Eastside: June 2021 Sports Edition

www.eastside-online.org

Vol. 54 No. 2

Cherry Hill High School East: 1750 Kresson Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

June 2021

NEW TIMES NEW LOGO NEW EAST

■ By Max Gaffin (‘22) Eastside Features Editor

The Cherry Hill East Cougar represents East’s ferocious and impassioned spirit, athleticism, competitive academics and, above all, the unification as one exceptional school community with dozens of opportunities for students to excel and embody their most fervent interests.

However, with a number of dissimilar cougars being displayed on East’s sports fields, across the building and when searching East on the Internet,

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

the theme of one Cherry Hill East amalgamation blurs as it is harder to showcase coming together without a corresponding logo in the forefront.

As Cherry Hill East moved into new chapters it was time for a change.

With sports seasons safely continuing, the East Athletic Department also pushed for a new logo to be presented as an emblem on all new uniforms and the corresponding Athletic Department webpages.

So, as all aspects of East society made the cohesive decision to move

Booster Clubs Pg. 2

forward with the action of instituting a new logo, East’s student body, as well as members of the entire Cherry Hill community, all got involved to make sure that the cougar depiction would not only illustrate the school building itself but also the spirit of all Cherry Hill East Cougars who pass through the building on a daily basis.

Working together, the Student Government Association, the Athletic Department, Student Activities and several other East organizations put

the necessary effort to advertise (especially online), promote and take part in the unveiling of the logo.

After narrowing down options, students, staff and other prominent members of the Cherry Hill East community all voted on four different logos to accurately determine which cougar the community likes and wants to represent them.

The winning logo (shown above) features a powerful cougar with sharp teeth and bold facial characteristics, set forth in a predatory manner.

Basketball Coach Pg. 5

In fact, the logo is vintage and dates back retrospectively, including when the logo was primarily used during the 1980s, causing it to be a favorite among East alumni.

The introduction of East’s new school and athletics logo indefinitely captures the importance of the East community coming together during trying times and the ability for the school as a whole to cope with being separated from one another. The logo shows East’s growth and the ability to change when the world is also changing.

Ball Hockey Pg. 7

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SPORTS EASTSIDE

June 2021

Booster clubs... how important are they?

■ By Nick Gangewere (‘21)

Eastside Sports Editor

Sports teams are a cornerstone of all high schools and colleges. They add an element of unity and a sense of pride amongst students and fans alike. But it takes a lot of funding to keep these programs alive and well.

While the Athletic Department is given a budget that it allocates to the different athletic programs, this does not always satisfy wants or desires.

Any extra money comes from the efforts of the booster clubs — the fundraising and supportive groups behind most teams.

Cherry Hill East alone has 27 Varsity sports that compete against the toughest competition in South Jersey, whether it be Group 4, Group 3 or Section A. These teams need to wear uniforms at games, compete in tournaments and afford the necessary gear. If teams were without merchandise, coordinated events or gear in general, key components of the programs would be lost.

In recent years, East has seen success in multiple sports such as soccer, swimming, hockey, baseball and basketball, so the need for funding is at a premium.

East’s soccer boosters work like well-oiled machines when it comes to backing the needs of the programs,

but it runs essentially as a non-profit.

“Our booster club brings the whole program together. The volunteers work

dozens of playing spaces and the Athletic Department staff.

But booster clubs’ jobs go beyond raising money.

time to ensure that the teams can focus on performance and not finances or awareness.

Mr. A.J. Miller, father

very well with our staff and players to make an impact at the school and in the community,” said Mr. Mike Melograna, Boys’ Varsity Soccer Coach.

The Cherry Hill Athletic Department was set to spend around $1,760,800 in total during 2019. The district has over 90 teams total, and this money goes towards over 190 coaches,

Whether it is setting up team events, running raffles or selling team apparel, booster clubs add to the camaraderie of programs at East.

Most booster clubs are organized and run by parents and families of players and work hand in hand with the coaching staff and team management. These volunteers dedicate their

ious events and moments.”

Meanwhile, other programs demand booster club fees because of the expenses of their program, or the desire for team events like dinners before games.

Either way, booster clubs are the main sponsors for many Cherry Hill East teams.

“These volunteers bring a sense of pride for their teams, and without them, many aspects of the sporting events are made impossible,” said Mr. Michael Beirao, Cherry Hill East and West’s Athletic Director. “We are a town that has five schools needing athletic funding, so booster clubs in Cherry Hill support the programs with needed time and spirit.”

Members of booster clubs are often unnoticed by the public and Rachel Cassway (‘21)/ Eastside Staff even the teams themselves, but they serve of quarterback Sebastian an integral role in the funcMiller (‘21), ran the booster tioning of athletics. Imagclub for Cherry Hill East’s ine a school without people Gridiron (Football) Club. wearing their high school “The role is to raise funds team’s apparel. that will directly benefit Let’s face it, booster clubs the Cherry Hill East footare a big reason that East ball players,” said Miller. students have the oppor“Our goal is to provide the tunities to play and excel players with as many posiin such a variety of sports. tive memories as possible, The support from athletes’ and we feel we add to the families adds a dimension player experience with varon and off the field.

letes no longer have a team to compete for. D1, D2 and D3 students are all in this situation. The sad reality is that their school would rather invest into future students than their current students.

Another sad reality is the lack of appreciation for the other sports. All other sports have a devoted fan base. Yes, they may not be as ferocious and mighty as the football and basketball crowds, but their support for the athletes proves to be a positive.

One aspect of this is the effect that cutting sports has on parents.

