League Lore 2012
OCIAA Meet Lives Up To Its Usual Standard Featuring The Best Of The Orange County League’s Runners, Jumpers And Throwers; Records Shattered, Personal Bests Abound As Athletes Marshal Their Resolve For Coming Sectionals And States
Boys team results: 1) Warwick Valley 132; 2) Monroe-Woodbury 116; 3) Kingston 80; 4) Newburgh 60; 5) Middletown 31.66; 6) Washingtonville 30; 7) Cornwall 24; 8) James I. O’Neill 22; 9) Pine Bush 20; 10) Valley Central 18.33; 11) Liberty 12; 12) Eldred 10; 13) Monticello 9; 14) Goshen 8; 15) Fallsburg 7; 16) Minisink Valley 6; 17) Tri-Valley 3
Girls team results: 1) Cornwall 143; 2) Newburgh 95; 3) Monroe-Woodbury 78 ; 4) Kingston 56; 5) Warwick Valley 47; 6) Washingtonville 30 ; 7) Middletown 28; 8) Valley Central 27; 9) Pine Bush 23; 10) Eldred 14; 11) Port Jervis 11; 11) Tri-Valley 11; 13) Goshen10 ; 14) Minisink Valley 4; 14) Fallsburg 4; 14) James I. O’Neill 4; 17) Liberty 3; 18) Monticello 1
Glorious moments from the OCIAA Championships (clockwise) Middletown's Amber Goodspeed rockets by the water barrier en route to winning the 2000 steeplechase. Kingston's Tarriq Jones edges out NFA's Isaih Valentine to win the 100. Port Jervis' Karissa Caesar wins the 100 by two one hundreths of a second over Cornwall's Olivia Jebb. Cornwall's Brittany Bryant wins the 100 high hurdles. Liberty's Kane Sauchuk takes 4th in the 110 high hurdles and the 400 intermediate hurdles. Tri-Valley's Jimmy Bernstein shatters his prior personal best in the 800 with a time of 1:59. Cornwall's Brittany Bryant wins the long jump. She also won the high jump and just missed a sweep of all four events as she was just shy of teammate Jebb in the triple jump. Valley Central's Holly Cavalluzzo holds off NFA's Gianna Frontera in the 1500 just like she did in the 3000 a day prior. Fallsburg's Michael Robinson clears 5-10 in the high jump and fails to place but he took third in the triple jump and sixth in the long jump. Monticello's Tino Taylor breaks the school record in the 400 with a time of 50.62. The mark had stood on the books for more than 20 years. Warwick's Paddy Grandinall and Eldred's Hunter Proscia are side by side in the early going of the 3000 steeplechase. Grandinall won the event. Proscia finished 4th with a PR. Grandinall also won the 3200 and the 1600.. Sullivan West's Amanda Rosenberger and Liberty's Rebeccah Harman were Sportsmanship Award winners along with Washingtonville's Lauren Hehir and Newburgh's Xavier McAllister. Liberty's Kenny Jaycox was fourth in the long jump.
WARWICK, NY—From the photogenic steeplechase races in the early morning to the last relay of day two of the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association Championships, it was a non-stop panoply of athleticism, speed, strength, determination and moments of personal and team glory.
Each and every year it always is just that.
What can you say about Warwick’s boys team? Having just completed their 24th season without losing a dual meet, the Purple Wave reclaimed the league title won by Monroe-Woodbury a year ago. In the girls realm it was powerful Cornwall retaining its title. True, Aisling Cuffe is now rendering her superior talents to the Stanford Cardinal, but in her stead remain a cadre of talented Lady Dragons across the spectrum.
The Warwick High School venue is outstanding, the competition is first-rate and if you love track and field as much as I do, there are momentous things happening nearly everywhere you look.
All of which explains why I am invariably smiling when I arrive at Warwick and why that smile is still on my face in late afternoon as I am heading to my car with my camera jam-packed with memorable photos and my brain brimming with the density of all that I’ve seen and heard during the day.
To try and report on all of the milestones of the day would be an impossible task and as I have earned the distinction of being spot-on reporter/photographer/troubadour for the Sullivan County schools, I am naturally looking to key in on kids from Monticello, Liberty, Sullivan West, Tri-Valley, Fallsburg and Eldred.
For the athletes from Sullivan County, the challenge of testing their mettle against the immense talent on display from the larger schools offers a chance to push for lifetime bests and to hone their edge for the coming sectionals wherein the competitive field will be narrowed down to kids from similarly sized schools.
Before giving homage to the locals I would be remiss without mentioning some of the day’s highlights from across the entire variorum of the meet. Shooting upwards of 700 photos, and resolving to keep over 500 of them which are posted on www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com, I turned my camera on as many events as possible to afford big school kids as well as my usual clientele, a chance to see themselves in their shining moments.
Standouts of the day included Warwick’s Paddy Grandinall who followed up his prior day win in the 3200 (9:22.11) with a win in the 3000 steeplechase (9:41.39) and the 1600 (4:23.94).
Cornwall senior Brittany Bryant ran a personal-best 14.81 seconds in the 100 hurdles, Bryant also topped out with a PR in the high jump at 5-5 to win that event. Looking for a sweep of all four of her events, she got her third victory with a winning long jump of 18 feet, 2 inches, just 14 inches shy of her season’s best . Teammate Olivia Jebb won the triple jump in which Bryant leaped 36-4 to take second. Jebb posted a mark of 36.75. Bryant will be heading to Division II American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts where she will play both volleyball and run track.
Monroe-Woodbury junior Amin Tmimi won the 110-meter high hurdles in 15.06 seconds and the 400 intermediate hurdles in 52.29 seconds just one day after failing to win the pole vault in which he was heavily favored.
Valley Central junior Holly Cavalluzzo held off Newburgh sophomore Gianna Frontera in the 3000 (9:57.36) and again in the 1500 (4:35.58). Both finishes surpassed her seed times coming in.
Sportsmanship award winners on the day included Washingtonville’s Lauren Hehir, NFA’s Xavier McAllister, Liberty’s Rebeccah Harman and Sullivan West’s Amanda Rosenberger.
Now on to the Sullivan County warriors. Let’s do this school by school.
Tri-Valley: Mareena DiMilia finished second in the outdoor pentathlon with 2,434 points. She was tops in the following pentathlon events: 100 high hurdles (16:31) and the shot put (10.42m) and third in the long jump (4.50m); In other pentathlon finishes, Keira McHugh was 3rd in the 800 ( 2:34.90) and Katlynn Greffrath was third in the high jump (1.58m); In the boys penthathlon; Zach Nilsen was fifth overall with 2,267 points. He was 6th in the pentathlon high jump (1.57m) and 2nd in the pentathlon 1500 meter run (4:28.89).Brooke Gillette was second in the unseeded 3000 (11:27.32). Olivia Rehm was sixth in the event (11:34.23). Jimmy Bernstein ran a personal best in the 800 in 1:59 and finished first in the unseeded 3200 (10:03.46). Hauk Boyes was sixth in the event (10:26.79).
