the sports department print edition, april 2013

Inside The Sports Department

Jon Buzby says the outfield isn’t always a bad place to be. See page 3.

Donny Marshall visits East Windsor. See page 11.

See “Rollins” Page 7

Enfield/Suffield Edition April 2013

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Robbie Hitt fires a pitch during a 3-1 loss at Ellington last Friday. The Wildcats defeated East Windsor 17-0 in their season opener earlier in

the week. Photo by Evan Macy, The Sports Department.

Spring Fling

Area H.S. Baseball Teams Experienced, Hungry

By Evan MacyThe Sports Department

The area's high school baseball teams boast some of the most talented players in the state. With another year of experience under their belts, their leadership could help their teams come June in the state tournament. Of the five area teams who advanced to the states last year, only Windsor Locks got a victory before being knocked out. Given the talent and experience, that figure is likely to improve. The 2013 spring season began on April 3.FermiCoach: Bob CressottiLast Year: 13-8 (Lost Class L 1st round)Key Returnees: Alex Zachary (Sr, P/OF), Dan Brunetti (Sr, P/SS), Greg Kraucunas (So, P/3B)Outlook: The Falcons will look familiar, with most of the starting lineup returning from a team that reached the state tourna-ment. “We return seven starters from last years team,” coach Cressotti said, “At this point we’re looking to compete, respect all the teams in the CCC East and to be competi-tive consistently.”

Senior captains Zachary and Brunetti had strong 2012 seasons, with Zachary batting over .400. The duo will provide leader-ship for several returning underclassmen, including sophomore Kraukcunas, who batted .328 last year. “They’re competitors, they're leaders and everybody is following by example," Cres-sotti said. Fermi notched a big early season victory April 6, defeating town rival 5-2 Enfield as Brunetti pitched a complete game and the Falcons took advantage of five Enfield er-rors. Fermi is 1-1 after its first two games.EnfieldCoach: Jay GaucherLast Year: 16-5 (Lost Class M 1st round)Key Returnees: Avery Boissy (Sr), Tom Meskell (Sr), Sal Spadaro (Sr), Ian Lem-pitsky (Sr), Tyler Griffith (Jr)Outlook: Enfield's strong 2012 season ended with an upset loss to Norwich Tech in the first round of the Class M tourna-ment. Gaucher and his team are they are prepared to use last year’s experience as a springboard toward even better things in 2013.“Pitchers will need to throw strikes,” the

Also serving Somers, Stafford, East Windsor & Windsor Locks

April 20132

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The Sports DepartmentP.O. Box 746, Ellington, CT 06029

860-872-0TSD (0873) • 860-614-5866 • thesportsdept.com

Publisher: Kevin Hayes • [email protected]: Brendan Faherty • Production Manager: Patty Hunter

Contributing Writers: Jon Buzby • Tom Ainsworth • Steve Smith • Reid L Walmark • Danny Atkinson • Brian Mazzone • Nate Owen • Amy Locandro • Bob

Tedford • Brendon Willis • Julie Dutton • Melissa Green-Maltese • Bruce Watt, David Wrabel • Amy Saada • Alison Alberghini-Durler • Lori Titus

Photography: Steve Palmer • Andre Dumais • Rich Tanguay • Alan Bastarache • Steve Smith • Andre Garant • Melanie Oliveira

[email protected]

April 2013 3

By Jon BuzbyThe Sports Department

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Don't Dismiss Outfield - It Might Be An In Later

Even if you aren't a baseball fan, you've probably heard the stereotype that lesser-skilled players get stuck in the outfield in youth baseball. Ask any parent, and he or she will tell you if it was up to him, his child would be playing in the infield somewhere. And ask any kid and he will tell you the same thing. Watch any game at the local field, and usually the infielders are the best players on the team. That doesn't make it right, just the way it seems to be. Sometimes players are put in the out-field for safety reasons, especially at a young age. My new baseball team made up of 6- and 7-year-olds has four players on it who, quite frankly, have no chance of stopping a line drive hit at them in the infield. They will start the season in the outfield where they can’t possibly be hit hard enough to get hurt (and start hating the game of baseball before they really even experience it). When I talk to parents — it’s important to do so — of the kids and explain my reasoning, I’ll also share with them one of my favorite youth sports stories. In his final year of travel baseball, my oldest son played some outfield for the first time in his life. As disappointed as he was — and I admit, I was — when it initially happened, even he now readily admits he was lucky to get the experi-ence. I'm convinced the reason my son made his high school team one year later was because of his experience in the outfield that season when, due to a surplus of

infielders, he was forced to play all three outfield positions. Like many good players, he had spent all of his youth baseball games playing the infield and pitching. Just like the other 40 kids who tried out for the high school team. So when tryouts rolled around, he was smart enough to realize his best chance to make the team was to compete against players in the outfield who had never played there before, rather than vying for positions with multiple other former all-star infielders. He said he was one of only a couple players who correctly judged fly balls and had the awareness to throw to the correct base depending on the situation. He said that most of the other kids trying out for outfield "had no clue" how to react to a long fly ball or what to do with it once they caught it. If you have ever tried to shag a fly ball in any situation, you know it's not easy. Imagine doing it for the first time under stressful tryout conditions. My guess is there were several players who, with some outfield experience, might have made the team. Fortunately, my son had that experience. So remember, the next time your child is given a chance to play the outfield, he might want to think twice about saying no. And you might even want to encourage it. If I had been given the chance to voice my opinion at the time — fortunately, my son didn’t ask my advice — I probably would have told my son to say no to the outfield and stick to the infield. And if he had done that, he might not have ever played high school baseball. The same rule of thumb goes for any sport and their unpopular positions (a.k.a. defense), where supposedly only the lesser-skilled players go. Someday, being in the "worst" position on the field might just work out for the best.

Contact Jon Buzby at [email protected] and follow him @youthsports-buzz on Twitter.

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK

Somers Lacrosse Well-Represented At Next Level

By Reid L. WalmarkThe Sports Department

Freshman Jason Moustafa (Somers High Class of 2012) is a long-stick mid-fielder on the Clemson University's club lacrosse team (4-4). His former Somers teammate and classmate Tyler Russell is a midfielder at St. John's (7-2). Garrett Ficara (Somers 2011) is a sophomore long-stick midfielder for Roger Williams (4-4) after transferring from Endicott. He has 15 ground balls and has caused seven turnovers. Ficara has started in six of the seven games in which he has played. There is a big area presence on the Eastern Connecticut State lacrosse team (3-5). They are led by Zach Thresher (Somers 2011), a sophomore middie who has five goals, two assists and a ground ball with 11 shots while playing in all eight games. Dan Bell (Somers 2011), who trans-ferred from Western New England, is a sophomore goaltender who has not cracked Eastern's four-goalie rotation

this spring. Matthew Garcia (Somers 2011) is a sophomore midfielder who has been in two games with a ground ball and one caused turnove.Baseball Senior pitcher Matt Purnell (Stafford 2009) is Eastern Connecticut's closer. He is 2-1 with a 2.00 earned-run average. He has pitched 18 innings in 13 appear-ances with three saves and 25 strike-outs. Sophomore catcher and infielder Chuck Vogt (Windsor Locks 2011), a transfer from Keene State, has played seven games, starting five. He has one hit in 13 at bats but has drawn five walks for a .333 on-base percentage. Sopho-more shortstop Josh Fredette (Somers 2011) is aso on the team.Track & Field University of Hartford freshman Jared Casey (Enfield 2012) placed 11th in the 300 and was part of the 4x200-meter re-lay team in the Stony Brook (N.Y.) Quad Meet. . . .Freshman Gabriella Attanasio (Suffield 2012) is a pole vaulter for the UConn women’s team.

