Marlton Sports Magazine Spring 2018

Eagles' Jalen Mills Gave Everything He Had in the Super Bowl Win Celebrating Our Community Sports

Cesar Garcia: A Trainer with a

PURPOSE p. 28

p. 30

Spring 2018

TENNIS STANDOUTS

Sufi Zekaria & Arjun Mannan p. 32

WINTER SPORTS

RECAPS GIRLS BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS p. 14

Prepping for

COLLEGE SPORTS p. 6

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Contents

22

Features 6 Prepping for College Sports 8 Haney Looks to Keep Tennis Team Focused

28

esar Garcia: C A Trainer with a Purpose

30 Eagles’ Jalen Mills Gave Everything He Had in Super Bowl Win

32 On the Cover 33 The Sound of Thunder 34 Cover Athlete Continues to Shine

43 Reaching for New Heights Climbing 101

Winter Sports Recaps Swimming 10 12 Hockey Chiefs Ice Hockey Reclaims its Title

14 Girls Basketball 20 Boys Basketball 22 Wrestling

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14 Cover photo courtesy of head tennis coach Dave Haney

Publisher’s Note

MARLTONSPORTS Celebrating Our Community Sports

Spring 2018

Character Builders

Co-Owners

Being a part of a team is so important, but what happens when your son gets cut? How does your daughter handle it when she strikes out? When the coach tells your athlete that he's not good enough to start the game, how does he play once he's finally on the field?

What happens after your child crosses the finish line last?

Nowadays, our kids are taught that everyone is a winner. This mentality, however, doesn't teach them how to deal with life's failures. Our children need to learn that not everything is going to come easy and that sometimes we lose. It's how we move forward after the failure that makes us strong individuals.

I've always felt that our job as parents is to instill the confidence our kids need, so that when things go wrong, which they inevitably do, they still know that they will be OK. Children need to understand that it's just a bump in life's road and part of the journey.

Eventually the road will be smooth again, but it's how we survive the rough travels that make us who we are.

So when your son fumbles the ball or your daughter doesn't make the team, think of it as an opportunity to grow. Each failure is a moment to build strength. In our home, we consider these rocky roads character builders.

Stephanie Biddle Publisher

Departments 4 Middle School MVPs Coaches’ Picks Boys and Girls Basketball

16 Sports Unity Profile

30 28

18 Athletes in the Spotlight 24

Health News

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

26

Expert Advice

Active Recovery After a Concussion

36

Where Are They Now?

40

Jessalynn Wright

Photo Wall

42 A Message from the Mayor

The Unsung Heroes of Youth Sports

Will Stith

Stephanie Biddle

Publisher Stephanie Biddle Copy Editor Dubravka Cortese Content/Photography Will Stith Graphic Design Corporate Imagination Contributing Writers Ed Benkin Michael Booth Eric Cassidy Bill Lynch James Matthews, DC Scott McKay Marc Narducci Rebecca A. Rizzo Account Executives Dave Brodack Nicole Weiner

MSM © 2018 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.

Photo by Jeff Wood

To advertise in Marlton Sports Magazine or to receive a media kit, email marltonsports@gmail.com.

3

Middle School MVPs Coaches’ Picks - Boys and Girls Basketball Katie Fricker

Katie Fricker was an outstanding leader for the DeMasi Dolphins both on and off the court.

She paced the team in scoring all season long and always came through for the team when the Dolphins needed a big basket. Her cooperative skills allow her to make others on the court better as well. Her positive attitude and team-oriented skills towards other players will serve her well in high school and beyond. The coaches wish her the best of luck in high school.

Alyse Dixon

We are proud to select Alyse Dixon for our Marlton Middle School girls basketball MVP. Her leadership on and off the court helped shape our team's season and set the bar for the future leaders of our program. Alyse's attitude and humor made this year a positive experience for all involved, and she will be sorely missed in the upcoming year. We wish you all the luck in the world, Alyse, and we look forward to seeing all of the great things you will accomplish in the future!

4

Nicholas Ori

Nicholas Ori was a quiet leader on the DeMasi boys basketball team. He always worked hard during games and practices, giving 110 percent all the time. He is a model student athlete by the way he carries himself in school and on the court.

Elmarko Jackson

Elmarko Jackson was a true leader of the Marlton Middle School basketball team. Elmarko made everyone better. Offensively and defensively, his presence was always noticed on the court. His leadership propelled the Mustangs to a 12-2 record and 10-0 division record. He was a three-year player for the Mustangs, and this MVP will be missed next season.

Marlton Sports Magazine

Spring 2018

5

By Dubravka Cortese

Prepping for College Sports P icking a college based on academics alone can be stressful for both students and parents. Throw in the desire to play a sport at the collegiate level and that takes the task to another level. The competition for a spot on a college team is fierce these days, regardless of whether it is a Division I, II or III school. Rising college costs and limited scholarship monies have pushed back the start date for working toward the goal of being a collegiate athlete. It now takes an early commitment by both the parents and the student to achieve that objective.

Mike White knows all too well the amount of work it takes to make it onto a college team. His son, Isaiah White, graduated from Cherokee High School last year. The former Chiefs’ basketball point guard is now on the practice squad for Marymount University’s basketball team, where he plans to major in business management. For the Whites, however, it wasn’t just about picking the right college for basketball, it was also about picking the right academic environment. White can’t stress enough the importance of academics first.

“That opens the door,” he said. “That’s the first thing that coaches ask, ‘How’s the grades? How’s 6

the kid? How’s his family life? How is his personality?’ Those are the four major questions.”

White recommends parents start looking into the NCAA academic requirements before starting high school to make sure the student’s high school courses are on track with the requirements. It can be hard to catch up later, White said. He also advises to check the NCAA requirements regularly, as they often change.

Academics is especially important for Division III schools, which won’t even consider an applicant for a sports team unless they meet the academic requirements first.

Getting into physical condition is also key, White said. He recommends beginning a strength and conditioning program in high school, starting with push-ups, sit-ups, and especially running.

“The run you to death in college,” White said.

Weight-training should also be added later.

“That’s one of the first things that coaches look for, the conditioning of the athlete,” White said. “It’s a big difference between high school and college.”

Isaiah, who has been playing basketball since he was five, started getting himself physically ready for college about two years earlier by

weight lifting, running and doing push-ups.

He also went to a strength and conditioning coach prior to leaving for college. He told his father that if he hadn’t been doing some physical training before getting on campus, he would have been behind the other players.

“When you come in (to college) as a 17- or 18-year-old, you’re playing basically against grown men,” White points out. “That’s the biggest adjustment for freshmen, the physical part.”

That was true for Isaiah, also. White said when he asked his son what was the first difference he noticed with college athletes, Isaiah answered, “Everybody’s fast.”

“The speed of the game on that level is a lot different than high school,” White said.

College visits are also helpful in determining the best fit for a student. The Whites began visiting colleges the summer before Isaiah’s junior year at Cherokee. By his junior and senior years, they determined at what level Isaiah would be able to play and began thinking more seriously about his choice colleges.

