The Gift of Being a Student-Athlete
Celebrating Our Community Sports
Page 10
Fall 2015
MEHIGAN
Carries On a Tradition of Excellence Page 20
Controversy Continues Over
PARTICIPATION TROPHIES SPRING SPORTS
Page 4
RECAPS Set, Spike, Point:
VOLLEYBALL 101 Page 35
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Contents
Departments 6 Middle School MVPs Coaches’ Picks - Lacrosse
13
28
29
30 34
Cherokee Chiefs Baseball 2015 Season in Review
14
Boys Lacrosse
Another Impressive Season for Chiefs LAX
On the Cover
Winning and Remembering
Kayleigh Kitchen
8
A message from the mayor
Making Sports Fun‌for the Kids
Where Are They Now?
Ryan Kelly
Photo Wall Sports Medicine
Bony Injuries in Youth Athletes
Features 4 Controversy Continues Over Participation Trophies
10
The Gift of Being a Student-Athlete
12 6th Annual Marlton
Soccer Summer Classic
20
Spring Sport Recaps: 8 Baseball 16 Girls Lacrosse
ehigan Carries On a M Tradition of Excellence in Cherokee Football
21 Marlton Duo Riding High In BMX
23 24
Battle Over the Bridge
12
Chiefs Boys Lacrosse U15 Elite
26 Baseball/Softball Champions
A Win for the Ages
32 Marlton Soccer:
The Journey Continues
33 Kicking It with a Local Legend
35 Set, Spike, Point: Volleyball 101
23
29
Publisher’s Note
MARLTONSPORTS Celebrating Our Community Sports
Fall 2015
The People of Sports
Co-Owners
I always say that each person is in your life for a reason. It may not be clear at that moment why someone treats you a certain way, but everyone is there to provide lessons. You may know several people from childhood, while others may only take part in your life for a day. But each friend, family member or acquaintance helps mold you to be the true person you’re supposed to be. I have found this to be remarkably evident with the people of sports. Will Stith
The obvious example is the coach, someone who is there to guide our children as they learn to win and lose. We have been introduced to some amazing mentors throughout Marlton that have acted as awesome role models. They have created long-lasting skills and memories that have helped shape our son. Many teammates throughout the years have influenced our son, as well. The camaraderie, the competitiveness and the support have all factored into his personality. Whether a person was at one time on his team in third-grade basketball or all-year round in travel soccer, each individual peer has made a difference. Another important group of people on the field are the referees. They are there to keep fairness in the life of sports. When a call is made, lessons are endless — how to deal with success, failure, persistence and patience. If you take a moment and look at the importance of the people in the game of sports, you’ll see that each individual is crucial. In the big picture, every person has a role towards the growth of others. Isn’t that what life is all about? Stephanie Biddle Publisher
14
Stephanie Biddle
Publisher Stephanie Biddle Editor Dubravka Cortese Content/Photography Will Stith Graphic Design Corporate Imagination Contributing Writers Ed Benkin Ken D’Andrea Dr. Lance Knaub Marc Narducci Caroline Shinske Account Executives Dave Brodack Nicole Weiner
MSM © 2015 Marlton Sports Magazine. All Rights Reserved. Printed in U.S.A. Published three times a year by Creative Publishing, LLC. Marlton Sports Magazine and Creative Publishing neither endorse nor take responsibility for products or services advertised herein. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission from the publisher. Creative Publishing makes no warranty, representation or guarantee as to the accuracy or timeliness of its content. The publisher reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertising at any time. To submit a news item or offer a feature story idea to Marlton Sports Magazine, email marltonsports@gmail.com. To advertise in Marlton Sports Magazine or to receive a media kit, email marltonsports@gmail.com.
3
CONTROVERSY Continues Over
Participation Trophies
By Ed Benkin and Dubravka Cortese
A
reward for a Little League player has suddenly become the subject of controversy. Participation trophies often leave smiles on the faces of young boys and girls who receive them, but they also cause disdain for some parents. One parent who made news over the issue is Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison. The two-time Super Bowl champion decided to take away the participation trophies his two sons received, because he believed they should not be “entitled” to them. It was a moment that touched off a deeper debate throughout Little League communities across the country. In Marlton, there are a host of teams and leagues for children of all ages. Hundreds of trophies are presented throughout the year, with many simply for participation. As is the case across the country, there are some people in favor and some opposed to giving out trophies simply by showing up to play sports. Barry Fitzgerald is the public relations director for the Marlton Rec Council and also serves as the assistant soccer commissioner. Fitzgerald understands the use of participation trophies at a younger age and is happy with the way the process is set up in Marlton.
