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It’s Deja Vu All Over Again Just a few short weeks after the Rockville HIgh girls won the state softball title, the Vernon 11-12year old softball all-stars captured the District 8 Tourmament with a 10-0 victory over Windsor. Photo by Lynn Moss, Special To The Sports Department.
The Sports Department Male Athlete Of The Year
Enfield’s Hugh Lindo
By B. N. Mazzone, Sports Correspondent ENFIELD—Enfield High School’s Hugh Lindo woke up to a nice surprise last Tuesday morning as he learned that he had been named the Sports Depart-
ment’s inaugural Male Athlete Of The Year. “I didn’t know this award existed,” Lindo said. “I’m really honored. I thought our teams had great seasons, See “LINDO”, Page 4
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The Sports Department Female Student Athlete Of The Year
Rockville’s Jenny Mears
By B. N. Mazzone The Sports Department VERNON—Rockville High School standout Jenny Mears was basking in the Florida sun when she received yet another award: The Sports Department’s inaugural Female Athlete Of The Year. She received the news last week while she was on vacation celebrating yet another award that she won this past school year. Mears was in Florida on an all-expense paid trip in honor of her selection (one of 25 others in the country) for the SAMMY (Student Athlete Milk Moustache of the Year) Got Milk? Athlete Award. The award is sponsored by
Got Milk? and USA Today. Mears was an All-State goalie for the Rockville girls soccer team this past season and a four-year starter. She was also a standout for the outdoor track team placing third in the Class M’s in javelin. In December, Mears traveled to New York where she was honored as a national finalist for t he Wendy’s High School Heisman Trophy Award. “This is such an honor. There are so many great athletes in the area. I am just lucky that people think of me this way,” Mears said. “I just love playing sports. I couldn’t imagine life without them. I’ve learned so many lessons See “MEARS”, Page 4
Inside The Sports Department Jon Buzby says the Olympics can be a learning lesson. See page 3 Check out the Little League action in our Little League section, beginning on page 12
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The Sports Department P.O. Box 746, Ellington, CT 06029 65& Ĺ– thesportsdept.com Publisher: -GXKP *C[GU Ĺ– MGXKP"VJGURQTVUFGRV EQO Editor: Brendan Faherty Production Manager: Brenda Donovan Contributing Writers: 6QO #KPUYQTVJ Ĺ– 5VGXG 5OKVJ Ĺ– 4GKF . 9CNOCTM Ĺ– 0CVG 1YGP Ĺ– ,QP $W\D[ Ĺ– &CXKF *GWUEJMGN Ĺ– #O[ .QECPFTQ Ĺ– 6KO .CTGY Ĺ– 4QDGTV 6GFHQTF Ĺ– $TGPFQP 9KNNKU Ĺ– -CV[ 5RTQWV Ĺ– -CVKG 2QYGTU Ĺ– 4[CP -CPG Ĺ– $TWEG 9CVV Ĺ– 5VGXG -TCLGYUMK Ĺ– /KMG $KFYGNN Ĺ– /CVV .GDGN Ĺ– &COKCP (TCUKPGNNK Ĺ– ,GPPKHGT %JCTGVVG Ĺ– /GNKUUC )TGGP /CNVGUG Photography: 5VGXG 2CNOGT Ĺ– #PFTG &WOCKU Ĺ– $GTPKG 5JGTKFCP Ĺ– 5JGTGPG 9GNNU Ĺ– 5VGXG 5OKVJ Ĺ– #PFTG )CTCPV Ĺ– 4QDGTV 2QURKUKN
(For Advertisers) The Sports Department Serves A Unique Niche We have tried other mediums for print advertising but The Sports Department really serves a unique niche. If you are looking to market to the parents, this is the place to be. We ran our first ad in the Sports Department last month and picked up a new client on the first day the paper came out. Susan and Les Fredette Owners of Dyxlexia/ADHD Institutes and Glastonbury Tutoring Inc. To learn how The Sports Department can help your business grow please call 860-872-0873 or email us at: ads@thesportsdept.com
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any and all liability, loss or expense arising out of claims for libel, unfair trade names, patents, copyrights and propriety rights, and all violations of the right of privacy or other violations resulting from the publication by this newspaper of advertising copy. Publisher shall be under no liability for failure, for any reason, to insert an advertisement. Publisher shall not be liable by reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement. Publisher will not be liable for delay or failure in performance in publication and/or distribution if all or any portion of an issue is delayed or suspended for any reason. The publisher will exercise reasonable judgment in these instances and will make adjustments for the advertiser where and when appropriate. The Sports Department assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or reproductions made by advertisers.
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July 2012
The Sports Department
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The Olympics Can Be A Lesson In Sports By Jon Buzby The Sports Department It only happens once every four years and it’s happening July 25–August 12 in London, England: the 2012 Summer Olympics. In addition to the usual sport, spirit, and splendor of the Olympic games, there will be several lesser known sports contested that will set up the perfect platform to educate your children about another country’s favorite pastime. Here are some ideas to make watching the games more interesting and educational for the entire family. Before the Games Begin: Help each
child select a sport he or she is going to follow during the Olympics. My rule of thumb is they have to pick a sport that isn’t shown on TV in America very often during the rest of the year. Ask each child to research facts about the sport to share with
the rest of the family, such as the origin of the sport, equipment needed, rules in the Olympics that differ from usual rules, and so on. Opening Ceremony: Plan a special dinner. How about Shepherd’s pie followed by Yorkshire pudding for the night of the ceremony? While watching the ceremony, have each child share his or her information when the country where their sport originated is announced. Hint: Be prepared that every country will not be shown. The Opening Ceremony is also a chance to discuss why some countries choose to boycott the Olympics and use sports as a political platform. You can link the conversation back to an explanation of our country’s boycott in 1980. During the Games: Unlike years ago when only the popular sports, such as gymnastics, swimming, basketball and track were televised, now this summer the Internet will provide live feeds from just about every sports venue at some point. Make it a point to watch each child’s selected sport with the entire family. Kids can keep track of the athletes/
teams in their sport throughout the two weeks of competition. It’s a great opportunity to teach them to use print media, along with the Internet, to help them search for results and interesting stories about their selected sport. Maybe each child could give a halfway report on his or her sport after the first week of the games. After the Games: If at all possible, have each child — and their siblings — experience the sport he or she followed during the games, either by watching it in person or trying it themselves. It might be impossible to get your child on a horse, but if they chose equestrian as their sport, my guess is there is a competition you could watch near you in the future. And lastly, use their interest in the sport to fuel other educational opportunities. Just because the Olympics end, doesn’t mean their chosen sport will shut down. Encourage your kids, and provide them the means, to continue to learn more about and keep up-to-date on the sport they became so interested in during the games. The Olympics will be here before we know it, so start planning now to take advantage of this Olympic year. Make sure those two weeks of summer are a fascinating learning experience for your family. Jon Buzby’s columns appear in newspapers and magazines around the country as well as numerous websites. Email your comments to jonbuzby@hotmail.com.
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The Sports Department
Mears Named Salutatorian Continued from Page 1 from sports, had so many positive experiences. I just love what I do and I hope to do it for a long time.� Mears will attend Quinnipiac University in the fall and enroll in the six year physician’s assistant program. She will try to continue her athletic career as a walkon goalie for the soccer team. “I am working hard with my goalie coach. I really hope that I make it, but if not I will be actively involved in intramural sports,� Mears said. Mears was not only a standout on the athletic fields, she was also the class salutatorian at Rockville High School.