“Once we determined that, we started looking at schools that fit his skill set and where he wanted to play, the location and his academics,” White said.

Marlton Sports Magazine

Colleges begin to take notice of outstanding athletes around sophomore year. But unless your child is a high level recruit, who is being actively recruited by Division I or Division II colleges, there is definitely more legwork to be done. By junior/senior year, look into camps or clinics at your choice schools, which are usually run by either the head coach or an assistant coach. This can often lead to an invite by the coach to practice with the team, as with Isaiah.

White also recommends reaching out to coaches via email, sending highlight reels and videos, and even asking for feedback on whether the playing style is a good fit for the school.

“Either they’ll find you at some type of clinic or camp, or you need to do the legwork and seek them out,” White said.

College athletes also need to have their “motor always on,” White pointed out.

He said that depending on the coach, his son’s laid-back personality was determined to be either an asset or a detriment. Looking back on his son’s athletic history, White wonders if a more rounded athletic experience might help athletes become more outgoing and prevent any sport burn out. Isaiah played football until the seventh grade, when they decided basketball would be his main focus. However, an injury in middle school derailed his development for a couple of years, causing him to “start over again in high school,” White said. The break between sports would also have afforded him the experience of playing and working with a wider range of personality types, team dynamics and athletes.

“I think that multiple activities probably would have molded him a little better for basketball," White said. However, he has noticed how much more outspoken his son has become since starting college.

White said he believes Isaiah’s time on AAU teams offered him exposure he couldn’t get elsewhere.

“I think it’s a benefit,” White said. “If your high school is not playing a national schedule, I think the AAU programs help. A lot of the colleges don’t have time to come and sit through a high school game.”

With AAU, the colleges can pick which tournaments and showcases they want to attend, White said. It also gives them the opportunity to watch the better players play against each other and see if the play would be a good fit for their team, he added.

White said he and Isaiah were fortunate to know some basketball insiders that helped them through the process, as well as White’s own experience coaching. For those who need a little more help, he said programs such as Hudl help make the process less daunting.

Spring 2018

For young athletes like Isaiah, who is thriving at Marymount, the process yielded fruitful results, thanks to supportive and involved parents. Every athlete’s abilities and requirements vary, but finding a school that is a good fit both academically and athletically is key.

“Be realistic about where your kid is at,” White advises. “After a while, you start to figure out where he fits.”

That also helps filter out which events/programs are worth it for your child to attend, which is important for the parents’ wallet as well. There’s

no mistaking that the path to collegiate teams requires some monetary output on the family’s part.

Who you involve in the process is just as important.

“Surround yourself with people who know what they’re talking about and people who care about your son or daughter,” White said. “If that’s just one person, keep them around that one person. If it’s five people, keep them around those five people. You don’t need to be around 30 people, and of the 30 people, only one knows (your kid’s) name.” MSM

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Haney Looks to Keep Tennis Team Focused

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By Ed Benkin

t's not easy to compete on the tennis court in the Olympic Conference. Cherokee coach Dave Haney wants his players to keep things in the proper perspective.

The Cherokee boys tennis team knew it would be facing some of the top teams in the region. It would be easy for the Chiefs to get discouraged playing the likes of Lenape during the season. It would also be easy for frustration to set in with some of the younger Chiefs. For Haney, he simply wants his players to enjoy the moment regardless of the outcome and leave the court each day with a feeling of enjoyment, as the process of progression continues throughout the spring.

“I love watching the kids take advice,” Haney said. “I love watching them click. It's awesome. It's so much fun to see kids as they get older. This is more of life than it is tennis. Tennis is just the fun part. Hopefully, it's something they enjoy doing. They want to succeed. I try to keep it positive, because sometimes they are too tough on themselves.”

Haney's message was directed at a team with several young players on the roster. A look at the Cherokee lineup shows only two seniors. While a host of juniors and sophomores do have experience, others are still going through growing pains, which is never easy in one of the toughest conferences in South Jersey.

“We have a bunch of returning guys,” said Haney. “But we graduated four players from last year.”

Several of those returning players took on greater roles this spring. Sufi Zekaria moved up into the second singles position, after seeing time in the same spot last season due to injuries to his teammates. Other players, such as Blake Sokol, have provided strong leadership, with Sokol making his mark in first doubles.

“He improved enough to move up from second doubles to first,” Haney said. “I know he was fighting for a singles spot, but he's a leader and a good role model. He's a good communicator. He's working with a new junior, Dante Grilli, who joined the team.”

There were several players absent at the start of the season, so it took several matches for Cherokee to finally put together its regular roster. The

8

entire team was back just in time to face defending champion Lenape.

The Indians swept the Chiefs, but the match provided another example of what Haney was looking for from his players. One match in particular, involving Arjun Mannan and Lenape standout Jack Lavin, showed the improvement of the Chiefs with the entire roster back together.

“Playing the defending South Jersey Group 4 champions, who have their entire lineup back, is definitely helpful,” said Haney. “Arjun lost the first set, 6-2, and you could see he was a little hesitant. In the second set, he had the lead, 3-0, and he was in it, but Jack knows what to do. He's been through this for three seasons.”

Several other players have made key contributions for the Chiefs.

Sophomore Adam Manners is making an impact in singles. Jake Sclar and Vijay Ramu have teamed up in second doubles this season. For Haney, the combination of a senior and a freshman in second doubles has resulted in the right mix with one experienced player working with a newcomer who is eager to learn.

“Jake has experience,” Haney said. “He subbed in for a few matches last year. He definitely has the leadership as a senior. He understands the process, so he's a good person to pair up with Vijay. You put the two together, and you have a veteran player and a young player, and they're going to do well together.”

While progress continues to be made on the court, there is only so much a coach can do when it comes to the personality of his players. Emotions often run high in sports, but tennis is unique because of the challenge a player has on his own island on the court. For many of the younger Chiefs, the ability to fuel the competitive fire is one of the battles they face early in their time on the tennis court. Haney is hoping enough of that fire will surface for his players as their time at Cherokee continues.

“Some of these kids are so shy and so timid,” said Haney. “When they go out on the court, you hope that there's some kind of fire. You have to think how you can fight back instead of taking a beating. You've got to look for the holes with that player and take advantage of it. It's a lot of fun watching these kids.” MSM Marlton Sports Magazine

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his season was filled with laughs, memories and friendships that will last forever. This year, the captains really wanted to make sure that the swim team was more like a family, where we could rely on each other on and off the pool deck. Over the course of the season, we participated in many team bonding activities in which we grew closer as a team, such as a Project Yellow Ribbon cookie donation, holiday team dinner and pasta parties. It was evident that our time spent together paid off, because at the end of the season, we had a better record than last year and considered everyone sisters, rather than teammates.