4
“I think it’s a good idea the way we do it as a whole,” said Fitzgerald. “We do it for the younger ages up to about nine or 10. It depends on the sport. During an instruction time for that age, we give them out for a couple of reasons. We want to keep the interest up, and the little guys and girls seem to enjoy it.” While Fitzgerald is in favor of seeing a reward for his younger participants, he understands both sides of the argument. He believes the mentality changes as the Little Leaguers grow older. “I think the con side is the kids have to understand there are losers and there are winners in anything you do through life,” Fitzgerald said. “As you get older, you have to win the league or win the tournament or be a runner-up to get something.” Kris Chiesa spent this past summer coaching the eight and nine year olds on the Marlton Reds baseball team. Chiesa is also in favor of rewards for the younger players but believes the cutoff for participation trophies should depend on if they are playing for fun or for the chance to play on a more serious level. “I am for participation trophies up until about seven years old for the travel teams,” said Chiesa. “After that, I think it should be meritbased. At eight years of age, kids are starting to get more competitive. They understand
wins and losses more. It’s my experience this past year coaching eight year olds that they are mature enough to handle it.” Fitzgerald agrees with the philosophy of rewarding Little Leaguers when they play sports for their first few years but believes a lesson needs to be learned as the players get older. “We do consider it an instructional league when they are little,” Fitzgerald said. “As they get older, you’ve got to win something to get a trophy. It’s when they hit 11, 12 and all the way up.” Chiesa thinks the participation age should be higher for non-travel teams. The rec league features players with a wide variety of skills. Some are ready to move on to the travel team and play at a more serious level, while others aren’t making plans for athletic scholarships anytime soon. “It probably should be a bit more of an older age for kids in the rec,” Chiesa said. “There are different ranges of ability. That may be the highlight of the spring for baseball. He received a trophy. He worked hard in practice, and he improved in game situations. An eight or nineyear old in the rec program deserves some sort of recognition.” While many believe rewarding young athletes with trophies will build their selfesteem, the other train of thought is that Marlton Sports Magazine
children’s self-esteem is best built up through their real achievements and accomplishments. According a 2014 Reason-Rupe poll, 57 percent of Americans believe trophies should be awarded only to the winning team/players, while 40 percent of those polled think all sports participants should receive trophies. Former Pitman High School basketball stars and owners of Crispin Basketball School, Jon and Joe Crispin are in the majority of the Reason-Rupe poll. “If we take the lessons of disappointment and losses away from children, how can we expect them to strive for greatness?” Jon wrote in a South Jersey Sports Digest column. “Why work hard when all you have to do is show up?” He goes on, “How are we serving these kids by giving them a trophy for showing up? Is that in any way representative of the competitive climate that they are going to face in high school, college and the real world?” Joe concurs, but adds, “Does that mean participation shouldn’t be recognized? Of course not. But not with something that we associate with great accomplishment, like a medal or trophy.” Marlton Middle School physical education teacher and coach Vince Principato splits it
according to the level of play. “In an in-town rec league, the kids should get participation trophies up until fourth grade,” he said. “I believe it is important to make it fun for kids and encourage them to participate. You want to teach the kids skills and the necessary fundamentals to be successful in the sport. “Any kid playing any kind of travel sport should be able to earn a trophy. At this point it becomes a case where you are representing your team and town. The kids in Marlton are taught at an early age the importance of winning, and because of that middle school teams and Cherokee have been very successful over the years.” The debate will rage on about participation trophies, and Harrison’s strong stance has brought the issue to the forefront. As for Marlton’s young athletes, the system set up by the rec council will likely remain in place, and people such as Fitzgerald will continue to understand both sides of the argument. “I totally get it,” Fitzgerald said. “I think at a younger age, they’re not going to understand winning and losing. It really doesn’t make a difference to them. It’s not about getting something for doing nothing. It’s getting involved and playing all the time.” MSM
There are some people in favor and some opposed to giving out trophies simply by showing up to play sports.
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5
Middle School MVPs Gaurav Dravida
Coaches’ Picks - Lacrosse
Gaurav Dravida was the leader of the Marlton Middle School (MMS) lacrosse team. He helped mold a group of inexperienced boys into a group of competitive players. Gaurav was the team’s leading scorer and top defensive middy. He will be an asset to his high school team.
Kylie Cassidy As goaltender for the Marlton Middle School (MMS) girls’ lacrosse team the past three years, Kylie Cassidy has proven to be an invaluable player. Each season she has grown in confidence and emerged as a team leader, acting as both a mentor and role model to new players. While under tremendous pressure, Kylie was able to remain calm, take her time to move the ball, and give directions to field players. Always a good sport, it was awesome to watch Kylie’s skills develop over time. Even the referees complimented her impressive ability in the net and her composure under pressure. It gives us great pride to choose Kylie as our MVP for the 2015 season.
6
Becca Weiner, Stella Riginos, Leah Conover and Alli Yocum DeMasi Middle School girls lacrosse team was lead by a talented group of captains. Becca Weiner, Stella Riginos, Leah Conover and Alli Yocum were not only strong, skilled players but also role models and leaders on and off the field. These young ladies played different positions on the field thus allowing the team to have leaders in the offense, midfield, and defense. Best of luck to these players in high school.
Marlton Sports Magazine
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BOYS BASEBALL
Cherokee Chiefs Baseball 2015 Season in Review By Marc Petragnani
I
nternal expectations for the 2015 Chiefs were high despite what the outside world thought. We had a lot of front line pitching, and we were hoping that the pitchers could carry us to our lofty goal of a state championship. The offense was inexperienced at the varsity level but did not lack in confidence or talent. A rough winter and a couple of late snow storms led to a brutal March, which featured multiple indoor practices and only road scrimmages. We went into the season with only three outdoor practices before a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach and competition in the Mingo Bay Classic. The team went 2-2 in Myrtle to start the season, featuring a 6-1 win over conference rival 8
Cherry Hill East in the opener. The bond that was formed for the members of this team on the trip was unbreakable. The players grew close, learned a lot about each other and, in a sense, became a brotherhood. We left Myrtle confident that we could compete with good teams and thought we were prepared to compete in the rugged Olympic American division. Upon return to the cozy confines of Marlton, we went to division opponent Eastern and were handed a 10-2 loss. They outplayed us in every way imaginable and delivered our first wake-up call of the season. We knew we had to get better and work harder to compete day in and day out in South Jersey. We followed up the loss to Eastern with one of our greatest moments of