They pour their time and money into their child’s sport. College athletes have been committed to their sport for a long Melissa Vital (‘23)/ Eastside Art Director period of time ate year similar to 2020. at an elite level, so the parAdditionally, college basents must be taken aback ketball generates over two by their money that is basibillion dollars through revcally being thrown away. enue, viewership and fundThe discontinuation of ing. Because of the greed Varsity sports across the that colleges and universicountry is just another disties demonstrate, athletes appointment, among chalwho have devoted their enlenges, faced throughout tire lives to their sport are 2021. However, the athbeing undercut by a school letes who continue to play that they trusted. With the and practice their sport lack of funding for these prove to be the fiercest of sports, 1,500 student athathletes and individuals.

The infographic shows the divisions of money that colleges make, first between sports. The second pie chart shows the amount of money that women’s sports get compared to men’s, showing the inconsistency of college sports and the NCAA. Sources: Business Insider, Matlab Geek.

Economics of college sports during the pandemic ■ By Lalitha Viswanathan (‘22) Eastside Sports Editor

With millions of dollars being lost by colleges and universities due to the pandemic, athletes and sports have been forced to no longer practice.

And no, you are not going to see football and basketball being cut, especially with the amount of money that the media generates for the schools.

Instead, less popularized, but equally as important, sports are being cut across the country.

These sports include rowing, track and field, soccer, tennis, baseball, gymnastics, fencing and golf, among others. College funding for sports are not divided equally in the least.

Often, a lot of the money goes towards recruitment to create an endless cycle of getting the school more publicity and making it more attractive for prospective students.

For all of the D1 colleges (excluding the Ivy

Leagues), athletic scholarships are given to the students, which cover tuition, apparel, rooms and textbooks. Since that is about $18,000 per athlete, and there are 176,000 D1 athletes across the country, about 3.168 billion dollars are being spent by colleges each year. This heavy monetary value can no longer be reasonable in a desper-

June 2021

SPORTS

EASTSIDE

Page 3

Goalies have an underrated role in sports Communication in any rated from their team durIn addition to feeling unsport is key to the prospering training often, as they derappreciated, goalies ofity of the team. This all have to develop a different tentimes take on the blame starts from the back line, skill set than that of field for letting in goals or even and essentially the goalie. players. the loss of a game. In order Without the goalie feed¨Unfortunately, being a to stay mentally focused ing directions and advice to goalie can be hard at times. and ready for the next play, their defenders, goalies the communicahave adopttion of the team ed different is thrown off. techniques According to that help East Girls’ Sockeep them cer goalie Ilana from crumChase (´23), ¨my bling under role as a goalthe preskeeper is to orsure. ganize the field W h e n and communiEast Girls’ cate to players.

Field HockIf communicaey goalie tion isn’t hapDaniella pening, then we Abrams can easily get (´23) feels outplayed and Courtesy of Ilana Chase (‘23) e m o t i o n s I feel as though Chase kicks the ball to a teammate during a game in r u n n i n g all communica- the Fall 2020 season. high on the tion starts with field after the keeper.¨ a goal, she Even though goalies are Not many people would put believes ¨you have to revital to a team’s success, themselves in front of a ball mind yourself that the only they oftentimes can be left like we do and don’t underway that the ball could even out or feel underappreciatstand the struggles, but get to you was because the ed, solely based on the fact I remind myself I am one rest of the players on the that their position keeps of the few people who are field failed to stop it.” them isolated from the rest brave enough to do so,¨ said Schaeffer shares similar of their teammates. MoreEast Girls’ Lacrosse goalie sentiments and uses this over, goalies are even sepaChristina Schaeffer (´23). logic to keep her mind in

■ By Lauren Winslow (‘23)

Eastside Staff

Every sports team is composed of different members who are essential to the team finding success.

Everybody has a job. For some, that means being a silent leader on the field.

For others, it means scoring every single game. For goalies, this means carrying the pressure of your team winning or losing every single time you step on the field.

While every teammate in sports such as soccer, lacrosse and field hockey are important, there is one player who is decidedly essential and who very well may possess the hardest job out on the field: the goalie.

Whereas field players get to experience the joy of every goal their team scores, goalies experience the disdain that comes with every goal scored against them.

Being a goalie comes with the immense capability of possessing an extreme level of mental toughness as well as taking on the role as leader of the team.

the game or else she lets her teammates’ criticism take a toll on how she plays.

Letting in goals, especially multiple during a challenging game, can be very hard mentally, so goalies not only have to control their emotions regarding their teammates, but they also have to figure out how to wipe the slate clean after a goal and not place blame on themselves.

Chase said that after every goal she chooses to tell herself that “the score is still zero to zero because it makes [her] think no matter what we can come back and we can win.”

The underappreciation that goalies face adds to the struggles that pile up during a game, but ultimately have the ability to result in both a mentally and physically better player.

Instead of letting the pressure and blame negatively affect their performances, many goalies in a variety of different sports have learned how to channel their emotions in a manner that only improves their skills out on the field and who they are.

East alum take on basketball world with Ballrs Nation ■ By Zack Berger (‘23) Eastside Staff

Cherry Hill East graduates Michael Hoffman (‘19) and Ross Cogan (‘19) were just like every student reading this only two years ago.

Even as freshmen, they began constructing the empire that became Ballrs Nation, a basketball media company primarily functioning over Instagram and Tiktok.

Their original page got hacked at forty-thousand followers, which was a setback to say the least. They refused to throw in the towel, though.

They got back to work and came up with a whole new set of content.

Thus, Ballrs Nation was born.