Each girl was unique and welcomed at the beginning of the season. No underclassmen should feel left out, and we wanted to make sure that everyone felt comfortable to approach us. Finishing this year with a record of 5-6 and making it to the third round of playoffs was amazing. It would not have been possible without the girls, and we look forward to seeing what the team will accomplish next year!

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he Cherokee boys swim team continued their success this year with another winning season, ending with a record of 7-3. The boys were coming off of one of the best seasons in the program’s history to become the first Cherokee boys swim team to be ranked in the top 20 in the state (19th). Underrated and underestimated by many, the Chiefs were underdogs for the majority of their meets, but they still pulled out tough victories against top teams such as Lenape, and a 1-point victory over Public C state finalist Haddonfield High School.

As a senior, this was a completely different year for me, because it was time to step into a leadership role for our team to continue our past success. Having lost a lot of seniors last year meant that we were losing a lot of depth, and we knew this going into the season. The captains and I knew we had a big job ahead of us to lead a whole new group of young swimmers into the season. The team rose to the occasion this year, making it to the Sectional Quarterfinals for the fourth consecutive year in a row. With great amounts of young talent and depth, the Cherokee boys swim team looks to have another successful season next year, and for years to come.

Seniors: Matthew Crysler (captain), Christian Fonseca, Ethan Lacy (captain), Kyle Scott (captain)

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nother hockey season has come and gone. After last season’s devastating 5-4 loss to Eastern in the high school championship, the Chiefs returned 10 players this year, and they all had chips on their shoulders. It takes an amazing amount of hard work and determination to get to the championship each year, something the Chiefs have accomplished eight times in the last nine years.

Although losing two of those championships was hard to swallow, the Chiefs rebounded and learned from all that adversity to win it six times since 2009.

This year the competition was greater than it had ever been. The top teams of Cherokee, Eastern, Moorestown and Washington Township, were also intense rivals and made the road to the championship more difficult. With 80 percent of the season done, the four teams were all within three points of each other. Each team had their high-end players, all who could single-handedly take over games, but we believed depth and utilizing a full bench would be a significant advantage heading into the end of the season and playoffs.

The Chiefs utilized a great mix of seven seniors, six juniors, two sophomores and three freshmen all season to build the chemistry it would take to stand on top again. Pre-season evaluations, camps and spring hockey all contributed to making the right decisions when picking the roster for the year. Throughout the year, the Chiefs called up players from a talented JVA team, which made it to their championship, to fill in for injuries, sicknesses and players who play on other teams during the season. Those callups would prove to be key as they provided immediate help, and some even stayed with the team all the way to the championship.

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By Scott McKay

The Chiefs lost the first game of the double elimination playoffs to Eastern 4-3 in overtime. Their backs were against the wall, and next up was Washington Township. The Chiefs defeated Township 7-0 in one of their most dominating games of the season. Next up was Moorestown, who had only lost one game during the regular season. The Chiefs played another desperate game and beat Moorestown 3-1 to get back to the championship against Eastern.

Eastern was in the winners’ bracket, and the Chiefs had to beat the Vikings two games in a row, which was not an easy task. The first game was all Chiefs, with Cherokee leading 4-1 at one point in the game. But the Vikings never quit, and it took all 45 minutes for Cherokee to come out on top 4-3. The final game, winner-take-all, was as intense as any game. Each team scored one goal in the first minute of the game. The game stayed tied for the remaining 44 minutes to end tied in regulation. A 5-on-5 overtime for 5 minutes ensued, and with 2:52 left in overtime, the Chiefs scored and became the first team to hoist the new Stanley Cup replica trophy the league purchased this season. It was a true accomplishment with the tough competition and a credit to the players who pulled it all together at the right time.

Commitment means staying loyal to what your final goal is, turning obstacles into opportunities, taking accountability and accepting no excuses, only results. Congratulations to the Cherokee Chiefs for an outstanding season, and best wishes to the seniors as they start their next journey in life. MSM Marlton Sports Magazine

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Marlton Sports Magazine

Cherokee Girls Basketball Recap

By Katie Cummiskey

A

fter a year of so many accomplishments, the Cherokee girls basketball team was South Jersey’s No. 1 team to watch. Without former South Jersey No. 1 player Isabella Therien, who graduated last year, adjustments had to be made. It wasn't hard for freshman Alexa Therien to make an impact on the court, taking on her sister’s role.

Combined with sister Ava Therien, (junior), the Chiefs were dominant inside. With four starters returning, the Lady Chiefs had another unforgettable season.

The Lady Chiefs went 8-0 in their division, which allowed them to win the Olympic American title for the third year in a row. This was the first time they had been undefeated in their conference during that span. The Chiefs also beat district rivals Shawnee and Lenape the last five times they played them, and a very competitive Camden Catholic team twice this season. Cherokee beat Shawnee in the SJIBT tournament championship to become back-toback champions.

What's more impressive is that towards the beginning of the season, the Chiefs took on Ewing, who were Central Jersey Group 3 champions, and defeated them in a tough game.

Playing many highly competitive basketball teams didn't frighten our team. On our last regular season game, we traveled to Winslow High School and ended the Eagles’ 21-game winning streak right before playoffs. We got all the way to

Spring 2018

the Group 4 Championship on our home court, but fell short to Toms River North, 41-34, ending our 25-3 season. But that, for sure, did not define how successful our season was. All stats aside, the team built bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.

The Chiefs finished the season winning the Carpenter Cup as South Jersey’s No. 1 team for the second year in a row, which was very humbling for our team. Also, Coach Powell reached

his 500th win, which was a great milestone for his coaching career. His and Coach McFadden's love for our team will keep the Cherokee girls basketball program growing into an amazing sports environment. The other seniors, Lyndsay Craig, Maggie Rowan, Kelsey Wallace, Sarah Wallace and I, are sad to turn in our Cherokee jerseys for the last time, but confident that the Lady Chiefs will come out strong and ready to go in the upcoming season. MSM

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t all began with a conversation five years ago with Mark vonBerg about starting a soccer program in Marlton for kids with special needs.

Along with other coaches, Jim Cucinotta, Mark and I started a program for kids who typically wouldn't have an opportunity to participate in organized sports. This seemingly simple idea has grown to a year-round program with eight sports and partnerships with a local karate studio and swim club. More than 1,200 athletes have participated, and more than 1,600 middle and high school kids have been trained as their buddies.

Coaching and kids have been passions for me as I coached — and I use the word lightly — my kids in all sports, with a simple goal for the players to have fun, learn something and come back!

Our Sports Unity Program is so much more than just a program for special kids. For over five years, I have watched and learned so much from our players, the buddies, and the other coaching and administrative supporters. We had no idea what impact it would have on our lives and on our community. We didn't realize how much our kids, buddies, parents, and coaches would mean to us. I have watched our players grow, improve their motor skills, engage with other kids, laugh, smile, and be excited and happy.

