Smith, Kravetz share community pride
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Saint Francis men's basketball coach Rob Krimmel had plenty of inspirational messages for the 2023-2024 class of athletes of the week at Monday's 19th annual Altoona Mirror Athlete of the Year banquet at Lakemont's Casino.
In the middle of those, Krimmel gave a nod to an athlete in attendance he's seen grow into this year's Mirror Male Athlete of the Year, Central senior Hunter Smith. Smith, along with Altoona senior Hailey Kravetz, who took home Female Athlete of the Year honors, highlighted a night honoring the area's top athletes.
"It's well deserved," Krimmel said. "I have seen him since a little kid, and to see him grow up, not just as an athlete but as a person, he's a tremendous person with a tremendous family. His accolades on the football field, basketball court and on the baseball field are well documented, but who he is as a person is even more impressive."
Krimmel spoke of Smith coming of age and starting to beat him in one-on-one basketball games, something the Central senior said Krimmel might be ducking these days.
"I think we're tied," Smith said. "Then I went up one year, and he wasn't there. I was so disappointed, because I was looking forward to winning and getting up on him. He just didn't show up. Maybe he was a little scared. He said he was on a recruiting trip, but I think he was scared. I always look forward to playing with him up there and benefiting the Special Olympics."
Smith earned recognition after being selected as the Mirror's Player of the Year in high school football, being voted second team on the Mirror's high school basketball all-star team and helping the Scarlet Dragons go 27-0 and win a PIAA baseball title his sophomore year.
"Our community supports us a lot out in the Cove," Smith said. "I wanted to give back to them and show them we care and perform for them. That's what high school sports are for, the school and the community around them."
The female winner, Kravetz, also took pride in representing her city and school. Kravetz broke the all-time Altoona single-season goal scoring record in soccer and broke the school record in the 300-meter hurdles several times and is among the top seeds for this weekend's PIAA championships in the event.
Kravetz also qualified for states in both of her relay races and in the 110-meter hurdles.
"I definitely feel honored to not only be representing my school but Blair County and the Altoona Mirror," Kravetz said. "There were a lot of great athletes here tonight, and it was such an honor. I think the last Altoona winner was Rachel Gehret, and it's an honor to be alongside the names of all the past winners."
Brant Clouser, Brady Gehret, Wade Endress and Eli Mencer have won Mirror Athlete of the Year on the male side, but Kravetz is the first female winner since Rachel Gehret, who was the first Mirror Female Athlete of the Year in 2006.
"Youth sports are a big part of the pride of a community," Krimmel said. "There is certainly a lot of great tradition and great history here that has been carried on from generation to generation. The Altoona Mirror and (managing editor) Neil (Rudel) and his crew that put this together, it's impressive. I don't know that these kids right now realize how important this night is and how special this night is, but I'm hoping five or 10 years from now, they'll realize just what an elite group of people and athletes they are who are setting an example for the next group of athletes."
The banquet was filled with emotional moments that included Amanda Denis, the daughter of local tennis legend Herb Faris, presenting her daughter, Hollidaysburg freshman Crosby Denis, with the award bearing her father's name.
A few moments later, Williamsburg senior Ayla Hileman was selected as the winner of the Erin Johnson Award given to the athlete who has overcome the most adversity.
Hileman, who attended last year's banquet but was unable to make it up on stage after tearing her ACL a few weeks earlier, returned from the injury in January and led the Lady Pirates to the PIAA Class 1A semifinals and earned all-state honors.
On Monday, she made it on stage but as tears streamed down her face, she was unable to give a speech as she reflected on all the work it took to get back and earn the chance to play collegiately at Frostburg State.
"It means everything to me that people noticed how much work I put in to get back," said Hileman after composing herself following the banquet. "I feel honored to receive this award. When I tore my ACL and I knew I was going to miss AAU, that's where coaches find you. I was really worried and stressed about not getting to play in college, and I just feel really blessed that I got back and everything worked out."
Jake Hileman of Hollidaysburg and Emalee Cavender of Claysburg-Kimmel took home the Ron Rickens Sportsmanship Awards for their leadership and good example they set not only in their sports but their communities.
Central senior Griffin Snowberger was selected as the Frank Kiraly Award winner, given to the area's top golfer. Fellow Central student Lanee Berkhimer was picked as the Angie Gioiosa Award winner given to the area's premier distance runner, and Hollidaysburg's Lucy Stanek won the Erin Dodson award as the area's top volleyball player.
Bedford swimmer Leah Shackley, who trains at Hollidaysburg's Blair Regional YMCA, was given a special Presentation of Excellence Award for winning six state championships in her high school career as she prepares for the U.S. Olympic Trials in June.
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic's Sarah Geishauser was picked as the Dean Rossi Leadership Award winner for not only leading the Lady Marauders to their first-ever appearance in the PIAA semifinals in girls soccer but for sticking with her basketball team despite suffering an injury in that semifinal game and helping lead BG to a PIAA championship in basketball. She made it back from her injury in time to play in the final with her teammates one last time, including sophomore Gia Adams, who accepted the award for Geishauser on Monday and credited her leadership.
Though Smith and Kravetz were picked as the area's top athletes, both acknowledged the versatility and talent throughout the room on Monday.
"It's pretty special," Smith said. "I'm grateful for everyone voting for me. Looking back on all the former winners, there's some pretty good names. It's special to be included with Jeff (Hoenstine) and (Garrett) Harrold the last couple years and Alex Hoenstine. Looking around this room, a lot of guys could have gotten this award this year. There's a lot of great athletes here, and this is a really special night for all of us."