Tyler Greffrath was 5th in the unseeded 100 (12.66). Autumn Bender was sixth in the 2000 steeplechase (7:50.87). Sabrena Smith was 2nd in the unseeded steeplechase (8:14.57). Justin Weintraub was 1st in the unseeded 3000 steeplechase (10:59.31). Dalton Cerbone was 2nd in the 3000 unseeded steeplechase (11:02.03). The boys 4×800 relay comprised of Omar Lopez, Bernstein, Weintraub and Brandon Bobik was sixth in 8:35.78. Josh Winters was second in the javelin (143-10) and Colleen Jones was 5th in the discus (98-03).
Liberty: Kane Sauchuk was splendid with his fourth place finishes in the 110 high hurdles (15.75) and in the 400 intermediate hurdles (55.88). Sauchuk’s leadership this year cannot be understated from cross-country throughout the indoor season and now in the spring. A hard-working cerebral competitor, Sauchuk has evinced some of his best performances to date this spring and this day evinced two of them.
Rebeccah Harman was 6th in the 400 intermediate hurdles (1:08.73). Peter Koval won the javelin with a mighty heave of 153-11 setting a new school record in the event. Amanda Bertholf was fourth in the pole vault at 9-0. Kenny Jaycox was 4th in the long jump (21-02.25).
Fallsburg was paced by Candhace Forrest’s 4th place finish in the 100 with a time of 13:00. Michael Robinson was 3rd in the triple jump (44-02) and was 6th in the long jump with a mark of 20-02.75.
Eldred: Julian Gottlieb was 4th in the unseeded 200 (24.97). Matt Watts was 6th in the event (25.36). Hunter Proscia was 3rd in the 3200 with a PR of 9:33.55. He registered another personal best in the 3000 steeplechase wherein he finished 4th in 10:06.90. Proscia was 1st in the unseeded 1600 (4:34.25). Zak Dilles was 2nd in the unseeded 100 (12.16); Breanna Brucher finished 2nd in the pole vault with a leap of 10-0. Erika Bowring was 4th in the triple jump (33-09) and 5th in the long jump (15-04.50).
Sullivan West: Dani Myers was 3rd in the unseeded 2000 steeplechase (8:37.61). Corrine VanWagner was 5th in the event in 8:47.86. Reed Scott was 5th in the unseeded 1600 with a personal best 4:45.82.
Monticello’s Tino Taylor broke the school record in the 400 with a time of 50.62. He finished sixth in the race. The record had stood on the books for more than 20 years. Garrett LaPolt was 2nd in the shot put (47-06.75). Camryn Johnson established a personal best in the unseeded 3000 as she took first in 5:09.94. Twin sister Sydney Johnson was third in the event in 5:10.87.
Next up are the Section Nine championships with the B/C titles on the line on May 23 and the A/D clashes set for May 24.
Once again, for an album of photos, visit www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
Section IX Boys Basketball All-Star Team To compete In The Summer Hoops Festival
Boys Try-outs are June 5 and 11th
Relayed by RICHARD A. ROSS
REGION–The Basketball Coaches Association of New York is again stepping up with a Statewide Summer Basketball Festival to take the place of the Empire State Games. The 2nd Annual BCANY Summer Hoops Festival will be held in Johnson City (near Binghamton) from August 3-5.
There will be nine regions representing New York State (up from the ESG’s traditional six) by both Boys and Girls Teams. The regions include: New York City, Long Island, Buffalo, Rochester, Central, Hudson Valley, Capital District, Mid-Hudson and Southern Tier.
The Mid-Hudson Team will be made up of Section IX Boys All-Stars. Our Section IX Boys try-outs will be: Tuesday (June 5) and Monday (June 11) from 7 to 9 pm at SS Seward High School in Florida, New York.
Contact information for the Boys try-out is: rgravelle@floridaufsd.org
The Boys coaching staff will include Rob Gravelle and Sal Mineo from SS Seward HS, Mike Salvia from Liberty HS and Brendan LoBrutto from Pine Plains HS.
In order to participate, you must fill out the Hoops Festival application form and waiver form. You cannot try out unless you have both forms filled out. Players are expected to make both try-out dates. You can see your own Varsity coach for try-outs paperwork or contact Coach Rob Gravelle via e-mail.
BCANY created this event to give kids that lost the chance with the elimination of the Empire Games the opportunity to showcase their skills in a format that would allow College coaches to come see them play in one setting.
BCANY also carefully selected these dates to avoid potential conflicts with national AAU tournaments. Therefore, this statewide tournament will attract the higher level basketball players that have traditionally been unavailable for the Empire Games. Last year, many College coaches from
Division I, 2 and 3 were in attendance watching the best players from around New York State competing against each other.
Print this page and fill out the following application.
BCANY Section IX Summer Hoops Festival Player Application
Name ________________________________ High School __________________________
Address_______________________________ Ht. _________ Wt. _________
______________________________________ Grade as of 9/12 __________________
Cell Phone # __________________________ Coach’s Name ______________________
E-mail _________________________________ Coach’s Phone # ______________
I give permission for my son __________________________ to participate in the
try-outs for the BCANY Summer Hoops Festival. Trying out for this team does not
guarantee my son a spot on the Section IX all-star team. I understand that I am
responsible for transporting my son to and from each try-out.
______________________________________ _______________
Parent’s Signature Date
Please mail this form by May 31st
to:
Rob Gravelle
SS Seward High School
53 North Main Street
Florida, New York 10921
Good News
Catskill Regional Medical Center’s Oncology Department Receives Proceeds From Sullivan County Coaches Vs. Cancer Fundraiser
Coaches and players from Sullivan County Community College, Sullivan West, Tri-Valley, Monticello and Liberty, along with representatives from Catskill Regional Medical Center pose with a replica of the check representing funds raised in this year's Coaches Vs. Cancer Classic.
By RICHARD A. ROSS
SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY– T.S. Elliot’s most famous poem “The Wasteland,” begins with the line, “April is the cruelest month.” Given the surfeit of good news on the local sports scene here in early April, it would seem that nothing could be further from the truth.
This past week marked the opening of the spring sports season and good news was in no short supply. Listed below are just a few things to lift one’s spirits and to remember that spring is indeed a time for renewal and an affirmation of life.
HARRIS, NY – On April 5, Catskill Regional Medical Center (CRMC) received a check for more than $3,480 raised at the Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser, held on February 11, 2012 at Sullivan County Community College to raise funds for CRMC’s Oncology Department.
The fourth annual Coaches vs. Cancer Fundraiser, held in conjunction with the Basketball Coaches Association of New York (BCANY), has grown from two teams and one game to ten teams and an 11 hour event of non-stop games in four short years. This year’s participants included Monticello, Eldred, Tri-Valley, Liberty, Livingston Manor and Sullivan West high schools and SUNY Sullivan.
On April 5, a group of 15 students and 5 coaches presented the check to Fred Kuriger, CEO and Geri Orr, Assistant Vice President of Professional Services at CRMC. The group then took a tour of the Oncology Unit at CRMC.
Cancer Care at CRMC includes a well-developed oncology program that offers a multidisciplinary team approach combined with quality care. The program continues to be distinguished by the excellent and compassionate patient care it provides. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Hematology/Oncology Department at 845.794.3341.
A member of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System, Catskill Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the highest quality healthcare to residents in the Sullivan County region. For more information, call 845-794-3300 or visit www.crmcny.org.