the season. Quinn Taylor (senior) and Jarrad Delarso (sophomore) threw a combined no-hitter in a 1-0 victory over sister school Shawnee. The season continued in an up and down cycle until a Sunday trip to Millville and a game against Holy Spirit in a Coaches vs. Cancer showcase game. We came out on the wrong end of a 2-1 game that helped turn our season around. We had poor approaches at the plate that day and made some mistakes in the field and on the bases which helped contribute to the loss. The outcome left us at 6-6 and in need of some tough discussion and a long look at ourselves. The team meeting that followed was a major factor in turning our season around. Marlton Sports Magazine
The next day we had a game against Cherry Hill West, who had already defeated us 7-4 the previous week. Again, we turned to Quinn to take the ball, and he responded by throwing a three-hit shutout in yet another 1-0 win. This game was the catalyst to a 3-0 week which secured our spot in the South Jersey Group IV play-off field. We entered the play-offs with a record of 13-8 having defeated Washington Township twice, avenging an earlier loss against Lenape and defeating eventual South Jersey number one team, Bishop Eustace. Our early season struggles led us to drawing the thirteenth seed and a first round game at Rancocas Valley. The boys responded to the disrespect in the seeding process by walloping the fourth seed 11-0 behind a second no-hitter of the season, this one thrown by Brian Marconi (senior). We were then treated to a third game against Washington Township in three weeks in the second round of the play-offs. In practice between play-off games, John Gavura (junior) suffered a gruesome, season-ending eye injury during a rundown drill. The players rallied around John and adopted the nextman-up philosophy. We went to Township and prevailed in a 2-1 barn burner against the respected foe. Once again, a combination of Quinn and Jarrad held the Minutemen at bay with the help of tremendous defense in centerfield from Jeff Schick (junior). This would set up a semifinal post-Memorial Day showdown against the No. 1 seed and two-time defending champion Eastern. We went into the matchup 0-2 against the Vikings, having been outscored 23-2. We did not let the previous outcomes effect our preparation, nor did we allow a sense of fear or doubt to creep in to our psyche. We went to Eastern expecting to win and had the talent to do it. We used four pitchers to defeat the Vikings 9-5 and advance to the SJ Group IV Finals. Nick Snyder (junior) started and was followed by Jarrad, Brian and Nick Schnell (senior) on the hill to help lead us to the victory. Offensively, we were led that day by Michael Borucki (junior), Hunter Mason (junior) and Evan Powell (junior). The finals did not go as expected, and we fell short of our goals, losing to Williamstown by a score of 4-1. We felt like we left something on the table and were very disappointed to not finish the job that we started in March. We will cherish the journey and look back at the season fondly. We played good baseball, made lifelong bonds and grew as young men. The adversity we faced at various times will help us through Fall 2015
difficult times that we are bound to face in life. The underclassmen tasted success and are aware of the work that it takes to reach a championship level and embrace the challenge of trying to achieve more next year. The senior award winners for the Chiefs as voted by the coaching staff are as follows: Unsung Hero: Brett Bowles Scholar Athlete: Nick Schnell Cy Young: Brian Marconi
Gold Glove: Coaches’ Choice: Haessler Award: MVP:
Duncan Balara Drew Rowan Shane Albertson Quinn Taylor
Both Quinn and Brett were named first team All Olympic American conference players. The captains of the team were Shane, Brian and Evan. Joe Dippolito (senior) broke the single season saves record by earning six of them this season. MSM
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The Gift of Being a
Student-Athlete
By Caroline Shinske, lacrosse player for John Hopkins University
F
or young athletes, it’s safe to say that it’s almost everyone’s dream to play sports at the college level. Just about every little kid watches the national championship of their favorite sport and aspires to be like those athletes. But not every kid is going to achieve that goal of playing a sport in college. You can’t just sign up for it. It takes more than just dreaming about it; you have to truly want it, you have to live it. Getting good grades and doing well in school is where it all starts. Academic achievement and the ability to thrive in the classroom are very important aspects to being able to play a sport in college. After all, the term is “studentathlete,” not “athlete-student.” School will always come before the sport. If you have a bad work ethic in the classroom and don’t get the grades you should, that demonstrates that you’re not going to be able to balance school work and athletics at the university. Working hard in the classroom shows dedication. If
you’re dedicated to succeed in the classroom, you’re also dedicated to succeed on the field and in other aspects of life. But it’s not just grades and athleticism that attracts colleges; a student’s character also plays a huge role in who coaches are looking for to be on their team. No matter their grades or athletic ability, if an athlete has a reputation of not being coachable, not being a good teammate or isn’t willing to do what’s best for the team, they will not be wanted by many programs. The athlete that works the hardest on and off the field will achieve their goals. Coaches recognize this and seek that special combination to be a part of their program. It’s the little things that mean the most when wanting to reach a goal, these are what separate good from great. Playing outside on your own for 20 minutes everyday, spending an extra five minutes on homework to make sure it’s done correctly, spending time with your teammates off the field and getting to know them better, all of these things will put you a step above the rest.
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It’s not just about putting in the work to get to the college level but working even harder to keep yourself there once you’ve reached it. When you reach the objective of playing a sport at the next level, whether it is DI, DII or DIII, the challenges and commitment only escalate. Yes, this was the dream. Yes, this was the goal. It is an amazing feeling of accomplishment, but there is a reality check when the work and the focus become more important as the academics become more difficult and the level of play more intense. It becomes not just an athlete’s test of will but a personal battle to continue to achieve on and off the field. You realize that the hard work you did to get to this point is not enough, but it has prepared you for your new challenges. You discover personal strengths and skills you didn’t know you had, but you also begin to realize that the environment you have been a part of all along, the team dynamic, is truly at the center of your own individual success. This is also what will carry you through the next level of commitment and expectations. All along, it has been the team that gives you energy when you feel exhausted. It is the team that motivates you at critical moments. It is also the team who you now study with and learn from. The team supports and encourages your athletic achievement, but it also holds you accountable for your work in the classroom. If you don’t get the grades, you can’t play on the team. So everyone looks out for each other. This is truly the gift of being a student-athlete in college. You can’t be one without being the other, and you would never realize your full potential on the field or in the classroom without your teammates. Are there a lot of demands put on a college student-athlete? Absolutely. However, the opportunity to fulfill your athletic dream, improve your academics and share your experience with your team is certainly worth every moment. MSM Marlton Sports Magazine