I get excited just watching the kids arrive at practice and seeing how much the program means to them. Building confidence, courage, having fun and seeing their individual personalities grow every week and every year has been an absolute pleasure. I look forward to playing and coaching with our kids for years to come, and I encourage anyone who hasn't participated to come out and see for yourself what just a little bit of your time each week can do. MSM

The Sports Unity Program provides the opportunity for special needs children to participate in organized sports.

Buddies are always needed. No experience necessary, just a positive attitude and a willingness to learn and teach how to play sports! Buddies can be in sixth through 12th grade. Time spent is counted towards community service hours. All new buddies must attend the Buddy Certification Class.

Visit www.marltonreccouncil.org for more information.

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Marlton Sports Magazine

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Athletes in the Spotlight KARLY​ MESSINA

GAB BODINE

Lacrosse

Softball

Karly is a sophomore pitcher for Cherokee. This year, she took on the role as No. 1 pitcher. Last year, she shared the duty with Abbey Scaregelli ('17). Karly is a leader on our team. She is a tough competitor on the mound and at bat. She is a very intense player and competitor, but also knows how to enjoy the game and have fun. She started the year 4-1 on the mound and has a .444 batting average.

Karly made all All-South Jersey her freshman year and returned to efficient work this year. She had a no-hitter early in the season against Camden Catholic.

Gab Bodine is a four-year starting attacker for Cherokee girls lacrosse.

She is one of five returning New Jersey All Americans from last season, and she also earned 1st Team All South Jersey Lacrosse player. She will be playing Division I lacrosse at Butler University next season.

Gab came into the season with 186 career goals and reached her 200th career goal in a double overtime victory against Shawnee. She also scored the game winning goal in that game. She is within reach of breaking the school record of 218 career goals by Melissa Arthur ('11).

Gab is a great teammate, who was named captain for both field hockey and lacrosse this season. She works hard with and without the ball.

She is a scrappy player with a great work ethic.

If you’d like to send in an athlete spotlight, please email us at marltonsports@gmail.com.

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BOYS BASKETBALL

Photos courtesy of Michele Dunn

Cherokee Recap

By Coach Eric Cassidy

P

erseverance was on full display for the Cherokee boys basketball team during the 2017-18 season. There was a neversay-die attitude from the beginning to the end of the season. The team finished their season 17-10 and won the conference for the second straight year. Anthony Dicaro (14.9 ppg) and Tymere Bennett (12 ppg) led the Chiefs in scoring, while Bennett also led in rebounding (7.0 rpg). The team made great strides in their overall skill set, defensive intensity and attention to detail this season.

The Chiefs started out of the gates struggling but really picked it up during the new year. They won six in a row and 14 of the next 16 games in January and early February. The Chiefs battled some injuries, but everyone on the team stepped up and did a great job.

Congratulations to Bennett and Dicaro for making All Conference 1st Team and to Gavin Gibson for making 2nd Team. The program would like to thank the seniors for all their hard work and dedication. MSM

20

Marlton Sports Magazine

Marlton Chiefs 5A Travel Team Playoff Champions The Marlton Chiefs 5A travel team finished with an undefeated South Jersey Boys Basketball League record of 19-0 and an overall record of 25-2.

From left to right, front row: Keyshawn Franklin, Brett Gable, Judd Holt, Shawn Ryan and Tobe Nwobu back row: Coach Kris Chiesa, Logan Moore, Brett Chiesa, Anthony Lucarelli, Darwin Walker, Coach Mike Lucarelli and Coach Matt Moore.

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WRESTLING Cherokee Recap

By Michael Booth, Head Wrestling Coach

T

he Cherokee wrestling team capped a successful 2017-18 season at the NJSIAA State Championships March 2-4 in Atlantic City.

Senior Collin Wickramaratna went 5-1 on the weekend and finished in third place, the highest place for a Cherokee wrestler since Mike Zeuli finished as a runner-up in 2011. It capped an outstanding career in which the senior broke both the school records for wins (149) and pins (76).

Three other Chiefs qualified for the state tournament as well, sophomore Andrew Aromando and seniors Ryan Burke and Robert Livshits. As a dual meet team, the Chiefs finished with a 19-7 record and captured the Olympic Conference American Division title.

The Chiefs earned the team title at the DelVal tournament for the first time and won their first round playoff match-up against Toms River North before falling in the SJ Group V semi-final.

They placed second at the District 25 tournament, where they crowned two champs in Wickramaratna and Livshits, and Coach Mike Booth was named Coach of the Year for the second straight year.

Cherokee sent seven wrestlers to the Region 7 tournament, including the aforementioned state qualifiers, as well as Cooper Pontelandolfo, Nick Moffa and Mike Richter. Wickramaratna earned the Chiefs' first Region 7 title since 2014, while Aromando, Burke and Livshits earned state qualifying berths, finishing in fourth place. Freshman standout Pontelandolfo finished fifth and completed his season with a 33-7 record.

The Chiefs will look to rebuild next year after graduating a number of talented seniors. MSM

22

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Health News

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

By James Matthews, DC

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O

sgood–Schlatter disease is a condition you often hear about while hanging around youth athletic fields, but what is it exactly? Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common cause of knee pain in children. It was named after the two doctors who first described it in 1903. It is often seen around the time the child is hitting a growth spurt, usually between the ages of 12-15 in boys and 10-12 in girls. It is characterized by pain over an area called the tibial tubercle, which sits along the midline of the lower leg, just below the kneecap. The pain is usually accompanied by mild swelling around the knee and tight and tender quadriceps muscles.

An accepted theory for Osgood-Schlatter’s etiology is that it may be caused by forceful contractions of the quadriceps muscles, leading to multiple small avulsion fractures, which in turn create the hallmark firm enlargement of the tibial tubercle. You may notice this on your child as a tender bump below the kneecap. Often when children are diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter’s they are told to ice the knee and use over-the-counter pain medication. From personal experience, as both an Osgood-Schlatter’s patient and clinical practitioner who has treated this condition, I feel confident in saying that is usually not enough to get the athlete back to playing the sport they love in a timeframe they feel is acceptable. I tell parents who have a child diagnosed with this condition to make sure the muscle imbalances are being addressed.

This may be as simple as using a foam roller along the quadriceps muscles or may involve something more aggressive such as Graston Technique, which seeks to reduce scar tissue and fascial restrictions that develop in an injured soft tissue.

Your child may also have to restrict running or jumping for 2-3 weeks while the inflamed area heals. During this period of rest, exercises that strengthen knee extension and stretches that increase calf muscle flexibility will also help the lower leg improve its biomechanics. The good news is that with some minor intervention, Osgood-Schlatter athletes can often return to play relatively quickly, and there are rarely any long-term consequences of this condition. MSM James Matthews, DC owner Matthews Chiropractic & Sports Rehabilitation 856-596-6474 james@drmatthewschiro.com

856-795-9400 www.wksnjlaw.com 24

Marlton Sports Magazine

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By Rebecca A. Rizzo, PT, DPT, AIB-CVR, ITPT ver 10 percent of athletes participating in a youth sport will sustain a concussion this year. While it takes a team of health care providers to diagnose the injury, what does the road to recovery look like? Many athletes and parents ask, “How soon can I return to my sport? Am I safe to play again?” Each athlete is special and will recover differently based on gender, history of previous injury and severity of symptoms, but doctors and therapists agree, when it comes to return-to-play protocols, active recovery is key.

