WYOMING VALLEY
FREE
SPORT SHOT! February 2017
Vol. 4 Issue 1
For the athlete in all of us
GIRLS ICE HOCKEY Wyoming Seminary girls ice hockey team plays at Toyota SportsPlex Pages 6-7
VARSITY WRESTLING WVC teams Crestwood, WVW meet at the mat for a regular season match Pages 8-9
JH GIRLS BASKETBALL Eighth grade basketball teams compete in midseason games Page 16
SNATCHING THE REBOUND Senior Spotlight: Justin Vought, Wyoming Valley West page 3 Wyoming Valley Conference wrestling teams take the mat, pages 18-19
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Editor’s Note: Not Just for the Kids Wyoming Valley Sport Shot aims at covering sporting events throughout Northeastern Pennslyvania. These events include players of any age – beginners or advanced, children or adults. After reading through an NPR study on sports and health in America, I learned that there is a sharp decline in sports participation among adults as they age. About 40% of 18-25 year olds claim to participate in sports (many probably at the collegiate level), but only 26% of 26-49 year olds still participate. There are many different leagues and organizations available for adults interested in sports, some we’ve even highlighted in this magazine. These sports range from ice hockey, softball, dodgeball, running, soccer and I’m sure so much more. A goal of the Sport Shot staff in 2017 is to highlight and partner with more adult sporting leagues to bring awareness of the importance of staying active even after high school and collegiate sports have ended. The NPR study found that
“more than half of adults who play sports report that it has reduced their stress (58%), improved their mental health (54%), or improved their physical health (51%) a great deal or quite a bit.” Who wouldn’t want that! NPR found adults who do not participate in sports say they simply don’t have enough time or are not interested. Time management is important and totally understandable when you’re balancing a job, a family and prior commitments. But, if you were interested in sports before and found it to bring you joy, maybe it’s something to look in to! Adult leagues are available at both the Wilkes-Barre and Pittston YMCAs, local recreation centers, the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome, the Toyota SportsPlex and I’m sure more throughout the Valley. Take a minute, think about what was important to you in the past and if it could still be important to you now. If sports pop up on that list, consider taking a swing at something new this year.
February, 2017
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Aerial Yoga Workshop February 4, 11 and 18 from Noon to 1:15 PM at Balance Yoga in Forty Fort. Cost is $55. This three-week aerial yoga series will focus on core work in the aerial yoga hammock. Each 75-minute session will incorporate yoga asana along with other corestrengthening moves from a variety of movement disciplines.
Get updated on what events we’re covering and where you can pick up a copy of the print edition.
Super Bowl LI 2017 Super Bowl Sunday is almost here. Brush up on football terminology before the New England Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons in the 51st Super Bowl in Houston, TX. Find the football terms hidden below.
On the cover: Holy Redeemer’s Colin Cook (33) gets some height for a rebound during a game in Wilkes-Barre against Hanover Area. Photo by Frank Lauri
Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335
King’s College Women’s Lacrosse Clinic Saturday, February 11 from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM at the Betzler Athletic Complex. Open to students in grades 9 through 12. Registration fee is $75. Contact Ashley Stevens at 570-2085900 ext. 5443 or ashleystevens@ kings.edu or for more information.
King’s College Women’s Softball Clinic Sunday, February 19 at Scandlon Gymnasium. Open to girls age 9-18. A pitching clinic is set for 9:30 to 11:30 and a skills clinic is set for 1:00 to 3:00. Cost is $45 for each clinic or $80 for both. Team discounts available. Contact the King’s Softball Office at 570-208-5900 x5397 for more information.
Our mission: Photographs that capture the spirit of high school and recreational athletes in the Wyoming Valley. Check out all the photographs at wyomingvalleysportshot.com. The schedule: The print edition of Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is published on the first Saturday of each month. Free copies are distributed at 100 locations in the Wyoming Valley. Wyomingvalleysportshot.com is updated throughout the month as well as Wyoming Valley Sport Shot on Facebook. Your stuff: Bring it on. We welcome your photos, news and ideas submitted for publication. Send submissions of photos and information to wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com. Submitted copy and printed photographs delivered to Wyoming Valley Sport Shot will not be returned. Photos reproduce best if saved in .jpg format at 300 dpi and submitted by email.
Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Run Sunday, March 19 at 11 AM at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. Event hosted by the Wyoming Valley Striders. $15 registration fee or $20 day of race. Contact Don Grose at 570-239-5792 or dtgjr1@comcast.net.
Game time: Advertising deadline: 10 days prior to publication. Content submission deadline: Seven days prior to publication.
And...Any opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of this publication. We reserve the right to edit all content for clarity, relevance and length and the right to reject submissions. Submitted copy must include a contact name and phone number.
Misericordia University Lacrosse Junior Day Sunday, February 5 from 1 PM to 5:30 PM at the Anderson Center. This event is a Junior Day Skills Clinic, $50 per player. Interested participants should call 570-674-8309.
Cupid’s Chase 5K Saturday, February 11 at 10 AM in Kirby Park. Registration opens at 8 AM. Registration fees start at $30 if registered before February 10. $40 day of event.Visit www.comop.org/ cupidschase for more information.
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot
Our team: Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is locally owned and handmade in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Contributing photographers in this issue include Mary Bove, Ralph Francello, Frank Lauri.
30th Annual February Freeze 5K Race Saturday, February 4 at Noon at the Roslund Elementary School in Tunkhannock. Registration opens at 10:30 AM and there is a $15 registration fee. Race to be held regardless of weather, unless roads are closed by authorities. For more information contact Ed Hetzel at 570-909-8994 or longrunner11@mac.com.
CARRY END ZONE FUMBLE HAIL MARY
HALFTIME INTERCEPTION KICKOFF NFL
PUNT QUARTERBACK SUPER BOWL TOUCHDOWN
Melt Hot Yoga New to yoga? $30 for 30 days of unlimited classes - valid for first time customers only. Call 570-287-3400 or email info@melthotyogastudio.com.
February, 2017
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Senior Spotlight: Justin Vought By Ellen Hoffman Wyoming Valley West senior baseball catcher Justin Vought has known his academic and athletic future since he finished his sophomore year. Most students don’t know until sometime during their senior year. Vought verbally committed to the University of Maryland at just 16-years-old. He dreamed of continuing his baseball career since he was in middle school. He says once he started really focusing on this sport, by playing on the school team and summer American Legion team, he knew this is what he wanted his future to look like. “That was the time that I realized this is really what I want to be doing,” he said of his middle school years. “Now that it’s happening, college next year and potentially stuff with the draft, it’s exciting knowing that all your hard
was a little wet, our pitcher overthrew first base and we lost on a heartbreak,” he said. “But
work is paying off. It’s a cool feeling.” He visited the University of Maryland campus and says he had an instant feeling. He knew he’d found his home for his post-high school years. “I started visiting schools and they say as soon as you step on campus you know where you want to go,” he said. “And it felt like home and as soon as I stepped on campus at Maryland. I was like, ‘This is where I want to be.’” Not only did Vought get that feeling of comfort from the Maryland campus, he says the school checked off everything on his list. “I knew that’s where I wanted to be. It’s not too far from home and they’re a winning program. It was the perfect situation.” But before all that,Vought still has his senior season as a Spartan. He’s hoping he can end his high school career on top. “We’ve been really successful at Valley West and in our Legion teams over the past couple of years,” he said. “We’ve really just dominated at baseball.” With both District and State Championship appearances, and a few titles under his belt, Vought is ready to start his final season at Valley West. “It’s fun to win. This year we’re a younger team but I think the guys on the team really know what it takes to win, so I think we’ll be solid again this year.” During his sophomore season the Spartans made it all the way to the State Championship game. Unfortunately, a rain delay mixed things up for WVW and they couldn’t pull off a win. “We made a really good run in the State Championship game,” he said. “We went into extra innings, there was a big rain delay, the ball
