courier-post varsity spring all-stars 2011

CyanMagentaYellowBlack Sun19TAB 19:22:50


2TAB COURIER-POST, Sunday, June 19, 2011

ALL-GROUP 4Pos. Name School Yr.

Pitcher Kevin Boswick Shawnee Jr.Pitcher Tyler Bright Washington Twp. Sr.Pitcher Devon Hedgepeth Rancocas Valley Sr.Pitcher Jeff McGarry Lenape Sr.Pitcher Steve Volpe Eastern Jr.Catcher Craig Joseph Cherokee Sr.First Base Bryan Clayton Lenape Sr.Infield Robert Humes Winslow Twp. Sr.Infield Mark Jankowski Washington Twp. Sr.Infield Rob Taylor Cherry Hill East Jr.Infield Nick Tierno Eastern So.Outfield Nick Cieri Rancocas Valley So.Outfield Mike Marchitto Eastern Jr.Outfield Ed Royds Shawnee Sr.Utility Stefan Kancylarz Lenape Sr.DH Ryan Ilgenfritz Winslow Twp. Sr.

Honorable Mention: Dylan Johannink, Shawnee; Collin Perro, Cherokee; TrevorConnors, Washington Twp.; Jon Gonzalez, Winslow Twp.; Ryan Long, WashingtonTwp.; Tyler Caton, Cherry Hill East; John Brocious, Triton; Tony Yiantsos, Eastern;Jordan Rizzo, Williamstown; Dave Hydock, Shawnee; Vince Corbi, Shawnee; DaveMoreno, Eastern; Brett Solomen, Clearview; Zach Hoffman, Williamstown; ErikDanser, Cherokee; Josh Limon, Rancocas Valley; Nick Smyth, Pennsauken; AlexPolanco, Pennsauken; Matt Lawson, Eastern; Dan Simnor, Washington Twp.;George Eisenhart, Clearview; Jordan Glover, Cherokee; Nick Meoli, Pennsauken;Chuck LaGrossa, Cherry Hill East.

BASEBALLAll-Group teams Player of the Year Page 4Coach of the Year Page 5All-Courier-Post Page 6SOFTBALLCoach of the Year Page 7All-Courier-Post Page 8Player of the Year Page 9All-Group teams Page 10BOYS' TRACKAll-Group teams Page 10Coach of the Year Page 11All-Courier-Post Page 12Player of the Year Page 13GIRLS' TRACKAll-Courier-Post Page 14Player of the Year Page 15Coach of the Year & All-Group teams Page 16BOYS' LACROSSEPlayer of the Year Page 17All-Courier-Post & Coach of the Year Page 18GIRLS' LACROSSEAll-Group teams Page 19All-Courier-Post & Coach of the Year Page 20Player of the Year Page 21BOYS' VOLLEYBALLAll-Courier-Post & Coach of the Year Page 22Player of the Year Page 23BOYS' TENNISAll-Courier-Post & Coach of the Year Page 24Player of the Year Page 25GOLFAll-Courier-Post & Coach of the Year Page 26Player of the Year Page 27ON THE COVERDesigned by Sheldon L. Sneed; photo by Douglas Bovitt. State100-meter champion Damiere Byrd of Timber Creek. Page 13.

ABOUT THIS SECTION■ Sports Editor: Gary Silvers■ Varsity Editor: Dave Treffinger■ Contributing: Don Benevento, Dave Eves, Janice Linneman, EileenMannion, Anthony Miller, Kevin Minnick, Gus Ostrum, Jeanne Sigman,Todd Shaner, Rick Ventura, Bob Viggiano, Celeste Whittaker■ Photography: Douglas Bovitt, Denise Henhoeffer, Chris LaChall, JoseF. Moreno, Al Schell, John Ziomek, Vineland Daily Journal, AsburyPark Press.■ Varsity is published Saturdays during the scholastic sports season bythe Courier-Post, P.O. Box 5300, Cherry Hill, N.J. 08034.■ Email: [email protected]■ Online: courierpostonline.com/varsity■ Phone: (856) 486-2424 or 1-888-85SPORT■ Fax: (856) 663-2831

2011 BASEBALL


Pitcher Kevin Comer Seneca Sr.Pitcher Casey Kincaid Kingsway Sr.Pitcher Ty Lyons Seneca Sr.Pitcher Ben Machtinger Cherry Hill West Sr.Pitcher Joe Shapley Deptford Jr.Catcher Joey Frey Moorestown Jr.First Base Gabe Santone Seneca Sr.Infield Alex Injaian Cherry Hill West Jr.Infield Andrew Lisa Moorestown Jr.Infield Pierce Phillips Highland Sr.Infield Ryan Williams Seneca Sr.Outfield Brenden Delmonte Cherry Hill West Jr.Outfield Ron Reagan Highland Sr.Outfield Jared Sanchez Hammonton Sr.Utility Ryan Pavlik Highland Sr.DH Jose Martinez Pemberton Jr.

Honorable Mention: Connor Flynn, Kingsway; Zach Funk, GCIT; Ryan Bell,Burlington Twp.; Chris Giunta, GCIT; Joesph Dash, Willingboro; Mark Steen,Seneca; Zack Renna, Cherry Hill West; Mike Liberatore, Burlington Twp.; JustinSmith, Hammonton; Mike Miniconzi, Highland; Joe Sigismondi, Highland; SeanArthur, Kingsway; Ronnie Gant, Burlington Twp.; Kurtis Bennett, Willingboro; J.P.Beshada, Kingsway; Joe Cifelli, Timber Creek; Nick Belancio, Northern Burlington.


Pitcher Matt Binder Haddonfield Jr.Pitcher Connor Hall Delran Sr.Pitcher Joey Gutowski Bordentown Sr.Pitcher Tony Urban West Deptford Sr.Pitcher Dean Wilson Haddon Heights Sr.Catcher Brandon Thayres West Deptford Sr.First Base Tom Jakubowski West Deptford Jr.Infield Chris Davis Haddonfield Sr.Infield Matt Rodriguez Cinnaminson Sr.Infield Nick Sciortino Haddon Heights So.Infield C.J. Wittman Woodstown Sr.Outfield Corey Makos Woodstown Sr.Outfield Mike McLaughlin Haddonfield Fr.Outfield Mike Wasienko Haddon Heights Sr.Utility Jason Fox West Deptford Sr.DH Jon McGugan Cinnaminson Jr.

Honorable Mention: Frank Shallow, Cinnaminson; Nick DiPietropolo,Woodstown; Tyler Sacalis, Delran; Lars Sailor, Cinnaminson; Steve Sciortino,Haddon Heights; Scott Gorish, Bordentown; Luis Vargas, Penn Tech; Cole Pewor,Cinnaminson.


Pitcher Jake DeWitt Florence Sr.Pitcher Johnny Dunn Pitman Sr.Pitcher Chris Fehr Audubon Sr.Pitcher Kevin Kraemer Audubon Jr.Pitcher Pete Perez Burlington City So.Catcher Greg Myers Haddon Twp. Sr.First Base Keith Michalski Audubon Jr.Infield Brian Flacco Audubon Sr.Infield Brandon Blackiston Gloucester Sr.Infield Tim Borek Riverside Sr.Infield Kevin McMenamin Maple Shade Sr.Outfield Bret Phillips Audubon Sr.Outfield Mike Byrnes Haddon Twp. Sr.Outfield Dan MacAteer Pitman Sr.Utility Dominic Wyshinski Pennsville Sr.DH Boomer Wickersham Audubon Jr.

Honorable Mention: Ken Emmons, Pennsville; Mike McIllvaine, Pitman; KyleGreene, Gloucester; Troy Sieber, Salem; Aiden Suiter, Salem; Matt Ennis, Pitman;Heath Fillmyer, Florence; Kevin Smick, Salem; Ryan Hawthorne, Pennsville; DaneEvans, Pennsville; Eli Heil, Salem; Joe Fiume, Maple Shade; Dylan Colgate, Pitman;Taylor Steen, New Egypt; Tim Mathias, Pennsville; Zach Gemberling, Pennsville;Kyle Gaff, Gloucester; Brendon Looby.

ALL-NON-PUBLICPos. Name School Yr. Pos. Name School Yr.Pitcher Cody Brown Gloucester Catholic Sr. Pitcher Matt Rakus St. Augustine Sr.Pitcher Mike Shawaryn Gloucester Catholic So. Pitcher Jeff Singer Holy Cross Sr.Pitcher Keith Wallace Bishop Eustace Jr. Catcher Mark Zagunis Holy Cross Sr.First Base John Brue Gloucester Catholic Jr. Infield Joe Brooks Gloucester Catholic Jr.Infield Brett Tenuto Gloucester Catholic Jr. Infield Anthony Cocuzza St. Augustine Sr.Infield Tim Gallagher Holy Cross Jr. Outfield Nick Gallo Paul VI So.Outfield Ed Charlton St. Augustine Sr. Outfield Steve Wilgus Gloucester Catholic Sr.Utility Carlo Randazzo St. Augustine Sr. DH Tyler Faiola Camden Catholic Sr.

Honorable Mention: Mark Menickella, Paul VI; Bill Mendek, Gloucester Catholic; Jeff Paglione, Gloucester Catholic; Casey Brown, Gloucester Catholic; AdamBartholomew, Bishop Eustace; Elliott McCummings, Gloucester Catholic; Ned Kerr, Paul VI; Barry Buchowski, St. Augustine; Paschal Petrongolo, Paul VI; RobAlessandrine, Gloucester Catholic; Matt McElhatton, Camden Catholic; Andrew Ordille, St. Joseph; Cory Dick, St. Augustine; Christian Adorno, St. Augustine; MarkDiArenzo, Bishop Eustace; Pat Kane, Gloucester Catholic; John MacAulay, Paul VI; Tom Flacco, Camden Catholic; Rick Elfreth, St. Augustine; Tom Joyce, St. Joseph.

courierpostonline.com/varsity


COURIER-POST, Sunday, June 19, 2011 3TAB

www.velocitysp.com/cherryhill • www.rothmaninstitute.com • www.theperformancelabnj.com • www.thetrainingroompt.com

CP-0010441331


By KEVIN MINNICKCourier-Post Staff

Standing on the mound,Cody Brown would seldomshake off a sign.

All spring, the seniorleft-hander seemed to beon the same page as hiscatcher, Elliott McCum-mings. The two were insync, working as a tandemto shut down opponents atan alarming rate.

Whether he hit the cor-ners with an off-speedpitch or blew away a bat-ter with an above-averagefastball, Brown was al-ways around the plate andno one could argue withthe results.

‘‘On the field, it waslike we were the same per-son,’’ Brown said. ‘‘Wethought the same waywith what was workingand there was a lot ofchemistry.’’

In leading the Rams totheir their second straightNon-Public B state titleand the No. 1 ranking inthe Courier-Post Top 10,Brown set the GloucesterCatholic record with 26 ca-reer wins. This season, hewent 12-0 with a 0.80 ERA.He struck out 79 andwalked 20 in 70 innings,anchoring a staff that post-ed a 1.16 ERA and struckout 219 batters.

‘‘He was the most ath-

letic guy on the field,’’teammate Brett Tenutosaid. ‘‘He pumped strikesand always gets the out.’’

For his efforts, Brownhas been selected the 2011Courier-Post BaseballPlayer of the Year.

‘‘I love being in the mo-ment. I love having theball in my hand in a biggame,’’ said Brown, whowill attend Central Con-necticut State. ‘‘When thepressure is on, it hypes meup and makes me want to

do well.‘‘Looking back, you

have to be impressed withhow the season went. I wasundefeated, threw a lot ofstrikes and my ERA waslow. I was definitelypleased with the year andhow everything playedout.’’

Brown gave up onlytwo runs in 16 postseasoninnings, earning the winin each of the Rams’ finalthree games. He threw hisfirst career no-hitter in thesectional final against Ho-ly Cross and came backwith a two-hitter asGloucester Catholic (31-2)routed Newark Academy14-2 in the state final.

He faced the minimumnine batters over the firstthree innings, allowingonly a second-inning walk— but he then picked therunner off first base.Brown would end the final— and start the celebra-tion of the program’s 15thstate crown — by pickingoff a runner at secondbase.

‘‘I can’t think of a kidwho’s more of a competi-tor than Cody Brown,’’coach Dennis Barth said.‘‘He comes to play everyday.

‘‘You don’t get to breakthe school record withouthaving a great career. Hewas even better this year

than the last two years.He’s an awesome competi-tor and the kids just hadconfidence behind him be-cause of that.’’

With tremendous pitch-ing depth, it was not a giv-en that Brown would be-come the team’s ace. Butduring the season, heearned every inning onthe hill and seldom disap-pointed.

‘‘We had a good staff,but he just had a little bitbetter season than every-body else,’’ Barth said.‘‘He wants the ball whenthe game is on the line.’’

Said Brown: ‘‘I thank(Barth) for having confi-dence in me. Any one of uscould have been out on themound. We all threwstrikes and all workedhard. It made for greatcompetition.

‘‘We all wanted to dobetter than the next guy.We worked harder andharder to get what wewanted.’’

At the plate, Brown waspretty effective, too. Hebatted .390 (32-for-82) withseven doubles, two triples,two home runs, 20 runsand 36 RBIs.

There was never a daywhen Brown didn’t giveall he had.

Said Tenuto: ‘‘Cody isthe best.’’


2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BASEBALL

KEVIN MINNICK/Courier-PostCody Brown hurled Gloucester Catholic to the state Non-Public B championship.


CODY BROWN■ School: Gloucester Catholic■ Grade: Senior■ Position: Pitcher/Outfield■ College: Central ConnecticutState■ On the hill: Won threepostseason games for two-timeNon-Public B state champions. . . Left-hander went 12-0 with0.79 ERA in 70 innings . . .Holds school record with 26career wins . . . Threw firstcareer no-hitter in sectional final. . . Tossed two-hitter withseven strikeouts and hit ahome run in state final . . . Didnot allow a home run allseason . . . Carpenter Cupselection for Tri-Cape■ Quote: ‘‘He’s an awesomecompetitor. When the game ison the line, he wants the ball.’’- Rams coach Dennis Barth

CODY BROWNGloucester Catholic

Player of the Year


By KEVIN MINNICKCourier-Post Staff

Every coach wants tosee their team succeed.

For some, it’s a winningrecord. For others, maybe adivision championship orwinning a first-round play-off game does the trick.

Sean Cassel had a lot onhis plate this spring. Thefourth-year coach of theSeneca baseball team hadto keep one eye on the sta-tus of a future first-rounddraft pick, while the otherwas focused on reachingthe team’s long-term goal.

Having standout right-

hander Kevin Comer freshand ready to deliver in theplayoffs was a major part ofthe plan. The Vanderbilt re-cruit missed a significantamount of time with nag-ging injuries and didn’t hithis stride until almost theend of May.

Another part was tohave his team peaking atjust the right time and setto win six straight games.

‘‘We were always wherewe needed to be,’’ Casselsaid. ‘‘We did hit a roughpatch for a few games in themiddle of the season, but aslong as you remain focused. . .

‘‘We stuck to our onegoal, which was to just goout and play good baseballeach and every time. We

were able to do that all theway back to May 23 whenwe had our first playoffgame.

‘‘As a coach, your job isto make sure your highsdon’t get too high and yourlows not too low, and keepyour eyes on the prize.’’

With Comer - the 57thoverall pick by the TorontoBlue Jays in the recent am-ateur draft - winning five ofthose necessary six games,Seneca capped its seasonwith the Group 3 statechampionship — the ulti-mate prize.

For his efforts this sea-son — culminating with

the second state title inschool history — Sean Cas-sel has been selected as the2011 Courier-Post BaseballCoach of the Year.

‘‘He treats us all as equaland does a good job to makesure we’re all safe and pro-tected,’’ Comer said. ‘‘Hedid that with me with mypitch counts.

‘‘He cared more for us aspeople than baseball play-ers.’’

Said senior shortstopRyan Williams: ‘‘He wasjust so consistent.’’

Seneca finished 16-7overall. There would be noOlympic National champi-

onship, no berth in theprestigious Joe HartmannDiamond Classic. But whatCassel did was keep theGolden Eagles believing intheir abilities, believingthat they had the talent tomake a playoff push andget the job done.

They did just that, de-feating Paramus 12-3 in thestate final.

‘‘Even when we facedsome adversity, I knewwhat we’d be in the endwould be a very successfulbaseball team,’’ Cassel said.

Reach Kevin Minnick at [email protected]


Harrison Twp BaseballAll Skills

Instruction CampElla Harris Park

June 20-23 • 9am-1pm

Ages 5-14Cost $110.00

Call 856-931-9382Register on Line

www.sportzcentral.com

Gateway LeagueAll Skills

Instructional CampWestville

Little League ComplexJuly 18-21 • 9am-1pm

Ages 5-14Cost $100.00



CAMP OBJECTIVESportz Central will sponsor the Gloucester Catholic Summer

Baseball camp. Gloucester Catholic Head Baseball Coach, DennisBarth, will direct the camp. The camp will teach and demonstratesome of the baseball skills and drills that are taught and learnedby one of South Jersey’s most successful baseball program—Gloucester Catholic. The Rams Camp will feature current and

former players, who take part in the rich tradition of GCHS Baseball.Campers will be taught fundamentals in all areas of baseball.

Campers should come prepared with their own baseball equipment.

KEY FACTORS OF GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC BASEBALLThe Rams won the 2000 National High School Championship.No other team in South Jersey history has won more State

Championships, most recently in 2010. They hold the distinction ofwinning the most Diamond Classic tournament Championships in

South Jersey Baseball History.

FORMER RAMS’ PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYERSJoe Alter, Zach Braddock, Greg Burke, Steve Cordner, Bob DaciernoSr., Matt DeMarco, Derek Forchek, Kevin Kelly, John Kupsey, SteveMondile, Mark Michaels, Herb Newman, Don Pisker, Mike Rucci,Bobby Sebra, Jaime Steward, Joe Scholick, and Will Vespe.

CAMP DIRECTORSDENNIS BARTH—2000 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL COACH OF THE YEAR,

STEVE MONDILE, ASSISTANT GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC COACHBRYAN BARTH, MATT RYAN, JOSH COPSKEY,

MATT BLACKBURN, ADAM TUSSEY.

CAMP INFORMATIONCAMP DATES: June 27 Thru June 30

LOCATION: Brooklawn Legion Field, Brooklawn, NJCAMP TIMES: 9 am to 1 pm • COST: $150 (per player)

For More information call Sportz Central at 856-931-9382

REGISTRATION(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY)

Player Name _________________________________________________

Guardian ___________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________

Phone _______________ E-mail ______________________________

Grade ______ Age ______ Allergies _________________________

Tee Shirt Size (ADULT) S M L XL XXL

INSURANCE/PARENT PERMISSION FORMI accept full responsibility for my child in the event of an emergency, whichwarrants immediate medical care.I authorize the Camp to arrange for necessary treatment.The responsibility of the adequate sickness and accident coverage restssolely with the parent or guardian.

