thesportsdept.com enfield edition february 2013
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Enfield Edition February 2013TRANSCRIPT
Inside The Sports Department
Jon Buzby discusses how not to run up the
score. See page 3.
Fermi skiier doing well on the slopes.
See page 10.
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The Sports Department
Schools were the respective tournament
champions of their hockey leagues. They
were two more titles in a long list won by
the Raiders and Falcons.
Two years later, neither school had
enough players to form a full team, so
the longtime town rivals had to merge to
form a co-op. This year, there was enough
to room to add players from two more
schools.
It is the way of Connecticut high school
hockey, especially in north and central
Connecticut, where slashes are as com-
mon in separating co-op team names as
on the ice.
The high school hockey landscape in
Connecticut has evolved drastically over
the last several seasons.
The CIAC has three divisions of 57
teams, down from 63 in 2009-10. Of the
57, 23 are co-op teams with players from
two, three or even four schools.
Lack of numbers is the familiar reason
at the bottom of their league that have had
trouble putting together enough bodies for
a full program.
of the trend.
One year after they merged, Fermi/En-
season. Stafford had been with Rockville
and Manchester, but that tri-op fell apart
due to lack of numbers, and all three
schools found new partners this season.
“If we had kept Manchester, we would
have had 11 hockey players,” Rockville
athletic director Steve Phelps said. The
Rams ended up with Bolton, Coventry and
Lyman Memorial-Lebanon and have rid-
den a deep team to an 12-1-1 start.
“Co-ops are the new norm,” said coach
Paul Dowe of Tri-Town, the oldest co-op in
the state. Formed in 1990, it has players
from Somers, Ellington and East Windsor.
“The only way to survive as a high school
organization is to co-op with other towns.”
“I grew up in Manchester and my older
brother played a lot growing up,” Tolland
another town. “
Steven Grigorian, the vice president of
South Windsor Arena, said he saw co-ops
the largest in the state and have 500 kids.
Now they have about 100.”
And as players get older, hockey gets
equipment, a family can be on the hook for
a hefty bill.
parents a lot of credit,” Dowe said.
The advent of indoor facilities such as
availability of sports such as lacrosse or
soccer that are far cheaper than a season
of hockey.
“People are very cautious with discretion-
of dollars, maybe the parents start looking
in other directions.”
often needs to be replacing as players get
either.
said Bob Croteau, general manager of
Bolton Ice Palace. Crouteau says most
of the high school teams take ice time in
considered “down time.”
provided by the school through the town's
board of education, with the rest getting
Windsor Locks skaters all pay the same
amount, most of which goes towards ice
Mike Bosworth.
In Rockville, the board of education
raised funds for ice fees and coach
stipends, Phelps said, with the remainder
getting picked up by the players. Players
their respective schools, instead relying on
money raised by booster clubs and their
said.
E.O. Smith handles the bulk of the ad-
ministrative work for the tri-op consisting
of them, Tolland, and Windham, accord-
education picks up a higher portion of their
“That being said, for what our kids pay to
skate is still cheap. If they were to go play
in a private league and play the same 25-
said.
While the decrease in numbers often
leaves some high schools with no choice
but to seek out other schools, there are
Dowe said. “The kids make a bunch of
friends. A lot of these kids become lifelong
friends.”
And the results on the ice can be there
Manchester was 2007-08, when the team
won the in Division III. “Go Man-Ville” was
inscribed on a lot of car windows in the
area during the title run.
Per CIAC rules, any team with co-op pro-
not a problem, as most coaches said they
together a team, never mind make cuts.
Junior varsity teams are rare, although
some teams such as Rockville have infor-
mal scrimmages to give players who might
a lot of ice time a chance to develop.
Schools like South Windsor and Glaston-
bury have managed to stay as a single
top hockey programs, although South
Windsor is having an off year this season.
“I think across the board, the size of
our school contributes to being able to
maintain a squad on our own,” Glaston-
bury athletic director Trish Witkin said.
The Tomahawks compete in Division I for
hockey and in Class LL, the largest clas-
-
a point where Glastonbury has had to
consider a co-op program, she said.
Bosworth said there might come a time
down the road when the state might have
to look at cutting back to two divisions if
the numbers keep dropping as they have
been.
While some area youth programs are
down in numbers, the Eastern Connecticut
Ice Palace, has a seen a rise over the last
few years.
“Their numbers had dwindled quite a bit,
especially in the house program and learn-
to-play program,” Croteau said.
thanks to a recruiting effort co-presidents
Bob Pilney and Ken Camello started when
they took over the program three years
ago.
“Kenny and I basically put the emphasis
back on young age groups,” Pilney told
The Sports Department in December.
“We worked really hard with a grassroots
-
keted the area and tried to get kids back to
youth hockey.”