9GPF[Ĺ?U *KIJ 5EJQQN *GKUOCP #YCTF (KPCNKUV ,GPP[ Mears receives her medal from Wendy’s President & CEO 'OKN $TQNKEM . CPF #TEJKG )TKHĹżP 4 2JQVQ D[ 5KOQP 4WUsell, Wendy’s
Student Athletes of the Year Honorable Mentions Chris Watts, Rockville, Basketball and Baseball Boys Basketball Head Coach Peter McCann: “Chris brought a tremendous work ethic and enthusiasm to practice each and every day. Regardless of the minutes he was getting on the court during games, his primary focus was doing what he could to help the team win.� Mike Cleary, Ellington, Baseball Baseball Coach Keith Tautkas: “Mike had a great year for our baseball team and was our leading hitter. He was a real leader for our team both on and off the field.� Kelly Conley, Ellington, Basketball and Lacrosse Girls Basketball and Lacrosse Head Coach Lauren Lovetere-Beeler: “Kelly is kind, caring, smart and a leader. Kelly is also an outstanding athlete. I will go to ‘battle’ will Kelly Conley any day of the week!� Matt Mensher, Tolland, Cross Country and Track Boys Cross Country and Track Head Coach Brandon Elliot: “Matt has been a captain of all three teams his senior year, and has been named all-state and all-conference many times in these three sports over the past three years, along with being part of multiple state champion boys cross country and track teams. Aside from the high level of performance that Matt has attained, he also is a great person and teammate.� Kristin Carr, Tolland, Soccer Soccer Head Coach Ken Boucher: “Kristin is a great offensive player, and she has a nose for the goal and an unorthodox shot that keeps goalies off balance.� Connor Allen, South Windsor, Lacrosse Lacrosse Head Coach Jon Giordano: “Connor is a very good athlete and has great maturity for a high school athlete.� Christine Thomas-Walker, South Windsor, Track Track Head Coach Clint Bowman: “Christine was a great competitor and leader for our team
this season. She set an example for the rest of our runners and kept them in line and working hard when I needed her to.� Cody Brown, Fermi, Football, Basketball and Volleyball Boys Volleyball Head Coach Alexandra Pyznarr: “Cody is a great player and leader in all areas. He was a captain this year and an AllCCC player the past two years.� Kerry Davis, Fermi, Field Hockey, Basketball and Softball Girls Basketball Head Coach Sean Sweeney: “On and off the floor, Kerry is the consummate team leader and player. She was a basketball captain and an All-CCC selection, and led the team in most statistical categories.� Patience Bearse, Enfield, Track Girls Track Coach Rachel Shuttleworth: “Patience is an extremely dedicated, hard working student-athlete both on the track and off. She is going on to bigger and better things next year and will certainly be missed by her fellow athletes and coaches.� Jason Moustafa, Somers, Football and Lacrosse Football Coach Keith Tautkas: “He always had a great attitude on the field and our kids looked up to him as a leader.� Heather McLaughlin, Somers, Soccer Soccer Head Coach Mike Nziolek: “Heather always had a great work ethic and attitude on the field. Because of this, she was able to have a strong impact on those around her.� Kevin Mocadlo, East Windsor, Golf Boys Golf Head Coach Todd Zenczak: “Kevin has made tremendous strides from the beginning of the year, especially on his iron play. I expect a big season out of Kevin next year.� Marissa Simonelli, East Windsor, Track Track Head Coach Andrew Masters: “Marissa is a fantastic hurdler and high jumper. The competitiveness and focus she shows demonstrates the mark of a good athlete.�
July 2012
Lindo A Star In All Sports Continued from Page 1 but I didn’t expect an award like this. I’m sure others are deserving, but it says a lot about my teammates.� Lindo was a standout receiver on the football team, a center on the (22-0) basketball team, and a team leader for the volleyball squad, which advanced to the state tournament quarterfinals. “We had a great sense of family on all of our teams. We really loved each other. I had a lot of great bonds and people whom I trusted and I hope trusted me,� Lindo said. Lindo believes that his teammates were the reason why he was able to find so much success. “In football you need a great QB to throw you the ball, and in basketball you lean on five other guys. If you don’t have them, you don’t win. You can’t do anything alone,� Lindo said. Lindo credits his basketball coach Cory O’Connell for getting the most of him as an athlete. “Coach O’Connell really pushed me. We didn’t always get along and we’d fight, but I knew he just wanted me to be great. I always wanted to please him and that was tough. I can’t thank him enough
In addition to being a high character indiXKFWCN 'PĹżGNFĹ?U *WIJ .KPFQ YCU C FQOKnant force in three sports for the Raiders. Photo by: Steve Palmer, TheSportsDept. com, www.stevepalmerphotography.com for what he taught me,â€? Lindo said. Lindo hopes to attend Western New England University in the fall and play both football and basketball. “I started the application process late, but I’ve talked to the coaches and they think things will move smoothly. I’m training and I look forward to the fall,â€? Lindo said.
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July 2012
The Sports Tolland Department
5
Triathlon A Huge Success By Tom Ainsworth, Tolland Recreation Hello Everyone, Our 5th Annual Summer Solstice Triathlon was a success with good weather and lots of fun. Many thanks to the recreation staff, our volunteers and our sponsors CNC Software and Tolland Bicycle for their help and support. The results of the race can be found online at plattsys.com. Our summer programs are starting and we have some new and interesting ones. Our summer camp is back at Crandall Park in the brand new pavilion, with new directors and some great new ideas for summer fun. There are still some openings available but don’t forget you have to register a week ahead for the following week. Crandall Pond is open daily for swimming from 1 to 6pm, weather permitting. There is a fee for swimming. Season passes are available for residents in the Recreation Office.
Check us out online for a complete listing of all the things we are offering this summer. Go to Tolland.org, under parks and recreation, and brochures. Also while you are there check out over 300 online programs we offer. They cover a wide range of topics and skills which may prove helpful in today’s ever changing job market. Save the date Saturday, September 15th on your calendar. That’s when we will be holding the 3rd Annual Celebrate Tolland Festival at Tolland High School. We are looking to showcase local artists and local talent. Applications for entering the Art Show are now available. The day will be filled with entertainment, games, contests, and lots of good food. If you are interested in participating, contact the Recreation Office. As always if you have any questions give us a call at 871-3610 Monday through Thursday, and we hope to see you out and about!
Luke Bowden attempts to bunt while playing in the Tolland LL Championship. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www.ajgphotoguy. com
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Clay Keane rips one to home plate in the Tolland LL Championship game against the Cardinals. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www.ajgphotoguy. com
Max Fenner kneels out of respect for an injured player. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www.ajgphotoguy.com
Jake Tellers preRCTGU VQ ſTG VJG ball into the net at the Bowers LAX Tournament. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www. ajgphotoguy.com
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American The Sports Legion Department Baseball
July 2012
Ellington Legion Cooling Off By Danny Atkinson, The Sports Department After a hot start to the season, the Ellington American Legion team is currently 10-8 and fifth in Zone 8. Ellington has struggled with consistency and had lost six of eight before winning three straight. The team was swept last weekend by Rockville in a doubleheader by scores of 8-7 and 3-2. Head coach Ray Mocadlo reflected on the frustrating losses a few days later. “We came in a little bit flat at the start of the day and couldn’t seem to get going on offense,” Mocadlo said. “We never got key hits when we needed them and Rockville did. It’s as simple as that.” He also said, “During the bad stretch we’ve been having, we’ve scored very few runs. We haven’t been able to generate offense, and weren’t able to rebound from having a bad inning or two.” Ellington’s 15-0 victory over Manchester on Monday, July 2 may be the offensive outburst the team needs to get back on track. “We came out in that game with the attitude that we would play hard and try to grab some momentum, and that’s just what our team did,” Mocadlo stated. “Once we got a run or two, that offensive success became contagious.” With its depth, particularly on the mound and on defense, Ellington still has a solid chance at qualifying for the Legion play-in tournament. It will need to go at least 7-3 in its final ten games to qualify. “If we continue to play like we did against Manchester then qualifying is very realistic,” Mocadlo said. “If we get there,
then going further will be based on who’s hot at the right time.”
as it plays six games in five days. Yates is optimistic about his team being able to maintain its current level of play. “We’re looking to play one game at a time,” he said. “If we continue to play with the same level of effort and aggressiveness we should be able to continue winning. We want to get to .500 and then continue going from there. Hopefully we can reach the state tournament.”