And congratulations to…
The BCANY Section Nine Basketball All-Stars listed below:
CLASS AA
1. Shamari Brodhead, Kingston, 12
2. Sarah Galloway, Kingston, 12, All Section 2010-11
3. Kerry McHugh, Monroe-Woodbury, 10
4. Kerrie Walsh Monroe-Woodbury 11
5. Danielle Powell, Pine Bush, 12
6. Cassandra St.Vil, Middletown, 12
7. Haliann Fitzgerald, Valley Centra,l 11
8. Alyssa Leahy, Valley Central, 12, All Section 2010-11
9. Mickayla Galak, Warwick, 12
10. Lauren Knowles, Washingtonville, 12
11. Keneisha Lawrence, Newburgh, 12
12. Alison Pritchard, F.D. Roosevelt, 9
Player of the Year: Kerry McHugh, Monroe-Woodbury
Coach of the Year: Tim Faulkner, Valley Central
CLASS A
1. Julianne Wilkinson, Red Hook, 10
2. Siena O’Han, Red Hook, 12, All Section 2010-11
3. Kyla Gabriel, Red Hook, 11
4. Megan Staudle, Cornwall, 12, All Section 2010-11
5. Caroline Staudle, Cornwall, 11
6. Jenna Wood, Cornwall, 12, All Section 2010-11
7. Lisa Bouffard, Wallkill, 12, All Section 2010-11
8. Emily McDonough, Marlboro, 11
9. Nicole DeSantis, Marlboro, 12, All Section 2010-11
10. Hayley Spoljaric, Saugerties, 12 All Section 2010-11
11. Emma Weiss, Goshen, 10
12. Sha’Mira Moore, Monticello, 11
Player of the Year: Megan Staudle, Cornwall
Coach of the Year: Pam White, Red Hook
CLASS B
1. Regina Steele, Ellenville, 12, All Section 2010-11
2. Kim Craft, Ellenville, 12
3. Alex Garcia, Highland, 12, All Section 2010-11
4. Kelly Murphy, Highland, 12, All Section 2010-11
5. Shannon Ward, Highland, 10
6. Olivia Baum, Liberty, 11
7. Anna Thompson, Spackenkill, 10
8. Casey Undersinger, Burke Catholic, 11
9. Jessica Ayala, Burke Catholic, 11
10. Danielle Riley, James I. O’Neill, 12
11. Adrianna DeCicco, Onteora, 10
Player of the Year: Regina Steele, Ellenville
Coach of the Year:Mike Guiney, Ellenville
CLASS C
1. Makenzie Burud, Coleman Catholic, 12, All Section 2010-11
2. Kate Shults, Coleman Catholic, 12, All Section 2010-11
3. Emily Curley, Coleman Catholic, 10, All Section 2010-11
4. Roni Peterson, Millbrook, 10
5. Samantha Cassata, Rhinebeck, 11
6. Lindsey Dunn, S.S. Seward, 12
7. Sheryl Pinder, Fallsburg, 12, All Section 2010-11
8. Mardelle Jean, Chester, 12, All Section 2010-11
9. Mareena DiMilia, Tri-Valley, 11, All Section 2010-11
10. Katelyn Greffrath, Tri-Valley, 10
11. Alex Gundermann, Tuxedo, 12
12. Jordyn Funk, Pine Plains, 12
Player of the Year: Makenzie Burud, Coleman Catholic
Coach of the Year: John Tenbus, Tri-Valley
CLASS D
1. Hunter Browne, Roscoe, 12
2. Monay Allen, Livingston Manor, 12
3. Samantha Scott, Livingston Manor, 11
Player of the Year: Monay Allen Livingston Manor
Coach of the Year: Kevin Clifford Livingston Manor
ALL-LEAGUE PLAYERS
OCIAA DIVISION I
Shamari Brodhead, Kingston, 12
Sarah Galloway, Kingston, 12
Kerry McHugh, Monroe Woodbury, 10
Kerrie Walsh, Monroe Woodbury, 11
Danielle Powell, Pine Bush, 12
Cassandra St.Vil, Middletown, 12
Keneisha Lawrence, Newburgh, 12
Heavenly Rayford, Newburgh, 11
Christie Niccolo, Pine Bush, 12
Kristen Walsh, Monroe Woodbury, 10
Player of the Year: Kerrie Walsh, Monroe Woodbury
Coach of the Year: Linda Trapani, Monroe Woodbury
OCIAA DIVISION II
Haliann Fitzgerald, Valley Central, 11
Alyssa Leahy, Valley Central, 12
Mickayla Galak, Warwick, 12
Lauren Knowles, Washingtonville, 12
Rachelle Garneau, Warwick, 11
Annie Haelen, Minisink Valley, 12
Maggie Cocks, Valley Central, 12
Brianna Paolini, Washingtonville, 11
Fallon Buck, Minisink Valley, 12
Jean Ann Korona, Washingtonville, 11
Player of the Year: Haliann Fitzgerald, Valley Central
Coach of the Year: Tim Faulkner, Valley Central
OCIAA DIVISION III
Megan Staudle, Cornwall, 12
Caroline Staudle, Cornwall, 11
Jenna Wood, Cornwall, 12
Emma Weiss, Goshen, 10
Sha’Mira Moore, Monticello, 11
Sarah Kean, Port Jervis, 9
Yami Reyes, Monticello, 9
Sinead Hughes, Goshen, 12
Alex Jurgens, Cornwall, 10
Marissa Carlton, Port Jervis, 12
Player of the Year: Megan Staudle, Cornwall
Coach of the Year: Karen Atack, Monticello
OCIAA DIVISION IV
Olivia Baum, Liberty, 11
Casey Undersinger, Burke Catholic, 11
Jessica Ayala, Burke Catholic, 11
Danielle Riley, James I. O’Neill, 12
DJ Presutti, Burke Catholic, 12
Justine Dingaven, Liberty, 11
Alanna Broessler, James I. O’Neill, 11
Nicole Episalla, Burke Catholic, 12
Meghan Kerr, Burke Catholic, 10
Haley Puerscher, Sullivan West, 10
Player of the Year: Olivia Baum Liberty
Coach of the Year: Matt McGinnis Burke Catholic
OCIAA DIVISION V
Lindsey Dunn, S.S. Seward, 12
Sheryl Pinder, Fallsburg, 12
Mardelle Jean, Chester, 12
Mareena DiMilia, Tri-Valley, 11
Katelyn Greffeth, Tri-Valley, 10
Alex Gundermann, Tuxedo, 12
Kaylah Pinkney, Tuxedo, 9
Alex Nouri, Tuxedo, 12
Simone Ayers, Chester, 9
Sabreena Smith, Tri-Valley, 10
Player of the Year: Mareena DiMilia Tri-Valley
Coach of the Year:John Tenbus Tri-Valley
OCIAA DIVISION VI
Hunter Browne, Roscoe, 12
Monay Allen, Livingston Manor, 12
Samantha Scott, Livingston Manor, 11
Maggi Calo, Livingston Manor, 12
Victoria Davis, Livingston Manor, 11
Callie Bullis, Roscoe, 11
Samantha Bengay, Roscoe, 11
Maurissa Hammond, Family School, 12
Brittany Klinger, Roscoe, 11
Player of the Year: Monay Allen Livingston Manor
Coach of the Year: Kevin Clifford Livingston Manor
MHAL DIVISION I
Alison Pritchard, F.D. Roosevelt, 9
Julianne Wilkinson, Red Hook, 10
Siena O’Han, Red Hook, 12
Kyla Gabriel, Red Hook, 11
Lisa Bouffard, Wallkill, 12
Hayley Spoljaric, Saugerties, 12
Raven Pentz, Wallkill, 12
Darien Demelis, F.D. Roosevelt, 9
Amy Etheridge, Saugerties, 12
Player of the Year: Julianne Wilkinson, Red Hook
Coach of the Year: Pam White, Red Hook
MHAL DIVISION II
Alex Garcia, Highland, 12
Kelly Murphy, Highland, 12
Shannon Ward, Highland, 10
Emily McDonough, Marlboro, 11
Nicole DeSantis, Marlboro, 12
Erin Depew, Rondout Valley, 12
Alison Ricci, New Paltz, 11
Victoria Pratts, Highland, 12
Nicole DeFabio, Marlboro, 10
Courtney Pineiro, Highland, 12
Player of the Year: Alex Garcia, Highland
Coach of the Year: Jim Delmar, Highland
MHAL DIVISION III
Regina Steele, Ellenville, 12
Kim Craft, Ellenville, 12
Adrianna DeCicco, Onteora, 10