Those two, along with Mike Rooney,
Aaron Lickwar makes a save for
East Granby-
teams in their
before East
them this
February 20132
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The Sports Department
February 2013 3
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TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition
Three times in the past two weeks,
I went to local high school basketball
games and witnessed teams running up
the score. I've also seen it happen plenty
of times in recreation and travel league
games, where coaches refuse to control
players, resulting in embarrassing the
opponents even more.
In these situations, all three teams had
leads of more than 25 points heading
into the fourth quarter and continued to
play starters and press full-court.
out, the substitutes were pressing and
running-and-gunning as if trying to score
100 points, even though none of the
teams were close to doing so. And the
coaches did absolutely nothing to dis-
courage it - in fact, they encouraged it.
No matter what level of sport, running
downright unacceptable.
I n baseball, coaches should not tell
players to quit hitting or pitchers to
need to stretch singles into doubles or
doubles into triples, or try to intention-
to the opponent (an unintended conse-
quence of the 50-point rule in Connecti-
cut high schools). But coaches should
not be calling trick or long pass plays on
offense or blitz on defense.
season and lacrosse is right around the
teams to avoid running up the score.
Once the game is out of reach,
coaches can insert all the reserves and
instruct them to pass the ball for one
minute or more when on offense. After a
pre-established time, the team can run a
set play until they score or turn the ball
over. This takes time off the clock while
forcing players to still play hard and work
proven to be an overmatched opponent.
Finally, coaches should insist the win-
ning team never run a fast break.
defense, but it should be in a packed-
in zone without any type of press or
pressure defense on the perimeter. The
challenge to the defenders can be to try
and limit easy shots and not allow the
offense to get rebounds.
with a large lead and to make sure the
players in the game are willing to do so.
-
the bench for that player to sit and watch
the rest of the game.
plan, the coach might also let them know
that if they get benched for not following
instructions, the bench is not only where
against an opponent is embarrassing
for everyone involved on both teams -
but no more embarrassing than for the
coach allowing it to happen.
Contact Jon Buzby at JonBuzby@
hotmail.com and follow him @JonBuzby
on Twitter.
To see the rest of the story, please visit thesportsdept.com
In what could become landmark regula-
for K-12 schools to provide opportunities
for students with disabilities to participate
on athletic teams.
I say “could become” because now
guidelines a step further and offer students
with disabilities additional athletic op-
portunities beyond the traditional varsity
guidelines essentially state is students
be kept off a team because they have a
because they're not good enough. Just like
any other student. And if they are cut, or in
place, in many schools around the country
he will not have the opportunity to compete
on an athletic team.
Fortunately, Connecticut schools are way
ahead of the game.
schools and several elementary schools
statewide offer students with and without
disabilities the opportunity to participate
Special Olympics athletes team up with
to create an opportunity for competition
similar to that of a varsity team. It also cre-
sounds.
get bullied in schools,” said Beau Doherty,
president of Special Olympics Connecticut.
-
of the high school football team telling his
who are at a segregated lunch table to sit
with them. That is, to me, why we do it.”
Sports to Special Olympics founder Eunice
Kennedy Shriver in 1982 while working as
the training director for Special Olympics
with Special Olympics Incorporated staff
-
ily made up of adult athletes. But in 1992,
Doherty had become the assistant director
at Special Olympics Connecticut and ap-
proached the Connecticut Interscholastic
Athletic Conference with the idea of mak-
-
rently boasts a participation of more than
1,300 athletes and partners in 120 schools
throughout the state. At the middle and
February 2013
Student Athlete of the Month Student Athlete of the MonthFERMI ENFIELD
TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition
Department as we travel
to Boston for the evening
to see the Boston Celtics
on March 8. The game
will start at 7:30 p.m. Trip
includes round trip motor
coach transportation and tick-
ets in balcony section of the TD
Garden. The bus will arrive in Bos-
dinner or shopping before the game. Bus
2 p.m.. The fee is $85 per person. Pre-
Registration is required .
Open Gym Basketball time for adults 18
and over. Participants must show proof of
age and residency to participate in addition
to having a program waiver on site where
they participate. There is a nightly fee for
these programs. There is no basketball
when school is closed. For locations,
dates, times & fees, visit the Recreation
For ages 18 and over. This program is
designed for recreational play and
will be held at the Eli Whitney
School Gym. During open gym
there is no league play, only
pick-up games are arranged
amongst the participants.
Proof of age and residency
is required. Participants must
have a program waiver on
volleyball when school is closed.
The program runs Wednesdays,
through March 6, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Nightly fees are $2 for residents and $2.50
for non-residents.
Lessons are provided in a semi-private
are for those 16 years of age and older.
Ideal for those starting their swimming
-
-
cy. The program is held at the JFK Middle
School Pool on Saturdays, February 23
– April 6 (no class on 3/30), from 2:15 p.m.
and $50 for non-residents. Pre Registra-
tion is required and spaces are limited so
Zetter
: Div. III Golf cham-
pion in 2012
I try
to get into my own little world so I am
mentally ready for the round.
For
-
state championship.
