Lew-Port’s Seyler honored for accomplishments

Story and photo by Nick D’Amuro
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, May 3, 2008

Lewiston-Porter basketball player Robby Seyler, far right, enjoys a moment with his
family after receiving two citations at a get-together held at the Brickyard in Lewiston.

Last Sunday the Niagara County Legislature presented Lewiston-Porter basketball player Robby Seyler with two citations for his accomplishments on the court. The affair began with a breakfast and introduction of many local politicians and notable figures.

The first to speak was state Sen. George D. Maziarz, R-C, 62nd District, Newfane, who presented a citation.

“Robby is really a shining example of a young man who tries very hard both athletically and academically,” said Maziarz. He then went on to discuss some of Seyler’s various athletic accomplishments while the audience sat in awe of what the young man has already achieved as a Lew-Port junior.

Seyler however didn’t seem satisfied. When speaking with Seyler that afternoon, among other topics he clearly stated he wanted to accomplish more for himself and his team. “I definitely want more. I would love to become the all time leading scorer, and lead my team to sectionals next year,” he said.

But he did convey how honored he was to receive this award.

“I’m very honored to be recognized for my accomplishments I’ve done over the years,” he said, “but I didn’t do I on my own.”

Later in his speech Seyler told the crowd, “I’d like to thank my family and friends over the years for supporting me along with my coaches; without them this wouldn’t be possible.”

On the court, Seyler is one of the most successful athletes in Lew-Port history. He’s the only eighth grader to participate in an entire varsity season. In 2004 Seyler was named to the Best of the Best all tourney team; was a MVP of the Buffalo Storm tourney; and netted 1,150 career points – third all time at Lew-Port. Other honors include the 2007 James Walker Tourney MVP, and Seyler was the leading scorer of the Niagara Frontier League as a junior this year.

At the award ceremony, Seyler’s coaches, Matt Bradshaw and Pat Krawczyk, gave a few words about the young man’s career. Bradshaw was first to speak and closed his speech with a few words about Seyler’s character. “As good of a basketball player Robby is, he’s a better person.”

Krawczyk had similar things to say as well and finished off his speech with a laugh, commenting, “I’ll sure be happy to have him back again next year.”

Next to speak was 12th District Niagara County Legislator John D. Ceretto. Before the afternoon kicked off, Ceretto was very eager to talk about Seyler and why this event was held, “He’s a young man who has achieved a lot. We as elected officials must honor people. It’s the best part of our job,” Ceretto said. “There’s something special in this child. And if I could give him more a push and help him by holding an event like this, that would make a huge difference to me.”

When asked about how the event was going so far Ceretto could hardly contain his enthusiasm. “Great!” said Ceretto. “When meeting his family, I can see why he is so successful. It’s very important to have a strong upbringing and community, and that’s what the Lewiston-Porter community is.”

Ceretto conveyed much of the same points in his speech where he presented Robby with a second citation, but closed on a personal note with Seyler, “I hope you enjoy this moment, and never forget this.”

Seyler was the last to speak and reiterated much of what he had stated earlier but ended with a triumphant, “Go Lancers!” The afternoon finished off with snapshots and hand shakes, but all who attended that afternoon felt honored to be there, not only because of the officials gathered, but also to see a young man grow right in front of their eyes – both on and off the court.