Editor Letter From The Editor
Ultimate Athlete Magazine
Hey fans! I hope everyone is ready for some football! Here in Ultimate Athlete Magazine’s NYC Fall Vol. I edition, get ready to check out some teams to watch this season throughout the five boroughs. Everyone wants to be the team that sits on top of their league come November, and the teams on the following pages all have the potential to do so. As you flip through the pages, you’ll see what players will be stepping up this year and how the teams as a whole are preparing to make this season one for the record books! As we bring you in depth coverage and quotes from the coaches, you can see if they think they have the drive and teamwork in them to capture a PSAL crown this year. I hope you enjoy reading about your favorite football teams in this preview, and that you check back with us next month as we turn the spotlight over to the other fall sports such as soccer, swimming, volleyball, fencing, bowling, golf, cross country, and even some more football coverage! If you don’t see your favorite school or team in this edition, and would like to see them in a future magazine, we’d love to make that happen for you! Just send us an e-mail to info@ultimateatheltemagazine.com! You can also find us, “like” us, and send us any questions or comments on facebook at www.facebook.com/uamagazine.
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Enjoy! CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
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UA Magazine
COVER ARTWORT
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FALL 2011Volume I
Conten
S T N CONTE
nts Featur Features
12 Brooklyn Tech Football
16 Curtis High School Football
20 Beach Channel Football
26 Erasmus Hall Campus Football
32 Campus Magnet Football
36 Sheepshead Bay Football
40 Thomas Jefferson Football
46 New Utrecht Football
50 Pro Corner
More Than a Game
54 Sports Psychology
The Problem with Perfectionism
58 UA Training
A Whole Different Ball Game
SHUTTER
SPEED
Beach Channel varsity football team races down the ďŹ eld during >>> The a pursuit drill.
Photo by Daniel Zimmer
>>>
Photo by Daniel S. Burnstein
A Tottenville wide receiver lunges for the end zone as he attempts to escape his opponents.
SPEED
SHUTTER
BROOKLYN TECH Football
By : Jennifer Thorpe-Moscon | Photos By : Daniel S. Burnstein
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Coach Kyle McKenna 2010 Record: 1-1-0 in playoffs, lost in quarterfinals Regular Season Record in 2010: 5-4-0 Divison : PSAL Championship
2011 - A Year of Promise for Engineers
T
he Brooklyn Tech Engineers are coming off of a tremendous year, one full of exhilarating highs for the team and its players. After going 6-5-0 and making it to the quarterfinals, they are eager to launch into what promises to be an even more successful year in 2011. The team began 2010 driven by its senior players and improved over the course of the year thanks to the strength of those seniors and the added contributions of new, younger players. After the Engineers’ early season loss to Jefferson at homecoming they showed that improvement by avenging the loss in the first round of the playoffs. The game was a thriller for all involved and highlighted the team’s impressive running game – senior Gino Nadela (RB) and sophomore James Gales (WR/RB/CB) combined for over 200 rushing yards. Gales was also responsible for the game-winning touchdown and two point conversion in double overtime. The team has made tremendous strides on offense, securing a very talented starting quarterback in Kevi Shyti and a top-notch offensive line to support him. While the Engineers were knocked out in the quarterfinal round, losing to Fort Hamilton – the
team that went on to win the championship – they were very proud of their accomplishments and regarded them as a valuable learning experience. “The experience of playing the eventual champions gave us a very good idea of what it takes to go all the way,” head coach Kyle McKenna said. “We are hoping our playoff experience from the last two years can help us to get to a mindset that we are capable of doing great things when we take care of the football and execute on offense and defense.” Indeed, over the summer the team has already shown the tenacity required to go deep into the playoffs; the Engineers reached the semifinal round against Curtis High School in the Syracuse 7-on-7 tournament in June. Many top players from 2010 will be returning to the team and look to have an extremely promising season. Shyti is returning and will be a senior this year. Coach McKenna says that he is a very hard worker and expects that he will be a large factor in the Engineers’ success this year. Another bright spot for the team this upcoming year are the young players that
joined the team last year and have shown the dedication to contribute even more this year. James Gales and Thomas Plonski are two of these players. Both rising juniors, they spent their summer breaks at football camps to hone their skills on the field. So promising are these two young players that coaches from Syracuse, Rutgers, and other schools have already inquired about Plonski, and Princeton, Syracuse, Penn State, Delaware, and other schools have already inquired about Gales. The Engineers’ strategy for 2011 is to improve their pass offense and pass defense in addition to continuing to run the ball well and play strong defense overall. Coach McKenna reports expecting a big year out of many of his players. Notably, senior Nathan Mdluli (WR/ DB) is regarded by his coach as a very smart football player who has matured into someone who makes important offensive and defensive plays. Senior Adonijah Smith (WR/DB) looks to be a major deep threat this year with impressive track speed. Mdluli and Smith, as well as the rest of the receivers, will help to stretch the field for the Engineers. 13
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Key players
James Gales
Thomas Plonski
Kevi Shyti
WR/RB/CB : 7.1 pts/game Ranked 1st in league for rushing & scoring
DE/TE : 3.5 tackles/game Ranked 9th in league
QB : 87 passing yards/game Ranked 2nd in league
Junior Kyvaune Brammer (WR/LB) combines incredible range with a dedication to working hard to generate high expectations for his performance in the coming year. Junior Tyler Dougherty (TE/LB) is, according to Coach McKenna, “a good blocker at the point of attack from the tight end position” and “a good linebacker against the run and in coverage.” Junior Kareem Ellis (RB/DB) has great versatility and speed on offense, and on defense plays great man coverage. Ellis was particularly instrumental in the aforementioned game against Jefferson, where he scored two touchdowns and had 156 rushing yards. Each of these players has made important contributions to the team thus far, and we look forward to seeing even more from them as they grow and improve. 2011 looks to be an exciting year for Tech and its rising stars. As its players mature, combining intensive practice with dedication and heart, they are positioned to make 2011 a record year for the Engineers.
