Windsor HS Senior To Be Honored With "Spirit Of Sport Award" By CIAC

WINDSOR, CT — Alex Inyatkin, a Windsor High School senior and member of the school's cross country, indoor track and outdoor track teams, has been chosen as the 2025 Michael H. Savage Spirit of Sport Award honoree by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC).

The award recognizes individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive spirit of sport that represent the core mission of education-based athletics. The award may be given in recognition of a specific act or an activity of longer duration.

Diagnosed at six months old with tuberous sclerosis, an uncommon genetic disorder that causes tumors to develop in many parts of the body, Inyatkin was experiencing up to 80 seizures a day. To alleviate them, he underwent two brain surgeries at 18 months old.

He has defied the odds to play high school sports. In fall 2024, his running had progressed to where he was a top seven competitor for the Warriors' cross country team. He competed with the varsity squad all season, including in the Class L divisional meet, where he placed in the top half of the field of 172 runners.

His mother, Kerri Scott, said, "Alex has autism, so he is really good with numbers. He remembers the time for every single race he’s ever run. He knows how much time he’s taken off of each race, PRs – he has it all in his head."

Ruslan Inyatkin, a former UConn basketball player and Alex's father, said, "He is on seizure medication twice a day. He has medicine he has to carry with him at all times. He’s communicating well, his motor skills are great, and he’s seizure-free since his second surgery."

In addition to his athletic pursuits, Inyatkin has gained notoriety for his musical talent. Described as a "musical savant," he has been invited by the Garden of Dreams Foundation to sing at both Radio City Music Hall and Madison Square Garden. Last month, he sang the National Anthem at MSG before a New York Rangers NHL game.

Inyatkin will be formally honored at the CIAC’s annual Scholar-Athlete Banquet in May. He becomes the 16th recipient of the distinguished yearly award, and as Connecticut’s honoree, he will go forward as a nominee for the National Federation of State High School Associations’ (NFHS) Section and National Spirit of Sport Awards.

Video: CIAC