Students Hit The LanesBy Staff Reports

The second Connecticut High School Invitational Bowling Tournament is Saturday, March 23 at AMF Circle Lanes in East Haven. It starts at 10 a.m.; the entry deadline is March 15. Registration fee is $100 per team and includes all bowling-related costs. Bowlers who wish to enter are asked to contact their high school's athletic director. The event is sponsored by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference with support from the Connecticut Bowling Proprietors Association and is part of an initiative to bring inter-scholastic bowling to state high schools. Nineteen schools participated in the inaugural event last year at Bradley Bowl in Windsor Locks.Host Windsor Locks won the title in a roll-off vs. Fermi-Enfield. The CIAC, the governing body of high school athletics in Connecticut, is hoping to add bowling as an interscholastic sport beginning in 2014.

Paulina Koloda of the Fermi-Enfield bowl-ing team celebrates a good roll during the second annual CIAC Bowling Invitational last month.

April 20134 TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition

Golf Can Benefit Children As parents, we intro-duce our children to many different activities to help them grow and develop as people. Sports offer incredible life lessons that can help shape the way our children deal with the inevitable challenges of everyday life. In addi-

tion to traditional athletic skill development through its focus on technique, the sport of golf offers a unique focus on values and respect, which will serve children both on and off the golf course. The First Tee program is one example of the focus on the positive values of golf for children. Initiated in 1997 through the collaborative efforts of the LPGA, Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA Tour, USGA and Shell Oil, this initiative began as a way to “bring golf to kids and teens that otherwise would not be exposed to the game and its positive values”. An im-portant element of The First Tee program are the Nine Core Values, which embody many of the inherently positive values of the game of golf: Honesty: Golf is unique from other sports in that players regularly call penalties on themselves and report their own score.Integrity: Golf is a game of etiquette and composure. Players are responsible for their actions and personal conduct on the golf course even at times when others may not be looking.Sportsmanship: Players must know and abide by the rules of golf and be able to

By Julie Dutton, ATC, LAT, Director of Athletic Training Services

conduct themselves in a kind and re-spectful manner towards others even in a competitive game.Respect: In golf it is important to show respect for oneself, playing partners, fellow competitors, the golf course, and for the honor and traditions of the game.Confidence: Confidence plays a key role in the level of play that one achieves. Players can increase confidence in their abilities by being positive and focusing on something they are doing well regardless of the outcome.Responsibility: Players are responsible for their actions on the golf course. It is up to them to keep score, repair divots, rake bunkers, repair ball marks on the green, and keep up with the pace of play.Perseverance: To succeed in golf, players must continue through bad breaks and their own mistakes, while learning from past experiences.Courtesy: A round of golf should begin and end with a handshake between fellow competitors. Players also should be still and quiet while others are preparing and performing a shot.Judgment: Using good judgment is very important in golf. It comes into play when deciding on strategy, club selection, when to play safe and when to take a chance, the type of shot players consider execut-ing, as well as making healthy choices on and off the golf course. While these values can be found in any sports arena, golf is a unique environment where these values can be introduced in a different way. It is important to remember life lessons learned in any sport, and that many times it is those lessons, not the final score, which really matter. For more information on the benefits of youth golf, visit the firsttee.org.

April 2013 5TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition


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April 20136


Girls Lacrosse NotebookLacro

sseBoys Lacrosse Notebook

Lacrosse

Somers ReloadsBy Evan MacyThe Sports Department

Somers is again one of the top boys high school lacrosse programs in the area, while Suffield will again make a run at joining the Spartans in the Class S tourna-ment.SomersCoach: Ken McCarthyLast Year: 15-5 (Lost Class S champion-ship)Key Returnees: Cullen Roberts (Sr), Brian McDuffie (12), Pat Tynan, Sean Tynan, Kevin Murdoch (Sr)Outlook: There is only one way to improve on a season that resulted in a run-ners-up finish in the state championship. And McCarthy’s talented Spartan squad knows full well what it takes to win a state title. "Our kids are building the foundation now in practice to make another run.” With senior leadership from midfielder Roberts and de-fender McDuffy, the team has its sights on NCCC rival Avon in the regular season and another Class S run. Another key to

Somers’ success will be the performance of the Tynan brothers, with Pat in goal and Sean on attack. They will do their best to overcome the loss of five seniors. Somers (0-2) lost dropped to Avon and Tolland.SuffieldCoach: Mark CervioneLast Year: 8-9 (Lost Class S first round)Key Returnees: Paul Armata (Sr), Brady Schoner (Sr), Eddie Mothereway (Sr), Jake Mandirola (Sr), Steven Wyse (Sr), Kevin Kaczmarek (Sr), Adam Holmes (sr.)Outlook: The Wildcats return a lot of tal-ent, with a solid senior class back from last year's state tourney qualifers. Among the weapons in Suffield’s potent offense is Holmes, who for the last couple seasons has been a regular scorer. Suf-field is 1-1 on the season.

Area Teams ImprovedBy Evan MacyThe Sports Department

Suffield High and Somers are both seeking improvement after tough 2012 seasons. They both will have to navigate tough regular season schedules to reach the states.SuffieldCoach: Sam ZulloLast Year: 4-12Key Returnees: Gabby Arruda (Sr), Nur Hamideh (Sr), Laura Frechette (Sr), Tashua Sotil (Jr)Outlook: All-NCCC midfielder Arruda and Hamideh look to lead a motivated team.“We are still in a rebuilding process from two years ago, when we graduated 12 seniors, all very good athletes." Zullo said. "We should be very strong in the midfield, with Nur and Gabby as two of the best in the league. Those two should really give us a chance against a lot of the teams we play against.” The Wildcats will be tested by their dif-ficult nonconference schedule. Suffield will face Hall, Farmington, Berlin and Newington, all much larger schools. Those should prepare the Wildcats for a bid at a

tournament spot.“With the senior leaders that we have I really believe that if we can make the state tournament we can beat anyone in Class S in the state,” the coach said. “We just have to get there first.” Suffield is 0-2 on the season.SomersCoach: Tara CushmanLast Year: 6-10Key Returnees: Kristen Steidler (Jr), Katie Morrell (Sr), Karen Trescott (Sr), Jess Olynciw (Sr), Kayle Savage (Sr), Jenna Varnauskas (Sr)Outlook: Steidler returns after a breakout sophomore season and is undoubtedly the go-to player on the Spartans. Last year, she led the team in goals (59) and assists (13),as well as ground balls, forced turn-overs and draw controls. Steidler joins an experienced senior class that has played together for years, including defensive anchors Savage and Varnauskas. Offensively, the Spartans will also seek contributions from Morrell, Trescott and Olynciw in attack. Somers (1-1) lost 22-3 to Avon before defeating RHAM, 18-6.