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L L A B T O FO ndrew Adler A by s to ho P | g n li ow D e By Darlen
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Curtis High School
Warriors
T
he Curtis Warriors are getting ready to take the field this fall, and will do so on September 10th as they face off against Boys and Girls High School to kick off the season. Like all teams, the Warriors are starting off the year with some strengths, and some challenges. While the Warriors have had in the past, and hopefully continue to have, an excellent pass game, their biggest challenge this year – getting physical. “Our challenges will be to see how physical we can be up front on the line of scrimmage,” said Coach Peter Gambardella. Last season, two Staten Island football teams made it into the PSAL quarterfinals: Curtis and Tottenville. But while Tottenville went on to the semi-finals, the Warriors, who just so happen to have taken the PSAL championships five times including the previous year in 2009, went home, it was instead Campus Magnet who went on to the semi-finals. This year, the Warriors are working toward a different end to the season, and just in case you thought the team had the summer off, they didn’t. Unlike private schools, which often have access to private gyms to keep up their training regimens, public school coaches have to be a bit more creative. Many of the Warriors took part in the Big Apple Games, a series of sports and conditioning activities, to keep their bodies and skills up to par. Gambardella confirms that the Big Apple Games were “a big part” of making sure that camp got off to a good start, while also allowing the coaching staff and the players to set up their offense and defense a little early.
In addition to the Big Apple games, players Jare Shonde, a senior defensive back, and D’Mari Fuller, a junior wide receiver, were both selected to attend Football University’s Top Gun camp, an elite invitation-only football experience at the Warhill Sports Complex in Williamsburg, Va., in July. Only about nine hundred players from the entire USA take part in the camp. “It was a great experience for them,” said Coach Gambardella. But what will it mean on the field? He’s taking a ‘wait and see attitude.’ “We will have to wait and see how that translates to success on the field this year,” Gambardella said about the players’ growing skills. So in addition to Shonde and Fuller, who are the players to keep your eye on this season you may ask? There is no denying that sophomore Prince Dukes is the thrower to watch this season, having 800 yards of passing under his belt from last year alone. In fact, many suggest he’s one of the best that’s emerged from a PSAL team in years. Having an ability to catapult the football 60 yards, or more - and you may well see recruiters keeping their eyes on him this season too. In fact, it seems that college recruiters have been mining the Warriors for years, so much so that when asked, Gambardella says nonchalantly, “college recruiters always come
Coach Pete Gambardella 4th Season NYC/ Championship 5 2010 Record : 6-3 Regular Season 7-4 Overall
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by.” If you need proof, you can find Curtis Warriors alumni at Fordham University, Boston College, Rhode Island, Akron, Florida, Coastal Carolina and UAlbany. We’re certainly keeping tabs on Prince Dukes but he’s not alone in it. He’s surrounded by some other exceptional players including Tyrell Washington, a three-year starter on DL. Kevin Austin, Josh Artis and Elijah Caldwell Jr. may well be players to watch this season too. The Warriors get lots of community and school based support, including their local council member Debi Rose. But when it comes to sports programs besides the coach the principle often plays a starring role too. Something Coach Gambardella knows well - “we would be nowhere without the support of our Principal Dr. Aurelia Curtis”, whose son played on the team in the late 90’s. Also the school and the team gets help with from alumni, including Dr. Mosiello and Skender Baccalleri, both of whom have “really stepped up the last few years” according to Gambardella. In the end it’s a group effort – Gambardella, his assistant coaches, Dr. Aurelia Curtis, Council Member Rose, the Alumni, and of course the players, keeping the team on track. In addition to community support, the team also benefitted greatly when Coach Gambardella was named New York Jets High School Coach of the Year in 2008. The award, which included $2,000 to benefit the Curtis High School football program, is given out each year to the coach who not only gives their players a concrete foundation in the basics, but who also motivates and supports the players while keeping them close to their community both inside and outside athletics. That probably sounds like a lot to do, and it is, but Coach Gambardella has been coaching for sixteen years - 10 years as an assistant coach and two years at Boston University. He’s been coaching at Curtis for four seasons, and is glad to be back at his alma mater. Gambardella was an All-City wide receiver and safety at Curtis in his senior year, moving on after graduation to play linebacker for three seasons at Boston University. While his return to Curtis has been good for the team, it’s also been a “great experience” for him too.
s r o i r r a W
All in all it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the Curtis Warriors on the field at the PSAL championships at Yankee Stadium this season.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH
Prince Dukes Sophomore
J Kevin Austin
QB 6’3” 175 lbs. 800 yards passing last year
Tyrell Washington 3 year starter on DL 6’ 245 18 ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE
Josh Artis Elijah Caldwell. Jr
BEACH CHANNEL
HIGH SCHOOL: A MUST-SEA!
Dolphins Football By : Ife Washington Photos By : Daniel Zimmer
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T
he Dolphins of Rockaway Park are not the sea-bound beauties you would expect to find, but they are a tough bunch of teenage boys who have raised the bar for Beach Channel High School football. The Beach Channel High School Dolphins is a team that has pushed its way toward the top, ending last season with a 10-2 record, a great improvement from earlier times.
