MIDDLETOWN - The 2020 fall high school sports season was unlike any other. Football was limited to a few 7-on-7 scrimmages, regular season schedules were reduced, and state tournaments did not exist.

       Despite all the roadblocks, the athletes around the state competed from the first whistle until the final buzzer and several local standouts made All-State teams.

       Here is a compilation of the thoughts from the all-state athletes (and coaches) after being selected to the CHSCA (Connecticut High School Coaches Association) All-State teams.

       Field Hockey

       Julia Peacock (Wethersfield): Wethersfield head coach Colleen Budaj on Peacock, “She came to us with a soccer background and transitioned her skills as a soccer goalie to a field hockey goalie. She understands the game of angles and gets herself in the right place to make the save. This season she became increasingly more vocal in owning her area and communicating with her defense. She is relentless and never gives up. Julia ended the season with a 93 percent saves record- which is a stat to be proud of. She stood her ground against some tough LL schools where the majority of the game was played in our defensive backfield. Above all of this, she is a great teammate. She is kind-hearted and does whatever the team needs her to do. She is not worried about her stats- she is more concerned about the team's success!”

       Boys Soccer

       Zack Lombardo (Middletown): “Ever since I was a freshmen making all state was a dream, making varsity freshmen year was a step in the right direction. Only scoring one goal freshmen year, zero sophomore year, and three junior year, I knew I had to step it up for my senior year. I worked constantly over the lockdown period and over the summer. Scoring 10 goals and 7 assists in 9 games was such a rewarding feeling to finally succeed the way I wanted to. I can’t say I did this alone, with the help of my great teammates and coach, our team went undefeated for the first time in a while. Our team was something special and I couldn’t have accomplished this great honor without them.”

       Christian Amaral (Newington): “For me being selected as an All State player means I’ve performed well enough this season to be considered one of the best players in the state. It is a sign of recognition for the effort I’ve put in and it is a great award to receive. I couldn’t of done it without my teammates, parents, and coaches who always push me to be the best player I can be. I’m honored and humbled to be an All State soccer player and I will continue to work hard to achieve the rest of the goals I have set out for myself. It is a great award, but the work is not done yet.”

       Tyler Neves (Cromwell): “It was an honor to be selected for All-State soccer this year. Heading into my senior year I had received no awards or recognition. I knew I had to practice, but it became difficult with Covid limiting the opportunity for team play throughout the spring and summer. I realized it was my responsibility to improve even without having outside help, so I took the time to put in the work. The All-State selection and overall recognition provides reassurance that the hard work paid off. The entire team has worked exceptionally hard, and we are all grateful that we were able to complete a successful season.”

       RJ Darrell (Wethersfield): “All state meant a lot to me. I’ve worked really hard my whole life and especially over the summer to make my senior season a success. All state was one of my goals for the season that I set for myself. I was happy to get all state to represent Wethersfield and all my teammates and coaches.”

       Anis Nurkic (Wethersfield): “Getting selected for All State means a lot to me. I worked really hard over the summer and I just put in 110% effort each game and practice. I improved my skills in every aspect, it was not easy but the hard work I put in this season and with the stats I had got me to the All State selection.”

       Additional Selections: Owen Ahmetovic (Wethersfield), Jason Molineiro (Rocky Hill), Anthony Bocchio (Middletown).

       Girls Soccer

       Sierra Judson (Wethersfield): “Closing out my high school career as All State is an honor. I was blessed with a great coach, Tony Leone, and an amazing support system with all my teammates. Most importantly, it shows all the hard work and dedication I have put into this sport. Without my amazing coaches and teammates over these years I never would’ve been awarded with this. They are the ones who pushed me and challenged me everyday to become better. I am beyond blessed and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for me with college soccer.”

       Additional Selections: Gabriella Villagra (Wethersfield), Olivia Mullings (Newington)

       Boys Cross Country

       Mike Zocco (Cromwell): “All State is an honor that not only tests an athlete’s skill, but their determination, grit, perseverance, will to succeed, and mental toughness. These strong qualities will not only allow them to achieve the all state honor, but also get them through many challenges life throws at them. All state is not only an athletic achievement, but a valuable life lesson.”

       Additional Selections: Mark Rodriguez (Cromwell), Mike Bohlke (Newington)

       Girls Cross Country

       Maren Valente (Rocky Hill): “Despite not having a regular season, I am so thankful to get All-State and that I was able to race with my teammates. Even without state-level meets, it is so cool to see all of the hard work pay off!”

       Additional Selections: Grace Mikan (Cromwell), Kate Bohlke (Newington)

       Girls Volleyball

       Madison Massaro-Cook (Newington)

       Girls Swimming

       Olivia Thompson (Wethersfield), Alanna DePinto (Wethersfield), Sabrina Schuster (Wethersfield), Haley Krawcyzk (Wethersfield), Jamie Condon (Wethersfield), Emily Wolf (Wethersfield), Julia Pitchell (Wethersfield)