Making a
ten-foot putt on the 18th hole of the
Div. III championship, which gave me
the title. My coach of two years - Bob
Lengyel - passed away last year, before
the season started and it was very dif-
quite hit it hard enough and it sat on the
edge of the hole for a second or two and
there, gave it a little push.
My strongest at-
tribute in golf is the ability to always keep
the ball in play. My distance off the tee
has improved the most.
I
front nine every day. That is one of the
few courses that I can repeatedly play
and not get sick and tired of. I am going
to miss representing my school in athlet-
ics.
Playing a sport as
tough as hockey considering my “de-
my freshman year.)
Tiger
Woods is my favorite athlete and the per-
son that I most model my game after.
Dave
Mathews Band, Ted, and The Big Bang
Theory
www.pgatour.com
People are
much more informed about the times
and scores of sporting events, thus more
people are aware which eventually leads
to more people watching and attending
sporting events.
I plan on going
to Methodist University in the Fall of 2013
to study Accounting with a concentration
in Professional Golf Management. I will
top D-III golf team.
J Rush
Made captain dur-
ing my senior year
Shoot around and listen to music to get
me hyped up for the game.
I think the
keep our heads up and continue to play
at the best of our ability every game.
game-winning buzzer beater in one of
my AAU tournaments.
My strongest area
is shooting mid-range shots. I have im-
proved on taking the ball to the rim more
throughout my career
I will miss
-
ing out with everyone as a big group
when I leave high school.
Coming back from my knee
surgery and still being able to play ball.
Paul Pierce. I model my game after him
because he is so versatile and I try to
play like him every game.
UConn men have always been my team
Ted
ESPN.com
Gives
watch them.
Go to college
play D3 ball.
February 2013 5TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition
Student Athlete of the MonthEAST WINDSOR
Allie, A-Rod
Courant All Academic Team
3.82
I
usually look at who we are playing and
key in on their good players, focusing
especially on what is needed to shut
them down.
This year
we have a great group of talented play-
ers. I hope we can regroup and have a
strong presence in the NCCC and state
tournament.
Our second
game against Bolton. Bolton was unde-
feated in the conference and our team
When they came to our court, we were
able to pull off the upset.
My strength is my
knowledge of the game and under-
standing game situations. Improve-
ments have been seen in my defense
I will miss
my teammates. We are all so close
and have been playing together since
middle school. Overall, I will miss being
My freshman year I
broke my pinky right before the season
started. It was hard coming into the
middle of the season not as ready as the
rest of my teammates who had pre-
season conditioning.
My favorite athlete to watch was Diana
Taurasi. Today, I'd say that my favorite
athlete to watch is Stefanie Dolson. I like
to model my game to be similar to hers.
women.
Band - Ras-
cal Flatts. TV Shows – Boy Meets World
and Modern Family.
ESPN
I am actually
not a member of either of these social
networks, so the way I watch and follow
sports has not been changed.
I plan to go
to UConn or Western New England
Secondary Education.
Is Open
The portable skating rink is open and is
located on the north side of East Windsor
for use by people of all ages, and provides
a free family recreational activity. The rink
is available after school hours during the
week, and evening as well. The rink is also
available at any time during the weekends,
or during school vacation.
-
sion of Mad Science will begin Wednes-
day, February 27 - Wednesday, May 15
at Broad Brook Elementary School. The
theme for this 10-week session is Space &
-
tion may be done through our convenient
online payment process or by completing a
registration form and returning to the East
Windsor Parks & Recreation Department.
Call 860-627-6662 with any questions.
The East Windsor Parks and Recreation
Department is sponsoring the Annual
Limerick Contest, open to East Windsor
residents only. The theme for the Limerick
three and four must rhyme with others as
well. Prizes will be awarded to each age
5-8, Grades 9-12, Adults ages 18 and up.
All entries need to be returned to the East
March 15. Winning entries will be dis-
played in town hall.
The East Windsor Parks and Recreation
-
day nights. This is open to adults only. No
students are allowed to participate. Open
Gym Night will be held at East Windsor
fee for this program is $2 per night or $32
for the 16-week session. There will be no
program on February 18, or April 15. To
see if the program is not being held on a
Parks & Recreation at 860-627-6662.
The East Windsor Parks and Recreation
-
place at the East Windsor Park (Reservoir)
on Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m.. Anyone
interested in participating in this, please
contact the East Windsor Parks & Recre-
ation at 860-627-6662.
Casey Vogt, a senior catcher at Wind-
Summer Rivalry Classic last August 18
Also participating in the game were
Avon.
-
rant's All-Area baseball team last
in his third year as a starter. Vogt (5 feet
11, 185 pounds) also is a three-year
starter for Windsor Locks' American
Legion team.
February 20136
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TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition
Boys Basketball NotebookBoys
Basketball
Girls Basketball NotebookGirls
Basketball
The Sports Department
Few area girls basketball teams have
been as dominant as Somers this year,
and with an 11-game winning streak, the
showed they belong among the NCCC's
top teams.
