Free! Take One!
May, 2007
Voume 1, No. 1
Previously “ South Jersey Outdoor Guide”
Fir
st
This month s pinup!
Meet Tiffany!
NJ
How Good Are They This Year?
All This The Need For Speed! Sam Speed is Back!
OT
BO
pe ns
!
& More Inside
Our Premiere Edition! golf 2007 preview
Beer Here!
Dirt Bikin’
Extreme wrestling What’s New This Season!
Beer & Babes at the AC Beer Show!
Pow! Wow! Dela Hoya vs. Mayweather worth the price? by A t R o s s i H o n d a W e Tr e a t Yo u B e t t e r. . . P e r i o d !
RossiHONDA 1517 SOUTH DELSEA DRIVE VINELAND, NJ 856-692-1700 www.rossihonda.com
2007 Honda Ridgeline RTX, New pickup, 4X4, 6 cyl., Power steering, Automatic transmission, Power brakes, AM/FM St., A/C, Tilt wheel, Alarm system, Keyless entry, Delay wiper, Cruise control, P/Windows, Remote mirrors, Alloy wheels, Air bags, Compact disc, Tinted glass, Power locks, Radials, ABS Brakes, Inbound Unit, MSRP $28,895, Selling price: $26,228, $2,000 cash or trade at inception. 36 month closed end lease, $299 per month, 12K miles per year, 15cent overage each add. mile. Total payments $10,764, Option to purchase at end of lease, $15,892
Settum’ Up & Ridem’ Down! Roy Foreman
2007 Honda Rigeline RTX
$299 mo. Lease To qualified buyers on approved credit. Taxes, tags & registration extra.
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The
May 2007
Page 2
Editor’s desk
by Louis Mascolo
Welcome to Our Premiere Edition Of South Jersey Sporting Life
A
s I stand in line at the supermarket, as I have occasion to do, I always peruse the magazine rack for something to read. What I see is about 50 women’s publications. There’s nothing for men, except an occasional Newsweek or Time. Obviously, shopping is a woman’s chore in most households. Not in mine. I like picking out food for the family. That way I’m sure to get what I want to eat. Selfish, true, but it works. In any case, it occurred to me that there really aren’t a whole hell-of-a-lot of publications geared to men. Even on the magazine racks, if you’re not a body builder or into men’s health, there’s not much. I was talking to a woman friend one day, Gina Biaggi, of Vineland. In the course of conversation, she mentioned she used to have a monthly paper, The South Jersey Outdoor Guide, a primarily men’s publication. “What are you doing with it now,” I asked. “Nothing,” she answered. “Can I have it,” I asked. “Sure,” she said. That’s how this paper started. In actuality, what she gave me was the concept, a few samples of her old papers and a few contact numbers for her writers, Sam Messina and Gary Monterosso, both who appear in this month’s edition. Being who I am, I immediately had to put my
own brand on it, so I named it South Jersey Sporting Life, kicked up the design a bit, found a few more very interesting writers, added more photos to make it a little sexier…and of course, color…we like color. The result is this first issue, which we hope you enjoy. It’s primarily for men, a fact that some women have already given me heat about. “What about women?” they scold. I say, “Go to the supermarket.” Seriously, we don’t mind women reading our paper. In fact, there is a lot in here for an active, outdoorsy type of woman to enjoy. We even have two woman writers, Nance Piazza, the dirt bike mom, and Patti Falkinburg, the equestrian, so we’re not snubbing anyone. If you have an idea for a column and like to write, get in touch and let’s talk. Also, please be sure to send us your comments on the paper and suggestions for what you’d like to see in it. We’ll try to accommodate you on that. Email me at editor@sjsportinglife.com. If you have a business that caters to men, don’t be shy about getting in our next edition. Our market is your market. We’ll definitely help increase your sales. We’re prejudiced, but we think this paper is the right thing, at the right place, at the right time...and time shall tell. This being said, “Enjoy!”
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Contrributors Published by: Frank Carmen, Patti Falkingburg, Roy Internet Media Enterprises, LLC Foreman, Jason Grover, Doug Skinner, Editor: Sam Messina, Nance Piazza, Gary Louis Mascolo Monterosso, Scott Tomjack, Cameron editor@sjsportinglife.com Wilson Director Of Advertising: Circulation Manager Tom Dagostino Greg Cavaliero tom@sjsportinglife.com South Jersey Sporting Life is published monthly and distributed at liquor stores, restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores and high traffic areas throughout South Jersey from Atlantic City to Cherry Hill. Subscriptions are available for $19.95 per year. Subscriptions are nonrefundable. SJSL has the right to refuse and advertising, editorial or other information. SJSL is not responsible for typos or factual errors in advertising or editorial. Reader letters, articles, artwork and photos are welcomed. Copyright 2007 Internet Media Enterprises, LLC. No matter herein may be reproduced with the written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers.
Your Guide to the South Jersey Outdoor & Sporting World
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May 2007
Page 3
Inside
May 2007
4| Dirt Bikin’! Is your bike ready for the season? Setting up and preparing your bike is key to a great riding season
By Nance Piazza
5| How Good Are the Phillies This Year? This could be a surprisingly good season for the “Hope Springs Eternal” Phillies! Read the player by player breakdown. By Cameron Wilson
6| ECW Got HARD well, maybeby Scott Tomjack 7|
CORE?
Golden Boy and Pretty Boy is no Mystery Will the Dela Hoya/Mayweather ticket be worth the price? By Roy Foreman
8| Beer Here! A.C. Beer Convention Boffo turnout! Over 200 brews to taste at the 7th Annual Beer Fest in A.C. Hope you didn’t miss it! By Gary Monterosso
12|
The Need For Speed! Sam Speed is Back with a racing report from Bridgeport! By Sam Messina
11|
Cage Fury Championship 4 No holds barred kicking and punching makes for a rough night!
By Jason Glover
Smokin’ Tiffany and her Little Red Convertible! 13|
Our first SJ Sporting Life Pin Up drives the little boys mad! Take a look see why?
15|
...and they’re off! The first New Jersey OTB is high class, upscale and ready to take your money. By Louis Mascolo
17|
Golf Season Preview: Is it all about Tiger Again? Plus...Spring Golf Tip from PGA Pros, Frank Carmen
21|
It Was This Big! The Fly Fishing Show & Winter Fishing Results Reported on By Doug Skinner
! s Plu
10| Millville Motorsports Park On the Move 11| NASCAR 2007 Driver Preview 14| The Equestrian by Patti Falkinburg 18| The AC Diablos Soccer Lineup by Matt Driver 18| New Magic Sports Complex Gets Under Way 20| Blue Angels Air Show Lands at Millville Airport Memorial Day
Dirt Bikin’
What’s Hot in the South Jersey Outdoor & Sporting World
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May 2007
Page 4
By Nance Piazza
The basics of Setting up your new or used Dirtbike Do you know what you’re doing? eady to hit the dirt this season? Not so fast! Brand new or dragged out of someone else’s garage, you’ll need to dial in your machine to match your weight, riding level and the terrain you will be riding or racing on. All motocross bikes new and used come in various stages of prep. Brand new bikes require at the least a half hour of easy riding to breakin the motor. Throw your gear on and head for the nearest track, you’ll need to get a feel for your new bike. Take a casual ride, moving through the gears and collecting a sense of any adjustments the suspension may require, taking note of the race sag (the amount the bike compresses from fully extended with the rider on board). After you break in the motor, check your owner’s manual for the clicker
R
settings, or www.racetech.com has a guideline chart to use as a starting point for setting race sag. Use a screwdriver to turn the screws located at the top and bottom of the front forks, and the top and bottom of the back shock ‘in’ tighter, to make the suspension harder, or ‘out’ to make for a softer ride. It’s all personal preference and riding ability when it comes to setting suspension. Some racers feel that setting their suspension and getting it right should be left up to a professional. Many dirt-guys set suspension themselves while some riders leave it at the stock setting. Most dirtbikes come with hard or intermediate compound tires, which are perfect for riding on most kinds of dirt in the Northeast, except sand. Sand riding/racing calls for a very soft, compound tire. So— break-in the motor, set the suspension, check the tires and as the racers say, your ready to “get up on it.” Whoops, I forgot custom graphics, numbers, logo’s and stickers. What was I thinkin’? Now your ready to Rip! Setting up a used bike for riding is more complicated. Hopefully you will have some ‘care-history’ of the bike when you buy it. The number one question to ask is: Has the bike been raced? Second: What has
been replaced on the bike? Ridden hard, the first things to go on a dirtbike are the bearings, sprockets, and the chain {reeds, piston and rings on two-strokes}. These should ‘all’ immediately be replaced. The air-filter is very important and must be cleaned. Wash the airfilter with soap and hot water or Simple-green and water, and airdry. Once dry, oil the air-filter with ‘specific’ air-filter oil. {No engine oil or WD-40}. Do not apply to much oil or you’ll get less air-flow, causing a rich-running condition. Next: apply a waterproof grease to the part of the airfilter that seals against the air-box. This process should be repeated after any hard riding. On a standard dirtbike the electrical system is simple: an ignition box, spark plug wiring, a kill switch and not much more. Regardless of the simplicity it needs to be checked to make sure there is no binding or exposed wires. Apply dielectric grease to all the connections to prevent moisture from invading, damaging the current. Check the throttle cables. The action should be smooth and spring closed easily. Adjust and lubricate if needed. Check the steering head and adjust if necessary.