Hoffman and Cogan have a unique ability to connect with

people who eat, sleep and breathe basketball. On their page you can find a variety of creative and original content. In addition to creative content such as strange stat lines and their original ultimate player series, where they make a Frankenstein-type player with all of the best individual abilities from one team, they also post nostalgic content, such as old highlights and famous interviews. Despite how it sounds, running a media Instagram account is difficult. Hoffman and Cogan have to dedicate a significant amount of time into editing and creating content along with their college courses. Both creators are business majors, as evident by their new clothing brand which has been successful. It became evident early on that the pair really has a passion

for sports and sports discussion.

Cogan said, “My main motivation for continuing the page is hearing the feedback. I love getting [Direct Messages] saying things like, ‘oh, me and my boys talked about this series at the lunch table today,’ because that was me. I was always the one getting in heated discussions at the lunch table … that was my number one thing.”

The community that exists around people who see basketball in an analytical way is strong. Hoffman and Cogan have also been working on a podcast called The Baller’s Mentality in addition to their social media presence. They have connected with people all over the world, from NBA players, to normal basketball fans at East.

The pair was able to reflect on

their favorite respective series that they had done.

Hoffman said, “Just because we like a certain series, doesn’t necessarily mean that it is going to do well. Some of our favorite concepts that we think are going to be a hit, will flop.”

Cogan contrasted this thought and said, “[Some] of our most popular series were the ones that we least expected to do well. The series that did the most for us was our ‘Did You Know?’ series which is just three random facts per post.”

Giving the people what they want is how you gain and retain a following. Once you take out the pride factor of what you like as a creator, it becomes much easier. This is what Hoffman and Cogan did, and it is why they are so successful.

Small ball emerges as favored option for East and competition ■ By Nick Gangewere (‘21)

Eastside Sports Editor

“Play hard, play smart, play together.”

These words are echoed by every Cherry Hill East Boys’ Basketball player.

And it is not due to a lack of talent that they need to preach this motto; no, it is a true lack of size.

Mind over matter applies here, though, in a major way. The NBA added a three-point line in 1979.

The NCAA added one in 1986, and high school leagues added them a year later. The game was transformed at these very moments, with an emphasis on big men eventually decreasing, and basketball becoming a shooter’s game.

Mike D’Antoni and the Phoenix Suns took advantage of this in the early2000s, implementing lineups through which they could maximize their point potential through prioritizing scoring over defense.

With four out of five players on the floor being guards, they were able to find suc-

cess from beyond the arc, outscoring opponents.

The Cougars found similar success in today’s game.

East Boys’ Basketball head coach Mr. Dave Allen utilized these tactics, making it far into the South Jersey Group IV playoffs and beyond because of it in 2020.

“Over the past three or four years we have not had an inside player. So we use our lack of size as an advantage and create mismatches across the floor,” said Allen.

This year’s team bought into the strategy as well.

“We’re never going to be taller or more athletic,” said center Ben Adler (‘21) during the season.

Adler stands at 6’4” and was the tallest starting Cougar over the past two

every other aspect of the game. Whether it be the pure shooting capabilities, quickness in transition, speed of help defense or team-first mentality, this lineup served East well.

“Every practice we go over the most minor details,” said starting guard Drew Greene (‘22) during the season.

“We make it work because even though we aren’t big, we make up for the height by outworking everyone on the court.”

A small ball lineup features 3-4 guards and 1-2 forwards.

The goal is for Jeffrey Kaminer (‘21)/ Eastside Art Director team defense and a spread offense to years. open up scoring opportuniBut what they lack in ties. It takes every player size, they made up for in on the floor buying in to

make small ball work, because if there is any break in the chain, it can all fall apart.

“What helps us win games is the attention to detail,” said starting guard Noah Rose (‘21). “We have a different lineup than most teams in South Jersey, so we work hard and lock in, starting with practice every day.”

Jake Green (‘22) led the state of New Jersey in three-point shots made last season with 102. East advanced all the way to the South Jersey Group IV playoff finals as well.

The small ball lineup has produced tangible benefits, sending Coach Allen’s players off to Division I colleges and creating an atmosphere of hard work and dedication for his players to thrive in.

But most importantly, they must “play hard, play smart and play together.”

The Cougars are a testament of how talent and teamwork defeats independent size on the court.

Small ball is here to stay.

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Bowling: underappreciated and overlooked ■ By Abby Yu (‘23)

When the sports channel turns on, what sport are you watching?

Most peoples’ attention is automatically drawn to well-known sports: football, soccer, basketball. But have you ever given a thought to watch something other than those sports?

Sports viewers enjoy seeing the physical aspect come into play.

This physical aspect is what people come to associate sports with.

Watching athletes tackle others from the opposing teams, shoot a goal into the net, or score from a three-point-line sparks interest in the audience. Events like the Super Bowl and sports leagues such as the NBA or NFL are familiar among our society. Rigorous physical activity and great competitiveness seem like the only qualities that make a sport a sport. Therefore, this misconception makes it harder for people to see sports that do not involve these aspects as heavily in the same light.

Take competitive bowling for example. In the world of sports, competitive bowling is overlooked and underappreciated.

The sport does not receive the recognition it deserves as a national level sport. In fact, many individuals assume that it is a leisure activity that requires little athletic ability.

However, it is important to keep in mind that bowlers use bowling balls ranging from six to sixteen pounds. In order to throw a ball of this weight, the athlete must be in good physical shape and have great arm strength. In a tournament, the bowler uses good form and technique to roll the ball down a 60-foot alley in an attempt to hit the pins.