Jordyn Funk, Pine Plains, 12
Seanna Tully, Spackenkill, 11
Anna Thompson, Spackenkill, 10
Rene Guiditta, Onteora, 11
Maria Farias, Pine Plains, 11
Tara Pittman, Spackenkill, 12
Barbara Young, Ellenville, 12
Player of the Year: Regina Steele Ellenville
Coach of the Year: Mike Guiney Ellenville
MHAL DIVISION IV
Makenzie Burud, Coleman Catholic, 12
Kate Shults, Coleman Catholic, 12
Emily Curley, Coleman Catholic, 10
Roni Peterson, Millbrook, 10
Samantha Cassata, Rhinebeck, 11
Meredith Mimuso, Rhinebeck, 11
Lauren Melville, Coleman Catholic, 11
Nicole Curley, Coleman Catholic, 10
Brooke Dahoney, Webutuck, 12
Mackenzie Harkenrider, Millbrook, 11
Player of the Year: Makenzie Burud Coleman Catholic
Coach of the Year: Heather Iannucci Millbrook
Record breaker:
Sullivan West graduate (2010) Katie Manzi made track news at Stony Brook….
STONY BROOK, N.Y. – It was a long time coming, but Stony Brook’s track & field program held its first meet at the University Track on Wednesday. The Seawolves hosted Providence, Bryant and Marist in the first annual quad meet.
New school records were set in the women’s 4×200 relay, men’s 400 hurdles and the men’s and women’s 300.
Seniors Christina Johnson (Elmont, N.Y.), LaQuashia Hall (New York, N.Y.) and Kimberly Pough (North Babylon, N.Y.) and sophomore Katie Manzi (Swan Lake, N.Y.) broke the old 4×200 record by more than four seconds, recording a 1:45.58. She also won the 300 among a field of 16 runners and set a new school record in the event.
The Power And The Glory
Monticello Honors Eight Seniors As Monties Fight Valiantly Against Traditional Powerhouse Minisink Valley; Score Does Not Reflect Monticello’s Grit; M-V Warriors’ Outstanding Program Which Begins With Youth Development Is One Of Section Nine’s Elite
By RICHARD A. ROSS
Photos at: www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
Scenes From Monticello wrestling Senior Night vs. Minisink Valley (clockwise) Monticello senior Victor Vargas (120) defeats M-V's Tyler Mayo 2-1 in OT. M-V's Mike Racciopi (106) pins Chawn Neal in 1:16. Minisink Valley's Jake Hoffman holds off a gritty battle from Adam Kaiser (160) for a 9-1 decision. Monticello sophomore Selena Melendez has the upper hand for the moment vs. M-V's Austin Demberg in an exhibition match won by the latter via a 20-13 major decision. Monticello fan favorite Luke Evans (138) defeats M-V's Frankie Hernandez 6-1. Monticello monster Paul Gomez (126) improves to 19-2 with a pin of Umberto Lumbrazo. Here he starts the match by setting the tone with this hoist.
MONTICELLO, NY—If you’re looking for a blueprint for wrestling success, Minisink Valley offers a template for such with its perennial magnificence. Seven Section Nine, Divisional championships since 2003 and two wrestlers in the top ten of All-Time Section Nine win leaders are just two examples of the Warriors’ mat supremacy.
Year in and year out, Minisink Valley is in the hunt and talking to Coach Kevin Gallagher about what it takes to produce such consistency was informative to say the least. More on that shortly.
Time-honored wisdom affirms that if you want to get better in wrestling, you must vie with the best. For Monticello, which in the past has had its measures of success, the occasion of their senior night swan song was a privilege rife with its own rewards.
Monticello's Paul Gomez (126) is about to complete his pin of M-V's Umberto Lumbrazo.
While some people take the measure of such contests solely by the scores without being privy to the succession of tough encounters that take place within a match, those present come away with an entirely different impression.
Minisink Valley’s 61-18 win might be construed by some as a walkover, but indeed it was anything but. The evening began with a septet of exhibition matches, all of which were won by the Warriors.
The evening began with a tribute to the eight Montie senior statesmen as they were called forth by Coach Justin Fenichal.
Victor Vargas (120), a four-year veteran grappler was first to be announced. All wrestlers would pose for pictures with family members and/or friends. Vargas would go on to defeat Minisink Valley’s Tyler Mayo 2-1 in a match that went into its sixth overtime period.
Next up was four-year veteran Paul Gomez (126). Currently at 19-2 following this night’s pin of Umberto Lumbrazo in 1:22, Gomez is Monticello’s most potent lethal weapon. His two losses this year have both come against Middletown’s Don Brown, an adversary he hopes to supplant in the coming sectionals. Last year Gomez made it to the quarterfinals before being ousted by Cornwall’s Mitch Kreider by the score of 4-2.
Gomez plans to pursue Pharmacy Studies at either St. John’s University or Sacred Heart in the fall.
Minisink Valley's Anthony Sannella (182) lifts Monticello's Nick Fiore enroute to a pin of him in :32.
Antwan Vasquez is a three year veteran who Fenichal cited for his heart, best exemplified by a match in which he once scored 28 points.Vasquez plans to pursue studies in computer networking. Vasquez lost an exhibition match to M-V’s Deante Moore by the score of 10-6.
Adam Kaiser (160) wrestled in 9th and 10th grade but was out last year. This year he “came back with a vengeance”, noted Fenichal. Kaiser who has enlisted to serve in the National Guard showed grit in his 9-1 loss to M-V’s Jake Hoffman. Even after momentarily passing out, he returned to battle the match to its conclusion.
Steven Demestrio (132) wrestled in 9th and 10th grade but a football injury kept him off the mat in his junior year. “He doesn’t have an off switch,” quipped Fenichal about the grappler who just goes and goes. Demestrio was defeated 5-0 by M-V’s Kenny Lumbrazo.
Luke Evans (138) is a veteran wrestler who sustained season-ending injuries in both his sophomore and junior years. Evans will be attending Pace University to study finance. He micro-managed an outstanding match against Frankie Hernandez to emerge as the winner by a 6-0 decision. Evans is a crowd favorite and his performance drew the loudest accolades of the night.