"Gettin' up on it!" Father & Son: Vin and Vinny Piazza of Buena; and Vinelander; Josh Casia #26
Check the coolant and top off the radiators if the fluid level is lower than the top of the fins. Use motorcycle specific coolant. You want to see a green tint, not a murky color or fluid with debris in it. If you see that, drain and flush the entire coolant system. Engine oil: Follow the manufacture recommendations on viscosity and type. Fresh oils should be light gold and semi-thick, used oil is black and watery. When you drain the old oil look for metal shavings and discoloration. If a milky substance is present that indicates a leak in the cooling system. Absolutely, not good. Check and tighten all spokes with a spoke wrench — after every-ride Lubricate all moving parts with WD-40—after washing the bike/every ride
Listen to the exhaust. If it sounds really loud and hollow, take apart the silencer on the end of the pipe and re-pack the exhaust with exhaust packing. Four strokes exhaust should sound loud, like a deep roar rather then a loud–hollow sound. Two strokes have a loud–screaming popping sound. If everything checks out okay, head to the track for a test run and get that suspension dialed in to your liking. After that— your good to go! I’m sorry, I mean after you put on custom graphics; numbers; sponsors; stickers and logos, have your helmets and jerseys embossed with rider-names and fill the tank with VP fuel. How could I forget the necessities of being a motocross rider? I’ll work on that.
What’s Hot in the South Jersey Outdoor & Sporting World
Phillies report
By Cameron Wilson
D
inosaurs were terrorizing on the big screen. The XFiles made its television debut. Michael Jordan retired the first time from basketball. President Clinton famously had PLO leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin shake hands after signing a peace treaty. The year is 1993. This is also, regrettably, the last year the Philadelphia Phillies ade the playoffs. Most remember Joe Carter’s blast off of Mitch Williams to give the Blue Jays the World Series title. The following year MLB had a strike and thus began the Phillies’
Will Utley cave after his big contract?
tumble into mediocrity. High profile players like Scott Rolen along with Curt Schilling started leaving town along with fan favorites Mickey Morandini, Lenny Dykstra, Darren Daulton and John Kruk . The Vet became the most hated place to play in all of baseball, partly because of the fans, mostly because of the turf. Ed Wade soon took the helm of GM and started the long list of outrageous overpaid contracts to overrated players that for many seasons left the Phillies handcuffed by the luxury tax. So why after 14 years is there so much promise for this season, for this team? Maybe it was Jimmy Rollins, who boldly claimed that this year, much to the ire of many Mets and Braves players, the Phillies are the
“best team in the division”. Perhaps it was the young arm Cole Hamels who said that he expects to win 20 games this year. Was he being brash? Were they both being over-confident? Or maybe its just that for the first time in years the Phillies truly look poised to make a serious push for the playoffs. Of all of the major sports, baseball is a numbers driven game, so first a few numbers to help set the picture. Some surprising stats show the Phillies led the NL with 865 runs scored, won more games (45) after the all-star break than any other NL teams and were third in home runs. In just under two full seasons Ryan Howard has hit 80 home runs and was only the second player to win Rookie of the Year honors and MVP in back to back years, Cal Ripkin Jr. being the first. After the All-Star break he had an on-base percentage of .509, jacked 30 homeruns, and hit .355. Imagine if they had actually pitched to him in late August and September. Ryan Howard may have put up mind boggling numbers, but the man simply can not do it himself. Jimmy Rollins had another solid season last year, posting a career high in homeruns and lead the team in stolen bases. In addition to being a very solid lead off hitter, he is year in and year out one of the best shortstops in the NL. He combined with rising AllStar second baseman Chase Utley to become the first pair of NL middle infielders ever to each hit more than 25 home runs in the same season. There are a few worriers out there that say that after Utley signed his lengthy and lucrative contract extension his production will slide off a bit. I have little concern that the hardest working second baseman in baseball will put this season on cruise control now that he has been paid. Rounding out the infield at third base and catcher are new comers Wes Helms and Rod Barajas, respectively. Barajas adds
www.sjsportinglife.com some veteran leadership, while also providing a stable presence behind the plate replacing Michael Lieberthal. Helms is an upgrade from solid back up Abraham Nunez. He hit .329 for the Marlins last season and although he only hit 47 RBIs, his numbers are expected to rise when being placed in the potent Phillies lineup. One of the brightest spots for this season is hopefully going to be the starting rotation. With the youth and strength of arms such as Cole Hamels and Brett Myers combined with the veterans Jamie Moyer and Freddy Garcia things are looking up. There is some concern that new pitcher Adam Eaton will get off to a slow start, but with strong arms around him, the possibilities are endless. Garcia has been a little shaky this spring training, causing more than just a few to raise eyebrows. The velocity on his fastball has not been what it was in his World Series winning year. Injury problems have plagued him, making it easier for Brett Myers to move into the fist spot. Myers, committed to a rigorous training program has lost 20 lbs. and has looked exceptionally well this spring, keeping his ERA close to 2.00. The outfield has looked better and at the same time has looked worse in recent years. Shane Victorino will return to right field in a starting role left vacated by Bobby Abreu. He is a great threat for manufacturing runs being perhaps an even better base stealer than Jimmy Rollins. There has been some talk of moving him to the lead off spot, but Rollins has a tight hold on that spot. Aaron Rowand could have run for mayor of Philadelphia after he ran face first into the brick wall in center field. Although he is a very good defensive outfielder, his offensive production has been rather lack luster.
May 2007
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Last year he rode the wave of his gutsy play and the fans let him slide with his average plate appearances, but don’t expect the love to last long this year if he continues to struggle. This brings me to Pat “the bat” Burrell, which leads me into the perfect transition into my concerns about this season. Mr. Burrell is the last of the over-priced, no hustle attitude Charlie Manual always gets us players from the Ed Wade era off to a horrible of baseball. Ryan Howard start!! may have won the MVP last year, but he is by no means the most important player to this team. Sadly this role belongs solely to Mr. Burrell. He bats number 5 right behind Howard and if he continues on his multi- second half of the season. My final concern is the very year slump, then teams will never, man who over-worked Flash Gorever, pitch to Howard. His job is don and that would be good ole simply to provide enough protecUncle Charlie. The Phillies would tion behind Howard, to keep optell you that in his first 2 seasons as posing pitchers honest? Why get Phillies manager, Charlie Manuel hurt by pitching to Howard when won 173 games, the most by any you can go after “goes down lookPhillies manager in their first two ing” Pat? seasons since 1915. The Phillies The bullpen is also going to be will tell you that his 88 wins last a very stressful part of the team. If the starting rotation can give you 6 year were the most since the 93’ strong innings, the next three Phils. The Phillies will tell you that should come with a complimentary from May through September, he guided the team through the most roll of Tums. I don’t care how many fingers consecutive winning months (5) Antonio Alfonseca has on each since the 81’ team. What they will not tell you is hand, I still am not comfortable with him as the set up man. Ryan that for the last two seasons he has Madson could give up a home run guided the teams into losing Aprils to a fifth grader if you give him the and Junes, putting them in a hole chance and never recovered last too deep to climb out of. They season from being bounced to and won’t tell you that he has admitted from the bullpen. Geoff Geary that he had a hard time picking up couldn’t put out a fire if you gave then nuances of managing, such as him a strike zone the size of a the double switch, because he school bus and has had confidence STILL isn’t used to the National issues. Our closer is 93 year old League. The won’t tell you that in Tom Gordon who has seen his best a division that has included manyears pass him by. He started very agers Bobby Cox, Willie Randolph strong last season, but he wasover- and former Nationals skipper worked and had injury problems, Frank Robinson, he has been rebasically rendering him useless the peatedly out-witted and outmatched. Any fan of baseball will tell you that a good manager can be worth anywhere from five to ten Ryan Howard, only the second wins: The last two seasons, the player to win Rookie of the Year honors and MVP back to back! Phillies have missed the playoffs by less than 3 games COMBINED. If the Phillies are struggling by the All Star break, I think he has to go. I spent more time of the positives, because I am honestly trying to BE positive. My expectations of the Phillies this year are very high and I fully expect to see a playoff game this season. I may not have the lofty expectations that Jimmy Rollins has but I think we have a very dangerous team in the making. You will be hard pressed to fine a more balanced line up in the NL, and our five man rotation has the potential to be one of the best in baseball. I’m just hoping that in another month or so I don’t have to bring out the traditional Philadelphia battle cry, “There’s always next year”. Does hope spring eternal? In Philadelphia, it doesn’t always seem that way, but this year, I think it does.