June 2021

A sport right up my alley

Precision and concentration play a crucial role in this because the obEastside Opinions Editor jective of the bowler is to hit the “pocket,” the area between the head Football, socpin and 3-pin for right handers. A cer and baseball bowler repeats this process for ten are all sports that frames. come to people’s Athletes experience injuries, minds when thinkwhether it is by colliding with other ing of sports in toteam players or moving their bodies day’s society, yet the wrong way. bowling never seems to come up.

Bowling is not different. DurI was that kid who made my mom ing the ten frames, bowlers need to sign me up for everything. be aware of the movement in other Dance lasted a month. Gymnasparts of their body. One wrong twist tics, on and off for about five years. of the wrist could cause a great inI even tried soccer, which lasted jury. Cautious movement and techabout two weeks. nique play major factors in a game It wasn’t of bowluntil seving. enth grade There that I was is also finally inthe mentroduced tal game to bowling of bowlthrough a ing. The friend. At athlete the time, m u s t I was not c o m e very ininto a volved in g a m e after-school with the a c t i v i r i g h t ties and it mentalseemed like ity and positive Courtesy of Brielle Lampf (‘23) every day I mindset. Lampf releases the ball, hoping to get a got an earful from my Mindset strike during a league match. mom on why c o u l d I should get be the involved. Thus, on a whim, I took up reason why a bowler achieves a bowling to please both my mom and 100-point game or a 300-point my friend. To be honest, I also knew game (perfect score). that the bowling alley had great In the sports world, every sport food and that was something that I deserves the recognition and attencould not miss out on. tion that it deserves.

As it turns out, joining East’s Bowling covers both the physical bowling team was one of the best and mental game, striking each asdecisions I’ve made. Shortly after pect of what makes a sport a true I started bowling for my school, I sport.

■ By Brielle Lampf (‘23)

Eastside Sports Editor

joined a league with the same friend who suggested bowling to me.

I bowled at my first league for about a year and a half, where I learned all about the basics of the sport and what tournaments were like. In short, tournaments are one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of bowling.

Bowling alleys are not as big as one may think, and when you put hundreds of people in that alley, it is not comfortable. Players, parents and coaches are all forced to gather into one area, and the audience can only hope that they can see the lanes.

My first tournament was a team tournament and surprisingly enough, we came in first, which sent us to the Pepsi Tournament, one of the biggest tournaments for bowlers as I saw it. My league outside of school first brought it up, and my team and I jumped at the opportunity. Bowling at Pepsi is something that all youth bowlers aspire to do, so the fact that my first tournament led me to it is something amazing.

After doing poorly in the Pepsi tournament, my friend and I both made the decision to join a league in Deptford, one that we felt was more serious and could better suit our goals in the sport. I’ve been bowling in Deptford for about two years now, and this school year was my second on the girls’ varsity team at Cherry Hill East.

Bowling for the East team has been such an amazing experience, and I am glad that I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about my craft.

Bowling is a sport. It takes years to master, and it is always a work in progress. For me, bowling has become a key part of my life, and I am so grateful to all of my coaches and all those who have supported me.

Wrestling matches hold mental challenges Brown, the head coach for wrestling since 2009.

Strong mentality is a must in wrestling, which like in any other sport, Although wrestling may comes from training and be a physical sport, it’s practice. more mental-orientated Pushing oneself to the than one may think. very edge and suffering During matches, what through aggressive physihappens inside wrestlers’ cal pain allows wrestlers to minds is actually more imbe mentally and emotionalportant than physicality. ly tough, especially during It’s a common stereotype the third period of a match. for people to say that wres“The third period is tling is just where discipline and based on mental toughness come how strong into play because you someone know your opponent is is, but feeling the same thing, there’s so it’s about who can also the keep it up longer,” said mental Aidan Weingrad (‘21). part of the Mental toughness is a sport. common wrestling term “A lot used to tell wrestlers to of people stay focused during the t h i n k physically painful parts w r e s of the match. Other mentling is a tal factors that greatly ‘meathead’ impact a wrestler are s p o r t , overthinking and confiw h e r e dence. whoever’s With overthinking, the biggest wrestlers can get in and can their own heads with the put up the records and rankings of most force their opponents. It’s only is going to damaging as it can either win,” said make you overconfident Kevin DuCourtesy of Aiden Weingrad (‘21) or defeated mentally. ong (‘22), “Sometimes you’ll go who has Aiden Weingrad, in the zone during an early into matches already been wres- 2020 match against Seneca High School, pins losing them because you tling for his opponent down to win. think that this guy’s way five years. on the field if you make a better than me,” said Wein“A lot of [wrestling] is stratmistake. If you make a misgrad, “Then, there’s no way egy, and it’s a lot more mentake in wrestling, it usually you’re winning because tal than physical.” costs you,” said East Wresyou’ve already resigned In contrast, wrestling tling Coach Mr. Michael yourself to losing.” differs from other team ■ By James Kwak (‘22)

Eastside Online Editor

sports because in wrestling, you only have yourself to rely on during a match.

Furthermore, a wrestler has to push aside discomfort and move into uncomfortable positions to win matches while maintaining focus as one misstep can cost a wrestler a match.

“You have to have a tremendous amount of selfdiscipline. In football, you can rely on ten other people

Courtesy of Aiden Weingrad (‘21)

Aiden Weingrad, shortly after the first picture, is deemed the champion of their match and is evidently still in the mental zone from his intense wrestling.

Instead of thinking about their opponents too much, wrestlers have to focus on themselves, and they must have confidence in their abilities.

“Trust in yourself to win any match, and if you do that, then you at least give yourself a chance,” said Weingrad, when asked for any mental advice to other wrestlers who feel that they have a mental blocker when performing in a match.