Justin Walgren is in his second year of wrestling and Fenichal wished he could have had him longer. Walgren recruited his younger brother into the fold though so the family name will live on in future Panthers’ wrestling lore. Walgren was pinned by M-V’s Austin Jaycox in 1:35 in an exhibition match.
Sajeth Sanderarajan started in his sophomore year and missed only two practices in a three-year span. He succumbed to M-V’s David Clark in an exhibition match.
Speaking of exhibitions, Monticello sophomore Selena Melendez (126) put up an extraordinary battle against M-V’s Austin Demberg before losing a major decision 20-13. With a fierce headlock and an iron determination, the young woman approaches wrestling with enthusiasm and unbridled grit. She likes to be aggressive and is more inclined towards sports that are usually more male-oriented. “It’s more intense and more fun,” she noted. She began wrestling in eighth grade but skipped her freshman year. Melendez is 2-2 on varsity this season.
Gallagher exuded great respect for Monticello’s wrestlers and the program. “They have some good kids who have been at it a long time. The coaches are doing a good job. We knew coming in that they had that good middle group,” he noted as he prepared to exit already thinking about the Warriors coming crucial fray against Warwick.
Earlier in the evening we spoke at length about the program and the current group of grapplers. The Warriors are now 23-5 following this win. “We have a good mixture of young wrestlers and seniors. We start off well with our three lightweights in Gerard Daly (99), Mike Racciopi (106) and Mason Rambrose at 113. All three are ranked in the top three and are sectional contenders.
Devyn Fennell (145) is in the hunt and at 160 Jake Hoffman is a dangerous senior. Frankie Mayo at 170 is another senior who should be in the hunt too. Anthony Sannella (182) should probably be a top seed. Luke Durland is another factor at that weight. At 195 we’ve got Mike Byrne. At 220 Shane Hamlin is pretty tough. He has a lot of wins and flies under the radar a little bit.
“We have guys that can place every weight class if they wrestle well,” notes Gallagher. M-V was 1-4 at the Union-Endicott Duals all three losses coming by dint of one swing match. “We were in the hunt up there.”
Asked about the success of the program, Gallagher says, “We are consistent. We have a good youth program that starts with kids as young as kindergarteners. We have guys who have been in the program who are interested in helping kids out at that young age. We have a tradition that we are expected to win and kids want to be in our program. They work hard and so do we,” he added.
Asked about the off-season regimen, Gallagher offered, “We go to a team camp every year and usually bring about 25 kids with us. We have open mats during the spring and fall, even when Scott and I are coaching football. We have an assistant coach or team captains where kids are out flipping tires, running the campus or lifting weights. We have the weight room open with the trainer in there.
We also do some off-season tournaments. We have a couple of guys who are year-rounders and other guys who when they’re not playing other sports are wrestling.”
Gallagher understands that the program’s winning tradition continuously draws kids up the pipeline. “It’s easier to get good for a short period of time, but to stay good for a long period of time is a lot tougher. It takes good people throughout the whole program, not just one or two coaches. You need the community involvement.”
Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick are the Warriors’ most stalwart adversaries. M-W wrestles Warwick on Feb 1 and M-V wrestles Warwick on Feb 3. Minisink is in Division I-B, while M-W and Warwick are in I-A.
Fenichal was pleased with his team’s performance which was markedly better than the team’s short-handed outing against Port Jervis. “We’re trying to build some intensity. We have one more intense match at Cornwall on February 3 before sectionals. We’re trying to peak at the right time,” he noted.
“They’re all learning from their mistakes. That’s the only way you can move forward. Next year we’re going to have a lot of young guys. We graduated seven in 2007, but this year there are eight.” It’s been 19 years since Monticello had a Section Nine champion. Gomez avers that he will do his best to end that drought but only time will tell.
Results are as follows:
Section 9 Division I-B: Minisink Valley 61, Monticello 18
99 pounds: Gerard Daly (MV) won by forfeit; 106: Mike Racciopi (MV) pin Chawn Neal 1:16; 113: Mason Rambrose (MV) pin David Ambra 1:37; 120: Victor Vargas (Mon) d. Tyler Mayo 2-1; 126: Paul Gomez (Mon) pin Umberto Lumbrazo 1:22; 132: Kenny Lumbrazo (MV) d. Steven Demestrio 5-0; 138: Luke Evans (Mon) d. Frankie Hernandez 6-0; 145: Devyn Fennel (MV) pin John Doherty 3:08; 152: Nicholas Wentland (MV) pin Travis Kelly 1:25; 160: Jake Hoffmann (MV) d. Adam Kaiser 9-1; 171: Nathan Lake (MV) pin Matt Dennis 0:30; 182: Anthony Sannella (MV) pin Nick Fiore 0:32; 195: Luke Durland (MV) won by forfeit; 220: Mike Byrne (MV) won by forfeit; 285: Michael D’Abbraccio (Mon) won by forfeit.
For an album of photos, visit:
www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
Trackside
Developmental Meets At West Point Afford A Window Into Ongoing Progress of Indoor Track Athletes As They Prepare For Division, League and Sectional Championships As Well As The State Qualifier
By RICHARD A. ROSS
Runners, Jumpers and Throwers Compete In Indoor Track At West Point In A Developmental Meet. Sullivan West's Hannah Feinman excels in the triple jump, Monticello's Shane Jackson wins his heat in the 55 and Tri-Valley's Mareena DiMilia leads all shot putters with yet another throw over 38 feet. Earlier this season she set a personal best and a new school record with a heave of 38-11.75.
WEST POINT, NY—In many respects, the Indoor Track season is unlike any other sports endeavor in the high school year as it is considered by many as a training ground for spring track.
That is not to say that the meets, championships, personal bests and records that are part and parcel of the indoor season don’t constitute the trappings of a sports season that is separate and distinct from cross-country and spring track that sandwich it and often includes a fair number of the same athletes. Distance runners are often three-season athletes who go from X-C to indoor and on to spring track.
Boys indoor times and distances
The work that goes on during the indoor season is great preparation for the intense albeit all-too-short outdoor track season, the zenith of the year for runners, jumpers and throwers.
Winter can be bleak and grueling and those long trips to West Point, particularly when night meets are involved mean many hours and far less sleep for the weary warriors. But most grit their way through it recognizing the potential rewards within the season itself and as mentioned, for the spring to come.
Girls indoor times and distances.
Developmental meets like the one staged at Gillis Field House on January 15 are not scored. But coaches diligently time and monitor their athletes in their events to assess their progress and to modify if necessary, their techniques and training regimens for soon those same sprinters, long jumpers, pole vaulters, relay racers, middle and long distance runners, triple jumpers, shot putters, hurdlers etc will be up against the competition in meets that count, particularly the championship meets that bring their own special brand of distinction, honor and rewards.
For this photojournalist, a veteran of many meets at West Point, the mission is to efficiently circulate among the various venues in the Field House to photograph athletes at their craft. As usual, my particular concentration is on young men and women from Sullivan County but certainly not limited to them.
The reach of this website extends to the far reaches of Section Nine and as I am unabashedly a staunch supporter of the sport and the often severely under-covered athletes who give it their all, I pride myself on my knowledge of the sport, its history, its record-setters and seek to cover it sufficiently during the season to do it justice.
