Northern New Jersey Fall Vol 1 by Ultimate Athlete Magzine

Edito Letter From The Editor

Letter from the Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Ultimate Athlete Magazine. High school athletics is such a powerful learning tool for teenagers. Responsibility, leadership, teamwork, time management, and perseverance are just some of the skills students can learn and hone throughout their high school athletic careers. Sports can teach these students lessons that cannot be learned any other way. Although there are many overused clichés in sports such as: Giving 100 percent effort, 100 percent of the time, while picking yourself up when you get knocked down, never taking anything for granted, and having the ability to “bounce back” from a devastating play or a difficult loss, these are all true for high school athletes. Not only are these things that coaches believe about their teams, these are things that players believe about themselves. This is a testament to the power of sports. For the various teams we spoke to for this edition, some are coming off excellent years, others are rebuilding after losing seniors to graduation. Regardless of where a program might be at, whether it is coming off a state championship or barely being at .500, the coaches and players believe in what they are doing and that is commendable. They refuse to doubt themselves or their abilities. Your dedication to excellence and perfection need not be just praised. It should be commended. For many teams, winning a state championship is their ultimate, and only, goal. However, only a percentage of teams in the state have a legitimate chance of attaining that goal, but that doesn’t stop the ones that don’t from believing they do. Football in New Jersey has produced some top-notch talent. Students get offers from Division I schools every year, which proves to the rest of the country that our athletes need to be taken seriously; not just for their athletic ability on the field, but for their conduct and strength of character off it. I wish every team the best of luck this season. Dan Hubbard New Jersey Managing Editor

Ultimate Athlete Magazine

Paul Corace N.J. Comanzo new jersey managing editor Daniel Hubbard Publisher/CEO

Executive editor

Joe Luis Covarrubias Joe Weinreb director of development Scott “Scotto” Savitt senior producer Jessica Peters graphic editor david Stewart graphic editor Keri Sams graphic & web editor julie Bosko administrative assistant Carissa Ierulli distribution manager Richard Brooks senior sports editor SENIOR ART DIRECTOR

Contributing Writers

jeff moeller angela daidone daniel hubbard dr. tom ferraro paul mastronardi joe pietaro sandy sarcona

Cover Photos by daniel hubbard Cover GRAPHiC WORK by Joe Weinreb Contributing photographers

audrey kerchner sal forgione bennett raglin daniel hubbard

How To Contact Us Phone: 1-800-680-3213

GO ONLINE AND CLICK TO READ MORE! www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

Fax: 631-261-7968

ultimateathletemagazine.com Ultimate Athlete Magazine (ISSN 1931-5295) is published 12 times a year by Ultimate Athlete, Inc., 40 Woodbine Avenue, Northport, New York 11768. All contents copyright 2009 by Ultimate Athlete, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or part of the content without the prior written consent of Ultimate Athlete, Inc. is strictly prohibited. All logos and trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. Although the writers and the publisher have exhaustively researched all sources to ensure the accuracy and the completeness of the information contained in this publication, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. The opinions expressed in all materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Ultimate Athlete, Inc or Long Island’s Ultimate Athlete Magazine.

Fall Volume I

northern NJ EDITION

Conten

nts FEATURES Features

12 Nutrition

Fuel the Road Trip

14 Clifton Mustangs

16 Don Bosco Ironmen

18 Hasbrouck Heights

Aviators

O C

22 Hawthorne Bears

24 Hudson Catholic Hawks

28 Kearny Kardinals

30 Paramus Catholic Paladins

34 Pequannock Panthers

36 Ridgewood Maroons

42 St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prep Marauders

44 Teaneck

Highwaymen

46 Wayne Hills Patriots

48 Wayne Valley Indians

50 Pro Corner

Even Better the Second Time Around

56 Sports Psychology The Secret to Team Building

SHUTTER

SPEED

>>>

Precision offence is the key to teanecks winning season.

Photo by sal forgione

SHUTTER

SPEED

>>>

Pequannock prides themselves on taking it to the limits.

Photo by audrey kerchner

>>>

Photo by Bennett Raglin

clifton is practicing on breaking through this seasons toughest defense.

SPEED

SHUTTER

Compe Competition Nutrition

FUEL THE roAd TrIp

By Sandy Sarcona

Road trips are part of an athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Sometimes you take a short jaunt to another high school for a game and other times you are traveling to another state for a tournament. Any time you travel it is important to plan the healthiest way to add fuel to energize your body. Without a plan, a stop at a convenience store or a fast food restaurant is the easiest and fastest way to get food when you are hungry, but the high fat, calorie dense selections may slow down your running game. A trip to the grocery store is in order to stock up on quick energy items to keep in your back pack for short excursions to your games. The following high carbohydrate, low fat snacks can come in handy before a competition or for recovery after your event: pretzels, cereal in a box or bagged, fresh fruit (apple, orange, banana or grapes), cereal bars, bagels, or crackers. On a longer road trip or when you play all day in a tournament you should have a cooler to keep items cold: water, sports drink, cheese sticks, sandwiches (peanut butter and jelly or turkey). If you need to get a full meal and you are stuck in traffic on the NJ Turnpike, then a fast food restaurant is your only choice. You can still choose foods with adequate protein and carbohydrates, but lower on the fat content.

The biggest mistake an athlete can make when traveling is to play on an empty stomach. Your muscles cannot perform without an adequate store of carbohydrate and even your brain needs fuel to think and make decisions. So, plan your food strategy before each event to get the most competitive edge.

ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE LONG ISLAND EDITION

etition Go For THE FoLLowING cHoIcEs MorE oFTEN

grilled chicken sandwiches plain hamburgers pizza with regular cheese or vegetable pizza broth-based soups chicken Fajita bean or chicken burrito baked potato with chili, salsa, broccoli fruit salads frozen yogurt JUICE LOW_FAT MILK OR LOW-FAT CHOCOLATE MILK

www.ultimateathletemagazine.com

CLIFTON

MUST MUS TANGS Written By: Angela Daidone Photos By: Bennett Raglin

Clifton coach Ron Anello is ready for a new day in the sun. Player discipline issues and Anello missing a portion of last season due to neck surgery led to the Mustangs struggling last season. The team finished with a 4-6 record and learned an important lesson. “The kids found out that no one, not the players or the coaches, is above the program, and we had a tough time,” Anello, who is in his seventh season at Clifton, said. “But we won our last three games and we’re pretty excited to get going again.” The team is experienced, but young — there are only 15 seniors on the 68-member team. Anello hopes that experience will give his players an advantage over their opponents this season. “We have youth on our side,” Anello said. He’s counting on that youth to serve the team well. “We have kids who got a lot of [playing] time last year so they know what’s expected of them,” Anello said, whose team will compete in the newly formed Big North II Conference, which includes Teaneck, Fair Lawn, Passaic, Eastside, and Kennedy. Pat Ferraro is one of those players Anello expects to be a team leader. The junior quarterback, a three-year starter, is a stabilizing force for a team that lost a big chunk of its offense to graduation and Anello’s no-nonsense approach to coaching. Anello is confident Ferraro will be successful this season. “He knows the game. He’s ready every time he steps on the field,” Anello said. “He’s got a solid game and he works hard.” In previous seasons the team’s roster was quite large, sometimes topping out between 90 and 100 players. Anello said that because this year’s team

TANGS has 68 players only four Mustangs will play on offense and defense: guard and tackle David Ricca, offensive and defensive tackle Tom Trommelen, fullback and linebacker Angelo Minuche, and halfback and safety Joe Chiavetta. “Our expectations are always high here in Clifton,” Anello said. “We were a state champion in 2006 and conference champion in 2008, so we’re ready to get back there again,” Anello said. Anello said the team has had to already overcome some injuries this season, including three players being out with possible concussions. A new state rule mandated that these players wait 12 days before returning to the field. And the Mustangs are lacking at certain positions, but Anello said a late summer quad scrimmage helped “shake things out.”

“The whole focus is to see who is game ready by the time we start the season,” Anello said. Last season is where it belongs, in the past. “It’s behind us. My goal and my philosophy is that we start fresh and fight the good fight each game.”

DON BOSCO

I R ON IR ON MEN Written By: Daniel Hubbard Photos By: Bennett Raglin

The Don Bosco Ironmen lost more than 30 seniors through graduation, but last year’s state champs believe they will be a good team this season. “We absolutely believe that we’re going to a good football this year,” Toal said. “We’ve been down that many [players] before.” The Ironmen finished the 2009 season with a perfect 12-0 record, outscoring their opponents by an average of more than 35 points a game. The team defeated St. Peter’s Prep 35-15 to win its fourth consecutive non-public state title. They finished the season ranked No. 1 in USA Today’s top 25 high school football teams in the country and were national champions. Toal was named was coach of the year by USA Today. Ten seniors committed to playing for Division I colleges. Don Bosco will reload its 85-member roster this season with freshman quarterback Gibrill Peppers, tailback Paul Canevari, and linebacker Lars Larson. Peppers will start at quarterback for the Ironmen this season. “He’s got a lot of talent,” Toal said. “He deserves to start. He’s the best quarterback we have.” Larson, a senior, is only 5-foot-6 and 170 pounds, but that doesn’t stop him from making plays and going up against bigger, stronger opponents. “He’s smart and quick,” Toal said. “He’s got all the intangibles. He doesn’t have great size, but he has great instincts as a football player.” Many players will only play on side of the ball this year. This gives the Ironmen the advantage of putting out fresh legs on both sides of the ball, a luxury most public schools cannot afford. The players plan on outplaying and outperforming their opponents this season. “They’re going to work for everything they get,” Toal said. “Everyday they have to come in here

NMEN with their lunch pales ready to work. They are going to earn everything they get in this program.” Because the team has such a large roster, players will help each other and teach each how to play the game correctly. Some coaches of public school teams have said that there is an imbalance between the quality of players that parochial schools, such as Don Bosco or St. Peter’s, get and the quality of players they get. “I think public schools used to be as competitive as the private schools, but recently football is treated as more of a recreational thing, where years ago it was treated as the most important thing,” Toal said. “It’s no different now than the other sports at public schools. There are not a lot of places where it is as important as it once was.”

Regardless of the level of talent a team possesses there is an immutable, universal characteristic football possesses. “Football is the closest thing there is to the game of life,” Toal said. “Our guys get knocked down all the time and when you get knocked down you either stay down or get back up. Life throws you curve balls and you’ve got to be able to get back up. Those are important things that these kids learn everyday.”

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS

AVIA AVIAT OR S Written By: Jeff Moeller Photos By: Sal Forgione

Nick Delcalzo does not like to use the term “rebuilding” after he has lost a number of seniors from the previous season. In his defense, he doesn’t have to refer to it. After 26 years on the job and a laundry list of successful seasons at Hasbrouck Heights High School, Delcalzo simply retools the situation to his team’s strength. Whatever the classification, it is hard to dispute the results. Over the previous four seasons, the Aviators have an overall record of 38-6 and a won the NJSIAA North One Group One Championship in 2007. The team finished 9-2 last season. “I don’t like to refer to rebuilding,” Delcalzo said. “For us, it’s a matter of filling the missing pieces. We’re a small school, but we have been able to replace the people we have lost. Our kids can battle it out.” Typically, only about 35 to 50 players attend the team’s annual summer camp. “This season, we’ll have a new quarterback, but we’ll once again have some strong running backs, which have been our traditional power,” Delcalzo said. Junior Mike Pikowski is the team’s new signal caller this season, replacing Nick Brunetti. Unlike Brunetti and other predecessors, Pikowski will be initially viewed as a caretaker of the offense instead of a playmaker. “Mike has been working and getting better,” Delcalzo said. “He looked good in the spring and early summer. We believe his will progress as the season goes along.” The fuel in the Aviators’ offense will be their running game with tailback Kevin Condal and fullback Matt Galassi, who is coming off ankle surgery. Delcalzo wants the duo to be an effective one-two punch for the team’s rushing attack this season. The