Signature ______________________________ Date ______________

Amount Enclosed: ____________ Make checks Payable to: Sportz Central

TRADITION IS PRICELESS!Mail Complete Registration Form to:

Sportz Central • 300 Benigno Blvd. • Bellmawr, NJ 08031Or pay online at www.sportzcentral.com

CAMP OBJECTIVE CAMP INFORMATION

Dennis Barth’s Gloucester Catholic2011 Summer Baseball Camp • June 27 – June 30

Bobby BarthBambino Camp

Pop Barth Brooklawn FieldJuly 25-27 • 9am-12pm

Ages 4-8Cost $100.00



Haddon Heights BaseballAll Skills

Instructional CampHaddon Hts.

Little League ComplexJuly 11-14 • 9am-1pm

Ages 5-14Cost $110.00



CP-0010441365

2011 BASEBALLcourierpostonline.com/varsity

SEAN CASSELSeneca

Coach of the Year



JAKE DeWITTFlorence Senior

Batted .623 (43-for-69) with12 doubles, five triples, six ho-mers and 47 RBIs . . . Scored33 runs . . . Finished career with104 runs, 142 hits and 96 RBIs. . . Named to Burlco CarpenterCup team . . . Headed to TCNJ.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BASEBALL

DEVON HEDGEPETHRancocas Valley Senior

Batted .477 (41 hits) withseven doubles, four triples, twohomers . . . Named to BurlingtonCounty Carpenter Cup team forsecond year . . . Also a fantasticpitcher, going 8-2 with 2.18 ERAand 56 strikeouts in 61 innings.

RYAN WILLIAMSSeneca Senior

Starting shortstop for Group 3state champions . . . Batted .451(41-for-91) with eight doubles,three triples and seven homers. . . Had 28 RBIs . . . Fourth onschool’s all-time hit list with 84. . . Burlco Carpenter Cup pick.

BRET PHILLIPSAudubon Senior

Center fielder for Group 1state champions . . . Batted .436(44-for-101) with 16 doublesand three homers . . . Had ateam-leading 50 runs scored . . .Also had 43 RBIs . . . Secondon team in hits and RBIs.

KEVIN COMERSeneca Senior

Repeat selection . . . 6-0 witha 1.65 ERA in 42≤ innings forGroup 3 state champions . . .Had 63 strikeouts and just 16walks . . . Vanderbilt recruit buttaken 57th overall in MLB draftby the Toronto Blue Jays.

MARK ZAGUNISHoly Cross Senior

Repeat selection . . . Batted.643 (36-for-56) with 31 walks,six doubles, two triples, 11 ho-mers and 44 RBIs . . . Also had25 stolen bases and scored 47runs . . . Three-time member ofBurlco Carpenter Cup team.

ROBERT HUMESWinslow Twp. Senior

Leadoff hitter who batted .425(34-for-80) with 13 doubles, 14RBIs and 31 runs scored . . .Versatile shortstop and teamleader . . . Named to Olympic-Colonial Carpenter Cup team . . .Headed to Caldwell College.

ED CHARLTONSt. Augustine SeniorThree-year starter who set thetable . . . Batted .465 (47-for-101) with 14 doubles, ninehome runs, 39 RBIs and 42runs scored . . . Also had 12stolen bases . . . Carpenter Cuppick . . . Will attend NJIT.

TONY URBANWest Deptford Senior

Went 6-2 with one save and1.79 ERA . . . In 58≥ innings,left-hander set school recordwith 84 strikeouts and did notallow a home run . . . Batted.440 with 15 doubles . . . Olym-pic-Colonial Carpenter Cup pick.

ROB TAYLORCherry Hill East Junior

Dynamic shortstop with ex-tremely bright future . . . Batted.500 (41-for-82) with three dou-bles, four triples, two homersand 18 RBIs out of the leadoffspot . . . Sixth highest single-season batting average in Easthistory.


ALL-COURIER-POSTFIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM

Player School Yr. Position Player School Yr.

Kevin Comer Seneca Sr. Pitcher Jeff Singer Holy Cross Sr.Matt Rakus St. Augustine Sr. Pitcher Mike Shawaryn Gloucester Catholic So.Cody Brown Gloucester Catholic Sr. Pitcher Tyler Bright Washington Twp. Sr.Devon Hedgepeth Rancocas Valley Sr. Pitcher Steve Volpe Eastern Jr.Tony Urban West Deptford Sr. Pitcher Casey Kincaid Kingsway Sr.Mark Zagunis Holy Cross Sr. Catcher Craig Joseph Cherokee Sr.John Brue Gloucester Catholic Jr. First Base Tom Jakubowski West Deptford Jr.Joe Brooks Gloucester Catholic Jr. Infield Brian Flacco Audubon Sr.Jeff McGarry Lenape Sr. Infield Anthony Cocuzza St. Augustine Sr.Rob Taylor Cherry Hill East Jr. Infield Kevin McMenamin Maple Shade Sr.Robert Humes Winslow Twp. Sr. Infield Nick Tierno Eastern So.Nick Gallo Paul VI So. Outfield Steve Wilgus Gloucester Catholic Sr.Ed Charlton St. Augustine Sr. Outfield Mike Byrnes Haddon Twp. Sr.Bret Phillips Audubon Sr. Outfield Ron Reagan Highland Sr.Ryan Williams Seneca Sr. Utility Carlo Randazzo St. Augustine Sr.Jake DeWitt Florence Sr. DH Tyler Faiola Camden Catholic Sr.

JOHN BRUEGloucester Catholic Junior

Had 10 doubles, one tripleand nine homers . . . Hit a team-leading .557 (54-for-97) . . .Scored 42 runs and collected 56RBIs . . . Ever-improving firstbaseman . . . Tri-Cape pick forCarpenter Cup selection.

JEFF McGARRYLenape Senior

Was 6-3 with a 3.17 ERA . . .In 53 innings, had 54 strikeoutsand 15 walks with one shutout. . . Carpenter Cup pick forBurlco . . . Batted .500 with eightdoubles, eight home runs, 33runs scored and 33 RBIs.

NICK GALLOPaul VI Sophomore

Helped Eagles reach Non-Pub-lic South A final . . . Batted .521(49-for-94) with region-leading21 doubles . . . Hit seven ho-mers, scored 42 runs and drovein 30 . . . Had seven steals and13 walks . . . Versatile player.

MATT RAKUSSt. Augustine Senior

Finished 9-0 record with a2.36 ERA for Non-Public A statechampions . . . 75 strikeouts andjust 14 walks in 62≤ innings. . . Picked up win in sectionalfinal . . . Got the ball in all thebig games . . Headed to NJIT.

JOE BROOKSGloucester Catholic Junior

Batted .444 (40-for-90) withseven doubles, eight triples, fourhomers . . . Scored 41 runs andcollected 43 RBIs . . . Superglove . . . Carpenter Cup selec-tion for Tri-Cape . . . Verbalcommitment to East Carolina.


By CELESTE E.WHITTAKERCourier-Post Staff

Sterling coach Kelly Tal-lant has a love for the sportof softball that goes backmany years.

That love and passionshines through with hercoaching. Tallant has a wayof making her point withoutyelling and screaming, buther players hear her loudand clear.

The 1999 Eastern HighSchool graduate returnedsome talent this season, buthad to plug in some holes af-ter losing five seniors tograduation.

The biggest void was onthe pitching mound whereace Jamie Lambe was gone.Tallant moved her centerfielder Sarah Almasy, whohad pitched a few games lastseason, to the mound andmoved some other playersaround and it was a win-ning formula for the SilverKnights, who finished 23-4and won a South JerseyGroup 2 title with a 1-0 winover Buena.

For her efforts, Tallant isthe 2011 Courier-Post Soft-ball Coach of the Year.

‘‘Everyone just meshedwell,’’ said Tallant, 30, whojust completed her fourthseason and has a 93-16 re-

cord. ‘‘We moved peoplearound in the beginning ofthe year. The kids weregreat. They were OK doingwhat we wanted to do and it

work.’’Tallant was a standout

pitcher for the Vikings, whoplayed for parts of two colle-giate seasons at Mt. SaintMary’s in Maryland. Aproblem with her kidneys,which required five surger-ies, forced her to ‘‘retire’’midway through her sopho-more season.

‘‘My kidney was notworking and I got reallysick,’’ she said. ‘‘When I fi-nally got better in Februaryof my senior year, the coachasked me if I wanted tocome back out, but I wascompletely out of shape. Ithrow batting practice tothe girls now, but that’s

about it.’’And she coaches. Tal-

lant, who is assisted by herfather Josh Tallant (hermother Gail keeps the scor-ebook), coached Sterling toa Group 2 state title in 2008.

This season, the SilverKnights were eliminated inthe Group 2 state semifinalsin a heartbreaking 2-1 defeatto Robbinsville on June 7,but they played well in thatfinal game. The SilverKnights also won the Over-brook Tournament this sea-son.

‘‘It (pitching) was a ques-tion mark this season be-cause I knew we neededsomebody on the mound,’’

Tallant said. ‘‘Sarah com-pletely changed over thecourse of the year. She ma-tured. She wanted to be intough situations. She’s areason we got so far. She didgreat for us to keep us ingames no matter what.’’

Almasy was one of fourseniors along with KylieMcGoldrick, Kylie O’Don-nell, who moved from rightfield to center this season,and Alyssa Giambri.

‘‘I had great seniors,’’Tallant said. ‘‘We came outwith high expectations. Thekids really came together asa team to win a champion-ship. They set a goal inmind and they got there.’’


Don’t wait any longer! Give us a call today and start saving!!!Don’t wait any longer! Give us a call today and start saving!!!Heating • Air Conditioning • Air Cleaners • Humidifiers • UV Lights

Sales • Service • Installation • Service Contracts • Custom Sheet Metal Shop on Premises

856-767-4111856-767-4111For over 31 years, homes and business owners have relied on T.J. Eckardt Associates, Inc. for first class heating, airconditioning and indoor comfort equipment, and for prompt, dependable service after the sale. We stand by our motto “Wetreat your house like it’s our home”. T.J. Eckardt Associates, Inc. is truly your best choice when you need first-class comfortsolutions. Call us today at (856) 767-4111 for the best deal around. We’ll come out and give you a FREE, professionalestimate and show you how to maximize your savings. “We treat your house like it’s our home.”

ACCREDITEDCONTRACTOR

Serving South Jersey Since 1980Gas Conversion Specialists www.tjeckardt.com

Call today for a FREEno obligation estimate

We will handle all thepaperwork for you from start tofinish and we’ll be there after

the sale for service!

SJ Gas has 0% financing up to $8000 for all conversions with no downpayment and up to 60 months. You can also finance A/C and accessorieswith new furnace! We do all the paperwork for you, too! Call and find out

how you can earn an extra $900 enhanced rebate from SJ Gas.

Up to $900 in Utility Rebates and up to $1,000 in Rheem Cash Back Incentiveavailable on select HVAC equipment!

NJ HIC# 13VH01049000

CP-0010440934

KELLY TALLANTSterling

Coach of the Year

courierpostonline.com/varsity2011 SOFTBALL


8TAB COURIER-POST, Sunday, June 19, 2011 2011 ALL-COURIER-POST SOFTBALL


Player School Yr. Position Player School Yr.

Emily Bausher New Egypt Sr. Pitcher Lauren Routzahn Maple Shade Sr.Laura Messina Camden Catholic Sr. Pitcher Carolyn Griffin Cherokee Sr.Alissa Schoelkopf Washington Twp. Sr. Pitcher Shayla Sweeney Haddon Heights So.Taylor Steele Holy Cross Sr. Pitcher Sarah Almasy Sterling Sr.Dominique Ficara Kingsway Sr. Pitcher Tiarra Sanabria Williamstown So.Kristen Knorr Delsea Sr. Catcher Haley Anderson New Egypt Sr.Laura Malinoski Rancocas Valley Sr. First Base Morgan Knigge New Egypt Sr.Kayla Soles New Egypt Sr. Infield Carly Todd Gloucester Catholic So.Lauren Gaskill Rancocas Valley Sr. Infield Nicole Escobar Cherry Hill East Sr.Kylie McGoldrick Sterling Sr. Infield Amanda Martinez Williamstown Sr.Lisa Kosteleski Cherry Hill West Sr. Infield Gina McCool Cherokee Sr.Liana Newton Cinnaminson Sr. Outfield Steph Wolfrom Eastern Jr.Kylie O’Donnell Sterling Sr. Outfield Michelle Pezzato Shawnee Sr.Shayla Giosia Gloucester Catholic Sr. Outfield Gianna Pedone Haddon Twp. Sr.Kelsey Dominik Kingsway Jr. Utility Macie McGeehan Bishop Eustace Sr.Olivia Lawrence Gloucester Catholic Sr. DH Teresa Anderson Gloucester Sr.

DOMINIQUE FICARAKingsway Senior

Led Kingsway to S.J. Group 3title . . . Finished 20-4 with 1.83ERA, 102 strikeouts, 127 hits,55 walks and 50 runs in 153≤innings . . . Also hit .433 with39 hits, 38 RBIs, 28 runs and 3homers . . . Headed to Hofstra.

TAYLOR STEELEHoly Cross Senior

Co-captain had 16-6 recordwith 1.05 ERA . . . Had 254strikeouts in 147≤ innings and11 shutouts . . . Set single-sea-son and career strikeout recordswith 254 for season and 603 forcareer.

LAURA MALINOSKIRancocas Valley Senior

Great all-around player . . . Hit.307 with 23 hits, 21 runs, fourtriples and 2 homers with 17RBIs . . . A team leader andclutch player . . . Very good de-fensive first baseman . . . Willplay field hockey at Ball State.

LAUREN GASKILLRancocas Valley Senior

Virginia Tech signee . . . Dan-gerous base runner . . . Teamleader . . . Led team in battingaverage (.581), runs (43), hits(43), doubles (six), triples (5),homers (3) and stolen bases(19) . . . Had 16 RBIs.

LIANA NEWTONCinnaminson Senior

Quick player who finds wayon base . . . Good base stealerand base runner . . . Great out-field defender who committedjust three errors in four years. . . Maryland signee . . . Hit .536. . . Had 124 career hits.


KYLIE O’DONNELLSterling Senior

Team leader, great centerfielder . . . Smart on bases . . .Hit .307 and did not commit anerror all season . . . Clutch hitter. . . Led Sterling to South JerseyGroup 2 title . . . Also standoutbasketball player.

SHAYLA GIOSIAGloucester Catholic Senior

Led Rams to consecutiveNon-Public B titles . . . Hit .450with 40 hits, 33 runs and 29RBIs . . . Had 17 stolen bases. . . Played the outfield, shortstopand pitched . . . Will play atStony Brook.

KAYLA SOLESNew Egypt Senior

Louisville signee . . . One ofstate’s top shortstops . . . Greatdefender . . . Helped Warriorswin second straight Group 1crown . . . Hit .451 with 41 hits,39 RBIs, 30 runs, 14 doublesand 5 homers.

KELSEY DOMINIKKingsway Junior

One of S.J.’s best hitters . . .Great in clutch . . . Can pitch,play third or first . . . HelpedDragons win South JerseyGroup 3 title . . . Hit .477 with41 hits, 33 runs and 7 homers. . . Will play at Temple.

OLIVIA LAWRENCEGloucester Catholic Senior

Power hitter . . . Hit .420 with36 RBIs, 31 hits, 19 runs, 11doubles and 5 homers . . . Drew20 walks, many intentional . . .Led Rams to consecutive Non-Public B crowns . . . Will play atSouth Carolina.

LAURA MESSINACamden Catholic Senior

Had 1,078 career strikeouts. . . Went 14-7 with 275 K’s thisseason to go with 11 shutoutsand a no-hitter . . . 14th in statehistory to notch 1,000 career K’s. . . Batted .455 . . . Central Con-necticut signee.

ALISSA SCHOELKOPFWashington Twp. Senior

Finished career with 658strikeouts. . . Led Minutemaids toS.J. Group 4 title . . . Will playat Monmouth . . . Had 205strikeouts this season and a1.12 ERA . . . 15-5 with 11shutouts this year.

KYLIE MCGOLDRICKSterling Senior

Came up with huge plays onoffense and defense . . . Ledteam to S.J. Group 2 crown . . .Hit .523 with 47 hits and 6 ho-mers . . . Committed just 3 er-rors . . . .576 on-base percent-age . . . Va. Tech signee.

KRISTEN KNORRDelsea Senior

Team leader . . . One ofstate’s best at her position . . .Headed to Caldwell . . . Hit .394with 17 runs, 12 RBIs, 6 dou-bles, 2 triples and a homer . . .Struck out only twice . . . Com-mitted 3 errors in career.

LISA KOSTELESKICherry Hill West Senior

Leader for Lions . . . Makesbig plays at third base . . . Bat-ted .554 with 31 hits, 27 RBIs,24 runs, and 8 homers . . . Had.653 on-base percentage . . . Fin-ished with 107 career hits . . .Will play at BCC next year.


By CELESTE E.WHITTAKERCourier-Post Staff

New Egypt senior pitch-er Emily Bausher never letopposing teams see hersweat.

Bausher was seeminglyunflappable under pressureand no moment was biggerthan the third inning ofNew Egypt’s eventual 9-2win over Whippany Park inthe Group 1 state final onJune 11 in Toms River.

Whippany Park hadscored two runs and Baush-er had walked another bat-ter, her third of the third in-ning. Whippany Park waswithin 3-2 and seemed to begaining some confidenceagainst the defendingGroup 1 state champs.

Bausher struck out thenext batter to end the in-ning. She ended up retiringthe final 13 batters of thegame and New Egypt col-lected its second straightstate crown. Granted, NewEgypt (25-3) had 12 hits inthe game, including fourhome runs, but Bausher’spitching — she tossed a one-hitter with 13 strikeouts andfour walks — was a hugereason New Egypt repeated.

Bausher, the 2011 Couri-er-Post Softball Player of theYear, finished with a 24-3 re-cord, an 0.66 ERA with sev-en no-hitters, 19 shutouts,353 strikeouts, scattering 55hits and issuing 28 walks.Bausher, who was namedthe 2011 Gatorade New Jer-sey Softball Player of the

Year, earned her 1,000th ca-reer strikeout on May 25 ina 3-0 win over Holy Cross inthe championship game ofthe BCSL Tournament. Sheended her career with 1,077strikeouts.

The 5-foot-8 right-handeralso led the New Egypt inbatting (.545), runs (44), hits(54), doubles (16) and had 26RBIs and four home runs.

‘‘The stuff that we put in-to practice and everythingabout every game that we

lost this year, everythingabout every game that wewon this year, we put it alltogether and through thosewins and losses we reallycame out on top (last Satur-day),’’ said Bausher, whowas the 2010 Courier-PostSoftball Player of the Year.‘‘It was hard to find that onespot, but throughout theending half of the game I re-ally zoned in on that.

‘‘It feels amazing. It feelsso much better than the firstone (state title), if that caneven be imaginable. Back-to-back is something thatpeople only dream about.They think about it andthey never really think it’sgoing to come true, but forus it did.’’

New Egypt senior firstbaseman Morgan Kniggesaid she thinks the world ofBausher, who will play soft-ball at Lehigh next season.

