BY RICH PALZEWIC
CORRESPONDENT

SUAMICO – Despite the Bay Port boys’ soccer team bowing out early in the postseason, Griffin Pecore was recently named the Fox River Classic Conference player of the year for his stellar season.

Pecore, a senior, scored 13 goals and recorded 9 assists for the 7-11-1 Pirates, who finished 4-4-1 in the FRCC and lost a 3-1 game to Appleton North in the first round of the WIAA D1 regionals.

Pecore ended his illustrious career with 40 goals and 31 assists, which comes out to 111 total offensive points.

“Winning player of the year means a lot to me,” said Pecore, who was a four-year varsity player. “It is something I worked for all four years of my high school career. I would also like to thank my teammates, coaches and family, because without them, this wouldn’t have been possible. It truly is an honor to win such an award.”

Other all-conference selections for Bay Port were second-teamers Alex Craig (forward – 7 goals) and Brett Fuglestad (midfield – 8 goals, 3 assists) and honorable-mention choices Peyton Nichols (midfield – 8, 3), Calvin Schilz (defense – 3, 3) and Nate Schlueter (defense).

Nichols was the only freshman to receive honors in the entire league, while the other Pirates mentioned are all seniors.

“Griffin’s honor is well deserved,” said Bay Port head coach Travis Herber. “He’s one of the hardest working kids to come through the program, determined to be great at the sport he loves. He understands the game better than most. Combined with his skills, that makes him a strong soccer player.”