There’s a lot more to

wrestling than people realize. The combat sport teaches wrestlers lessons, like self-confidence, endurance and discipline, that can be applied in their everyday lives.

Through difficult training, wrestlers push themselves physically and improve their mental shape.

The importance of mentality rings even louder today as COVID-19 has placed a stressful strain on mental health.

June 2021

SPORTS EASTSIDE

Page 5

Chris Santo continues basketball career with the Knicks ■ By Alex Levine (‘22)

game and 10.8 rebounds per game. Following his season with Falken CynCherry Hill East Basketergi Virtus in Malta, Santo ball Hall of Famer Chris got an opportunity to coach Santo (‘10) was hired by the at his alma mater, Saint New York Knicks as a video Anslem, which he could not coordinator this year. turn down. This is similar Santo helps facilitate all to how he got his job with the video for the Knicks to the Knicks. help scout their opponents “I never even thought in addition about entering to helping the NBA unwith the til this oppordraft and tunity came free agenabout, but cy. He also once it did, I helps with could not pass player deit up,” said velopment Santo. and is often As Santo on the floor stepped into helping out his new role, during prache was most tice. excited to S a n t o learn from is not the watching film only Cherry and from his Hill East coaching staff. alum who is “The minds part of the Courtesy of Josh Menard at the top of Knicks orga- Santo sits with the Saint Anselm basketball team as this league are nization. On a coach at his alma mater. the best in this March 2, the sport,” Santo Knicks hired longtime playone year, ultimately transsaid. er agent, Leon Rose (‘79), ferring to Saint Anselm A few weeks into the seaas team president. Santo College in New Hampshire. son, Santo already got to and Rose’s son, Sam (‘10), As a senior in college, know the players and the played basketball together Santo won Northeast-10 coaching staff very well, he during their time at East.

Player of the Year and aversaid.

Ultimately, their longaged 21.4 points per game.

Santo credits former time relationship made He then played one seaCherry Hill East coach, Mr. Leon confident that Santo son overseas in Malta, John Valore, as the reason would be the right fit for averaging 25.2 points per why he wanted to get into Eastside Business Manager

the job.

During his time at East, Santo became East’s all time leading scorer and rebounder.

He also had the honor of being named to three AllSouth Jersey First Teams.

After high school, Santo played basketball at the University of Vermont for

coaching basketball. To this day, Santo and Valore keep

len and Mr. Dave Quinn.

“They are all great basketball minds and great to bounce ideas off of. The constant support and feedback from them during different stages of my life has been incredible for me,” said Santo.

Santo’s most important advice to high schoolers whose goal is to play or coach basketball at the next level is to work hard and be fully committed.

“If there’s even a little bit of doubt that you are not doing something that you love, then it is not going to work because there are always other people that are willing to try harder,” said Eastside Photo Archive Santo.

Santo dunked easily in practice at Santo has used East. He remains East’s all-time that approach leading scorer and rebounder. throughout his career. Santo has always tried to work in touch. his hardest and to the best Santo also maintains a of his ability, and now he relationship with current has been able to appreciate East coaches Mr. Dave Althe payoff.

Football alum Clayton reflects on his career ■ By Nick Gangewere (‘21) Eastside Sports Editor

Stan Clayton (‘83) reminisces about walking the halls of Cherry Hill East during his senior year in 1983. He remembers the courtyard where he would hang out with friends.

He remembers the drives to nearby pizza shops on warm afternoons during lunch. He remembers working at a Hess gas station down the road. But most of all, he remembers football.

Coming from inner Camden, Clayton loved everything that East had to offer: he loved the teachers and cherished those he surrounded himself with. His biggest influence was legendary coach Mr. Bo Wood.

Under Wood and assistant coach Mr. Ed Johnsen, Clayton would not only find his passion, but also the sport that would become a huge part of who he is today.

“Coach Wood helped me develop on and off the field,” said Clayton.

The All-American offensive tackle and defensive lineman played on teams with lots of skillful players, but he was able to shine while playing for Wood. He would go on to receive accolades, such as All-South Jersey offensive team in two consecutive years, and college offers from premier colleges like Boston College, University of North Carolina, Ohio State, Michigan, UCLA, USC and Penn State.

After a long process, Penn State would be the college he called home for

the next four years. While ami that gave the Nittany ers.” he admitted that recruiting Lions a massive championIn 1988, Clayton rewas hectic, he knew Penn ship win. ceived the degree Paterno State was the right place “While winning the title promised, a bachelor’s in for him. was fun, that season I made Administrative Justice, but “Coach Joe Paterno came so many friends that I have his football journey didn’t to my house and promised kept to this day,” Clayton end there. my parents that I would said. “My wife passed away “I remember sitting at graduate with a degree. recently, and almost eva table with my girlfriend Paterno at our senior cared for banquet,” his playsaid Clayton. ers and “Coach Pasheltered terno walked us, helpup to me and ing every said ‘You’re one of us going to be become drafted to the b e t t e r NFL.’ I was in men while shock.” playing Clayton football,” would be sesaid Claylected in the ton.

10th round While of the 1988 at Penn draft by the S t a t e , Atlanta FalClayton cons, and played would spend s h o r t five years in tackle on a the league, team that also competfeatured ing for the a host of New England NFL talPatriots and ents. His Pittsburgh breakSteelers. through After a came durplaying caing the reer, Claylegendton has been ary Penn a successS t a t e ful coach for season seven uniof 1986, versities and when they has almost Courtesy of Mike Pettigano at BlackShoeDiaries.com went unthree decades d e f e a t e d . Clayton had a profilic career at Penn State University worth of deC l a y t o n following his time at Cherry Hill East. veloping playstarted in ers. Today, he the latter resides in Dehalf of the year after injuery one of my teammates Land, Florida, as an offenries to starters, and played attended the funeral. We sive line coach for Stetson in the iconic game vs. Miwere a fraternity of brothUniversity.

