Elmira Notre Dame honors Keough, Patterson, and Richards as the school’s Athletes of the Year for their outstanding performances.

Elmira Notre Dame High School, known for its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and athletic achievement, recently celebrated three of its brightest stars. Students Bridget Keough, Colin Patterson, and Owen Richards were named the school’s Athletes of the Year for the 2024–2025 academic year. The trio was recognized for their outstanding achievements in their respective sports, leadership on and off the field, and embodiment of the values central to Notre Dame’s mission.

At the annual end-of-year athletic banquet, the gymnasium buzzed with excitement as students, parents, coaches, and faculty gathered to reflect on a year of competitive triumphs and personal growth. But it was the heartfelt recognition of Keough, Patterson, and Richards that stood out—a moment that encapsulated what it means to be a Crusader: hard work, humility, and heart.

Bridget Keough: A Two-Sport Standout With Leadership in Her DNA

A senior and natural leader, Bridget Keough has been a cornerstone of Notre Dame’s girls’ soccer and basketball programs for the past four years. Whether she was scoring goals on the soccer pitch or draining clutch free throws on the basketball court, Keough played with a competitive fire that ignited her teammates.

Dominating on the Soccer Field

Keough served as a captain of the girls’ varsity soccer team and was known for her tenacity, speed, and unmatched field vision. This past fall, she led the team in assists and was second in goals scored, helping the Crusaders reach the Section IV Class C semifinals.

“Bridget brings more than just skill—she brings intensity and passion to every practice and game,” said head coach Megan Santangelo. “She’s the kind of player every coach wants on their team.”

She was named First Team All-Conference and was also a finalist for the Twin Tiers Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year.

A Leader on the Court

On the basketball court, Keough played point guard and served as the floor general. Despite being undersized compared to many opponents, she made up for it with speed, precision passing, and defensive grit. She averaged 8.5 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals per game in her senior year.

Her leadership helped propel the Crusaders to a deep postseason run, and she earned All-Division honors from the Southern Tier Athletic Conference.

Academic Excellence and Beyond

Beyond athletics, Keough maintained a GPA above 3.9 and was a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to attend St. John Fisher University in the fall to study pre-law, with hopes of continuing her athletic career at the club level.

Colin Patterson: Power, Poise, and Precision on the Baseball Diamond

Junior Colin Patterson emerged as one of the most promising baseball talents in the region during the 2024–25 season. Known for his dominant pitching and solid batting skills, Patterson played a key role in leading Notre Dame’s baseball team to a Section IV Class C title appearance.

On the Mound

As a pitcher, Patterson posted a 1.85 ERA with 72 strikeouts in 49 innings, becoming one of the area’s most feared hurlers. He combined velocity, control, and an excellent off-speed arsenal to keep hitters off balance.

“Colin has the rare ability to completely take over a game,” said head coach Chris Skerpon. “He’s a competitor with incredible focus and maturity.”

In multiple games, he pitched complete-game shutouts, including a pivotal performance in the sectional semifinal that earned him regional recognition.

At the Plate

Patterson also contributed significantly with the bat. He hit .387 with 3 home runs and 28 RBIs, often coming through in clutch moments. His ability to impact games both offensively and defensively made him an invaluable asset.

Looking Ahead

With one more year of eligibility, Patterson has already attracted interest from several Division I and Division II programs. He plays travel ball in the off-season and trains year-round, showing dedication to honing his craft.

Off the field, Patterson is involved in student council and volunteers at a local food pantry. “He’s not just a great player—he’s a great young man,” said athletic director Tim Dyer.

Owen Richards: Cross Country Champion and Scholar-Athlete

In a sport that demands endurance, mental toughness, and self-discipline, Owen Richards has risen above the rest. As a senior leader of Notre Dame’s cross country and track & field programs, Richards consistently proved himself as one of the top distance runners in Section IV.

Cross Country Dominance

This past fall, Richards won the IAC Championships and placed third at the Section IV Class D Cross Country meet, earning a berth to the New York State Championships for the second consecutive year. His training regimen and disciplined approach set a standard for teammates.

“Owen’s work ethic is unmatched,” said cross country coach Jake Calkins. “He leads by example, never complains, and gives everything he has.”

Richards’s times consistently ranked in the top 5 in the region, and he finished his high school career with a personal best of 16:28 in the 5K.

Track & Field Standout

During the spring track season, Richards continued to shine, competing in the 1,600 meters, 3,200 meters, and 4×800 relay. He medaled at the sectional level and was named Notre Dame’s Track MVP.

A Scholar and Service Leader

Richards is as accomplished in the classroom as he is on the course. He graduated with a 4.0 GPA, is a National Merit Scholar Finalist, and was named a Student Ambassador for the school. He plans to attend Cornell University in the fall to study environmental science, where he hopes to run at the club or varsity level.

Honoring the Whole Student-Athlete

At the awards banquet, Notre Dame’s administration emphasized the importance of recognizing student-athletes not just for their athletic performance but also for their character, academic achievement, and leadership. In honoring Keough, Patterson, and Richards, the school highlighted the ideal of the well-rounded Crusader—someone who excels on the field, in the classroom, and in service to others.

“These three student-athletes represent the best of what Notre Dame strives for,” said Principal Deborah Franklin. “They are leaders in every sense of the word and serve as role models for the students who follow.”

Community and Team Reflections

The award announcements were met with standing ovations, and their teammates, coaches, and families shared in the joy of the moment.

• “We’ve watched Bridget grow from a shy freshman into a vocal leader,” said her basketball teammate Anna Bell. “She never backs down from a challenge.”

• “Colin pushes all of us to be better,” said catcher and teammate Jake Monroe. “He’s the kind of guy you want to play behind.”

• “Owen inspired me to run harder every single practice,” said sophomore runner Luke Barnes. “He made all of us believe we could compete with anyone.”

A Legacy of Excellence

While Keough and Richards prepare to graduate and begin new chapters in their academic and athletic journeys, their legacy at Elmira Notre Dame is secure. For Patterson, the honor serves as motivation to build on his junior year and lead the Crusaders into another successful baseball season.

Their stories serve as a reminder of what’s possible when talent is matched with discipline, when heart is paired with hustle, and when leadership is born from humility.

As Notre Dame continues its proud tradition of nurturing student-athletes who succeed beyond the scoreboards, these three names—Keough, Patterson, and Richards—will be remembered not just for what they accomplished, but for how they carried themselves every step of the way.