Rockville Rockville is 10-10 and sits in seventh place in Zone 8 as of July 8. On July 6th, Rockville defeated Manchester 3-1, limiting their opponent to just four hits. Rockville travels to South Windsor for a doubleheader on the 8th and faces Windsor at home the following day. Tolland Tolland is 9-9 as of July 8, but has lost three in a row and four of its last five. The team is in sixth place in Zone 8. Tolland was swept earlier in the season in a doubleheader at Windsor by scores of 6-4 and 5-4. “Windsor hit the ball very well in those games, and we struggled to get timely hits,” said head coach Dan Bracken. “Our team didn’t react well to the heat that day. It sapped some of their energy.” According to Bracken, a lack of timely hitting has significantly hurt his team and taken away from its strengths in the field and on the mound. Bracken believes Tolland can reverse its recent struggles and qualify for the Legion play-in tournament. He needs to see more mental toughness from his players for the tournament to become a reality. “Our team is playing with motivation, but I still want to see more intestinal fortitude from our guys,” he stated. “Otherwise, we’re going to make it harder on ourselves to qualify. That mental toughness will have to come from within. I’m confident that we’ll show it.” Tolland has home games versus Enfield, Manchester, and Windsor Locks on Friday the 6th, Sunday the 8th, and Tuesday the 10th.
South Windsor South Windsor is 10-6 and second in Zone 8 after winning 10 consecutive games. During the winning streak, South Windsor has defeated strong squads in Enfield and East Hartford. The 3-2 victory over East Hartford on June 26th was the most notable. In the contest, Dan Bettigole shut down East Hartford’s offense and South Windsor was able to break a tie in the bottom of $TKCP (KPPGICP ſTGU C VYQ JKVVGT KP 5QWVJ 9KPF- the sixth. UQTŏU XKEVQT[ QXGT 'PſGNF Pitching has been the team’s strength
Sakura Garden South Windsor had had great success in using The Sports Department website to promote events and charity donations to the surrounding towns in Connecticut. The overall manageability of the site is astounding; you can add images and personalize it to suit your needs. Better yet, it tells you in plain English! We are very please with the site itself as well as the people working behind the scenes, and we are proud to be a member of The Sports Department site! Rich Vasile, Sakura Garden, South Windsor To learn how The Sports Department can help your business grow please call 860-872-0873 or email us at: ads@thesportsdept.com
'PſGNF Enfield native Justin Thomas has consistently established himself as one of the very best pitchers in Connecticut. Thomas, a six foot, 185 pound left-hander who just graduated from Enfield High School and currently plays for the town’s American Legion squad, was a star for Enfield the See “THOMAS”, Page 23
South WIndsor’s Andrew King checks the sign from second base. all season. Bettigole and Brian Finnegan have been South Windsor’s aces, but Peter Haggerty, Andrew King and Stephen Porcello have also pitched well. Haggerty tossed a one-hitter in a 5-3 victory over Windsor on Tuesday, July 3rd. According to head coach George Yates, first baseman Robbie Linnell, Haggerty, and third baseman Anthony Garcia have performed particularly well at the plate during this stretch. South Windsor has a very challenging stretch of games beginning on July 5th,
South Windsor’s Tony Garcia races for third base.
July 2012
Twilight The Sports Baseball Department League
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Foss Insurance Battling The Injury Bug By Reid L. Walmark, The Sports Department The Greater Hartford Twilight Baseball League has operated continuously since 1929 and ballplayers from The Sports Department circulation area (Tolland, Ellington, Vernon, South Windsor, Somers, East Windsor, Stafford, Enfield and Glastonbury) have played significant roles over the years. This season is no exception, with more than a dozen area players making meaningful contributions. Mitch Plourde (ECSU), a 2010 graduate of Ellington, is in his second season with Foss Insurance. Manager Gene Johnson is looking forward to Plourde’s return from injury in mid-July. Also injured is Gary Burnham, a 1993 graduate of South Windsor, who has played in three games and is batting .308. He played minor league ball for the Phillies after playing at Clemson. His younger brother, Brett Burnham, was drafted by the Padres in 2003 out of UConn, but has not played yet for Foss this season and may not at all, Johnson said. Brett Burnham, a 1999 graduate of South Windsor, is a former GHTBL MVP and has led the league in many offensive categories over the years. Jeff Johnson, the manager’s son, a 1985 graduate of Rockville High School in Vernon, has yet to play this summer for Foss. The former Eastern Connecticut player (1988) has been named league MVP and is a former GHTBL batting champion. Kevin Clements (Rockville 2006), a 2010 graduate of the University of Bridgeport, is hitting .429 with 14 RBI.
John Kuschman, of Glastonbury, graduated from East Catholic High School in 2005, where he was an All-Northwest Conference selection before playing for four years at Johnson & Wales University in Providence. Kuschman, 25, is a third baseman for the East Hartford Jets (8-9). He is hitting .297 with two home runs and eight runs batted in and .357 on-base percentage. “He’s one of our solid contributors for sure,” said East Hartford manager Chris Kehoe. “He’s usually solid for us defensively.” Kuschman enjoys the competitive nature of the wooden-bat league, whose most famous alumnus is former Yankee Bernie Williams, who played for a now-defunct Meriden-based team as a 16-year-old. “To me it beats playing softball, it’s more competitive,” said Kuschman, who reports half the players in the league have collegeplaying experience. “We’re at the age where we’re still athletic. We’re all still competitive. It gives us something to do.” Alex Perry, a 2005 graduate of Glastonbury, is a part-time player for the Jets. Peoples United Bank (10-4) and Foss Insurance (9-5) have the heaviest local contingents, each with four full-time players. Ryan Aiken, a 2003 graduate of Fermi High School in Enfield, is playing first base for Peoples. Aiken, who played at the University of New Haven, is batting .400 with two homers and 12 RBI. He was named All-GHTBL last summer. Josh
Dan Trubia (7) is congratulated by Rob Roy after his hit. Fredettte, a 2011 graduate of Somers, played at Eastern Connecticut this spring. Manager Tom Abbruzzese calls him “a good fielding shortstop.” Matt Reimer, a 2004 graduate of Ellington High School, was named All-League second baseman in 2011. He is a 2007 graduate of Eastern Connecticut, where he played in the 2008 Division III World Series. Reimer, who is also a pitcher and outfielder, is hitting .303 and has seven stolen bases, a category he has led the league in previously. His younger brother, Mike Reimer, a 2007
graduate of Ellington, is hitting .323 with a home run in a limited capacity because he is recovering from an injury the past season at Eastern Connecticut. Greg White, a graduate of East Windsor, is in his fourth year with Ferguson Waterworks (14-1). “He always keeps us in the game,” said Greg Annino, manager of the defending champions. White is 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings over four starts and a relief appearance. Mike Tingley (Rockville 2005), See “KUCKUCKA”, Page 23
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The Sports Ellington Department
Youth
July 2012
Photos Joe Dzen shows his “no-hitter� form during the Ellington Little League Juniors championship game. Dzen pitched a complete game no-hitter to lead (QWTPKGT +TTKICVKQP VQ C XKEVQT[ QXGT Swiss Cleaners.
Congratulations to the Ellington 7-8th grade girls lacrosse team which won its division at the Paul Bowers Memorial Tournament in Somers. The team was also awarded the tournament’s prestigious Sportsmanship Award. Courtesy of: Mike Wylie
The Sports Department photographers are always out and about looking for great shots of our local kids competing in a variety of sports. If you have a photo you would like to submit to The Sports Department please send an email to Storyideas@thesportsdept.com. Please include names for the caption and a brief description of the action. The third time was the charm for Seraphin (QTF CU VJG team captured the Ellington Majors playoff title. It was 5GTCRJKP (QTFĹ?U third consecutive appearCPEG KP VJG ĹżPCN CPF ĹżTUV VKVNG KP that span.
The Exchange Club was the Ellington Major League regular season champion this year.
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July 2012
The Sports Ellington Department
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Dine onlythrough through July. Dine ininonly May.Not Not valid with coupons. Valid withany anyother other offers offers ororcoupons.
Get Outside While The Weather Is Good By Bob Tedford, Ellington Recreation As the summer of 2012 continues to offer quality weather, please visit www. ellington-ct.gov. Click on town services and click on parks and recreation. A myriad of activities are available to town residents and pre-registration is required. The recreation office phone number is: (860) 870-3118. Office hours are: Monday 8:30am- 6pm, Tuesday-Thursday 8:30am4pm, Friday 8:30am-1:30pm.
Fall Soccer Fall soccer registrations are being accepted at either the recreation office or via active-net (Town of Ellington registration system). Check the updated parks and recreation page (Town of Ellington website) for updated travel team evaluation dates/time frames.
