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WYOMING VALLEY
SPORT SHOT! June 2016
Vol. 3 Issue 5
For the athlete in all of us
YOUTH BASEBALL Minor league baseball teams in Kingston face off at Hamilton Park Pages 8-9
VARSITY TRACK & FIELD Crestwood Comets visit the Wyoming Valley West Spartans in WVC play Pages 14-15
TIME OUT: JESS RAS Former WVW standout takes over as head softball coach for the 2016 season Page 19
SHEER DETERMINATION
Senior Spotlight: Lauren Slavoski, Holy Redeemer, page 3 D2 AA Tennis Championships gather local talent, page 7
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Editor’s Note: Step it Up Two months ago I received a FitBit as a birthday gift. I’ll be honest, I was never interested in joining the fitness tracking club. The main reason for my lack of interest was I didn’t want something I had to wear on my wrist everyday. I may enjoy sports and working out, but the fitness tracker look never appealed to me. The FitBit I now own (and love) is the Zip. It’s the most basic tracker FitBit makes. The pedometer tracks my steps, distance, calories and active minutes and can be clipped to my clothes and hidden instead of hooked to my wrist. It’s perfect! I truly never thought I would be interested in tracking my daily activity, but now I don’t go a day without it. (One day I realized I forgot it at home when I was almost at work. You bet I turned around to go get it!) I find it oddly motivating. I regularly go to the gym and would say I have an active, healthy lifestyle. Wearing the FitBit for just one weekday made me realize how few steps
I get in my day-to-day life. With a goal of 10,000 steps per day, I would leave work (at 5 PM) with just over 3,000 steps. That’s more than half my day gone with less than half of my steps met. Crazy! I guess other people with office jobs can understand. But, now that I know, I strive to meet my daily step goal. It helps that friends and coworkers have FitBits. Some coworkers and I compete in Work Week Challenges to keep each other motivated and eager to be the top stepper of the week. Honestly, it sounds like the craziest form of motivation to me, but it works! Since getting the tracker, I’ve found myself taking my dog for longer walks, spending a little extra time at the gym, running that extra half mile. On days where I’m feeling a little tired or lazy, seeing my step count below 10,000 is a definite motivator to get me up and moving. If you’re looking for a form of motivation, I now would highly recommend a fitness tracker.
June, 2016
Like Wyoming Valley Sport Shot on
39th Annual Anthracite 4-Miler
Saturday, June 4, 9 AM start time. Registration opens at 7:30 AM at the West Pittston Borough Building. $20 registration fee. Call 570-655-7782 or fill out a registration form at www.westpittstonboro.com. 4th Annual Susquehanna River Runners Club 2-Miler Saturday, June 11, 9 AM start time. Registration starts at 7:30 outside Murphy’s Pub. Registration fee for club members: $18, non-members: $22. For more information contact Jill Matthews 570-704-7566 or Jenn Heck 570-466-5267.
Get updated on what events we’re covering and where you can pick up a copy of the print edition.
Congrats, HS Graduates! This month marks the end of the 2016 school year. The Sport Shot staff wants to congratulate all the athletes and wish good luck in their next steps. Brush up on your local school’s mascots, whose names are hidden below.
On the cover: Valley Laxerz Tierney Porfirio brings the ball down the field during the Back Mountain Brawl Tournament in Dallas. Photo by Frank Lauri
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot
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.
Flag Day 5K Saturday, June 18, 9:15 AM start time at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre. $25 registration fee, $20 if registered before race day. Contact Ryan Murray at 570-207-1227 x233 or rmurray@ nepabsa.org for more information.
Wilkes-Barre Duathlon Sunday, June 19, 7:30 AM start time. Start and finish at Public Square in Wilkes-Barre. Contact Rob Gould at rob@secondwindtiming.com for more information or visit www.sites. google.com/site/wilkesbarreduathlon.
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. 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.
Donn’s Dash 5K Race Saturday, June 25 8:30 AM start time. Registration begins at 7 AM at the Kirby Center. $25 registration fee. Visit www.donnsdash.com or contact the team at donnsdash@gmail.com, 570-718-8568 for more information.
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.
MVP Baseball & Softball Camps June 13-16 or June 20-23. Camps run for a half day (9-12) or full day (9-3) Half day pricing is $70 per player and full day pricing is $120 per player. Players ages 7-13 welcome.Visit www.teammvptraining.com for more information or to register.
