The Saber community came out to celebrate Class of 2025 Varsity Boys Tennis Seniors Nasser Al-Khalidi, Drew Burkhardt, Erik Gontar, Anthony Palmieri, and Xander Remza for Senior Night on May 1, 2025, before they took the court versus Oneonta.
Nasser plays third singles for the Saber's Varsity Tennis team. He also plays Varsity Soccer and his favorite sports memory is being named to the region's All-Star Soccer Team in 2023 and 2024. His future plans include studying biology at Syracuse University prior to continuing his education at Upstate Medical University. Nasser would like to thank his parents, brother, friends, Coach Ruffo, and Mr. Eldaker for all their support.
Named to the All-Division Doubles Team twice, Drew also is a member of the Saber's Swim Team. His favorite sports memory is attending Sectionals last season and having the opportunity to experience high-level tennis. He plans to attend Binghamton University to major in biology on a pre-dentistry track. Drew would like to thank his parents for supporting him in both athletics and academics, as well as his siblings and Coach Ruffo!
Erik, a doubles player on the team, has also played soccer, track and wrestling for the Sabers. His favorite memory is getting second place at Sectionals for soccer his junior year. His future plans include attending RIT's Computer-Engineering Master's program and possibly participating in robotics research. Erik thanks his mom and dad, as well as Mr. Staiger and Mr. Simmonds for supporting him through his academic journey, and Coach Ruffo for being supportive of him trying tennis his senior year.
A young pilot, Anthony also plays soccer and golf, in addition to being a member of the Saber's Varsity Tennis Team. One of his favorite sports' memories is the rides to matches. His future plans are to attend Marywood University, where he will major in its Aviation Management/Pro-Pilot/Flight Operations program. Anthony wishes to thank Coach Ruffo for the opportunity to play tennis and for being a great coach, as well as his parents for always supporting him in all he does.
In addition to tennis, Xander is also a member of the Varsity Swim and Golf teams for SV High School. His favorite sports memory is an angry McDonald's visit. He plans to attend SUNY Broome before transferring to SUNY Fredonia where he intends to study Music Performance. Xander appreciates Coach Ruffo for believing in him and working with him throughout the years, and he thanks his parents for coming to support him.
We wish Nasser, Drew, Erik, Anthony, and Xander all the best after graduation!