-
-
ments to improve our defense,” coach
said. “It has been the biggest
area of improvement we had. The win
streak was because we were able to play
more consistent defense.”
Though defense certainly wins games,
it is the Spartans offense that has been
guard Diandra DaRosa.
DaRosa has done everything well for
Somers, but scoring (21 points a game) is
where she really stands out.
by her scoring but by her ability to run our
offense and her passing out of double
phenomenal year.”
The conference tournament serves as a
tough test for Somers, whose streak was
1. But its real purpose is to bridge its regu-
lar season run to the Class S tourney.
“While the league tournament is important,
it's not as important as our state tourna-
ment run, so we are gearing up for that,”
Walker said.
The Panthers (10-7) are going to the
NCCC and Class S tournamens. But they
hit a snag in early February with three
points per game.
“Teams go through good phases and
bad phases,” head coach
said, “and we have had a little slump the
last few games.”
But its nothing a few days off followed by
teams get in a little funk and you have
were working towards.”
The Panthers will be one of as many as
11 NCCC teams receiving berths to the
state tournament.
The Raiders (9-9) are getting contribu-
tions across the board, and it is teamwork
that has proved dividends down the stretch
this season.
“I think were getting to where we want
to be,” head coach said.
“When we get to this point in the season
we really preach defense.”
Led by nine seniors, the Raiders will be
in the Class S tourney for the fourth year in
a row. They are only a few years removed
then.
had a tough stretch where we played the
top four teams right in a row. Right now the
-
ting solid play from
and , our two leading
scorers.”
Two others stepping up down the stretch
include and Amber
.
and determination and determination of
the Falcons (2-17, 2-11 CCC East).
but where we are now as opposed to
where we were at the beginning of the
season has shown tremendous improve-
ment,” Fermi coach said.
“The CCC East is a really tough confer-
better is if you play [teams that are] better
than you.”
Though they may not perform as remark-
ably as other teams in the area, there
are few squads with as much respect or
teamwork.
few years, but these guys stay together
which is important,” the coach said. “It
takes a lot of guts to know when you get
play. They want to get better and its fun to
backs.”
the Class S tournament. But whether they
dance or not second-year coach
has a lot to be proud of. Assured
an increase in wins over last season, the
Raiders have played hard defense and
communicated like a team. And all of this
not-so-distant future.
will be competing in the state Class M
tournament, pulling off key wins over
SMSA and East Granby in back-to-back
weeks to clinch a berth. . . . . Stafford (2-
wins over SMSA and Fermi coming in
December.
The Sports Department
team's defense has been suffocating
The Wildcats have evolved into one of
the best NCCC teams because of their
consecutive games to improve to 10-5
its defensive pressure and intensity and
become more dangerous at both ends.
The Wildcats are a much better than they
were a few weeks ago, and their defense
makes them a team no one wants to face
come tournament time.
points a game during its streak, which
stretched from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1.
“It begins and ends with our defensive
intensity,” coach Dan Gatto said. “Our
players have really dedicated themselves
-
lowed everything else to fall in place. Our
leading to easy baskets.”
Guard and forward
defensive players. Guard
has been an outstanding scorer for the
Wildcats.
The Raiders (13-2, 10-2 NCCC) are one
of the best teams in the NCCC and Class
-
ings. The Raiders outscore opponents by
10 points on average.
The losses were 59-35 at Avon on Jan.
hit a game-
Guard has been the Raid-
ers go-to-guy on offense and consistently
Somers
The Spartans (6-9) have clicked on of-
fense since a 1-7 start. The offense has
and sharing the ball, resulting in improved
shooting numbers. Big men
and have been the
main options on offense, but others have
stepped up and provided solid production
points, Coverdill 11.5.
“We need to continue to work hard and
focus on one game at a time ,” coach John
The Bulldogs played on of their best
games of the season in a 65-63 victory at
Coventry on Feb. 7 as star Zach Rollins
made a three pointer with one second
left.Coventry came into the game with
a double-double with 28 points and 11
rebounds. The team surrendered a large
lead, but then showed its toughness
said that the
Bulldogs were outstanding defensively
and singled out guard for his
second-leading scorer to one hoop.
East Windsor
-
defense has improved and been aggres-
sive at times, but the effort sporadic and
inconsistent. East Windsor needs two wins
to qualify for the Class S tournament.
Feb. 5 is a perfect illustration of the strug-
offense was up and down throughout, and
the defense had frequent breakdowns in
the fourth quarter. Forward
and guard were again
the bulk of the offense, combining for 37
points.
The Raiders (3-13) have improved after
a 1-9 start but remain unable to piece
together a complete 32-minute effort. This
inconsistency shows up on the score-
board, as Windsor Locks has had a num-
ber of close losses recently. The Raiders
are 2-12 in the NCCC.
“We go through stretches where our
out or play help defense,“ said coach
defense has improved, and that sopho-
more guard has matured
quickly and become a reliable scoring
option off the bench.
