Keeper of The Game announces Middle School Match Up Leadership Award winners

FRISCO, Texas – The Keeper of The Game Foundation is pleased to announce baseball players Sam Bustamente, Kavi Pandya and Dawson Cleveland, and softball player Makayla Cox as winners of the fourth annual Middle School Match Up – Keeper of The Game Leadership Awards.

Bustamente is the 8th grade winner from Wester Middle School in Frisco ISD, Pandya is the 7th grade winner from Robinson Middle School in Plano ISD and Dawson is the 6th grade winner from Draper Middle School in Wylie ISD. Cox – the first ever softball winner of the award – represents Pearson Middle School in FISD as a 7th grade winner.

“Congratulations to Sam, Kavi, Dawson and Makayla on their selection as Middle School Matchup – Keeper of The Game Leadership Award winners,” Keeper of The Game Executive Director Bryan Hoctor said. “I am extremely impressed by their leadership skills on and off the field. They love their sport, teammates and community. They are all without a doubt, Keepers of The Game.”

Hoctor will present the student-athletes their awards during an on-the-field ceremony at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Friday, June 29 before the Frisco RoughRiders host the Springfield Cardinals (presentation at approximately 6:45 p.m.).

Middle School Match Up, which was held in the Dallas area on Nov. 11-12, is a one-weekend tournament where middle school students can play baseball and softball, representing their respective middle schools. The event allows student-athletes to compete for school pride and bragging rights despite not having an organized school team until high school.

Coaches are able to nominate players for the Middle School Matchup – Keeper of The Game Leadership Award.

If you would like to see these students-athlete receive their awards and sit in the Keeper section during the game, please contact RoughRiders Premium Group Sales Manager Monica Man at 972.334.1938 or mman@ridersbaseball.com. To learn more about Middle School Match Up, click here.

Middle School Match Up – Keeper of The Game Leadership Award
All-Time Winners

2017
8th Grade: Sam Bustamente, Wester Middle School
7th Grade: Kavi Pandya, Robinson Middle School
6th Grade: Dawson Cleveland, Draper Middle School
Softball: Makayla Cox, 7th Grade, Pearson Middle School

2016
8th Grade: Cade Hill, Willow Springs Middle School
7th Grade: Max Compton, Wester Middle School
6th Grade: Bennett Fryman, Trent Middle School

2015
8th Grade: Liam Quinn, Stafford Middle School
7th Grade: Gannon Brown, Pioneer Heritage Middle School
6th Grade: Marco Lavrinovich, Renner Middle School

2014
8th Grade: Greg May, Wester Middle School
7th Grade: Adam Eggleston, Aubrey Middle School
6th Grade: Landon Turner, Staley Middle School