Around The Area: Fermi Golf Strong AgainTheSportsDept.com - Print Edition

By Danny AtkinsonThe Sports Department

Fermi High had an outstanding golf sea-son last year, going 14-0-2. This season’s team has the potential to be even better. Fermi has the talent and experience at the top to make a run at the CCC title and again earn a state tournament berth. How-ever, it must receive strong contributions from its younger players. The Falcons return their top two golfers in senior Jason Despard and junior Mike Sweeney. They are both strong all-around players, and provide much-needed leader-ship. Behind Despard and Sweeney, Fermi is talented but unproven. Coach Matt Gaffney said he was impressed by the skill of his younger players but that they would not reach their potential until they gained valuable match experience and learned to consistently execute. The Falcons will open with a home match against Tolland April 8.Boys Track Fermi could be one of the top teams in the CCC East because of its strength in the hurdles and jumping events but will have to improve in the distance events to stay at the top of the pack. The Falcons have two strong hurdlers in seniors Garrett Guimond and Eric Maz-

zarella. Senior Anthony O’Connell is an outstanding jumper and sprinter. He was conference champion in the long jump dur-ing the indoor season. Coach Dan O’Connell also expects his team to do well in the throwing events and pole vault. He said that Fermi has a way to go before it is strong at distance running, and that success there will depend on how quickly his inexperienced runners grow. “We have some proven guys who will lead the way,” O’Connell said. “A lot of our success will come down to the leadership and work ethic of our athletes. Some of these kids will need to step up and imme-diately produce.”Girls Tennis Fermi has a young but promising team that is sure to get better as the season goes along. The underclassmen displayed a ton of growth during the preseason. Seniors Mykela Orifice and Tahirah Smith and junior Sam Jackson will provide leadership and consistency in the top three singles positions. Coach Kyle Fijalkowski said sophomores Patrycja Bugajska, Emory Smith and Sarah Tremblay can make an immediate impact for the Falcons. “I'm happy with the competitive nature of the girls,” he said. “We seem to be improv-ing at a facet of the game every day, and a coach can't ask for much more than

that. The girls have shown a great ability to comprehend what I am teaching them, and use those tips to keep on improving. I believe a strong year is in store this year.” Fermi lost its opener to Rockville 5-2 April 3.ENFIELDBoys Track The Raiders are hoping their experi-ence and depth leads to a strong season. They will need their seasoned athletes to perform to expectations and their untested athletes to work hard and develop. Enfield’s strength will be in the distance and throwing events. Seniors Ian Turn-berg and Shane Spring are strong middle distance runners, and Lukasc Kluk is an outstanding thrower. Sophomore Tyrik Henry gives the team a force to be reck-oned with in the hurdles and long jump. The Raiders are skilled in the sprints, but lack depth. Senior Matt Buanno is the team’s top sprinter and qualified for states in the 100 meters last season. “The key to success is staying healthy and having our younger guys develop,” coach Todd Cunha said. “I want to see the team spread points across the board. Finishing middle of the pack in the league would be a realistic goal.”Boys Tennis The Raiders will struggle this season. They lack depth and are currently unable to field a full squad. Enfield will rely heav-ily on senior Nate Smith and junior Matt Wakelee. .

EAST WINDSORGirls Track The Panthers return almost everyone from last season’s 7-4 squad. Coach Andrew Masters' team is strong in the sprint and jumping events and features a formidable 4x100 relay. East Windsor will be led in the sprints by junior Tajha Lewis and sophomore Dasia Walker. Walker (100) and Lewis (200) are looking to qualify for states in the 100 and 200. Junior Marissa Simonelli is the defending NCCC high jump champion.The Panthers are thinnest in the distance events. Junior Samantha Couture will be the one runner they can count on there.Boys Track The Panthers, 10-16 last season, are capable of improving, but they’re throwers and sprinters must consistently improve for East Windsor to surpass the .500 mark. The Panthers are strongest in the dis-tance events and hurdles. Senior Tyler Gibbs will attempt to qualify for states in the 800 for the second consecutive season. Fellow senior Ramis Saleem is capable of qualifying for states anywhere between the 400 and 1,600. Senior Kevin Jones is the top hurdler.

To see the rest of the story, please visit thesportsdept.com

The Somers boys lacrosse team hopes to rebound from its Class S championship game defeat last season. Photo by Alan Bastarache, The Sports Department, www.bastarachephotos.com

April 2013 7

Continued from Page 1

Baseball NotebookBaseb

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Softball NotebookSo�b

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Leadership Key For Suffield, Area Softball TeamsBy Evan MacyThe Sports Department

Many area high school softball teams will have veteran leadership this season, es-pecially Suffield, which could make a run at the NCCC title. Whether trying to rebuild or to reach new heights, the examples set by some of the top area seniors will help not only this year’s teams, but also future players at Suffield, Somers, Stafford, Enfield, East Windsor, Windsor Locks and Fermi for years to come. The season began on a cold Wednesday last week for most teams, and will continue as the weather gets warmed and the days longer.SuffieldCoach: Johanne PresserLast Year: 18-4 (Lost Class M 2nd round)Key Returnees: Anna Boucher (Sr, ss), Katie Mahoney (Sr, 2b), Kacey Gifford (sr, 3b), Jelly Banning (jr, c), Lexi Pallotti (jr, of), Marissa Webb (jr, 1b)Outlook: The Wildcats look to contend in the NCCC, with veteran leadership and tal-ent in the infield.The middle-infield combo of Boucher and Mahoney is sure to give a lift to sopho-more pitcher Laura Sommervile, with power at the corners between Webb and Gifford. Banning led the Wildcats in hits last season and was all-NCC, and her bat will lead a good offense in a tough conference. “Our team is working hard to improve,” coach Presser said, “and we are hoping for a competitive season in the NCCC.” Suffield (1-0) defeated Ellington in its first game.SomersCoach: Valerie SmithLast Year: 7-13

Key Returnees: Kylen O’Hearn (Sr, P/OF/INF), Marisa Forti (Sr, C), Julie Folger (Jr, OF/INF), Hailee Stetson (Jr, 1B)Outlook: A lot of questions remain as Somers begins the season looking to make the state playoffs after falling one win short last season. With O’Hearn and Forti taking on leader-ship roles as seniors, the team is in good hands, but still looking for an identity.“We are rebuilding this year and are still in the process of finding what will work best for us position wise,” coach Smith said. “I am also hoping to that we will be build-ing some offensive production, which has been a weak point in the past.” Look for the Spartans to play solid defense, led by Forti behind the plate and Stetson at first. Somers is 1-1 on the season.FermiCoach: Sean SweeneyLast Year: 9-12 (Lost Class L 1st round)Key Returnees: Sam Delconte (Jr, C), Danielle Lavender (Sr, 2B), Olivia Baillar-geon (Sr, SS), Liz Rogers (Sr, 3B), Emily Quail (Sr, LF), Michelle Rivera (Sr, IF), Katie Saltzgiver (Jr, Cf)Outlook: After a season of what-ifs, the new season brings a clean slate and ample opportunity to achieve for a team that learned a lot in 2012. "We have a lot of experience this year,” Sweeney said. “Most of these kids have been playing together for four full years. Last year we lost three straight extra-inning games, one of which came against eventual Class L champion Rockville. Our pitching will be much improved with Lisa Lusardi, and Sam Delconte is a legitimate all-state candidate.” Lusardi is just a sophomore but will handle the pitching duties this year and

will also bat in the meat of the Falcons order. Batterymate Delconte was all-con-ference last season and moved to catcher from shortstop. With so much talent returning, the Fal-cons look poised to not only top .500, but also make some noise in the states. Fermi (0-1) lost its opener to Middletown, 12-1.EnfieldCoach: Albina BelisleLast Year: 3-15Key Returnees: Shauna Fauteux (Sr), Nicole Olschafskie (Sr), Jordan Fritz (So), Kristen Serafin (Jr)Outlook: With one of the youngest rosters in recent memory, the Raiders look to use defense and sound fundamentals to improve on 2012. Many players are in new positions, which is a question mark along with lack of experience. Two freshmen are sure to make an imme diate impact, with Tori Rugani able to play all infield positions and catch, and Cassidy Lang set to pitch and play first base. En-field (0-1) dropped its first game to SMSA.StaffordCoach: Steve BudajLast Year: 17-6 (Lost Class S quarterfi-nals)Key Returnees: Marita Brothers, Jamie Sierra, Renee Grenier (captains)Outlook: Stafford is rebuilding after losing eight seniors from the team that reached the state quarterfinals. The Bulldogs will compete in a very strong NCCC this season, and will be chasing peren-nial favorites Suffield, Granby, Ellington, Coventry, and SMSA. Each return most of their players from last season, while the Bulldogs will have many new faces in the lineup. The Bulldogs (0-2) have dropped their first two games of the season.East Windsor