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Marlton Reaches High Goals 6th Annual Marlton Soccer Summer Classic • August 2015
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Marlton Sports Magazine
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rom the moment we saw Kayleigh play in eighth grade at an open gym, we knew she would be an impact player for Cherokee volleyball in the following years. Kayleigh was our only freshman to letter last year and will be an integral part of our offense this year and for her remaining years at Cherokee. Besides Kayleigh's innate athletic and volleyball ability, she is a great kid to coach. She listens to every word you say and makes adjustments to improve her play. Being young and fairly new to the sport, Kayleigh is a student of the game who is constantly striving to improve her skills for her team's success. As we prepared for this season, I knew I wanted Kayleigh in the starting lineup, but wasn't sure what position would suit her and the team the best. As we worked with her in all three front row positions over the summer and in preseason, she enthusiastically learned each skill set needed and gave 100 percent in each position. Kayleigh has earned a starting spot as one of our outside hitters and continues to play with a ton of heart throughout each practice and game. I am excited to see Kayleigh's continued growth in the sport and what the future holds for her and the Cherokee Chiefs volleyball program. Erika McGinley Special Education Dept. Cherokee High School Varsity Volleyball Coach Fall 2015
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Marlton Sports Magazine
Another Impressive Season for Chiefs LAX
Jordan Krug’s 100th Goal
By Peter Corelli, Cherokee Boys Lacrosse Coach
T
he 2015 Cherokee boys lacrosse team finished the season with a 13-8 record and ranked third in Group 4 South. After two hard-fought overtime losses to Moorestown and Shawnee, the team found themselves with a 6-6 record. The team was at a crucial point in the season and could have folded, but this team, lead by strong senior leaders, regrouped, realized their potential and played each game like it was their last. The result was going 7-2 in the last nine games of the season and making it to the South Jersey Group 4 final. The Group 4 final was a great game between Cherokee and Lenape. Even though Cherokee lost a tough 8-6 game, they finished with one of the most successful seasons in the program’s history. This year’s team will have a lot of positions to fill due to graduation, but the Chiefs are optimistic and will rely on a strong core of underclassmen to help them build on the success of the 2015 team. Seniors lost to graduation: Thane Baldwin, Jared Barlow, Timmy Carroll, Jimmy Clancy, Grey Clarkson, Nick Ellis, Jordan Krug (105 goals in career), Phil Plasky, Tyler Schuele, Derek Strauss, Jesse Streb, Ryan Vallen. MSM
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GIRLS LACROSSE
Winning and Remembering By Sarah (Frazier) Wood, Cherokee Girls Lacrosse Coach
T
his past spring was another successful year for the Cherokee girls lacrosse team. The varsity team ended their season with a 12-7 record, JV had an amazing season going 13-1-1, as did the freshman team with a 15-1 record. Ten seniors graduated last spring: Olivia Dunlevy, Megan Glenning, Jessica Havers (captain), Devon Kearns (captain), Leanne McCloskey, Kaleigh McKenna, Savannah Singer (captain), Karlee Slavin (captain), Amanda Tilden and Natasha Zeligson. Standout athletic talent by some varsity players was recognized by coaches of South Jersey. Sophomore defender Devon Fitzpatrick and senior attacker Jessica Havers were awarded 2nd team All-Olympic Conference and junior midfielder Brooke Yarsinsky and senior goalie Devon Kearns were awarded 1st team All-Olympic Conference. Devon Fitzpatrick and Brooke Yarsinsky were also awarded 2nd team All-South Jersey. Devon Kearns was awarded 1st team All-South Jersey and was voted South Jersey Goalie of the Year! Not only did we have girls recognized for their 16
athletic talent, but we also had two of our players recognized for their academic talent. Brooke and McKenna were awarded the US Lacrosse All American Academic Award. To receive this award, a junior/senior player must be a major contributor to the program and have at least a 3.6 GPA. Even though the Cherokee girls lacrosse team is split into three teams, the players on the team were still able to interact with one another and make new friends and memories. This past spring season, the girls lacrosse team held a clinic for the Marlton Middle School girls lacrosse program, volunteered with the Cherokee Adaptive PE club, took a trip to see two CHS girls’ lacrosse alumni play for their college teams, had pasta parties and participated in fun team activities off the field. The beginning of the season was difficult for the Cherokee girls lacrosse program. Katie Bednarek, CHS Class of 2014 lacrosse player, lost her fight to brain cancer in February. The support of our lacrosse family and the community was overwhelming. The girls on the team continued to celebrate her life by
wearing headbands, ribbons and anything colored purple in memory of Katie. The girls lacrosse team will continue to honor Katie each season through the Katie Bednarek Home Opening Game. Cherokee girls’ lacrosse is full of pride, perseverance, and passion. And I, along with my coaching staff, feels lucky to be a part of such a great lacrosse community. MSM Katie Bednarek
Marlton Sports Magazine
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MEHIGAN Carries On a Tradition of Excellence in Cherokee Football By Marc Narducci
L
ike many who grew up in Marlton, P.J. Mehigan lived for the fall afternoons when he could attend Cherokee High School football games. His dream was to one day play for the Chiefs, and little did he know that he would also guide one of the preeminent programs in South Jersey football, carrying on a tradition of excellence. A 1991 graduate of Cherokee, Mehigan has made an impact at his school as an All-South Jersey player, where he was a standout center and linebacker, and now as a coach. He is entering his 14th season as head coach at Cherokee with a 114-31 record. Under Mehigan, the Chiefs have won five South Jersey titles, including the last two in South Jersey Group 5. For Mehigan, like many players he has coached, it all began with the Marlton Rec Council. “I grew up in Marlton and played at the Marlton Rec Council, and all my friends did,” he said. “Saturday afternoons we would watch Cherokee games, and that is what you did.” This was before night football was so popular. Now those youngsters are watching Cherokee 20
on Friday nights. “A lot of our success when I played came directly from the Rec Council, and it still does,” he said. Mehigan’s history is one of being on teams with outstanding postseason success. During his senior season in 1990, he ended up on top as Cherokee beat Cherry Hill East, 10-7 to win the South Jersey Group 4 title. Mehigan then attended the University of New Haven, where as a freshman he was a starting linebacker for a team that advanced to the Division II semifinals. He would transfer to Rowan University and play in two NCAA Division III title games in 1993 and 1995 under K.C. Keeler. After that he served one season as a volunteer coach at Cherokee before being hired as an assistant and a teacher at the school in 1997. He was coaching under one of his mentors, the late John Scott. Cherokee has enjoyed unusual coaching stability. Mehigan is only the third coach since the program began in 1975. Jim Horner, who coached Mehigan his