Coach Victor Nazario PSAL Bowl Division Season Record 10-2 Made the playoffs number one seed
“I preach discipline to my players,” said Coach Victor Nazario, who has been coaching the team for 10 years. This is one of the three foundations for the team: Discipline, Desire, and Dedication. “You need discipline in everything in life [such as] when you get a job and college, because people will take you serious.” Upon seeing the result of discipline, such as the continued victories last season, these core foundations became easy for the team to follow. To quote Aristotle, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act,
but a habit.” And eventually that’s what happened. They finished second in the finals which brings the Dolphins some much needed light. It’s been a long while since the Dolphins have made it this far. When asked what the best moment from last season was, Coach Nazario replied, “When we beat South Bronx in the home playoff game,” because that was when he knew they were going to the finals. Nazario expressed great joy while talking about the stats for the team, which included finishing first in the PSAL Bowl division and a season best of 10-2. This year he is even more excited about the talent of his team, and that he even feels spoiled with the players on the team this year. “These guys are bigger, some even being taller than 6-foot-1.” He continued with his praises for the team. “This is the fastest team I’ve coached speed-wise.” And although some of the play-
ers come from single parent homes, “they aren’t thugs. Some lack discipline, but they are a good bunch of kids.” The team does see parent involvement from Dexter, the dad of quarterback Brelend Archbold, who “does all he can to help.” He is active in the football community out in Rockaway too, with the Rockaway Ravens football team. The Dolphins also receive assistance from former player Travis Scott, and another volunteer, Coach Clenton. John D. Rockefeller once said, “Good leadership consists of showing average people how to do the work of superior people.” This brings running back/defensive back and captain Justin Zemser to mind who has a great GPA of 95. He isn’t the only one: Henry Adegunle has been receiving heavy recruits from schools like Yukon and Fordham University with a GPA in the 90s, following his skills on the field. “He hasn’t taken his SATs yet, but I think
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Key players
Diequan Underwood
Breilend Archbold
Henry Adegunle
Runningback and Defensiveback
Quarterback
Wide Receiver
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he will do well,” says Coach Victor. Though the team as a whole isn’t “academically superior,” they definitely have some pretty above-average players that may take their game to the next level. Perception is everything: Ronald Reagan once said, “Going to college offered me the chance to play football four more years.” Therefore, playing college football could be the push that this team needs to bring up their GPA. According to Coach Nazario, the team’s physical strengths are speed and agility. Having players such as running back and defensive back Diequan Underwood and quarterback Brelend Archold, this team does have the ingredients needed to make it all the way this season. Coach Nazario also stated about Archbold, “He is taking on a nice leadership role, without being a disciplinary.” With Coach Victor Nazario, his love for football, and the discipline of determined players leading the way for Beach Channel football this season, they should experience continued success they deserve.
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Dutchmen
Erasmus Hall Campus
26 ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE
COACH DANNY LANDBERG
2010 PSAL CONFERENCE 7-2 Regular Season Story by Jonathan Small Photos by Daniel S. Burnstein
D
espite suffering from a spate of injuries and having to practice on a front lawn measuring just 45 yards, Erasmus Hall put together a strong 2010 season. The Dutchman overcame injuries at the running back, center, and linebacker position and finished the regular season 7-2. Their postseason was brief however, as they lost to Dewitt Clinton in the first round by a score of 20-16. A relatively young team last year with only 10 departing seniors, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about this upcoming season.
With a full sized field to run practice drills on and stud senior quarterback/defensive back Wayne Morgan under center, Erasmus Hall should have the firepower to put last years early playoff exit behind them. Morgan, a 5-foot-11, 188 pound senior from Brooklyn has received playing offers from a handful of teams including Alabama, Connecticut, Maryland, Miami (FL), Michigan, Penn State, Rutgers and Syracuse. Last season, Morgan played quarterback, free safety and cornerback. On offense, he completed 23-of-50 passes for 432 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 662 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, Morgan had 33 tackles to go along with one interception. “As a corner, he’s very physical, lockdown type player,” head coach Danny Landberg said. “He primarily plays man coverage - nobody throws his way. He’s got outstanding hand-eye coordination and great hands. He will push a receiver around in man coverage; he’s like a blanket. When he’s our free safety, he’s very quick to get to alleys on runs to turn what would be a five-yard gain to a one-yard gain,” Yahoo! Sports recently ranked Morgan as the second best cornerback in the state and ESPN has him ranked in their 150 high school players to watch list for 2012. Coach Landberg, who left Erasmus Hall in 2005 only to return one season later after the school had made its transition into a campus school, has had plenty of past success with this program. The Dutchmen won the PSAL title in 2003 under his stewardship and after his one-year hiatus have been steadily climbing back to the top. In 2006 the team went 2-7 in his first year back. They were 4-5 in 2007, 5-4 in 2008, 8-1 in 2009 and 7-2 in 2010.
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To get an idea for how much of a detriment practicing on a small patch of grass in front of the school was last season, one needs only to look at the coach’s words. “It’s not meant for football. There’s no lines, there’s no numbers, there’s no hashes and it’s too small for equipment.” Game days were the only times the team was able to go full speed. And again, despite this, the team managed to finish the regular season 7-2. Returning along with Morgan is another first team all-borough player. Senior defensive back/wide receiver Cyrus Greene put in a strong 2010 season catching 12 passes for 236 yards and 3 touchdowns. On defense Greene made 21 tackles and 4 interceptions. Greene looks to cap his high school career with another solid campaign this season.
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EHALL FOOTBALL PLAYERS TO WATCH:
Quarterback, Free Safety
Running Back
Cornerback
Wayne Morgan
Shaquell Jackson
Cyrus Greene
Last season Morgan led the Dutchmen in passing and rushing.
The senior runs a 4.47 second 40 and is reportedly being looked at by UCONN.
Led the team in interceptions with 4 last season.
2011-2012 Season Preview Another player to keep an eye on this season is the speedy senior Shaquell Jackson. Last season Jackson rushed for 536 yards on 88 carries and scoring six touchdowns. The 5-foot-10 all purpose running back runs a 4.47 second 40 and is reportedly receiving interest from The University of Connecticut. Taking the prize in the guy-who-can-do-it-all category is Loumel Petion. Last year, as a Sophomore, the full back/linebacker/wide receiver/kicker caught 14 passes for 192 yards, had 35 tackles along with one sack, and punted the ball 16 times for 477 yards. The Dutchmen open the season on September 10 with a home game against Campus Magnet. This will be Erasmus Hall’s first game at Sid Luckman Field in over a year. Erasmus Hall and Campus Magnet did not meet last season. 30 ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE
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CAMPUS MAGNET
BULLDOGS FOOTBALL
By : Ife Washington Photos By : Daniel Zimmer 32 ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE
Coach Eric Barnett 7th Seasons Division I Season Record 9-2
W HO LE T TH E D O GS O U T ?