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Return-to-play protocols allow for safe graduation through physical activity while preventing return of symptoms. All stages of the protocol must be completed before clearance from a physician is given for return to full-contact practice. If symptoms return at any stage in the progression, activity is not to be progressed. Stages include light aerobic activity, moderate aerobic activity with resistance training and non-contact training with sport-specific drills.

Each stage measures the athlete’s heart rate, oxygen levels and ability to recover with activity without return of headache, dizziness or nausea, or any other symptoms associated with their concussion.

Final decision for clearance to practice and play may be made in conjunction with a physical therapist and referring doctor.

The importance of physical activity for maintaining physical and cognitive health is crucial. Controlled aerobic exercise will improve recovery by restoring normal blood flow to the brain. Conversely, physical inactivity may contribute to consequences such as depression, anxiety and physical deconditioning. Introducing controlled physical activity during recovery from a concussion will enhance physical, psychological and academic outcomes. Exercise is great medicine. MSM Rebecca A. Rizzo, PT, DPT, AIB-CVR, ITPT Breakthru Physical Therapy +Fintess Marlton Sports Magazine

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CESAR GARCIA

A Trainer with a Purpose

I

t all began in his basement. That’s where Cesar Garcia got his start as one of the area’s foremost baseball instructors and trainers. Now, Garcia works in a more spacious environment at Indoorance Sports Academy in Berlin.

Garcia has trained everyone from eight-yearolds to Major League Baseball players. From his modest beginnings, he developed a reputation, especially with the youngsters in Marlton, as a tremendous motivator, a thorough teacher and a person who combines his knowledge of physical training with his knowledge of the game.

Garcia, who will turn 39 in May, laughs when recalling his humble beginning as an instructor.

“When I first trained, I couldn’t afford a facility, but I have a pretty big basement in my home in Berlin,” he said.

One of the first players he instructed was Brett Tenuto, a standout athlete at Gloucester Catholic High School. The two met as Tenuto was preparing for his senior year at Rutgers University-Camden in 2016. Tenuto enjoyed a banner season, hitting .362.

“I was working with Brett in my basement, and it was his idea to branch out,” Garcia said.

“He said that, ‘People need to know what you are doing,’ and he was the one who had the idea.”

Garcia took the ball and ran. Tenuto says it was a great decision.

“There are a lot of people who tell you what you want to hear,” Tenuto said. “Cesar tells you the truth, tells you how it is and offers great ideas on what will work, and it’s one reason I really enjoyed working with him.”

28

By Marc Narducci

Little by little, Garcia began instructing player after player, until he literally needed more room to operate.

One of the players he worked with is former Philadelphia Phillies right hander J.C. Ramirez, who is now with the Los Angeles Angels. While with the Phillies, Ramirez lived with Garcia and his family, and the two used to long-toss at Berlin Community School. They have remained close, and Garcia visited Ramirez this past spring training in Arizona.

“

“We have been working with Cesar for about a year and a half, and he is probably the most inspirational coach I have ever seen,” said Farryn Harte, whose 11-year-old son, Dolan, is receiving instruction from Garcia.

Dolan says that Garcia inspires confidence.

“He makes me feel like I can throw the ball faster, and he is always encouraging me,” Dolan said.

Garcia is originally from Nicaragua. He came to the United States as a first-grader and eventually attended Collingswood High School where he played football and baseball. He also played baseball at Camden County College, where he became a volunteer coaching assistant for Frank Angeloni.

In addition to helping young baseball players, Garcia also feels an obligation to his homeland.

In January, he went to Nicaragua and taught the game of baseball and donated equipment to the youngsters. There were about 15 volunteers who went with Garcia and Mick Geis of Indoorance Sports Academy. Garcia started a GoFundMe page, https://www.gofundme. com/empowering-youth-through-sports, that helped pay for the equipment. He is looking to return to Nicaragua next January with more instructors from Indoorance.

“It was bittersweet,” Garcia said. “It helped a lot of kids, but they need so much more, and next time we are looking to bring more sneakers, because we saw kids walking around with raggedy flip-flops.”

Garcia’s group brought about 50 bats, 300 baseballs, gloves, sneaker and cleats.

As for his teaching methods, Garcia uses a simple philosophy.

”

“He makes me feel like I can throw the ball faster, and he is always encouraging me,” Dolan said.

Pitching is Garcia’s specialty, although he works with hitters as well. One of the players he tutored was Nick Snyder, a 6-foot-7-inch left-hander from Cherokee, who was an all-South Jersey pitcher as a senior in 2016. After one season at Mercer County College, Snyder is now pitching for West Virginia University. He began working with Garcia prior to his freshman year at Mercer County College.

“I gained some velocity through him and learned a lot about arm care and what to do before and after you throw,” Snyder said in a phone interview from West Virginia. “If I was feeling down, because confidence sometimes slips with a pitcher, he was there to reassure me.”

What has made Garcia successful is that he has the same enthusiasm working with a youth baseball player as he does working with a college or professional player.

“My basis of training is building by building mental confidence,” he said.

He also says that young pitchers put too much emphasis on velocity. According to Garcia, there is much more to pitching and training to be a pitcher than just going out and trying to light up the radar gun.

“You have to have a definite purpose, whether you are swinging at the plate or pitching,” he said. “Don’t just swing and throw as hard as you can each time. There is a time for that, but you don’t have to do that every swing, every pitch.”

It’s this type of poignant advice that has resonated with players. These days, there are more and more people seeking Garcia’s guidance. For somebody who started training athletes in his basement, Garcia has branched out in an impressive fashion. MSM Marlton Sports Magazine

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Eagles’ Jalen Mills

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Marlton Sports Magazine

Gave Everything He Had in Super Bowl Win

Spring 2018

Photo courtesy of the Eagles

By Marc Narducci

JALEN MILLS COULDN’T MOVE. The second-year Philadelphia Eagles' cornerback had accomplished the greatest of team achievements, and as much as he wanted to initially celebrate the 41-33 Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots, Mills remained motionless on the U.S. Bank Stadium field in Minneapolis.

“My body, everything I gave into that game, I just dropped to the ground,” Mills said, while attending a Temple basketball game, less than a month after earning the Super Bowl title. “You are playing at such a high level, in the biggest stage there is, and you want to give everything you’ve got to get that ring.”

And no doubt Mills had very little to give when the clock hit zeroes. He was the Eagles’ leading tackler in the game, with nine tackles.

Yes, the Patriots moved the ball at will, but the Eagles and Mills did enough to earn the franchise’s first Super Bowl trophy, a feat that resulted in an offseason celebration in the Delaware Valley that may not end anytime soon.