sophomore year, was the first coach, followed by Scott. After the 2001 season, Scott retired. “I didn’t necessarily have head coaching aspirations outside of Cherokee,” Mehigan said. “Scotty meant so much to me that I would have coached with him the rest of my career.” Cherokee annually plays one of the toughest schedules in South Jersey, yet the Chiefs have never had a losing season under Mehigan. His 2010 team went 12-0 and was the consensus No. 1 team in South Jersey. Mehigan went 7-3 his first year in 2002, and the Chiefs just missed qualifying for the playoffs. After that, Cherokee would qualify for the postseason the next four years. Mehigan says one of his most memorable games was his first sectional title win as a coach, a 32-25 overtime victory against Absegami in 2005. “We were down 19-0 in the first quarter and won 32-25 in overtime, and that was an amazing game,” Mehigan said. With the expectations so high concerning Cherokee football, earning that first sectional title provided a natural feeling to Mehigan. “I would like to say I didn’t feel pressure, but I was very relieved to win it,” he said. “In ’03 and ’04 we went to the semis and lost really close games, and we were knocking on the door to win it.” In 2003, Cherokee lost a 50-43 epic doubleovertime semifinal game to eventual Group 4 champion Eastern. The next year, Cherokee lost a 14-12 semifinal game to Washington Township. Finally, the next season, that door Cherokee was knocking on was barreled over. In addition to 2005, Mehigan has guided Cherokee to sectional titles in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014. Mehigan and his wife Melinda have three children, Hayden, 13, Hannah, 12 and Haylee, 9. His extended family is all the players he has coached. For Mehigan, there is nothing more gratifying than to be visited by former players who are experiencing success, whether it is on or off the football field. “I just took out a picture text from one of my former players with a picture of three guys, one just graduated from Army, the other from Navy and one is going to the Marines, and they were all players in 2008, so that is the kind of stuff you love to see,” he said. “Guys come back to the program, and you see them in things like golf outings or around town, and it is really gratifying to see the success they have had.” Mehigan never takes for granted the job he has at Cherokee. “I don’t go very long without realizing how lucky I am,” he said. “Cherokee is a great place to work with great kids, and I used to thank Scotty all the time, and now I do in my prayers, for getting me here.” MSM Marlton Sports Magazine
Marlton Duo Riding High In
BMX
By Marc Narducci
W
hen Gavin and Evan Menditto go for a bike ride, it is no leisurely stroll. The two Marlton residents compete in BMX races all around the country. BMX is an acronym for bicycle motocross. The freedictionary.com describes BMX as a bicycle race on a dirt track with steep hills and sharp curves. It could add that the races, regardless of the age of the competitors, are performed at a breathtaking pace. And this is a sport that continues to blossom. According to USABMX. com, there are more than 370 BMX tracks in the United States. The sport debuted in the Olympics in 2008, and Maris Strombergs of Latvia was the men’s individual winner in both 2008 and 2012 in London. Marian Pajon of Columbia was the women’s gold medal winner in 2012. continued on page 22....
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As for the Mendittos, Gavin is 6 years old and, according to his mother Kelly, has risen to as high as No. 6 nationally in the 6-year-old Expert category. Evan, 10, is ranked fourth in the state in the 10-year-old Expert category. Both attend Marlton Elementary School. According to Kelly, her husband, Darren, was a professional skateboarder and knew about BMX. It was soon after he introduced the sport to his sons that they were hooked. As with any sport, there is an element of risk, but Kelly says that tremendous measures are taken in order to ensure safety. “It is dangerous, but they have chest protectors and full-face helmets and padding on their legs,” she said. The perception of any sport in which somebody is on a bike can be that it isn’t physically demanding. Nothing could be further from the truth in BMX. “Watch it on YouTube and you will see how physically demanding it is,” Kelly said. “Evan is a cross country runner with the Marlton Red league, and he can run because of all he does with BMX.” The parents are used to traveling to different states for competitions. Darren, of course, traveled with his skate boarding, and Kelly used to show horses. Her family has a horse business, and her brother is a trainer. So the family make the drives, which this summer included trips to Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina, just to name a few. “My kids think an eight-hour drive is no big deal,” Kelly said laughing. Most of all, it is a sport that the family has enjoyed together, and the youngsters have experienced great competition and camaraderie with their fellow competitors. “What is great is that no kids sit on the bench in this sport,” Kelly said. “Even if you are not that great, you will still be beginner kids, and everybody gets to race.” MSM
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Marlton Sports Magazine
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CHIEFS BOYS LACROSSE U15 ELITE By Keryn Petrongolo
Photos by Nick Mascolo
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he Marlton Chiefs boys lacrosse program has had some great successes over the years, but the story of the Chiefs U15 Elite White Team is a special one. The boys started the 2015 season with a dedication and determination that would carry them straight to the top. This team rostered a core group of boys that had been playing together since the fourth grade. With the addition of some new talent, the Chiefs took on an aggressive, highly competitive schedule both inside and outside of their league. Chiefs U15 Elite played in the top tier of several tournaments, spanning Pennsylvania into northern New Jersey. The Chiefs U15 Elite rose to the challenges of the highest level of competition and went 13-3 overall in the tournament circuit. Within the South Jersey Youth Lacrosse League (SJYLL), the Chiefs competed in the Elite Division, which offered the highest level of play and was comprised of a select group of SJYLL teams. Together, the boys were able to handle most of their competition without much trouble. The team suffered only one loss during the season, which they avenged by defeating Haddonfield in the SJYLL U15 Elite Division Championship. These young men, as a group, had a fun and fulfilling final year as Chiefs youth lacrosse players. We congratulate and wish them much success in their future lacrosse endeavors at the high school level. GO CHIEFS! www.marltonlax.com
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Marlton Sports Magazine
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BASEBALL/SOFTBALL CHAMPIONS 8U REDS
A Win for the Ages By Marc Narducci
A
s another local sports season has begun, any team will have difficulty duplicating the feat of the Marlton Phillies softball team. The Phillies won the U-15 middle school championship during the spring in a result that was as surprising as it was dramatic. Surprsing only because the Phillies beat the favored Marlton Green Machine, 10-9, in the title game. The Green Machine enjoyed an outstanding season, entering the title game with a 15-0 record, which included three wins over the Phillies by a combined 41-20 score. Coach Geoff Rabinowitz estimates he has coached about 1,300 games in a variety of sports, but this is one that will truly stand out. 9U REDS