‘‘Emily, she’s my bestfriend,’’ Knigge said. ‘‘We’vebeen friends since secondgrade and we play basket-ball together, softball to-gether, played travel teamstogether. She’s an amazingteammate, an amazing per-son and an amazing friend.’’

Said New Egypt seniorshortstop Kayla Soles, whoalso calls Bausher her bestfriend: ‘‘Em and I’ve playedtogether since I was 7. Thefact that you got to see herwhen she was seven. You soremember and then you seeher now and she’s 18 andhow much better she is andhow much potential shehas, it’s like the greatest

thing in the world to seeyour best friend succeed.’’

‘‘She (Bausher) means alot,’’ New Egypt coach Kev-in English said. ‘‘We couldfocus on a lot of other thingson our team, because youknow you’re going to get astrong outing and battedballs are not going to be hithard for the most part andshe’s going to strike out a lotof people. Em’s unbeliev-able. The best thing abouther, for me, is her calm de-meanor, nothing rattles her.She’s ready for any situa-tion.’’

New Egypt senior catch-er Haley Anderson hascaught for Bausher sincethey were about 12 and she’sseen the tremendousgrowth over the years aswell.

‘‘She handles pressure sowell, everyone just has somuch faith in her and trustsher,’’ Anderson said.

‘‘They (Bausher and An-derson) called their owngames, pitch selection,things like that,’’ Englishsaid. ‘‘You give it to them inhopes that they run with itand do the right things andthey have.’’

Asked to sum up her ca-reer, Bausher, who was alsoa standout in field hockeybasketball at New Egypt,didn’t talk about personalaccolades, of which therewere many.

‘‘I would say teamwork,’’she said. ‘‘Throughout myfour years, that’s the onething that I’ll miss themost.’’


AL SCHELL/Courier-Post fileNew Egypt senior pitcher Emily Bausher was 24-3 withseven no-hitters and 19 shutouts.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST SOFTBALLcourierpostonline.com/varsity

EMILY BAUSHER■ School: New Egypt■ Grade: Senior■ College: Lehigh■ Accomplishments: LedWarriors to second straightGroup 1 state title . . . Had 0.66ERA with 353 strikeouts, 55hits, 28 walks and gave up 18runs . . . Pitched 181≥ inningsand had 24-3 record . . . Threw3 perfect games . . . Completedcareer with 1,077 strikeouts . . .Became 15th player in statehistory to go over 1,000 careerstrikeouts . . . Hit team-high.545 with 54 hits, 44 runs, 16doubles, 26 RBIs and 4homers for .869 sluggingpercentage . . . 2011 GatoradeNew Jersey Softball Player ofthe Year . . . Graduates asall-time leader in wins (68),shutouts (54) and no-hitters(13).■ Quote: ‘‘Em is unbelievable,’’coach Kevin English said. ‘‘Asfar as pitching goes, we knowwhat kind of pitcher she is.She’s that dominating, lots ofmovement, power.’’

EMILY BAUSHERNew EgyptPlayer of the Year



2011 ALL-GROUP BOYS’ TRACK


Pitcher Dominique Ficara Kingsway Sr.Pitcher Jayme Zeilman Delsea Fr.Pitcher Laura Tomasetti Cumberland Sr.Pitcher Sam Shockey Deptford Jr.Pitcher Erynn Sobieski GCIT Fr.Catcher Kristen Knorr Delsea Sr.First Base Jess Phillips Kingsway Sr.Infield Kelsey Dominik Kingsway Jr.Infield Lisa Kosteleski Cherry Hill West Sr.Infield Allie Bradian Kingsway Jr.Infield Brooke Favinger GCIT Sr.Outfield Allie White Kingsway Sr.Outfield Lexy Fair GCIT Jr.Outfield Katelyn Whitesall Cumberland Sr.Utility Dara Schroeder Northern Burlington Sr.DH Kate Dickson Kingsway Jr.

Honorable Mention: Cristina Seffren, Seneca; Alyson Bosco, Delsea; CassieApholz, Pemberton; Shilah Snead, Delsea; Catherine Duffin, Moorestown; KaraGrogan, Kingsway; Breanna Worrell, Deptford; Vicki Maffei, Timber Creek; AlyssaSims, Cherry Hill West; Alex Auletto, Cherry Hill West; Kasey Lesher, Cumberland;Breanna Wilson, Seneca; Brianna Milillo, Timber Creek; Michelle Grasso, Highland;Tori Kendall, Timber Creek; Tori Danner, Kingsway; Kim Hellyer, Hammonton; ViraEpps, Camden; Candice Dunn, Timber Creek.


Pitcher Lauren Routzahn Maple Shade Sr.Pitcher Emily Bausher New Egypt Sr.Pitcher Sam Bryzewski Gloucester Sr.Pitcher Brooke Coleman Pennsville Fr.Pitcher Shannon Sweeney Florence So.Catcher Haley Anderson New Egypt Sr.First Base Morgan Knigge New Egypt Sr.Infield Ryan Hynds Gateway Jr.Infield Kayla Soles New Egypt SrInfield Sarah Crowley Haddon Twp. Sr.Infield Devon Welsh Audubon Sr.Outfield Gianna Pedone Haddon Twp. Sr.Outfield Alex Gravinese Audubon Sr.Outfield Devon Coyle Audubon Sr.Utility Teresa Anderson Gloucester Sr.DH Brittney Dolson Gloucester Sr.

Honorable Mention: Angela Harris, Gloucester; Hunter Urban, Audubon; NatalieLombardo, Paulsboro; Jessica Blyth, Haddon Twp.; Sydney Worek, Florence; NicoleKilian, Florence;Taylor Morgan, Riverside; Danielle Carey, Maple Shade; ErikaTucker, New Egypt; Alyssa Welsh, Gateway; Kate Maass, Gloucester; Allyson Paris,Salem; Colleen Connolly, Gateway; Nicole Cavalier, Burlington City; AmandaHauske, Audubon; Sam Barna, Pennsville, Sr.; Sierra Chambers, Audubon; JessicaHarrell, Schalick; Dani Cornman, Pennsville.


Pitcher Sarah Almasy Sterling Sr.Pitcher Shayla Sweeney Haddon Heights So.Pitcher Marissa Linquist West Deptford So.Pitcher Erin Atkinson Overbrook So.Pitcher Heather Porrini Cinnaminson Sr.Catcher Maddie McCleery Haddon Heights So.First Base Sydney Allen Sterling Jr.Infield Kylie McGoldrick Sterling Sr.Infield Sydney Ponto West Deptford So.Infield Kate Biasi Sterling Jr.Infield Jackie Emerle Haddon Heights Sr.Outfield Kylie O'Donnell Sterling Sr.Outfield Liana Newton Cinnaminson Sr.Outfield Jade Blair West Deptford Sr.Utility Steph Fultano Collingswood Jr.DH Katie Larson Delran Jr.

Honorable Mention: Amanda Gardiner, Sterling; Lachelle Rouse, Overbrook;Catherine Senopolous, Haddonfield; Colleen Hughes, Delran; Becky Transue,Haddon Heights; Kellie Olear, Delran; Jenna Hohenberger, Overbrook; JamieRobinson, West Deptford; Janae Dockins, Cinnaminson; Aubrey Paris, Delran;Mariah Hans, Haddon Heights; Samantha Martinez, Bordentown; Brielle Rolon,Haddon Heights; Nichole Snyder, Overbrook; Kelly Brewster, West Deptford;Chelsea Thomas, Haddon Heights; Rachel Cipolla, Haddonfield.

ALL-NON-PUBLICPos. Name School Yr. Pos. Name School Yr.Pitcher Laura Messina Camden Catholic Sr. Pitcher Taylor Steele Holy Cross Sr.Pitcher Liz Puentes St. Joseph Sr. Pitcher Abby Merryman Gloucester Catholic So.Pitcher Alex Pecora Bishop Eustace So. Catcher Steph Wood Holy Cross Sr.First Base Susan Wysocki Camden Catholic So. Infield Brianna Roderiguez Gloucester Catholic Sr.Infield Macie McGeehan Bishop Eustace Sr. Infield Melissa Swain Paul VI Sr.Infield Devon DeBellis Bishop Eustace Sr. Outfield Shayla Giosia Gloucester Catholic Sr.Outfield Ashley Romeo St. Joseph Sr. Outfield Mary Kate Lally Gloucester Catholic Sr.Utility Olivia Lawrence Gloucester Catholic Sr. DH Carly Todd Gloucester Catholic So.

Honorable Mention: Cait Eltholtz, Gloucester Catholic; Amber McKnight, Bishop Eustace; Jen Varallo, Camden Catholic; Gianna Saraullo, Holy Cross; JasmineHenderson, Camden Catholic; Danielle Mauro, St. Joseph; Justine Reed, Camden Catholic; Danielle Frasca, Camden Catholic; Megan Dicus, Holy Cross; Dylan Jarius,Paul VI; Jess DeCastro, Paul VI; Victoria Farrell, Paul VI; Ali Summers, Camden Catholic; Lindsey Folsom, Paul VI; Annie Robinson, Gloucester Catholic.


2011 ALL-GROUP SOFTBALLALL-GROUP 4

100: Brian Regan, Cherry Hill East, Jr.; 200: Brandon Rapp,Cherokee, Jr.; 400: Alex Reber, Cherry Hill East, Jr.; 800: Tyler Somers,Cherokee, Sr.; 1,600: Rob Rawls, Triton, Sr.; 3,200: Paul Szulewski,Williamstown, Sr.; 110 HH: Darren McCluskey, Cherokee, Sr.; 400 IH:Marcus Phillips, Cherry Hill East, Jr.; Shot Put: Ryan Lawrence,Washington Twp., Sr.; Discus: Steven Schneider, Eastern, Jr.; Javelin:Andrew Forbes, Williamstown, Sr.; Long Jump: Andrew Athias, CherryHill East, Jr.; Triple Jump: Dwight Davis, Pennsauken, Sr.; High Jump:Tyler Stumm, Washington Twp., Jr.; Pole Vault: Brian Banks, Eastern,Sr.; Multi-Event: Jon Feigin, Washington Twp., Jr.; 4x400: Cherry HillEast (Mike Oliver, Jr.; Marcus Phillips, Jr.; Brad Krell, Jr.; Alex Reber, Jr.);Honorable Mention: Anthony Dentiono, Washington Twp., Sr.

ALL-GROUP 3100: Damiere Byrd, Timber Creek, Sr.; 200: Vincent Pini, BurlingtonTwp., Sr.; 400: Nigel Jones, Kingsway, Jr.; 800: Steve Butenewicz,Delsea, Sr.; 1,600: Curtis Zaquell, Woodrow Wilson, Jr.; 3,200: TimReardon, Burlington Twp., Sr.; 110 HH: T.J. Berryman, Delsea, Sr.; 400IH: Donnie House, Timber Creek, Sr.; Shot Put: Quanzell Lambert,Timber Creek, Jr.; Discus: Michael Phillips, Winslow Twp., So.; Javelin:Brandon Harper, Highland, Sr.; Long Jump: Josh Gray, Timber Creek,Jr.; Triple Jump: Greg Bolling, Moorestown, Sr.; High Jump: JordanFagan, High jump, Sr.; Pole Vault: T.J. Dipilla, Moorestown, Jr.;Multi-Event: Fontaine Holland, Burlington Twp., Sr.; 4x400: Delsea(Marcus Williams, Jr.; Dylan Wilton, Sr., Brady Deckert, Sr.; SteveButenewicz, Sr.); Honorable Mention: Jordan Hunter, Burlington Twp.,Sr.; Kevin Potter, Timber Creek, Jr.; Algeron Johnson, Highland, Sr.;Koree Dusenbury, Burlington Twp., So.

ALL-GROUP 2100: Robbie Fearon, West Deptford, Sr.; 200: Ferrell Cooper, WestDeptford, Sr.; 400: Darius Jones, Haddon Heights, Sr.; 800: XavierWright, Willingboro, Sr.; 1,600: Ben Potts, Haddonfield, Sr.; 3,200: TimMalloy, Haddonfield, Sr.; 110 HH: Isaac Williams, Willingboro, Jr.; 400IH: Brandon Hill, Willingboro, So.; Shot Put: Darren Howard, Camden,Sr.; Discus: Joe Doran, Haddonfield, Sr.; Javelin: Kyle McDevitt,Cinnaminson, Sr.; Long Jump: Nick Rodriguez, Haddonfield, Sr.; TripleJump: Dominique Irons, Haddon Heights, So.; High Jump: Max DiLeo,Cinnaminson, Sr.; Pole Vault: Chris Robinson, Haddon Heights, Sr.;Multi-Event: Matt Dash, Willingboro, Sr.; 4x400:Willingboro (BrandonHill, So.; Matt Dash, Sr.; Rashaun Houston, Sr.; Brandon Bennett, Sr.);Honorable Mention: Matt Nussbaum, Haddonfield, Sr.; Zack Andrews,Haddon Heights, Sr.

ALL-GROUP 1100: Terrance Tolbert, Woodbury, Sr.; 200: Tyrone McCloud,Lindenwold, Sr.; 400: Darrell Bush, Woodbury, Jr.; 800: JaymesDennison, Penns Grove, So.; 1,600: Joe Eagan, Haddon Twp., Sr.;3,200: Tyler Cummings, Pennsville, Sr.; 110 HH: Indeo Ragsdale,Lindenwold, Sr.; 400 IH: Shane Stranahan, Penns Grove, Sr.; Shot Put:Anthony Green, Penns Grove, Sr.; Discus:Will Cioffi, Pitman, So.;Javelin: Vaughn Chase, Pennsville, Sr.; Long Jump: Anthony Averett,Woodbury, Sr.; Triple Jump: Ameer Sorrell, Penns Grove, Sr.; HighJump: Branden Austin, Pennsville, Sr.; Pole Vault: Ron Hoover, HaddonTwp., Sr.; Multi-Event: Elliott DeShields, Clayton, Sr.; 4x400:Woodbury(Terrance Tolbert, Sr.; Ted Johnson, Sr.; Marcus Upchurch, Jr.; DarrellBush, Jr.).

ALL-NON-PUBLIC100: Jakwail Bailey, Paul VI, Sr.; 200: Miles Pease, St. Joseph's, So.;

400: Khaaliq Burroughs, Paul VI, Sr.; 800: Chris Gough, Augustine, Sr.;1,600: Derek Gore, Holy Cross, Jr.; 3,200: Neil McFarlane, Paul VI, Jr.;110 HH: Robert Thompson, St. Joseph's, So.; 400 IH: Carl Watson, St.Joseph's, Jr.; Shot Put: Mike Kane, Holy Cross, Jr.; Discus: Pat Casey,St. Joseph's, Sr.; Javelin: Pat Casey, St. Joseph's, Sr.; Long Jump:Justin Dornisch, Holy Cross, Jr.; Triple Jump: Amir Armstrong, CamdenCatholic, Sr.; High Jump: Pete Toso, Holy Cross, Sr.; Pole Vault: EvanStark, St. Augustine, Jr.; Multi-Event: Justyce Pollitt, St. Augustine, So.;4x400: Paul VI (Alex Redcross, Sr.; Jakwail Bailey, Sr.; Adonis Jennings,Sr.; Khaaliq Burroughs, Sr.)


Pitcher Alissa Schoelkopf Washington Twp. Sr.Pitcher Steph Vuono Eastern Jr.Pitcher Tiarra Sanabria Williamstown So.Pitcher Brielle Reighn Triton Jr.Pitcher Carolyn Griffin Cherokee Sr.Catcher Kylie Mulholland Washington Twp. So.First Base Laura Malinoski Rancocas Valley Sr.Infield Amanda Martinez Washington Twp. Sr.Infield Nicole Escobar Cherry Hill East Sr.Infield Lauren Gaskill Rancocas Valley Sr.Infield Desiree Martinez Triton Sr.Outfield Michelle Pezzato Shawnee Sr.Outfield Steph Wolfrom Eastern Jr.Outfield Kristen Soprano Shawnee Sr.Utility Madison Tiernan Eastern So.DH Gina McCool Cherokee Sr.

Honorable Mention: Dominique Dorris, Clearview; Erica Fisher, Clearview;Krystine Rice, Cherokee; Cherelle Chambers, Eastern; Stephanie Josepayt, Triton;Brittany Fitzmaurice, Triton; Gen Gaynor, Eastern; Ally Pennypacker, Clearview;Abria Tinsley, Washington Twp.; Alexis Gaskill, Rancocas Valley; Shannon Grim,Williamstown; Dominique Dorris, Clearview; Taylor Coroneos, Washington Twp;Christina Austin, Washington Twp; Kristin DiGuglielmo, Cherry Hill East; DallasHogan, Lenape; Melissa Parker, Eastern; Gina Gryniuk, Cherokee; Jessica Fanty,Washington Twp.; Asia Ellis, Lenape; Jackie Pezzato, Shawnee.


By GUS OSTRUMCourier-Post Staff

The Willingboro boys’track program rekindled itsglorious past during the2011 season.

While legendary starssuch as former OlympianCarl Lewis and multi-eventstandouts Lamont Smithand Gerard Reynolds haveengraved their names intolocal lore, a new generationhas lifted the Chimerasback into statewide promi-nence.

Standouts such as Trav-en Mable, Matt Dash, Bran-don Bennett and RashaunHouston capped off brilliantcareers recently when theyhelped the Chimeras to sol-id second-place finishes inboth the Group 2 state andsectional championshipmeets. They earlier cap-tured titles at the Burling-ton County Open and theWoodbury Relays in a mem-orable season.

And make no mistake,Willingboro’s success starts

at the top.Take a bow, head coach

Martin Booker, who accept-ed his current position in2009 and two years later hasearned Courier-Post Coachof the Year honors for resur-recting a proud Willingboroprogram.

Booker, assistants Reg-gie Lawrence, Doug Key,Chris Donaldson and Lewis,the former great Olympicchampion, have done a bril-liant job of bringing the Wil-lingboro track and fieldback into the state spotlight.

And it all started with asimple formula — makingthe athletes believe in theirtalents.

‘‘The talent was alwaysthere — we just neededthese young men to believein themselves,’’ said Book-er. ‘‘With coach Lewis andour other assistant coaches,we made sure they wereaware of our great historyin track, and that they couldmake it to a high level too.’’

Dash, a standout quar-terback who signed withDean College (Mass.) forfootball, is thankful to Book-er, assistant coach Law-rence and assistant coachLewis for re-energizing theprogram.

‘‘We all knew we hadsome great athletes here,but no one knew how to putit all together for us untilcoach Book, coach Law-rence and Carl (Lewis)came along,’’ Dash said.‘‘All the coaches have a puta lot of effort into our team,and look at what we’ve beenable to accomplish.’’


South Jersey’s Leader inPost-Concussion Rehabilitation

Return to play the right way with our comprehensivephysical therapy treatment featuring Biodex Medical System’s

Play it S.A.F.E.® Concussion Management Program

Evidence-based protocol facilitates medically supported“return-to-play” decision process

(physical therapy is covered by most insurance programs)

Education - Prevention - Identification - Management

We offer Preseason Baseline TestingNeuro-cognitive testingNeuro-physical testing

Musculoskeletal ExaminationVisual Motor ScreeningConcussion Education

(Preseason Baseline testing is $95.00/Group andClub rates available)

Call Today for your Baseline Testing856-424-0993

Visit us at: www.specializedphysicaltherapy.com

1919 Greentree RoadSuite BCherry Hill, NJ 08003P: 856-424-0993

We accept all majorinsurances

CP-0010441327

MARTIN BOOKERWillingboro

Coach of the Year


Athlete School Cl. Event Athlete School Cl.