Coach: Karen DrakeLast Year: 1-18Key Returnees: Allison Rodrigue (Sr, C), Julia Matteson (Sr, 1B), Ashley Marino (Jr, LF), Melissa Wabble (Jr, SS), Megan Mur-ray, (Jr, 3B), Noelle Wig (Jr, RF), Mallory Norman (Jr, Util)Outlook: After a rough 2012, a slew of talented newcomers and returning veter-ans could lead to improvement in 2013. Rodrigue adds leadership and prowess behind the plate to a team that scrambled last season in her absence. Matteson is also a captain. Speedy and defensively gifted under-classmen join the two seniors, including five juniors, three sophomores and six freshmen. Wabble and Murray headline the talented junior class that will comprise the majority of the lineup. East Windsor (2-0) defeated Prince Tech and Windsor Locks in its first two games.Windsor Locks Coach: Kristen SmithLast Year: 3-17Key Returnees: Megan Dimick (Sr, 3B), Vicki Hellberg (Sr, SS), Shannon Lynch (Sr, OF), Kasey Shemanskis (Jr, P), Tyler Breedlove (Jr, C), Sarah Hawes (Jr, P)Outlook: The Raiders have reloaded and ready to make vast improvement. Led by three senior captains, Windsor Locks should get big contributions from Dimick, Hellberg and Lynch. Dimick can hit and field, while Hellberg was most improved last season. Lynch is a strong leadoff hitter who brings speed to the bases and to the outfield. Shemanskis was last season's MVP, with a clutch bat to complement her arm. Windsor Locks is 0-2 on the season.

coach said. We will rely on defense and timely hitting to have any success this year.” Enfield is 1-1 on the young season.StaffordCoach: Scott MartinLast Year: 16-4 (Lost Class S second round)Key Returnees: Zach Rollins (Sr, OF/P), Josh Simpson (So, P), Tom Jacobson (Sr, IF/P), Jake Kalette (Jr, Inf), Tim Ford (sr, Inf/C), Evan Theroux (Sr, OF)Outlook: The Bulldogs will be prepared in 2013. With a wealth of talent and experi-ence, there is little doubt Stafford can contend for an NCCC title. “We are very excited about what this year can bring for us,” coach Martin said. “Com-ing off a disappointing finish to a great year in 2012, we are looking to build on the experience each player gained. Each and every single game in this league is a challenge, and with the growth our players have made we hope to challenge for a league title.” Strengths include speed and a veteran pitching staff. Only two seniors were lost to graduation, and Rollins leads a potent of-fense. He hit 450 with 22 RBI and stole 24 bases last season. Simpson returns on the mound after going 4-1 with a 1.58 ERA his freshman year. The Bulldogs have played

well so far as they are 2-0.SuffieldCoach: Steve WheelerLast Year: 10-10 (Lost Class M 1st round)Key Returnees: Kyle Eheander (Sr, p), Sean Pare (Sr, P/SS), Robbie Hitt (Jr, P/2B/SS), Troy Hastings (Jr, P/3B), Nick Mangiameli (Jr, CF)Outlook: With the season days away, coach Wheeler hadn't settled on a captain. Not because the Wildcats don't have leaders; it's because they have so many of them. Eheander has pitched the most innings of any Wildcat since his freshman year, and struck out 43 with just 13 walks in 2012.Pare, his fellow senior, was the No. 1 starter last year, going 4-2 with a 2.88 ERA in 34 innings. Suffield (1-1) beat East Windsor before losing to Ellington.East WindsorCoach: Jason FlynnLast Year: 5-15Key Returnees: Kevin Briggs (Sr, SS/P), Adam Fisher (Jr, 1B), Bryan Perron (Jr, c), Ryan Gagliardi (So, p), Dominick Fiashetti (Jr, 2B/P)Outlook: The Panthers are young, inex-perienced and unproven. But that doesn’t mean they won’t turn a few heads in 2013.

“We have some experienced players and the key to success this year is cutting down on mental mistakes, and also getting those key hits,” first-year coach Flynn said. “We are going to need people who want to step up and put themselves in those pressure situations and come through. We struggled last hitting and we are going to be working extra hard to remedy that problem.” East Windsor (0-1) dropped its first game of the year.SomersCoach: Eric SharonLast Year: 8-13 (Lost Class S 1st round)Key Returnees: Ryan Connor (Sr, P/C/1B), Tom Conlon (Sr, P/C/3B), Mike Casciano (Jr, CF/2B), Brian Rossini (Jr, 2B), Austin Ficara (Jr, OF/2B), Adam Do-navan (jr, of/p)Outlook: The Spartans return a number of key players, led by Connor, the team captain. He was all-NCCC, and pitched, caught and played first well. Fellow senior Conlon was second on the team in pitch-ing wins last season. Also key will be Cas-ciano, a stellar center fielder and infielder, who was all-NCCC and batted almost .500 his sophomore season. Somers (2-0) took care of business in its first two games, defeating Hale Ray and Bolton.

Windsor LocksCoach: Dave FarrLast Year: 14-9 (Lost Class S 2nd round)Key Returnees: Casey Vogt (Sr, C), Mike Gentile (Sr, P/OF), Zach Weigert (Jr, P/3B), Khamri Thomas (Sr, OF)Outlook: Vogt, one of the best players in the state, and perhaps the best catcher, returns to for his senior season. The Harvard-bound Vogt batted an incredible .519 last season, and was all-state and all-NCCC. “After watching the NCAA basketball men and women, anything can happen,” coach Farr said. “In all my years here we have had more things go wrong, so hopefully we can reverse some things to be a very competitive team by end of the season.”Another key player includes Gentile, a large force who batted .414 last season. Windsor Locks (0-1) dropped its first game of the year to North-west Catholic.

Rollins Leads Potent Stafford Offense

Zach Rollins will lead the Bulldogs this season. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch Photog-raphy.

April 20138

ASK THE TRAINER


Ice, Then RICEBy Nicole Fontaine, ATCThe Sports Department

Certified Athletic Trainers are allied health care providers trained in the prevention, evaluation and rehabilitation of sports injuries. They work under the direction of a physician and they are board certified na-tionally and licensed in state (visit NATA.org for more information). Certified athletic trainers at Enfield High School and Fermi High School are provided by Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network (rehab.harthosp.org ), formerly Eastern Rehabili-tation Network.Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network (HHRN) and The Sports Department have partnered to bring readers a monthly column on sports medicine topics. Read-ers may submit questions related to: Ben Stralka, ATC (Enrico Fermi High School) – [email protected];vKyle Hicks, ATC, (Enfield High School) – [email protected]; Wendy Nichols, Physical Therapist, (HHRN Enfield) – [email protected]; Stefanie Bourassa, Physical Therapist, (HHRN Enfield) – [email protected] Last month we discussed “How much is too much?” when it comes to sports participation. While we advocated for moderation and safety, we also know that as humans, sometimes we just can’t help ourselves – especially as winter gives way to beautiful weather. So, if you’ve overdone it – you tried a new sport, you pushed too hard, you practiced too long – and have an overuse injury what should you do? In a word, ICE!Ice and other cooling modalities are great for treating many different conditions. The

use of ice, cryotherapy, can be used to treat pain, swelling, muscle spasm, muscle guarding, bursitis, tendonitis and muscle soreness. Cold has its greatest benefit when the injury first happens, in the acute phase. There is general agreement that the use of cold is the initial treatment for most injuries of the musculoskeletal sys-tem (strains, sprains, fracture). When you are first injured, your body goes into protection mode which causes swelling. However, sometimes the swelling and the inflammation doesn’t stop. The primary use of cold in acute injuries is to lower the temperature, reducing the meta-bolic rate and production of metabolites. Another great thing about ice is its action as a pain reliever. When you apply ice to an injured area, the area goes numb decreasing the pain. Ice also slows down nerve activity which decreases pain. Ice is very helpful if used properly. It is generally recommended that ice be applied in cycles of 15-20 minutes on followed by 40 minutes off. To protect the skin you should use a barrier between your skin and the ice and monitor your skin’s appearance and feel. Once the area is numb you have re-ceived the full benefit of the ice for that treatment (“more is better” does not apply to icing). To get the full benefit of ice, you should also apply the RICE principle. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and el-evation. As with any injury, if it doesn’t start responding within a day or two, or you suspect something more damaging has occurred, such as a fracture, seek medical attention.