Nevertheless, his roots in Cherry Hill remain strong.

“I have family in Willingboro, Penns Grove, Berlin and Camden,” he said, “I have come back up here to recruit and went to the 2017 East Hall of Fame ceremony,” he said.

Clayton was inducted into the Cherry Hill East Hall of Fame along with Bo Wood in 2017, but he believed it was the people around him that gave him the opportunity to succeed.

That is just the type of person Clayton is: humble.

Dozens of schools wanted him to play for them, but he chose the one that gave him the opportunity to succeed outside of football.

NFL teams came knocking, but he eventually turned to helping the next generation of kids instead.

Clayton has coached hundreds of new players in many locations, but his ties to Cherry Hill East still bring back memories.

“On game day, playing as a Cougar meant something to me,” Clayton said. “The atmosphere was always incredible, and I was lucky to go to school there.”

Clayton’s legacy represents what it means to go to Cherry Hill East.

The bonds he created have stayed with him through the years, and he met coaches and teachers who have made lasting impacts on him. Clayton may be one of the best football players in South Jersey history, but walking the halls during his senior year at East evokes memories that he will always remember and cherish.

Page 6

SPORTS

EASTSIDE

June 2021

There is no “I” in track, but there is in field ■ By Jamie Bookbinder (‘22)

Eastside Online Editor

Most track events appear to be individual sports, but behind every runner is a supportive team made to motivate and cheer for him or her and helping to build mental strength, speed and endurance. Both the girls’ and the boys’ track teams at East effectively utilize teamwork behind the scenes and on the track and field to support each team member and drive the team to victory.

Distance captain of the East Girls’ Track Team, Mary Kate McCurdy (‘21) regards track at East as a team sport in which teammates rely on one another.

She said, “I believe that track is more of a team sport because of the amount of mental and physical support that you need from your teammates.”

McCurdy credits her teammates with helping her stay motivated through grueling practices. She recalls encouraging words from both current and past teammates, including even quick comments such as “you got this” that have made a difference in her performance.

“At the end of the day, I know I am running for my

teammates and they are tial element of the sport. appreciates conversations running for me,” she said.

“People tend to see the that take place during the The teamwork element races that one person wins, long runs. He said that the of the sport is especially but people do not realize discussions that take place obvious in the relay events. the bonding and teamwork during the seven to ten mile Knowing that a teammate in the background which runs strengthen the bonds is depending on her drives McCurdy to work even harder.

“She is completely depending on me,” she said, “so that when I end, she is in a good place to start to pass the baton to her.”

In addition to attributing her success to her supportive teammates, McCurdy said that her teammates make her experience on the track team fun.

She said, “People always ask me why I run. My answer is always my teammates.”

Even throughout summer practices that begin at 6 a.m., the team keeps conversations flowing on their Courtesy of MaryKate McCurdy (‘21) long runs.

Members of the girls’ track and cross country team pose for McCurdy observes a group photo side by side one another. that even teammates who do not focus on running make each other’s is the catalyst for winning among teammates. experiences more enjoythe race or where being moBoth McCurdy and Garg able. For example, the girls tivated to do well at a meet acknowledge that Coach who specialize in throwing comes from,” Garg said.

Mr. Anthony Maniscalco have become friends.

“At practice, you are never supports team bonding to East Boys’ Track Team warming alone, there is help achieve strong results. distance captain, Tushar always some kind of teamMcCurdy said that ManisGarg (‘21), strongly agrees work involved.” calco is known to have a that teamwork is an essenLike McCurdy, Garg ready supply of jokes as

well as encouraging pep talks. He also runs with the team. McCurdy admires that he makes the team laugh as well as work hard.

Garg said, “Even when we do not have practice, the coach always motivates us to meet up and find training partners to keep up that teamwork and holds you accountable for what you are supposed to do.”

Garg is grateful that the track season was able to continue despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has nevertheless lessened opportunities for team bonding.

For example, the boys used to run in groups of seven to eight runners but now limit the pack to two to four distance runners. Also, according to Garg, the boys team had virtual workouts which were a good opportunity for group interaction.

McCurdy remembers having pasta parties and cookie contests prior to the pandemic.

Although opportunities to bond with other teammates have been significantly reduced due to COVID-19 restrictions, she said, “The great thing about runners is that we are all resilient,” and the current situation “doesn’t stop us from being successful or being friends.”