Mills has been able to enjoy his individual and team’s success, but immediately after the game, it was a different story.

“When the game was finally over, my energy was depleted, but I was so happy,” he said.

And rightfully so.

To the casual fan, Mills is known as that Eagles’ defender with the green hair.

He has become a hit with the fans, not only for his outgoing personality, but also by the way he has played. He didn’t come to Philadelphia with much fanfare, but he has quickly become a fan favorite. Even though Mills was a four-year starter at LSU, he wasn’t selected until the seventh round of the 2016 NFL draft, the 233rd overall selection. He played in all 16 games as a rookie, started two, and was more than solid with 61 tackles and seven passes defensed. That set the stage for a breakout second season. Mills started 15 games, had 64 tackles, 14 passes defensed and three interceptions.

Mills said that he felt he should have been selected to play in the Pro Bowl, instead of being a third alternate. Mills isn’t one to brag, but he has great confidence in his ability, which is why he stated his Pro Bowl case so emphatically.

“It is how I am,” he said, referring to his confident manner. “I feel if you put in a guy who people say is better than I am, then I am going to try to prove them wrong.”

Even though Mills won’t turn 24 until April, he is wise beyond his years. That is why when officials from the Temple basketball program asked him to speak to the team before a game, he was more than willing to oblige. And Mills has a message that resonates to student athletes of any age.

First off, he likes to tell young aspiring athletes that he wasn’t recruited very heavily while playing high school football in Texas. Yes, he ended up going to a perennially strong football program at LSU, but before he got there, he said others tried to put roadblocks in his way.

“Even though I did go to a big school, I was told I would get redshirted automatically, and I ended up starting all four years,” Mills said.

He told the Temple players that he goes by one simple rule.

“Whatever your role is, know your role,” he said. “If you are a shooter, shoot the ball. If you are a defender, play defense.” continued on page 42....

31

On the Cover SUFI ZEKARIA

Three-year varsity boys tennis player Sufi Zekaria is focused on improving the Chiefs’ record this year and advancing further in the playoffs.

“We’re a good group of players,” Zekaria said, noting the strength of this year’s freshman players. “We bring each other up and try to create a family atmosphere.”

Zekaria, who is playing second singles this year, started out with the Chiefs as a doubles player his freshman year. He said playing singles is more enjoyable, but points out that having the support of a teammate when playing doubles has its advantages, as well.

The Cherokee junior, whose favorite player is Rafael Nadal, has been playing tennis since he was seven years old and has participated in various tournaments through the Cherry Hill Health & Racquet Club.

Zekaria, who is leaning toward a career in engineering, also played soccer for Cherokee his freshman year. This year, he is looking forward to facing off against district tennis rivals Lenape and Shawnee.

“We have great coaches,” Zekaria said. “I just want to be there for the team and a be a good example and a good player.” MSM

ARJUN MANNAN

Fourteen-year-old phenom Arjun Mannan is playing first singles in his freshman year for the Chiefs. Mannan, who has dabbled in doubles play over the years, prefers the one-on-one challenge of singles.

“It’s more competitive between your opponent and you,” he said, “and you get to control most of the points.”

Mannan said his fellow Chiefs have been very welcoming to the freshman newcomer, and he is looking forward to helping improve the team’s record this year.

32

Photos courtesy of head tennis coach, Dave Haney

Mannan has been traveling around the country since he was eight years old competing in United States Tennis Association (USTA) tournaments and was ranked in the top 32 when he was just 12 years old.

Mannan, whose favorite player is Roger Federer, plans to continue his tennis career through college.

In the meantime, he is looking forward to another faceoff against rival Jack Lavin of Lenape.

Mannan lost his last match with Lavin in two sets.

“I want a rematch,” Mannan said. MSM

Marlton Sports Magazine

The Sound of Thunder

By Bill Lynch 18U SJ Thunder 2017-18

T

he Marlton Recreation Council (MRC) features many in-town and travel sports.

One of its most successful sports programs over the years has been travel softball, a program that consistently turns out some of the best players in South Jersey.

There are currently 11 Marlton Thunder and South Jersey Thunder travel softball teams under the MRC umbrella. Teams range in age from 8U to 23U. The Thunder program offers two tracks for players. Marlton Thunder teams play in leagues and local tournaments. For those who have an interest in playing in college, South Jersey Thunder plays at 14U, 16U and 18U. These players receive higher level training and play in very competitive tournaments. Many of our 18U South Jersey Thunder players over the past few years have earned college scholarships.

All Thunder teams play year-round. With tryouts in late July and early August, teams practice, scrimmage and play in the fall. The Thunder organization rents indoor training space – a fully turfed facility with batting cages, pitching tunnels and specialized equipment. Teams use this facility in the winter and cold/wet days. The facility gives all Thunder players an opportunity to hone their skills throughout the year.

Each Thunder team is coached by volunteers who dedicate themselves to providing the best possible experience for their players. Volunteers, such as 18U South Jersey Thunder head coach Kali Cipolla, have the dual responsibility of helping the players improve and preparing them for college as student-athletes.

“This age is such a challenging time for these players,” Cipolla said. “They are asked to

Spring 2018

make huge life decisions, while still growing up. I’m honored to be a part of their adventure and accomplishments. I will never tire from sharing in their happiness after making that big play or hit, being accepted at their top school, or hearing from a coach regarding recruitment. I’m so proud of all my players and thankful that I get to help them reach their goals on and off the field.”

“I have met so many amazing people through the Thunder organization that I am so blessed to call my family,” shared Cherokee senior Emily Lozowski. “Thunder has helped me grow not only as a player, but a person, and truly has shaped my character on and off of the field.

This organization is where my love for the game of softball originated, and because of it, I will be playing softball in college!”

Thunder players represent Marlton in competitive leagues and local and regional tournaments. They do community service, help with training of in-town coaches and players, and run special events like the recent Lauren Chamberlain hitting clinic.

A few former Thunder players have returned to train younger players. Some even coach at the college level, such as former standout player Gina McCool, who is a softball coach for Army at West Point.

Go Thunder! MSM

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Cover Athlete Continues to Shine

F

ormer Cherokee Chief (‘14) Jordan Krug was recently named 2018 Warrior/US Lacrosse Division III Preseason Player of the Year by US Lacrosse Magazine. The Cabrini College junior is a two-time All-CSAC First Team member and was named to the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) All-America Third Team. As an attackman for the Cabrini Cavaliers, Krug led the team with 75 points and 58 goals in 2017, ranking him 10th on the school’s single season points record and sixth in goals. Krug further solidified his place in Cabrini’s record books when he made his 100th career goal on May 17, making him the 13th member of the lacrosse program’s century club, while his 151 total points ranks him 15th on the all-time points list. Krug was a three-sport athlete while at Cherokee, playing varsity football, wrestling and lacrosse. MSM

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Where Are They Now?

