Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, right, is pictured reading a Commendation issued to cross-country and track athlete Ethan Verbosky, with Ethan’s parents standing by. A junior Maple Grove student, Verbosky was named an All-American by the National High School Track and Field Coaches Association. In cross country, he won the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Athletic Association League Championship, earning CCAA Small School Runner of the Year honors. He placed eighth in the New York State D Championship race. In track and field, he placed third in the 800 meter race at the New York State Track and Field Championship. Wendel noted that beyond Verbosky’s athletic abilities, he is an Honors student, a team captain, volunteers with Striders and the Bemus Point Track Club, and is an active member at St. Mary of Lourdes Catholic Church.

P-J photo by Gregory Bacon