WYOMING VALLEY
FREE
SPORT SHOT! March 2015
Vol. 2 Issue 2
For the athlete in all of us
SWIMMING Lake-Lehman, WVW meet-up before District competition begins Pages 10-11
DOME SOCCER High school players stay in shape by competing in off-season games Page 13
BOYS BASKETBALL GAR too much for Nanticoke to handle in 56-42 victory Pages 14-15
SKATING AWAY WINTER BLUES Senior Spotlight: James Biggs-Frazier, Wyoming Seminary, page 3 Wrestling District 2 Class AA Team Duals, pages 18-19
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Editor’s Note: The Valley’s Passionate Storytellers I’ve been fortunate in this position to have the opportunity to talk to different high school athletes from the Valley. Each month, WVSS chooses an athlete to highlight in the “Senior Spotlight” feature on page three. In a piece that offers a glance in to the mind of a high school senior or recent graduate, I’ve learned so much just from chatting with them for 20 minutes. What gets me every time is the passion they have for the game and how well they speak about their experiences. I can remember talking to 2014 Holy Redeemer graduate Chase Makowski about his senior year and his decision to play golf at Monmouth University. It’s easy to tell how much someone loves what they do by listening to how they tell stories. I asked Chase about his most memorable golf moment and he painted a picture so vivid that I felt as though I was standing on the green with him during their (second) State Championship round against Wyomissing.
For Chase, and so many of the other athletes, it’s easy to see why they chose to continue their athletic careers competitively for at least another four years. So many athletes follow in the footsteps of family members and strive to continue the family legacy. Others are so proud of their achievements and love describing the obstacles they’ve overcome and the hard work it took to shape them in to Division 1 athletes. Lake-Lehman’s 2014 graduate Austin Harry took me through a typical morning – an alarm clock buzzing at 5 a.m. How many high school students do you know up at 5 a.m.? He didn’t make it sound glamorous or easy. He told me how tough it was but also how he knew his dedication and determination would be worth it. I love having the opportunity to share these stories with the Wyoming Valley community. These students are passionate storytellers and their next chapter is only beginning.
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Light the Way for Candy’s Place Run Saturday, March 21, nighttime race at Luzerne County Sports Complex in Forty Fort. Contact Alaina Williams 570-592-1203, alainacwilliams@ yahoo.com for more information.
Get updated on what events we’re covering and where you can pick up a copy of the print edition.
Extra, Extra Pick Up WVSS Sport Shot is available throughout the Wyoming Valley, adding drop off locations all the time. Don’t forget what areas WVSS is available in by searching for the towns listed in this word search below.
35th Annual Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Foot Race Hosted by the Wyoming Valley Striders, Sunday, March 22, 11 a.m. at Penn State Lehman’s campus. Fees: $12 before March 14, $10 for members, $15 for everyone after March 14. Contact Karen McLaughlin, W.V.S. Vice President at 570-406-4029 / karmcl@hotmail.com Odyssey Fitness 2015 Indoor Triathlon Friday, March 27. 400 yard swim (20 laps), 10 minute distance ride on stationary bike, 2 mile run (20 laps on the track), Registration forms available at the front desk. Member rate: $30 per individual, $60 per team. Non-member rate: $45 per individual, $75 per team. Contact Owen Christman at 570-829-2661 x211
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335
Kid’s Yoga @ Balance Yoga Saturday, March 28 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Forty Fort. Kids will enjoy creative workshops with yoga games and songs, breath meditations, relaxing visualizations, and fun yoga movements. For ages 5-10. Preregistration is recommended.
Our mission: Photographs that capture the spirit of high school and recreational athletes in the Wyoming Valley. Check out all the photographs at wyomingvalleysportshot.com. The schedule: The print edition of Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is published on the first Saturday of each month. Free copies are distributed at 100 locations in the Wyoming Valley. Wyomingvalleysportshot.com is updated throughout the month as well as Wyoming Valley Sport Shot on Facebook.
Aquatics at Wilkes-Barre YMCA - Winter Session II Classes held February 16 - April 11. Member classes meet once a week for eight weeks; except Friday/Saturday classes meet seven times. NonMember registration begins January 31. To register, call 570-823-2191 or email Tammy.Como@wbymca.org.