Damiere Byrd Timber Creek Sr. 100 Terrance Tolbert Woodbury Sr.Vincent Pini Burlington Twp. Sr. 200 Tyrone McCloud Lindenwold Sr.Darrell Bush Woodbury Jr. 400 Elliott Deshields Clayton Sr.Steve Butenewicz Delsea Sr. 800 Xavier Wright Willingboro Sr.Ben Potts Haddonfield Sr. 1,600 Matt Nussbaum Haddonfield Sr.Paul Szulewski Williamstown Sr. 3,200 Anthony Dentino Washington Twp. Sr.Darren McCluskey Cherokee Sr. 110 HH Isaac Williams Willingboro Jr.Donnie House Timber Creek Sr. 400 IH Fontaine Holland Burlington Twp. Sr.Quanzell Lambert Timber Creek Jr. Shot Put Jordan Hunter Burlington Twp. Sr.Joe Doran Haddonfield Sr. Discus Michael Phillips Winslow Twp. So.Andrew Forbes Williamstown Sr. Javelin Brandon Harper Highland Sr.Anthony Averett Woodbury Sr. Long Jump Josh Gray Timber Creek Jr.Dominique Irons Haddon Heights So. Triple Jump Amir Armstrong Camden Catholic Sr.Max DiLeo Cinnaminson Sr. High Jump Jordan Fagan Kingsway Sr.Brian Banks Eastern Sr. Pole Vault Ron Hoover Haddon Twp. Sr.Matt Dash Willingboro Sr. Multi-Event Kevin Potter Timber Creek Jr.Cherry Hill East 4x400 WillingboroMike Oliver, Jr.; Marcus Phillips, Jr.; Brandon Hill, So.; Matt Dash, Sr.;Brad Krell, Jr.; Alex Reber, Jr. Rashaun Houston, Sr.; Brandon Bennett, Sr..


2011 BOYS’ TRACK



MAX DiLEOCinnaminson Senior

Had a 6-2 in Meet ofChampions high jump . . . Hada personal best of 6-8 in thehigh jump, placing second inthe Group 2 state meet . . .Won the Burlington CountyOpen with a leap of 6-6.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BOYS’ TRACK

DARRELL BUSHWoodbury Junior

Won state titles in the 200,400 and 4x400 as Woodburyrepeated as Group 1 statechamps . . . Second in theMeet of Champions 400 in46.95 . . . Won Group 1 state55 and 400 indoor titles.

ANTHONY AVERETTWoodbury Senior

Surprise winner in the longjump Meet of Champions withpersonal best of 23-0¯ . . .Won the state and South Jer-sey Group 1 crowns in thelong jump, helping Woodburyrepeat as state champions.

PAUL SZULEWSKIWilliamstown SeniorAfter being out with illnessand injuries last season, herebounded in solid fashion . . .Ran a PR of 9:11.88 in the3,200 at Group 4 state cham-pionships . . . Won S.J. Group4 title in the 1,600 in 4:22.68.

MATT DASHWillingboro Senior

A talented performer in sev-eral events . . . Third in Group2 state javelin with a 176-0. . . Won South Jersey Group2 javelin (179-10) . . . Ran apersonal best of 11.44 in theSouth Jersey Group 2 100.

STEVE BUTENEWICZDelsea Senior

Personal best of 1:53.49 inthe 800 in the Group 3 statechampionships for a secondplace . . . Eighth in the Meetof Champions 800 in 1:54.02. . . Won an indoor Group 2state title in the 800.

BEN POTTSHaddonfield Senior

Led a 1-2-3 sweep in the3,200 to help Haddonfield winthe Group 2 state title for thethird straight year . . . Alsowon Group 2 state 1,600(4:16.79) . . . Runner of theYear in cross country.

DARREN McCLUSKEYCherokee Senior

Second in the Meet ofChampions 110 high hurdlesin 14.28 . . . Fourth in theGroup 4 state 110 hurdles in14.53 . . . Won South JerseyGroup 4 honors in 14.52 . . .Had a strong indoor season.

DONNIE HOUSETimber Creek Senior

Third in Meet of Champions400 intermediates hurdles withpersonal best of 53.13 . . .Third in the Group 3 state400 hurdles . . . Won S.J.Group 3 400 hurdles and wassecond in the 110 hurdles.

JOE DORANHaddonfield Senior

Posted a personal best of166-9 in the Meet of Champi-ons discus . . . Third in Group2 state discus at 156-6 . . .Second in South JerseyGroup 2 discus . . . Standoutout weight performer.

ANDREW FORBESWilliamstown Senior

Ninth in Meet of Champi-ons javelin at 184-10 . . . Sec-ond in the Group 4 state jave-lin with a throw of 183-0 . . .Personal best of 190-0 to winthe South Jersey Group 4 jav-elin.

BRIAN BANKSEastern Senior

Fifth in the Meet of Cham-pions pole vault at 14-0 . . .Second in the Group 4 statechampionships at 14-0 andhad a 13-6 for second in theS.J. Group 4 meet . . . Did14-7 indoors this season.

MARCUS PHILLIPSCherry Hill East Junior

Along with Alex Reber,Brad Krell and Mike Oliver,Phillips helped the Cougars toa Group 4 state runnerupspot in 4x400 relay (3:18.65). . . The unit was fourth in theMeet of Champions (3:19.23).

ALEX REBERCherry Hill East Junior

Reber, along with MarcusPhillips, Brad Krell and MikeOliver, helped the Cougars tosecond in the state and SouthJersey Group 4 4x400 . . .Fourth in the Meet of Champi-ons and Group 4 state 400.

BRAD KRELLCherry Hill East Junior

Along with Marcus Phillips,Alex Reber and Mike Oliverhelped East to second in theGroup 4 state 4x400 relay . . .Had a time of 54.28 in the400 during the South JerseyGroup 4 championship meet.

MIKE OLIVERCherry Hill East Junior

Helped East to secondplace in the 4x400 relay withteammates Marcus Phillips,Alex Reber and Brad Krell . . .Ran a season-best time of54.69 in the 400 at the SouthJersey Group 4 meet.

VINCENT PINIBurlington Twp. Senior

Ran a personal best of22.08 for third in the Group 3state 200 . . . Followed with a22.28 in the Meet of Champi-ons . . . A top-flight sprinterwho often anchored the suc-cessful 4x400.


DOMINIQUE IRONSHaddon Heights Sophomore

Meet of Champions triplejump winner with a spectacu-lar leap of 48-4 . . . WonGroup 2 state championshipwith a mark of 45-2 . . .Fourth in the Group 2 statelong jump.

QUANZELL LAMBERTTimber Creek Junior

Qualified for the Meet ofChampions javelin and shotput, grabbing a sixth in theshot (54-11) . . . His secondin the shot put clinchedGroup 3 state team title . . .Fifth in the Group 3 javelin.



Fastest runner in NewJersey.

Timber Creek’s DamiereByrd waited a full year forthe chance to earn that title,and now that distinction be-longs only to him after blaz-ing to the Meet of Champi-ons 100-meters title in 10.41seconds at Old Bridge onJune 9.

While vindication feltnice, the University of SouthCarolina-bound Byrd has al-ready gotten back to work.

‘‘It felt great to win thechampionship, but I’ve al-ready put it behind me andhave started working out forfootball season.’’

In a 2011 track season inwhich a nagging hamstringinjury limited his events,Byrd once again quieted thenaysayers.

Many doubted that the se-nior speedster stood achance in the Meet of Cham-pions 100 race against long-time rival Miles Shuler-Fos-ter of Long Branch.Shuler-Foster edged Byrd inthe 2010 Meet of Champions,and even had a faster timethan Byrd in the 100 trials onJune 9.

But once the finals rolledaround, Byrd — in his words— let the adrenaline takeover. He blazed to a time of10.41 seconds to capture the100 over Shuler-Foster toseal his legacy as one of NewJersey’s all-time top sprint-ers.

For his efforts Byrd hasbeen named by the Courier-Post as boys’ track and fieldPlayer of the Year.

Just two weeks earlierbefore the Meet of Champi-ons, Byrd posted the secondfastest time in state historyin the 100 with a 10.36 in theSouth Jersey sectionals. Henarrowly missed tying thestate record of 10.35 secondsset by Jamar Ervin of Cam-den in 2001.

All that was left was towin a Meet of Champions ti-tle against his toughest oppo-nent, Shuler-Foster — andhe needed to get the job donewith a nagging injury thatwouldn’t let up. He sufferedthe injury during the SouthJersey sectional champion-

ships on May 28, and itforced him to limit hisevents in both the sectionaland Group 3 state champion-ships the following week.

But the injury would notkeep Byrd from racing Shu-ler-Foster. Running out oflane 5, Byrd turned on thejuice in the final 30 meters towhiz by Shuler-Foster, whowas just to his left in lane 4and finished with a time of10.55.

"Last year it was in myhead after I lost, but I finallyput it behind me after abouttwo months,’’ said Byrd,who had also won an indoor60-meters national title inMarch. "This was my senioryear, my last chance, and Iknew I had won an indoornational championship, so Iwas ready . . . It (the injury)didn’t bother me while I ran.I just let the adrenaline takeover."

Byrd’s triumph in theMeet of Champions 100 me-ters put the stamp on a ca-reer loaded with highlights,including:

■ Capturing the New Bal-ance indoor national 60-me-ters championship in 6.74seconds at the Armory inNew York in March.

■ Winning three individ-ual Group 3 state champion-ship races in one day atSouth Plainfield during hisjunior year in 2010.

■ Sealing his status asone of the state’s top longjumpers this spring, with aleap of 23-5 at the South Jer-sey sectionals in May. Only

his hamstring injury kepthim from competing in theevent in the state champion-ships the following week.

■ Leading Timber Creekto four straight Group 3 statetrack championships and el-evating the program intoelite status among New Jer-sey teams.

Timber Creek head coachChris Grottini has notedtime and time again thatByrd never relied on his rep-utation as a fast runner.

‘‘It’s all business withDamiere,’’ Grottini said.‘‘He’s an amazing hardworker and a leader. Hissuccess all comes from thehard work he’s put in duringthe past four years. Heworked hard to develop hisenormous talent.

‘‘And by the time hemade it to his junior year, allof his teammates were fol-lowing his lead. He’s helpedus develop a top-tier pro-gram based on hard workand dedication.’’

Byrd, a standout wide re-ceiver in football, will con-centrate on football at theUniversity of South Caroli-na. However, as part of hisacceptance, he will also beallowed to continue withtrack.

‘‘I love track and field andI’m good at it,’’ Byrd said, ‘‘Ijust didn’t want to give up onit, so I’m glad I’ll have achance to run track in col-lege too.’’

Reach Gus Ostrum at [email protected]


DAMIERE BYRD■ School: Timber Creek■ Grade: Senior■ Events: Sprints, jumps■ College: University of SouthCarolina (football and track)■ Accomplishments: Staked hisclaim as New Jersey’s fastestrunner when he won the Meetof Champions 100 meters in ablazing 10.41 seconds . . . WonGroup 3 state crown in 100 in10.50 . . . Captured sectionaltitles in the 100 and 200 alongwith a second in the 400 . . .Ran the state’s fastest time ofthe season in 100 with a 10.36seconds in trials, just short ofthe state record of 10.35seconds set in 2001 . . . Also, astandout football wide receiverfor Timber Creek.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BOYS’ TRACK

DAMIERE BYRDTimber Creek

Player of the Year

JOSE F. MORENO/Courier-Post fileTimber Creek senior Damiere Byrd was the fastest sprint-er is the state this season.




BRYANNA WILLIAMSTimber Creek Senior

Won South Jersey Group 3titles in 100 and long jump. . . Ran a 12.23 in 100 toplace third in Meet of Cham-pions . . . Third in Group 3state long jump . . . Will runat Long Island University.

ASHLEY WOODARDSDelsea Junior

The seventh-seeded runnerwas a surprise winner in theMeet of Champions when sheblazed to a personal best of1:02.59 to capture the 400 in-termediate hurdles . . . Secondin the Group 3 state meet.

KATIE JOHNSTONHaddonfield Junior

Won Group 2 state title inthe javelin with a personalbest of 139-6 after placingfirst in the sectionals the weekbefore . . . Also competed inthe hurdles . . . Helped the La-dy Bulldawgs to S.J. Group 2.

GABRIELLE FARQUHARSONWilliamstown Senior

Won the Group 4 state 200(24.91) and 100 (2.33) . . .Won a South Jersey Group 4long jump with mark of 19-4¯ . . . Third in the 200 andfourth in the long jump at theMeet of Champions.

LIZ JOHNSONRancocas Valley Senior

The top-flight distance run-ner took third in the CentralJersey Group 4 800 in2:16.44 and blazed to a thirdin 1600 in 5:11.69 . . . WonBurlington County Open titlein 800 in 2:17.35.

DINA IACONEWashington Twp. Junior

Came into her own, grab-bing South Jersey Group 41,600 and 3,200 . . . Took thestate title in the 3,200 in10:42.12 and later finishedthird in the Meet of Champi-ons in the 3,200 in 10:38.98.

COLLEEN McDOWELLSeneca Senior

Won the Group 3 statechampionship in the polevault at 11-0 . . . Also wonSouth Jersey Group 3 at 11-mark and grabbed a Burling-ton County Open champion-ship also at 11-0.

TACQUAYA TOBIASOur Lady of Mercy Senior

Won three Non-Public Bstate championships — thelong jump, 100 and 200 . . .Second in the Meet of Cham-pions in the long jump . . .One of the state’s all-aroundmost versatile athletes.

MEGAN KIRSCHLINGWest Deptford Junior

A versatile athlete . . .Earned Group 2 state title inthe high jump (5-2) and fin-ished second at the Meet ofChampions (5-6) . . . WonSouth Jersey Group 2 title inthe triple jump (34-10).

JASMINE WADDELLKingsway Senior

Won the Group 3 state 100low hurdles in 14.05 . . . Fol-lowed with a second-place fin-ish in the 100 hurdles in theMeet of Champions in 14.29. . . A solid performer in the400 intermediate hurdles.

TAYLOR SMITHPenns Grove Senior

Along with teammatesCourtney Smith, Kianje Pollandand Faleesha Dowe helped theRed Devils to the Group 1state title in the 4x400 . . .Won a S.J. Group 1 800 . . .Fourth in the state meet.

COURTNEY SMITHPenns Grove Freshman

Key member on the Group1 state champion 4x400 teamthat included Taylor Smith,Kianje Polland and FaleeshaDowe . . . Personal best of1:04.68 in winning a sectionaltitle in the 400 hurdles.

KIANJE POLLARDPenns Grove Sophomore

Ran the third leg on thestate title 4x400 relay teamthat included Taylor Smith,Courtney Smith and FaleeshaDowe . . . Won the Group 1state 400 (57.14) and wassecond in the 100 and 200.

HOLLY BISCHOFBishop Eustace Junior

Second in the Meet ofChampions 3,200 in 10:33.22. . . Won Non-Public B statechampionship in 10:43.83 . . .Repeat all-star selection . . .One of the state’s top juniordistance runner.

SHAYA WILKERSONLenape Junior

A key performer whohelped the Indians win theschool’s first-ever South Jer-sey Group 4 championship. . . Fourth in the Meet ofChampions triple jump . . .Won S.J. Group 4 triple jump.


JANIECE ROSEDelsea Senior

Second in the Meet ofChampions shot put . . . WonGroup 3 state title with throwof 45-7¯ and set South Jer-sey record of 46-4 at RowanOpen . . . Won South Jerseysectional title.

FALEESHA DOWEPenns Grove Freshman

Anchored Group 1 statechampion 4x400 relay teamthat included Taylor Smith,Courtney Smith and KianjePolland . . . Won S.J. Group 1200 and 400 . . . Second inthe Group 1 state 400.

JESS WOODARDCherokee Sophomore

Won the Meet of Champi-ons discus with a personalbest of 142-5 and was fourthin the shot put . . . CapturedGroup 4 state crowns in bothdiscus and shot put.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST GIRLS’ TRACK

ANNIE JOHNSONShawnee Junior

Grabbed S.J. Group 4 titlesin the 100 with a personalbest of 12.07 seconds and400 in 57.71 . . . Second inthe Group 4 state 400 (56.42)and a fourth in the Meet ofChampions in 12.38.



Mission accomplished.While talented Winslow

Township track starSte’yce McNeil made hermark as one of New Jer-sey’s fastest hurdlers andsprinters during a glorious2011 spring season, she in-sists her biggest accom-plishment was merely fol-lowing in her family’sfootsteps.

McNeil reached thisgoal on June 9 during theNJSIAA Meet of Champi-ons at Old Bridge when shegrabbed the 100 low hur-dles state crown, an eventshe hoped to win in honorof her mom, Zonya Cross, aformer standout EdgewoodHigh champion in1983-1984. McNeil blazed toa first place time of 14.23seconds, edging Kings-way’s Jasmine Waddell,who finished second at14.29.

‘‘This was my Mom’sevent in high school and Ijust wanted to uphold afamily tradition,’’ shesmiled afterwards. ‘‘I’mthrilled I could do this forher. This is my biggest ac-complishment.’’

That effort — along witha season-long parade of in-dividual and team success— earned McNeil the Cou-rier-Post’s South JerseyGirls’ Track Runner of theYear honors.

The 2011 season pro-duced plenty of highlights

and interesting turningpoints for the multi-talent-ed Winslow star to say theleast.

After nearly giving upon track last season,McNeil returned to theprogram in style this sea-son. With a new coachoverseeing the Winslowprogram in former TempleUniversity and West Phila-delphia skipper GeorgeHorne, McNeil tapped intoher enormous potential asone of New Jersey’s topsprinters and hurdlers.

In the course of the cur-rent season, McNeil:

■ Captured the Meet ofChampions crown in the100 hurdles in 14.23 sec-onds and placed third inthe 200 in 25.09.

■ Won two Group 3 statechampionships in the 200meters in 24.72 and the 400hurdles in 1:02.20.

■ Won Group 3 sectionaltitles in the 400 hurdles, 200and 400 while taking thirdin the 100 hurdles.

■ Earned Camden Coun-ty championships in the400 meters and 400 inter-mediate hurdles.

She credits coach Hornewith helping her developher skills to her full poten-tial.

‘‘He put alot of things inperspective for me and re-ally worked with me per-sonally and the events herthought I would succeedin,’’ McNeil said.

‘‘A lot of colleges are atthese meets and I wantedto make a good impression.The coaches have beenhelping me get ready forthese meets and I was realexcited about performingin front of the collegecoaches.’’

From his perspective,Horne feels McNeil wouldhave little trouble reach-ing her goals.