Race for the Cherrubs Saturday, June 18, 8 AM start time at Eagle Rock Resort. 10K, 5K, kid’s race available. $25 registration fee for adults, $20 for kids. Benefits nonprofit organization Arianna’s CDH Foundation. For race information contact raceforcdh@gmail.com.
Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335
Our team: Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is locally owned and handmade in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Contributing photographers this issue include Mary Bove, Caitlin Hargrave, Frank Lauri.
Tween Yoga June 2-July 7 from 5-5:45 PM at Balance Yoga in Forty Fort. Ages 10-12.Pricing: $60/6 weeks or drop in $12. Register online at www. balancenepa.com or call the studio at 570-714-2777.
COMETS CRUSADERS GRENADIERS HAWKEYES
KNIGHTS MOHAWKS MOUNTAINEERS PATRIOTS
ROYALS SPARTANS TROJANS WARRIORS
New to Hot Yoga? Melt Hot Yoga in Kingston offers $30 for 30 days of unlimited classes. Offer good for first time clients only. Stop in the studio or call 570-287-3400 to find out more.
June, 2016
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Senior Spotlight: Lauren Slavoski By Ellen Hoffman Holy Redeemer senior Lauren Slavoski never pictured her collegiate career centered around volleyball. There was another sport that consumed most of her time growing up: dance. The soon-to-be high school graduate danced for about 15 years. She always imagined herself going to school for performing arts, until she fell in love with the game of volleyball. She says her dance background definitely played a part in her success on the volleyball court. “My flexibility and jumping ability are two things I attribute all to my dance background,” Slavoski said. She joined the Lady Royals volleyball team her freshman year and “started to like it a little more everyday.” Now, it’s a big part of her days and one of the main reasons she chose the University of Buffalo as her next step. She’ll join the Bulls as one of four incoming freshmen on the women’s volleyball team. It took a few different campus tours for Slavoski to decide on the University of Buffalo, but she’s very excited about her choice. “I visited a few different schools in New York,” she said. “But when I got there I was walking around and met all the girls on the team and all the coaches and they were unbelievable. They were so welcoming and it just felt like home to me.” Slavoski was an all-state selection both her junior and senior seasons and ended her high school career with over 1,000 kills. “For a while I was kind of counting up [to the 1,000 mark] and then I was like, ‘I’m not going to get there. There is no way I could reach 1,000, that’s so many.’” But, during a rival game against Delaware Valley, she earned it. “My setter also had 1,000 assists. I mean you can’t have 1,000 kills without 1,000 assists,” she said. “So that was a really fun experience.” Slavoski says the team accomplishments she’s been a part of are just as meaningful as her individual achievements. During her sophomore season, the Royals faced off against Delaware Valley. It was a big game not only because of the rivalry but because of the league standings. Slavoski remembers taking on the Warriors with her sister Nicole on the court with her. “There was such a high intensity and high energy in that game that it was so much fun. The atmosphere was great and the fact that I
got to win it with my sister was just amazing.” Volleyball sparked an interest for Slavoski after Nicole started playing. “The whole reason I went out for volleyball was actually my sister.” The girls joined a travel volleyball team in the Allentown area to improve their game away from the regular high school season. “This area is kind of barren with travel volleyball teams so I traveled to Allentown to play.” She joined the Synergy Club Team her sophomore year and after that club dissolved, she joined the Anthracite Volleyball Academy. “Playing on the club teams helped me improve through the entire time that I played,” she said. “It was jus the level of competition you see. I was going to these tournaments and playing girls from all over the country.” Her club team experience lead her to Minneapolis and Orlando for the Junior National Championships her junior and senior years. “The exposure we got as a team was really great and you see girls from all over the country – all different sizes all different techniques – it’s pretty cool.” Now that her volleyball career is moving to the next step in the ladder, Slavoski hopes to build up her technique and better herself as a player all around. “I’m hoping to learn how to hit smarter shots and learning to cool off the block a little more. It’s not about getting the biggest kill but putting down the ball when it will go down.” Senior Spotlight is a monthly feature that will highlight the success and determination of an upcoming 2016 high school graduate from the Wyoming Valley who excelled in athletics and is taking those skills to the collegiate level. Photo by Mary Bove for Wyoming Valley Sport Shot.