we were in the State Championship game as sophomores.” Throughout the past two seasons Vought has also been a part of State Champion Swoyersville American Legion teams. The Legion teams, composed of many players from Valley West, helped Vought keep his play up to speed when school ball was finished. Vought says one of the best parts of baseball in the Wyoming Valley is being on all these teams with his best friends. Not only is it fun to hang out with friends every day at practice, but it helps build up the chemistry for when they take the field for a game. “These guys have been my best friends for the past five or six years, so playing with them has made it really fun and enjoyable. It’s been really fun to just develop these relationships we have and not only win with them on the field but be best friends with them off the field.” As a veteran player for the Spartans this season,Vought has great expectations for his last season. “I’ve been a part of three great teams at Valley West, so I just want to finish on a high note.” He also hopes the younger players learn what it’s like to be part of such a successful program. “I want to teach the younger kids how to be good leaders and teach them how to come out on top.” Senior Spotlight is a monthly feature that will highlight the success and determination of an upcoming 2017 high school graduate from the Wyoming Valley who excelled in athletics and is taking those skills to the collegiate level. Photo by Frank Lauri for Wyoming Valley Sport Shot.
Enjoy our 11 big screen TVs perfect for fans of every sport! Catch all the games while enjoying great food! ‘Like’ us on Facebook to check out our weekly dinner menu, which changes every Wednesday. Plus, live entertainment with Strawberry Jam Duo on Tuesdays and additional entertainment Friday & Saturday nights. Come over to 279 River Street, Plains today!
570-235-1037 www.279barandgrill.com
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February, 2017
Royals Triumph Over Hawkeyes in Boys Basketball The Holy Redeemer boys basketball team defeats the Hanover Area Hawkeyes 67-43 - January 24
Hanover Area’s Luis Rivera (2) goes under Holy Redeemer’s Luke Nealon (32) for the shot.
Hanover Area’s Tyler Diggs (23) tries to drive the ball through a wall of Holy Redeemer defenders.
Holy Redeemer’s Joey Judge (10) goes in for a layup past Hanover Area’s Asad Whitehead (22) during a game in Wilkes-Barre.
Clockwise from above, Holy Redeemer’s Jake Adonizio (13) gets set to take a shot from the corner in a game against Hanover Area. Hanover Area’s Devin Senk (24) moves the ball as he brushes back Holy Redeemer’s Michael Lyons (4). Hanover Area’s Asad Whitehead (22) moves the ball around Holy Redeemer’s Joey Judge (10) during a game in Wilkes-Barre. Holy Redeemer’s Luke Nealon (32) puts up a jump shot over Hanover Area’s Abbaad Hamlet (4).
February, 2017
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Page 5 Clockwise from far left, Holy Redeemer’s James Kosik (21) defends Hanover Area’s Tyler Diggs (23). Holy Redeemer’s James Kosik (21) passes the ball in a game against Hanover Area. Holy Redeemer’s Jason Stachokus (3) goes up for a shot as Hanover Area’s Abbaad Hamlet (4) defends. Hanover Area’s Luis Rivera (2) drives the baseline for a reverse layup past Holy Redeemer’s JD Turosky (25). Holy Redeemer’s Jason Stachokus (3) gets set to shoot a foul shot against Hanover Area. Photos by Frank Lauri
Your Shots: WV Striders Host Annual New Years Run
Above, HR’s Jason Stachokus (3) shoots off balance after being fouled by Hanover Area’s Asad Whitehead (22). Right, Holy Redeemer’s Bryce Yencha (1) drives past Hanover Area’s Evan Materna (33) for a layup.
The Wyoming Valley Striders hosted their 32nd annual New Year’s Day Training Run at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre on January 1. The Striders had a record turn-out this year with over 60 participants. The run kicks off the Striders calendar of events for the year and serves as a way to kick-start those New Year’s Resolutions and get everyone back into the swing of things after the busy holiday season. Pictured above are the participants from this year’s event. Photo submitted by Linda Wojnar.
