First recipients of Ryan Rothweiler scholarship announced


Brian Stannard, Gina Calabrese and Justin Woishnis are congratulated by Karen Murphy .Reminder Publications submitted photo

Brian Stannard, Gina Calabrese and Justin Woishnis of East Longmeadow are the first recipients of the Ryan Rothweiler Memorial Soccer Scholarship. Karen Murphy created this scholarship in memory of her husband, Ryan, whose lifelong love of the game of soccer began as a kid in Philadelphia and took him all the way to the World Cup games.

A former coach of in-town boys' and girls' soccer teams for many years, Ryan Rothweiler was also active on the East Longmeadow Soccer Association Board. He passed away suddenly of a catastrophic brain hemorrhage while vacationing with his wife in Santa Fe, N.M. this past Sept.11.

Stannard, Calabrese and Woishnis were selected because they possess the ideals that Rothweiler demonstrated throughout his life and also set for his soccer teams. Those characteristics are of leadership, sportsmanship, friendship and character. These qualities combined with the three graduating seniors' high sense of integrity and graciousness made them worthy recipients in Ryan's memory.

Speaking about the scholarship, Karen said, "Many of our friends, family members and colleagues helped to make this year's scholarship possible, including the East Longmeadow Women's Community Club." Karen will continue to present scholarships to graduating seniors from East Longmeadow High School for at least four additional years. Contributions can be made to the Ryan Rothweiler Memorial Scholarship, c/o East Longmeadow High School, 180 Maple Street, East Longmeadow 01028.