“It reminded me of Villanova beating Georgetown,” he said, referring to the Wildcats 66-64 stunner in the 1985 NCAA men’s basketball championship. With two outs and nobody on base in the final inning, the top of the sixth, the Phillies stayed alive on walks by Michelle Fuges and Brianna Farreny. Then Rabinowitz made one of the more daring moves – ordering a double steal. The two runners were safe stealing, and Gracie Lang added a two-run single to give the Phillies the lead. Gracie was 2 for 2 with 3 RBI. Winning pitcher Mackenzie Rabinowitz, who threw the final three innings, held the Green Machine scoreless in the bottom of the sixth, earning the win. “We were down to our last batter three times and came through,” said coach Rabinowitz, whose team finished 9-4-1. “The girls had nerves of steel.” And they were rewarded with the championship. “It is one of the most satisfying games I have ever been involved in,” coach Rabinowitz said. “I still smile all the time thinking about it.” MSM
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Marlton Sports Magazine
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8/25/15 10:13 AM
A Message from the Mayor
Making Sports Fun…for the Kids By Randy Brown
A
pril 16, 1991 was the day my life changed forever. I became the father of a boy! I was going to name him “Ty Cobb Brown.” I was going to coach him in every sport known to man. He was going to be a three-time Super Bowl winning QB or a Cy Young Award winner or the next No. 16, better than the original Bobby Clarke! I had it all planned out, carefully managed and properly choreographed. He was going to eat all the right foods, sleep 12 hours a day, workout five hours a day and be a straight “A” student. I was 24 and knew I could make him the perfect professional athlete, even though the odds were astronomical. Baseball Season 1996/Day 1 T-Ball: This was the day reality set in, as my future Cy Young award winner struggled to put the glove on any hand, let alone the correct one. It was the first time I ever saw a baseball thrown backwards! Not to mention the damage my 5-year-old put on the tee itself. So my baseball coaching days began and covered 10 seasons, fall and spring. Football Season/Soccer sign-ups 1997: We walked into the sign-ups playing football and left with a soccer pink sheet and soccer camp
info. Why? Because his friends wanted to play. I believe he led the team in own goals that season, never once understanding that was a bad thing. So my soccer coaching days while doubling as an NFL coach began. Winter 1998: This was it, my final chance. We laced up the skates and entered the ice rink together. The first few trips around the ice were shaky. Holding firmly onto his hand I knew the time would come when he would say, “Dad, I’m good,” and so he did. He was on his own, skating freely around the rink until that fateful moment, the moment we all fear — the fall. To his credit, he got back on his skates as the egg on his forehead grew to the size of an apple. It was on the ride home that I had the moment when it all became clear. My son was not going to be a professional athlete, and that was OK! It was from that moment on that I pledged to coach, support and encourage my son to play any sport he wanted, not the ones I wanted him to play but the sports he chose to play. Tyler and I spent many amazing soccer, baseball and street hockey seasons together, whether I was coaching him or just being a dad. He won some
championships and lost some tough games, but through it all it was sports, the competiveness, adversity, dedication, commitment and willingness to sacrifice for your team that has shaped him today. Tyler is now a health/physical education teacher and coaches multiple sports at various levels, including U8 girls travel soccer with me, and his 7-year-old sister, Mackenzie, is on the team. The hard work that Tyler puts in on the field with Ryan and Mackenzie is tremendous; it’s a work ethic born from sports. You’ve seen me continue the tradition of coaching my daughters in softball, soccer and basketball, but realize that only less than 1 percent of all high school athletes play professional sports. I want to thank all of you who volunteer to coach these great kids! As you’re out watching your son or daughter this fall playing sports, please keep in mind that besides being fun, sports will shape your child’s development in ways you can’t imagine. MSM
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Marlton Sports Magazine
Where are they now? By Dubravka Cortese
RYAN KELLY
Q: (In addition to Marlton travel soccer, Kelly also played Marlton travel basketball and travel baseball.) How do you feel your experience playing sports in Marlton prepared you for professional soccer?
A: My experience with Marlton youth sports was fantastic. My best friends were great athletes, and we went season to season with each other. We competed at everything from card games to any sport we could get our hands/feet on. Those competitive relationships we shared helped me immensely. There seems to be a focus these days on children picking one sport at a young age and only playing that for the better part of their youth. There is a time and a place to focus on a single sport, but it really doesn’t need to happen until or around high school. I played three sports until high school. I played basketball for Cherokee my freshman and sophomore year before focusing solely on soccer. Each sport develops a different part of the mind and body, which creates a better athlete when the time comes to select your sport of choice. I was also incredibly fortunate to have a father who knew the recipe for success and cultivated my development for the better part of 25 years. He coached every youth soccer team I played for and was responsible for the development of many good soccer players in our area. (Kelly’s father, Vince, was an All-American at LaSalle University and played professional soccer for the Philadelphia Fever.) Q: What is your fondest memory of playing sports in Marlton? A: Some of my best memories, on and off the field, were with my teammates
from the Marlton Outlaws. I’m most proud of that group for winning six state championships, but more importantly, it was the way in which we did it. Every year there were a couple of teams from North Jersey the pundits would hype. More times than not, we hammered them. We loved the fact that people never gave us the respect we deserved. It fueled us to push beyond what were considered normal levels of effort and determination. No other boys’ team can say they won as many championships as we did.
Marlton native, Cherokee High School soccer powerhouse and former professional soccer player Ryan Kelly has come full circle. The former All-State, All-County and All-Conference Chief recently moved back to his hometown with his wife, Riana, and their three children. Kelly, 33, had an impressive run as a youth soccer player, having played for the U.S. Under 18 and Under 20 National Team and been selected for the New Jersey State Team in 1994, 1998 and 1999. After an equally impressive collegiate career, first with the University of Virginia and then at St. John’s University, Kelly signed a 4-year deal with Major League Soccer (MLS) team Columbus Crew in 2005. Despite starting games as a defender for the Crew, recurring knee problems forced Kelly to end his professional career after just one season. But that hasn’t kept him away from the game entirely. This summer, Kelly coached the Philadelphia Union Summer Select NJ teams and is coaching with the South Jersey Elite Barons Soccer Club. In addition, he is helping best friend and fellow Cherokee alumnus, Mike Scanzano, with his local business venture, Scanzano Sports.