‘‘Ste’yce has been verycoachable — she really lis-tens to advice and sheworks hard on her train-ing,’’ he said. ‘‘She has alsobeen a great teammatewith the other kids. She’sgoing to continue to bevery successful.

‘‘There is no doubt shewill also succeed on the col-lege level.’’

Without question,

McNeil has been watchedclosely by dozens of majorcolleges since she burst on-to the track and field sceneas a freshman.

During the recent in-door season, McNeil blazedto Group 3 state champion-ships in the 55 hurdles in8.19 seconds and the 400 in56.69 seconds at The Ben-nett Athletic Complex inToms River in February.She also placed a razor-close second in the 400 atthe Meet of Champions toColumbia star Olivia Bak-er the following week, cap-ping off a brilliant indoorcampaign.

To top it all off, shehelped the Eagles rise to aSouth Jersey Group 3 in-door championship in mid-February and second placefinishes in the South Jer-sey and Group 3 statemeets this spring.

Her teammates also citeher leadership skills inhelping the Eagles performwell in major meets thisspring.

‘‘I’m just glad that Ihave the talent and thecoaching staff to help mebe here today,’’ said Ci-dea’a Woods, a freshmanwho ran track in middleschool last year. ‘‘Ste’yce(McNeil) has been a greathelp, giving me advice andhelping me any way shecan. I just love having heras a teammate.’’

Reach Gus Ostrum at [email protected]


STE’YCE McNEIL■ School: Winslow Township■ Grade: Junior■ Events: Sprints, hurdles■ Accomplishments: Won Meetof Champions crown in 100low hurdles in time of 14.23seconds . . . Fourth in the Meetof Champions 200 in 25.09 . . .Captured Group 3 statechampionships in 200 and 400intermediate hurdles and wasthird in 100 hurdles . . . Wonthree South Jersey Group 3titles in 200, 400 and 400hurdles . . . Led Eagles tosecond place finishes in Group3 state and South Jersey Group3 championship meets.


STE’YCE McNEILWinslow Twp.

Player of the Year

JOSE F. MORENO/Courier-Post fileWinslow Township’s Ste’yce McNeil captured the Meetof Champions 100 hurdles title.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST GIRLS’ TRACK



The wait was well worthit. Their time had finally ar-rived.

Lenape girls’ track Ger-ald Richardson and histeam celebrated a first inschool history when the In-dians finally toppled long-time nemesis Southern Re-gional for the South JerseyGroup 4 sectional champi-onship on May 28 at EggHarbor.

On that day the Indianswon the South JerseyGroup 4 title — the first inschool history — thanks to acast of unselfish team play-ers ranging from freshmento seniors, who ended yearsof frustration of playing sec-ond fiddle to the Rams. TheIndians collected 107 pointsto defeat powerful SouthernRegional (86) for the crown.

Richardson’s team hadfinished second in Group 4competition five timesthrough the years, so thiswin felt especially good.

‘‘This was huge for our

program because SouthernRegional is such as domi-nant program,’’ said Rich-ardson, a third-year coach.‘‘Everyone made up theirminds collectively that thiswas going to be our time, somentally we were in theright place.’’

For his efforts in guidingLenape to the sectional title,the Olympic ConferenceAmerican Division champi-onship, and a No. 2 finish inthe Courier-Post Girls’Track rankings, Richard-son has been selected as theregion’s Coach of the Year.

Following their title win,members of Lenape’s youth-ful team echoed theircoach’s successful ‘‘team-first’’ approach.

‘‘Today was all aboutrunning for the team andnot for individual atten-tion,’’ said sophomore dis-tance runner Amanda Res-tivo, a placewinner in the3,200. ‘‘We all knew what wehad to do in every race andeveryone contributed.’’

Indeed. Among those keycontributors were freshmanEmily McGee and juniorsEvann Thompson andShaya Wilkerson in helpingthe Indians wrap up the sec-tional triumph.

‘‘All of our hard work isfinally paying off,’’ Thomp-son said. ‘‘Our performancehere today as a team is hugefor our program. We alwayshad the confidence we coulddo it, but it’s great to see itactually happen.’’

The Indians faltered thefollowing week in the Group4 state meet, but that did notdiminish their season-longaccomplishments.



Athlete School Cl. Event Athlete School Cl.

Bryanna Williams Timber Creek Sr. 100 Emily Carson Haddonfield So.Gabrielle Farquharson Williamstown Sr. 200 Amaris Kobolak Cinnaminson So.Annie Johnson Shawnee Jr. 400 Brianna Crofton Delsea Sr.Liz Johnson Rancocas Valley Sr. 800 Julia DiSpirito Shawnee Fr.Dina Iacone Washington Twp. Jr. 1,600 Felicia O'Donnell Delsea Sr.Holly Bischof Bishop Eustace Jr. 3,200 Megan Venables Highland Sr.Ste'yce McNeil Winslow Twp. Jr. 100 HH Meagan Robinson Burlington Twp. Sr.Ashley Woodards Delsea Jr. 400 IH Patrice Rowe Willingboro Sr.Janiece Rose Delsea Sr. Shot Put LaVonn Childress Paulsboro Sr.Jess Woodard Cherokee So. Discus Taylor Johnson Kingsway Sr.Katie Johnston Haddonfield Jr. Javelin Melissa Lake Cherokee Sr.Tacquaya Tobias OLMA Sr. Long Jump Sydnee Pierce Rancocas Valley Sr.Shaya Wilkerson Lenape Jr. Triple Jump Jewell Brown Clayton Jr.Megan Kirschling West Deptford Jr. High Jump Kelsey Evancho Lenape Sr.Colleen McDowell Seneca Sr. Pole Vault Elissa Ingram Kingsway Sr.Jasmine Waddell Kingsway Sr. Multi-Event Heather Juhring Kingsway Sr.Penns Grove 4x400 DelseaTaylor Smith, Sr.; Courtney Smith, Fr.; Lateaque Jackson, Jr.; Ashley Woodards, Jr.;Kianje Pollard, So.; Faleesha Dowe, Fr. Felicia O'Donnell, Sr.; Brianna Crofton, Sr.

2011 ALL-GROUP GIRLS’ TRACK

GERALD RICHARDSONLenape

Coach of the Year

ALL-GROUP 4100: Allison Cox, Lenape, Fr.; 200: Gabrielle Farquharson, Williamstown, Sr.; 400:Annie Johnson, Shawnee, Jr.; 800: Liz Johnson, Rancocas Valley, Sr.; 1,600: DinaIacone, Washington Twp., Jr.; 3,200: Sammar Abueldoleh, Washington Twp., Sr.; 100HH: Evann Thompson, Lenape, Jr.; 400 IH: Raven Ellis, Williamstown, Jr.; Shot Put:Chelsea Holland, Washington Twp., Sr.; Discus: Jess Woodard, Cherokee, So.; Javelin:Melissa Lake, Cherokee, Sr.; Long Jump: Sydnee Pierce, Rancocas Valley, Sr.; TripleJump: Shaya Wilkerson, Lenape, Jr.; High Jump: Kelsey Evancho, Lenape, Sr.; PoleVault: Christina Kursewicz, Clearview, So.; Multi-Event: Emily McGee, Lenape, Fr.;4x400: Williamstown (Gabrielle Farquharson, Sr.; Brianna Streater, Sr.; Alexus Streater,Sr.; Raven Ellis, Jr.); Honorable Mention:Julia DiSpirito, Shawnee, Fr.; Amanda Restivo,Lenape, So.; Natalia Ocasio, Lenape, So.; Jackie Maynes, Lenape, Sr.; MeganCharbeneau, Cherokee, So.

ALL-GROUP 3100: Bryanna Williams, Timber Creek, Sr.; 200: Brittany McClain, Winslow Twp., Sr.;

400: Brianna Crofton, Delsea, Sr.; 800: Felicia O'Donnell, Delsea, Sr.; 1,600: ChristinBettis, Hammonton, Jr.; 3,200: Megan Venables, Highland, Sr.; 100 HH: Ste'yce McNeil,Winslow Twp., Jr..; 400 IH: Ashley Woodards, Delsea, Jr.; Shot Put: Janiece Rose,Delsea, Sr.; Discus: Taylor Johnson, Kingsway, Sr.; Javelin: Heather Juhring,Kingsway, Sr.; Long Jump: Cidea'a Woods, Winslow Twp., Fr.; Triple Jump: ChanelWall, Winslow Twp., Sr.; High Jump: Alicia Terrell, Timber Creek, So.; Pole Vault:Colleen McDowell, Seneca, Sr.; Multi-Event: Jasmine Waddell, Kingsway, Sr.; 4x400:Delsea (Lateaque Jackson, Jr.; Ashley Woodards, Jr.; Felicia O'Donnell, Sr.; BriannaCrofton, Sr.); Honorable Mention: Meagan Robinson, Burlington Twp., Sr., ElissaIngram, Kingsway, Sr.

ALL-GROUP 2100: Emily Carson, Haddonfield, So.; 200: Amaris Kobolak, Cinnaminson, So.; 400:Megan Johnston, Haddonfield, Jr.; 800: Taylor Oskowiak, Haddonfield, Sr.; 1,600:Rachel Quinn, Haddon Heights, Sr.; 3,200: Meghan Malloy, Cinnaminson, So.; 100 HH:Olivia Blaber, Haddonfield, So.; 400 IH: Patrice Rowe, Willingboro, Sr.; Shot Put: AliciaCarthan, Bordentown, Jr.; Discus: Kelly Yanucil, Bordentown, So.; Javelin: KatieJohnston, Haddonfield, Jr.; Long Jump: Alexa DiGregorio, Woodstown, Fr.; TripleJump: Anyssa Sanchezz, Sterling, So.; High Jump: Megan Kirschling, West Deptford,Jr.; Pole Vault: Ana Kolbach, Haddon Heights, Sr.; Multi-Event: Terista Mickey,Camden, Sr.; 4x400: Camden (Taylor Taylor, Sr.; Terista Mickey, Sr.; Jamira Haines,So.; Charnita Jackson, Sr.).

ALL-GROUP 1100: Azure Brittingham, Salem, Fr.; 200: Faleesha Dowe, Penns Grove, Fr.; 400:Kianje Pollard, Penns Grove, So.; 800: Taylor Smith, Penns Grove, Sr.; 1,600: SkyeTiller, Woodbury, Jr.; 3,200: Kim Snow, Riverside, Jr.; 100 hurdles: PatriceFarquharson, Maple Shade, Sr.; 400 IH: Joyce Perry, Schalick, Jr.; Shot Put: LaVonChildress, Paulsboro, Sr.; Discus: Victoria Wright, Schalick, Jr.; Javelin: Valerie Orth,Schalick, Jr.; Long Jump: Asia Pendleton, Glassboro., Jr.; Triple Jump: Jewell Brown,Clayton, Jr.; High Jump: Marybeth Bayruns, Haddon Twp., Jr.; Pole Vault: AlexisGligor, Woodbury, Sr.; Multi-Event: Allison Kirsch, Audubon, So.; 4x400: Penns Grove(Taylor Smith, Sr.; Courtney Smith, Fr.; Kianje Pollard, So.; Faleesha Dowe, Fr.).

ALL-NON-PUBLIC100: Julianna Ardire, Bishop Eustace, Jr.; 200: Shannon Grogan, Holy Cross, Sr.; 400:Sarah Bariglio, St. Joseph, Sr.; 800: Michelle Fogarty, Our Lady of Mercy, Sr.; 1,600:Courtney Kelly, Bishop Eustace, Jr.; 3,200: Holly Bischof, Bishop Eustace, Sr.; 100 HH:Maddie Hummel, Holy Cross, Jr.; 400 IH: Alexa McGrath, Bishop Eustace, Jr.; ShotPut: Kristen McShane, Paul VI, Fr.; Discus: Kelsey Kohelp, Gloucester Catholic, Jr.;Javelin: Kelsey Reese, Paul VI, Sr.; Long Jump: Tacquaya Tobias, Our Lady of Mercy,Sr.; Triple Jump: Ashley Leyden, Our Lady of Mercy, Jr.; High Jump: Jade Jefferson,Paul VI, Sr.; Pole Vault: Stephanie Ochlak, Gloucester Catholic, So.; Multi-Event:Tacquaya Tobias, Our Lady of Mercy, Sr.; 4x400: Saint Joseph (Tykeemah White, So,;Dana Donahue, Fr.; Ashley Leyden, Jr.; Sarah Bariglio, Sr.); Honorable Mention:Montana DiPietrantonio, Bishop Eustace, Sr.



By DON BENEVENTOCourier-Post Staff

Asked J.C. Valore hisopinion of who most de-serves the accolade as thebest boys’ lacrosse playerof the year, and the St. Au-gustine coach doesn’t hes-itate for a second.

‘‘Steve Pontrello is flat-out the best player inSouth Jersey, and I saythat without reserva-tion,’’ Valore said. ‘‘Hehas the ability to wingames, he has to ability tocontrol games, and he’sthe focal point of every de-fense we play against.’’

O.K., we’re convinced.Though only a junior,

the Hermits midfielderhas been selected by theCourier-Post as 2011 boys’lacrosse Player of theYear.

‘‘I respect my coach alot and it’s nice to hearhim say that about me,’’said Pontrello ‘‘I loveplaying for St. Augustine,and every game I justwant to become a betterplayer.’’

Bound for the Univer-sity of North Carolinawhen his scholastic ca-reer is over, Pontrelloplayed a key role in help-ing the Hermits nail downthe No. 1 berth in the Cou-rier-Post rankings this

season.He not only led the

team with 52 goals, but headded 23 assists and Val-ore described Pontrello asthe team’s leading defen-sive midfielder, as well.

‘‘I love being a two-wayplayer,’’ said Pontrello, aresident of Marlton. ‘‘Iwork hard on all parts of

my game to become a bet-ter player.’’

According to Valore allthe hard work pays off forPontrello.

‘‘I’ve been coaching foreight years, and he’s thebest player I evercoached, bar none,’’ Val-ore said.

That’s pretty highpraise, considering that itwas only a year ago thatValore coached Gabe Vou-mard to Player of the Yearhonors.

As their ranking wouldsuggest, the Hermits are awell-rounded team.

Several players havewon honors on this year’sAll-Courier-Post team, in-cluding Steve’s brotherNikko, a senior attack.

The two work well to-gether on the field, andSteve says his brother hashelped him into a betterplayer.

‘‘I love playing with mybrother,’’ Steve said. ‘‘It’sgreat. He helps me out alot during each game, andI think we help each otherplay better.’’

However, Valore saysthat Steve Pontrello isspecial, and that he is theone player who makes histeammates better.

‘‘When you see all thegoals (Pontrello’s team-mates) Tommy O’Neill

gets or Mike Sutton gets,that’s because the defenseis focused on Steve,’’ Val-ore said.

‘‘I think I have a prettyhigh lacrosse IQ,’’ Pon-trello said. ‘‘I try to workhard with my teammatesevery day to become real-ly good.’’

Despite having somenatural gifts, Pontrelloputs a lot of work into get-ting better.

One of his trademarksis a rocket-hard, accurateshot and he’s dangerouswith either hand.

That’s not by accident.He has the mindset and

a good work-ethic thatwill serve to help him im-prove his game.

Team practice timeserves as only part of hisgame preparation.

‘‘I work on all the foot-work playing all the rightangles,’’ he said. ‘‘I put ina lot of preparation inboth before and duringthe season.’’

Aside from the usualattributes, such as goodspeed and physical tough-ness, Valore said Pontrel-lo brings lots of intangi-bles to his game as well.

‘‘He’s a good leader,and a good captain,’’ Val-ore said.

‘‘The guys listen towhat he has to say.’’

COURIER-POST, Sunday, June 19, 2011 17TAB2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BOYS’ LACROSSE

STEVE PONTRELLO■ School: St. Augustine■ Position: Midfield■ Grade: Junior■ Accomplishment: A repeatselection . . . Led the area’s No.1 ranked team with 52 goals,the best among Courier-Postcoverage area midfielders . . .scored six goals against atop-flight opponent, GeorgetownPrep . . . Had four goals in theNon-Public A state semifinalsagainst Don Bosco Prep . . .Also had 23 assists . . . Ratesas the team’s best defensivemidfielder . . . Verbalcommitment to attend NorthCarolina.■ Quote: ‘‘Steve Pontrello isflat-out the best player in SouthJersey, and I say that withoutreservation,’’ said coach J.C.Valore. ‘‘He has the ability towin games, he has to ability tocontrol games, and he’s thefocal point of every defense weplay against.’’


STEVE PONTRELLOSt. Augustine

Player of the Year

DENISE HENHOEFFER/Courier-Post fileSt. Augustine’s Steve Pontrello scored 52 goals and had23 assists this season.



On the one hand, you’d think it wouldn’t be too tough of ajob coaching the Moorestown boys’ lacrosse team.

After all, the Quakers have had South Jersey’s most es-tablished, and arguably most successful program, adding itsthird state championship to its list of laurels this year.

Plus the team is stocked by a well-developed feeder pro-gram that assures a number of skilled players will alwaysbe available for the varsity team.

But, on the other hand, Moorestown annually plays whatmust be considered the toughest schedule in South Jersey,and the pressure to win day in an day out and compete for astate championship every year must be enormous.

This season, Moorestown coach Baron Wallenhurstfound success against all of those challenges. He guided histeam back on course after the group got off to an 0-3 start,and he would up directing the Quakers to the Group 3 statetitle.

For his efforts in guiding the Quakers to a 13-8 recordand a No. 2 finish in the Courier-Post Top 10 rankings, Wal-lenhurst has been named as this season’s 2011 boys’ lacrosseCoach of the Year.

Having completed his sixth year as head coach, Wallen-hurst is a believer that preparation is the key to his team’ssuccess.

‘‘I think as a team we always practice well,’’ he said.‘‘We’re always working hard, I think, even if it doesn’t al-ways show on the field. The challenge for us is to work hardand have that carry over onto the field.’’

Many of the Quakers’ losses can be attributed to the factthat they play an extremely high level of competition. Theyare members of the Skyline Conference, a group of teamsthat produced three state champions this year.

‘‘I think playing a tough schedule helps us,’’ Wallenhurstsaid. ‘‘I think sometimes you learn a little more from a lossthen from a win.

‘‘Losses help realize where you’re weak where you needcorrections. Then you work on those thing as perfect run-ning machine.’’

The Quakers relied all season on a balanced offensive at-tack and a strong defense that was led by All-Courier-Postplayers, Dane Dickey, Nick Natoli and sophomore goalieDan Willis.

With their help, the Quakers closed the season with aflourish. The No. 5 seed going into the tournament, they de-feated the No. 1 and 2 seeds, Ridgewood and Ridge in thestate semifinals and finals, respectively.

Moorestown’s season ended in the quarterfinals of theTournament of Champions with a loss to eventual champi-on Bridgewater-Raritan.


BARONWALLENHURST

MoorestownCoach of the Year

KEVIN KOHOUTGloucester Catholic Senior

Becomes the first player fromGloucester Catholic ever to makethe first team . . . A veteranplayer in a young program, be-came known as a team leaderon and off the field . . . Ledteam with 46 goals and 21 as-sists.