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243 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon CT 860.649.8620
ing sessions will be offered free of charge to Town of Ellington Volunteers: coaches, instructors, officials. July 17: 5pm-9:30pm, August 1: 5pm9:30pm, August 25: 9am-1:30pm. )Q VQ GNNKPIVQP UCHGV["[CJQQ EQO CPF leave your name and phone number, the sport you are coaching, teaching or officiating, and the date you have chosen to attend. New Tennis Courts Four new tennis courts located at the Abram and Rachel Schwartz park located on Maple Street have gone through its first “full� spring season. Due to increased use the recreation department will be posting an information board that will define updated USTA practice and match schedules, as well as the days and hours of open use.
A myriad of activities are available Officiating Clinic Individuals 14 years of to town age or older who wish to in a Fall (basresidents participate ketball or soccer) officiating clinic, should contact and pre$QD 6GFHQTF CV TVGFHQTF" registration is ellington-ct.gov. Ordinances required. Town-Wide Please remember: Town
Summer Activities An abundance of summer programs are available for town residents. Please review the town’s parks and recreation website. Day trips, informal volleyball, basketball, sports camps, spring triathlon (July 15, 2012), ARC swim lessons, open swim at Sandy beach, summer day camp, golf and tennis lessons,...and many other choices.
Coaching Clinic New and returning soccer coaches are welcome to register for Fall-2012 coaching clinics in an effort to prepare for the 201213 season. Two separate clinics will be offered, one for the ‘relatively new’ coach and a second for the ‘experienced’ coach. 2NGCUG GOCKN TVGFHQTF"GNNKPIVQP EV IQX KH you wish to be included on the contact list. Special Events AED/CPR/First Aid Training. The follow-
ordinances prohibit ‘animals’ from being brought to Town of Ellington athletic facilities. The Town of Ellington does not recognize a ‘leash’ law. Fall Programming/Special Event Instructors The Fall program brochure is expected to become available the first week of September 2012. If you possess a ‘specialty’ skill that may be of interest to the residents of Ellington, and wish to be considered as an instructor, please contact the recreation office at (860) 870-3118 no later than August 1, 2012.
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The Sports Department
July 2012
July 2012
The Sports Department
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The South SportsWindsor Department
July 2012
South Windsor National Once Again Showing Well In Tournament Play It seems that once the calendar flips to July, the South Windsor National Little League teams begin to dominate the area District 8 tournaments. This season is no exception as the the 11-12 year old boys jumped out to a 3-0 start in District 8 pool play before losing 5-3 on July 7 to Windsor. One of the victories came at the expense of a gritty South Windsor American team, 8-7. “We can’t say enough about our Americans. We jumped out and they came back with a grand slam – they played terrific,� National Manager Mike Smith said after its game against SWA, “We’re battle tested, all three games were good, close games. We won two games in the bottom of the sixth. Every game has been a team game, we always say ‘together’� South Windsor American has lost 3 of 4 games after a 6-1 defeat to Thompsonville on July 6. Ellington and Rockville play in Pool 1 and provided one of the most exciting games thus far, with Ellington getting the victory in an 8-7 come-from-behind victory on July 3. Nathan Motisi, Daniel Leonard, and Chase Kidd were been consistent standouts for Ellington, which finished 2-2. Rockville has had two onerun losses after leading early in games. Tolland has put 10 runs on the board twice thus far but Manager Kris Popovitch still thinks the team can “get the bats going� even more. The pitching has been solid overall and he added, “We’ve got quite
a few arms and we’ve been keeping the pitch counts down a bit.� Andrew Jaworski, Clayton Keane, and Patrick Regan have been reliable on the mound. The 10-11 baseball All-Stars from the area have been excellent, with South Windsor National, South Windsor American, and Ellington posting many wins to lead the charge into the final rounds. Vernon and Tolland will also play on in the finals. South Windsor National has won four games and scored in double digits each time. In the 9/10 division, the boys have moved past pool play and are now into the final rounds of their tournament. Tolland, Rockville, and Vernon all competed hard but struggled to get wins against tough opponents such as Ellington, who finished pool play 4-0, and South Windsor, which had two teams go 3-1. In the final rounds, Ellington was knocked out of the losers bracket with a 14-7 loss to Enfield on July 5. South Windsor National advanced to the winner’s bracket, but then lost to the Manchester Americans on July 6, 6-1. In the 13/14 All-Star league, the Tolland boys finished pool play 5-0, Ellington 3-2 and South Windsor at 0-5. On the girls side of the 11-12 age group, Vernon was crowned as the District 8 champions after defeating Windsor 10-0 on July 3. Vernon’s pitching and defense were outstanding in the district tournament. In five games, the girls allowed only
eight runs, including back-to-back shutouts to close out the title. In the title game, Morgan Bolduk struck out seven, increasing her total to 25 in four games. Other standout players for Vernon were Sarah Silver and Tiffany Cosgrove, who each played well in the field and contributed offensively. Chelsea Chatterton, Shannon Skivington, and Monica Bolduk did well at the plate to help seal the win. Ellington and Tolland competed hard in District 8 as well, with Ellington advancing through pool play to the final round and posting a 2-2 record. The Tolland girls grabbed a win in pool play, defeating Man-
+VĹ?U EGNGDTCVKQP VKOG HQT 6KHHCP[ %QUITQXG N CPF /QTICP $QNFWM CHVGT VJG 8GTPQP all-stars clinched the District 8 title.
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chester in a high scoring contest. This year has been an incredible year for softball in Vernon after a Class L title in high school, the young All-Star team is showing that it may be ready to fill those big shoes in years to come. The softball 9-10s struggled in District 8 this year and no teams advanced to the final rounds of the tournament after pool play. It was an extremely high scoring tournament overall, with many games seeing double digit runs put on the scoreboard for both teams. South Windsor turned in a respectable 2-2 record, while Vernon was also able to earn a victory over Tolland.
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July 2012
The Sports Department Little League All-Stars
Enfield catcher Nick Camp and Ellington’s Jason Leslie await the verdict on a close play CV JQOG RNCVG FWTKPI C #NN 5VCT UJQYFQYP 2JQVQ D[ /CZ &GNCPQ 5RGEKCN VQ 6JG Sports Department.
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Kieman Caffrey is the picture of determination as he makes the pitch towards home plate HQT VJG 5QWVJ 9KPFUQT #NN 5VCTU
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The Sports Health & Department Wellness
July 2012
Cross Train For Athletic Success By Julie Dutton, ATC, LAT at Integrated Rehabilitation Services Unless you are a competitive swimmer, you might limit your time in the water to brief dips to cool off during the summer months. Savvy athletes, however, incorporate swimming as part of their training routine for other competitive sports because they know this strategy enhances their competitive advantage. This summer consider implementing an outdoor cross-training swimming program to augment your other training efforts. Four Benefits of a Cross-Training Swimming Program 1. Improved Fitness Most sports involve a certain amount of ECTFKQXCUEWNCT ĹżVPGUU HQT RGCM RGTHQTmance. Swimming can greatly improve your cardiovascular strength, power, and GHĹżEKGPE[ YJKEJ YKNN CFF C PGY FKOGPsion to your athletic performance and overall health. 2. Enhanced Recovery Assuming that you are performing regular high intensity workouts, mixing in light workouts in the water can enhance your muscle recovery to prepare you for the next level of competition. 3. Injury Prevention Overuse injuries are often the result of
Did You Know?... A Monthly Column Featuring Athletic Training Tips Sponsored By Integrated Rehabilitation Services aerobic sports but can also affect those athletes who play their respective sport twelve months per year. Muscle imbalance, biomechanical errors and inadequate recovery are just a few causes of chronic or recurrent musculoskeletal injuries in sports. You can avoid overtraining by substituting swimming for QVJGT URQTV URGEKĹżE YQTMQWVU 4. Rehabilitation If you do suffer an injury, take to the lake or pool. The buoyancy of water makes it the ideal place to rehabilitate injuries because it allows you to exercise in a non-weight bearing environment.
about 3/4 of the way through a full stroke. Catch-Up with a Board or Noodle In this variation of the catch-up stroke, your front hand is holding a kick board. As the arms trade places, they hand off the board to each other. Fist Drag Swim the freestyle stroke with your hands closed during the entire stroke to develop power in your trunk. For more information regarding swimming interval training or to schedule a complimentary assessment, contact Julie CV LFWVVQP"KPVGITGJCD EQO
25 yards with three to five repetitions. Catch-Up Swim the freestyle stroke keeping your front arm stationary, extended forward pointing to your destination, while the opposite arm performs the stroke. As the working arm “catches-up� with the stationary arm, repeat the stroke with the opposite arm.