Fermi
The Falcons (0-15) have continued to
play hard each and every time out in the
tough CCC East. Fermi is allowing 75
points a game, and has only lost one by
less than 20 points.
Point guard has been play-
nine points.
The Bulldogs (10-7) have consistently im-
proved over the course of the season and
are now 8-7 in the NCCC. Stafford has
of their wins coming by 10 points or less.
Jay Vachhani of
-
-
--
February 2013 7
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Hockey NotebookHockey
Notebook
In Somers
Many trips will be coming up soon, cour-
tesy of the Somers Parks and Recreation
department. Day trips are open to all ages.
3rd Friday in March, May,
July, Sept, November - $20
March, 5
at The Aqua Turf in Southington - $79
May 5 - $39
June 22
Grades K-2 Basketball
This fun, skill-intensive program is
designed for beginning to intermediate
players. In addition to technical basketball
skills, our basketball staff will focus on
respect, teamwork and responsibility.
Campers learn skills on both sides of the
football including the core components of
passing, catching, and defense - all in a
fun and positive environment. The week
$129
In this multi-sport camp, we combine two
Athletes will learn the rules and essential
skills of each sport along with vital life les-
sons such as respect and teamwork.
Program Note: Parents are encouraged to
participate with their children. This camp
for pre-school aged kids introduces the
essentials of one to two sports. Through
balance, hand/eye coordination, and skill
development. Must be toilet trained in
order to participate.
Ages 5-8
Ages 9-11
Campers will learn the fundamentals of
swinging, putting, and body positioning.
Using the SNAG (Starting New At Golf)
that young players can make an effective
transition onto the golf course. All equip-
ment provided.
Wrestling NotebookWres!
ing
The Sports Department
-
Jeff Beiler is ecstatic. The Falcons (8-10)
are in second place in the CCC East as
and made them look like seasoned veter-
ans.
the CCC East title, but they ultimately fell
“We only had E.O. Smith left. Because
of our illnesses this week, we postponed
the meet......we probably won't resched-
ule making us tied with E.O. for second
place with one loss,” said Beiler, whose
team turns its attention to the state Class
M tournament after the CCC event was
cancelled because of the snowstorm.
going into the states, as Beiler compared
the quality of the conference event to that
of the State Open.
(285), (106), and
(120) all have realistic
shots to place in the top three in their
classes.
Beiler believes that (152),
(138),
and (160) could also
place high, but will have tougher roads
based upon their regular season individual
records.
Raiders, but coach Brian Olsen is pleased
with some of his individual performances.
has some individual performers who
should fare well at the NCCC meet, which
was postponed because of the storm. It
was not known at press time if the confer-
ence was going to reschedule the event.
Olsen wanted to make sure that his wres-
tlers are ready to go for the NCCC Tourna-
ment this weekend. (152)
sat out the Bobcat Invitational at Colches-
ter resting his knee.
the Bobcat Classic after defeating the top
Wages dropped to 152, one of the larger
went 3-2 (two wins by pin) but did not
place.
“These wrestlers should have a good
NCCC showing and hopefully all four can
place in the top four,” said Olsen.
Somers entered eight wrestlers in the
-
ford Feb. 2 Seven came home with medals
(195) was named most out-
standing wrestler, earning his 150th career
win in the process.
Second places: Christian Andrade (106)
(126),
Thirds: (113), Adam Pat
(160).
Somers (18-6) ended their regular
over Granby, giving them a 6-1 record and
second place in the NCCC.
The Panthers don't have numbers, but
individually they are competing well. At the
Eagle Eye Classic Jan. 22 at East Catho-
lic, Brandon Davis (106) was third,
(138) tied for third and
(160) was fourth.
said coach . "All the success
only 10 kids in the lineup. We have had
the kids have really stepped up. Going into
every match we wrestle we are already
these kids have come together as a team
and they way they have been working is
something to be admired. They are really
working to help push each other and make
each other better."
a team.
(120),
(170), Matt Nardi (195), and
(160) of Windsor Locks
also won.
The Sports Department
season, but coach Frank Genovese of the
if the Falcons are already in the playoffs.
seven-game series and we have to win the
series,” Genovese said.
Windsor Locks/Granby and South Windsor
before losing to Simsbury Feb. 6.
“We need more consistency,” Genovese
-
sively, it shows.”
and have con-
tributed offensively for the Falcons, while
has been solid on the blue
been very steady back there,” Genovese
said of Beck.
-
sor Locks/Granby coach Nick Boorman is
hopeful the Wildcats (5-9-1) can make a
playoff push down the stretch.
ready to go,” Boorman said.
Many of the Wildcats skaters started the
-
gressed.
better and better.”
Sophomore (16 goals, 12 as-
Boorman said.