Enfield Parks and Recreation Student Athlete of the Month

Student Athlete of the Month

Fermi

enField

Plaques for the Student Athlete of The Month are courtesy of Awards and More, 492 Enfield Street, Enfield.


Danielle Lavender Softball & Field Hockey

Salvatore Spadaro

Basketball & Lacrosse

Somers Parks and Recreation

Somers T-Ball Opens April 13

By Amy SaadaSomers Recreation

Bring the little ones out for some good old fashioned T-Ball. The program is for girls and boys ages 3-5 to come learn the basics, while having fun! Session runs 5 weeks. Starts April....sign up today, space fills up quickly! somers.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/Skyhawks Sport Camps We are offering Skyhawks Sport Camps for our second year! We have increased offerings and hope you consider signing up . They are professionally managed and all the feedback from participants last year were positive experiences. Some of the additional camps in addition to what we offered last year include: Grades K-2 Bas-ketball, Flag Football, SNAG (Starting New at Golf) for ages 5-8, and new this year is age 9-11. Come join the fun! And the best news...we are offering the camps at a lower price than our surrounding towns!!

Please visit our website for signups. somers.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/Somers Recreation is proud to offer the following trips:April 20 - Your pick of the Bronx Zoo or New York Botanical Gardens. $64 includes Motorcoach and entrance fee.May 5 - Boston Your Way $39 includes Motor Coach only.June 22 - 9/11 Memorial and Intrepid Museum in New York. $65 includes Motor-coach and entrance fee and time on your own.July 13 - The Lucky Lobster. $59 includes Motorcoach, 1 meal at Rocky's on the Water, visit to Mohegan Sun and 2nd meal voucher at Casino, and Casino Free play on the Big WheelAugust 7 - Suffolk Downs. $53 includes Motorcoach, lunch buffet, clubhouse ad-mission, a race named for Somers Group, betting explanation and more!Please call 860-763-4379 to make your reservation.

Nickname: Lil' SalAccomplishments: Captain of baseball teamGPA: 8.6On preparing for a game: I’m always listening to Lil' Wayne and stretch thor-oughlyExpectations for baseball season: I think our baseball team has a great chance of winning conference this year, as well as a good chance to make a long run in states.On biggest strength: My strongest area in pitching for baseball, but I have had to work very hard to get my batting average up each year.On leaving school and his teams: I am definitely going to miss all the relation-ships I made with my teammates and coaches. I will also miss my teachers and the people who shaped me to be the person I am now in high school.Toughest challenge overcome: My toughest challenge was overcoming my knee injury my freshman year. I had to do a lot of conditioning to get my leg back in shape.

Favorite athlete: My favorite athlete is Kevin Durant. I model my game around him because he shoots the ball very well just like I do.Red Sox or Yankees? Red SoxUConn men or UConn women? UConn MenFavorite musician and TV show: Lil' Wayne; Family GuyFavorite sports website to follow: ESPN.comOn the impact that Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites have on sports: It gives you many more opportuni-ties to see scores and results of gamesPlans after high school: Attend Westfield State University

Nickname: DAccomplishments: All-Conference Field Hockey (junior & senior year), Most Valuable Field Hockey Defensive Player (junior, senior), Field hockey captain (se-nior) Softball captain (junior, senior year), All Academic Athlete (all 4 years)GPA: High HonorsOn preparing for a game: I get pumped up by listening to musicExpectations for softball season: My softball team is full of strong talent and we expect to make a strong showing in states. I think this is going to be the strongest and closest team I have played on in softball.Favorite career moment: During my junior year I scored the tie-breaking goal on a corner during the second round of the state tournament against Joel Barlow in field hockey.Biggest strength: I am an aggressive, tough player. Being named captain has helped me develop strong leadership skills.On leaving high school and teams: I am going to miss my teammates the most and the friendships I’ve made through sports. I will also miss the close relationships I’ve had with my coaches.Toughest challenge overcome: I broke my Talus bone in my ankle in 8th grade and I’ve struggled with ankle pain throughout my four years of playing.

Running and playing have always been a struggle since my surgery, but I have overcome this obstacle because of my love for sports.Favorite athlete: My brothers were good athletes and I always admired how hard they played the game.Red Sox or Yankees? Yankees.UConn men or UConn women? UConn men.Favorite movie, TV show: Project Run-way and Rachel Zoe Project (TV); The Guardian (Movie).On the impact that Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites have on sports: Helps me know the score of my favorite teams when I’m out and about.Plans after high school: I am attending Lasell College in Boston to study fashion merchandising. I intend to play on their field hockey team.

Trips To Boston, NYCBy Alison Alberghini-DurlerEnfield Recreation

The Enfield Recreation Department is hosting two bus trips this spring. One is to New York City on Saturday, April 13; the other to Boston Saturday, May 18,. Both trips include round trip motorcoach transportation to and from the city as well as leisure time for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Maps and activity listings will also be provided to all travelers the morn-ing of the trip. Fee for the New York City trip is $35 per person; Boston trip is $33 per person. Pre-registration is required. For complete details on these trips contact the Recreation Department. Spaces are limited and fill quickly — don’t delay, regis-ter today!Red Sox Game Bus Trip Grab your peanuts and crackerjacks and join the Enfield Recreation Department at the ball game on Saturday, June 8. Travel to Boston as the Red Sox take on the An-gels. Trip includes round trip motorcoach transportation, game ticket in the bleach-ers & free time for shopping or dining. The bus departs the Enfield Town Hall parking lot at 2 p.m. and will arrive in Boston at approximately 4. Game time is tentatively 7:15 p.m.. The bus will leave immediately following the game and back to Enfield about 1 a.m.. Fee is $63 per person (limit 6 tickets per household). Pre-registration is required. For complete details on these trips contact the Recreation Department. Spaces are limited and fill quickly.Spring Break Track Clinic and Meet This program is for Enfield residents ages 9-14 years as of December 31, 2013. This is a great opportunity for kids interested in

learning more about the sport. Hosted by the Enfield Recreation Department & the Fermi High track team, this program will focus on sprinting, long distance races as well as field events. Participants will get the opportunity to try different events be-fore selecting their events for the Hershey Track Meet later in the day. Participation in the clinic is required to participate in the meet. Participants should wear comfort-able clothing, athletic shoes and bring bot-tled water as well as a healthy snack. The program is Wednesday, April 17, Noon-4:30 p.m. with a rain date of Thursday, April 18. Pre-registration by Friday, April 12 is mandatory to participate. A copy of the participant’s birth certificate is required upon registration. Late registrations will not be accepted, no exceptions. Registra-tion forms are available at the Recreation Department and on the Recreation website home page.Tons-O-Fun Summer Camp Camp is a great opportunity to meet new friends, develop respect, build self-esteem, and participate in activities in a safe, friendly & fun atmosphere. The Enfield Recreation Department Camp is held at JFK Middle School on Raffia Road. Registration for camp is limited and is offered on a first come, first serve basis. Registrations will not be accepted before the registration start date. The Recreation Department will accept online, walk-in & mail-in registrations. Phone registrations are not accepted. All fees must be paid in full upon registration. Don’t delay, spaces are limited and fill quickly! Registration begins Friday, April 12 at 9 .m. Please note program for Enfield residents only. The program runs from July 1 - August 9.