Julie Dutton was awarded Coach of the ;GCT KP D[ VJG %QPPGEVKEWV ,WPKQT Soccer Association, Northeast District. Julie is an Athletic Trainer at Integrated Rehabilitation in the Tolland clinic. Julie CNUQ EQCEJGU VJG %QXGPVT[ 5QEEGT 7 girls team and is a contributing writer for The Sports Department.
3/4 Catch-Up The technique is the same as the catchup stroke, except the stationary (front) arm begins to move when the working arm is
Interval Swimming Workout Session Swim the freestyle stroke for 100 yards at 50% maximum effort and rest for 30 seconds. Repeat 10 times. Most novice swimmers are able to complete 100 yards in two minutes, resulting in a 4:1 work to rest ratio. Drills for Swimming Workout Session As you gain strength, you can add basic drills to your workouts to improve efficiency and add interest to keep from getting bored. Each drill should be performed for
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Vernon The Sports Department
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Tennis Camp Held At RHS USSI tennis staff will follow curriculums and guidelines laid out by the USTA, which includes the highly appraised Quickstart Tennis format. At every level, participants will learn the basic fundamentals in stroke production, court movement and footwork skills, all in a low pressured environment. Most importantly it’s all about fun, with games, games and more games during each session! This Tennis Camp is suited to players who are of beginner to intermediate level. All children who attend the tennis camp will have a great time playing and learning the number one racket sport. Children need to provide racket. Ŗ 8GTPQP 4QEMXKNNG *KIJ 5EJQQN Ŗ ,WN[ Ŗ VQ [GCT QNFU Ŗ VQ [GCT QNFU CO CO Ŗ VQ [GCT QNFU CO RO Ŗ %QUV Sports Squirts Program The Sport Squirts program introduces children aged 3 to 5 to a variety of sports such as Soccer, T-ball, Basketball, Lacrosse and Hockey, all taking place in a safe structured environment ensuring learning is taking place. Activities are designed to evoke a child’s imagination in which they can Find Nemo, send Shrek into a spin or capture Jellyfish with Sponge Bob Square Pants. All activities promote hand-eye coordination, movement and balance and most importantly Fun, Fun, Fun. Ŗ 8GTPQP 4QEMXKNNG *KIJ 5EJQQN Ŗ ,WN[ Ŗ VQ [GCT QNFU Ŗ R O R O Ŗ %QUV Beginners Golf Clinic Using a revolutionary new system, the
USSI Golf clinic is the ideal way to introduce youngsters to the game of Golf. Children will learn all the basic golf techniques such as the swing, grip and ball striking using unique and fun training methods as well as doing team challenges and playing in our US Open Competition. Children will experience greater success using the larger balls and club heads allowing them to strike the ball more consistently and increase their confidence which will encourage them to continue to enjoy the game of Golf. Ĺ– 8GTPQP 4QEMXKNNG *KIJ 5EJQQN Ĺ– ,WN[ Ĺ– VQ [GCT QNFU Ĺ– RO RO Ĺ– %QUV Beginner Lacrosse Clinic Beginner Lacrosse players will have Great fun learning this exhilarating game. The US Sports Institute lacrosse program is ideal for entry level players with no previous experience. Players can experience, Stick Handling, Passing, Scooping, Dodging and shooting as well as many other fundamental Techniques. Players will grouped by age, playing ability and experience level. No previous experience playing lacrosse is required to attend the clinic. Ĺ– 8GTPQP 4QEMXKNNG *KIJ 5EJQQN Ĺ– ,WN[ Ĺ– VQ [GCT QNFU Ĺ– R O R O Ĺ– %QUV
Olivia Lisee sprints with the ball to score at a recent LAX game against RHAM. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www.ajgphotoguy.com
Alex Cavar sprints toward the end of the mile run in a recent track meet. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www.ajgphotoguy.com
Free Boats Come and enjoy a day on Bolton Lake on a canoe or paddle boat. Newhoca Beach is offering free boat rentals on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. starting July 2, 2012 through August 17, 2012. For more information call 860-870-3520.
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The Sports Department
July 2012
Motorsports
pagE
Goff Sees Patience Rewarded did have a fast car, and when I decided to make a move, the car responded. With five laps to go, I started to go easy into the turns, and I started to pull away, which surprised me. I had a win before at Thompson, but I started on the pole. This time I really had to earn it. That’s what made it memorable.� Then the celebration along the fence made it even more memorable. And there’s one more statistic that made the win stand out. At 56, Goff is the oldest driver in the division. He is flourishing in a division that’s filled with teenage competitors. Goff is fifth in the point standings, only 34 points out of the lead. “I don’t think it’s that tough to compete against the kids,� Goff said. “The one thing that hurts them is inexperience. Many of them aren’t used to driving a heavier car. But it’s halfway through the season. Everyone at this stage knows what to do. Like any other drivers, you have to know who to run with and who you can’t.� And Goff has run with the best of them all year long, despite some very serious wrecks. “This year after I had a bad crash, I really didn’t know if I was going to come back,� Goff said. “We have some great product sponsors that help us out, but we didn’t have any cash sponsors. “But my wife said ‘go for it,’� Goff said. “The repairs came out of the family bud-
get. But it made it satisfying because we did it as a family.� Goff has a solid support system. All you need to do is look alongside the fence on a Friday night to verify that. Dead Heat One of Stafford’s closest point battles is in the Limited Late Model division. Stafford’s Corey Casagrande is tied in the standings with Josh Wood of Palmer, Mass. “I expect it’s going to be this tight for the rest of the season,� Casagrande said. “We
both have pretty good cars.� In the DARE Stocks, three Stafford drivers are involved in an intense points battle. Cliff Saunders has a 10-point cushion over both Kyle Casagrande and Austin Bessette. Sidelined Because of motor problems, “Magnum� Mike Bennett was forced to sit out the 40lap SK Modified feature on July 6. “We just didn’t get our motor back in time,� Bennett said. “But we will be back. I still think we have a fast car.�
Midford Jr. Helps Raise More Than 6K For Greg Caron Family Fund CARQUEST Champions For Charities driver Ron Midford, Jr. presents Marine Corporal Greg Caron with a check for TGRTGUGPVKPI 4QPĹ?U fundraising efforts for the Greg Caron Family Fund. The CARQUEST Champions For Charities race was held at Stafford Speedway on Saturday, June 30th, and the race’s 13 drivers raised over HQT XCTKQWU EJCTKVKGU
Courtesy of: Stafford Motor Speedway
STAFFORD — It’s the first car most fans see when they enter Stafford Motor Speedway on a Friday night. The 07 SK Light Modified belonging to Stafford’s Jay Goff is impossible to miss — parked right next to the fence adjacent to the ticket booths. There’s an obvious reason why Goff picked such a choice area of real estate in which to park his Modified. “I just love the fans,� Goff said. “I park there so people can come over and look at the car. I get a lot of support.� That fence was lined with fans on June 15 after Goff captured his first feature win of his long Stafford career. “I got back to my parking spot and there were about 20 people at the fence, waiting to congratulate me,� Goff said. “That really made the night memorable for me.� Here’s something else that made it an unforgettable night — it took Goff 35 years to get it. He started his career at Stafford in 1977 in the Street Stock division when he made a couple of appearances. He became a full-time competitor in 1979 and for the next ten years raced at Stafford and Thompson International Speedway. “Then in 1989 I stopped racing so I could raise a family,� Goff said. He stayed retired until a few years back, when his son Aaron became involved in racing. “I wanted to run with my son, so I got back into it,� Goff said. “He left a couple of seasons ago, but I’m still here.� Although Goff had one of the fastest cars in the SK Light division, he didn’t have many Top 3 finishes to show for it. The valleys were outnumbering the peaks by a sizable margin. “It was very frustrating,� Goff said. “I felt I was giving a lot of good finishes away. It seemed I was always getting involved in someone else’s wreck. And I had more second-place finishes than you could count. I even finished second once in the point championship.� His second place status changed on June 15 when Goff was able to charge into the lead with five laps to go. Unlike his past performances, he stayed in front. “It was very rewarding,� Goff said. “I
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July 2012
The Sports Department