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February, 2017
Blue Knights Can’t Handle Visiting Lancers’ Power Wyoming Seminary girls ice hockey team unable to keep up with Gilmour Academy in 6-2 loss - January 20 Left to right, Wyoming Seminary celebrates after a goal from Meaghan Francis (5) in the first period of against Gilmour Academy. Wyoming Seminary’s Meaghan Francis (5) and Alyssa DiCastanzo (11) double team Gilmour’s AnnMarie Fitzgerald (25).
Wyoming Seminary’s Megan Fehling moves the puck down the ice against Gilmour Academy.
Wyoming Seminary goalie Justine Marseille (1) gets in position to block a shot in the first period against Gilmour Academy.
Clockwise from above left, Wyoming Seminary’s Meaghan Francis starts her bench skate by after scoring a first period goal against Gilmour Academy. Wyoming Seminary’s Bridget Bork focuses on the coach during a time out against Gilmour Academy. Wyoming Seminary’s Amanda Bunje (17) tries to keep the puck away from Gilmour’s Abigail Zenone (14). Photos by Frank Lauri
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Page 7 Left, Wyoming Seminary’s Kyla Salvato (16) keeps the puck away from Gilmour’s Rachel Ann (22). Below, Wyoming Seminary goalie Justine Marseille (1) gets double teamed at the net during a recent game against Gilmour Academy.
Wyoming Seminary’s Megan Fehling (9) tries to get the puck away from Gilmour’s Kayla Miller (15) during a game at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre.
Wyoming Seminary head coach Mackey Hemphill (center) talks to her team in a time out.
Above, Wyoming Seminary’s Mina Exnerova (6) keeps the puck away from Gilmour’s Kayla Miller (15). Left, Wyoming Seminary’s Alyssa DiCastanzo (11) moves the puck down the ice during a recent game against Gilmour Academy.
Wyoming Seminary’s Alexis Hager (19) moves the puck down the ice with pressure from Gilmour’s Eliza Heller (5).
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February, 2017
Crestwood Controls WVW in 52-26 Varsity Victory The Crestwood Comets match up with WVW Spartans in a varsity wrestling duel - January 18
Top to bottom, Wyoming Valley West’s Landon Stanislow (top) works the arms on Crestwood’s Chris Kremski. Crestwood’s Saige George (top) works a pin on Wyoming Valley West’s David White in the 160 lb bout in Mountain Top.
Left to right, Wyoming Valley West’s JJ Whit (top) works a headlock on Crestwood’s Jordan Miale during a match in Mountain Top. Wyoming Valley West’s Cole Santee (left) works the legs of Crestwood’s Garrett Swank in the 132 lb match up.
Clockwise from above, Wyoming Valley West’s Matt Giza (top) gets a pin over Crestwood’s Hunter Greenberg. Crestwood’s Liam Stone (top) gets Wyoming Valley West’s Seth Decker in a headlock in a match at Crestwood High School. Crestwood’s Ron Grevera (left) controls the leg of Wyoming Valley West’s Bret McDermott in the 152 lb bout.
February, 2017
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Top to bottom, Crestwood’s Paul Ashton (top) works a headlock on Wyoming Valley West’s Damian Davies in the 220 lb bout. Crestwood’s Ryan Black (right) tries an escape on Wyoming Valley West’s Sean Mikovitch in the 195 lb bout. Crestwood’s Shane O’Rourke (left) ties up with Wyoming Valley West’s Matt Nogin during a match at Crestwood High School.In the 170 lb match, Crestwood’s Tyler Williams (top) pins Wyoming Valley West’s Justin Lukashewski. Photos by Frank Lauri
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February, 2017
Comets Soar Over Warriors in Varsity Match Up The Crestwood Comets defeat the Wyoming Area Warriors 62-57 in girls basketball play - January 16
Wyoming Area’s Sarah Holweg (14) goes up for a shot through the Crestwood defense.