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June, 2016
Field Hockey MAYhem Tournament Offers Off-Season Play Varsity, junior high teams compete at Spartan Stadium in 7v7 double elimination tournament - May 21 Clockwise from left, Hanover Area and Pittston Area compete in a morning match at the WVW Field Hockey MAYhem Tournament. A Hanover Area player pushes the ball down the field. Abby Straub, of Wyoming Seminary, looks to clear a shot as Wyoming Valley West’s Foto Tsioles defends. A Pittston Area player dribbles the ball toward the Hanover Area goal. A Pittston Area player moves to the goal with little pressure from Pittston Area.
Left to right, Madison Woods, of Wyoming Valley West, takes a free hit with pressure from Wyoming Seminary’s Kate Romanowski. Pittston Area, Hanover players fight for ball possession. Wyoming Valley West’s Callie Edwards picks up a loose ball. Left to right, a Pittston Area player gers low to make the pass in a game against Hanover Area. A Pittston Area player moves to pick up a loose ball. Wyoming Valley West’s Irelynd Sullivan makes her way to the Wyoming Seminary goal. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
June, 2016
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Wyoming Valley Striders Host Annual May Races 42nd Annual Cherry Blossom 5 Mile Run & 25th Annual Spring Trail 5.3 Mile Run kicks off summer racing - May 1 & 8
The Annual Cherry Blossom Run had runners taking off in Kirby Park through a wet course. After the 5-miler, the Tim Thomas scholarship awards recipients: were honored. This year’s recipients are Jacob Toczko (Tunkhannock Area) and Young Eun Park (Wyoming Valley West). Toczko will attend Lock Haven University and Park, Drexel University. Pictured with the honorees is Kim Hill, Tim Thomas’ widow.
The 25th Annual Spring Trail 5.3 Mile Run / 3rd Annual Jen Stec Memorial at Frances Slocum State Park drew a large crowd. Pictured at top are overall male winner Tony Korch (5th time Spring Trail Run winner) and overall female winner Melissa Delfino. Photos submitted by Linda Wojnar
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June, 2016
Girls Throw Discus, Shot Put Events at D2 Championship Athletes from local teams compete at D2 Track & Field AA Championship - May 19 Left to right, Holy Redeemer’s Alyssa Christian throws the discus during the 2016 PIAA D2 Track & Field Championship. Holy Redeemer’s Kaylee Soboleski gets ready to release her shot put throw. Hanover Area’s Gillian Barber releases her discus throw during the 2016 PIAA D2 Track & Field Championship. Photos by Frank Lauri
Hanover Area’s Tanisha Atherton releases her discus throw.
GAR’s Marie Skrepenak gets set to release her discuss throw at Scranton Memorial Stadium.
Clockwise from left, Holy Redeemer’s Karen Hilenski spins as she prepares to throw the discus. Hanover Area’s Asdone Hooper gets ready for her release in the 2016 PIAA D2 Track & Field Championship. Holy Redeemer’s Karen Hilenski competes at the 2016 PIAA D2 Track & Field Championship. GAR’s Marie Skrepenak throws the shot put at Scranton Memorial Stadium. Holy Redeemer’s Alyssa Christian throws the shot put.
June, 2016
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District 2 Tennis Competition Heats Up at Kirby Park Dallas’ DeLuca, Holy Redeemer’s Wychock advance to second round of Districts - May 12 Left to right, Sam Desai, of Wyoming Seminary, gets air on his serve. Anthony Brominski, of Dallas, serves the ball during District 2 competition in Wilkes-Barre. Holy Redeemer’s Josh Wychock begins a new set during District play. Adam Grula, of Hazleton Area, keeps his eye on the ball. Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
Pittston Area’s Jason Homscheck makes the play.
Crestwood’s Ryan Rogan forehands a shot.
Dallas’ Anthony DeLuca jumps to make the shot. Tunkhannock’s Colin Franko lunges for the save.
JUNE 25, 2016
Present this coupon and receive 15% off the cost of your order Your source for graduation announcements and party invitations 488 Market Street • Kingston, PA 18704 phone: 570.287.4383 • fax: 570.287.8428 kingston@minutemanpress.com
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June, 2016
Mudcats Cruise Past Blue Claws in Youth Baseball Play
Kingston / Forty Fort teams compete in Hamilton Park; Mudcats win 10-2 - May 12
Blue Claws teammates work together to get the ball back to the infield after a hit from the Mudcats.