Q: Soccer has really exploded in our area at all levels of play. In your view, what has been the biggest change, at both the youth and professional level, since you started playing? A: Soccer has long been the most popular sport among American youth up to about the age of 8. Now you’re seeing that reach extend into the teen years. There are several really solid youth programs in the area with knowledgeable people handling the reins. That is the key – coaches who are passionate about the game, teach young players the correct way to play from the start and grow the love of the sport in kids. The MLS has grown consistently throughout the years by investing in American youth soccer, expansion to new cities, and private ownership of soccer-specific stadiums. Most, if not all, of the teams now own their soccerspecific stadiums, with established fan bases who are passionate about their team, and the environment at the games is usually electric. You’re seeing more and more international stars playing in the league now than you ever did before. I was fortunate at Columbus in 2005. We had our own stadium, and the fans were great back then, as well.
Q: What words of inspiration would you give to a young kid dreaming of a professional soccer career?
A: Put down your iPad and your selfie stick, stop trying to convince people you’re living a great life through your web page, and go live it up for real. Maintain a good balance between your family/friends, education, spiritual connection to the world and your sport. Be bold, mentally tough, dream big, set lofty goals, work hard to achieve those goals and don’t ever accept mediocrity or the status quo. Fortune favors the bold! MSM
PHOTO WALL
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Marlton Sports Magazine
Baseball photos courtesy of Treena Reynolds, Melanie Schneider and Sarah Weiner.
Fall 2015
31
Marlton Soccer: The Journey Continues By Ken D’Andrea, Commissioner – Marlton Soccer
W
hen embarking on a journey, one must start with a goal and a direction in which to travel. Along the way, challenges occur, adjustments are made, milestones are achieved and successes are celebrated. With dedication, perseverance, support and focus, you can achieve those goals. Marlton Soccer began a journey 40 years ago with the vision “to encourage and promote physical fitness, sportsmanship, mental stimulation and physical development for the youth in our community through an active, organized and cost-effective program.” As time passed, the program has evolved, grown, learned and changed course in its quest to fulfill those goals. With the start of the fall 2015 season, we celebrate the milestone of 40 years, which is a remarkable achievement showing elements of stability and consistency, yet allowing for growth and evolution. Tens of thousands of volunteers and players have been a part of the program’s success since the beginning, from parents to coaches to referees to coordinators to administrators and, most importantly, to players. 32
As I humbly, fondly and respectfully reflect over my years as the commissioner of this wonderful program, I harken back to the day I was “persuaded” to be involved in the operation. Ed Midura was my “recruiter.” While we were preparing for opening day one Saturday morning at Savich Field, he asked me to get more involved with the soccer program. His infectious, engaging and enthusiastic personality were key ingredients that allowed me to be a part of this recipe for success. I have had the honor and privilege of learning from him as a coach, working with him as a coordinator and building upon his legacy as commissioner. Another milestone occurred this year as we honored the passing of Ed. As he watches from above, we thank, say goodbye and remember him for all the goodness with Marlton Soccer. “It’s all about the kids,” Ed would say. Many of those kids have grown into superstar athletes from all corners of this great country. They began their journey in some town, on some weekend, on some pitch, playing some match. Carli Lloyd was one of those athletes, playing soccer nearby on her way to being a part of the United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT).
The team reached one of their milestones this year by winning the World Cup, a pinnacle of success. And, with her three quick, incredible goals in the championship game, Carli achieved MVP status for the tournament. She has conducted her winter training for a number of years in our Blue Barn facility. Yes, right here in our backyard in Marlton. We were fortunate to have her address many of our teams and players back in July fresh off her quest with the aura of a champion in full display. She spoke of focus, of teamwork, of dedication, of passion, of making mistakes and of perseverance to learn from those mistakes. Those are traits fundamental to success, irrespective of life’s journey. As I proudly proclaimed when I gave her one of our jerseys, “Today, you (Carli) are Marlton Soccer.” She represents the product of our program’s goals. We celebrate 40 years of Marlton Soccer, Ed Midura, the USWNT, and Carli Lloyd - wonderful and reflective milestones this year. We sincerely thank and appreciate everyone who has touched our program. We know our direction. We know our goals. Here’s to our future. Here’s to our continuing journey. MSM Marlton Sports Magazine
Kicking It with a Local Legend By Dubravka Cortese
Left: Carli Lloyd and Brooke Rabinowitz Below: Carli Lloyd and Alexandra Fascano
D
elran native and South Jersey golden girl Carli Lloyd gained international fame when she and the United States Women’s National Soccer Team won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the third time in July. The infielder scored a hat trick in the championship game to lead the United States to a 5-2 win against Japan. A nearly non-stop touring and appearance schedule since then did not stop this small town girl from returning to her old training ground to host a one day Medford Strikers Soccer Club Camp on July 18. During the camp, run by Lloyd’s trainer, James Galanis, Lloyd shared her soccer knowledge and expertise with 200 Carli Lloyd wannabes. “I was really excited and hoping to meet her,” said 10-year-old Brooke Rabinowitz of Marlton. “She was really nice and gave us really good tips. She told us what to eat before and after a game.” Brooke, who plays defense for Marlton Travel Soccer, hopes to be a professional soccer player like Lloyd someday and found it “interesting to learn about how she trained and became a professional player.” Brooke’s mother, Marni, was impressed by Lloyd’s approachability. “She was very nice and did not seem affected by the publicity at all.” Twelve-year-old mid fielder Alexandra Fascano of Marlton was equally star struck. “It was a great experience to talk to her and ask her questions and do what she learned,” Alexandra said. “She told us it was important to have confidence, eat nutritious foods, practice teamwork and mental toughness.” Alexandra also hopes to go pro one day. Alexandra’s mother, Beth, was appreciative of the fact that Lloyd took time out to sit with the girls and answer their questions. “She was extremely down-to-earth.” MSM
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Sports Medicine
Bony Injuries in Youth Athletes: How to tell if there is a fracture By Dr. Lance Knaub, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
S
ports and school are now back to full swing. In our athletes, there can be soft tissue injuries such as muscles, ligaments, and tendon injuries. There can also be bony injuries such as fractures, or injuries to the joint itself including articular cartilage.