blocking external noises. lap, I want to do anything without holding anything Tepper counts down the in my power to either win, back.” miles or laps in her head catch anyone in front of me, During the race and esrather than focusing on her or make this leap the best pecially towards the end, body fatigue, and reminds possible lap I could run. she explains that mental herself to keep going as she Each time I race, I want to strength is key to the race. maintains her momentum. improve my time from be“I know that if someone has Using this strategy, Tepfore to reflect on my trainall of the physical strength per says that she builds her ing. in the world without any strength and confidence to I try to run with ambimental strength, a person result in better progress. tions to be the best version with the will to catch them She comments that her of myself,” said Tepper. can always do it. Unfortumindset alters once she hits She adds that the mental nately, many people think the final lap mark. idea of finishing what she they have the race won by “ A t the first couple the fiseconds, but it’s nal kick, those who push I know aside the fatigue that all at the end of the the pain race who preI went vail,” said Tepthrough per, telling her during perspective of the race the importance of wouldn’t mental strength be worth over physical. it if I Although the didn’t result of a final give it kick may only all I had. show the successNeeding ful and bright to finish side, the work to what I come along with started, the success may I tell mynot seem so enCourtesy of Aidan Groff (‘21) lightening. After self that I am done Lexi Tepper (‘23) gives it her all at the last portion of running with all once I a cross-country meet in the fall. her might in her cross the final laps, Tepper finish said that once line without holding anystarted and leaving it beshe passes the finish line, thing back,”said Tepper. hind on the track helps her she is faced with moments Tepper added that by achieve the successful kick where she collapses on the this motivation, she runs in the last lap. ground, has trouble catchwithout an ounce of energy The final kick comes ing her breath, and someleft, knowing that the refrom much training and times may even encountersult of the race would reexperience, said Tepper, as asthma attacks. flect her ability and effort. she learns much about the Despite these tough obShe said that during her runner’s mindset from her stacles, she said her hard final kick, despite the little parents, her inspiration for work and determination energy and strength left in the final kick and running pays off with a medal and her, she promises herself in general. personal records. to not let any runner pass Tepper said, “By trainRaine Guidarelli (‘24), her and to run a faster time ing with my parents, I NJ Sectional Cross Counthan the past. learned that the last lap try champion, shares rela“When running my final should be the fastest lap tive points along with Lexi

Tepper. Similar to Tepper, Guilderelli paces himself during the first few laps, and sprints the final laps with all his energy.

He said, “I feel like the fourth lap finishes itself.”

Anyone could give it their all in their fourth lap, but it is hard to begin in the third, ”fueling his final kick mindset earlier on in the race.

He noted that during this lap, he passes any runner ahead of him, and his mindset changes to maintain the first place.

“You do anything you can to improve yourself and get your personal best,” he said, adding to his runner’s mindset. Both runners mention that running is 90% mental and 10% physical.

Guilderelli also shared that with his mentality to run with all his might in the final laps, he almost feels “physically dead” at the end but is welcomed with successful outcomes in the race, continuing and encouraging his season.

Both of these runners said they are looking forward to their upcoming seasons, and that they are extremely excited for the opportunity to grow and improve in their craft, as well in terms of teammate connection.

Most runners relate to these two racers with their final kick mindset and strategies to run accordingly with this mentality.

As the final kick may be the most exhausting (both physically and mentally) the rewarding result that follows is what keeps them running and continuing their running careers.

The final kick mindset has a postive effect on runners ■ By Jiwoo Lee (‘24) Eastside Staff

Most runners say that their favorite part of the race is the moment they reach the finish line.

Though this honest response may be the case for most runners, the runner must go through their final kick in their last lap in order to pass the finish line with no regret but with pride and success.

The final kick is a widely known strategy for runners to finish the last lap with all their energy to run their fastest time and beat anyone ahead.

In order to fulfill all goals and accomplishments during the race with the final lap, not only is the final kick itself needed, but also the mindset. The final kick mindset is the runner’s mentality full of ambition and determination during the last lap of the race to help fuel the runner.

Lexi Tepper (‘23), 2020 Cross Country Olympic Conference and South Group 4 Overall Individual Champion, finds herself immersed in this topic of the final kick mindset. She holds many titles including the top 25 AAU Junior Olympic Cross Country Championship in Knoxville, Tennessee, collective SJTCA metals and multiple top finishes in the Cherry Hill Championship meets. In track meets, she participates in the 400, 800 and 1600 meter races along with her brother, Peter Tepper (‘23).

Throughout the race, she says that her mind tries to focus on her breathing and steps, calming herself and

SPORTS

June 2021

EASTSIDE

Page 7

East switched the ice for a court this fall season (Right photo) The (Left photo) Christian Wright (‘22) #25 hockey team lines up retains possession for after a thrilling final game.

East and handles the ball up the court.

(Below picture) Jakob Mutscheler (‘22) #9 prepares to take a shot on net.

(Below photo) The team huddles up at halftime to go over their game plan.

(Above photo) The boys pose for a picture after an action-packed inaugural season.

All photos taken by Yena Son (‘22)/ Eastside Photo Editor

■ By Jessica Levin (‘22) Eastside Managing Editor

Finding innovative ways to keep busy, the brand new East ball hockey team has found an outlet for boys to go out and exercise. With the conclusion of their first season, it is safe to say that the newly established street hockey team, which is not school-funded, has created a new way to keep boys exercising during the fall season.

Last year, one of the

captains, Jakob Mutschler (‘22), tried to get this team going, but he could not find enough interested players.

This year, while many of the boys had plans canceled due to COVID, they found enough boys to secure an East street hockey team.

“This year it was mainly started to get us out of the house and have some fun in the quarantine,” said one of the captains, Christian Wright (‘22).

Practices are led by the players themselves and the captains, Mutschler

and Wright, usually take charge in leading drills and helping improve the skills of all of the players.

Mutschler has experience from playing ice hockey, and Wright has played ball hockey before and was recently asked to join the U16 USA Ball Hockey Team. Additionally, goalie Ryan Landis (‘22) has stepped up as a leading player, contrary to having no prior experience in hockey.

“Overall from the start, we’ve come a really long

way,” said Wright.

The team practices at Marlton Street Hockey Rinks and mainly plays games there or at the Medford Dek Hockey Rink.

Like many other East sports, the street hockey team competes against local high schools like Lenape, Shawnee, Cherokee, Hamilton, and other schools in the general South Jersey area.