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Hard Knocks Stevie Richards muscles C.M. Punk at a recent match!
ECW
Got HARD CORE?
streets in Philadelphia, ECW was known for its brutality in such famous matches as the stretcher match or the infamous barbwire blood bath. Back from its inception in 1993 all the way through to its eventual bankruptcy in 2001, ECW practically owned this niche market and effectively changed how the wrestling organizations went about their own programming, often adding “hardcore” matches and even adding hardcore titles of their own. After ECW’s bankruptcy in 2001, like the exceptional business man that he is, Vince McMahon, chairman of the WWE purchased the rights to ECW and along with it, its video library. In 2004 Vince released an ECW based DVD which went on to be one of the highest selling DVDs ever for WWE. So in 2005 the WWE decided to hold an ECW themed event called “One Night Stand”, a one night only pay-per-view program which featured the classic stars of ECW and showcased several hardcore matches. The show went on to be a success and WWE decided to bring back the promotion on a full time basis in 2006. Following a second “One Night Stand” show in 2006 the promotion kicked off again fulltime…or should I say, sputtered along full time. Now few can argue with the quality of the “One Night Stand” shows, especially the second 2006 show when an original ECW diehard Rob Van Dam successfully defeated the reigning WWE champion John Cena. On the first full time episode of this “new” ECW, Rob Van Dam was awarded the ECW Heavyweight championship making him the first and only man to ever hold the ECW and the WWE Heavyweight Championships at the same time. With this fresh start, ECW was
well, maybe by Scott Tomjack Hello wrestling fans and welcome our first column of Hard Knocks, where we bring to you updates and recent news about the greatest form of sports entertainment out there today, professional wrestling. Like ECW of the early 90’s, this column will certainly pull no punches and when it needs to, will be totally hardcore. As you know, the greatest sports entertainment show of the year, Wrestlemania 23 recently took place on April 1, 2007. With the conclusion of this show the new World Wrestling Entertainment programming schedule and its new year, so to speak, begins. With the WWE “new year” now underway I thought now would be the perfect time to examine the WWE’s pet project, the hardcore wrestling show known as Extreme Championship Wrestling. This topic, for some, is an extremely sore subject of conversation. Extreme Championship Wrestling was a smash mouth organization of wrestlers and promoters who focused on and showcased the extreme, hardcore, and no-holdsbarred style of wrestling. Based out of a “run down bingo hall” at the corner of Swanson & Ritner
well on its way to continued glory, right? WRONG!!! Not long after this historic rebirth of ECW the champion RVD found himself in a bit of hot water. It seems that State Troopers don’t take too kindly to people who speed on the interstate with their shirts off while smoking marijuana. Who knew? After this extremely embarrassing situation, RVD was stripped of both belts and suspended from the company for a month. This is where it all fell apart for ECW. Without Rob Van Dam to lead the way and delude the audience, ECW was almost doomed from the start. I use the word delude because ECW right now is simply not the ECW we all loved and remembered. In fact, old ECW as we knew it is gone. Old ECW and new ECW have only one thing in common, their initials. Most hardcore fans have a hard time dealing with that fact. The shows now take place in big arenas and the feel of the broken down bingo hall is a faded memory. The sense of hunger, desperation, and the sense of danger are all now just things of the past. With an ever revolving door of
May 2007
talent and only an hour a week to work with the quality of the ECW show plummeted and so did the ratings. Ok, now fast forward to today. ALL that being said, ECW in its recent incarnation and the in dawning of this new year, seems to have come around and found itself. The current roster is the smallest it has been in months. With a good mix of ECW originals and new comers the ECW roster is the most solid it has been since it recreation. The writers and wrestlers seem to have adjusted to the television format and the product seems to have turned the corner. The new ECW Champion Bobby Lashley came out victorious this past Wrestlemania headlining the “Battle of Billionaires” which involved Donald Trump and Vince McMahon. A victory like that gives some much needed credit to the brand. Another ECW match also appeared at Wrestlemania which pitted the “old” ECW wrestlers vs. the “New Breed” of ECW. This match was very well booked and performed at the big show, and the old school won. Two nights later on the ECW television show there was a rematch of the old vs. new, only this time with Extreme Rules! Now this match was as good an ECW match as you are going to get these days. It was basically an eight man free for all with tables, chairs, and weapons galore. On this night however, the “New Breed” got the victory. Even with these new players getting the win, it was the closest glimpse back into the storied past of what we fans now call the good old ECW days, the real ECW days. With that being said, it truly does appear that this new ECW finally has its legs under itself and is now delivering a product worthy of its namesake. Only time will tell if WWE truly does keep the “Extreme” in Extreme Championship Wrestling. But at least now I am now genuinely excited about finding out. You can catch ECW on Tuesdays on the Sci-fi network 10 pm
The “New Breed” at ECW making a splash!
Page 6
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Dela Hoya vs. Mayweather
Golden Boy and Pretty Boy By Roy Foreman On May 5, 2007 Floyd (Pretty Boy is what they call him) Mayweather and Oscar (Golden Boy is what he goes by) Dela Hoya will square off against each other in a prize fight that is predicted to be one of the biggest in the History of
boxing. The fight takes place, in where else, but the big sand pit known as Las Vegas. This is not a John Sandford Mystery (a great writer) the winners of course are the fighters and the Casinos-- the losers those who will fork out
Who’s It Gonna Be?
the $54.95 to see it on the tube and the suckers that are shelling out $100-2000.00 for seats for a match that is as lucrative as it is no mystery. Oscar is still a draw no doubt, but his boxing skills against quality opponents has long been finished...and it started with his last match against Shane Mosely, who was destroyed by Vernon Forrest, who was destroyed by Mayorga--you get the message Boxing is rich in history with great fights; Leonard-Duran, Hearns-Leonard,ChavezTaylor; only because there was some question as to who was the best -but in this one there is no doubt. Mayweather is too fast and slick. Oscar is too old and slow. He was KOed by Hopkins, beaten around the ring by Felix Sturm...oh yes, he did beat a faded Mayorga after Trinidad and Spinkx had exposed him. The only question that will come out of this is “will he continue to fight and be an attraction” such as Tyson, or will he decide to trade the trunks for more of those thousand dollars suits as a promoter? Should Mayweather win, I am sure you will hear that everywhere; but, should for some unseen reason, Oscar pulls it out, the words that Floyd never fought any one of quality will arise. Ask yourself is it worth paying for this mystery?