AT ORS pair replaces John Cambridge, who rushed for more than 1,100 yards last season. Galassi rushed for 592 yards and Condal rushed for 457 yards last season. “We lost a strong rusher, but these two guys can do the job,” Delcalzo said. “We have always run the ball well in the past and we should do so again this year.” Galassi agrees. “We feed off each other well,” Galassi said. “We can provide a good balance between the two of us and we’re looking forward to having a

good year.” Senior Rich Davis and junior Anthony Seidel give Delcalzo more options in the backfield. In order to get his running game going, Delcalzo will use number of returning linemen to create some holes for his rushers. Senior Kevin Duguay will again anchor the offensive and defensive lines. He’ll be joined by seniors Mark Delcalzo and Ian Sagitas and juniors Chris Conner, John Delorenzo, and Mike Pasquale. The Aviators may not have

the size that other team’s lines have, but the close-knit group has plenty of desire. “Our guys open the holes and they are battlers,” Delcalzo said. “We are not always the biggest team, but these kids can get the job done. We just want to work hard and take it week by week.”

HAWTHORNE

BEA B EAR S

Story and Photos By: Daniel Hubbard

Walking around a Hawthorne High School football practice means never standing still. While the freshman team is at one end of the field, the varsity team works on kickoffs and defense. Other players work in groups on the field, refining their skills. Being a Group I school means that Hawthorne has a smaller student population than other schools, which means that the team has a smaller pool of students to field a team. But every now and then, David slays Goliath. “If we stay healthy, we should contend for a league title and make a run at the Group 1 title,” coach Jim Passero said. “It’s always a tough group.” Passero, who is in his 10th year of coaching at Hawthorne, is approaching this year with a new strategy. Larger schools have the ability to field larger teams. Players may only play on one side of the ball rather than on offense and defense. Players can specialize in one discipline and not get as tired as their smaller-school counterparts. For the first time, three players will play exclusively on the offensive line two exclusively on the defensive line. Linemen often play both ways at smaller schools. “We’ll be fresher because some guys will only play on one side of the ball,” Passero said. Hawthorne posted a 4-6 record last season. Ryan Hollis, a junior, has matured as a quarterback since last season. “You have to learn how to adapt and do it on the fly,” Hollis said. Although he threw more touchdowns than interceptions in 2009, Hollis said he’s not thinking about last year, he’s thinking about this year and how to win. “He’s reading defenses a lot better and his arm is stronger,” Passero said. “We’re trusting him to do more at the line of scrimmage this year.”

ARS Scott Koningswood, a senior offensive and defensive lineman, talked about both lines playing as cohesive units. “You can’t make friends out there. One block, or one missed block, can mean the entire game,” Koningswood said. “I love blocking. You have to have the mentality of ‘Okay, I’m not going to let anyone in and I’m not going to let myself get pushed around. You can’t give up and you can’t let up.” Koningswood, a captain, said one of his goals this year is to just stay healthy all season. But he also wants to make the playoffs. Other members of the team said that the journey they are on, whether it leads them the playoffs or not, is what really matters.

“Football teaches you to strive for success and when you’re tired you keep going,” said senior fullback Anthony Giannella. “It’s the effort that counts, not the results. It’s not the destination that matters, it’s the struggle to get there.” These kids can learn just as much on the football field as they can in school, Passero said. “Being dedicated to something is just as important as the lessons that you learn in the classroom,” Passero said.

HUDSON CATHOLIC

HAW KS Written By: Jeff Moeller Photos By: Bennett Raglin

In early May, there was a buzz surrounding football at Hudson Catholic. This time, though, it was a positive one. A few months earlier, former head coach Chris Demarest and the school’s administration amicably parted ways after he spent only one season on the job. Under Demarest, a former Rutgers assistant, the Falcons went from competing for a NonPublic Group 2 state title to sinking to a 2-8 record, including a five-game losing streak to end the 2009 campaign in which they were outscored 147-46. However, any remaining fears or frustration have been temporarily relieved with the emergence of new head coach and ex-Giants defensive lineman Leonard Marshall, who has already restored a sense of faith and revitalization to the program. Marshall was a three-time NFL Pro Bowl selection, recorded 83.5 sacks in his 12-year career, and helped the Giants win two Super Bowls. Ironically, Marshall is venturing into unchartered waters only eight miles away from the Meadowlands as he has embraced his first high school coaching job. Since he was took over the reins, Marshall has similarly directed the Falcons’ camp as a carbon copy to those back to his days with the Giants as each player has received a 145-page playbook, and there has been sense of structure through each practice. He plans to install a 3-4 defensive scheme resembling one of the Giants’ alignments under defensive coordinator Bill Belechik. “It has been a lot of work,” admitted Marshall, who lived near Hudson Catholic during his first few years with the Giants. “But I want guys here who are willing to work and trust each other. Establishing trust will be important. To me, this is an honor to be able to give back to the community. “I hope that the players will see what we

AWKS are trying to accomplish here. It will take time.” Luckily for Marshall, time will apparently be on his side. The Falcons lost their leading passer, rusher, and most of their lineman from last year’s team. Of the approximately 40 players at camp, the majority of them are underclassmen. Senior Matt McMonagle, who saw time at tight end and on the defensive line last season, has likely emerged as the starter at quarterback. Fellow senior Oscar Torres and sophomore Champ Smith, who both saw limited time in the backfield last year, should handle the bulk of the ball-carrying duties. Both also will return to the secondary. Senior Dealan Walsh and Junior Bryon King will also both see action in the backfield and at linebacker. Juniors Aquail Ingram and Brandon McWayne are

back as receivers and will both man linebacker spots. Sage Williams is the lone senior among the lineman, which will feature a number of juniors who saw spot duty last season. Marshall is optimistic about this season. “This team was 2-8 last season, and I don’t want them to revisit that area,” Marshall said. “The kids are working hard and we’ll see how they respond. They have to realize that this is a journey.”

