Written by Richard R. Palmadesso, Bronxville Football Fan and Local Businessman

Dec. 31, 2014: At the 2014 Bronxville Bronco football annual year-end banquet, Steven Ircha was the recipient of the Phil Kuczma Award, named in honor of the longest tenured coach on the Bronco coaching staff.

Coach Kuczma, who has been a Bronxville varsity assistant coach for 38 years, led the Broncos to the state championship in 2010 as the assistant coach under head coach Jeff Napolitano (2006-present) and also worked with Broncos head coaches Vito Priore and Bill Magner from 1974 to 2005. Coach Kuczma was also a beloved science teacher at Bronxville Middle and High Schools for 24 years and retired in 1998.

The Phil Kuczma Award was initiated by a Bronco parent and the Bronxville Athletic Council in 2011 after the Broncos' historic 2010 state championship as a way to honor the much-admired coach.

Steven Ircha is a four-year varsity starting lineman who dominated in his senior season. Ircha also received All-Section and All-Conference honors, as well as Section One Lineman of the Year. Steven was also the recipient of the Robert Spenik Award (awarded for exceptional play and competitive spirit) at the annual Bronxville-Tuckahoe game and the Coaches Award, and he played in the exceptional seniors' all-star bowl.

The Phil Kuczma Award is given to the Bronco football player who best embodies the Bronxville football motto, "Pride, Sacrifice, Desire," both on and off the football field. To be considered for this award, the player must demonstrate humility, selflessness, and sensitivity, in addition to a strong defensive presence in game situations. When presenting the award, Coach Kuczma stated that he considers the player's standing at school and in the community. Steven is a high honors student and an Eagle Scout of Bronxville's Troop 5 with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Palms, awarded for additional tenure and service after earning the Eagle Scout award.

Steven also holds sectional championship titles in track and field (shot put, 55 m. hurdles) and is captain of the track and field team. Last week, Ircha received news that he will be inducted into the "Golden Dozen" as a member of the Class of 2015. The "Golden Dozen" team cites football standouts for both athletic and academic excellence and is selected by committee of the Westchester Chapter of the National Football Foundation. Ircha will be honored in January at the annual "Golden Dozen" banquet.

Steven stated, "I couldn't think of a better way to end my high school career than this. Coach Kuczma has had a tremendous impact on my football career and life; he is truly one of the greats." Steven will attend the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business in September and play football as a Penn Quaker.

Past recipients of the Phil Kuczma Award include:

2012: Luke Marrone

2013: Matthias Ribka

Pictured here: Coach Phil Kuczma proudly wearing the 2010 state championship ring, and Steven Ircha, 2014 Phil Kuczma Award recipient

Photo courtesy Richard Palmadesso, Bronxville Football Fan and Local Businessman