Wyoming Area’s Sarah Holweg brings the ball down the court.
Crestwood’s Sara Hopkins takes a shot between two Wyoming Area defenders in Exeter.
Above, Crestwood Head Coach Ed Stepanski shares some laughs with his starters before player introductions. Below, Wyoming Area’s Cassidy Orzel (22) and Crestwood’s Sara Hopkins (5) dive after a loose ball during a game at the Wyoming area Secondary Center.
Clockwise from upper left, WA’s Lydia Edwards (20) dives the ball past Crestwood’s Sara Richards (15). WA’s Addison Orzel (33) and Crestwood’s Alyson Muse (35) go after a rebound. Crestwood’s Julia Makowski (31) gets set to shoot over Wyoming Area’s Cassidy Orzel (22).
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Left to right, Crestwood’s Sara Hopkins brings the ball down the court. A Wyoming Area cheerleader does a stunt during player introductions.
Crestwood’s Riley Magin (00) keeps the ball away from Wyoming Area’s Nicole Silinskie (3).
Left to right, Wyoming Area’s Aleah Kranson (10) and Crestwood’s Julia Makowski (31) battle for the ball during a varsity match. Crestwood’s Riley Magin moves the ball down the court in a game against Wyoming Area. Photos by Frank Lauri
Above, Crestwood’s Sara Hopkins (5) and Wyoming Area’s Addison Orzel (33) go after a loose ball in Exeter. Right, Wyoming Area’s Addison Orzel (33) concentrates on her foul shot during a game against Crestwood. Far right, Crestwood’s Sara Richards (15) looks to get around Wyoming Area’s Lydia Edwards (20) during a game at the Wyoming Area Secondary Center in Exeter.
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February, 2017
Wyoming Seminary Skates Past Pittston Area in Win
Area high school ice hockey teams compete at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre - January 16 Left, Wyoming Seminary’s Ethan Tost (97) and Pittston Area’s Hunter Ralston (52) collide on the ice in Wilkes-Barre. Below left, Wyoming Seminary’s William Ziegler (44) takes a shot while Pittston Area’s Brandon Walker (84) tries to block the puck. Below, Wyoming Seminary’s Kameron Williams (71) moves down the ice with Pittston Area’s Colton Mackell (12) putting on the pressure.
Wyoming Seminary’s Kameron Williams (71) tries to keep the puck away from Pittston Area’s Colton Mackell (12).
Above, Pittston Area Patriots hockey team gets ready to take to the ice. Below, Wyoming Seminary’s Vincent Baldassano (27) and Pittston Area’s Krisjian Bilwin (00) battle for the puck.
Clockwise from upper left, Wyoming Seminary’s Kevin Medico (24) loses his balance as he fights for the puck with Pittston Area’s Ryan Winters (78). Wyoming Seminary celebrates a goal against Pittston Area in Wilkes-Barre. Pittston Area’s Hunter Ralston (52) waits to take to the ice against Wyoming Seminary.
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Clockwise from upper left, Pittston Area’s Ryan Winters (78) and Wyoming Seminary’s Tyler Kotowski (48) battle for the puck. Wyoming Seminary’s Ethan Tost (97) and Pittston Area’s Hunter Ralston (52) collide during a game at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre. Wyoming Seminary’s Vincent Baldassano (27) tries to keep the puck away from Pittston Area’s Kyle Ralston (34). Pittston Area’s Trent Hilbert (81) skates away with the puck from Wyoming Seminary’s Harrison Kayton (12). Wyoming Seminary’s hockey team gets ready to take to the ice against Pittston Area at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre.
Celebrate Your Next Birthday at Stanton Lanes! Stanton Lanes in Wilkes-Barre offers three different party packages for kids birthday celebrations and lots of ways to make your party extra special. Packages start at $9.95 per child. Call the alley at 570-824-4661 to make a party reservation now!