T
he Bulldogs that is. In an economically depressed time, these guys come from low-income homes, with the exception of just a few middle-income households. Yet, their aim is for the high class living. Their leading player, James Driver, “is the best offensive tackle in the city,” stated Coach Eric Barnett, along with other A-game players like: Woodly Lincifort, Raeshawn Lewis, Jared Ward, Matthew Carberry (whose mother is another reason why this team is so phenomenal), Devonte Daniels, Mark Camphork, Eric Webb, and more. As I make my way to the stands to meet the Campus Magnet Bulldog’s coach, the guys were already running drills. I immediately thought this was a training day, but the season doesn’t start for another two weeks. I was told by Sharon Morrison, Matthew Carberry’s mother, and president of Youth Academic Athletes Inc., that the boys breathe football. They strive to be the very best. It doesn’t stop on the field either. “They all have an 80 percent academic average and above,” stated Ms. Morrison. Youth Academic Athletes Inc. tutors the players to make sure the guys can make the pass from the high school football field to the college field. Their goal is definitely not for here and now, but for the future. Mr. Modest, also known as the coach for the Bulldogs, Eric Barnett, is a great man of honor himself. Like I stated earlier, the guys were running drills when I got there, but Coach Barnett wasn’t there for the football team, but for a summer youth league called the Springfield Rifles, which is a basketball team for younger kids, as small as five years old. He keeps the boys busy. After Mr. Modest gave me the stats for the varsity team, he left to go home after his daughter called for him. I thought to myself, what makes a person so committed to youth? “He wants to keep the kids off the streets,” said Ms. Morrison. That goal is accomplished. It’s not on an aver-
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KEY PLAYERS Offensive Tackle 6’7”/290lbs
Jared Ward
Wide Receiver 5’10”/185 lbs
Matthew Carberry
Devonte Daniels
Mark Camphork
Woodly Lincifort
Raeshawn Lewis
Eric Webb
James Driver
Corner Back 5’10”/160 lbs
Defensive Tackle 5’10”/220 lbs
age basis either. The Bulldogs made it all the way to the semi-finals. Did I mention their star player, James Driver, is the best offensive tackle in the city? “They’re in the top division in the city,” stated Coach Barnett. They finished 4th in the PSAL conference and 5th in the People’s Poll. And if that doesn’t make you want to cheer for them, they had a great season, winning 9 games out of 11. As I spoke to Ms. Morrison a little more about the team, she told me about how dedicated Coach Barnett is to these young men. She mentioned that some of the Campus Magnet Bulldog’s alum34 ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE
Half Back 6’2”/250 lbs
Tailback/Flanker 4’11”/125 lbs
Wide Receiver 5’6”/150 lbs
Fullback 5’10”/250 lbs
ni that went on to college call Coach Barnett up to say thank you. She also went on to say that whenever the players need help, their faithful coach is just a phone call away. I looked around at the neighborhood; no it’s not the healthiest environment you would want for your child, but to see the dedication in these players shows that there’s life here. There’s something in them that’s keeping them strong enough to not only play football, but to not be afraid to be knocked down. Malnourished people don’t get up easily, but these players, they welcome the hit, and hit harder. “They are grit and grind,” said Ms.
Morrison. “You come to play with them, you come to battle.” Wow! Talk about school spirit. After finishing at the top of their division last year, this team definitely proves that they are being taken care of, despite any problems they may encounter in their neighborhood or at home. “We’re a family,” said Sharon Morrison. And I can see it. So I ask the question again, “Who Let the Dogs Out?” Because I want to say, thank you.
DALERS FOOTBALL By : Jennifer ThorpeMonscon Photos By : Daniel S.Burnstein
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SHARKS
Coach Fred Snyder and Peterson 17th Season Division : PSAL Championship Regular Season Record in 2010 3-6-0
F
Raising the Bar: The Sharks Rising
or the Sheepshead Bay Sharks, the 2010-2011 season was an unusual one. The team was composed of almost all new sophomore and junior players, which, as anyone who loves sports knows, is both a blessing and a curse – a blessing for the young, eager, budding skill these players offer, but a curse because of their inexperience. The team made the playoffs after going 3-6-0 in the regular season, an especially important accomplishment given its youth, but was eliminated in the first round against Lincoln High School. Nonetheless, Coach Peterson was very pleased with this outcome. “Having playoff experience will help down the line,” he said, experience only heightened by the fact that the Sharks encountered the league’s top six teams in regular season games that same year. In addition, Coach Peterson emphasized how the year the team spent growing and learning together created a united front among them. The players have a healthy competitive drive that causes them to push each other to be their
By : Jennifer Thorpe-Moscon | Photos By : Daniel S.Burnstein best. Now, in the 2011-2012 season, the Sharks, with a full year’s worth of experience, are poised to do big things. The Sharks will still face some obstacles in the new year. Coach Peterson proudly states that the players are all held to rigorous academic standards, but the flip side of such a policy is that some potential players are held back by their grades, limiting the team’s depth. Moreover, some parents have been reluctant to allow their sons to play on the team, perhaps due to reduced time for their studies. However, several players from junior varsity should be moving up to varsity this year, helping expand the team. That, in addition to the very bright stars the coach sees in several current players, makes for an exciting year. On offense, Ricardo Appleton (FB), a senior, is a strong player with four touchdowns alone last season despite playing only six games due to injury. Coach Peterson sees much promise in him, especially now that he is healthy. In addition, new starting quarterback Michael Destephano, a senior, doubles
as a strong leader who pushes his teammates to do bigger and better things on the field. He spent last season as backup quarterback under Adler Thony and was promoted for the 2011-2012 year. His skill at both passing and running the ball should make him a formidable quarterback. On defense, Davone “Shrek” Hall (DT), now a junior, and Jamie O’Bryan (DT/OT), a senior, have what look to be a tremendous year ahead of them. O’Bryan’s record of 28 tackles and two sacks gives the Sharks an edge, and his commitment to leading and helping his teammates makes him a huge asset for the team. Deandre White (TB), a senior, who spent most of last year with a season-ending knee injury, will be starting tailback this year, and Coach Peterson is very excited to see him in action. For the 2011-2012 year, Coach Peterson reports that the Sharks will focus on more individual coaching – namely, playing closer attention to every detail, every “extra yard, extra push” that can bring the team closer to the next point. 37
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KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ricardo Appleton (FB): 5’8”/220 Four touchdowns in six games in 2010
Giving each player the personal attention he needs will build on his strengths and help him to overcome and improve upon his weaknesses. The team will also focus on improving its defense. The Sharks have been building on their experience and strength by working hard in the gym all spring, which will give them a big leg up this fall. The youth of the team precludes most of the players from having received many offers from colleges as of yet, but nonetheless Destephano has received several offers from Di38 ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE
Michael Destephano
Jamie O’Bryan
(QB): 6’0”/190 First year starting QB
(OT/DT): 6’0”/205 28 tackles, 2 sacks in 2010
vision I schools, including Temple, Rutgers, Boston College, and Rhode Island. Hall has already received some interest as well, while O’Bryan anticipates attending a military academy and playing for a high-class team there. The bar is set higher this year for the Sharks than last year since the players are now older and more experienced. Three wins will not be seen as enough, by the coaches or the players. But with grit, experience, and motivation, this team is set to have a banner year, and last year’s
rookies are set to become this year’s stars. Getting into the playoffs for the 15th season in a row is just the start – the Sharks plan to go deeper into the playoffs and seek another PSAL Championship. Between the devoted and enthusiastic Coach Peterson, Coach Snyder, who was Daily News Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2005, and the dedicated and driven players, the Sharks are sure to be competitors late into the season.