Colten Adamski, from the Blue Claws, fires a pitch during the fourth inning in Kingston.
Andrew Fischer, from the Mudcats, connects with a pitch during the second inning at Hamilton Park.
Blue Claws Cole Bradley is out at first base as Mudcat’s Noah Dunbar makes the play.
Clockwise from left, Mudcat’s D’Vonte Rivers delivers a pitch. Mudcat’s David Ourmazdi moves out of the way of a loose pitch. Blue Claw’s Matthew Scott-Amos and Donovan Farrell take a knee at the top of the fourth inning. Blue Claw’s James Youells hits the ball foul as Mudcat’s Joey Baynock moves to grab the loose ball.
June, 2016
www.wyomingvalleysportshot.com Mudcat’s Andrew Fischer swings and misses at a pitch from the Blue Claws.
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Blue Claw’s catcher Justin Perhach tags out Mudcat’s Eli Bond at home as Mudcat’s Ayden Mucky watches on.
Mudcat’s Andrew Fischer gets tagged out at first. by Blue Claw’s Donovan Farrell Left, Colten Adamski, from the Blue Claws, eyes up a pitch during a game against the Mudcat’s at Hamilton Park in Kingston. Below, Blue Claw’s Matthew Scott-Amos moves to grab a ground ball during the fourth inning against the Mudcats. Photos by Mary Bove
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for more information call: ron 570-575-2116 rich 570-903-1336 www.prostaffbaseball.com located at 12 old boston road pittston, pa 18640 (inside the revolution ice centre building)
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June, 2016
Comets, Hawkeyes Junior Varsity Teams Battle It Out Crestwood visits Hanover Area during the end of regular season competition - May 12 Left to right, Hanover Area’s Trek Brodginski serves the ball. Crestwood’s Liam Martincheck digs the ball during a game against Hanover Area. Crestwood Comet’s Noah Modrovsky moves to block a shot from hitting the ground in the Hanover Area gym.
Gregory Chang fails to block a shot from Hanover Area during a regular season JV match.
Kenny Brush, of Hanover Area, digs the ball during a home game against Crestwood’s JV team.
Crestwood’s John McGroarty, jumps to keep the ball in play. Left to right, Hanover Area’s Sean Connelly (10) spikes the ball as Crestwood’s Matt Lacoste (5) and Liam Martincheck (9) defend. Hanover Area’s Devin Senk jumps to block the shot.. Hanover Area’s Trek Brodginski (23) reaches for the ball as Crestwood’s Kenny Brush (7) moves to block.
June, 2016
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NEPA YOUTH FOOTBALL CLINIC Presented by New Breed Athletics Saturday, June 25th, 2016 Pro Staff Training Facility 12 Old Boston Road Pittston, PA 18640 Clockwise from above, Crestwood’s Matt Lacoste digs as teammate Kenny Brush looks on. Liam Martincheck, of Crestwood, sets up a shot for a teammate during a game at Hanover Area. Noah Modrovsky, of Crestwood, sends the ball over the net against Hanover Area. Photos by Mary Bove
Clockwise from left, Hanover Area’s Alex Jacobs sends the ball into play against Crestwood. Kenny Brush, of Crestwood, gets some air when moving to save the ball. Hanover Area celebrate a great play on their home court against Crestwood.
• Featuring some of the best high school coaches in Pennsylvania, including three PFSCA Hall of Famers • Live instruction by New Breed Athletics regarding proper warm up and strength training drills • Live demonstration by HUDL & ECHO 1612 displaying products for youth & high school programs • Q&A segments on topics like concussion awareness, injury prevention, nutrition • Complimentary lunch for all attendees
Registration available online at: www.nepayouthfootballclinic.com Contact Kevin for more information: 570-335-1605 kevin@newbreedathletics.net
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June, 2016
Hawkeyes Grab Home Win Against Mohawks Hanover Area’s varsity baseball team defeats Meyers 7-2 during the regular season - May 10
Hanover Area’s Kyle Kowalski (15) is safe after a late tag by Meyers’ shortstop Brainy Rojas (15).