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February, 2017
Junior High Lady Spartans Dominate Comets 26-6 West Side Tech hosts middle school basketball games throughout regular season competition - January 15
Crestwood’s Ashley Yecllock tries to dribble around WVW’s Karlee Peters (12) during an eighth grad girl’s basketball game.
Crestwood’s Claire Lenio (13) catches the rebound with high pressure from Wyoming Valley West.
Crestwood’s Ella Kaminski (5) passes the ball to an open teammate as WVW’s Abby Guffney (54) moves to defend.
WVW’s Kara Mackiewicz looks for an open teammate as Crestwood’s Adele Dougherty defends.
Crestwood’s Justine Rilko (2) and Ella Kaminski (5) try to grab the ball from WVW’s Karlee Peters during an eighth grade girl’s basketball game.
Clockwise from above left, Crestwood’s Narissa Jackson (32) and Justine Rilko (2) successfully grab a loose ball as WVW’s Sydney Rush (51) and Chloe Inniss (31) defend. WVW’s Rebecca Roche passes to an open teammate during the first quarter of play. WVW’s Sara Zambito dribbles through Crestwood defenders Narissa Jackson (32) and Ashley Yeclock
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Page 15 Clockwise from left, WVW’s Chloe Inniss puts up a shot with heavy pressure from Crestwood’s Claire Lenio. Crestwood’s Gracie Lawson looks for an open teammate to get the ball to during an eighth grade girls basketball game. WVW’s Abby Guffney (left) reaches for a loose ball as WVW’s Karlee Peters and Crestwood’s Lauren Kalinowski watch on.
Clockwise from above, WVW’s Trinity Johnson tries to put up a shot against heavy Crestwood defense. Crestwood’s Adele Dougherty wrestles the ball away from WVW’s Sara Zambito during an eighth grade girls basketball game. WVW’s Rebecca Roche tries to grab a loose ball among Crestwood players. Photos by Mary Bove
Your Shots: WV Strikers Win Futsal Championship
Crestwood Basketball Hosts Toys for Tots Drive
The Wyoming Valley Strikers won Philadelphia Union-Epysa, a high school male futsal championship. This is the Strikers second championship win in a row. They advanced to the series finals on February 18. Pictured from left front row standing are Reggie Grayek, Zack Houlthaus. Second row left to right Coach Joe Nardone, Thomas Roberts, David Cortez, Edge Miller, Nate Naugle. Back row standing Joey Nardone, Kyle Greenwood and Coach Chris Roberts. Photo submitted by Kelly Bezdecki
The Crestwood Boys Basketball and Booster Club held a Toys For Tots drive during their game against Delaware Valley where players, families, friends and attendees brought toys to give to the local Marine Corps Toys For Tots campaign. This year the local Toys For Tots associations were able to provide over 25,000 children with toys this holiday season. Shown at the game are Marine Corps Sergeant Roger Torres; Crestwood players Don Shaw, Casey Davidson, Chris Gegaris, Jimmy Curry, Connor Novatnak, Mike Palmiero, and Mike Wyda; Marine Corps Sergeant Joshua Vandusen. Photo submitted by Dawn Chalk.
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February, 2017
Mountaineers Top Hawkeyes 37-14 in Junior High Play
Eighth grade teams from Dallas, Hanover Area compete in regular season play - January 15
Dallas’ Megan Macneely tries to get a shot up as Hanover Area’s Kyleen McCance blocks.
Hanover Area’s Madison Osburne grabs a rebound during an eighth grade girl’s game against Dallas.
Hanover Area’s Mollie Corbett dribbles into the paint as Dallas’ Megan Macneely puts on the pressure.
Right, Dallas’ Kaitlin Conrad puts the ball into play against Hanover Area. Below, Dallas’ Lily Lombardo takes a foul shot during the second quarter in a game against Hanover Area. Photos by Mary Bove
Clockwise from above left, Dallas’ Lily Lombardo steals from Hanover Area’s Mollie Corbett during a junior high game. Dallas’ Harley Sabol and Hanover Area’s Kasiday Slusser fight for the rebound. Dallas Coach Samantha Martin speaks to players Megan Macneel (left) and Gianna Dickson (center) before the first quarter ends.