KEarnY

Kard Kardin al s Written By: Daniel Hubbard Photos By: Audrey Kerchner

Courage, discipline, commitment, toughness, and passion. These are the tenets that coach Peter Llaneza hopes to instill upon his players this season. This is Llaneza’s first season coaching the Kardinals, who have struggled to win games recently. The team finished with a 1-9 record last year. “This room had a lot more stuff in it when I got here,” Llaneza said as he looked around his office. “I threw a lot of stuff out. I didn’t want to have any preconceived notions about these players or this team.” Llaneza talked to his players about the previously mentioned tenets. He also had the nine seniors on the team present their own principles to the team. “We’re going to do it the right way,” Llaneza said. “We’re not just here to win football games. If we go out and win a bunch of football games but have jerky kids who don’t compete, then I’m not satisfied with that.” Football is the medium that Llaneza uses to instruct the kids on how to grow and mature as young men. “We want to be successful and the way you measure success is with wins and losses, but I’m not going to compromise the big picture for the wrong reasons.” The players on the team understand that making good decisions and using wisdom is what Llaneza is trying to get them to do on and off the football field. “From the snap to the play, it’s a split second,” said senior quarterback Damaso Rodriguez. “You’re read has to be half a second. If you don’t have the right read immediately you will mess up.” Being a quarterback, Rodriguez knows he must be vocal. He must lead not only with his actions, but also with his words.

dinals “You have to very vocal so your teammates understand what you need and what you’re saying,” Rodriguez said. “You have to express yourself and when your teammates see that they tend to follow you.” Rodriguez puts the pressure for his team to succeed on himself. “If we mess up, I blame myself, it’s my fault,” Rodriguez said. “When you’re on the field and you’re under center, the pressure’s on you, but if I work hard it’s going to go right down the line.” Being technically sound is important for the Kardinals. “We aren’t the most athletic team out there,” said linebacker Michael Fernandes. “If our players have a better technique, but aren’t as athletic as the people we’re playing

against, hopefully our players will have an advantage.” Players are excited about playing for Llaneza. They understand that the number of wins and losses isn’t going to reverse itself in one season. “We have to take it one step at a time,” Fernandes said. Llaneza wants the team to experience winning. “Hopefully we’ll have some success this year and that will spur us on to have success in the future,” Llaneza said. “Five or 10 years from now, hopefully kids will come back here and tell us they were proud to have played Kearny football.”

PARAMUS CATHOLIC

PAL A PAL ADIN S Written By: Angela Daidone Photos By: Bennett Raglin

Chris Partridge was tired of watching his alma mater put up mediocre numbers. He knew Paramus Catholic could compete and be a champion again like it had been when he played for the Paladins. So, when the former head football coach left after last season — the team had five different coaches in the last 10 years — Partridge, who has college coaching experience, felt he was the right man for the job. “The 5-5 seasons were hard to swallow. And it wasn’t so much the records as it was the inconsistency that bothered me,” Partridge said. “It was frustrating for me and for the other alumni who care about the school’s tradition of excellence and competitiveness.” The 29-year-old Partridge was a member of the Paladins’ 1998 state championship team and enjoyed a successful career at Lafayette as both a player and defensive backs coach. He was also the defensive line coach at The Citadel, but his heart has always been with Paramus Catholic. Coming back home was a no-brainer. “I’m not looking at this [coaching position] as a stepping stone,” Partridge said. “This is the place I want to be. And I want to be here for a long time.” At first, Partridge admitted, he thought taking over a team that finished the last few seasons in the middle of the pack would be a project — until he saw the films and met the players. “There’s real talent here, and I believe we have a very good team,” he said. Partridge and his coaching staff, which contains seven Paramus Catholic alumni, have their “sleeves rolled up” and are ready to roll. Partridge named a few seniors who he expects will make an impact. Two-way player Matt Giachinta is impressive, Partridge said, and a team leader.

ADINS “He’ll be one of my captains,” Partridge said. Senior defensive tackle Marquise Wright was highly regarded by college scouts as a junior and has already committed to playing at the University of Pittsburgh. “Marquise is glad he’s got the college thing behind him,” Partridge said. “He wants to concentrate on having a winning senior year.” Other seniors of note are quarterback Bryant Klein who Partridge said likes to run the ball, safety Joe Zito, and Brandon Walsh, who plays both

offensive and defensive tackle. Partridge also noted that junior Leo Krizanovic is a player worth watching. “Leo was a big kid and the coaches and I worked on cutting down his size because we knew he could be a stronger player,” Partridge said. “He was an incredible force in our [Aug. 24] scrimmage. He’s going to be a force to be reckoned with this season.” Due to league realignments, Paramus Catholic now plays against powerhouse non-public schools, including: Bergen Catholic, St. Joseph Region-

al, and Don Bosco Prep. But Partridge’s excitement for the upcoming season, aside from returning to his roots, is fueled by the team’s daunting schedule. “Why not play a schedule like this? I don’t think I’d be as excited about the job if I didn’t have this schedule,” Partridge said. “And you know what? The players aren’t about to back down, either. They know what they’re up against and they’re ready. We’re all ready.”

S E M O C T I N E H W TO LACROSSE LAX HUT RULES! fEATURINg:

• WARRIOR • bRINE • AdIdAS E! • ANd MOR

EvERyTHINg TO pLAy THE gAME RIgHT!

huntington 217 East Jericho Tpk. Huntington Station, NY 11746

CHECk OUTT THE LAX HU

CLOTHINg LINE!