• Localized tenderness over a bony area
This article will focus on bony injuries and fractures. The key difference between an adult bone and a child’s bone is the presence of a physis, or growth plate. Physis injuries make up 15-30 percent of all bony injuries in children.
Get an X-ray and see a medical professional with any of the above signs or if you are unsure about the extent of your child’s injury. Proper management can help achieve the best outcome and prevent deformity or stunted growth.
The mechanism of injury for fractures changes as children age. Young children tend to fall and sustain fractures. Older children tend to sustain fractures playing sports, riding bikes, or from car accidents.
Head, neck, and back injuries should be handled more carefully.
How to recognize a bony injury in young athletes: • There was a snap or noise during the injury • The bone looks out of place, “crooked” or deformed
• Pain that is not improving day over day • The bone can extend through the skin in severe breaks
Have a safe season!
MSM
Dr. Lance Knaub PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS Doctor of Physical Therapy Adjunct Assistant Professor Rutgers University BREAKTHRU Fitness and Physical Therapy drlanceknaub@breakthrupt.com
If you have questions for Dr. Knaub or any of our other contributing writers, please feel free to reach us at marltonsports@gmail.com.
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Marlton Sports Magazine
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Volleyball 101 By Dubravka Cortese
A
true American original, the game of volleyball has become synonymous with summertime beach pick-up games and backyard barbecues. It is one sport that just about all of us have played a version of at one time or another in our lives. Perhaps not surprisingly, the game was created primarily as a source of recreation, rather than a sporting competition. Today, however, it is played competitively at the amateur, professional, and even Olympic level, both on indoor courts and outdoors on the sand. There are men’s, women’s and even co-ed teams. Nearly 1,800 colleges have varsity volleyball teams, although there are about 11 times more women than men playing at the collegiate level, an interesting fact since the game was created specifically for men. HISTORY William G. Morgan, physical education director of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) in Holyoke, Mass., is credited with founding the modern version of the game in 1895, after he was tasked with the job of creating an organized recreational sport for businessmen to play after a long day at the office. Morgan called his new sport “mintonette.” The basics of the game were borrowed from other established sports: a badminton net, a basketball, baseball-like innings and the use of hands, as in handball. The game was originally meant to be played over nine innings with a 6-foot-6-inch net. The “volleying” movement of the ball over the net eventually led to the game’s name change shortly thereafter. The first official volleyball, a lighter version of a basketball, was produced by Spalding. During those early years, player rotation was established, along with the best of three games match. The game reached international popularity following World War I after American troops stationed in Europe received volleyballs from home to provide them with recreational opportunities. By the 1920s, volleyball was slowly becoming both a collegiate and high Fall 2015
school sport and had been recognized by the National Amateur Athletic Federation. It was also around this time that the court size became today’s standard of 59 feet by 29.6 feet and the maximum three contacts per side rule was established. The popularity of the sport at the college level took off after World War II. Men’s and women’s volleyball became Olympic sports in the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. But the United States, the birth country of the sport, would have to wait until the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles before earning its first Olympics medals in the sport – gold for the men and silver for the women. Men’s and women’s beach volleyball joined the Olympics in 1996 in Atlanta. RULES Two teams of six players are positioned on either side of the net. There are five types of players on each team: setter, outside hitter/left side hitter, middle hitter, opposite hitter/right side hitter and libero/defensive specialist. Play begins with the server, standing behind the back court line, sending the ball over the net to the opposing team. The teams then continue to volley the ball back and forth over the net using their hands and arms, while trying to get the opposing team to “ground” the ball (let it touch the ground). The ball can be touched no more than three times by one team before being passed over the net, and not twice consecutively by the same player. Each time a ball is grounded is worth one point. Play continues until one team reaches 25 points (30 for men) by a two-point margin. Games, or sets, are played in a best of five match format. A fifth set, if necessary, is played until 15 points. A little known fact is that although the ball is generally moved using arms and hands only, technically, it is legal to hit the ball with any part of the body. Teams can also earn points when the opposing team commits a fault. Some common faults include: catching and throwing the ball; double hit (two consecutive touches of the ball by the
same player); more than three contacts per team; net foul (touching the net during play), and foot fault (stepping over the court line when serving). Today’s volleyball net height is 8 feet for men and 7 feet 4 inches for women. The attack line is almost 10 feet from the net on each side. This line divides each half of the court into a back court and a front court. Team members rotate in a clockwise fashion one position at a time every time possession of the ball changes teams. The team that wins the point, serves next. There are six basic skills to master in volleyball: serve (uses a variety of overhand and underhand techniques); pass (bump or overhand); set (passing the ball to a fellow teammate in such a way that they can drive it over the net at the opposing team); attack or spike (the passing of the ball into the opponent’s court in an attempt to make them ground the ball; an attack which is not returned by the opposing team is called a “kill”); block and dig (stopping the ball from touching the ground). SPIN-OFFS Volleyball, a derivative of other sports itself, has inspired its own spin-off sports, some of which have reached mainstream popularity. Wallyball, for example, is a version of volleyball played on a racquetball court and has its own national governing body, the American Wallyball Association. Other spin-offs include Hooverball, throwball and Newcomb ball, which was created by a woman the same year Morgan originated his mintonette. Kadureshet, Israel’s version of volleyball, is the fasting growing sport for women in that country. Volleyball continues to be a sport that crosses all gender and language barriers and has proven its staying power, long after it left the YMCA in Holyoke, Mass. Locally, Marlton offers a rec volleyball league in the winter, and Cherokee High School has a girls volleyball team in the fall sport season. For more information on the Marlton Recreation Council volleyball program, visit www.marltonreccouncil.org. MSM 35
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