May 2007
Page 7
Former Boxing Champ Dwight Muhammad Qawi Honored at Event (Vineland, NJ) – The Boys & Girls Club of Vineland’s showcased a talented, tough group of local amateur fighters at its first Amateur Boxing. The event took place at Landis Intermediate School gymnasium, and they came out wailing. Rounds in the bout are 1 ½ minutes, so the young boxers came out swinging and wailed on each other for some fast, jolting action. The gym was pimped out with a new, portable boxing ring and all the local color that a match could want, including a DJ, food and beverage
and ready to fight. We scheduled over 12 bouts—both male and female. We saw some great, young boxing today.” Dwight Muhammad Qawi (The Camden Buzzsaw), former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champ, was honored at the event. Qawi was recently inducted int0 the Boxing Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his past accomplishments and his valuable mentoring work with youth. Ex-heavyweight champ, Tim Witherspoon, was there to show his support for the Club and Mr. Qawi. The Boys & Girls Club of Vineland mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most to realize their full potential as responsible, caring and productive citizens. The Vineland Club recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary and the 100th anniversary of Boys & Girls Clubs
The action was fast and furious as talented amateurs from S. Jersey, Philly and NYC paired off.
and a crowd of around 200 enthusiof America. The Club provides astic fans. services at two sites to hundreds “We really looked forward to our of boys and girls, ages 6-18, in first Amateur Boxing event in the the key areas of recreation, area, and it was as big as a success homework help, performing as we had hoped,” said Chris arts, job readiness and commuVolker, Director of the Boys & nity service. The membership Girls Club of Vineland. “This event fee is $10 for one year. is important to our Club since it showcased some of the young boxing talent here, throughout the Delaware Valley and beyond.” “Our kids came in excited about this show,” said Club boxing coach Marvin Johnson. “We worked hard to make sure all of the young Ringside seats for ex-champs Qawi boxers were in shape & Witherspoon at the fights.
“Serving the Delaware Valley”
ROMANO
THE
vs
INSTANT DOCUMENT DESTRUCTION
Shred It And Forget It! Bryan Romano 800.791.7717 609.263.1054 Fax: 856-205-9772
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May 2007
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HO BE W G ER AR FE Y M ST TH ONT AT ER ’S T OS HE SO TO PA AS RTN T O ER F T ED HE A TO WN
By Gary Monterosso
The Story Behind “The Celebration of the Suds” What can you say about a beer festival that sees its paid attendance increase by over 60 percent in one year? I thought that kind of growth was reserved only for oil companies. Yet, that defined the return for the second annual Atlantic City Beer Festival, a.k.a. The Celebration of the Suds, held March 10-11 at the city’s Convention Center. The 2007 iteration featured close to 200 different flavors, represented by approximately 60 breweries (there also were meads and ciders) from around the world, although the majority were from the tri-state area. Members of the press were in evidence, including delegates from the popular Sirius Satellite Radio program, Beer Radio, the hosts of The Bartender’s Show, a podcast originating from Annapolis, MD, Beverage World (New York City), Draft Magazine and more. New Jersey had two of its native sons in attendance as vendors, Wiedenmayer Brewing and Atlantic City’s own Tun Tavern, with the former copping an award for best lager. The respected People’s Choice for favorite brewery was awarded to Magic Hat. As a person who has attended or participated in several food and beverage events, I never really appreciated all that goes into their creation. That changed for me in late 2005 when the promoters of Unsuited Entertainment, a local company, approached me with the offer of getting involved in a new concept, the Atlantic City Beer
Festival. Over the course of the next few months, I met regularly with the team as my role evolved into that of a consultant, especially in their dealings with brewers and distributors. The 2006 show was successful with a paid attendance exceeding 5,000. Not long after that show ended, we conferenced, replaying what we felt were our plusses and minuses. Although some deficiencies were deemed difficult to remediate, others were quite fixable, such as substituting hard plastic sampling tumblers for real glass. Housekeeping at the Atlantic City Convention Center appreciated that change. I continued to meet with Unsuited Entertainment throughout the remainder of last year and, as 2006 concluded, we had a reasonably clear idea as to the direction of this year’s festival. The number of vendors doubled, allowing us to offer close to 200 beers as we moved to an 80,000 square-foot hall, more than tripling the size of the room. As it turns out, the additional space was needed, based on the increase in vendors and customers. Sure, new unanticipated situations developed, but they were addressed and will be discussed for next year. More importantly, some unique beers were presented, including a few flavors not yet released in this area. One that stands out is Brooklyn Brewing’s, Local 1, a strong Belgian-style golden ale. I was fortunate to try a sample of the initial batch of Local 1, a test version. Invariably, a brewer will develop an idea for a beer and then make a small amount of it. Further evaluation occurs and any changes are made. The final rendering, coming from the fourth batch, is what exists as Local 1. This beer integrates German malt and hops, demerara (raw cane
sugar) from Mauritius and Belgian yeast. Effervescence is outstanding and long lasting. The flavor starts a bit malty, but finishes with a pleasant hop presence. Neither tastes are overpowering and the flavors seem to bond perfectly. Although Local 1 may show up on the shelves this month, most well stocked packaged goods stores should be selling it by May. A spring seasonal worth checking out is Smuttynose Hanami Ale. If the name sounds Asian, it’s because it refers to a Japanese custom of taking a day off with family and friends to picnic in the park and view the cherry blossoms. Thus, Hanami Ale is made with cherry juice. For devotees of good beer, there is good news. Unsuited Entertainment has signed a multi-year contract with management of the Convention Center, guaranteeing at least four more years in Atlantic City. As show promoter Jon Henderson said, “We are thrilled to be offering some great beers to the people of our area. From what I hear, we may be turning this into one of the biggest beer events on the East Coast. We thank our guest for supporting us these past couple of years and look forward to seeing everyone again in 2008.” The show website (www.acbeerfest.com) will remain active for a few more weeks. Check it out for some pictures and a brief recap of a great weekend in southern New Jersey. For more beer information, please listen to Gary Monterosso on “Beer Radio,” heard weekly on the Sirius Satellite Radio network each Saturday from 4:006:00 p.m. on Channel 147. Gary’s website is www.garymonterosso.com. You may contact him at garydrinksbeer@comcast.net
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The Atlantic City Celebration of the Suds Lots of pretty girls to make the brew brewery-er: (left) the three blondes, Server Bonnie with Stephanie, & Carley. (r) Rachelle & Kelly with US Smokeless Tobacco. (top right) Jacki & Smantha, (bottom right) Jaime & Alexandra from “The Society Page,”
Blue Moon’s, Jami Balara & Kara Logan flew in from Denver. We don’t care who the guy on the left is.
Kevin (left) and his two “want-to-remainanonymous” friends, sporting some smiles that tell the story.
Hostess, Susan Wood, makes sure all the boys are filled up at Sly Fox! A few EHT ladies seemed to be doing alright flitting from beer tasting to beer tasting.
Furrin’ Beers, Too! Owner,Pete, of Pistol Pete’s Steakhouse knew how to get the boys to the table
Foreign brews were on hand, too! (l to r) Japanese, Asahi; Russian, Baltika, German, Spaten!
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(Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!)
Millville’ Thunderbolt Motorsports Park Is Underway! At a ceremonial signing last ter designed especially to accom-
month, Governor Corzine signed a modate the automotive industry. It bill which authorizes the building is estimated that, at completion, of the long anticipated, and, some- total project costs will exceed $100 times controversial, Motorsports million. Park. In attendance at the cere- The goal of this concept is to promony, were Congressman, Frank vide a park-like setting geared to LoBiondo, State Senator, Nick As- family entertainment and broadselta, State Assemblymen, Jeff Van based Motorsports education. It is Drew & Nelson Albano, Cumber- projected to employ approximately land County Freeholders, Lou 1,500 full and part-time employees Magazzu & Dough Fisher, and when fully completed. Millville Mayor, Jim Quinn. Overall, the New Jersey MotorThe Motorsports Park’s main at- sports Park will be a unique develtraction will be the 3.98 mile, sev- opment project geared to enteen (17) turn Thunderbolt complement the surrounding enviRaceway road circuit. Thunderbolt ronment with natural open spaces Raceway is designed to challenge and significant natural buffers. It drivers with its high speeds, multi- will employ approximately 1,500 ple turns and varying degrees workers with a wide range of expeof banking and elevation changes. riences and disciplines and will In addition to the Thunderbolt provide for tourist entertainment as Raceway, New Jersey Motorsports well as educational facilities that Park offers eleven (11) alternative will enhance or support the existchallenging road course configura- ing scholastic infrastructure of tions. From New Jersey Motor- Cumberland County. The New Jersports Park’s technically sey Motorsports Park will be a challenging 1.47 mile “Republic” powerful catalyst for regional decircuit to the 4.01 mile “Big velopment and job creation. Daddy“ our spectators and partici- New Jersey Motorsports Park pants will have no shortage of ex- (NJMP), LLC was formed to develop, own and operate the Motorciting venues. In addition to Road Racing activi- sports Park resort facility. The ties, New Jersey Motorsports Park majority principals and co-manwill have a world class Karting Circuit, an off-road recreational vehicle course, spacious skid pads and a three quarter of a mile Tri-Oval raceway. The Millville Motorsports complex will be driven by an assortment of (left) Officials abound at the Motorsports Park signing ceremony. Seen with Gov. Corzine (center) are (l to r) Assemblyman, Jeff Van automotive indus- Drew, Cumberland County Freeholder, Lou Magazzu & Assemblytries and comple- men, Doug Fisher and Nelson Albano. m e n t a r y agers of the company are Harvey businesses that will include, but not Siegel and Lee Brahin. Both have be limited to: high-end antique or experience in commercial real esclassic automotive clubs; private tate development and are New Jergarages; research and development sey residents. Mr. Siegel is the campus with warehouses, distribu- owner of the Virginia International tion and sales facilities; All Terrain Raceway (VIR), the VIR MotorVehicle (ATV) or ORV course; na- sport Country Club and Resort and tionally renowned schools for more the VIR Raceplex Industrial Park. advanced driving techniques and He conducted the renovation of training for defensive or military that historic complex which is now evasive driving skills; specialty car considered one of the nation’s pregallery for the display and sale of mier road courses. Lee Brahin is antique or classic automobiles; ho- the operating principal of Brahin tels designed for different price Properties, Inc., Brahin Managepoints; special Motorsports country ment Corporation and Commercial club and clubhouse; multiple Property Associates, Inc. restaurants; villas or condo-style *This information’s primary source is resort houses and conference cen- www.njmotorsportspark.com. For more information, check out their site.