massapequa 4161 Merrick Rd. Massapequa, NY 11758

freeport 365 West Sunrise Hwy. Freeport, NY 11520

PEQUANNOCK

PAN PANTHE R S Written By: Daniel Hubbard Photos By: Audrey Kerchner

The Pequannock High School Golden Panthers feel their time has come. The players talk confidently about the team’s chances of winning state championship. “Football is life and if you want to succeed in football, you have to succeed with each other,” said Ben Kohle, a wide receiver. My sophomore year, when we were losing, no one wanted to be here.” Then Kohle and a few other players started to change the team’s attitude. But a team has never won just based on its attitude. Winning is a process; it doesn’t happen overnight. “We lost quite a number of key players,” said fourth-year coach Ed Kopp said. “Our quarterback threw for 1,800 yards Our tailback rushed for more than 1,400 yards and scored 19 touchdowns and we lost almost our entire offensive line so that is a cause for concern as we enter into a new season.” Last year the team went 7-3 after winning only seven games the previous five years. “It starts with the fundamentals; if you can’t block a tackle, you’ve got no shot,” said fourth-year coach Ed Kopp. “If you want to make that dream a reality, it starts the very first time you enter the weight room and that’s the hard part, putting in the amount of work and effort so you can put yourself in a position to win. And of course you need talent and some luck.” The 37-member team is a small compared to other teams in the region that boast 50- or 60-man rosters. “The time commitment to play football is huge,” Kopp said. “The 37 kids who we have now are the most committed, hardest-working group of kids that we’ve had in a long time.” Boyd and Ben Kohle have been playing together since they were young children. “We know where we are going to be, we know everyone as well as we know ourselves,” Kohle said. “I love my team and wouldn’t trade my teammates for anything.”

NTHERS Kopp said having a small roster gives the coaches the opportunity to focus on each player’s development and get the younger players more playing time. Several second-team all conference players have returned this year. The team’s entire secondary, two wide receivers, and the linebackers are also back, but the quarterback is only a sophomore. A big part of the team’s success depends on how well the offensive and defensive lines play. “A lot of these kids have been playing together since they were 5 and 6 years old,” Kopp said. “They played together when they were freshmen and on the junior varsity level and now they are getting an opportunity to play together on the varsity level. It’s not about finding out who the best players are, it’s about finding the right combination of kids who play well together.”Expectations are high.

“We know the potential we have. “We have the pieces. We have the players. We expect to win,” Kohle said. Aside from instructing the kids on how to play football, the coaching staff uses moments throughout a season to teach the players about life, about being disciplined. “Staying on sides, remembering the snap count, ball security, there are so many little details in the game of football that require that discipline,” Kopp said. “We’ve been fortunate enough to have a group of kids who do not get into trouble off the field. We have a great group of parents in this community who instill that into players and that makes our job a lot easier.”

RIDGEWOOD

MAR MAROONS Written By: Dan Hubbard Photos By: Sal Forgione

Every player, every practice. That’s the guiding principle of the Ridgewood High School football team. “We have an individual instructional period everyday,” coach Chuck Johnson said. “We’ve made the commitment to coach every kid, everyday. We’re going to take the talent that a player has and, through great coaching, great organization in practice, and by selecting the correct drills in practice, we’re going to raise that kid’s ability as much as we can. We take great pride in that.” In a sport where private and preparatory school teams often dominate the headlines, Ridgewood has managed to steal some of the spotlight. The Maroons have gotten to the playoffs 11 of the previous 12 seasons and won five league championships since 1998. “Public schools aren’t supposed to be able to do that,” Johnson said. “That’s what we take pride in.” The team finished 7-3 last season. “We’ve tried to be fairly consistent with our expectations,” Johnson said. “We believe we have a program here that can get into the playoffs, compete for a league championship, and get to the [state finals.]” While some teams might have a 40- to 60-man roster, Ridgewood boasts a 70-player team, which means a lot of kids won’t see a lot of playing time. “The opportunities here definitely are not as plentiful as they are on other teams. We have a 70-person team. That means 48 of them have to be team players and 48 of them have to be unselfish. There has to be a significant level of unselfishness.” The Maroons are multiple players deep at some positions, but that doesn’t mean that a player at the bottom of the depth chart can’t, or won’t, play. “We’ve had number sevens leapfrog over number twos and start,” Johnson said. “You’re only an ankle sprain away from playing if you’re a number two on the depth chart.”

R OON The camaraderie the players possess is clearly seen. They said they are part of something special. “I love blocking for this guy,” halfback Edward Blair IV said with a smile as he put his arm around quarterback Vann Johnson. “We’re a team.” This year’s team contains a great deal of sophomores. Upperclassman Frank Paleno has made it a point to work with the sophomores and make them feel comfortable playing at the varsity level. Some players mentioned they do not want to play on a private school team. They want to play for Ridgewood. Five kids on the team have been playing football together since third grade. “That’s the special thing about going to a public school. It’s something that we couldn’t get if we went to a

[private school],” said linebacker Kyle Gibson. “It’s easier to block as hard as you can for someone who you’ve been playing with for years than for someone you just met. We want everyone to do well and we want to see each other succeed.” Johnson is anticipating great things from the Maroons this season. “If you don’t have great expectations for your team, who will,” Johnson said. “If you shoot for the moon and miss, at least you’re among the stars.”

Create your own keepsake plaque from any UA Magazine feature!

1 Page Plaque

3 Page Plaque

2 Page Plaque

For More Information:

1-800-680-3213

info@ultimateathleteMagazine.com

Any cover! Any photo!

Plaque / BaNNeR ORDeR FORM Name Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address Phone # Title of Article Name of Team or Individual Edition / Issue of Magazine PLAQUES

1 page 15”x 17”

2 page 20”x 24”

3 Page 20”x 33”

5 page 24”x 39”

$129

2’ x 3’ COVeR BaNNeRS

Vol.

$220

please check box

$180

$344

2’ x 3’

BANNERS 4’ x 6’

$75

5’ x 7’ $350

please check box

Please send check and order form to:

ultimate athlete Magazine 40 Woodbine ave. Northport, NY 11768

$220

Please allow 3-4 weeks for shipping.

Welcome to the Future...

IT HAS ARRIVED

Technology to simplify your life.