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By: Jonathan Small Photos By: Daniel S. Burnstein
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efferson Campus football team, Stephen Edwards led the Orange Wave to a 7-2 record. The finish placed the team fourth in the PSAL Championship Division, a modest record made all the more impressive considering Jefferson wasn’t even in the Championship Division two seasons ago. When Edwards took over as head coach in 2009, Jefferson was in the Bowl Division. In his first year at the helm, the team won the division title. But in the shadow of celebration, as the dust of the season settled, a major change had occurred. Unexpectedly, the team had been bumped up to the Championship Division, the hardest and most competitive division in the PSAL, beginning in the 201011 season. “We’re just gonna play ball. We know what we’re up against. Some of these guys are much bigger, that doesn’t mean they’re faster. I told my team if you outwork them, you can beat them. That’s what we’re gonna do,” Edwards said in response to the sudden move. And on the shoulders of a potent passing attack and a dominant secondary, that is exactly what last year’s team did.
Coach Stephen Edwards 3rd Season DIVISION : PSAL Championship REGULAR SEASON RECORD LAST YEAR 7-2
Although this year’s team will be without the talented RB/WR, Mark Thomas (50 rushes for 611 yards, 6 td’s and 13 receptions for 266 yards, 3 td’s last season), senior wide receiver Dajon Dixon is primed to fill some of the void. Last season, Dixon caught 10 passes for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also rushed 6 times for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. 41 WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM
KEY PLAYERS Dajon Dixon
Kharif Pryor
6’ 1”, 180 pounds, WR/S/CB/ KR. The senior becomes the go-to guy this year after hauling in 10 catches for 238 yards and 3 touchdowns a season ago.
5’ 8”, 175 pounds, CB. Senior corner made 16 tackles and 1 interception during the 2010-11 campaign.
Al Amin Stewart Junior quarterback led the Orange Crush to the postseason with a passer rating of 100.9 last year.
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Ebenezer Ogundeko 6’ 3” 215 pounds, RG/DE/DT. Junior lineman is a beast inside, racking up 36 tackles and 4 sacks two seasons ago.
The return of Dixon is good news for junior quarterback Al Amin Stewart Jr. who looks to improve upon a strong 2010-11 season. Last season Stewart completed 59 passes for 1127 yards with 7 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. The accurate thrower was strong during the regular season, compiling a 100.9 passer rating. However, his year ended poorly as he struggled against August Martin in the playoffs, throwing 3 picks. The team hopes a disappointing postseason can motivate and propel the young leader to even greater success. On the defensive side of the ball, the team will miss the presence of 6’1” 190 pound graduating senior, Michael Hooks (3 sacks, 44 tackles a seasonago) but will look to maintain their level of play under the leadership of players like senior Kharif Pryor. Last season, Pryor made 16 tackles and 1 interception. The consistent corner posted 16 tackles and 1 interception two years ago as well during his sophomore season. Anchoring the defense up in the trenches is junior DT/DE/RG, Ebenezer Ogundeko. Last year, as a sophomore, the 6’3” 215 pounder made 16 tackles. Two years ago, as a freshman, Ogundeko made 36 tackles and 4 sacks. This season, the big man will look to wreak havoc on opposing offenses once again. Two seasons ago, the Orange Wave was thrust into the Championship division. The program had reached the pinnacle of the bowl division and the powers that be deemed it time for the bump. Opposing coaches and league watchers said it would be rough transition. Nobody thought the program was ready. But the Jefferson coaches and players responded. They rose to the competition and ended last season with a 7-2 regular season record. A nail biting loss in the playoffs, to a team they were supposed to beat, has left them chomping at the bit. The Thomas Jefferson Campus football program has acclimated to its new division home. While this may not be season, it is only a matter of time before a Championship Division title is sitting on the mantle next to the 2009 Bowl Division title. The Orange Wave opens the season on September 9th with an away game against Tottenville. Thomas Jefferson and Tottenville did not meet last season.
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Photo by Daniel S. Burnstein
Players from the New Utrecht football team practice agility drills.
SPEED
SHUTTER
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Photo by Daniel S. Burnstein
The Sheepshead Bay varsity football team doesn始t let the rain get in the way of their preseason practices.
SPEED
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T R E C H T
Story by Cessou Bernard Jr Photos by Daniel S. Burnstein
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isappointments and falling short of goals is a part of life, as is a 3-6 season, when the talent for success is being suppressed by respect for those who misuse the honor of leadership. In the wake of under achieving, the leader of leaders must ultimately take the fall, gather them self, re-evaluate their ideologies, and rebuild the broken system. The purest sign of leadership shines when that chosen man or woman reflects upon their own performance, and places the burden of failure on who they know best. Coach Balkan confesses that the failure of last season is a result of “lack of discipline by the seniors and poor role models by the seniors, and that’s if anything a direct reflection of me and it should have never been that.”
pared to out work, out play, out lead, and ultimately out do his predecessors.