The team’s leading scorer was Wright, who scored ten goals and had four assists. Other key players

were Mutschler, who had five goals and four assists, and Chris Gibbon (‘23), who had three assists.

For next year, the East street hockey team hopes to continue to grow and improve as a team whether it be through more practice or bonding with teammates.

The fact that the team improved signficantly already, just being this season, allows for high hopes of gaining more players. The team is striving for a better and more unified season next year.

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SPORTS EASTSIDE

Page 8

Eastside’s Athletes of the Year 2020-2021 Aidan Groff

Accomplishments

Lalitha Viswanathan (‘22): What does winning Athlete of the Year mean to you?

3-Year Varsity Cross Country (2018, 2019, 2020)

Aidan Groff (‘21): Winning Athlete of the Year means so much to me. I’ve worked so hard this past year, so seeing it pay off like this makes it all worth it. It’s also really cool because my brother also won it when he was a junior and senior at East.

3-Year Varsity Winter Track (2019, 2020, 2021) 3-Year Varsity Spring Track (2019, 2020, 2021)

LV: Why do you love the sport you participate in?

AG: One thing I love about running is all the people you meet. I’ve met many friends from all over the state during these past four years. Another thing I love is that anybody can come out and run. You don’t have to be better than anyone else to make the team. All you need is the right mindset and you can do it.

2020 Olympic Conference Cross Country Champ Achieved a 16:05 5K time Finished 10th at NJ Sectionals as a senior

LV: What’s your favorite moment from this season and why?

AG: My favorite moment from this season was Olympic Conference Championships in the fall. The team won for the first time since 2014, and I was the first individual from East to win since my brother in 2015.

There are a lot of parallels between us and that makes it really cool and definitely

Annie Behm Nick Gangewere (‘21): What does winning Athlete of the Year mean to you?

Annie Behm (‘21): It is definitely a big honor. I mean, school is made out of, what, 2000 people? A lot of people and a lot of really good athletes. I think it’s really cool and special to be picked out of a bunch of different sports and high quality athletes.

NG: Why do you love the sport you participate in?

Courtesy of Aidan Groff (‘21)

Honorable Mentions: Jadon Louis (‘21), Football; Gabe Rodriguez (‘21), XC/Track; Jordan Grossman (‘21), Soccer/Track; Hank Feudtner (‘21), Soccer/Lacrosse; Rei O’Brien (‘21), Soccer/ Lacrosse; Jake Green (‘22), Basketball; Brett Schuster (‘22), Tennis; Drew Greene (‘22), Basketball; Luke Luehrs (‘21), Soccer Accomplishments: Beat the 2020 Olympic Trial qualification time 4th ranked swimmer in New Jersey for the Class of 2021 First place in 200 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke at 2020 State Championships All-State First Team in the 50-meter Freestyle All-American in 100 Backstroke, 200 Medley Relay and 400 Free Relay Broke six school records

AB: Probably a lot of reasons. For a long time I had a love-hate relatisonhip for [swimming]. Part of the reason I love it so much is that it’s so versatile. Sometimes practice can be really therapeutic and putting your head down. You can’t really hear anything when your head’s under water, so it is really relaxing even when it’s really difficult.

And it is also really rewarding.

LV: How are you able to possess leadership qualities within your sport, especially it being more individually driven?

AG: Ever since sophomore year, I’ve tried to be a leader and set a good example for the younger guys on the team. This year especially, being a senior, I’ve tried to take the role as a leader.

Whether it is cheering on my teammates during a race or workout, keeping them accountable by making sure they get their run in, or just giving them help when they need it and answering their questions. I have reaching out to everyone and attempted to make a total impact for the whole team. In track and field or cross country, it is seen as an individual sport. However, being able to market yourself as a source of leadership is important for bonding and winning the meets as one.

LV: Give one word to describe your experience at East.

AG: Memorable. lot of high-quality competitors more so in Haddonfield. And when we go in and we swim really good meets against them, those are always the most fun, the really close meets, because everyone really gets into it. Those are my favorite memories.

NG: How do you possess leadership qualities within the sport?

AB: I honestly think that leadership is something you can’t really teach, but I think it definitely comes out when you are really invested in something that you love and are passionate about. If I didn’t really love the team, I don’t think I would be like “yeah this is so fun.” ... And you know people just listen when they also care and everyone is sort of going towards the same goal. So if you all have good intentions and are going for the same goal, I mean really anyone can be a leader.

NG: Give me one word to describe your swimming career at East.

NG: What’s your favorite moment from the previous season, and why?

AB: Yeah. so this year was kind of disappointing because we didn’t really have a state tournament like a lot of other sports had it, so that was difficult to watch.

But I definitely think that our resilience and the fun memories we had were pretty good compared to local competition. We have a

makes everything more special in my opinion. I would say it was the high point of our season, and it was a total team effort.

It was overall just a very fun day with the guys, and it was one of the best moments of my high school career in general.

Courtesy of Annie Behm (‘21)

Honorable Mentions: Aubrey Demurjian (‘21), Field Hockey; MaryKate McCurdy (‘21), XC/Track; Jillian Drumm (‘21), Soccer; Rachel Bliss (‘21), Softball; Mary Fleischmann (‘21), Field Hockey; Madison McNiff (‘22), XC/Track; Sofia Pavlenko (‘21), Tennis; Ajuni Oberoi (‘24), Golf; Paige Watson (‘23), Lacrosse.

AB: Oh wow, that’s hard.

I don’t want to say memorable because everything we do is memorable but I think like eccentric would be a good word. I mean it was definitely out of the ordinary by the book, but at the same time it was really fun to go through. It has been both one of the most memorable and eccentric experience of my life.