “Bet on yourself every day of the week for there will come a time when there are those who will not bet on you, who will say you can’t make it. Make a promise to yourself.
“What the future holds, I do not know, but I do know the future holds promise - promise of joy, promise of happiness, promise of difficulties, promise of struggle, promise of hardship but also a promise of accomplishment if you will just hold onto the promise that is in your lives.
“I may never see you again, but what I tell you now is true. You will be a success regardless of what everyone else says if you will just stay true to who you are, who you know yourself to be.”
Houston evoked laughter when he added in closing, “and work like the dickens to make sure you start.”
“That was so moving, so motivating,” Brewer said of Houston’s speech. “I have a big race on Saturday, and it made me want to go out and do well. It made me want to go out and run four miles.”
“His speech was amazing,” Moser said. “I just hope if I ever have to make a speech like that, I can make it half as good because that was an awesome speech.”
“I was glad to see Rev. Houston came down,” Francis said. “It’s good to see other Bensalem alums that are still involved, that still care.”
Brewer will be competing in track at Rider University.
“Tori is one of the hardest working and most talented runners I’ve ever had,” coach Michael Wilwohl said. “She’s a natural leader. Her potential is limitless, and I think Rider’s got a steal.”
Francis will take his talents on the track to Duke University.
“When Kyle came in ninth grade, the kids in the middle school told me, ‘He’s a stud, he’s the franchise,’” coach Mary Ellen Malloy said. “What they didn’t tell me – not only is he a gifted athlete, he’s a tremendous person.”
Lee has accepted a soccer scholarship to New Jersey Institute of Technology.
“Really what makes a captain and what makes a player and why he’s recognized so highly is his attitude,” coach Joe Leone said. “His attitude was amazing. He would be at every practice working with the kids. He’s a role model for the younger players. He leads by example, he’s positive, he cares, and he’s there.”
Moser will continue his baseball career at the University of Maine.
“Andy is a great kid,” said Per, standing in for coach Harry Daut, who was unable to attend. “He’s the president of SGA and one of the leaders of this building. He’s a go-to guy, and he will be very successful at the University of Maine.”
Hansbury will play softball at Hofstra University.
“Al used the expression ‘Owl Pride,’” coach Dan Schram said. “’Owl Pride’ gave way to ‘Bensalem Strong.’ This young lady is Bensalem strong.”
And that was the theme of a special event honoring five student-athletes who achieved their goal of signing with a Division One school.
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