MATT PORTERHaddonfield Senior

Was a consistently outstand-ing scorer throughout the sea-son . . . Led the team with 62goals, including a high-game ofsix goals . . . Had as many asfour goals in nine differentgames . . . Also known as an ef-fective defensive middie.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BOYS’ LACROSSE

DANE DICKEYMoorestown Senior

The Quakers were one of thetop defensive teams in the state,and he was a leader in that area. . . Took on top opponents’scored and fared well . . Wellschooled in the game . . . Willbe attending North Carolina toplay lacrosse next season.

OWEN DEMMERLYShawnee Junior

One of the area’s most effec-tive attack players . . . Led thearea with 78 goals with 33 as-sists . . . Scored as many asseven goals in a game twice . . .Repeat selection . . . One of thebest players in the state.

NIKKO PONTRELLOSt. Augustine Senior

Second team last year . . .Has one of the area’s best shots. . . A adapt passer who gets histeammates involved in thegames . . . Had 55 assists forthe year to lead South Jersey’sbest team in that category.

MIKE JEVICEastern Senior

An excellent scorer who ele-vated his game this year . . .Scored 69 goals with more than20 assists, but worked to gethis teammates involved in theoffense, as well . . . Was honor-able mention last year.

TYLER BROOKSLenape Senior

The leader of one of the ar-ea’s best defensive teams . . .Had his best games against histoughest competitors . . . Verytough against opposing scoringleaders . . . Helped keep the Indi-ans competitive in most games.

DAN WILLISMoorestown Sophomore

Started the season looking forplaying time, then became a full-time goalie . . . Outstanding inthe tournament, giving up only acombined five goals in statesemifinal and Group 3 champi-onship game to help team win.


STEVE CHAPMANWashington Twp. Senior

Has a full package of physicalskills, plus lots of intangibles asa team leader . . . Was the guyopposing defenses had to ac-count for . . . Scored 44 goalswith 32 assists . . . School’sMale Athlete of the Year.

LEE ROBLEDOWashington Twp. Senior

Has been one of South Jer-sey’s leading defenders for acouple of seasons . . . Moves upthis year after winning second-team honors last year . . . Toughand quick in closing the gaps. . . An extremely reliable player.


BOYS' LACROSSE

STANDINGSOLYMPIC CONFERENCE

American Division

League OverallW L Pts W L

*Washington Twp. 9 1 18 12 3Eastern 8 2 16 11 8Lenape 6 4 12 9 7Clearview 3 6 6 7 10Cherry Hill East 2 8 4 6 10Cherokee 1 8 2 3 13*-clinched title

OLYMPIC CONFERENCEPatriot Division


*Shawnee 11 0 22 17 5Kingsway 7 3 14 12 8Seneca 6 3 12 11 6Paul VI 3 7 6 3 14Cherry Hill West 3 6 6 3 13Winslow Twp. 0 10 0 0 13*-clinched title

OLYMPIC CONFERENCENational Division


*Bishop Eustace 10 2 20 12 4West Deptford 9 3 18 14 6Haddonfield 9 3 18 13 6Holy Cross 6 5 12 10 8Gloucester Catholic 5 7 10 10 10Camden Catholic 1 10 2 3 15Woodstown 0 10 0 2 13*-clinched title

OTHERS

W L

yMoorestown Friends 10 4#Rancocas Valley 14 5#New Egypt 13 5*St. Augustine 17 5xMoorestown 13 8#Northern Burlington 2 12*-competes in Cape-Atlantic League; x-competes inSkyland Conference; #-competes in Colonial ValleyConference.

SCORING LEADERSOwenDemmerly, Shawnee..................................82

DylanWills, New Egypt......................................... 74Mike Jevic Eastern .............................................. 69Eric Gendron,West Deptford ............................... 67Connor Ryan, Rancocas Valley ........................... 61Matt Porter, Haddonfield ..................................... 59Dylan Schulte, Seneca ........................................ 59D.J, Carruthers, Shawnee ................................... 57Steve Pontrello, St. Augustine ............................. 52MikeMoran, Kingsway ........................................ 51Hunter Steel, Holy Cross ..................................... 48Mike Sutton, St. Augustine .................................. 47SamTrill, Kingsway ............................................. 46Kevin Kohout, Gloucester Catholic ...................... 46Sterling Long, Bishop Eustace ............................ 45Tyler Schulte, Seneca ......................................... 44Steve Chapman,Washington Twp. ..................... 44Josh Ensley, Cherry Hill West .............................. 43Nick Reardon,West Deptford .............................. 43MikeWalker, Haddonfield ................................... 42Joel McGowan, Bishop Eustace .......................... 40

GIRLS' LACROSSESTANDINGSOLYMPIC CONFERENCE

American Division


*Washington Twp. 8 0 16 17 3Eastern 4 4 8 11 8Cherokee 3 5 6 6 8Lenape 3 5 6 9 9Cherry Hill East 2 6 4 9 9*-clinched title

OLYMPIC CONFERENCEPatriot Division


*Shawnee 8 0 16 16 4Clearview 5 2 10 13 4Cherry Hill West 4 4 8 5 11Pennsauken 1 5 2 3 12Winslow Twp. 0 7 0 0 15*-clinched title

OLYMPIC CONFERENCENational Division


*Seneca 9 0 18 16 4Kingsway 6 4 12 9 7Collingswood 6 3 12 12 7

West Deptford 4 4 8 5 11Sterling 2 7 4 7 9Paul VI 0 9 0 1 14*-clinched title

OLYMPIC CONFERENCEFreedom Division


*Haddonfield 9 0 18 17 2Bishop Eustace 6 2 12 13 5Camden Catholic 5 3 10 14 4Gloucester Catholic 3 5 6 3 10Woodstown 3 7 6 4 12Gateway 0 9 0 0 14*-clinched title

BURLINGTON COUNTY LEAGUE


*Moorestown 7 0 14 22 4Holy Cross 5 2 10 10 8New Egypt 5 2 10 8 6Rancocas Valley 5 2 10 9 10Delran 3 4 6 12 6Northern Burlington 2 5 4 2 11Cinnaminson 1 6 2 6 11Maple Shade 0 7 0 4 12*-clinches title

OTHERS

W L

Moorestown Friends 6 9Our Lady of Mercy 7 12

SCORING LEADERSLauren Hartman, OLMA .................................... 107Tori Shinkowitz, Sterling ...................................... 81Caitlyn Brostrand, Camden Catholic ................... 80Taylor Donahue, Seneca ..................................... 75Stephanie Toy, Moorestown ................................ 72Jordan Calderone, Collingswood ........................ 67Trisha Brown, Rancocas Valley ........................... 67Katie Gill, Washington Twp. ................................. 65Ally Stathius, Delan ............................................. 64Caroline DiBartolomeo, Cherry Hill East............... 60Mary O'Connell, Bishop Eustace ......................... 57CarleighMacWilliams, Cinnaminson ................... 57Nikki Shapiro, Moorestown .................................. 56Kaitlyn Ogg, Eastern ........................................... 55Alex Hlesciak, Rancocas Valley .......................... 54Liz Godorov, Cherry Hill West .............................. 53Carly Flake, Seneca ............................................ 53Beth LaBar, Collinswood ..................................... 52Lindsay Shober, Kingsway .................................. 51Laurel Falana, Haddonfield ................................. 50


2011 ALL-COURIER-POST LACROSSE


ALL-COURIER-POST GIRLS’ LACROSSEFIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM

Athlete School Class Position Athlete School Class

Nikki Shapiro Moorestown Sr. Attack Melissa Arthur Cherokee Sr.Nicole Troost Shawnee Jr. Attack Katie Gill Washington Twp. Sr.Jessica Loizeaux Clearview Sr. Attack Kaitlyn Ogg Eastern Jr.Erin Waller Washington Twp. Sr. Attack Gretchen Kiep Haddonfield So.Kristin Kocher Shawnee Sr. Midfield Maddie Kiep Haddonfield JrStephanie Toy Moorestown Jr. Midfield Josie Quaile Clearview Sr.Taylor Donahue Seneca Sr. Midfield Haleigh Dalmass Moorestown Jr.Caitlyn Brostrand Camden Catholic Sr. Midfield Megan Tiernan Washington Twp. Jr.Erin McAfee Moorestown Sr. Defense Kierstin Smith Shawnee Sr.Lizzie Duffey Lenape Jr. Defense Kelly Hardesty Clearview Sr.Taylor Foussadier Washington Twp. Sr. Defense Erin Logue Bishop Eustace Sr.Bridget Bianco Moorestown Sr. Goalie Alex Zaugra Shawnee Sr.

ALL-GROUP 4Event Athlete School Cl. Event Athlete School Cl.Attack Jessica Loizeaux Clearview Sr. Attack Erin Waller Washington Twp. Sr.Attack Melissa Arthur Cherokee Sr. Attack Katie Gill Washington Twp. Sr.Attack Kaitlyn Ogg Eastern Jr. Midfield Josie Quailie Clearview Sr.Midfield Megan Tiernan Washington Twp. Jr. Midfield Trish Brown Rancocas Valley Sr.Midfield Caroline DiBartolomeo Cherry Hill East Sr. Defense Taylor Foussadier Washington Twp. Sr.Defense Lizzie Duffey Lenape Jr. Defense Kelly Hardesty Clearview Sr.Goalie Theresa Bradley Rancocas Valley Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

Attack: Carly Walters, Lenape, Michelle Gonzales, Cherokee, Taylor Beatty, Cherry Hill East, Olivia Sterlein, Lenape, LaurenYoung, Clearview.

Midfield: Christina Brennan, Washington Twp., Ashley Singer, Cherokee, Kim Tumulo, Clearview, Danielle LaRocca,Eastern, Lauren Karpovich, Cherokee, Fangel Tung, Cherry Hill East, Nicole Tiernan, Washington Twp., Alexa Hlesciak,Rancocas Valley.

Defense: Becca Meyers, Lenape, Lou Kalitz, Washington Twp., Sara Kramer, Clearview, Sydney Centrullo, Eastern, CarolynCarlantonio, Cherokee.

Goalie: Rachel Hall, Clearview, Merredith Bechler, Washington Twp., Caroline Huelster, Lenape.

ALL-GROUP 3Event Athlete School Cl. Event Athlete School Cl.

Attack Nikki Shapiro Moorestown Sr. Attack Nicole Troost Shawnee Jr.Attack Nikki McMonigal Moorestown Jr. Attack Carlie Flake Seneca Sr.Midfield Kristin Kocher Shawnee Sr. Midfield Stephanie Toy Moorestown Jr.Midfield Taylor Donahue Seneca Sr. Midfield Haleigh Dalmass Moorestown Jr.Defense Erin McAfee Moorestown Sr. Defense Kierstin Smith Shawnee Sr.Defense Melissa Royston Seneca Sr. Goalie Bridget Bianco Moorestown Sr.Goalie Alex Zaugra Shawnee Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

Attack: Lauren Anderson, Cherry Hill West, Alex Newman, Shawnee, Karlee Dean, Shawnee, Sam Notz, Pennsauken.Midfield: Liz Godorov, Cherry West, Cherry Hill West, Taylor Klevenz, Cherry Hill West, Masona Lamb, Pennsauken, LauraLesky, Seneca.

Defense: Rachal Hay, Seneca, Monica Versace, Cherry Hill West, Katie Cahill, Shawnee.Goalie: Candice Dandrige, Cherry Hill West, Mary Narozanick, Seneca.

ALL-GROUP 2 & 1Event Athlete School Cl. Event Athlete School Cl.

Attack Jen Graham Holy Cross Sr. Attack Gretchen Kiep Haddonfield So.Attack Ally Stathius Delran Sr. Attack Mary O'Connell Bishop Eustace Sr.Midfield Nicole Lankford Bishop Eustace Jr. Midfield Ellie LaBar Collingswood Sr.Midfield Maddie Kiep Haddonfield Jr. Midfield Caitlyn Brostand Camden Catholic Sr.Defense Erin Logue Bishop Eustace Sr. Defense Danielle Jordan Haddonfield Sr.Defense Becca Crowell Camden Catholic Sr. Goalie Sarah Meeter Haddonfield Sr.

HONORABLE MENTION

Attack: Lauren Hartman, OLMA, Jenna Grady, West Deptford, Melissa Saily, Kingsway, Jordan Calderone, Collingswood,Lauren Hartman, Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Courtney Natlicchio, New Egypt, Carliegh McWilliams, Cinnaminson, LindsayBrophy, Haddonfield, Rachel Murtin, Camden Catholic.

Midfield: Caitlyn McGinley, Camden Catholic, Meredith Patterson, Bishop Eustace, Rachel Ippolite, Kingsway, Rachel Krott,West Deptford, Cait Collins, West Deptford, Erica Hoffman, Sterling.

Defense: Sam Mastasi, Gateway, Diana Wade, Kingsway, Sarah Martella, Bishop Eustace, Allison Riss, Collingswood,Maddie Reiss, Paul VI.

Goalie: Jen Allison, Gloucester Catholic, Alexis Williams, Kingsway.

ALL-COURIER-POST BOYS’ LACROSSEFIRST TEAM SECOND TEAM

Athlete School Class Position Athlete School Class

Mike Jevic Eastern Sr. Attack D.J.Carruthers Shawnee Sr.Owen Demmerly Shawnee Jr Attack Eric Gendron West Deptford Sr.Nikko Pontrello St. Augustine Sr. Attack Mike Moran Kingsway Sr.Steve Chapman Washington Twp. Sr. Middie Kyle Borbi Shawnee Fr.Steve Pontrello St. Augustine Jr. Middie Mike DiNote Eastern Sr.Kevin Kohout Gloucester Catholic Sr. Middie Tommy O'Neill St. Augustine Jr.Matt Porter Haddonfield Sr. Middie James O'Donnell Lenape Sr.Dane Dickey Moorestown Sr. Defense C.J. Meyer Eastern Sr.Tyler Brooks Lenape Sr. Defense Jon McGowan Bishop Eustace Sr.Lee Robledo Washington Twp. Sr. Defense Nick Natoli Moorestown Sr.Dan Willis Moorestown So. Goalie Joe Gigantiello St. Augustine Jr.

HONORABLE MENTION

Attack: Andrew Buckley, Holy Cross, Sterling Long, Bishop Eustace, Joel McGowan, Bishop Eustace, Hunter Steel, HolyCross, Mike Walker, Haddonfield, Steve Gagliardi, Washington Twp., Jared Hand, Cherry East, Kevin Rapp, Lenape, DylanSchulte, Seneca, Greg Yingling, Moorestown Friends, Dylan Willis, New Egypt, Connor Ryan, Rancocas Valley.

Middie: Joe Cacciavillano, Kingsway, Frank Magazu, Kingsway, Mike Southwick, Seneca, Bill Cornelius, Washington Twp.,Ryan Monaghan, West Deptford, Carmen Raroha, Bishop Eustace, Drew Pagenkopf, Rancocas Valley, Jake O'Donnell,Moorestown Friends, Chad Gamble, Moorestown, Phil Gamble, Moorestown.

Defense: Dan Garwood, Clearview, Sam Kotter, Cherry East, Sean Gray, Seneca, Dom Lombardi, Kingsway, DillonMcDevitt, Shawnee, Marc Yeager, Seneca, Tim Fair, West Deptford, Alex Walter, Haddonfield.

Goalies: Michael Nahas, West Deptford, Dylan Gallimore, Shawnee, Brett Roseman, Cherry Hill East.


DON BENEVENTOCourier-Post Staff

There are certain people who have achieved such a con-sistent level of success that they could be honored as coachof the year in almost any given season.

Deanna Knobloch, the longtime and highly-successfulcoach of the Moorestown girls’ lacrosse team is one of thosepeople.

This is one of those years in which she will actually re-ceive the honor.

After guiding her team to a ninth No. 1 finish in the Cou-rier-Post Top 10, and an 11th berthin the Tournament of Championsfinal, Knobloch has been namedby the as 2011 Coach of the Year.

The Quakers met with a heart-breaking end to their season witha 10-9 loss to Ridgewood in theTournament of Champions final,but that should not diminishwhat the team was able to accom-plish this year.

The Quakers went 22-4, andthose losses were primarily theresult of two factors — an ex-tremely difficult schedule, and thefact that this year the Quakers are a young team.

There were times when the Quakers, who had only 10 se-niors on the roster, would three or four freshman on thefield playing regular minutes.

‘‘We knew we had a lot of young players and we thoughtthis was going to be a rebuilding year,’’ Knobloch said. ‘‘Butit turned out that wasn’t even an issue. The girls came outand played as if they’d been together for a long time.’’

This is not to suggest the team was devoid of some expe-rienced and talent players. Led by the goalie-midfield tan-dem of Bridget Bianco and Stephanie Toy, the Quakershave two of the best players in South Jersey.

Add on such talented payers as Nikki Shapiro, NikkiMcMonigal, Haleigh Dalmass, Erin McAfee, and SherriFauvell, and that serves to add great depth to the program.

But there were still a lot of questions about the teamwhen the season began.

The Quakers were coming off a 2010 season that uncere-moniously ended with a loss to Shawnee in the South JerseyGroup 3 final. No one knew how well the returning playerswould bounce back this season.

The Quakers showed signs they were back when they de-feated then No. 1 ranked Shawnee in a regular season gamein April, and then avenged their loss to the same team in arematch in the sectional final.

‘‘This team is a bunch of fighters,’’ Knobloch said.


2011 ALL-COURIER-POST GIRLS’ LACROSSE

DEANNAKNOBLOCH

MoorestownCoach of the Year

TAYLOR FOUSSADIERWashington Twp. Senior

Has been one of South Jer-sey’s best defensive players fora couple of years . . . Earned aplace on this team last season,as well . . . Has great field visionand moves very quickly to cutoff scoring attempts.

JESSICA LOIZEAUXClearview Senior

Was one of South Jersey’sbest players as a sophomore,but missed her junior year witha knee injury . . . Had a nicecomeback year, switching frommidfield attack . . . 39 goals . . .Under Armour All-American.

ERIN WALLERWashington Twp. Senior

An outstanding player . . . Hasbeen a multiple selection for all-Olympic Conference . . . Scored49 goals, with five of themcoming against Tournament ofChampions winner Ridgewood inthe State Group 4 final.

CAITLYN BROSTRANDCamden Catholic Senior

Moves up after spending acouple of seasons as an All-Group player . . . She ends hercareer as Camden Catholic’s all-time leading scorer with 283goals . . . 80 goals this season. . . Heading to play at La Salle.

NICOLE TROOSTShawnee Junior

Repeat selection . . . An ex-tremely well-schooled player whoknows how to find the goal . . .Connected for 47 tallies this sea-son, and has topped 150 goalsfor her career with one moreseason still to come.

NIKKI SHAPIROMoorestown Senior

One of the area’s most reli-able attack scorers . . . Had 56goals and 37 assists . . . Scoredher 100th goal in Tournament ofChampions final . . . Had a sea-son-high five goals in a tourna-ment game vs. Seneca.

LIZZIE DUFFEYLenape Junior

The latest star player to comefrom a lacrosse family . . . Veryquick, fluid and athletic . . . Findsways to get herself involved inthe plays . . . Moved up into theattack well enough to score 34goals.