April 2013 11

LOCAL DIGEST



Motorsports pagE

Youth Photos

Stafford Speedway Spring Sizzler April 26-28

By Staff ReportThe Sports Department

STAFFORD SPRINGS — Another season of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series competition kicks off at Stafford Motor Speedway with the 42nd Tech-Net Spring Sizzler Presented by Carquest April 26-28. The Sizzler gets underway Friday April 26 with a practice session for Stafford's weekly divisions, open to the public at no charge. The run for the Coors Light Pole is Saturday with time trials for the Whelen Modified Tour cars, along with heat and consolation races for Stafford's weekly divisions. Saturday will conclude with feature events for the SK Light, Limited Late Model, and DARE Stock divisions as well as a Northeast Mini-Stock feature event.

The Sizzler concludesSunday with the Carquest Belts and Hose Pit Party fol-lowed by Stafford's SK Modifieds and Late Models joining the Whelen Modified Tour in feature action. Tickets for the "Greatest Race in the His-tory of Spring" are on sale at the Speed-way Box Office. Tickets are $38.50 for adult general admission, $5 for children ages 6-14, and children ages 5-and-under are admitted free of charge when ac-companied by an adult. Reserved seating is $42 for all ages. The Speedway offers free parking, with overnight parking avail-able. All tickets are good for Saturday and Sunday. For more information on the Spring Sizzler, or to order tickets, contact the Stafford Motor Speedway track office at 860-684-2783 or visit us on the web at staffordspeedway.com.

Former UConn Star Visits East Windsor

By Staff ReportThe Sports Department

Many in East Windsor had been looking forward to Donny Marshall's clinic back in mid-March, and they were not disap-pointed. The former UConn standout and NBA regular, and now a Celtics analyst with Comcast SportsNet New England, spent Sunday, March 17 teaching young kids from across the area about basketball from his deep wealth of knowledge, and his tutelage surely left its mark on each attendee.

Enfield Cinco K Mayo Benefits Rotary Causes

ENFIELD – The second Cinco K Mayo Charity 5K Run/Walk is Satur-day, May 4 at Fermi High. The race, sponsored by Howland & Sargent Insurance of Somers, starts at 9 a.m. with registration starting at 8 a.m.Proceeds from benefit the Rotary Club of Enfield Charitable Fund, which funds community projects, including scholarships to juniors and seniors in college and, for the first time this year, a new scholarship for high school seniors from Enfield and Fermi High Schools going to a four-year college.Recipients will exemplify the charac-teristics of the Rotary Four-Way Test. In 2012, there were 300 participants who helped raise over $9,000 for the Enfield Rotary Accessible Playground project at the Enfield Public Library.The 5K route is a certified flat course and the race is professionally chip timed. The Walk route follows the 5K route. All participants receive a t-shirt

Donny Marshall speaks to a group of kids. Photo by Jennifer Hall-Leahy, Special To The Sports Department.

Donny Marshall teaches the importance of stretching. Photo by Jennifer Hall-Leahy, Special To The Sports Department.

Fermi Grad To Represent U.S.A. In Field Hockey Ashley Reid from, a 2011 graduate from Fermi High School, has been selected to represent the USA in the 2013 Italy International Field Hockey Tour in June 2013.The International competive team consists of All-Con-ference, All Region and All-American players from the Division I,II and III levels who have been selected as a 2012 top NCAA statistcal Leader to represent the USA with team AIST (American International Sports Teams)Reid was a four-time All-Conference player and a CT CHSCA All-State Player and Captain for Fermi. In softball, she was a two-time year All-Conference player and a CT CHSCA All-State player and captain.She was also named, The 2011 - The Best in USSSA Fast Pitch Softball.

Ashley Reid

Local Cheer Squad Earns Disney TripBy Evan MacyThe Sports Department

Spirit All-Stars Phoenix, a cheerlead-ing all-star squad based in East Wind-sor, sent five teams to the 'Return to Atlantis' national cheerleading compe-tition in Baltimore March 23-24. The Phoenix's level 1 junior team (14 and under) took first place in their division, earning an at-large bid to compete at The Summit, another national cheer-leading competition, in Disney World in Florida May 4-5.The team includes cheerleaders from Ellington, Tolland, South Wind-sor, East Windsor, Somers, Stafford Springs, and parts of Massachusetts. The invitation to the Orlando event comes thanks to hard work and dedi-cation from the girls all year long.Tryouts for the Phoenix's 2013-14 season will be held April 20-21 be-tween 1-5 p.m. This is for all cheer-leaders, new and old age 3 and up.

Please contact Amy Bailey at Phoenix All-Star LLC, 84B South Main Street, East Windsor (860-254-5595) to choose which day you would like to at-tend tryouts. Tryouts should last less than 1 hour. If you cannot attend on either one of these dates, an alternate date can be arranged.

and prizes will be awarded for individual and team t-shirt creativity. Winners in each category will receive cash prizes.Entertainment will be provided by DJ Hatch; Acapulco’s of Enfield will host a post-race fiesta.The Enfield Rotary Club is celebrat-ing its 85th anniversary. Rotary Club members make a difference in the lives of many and the Enfield Police Depart-ment’s Toys for Joy, Enfield Food Shelf, Loaves and Fishes, Enfield and Fermi High School Safe Grad Parties and a community garden and gazebo at the Enfield Senior Center are among the projects supported by Rotary. Shop-Rite of Enfield, William Laboratories and TheSportsDept.com are Elite Sponsors and Fitness Together is an Advanced Sponsor.

For more information about the Enfield Rotary Club, please call club president Ed Palomba at 860-741-4395 or visit enfieldctrotary.org.

April 201312 Camp/Activities Page

Our 33nd year 1981–2013

Summer Camps 2013RESIDENTIAL/COMMUTER CAMPSat Wesleyan University, Middletown, CTSESSION I JULY 14–18, BOYS & GIRLS AGES 10–18SESSION II JULY 21–25, PREMIER BOYS & GIRLS AGES 12–18

FULL DAY CAMPS9 am–3 pm at TD Bank Oakwood Soccer Park, PortlandSESSION I JULY 8–12, BOYS & GIRLS AGES 7–15SESSION II JULY 29–AUGUST 2, BOYS & GIRLS AGES 7–15

HALF DAY CAMPSTD Bank Oakwood Soccer Park, Portland9 am–12 pm FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGES 6–126 pm–9 pm FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGES 7–14

SESSION I APRIL 15–19SESSION II JUNE 24–28SESSION III (pm) AUGUST 4–8

SESSION IV AUGUST 12–16SESSION V AUGUST 19–23

GIRLS’ SESSION II AUGUST 18–22

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION SESSIONSAt TD Bank Oakwood Soccer Park, PortlandSUNDAY–THURSDAY AGES 13–18BOYS’ SESSION I AUGUST 11–15XAVIER H.S. BOYS SESSION III AUGUST 18–22

COLLEGE BOUND PLAYER COMBINEAt TD Bank Oakwood Soccer Park, PortlandJUNE 12–13 GIRLS, GRADES 9, 10, 11 BOYS, GRADES 10, 11, 12