The Layout
Cape May County HOG Pre-Shoobie Poker Run May 6, 2007 12th Annual Roar to the Shore” Fall Rally Sept. 6-9, 2007 www.roartotheshore.com Vendor info: 609.729.8870 Reservations: 609.522.6929
WILDWOOD HARLEY-DAVIDSON 127 Rio Grande Ave., Wildwood, NJ 08260 609.522.7151 FX: 609.522.3737 www.wildwoodharley.com
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Your Guide to the South Jersey Outdoor & Sporting World
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Sam Speed Is Back! ...and heads to Bridgeport Speedway I’m Baaaaack! For the loyal picture of this as my safety was readers of the former “South Jersey Outdoor Guide,” now South Jersey Sporting Life, I am no stranger and I am excited to be back from my long vacation. For the new readers and the old readers, Welcome! I had the opportunity to attend the season opening URC Sprint Series race at Bridgeport Speedway. It had been a while since I was last at Bridgeport, and I must say that I was impressed with the improvements done to the facilities since I was there last. From the Grandstands, bathrooms and, the sky box suites, everything looked great. The evening excitement started during the URC Sprint warm-ups when Greg Coverdale lost his top wing entering turn 1. He then flipped into the air shearing off a light pole as he exited the track over the turn 1 wall. Coverdale climbed out of the wrecked car with assistance from the safety crews. Although he appeared OK it was decided to take him to the hospital for a check up. It was a great 25 lap race with all the excitement that I can remember from past races at Bridgeport. There were 3 cautions during the race. The first came when Kramer Williamson, Scott Pursell and Jimmy Stitzel got together in turn 2 on lap #2. The second caution came when Tim Hogue and Kevin Walsh spun in turn 1 on lap #21. On lap #22, yours truly had an up close view of Joe Zuczek hitting the front stretch infield wall. Zuczek, after mixing it up coming out of turn 4 was heading straight for the break in the infield wall by the scale exit where I happened to be taking pictures. As Zuczek came closer to the wall, I was already backing up. At impact the front end came up and the force had made him hit the throttle again launching him air born. At this time I was halfway over the retaining wall to get out of the way. In the aftermath the wall had been moved 2 feet and luckily the car had cleared my camera bag which I thought was a loss. My regret is that I wasn’t able to get a
more important. Chris Coyle and Brian Seidel had battled it out all through the race but, in the end it was Coyle coming away with the win as the rain drops were starting to fall. The completion of the Modified race was postponed to 4/21 due to rain. If you have never been to Bridgeport Speedway or haven’t been there in a while, I highly recommend attending a race there. They have racing Friday and Saturday nights and have reasonably priced admission. The smell of the racing fuel, the sound of the engines and the excitement on the track can’t be beat. There is a storm raging in the DEI racing team. Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants to gain control of the team asking for 51% or better of the team. Dale Jr. wants to be able to control his destiny and direction of the team named after his father. There are many in NASCAR that feel that the mud now being slung in the public eye is wrong and should be behind closed doors as is most other negotiations between owners and drivers. From personal experience, I know that when one side involved with negotiations go public, it’s because things aren’t going that well. DEI is a great racing team but, there are others that are better. Those teams would be eager to get a driver like Dale Jr. with the talent, namesake and fan base to put in their car. If Dale Jr. were to leave DEI, he could probably very easily run his own team. If he were to drive for another team, I think the odds are high that you may see him driving for RCR in a “3.” Dale Jr. has given a June deadline to DEI. The “Car of Tomorrow” is here! NASCAR ran a few races with the COT to the likes and dislikes of drivers and fans. The car is designed to be safer and more equal. “Equality” is a good thing but, NASCAR should be reminded that being “different” will always be a necessity. The NHRA and John Force Racing suffered a tragic loss after the
Here are some action shots I took at Bridgeport Speedway. It was a wet and dreary night, and Number 50 here almost wiped me out. Chris Coyle and Brian Seidel battled it out the whole race but Coyle won it in exciting fashion.
Gatornationals. Funny Car racer, Eric Medlen, died as a result of injuries from a testing accident on the Monday after the race. Initially, information on this was accident was hard to find but, later information was released. Eric’s car had a rear slick fail just off the starting line along with severe tire shake. The way I understand it is that the tire came apart leaving a chunk of tire on the wheel causing a severe imbalance. With the car under power and the tire in the condition it was in, it created a severe oscillating shake causing Eric’s head to rock back and forth violently before he eventually brushed the wall and stopped. The injury to Eric’s brain was described as much more severe than “Shaken Baby Syndrome.” Goodyear has stated that they found a puncture in the tire which was reconstructed at their facilities which could have caused the failure. At this point it is not know what, if anything punctured the tire. Reacting on information from this accident, John Force has tested a new design to the roll cage to allow for extra padding to insulate the driver from any further oscillating injuries. Force has also had all of his team’s cars modified for this. Look for other teams to follow Force’s lead in these safety modifications as Kenny Bernstein has already done so. In an after note to the situation at John Force Racing. John Force’s qualifying streak ends at 395 after not being able to qualify at Las Vegas. John blamed the heavier car but, acknowledged that Robert Hight and his daughter Ashley had qualified #2 and #3. John is putting part of his attention toward making the sport safer for everyone. That combined with the recent pressure and stress contributed to not qualifying. If you have any questions, comments or story ideas, you can email me at: Samspeed5@aol.com
Pictures & Story by Sam Speed Messina
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What to do about Tiffany?
Mischevious & playful, 24 year-old, South Jersey belle, Tiffany, always has the boys in a quandry. Such a delightful puzzle.
Want to be next month’s pin-up? Send your pics and info to us-South Jersey Sporting Life 1370 S. Main Rd., #4 Vineland, NJ 08360 or email pic files & bio to editor@sjsportinglife.com
Your Guide to the South Jersey Outdoor & Sporting World
THEEQUES -
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By Patti Falkinburg
2007, at Hits on the Hudshows with more than Buena Vista son, in Saugerties, New 2,300 riders. The league Equestrian Center in offers finals for the follow- York, which is one of the Vineland, New Jersey
national premiere show facilities. There is also a West and Midwest Final, which is held at the Los Angeles National Horse Show and The High Prairie Farms Fall Previews in Colorado. Buena Vista also offers classes pointed by the English Circuit of South Jersey, which is a local horse show association that is celebrating its 35th year. ECSJ offers numerous divisions for the rider who is just starting to compete to the accomplished rider. The show is open to the Aramis - owner, Donna Sainson, competing public in and admisJumper Division Victor Burroughs sion is free. BVEC offers riding instrucfor the finals by points tions at all levels of compeassociation designed to earned in their division tition from the rider who give equestrians the oppor- during the qualifying pehas never sat on a horse, to tunity to qualify for a pres- riod for 2007, which is the national competitor tigious national finals September 2, 2006 to Sep- level. For more informacompetition. tember 2, 2007. tion, go to www.BVECIn 2006, there were seven The National Finals will be horse.com or call hundred sanctioned horse 609-634-6170 held September 13-16th, will be hosting a horse show on Saturday, April 28 starting at 8 a.m. The show is pointed by the Marshall Sterling League, which is a nationwide
ing divisions: Children’s Hunters, Adult Hunters, Open Hunters, Children’s Jumpers, Adult Jumpers, a Grand Prix Jumper, and both 3’and 3’6” equitation divisions. Riders qualify
Spring Riding Program now forming at
English Riding Lessons Beginner - Advanced
FREE! 1/2 Hour Intro Lesson with every Lesson Package! Indoor Riding Ring Day & Evening Hours Buena Vista Equestrian Center at Vine & Central, Vineland, NJ
609-634-6170
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...and they’re off!