By Dubravka Cortese

JESSALYNN WRIGHT Lifelong Marlton resident Jessalynn Wright, 23, has been playing sports for as long as she can remember. After dabbling in basketball and tee-ball in kindergarten, she took up soccer and played on Marlton Recreation Council (MRC) and travel teams from kindergarten until her senior year at Cherokee, when she switched to cross country. She was also a four-year member of Cherokee’s track and field team and was part of three relay teams that broke school records in the sprint medley relay and 4x800 meter and 4x400 meter relays.

Wright was recruited by Rowan University’s Division III track and field team where she was captain of both the cross country and track and field teams. She continued to break school records at Rowan in the 1,000 meter and was on four relay teams that hold the school record (4x400 meter indoor and outdoor, sprint medley relay, 4x800 meter relay). The two-time All-American in the 4x400 meter relay and three-time Academic All-American also found time to help start Rowan’s first-ever women’s ice hockey club team. She graduated Rowan in 2017 with a degree in civil engineering and currently works as an engineering technician for Berlin Township.

Wright continues her lifelong involvement in sports by helping out with Rowan’s track and field team.

Q: You were a multi-sport athlete at Rowan. How did your experience playing sports in Marlton prepare you for playing at the college level?

A: Throughout my entire life, there was never a time when I wasn’t doing anything. I was always playing at least one sport, but most of the time I was playing multiple sports at one time. For example, I would go to school, stay after for track practice, then go to a soccer game at night.

Or I would stay after for soccer practice and go to ice hockey practice at night. Every weekend was spent at some kind of tournament, meet or game. There was rarely a time when I wasn’t doing anything, which is why I was able to manage being a multi-sport athlete in college, because I already was one.

I owe all of my success to my mom and dad, because they have always been my biggest fans, and I wouldn’t have had the opportunities that I did without all of their love and support over the years.

Q: How did you first get involved in hockey?

A: My brother played hockey, and I wanted to do everything my

brother did. I started playing street hockey in first grade, and I was the only girl on the team. I wasn’t much of a competitor when I first started playing, but each year I improved, and eventually became one of the top players in the league and was invited to play on the travel teams. I played street hockey until senior year of high school. I was always really good at roller blading and played roller hockey throughout elementary school.

In eighth grade, I decided I wanted to play ice hockey, which is nothing like roller hockey. Everything is much more difficult to do on

36

Marlton Sports Magazine

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an ice rink. My first time playing ice hockey was at a try-out for an all-girls travel team, and I didn’t make it, as I could barely stand up, let alone hit a puck. I started playing for a middle school boys team, because everyone made that team, but I was the only girl again. There were many times where I felt discouraged, because most of the boys had been playing for years, and I just started, and they could skate circles around me. However, I didn’t let that stop me, and by the end of the season I had gotten so much better that my coach gave me the Most Improved Award on our team.

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT

Q: What was it like being the only girl on Cherokee’s high school ice hockey team?

A: I had been playing on an all-boys hockey team since the first grade, so being the only girl was never really an issue for me. But once I reached the high school level, playing with the boys was much more intimidating than it was in the past.

At that point in time, most of the boys were a lot bigger than me, and in men’s hockey you are allowed to check, which was pretty scary at times, knowing your opponents were allowed to hit you up against a wall. But it wasn’t something I thought about too much, because my teammates always made sure to have my back.

The game was at such a fast pace, and I often had trouble keeping up with everyone else. There were also times where I felt like I didn’t belong, because I was the only girl. I wasn’t one of the stand-out players like I had usually been growing up, and I was nowhere near the best on the team. In no way was that because of my gender, I just didn’t have the experience that I do now. However, from my experience of being the only girl on an all-boys team, I learned that when you love to do something, nothing can stop you from doing it. For me, I love playing hockey, it’s something that I have done for most of my life and something I plan to continue doing, because it is something that brings me so much joy. There were many times when it was hard playing as the only girl on an all-boys team, but I never let anything get in my way of playing the game I love. My goal every time I got out on the ice was to be better than I was before and to have fun, and I think I accomplished that during my time at Cherokee.

Q: What would you say to a young female athlete who is thinking about playing on a male dominated team?

A: If you are a female and are truly passionate about a maledominated sport, such as ice hockey, then you shouldn’t let anything stand in your way of playing that sport. Just because you are a woman, it doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of playing a sport that is typically played by men. You’re capable of doing anything you want; you just have to work for it. No matter what obstacles are in the way, nothing should ever stop you from doing something you are passionate about. continued on page 38....

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Q: You are a founding member of Rowan

University’s women’s ice hockey club team, and, in just the second year of the program, you helped lead the team to a conference title. What was that experience like?

A: Winning the championship that year was one of my proudest moments. Not only were we a new team in the league, but we were underdogs going into the championship game. Our opponent, the South Jersey Phoenix, wasn’t even from a college or university, it was just a group of elite hockey players from the Montclair area. Each time we played them earlier in the season, we were blown out. I think that the other team really underestimated how badly we wanted to win, because during the championship game, the other team wasn’t able to score at all. I got our team’s first goal at the end of the second period, and I think having that lead gave my team the momentum to keep pushing and upset the other team with a score of 3-0.

Being the underdogs and coming back to win the championship was an incredible feeling, but what made the experience so memorable was that our team had so much fun together that entire year, from preseason to the championship game.

Winning is always a great feeling, but being a part

of a team with such awesome teammates and coaches really made the experience worthwhile.

Playing on Rowan’s team was the first time I had ever played on an all-women’s ice hockey team, and it was so much different than playing with the boys, mainly because you aren’t allowed to check.

The level of skill varies greatly, because there are a lot of girls who are playing for the first time, but there is an equal amount who have been playing their whole life, so there is good competition. I think that my experience playing with the boys for

“

Q: What words of advice would you give to young athletes who want to play sports at the college level?

A: You are capable of doing anything you want, as long you are having fun and constantly working toward achieving your goals!

It is very important to keep in mind why we started competing in sports in the first place, to have fun. If you aren’t enjoying what you are doing, and your heart isn’t in it, then you are

Winning is always a great feeling, but being a part of a team with such awesome teammates and coaches really made the experience worthwhile.

so many years helped me stand out and made me one of the top competitors in the league. I currently hold the program record in points and helped lead my team to two championship titles. I just started playing for an adult women’s travel hockey team out of Mount Laurel called the Jaguars.

”

only going to be hurting yourself. At the end of the day, the only thing standing in our way is ourselves, so if you are having fun, making the right choices and are constantly working towards your goals, there will be no limits to what you can accomplish. MSM

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PHOTO WALL

A Message from the Mayor

....continued from page 31, Jalen Mills Mills said the Eagles applied this attitude.

“You can’t have any selfish guys out there, and that is how we won the Super Bowl with the Eagles,” he said.

Mills also said that even though this is his job, playing any sport has to be fun, a message he always preaches to youngsters.

