Byram Hills High School celebrated 11 students who have committed to playing their sport in college next year, applauding their accomplishments and wishing them success with their new teams.
“We are incredibly proud of these student-athletes for their dedication, perseverance and commitment to excellence,” said Scott Saunders, the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics. “Their achievements reflect years of hard work on and off the field, and we look forward to seeing all that they accomplish at the next level.”
The students are Ryan Arcamone, Bates College, baseball; Zach Bourkadi, Concordia University (Montreal), track; Frankie Cangelosi, Union College, football; Brayden Fang, University of Hartford, lacrosse; Nick Fortugno, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, wrestling; Zara Gardam, Odessa College, golf; Kevin Kendall, SUNY New Paltz, basketball; Alex Lewis, Muhlenberg College, tennis; Maura Lunde, Catholic University, track; Nate Pettengill, Colby College, track; and Jaden Zipper, University of New England, football.
Before each athlete was introduced at the April 29 ceremonial signing day, Byram Hills teacher and Boys Varsity Soccer coach Matt Allen commended them for all of the “unseen hours” and “quiet discipline” they put into their sport. “I think it’s the decision to really keep going when it really would have been easier to stop, as all of you have probably had those exhausting moments when you couldn't carry forward, and yet you persevered.”
About 7% of high school athletes play in college, Mr. Allen noted, and these 11 students didn’t reach this level by accident.
“You got there because you repeated the small things,” he said. “You did the ordinary things until they became extraordinary. You showed up, you worked harder and you believed in yourselves. And today is a celebration of what you’ve accomplished.”
A closer look at the athletes:
Ryan Arcamone, Bates College, baseball: Ryan has a .397 on base percentage, scored 37 runs and stole 28 bases in 55 games. As a pitcher, he averaged more than one strikeout per inning over 55 2/3 career innings with an ERA of 3.04. He is a leader on the team and models a positive attitude, with a team-first mentality.
Zach Bourkadi, Concordia University (Montreal), track: Zach has grown into a leader on the team, someone his teammates respect and look to for guidance. He holds the school record for the 55-meter indoor hurdles and 4x200-meter indoor relay and earned All-League honors for the 55-meter and 110-meter hurdles and 4x200-meter relay and All-League Honorable Mention in the 55-meter dash.
Frankie Cangelosi, Union College, football: Frankie served as a phenomenal wide receiver and excelled when the pressure was on. He earned All-Section honors as one of the top wide receivers in Class B.
Brayden Fang, University of Hartford, lacrosse: Brayden is a long stick midfielder and defender for the undefeated Byram Hills lacrosse team. A four-year varsity player, he is a natural leader with a team-first attitude and is a strong, intelligent defenseman with great field awareness.
Nick Fortugno, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, wrestling: Nick is a five-year varsity wrestler who amassed over 150 career wins. He is the all time leading wins leader in Byram Hills history. He was a four-time Section One champion and captain and a major part of the only two sectional championships in program history.
Zara Gardam, Odessa College, golf: A great competitor who is a strong force on the golf course, Zara has a tour average of 75.6 and her lowest score is a 71. In 10th grade, she finished in the top five in the state.
Kevin Kendall, SUNY New Paltz, basketball: Kevin had an amazing career for the Bobcats. He has an overall record of 51-15, is a two-time Section championship winner, won the ConEd Player of the Week award and earned All-Section honors this year with 18.1 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Alex Lewis, Muhlenberg College, tennis: Alex was a state tennis finalist in eighth and 11th grade and won the All-League Sportsmanship Award. Among his many school activities and accomplishments, he is a member of the Athletic Advisory Committee.
Maura Lunde, Catholic University, track: Maura welcomes the challenge of the 800-meter, an event that allows her to race to her best level. She earned All-Section and All-County honors in the 4x800-meter relay in 2024, competed at the state meet in the 4x800-meter relay in 2025 and earned multiple All-League honors in the 800-meter and the 4x400-meter and 4x800-meter relays.
Nate Pettengill, Colby College, track: Nate is a leader who consistently supports his teammates and pushes others to improve. He sets a strong example through his attitude and dedication. He holds the second-fastest time in Byram Hills history in the 4x100-meter relay and the sprint medley relay, the school record for the 4x200-meter relay and earned All-League honors for the 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relays.
Jaden Zipper, University of New England, football: Jaden has become an invaluable asset for the Bobcats. His onside kicks that shifted the momentum, booming punts resetting the field position in a game, and steady point-after-touchdown kicks allowed the special teams unit to become a force. He is an incredible student of the game and his vision during film sessions and advice to others served as a major bonus for the team.
