8
Sports
The Hilltop Echo
Chardon bocce ball is a new sport open to all By Adam Benjamin Athletes from any sport will tell you how hard they have to work to achieve their goals. The competitors from bocce ball are no exception. With the upcoming tournament at Kenston High School taking place on November 12, it seemed like the perfect time to get into the heads of some of the participants. The team of sophomores Kristen Novotney, Will Porter, Amanda Monarchino, and junior Robby Vallarelli look to win the entire tournament. When asked for her bocce ball strategy, Kristen replied, “The first thing I do is interview players to decide
When asked for his bocce ball strategy, Robby asked, “What’s bocce ball?” If you didn’t know that there are specifically designed bocce ball playing fields, or that throwing a ball is known as bowling it, or even what bocce ball is (like Robby), the bocce ball club is still for you. Surprisingly, most teams are not led by a captain as determined as Kristen Novotney. It’s not even required to wear matching uniforms. Mrs. Segulin, who will be heading up the Chardon team, says a bocce ball hopeful needs “to be able to aim and throw the ball without injuring any other players...Athleticism is not a requirement.” On a scale of one to ten, she hopes you will be at least a 3. When asked about her own skill level, Mrs. Segulin ranked herself about a 7, adding that she can beat her husband, Photo courtesy of Tammy Segulin “which is a big who is best for me. I look deal.” Her husband is, in fact, for strength, flexibility, spunk, the Kenston bocce ball coach, quick wit, someone light on making it important for Chartheir feet and streamlined, and don to emerge victorious. with good balance. However, I The tournament, as well as the had to compromise quite a bit bocce ball club, seems like a for this team.” Kristen went on great time for anyone interestto mention matching t-shirts ed in bocce ball or even those as well as dynamic stretches just looking for a good time for their pre-game warm-up doing something new. If you are part of her plan for victory. are interested in participating, “I’m most looking for- swing by Mrs. Segulin’s room ward to our matching shirts,” 308 to pick up some inforsaid Amanda Monarchino. mation and a permission slip.
November 19, 2010
Chardon Wrestling: not for the faint-hearted By Roger Davis Although wrestling may not always attract the hordes of fans that some other sports do, it requires some of the most intense and unrelenting work of any sport out there. The dedication of the Chardon wrestling team continues throughout the year. For the wrestlers, there truly is no off-season. When you see the post season training schedule on the Chardon wrestling website, the first thing you will notice is the powerful quote that emulates the hilltoper work ethic to a t. “Champions are made in the off-season.” Starting right after the end of the season, on March 23, 2010, Thunder Freestyle Wrestling Club was already underway with open mats and workouts twice a week at CMS. However, this is only the beginning of their work. During the season, the intensity steps up in a major way. “The worst part is cutting weight,” said sophomore wrestler Mathew Chauby. This is obviously a great challenge for all wrestlers. Mathew is expecting to wrestling in the 130 pound
weight class this season. This means he will have to lose over 20 pounds as his current football weight is around 155 pounds. This is a mind boggling statistic that proves the work and dedication the wrestlers have for their sport. The training they dedicate to their sport will pay off big in the upcoming season says Chauby. “The team will be better this year then last.” He continues, “This season we will be more experienced with more upperclassmen, and we are also getting some talented freshmen.” If you’re looking to see some great wrestling this season, keep your eyes on John Connick. The junior will most likely be wrestling in the 135 pound weight class and will definitely have an incredible season. In the off-season, John placed third in the Freestyle
State Tournament. Connick will be a huge part of the team this year. Joining him as leaders will most likely be Senior Matthew O’Hara and juniors Markus Mytro. Many freshmen will join the roster this year. Marcus Znidarsic, Max Menko, and Nick Rockazella are all new to the team this year. If they have a good work ethic and are ready to improve they will do well for sure. Hopefully, the talents of these young guys will contribute to the team a lot this season. In summary, the upcoming winter season looks very promising for our CHS Hilltoppers. Their hard work is unmatched by any other school around. Surely, this will show on the mats this year when the Toppers dominate their competition.