Your stuff: Bring it on. We welcome your photos, news and ideas submitted for publication. Send submissions of photos and information to wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com. Submitted copy and printed photographs delivered to Wyoming Valley Sport Shot will not be returned. Photos reproduce best if saved in .jpg format at 300 dpi and submitted by email. Game time: Advertising deadline: 10 days prior to publication. Content submission deadline: Seven days prior to publication.
And...Any opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of this publication. We reserve the right to edit all content for clarity, relevance and length and the right to reject submissions. Submitted copy must include a contact name and phone number.
Relay for Heat Saturday, March 14. Hosted by Wilkes University at Kirby Park in WilkesBarre. For more information contact William Terzaghi at 570-408-4762 or terzaghi@wilkes.edu The Renal Race 4 Sunday, March 15 10 a.m. Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. Registration begins at 8 a.m. at Genetti’s Hotel & Convention Center. 5K run or 1 mile fun walk available. $20 race fee + $2.50 sign-up fee. Online registration ends March 12. Contact Erin ReboPikul at therenalracepa@gmail.com
On the cover: Alexis Bleiler practices with the Diamond City Figure Skating Club at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre. Photo by Mary Bove
Our team: Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is locally owned and handmade in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Contributing photographers this issue include Mary Bove, Frank Lauri, Steve Shoemaker.
March, 2015
DALLAS EXETER FORTY FORT HANOVER KINGSTON LARKSVILLE
LEHMAN MOUNTAIN TOP NANTICOKE PITTSTON WILKES BARRE WYOMING
8th Annual Susquehanna Warrior Trail Run Saturday, April 4, 10:15 a.m. $20 by March 22, $25 thereafter. Sign up at www.susquehannawarriortrail.org Contact Max Furek at 570-542-7946 or jungle@epix.net
March, 2015
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Senior Spotlight: James Biggs-Frazier By Ellen Hoffman
Many student athletes look up to professional or college players. They aspire to become the players they see on television or follow what they’re doing in the newspapers and magazines. James Biggs-Frazier was lucky enough to have an NBA star push him to achieve success. In grade school in the Philadelphia area, Biggs-Frazier’s uncle introduced him to the Pervis Ellison, University of Louisville standout. “He came to the school yard one day and just told me to run,” Biggs-Frazier said. “He was like, ‘Oh he’s fast. Let’s get him on the track.’ I started running track that year.” After he saw what he could do on the track, he tested himself on the football field. “It was a stressful year for me because I never played football before and they were making cuts. I had to make the team,” he said. “I didn’t want to be embarrassed.” Biggs-Frazier made the team and hasn’t looked back. He continued his high school career competing in both football and track. In 2014, he chose to attend Wyoming Seminary as a postgraduate student. The program allows students to improve their overall grades and their SAT scores, and possibly be admitted to a more prestigious university or college than they might have after high school. That’s exactly what happened for BiggsFrazier. He worked on and off the field and earned a spot at Fordham University to play Division 1 football this fall. “That was always my goal,” he said. “It was just that I didn’t want to fall short of the goal. I think with Fordham I felt it was a good fit for me because academically it was a good fit and athletically I’ll be playing Division 1 football.” Biggs-Frazier said his background in track shaped him as a football player. While he stuck with track throughout high school, football was always his passion. “With football, you’re training your body to run but you’re not training your body to run in a straight line.You have different obstacles in your way and I think that’s what I love most about football.” But, sticking with track in the spring helped him stay focused in the football off-season. He has always been interested in learning more and strengthening his game. He said
one skill he learned while playing as a Blue Knight was his ability to be a leader. “I think I developed my game in a different way this year,” he said. “I became a leader.” He also learned how to play both sides of the ball once he joined the team at Wyoming Seminary. He said this allowed him to get his body into the condition he needed to prepare for Division 1 scouts. “In high school I played one side of the ball, so I could focus on one side of the ball,” he said. “Here I managed to get myself in a better shape and be ready for both sides of the ball and do what coach Hollway asks me.” Now that Biggs-Frazier has had this additional training, he feels comfortable moving to the Division 1 level of play. But. he said he still needs to train. “Everyone is fast at that level so I just need to be a lot better,” he said. “I have to bring my game to a different level, not just my conditioning. I need to be watching more film and understanding the game a little better.” Now, in the off-season, he’s staying in shape and enjoying his time off before he’s back on the turf. Not that he has a very long off-season. He reports to Fordham by mid-June. “I haven’t grasped it yet,” he said of his future. “It’s still far enough away that I don’t have to talk about it just yet.” Senior Spotlight is a monthly feature that will highlight the success and determination of an upcoming 2015 high school graduate from the Wyoming Valley who excelled in athletics and is taking those skills to the collegiate level. Photo submitted by Wyoming Seminary’s Communications Department.
Spring Field Hockey Practices at PA Elite Starting Soon! Join our U14 or U19 Age Groups Travel To Colleges to Compete in 7 vs. 7 Tournaments Practice Location: Wyoming Seminary’s Klassner Field 201 N. Maple Ave., Kingston Contact: info@paelitefhc.com Erin McGinley at 570-709-0874 Amy Daniel at 570-762-1439 www.PAEliteFHC.com Like us on Facebook for updates: PA Elite FHC, LLC
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March, 2015
Lake-Lehman Senior Becomes Four-Time Champion Wyoming Valley Conference divers perform at Wilkes-Barre CYC in District II Class AA competition - February 22
Josselin Meyer, of Hanover, performs in the pike position.
Holy Redeemer’s Marlee Mierzwa tucks into position.
Wyoming Seminary’s Andriy Molchanov prepares to dive.
Keith Gillette, of Dallas, reaches to enter the water.
Keith Gillette, of Dallas, performs a pike dive at the CYC.
Lake-Lehman’s Matthew Edkins reacts to his scores.
Holy Redeemer’s Madison Zulkoski performs a twisting dive.
March, 2015
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Page 5 Clockwise from left, Holy Redeemer’s Madison Zulkoski walks back to her team after her performance. Wyoming Seminary’s Andriy Molchanov enters the water after his first dive. Carley Perloff, of Dallas, performs a pike dive at the WilkesBarre CYC. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
Lake-Lehman’s Matthew Edkins enters the water.
Maddy Ross, of Dallas, competes at Districts.
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March, 2015
Local Wrestlers Battle for District II Titles
WVC District II wrestlers dominated AA/AAA District Wrestling Tournament - February 20
Pittston Area’s Mike Minich tries to break free from the grip of Justin Lukashewski, of Crestwood.
Kade Kravits, of Dallas, controls William Evanitsky, of Scranton, at the Kingston Armory.
Wallenpaupack’s Zach Krial tries to escape from Coughlin’s Patrick Clarke at the Tournament at the Kingston Armory.
Coughlin’s Mike Brown breaks away from Tunkhannock’s Bill Manley.
Anthony Kasper, of Meyers, works around Daniel Kosko, of Wyoming Area.
Ryan Monk, of Dallas, tries to throw Jon Davis, of Abington Heights, during the tournament,
WVW’s Cody Cordes puts a lock on Austin Bennett, of Abington Heights, in the District II AA/AAA Tournament.
March, 2015
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Your Shots Royals Named to National Academic Squad
Kendrick Beyer, of Wyoming Area, works a headlock on Nanticoke’s Pat Bova in the 2015 District II AA/AAA Wrestling Tournament.
Seven Holy Redeemer senior field hockey players have been named to the 2014 Keith Waldman – Optimal Performance Associates/National Field Hockey Coaches Association High School National Academic Squad in recognition of their outstanding performance in the classroom. The players were recognized for achieving a minimum GPA of 3.5 out of 4.0 for the first quarter of the 2014-2015 school year, which corresponds to the school’s field hockey season. Shown, from left: Danielle McCole, Wilkes-Barre; Alexis Lewis, Pittston; Holly Slowik, Drums; Rachel Platko, Hanover Twp.; Greta Ell, Plains; Jennifer Ringsdorf, Mountaintop. Elena Bruning-Martin, Wilkes-Barre, was also honored.
GSA Student Earns 500 Point Ball Toni Amato was awarded with a 500 point ball for the Good Shepherd Academy 7th/8th grade Guardians basketball team. This was Toni’s first season playing for GSA and she has scored over 700 points this season. Toni’s 8th grade teamed received a first place trophy in the Wyoming Seminary league and her 7th grade team placed third in the Catholic Schools league. Toni is the daughter of Joe and Jennifer Amato.
Coughlin’s Josh Brown puts a headlock on Dakota Quick, of Tunkhannock, in the 2015 District II AA/ AAA Wrestling Tournament.
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Tanner Thomas, of Lake-Lehman, tries to break away from Valley View’s Zack Meckes. Photos by Frank Lauri
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March, 2015
Toyota SportsPlex Home to Graceful Figure Skaters
Members of the Diamond City Figure Skating Club practice their moves in Wilkes-Barre - February 18
Coach Amy Frederick and Ainsley Dean work on a stunt during practice in Wilkes-Barre.
Coach Stephanie Capece talks to the Diamond City Figure Skating Club after practice.
Nicole McNeal begins to perform a stunt with the figure skating club.
Madison Watkins, left, and Kassadi Totten practice at the Toyota SportsPlex. Photos by Mary Bove
Members of the Diamond City Figure Skating Club perform on the ice in Wilkes-Barre.
Breanna Murphy free styles before practice with the Diamond City Figure Skating Club
Abigail Kim glides across the ice at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre.
March, 2015
Samantha Aben performs freestyle during the weekly practice at the Toyota SportsPlex.
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Natalie Wilson keeps her balance as she warms up on the ice.
Zoe Stewart practices a stunt on the ice with the Diamond City Figure Skating Club.
Samantha Aben, left, and Rayne Pucci dance to the music on the ice.
Calee Perrego and Coach Stephanie Capece take a lap around the rink.
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March, 2015
WVW Clinches WVC Title with Win Over Lake-Lehman Wyoming Valley West and Lake-Lehman teams competed in a regular season match-up - February 11
Wyoming Valley West’s Chelsea Mackiewicz swims in the freestyle event against Lake-Lehman.
Terry Vrabec, of WVW, competes in the breast stroke event.
WVW’s David Sietes competes against Lake-Lehman in a home meet.
Kiera Allaubaugh, of WVW, cheers on her teammates.
Wyoming Valley West’s Max Kowalski competes in the butterfly event.
Lake-Lehman’s Beth Bartuska works her way to the finish.
Eddy Zawatski, of WVW, is honored with his parents during senior night in Plymouth.
March, 2015
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WVW’s Elizabeth Wood works her way to the end of an event against Lake-Lehman.
LL’s Matthew Edkins performs a back dive.
Beth Bartuska, of Lake-Lehman, takes a breath for air during the 200 IM.
Lake-Lehman’s Andrew Herrick competes against Wyoming Valley West.
LL’s Courtney Spare moves into pike position.
Lake-Lehman’s Jessica Ravert races to the finish line in a meet at Wyoming Valley West.
Paige Williams, of WVW, competes in the back stroke event in her home pool. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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March, 2015
Chicks with Sticks Too Strong for Piranhas in 3-0 Win 10th grade and under players compete in the off-season at Wyoming Valley Sports Dome - February 10
Ali Tedik, left, keeps the ball away from Payton Boler, right.
Kenzie Rood, left, tries to steal the ball from Cameryn Forgash, right.
Jackie Lindsey reaches to push the ball up the field to a teammate. Photos by Mary Bove
Nina Magnotta drives the ball down the field during a game at the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome.
Amanda Ryman moves the ball up the field.
Rina Tsioles dribbles past the defensive line.
Cameryn Forgash, left, and Isabella Uhl, far right, put strong defense up against Nina Magnotta.
March, 2015
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High School Winter League Teams Compete at Dome Wyoming Valley Soccer Club team defeats Lake-Lehman 7-1 in mid-season game - February 18
Lake-Lehman’s Nora Brown watches as teammate Rachel Nelligan attempts to block a shot.
Lake-Lehman’s Andrew Francis gets the ball out of the defensive zone.
Lake Lehman’s Nora Brown and WVSC’s Reggie Graye battle for the ball. Photos by Mary Bove
Lake-Lehman’s Kade Kravits puts strong defense on WVSC’s Zach Holthaus.
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WVSC’s David Cortez handles the ball at midfield.
Lake-Lehman’s Josh Kalna gets control of the ball.
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March, 2015
GAR Victorious in Road Game Against Nanticoke Grenadiers win 56-42 in Wyoming Valley Conference game against the Trojans - February 6
GAR’s Greg Skrepenak tries to block a shot by Nanticoke’s Brent Pointkowski.
GAR cheerleaders turn on the smiles for the camera during a game against Nanticoke.
Top, Nanticoke’s Ben Sersen (33) looks to make a move around GAR’s Justin Crosby Smith (30). Middle, the Nanticoke Area Trojans enter the court during a game against GAR. GAR won 56-42. Left, GAR’s Seth Callahan turns it up to get past Nanticoke’s Ben Sersen. Photos by Frank Lauri
March, 2015
Nanticoke’s Scott Stout takes a shot from the outside against GAR.
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GAR’s Nigebo Francis focuses on the net for a foul shot against Nanticoke.
GAR’s Andrew Campbell shoots from the outside against Nanticoke.
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Fourth grader Nicholas Hornlein competes in a free throw contest during halftime.
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March, 2015
Crusaders Take Home Win Over Mountaineers Coughlin and Dallas face off in a WVC match up resulting in Coughlin’s 33-26 win - February 5
Coughlin’s Savanna Robinson dribbles down the outside of the court in a home game.
Emily Cicon, of Coughlin, works her way around a Dallas defender.
Kendra Saba, of Dallas, looks for an open teammate in the Wyoming Valley Conference game.
Coughlin’s Claire Curtis makes her way to the basket.
Coughlin and Dallas players get pumped up before the start of the game.
Nikki Wren, of Dallas, and Coughlin’s Sabrina Jara fight for the ball.
Maddie Kelley, of Dallas, holds on to the ball as Coughlin’s Emily Cicon puts on strong defense. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
March, 2015
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Savanna Robinson, of Coughlin, dribbles around Talia Kosierowski, of Dallas in a WVC match up.
Coughlin’s Claire Curtis looks for her options as Courtney Hoats, of Dallas, defends.
Courtney Hoats, of Dallas, dribbles toward the net.
Savanna Robinson, of Coughlin, celebrates making a basket.
Coughlin’s Emily Cicon looks for an open teammate.
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Maddie Kelley, of Dallas, jumps to make a shot against Coughlin.
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March, 2015
Mohawks Claim Top Spot in District 2 Class AA Team Duals Meyers wins first district duals championship since 2011 at the Kingston Armory - January 31
Wyoming Area’s Adam Buczynski tries a reversal on Scranton Prep’s Jonathan Martines.
Hazleton’s Jimmy Hoffman’s arm is raised after defeating Wallenpaupack during the District II Team Duals.
Pittston’s Dan Gambini, right, tries to bring down Delaware Valley’s R.J. Korfmann during the District II Team Duals at the Kingston Armory.
Tunkhannock’s Mike Manley, kneeling, lifts Delaware Valley’s Tyler Moraski during the District II Team Duals.
Hanover Area Head Coach Anthony Mercadante shouts instructions to his 220 pounder Nick Hannon.
March, 2015
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Lake-Lehman’s Thomas Williams, top, pins Western Wayne’s Joe Tomasetti.
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Coughlin’s Brandon Butry, left, wrestles West Scranton’s Joe Fisher at the Kingston Armory. Clockwise from left, Hanover’s Nick Hannon, left, tries to bring down Scranton Prep’s Thor Balavage during the District II Team Duals. Pittston’s Dan Gambini, top, controls West Scranton’s Tim August during the District II Team Duals at the Kingston Armory. Lake Lehman’s Garrett Kolb, top, wrestles Western Wayne’s Christian Wayda during the District II Team Duals. Wrestlers warm up before the start of the 2015 District II Team Duals at the Kingston Armory. Meyers Kevin Huertero, right, starts to turn Lackawanna Trail’s Tom Kohinsky during the District II Team Duals at the Kingston Armory. Photos by Frank Lauri
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March, 2015