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Rockville Football Absorbs First Loss Of Season Cox Forced To Step Down As Coach As Full Time Job Changes By B. N. Mazzone, The Sports Department TOLLAND—It has been said that breaking up is hard to do. However, for a local coach and athletic director that phrase has an entirely new meaning. On June 27, Pat Cox’s four month run as the Rockville High School head football coach was brought to an abrupt end due to a change in his position at Tolland High School. Recently, Cox has been serving as the Tolland athletic director. The job called for Cox to teach two periods per day, and then he was allowed 80 minutes per day to work on his duties as an athletic director. On Wednesday evening that all changed. Cox went from being a teacher/AD to becoming the full time athletic director of Tolland athletics. Cox was relieved of his teaching duties and now he will take over both the high and middle school athletic schedules on a full time basis. “This is a really unique situation,” Cox said. “I didn’t expect this to happen. I was committed to doing both jobs (RHS football/Tolland AD), and this came up on June 14th. I never expected this to happen. I am happy that the job is now a full time spot, but I also feel terrible about leaving Rockville behind.” Cox coached Rockville from 1995-2004 under Tom Dunn. In 2005, he took over the Tolland program before stepping down
to focus on his duties as an athletic director. This past winter Rockville had an opening for the head coach and Cox was eager to rebuild a program that he has a great deal of pride in. “Rockville used to be a powerhouse. From the late 60s until Coach Dunn left. I think there are some great athletes, tough kids, who walk those hallways. I was so enthusiastic about getting things started and getting Rockville back to where it used to be. I guess it just wasn’t in the cards,” Cox said. Upon being hired this winter, Cox met with the student athletes, implemented a lifting program, hired a full coaching staff, and even had his team involved in summer 7 on 7 activities. “I was planning on leading this team. I honestly never expected that my title would change at Tolland. If I had known that it would, I wouldn’t have applied for this job (Rockville). I wouldn’t have put Tolland in this situation, I wouldn’t have put Rockville in this situation. I feel very badly for the principal, the ad, the kids, my staff…it’s tough. I love my job, but it’s hard to feel like you let people down,” Cox said. Cox noted that Tolland was the only one of 32 teams in the CCC which did not have a full time AD. Although this was a unique situation, he was told that his position would not change. Cox was shocked when
he heard that money was going to become available and that there was a chance that he would have to step down at Rockville. “I’ve been in contact with everyone. I’ve kept my coaches, AD, principal, everyone involved. I wish this didn’t have to happen, but sometimes these things just aren’t in the cards,” Cox said. Cox noted that he loves his spot at Tolland, but he felt like the situation came out of the blue and left the Rockville community in an unfavorable situation. Cox did note that assistant Rob Sholtz is a candidate to take over as the head coach at Rockville. In addition to Sholtz, Cox said he expects the rest of the coaching staff to remain intact at Rockville. “That’s a great staff,” Cox said. “They are energetic, young, smart, hard working. I have old Rockville guys, Tolland guys, some of my old players who have great experience.” Rockville athletic director Steve Phelps was surprised by the situation. “Pat was doing a good job of having our kids lifting and that stuff…,” Phelps said. Phelps also could not confirm the hiring of Sholtz at this time. “I’m out of town. When I get back the principal might be out of town; nothing is finalized yet. Pat has made recommendations, but we aren’t sure of anything. It could take a while,” Phelps said. Although disappointed by the situation, Cox feels that Tolland and Rockville are headed in the right direction. “Tolland is a growing town. We have hundreds of athletes performing at a high
Patrick Cox’ return to the coaching ranks was short lived as he was forced to step CUKFG CV 4QEMXKNNG *KIJ FWG VQ C EJCPIG KP his job status as Athletic Director at TolNCPF *KIJ 5EJQQN level and that will continue. We’ll also try to get the middle school aligned with the other CCC schools and get things in order between the two schools,” Cox said. Cox still wishes that he had the opportunity to turn the program around at Rockville. “Some of my most fond memories came from Rockville High. I met great people, had great students, athletes, friends, and teams. It was wonderful. I wish we could have had the time to build that back up, and telling the kids was tough. I feel a lot of guilt about leaving,” Cox said. “I just know that both programs are in great hands. I am confident in both Tolland and Rockville’s immediate future,” Cox said.
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The Sports Department
July 2012
Local Digest Tolland U13 Girls Soccer Team Champions of the Spring Connecticut Cup Championship The Tolland U13 girls soccer team won the 2012 Spring Connecticut Cup Championship on Saturday, June 16th. The girls pulled out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over three-time state finalist Milford in overtime at Curtiss Park in Simsbury. Their victory represents the 5th Connecticut Cup Championship in the 30-year history of the Club. Tolland had previously won the North Central Division, and this pair of championships had only been done four times previously in Tolland Soccer history.
Team Members include: Jessica Barry, Brooke Bonadies, Victoria Brocius, Katherine DeLoreto, Marisa Dennis, Bailey Elliott, Hannah Lachut, Julia Lyon, Sammie Matteo, Catherine Moore, Cassidy Nuccio, Taylor Papa, Allie Salina, Kelly Shea, Greg Lachut - Coach, Andy Lyon - Coach
Exchange Club Team Playoff Champions of Rockville Little League The Exchange Club won both the regular season and playoff championships in Rockville Little League this season. In the championship game, Exchange Club bested TKBS Club 1-0 in a pitchers duel. The game featured no walks and no errors. Ryan Burkhardt hurled a 1 hit shutout with 12 strikeouts. In the bottom of the sixth, with two outs, Burkhardt singled for his second hit of the game. He was moved to second by a Francis Collin single, and scored the winning run on a safety by Michael Main. Shane Tourtellotte went the distance for TKBS allowing only 5 hits with 8 strikeouts. Tourtelotte collected their only hit. Jonathan St. Germain and Allison Petrella also played well for TKBS. The championship capped a season that saw the Exchange Club post a 20-1 record. Front Row (left to right kneeling holding
trophy): Pat McCoy and Ryan Burkhardt Second Row (left to right kneeling and standing): Devon Miville, Josh Deane, Joseph Santiago-Campos, Brittany Fisher, River Hutchison and Alex Deane Third Row (left to right): Zachary Woods, Francis Collin, Michael Main and Tristan Harrison Back Row (left to right): Gabe Llantin, Coach; Chris Burkhardt, Manager; John Miville, Coach; Marc Collin, Coach; and Todd Harrison, Coach
Savino Named Female Athlete Of The Year By WNEU Sports Information SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Emily Savino of Ellington was named the Coca Cola Female Athlete Of The Year at Western New England University on June 12. Savino was a First Team All-Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) selection and the WNE Most Outstanding Player this past winter. She led the Golden Bears to a 14-13 record with a 16.0 scoring average that ranked second in the conference. Savino was first in the CCC in free-throw (82.3) and second in
(QTOGT 'NNKPIVQP *KIJ UVCPFQWV 'OKN[ Savino was named (GOCNG #VJNGVG QH The Year at Western N.E. University. field-goal (47.1) percentage. Savino will be honored at the WNEU Hall of Fame Banquet during homecoming weekend on Sept 28.
Tolland Standout Dorothy Ann Miller Earns Swimming Scholarship to Florida International Tolland senior Dorothy Ann Miller has earned a partial athletic scholarship to swim for Florida International University and will be racing for FIU starting in the 2012-2013 season. Miller was an All-State swimmer for Tolland four MILLER years running. She was an LC 200m backstroke champion, a Junior National Qualifier in the 200M backstroke and a Super Sectional Qualifier in the 400M and 200M IM,
200m breaststroke and the 200 and 100 backstroke. At Tolland, Miller was ranked in the top three percent of her class and was president of the National Honor Society. She was a three-time Connecticut Scholar Athlete and earned the High Academic Excellence Award for Spanish and Marketing. “Dorothy is what I call a sleeper recruit in the fact that she has abilities that haven’t been completely tapped into yet,� FIU head coach Randy Horner said. “Her ability in the backstroke events will provide depth for the team. She was accepted in the FIU Honors College so she will be a leader in the classroom as well as in the pool.�
Maine Fish Takes Minors Title In Ellington
Tolland Soccer Club Looking for Volunteers to Work With its TOP Soccer Division The Tolland Soccer Club is seeking middle and high school age volunteers for the fall season of its TOP Soccer Division, which is open to boys and girls ages 5-18 with developmental disabilities. Volunteer commitment includes Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings for 90 minutes, along with a smile and a positive attitude! Volunteers will
be accepted on a first come, first serve basis, as the program fills up quickly. For more information on how to volunteer this fall, contact Buddy Coordinator, Mary Kay Della Camera at thedelNCU"EQOECUV PGV QT D[ RJQPG CV 874-2342. We look forward to hearing from you as our program enters its 15th consecutive season.