Clockwise from upper left, Meyers’ starting pitcher Ryan Gilgallon delivers a pitch. Meyers’ second baseman David Nargoski gets set for the pitch in a game against Hanover Area. Meyers’ Ryan Gilgallon (9) is safe at third after a late tag by Hanover Area third baseman Kevin Rimmer (13). Meyers’ Ismael Lake connects with a pitch. Photos by Frank Lauri
Top to bottom, Hanover Area’s Chad Wasickanin swings at a pitch against Meyers.
Top to bottom, Hanover Area ‘s Kyle Kowalski gets under an infield pop up.
Hanover Area starting pitcher Kyle Kowalski delivers a pitch against Meyers.
Hanover Area shortstop Matt Clarke flips the ball to second base for a force out.
June, 2016
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Clockwise from left, Meyers pitcher Ryan Gilgallon (foreground) reacts as Hanover’s Kyle Kowalski (15) scores a run. Hanover Area catcher Jake Peters tracks a foul ball. Hanover Area’s Jake Peters connects with a pitch. Meyers relief pitcher Keith Ostrowski delivers a pitch. Hanover Area first baseman Austin Gately (17) swipes a tag on Meyers’ Ismael Lake (16) diving back to first base. Hanover Area’s Chad Wasickanin gets under a long fly ball.
Celebrate Your Next Birthday at Stanton! Stanton Lanes offers three different party packages for kids birthday celebrations and lots of ways to make your party extra special. Packages start at $9.95 per child. Call the alley at 570-824-4661 to make a party reservation now!
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June, 2016
Valley West Races Past Crestwood in Home Win Both the boys and girls teams from WVW take home wins against the Crestwood Comets - May 9 Clockwise from left, Wyoming Valley West’s Conner Gaffney competes in a home meet in Plymouth. Crestwood teammates Ricco Spencer and Clay Kimsal celebrate after winning a relay event. Crestwood’s Andrew Ryman jumps the long jump against Wyoming Valley West.
WVW’s Heaven Laugeer races against the Crestwood Comets.
Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
Justin Glowazcki, of Crestwood, competes on the track in Plymouth.
Clockwise from left, Wyoming Valley West’s Elizabeth Burkardt competes in the long jump event during a regular season track meet. Crestwood’s Tyler Snipas competes in the pole vault event against WVW. Wyoming Valley West’s Nina Delarte laughs with teammates before the start of a race in Plymouth. Crestwood’s Jen Katulka races across the WVW track in Plymouth. Wyoming Valley West’s Conner Gaffney jumps over hurdles at WVW’s track.
June, 2016
Wyoming Valley West’s Conner Smith keeps pace during an event on his home track.
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Erin Hines, of Crestwood, soars through the air during the long jump event at Wyoming Valley West.
Crestwood’s Joanna Mulvey throws shot put during a meet against WVW.
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Devon Weidman, of Wyoming Valley West, gets air while competing in the long jump.
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June, 2016
Valley Laxerz Dominate Back Mountain Brawl Tournament
Area youth lacrosse team,Valley Laxerz, compete in annual Dallas tournament - May 7
Wyoming Seminary’s Ashleigh Pyke (20) moves the ball around Valley Laxerz Tierney Porfirio (13) during a game in the Back Mountain Brawl.
Valley Laxerz coach Carl DeLucca goes over some defensive instructions with goalie Lauren Galli.
Valley Laxerz Sarah McCormick (23) scoops up the ball with pressure from Delaware Valley’s #28.
Valley Laxerz run off the field with smiles after their first victory over Delaware Valley 4-3.
Clockwise from top,Valley Laxerz Caitlin McDonough tries to knock the ball away from Delaware Valley. Wyoming Seminary’s Nicole Joanlanne directs her teammates against the Valley Laxerz during the Back Mountain Brawl. Valley Laxerz Cassidy Orzel (8) and Delaware Valley’s #34 battle for a loose ball at the Back Mountain Brawl. Valley Laxerz Cassidy Orzel (8) and Delaware Valley’s #11 go after a loose ball in Dallas. Photos by Frank Lauri
June, 2016
Valley Laxerz Caitlin McDonough gives a thumbs up as she leaves the field after defeating Delaware Valley.
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Valley Laxerz Tierney Porfirio (13) tries to outrun and gets pressure from Delaware Valley’s #36.