I am admittedly a bit later than usual with my first salvo to that end. But fear not, it’s going to get hot and heavy from here on out.
With so many teams and so many individual athletes within its realm, it is impossible to go into great detail especially when a meet has no scoring. That said, some things are noteworthy up to this juncture. Here’s a thumbnail sketch of just some of the winter progress of a few Sullivan County athletes.
Tri-Valley’s Dominique Darby has qualified for the Millrose Games in the weight throw for the third year in a row. This time out her distance was 47-1. Mareena DiMilia is Section Nine’s leader in the shot put with a heave of 38-11.75 at the Pearl River Invitational at Rockland County Community College.
Other current Section Nine leaders include T-V eighth grader Autumn Bender in the 1500 with a time of 5:11.92; T-V senior Jim Bernstein in the 3200 with a time of 10:01.54; Eldred junior Alex Campanella in the 1600 with a personal best time of 4:21.82.
Campanella ran a 4:26.84 in the mile at the Millrose Game Trials placing 16th. That followed a fifth place finish at the Hispanic Games at the Armory with a previous personal best time of 4:23.35.
Pictured above are comprehensive overviews of what times and distances were worthy of winning and record setting in the past year in terms of the OCIAA, Section Nine and NYSPHSAA Championships, as well as existing records in New York State and the U.S.A. To that end I annually research that information and try to give copies of it to coaches so they can then give copies to their team members so they have a better frame of reference with regard to what it takes to win in their particular events.
Unfortunately I left them in my car which was parked way far away from the Field House and so I am publishing them here for all to see.
Most teams have been competing not just at West Point but traveling to various other invitationals as well. Some have gone to the N.Y Armory and other major venues as well. During this whirlwind coaches have recorded the personal bests and medal acquisition of their team members.
Some big meet dates are as follows: OCIAA Championships at West Point 2/10-2/11
Sullivan County Championships 2/13
Section Nine A Championships 2/17 ; Section Nine B Championships 2/18
Boys State Qualifier 2/24; Girls State Qualifier 2/25.
State Meet March 3 at Cornell University.
For an album of photos from this West Point Developmental Meet visit:
www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
Under The Radar And Over The Top
Monticello’s Second Annual Cheerleading Competition Features Outstanding Athletic Performances of Skill, Grace And Strength From The SPORT That Is Under-Appreciated; Cornwall Wins Small Varsity and Minisink Valley Takes Junior Varsity In Electrifying Five-School Early Season Display
Junior Varsity: Minisink Valley 230.5; Cornwall 217
Small Varsity: Cornwall 251; Newburgh 249.5; Washingtonville 231; Fallsburg 215
By RICHARD A. ROSS
Scenes from the Second Annual Monticello Cheerleading Competition (clockwise) Tumbling expertise evinced by a Cornwall cheerleader, Great jump skills by Newburgh cheerleaders, Cornwall's pyramid was part of its winning small schools routine. Fallsburg's Mekayla Pernesvi earns props as Comets win the longest held extension competition. A Newburgh cheerleader flies in a great aerial flyaway. Fallsburg cheerleaders are awesome even in the early part of the season. A Minisink Valley junior varsity cheerleader rises above the outstretched arms of her teammates who tossed her and will soon deftly catch her. Washingtonville cheerleaders show their jumping synchronicity.
MONTICELLO, NY—I’ve been involved with athletics all my life as a fan, a marathon runner, a long distance swimmer and an award-winning sportswriter. I was even selected as Sports Writer of the Year by the New York Press Association in 2008 so I believe my perspective on athletics carries some weight.
So let me say this clearly and without reservation: Cheerleading is a SPORT. And not just any sport. It’s rigorous, demanding and requires a mind-altering array of skills, timing, strength and determination.
We’re not talking here about pom-pom waving girls who just smile and cheer at basketball games.We’re talking about teams that often include members of both genders rendering untold hours of preparation for complex routines, dances, stunts, lifts, flying and catching of airborne athletes, all done with unfathomable precision and synchronicity.
Wave of the future: Minisink Valley's Junior Varsity wins out over Cornwall's J.V and completes its routine with this nifty pyramid.
Frankly, I defy many naysayers who have probably never been to a cheerleading competition to witness some of the stunning athleticism on display at Monticello’s Second Annual Cheerleading Competition held on January 7 to maintain their insipid insistence that cheerleading is not a sport.
Cheerleading’s thrust to be included in the canon of high school sports in an ongoing battle, not made easier by the lack of media attention once again exemplified at this year’s Monticello event. Yes, I was the only professional media person on hand. But hey, as far as the regional newspapers are concerned, it’s their loss. Unfortunately they do a great disservice to these fine athletes by passing up events such as this.
A year ago when Monticello Coach Kelly Keesler staged Monticello’s first cheerleading competition, the number of schools on hand (nine) was significantly greater than this year (five). Keesler who is expecting a baby turned over the coaching reins to her talented assistant Jesus Rodriguez, but she was on hand this year to help organize the dazzling event which drew a large crowd of spectators from the participating schools as well as cheerleaders from local schools who weren’t competing this time out.
This year’s field featured junior varsity squads from Minisink Valley coached by Deanna Archiere and Cornwall coached by Kelly Channell and small varsity squads from Cornwall coached by Betty Channell, Washingtonville coached by Jane Nienstadt, Newburgh coached by Rosana Diaz and Fallsburg coached by Kiffanie Rodgers and Hope Mickelson. Each team had an opportunity to warm up and practice its routine on the mat before the competition got underway.
Fallsburg represents Sullivan County and shows its mettle with its great jumping skills. The Lady Comets finished fourth in the small varsity competition.
It’s early in the season and that kept Sullivan West and Liberty from entering this year, though cheerleaders from both schools were on hand to watch and learn. Monticello, which graduated 15 of its 22 cheerleaders who had spent their entire tenure under Keesler’s dynamic leadership, played host but did not compete. They are still building their routine for the OCIAA Cheerleading Championships which will be held at Kingston High School on February 18.
Washingtonville is the reigning OCIAA Small School Division I Champion. Pine Bush will defend the large school Division I crown, while John S. Burke Catholic hopes to retain its small school Division II title. Last year’s championships were held at Sullivan County Community College and were attended by a packed house of rabid fans. It was a big boost to the sport.
At this year’s Monticello showdown, Minisink Valley’s junior varsity edged Cornwall’s JV squad 230.5 to 217. Talent abounded on both squads with great lifts, smooth routines and vibrant spirit.
Great music and narration was provided by Sounds Wizards Entertainment D.J. Kenny Vandermark throughout the morning. Each team brought its own music tracks to perform to but in between, the rhythmic pulse from Vandermark’s awesome bevy of songs had the fans dancing in the aisles and the host Monticello cheerleaders showing their moves.
Aerial finesse: Newburgh took second place but in terms of its airborne flying, it was tops by far.
In fact many of the cheerleaders from all of the participating schools and a few of their coaches including Fallsburg’s Kiffanie Rodgers were out on the mat busting moves during the open dancing segment that took place prior to the awards announcements.
Cornwall was this year’s victor in the small schools varsity division with 251 points as they edged out high-flying Newburgh whose aerial acrobatics were stunning to say the least. The Goldback Nation garnered an impressive 249.5 points. Washingtonville, which had a few glitches that hurt an otherwise stellar outing was third with 231 and Sullivan County’s lone participant, Fallsburg was fourth with 215.