•HOME THEATER •MEDIA ROOMS •CUSTOM WIRING •COMMERCIAL AUDIO/VIDEO •SALES, DESIGN, & INSTALLATION IN

631-235-3552 WWW.AUDIOVATIONS.COM

1940 Deer Park Avenue, Suite 105 Deer Park, New York 11729

ST. PETER’S PREP

M AR M AR AU D E RS Written By: Angela Daidone Photos By: Bennett Raglin

St. Peter’s Prep opens its season Sept. 11 against St. Joseph’s Prep of Philadelphia, a highly ranked Northeast Region team. So, said Marauder coach Rich Hansen, there are no bragging rights at stake, no predetermined notions or expectations. Except for one. “We are focused on winning. Period,” said Hansen, who is entering his 23rd season as head coach at the Jersey City school. And that’s exactly the way Hansen operates. “Every game for us is a big game and we are only interested in one thing, and that’s going all the way,” Hansen said. All the way to winning a state championship is what Hansen means. But the real underlying message is beating nationally ranked Don Bosco Prep of Ramsey. “Hey, we’d love to win our 12th straight county title and win our state games, but we want that number-one ranking and to get that, we have to get past Bosco,” he said. A tall order, indeed, especially when early reports have the Ironmen as one of the best teams in the country. Hansen believes, though, that his 2010 Marauder team has the stuff to make it happen. The returning seniors, including offensive lineman Keith Lumpkin and running backs Savon Huggins and Sheldon Royster, have serious star power, and the supporting cast is very talented. Lumpkin, who boasts an impressive 6-foot-7, 275-pound frame, has caught the eye of more than a few college scouts. Lumpkin, who is incredibly athletic for his size, has visited Rutgers, the University of Southern California, and Pittsburgh, among others. Last season, Huggins posted 1,483 yards and 22 touchdowns, and Royster had 393 yards rushing and 252 yards receiving. Both are highly regarded by

R AU DE college recruiters. Rounding out the Marauders’ players to watch are defensive tackle Dana Longa, linebackers James Foxx and James Lancellotti wide receiver Joe Vesey, safety D.J. Singleton, and quarterback Brandon Napoleon, who got scant field time last season as a sophomore, but whom Hansen said is ready to take charge. “The players are very athletic and we’re pretty strong at the skill positions so the guys know what they have to do,” Hansen said. St. Peter’s went 9-3 last year –

including two losses to Don Bosco. “We also have a good group of rising sophomores, but the key early will be to see how well they step up,” Hansen said. The Marauders, who play their home games at Caven Point in Jersey City, will have plenty of chances to test the waters. After their opener, which will be played at Rutgers University Stadium, they meet a powerful St. Joseph’s squad, four Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic Association opponents and receive visits from Wyoming Seminary College Prep and Friendship

College Academy, of Washington, D.C. “Playing strong teams is the only way to get better,” Hansen said. “It’s exciting and nothing negative can come from it.” There is a long way to go, Hansen conceded, before he can speculate about the big prize. “There are a lot of games to get to the playoffs and our cohesiveness will be an important factor as the season goes on,” Hansen said. “So we’ll keep working hard each week. That’s it.”

TEANEACK

HIG H HI G HWAY ME N Written By: Jeff Moeller Photos By: Sal Forgione

In a world that’s in a rush, anticipation harbored by a sense of patience has the possibilities of a positive outcome. Teaneck football coach Art Mazzacca knows the feeling. He can apply the same principles to the 2010 football campaign. With his two previous teams posting 2-8 and 4-6 records, Mazzacca expects this year’s team to be successful thanks to a core of seasoned seniors, many of whom are either two- or three-year returning starters. “This is the year we have been looking forward to,” said Mazzacca, who begin his third year at the helm of the program. “Most of our seniors have been in the program for three or four years, and it has been a learning experience for them. “They know what has happened in the past and they also know how hard they needed to work to get here. We expect our seniors to provide the leadership we need to have to get to the postseason this year.” Heading the charge for the Highwaymen this season will be senior tailback Nevon Williams, who rushed for more than 1,400 yards last season and scored 13 touchdowns. Williams, who also anchors Teaneck’s secondary, has an offer to play football for Auburn University. “He is the most talented kids I have coached in my 10 years of coaching,” said Mazzacca of Williams, who returned two kickoffs for touchdowns last season. “Unfortunately, you usually only get one of those types of kids in your coaching lifetime and I’d like to make the most of it.” Williams will be joined in the backfield by returning senior fullback Duvante Phillips. Senior wide receiver Tyriek Harrison, who had 59 catches for more than 1,100 receiving yards

HWAY and 11 touchdowns last season, will lead the receiving corps. Senior Willy Upshaw, a three-year starter, will join Harrison. Teaneck should also benefit up front on both sides of the ball. Seniors Greg Garner, Aharown Campbell, and Omar Keita will lead a unit of returnees and promising newcomers. Senior Zach Preschel, an all-league selection last season who lead the team in tackles the past two seasons, is back at middle linebacker and will call the defensive signals in the Highwaymen’s 4-4 scheme. Junior

Daryian Miles will be back playing outside linebacker. Mazzacca is optimistic his team can avoid any growing pains at quarterback where senior Nate Leer will take over for Kasey Grabe, who directed the team the past two season and threw 11 touchdowns last year. Leer played tight end and linebacker last season for the Highwaymen. “Nate has been progressing well,” Mazzacca said. “He’s a big, tough kid who has worked hard all summer to make the change.” The team has the potential to

do great things and make a run at the postseason. “We’re looking for some big things this year, and we should have a strong possibility at the playoffs,” Mazzacca said.

WAYNE HILLS

PAT PATRI O T S Written By: Daniel Hubbard Photos By: Audrey Kerchner

One mind. One heart. One goal. For the players at Wayne Hills High School, it’s about winning one more state championship. They aren’t satisfied with second place. The team won six state sectional championships between 2002 and 2008. The team won 55 consecutive games during the streak, the second longest streak in state history. The team went to the finals in 2009, but lost to longtime rival Ramapo High School; the team finished 10-2. “We could have won those two games,” said coach Chris Olsen. “I’m not saying that we should have won them, but we could have won them.” Olsen said that being as consistent as the team has been is a testament to not only the type of players on the team, but also the type of coaches instructing those players. “It’s one of the things that I am most proud about,” said Olsen, who in his 24th season at the helm of the historic and nationally-ranked program. “In order to be that successful you have to have good assistant coaches and good players who buy into the system. If you’re players don’t buy into the system you’re not going to win anything.” For this team, it’s not about what happens on Fridays in the fall, it’s about what happens everyday of the year. “You’re a part of this program for 12 months,” said captain Brian Dowling. “You win the games Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during the week in practice and by watching film, not on Friday night.” Losing, it turns out, can be a humbling experience. “That [championship] loss – it’s unexplainable,” Dowling said. “It made us realize that we’re not going to just walk onto the field and win every game.” Dowling is one of team captains this year.