It's been another tough season for Tri-
Town, which is out of the postseason for
the second straight year after making the
The Terrorcats (1-13) of Somers, Ellington
and East Windsor were on a nine-game
losing streak culminating with a 3-2 loss
the big goal when we need it,” coach Paul
, and
have been playing well, Dowe said.
Goalies and
er have also been steady this season.
“Both goalies are playing outstanding,”
every day.”
February 20138
Student Athlete of the MonthSOMERS
TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition
Cull
GPA: 8
I usually stretch,
listen to rock-and-roll and then stick
handle for about 10 minutes to warm up
my hands and wrists.
with everyone and love the bonding that
we are able to have, especially seeing
as though we are a team of three towns,
we establish close relationships with one
another.
Freshman
year, scoring an overtime goal against
Probably face-offs.
From the begging I was always a good
face-off winner and now I have improved
so much in my defense abilities as well.
I will miss having practice every
my life, so I will miss that the most.
Peeping a positive mind even though my
time playing hockey is ending soon. I will
miss it so much and would do anything
to have one more year on the team.
serving captain and played on my favor-
ite team the Detroit Red Wings
I'm not a huge
I root for the underdogs.
UConn women. They have a
great team and dominate in the women's
basketball realm.
without a doubt slap
about a hockey team that isn't very good
and gets sold to be basically actors. It's a
great movie.
They have increased
the popularity of high school sports
because now highlights are available to
be seen by many people rather than the
I plan to attend
college, of which I haven't decided. But I
do know I will be playing lacrosse while
in college, and hopefully club hockey as
well.
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
www.NATA.org for more information. Certi-
-
partnered to bring readers a monthly col-
may submit questions related to injuries,
training advice, rehabilitation or any other
sports medicine topic. Submit questions to:
-
-
-
Because school–aged athletes seem
so nimble and quick, an often neglected
activity for these athletes is stretching.
And stretching should be done in two
phases – before activity and after activity.
up. A good warm-up includes a few min-
utes of activity such as brisk walking or
slow running (this can even be in place).
There are a few general “rules” for
stretching. First, stretching is not a speed
sport: it needs to be done slowly with con-
trol over the movements being performed.
Second, bouncing should not occur during
a stretching activity. The end point of the
stretch should be a 5-10 second hold
when resistance is met. Third, if an athlete
should have instructions for stretching
from an athletic trainer or physical thera-
pist.
It is especially important to stretch the
back and the large muscles groups of the
lower body. Some easy ways to do this
are:
place your hands on your knees and bring
your knees up toward your armpits. Re-
peat 3-5 times.
With your hands on your lower legs or
ankles, roll forward aiming you chin for
your legs. Repeat 3-5 times.
with your legs straight and spread apart.
Put both hands on one shin or ankle and
February 2013 9TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition
The Sports Department
STORRS — In Connecticut and around
the country, sports fans are aware of how
great the University of Connecticut wom-
years. But few get an inside look at all that
goes into that greatness.
impressive, consistent, and undeniable.
What many are not aware of is the unique
way the team practices throughout the
-
mined by preseason tryouts practices
against the women during the season.
This year, three local former high school
boys basketball players made that squad
team improve and get an inside look at a
legendary program.
and of El-
lington and of Somers are
on the 15-man squad, working with the
week. Through scrimmaging and a lot of
drills and defensive work, the men are im-
All three have formed bonds with other
members of the men's practice squad and
to still be a part of structured basketball.
The men run sets and plays when scrim-
the coaching staff wants the women to
work on for upcoming opponents. The staff
what they need to do in full-court press,
half-court sets, and more.
So, in a way, the men are getting some
of the top coaching in the nation. Particu-
larly for the frontcourt players, practicing
the fast, physical style of play.
Sophomore center Kiah Stokes said,
it helps us out. When we do rebounding
post defense. It makes us stay low…They
help us out so much in the post.”
She was genuinely appreciative of what
the men players do, and Gresh can vouch
for the appreciation. “The guys on the
team get a lot of respect and we really feel
the motions,” he said.
-
-
tice team came about in the mid-1990s,
when former standout Jen Rizzotti - an
to practice against men.
Coach Auriemma said, “My players feel
we are without those guys. They do a lot
more for us than I think we could ever do
for them.”
Senior guard Caroline Doty echoed
the thoughts of her coach and added,
than them. They bring an intensity level
know if they know how much we appreci-
I love having them around.”
-
tured basketball and also likes being in-
volved with the UConn basketball program
as do many kids in the area.
and seeing them do the things you helped
with in practice. Like a drill or something
defensively. When they win you feel like
a part of it as someone that goes to the
school and more than that now too.”
-
--
roll forward aiming your chin for your leg.
Repeat 3-5 times, then repeat on the other
side.
-
each other with your knees out to the
sides. Put your arms on your knees and
Repeat 3-5 times.
a chair or wall with one hand. With the
other hand pull the lower leg on that same
side up towards your buttocks. Repeat 3-5
times, then repeat on the other side.
crossed and feet close together. Bend
forward. Repeat 3-5 times, then cross your
legs in the other direction and repeat.
with one foot pointing out to the side.