The Lady Comets were very impressive though given the early date of this outing. Spirited, agile and captivating in their black and gold uniforms, they drew cheers from their adoring fans. Those cheers grew louder when diminutive Mekayla Pernesvi won the longest held extension competition outlasting teammate Keri Seastrand as Fallsburg endured longer than the other competing teams.
Washingtonville squads dueled each other for the longest held lift while the Wizards also captured the highest toss competition.
Monticello coach Jesus Rodriguez thanked Keesler for her immeasurable impact on Monticello cheerleading and her selfless devotion over the years. The team presented her with a teddy bear and they posed for a photo at the conclusion of the morning’s events.
Closing glimpse: Monticello cheerleaders honor former coach Kelly Keesler who is expecting a baby. Champion Cornwall's small varsity, Fallsburg finished fourth, Minisink Valley junior varsity winners,dancers galore, Washingtonville finished third.
Just a few pointers here on how the teams are judged: Categories include the skills of Motion and Footwork that are assessed for their variety, placement, sharpness, synchronicity and team cheer value. Stunts are viewed for their variety and technique, control, synchronicity. Pyramids and/or Basket Tosses are adjudged for their control, flexibility and synchronicity. Jumps must have height, control, landings with feet together and pointed toes. Tumbling must be done with control, good height, landing with feet together and synchronicity.
In addition Cheerleaders are assessed for Voice and Showmanship (loudness, pitch, enunciation and pep), Crowd Leading and Appeal (great energy and facial expression, confidence, fun and exuberance).
Finally points are amassed for Transitions, Formations and Spacing and Overall Presentation of Routine.
Given the complex judging criteria, one can easily affirm the difficulty of mastering so many skills and the rigorous training that goes into doing so. Cheerleading is indeed a sport and a demanding one at that.
I Can’t wait for the OCIAA Championships this year. Check out the array of photos from the Second Annual Monticello Cheerleading Competition at www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
One For The Ages
Monticello Pulls Off A Dramatic Upset Against Class AA Behemoth Minisink Valley In A Classic That Will Long Be Remembered
Monticello 37, Minisink Valley 28
By RICHARD A. ROSS
rross@sportsinsightsny.com
Scenes from an historic Monticello win (clockwise) Shane Jackson eludes tacklers for a big gain. He rushed for 183 yards and threw for 233 incurring two TD's on the ground and three in the air. Anthony Gray pulls in a pass. Gray racked up 175 yards on nine catches and scored three TD's in the win. Minisink Valley's Jeff Newlin hauls in a 53-yard pass from Ryan Callaghan to score the Warriors' first TD. Gray catches the ball and heads out of bounds at the one. Monticello failed to score on this drive and proceeded to relinquish the lead by surrendering 21 unanswered points but Gray and company got off the mat to responds by reclaiming and retaining the lead. Montie cheerleaders pose during halftime. Sean Reuss catches a pass and barrels forward.
MONTICELLO, NY—For years to come in the telling and retelling of how undersized, undermanned and under-appreciated Monticello marshaled a 37-28 upset victory over Minisink Valley, the Panther players and coaches will hearken back to a day when heart, soul and true grit prevailed against seemingly unspeakable odds.
A moment to treasure: Monticello players and coaches on the sideline erupt in joy as the game comes to a victorious conclusion.
There are moments in our lives, especially those tinged with unbridled emotion, that remain forever emblazoned in our memory. And this September 10 classic was just such a time.
Stalking the sideline with camera at the ready, absorbing every second of this game’s tenor , this writer bore witness to the courage and determination of a total team effort; one that would not quit in the face of pain, injury, exhaustion and even a late Warriors’ resurgence that threatened to rob the Panthers of a victory in a game they had led up to that point.
Indeed, it is when adversity rises to its most daunting level that character is tested. And as the post-game comments supplied by Panther head coach Matt Buddenhagen, as well as the observations of several of the game’s most salient players will attest, this victory was far more than just a regular season, non-league win. Their words matter and subsequently in this piece they will be quoted.
Far more than just another Saturday afternoon football game, this clash and ensuing upset victory was a milestone, a potential season-changer and above all else, a testimony to what is possible when one is willing to lay it all on the line.
For the 33 players who suited up for this second outing of the young season, the sweet rewards of victory eradicated last week’s sense of despondency following the opening day defeat to Pine Bush and created a newfound determination to make this season one for the ages. Assuredly, next week’s league clash against powerful Cornwall will be greatly anticipated and viewed differently by both teams following Monticello’s showing against Minisink Valley, a team touted as the third-ranked team in Section Nine.
For the Warriors led by classy veteran coach Kevin Gallagher, this day’s outcome will provide its own lessons and motivation for the battles to come, first and foremost next week as the Warriors take on the Kingston Tigers, a team Cornwall battered in week one to the tune of 31-6.
Minisink Valley senior Jeff Newlin did some major damage against Port Jervis last weekend and wrought some more against the Monties, but not enough to put his team over the top. Here Newlin gets into the secondary and looks to make the Monties pay.
Football games have their side stories. This one was marked by the departure of Monticello Athletic Director Doug Murphy who will be taking over the A.D. reins at Minisink Valley this week. “Bittersweet,” was the word Murphy used to describe his emotions about leaving.. “Monticello is a wonderful school with wonderful people. I look forward to the opportunity now to head down to Minisink Valley.
I had a great career at Monticello for the past 18 years as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and athletic director. I’m most proud of how well the athletic program has improved. The boys track team has won the last two division championships and bringing football back which has done great things for the school and community.”
Joking about the coincidence that Monticello would be facing Minisink Valley on his last official day, the affable outgoing A.D. called it “Murphy’s Law.” This writer quipped that hopefully this year’s coming Monticello Games will have great weather which it did every year under his watch.
A new football scoreboard was dedicated to 1975 graduate Phillip Berman. His son Logan and nephew Alan were on hand to be honored in his name.
As the teams completed their warm ups, the disparity in size and numbers was apparent. The Warriors had arrived with a huge squad that outnumbered Monticello two-two one. Behind its 37-0 thrashing of Port Jervis in week one, the Warriors looked to roll over Monticello in the air and on the ground while looking to key in on Panthers’ standout quarterback Shane Jackson.
To their shock by day’s end, it would be Monticello’s seemingly unstoppable offense that would steal the show as the Panthers would rack up 533 total yards including 233 in the air from the scrambling Jackson who was 14/21 with three TD passes to senior wide out Anthony Gray.
Football games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Here the Montie d-line faces a daunting Minisink Valley o-line that out-sized them. The Panther defense played a remarkable game.
Gray’s heroics produced a remarkable nine catches for 175 yards. With an enormous vertical leap, a quick first step and a hunger for the ball, Gray continuously beat Minisink Valley’s secondary to provide an open target for Jackson.
Similarly, on the ground, the Panthers moved the chains on the hefty Minisink defense as Jackson, often hobbling on not one, but two injured calf muscles eluded tacklers or made gains even running into the teeth of the defense. Jackson carried the ball 26 times for 183 yards and rushed for a pair of touchdowns.
José Cruz put in a yeoman’s effort with 22 carries for 100 yards and one TD. Cruz overcame a fumble which led to Minisink Valley’s first score. Putting the miscue in the rearview mirror, the tough back summoned his will to take the ball time and time again as he was abetted by Monticello’s outstanding offensive line.