“This is a game you have been playing since you have been a little kid, so you always have to have fun, and you never know when you will get this chance again,” he said.

Even if he didn’t have green hair, Mills would be highly recognizable among Philadelphia sports fans. He said that since the Super Bowl, it’s been a total lovefest with the Eagles fans.

“It’s been crazy as far as the fans go,” Mills said. “They love you 10 times more, as far as the team goes, and winning the Super Bowl has brought everybody together, and there is nothing better.”

He said the parade took his breath away.

“It’s like nothing I ever saw before,” he said. “I heard there were three million people there, and it just shows how much this town and this city love their football.”

As much as Mills has enjoyed the celebration, he says it is now time to get back to business. Mills has plenty of goals, but the main one is to repeat as a Super Bowl champion. No matter what happens in the future, the 2017 Eagles will have a life-long bond.

“Wherever guys go and whatever happens this offseason,” Mills said, “down the road 20 years from now, we are linked forever.” MSM

The Unsung Heroes of Youth Sports

By Mayor Randy Brown

I

t was fall of 1984, and I was walking home down Erindale Drive, after a brutal Cherokee football practice, with my muddy football pants on and dirt-caked jersey slung over my shoulder. As I approached my house, I saw my mom talking to Mrs. Fee and Mrs. Scarpati, also moms of Cherokee football players. I walked up the driveway and heard the following loud and clear: “Randy, don’t you dare go into my house with that dirty uniform!”

I proceeded to take everything off and left it at the foot of the washer, because you know, the clothes will just wash themselves! I was 17, a starter on the football team, and I had important tasks to tend to - eating dinner, watching TV and talking to my girlfriend on the rotary dial house phone. There was no time to wash my uniform!

The next morning, I awoke in a panic. Oh no, my uniform was still in the garage, in a wet, muddy ball! I ran downstairs hoping for a miracle and, lo and behold, there was my full practice uniform neatly washed and folded on the dryer.

I can’t recall the hundreds of times that my mom and dad came to my rescue. They were always there for me and my brother, Rick, coaching our teams, washing our clothes, driving us to games and just being two of the most supportive parents anyone could have been blessed to have.

Without all of the amazing moms, dads, grandpas and grandmas, sports wouldn’t exist. Today is a day that all of you, who are reading this column, should be recognized for being the unsung heroes of sports! Our kids don’t realize it now, but they will when they become us, a day I thought I’d never see. But I love it every time my girls ask me, “Dad, can you coach my team?” MSM

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Marlton Sports Magazine

Climbing 101: Reaching for New Heights

By Dubravka Cortese

F

or most of us, the closest experience we had to the sport of climbing was the rope climb in high school gym class. But for the past couple of decades or so, recreational climbing has taken off in popularity.

Indoor climbing venues have popped up across suburban America, and indoor and outdoor climbing equipment is now a staple in most sporting goods stores. Avid thrill-seekers have taken to climbing rock walls, mountains, almost anything they can, literally, get their hands on. Even the International Olympic Committee has gotten on board and approved the inclusion of sport climbing in the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Climbing, in its most organic form, has been around for centuries. It has since evolved into a modern day competitive and recreational sport with various styles and skill levels to match even the novice climber. Sport climbing is just one of several forms of climbing. Sport climbers use permanent anchors to navigate their way up the side of a rock wall. Indoor climbing facilities are a great way to hone one’s sport climbing skills before taking it outside. For the novice climber, sport climbing requires less equipment and skill to master than traditional climbing.

Traditional climbing is when climbers place their anchors as they go, and remove them when they are finished. The anchors tend to be much further apart on a traditional climb than a sport climb.

Bouldering is another type of climbing. No ropes, harnesses or anchors are used in bouldering, although the climb is usually less than 20 feet. Climbing shoes and chalk help boulder climbers keep their grip on the rock wall.

If more than one climber is doing a climb, the first one up is called the lead. In traditional climbs, it is the lead that places the anchors on the way up, which the following climbers will use. The belayer is the climber behind the lead who controls the slack on the rope line using a device called a belay.

Speed climbing has become a competitive sport. Competition speed climbing is overseen by the International Federation of Sport Climbing. The Spring 2018

world competition takes place using an almost 50-foot-tall artificial climbing wall. The current world record time for men is 5.48 seconds, while for women it is 7.46 seconds.

Heading over to one of the many indoor climbing facilities in our area is a great way for climbers of all ages to get their feet wet in the sport.

Ina Ene, along with her husband, John, owns Elite Climbing in Maple Shade, an indoor climbing facility that caters to both adults and children.

The Enes are skilled climbers and have passed their passion for the sport along to their children. John is a world-class climber who has competed in the World Cup over 30 times. The duo hopes to expose more people, especially families, to their beloved sport.

Elite Climbing offers classes for just kids, as well as family packages, in which the parents and children work together learning the sport. Ina points out that climbing is a sport in which all the family members can participate, regardless of their level of athleticism. It is also a sport in which the family members learn to rely on each other, strengthening their bond.

“In climbing, there is a connection that happens in the family,” she said, “because the kids need to rely on the parents, and the parents need to push the kids’ confidence. It’s the same between adults.” Ina said she often sees climbers pushing each other and encouraging each other during the climbs.

She said she particularly would like to see more parents participating in the sport when they come to the gym with their children for a kids’ event. “(The parents) often think, ‘I just don’t have the arm strength to do it,’ and that’s not totally true,” Ina said, “because a lot of the times, it’s the legs you don’t trust, and then you rely on your hands.” Ina said people should give themselves some time to understand the complexities of climbing, and then they will realize it is a sport that they can master.

Many gyms, such as Elite, provide all the necessary equipment, making the experience a more affordable active family outing.

“Ideally, you want to start indoors, just because the outdoors can be a little tricky,” Ina said, “and as a beginner, I would definitely not take that challenge without a guide or someone who knows what to do.”

Equipment needs for moving the sport outdoors include a harness, rope and belay device. Ina also strongly recommends climbing shoes.

“They really, really help,” she said.

When you are ready to move it ouside, Ina recommends top-roping, which can be done indoors and outdoors. In top-roping, the rope is already fastened at the top and hanging, with one rope for the climber and one for the belayer. But, Ina stresses, since the ropes are not left behind after climbs, “It’s is important to go with a guide that will set up the rope for a client.”

It is also possible to try top-roping without having first practiced indoor climbing, she said, although, it will likely be more difficult.

Lead climbing, however, requires an experienced climber that will move the rope up as they climb, until they reach the top and then set it up for the remaining climbers.

Although exposure to climbing is the best way to understand the sport, Ina acknowledges that can be difficult in the South Jersey area. She recommends checking out some North Jersey sites, or Birdsboro and Ralph Stover State Park in Pennsylvania.

Whatever your speed, and whomever you choose to climb with, there is a level and a style for everyone. And with climbing's popularity likely to soar even higher after its introduction to the Olympics, now is as good a time as any to get your climb on. MSM 43

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