Keeping your back straight lean over that
foot and return to the starting position.
Repeat 3-5 times and then repeat on the
other side.
There are many other stretches similar
much about which stretches you do, but
that you do some. As always refer any
questions
February 201310
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TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition
The Sports Department
School.
skier who has his eyes on competing in
obstacle get in the way of his dream.
-
tively about three years ago, he has im-
proved at a rapid clip and become a suc-
him a spot on Team Mau, an elite racing
team led by Mau Thompson, the head ski
coach for the national organization Adap-
and bumpy road to get where he is.
and Richard, began taking him skiing at
seven. It took three years for him to learn
-
ing on to a pole held by his mother, and
it was only after this and many adaptive
his own.
Once Andrew could ski, he immediately
-
idly and found a level of freedom and op-
portunity in skiing not there off the slopes.
“It allows me to do something I normally
compete against other people, whether it
be able-bodied or not. I can go skiing and
keep up with my friends, which I normally
them to wait or slow down.”
freedom skiing has offered her son.
“When I watch him ski I am amazed at
how graceful he is,” she said. “I sometimes
wish I could put a sign on his back that
says 'Disabled Skier' so that everyone
could know what he has overcome to do
taken him to places we never imagined he
for the AbilityPLUS Adaptive Alpine Race
Team at Mount Snow in Vermont dur-
ing the 2009-10 season and was almost
immediately successful. The turning point
in his competitive skiing career when he
was awarded a scholarship to attend the
Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, Colo., in
December 2010, an event sponsored by
the insurance company.
under some of the best Adaptive Ski Race
coaches in the country, alongside mem-
bers of the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team and
fellow racers from the U.S., Canada and
Europe. This opportunity inspired him to
start taking racing seriously, and started
Olympics and Winter Paralympics.
gold medals with the AbilityPLUS team.
the honor of being named an “Emerging
Athlete” by ski coach Mau Thompson.
Oregon, in July.
Learning under Thompson has been
Cooper, Colo., Kimberly, B.C., and Winter
Park, Utah, this season, and will compete
at these areas and others the rest of the
-
son credit for this improvement.
-
edge of skiing,” he said. “She has helped
me to improve my technique and prepare
for races and to improve my skiing to
levels that I had not been able to achieve
am right now.”
“Mau is very thorough with her training,”
concerned about meeting long-term goals
for her racers.”
from a week-long speed training camp
focus was to improve his turns and starts,
in slalom and Super-G after previously
pleased with his results, and thinks doing
more disciplines will inspire him to be a
better skier.
“Competing in these events will push
me to work harder and encourage me to
glimpse of what I could be as a racer.”
making progress towards competing for
acknowledges that he may not be pre-
pared to compete at that level. The 2018
Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South
Korea may be a more realistic goal, and
World Cup if he does not make the Para-
up on Sochi.
go.”
reaches his goal of being an
Olympian, skiing has pro-
foundly changed who he is.
Andrew and his mother both
deeply appreciate how the
sport has allowed him to suc-
ceed on his own terms.
me grow as a person, and
to slowly become more and
more outgoing,” Andrew said.
“It is something I can do, and
do well, that many others
“It is mind-boggling to me what skiing has
allowed him to do,” Sheryl said. “Andrew
does not see himself as a disabled per-
son.”
Learn to Play program had 55 members,
while Mini-Mites had 30. Once players
are done with Mini-Mites, they move on
in-house group.
-
petitive travel leagues instead of learn-to-
Whalers left, youth programs are still im-
“When the Whalers were here, they
Wolf Pack or the Whale are,” Grigorian
said. “The Whalers were always doing
something, always giving back, and that
had a lot to do with it when [youth hockey]
was strong. Every little kid wanted to be a
Whaler.”
governing body for amateur ice hockey
in the United States, has made several
changes to help increase interest in the
game, including addressing the issue of
concussions and the travel schedule for
mite hockey.
-
ers that are on their way [from the youth
level],” Rockville coach Christian Steven-
son said.
years, you could see more (schools) going
back out on their own.”
said the Bruins' Stanley Cup two years
-
ized at the high school level for several
years.
of hockey players that are going to play,”
Genovese said. “I played so I want to pass
-
ment.”
But there are other options for players
besides their local high school. While
rarely lost players to select programs or
to private schools like East Catholic, or the
schools through the state.
games and you can be on the ice every
smart move to make because the cost
to play in high school is about the same.
Really, it depends on the family and what
their goals academically are.”
While more and more schools are band-
ing together due to dwindling numbers,
those closest to the game realize what a
“
-
sons. If more people realized what good
kids are generated through the game, I
think more kids would be playing.”
-
-
February 2013 11
Student Athlete of the MonthSUFFIELD
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TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition
Student Athlete of the MonthWINDSOR LOCKS
Kyle
January Athlete of the Month
I usu-
ally listen to a lot of music and go over
game scenarios in my head before the
game.