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Valley Laxerz Cassidy Orzel (8) gets to the ball before Delaware Valley’s #6 during the Back Mountain Brawl. Clockwise from far left,Valley Laxerz Amanda McCormick passes the ball during a game at the Back Mountain Brawl. Wyoming Seminary’s Emma Kelleher goes after a loose ball against the Valley Laxerz during a game in the Back Mountain Brawl. Valley Laxerz Amanda McCormick (16) tries to evade Delaware Valley’s #15. Valley Laxerz Cassidy Orzel (8) moves the ball with some pressure from Delaware Valley’s #6.
The Valley Laxerz get together for a group shot at the Back Mountain Brawl.
Valley Laxerz Sydney Maguire brings the ball down the field against Delaware Valley.
Valley Laxerz Sydney Maguire (15) tries to maintain control of the ball with Delaware Valley’s #40 defending.
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June, 2016
Tunkhannock Sweeps Valley West on Road to Districts The Tigers visit the Spartans half-way through the season to improve their winning record - April 26 Left to right, Wyoming Valley West pitcher Chloe Ruckle (left) and first baseman Mandi Zawadski (1) high five each other after an out. Wyoming Valley West’s starting pitcher Melodi Raskiewicz delivers a pitch against Tunkhannock. Tunkhannock second baseman Kailey Reposa back pedals for an infield pop up against WVW. Photos by Frank Lauri
Wyoming Valley West third baseman Morgan Klosko fields a ground ball on her home field against Tunkhannock.
Wyoming Valley West’s catcher Audi Wells (left) and pitcher Melodi Raskiewicz almost collide going after an infield pop up.
Clockwise from upper left, Wyoming Valley West’s Audi Wells watches as her ball drifts foul. Tunkhannock’s Hope Jones gets under an infield pop up. Tunkhannock left fielder Jenna Simmons charges in on a line drive against Wyoming Valley West.
June, 2016
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TIME OUT with Jess Ras By Ellen Hoffman
Wyoming Valley West second baseman Payton Boler (11) steps on the base for the out on Tunkhannock’s Faith Jones (10).
WVW’s Jaden Belles (13) watches as left fielder Andi Blaski (4) catches a fly ball.
Tunkhannock catcher Hailey Farr looks to her coach for the sign against Wyoming Valley West.
Wyoming Valley West relief pitcher Chloe Ruckle delivers a pitch against Tunkhannock on WVW’s home field.
Wyoming Valley West head coach Jess Ras (center) gives her team high and low fives before a home game.
Jess Ras is in her first year as head softball coach at Wyoming Valley West. Ras, a former Spartan standout faced adversity as a college freshman at East Stroudsburg University when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Just as she would on the field, she fought back and has been in remission since 2011. Ras lead the Spartans to a 9-6 regular season finish this season. According to PIAA D2 records, this is the team’s highest regularseason win since 2009. At time of press the Spartans were heading to the first round of Districts against Wallenpaupack. The 26-yearold works at the WVW middle school as a physical education teacher.
away from one of your coaches? Throughout my career I have always looked up to my coaches for guidance and inspiration. A coach should be a role model to their team and I hope that I can instill good morals in my players and be someone that they feel they can come to for direction. Tell me about a time this season when you knew coaching the Spartans was the right place for you? Every day that I have the opportunity to walk onto the field with the players on my team I know that coaching the Spartans is the right place for me. Though working with 17 teenage girls can sometimes be a challenge, it is also extremely rewarding. These players have become a huge part of my life and being able to watch them mature and grow through the season, and hopefully in future seasons is something that I look forward to.
How did you become interested in softball? I started playing softball when I was very young, and though I also played other sports, softball was my favorite. As I grew up I played in junior high and then varsity. After high Top photo, Ras coaching during the 2016 season photo, Ras pitching during her senior One word school I received Bottom year, 2008. Photos by Frank Lauri that describes a scholarship your coaching technique, and played for East Stroudsburg and why? University. Routine. When a team has a routine there is no room for question What made you interested about what needs to be done. in coaching? Teams that always make the rouI became interested in coaching tine plays are the teams that win. for the same reason I became interested in teaching, I wanted Goals for next season or to make a difference. I want to be the off-season? able to share my knowledge with a younger generation just as other Our goal as a team is to continue to build the program in a positive coaches and teachers did for me. direction with winning records. What do you hope to instill in your players? Maybe something you took
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June, 2016