ERIN McAFEEMoorestown Senior

Moves up after making thesecond-team last season . . .One of the most reliable playerson the area’s best teams . . .Very quick to close space, andnot afraid to mix things up a lit-tle . . . Grabbed 29 ground ballsand had 10 legal checks.

STEPHANIE TOYMoorestown Junior

Returnee . . . One of the mostdominating players . . . 72 goals,53 assists and 45 ground balls. . . Had five goals, including thegame-winner in Group 3 state ti-tle game . . . Verbal commitmentto Notre Dame.

TAYLOR DONAHUESeneca Senior

Star caliber player throughouther career . . . Scored 75 goalsthis season . . . Very tough todefend around the goal . . . Hasa quick a shot as anybody inarea . . . Scored more than 200goals for her career.

KRISTIN KOCHERShawnee Senior

Returns for a second year onthe elite team . . . Was one ofthe top players on a seniordominated team . . . Has goodinstincts around the goal . . .Scored 45 goals for a team not-ed for its balanced offense.



Moorestown HighSchool girls’ lacrossecoach Deanna Knoblochrecently was talking to acouple of reporters abouther star goalie BridgetBianco.

After they recorded thefact that Knobloch heldsuch a high regard for hersenior captain, the report-ers moved on to addressother issues with otherplayers.

But then Knobloch re-turned. She wanted to saya few more words aboutBianco. The coach went onto outline how much shebelieved her multipleskilled star had contribut-ed to the success ofMoorestown effort thisseason, and throughouther career.

‘‘There’s nobody likeher,’’ Knobloch said.‘‘With her quickness, herability and intensity . . .nobody does it better.She’s just such an athleteall-around from top to bot-tom.’’

Indeed, the Northwest-ern University-boundBianco once again this sea-son proved herself as oneof the most dominatingforces in South Jersey la-crosse.

Because of her efforts,for the second straight sea-son, she has been namedgirls’ lacrosse Player of the

Year by the Courier-Post.The award meant a lot

to Bianco.‘‘Lacrosse is a sport that

has meant everything tome,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s my pas-sion, it’s what I live for.’’

Moorestown finishedNo. 1 in the Courier-Postrankings, despite losing byone goal to Ridgewood inthe Tournament of Cham-pions final.

The Quakers are a mul-ti-talented team with starplayers all over the field,as witnessed by havingfour players earn a placeon the All-Courier-Postteam.

But Bianco is the onewho holds everything to-gether.

‘‘She’s our rock,’’ Knob-loch said.

The coach likes to tellthe story of how Bianco’sreputation preceded her tohigh school. From the firsttime Knobloch saw Biancoplay, she knew she waswatching something spe-cial.

‘‘She could have playedfor us when she was inmiddle school,’’ Knoblochsaid. ‘‘In fact there was onepoint when the familytalked about moving, but Ithink we called them andsaid we can’t allow that tohappen.’’

However, according toKnobloch, there is anotherside of Bianco, one that shedoesn’t even show herteammates, and the oppo-

sition.‘‘She’s not that intense

person you see on the fieldall the time,’’ Knoblochsaid. ‘‘She has a fun per-sonality when she’s not ongoal. She really makes melaugh, even though whenshe’s in goal you wouldn’tknow it.’’

Bianco has been a varsi-ty starter the past two sea-son, and she split time as astarter in her sophomoreyear. She play in ninegames as a freshman.

This season, she helpedled the Quakers to a 22-4 re-cord by allowing 4.8 goals agame. She had a careerhigh 163 saves in 26 gamesShe saw her role increaseas a team leader for her se-nior year.

‘‘Being a goalie you seethe field and always pointdifferent ways to go,’’ shesaid. ‘‘I think this yearmore people listened tome. I have the experienceand I’m easy to talk to andI just lead the team the bestI can.’’

She has drawn the at-tention not only of herteammates, but of her op-ponents, as well.

‘‘Bridget is phenome-nal,’’ said Kelci Smesko ofRidgewood. ‘‘I give her somuch credit, and she’s go-ing to be so great in col-lege. She’s defiantly andintimidating factor.’’

Now that it’s over Bian-co said she’s ready to moveon to college, and a new be-

ginning.‘‘ For my high school ca-

reer to end is unbelievablysad,’’ she said. ‘‘I wouldn’tbe anything without myteam, and the fact I can goto the next level is becauseof what my team has givento me.’’

Reach Don Benevento at [email protected]


JOSE F. MORENO/Courier-Post fileSenior goalie Bridget Bianco, who makes a save againstShawnee, was one of the reasons Moorestown had a suc-cessful season.

BRIDGET BIANCO■ School: Moorestown■ Position: Goalie■ Grade: Senior■ Honors: This is the secondtime the talented senior hasbeen named as theCourier-Post Player of the Year.She was named this year as amember of the Under ArmourAll-American team.■ Accomplishment: Bianco ledthe Moorestown to a stateGroup 3 championship and aberth in the Tournament ofChampions final . . . Shestopped 163 shots in 26 gamesthis season, and allowed only4.8 goals per game . . . Shegave up five or fewer goals 18times, and had one shutout . . .Heading to NCAA powerNorthwestern next season.■ Quote: ‘‘Bridget could haveplayed for us when she was inmiddle school,’’ Moorestowncoach Deanna Knobloch said.‘‘In fact there was one pointwhen the family talked aboutmoving, but I think we calledthem and said we can’t allowthat to happen.’’

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST GIRLS’ LACROSSEcourierpostonline.com/varsity

BRIDGET BIANCOMoorestown

Player of the Year


By BOB VIGGIANOCourier-Post Staff

When the 2011 volleyball season was set to begin Col-lingswood coach Joe Gillespie didn’t have any idea how theseason would play out.

Sure he had Julian Welsh-White who just happened to beone of the best players in the area. After him, there wassome talent but fitting them into certain positions was oneof the problems facing Gillespie.

‘‘I knew what I had in Julian but the big problem washow to setup our service and receive,’’ Gillespie said. ‘‘Eversince Harrison Carsillo graduat-ed (2009) that has been one of ourproblems.’’

Through the preseason and inearly regular season matches Gil-lespie tinkered with his lineuptrying to fit the players into posi-tions that best suited their tal-ents.

‘‘It took a while to get it right,’’Gillespie said. ‘‘For instance wehad John Pham in the middle tostart. He is an excellent playerbut he is at his best on the outsideso that didn’t work out. Once we moved him to the outsideand put our setter Ron Dunn in the middle things started toclick for us.’’

With things in place things took off the Panthers and Gil-lespie, who started the program in 1994, guided his team to a20-3 record and a share of the Olympic Conference FreedomDivision crown. For his accomplishments the Courier-Postselected Gillespie the 2011 Coach of the Year. He alsoreached the same honor in 2006.

‘‘As far as I’m concerned he deserves the honor,’’ saidWelsh-White, who will attend Ball State University on a vol-leyball scholarship. ‘‘I couldn’t ask for a better coach. He hasdone everything for me and he has become a great friend.’’

Welsh-White said few people know the hours Gillespiehas put in molding his kids into good volleyball players aswell responsible young men.

‘‘He has spent an enormous amount of time with all ofus,’’ Welsh-White said. ‘‘He not only drilled us in the funda-mentals of volleyball and taught us the value of teamworkbut he has also taught us a lot of life lessons. I know I’ll nev-er forget all he has done for me personally.’’

Gillespie himself admits this was a special season andone that he won’t soon forget. ‘‘Sure Julian was the key toour team,’’ Gillespie said. ‘‘But a lot of our kids stepped uptheir game and made big contributions to our success. Kidslike Nigel Patterson, Derek Wormley, Niyaz Ali, BaggioMyles and Tyrell Mann-Barnes played very big roles in oursuccess.’’

The Panthers only three loses came at the hands of Cher-ry Hill East (twice) and Cinnaminson.


2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL

KYLE POTTIEGERCinnaminson Junior

Came into his own this sea-son . . . Very strong offensivelyand defensively along the net . . .Developed into a powerful hitter. . . For the season he had 20aces, 45 blocks, 163 digs and225 kills.

JOE GILLESPIECollingswoodCoach of the Year

JOHN CUNNINGHAMCinnaminson Senior

Three-year performer . . .Stepped up his game this sea-son . . . All-around player . . .Came up big in the toughmatches . . . Hard hitter . . Setschool record with 234 kills, 36aces, 20 blocks and 275 digs.

ZACH LAWEastern Senior

Excellent hitter and a hardworker . . . Showed steady im-provement . . . One of the teamleaders . . . Tremendous hustleand determination . . . 20 acesduring the season along with212 kills . . . 336 career kills.

ALEC HALBRUNEREastern Senior

Excellent all-around seasonand became a steady and reli-able clutch performer for Vikings. . . Hard hitter and very aggres-sive . . . Had 213 kills on seasonand 376 for career . . . Also had98 blocks.

ZAC STEWARTMoorestown Senior

Top libero player in area . . .Played hard both in games andin practices . . . His determina-tion and hustle made the Quak-ers a very competitive team . . .Set school single season recordwith 293 digs and also holdsthe school career mark.

CHRISTIAN STRAUSSCherry Hill East Senior

Most improved players . . . Adependable second option . . .Made successful transition fromoutside hitter to opposite . . .Very dependable player . . . Forseason had 89 kills, 35 blocks,48 digs, 29 assists and 12 aces.

TAYLOR ARCAINICinnaminson Senior

Premier setters . . . Helped Pi-rates to a 74-21 record andthree division titles . . . Great feelfor game . . . Had knack forkeeping loose and ready to play. . . Set single season school re-cord with 740 assists . . . Holdscareer assist record (1,325).



Eric Zaun Cherry Hill East Sr. Adam Coughlan Clearview Jr.John Cunningham Cinnaminson Sr. Kyle Farley Cherry Hill West Sr.Zach Law Eastern Sr. Jack Dear Clearview Sr.Kyle Pottieger Cinnaminson Jr. Collin Sibilia St. Augustine Jr.Christian Strauss Cherry Hill East Sr. Brett Holiday Sterling Sr.Julian Welsh-White Collingswood Sr. John Phan Collingswood Jr.Alec Halbruner Eastern Sr. Connor Rieger Moorestown Sr.Taylor Arcaini Cinnaminson Sr. Keith Watkins Eastern Sr.Dan Massimini Washington Twp. Sr. Ron Dunn Collingswood Sr.Zac Stewart Moorestown Sr. Colin Lynch Cinnaminson Jr.

JULIAN WELSH-WHITECollingswood Senior

Dominating player . . . Setschool single match records forkills (23) and blocks (25) . . .Broke school season record with378 kills . . . All-time leader forkills (798), blocks (290) and ac-es (203) . . . Head to Ball State.

DAN MASSIMINIWashington Twp. Senior

Team MVP the past two sea-sons . . . Excellent setter andclutch player . . . Dedicated play-er and team leader . . . Had 425assists, 34 digs, 185 servicepoints and 35 aces . . . Head toStevenson in Maryland.


By BOB VIGGIANOCourier-Post Staff

For the second straightyear Eric Zaun proved tobe the best volleyballplayer in South Jersey.

The Cherry Hill Eastsenior not only left an in-delible mark on theschool’s volleyball pro-gram but all of a SouthJersey as well.

‘‘He is the best player Ihave had in my 18 years atCherry Hill East,’’ saidEast coach Karl Moehl-mann. ‘‘We have had oth-er very good players butnone have had the all-around talent Eric has. Heis without the hardest hit-ter we have ever had.’’

Over the past two sea-son Zaun has been thesparkplug that has en-abled the Cougars to com-pile a 41-9 record andreach the South Jerseychampionship round be-fore falling to SouthernRegional both times.

‘‘It was been a greatrun and a lot of fun,’’ Zaunsaid. ‘‘But they were twocompletely different sea-sons. Last year I playedwith a very experiencedand talented group of se-niors. I never felt I had tocarry more than my shareof the load.’’

But Zaun knew coming

into the 2011 seasonthings would be different.Much different.

‘‘We didn’t have a lot ofvarsity experience tostart this year,’’ Zaunsaid. ‘‘I just felt I had to bemore of a leader. But I stillfelt we were going to havea pretty good season. Andwe did. But even biggerthan that is we had a lot offun.’’

Zaun’s main goal com-ing into the season was tomake sure Moehlmanngot his 300th victory onhis watch.

‘‘I wanted that so muchfor him for all he has donefor me and the Cherry HillEast program,’’ Zaun said.‘‘He has meant so much tome. He not only taught methe physical aspects of thegame but also the mentalpart. He taught me theright way to handle my-self on the court.’’

The 2011 season hasbeen a record-setting yearfor the 6-3 Zaun.

He set a school recordwith 369 kills for the sea-son and he finished his ca-reer with a school record757. His 27 kills againstCinnaminson on May 20broke his own school sin-gle match record.

Seven times this sea-son he had 21 or more killsin a match and averaged

18 per match.‘‘Eric has worked hard

to make himself the play-er he has become,’’ Moehl-mann said. ‘‘No questionthe beach and club volley-ball he has played hashelped him tremendously.We are certainly going tomiss him.’’

Zaun will take his con-siderable talents to Lime-stone College in Gaffney,S.C. in the fall.

‘‘While I’ll miss highschool it’s time to moveon,’’ Zaun said. ‘‘I’m excit-ed and looking forward toplaying in college.’’

Reach Bob Viggiano at (856)486-2424.


ERIC ZAUN■ High School: Cherry Hill East■ Grade: Senior■ Height: 6-3■ College: Limestone College,Gaffney, S.C.■ Accomplishments: Repeatselection as Player of the Year. . . Set a single-season recordfor kills at 369 . . . Finished hiscareer with a school record 757. . . His 27 kills againstCinnaminson on May 20 brokehis own school single matchrecord . . . Seven times thisseason he had 21 or more killsin a match and averaged 18per match.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL

ERIC ZAUNCherry Hill East

Player of the Year


CHRIS LaCHALL/Courier-Post fileCherry Hill East senior Eric Zaun (left), knocks the ball over the net as Clearview’s SamPisker attempts to defend during a game last month, had 369 kills this season.


By DAVE EVESCourier-Post Staff

High school tennis is supposed to be a team sport, butsometimes it can be individualized, thanks to personalitiesor outcomes.

But not on George Kemery’s watch.The seventh year head coach at Eastern emphasizes the

difference between playing for a team, and playing for your-self.

‘‘I try to stress team over individual,’’ said Kemery.‘‘Tennis is like a track — sometimes you win your race, butthe team loses.

‘‘A lot of kids can separatethemselves, and it becomes aboutthem . . . I don’t tolerate that.’’

Kemery’s mindset helped takea team that no one saw coming tothe South Jersey Group 4 champi-onship. It was Eastern’s first suchtitle since 2003 when Kemery wasan assistant coach for the team.

The Vikings went 18-6 underKemery, and defeated a toughToms River North team 3-2 to winthe sectional title.

But he saw the potential of histeam earlier in the season.

‘‘When we beat Mainland 5-0, that was huge,’’ said Kem-ery. ‘‘I knew we had something special then.’’

Efforts such as those have earned Kemery the title of2011 boys’ tennis Coach of the Year honors.

‘‘It’s not about me,’’ said Kemery. ‘‘I just want the kids tohave fun, play their style, and play it together for each oth-er.’’

Third-singles junior Andy Glass, pointed to the Kemer-y’s attitude as the reason for the team’s success.

‘‘When the season started, he told us that on paper weweren’t expected to do anything,’’ said Glass. ‘‘He told us itwas up to us if we wanted to be great.

‘‘More importantly, he never put any pressure on us.’’Kemery agreed that pressure, and hands-on coaching, is

not what he is all about.‘‘I want them to do their homework, don’t look at the op-

ponent, look at the numbers,’’ he said.The veteran coached showed his kids a simple system

that reveals just how beatable are the best tennis players.‘‘It’s all mathematics,’’ said Kemery. ‘‘Just look at the

numbers, have fun, do what you do best, take pride in yourgame, and you’ll be fine.’’

‘‘He did his homework, which allowed us to be more pre-pared,’’ said junior first doubles player Brady Akman.

‘‘He knows what we do best. A lot of coaches will try andmanufacture a player into what they need, but not him.

‘‘He doesn’t try and change our games. He just works onour strengths and lets them shine.’’


GEORGE KEMERYEastern

Coach of the Year


ALL-COURIER-POSTFIRST TEAM

Position Athlete School Class

Singles Shane Monroe St. Augustine Fr.Singles Mike Humes Lenape Sr.Singles Pierce Cooper Moorestown So.Doubles Tyler Blessing Moorstown Fr.Doubles Matt Holzinger Moorestown Sr.Doubles Isaac Anderson Haddonfield Fr.Doubles Sean Campbell Haddonfield Jr.

SECOND TEAM

Singles Justin Kang Shawnee Fr.Singles Tyler Arsenault Shawnee Jr.Singles Matt Monroe St. Augustine Jr.Doubles Hamza Husain Moorestown So.Doubles Dan Schafhauser Moorestown Jr.Doubles Anthony Celenza Haddonfield Sr.Doubles Max Prescott Haddonfield Jr.

ALL-GROUP 4

Singles: Mike Humes, Lenape, Sr.; Justin Kang, Shawnee, Fr.;Tyler Arsenault, Shawnee, Jr.

Doubles: Brady Akman, Eastern, Jr.; Ray Kaldany, Eastern, Jr.;Jared Kaufman, Cherry Hill East, Sr.; Max Silverberg, Cherry HillEast, Sr.

Honorable Mention: David Blystone, Cherokee, Sr.; AndrewWeiss, Clearview, So.; Prashant Ramesh, Eastern, Jr.; AlfredSebastian Gonzalez, Cherry Hill East, Jr.; Ben Bertino, Cherokee,So.; Ian Patel, So., and Marc Reynaud, Sr., Lenape.

ALL-GROUP 3

Singles: Pierce Cooper, Moorestown, Jr.; Kevin Taylor, BurlingtonTwp., Jr.; Ryan Locke, Kingsway, Sr.

Doubles: Matt Holzinger, Moorestown, Sr.; Tyler Blessing,Moorestown, Fr.; Hamza Husain, Moorestown, So.; DanSchafhauser, Moorestown, Jr.

Honorable Mention: Colin Groundwater, Moorestown, Sr.;Vincent Sparacio, Cumberland, Sr.; Bradley Johnson, Cumberland,Sr.; Peter Brennan, So., and Steve Gannon, Jr., Kingsway.

ALL-GROUP 2

Singles: Paulo Parente, West Deptford, So.; Max Oberholtzer,Haddonfield, Fr.; James Hicks, Haddonfield, So.

Doubles: Isaac Anderson, Haddonfield, Fr.; Sean Campbell,Haddonfield, Jr.; Anthony Celenza, Haddonfield, Sr.; Max Prescott,Haddonfield, Jr.

Honorable Mention: Luke Grabiak, Haddonfield, Jr.; MattGodlewski, Haddonfield, Jr.; Nick Colubriale, Woodstown, Sr.; TrevorHoopes, Woodstown, Jr., and Mitch Olivetto, Woodstown, Jr.