First NJ Off Track Betting Opens In Vineland Vineland, NJ - The new off-track betting parlor, Favorites, opened the doors to the public on March 30, 2007. ‘Favorites at Vineland,’ located on South Delsea Drive between Foster and Walnut Roads offers a new kind of entertainment to the area, the first Off Track Betting facility in New Jersey. It is the first of 24 OTB facilities to be built in the state. The facility is first-class and upscale with full service bar and restaurant service. Seating for 300 includes lounge areas for groups, individual betting terminals and a mega sports bar for those who enjoy the camaraderie of a bar setting. There is also a high roller room for well heeled gamblers. “Four hundred, flat-screen, high-definition TV monitors, showing every major race in North America, allow bettors to place wagers on their favorite horses.” explains Hal Handel, CEO and President of Greenwood Racing, the creators of ‘Favorites at Vineland.’ Major ball games will be featured in HDTV here. Bring your wallet, appetite and your ID. ‘Under eighteen not permitted,’” he adds. A trained, Guest Service person is at the door greeting patrons and checking ageappropriate ID. “Bartenders will vigorously enforce no alcohol to anyone under 21”, Handel remarked. If you check out okay, there are a host of horse racing publications and programs to be purchased near the betting terminals. Managers, wearing clearly defined ‘Favorites’ logo shirts, will be on every shift to handle any concerns patrons may have. If handicapping horses and putting down wagers makes you hungry, ‘Favorites at Vineland’ offers light food service; hamburgers, hotdogs, salads and a few other finger foods at reasonable prices (hot dogs—$1.75). Driving in is easy and quick with lots of free parking spaces. “The large, very well-lit parking lot has 40-50 digital security cameras” said Handel. If a problem arises we can review, and re-review the footage.” Sandy Forosisky, the Director of Re-development of Commercial and Retail in Vineland had this to say about the new off-track betting parlor. “ From an economic stand-point, anything that brings revenue to our community is a positive thing. This betting parlor will create 5075 new jobs, and the overall benefits outweigh the risk of any small percentage of attracting an undesirable element. It’s an additional form of entertainment that adds value to our area,” she adds. ‘Favorites at Vineland’ is a state-of-the-art, off-track betting facility, owned by Greenwood Racing, which also owns Philadelphia Park and Atlantic City Race Course. Break the piggy bank and get ready to Assemblyman, Jeff Van Drew contemplates the new Jockey & Horse place your bets! statue that greets visitors at the entrance of Favorites.
Participating in the ribbon cutting ceremonay (L to R): Tony Abbatiello, NJ Racing Commissioner; Nelson Albano, 1st District Assemblyman; Bob Green, President of Greenwood Racing; Jeff Van Drew, 1st District Assemblyman; Bill Hogwood, Director of Greenwood Racing; Vineland Mayor, Perry Barse.
Eat, bet, be a happy, nourished winner. Light food at reasonable prices and a place to sit and enjoy.
Virtual Tour
VIP Night at Favorites introduced the facility and served up some tasty dishes to the crowd.
A large circular bar in the center of the facility offers a place to talk over the races and have a refreshing beverage.
Placing a wager is fast and friendly at the large, well staffed betting counter.
Even your own personal space and computer to handicap and ruminate on the day’s racing choices.
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SPRING GOLF TIP
FORGET THE TRUCK!
From P.G.A Golf Professional
Frank Carman The most important thing that I see in most people is the lack of a full upper shoulder turn as they swing the club back to the top of their back swing. What we mean by a full shoulder turn is rotating the left shoulder so that it rotates to or past where the ball is. It is very important not to confuse the turn with a dipping of the left shoulder rather than a turning movement. The previous refers to a right handed golfer.
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You rotate your upper body so that you can feel your body weight move to your back foot. After completing your back swing you want to feel that you start your down swing with a shift of your body weight to your front leg with a turning motion of your hips. As you make this move you must be sure that you keep your head behind the ball. THIS IS A MUST!! Good luck and I hope to see you on the practice range.
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Your Guide to the South Jersey Outdoor & Sporting World
AC DIABLOS Team Dynamics Adds National Premiere Soccer League Team to its Arsenal
Atlantic City, NJ – Atlantic County based Team Dynamics, LLC, a company specializing in all aspects of youth soccer development, has announced the formation of its second minor league endeavor in as many years – the AC Diablos Men’s Soccer team, slated to open play in the National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) newly formed Eastern Division this May.
Chief Executive Officer Matt Driver, former first assistant coach of the New England Revolution (MLS), hopes to see the men’s team perform as well, both on and off the field, as last year’s AC Diablos women’s team who compete in the NPSL’s “sister” league, the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). In their 2006 maiden season, the
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Diablos women, featuring mainly locally-based intercollegiate players, posted an 8-1-1 record and were the Eastern Conference, Southern Division champions. The team reached the regional final before dropping a tight, 2-1, decision to the eventual national champion Long Island Fury. The off-season proved just as heady for the rookie franchise who were honored by the WPSL at their annual league meeting in Las Vegas, NV with two awards – Best New Organization and Best Executive (Driver). The addition of the men’s team completes the Diablos’ vertically integrated organization model, which starts out with their youth academy that currently supports boys MAPS teams in the U14 through U19 age groups. For Fall, 2007, the academy plans to add girls teams from U13 through U19
May 2007
and also add a boys U13 side. For the academy staff, Driver has recruited former college and United Soccer League (USL) coach Seamus O’Connor, WPSL Philadelphia Liberty coach Wayne Grocott (holder of a UEFA “B” coaching license), and long-time college coach and former USL coach Jody Roberts. Additional staff with similar collegiate and professional coaching backgrounds will be added for the expansion. Driver, the men’s team’s head coach, plans to follow the same formula in developing the men that worked so well with the women – make full use of the abundance of top local talent now playing intercollegiate soccer. However, a young cast requires strong on-field leadership which was why Driver’s first signing was Jeff Moore, the assistant men’s soccer coach at Richard Stockton College in
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Pomona, NJ. Moore, who had an excellent MLS career with the NY/NJ MetroStars (now Red Bull New York), will fill the dual role of player and assistant coach. O’Connor, last year’s assistant coach with the women’s team, has been named the head coach of the CDSA Future WPSL team in Dover, DE – another in Team Dynamic’s stable of franchises. The men’s team opens their 2007 campaign in Lakewood, NJ on Sunday, May 20th with a 6:00pm kick-off against Real Shore FC. After traveling to the Long Island Fury for a Friday, June 1st contest, the Diablos men will have their home-opener on Sunday, June 3rd – a double-header with the women – when they host the Boston Aztecs at St. Augustine Prep’s turf stadium in Richland, NJ. Kick-off is set for 4:00pm with the women to follow at 6:00pm.
The Team (Look What’s Coming!)