Eagle Soccer School Expands in Second Year By Danny Atkinson The Tolland Eagle Soccer School is excited to return for its second year. Once again, 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the town’s high school soccer program. Due to the great response last year, a second week has been added to allow more flexibility in scheduling. The Eagle Soccer School will be held on July 23–27th and August 22–26th at the Cross Farms Recreation Complex from 9 am–noon. It is aimed at boys and
girls from ages 5-12. Created in partnership with the Tolland Soccer Club, the school will be staffed by high school athletes donating their time and overseen by Tolland High School boys soccer coach Jim Leahy. Registration materials are available on the Tolland Soccer Club website at www. VQNNCPFUQEEGT EQO 6JG ECOR HGG also includes a Tolland Eagles Soccer Ball shirt. For more information, you may also contact Coach Leahy at (860) 810 QT D[ GOCKN CV LKO"NGCJ[OI EQO
Maine Fish won the Minors Division championship in Ellington Little League.
Pick-Your-Own
BLUEBERRIES! ERRIES! It’s Blueberry Season at Dzen Blueberry Hill! Enjoy “Dzen’s Best�
at one of the area’s few remaining pick-your-own blueberry farms. Monday - Friday: 8 am to 12 noon & 4 pm to 8 pm Saturday & Sunday: 8 am to 4 pm
Call 860-644-4575
FOR UPDATED INFORMATI + OPEN 7 DAYS Mapquest us: 87 Barber Hill Rd, Broad Brook, CT 06016
Fresh picked blueberries are also available at Dzen Garden Market in Ellington and Somers.
Bring the Family!
July 2012
The South SportsWindsor Department
Youth
19
Photos Connor Johnson concentrates on striking out another batter. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www. ajgphotoguy.com
Jake Donald showed some true Major League form on the pitching mound. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www.ajgphotoguy.com The Sports Department photographers are always out and about looking for great shots of our local kids competing in a variety of sports. If you have a photo you would like to submit to The Sports Department please send an GOCKN VQ 5VQT[KFGCU"VJGURQTVUFGRV com. Please include names for the caption and a brief description of the action.
Charlie King looks up in awe at his incredible hit during a Little League game. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www.ajgphotoguy.com
Matt Dion has all the moves of playing for the Major Leaguers in just a few short years. Photo by: Andre Garant, The Sports Department, www.ajgphotoguy.com
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The South SportsWindsor Department
Local Kids Are Off To Cover The Olympics For TheSportsDept.com By TheSportsDept.com Staff Report Former Ellington High standout athletes Nick Varney and Emily Savino are heading to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London this summer and they will be sharing their experiences exclusively with our online readers at TheSportsDept. com. The two Western New England University students will be in London from July 25-August 4 as part of a class at WNEU. As part of their assignment, Varney and Savino have studied the relationship between the Olympics and the culture that surrounds the games as well as the
business and marketing aspects of such a large scale event. Both students were three-sport athletes at EHS. Varney plays club soccer at WNEU and Savino is a three year starter and captain of the women’s basketball team at WNEU. The pair will be providing twice daily updates from their trip and are expected to attend a number of events at the Olympic Games including women’s basketball, equestrian, women’s volleyball, badminton, tennis, field hockey and archery. You can follow along each morning and night beginning on July 25 exclusively at www.TheSportsDept.com. Western New England University students Emily Savino and Nick Varney will be providing twice daily coverage of VJG 5WOmer Olympics in London exclusively for TheSportsDept.com beginning July
July 2012
Tennis Lessons For All Abilities By Patrick Telman, South Windsor Recreation Registration for all spring/summer programs and offerings are underway. You can register for programs at the office, by mail or online. The recreation office can be reached at (860) 648-6355. Office hours are: Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm.
day (morning, afternoon, and evening). Each class consists of eight thirty-minute lessons. The pre-session and Saturday session will consist of four sixty-minute lessons. Registration will be on a first come, first serve basis. If you would like to share a lesson with another family you may split the fee of the lesson. View schedule and/or register online at http://southwindsor.recreation.org.
The recreation office can be reached at
(860) 648-6355.
Tennis Lessons Instructed by Todd Custer Lessons are available for the beginner to advanced player. They meet at Wapping School Tennis Courts, Monday-Friday for two week sessions beginning on July 9, July 23 and August 6. Morning, afternoon and evening sessions are available. View schedule and/or register online at recreation.southwindsor.org.
Office hours
Bobcat Softball Academy Bobcat Softball Academy will provide a challenging and highly instructional week of softball for girls. Emphasis is on skill development and teamwork. Directed by South Windsor High School Girls Softball Coach Amanda Roczniak, your player will enjoy a week of instruction, skill development and fun. Ayers Road Complex, Ages 7-15, Girls, Monday-Thursday 9am-1pm, July 16-July (GG
are: Monday
through Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Private Lessons Private Swim Lessons are offered for both adult and child instruction. You may sign up for an individual lesson (one-onone) or pair up with a friend or sibling within one level of each other. Private Lessons are limited to two participants per class and will be offered throughout the
Adult Programs and Classes There are many adult fitness program offerings from Aerobics to Zumba, Boot Camp, Pilates, Yoga and more. Visit our website for a listing of all adult offerings.
“
We ran our first ad with The Sports Department (in March 2012) and we got our very first call on our new client special the same day the paper came out! Thank you!
Marianne Anderson
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Laura Mateya Owner, Kennedy and Company Spa and Salon, Vernon To learn how The Sports Department can help your business grow please call 860-872-0873 or email us at: ads@thesportsdept.com
July 2012
The Sports Department
Golf
21
pagE Willow Brook Tournament Raises Nearly One Thousand Dollars For Prostate Cancer Awareness
(860) 646 -1151 Hebron, Ct.
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Call for Tee Times Today!
M E E T
(South Windsor, CT)–Golfers at Willow Reluctant Brotherhood,â€? the memberBrook Golf Course helped raise nearly ship name Hartford Hospital’s Prostate VQ DGPGHKV #TPKGĹ?U #TO[ #TPKGĹ?U Cancer Support Group uses to identify Army Battles Prostate Cancer is a charity themselves. Their goal is to help those afgolf event designed to raise prostate canflicted to better understand their treatment cer awareness. options and the opportunities for living a Since 2002, the program’s closesthappy and healthy lifestyle. Bob Brass was to-the-pin contests have in making this “We want to instrumental introduced the message event a success. of early detection to more Highlights of Willow help spread than 70,000 golfers and Brook’s Campaign for Arnie’s the word to our Army included: JCXG TCKUGF OKNNKQP for the Prostate Cancer customers and Ĺ– (TGG )QNH (QT (CVJGTU YJGP Foundation. Arnold Palmer, accompanied by a family others in our member. legendary golfer, prostate cancer survivor and honorary community that Ĺ– # %NQUGUV 6Q 6JG *QNG %QPspokesman, has expressed test with all proceeds going a great passion in the goal of men should be to Arnie’s Army. using golf to triumph over this Ĺ– #P GPVT[ HGG CNNQYKPI screened.â€? insidious disease. golfers to participate. “We all must take a proacEach player will receive a Jeffrey Beyer tive approach in finding a way one-year subscription to Golf Head Golf Pro, Digest Magazine, a prostate to beat all forms of cancer,â€? said Willow Brook’s Head Willow Brook cancer awareness card, and Golf Professional, Jeffrey an Arnie’s Army token of apBeyer. “Prostate cancer has preciation as a thank you for participating affected someone in all of our lives. We in the event and supporting the cause. want to help spread the word to our cus“We want to give dad a special gift tomers and others in our community that and there is no better day than Father’s men should be screened.â€? Day when dad is foremost on our minds,â€? On site were representatives of “The Beyer added.