It’s a new day in Brooklyn and the stars are destined to shine bright. With versatility that redefines the Iron Men of old, the 6’3”, 185 lb Frankie Hakaj is primed to lead his troops into battle. His overwhelming combination of physical attributes, work ethic, leadership, and mental toughness have been subdued long enough, as he has quietly contained the inner beast. Now with the tides turned, the humbly led becomes the powerful leader. Feeding off the fiery and intense energy of 12 year head coach Alan Balkan, Frankie and the Utes are refocused with a “Commitment to Excellence.” The FCS coveted (DE/WR/ OLB/TE) young Frankie Hakaj is pre-
Alongside the intensity of competition is the true underlying story, which is not just being a man, but being a good man. In Coach Balkan’s opinion the student athlete is defined in a particular manner. “It goes back and forth, it’s the same thing, - as good as you are on the field is as good as you are in the classroom, as poor as you are in the classroom is as poor as you are on the field,” he said.
A supporting cast that offers youth, hunger, determination and a bad taste in the mouth includes; 5’8”/165 lb Luis Rivera (DB/WR), 5’9”/165 lb Davin Collins (DB/WR), and three to four first year varsity starting sophomores. Coach Balkan and his experienced unit of eight to nine coaches, which includes; Keith Matone (assistant coach since 2000), and former New Utrecht player Wendell Fevrine (offensive coordinator since 2004) are preparing the Utes for success on the field, catapulting off the let down of last season. The coaching staff is “tightly knit” and stresses discipline, character and respect.
Other than the on field leadership of the 2010 Utes, Coach Balkan notes the lack of belief amongst teammates as one of the dooming factors of the season. The coaches have imposed some more “team
COACH ALAN BALKAN 2010 PSAL Power 5 Division 3-6 Record building” activities to rebuild the team camaraderie of previous seasons. The coaching staff has focused on making the team one unit and having them believe in one another. The Utes not only face the competition of the men standing opposite them, but they also face the challenge of mustering all energy from inside and one another. The home Brooklyn field lacks the optimum amount of seating, thus handicapping the team’s ability to feed off any fan advantage. Coach Balkan cites that due to the lack of stands, the game time support of the team is difficult and is mostly reduced to fans standing outside the fences and about 20 percent of the parents showing up for games. However the turn out of New Utrecht supporters at games is not reflective of the love and admiration held within the school. “Our faculty, our principal is unbelievable,” Balkan said. “Ms. Goldfarb, she’s 100 percent behind us. She backs us up, the kids in the school back us up.”
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Playing in the City’s highest Power 5 Division, the green, white and black will certainly not be handed redemption. The Utes will instead need to personally author their own comeback story, written in the notepad of humbled and hopeful fresh starts, and with the ink of hard work and discipline. The team’s ambition is anchored by a group of seasoned coaches, led by a player destined for the next level of competition, supported by both battle tested vets and promising rookies, and mostly, fueled by the memory of a season lost. Sometimes oldies truly are goldies, and after a few seasons of allowing the players to produce their own mottos the time has come to pull back on the reigns. “Commitment to Excellence” says it all, no more excuses, no more half efforts on or off the field. 2011 is the year to grow individually as men, and come together as a team.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Defensive End/Wide Receiver Offensive Lineback/Tight End
Frankie Hakaj
Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
Luis Rivera
Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
Davin Collins
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P R O9-11C Pro Corner
MORE THAN A GAME BY : JOE PIETARO
I
n the decade since the tragedies that occurred on September 11, 2001, the sports world has been a place people have turned to as a way of enjoying the simple things in life. That was the plan set out back then and it certainly felt that way again as the ten-year mark approached.
GIANTS, JETS FELT 9-11 52
OPENING DAY EXTRA SPECIAL
ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE
“The feelings you get on the sideline and during the national anthem will be even greater this year because it will be the 10th anniversary on 9/11,” said Giants head coach Tom Coughlin before the game. “You can feel how the league is going to recognize the tragedy that took place to this great country. Recognizing the terrible loss of life and the people who have lost loved ones, and recog-
O RNER nizing the heroes, the firemen, the president who was in office during emergency people, the policemen, the terrorist attacks. the people who immediately sacriA stirring 27-24 comeback win ficed their lives to save others.” for Gang Green may have been The Washington Redskins hosted enough, but because it was done on the Giants in the opener for both that day in the Tri-state area made teams and two cities who shared in it epic. “I think we all felt it,” Rex loss and sorrow had an afternoon to- Ryan said. “It affected everybody in gether to reflect on the past and look that locker room. You can see where towards the future. The final score the Towers were from our stadium. had the Redskins finish on top, 28- There was a lot of pressure, but also 14, but that was not the most im- a lot of excitement. portant aspect. Even to Washington “We wanted to show our fans and head coach Mike Shanahan, who everybody else, ‘Hey, look. We’re called the day “amazing” and “quite you’re team’ and all that,” the Jets emotional.” head coach said. “It brought tears to your eyes,” Third-year quarterback Mark he added. Sanchez received the biggest ovaThe Jets’ home contest against tion during the pre-game introducthe Dallas Cowboys took place in tions and called it an “emotional atprime time and the pre-game activi- mosphere.” ties included an appearance by none “It was a good win for this comother than George Bush, the former
munity and this city after a big memorial game like this,” he reflected. Part of the pre-game had the players along with a number of first responders from the various police, fire and military agencies standing shoulder to shoulder holding an American flag that covered the entire field. This was a special moment and something not lost on LaDanian Tomlinson. “I felt honored; I really did,” the Jets running back said. “Those were the guys that did the ground work. The recovery. The guys (who) got in and did the dirty work. I felt honored to be standing next to them.” Sports superstars and blue collar workers were all equal on a very special day in our country. And of course sports being the backdrop made it happen.
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The NFL Youth Football Fund and USA Football salute the players of the 2011 Empire Challenge High School Football All-Star Game. Football teaches its players, coaches and participants valuable life lessons that can be applied both on and off the field. Your participation today is not only a celebration of your all-star season, but also a testament to the perseverance of Empire Challenge Inc. and the Boomer Esiason Foundation. Their tireless efforts in the fight against cystic fibrosis bring those with the disease closer to a cure, and help them live healthier lives.
Sports Ps Sport Psychology By: Dr. Tom Ferraro
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The Problem with Perfectionism
ver all the years of seeing athletes I can honestly say that the most common problem that athletes suffer with is perfectionism. And what makes this
ment… as best you can with clear eyes and love in your heart… with joy in your heart? If you can do that gentleman, then you’re perfect.”
scared because you are probably expecting more disappointment. A quarterback may throw three touchdowns and win the game but go home feeling upset and even angry because he threw two interceptions as well. The
The perfectionist is always unhappy no matter how he plays. problem so difficult to treat is that nearly every athlete considers their perfectionism to be a helpful trait. “Hey Doc what’s wrong with trying to be perfect? It gets me to stay real focused and strive to be my very best!” Now just add in the typical coaches own perfectionism and you really have a problem on your hands. You may recall the football film Friday Night Lights where Coach Gaines, played by Bill Bob Thorton, tried to teach his team how to be perfect. He sealed the deal for real during that famous pep talk he gave at halftime of the State Championships. This may be the most well-known pep talk ever given. He said this: “Being perfect is not about that scoreboard out there. It’s about you and your relationship to your family and your friends. Being perfect is about being able to look your friend in the eye and know that you didn’t let him down because you told them the truth. And that truth is that you did everything that you could. There wasn’t one more thing you could have done. Can you live in that mo56 ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE
Coaches often reinforce perfectionism if they are too harsh and do not give praise. But of course you will note that this is a redefinition of what we all know perfectionism to be. We usually define perfectionism as: “The tendency to set very high standards and to be dissatisfied with anything that does not meet those high standards. These high standards are often unrealistic.” And even that definition sounds harmless enough until you actually break it down and see it in action. Because what that often means is that the athlete sets increasingly high standards which can never be reached. This leads to an increasing sense of frustration and a feeling of defeat. When it goes on unchecked it leads to anger and even depression because the athlete feels no longer like a success but like a failure. Perfectionism means that you can never or very rarely feel satisfied and usually go home feeling sad and empty. Perfectionism means that you play tight and
reality is that football players make mistakes all game long because they are human. The worst case I have ever seen of perfectionism was when I was working with a young golfer who was a national champion but was having lots of emotional trouble. As we played golf one day he hit a great drive and a two iron to about three inches on a very tough par five. As he tapped his eagle putt in, he was grumbling of how disappointed he was for not making a double eagle. That is what you call perfectionism. Bill Parcels would always worry about game quitters but what he failed to realize is that a source of game quitting is the feeling that you are losing all game long. This comes about when perfectionism is in play and as a result the player is feeling that he is playing lousy all game. He is set up to quit.
sychology Why are so many athletes perfectionistic?
The perfectionist will eventually feel down and depressed. Alfred Adler was the first psychologist to focus on perfectionism and felt that our natural feeling of inferiority in childhood produced a need to compensate for it by becoming perfectionistic. And when you then enter the world of sports it only reinforces this tendency. Sports demands much from the athlete. To win you must be excellent. Competition is very fierce and gets fiercer the higher you go. To win you must focus hard and try hard. Only the very best get to the top and get that golden ring, be that a scholarship or a pro contract. The rest go home empty handed. The media reinforces this at every turn. Only the star gets face time. That’s the way it is. And all this fierce competition breeds perfectionism into us. But that also leads to the problem we are talking about; constant frustration, bitterness, overwork and exhaustion. Almost every time I have worked with perfectionists that get to the top they come in, lie down on my couch and look totally, fully and completely exhausted.
There has to be a better way but what is it? The first thing to do is to try to determine if you are perfectionistic. Are you always unhappy with your performance? Are you in a slump? Are you always angry with the way you play? Do you always see yourself as failing though everyone around you sees you as a very good player? If you feel this is true, you may be a perfectionist. And here is what to do. Begin to judge yourself in a more lenient, reasonable or flexible manner. Chances are you are not now and never will be Peyton or Eli Manning. That’s okay. Try to see and to appreciate your wins and your victories. Try to develop patience and a real sense of forgiveness. When you get compliments, take a moment to take them in. Say thank you. Try to start to enjoy your game whatever it is. Chances are there is much to enjoy in the game, the camaraderie, the movement of it, and the travel. It is not just about winning and losing. It is much more about playing the game for all of its fun and pleasure. I always ask every player I work with what is their philosophy about why they play the game. When given a chance to talk about it they will usually tell me they play because of the pleasure of the game, its beauty, that the game is their sanctuary, that they like the friendships and the travel too. And then they will tell me they like to win too. But winning is usually said at the end. It is just like what Coach Gaines said about being perfect. It is not about the scoreboard but more about playing with effort and with love in their hearts. And for me sports are all about fun and joy and pleasure and friendships. And not so much about win, win, win. Of course you need to enjoy winning and try your very best but there is room in sport for you to take some time to slow down, and live in the moment of joy as Coach Gaines said. And, there is time in that moment for some forgiveness as well. And if you can find some joy and some forgiveness along with the drive to excel this will take you a whole lot further than just the lonely sad path of the perfectionist.
Learn to have fun and to enjoy your game for what it is and this will help get you out of perfectionism.
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UA TRAININ UA Training
A WHOLE DIFFERENT BALL GAME
New ways to build strength for the Grid Iron
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Story By Mike Meija CSCS/ / Photos By Morgan Harrison When it comes to strength training for football, certain lifts immediately come to mind. In fact, it’s hard to even imagine a football training program that isn’t built almost exclusively around squats, bench presses, deadlifts and power cleans. And while there’s no arguing the efficacy of these lifts in terms of building big, powerful p owerful muscles, I can’t help but wonder if they really represent the best way to build functional strength ffor or the sport; or, if their inclusion is merely part of some time-honored approach that athletes and coaches alike are afraid to deviate from. So I decided to take a closer look at some common football strengthening exercises and offer up what I feel to be some more effective alternatives.