ALL-GROUP 1

Singles: Jack Peterson, Schalick, So.; Chris Popso, Florence, Fr.;John Sjolander, Pitman, Jr.Doubles: Joe Malone, Florence, Sr.; Arnold Petras, Florence, Sr.;Tyler Ascenzi, Pennsville, Jr.; Sam Stafford, Pennsville, Jr.

Honorable Mention: Cory Finlaw, Pennsville, Sr.Chris Mulroy,Haddon Twp., Jr.; Ryan McIntyre, Sr., and Josh Pacana, Sr., Pitman.

ALL-NON-PUBLIC

Singles: Shane Monroe, St. Augustine, Fr.; Matt Monroe, St.Augustine, Jr.; Jay Vatson, Bishop Eustace, Sr.Doubles: Marcos Lamberto, Paul VI, Sr.; Nick Lamberto, Paul VI,Sr.; Brian Balchiunas, St. Augustine, So.; Andrew Moffa, St.Augustine, Jr.

Honorable Mention: Terry Long, Paul VI, Jr.; Jarrett Berkowitz,Jr., and Eric Harkaway, So., Moorestown Friends.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BOYS’ TENNIS

SEAN CAMPBELLHaddonfield Junior

A quick, smart player whowas part of a team that went37-5 . . . Was perfect in doublesmatch play throughout the statetournament . . . Won the ColonialConference and Camden Countydoubles title.

MIKE HUMESLenape Senior

A repeat selection . . . A fear-less, tenacious competitor whoplays big when it matters most. . . Won his second consecutiveOlympic Conference AmericanDivision title . . . 28-4 this sea-son . . . 122-19 for career.

PIERCE COOPERMoorestown Junior

A talented, composed playerwith an all-around completegame . . . Amassed a 36-6 re-cord playing at first singles . . .Runner-up in the South JerseyInterscholastic Championship . . .Won the Burlington County title.

MATT HOLZINGERMoorestown Senior

A three-time selection . . . Partof dynamic doubles team thatwon the South Jersey CoachesTournament . . . Made it to thequarterfinal round in the statedoubles tournament . . . Finishedthe year with a 27-6 record.

TYLER BLESSINGMoorestown Freshman

Part of a doubles team thatwon the South Jersey CoachesTournament . . . Played aboveexpectations all the way to quar-terfinal round in the state dou-bles tournament . . . Turned in a27-6 record in 2011.

ISAAC ANDERSONHaddonfield Freshman

Talented youngster with power. . . Went 40-5, 37-5 with part-ner Sean Campbell . . . Part ofthe team that claimed ColonialConference and the CamdenCounty titles . . . Helped Bulld-awgs win Group 2 state title.


By DAVE EVESCourier-Post Staff

There are plenty of talent-ed tennis players to watch inthe South Jersey area, andthen there is Shane Monroe.

The freshman phenomfrom St. Augustine is easilythe best player the area hasseen in a long time, accord-ing to head coach Sam Miles.

‘‘I believe he is the best,’’said Miles, ‘‘I have no doubtthat he can beat anyone inthe state.’’

Monroe was a highlytouted prospect who exceed-ed expectations, going 39-1with his only loss coming inthe NJSIAA State SinglesTournament final. Not onlywas it Monroe’s first loss,but it was the only time heallowed a match to go threesets.

It’s that kind of talentthat’s made Monroe the Cou-rier-Post 2011 boys’ tennisPlayer of the Year.

‘‘It feels great,’’ said Mon-roe. ‘‘I just want to be thebest.’’

Monroe has been theamong the best since sev-enth grade, when he startedbeating some of the top highschool players in the areawhile making weekend tripsto the John McEnroe TennisAcademy in New York City.

‘‘I have always playedtennis, but I didn’t reallycommit to it until I was 12years old,’’ said Monroe,‘‘When I was beating highschool players then, I knewhigh school wouldn’t bemuch trouble for me.’’

Monroe has every rightto be confident. Not only didhe defeat all of his South Jer-sey opposition, but his oneloss in the state tournamentwas caused by heat exhaus-tion.

‘‘I was winning the matcheasily, but I started to feelsomething different,’’ saidMonroe. ‘‘Something wasn’tright — whether it was theheat or the humidity, I feltnauseous and should haveretired.’’

‘‘He was winning easilybut the heat got to him,’’agreed Miles, ‘‘If I knowShane, he has already begantraining for that scenario.

‘‘He will never let thathappen again.’’

Coincidentally, Monroehas since been training onthe beach to make sure theheat is never a factor again.

‘‘I train harder and lon-ger than any of the kidsaround here,’’ said Monroe,‘‘I want to get better and Iwant to win bigger tourna-ments.’’

Aside from an amazingrun in the State Singles tour-ney, Monroe captured theCape-Atlantic Singles Cham-pionship and was crownedchampion at the South Jer-sey Open.

‘‘A lot of times I knowthat if I play my game I willwin,’’ said Monroe, ‘‘Tennishas just come natural to me,and my experiences havehelped me polish my game.’’

As a coach, Milescouldn’t get over how nice itwas to have a kid as good asMonroe on his team.

‘‘It’s fun because I neverhad to worry about him,’’said Miles, ‘‘He would bedown 0-40 and still win.’’

‘‘I am used to it I guess,’’said Monroe about his come-backs. ‘‘It’s something thatyou can’t teach. I try andstay calm and don’t let theother guy see my real reac-tions.

‘‘Inside I am questioningmyself, but outside I amcalm, and I start playingharder.’’

No matter how he goesabout it, the results are un-deniable.

‘‘He has it all — size, sta-mina, and a cool head,’’ saidMiles, ‘‘He is a player thatwants to win and has everystroke in the world to do so.’’

‘‘I have never seen some-one like him before in mylife.’’


CHARLES J. OLSON/New Jersey Press Media fileSt. Augustine freshman Shane Monroe compiled an impressive 39-1 record with his onlyloss coming in the state final.

SHANE MONROESt. Augustine

Player of the Year

SHANE MONROE■ School: St. Augustine■ Grade: Freshman■ Accomplishment: Wasundefeated in South Jersey playon his way to the singleschampionships in the SouthJersey Tournament andCape-Atlantic League . . .Finished the year 39-1 with hisonly loss coming in the NJSIAAstate singles final . . . His oneloss was the only match heallowed to go to three sets.■ Quote: ‘‘My favorite shot isthe serve because I can try toend the point right then,’’ saidMonroe. ‘‘A lot of players serveto get it in, I serve to end thepoint.’’


2011 ALL-COURIER-POST BOYS’ TENNIS


By MIKE SHUTECourier-Post Staff

After the final match of the 2011 season, when Clearviewdefeated Gloucester Catholic 152-168 at Beckett Golf Club, theplayers on coach Dan Lafferty’s team turned the tables onhim.

On the bus before each match, Lafferty opens a box of Ti-tleist Pro VI golf balls and carefully rolls one ball from thefront of the bus, under the seats, back to each of his players.

With that May 19 victory, thePioneers completed a perfectseason at 20-0.

Afterward, each player ini-tialed one of the Pro VIs and oneof them rolled the signed ball in-to the waiting hands of Lafferty,the Courier-Post’s 2011 HighSchool Golf Coach of the Year.

‘‘I felt really confident thatany day, I could send my teamout there and we could put to-gether four strong scores,’’ saidLafferty. ‘‘It just worked.’’

For Lafferty’s players, the momentous victory came atPitman Golf Club when Clearview beat Woodstown 152-158,May 12, to improve to 18-0 and hand Woodstown its only loss.It was clearly not just another regular season match.

‘‘The kids were saying you could cut the tension with aknife,’’ said Lafferty, who improved his career coaching re-cord to 35-5 after two seasons. ‘‘Usually they’re jovial and jok-ing around before a match. Both teams knew what it meant.For us, it was the match of the year.’’

‘‘It was very tense,’’ said Clearview senior Frank Rohr-man, a three-year letterwinner. ‘‘Coach tried to act like itwas any other match. We got on the bus, he got the balls outand rolled them and told us as long as we play to our averag-es, we’ll do OK. He kept us calm and focused.’’

‘‘When coach rolls the balls to us, it takes our mind off thematch for a minute,’’ said sophomore Austin Kohler, whosehole-in-one on April 8 in Clearview’s second match of theseason proved a harbinger of things to come. ‘‘That traditionjust makes it less serious, less stressful. It feels like we’re justgoing out and playing on a Sunday.’’

According to senior Nick Chilelli, it was fellow seniorKevin Hackenbrack’s idea to flip the script on their coach af-ter the final win. It was a meaningful roll.

‘‘That signified us moving on,’’ said Chilelli. ‘‘When werolled that ball back to him, it was a sign of respect. We wereshowing our appreciation and wishing him good luck.

‘‘It was a great season and to come out in your secondyear as a coach, go 20-0 and be Tri-County Royal Divisionchamps, he did it. That’s something you can hold on to.’’

Just like that cherished golf ball.

Reach Mike Shute at [email protected]


ERIC PARKCherry Hill East Freshman

Captured three individual titlesin first high school season . . .Won Olympic Conference Tour-nament title with 73 . . . Cap-tured at Camden County Openwith 71 . . . Medalist at SJ/CJGroup 4 sectional with 75 . . .38.1 nine-hole match averageand 80.4 18-hole tournamentaverage.

CODY DAZENSt. Augustine Sophomore

Posted a 37.1 nine-holematch average for Hermits alongwith 79.4 18-hole average . . .Took 6th at Garden State Cup. . . Tied fifth at Carl Arena/AlRifkin . . . Top 10 finish at SJ/CJNon-Public A sectional . . .Placed eighth at Galloway Chal-lenge . . . Tied fourth at Cape-At-lantic League Tournament.

ZACH ARSENAULTShawnee Junior

Third in Olympic Conferencetournament . . . Carded 37.2nine-hole match average and79.2 18-hole tournament average. . . Second at Burlington CountyOpen to lead Shawnee to teamtitle . . . Tied 15th at Arena/Rifkin. . . Tied ninth at SJ/CJ Group 3sectional . . . Tied fourth atGroup 3 state final and 12th atTournament of Champions.

DAN LAFFERTYClearview

Coach of the Year

CRAIG SMITHLenape Senior

Second in Olympic ConferenceTourney . . . 38.9 nine-holematch average and 77.8 18-holetournament average . . . Tied forthird at Burlington County Openas Lenape placed third . . . Tiedfor fifth at Arena/Rifkin tourney. . . Took second at SJ/CJ Group4 sectional . . . Tied 14th atGroup 4 state final.

ALL-COURIER-POSTFIRST TEAM

Athlete School Class

Louis Kelly Glou. County Institute of Technology Sr.Eric Park Cherry Hill East Fr.Zach Arsenault Shawnee Jr.Russell Hill Bordentown Sr.Cody Dazen St. Augustine So.Craig Smith Lenape Sr.

SECOND TEAM

Nick Sherm Woodstown Sr.Sam Tomlinson Haddonfield Sr.Vince Kwon Cherry Hill East Jr.Amber Smith Williamstown Sr.Austin Kohler Clearview So.Mike Lacatena Haddonfield Jr.

ALL-GROUP 4

Craig Smith, Lenape, Sr.; Eric Park, Cherry Hill East, Fr.; VinceKwon, Cherry Hill East, Jr.; Amber Smith, Williamstown, Sr.; AustinKohler, Clearview, So.; Jack Loeber, Washington Twp., Sr.

Honorable Mention: Kyle Graham, Eastern; Brett Fernandes,Cherokee; Kelsey Solan, Rancocas Valley; Joe Russo, WashingtonTwp.; Sammie Faraghan, Lenape.

ALL-GROUP 3

Zach Arsenault, Shawnee, Jr.; Jack Gilligan, Shawnee, Jr.; ColinGoan, Cherry Hill West, Sr.; Brandon Roche, Burlington Twp., Jr.;Colin Lubner, Seneca, So.; Rob Filipe, Moorestown, Sr.

Honorable Mention: Kevin Sarlo and Nick Cappetti, BurlingtonTwp.; Sean Hickey and Shane Haggerty, Shawnee; Rob Singer,Seneca; Justin DeVany, Moorestown.

ALL-GROUP 2

Louis Kelly, GCIT, Sr.; Jordan Haines, West Deptford, Sr.; NickBaird, Delran, Sr.; Dean Marshall, Cumberland, Sr.; Kevin Brockway,West Deptford, Jr.; Tommy Hughes, Delran, So.

Honorable Mention: Mike Birdsall, Cumberland; Nick Zampitella,Delran; John Maslanik, Deptford.

ALL-GROUP 1

Russell Hill, Bordentown, Sr.; Nick Sherm, Woodstown, Sr.; SamTomlinson, Haddonfield, Sr.; Mike Lacatena, Haddonfield, Jr.; ChrisEngel, Woodstown, Sr.; Louis Wilson, Pitman, Sr.

Honorable Mention: C.J. Stiles and Tom Smith, Woodstown;Anthony Van Dervort, Haddonfield; Andrew Willadsen, Penns Grove;Eric Stafford, Pitman.

ALL-NON-PUBLIC

Cody Dazen, St. Augustine, So.; Matt DiMeglio, St. Augustine, Sr.;Roman Ammirato, St. Augustine, Sr.; Annie Cagliotti, BishopEustace, Jr.; Liam Mulligan, Bishop Eustace, So.; DarrenRaudenbush, Gloucester Catholic, So.

Honorable Mention: Ian Kelley, Chris McDonald, Paul VI;Matthew Ade, Holy Cross; Dom Reale, St. Augustine; Nick Lutz,Holy Cross.

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST GOLFcourierpostonline.com/varsity

RUSSELL HILLBordentown Senior

Had a 37.4 nine-hole matchaverage and 77.4 18-hole aver-age . . . Hill won the BurlingtonCounty Open by three strokes. . . Tied for 21st at Carl Are-na/Al Rifkin . . . Placed third atSJ/CJ Group 1 sectional . . .Second at state Group 1 Tour-nament and tied for 24th atTournament of Champions.


By MIKE SHUTECourier-Post Staff

Step onto the golf coursewith Louis Kelly and he hasonly one intention — hewants to destroy you.

And he usually does.The 2011 Courier-Post

Golfer of the Year, Kellypicked up two 18-hole tour-nament victories this sea-son at Gloucester County In-stitute of Technology.

One of those two winswas the annual Carl Are-na/Al Rifkin MemorialTournament, held for thefirst time at Ron Jaworski’sRiverWinds Golf & TennisClub in West Deptford.

Winning the event wason his to-do list since hestarted golfing in highschool as a freshman in thespring of 2008.

And when Louis Kellygets it in his head that he’sdoing something, you canrest assured, he’s doing it.

‘‘I know he really wantedto win the Arena,’’ saidGCIT coach Chris Sedgwick.‘‘His mindset from matchplay to tournaments, he canturn it on like nobody’s busi-ness. He gets so focused. It’samazing how he turns it on.The whole change of mind,the change of attitude. He’sso consistent. In every tour-nament we go to, you justknow he’s going to com-pete.’’

And he certainly had tocompete back on the first

Thursday of May as he andAlex Hicks of Middle Town-ship battled each other, thecourse, and a blustery windto each shoot a 3-over-par 75.Kelly then won the tourna-ment on the second playoffhole after Hicks nailedlengthy putts over 25 feet onthe 18th and the first playoffhole to remain alive.

‘‘Alex made those twolong putts but I always ex-pect my opponents to makethose shots,’’ said Kelly, whowas named his school’s ath-lete of the year this spring.‘‘I expect the worst scenariobecause I’m very focused. . .I’m trying to win out there.

‘‘They were probably thetwo most clutch holes Iplayed this season and that’sthe biggest tournament inthe area against one of thebest players in the state,’’Kelly said of his Arena play-off performance.

Winning the Arena start-ed Kelly’s quest of winningall six 18-hole tournamentshe’d play this season and al-though he fell short of thatlofty goal, he still managedto win his second consecu-tive Gloucester CountyOpen title.

He also qualified for thestate tournament for thefourth straight season, fin-ishing in a tie for fourth atthe South/Central JerseyGroup 2 Sectional thanks toa birdie on his final hole.

At the state finals andTournament of Champions,

Kelly shot a 79 to placeeighth in Group 2. And inthe Tri-County ConferenceTournament, his puttingtouch left him and he fin-ished in a tie for sixth at 83.The sixth tournament Kellyplanned to play in — theNew Jersey TechnicalSchool Tournament whichhe won last year — was post-poned.

On two occasions, Kellycarded a school-record 32 innine-hole dual matches, do-ing so on April 18 in a170-209 win over Deptfordand again on May 11 in a166-185 win over Deptford,both at par-35 Pitman.

‘‘I still think I accom-plished what I wanted to ac-complish, except winning astate title,’’ said Kelly, whoactually does own a state ti-tle, just not a high schoolcrown. He won the New Jer-sey Junior Amateur titlelast summer. He’ll next pur-sue collegiate golf — verbal-ly committed to AdelphiUniversity — as he chaseshis dream of playing on thepro tour some day.

‘‘He’s easily the most ac-complished athlete in theschool’s history,’’ Sedgwicksaid. ‘‘Everything that he’saccomplished — winningthe team Group 1 state titlein 2008, he’s won every sin-gle tournament except theTOC. What makes him whohe is is his family. They’reon top of it. They don’t stresssports, they stress academ-

ics and they try to help himstay grounded. If he staysgrounded and suroundshimself with a great bunchof people who can push himto be the player he wants tobe, there’s no doubt in mymind that he can reachthose goals.’’

Reach Mike Shute at [email protected]


LOUIS KELLYGCIT

Player of the Year

LOUIS KELLY■ School: Gloucester CountyInstitute of Technology■ Grade: Senior■ Accomplishments: Capturedthe individual championship ofthe 2011 Carl Arena/Al RifkinTournament on second playoffhole after shooting 75 inregulation . . . Earned hissecond straight GloucesterCounty Open title in 2011 . . .Tied for fourth at the SJ/CJGroup 2 sectional at Wildwood. . . Placed eighth in Group 1State Final . . . Qualified forstates in each of his four highschool seasons . . . NamedAthlete of the Year at GCIT . . .Was the 2010 Courier-PostGolfer of the Year . . . Willattend Adelphi University in fall.■ Quote: ‘‘The one thing aboutLouis is that he doesn’t settle.He thinks big and goes for it,’’said Kelly’s coach, ChrisSedgwick. ‘‘It’s amazing how heturns it on. He changes hismindset and his attitude andhis level of focus. In everytournament we go to, you justknow he’s going to compete. ’’

2011 ALL-COURIER-POST GOLFcourierpostonline.com/varsity

New Jersey Press Media fileGCIT’s Louis Kelly captured the prestigious Carl Arena/AlRifkin Memorial Tournament this year.



500,000 athletes trained150 NFL players

15 first round draft picksin all major sports

ONE SCHOOL

1820 Old Cuthbert Road, Cherry Hill, NJ

856.429.1200www.chhrc.com/parisi

You do the math.

50%evaluation!*

Plus a FREEoff 1st month!

$125 value

Go to www.chhrc.com/freegift

Get aFREEt-shirt today!

*Some restrictions apply.CP-0010440918

courier-post varsity spring all-stars 2011

Documents