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2nd ANNUAL FATHER/SON MODIFIED SCOTCH BALL TOURNAMENT "12/%"4 2'201 Entry deadline August 4
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$ $) $ $) $ #" , $ #$) - # ! $!! "#$ ) $ $ The Sports Department would like to introduce Andre Garant as our dedicated youth sports photographer. Andre has been covering events for us on a freelance basis since June 2011 and will now be providing quality photos of your children in all nine towns that we serve! If you are a coach or parent at the elementary and middle-school age and would like to have Andre cover an event for you, please e-mail him directly at ajgphotoguy@gmail.com. Andre is very excited about his new role with The Sports Department and looks forward to meeting you and your families!
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22
The TheSports Sports Department Department
July 2012
TSD LOCAL DIGEST 6RXWK :LQGVRU¡V 8 %R\V :LQ CJSA Connecticut Cup
Ellington Middle School %DVHEDOO &5$/ &KDPSV The Ellington Middle School baseball team won the Connecticut River Athletic League regular season championship with a 10-1 record this season. The Wildcats are coached by Erick Knickerbocker.
The South Windsor Boys U14 soccer team defeated Naugatuck 3-2 on June 16th in Simsbury to win the CJSA Connecticut Cup. South Windsor defeated Norwich, Shelton, Greenwich, Farmington and Naugatuck in the CJSA CT Cup tournament.
South Windsor's U14 team took home the CJSA Connecticut Cup this spring.
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Shane Tourtellotte went the distance for TKBS allowing only 5 hits with 8 strikeouts. Tourtelotte collected their only hit. Jonathan St. Germain and Allison Petrella also played well for TKBS. The championship capped a season that saw the Exchange Club post a 20-1 record.
7VKRQDV DQG /HZLV 3DUWLFLSDWH ,Q $OO 6WDU *DPH Rachel Tshonas of Ellington and Kelsey Lewis of Tolland were chosen to play in the Class M/S CT High School Coaches Association Junior Select Softball All
The Exchange Club won both the regular season and playoff championships in Rockville Little League this season. In the championship game, Exchange Club bested TKBS Club 1-0 in a pitchers duel. The game featured no walks and no errors. Ryan Burkhardt hurled a 1 hit shutout with 12 strikeouts. In the bottom of the sixth, with two outs, Burkhardt singled for his second hit of the game. He was moved to second by a Francis Collin single, and scored the winning run on a safety by Michael Main.
Courtesy of: Erick Knickerbocker
TSHONAS
Star Game on June 19 in North Haven. Tshonas was voted Most Valuable Player for Team East. She started and pitched three scoreless innings, giving up only two hits and had a run scoring hit in the 3-1 victory.
6HH PRUH SKRWRV DW ZZZ 7KH6SRUWV'HSW FRP Front Row (left to right kneeling holding trophy): Pat McCoy and Ryan Burkhardt, Second Row (left to right kneeling and standing): Devon Miville, Josh Deane, Joseph Santiago-Campos, Brittany Fisher, River Hutchison and Alex Deane, Third Row (left to right): Zachary Woods, Francis Collin, Michael Main and Tristan Harrison, Back Row (left to right): Gabe Llantin, Coach; Chris Burkhardt, Manager; John Miville, Coach; Marc Collin, Coach; and Todd Harrison, Coach
Driving Record have a Few Dents & Dings? To find out more about our auto insurance — Call me....Stop by...Log on — it's your choice!
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THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
Morning Skate Tiny Tot Late Matinee Skate Spring Special 5-7pm...........$5.75 10am-Noon......$5.75 1-5pm.......$6.75 SUMMER HOURS Skate & Bounce JUNE 23 - AUGUST 20 9:30-11:30.....$5.75* Matinee Skate Evening Skate Closed On: DAYTIME HOURS EVENING HOURS May 13 (Mother’s Day) 7:30-11pm.....$9.75 Tues,Cheap Wed,Skate Thurs* 3rd Monday 1-4pm..........$6.75 Thursday - Cheap Skate May 27 (Memorial Day) 6-9pm ...... $8.50** Top 40 Skate 10:00am-12:00noon.....$5.75 Christian Gospel Music Skate 6:00pm-9:00pm ...... $8.50** 7:30 11pm.....$9.75 6:00pm-9:00pm ......- $8.50**
Friday Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat 5:00pm-7:00pm ...... $5.75 1:00pm-4:00pm .......... $6.75 Tuesday
7:30pm-11:00pm .... $9.75 Sunday Adult Skate (18 and over) ! " # $ " $ " $! $ Saturday 1:00pm-5:00pm .......... $6.75 7:30pm-10:00pm ..... $6.75 " $ $ 7:30pm-11:00pm .... $9.75 (with ad-limit 1 person per ad) for any skating session listed * Totthis Skate and Bounce
# %# !%$ ## # *Includes roller skate rental if needed. **Includes admission, roller skate rental if needed & all you can eat pizza. $5 admission for spectators.
** Includes admission, roller skate rental if needed & all you can eat pizza. $5 admission for spectators.
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Company. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215-2220. Nationwide, the Nationwide Framework and
On Your Side areSponsor federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. “Support Coverage Of Local Youth Sports...Become A Sports Department Today!� Call 860-872-0TSD (0873) (with this ad-limit 1 person per ad) for any skating session listed
July 2012
The Sports Department
Activity Sun.-Thurs. 10am-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 10am-11pm
23
pagE
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Kuckucka Sporting 1.31 ERA Continued from Page 7 is 1-1 with a 3.65 ERA and 15 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings over three starts and four appearances. He graduated from Eastern Connecticut in 2010 and has earned All-GHTBL honors as a hard-throwing left-hander. His stats have improved since a rough outing in his first start. Tingley’s teammate on the Rams and the Warriors, Jamie Kukucka (Rockville 2005; Eastern Conn. 2010), has pitched in independent leagues in the minors. Annino says he has velocity and “breaking stuff to go with it.� Kukucka is 3-1 with a 1.31 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 16 innings. Jack Ceppetelli, of East Windsor, has
been manager of the Vernon Orioles (10-3) since 2001. Dan Trubia, a 1999 graduate of Tolland High School, is batting .325 with a homer and eight RBI as first baseman. In previous years, the 2003 UConn graduate had played in the infield and pitched. Tony Trubia, a 2011 graduate of Western New England College, is hitting .189. “He has phenomenal hands for shortstop,� Cappetelli said about the 2007 Tolland graduate. Sean Conlin, a 1991 Somers graduate, has been with the club since 2004. He holds several career records at Lynchburg (Va.) College. Conlin is 1-0 with a 0.78 earned run average in nine innings.
Thomas A Standout For Enfield Continued from Page 6 minute he stepped on the mound for the school. As a senior, Thomas led Enfield to the NCCC championship game and earned a number of accolades, including spots on the All-NCCC and Connecticut High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) teams. Thomas’s biggest strength is his ability to challenge hitters with a versatile array of pitches, all of which he can consistently throw for strikes. Though Thomas’s best pitch is a nasty fastball, he also has a strong curveball and changeup that he can get strikes with at any time in the count. Thomas’s formidable arsenal allows him to pitch with more aggressiveness than most hurlers his age. “I try to attack hitters with my fastball to get ahead in the count, and then attempt to get them off balance with my other pitches,� he said at the end of the high school season. “I try to understand the hitter’s mindset so I can then confuse him when I’m out there.� Though he has not played Legion
consistently due to prior commitments and a small injury to his thumb, Thomas is having a solid season for the Enfield team. He is using the summer to build up strength and to experiment with his pitching. “My thumb’s held up and my arm’s been strong,� stated Thomas. “I feel like I’ve been able to command all my pitches. So far, I’ve seen improvement in my velocity. I’ve been using the summer to work with different holds and grips on the ball. I’m hoping that by doing this, I’ll be able to develop another pitch or two, such as the slider.� Enfield Legion head coach Jim Kraucunas spoke on the impact Thomas has had on the team. “Justin is making an impact in a lot of areas,� he stated. “He’s pitched well and has been pounding the zone every time he’s out there.� Thomas earned a full ride to Quinnipiac late last year. He is looking forward to making an impact with the Bobcats. “I’m extremely excited to meet my teammates and coaches,� Thomas said.
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