TEAM CAMPSAGES 10 –18ONE WEEK SESSIONS AVAILABLEAT TD BANK OAKWOOD SOCCER PARKPORTLAND

SELECT SOCCER ACADEMY40 Oakwood Drive Glastonbury, CT 06033

[email protected]

REGISTER ONLINE!www.oakwoodsoccer.com/SoccerAcademyCamps


East Windsor Parks and Recreation

Student Athlete of the MonthSomerS


Samantha Gay Lacrosse, Field

Hockey

Nicknames: Barbie, SunshineAccomplishments: Varsity five seasons, Unsung Hero Lacrosse 2012, Scholar Athlete five seasons, Sophomore Lions Club Silver Bowl Recipient 2011-12 (for highest GPA)GPA: 11.7 (out of 12)On preparing for a game: My team-mates and I like to play Latin dance music to get our energy going and get pumped up for games.On expectations for the lacrosse season: We have a very strong team all around this year, stronger than we have had previously I feel. I believe that we can accomplish a lot this season and I re-ally hope we qualify for the state tourna-ment.Favorite Career Moment: During a field hockey game my sophomore year, I scored the winning goal against Canton in overtime. It was the first time that Somers field hockey beat Canton in 13 years, and it was exciting to be a part of history like that.Biggest area of improvement: Learning to use my mind to my advantage. Read-ing others and predicting ball movement has improved my game tremendously, and, combined with my high fitness level and stamina, it has made me the player that I am today.On leaving high school and her teams: I will definitely miss my team, and the support network provided by a small high school. I feel like I am playing with my best friends every time I step on the field, and I know that I have others, like our athletic trainer, and my coach, who support me.Toughest challenge overcome: I’m probably one of the most stubborn people

you’ll ever meet. Last spring I suffered a major hip flexor injury, but I refused to sit out of practices and games and let my team down. I ended up having two months of physical therapy, but it was worth it.Favorite athlete: I take inspiration from the Olympic gymnast Jordyn Wieber because although she didn’t receive any individual glory, she put in 110 percent effort all of the time for the good of her team, and she was always there to sup-port her teammates. I believe that every-one should have an attitude like that.Red Sox or Yankees? Yankees.UConn men or UConn women? UConn women.Favorite band, movie, TV show: Amos Lee; Goodwill Hunting; Gossip GirlFavorite sports website to follow: The CIAC websiteOn the impact that Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites have on sports: I believe that social networking has made following sports a much more personalized experience by allowing fans to connect with the athletes themselves, and learn about their lives outside of the game.Plans after high school: I would like to go to medical school and become a doctor, and hopefully have the opportu-nity to do volunteer work in a third-world country.

Student Athlete of the MontheaSt WindSor


Danielle Sassi Basketball &

Softball

Nickname: DanniAccomplishments: Honor rollGPA: 3.78How do you prepare for a game: Lis-tening to music and going through playsThoughts on basketball season: I thought this season was awesome. Our team did great. We had some exciting wins against solid teams. I am proud to be a part of this teamFavorite Career Moment: Playing in the state tournament basketball games at home. Our fans are the greatest. The en-ergy and support you feel when you run in the gym to warm up for the game and during the game is unexplainable. It was the best feeling. I hope we have another successful season again next year.Biggest area of improvement: I did well rebounding and toward the end of the season I improved my offense but my offense is still something that needs to be worked on during the off-season.On leaving high school and her teams: I’m a sophomore right now but I know when I leave I will definitely miss the bond I have with my teammates and

coaches. They’re like a second family.Toughest challenge overcome: My dad passed away a couple years ago and aside from my mom he was my biggest fan. That is definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through.Favorite athlete: My favorite athlete is Kelly Faris. She’s a tough player.Red Sox or Yankees? Red Sox.UConn men or UConn women? UConn Women.Favorite movie: Remember The TitansOn the impact that Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites have on sports: These websites allow people to know scores and highlights immediately.Plans after high school: After high school I plan to go to college and be-come a high school physical education teacher.

Yoga Classes Underway; Park, Camp Season Near

By Lori TitusEast Windsor Recreation

Questions about any of our offerings? Please call 860-627-6662. Spring Yoga classes will be held at East Windsor High School in room D-4 from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Mondays starting April 8 to June 10 (no class April 15, May 27). Wednesday classes will be held April 10th to June 5th with no class on April 17th. Cost: Residents $25 once a week, $40 twice; non-Residents $30 once a week, $45 twice. Registration is through the Parks and Recreation Office or online with our Webster Bank Payment link. Men's Open GymEast Windsor Parks & Recreation is sponsoring Men’s Open Gym on Monday nights through May 20 from 8-9:30 p.m.. This is open to adults only, no students. Fee is $2 per night or $32 for the 16-week session (no program April 15). To check if the program is not being held on a specific night, please call East Windsor Parks & Recreation.Kids Fishing Derby East Windsor Parks & Recreation along with the Broad Brook Angling Club will be sponsoring the Annual Kids Fishing Derby Saturday, May 4. Registration is 7-8 a.m. Fishing is 8-11 a.m. and for kids ages infant to 15. This is a free event open to all East Windsor residents. Prizes will be awarded for the largest fish, first fish caught and first person to catch their 4 fish limit in each age group. No lures will be allowed. Spring Tiny Tots SoccerSpring Tiny Tots Soccer is open to boys and girls ages 3-4. It will be held at East Windsor High from 10-11:00 a.m. Sat-urdays beginning May 18 through June 22 (no program May 25). This program will teach the fundamentals of the sport. Please register with the East Windsor Parks & Recreation Office or download

the registration form at eastwindsor-ct.gov.East Windsor Park 2013 PricingThe Parks & Recreation Commission has set the admission rates for the 2013 sea-son at the East Windsor Park on Reservoir Avenue. Weekday and weekend admis-sion prices: Residents $2, Under age 2 and Seniors 60 and over free. Individual season passes $25, family is $50 (all season passes for residents only). Begin-ning this season, non-residents admitted Monday-Thursday. Prices: $5 adults 17 & up, $3 ages 3-16; Seniors and age 2 and under free.Summer CampsThe East Windsor Parks & Recreation will be offering 8 weeks of the 2013 Summer Fun Camp. The Camp runs from the week of July 1 through August 19th, Monday-Thursday at East Windsor Park. Summer Fun Camp is for ages 6-12; Tiny Tots Camp for ages 4-5. Regular Day hours are 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; extended day 7:30 a.m.– 5 p.m.. Cost for Regular Day is $95 a week (residents) and $105 (non-residents).Extended Day hours is $105 a week (resi-dents), $115 (non-residents). East Windsor Parks & Recreation will begin accepting camp registration on May 1.Counselor in Training Program The East Windsor Parks & Recreation will be offering an eight-week C.I.T. Program for ages 13-15 the week of July 1 through August 19 Monday-Thursday at the East Windsor Park from 9:00 a.m.-3 p.m.. The cost is $75 (residents); $85 (non-residents). C.I.T’.s are assigned to a group and help their assigned Counselor dur-ing swim lessons, arts and crafts, dance, sports and games. To apply, please submit an application and references to the East Windsor Parks & Recreation by May 28. Applications are at the Recreation Office located in the High School, in the Town Hall Lobby and on our website eastwindsor-ct.gov.

To Advertise in TheSportsDept.com-Print Edition

Call 860-872-0TSD (0873)




WindSor lockS

SuFFieldPlaques for the Student Athlete of The Month are courtesy of Awards and More, 492 Enfield Street, Enfield.


