Taconic's Amaral, Kays Both to Attend AIC

PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- A pair of senior Taconic High School student-athletes officially committed to continuing their respective collegiate academic and athletic careers at American International College, during a signing ceremony at the school on Friday.

 

Golfer Mike Kays and lacrosse player Sal Amaral each has been offered an opportunity to continue his athletic career at the next level. A.I.C., located in Springfield is an NCAA Division II institution that hosts 24 varsity athletic programs, and competes in the Northeast-10 Conference.

 

Kays, the son of Lori and Jack Kays of Pittsfield, has been one of the top high school golfers in the state in recent years. The 2017 All-Western Mass First Team honoree, capped off his senior season by winning the ninth annual Berkshire Classic at the Stockbridge Golf Club, and qualifying to play in the MIAA State Championships, this past fall. In addition to serving as captain of the Taconic High School golf team, Kays is also a pitcher on Taconic’s baseball team.  Kays joins a tremendously strong A.I.C. golf program that has qualified for the NCAA tournament seven times over the last decade. 

 

Amaral, another two-sport standout at Taconic who also played quarterback for the football team, is the son of Amanda and Marc Amaral of Pittsfield. The senior has amassed more than 100 career points on the lacrosse field  - highlighted by his 44 goals during the 2017 junior year campaign. Amaral has collected 21 goals in the first six games of the 2018 season. He joins an A.I.C. men’s lacrosse program led by head coach Tim Robbins.

 

"A.I.C. is getting two quality student-athletes,” Taconic Principal John Vosburgh said. “Over the last few years, a significant number of our student-athletes at Taconic have had the opportunity to pursue their academic and athletic goals at the college level. Mike and Sal are great examples of the opportunities that can be created by working hard, and we’re proud of their accomplishments on and off the field.  They will represent Taconic, and the City of Pittsfield, well at the next level.”