Magic Sports & Health Complex Mays Landing - Magic Sports & Health Complex, LLC, based in Toms River, NJ, has reached agreement with the Hamilton Township Industrial Commission to build a sports and resort development in the Hamilton Business Park. This major sports & health facility is scheduled to break ground this summer in Hamilton Township. The site is located in the Hamilton Township Industrial Park between Routes 40 & 559. Magic Sports & Health Complex, LLC, founded by Maria and Ron Nametko, will construct, maintain and operate an indoor and outdoor multi-use/multi-sports complex on approximately 137 acres. The complex will feature a variety of athletic fields and courts, learning centers, health and wellness facilities, a conference center, athlete housing, and food and beverage services. In addition, the resort will include a 600-unit, suites-oriented hotel and indoor water park for guests of the hotel and sports complex. The cost for the completed project is estimated at $250 million to $275 million. The targeted completion date for the sports complex is July of 2009. Funding for the project is being led by USA Partners, a company affiliated with more than two hundred professional sports figures who will be visiting the Magic facilities for a variety of events through USA Partners’ “The Legends” program. The Legends program is a leader in celebrity special events including successful weekend Celebrity Poker Tournaments at casinos throughout the US. Development of the Magic Sports facility should result in creation of jobs and an increase in tourism in the area. The Magic Sports project, along with the new Thunderbolt Motorsports Park in Millville, will significantly impact the economy of the entire region. Ron Nametko, President of Magic Sports and Health Complex LLC, is confident that the new complex will have the impact of a Busch Gardens, Sea World or Disney Wide World of Sports on New Jersey tourism. It is projected that 800,000 families a year will visit the Magic Sports complex for scheduled activities and classes. The Magic Sports site will offer state-of-the-art training for all athletes and will feature facilities designed specifically for disabled athletes. Plans include hosting Special Olympics events and a variety of camps and tournaments in multiple sports. “Sports travel teams, leagues, coaches, individual athletes, and sports enthusiasts, along with their friends and families, will travel from around the country and the world for training and competition at this state-ofthe-art facility. Our southern New Jersey location, with its established destination amenities, is ideal, and the project will benefit all of the citizens of South Jersey and further enhance this region’s position as a premier destination,” states Mr. Nametko.
Matt Driver, Head Coach For almost 15 years, Matt Driver has blazed a path in the field of player education and development in the U.S. He has implemented successful team tactics at the minor league level with the South Jersey Barons professional soccer team, formally of the USL Pro League. There he won several Conference Titles, a Regular Session National Title and an appearance at the National Championship, making Matt the most successful coach in the country at the USL Pro Level. A former professional player with Bury Football Club, formerly of the English Third Division, and Burnley Football Club, formerly of the English Fourth Division, Driver also enjoyed a stint with S. C. Herford, formerly of the Second Division of the German Bundesliga. In addition, he played in the United States with the Albany Capitals and the Boston Bolts both of the American Professional Soccer League. More recently Matt was the First Assistant Coach in the MLS with the New England Revolution. He took them from last place in the Eastern Conference to Eastern Conference Champions and the MLS Cup Final. Matt holds a USSF A License, NSCAA Premier License, and NSCAA Advanced National Diploma. He also carries a Brazilian A License and a Scottish Football Association A-I License. Jeff Moore Player/Assistant Coach A former professional player with the NY/NJ Metrostars of Major League Soccer, the Philadelphia Kixx of the MISL and the Virginia Beach Mariners of the USL “A” League. For the Metrostars, Jeff, started 18 games as a rookie, recording 3 assists in league play. He also scored in a friendly with Boca Juniors. Attended Richard Stockton College of NJ, where he was selected 4 times All Conference, 3 time All Region and 1 time National All-American. Jeff made 2 Final Four appearances and won 1 National Championship. He holds the school record for assists in a career (48) and in a season (19). Seamus O’Connor Goalkeeper Coach Seamus O’Connor was appointed Head Coach of the Reading Rage team that competed in the PDL for the 2004 season. Seamus was able to bring the club back to a winning record. In 2005, Seamus was appointed the first Men’s Soccer Coach at Immaculata University. In just his second year he lead them into the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference playoffs. Seamus is a former collegiate player for Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland. While in college he trained with League of Ireland clubs Athlone Town and Longford Town. His soccer education includes a Football Association of Ireland Coaching License, FAI Goalkeeping License, NSCAA National License and NSCAA Level 2 Goalkeeping. Key Local players for 2006 AC Diablos Jeff Moore Player/Assistant Coach Position: Midfield College: Stockton College Previous Playing Experience: Philadelphia KIXX of MISL, Virginia Beach Mariners USL A League, NY/NJ Metrostars of Major League Soccer Rich Baker Captain Position: Midfield College: Monmouth University High School: Ocean City Hometown: Ocean City, N.J.
Billy Swetra Position: Defense, Midfield College: James Madison University High School: Absegami Hometown: Egg Harbor City, N.J.
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Story & Photos by Jason Grover
Seen at the fight Pride FC fighter and overall badass, Nick Diaz & former UFC champ, Ricco Rodriguez
On Friday April 13th , Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall hosted Cage Fury Fighting Championships 4. South Jersey MMA (mixed martial arts) fans came out in mass to watch 14 action filled fights. Four of which had championship titles on the line. The fans weren’t the only ones representing South Jersey, Felix Martinez ,CFFC president, is a Vineland native and much of his staff are still living in the area. Also every fight had one or more S.J. residents participating, reigning from Vineland, Sewell, Blackwood, Salem, and Atlantic City. Also in attendance was (former UFC champ) Ricco Rodriguez ,and (Former Olympic gold medalist and heavyweight boxing champion) Ray “Merciless” Mercer. Mercer was there for the formal announcement of his upcoming fight with Kimbo Slice. Kimbo Slice is a well known street fighter whose fights can be easily found on the Internet. Both men will be making their MMA debut on June 23rd at CFFC 5. When asked if he has been training submissions in case the fight went to the ground, Mercer said “not much”. Mercer also said, “I’m going to have to resort to street fighting myself and whoever catches the other first will win”. “One thing is for sure, it’s going to be an exciting fight!”. Despite the unlucky nature of the date, fight fans certainly lucked out. The night was jam packed with great athletes giving their all in exciting mixed martial arts competition.
Matches were rough & tough. (top left to bottom) John Howard vs. Josh Rossan: Ken Owens vs. Jonathan Helwig: Jose Rodriquez vs. Dan Miller: Carlos Nieves vs. Brian Demuro: (above) Kimbo Slice & Ray “Merciless” Mercer, announced their upcoming championship bout.
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The Blue Angels Arriving at Millville Airport Memorial Day MILLVILLE, NJ: The United States Navy BLUE ANGELS Flight Demonstration Squadron will headline the 15th Annual Millville Wheels & Wings Airshow at Millville Airport — America’s First Defense Airport — as a salute to the United States military on Memorial Day Weekend 2007! The Millville Airshow is hosted by the Millville Army Air Field Museum (MAAFM), produced by David Schultz Airshows LLC, and this year presented by Union Lake Crossing Shoppinng Center, a Goodman Properties Development. The prestigious U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron will top the list of modern military jets, historic warbirds and aerobatic performers at Millville Airport on Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, 2007. “We’re incredibly excited and honored to welcome back the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Millville for their spectacular performances and to help us salute all of the United States military at America’s First Defense Airport on Memorial Weekend,” says Russell Davis, MAAFM president and airshow director. “Our 2007 airshow will be a very special way to show our ap-
preciation to U.S. troops and veterans. This event will be a tribute to American patriotism.” The U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron, consisting of six air combat F/A-18 ‘Hornet’ fighter jets flown by America’s finest pilots, are coming to the Millville Airshow from their headquarters at Pensacola, Florida. They will delight audiences with their gravity-defying loops and rolls performed in tight formation at hundreds of miles per hour. The Blue Angels appeared in Millville one other time, at the 2003 airshow. “Along with the Blue Angels, we have a great list of aviation performers, military, civilian, and historic,” continued Davis. “There is always something new and exciting to see and this year is no exception. The Millville Airshow is thrilling, fascinating, educational, and fun — all at one huge, patriotic event!” The 2007 Millville Airshow includes an exciting list of new performers providing some of the very best aerobatic performances in the world today. The featured civilian performer is Greg Poe in the “Ethanol Kicks Gas” all ethanol
Spectacular flying is not something you see every day! powered Edge 540 sponsored by Fagan. The Red Eagle Air Sports team, sponsored by PPG, will also perform, flying two Eagle Talon aircraft with formation and solo aerobatics throughout their routine. Rob Holland in his Ultimate II will also be providing an aerial demonstration. Tim Weber’s Geico Extra 300 will return for the 2007 airshow. Jet demonstrations will include the United States Air Force’s F15C Eagle Demonstration Team and Don “Beetle” Bailey in his L-29C Delphin.Millville’s extensive warbird display will include THREE WWII B-25J Mitchells along with a P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, TBM Avenger, F4U Corsair, P-40 Warhawk, S2B Tracker, and C-54 Skymaster. The FAA William Hughes Technical Center will also be in attendance with their Convair, KingAir and LearJet.