Buddenhagen gushed with praise for his o-line’s showing. “Offensive line is the most thankless position. You never get credit or your name in the paper. They’re always getting yelled at and it’s the hardest position too. You’ve got to think constantly. There are so many change ups and calls on the line. They were awesome today”, he said naming them one by one: Brendan Madsen, Brendan Thomas, Ian Campbell, Jermel Branch, Garrett LaPolt and tight end Sean Reuss.”
The Warriors won the toss and elected to receive but Monticello’s fiery defense answered the call by nixing the opening drive. The Panthers got the ball out to their 35 on the punt return and went to work as Jackson scrambled and then threw a first down pass to Gray. The chains kept moving with a first-down pass to Reuss to the Warriors’ 17. Two plays later Jackson burst free for a 13-yard TD run at 4:34. Angelo Niforatos kicked the PAT and the Panthers led 7-0.
Words fall far short in describing the athleticism of Shane Jackson, an omnipresent threat that makes defenses edgy to say the least.
Minisink gained ground off its option pitch from QB Ryan Callaghan to running back Frank Mayo and a toss to Andrew Hannerman but a delay of game penalty slowed the push. The Warriors went for it on fourth down but the Panthers got a key stop of running back Rommel Brantley by Monticello’s Steve Demestrio .
Jackson responded two plays later with a 36-yard strike to Gray at 11:42 of the second quarter to make it 13-0. The PAT failed but the Panthers were rolling.
Gray knocked down a pass from Callaghan on the next Warriors’ series and Minisink had to punt. On the first play from scrimmage Cruz had the ball stripped and Minisink got the ball at the Monties’ 46. Wideout Jeff Newlin hauled in a 53-yard pass at 9:22 and Colin Cazetta split the uprights to make it 13-7.
The Monties overcame a delay of game penalty and used a nice mix of passes to Gray and Reuss and runs by Cruz and Jackson to move the ball forward. The drive was capped by a three-yard TD run by Jackson for the 19-7 lead. The two-point conversion try resulted in an incomplete pass.
Minisink threatened on its next series as it marched relentlessly down the field but an interception by Mistah Alli proved momentous in assuring the Monties of a 19-7 lead at the half and the prospect of receiving the ball after the break.
That they did as they began on their 20 with a touchback. Cruz carried it six but concerns rose as Jackson was visibly hurt and limping and had to come out. Jonathan Harned went in to call the signals. Cruz shouldered the load and Jackson returned two plays later. An encroachment penalty by the Warriors sustained the Monties’ drive and at 5:52 Jackson found Gray with a 14-yard TD pass to make it 25-7. The PAT was blocked but all looked promising for Monticello.
But football is a four-quarter, down-to-the-wire affair. Minisink coaches implored their players to rise to the challenge and they did.
It took them only three plays on the next series to march 67 yards capped off by a 33-yard TD run by Newlin around the left end at 5:28 to make it 25-14 after the successful PAT.
And they weren’t done yet.
The new scoreboard dedicated to the memory of 1975 Monticello grad Phillip Berman reveals the happy ending. A tribute to Berman's memory and the foundation in his name preceded the game.
The Monties went three and out and the Warriors took over at their 19. Suddenly they were moving it at will, eating up huge chunks of field. At 1:59 Branley hauled in an 11-yard strike from Callaghan and moved closer at 25-20.
Monticello had the ball as the fourth quarter began and Jackson hit Gray on a long strike to the one as the deft receiver struggled to stay inbounds for the score. In what looked to be a major shift in momentum, the Warriors withstood the challenge as Jackson’s fourth down pass to Reuss fell incomplete and Minisink shocked Monticello with a first down 99 and a half-TD strike to Frankie Yovino to take a 26-25 lead with 9:49 remaining in the game.
They added a two-point conversion run to make it 28-25 and looked to shut the door on Monticello.
But Buddenhagen’s troops would not be denied. Banged up, tired, but undaunted they took to the field determined to reclaim the lead. Credit Cruz and Gray, along with Jackson and the forceful play of the offensive line. They just kept ramming the ball forward. With 5:58 remaining, the 70-yard drive reached paydirt as Jackson ran it in from the one to make it 31-28. The conversion play failed but now it was on the defense to hold serve.
To that end the Monties came up with a huge turnover as Alli knocked the ball loose and Jacob McLaughlin recovered it at the Minisink 47. Facing a third and five, Jackson unleashed a 47-yard strike to Gray for the 37-28 lead. Niforatos’ PAT was partially blocked but only 1:44 remained in the game.
Minisink made huge gains on a screen pass to Yovino and were moving by leaps and bounds all the way to the Monties’ ten-yard line. Monticello knew the game was far from over but it was about to drop into the bag as Jackson picked off a Callaghan pass with 48 seconds remaining.
Monticello couldn’t get a first down and the Warriors got it back one more time. Monticello’s defense had the last word and the Monties erupted into a jubilant celebration behind the improbable 37-28 win.
Minisink Coach Kevin Gallagher summed it up thusly: “You’ve got to give them a lot of credit. They played a great game, the kind of game they’d need to play to beat us. I won’t say we didn’t play well but when you’ve got big play capability like they have, you’re always one play away from getting back in it , which they did after we got the lead.”
Gallagher went on to praise Jackson. “He broke tackles numerous times and he was playing hurt. He’s a gutsy kid.”
Buddenhagen addressed his troops and praised them to the sky. “They roll in here with sixty players and a program that’s been around forever. This is a huge win for us, one of the best games I’ve ever been a part of,” he added. That’s a double AA team. That’s how you play football! We got in a flow on offense. That’s the way to bounce back,” he barked as he went on to extol the game’s big playmakers one by one, already duly mentioned and in including Adam Kaiser who had pounced on a key onside kick by the Warriors.
Turning to this writer, the fiery coach added. “Our first three games presented a bear of a schedule and people kept telling me: 0-3. This gives us great momentum for the games to come.” Monticello (1-1) travels to Cornwall next week for its first and most daunting league test.
How The Players Saw It..In Their Own Words
Anthony Gray “It really feels great. This is a big win for us, a big statement. We beat a Double AA team when everyone said we were going to lose in a really big blowout. I was impressed by how our offensive line could block that well and Cruz kept it going. He got over that fumble just like Coach teaches us to do.”
José Cruz: “It means a lot to us. When we lost to Pine Bush last week it seemed like the whole team was going downhill. I think this really boosted our confidence.”
Sean Reuss :”This win means a lot to our team. We came out strong in the first and second halves and kept it up. Our line did great today.”
Shane Jackson: “I’m really proud of our team and even though I was hurt I felt I had to pull through for the team. It’s great to have a win but it feels even better coming against the third-ranked team in Section Nine.”
Monticello Stat Line:
Passing: Jackson 14/21/233 with three TD’s.
Rushing: Jackson 26/183 with two TD’s; Cruz 22/100 with one TD.
Sean Reuss led his team with 12 tackles.
Receiving: Mike Rogers 1/6; Gray 9/175 with three TD’s; Reuss 2/30; Connor Briggs 1/7.
Minisink stats are forthcoming and will be added when they are sent.
For an album of photos, visit www.sportsinsights.smugmug.com