Mitchell Charette Soccer,

Basketball, Track &

Field

Elizabeth RigbyIndoor/Outdoor

Track, Cross Country

Windsor Locks Parks and Recreation

Suffield Parks and Recreation

Nickname: Secretary of defense (given to me by my coach).Accomplishments: Competing in NCCC for javelin freshman yearGPA: 3.7On preparing for a game: I listen to music, drink lots of water, and eat either some fruit and/or a protein bar.Expectations for next season: For outdoor track, I want to qualify for NCCC in 110 and 300 hurdles as well as qualify-ing for both NCCC and states in javelin. I also want to learn how to pole vault.Favorite career moment: My first goal my freshman year — came off a perfect cross, I buried it into the opposite corner.On biggest strength: I am strongest in defense on the basketball court. I have spent a lot of time improving my sprinting condition and upper body strength.On leaving high school and teams: I am really going to miss the social aspect of sports and school but also the orga-nization of sports now and the rigorous work it requires.Toughest challenge overcome: I pulled my hip flexor my freshmen year of soc-cer, but that didn’t stop me from playing!Favorite athlete: My dad, although he was a forward in soccer and I played

more defensively. He also did hurdles in high school and still holds a school re-cord after 30 years. He was the one who would puke before giving up or backing down.Red Sox or Yankees? I don’t really care for baseball. It doesn’t have enough run-ning, but my family is all for Red Sox.Favorite band, TV show? Twenty One Pilots; TV undeniably The Walking Dead.Plans after high school: Right after high school, I am going to go on my mission for two years for my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or as we are more often called, Mormons. After that I plan on attending college at BYU. I have absolutely no idea what I want to study at that time but all I know is that I love math and music. I would want to continue to play sports for as long as possible.

Nickname: LizAccomplishments: Scholar Athlete Award, Varsity Letter Award, MVPOn preparing for a game: I continually tell myself that I can do it and to trust in my training.Expectations for the season: I hope to break more of my personal records. I was so proud of my accomplishments and thankful for the coaches I had to help me achieve those accomplishments.Favorite Career Moment: During my sophomore year at the New England Championship I ran with three of my teammates on a 4x800 team. We came to the race knowing that we were seeded nearly last in our race but when we got out on the track, each of us pushed ourselves to the limit and pulled out a third-place finish. Having such an accom-plishment is amazing but being able to share it with three of my teammates that were also my close friends is what made this moment my favorite of all of my run-ning career.On biggest strengths: The area I’m probably the strongest in and improved the most in is middle distance. My main track event is the 800 and I feel that this is my strongest area. Despite the injuries I’ve faced, my 800 race performance tends to stay constant. I believe I know how to strategically race the 800 and that helps my performance tremendously.On leaving high school and her team-mates: Looking back, I’d say that I’m going to miss my teammates and my coaches the most. Through these past four years, I’ve developed friendships with my teammates that I know I’ll miss greatly next year. The coaches I’ve had are truly remarkable people. They are always looking out for the athletes best interest, they want every athlete to succeed, above all they strive for every

athlete to find joy in the sport and make sure that we’re all having fun.Toughest challenge overcome: Finding the balance between school and athletics.Favorite athlete: Tim Tebow. I find his performance on and off the field very humbling. He’s not afraid to voice his faith and it’s evident that he believes the credit of his success does not belong to himself alone.Red Sox or Yankees: Red Sox.UConn men or UConn women: UConn women.Favorite band, movie, TV show: I enjoy all types of bands ranging in all different genres and same with the movies and TV shows.Favorite sports website to follow: My favorite sports website to follow is MyS-portsResults.com. I love to be able to see how not only my team is doing in rank but also how my friends from other towns are performing in their races as well.On the impact that Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites have on sports: They have created a sort of com-munity. Facebook, for example, allows you to “like” a sports page and communi-cate with other people who also “like” the page. This creates a more social aspect to sports and how I follow them.Plans after high school: After high school I plan on going to college to study biology with the ultimate goal of becom-ing a pediatric dentist.

Flag Football, Soccer, Camp Offered

By David WrabelWindsor Locks Recreation Department

The Windsor Locks Park and Recre-ation Department offers a wide range of programs for all ages throughout the year, especially during spring and summer.Spring Soccer registration has begun and is for children in Pre-K through 8th grade. Players will learn fundamentals and scrim-mage under game conditions. Spring Soc-cer is set to begin the week of April 22nd. There is no fee. New this spring, Flag Football is being of-fered for children ages 4-14. The program will consist of one weekly practice and one game on Saturday and runs April 29-June 29th. The fee for this program will be $15. Registration forms are available in the Park Office. During April vacation week (April 15-19), free entertainment will be offered each Monday through Wednesday starting at 10 a.m. at the North Street School gym. Mon-day, Yo-Yo People, offering a high-energy show consisting of unique and inventive yo-yo tricks, will perform. Tuesday, “The Lucky Show” with Lucky Bob will perform, including magic, juggling, comedy and au-

dience participation. Wednesday, juggler Bryson Lang will present a unique comedy, juggling act. There will be two registration nights for Summer Day Camp at Pesci Park - Mon-day, April 22 and Sunday, April 28 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Park Office. After April 28, registration will be accepted in the Park Office during normal business hours. Space is limited and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Funtime Adventures and Playtime Ad-ventures are parent-child playgrounds for children between ages 18-36 months and 3-5 years Wednesday and Thursday morn-ings. Tumbling/Gymnastics is offered on Saturday mornings for children ages 3-10 and Jikido Jujitsu classes are offered on Wednesday nights for ages 6 and up. For more information on any of these pro-grams, please visit or call the Park Office at (860) 627-1420 during normal Town Hall hours or visit us on the web at windsor-locks.org under the Park and Recreation tab. All classes are subject to cancellation if there is insufficient enrollment. Weather related cancellations are announced on WFSB-TV channel 3.

Spring Is Underway In Suffield

By Marie BourqueSuffield Parks and Recreation

Questions about our programs? For com-plete details check suffieldtownhall.com or call 860-668-3862. The Suffield Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring Wild Weather for Grades K-2 Thursday, April 25 from 3:154:15 p.m. at Spaulding School Caf-eteria B. Fee: $20; non-residents: $25. Registration deadline is Thursday, April 18. For complete details check www.suffield-townhall.com or call 860-668-3862. Bridge Building with LEGO for Grades K-2 is on Wednesdays, April 24-May 15 from 3:15-4:45 p.m. at the Spauld-ing School Cafeteria B. Fee: $65 (non-residents: $75). Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 17. Fun for Fours for 4-year-olds will be held on Saturdays, April 27-May 18. Session 1: 9:10-9:50 a.m.; Session 2: 10-10:40 a.m. behind Spaulding School near the play-

scape. Fee: $20.. Registration deadline is Thursday, April 18. Adult Beginner and Intermediate Tennis Lessons for 16 and older are Mondays, April 29-May 20 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Family Recreation Complex Tennis Courts. Fee: $30 ( non-residents: $35) Registra-tion deadline is Monday, April 22. Around the World Creativity Tour with Let’s Gogh Art for grades K-2 will be held Tuesdays, April 23-June 4 from 3:15-4:15 p.m., at Spaulding School Cafeteria B. Fee: $74 (non-residents: $84). Registra-tion deadline is Tuesday, April 16. Golf for Kids for ages 9-13 is Wednes-days, April 24-May 15 from 5-6 p.m., at Copper Hill Golf Academy. Fee: $40.00 (non-residents: $45). Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 17. Golf Instruction for Adults is Wednes-days, April 24-May 15 from 6-7 p.m. at Copper Hill Golf Academy. Fee: $50 (non-residents: $60). Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 17.

the sports department print edition, april 2013

Documents

year of experience

dan brunetti sr

alex zachary sr

area teams

spring season

tom meskell sr

sal spadaro sr

avery boissy sr