In addition, the Millville Wheels & Wings Airshow presents hundreds of beautifully restored classic and antique automobiles hosted by the Garden State 50’s Auto Club of Southern New Jersey and special race car exhibits provided by Thunderbolt Raceway. Helicopters, hot air balloons, community booths, children’s aviation ‘bounce’ rides, and a multitude of food vendors will add to the festivities. Advance Ticket Sales Tickets for the Millville Airshow are available by calling the Millville Army Air Field Museum at (856) 3272347, or online at millvilleair-
show.com.Advance tickets — a savings of $5 per ticket — will be sold at the discounted price of $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 through May 21, 2007. Tickets at the gate on Saturday and Sunday, May 26 & 27, 2007, will cost $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. For Car Show pre-registration and/or information call Tracy Ushler at (856) 451-0693. For more information about the Millville Wheels & Wings 2007 Airshow contact Lisa Jester at (856) 327-2347.Airshow information is also available at: millvilleairshow.com or schultzairshows.com
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Of Fly Fishing Shows
and Winter Fishing
By Doug Skinner n the absence of other hobbies this winter it seemed like a good idea to learn something new. There is no better place to learn a new hobby than at an expo like the annual Fly Fishing Show in held at the Garden State Expo Center in Somerset, NJ. From January 25-27th it was here where some of the greatest outfitters, manufacturers, lecturers, and authors in the sport gathered by the hundreds to eat, live, and breathe fly fishing for a few days. Those responsible for the show obviously understood how overwhelming an experience like this could be for a newcomer. They carefully placed a few booths in the lobby of the exhi-
I
bition hall just to ease an unsuspecting newbie into the world of fly fishing. The show ran all day for three days and even though the $14 entry fee seemed high for some of those in attendance, many took of all this show had to offer. A.K. Best, a renowned fly-tier, angler, and photographer, was at the show imparting knowledge that he has picked up on bodies of water all across the country. “There are no more beautiful places in the country than on trout streams,” said Best during one of his seminars. Fly fishing seems to be much more complicated than more conventional means of taking fish. If you think about it though, the basics are the same.
Fishing, no mater the strategy usually involves a rod, some line, a reel, and a favorite lure. The main difference is that the lures used in fly fishing tend to be smaller, the rods longer, and the reel, according to Best, is only used to hold the line when your not trout fishing. So, it’s not really more complicated, but it certainly must be more expensive, right? Not really. Like most hobbies, fly fishing is only as expensive as you want to make it. Truth is, it’s not hard to quickly spend a lot of money on fancy equipment. There were many manufacturers at the show that had rods and reels over $800, but if you talk to a sales representative for any of the big name companies like St. Croix, G. Loomis, or Sage, you’ll find reasonably priced high q u a l i t y equipment. For the more experienced fly angler the show must have been Tanks, Aerators, Cast Nets like an amusement park. Where else could 81 Natalie Terrace, Absecon, New Jersey, 08201 you pick up OPEN 7 DAYS - FISHERMAN S HOURS expensive toys and play with them without fear
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of being reprimanded? There was a large area at the back of the exhibition center for prospective buyers who wanted practice casting some of the latest additions to the fly rod world. Those new to the sport, like myself, left the testing to the pros, and watched intently hoping to pickup a few helpful tips. Every hour of the show was packed with seminars and lectures that were included in the entrance fee. You could easily spend the entire day in a classroom and miss the entire show. This year fresh from a December trip south I took advantage of some of the seminars that focused on some of Florida’s famous fishes. Capt. Bob Beighley, who operates out of Key West, gave an informative seminar on flats fishing. Tarpon, Permit, Redfish, and the oft-underestimated Barracuda were the main focus of the lecture. Capt. Beighley enthusiastically gave tips ranging from casting and landing technique, clothing you need on the water, productive flies, and hot spots in the Keys. These tips, he mentioned, would not come so easy should you run into him on the docks around his home waters. Once you get past the fancy equipment, the beautifully tied flies, and the exotic guide services, your left a little bewildered, but there was not one person in a booth, strolling the aisles, or signing autographs that wasn’t helpful. Mark you calendar for next year’s show, and plan to spend a few hours with this welcoming crowd of fly fishing enthusiasts.
tide chart
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My friend, Greg O’Connell, snagged this pickeral during one of the coldest days in February, when we went fishing out at Lake Lenape in Mays Landing.
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Your Guide to the South Jersey Outdoor & Sporting World
Joke Box Baseball Heaven
Bottle of Wine
Two 90-year-old men, Moe and Joe, have been friends all of their lives. When
Sally was driving home from one of her business trips in Northern Arizona when she saw an elderly Navajo woman walking on the side of the road. As the trip was a long and quiet one, she stopped the car and asked the Navajo woman if she would like a ride. With a silent nod of thanks, the woman got into the car. Resuming the journey, Sally tried in vain to make a bit of small talk with the woman. The old Navaho just sat silently, looking intently at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a brown bag on the seat next to Sally. “What in bag?” asked the old woman. Sally looked down at the brown bag and said, “It’s a bottle of wine. I got it for my husband.” The Navajo woman was silent for another moment or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said: “Good trade.“
it’s clear that Joe is dying, Moe visits him every day. One day Moe says, “Joe, we both loved baseball all our lives, and we played minor league ball together for so many years. Please do me one favor: when you get to Heaven, somehow you must let me know if there’s baseball there.” Joe looks up at Moe from his deathbed, “Moe, you’ve been my best friend for many years. If it’s at all possible, I’ll do this favor for you.” Shortly after that, Joe passes on. At midnight a couple of nights later, Moe is awakened from a sound sleep by a blinding flash of white light and a voice calling out to him, “Moe, Moe.” “Who is it?” asks Moe, sitting up suddenly. “Who is it?” “Moe — it’s me, Joe.” “You’re not Joe. Joe just died.” “I’m telling you, it’s me, Joe,” insists the voice. “Joe! Where are you?”
Beer Retirement Plan If you had purchased $1000.00 of Nortel stock one year ago, it would now be
“In Heaven,” replies Joe. “I have some really good news and a little bad news.” “Tell me the good news first,” says Moe.
worth $49.00.
“The good news,” Joe says, “is that there’s baseball here in Heaven. Better yet, all of our old buddies who died before us are here, too. Better
With WorldCom, you would have had less than $5.00 left. If you had purchased $1000 of Delta Air Lines stock you would have $49.00 left...
than that, we’re all young again. Better still, it’s always springtime, and it never rains or snows. And best of all, we can play baseball all we want,
BUT, if you had purchased $1,000.00 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the cans for the aluminum recycling REFUND, you would have had $214.00.
and we never get tired.” “That’s fantastic,” says Moe. “It’s beyond my wildest dreams! So what’s the bad news?” “Uh...you’re pitching Tuesday.”
With Enron, you would have had $16.50 left of the original $1000.00.
Based on the above data, the best current investment advice is to drink heavily and recycle. It’s called the 401-Keg Plan.
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Stupid Sports Quotes These are actual sports quotes from various sports figures throughout the world. Oiler coach Bum Phillips: When asked by Bob Costas why he takes his wife on all the road trips, Phillips responded, “Because she is too ugly to kiss goodbye.” New Orleans Saint RB George Rogers when asked about the upcoming season: “I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first.” And, upon hearing Joe Jacoby of the ‘Skins say “I’d run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl,” Matt Millen of the Raiders said, “To win, I’d run over Joe’s mom too.” Football commentator and former player Joe Theismann 1996: “Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.” Senior basketball player at the University of Pittsburgh: “I’m going to graduate on time, no matter how long it takes.” Bill Peterson, a Florida State football coach: “You guys line up alphabetically by height.” and “You guys pair up in groups of three, then line up in a circle.” Clemson recruit Ray Forsythe, who was ineligible as a freshman because of academic requirements: “I play football. I’m not trying to be a professor. The tests don’t seem to make sense to me, measuring your brain on stuff I haven’t been through in school.” Boxing promoter Dan Duva on Mike Tyson hooking up again with promoter Don King: “Why would anyone expect him to come out smarter? He went to prison for three years, not Princeton.” Shaquille O’Neal on whether he had visited the Parthenon during his visit to Greece: “I can’t really remember the names of the clubs that we went to.” Lou Duva, veteran boxing trainer, on the Spartan training regime of heavyweight Andrew Golota: “He’s a guy who gets up at six o’clock in the morning regardless of what time it is.”
May 2007
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