Despite our
record, we have a solid team with a lot of
turn the season around and make a
strong run for the playoffs.
Scoring two
year to get us a rematch with Guilford in
the second round.
Killing penalties is
one of my strengths. Our team has one
of the best penalty kills in the league, and
I'm lucky to be consistently running it from
a defensive standpoint. I improved on
defense in general over my career.
I'm going to
miss my teammates the most. We've al-
ways been close on and off the ice. Also,
I'm going to miss all of my friends from
high school.
Balancing sports and my
tough academic schedule.
Zdeno
Chara. I try to model my game after him
by using my size to my advantage on the
ice.
men
Fa-
vorite band is Emarosa. Favorite movie
is Miracle. Favorite TV show is Worka-
holics
ESPN.com
It's easier
with social networking to get game
updates or share opinions with other
fans. Now I can share my opinions or
arguments instantly as I'm watching the
game.
I hope to at-
tend either Carnegie Mellon University
or Bentley University for a degree in
-
ing.
Jonnathan Oliveira
Basketball, Baseball, Soccer
Jonny O
Windsor Locks through Park and Rec de-
I try
my abilities.
: My thoughts
on this season are although our record
does not show it we are a very talented
team who has fought to be in a lot of
out for the better, but the guys are getting
-
of the season against Bolton this year in
overtime. I played very well myself and
so did my teammates. This game showed
what my teammates and I could do in a
varsity basketball game.
The area that I am
strongest in is being a good teammate,
shooting and defense. I improved in being
a more stronger and vocal player.
What I am going to miss the most about
seniors that I have played my entire life
with.
TOvercoming a rare form of
genetic Anemia and pushing through it to
succeed both academically and athleti-
cally.
Soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo, Basketball:
Brandon Jennings, Baseball: Derek Jeter
UConn Meen
favorite
movie “The Town”, favorite TV show
“Person of Interest”
ESPN.com
I can now
follow all the athletes I look up to and
instantly.
My plans after
high school include attending a D1 or D2
school and hopefully making an athletic
team for one of the three sports I play.
The Windsor Locks Park and Recre-
ation Department offers a wide range of
programs for all ages throughout the year.
Winter programs are beginning to wind
and recreation levels, will be ending late
February/early March. Indoor Soccer will
also be ending in late February.
During February vacation week (Feb.
19th-22nd), Open Gym Basketball will
South Elementary School. Entertainment
will be offered on Tuesday and Wednes-
day of vacation week. On Feb. 19, T-Bone
will be performing a great show of mu-
sic and fun. On Feb. 20, magician Tom
the whole family. Both of these shows will
be held in the North Street School gym
and will begin at 10 a.m. Admission is free
for each event.
Baseball team will also be offered during
February vacation week. The program is
for baseball and softball players in Grades
1-5 and will be held 9 a.m. - noon in the
Windsor Locks Middle School gym. The
cost of this program is $50. Registration
can be done in the park and recreation of-
Futsal Soccer Clinics sponsored by the
Locks Soccer Academy will be offered in
late February through March. Futsal is a
smaller sized soccer ball that is weighted
to stay on the ground to promote foot
sessions. For more information and to reg-
ister, visit www.lockssoccer.com. Feel free
lockssoccer.com
and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the
town hall gymnasium. There is no fee to
attend the movie, but concessions will be
available for a nominal fee. Pre-registra-
tion is required by phone or stopping in the
Funtime Adventures and Playtime Adven-
tures are parent-child playgrounds for chil-
dren between ages 18-36 months and 3-5
years of age on Wednesday and Thursday
mornings. Tumbling/Gymnastics is offered
on Saturday mornings for children ages
on Wednesday nights for ages 6 and up.
-
ketball and adult volleyball are offered
throughout the week. For more information
on any of these programs, please visit or
at www.windsorlocks.org under the Park
and Recreation tab.
and Recreation Depart-
programs, Circuit Training,
Rebounding (mini trampoline) and
deadline is Tuesday, February
19 at 12:00 noon. For complete
com or call 860-668-3862.
There will be a trip to the Boston Flower
March 16. The cost is $53 per person for
Own Trip. Registration deadline is Febru-
ary 26. For complete details check www.
-
on April 17. The cost is $37 per person.
Registration deadline is March 27. For
-
hall.com or call 860-68-3862.
and Recreation
Department is spon-
soring Gymnastics for
grades 3 – 5 (coed) on Wednes-
days and Thursdays, February
School Gym. Resident fee:
$50, non-resident fee: $60.
Registration deadline is Febru-
668-3862.
-
ment is sponsoring Bear Necessities on
Wednesday, March 27 from 6 p.m. – 8
p.m., at the Kent Memorial Library Audi-
torium. Fee: $10 (free for children ages 6
– 16), non-resident fee: $15. The registra-
tion deadline is Tuesday, March 19. For
-
hall.com or call 860-668-3862.
February 201312 TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition