WYOMING VALLEY
FREE
SPORT SHOT! April 2015
Vol. 2 Issue 3
For the athlete in all of us
WINTER’S END Wyoming Valley Striders host end of winter season 4.5 mile run Pages 8-9
SQUIRT ICE HOCKEY In-house red, white teams battle it out on the ice during winter league Page 10-11
DOME SOCCER Middle school teams keep up with competition in off-season Pages 16-17
Squad Shines with Confidence Senior Spotlight: Travis Keil, Coughlin, page 3 Royals compete in first round of States, pages 18-19
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April, 2015
Editor’s Note: Not your average cheer team – Blackout Cheer prepares for World’s Dedication. Commitment. Heart. That is how I would describe the Blackout Cheer Team. Sport Shot was given the opportunity to attend a Blackout practice as they prepared their routine for the upcoming World’s Cheerleading Competition in Disney World. Now, it’s common for people to think of cheerleaders as “Rah, rah, go team!” Blackout Cheer is not that. This team is so much more than that. They have so much drive and so many people invested in their success. The team is defined as level five and consists of 19 girls ranging in age from 12 to 18 years old. During my time at their gym, I watched their routine at least a dozen times. I watched them walk through the steps. I watched them perform without music. I watched them perform as if they were on the World’s stage. During their practice, there was a younger group of girls in
the gym for a tumbling practice. Once Blackout was going to perform their routine with the music and as if it were for real, all the younger girls crowded around the front of the mat and watched in awe – myself included. Every time they performed that night at practice, it was as if it was the real deal. As if they were at Disney World giving the performance of their lives. Their one shot. Now, I played sports my entire life, cheerleading was never one of them. I understand the value of teammwork and the importance of communication. But, seeing the way the Blackout Cheer team interacts and depends on one another is unlike anything I’ve experienced or seen before. When they’re feeling defeated or need to take a breather, instead of talking about school or their boyfriends or what they saw on social media, these girls get into a circle and share words of encouragement.
They make promises to each other that they are going to put their heart in to every performance. And they are all invested. One of the teammates drives over an hour three times a week just to make it to practice. Her cheer schedule became so intense she chose to switch to home schooling so she could keep up. They are so dedicated that each team member knows positions other than her own. I noticed that during practice, the coahces switched two girls. No one questioned it. They just did it and
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to an untrained eye, like mine, the next time they performed, it was as if nothing changed. It was a seamless transition. Later this month they’ll have one shot to see if their hard work paid off when they take the stage in Florida. Thank you, Blackout Cheer for opening my eyes to the real meaning of cheerleading.
WVC Tennis Back in Full Swing Moving in to the spring season means new high school sports return, including boys tennis. Brush up on your tennis terms by searching for the keywords listed in this word search below.
On the cover: Blackout Cheer’s Sydney Fry practices the team’s routine for World’s Cheerleading Competition in Disney World. Photo by Frank Lauri
Couch to 5K Training Program April 16 to June 13 - hosted by the Wyoming Valley Lady Striders. This program is designed to get you off the couch and able to complete a 3.1 mile race in 8 weeks’ time, using intervals of walking/jogging. $25 registration fee. Just Glow with It 5K Friday, April 17, 10 p.m. Registration opens at 8 p.m. at Wilkes University’s University Center on Main Street. All proceeds for this suicide prevention awareness run will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Contact Nicole Clemson at Nicole. Clemson@wilkes.edu
The River Run Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m. Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. All registration costs to be donated to the American Lung Association. Pre-registration: $10, day of registration: $15. T-shirts and swag bag to first 150 registrants. For more information contact Michael Prebich, 570-267-4627, mpreb21@gmail.com.
Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335 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.
Race for a Cause Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. LCCC Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Gymnasium (building 8). Registration is $15 per person. Proceeds benefit local charities. Make checks/money orders payable to LCCC Physical Education Dept. Free T-shirt to the first 100 registered participants. Email mcosta@luzerne.edu
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.
WB YMCA Spring Aquatics April 13-June 6. Classes meet once a week for 8 weeks; except Friday/ Saturday classes meet 7 times. Visit www.wbymca.org/aquatics.php to sign up.
Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo 2015 Sunday, April 19, 9 a.m. bike race starts at the Jenkins Township hose company. Three different routes available: 100 miles, 75 miles, 50 miles.Visit www. llwh.bike for more information.
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot
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.
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
ACE BACKHAND DOUBLES FOREHAND LOB LOVE
MATCH OVERHEAD RETURN SERVE SET VOLLEY
Slowpitch Softball Leagues Tuesday men’s league and Friday co-ed league available through MVP Sports Academy. Runs May through July from 5:45-7:45 p.m. Games are played at the Forty Fort Softball Complex.Visit www.teammvptraining.com for more information.
April, 2015
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Senior Spotlight: Travis Keil
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By Ellen Hoffman
Throughout his childhood, Coughlin senior Travis Keil dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player. As he moved into middle school and high school, that dream has stayed in tact. But, as he grew older, he learned there was an important step to take first: attend college. This fall, Keil will join the Nittany Lions in State College as part of the Penn State men’s soccer team. “I always wanted to go pro, and I still do,” he said. “But as I got older and into high school I realized that going to college would have to be first.” Keil said he had visited a number of schools before Penn State, but knew State College was the place for him, for a number of reasons. “The coaching staff is amazing, the facilities are probably some of the best in the country,” he said. “Overall the team is just awesome and it’s a really good program and on top of all that the location was perfect for me.” Keil started playing soccer when he was seven or eight when his friends at school were playing for the Bear Creek Bobcats. Since then, it just stuck. “As I got older I had opportunities to travel not just around the US but I’ve been to Europe a few times and Africa,” he said. “All the opportunities that this sport has given me really stand out.” Through all of his travels, Keil was able to see a Manchester United game in England when he was about 13 years old. He remembers that as one of his favorite memories soccer has brought him. “To see Manchester United play at home against their biggest rival, Liverpool, it was pretty awesome.” But his memories of soccer don’t stop there. During his sophomore and senior years at Coughlin, the Crusaders won districts. “Every year was memorable, but those years with winning the championships definitely stick out more.” Although his high school career has come to an end, he isn’t sitting back and waiting for the next season to come around. He’s been training in the offseason and preparing for the jump to the collegiate level. “This will definitely be a transition,” he
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said of moving from high school to college play. “I need to train every day to better myself so I’m ready to go up against the competition.” One transition he is prepared to face is the higher skill level of his opponents. “The upperclassmen have experience not only with playing against other teams, but with knowing what the coaches want. And, playing against basically full grown adults is going to be different.” He said as long as he stays focused he’ll get to where he wants to be. “I know I’m not going to be the best player on the team. There are kids who will want my spot so I have to work hard every day to maintain it.” But, Keil says his experience and the help and support from his teammates and coaches now have him prepared and ready to take this next step. “I’ve developed really good relationships with all of my coaches,” he said. “After you develop that bond it’s tough to leave.” While Keil will miss playing with the teams he’s been a part of for years, he knows that he’s on to “bigger and better things.” He has plans to major in business when he starts at Penn State in the fall. “I’ve never really been interested in science or anything like that and business has always been interesting for me so I think that’s the way for me to go.” 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 Travis Keil.
Get updated on what events we’re covering and where you can pick up a copy of the print edition.
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April, 2015
Blackout Cheer Works to Perfect Routine for World’s Cheer team practices routine before World’s Cheerleading Competition in Florida in April - March 23
Maria Santarelli performs a toe touch during practice.
Blackout Cheer members share words of encouragement.
Blackout Cheer’s Gianna Dutter completed a routine during a practice session in Olyphant.
Kathryn O’Leary performs Blackout Cheer’s routine.
Chelsea Hoffmeier kisses the forehead of Gianna Dutter as a ritual before every routine performance.
Aubrey Russoniello gets ready to begin the routine.
Stephanya Golightly listens to her teammate Haylee Fedor share inspirational words during practice.
April, 2015
Sailor Castellano does a scorpion stunt with the help of her teammates.
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Allison Geroski, Gianna Dutter and Celeste Meta provide support for Theresa Tobin.
Blackout Cheer’s Mia Santarelli performs an aerial routine during practice.
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Stephanya Golightly performs one of many stunts in the routine Blackout Cheer prepared for World’s.
Clockwise, The 19 members of Blackout Cheer practice their routine for World’s Cheerleading Competition. Left to right, Sailor Castellano, Theresa Tobin, and Ashley Zamborsky practice their routine for competition at Disney World. Allison Geroski performs the Blackout Cheer routine in preparation for the World’s Cheerleading Competition. Ashley Zamborsky salutes after completing a routine during a practice session in Olyphant. Sydney Fry and Chelsi Hoffmeier get ready to support Stephanya Golightly into a stunt. Photos by Frank Lauri
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April, 2015
Late Night Hockey League Keeps Players Going Northeast Sports Management offers hockey leagues for all ages and skill levels - March 22
Steven Scoble, of the Mad Hatters, receives a pass from a teammate during a game at the Revolution Ice Centre.
Red Storm’s Benjamin Bachman snatches up a loose puck.
Doug Yatko, of the Mad Hatters, takes a shot on net.
Doug Yatko, of the Mad Hatters, goes up one-on-one against Red Storm’s goalie Jason Hoffman.
Red Storm’s Benjamin Bachman takes a shot on net against Mad Hatters goalie David Dziak.
Red Storm’s Ryan Withrow makes himself open for a pass from a teammate.
Mark Makowski, of Mad Hatters, and Red Storm’s Paul Duborgea battle for the puck.
April, 2015
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Your Shots Pittston Honors Waleski, Healey for Milestones
Red Storm’s Paul Duborgea moves around the ice before the play begins.
James Knapp, of the Mad Hatters, takes a shot on net against the Red Storm.
Jeff Moran, of the Mad Hatters, handles the puck as Jerry Donahue, of Red Storm, defends. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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The Pittston Area School Board honored Lady Patriot 1,000 Point Scorer Liz Waleski and Lady Patriot Head Coach Kathy Healey for reaching the 300 win plateau. Waleski was presented with her 1,000 Point Basketball and a 1,000 Point Certificate and her name was placed on the Pittston Area School District 1,000 Point Banner located in the Thomas R. Kelly Gymnasium. Waleski becomes the 21st player in school history to reach 1,000 career points. In addition, Waleski was named the WVC Division I Co Player of the Year by the WVC Coaches Association. Coach Healey was presented with a 300 Win Plaque for her success at Pittston Area, Seton Catholic and Wyoming Area. Top photo: Liz Waleski, PA Head Coach Kathy Healey Bottom photo: left to right: Athletic Director Charles Turco, PA School Board President Kent Bratlee, Liz Waleski, PA Head Coach Kathy Healey and Superintendent Michael Garzella. Photos submitted by Stan Waleski.
Wyoming Area Field Hockey
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Sunday, April 12, 2015 1-4 p.m. (doors open at noon) Wyoming Area Secondary Cafeteria $20 includes 20 games Food – Basket Raffles – 50/50
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April, 2015
New Season of Running Starts with Winter’s End Run
Wyoming Valley Striders host 4.5 miler at PSU Lehman campus to kick off the new season - March 22
Runners are off to a start in the 35th Annual Wyoming Valley Striders Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Race at the Penn State Lehman Campus.
Mickey Moorhead, of Wilkes-Barre, was the overall second place male winner with a finish time of 25:46.
Tim Siegfried, Brianne Schmidt and Regina Corchado represent Donn’s Dash, an upcoming race in Wilkes-Barre.
Lyndon Tomaine, of Throop, crosses the finish line with a time of 33:31.
Sisters Valerie Kwashnik, Jennifer McBane and Darlene Gilpen get together after finishing the 35th Annual Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Race.
Cameron Golanoski, of Kingston, hands out bottled water as racers cross the finish line.
Jennifer Heck, of West Wyoming, was the overall third place female finisher.
David Wojnar, of Moscow, cools off by rubbing snow on his arms after completing the 35th Annual Wyoming Valley Striders Winter’s End 4.5 Mile Race.
April, 2015
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Page 9 Left to right, John Martino, of Dallas, was the overall third place male winner with a time of 26:33. Marina Orrson, of Shavertown, took the overall first place female spot with a time of 28:58. Mike Adamshick, of Dallas, crosses the finish line. Eryn Milius, of Plymouth, was the overall second place female winner. Photos by Frank Lauri
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April, 2015
Red, White Squirt Teams Battle at Toyota SportsPlex White squirt team took home a win over the red team in a winter season make up game - March 18
Red team’s Kayden Stevenson warms up before the start of the squirt game.
Red team’s goalie Kayden Stevenson grimaces after blocking a shot from Gavin Weisgable.
White team’s Mike O’Donnell moves around the ice during warm ups.
Red team’s Zack DeRemer rejoices after scoring a goal against the White team.
Red team’s AJ Koss celebrates the victory over the White team.
Red team’s Ryan Borton waits for the play to begin at the Toyota SportsPlex.
April, 2015
White team’s Jaggar MacDonald passes to a teammate.
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Abby Deak receives instruction from her coach.
Red team’s Zach DeRemer celebrates after a goal.
Red team’s Trystin DeRemer watches the play.
White team’s Jaggar MacDonald moves the puck down the ice.
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White team’s Cody Michaels moves the puck toward the goal. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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April, 2015
WVC Teams Serve Up New Season of Tennis
Coughlin, Wyoming Seminary begin the spring season in Kingston - March 24
Wyoming Seminary’s Ignacio Secrastan, left, defends against Coughlin’s Matthew Frankelli and Frank Castellana as Sem teammate Dominic Bohl watches on.
Daniel Chen, of Wyoming Seminary, gets some practice shots in before the match begins.
Andrew Kim warms up during Wyoming Seminary’s first match of the spring season.
Coughlin’s Matthew Frankelli competes with his teammate in doubles against Wyoming Seminary.
Wyoming Seminary’s Eamon Gibbons played against Coughlin in number one singles.
Coughlin’s Pavel Svintozelskiy competes in doubles play against Wyoming Seminary.
Coughlin’s Michael Klimek makes contact with the ball against Wyoming Seminary. Photos by Mary Bove
April, 2015
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Youth Teams Take on Futsol Fever Tournament
Local, out of town teams compete at Wilkes University in day long event - March 7
Courtney Hazelton, of Upper 90 White, puts pressure on Cheetah’s Kira Pomrinke during the Futsol Fever Tournament at Wilkes University.
Upper 90 goalkeeper Veronica Warunek looks to defend a shot from Cheetah’s Rachel Galasso as Upper 90’s Gabby Marsola helps defend.
Upper 90 White huddles around Coach Mike Davitt in between games at Wilkes University. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
Upper 90 White’s Lena Liggorio dribbles toward the Cheetah’s goal.
Cheetah’s Taylor Dworak picks up a loose ball against Upper 90 White.
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Cheetah’s Alyssa Pritchard looks to send the ball to an open teammate at Wilkes University.
Upper 90 White’s Courtney Hazelton gets the ball out of the defensive zone.
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April, 2015
Crusaders Drive Through Chicks with Sticks in 11-2 Win Field hockey teams focus on enhancing skills in spring season with competition at the Dome - March 10
Chicks with Sticks Kelley Zimmerman keeps the ball out of the cage.
Marissa Mooney, right, and Allison P. fight for possession of the ball at the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome.
Lauren Richie, of Chicks with Sticks, drives the ball up the field.
Crusaders Julia A. dribbles toward the cage.
Crusaders Allison P. moves the ball down the field.
Emma Watchilla, left, picks up the ball as Suzy H., of the Crusaders, defends.
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Crusaders Riley G. drives the ball to the net in a game against Chicks with Sticks.
Allison C., right, and Emma Watchilla, left, fight for the ball as Kelley Zimmerman watches on. Photos by Mary Bove
Crusaders Riley G., left, and Chicks with Sticks player Bekah Brody battle for the ball.
Allison C., of the Crusaders, pushes the ball to a teammate.
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April, 2015
Mountain Top Finds the Net in 7-1 Win over WVW U15 teams compete at the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome in the off season - March 10
Stephen Rood runs to get the ball out of the Spartans’ defensive zone.
Dylan Walsh, of Mountain Top, looks to make his way around the Spartans defense at the Dome.
Mountain Top’s Chris Smith moves the ball out of his defensive zone.
WVW’s Kevin Grodzki and Mountain Top’s Zack Valentino fight for possession of the ball at the Dome.
Jake Smith, of Mountain Top, chips the ball over the Spartans Brandon Richie.
Antonio Panzak, left, looks to steal possession from Mountain Top’s Chris Smith.
April, 2015
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Page 17 Clockwise from left, Dylan Walsh, of Mountain Top and Kevin Grodzki, of WVW, fight for the ball at the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome. Justin Hargrave, of the Spartans, moves the ball down the field. Spartans’ Brandon Richie takes a free kick toward his offensive line. WVW’s goalie Brian Oppelt jumps to block the shot. Photos by Mary Bove
Mountain Top’s Garrett Swank moves the ball down the field.
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April, 2015
Holy Redeemer Cruises Past Central Columbia in States Royals secure 57-17 over Blue Jays in first-round PIAA Class 2A - March 6
Holy Redeemer’s Lydia Lawson goes in for a shot against Central Columbia.
Holy Redeemer’s Meghan Corridoni (21) and Central Columbia’s Lindsey Carl (24) take the opening tip.
Holy Redeemer’s Meghan Corridoni (21) goes around Central Columbia’s Taylor Knorr (43) during the first round of States competition.
Holy Redeemer’s Sam Rajza (20) goes in for a shot against Central Columbia during the first round of States.
Holy Redeemer’s Alexis Lewis (33) is fouled by Central Columbia’s Taylor Knorr (43) during the first round of PIAA States Competition at Shikellamy Fieldhouse.
Holy Redeemer’s Kayla Hons (1) tries to steal the ball from Central Columbia’s Hannah Klingerman (4).
Holy Redeemer’s Rebecca Prociak (44) puts pressure on Allison McCracken (30).
Holy Redeemer’s Head Coach Chris Parker gives his team some last minute instructions to start the second half.
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Holy Redeemer’s Alexis Lewis (33) fights for the ball with Central Columbia’s Allison McCracken (30) and Taylor Knorr (43) during States competition.
Holy Redeemer’s Kayla Hons (1) drives to the basket against Central Columbia.
Holy Redeemer’s Meghan Corridoni takes an outside shot against Central Columbia.
Holy Redeemer’s Rebecca Prociak (44) puts up a shot against Central Columbia during States.
Holy Redeemer’s Alana Wilson holds her knee and winces in pain after hitting the floor. Photos by Frank Lauri
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April, 2015