RIO T S The players started training for this season the week after the state championship loss. “We decided that we wanted to work out and lift weights as a team,” Dowling said. Wayne Hills High School fields four football teams: freshmen, sophomores, junior varsity, and varsity. Olsen expects the same level of commitment from the players on the freshmen team than he does players on the varsity team. “You have to be here when you’re supposed to be here,” Olsen said. “We don’t cut players based on ability, but if a player shows up late a few times, you can bet that he won’t last long. We want people on our teams who want to be here.” For other teams, the pressure to win another championship might be too much. The players understand that

the pressure, and the perseverance that’s required to live up to their own expectations, makes them better people. “I think varsity football puts more pressure on you and teaches you how to deal with pressure more than most other things you will experience in your life,” said senior and captain Eugene Lowe. “It teaches you life lessons. The coaches, they put us through hell every practice, but we know that if we can get through practice, we can persevere through anything.”

WAYNE VALLEY

IND I NDIANS Written By: Daniel Hubbard Photos By: Audrey Kerchner

Make it happen. Those words are posted on a bulletin board inside Wayne Valley High School. That’s what the football team wants to do this season. They want to make a state championship happen. The team went 6-4 last year. The four losses were all by a touchdown or less and the team didn’t go to the playoffs. “It was a disappointing season,” coach Brian O’Connor said. “For the first time in five years we missed the playoffs so we were definitely disappointed.” This season’s schedule is one of the toughest the team has ever had during O’Connor’s nine years as coach. Eight of the nine teams the Indians will face played in the playoffs last season. That isn’t keeping O’Connor from dreaming about winning a state championship. The Indians got the state finals three years ago but lost to cross-town rival Wayne Hills. Both teams were undefeated. “Realistically, if we stay healthy and play our hardest and play well there’s no reason we can’t win every game,” O’Connor said. “Every game might come down to the wire.” The players not only believe they can go all the way, they expect to. “If we don’t win it all it’s going to be unexpected,” senior receiver Anthony Verrilli said. Being fearless is an important part of winning. “For me it’s simple, keep the quarterback off his back, keep him healthy,” said center Andrew DeFilippis. “You always have to compete against bigger guys. You have to be tenacious and not worry about getting knocked down.” Greg LaNeve, Verrilli, and DeFilippis, along with Mike Fusco and quarterback Andrew Fournier, are the team captains this season. “People listen to you, people do what you say.

DIAN S People follow your example,” LaNeve said. “When you work hard everyone follows you and works hard with you.” The Indians are a senior-dominated team this season. O’Connor said that having the offensive and defensive lines come together and become unified is key to the team’s success. “Last season didn’t go like we expected and the seniors were devastated,” LaNeve, a senior running back and linebacker, said. “I’m just glad I’ve got another shot at winning. DePaul, Wayne Hills, and Passaic Valley, if we beat those three teams, that’s a success-

ful season.” O’Connor said he has an important goal for his players, one that goes beyond the football field. “You can’t make everybody happy and make sure everybody plays,” O’Connor said. “My job is to make sure you’re prepared for college.” His players seem to understand that. They know they are learning lessons that will serve them well after the final whistle of the season blows. “You have certain goals for yourself, in life and in football,” De-

Filippis said. “I’ve seen myself grow up the last four years and become a man. You learn through playing football that you’ll do anything you can do to succeed in life. I put everything I have into what I do so it feels just as good to do well in school as it does to play football.” O’Connor knows he has a special team this year. “If character alone wins games we will go undefeated,” O’Connor said.

PRO C PRO CORNER

By Joe Pietaro Photos by Luis Cova Last April was like a month-long Christmas morning for New York baseball fans. After the long wait for new ballparks for the Yankees and Mets, two retro-styled millionaire playgrounds arose from what were temporary construction sites in the Bronx and Queens, respectively. Through 81 home dates each, both clubs (and their fans) grew accustomed to their new surroundings. There were praises aplenty and even a few complaints, but for the most part, both were overwhelmingly successful. Perhaps the most glorious attribute that both stadiums paid to the game was the ‘Back To The Future’ look they share. This incarnation of The Stadium is more similar to the original 1923 ‘House That Ruth Built’ than the mid1970s renovated version. The Gate 4 entrance evokes memories of yesteryear with the Indiana limestone exterior and the façade is back in full form surrounding the roof from the interior. Because Fred Wilpon grew up in Brooklyn a die-hard Dodgers fan, the Mets owner had his new stadium pick up where the wrecking ball left off in 1961 at Ebbetts Field. The famous rotunda was back and it’s interior was dedicated to Jackie Robinson, one of the standouts from ‘Dem Bums.’ That was the story of last summer, and one that extended into the fall and another World Series championships for the Bombers. Of all

people, New Yorkers may be the most difficult to please. So what would be done for an encore? Perhaps the biggest complaint about Citi Field was that it was more of a tribute to the Brooklyn Dodgers than the Mets. The organization listened and made some modifications and additions during the offseason. Added were more Mets colors, banners and photos all throughout the stadium. The Mets Hall of Fame opened in April and is like a mini Cooperstown, Mets style.

CORNE Paying homage to the home team was never a problem at any incarceration of Yankee Stadium. This latest version is perhaps the most worthy in that aspect. The fact that ownership never had any intention of selling the naming rights to the highest corporate bidder proves that in itself. Although the majority has lauded the new digs, there are some purists that will always long for the original. “Give me Shea Stadium any day,” said Bellmore resident Todd Kutil, 50, who was taking in a Mets game with his three teenage sons, Brett, Patrick and Timmy.