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TIME OUT with Alfonso Martinez By Ellen Hoffman
The Wyoming Seminary wrestling team tackled their biggest competition, Blair Academy, halfway through the regular season. The Blue Knights, ranked No. 11 in the nation by Intermat, defeated No. 1 Blair Academy January 13 on Seminary’s home mat. The meet went neck-and-neck and came down to the final dual, Blue Knight’s freshman Alfonso Martinez in the winner-take-all position. When Martinez took the mat, the meet was in a 27-27 tie. The freshman was able to escape the national No. 1 team from New Jersey and win the match bringing the crowd at the Carpenter Athletic Center in Kingston to their feet. With strategic planning by the Wyoming Seminary coaching staff, Martinez was moved to the 145
weight class with this match-up in mind. The switch paid off in the upset win. Read on to see Martinez’s reaction to his first season at Wyoming Seminary and his plans for the rest of the season. How did you become interested in wrestling? My older brothers wrestled in high school and I was just four-years-old at the time. Every time they lost I would get so mad that I would cry and so they decided to put me in wrestling when I was that young. What did it feel like beating the number one team in the Nation this past weekend against Blair Academy? It felt amazing. The atmosphere was incredible and the feeling when we
accomplished it is still with me. What was going through your head before you took the mat, when the match was tied, and you were the last wrestler to compete? I just knew that I had to go out there and win this match, and I knew I could do it. Explain the feeling of your classmates storming the mat after your win. I was just really surprised and I felt like someone who is famous. What does your training routine look like? Tough practices, tumbling and lifting What do you think is the hardest aspect of wrestling?
Cutting weight is definitely the hardest part. What are you looking forward to for the rest of the 2017 season? Prep Nationals, which is coming up at the end of February at Lehigh University. Do you have an overall goal for your wrestling career or
Photo by Frank Lauri for Wyoming Valley Sport Shot
aspirations for upcoming seasons? World and Olympic champ!
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February, 2017
Wyoming Valley Conference Hosts Annual Tournament Area wrestlers compete in showdown of the best wrestlers of the 2017 season - January 7
Hanover Area’s Nick Hannon (right) reacts after a win over Lake-Lehman’s Kaleb Koningus during the finals of the WVCW Tournament.
Tunkhannock’s Tommy Traver (top) gets a headlock on Hazleton Area’s Anthony Martoccio during the finals of the WVCW Tournament.
Clockwise from far left, Dallas’ Alec Sampson (top) controls Crestwood’s Saige George during the finals of the WVCW Tournament. Coughlin’s Josh Brown (top) controls Pittston Area’s Tony DeMark during the Consolation Round of the WVCW Tournament. Hanover Area’s J.J. Hooper (top) pins Wyoming Area’s Adam Buczynski during the finals of the WVCW Tournament.
Clockwise from above, Hanover Area coach John Hooper reacts after his son’s win during the finals of the WVCW Tournament. Lake-Lehman’s Bob Lipski (right) tries to break away from Crestwood’s Ron Grevera during the finals of the WVCW Tournament. Crestwood’s Shane O’Rourke (top) has a headlock on Dallas’ Shawn Henninger during the finals of the WVCW Tournament.
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Page 19 Clockwise from far left, Wyoming Valley West’s Damian Davies (top) works on the head of Meyer’s Preston Perkins during the Consolation Round of he WVCW Tournament. Dallas’ Xavier Barber (top) shoots for the leg of Coughlin’s Jake Cole during the finals of the WVCW Tournament. Dallas’ Steven Newell (top) gets some riding time against Meyers’ Jeremy Bergold during the finals of the WVCW Tournament. Wrestlers warm up prior to the start of the 2017 Wyoming Valley Conference Tournament at LakeLehman High School. Photos by Frank Lauri
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February, 2017