A TRUE “BENCH” MARK? For as long as I can remember, the bench press has been the undisputed king of upper body lifts. The only question is... why? Sure, it allows for a reliable way to gauge an athlete’s upper body pushing strength, making it a real favorite amongst coaches. I for one, however, feel that its transfer to football is minimal at best. First off, because you’re not engaging your legs and core the same way as you would in an upright position, the push you’re generating is nowhere near the same. In other words, just because you might be able to bench press a small automobile, doesn’t ensure that you’ll be able to shed a block, or drive an opposing player backward. Making matters worse is the fact that the symmetrical load provided by the barbell won’t prepare you for the unbalanced type of push you’ll often need when engaging an opponent. That’s why I prefer a much more functional exercise called the band thrust out. For this drill, you’ll need access to a moderately heavy rubber resistance band, as well as something sturdy to anchor it to. Once you’ve anchored your band to something close to floor level, begin by grasping the handles and facing away from the anchoring point. Next, set up in a split stance with one leg in front of the other and a slight bend in both knees. With your hands starting just a few inches in front of your shoulders, brace your core as you press up and out, while simultaneously driving your back leg past your front one. In the finish position, you’ll be balancing on one leg with both arms extended out, above your head. Pause for a split second and then control the weight back down and repeat for 6-8 reps. Remember to switch the order of your legs when you do the next set. Besides absolutely blasting your core, this drill also better simulates the unique combination of balance and strength you’ll need out on the field. In terms of power development, try the kneeling jump to medicine ball throw. For these, begin by kneeling down facing a wall that’s several feet in front of you. Holding a heavy medicine ball at chest height, start by sitting your hips back towards your heels and then “explode” up into a jump, as you land on the balls of your feet and then immediately use the momentum you’ve generated to throw the ball towards the wall. You then simply retrieve the ball and repeat for 5-6 total reps. What I like about this drill is the way it integrates the hips, core and upper body into one explosive movement. In doing so, it does a great job of training the triple extension (simultaneous extension of the hips, knees and ankles) necessary to execute the Olympic lifts without requiring teens to get into the awkward “catch” position- which often presents problems due to limitations in upper body flexibility.
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When it comes to upper body pulling strength, instead of all the lat pulldowns and rows, (where you’re traditionally in a seated position) why not try a drill called the “lumberjack” row. In addition to being a great upper back, arm and grip strengthener, the rotational movement it incorporates will really emphasize your core. You also get the added benefit of incorporating the lower body to help develop systemic strength. It’s also the perfect drill for defensive players who need to grab backs and receivers to toss them to the ground! For these, you’ll need to attach a rope handle to a low pulley. Begin by standing sideways to the pulley, in a quarter squat position and grabbing the rope with one hand about a foot in front of the other (as pictured). Once you’ve selected your weight, start by pushing into the ground with your legs and pulling the rope with both arms, as you simultaneously rotate your torso. In the finish position your legs will be almost completely straight, with your back elbow well past your torso and your other hand near your front hip. Carefully return the weight to the starting position and repeat for 8-10 reps per side. ULTIMATE ATHLETE MAGAZINE
NG YOU DON’T KNOW SQUAT! As effective as squats and deadlifts can be, I find that players often sacrifice form in an effort to put up as much weight as possible. Besides the obvious injury concerns associated with training this way, it also increases the likelihood of developing strength imbalances throughout the lower body. Chief among these is a propensity to overdevelop the quadriceps and hip flexors at the expense of the hamstrings and gluteals- the latter of which play a key role in developing the strength needed for sprinting and jumping. Rather than completely abandon squats and deadlifts, though, the use of a mini band can help by re-directing the focus on to the muscles that players need to work most, while simultaneously easing the workload on the lower back. Try placing these small colored bands (which are available through www.performbetter.com), just above the knees during both squats and deadlifts, and focus on “firing out” against the added resistance they offer. Not only will you experience one of the most complete lower body strengthening exercises you’ve ever attempted, but you’ll find you don’t need to us anywhere near as much weight. Trust me, your joints will thank you for it years from now. Another important training consideration from a lower body stand standpoint is the fact that most of what happens on the field will occur when your weight is primarily supported by just one leg. Obviously, this creates a need for at least some unilateral strengthening. Among my top choices here are the Bulgarian Split Squat and the Unilateral Stability Ball Leg Curl. I like the split squat because it requires both balance and flexibility, and the leg curl is great for developing the hip extension strength necessary for pushing the ground away from you during sprints. Despite the fact that both drills may look a bit unconventional, I assure you they’re among the best you can do to improve performance on the field. Hold a pair of dumbbells and stand a couple of feet in front of an exercise bench, or high step with your back to it. Place the top of one foot behind you on the bench and as you balance on the other, maintain an upright torso as you descend into a parallel squat. Pause at the bottom and then fire back up. Lie on the ground with your lower legs resting on a stability ball. Begin by lifting one
CONCLUSION Strength training for football has come a long way from the ol’ “Go Heavy, or Go Home” days. Keep focusing your training efforts on squats, bench presses and power cleans and you might present a pretty imposing image on the field, but you’ll have a hard time keeping up with guys whose training has evolved with the times. Remember, it’s what you can do on the field, and not necessarily in the weight room that counts. So forget about tradition, and start doing the kind of stuff that’s going to help take your game to the next level!
For more great strength and training information from Mike Mejia, visit his website at www.basesportsconditioning.com.
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Grow Healthy.
Step up your healthy lifestyle. UnitedHealthcare is right behind you. We all know that regular visits to the doctor are important. But growing healthy is about more than just doctor visits. An active lifestyle that includes exercise is an essential part of your overall well-being, including both your body and your mind. That’s why we provide members with the tools, resources and information they need to get active and stay motivated. At UnitedHealthcare, through our Oxford products, we’re committed to helping New York area members live well and grow healthy.
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