“That was the first ballpark I ever went to as a kid and it was fine by me.” His boys have no problem with Citi Field, especially as they waited in line at its famous ‘Shake Shack.’ “This is a great place to watch a game,” 17-year-old Brett commented. “Shea was okay, but having a brand new stadium is much better. And adding more Mets memorabilia here was the right idea”

PRO C PRO CORNER

As far as changes this year at Yankee Stadium, they didn’t need to do much except add World Series champion banner number 27. Bomber fans already loved the place the way it was and that has transcended into the second time around. “This is the best place in baseball to go to a game,” said Brooklyn’s Joe Perricone, who has never been anything but a Yankees fan in his 41 years on earth. “We all love the original Yankee Stadium, but they have brought along a lot of the history across the street with them.” When asked about some of the highlights of the new Stadium, Perricone didn’t hesitate. “Monument Park and the façade,” he said. For fans like Perricone and the Kutils – or at least the

•FITNESS & TRAINING •BODYBUILDING •PROFESSIONAL SPORTS •AND MORE...

WWW.MUSCLESPORTMAG.COM

SPORT Sports Psychology

“The Secret to Team Building”

Establishing the essence of a team falls on the shoulders of the coach. It takes great skill and character to achieve team cohesion. Players often tend to grandstand, get jealous, demand attention or get lazy. And these problems don’t go away until they are addressed. Lack of team cohesion can easily destroy a season. So exactly how does one build a team into a fully functioning smooth running unit? This article addresses this issue.

“Team building is an art that all couches need to learn.”

W Coaching Staff:

We can learn much by studying the great coaches. Vince Lombardi was known for his toughness. Woody Hayes of Ohio State focused on preparation. Doc Counsilman, the famed Indiana University Swim coach, was known for his compassion and deep commitment to his swimmers. And UCLA’s John Wooden was a master teacher who was also strict and built character in his players. They were trained in politeness so well that they would leave the locker room spotless after every practice. He did this to teach them respect for their fellow man. The coach sets the tone and he or she alone is the one who will build a strong team. All great coaches are exceptional people with great passion, love of sport and integrity. But that is not all one needs to build a team.

“A coaches core values must be communicated to his team clearly and often.”

Problems and Threats to Team Cohesion: Despite the coaches’ best efforts to establish discipline, enthusiasm and core values things often go wrong. This produces frustration and anxiety in the coaching staff. Here are a few of the ways things go south.

Interpersonal issues like jealousy envy and cliques Lack of effort and laziness personal problems cause distraction Splitting of loyalties between coaching staff

Injury, Slumps

A player’s

TS Psy “Team rituals like dinners of pre-game talks bond the team together.”

T W

The Team Legacy, Tradition and History: Another factor in team building relates to its legacy. Players must be allowed to see the team’s history and its achievements. Go into the Yankee locker room and you will see trophies, banners and photos of past champions. The tradition of a team can serve to inspire, direct and motivate a team. A coach can encourage hustle during practice but visual reminders of what the team has done and what you expect is a subtle and effective way to keep the message in front of them at all times. It is yet another way to build team cohesion.

T Team Rituals:

There are many ways that a team can bond. We call this the team rituals and it includes team dinners, scavenger hunts, pre-game talks, team prayers, halftime talks and post game talks. Al Pacino captured the essence of an inspirational pre-game speech in the film Any Given Sunday. Al Pacino as Coach “Tony D’Amato gave an impassioned speech minutes before game time and rousing them to battle for ‘every inch.’ When a coach can speak from the heart like this it will bond the team. . The team captain is another important role. Every team has a captain who guides and inspires the team. They lead by example and the captain is usually the player that is admired the most by others but who does not produce jealousy. And if the team captain fails to be a selfless leader, the team will suffer. Other team rituals include pre-game dinners, and other bonding experiences on and off the field. While each team uses team rituals the unique way in which they do is critical in order to maintain a positive team dynamic. Research in the military shows that bonding is best in small groups of 3 – 6 men each and this strategy is now being used in college football. Teams are sent away to boot camp to instill trust and group bonding.

What to Do to Build a Team: When you look to answers it is easy to see that a key ingredient that cures this issue is open communication. Coach Coughlin of the NY Giants turned his tenure around when he put into effect ‘The President’s Counsel’ where his top players had a chance to air grievances with him. Communication takes time but it’s worth it in the end. Every great coach does two things well. They spell out their rules and expectations clearly and say what needed to be said. And they also are able to listen to what players have to say. Great coaches talk openly and with respect and they listen carefully to their players.

Team building is a great art. It is one of the unchartered and under researched areas in sport but one that is key to winning. The intensity of team sports is unmatched. You can have peak moments nearly every game. But the problems inherent in team life are huge as well. Clear rules, solid values, team rituals and open communication are the pillars of great coaching. Best of luck with the season and enjoy it all. Bio; Dr Tom Ferraro is a noted Sport Psychologist based on Long Island who works with has worked with teams and individual athletes for twenty years. Carly Schwartz is a sport psychology intern attending William Smith College. They can be reached at (516) 248-7189 or at drtferraro@aol.com

Immerse yourself in the adventure of a lifetime – Shark Dive. An extreme adventure like no other, Atlantis Marine World’s Shark Dive puts you nose-to-nose with some of the ocean’s top predators, right in the middle of our 120,000-gallon Lost City of Atlantis Shark Exhibit. There’s no better or safer way to experience the captivating allure of these majestic creatures. A trained divemaster accompanies all participants,* and no diving certification is necessary – just the willingness to take on the challenge of a thrilling adventure that you’ll remember forever. Daily at 11:00am Members: $140.00 plus tax on equipment only Non-Members: $155.00 plus tax on Admission/equipment (includes Aquarium Admission)

431 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901 631. 208. 9200, ext. H2O (426)

*Must be 12 or over. Ages 12-17 must be accompanied by parent/guardian.

SPORT Sports Psychology

“The Secret to Team Building”

“Team building is an art that all couches need to learn.”

W Coaching Staff:

“A coaches core values must be communicated to his team clearly and often.”

Interpersonal issues like jealousy envy and cliques Lack of effort and laziness personal problems cause distraction Splitting of loyalties between coaching staff

Injury, Slumps

A player’s

TS Psy “Team rituals like dinners of pre-game talks bond the team together.”

T W

T Team Rituals: