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WYOMING VALLEY
SPORT SHOT! June 2015
Vol. 2 Issue 5
For the athlete in all of us
SQUIRT ICE HOCKEY Youth hockey teams compete during spring season in Wilkes-Barre Pages 4-5
DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL Holy Redeemer advances in District II Tournament after win over S. Lehigh Pages 6-7
VARSITY BASEBALL WVW secures win over Crestwood to advance to District competition Pages 8-9
CLOSING IN ON OPPONENT Senior Spotlight: Ed Zawatski, Wyoming Valley West, page 3 Youth Soccer League Offers Spring Season, page 13
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Editor’s Note: Be Rad About a year ago, I wrote about volunteering at a color run at Misericordia University. Well, a year later, I ran one. It was rad. My co-workers convinced me to sign up, and I’m so glad they did. My hesitation was the fact that I’ve signed up for a 5K on June 6 and another on June 13. That’s more than I’ve ever run and all only a few weeks apart. But, it all worked out and this was an experience I’ll remember forever. The Color Me Rad 5K in Scranton is more than a run, it’s an event. The volunteers and race coordinators really get you involved right from the start with music and cheering. Then, we were off. We ran through the streets of Downtown Scranton and every half-mile or so we were blasted with color. It was, well, rad.
We made it through the ups and downs of hilly Scranton and celebrated at the finish line with the other racers. It was so exciting to finish a 5K and Color Me Rad knows how to celebrate. About every 15 minutes they pump up the music and have a color party. Racers are given color packets as they cross the finish line to use at these parties. Again, rad is the only word that comes to mind. For the five seconds color is flying above it’s just a happy moment for everyone. Whether this was their first 5K or not, it’s unlike any other race. I’ve learned that these opportunities don’t present themselves all the time. So, get up and go! I surprised myself by 1. finishing the race in just around 30 minutes and 2. having a rad time with rad friends. Bring on the next one!
June, 2015
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38th Annual West Pittston 4-Mile Anthracite Run Saturday, June 6, West Pittston. Registration 7:30 AM, 9 AM race start time. $20 entry fee. All proceeds benefits the parks in West Pittston. Dennis Bonvie’s Hockey Camp June 8-11 at Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre. Special guest coach Patrick McGrath and coach Amy Frederick. Only $99 per skater. Mite/ squirt age group 5:30-7 PM. Pee wee and up 7-8:30 PM. Register online.
Get updated on what events we’re covering and where you can pick up a copy of the print edition.
Swing Batter, Batter Swing As we close out the high school baseball season and enter Little League and American Legion baseball season, brush up on your baseball terms by searching for the terms scattered throughout this word search below.
On the cover: Wyoming Seminary’s Ataliah Dressler (16) provides a close defense on Coughlin’s Kelsey Gabriele (4). Photo by Frank Lauri
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.
Feet on Fire 5K Sunday, June 14, Hanover Street, Plymouth, behind Happy’s Pizza. 9 AM registration, 10 AM start time. $25 entry fee for adults, $15 entry fee for children. This is a dog friendly event. Dog entry fee is $5.
British Soccer Camp June 22-26 Hopkins Park, Edwardsville. Professional Soccer Coaches from the UK will be delivering a fun and educational week of soccer where campers will learn new moves, fakes and turns and all the techniques in soccer, as well as playing in the Camp World Cup each day. Each camper will receive a soccer ball and t-shirt at camp, as well as a personal evaluation from their coach. Register at www. challengersports.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. 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.
3rd Annual SRRC 2 Mile Race Saturday, June 13, Swoyersville behind Murphy’s Pub. Registrartion 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM, race time at 9 AM. $22 entry fee. Make checks payable to Susquehanna River Runners Club. For more information contact Chris Wadas chris.wadas@gmail.com
12th Annual Wilkes-Barre Duathlon Sunday, June 21, Wilkes-Barre Pubic Square. 7:30 AM start time. Individual registration: $60 Relay registration: $90. The course includes a 3.1-mile run, a 16-mile bike, and a 3.1-mile run through the city of Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township. Contact rob@secondwindtiming.com.
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, Caitlin Hargrave, Frank Lauri, Steve Shoemaker.
Donn’s Dash - 5K Walk/Run Saturday, June 6, Downtown WilkesBarre. 7 AM registration, 8:30 AM start time. $30 entry fee. Starts at corner of Market & River Streets and finishes at Public Square. The NEPA Run for ALS, ALS Association - Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Race is held in memory of Donn Schmidt who passed away from ALS in 2009.
DOUBLE DUGOUT FOUL GROUND BALL
HOME RUN MOUND POP UP SINGLE
SLIDE STEAL STRIKE TRIPLE
Tee It Up for Kids The John A. McCole & Connie Umphred Charity Golf Classic at Wyoming Valley Country Club - July 20, 11 AM start. Benefiting WilkesBarre Family YMCA campership programs. Registration deadline June 28. Visit www.wbymca.org.
June, 2015
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Senior Spotlight: Ed Zawatski By Ellen Hoffman
Wyoming Valley West senior Ed Zawatski can finally say he’s living up to his nickname,”Fast Eddy.” As a child, his coaches at the Wyoming Valley West Fast Program dubbed him “Fast Eddy” not because he was the fastest, though. “It was kind of like an oxymoron though, like jumbo shrimp. I was not the fastest one in the water when I was little. I was awful,” he said laughing. “My coaches would always joke around and call me ‘Fast Eddy’ because I would try so hard and give everything my best. That nickname just stuck and I felt like I had to live up to the name.” As he prepares to graduate high school this month, he’s happy with where his swimming career has taken him. In the fall he’ll move nine hours west to swim at the Division 1 Purdue University. When he was five, he suffered from asthma and his doctor suggested swimming lessons as a way to build his strength. From his first “Mommy and Me” class, he was hooked, he said. Then, his swimming itch grew and he joined the Fast Program in Plymouth and later the CYC Sea Lions Swim Program in Wilkes-Barre. The CYC program allowed him to travel throughout the country competing with their USA Swimming Club Team. “I’ve been all around the country – California, Indiana, Florida – they gave me the opportunity to do that and race against some of the best swimmers in the country,” he said. “The Valley is like a little pond. For me to get connected with that program, it was like they took me out into the ocean.” Zawatski said he’s learned a number of lessons from the sport, most importantly being that “hard work pays off.” When it came time for him to choose his next step, he said he compiled a list of 40 schools. From there he narrowed his search and landed on Purdue. “Purdue was my first official visit,” he said. “What made me choose the college was the coach. I met him at a National Championship meet. I didn’t do my best, I was one of the youngest kids there but the
coach came up to me and my father and he said, ‘ We watched you race, we watched everything go down. We can do a lot for you. We can change you as a swimmer and as a student.’” What Zawatski said really won him over were three things: the coaches, the academics and the team. “The coaches are willing to work with me and take me to that next level, which is hopefully, maybe, Olympic trials,” he said. After the coaching staff won him over, he looked in to the academic programs. While he is still undecided about a career path, he knows Purdue has what he needs to steer him in the right direction with their exploratory studies program that allows him to focus on his general studies classes during his freshman year while taking a peek into all the majors Purdue offers. Finally, the team is the last factor he took into consideration. “The team is very important to me. I wanted it to be exactly like my high school team,” he said. “Fortunately, all the guys that I met were all friendly and nice and they treated me like I was a part of the team and I didn’t even know if I wanted to go there or not.” While he is sad to leave home, he knows his home support will always be with him. For now, he’s focused on the future and what he can get out of four years at Purdue University. “Overall this is what I’ve been wanting for a long time. I’m really excited to show Purdue University who I am.” 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 Ed Zawatski.
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Your Shots Comets Football Runs Dunk Tank at Relay
Crestwood High School hosted Relay for Life May 16 in Mountain Top. Members of the Crestwood football team manned the dunk tank at the event. Pictured above, James Canesso in tank and Brian Fuller, Owen Grigas, Kevin Klusewicz, Nick Miller, Jeff Schmude and Rob Geisler. Photo submitted by Dawn Marie Chalk.
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June, 2015
Royals Bit by Vipers 9-1 in Squirt Hockey League Squirt hockey teams compete at the Toyota SportsPlex during spring play - May 24
Alyssa Zussatt breaks away to score the only goal for the Royals in Wilkes-Barre.
Stand in goalie for the Royals, Jones Dunaj, dives unsuccessfully to stop Vipers’ Gavin Weisgable’s goal.
Coley Leo, Royals, and Vipers’ AJ Koss fight for a loose puck.
Clockwise from left, Elaina Ashman, of the Royals, waits for the puck to drop. Vipers goalie Xavier Bleiler moves off the ice in between periods. Vipers’ Nick Fine brings the puck in to the Royals defensive zone. Royals celebrate after Alyssa Zussatt’s (left) goal. Jones Dunaj, Royals’ goalie fill in, blocks a shot at the Toyota SportsPlex.
June, 2015
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Page 5 Clockwise from left,Vipers’ Nick Fine moves toward the Royals’ goal. Vipers’ Nick Fine handles the puck as Royals’ Coley Leo defends. Coley Leo, of the Royals, defends AJ Koss during their Squirt game at the Toyota SportsPlex. Royals’ Kara Macintyre waits for the puck to drop in their game against the Vipers. Vipers’ AJ Koss moves off the ice in between periods at the Toyota SportsPlex. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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June, 2015
Holy Redeemer Advances to District II Quarter Finals The Royals beat Southern Lehigh and moved on to capture the District II Class AA Title - May 13
Nick James, right, congratulates teammate Mark Liskowicz after their victory over Southern Lehigh.
Clockwise starting above, Adam Zipko puts up a block. John Carr spikes the ball during Holy Redeemer’s home win. Tristen Byers and Mark Liskowicz chat before the start of a new match. Adam Zipko prepares to block a shot from Southern Lehigh. Holy Redeemer’s coaching staff and team shake hands with Southern Lehigh players.
Ken Rexer jumps during a serve on his home court.
Joe McGraw focuses on his serve against Southern Lehigh.
June, 2015
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Your Shots Comets Show Support at Relay for Life
Alex Kotch serves the ball during Holy Redeemer’s home game.
Mike Gatusky blocks a shot from Southern Lehigh during the first round of District II competition.
Members of the Crestwood cheerleadering squad performed at Relay for Life at Crestwood High School in Mountain Top May 16. The teammates created an honor guard for the survivors during the event. The performed at the beginning of the event and to round out the day. Pictured above are members of the varsity and JV teams posing with the RailRiders mascot during the event. First row, Megan Hudock,Victoria Smolenak, Sarah Estok, Mallory Dixon, Olivia Gregis, Riley Dennis, Natalie Thomas, Sarah Hoeft, Madison McGuire, Krystin Thomas. Back row, Anna Clark, Alexandria Smolenak, Noah Dean, Skyler Davis, Lauren Balough, Morgan Swartwood, Madison Prosperi, Skyler Tombasco, Brittney Guffey, Hannah Hilp. Photo submitted by Alexa Cholewa.
Kids Bowl Free This Summer! Register your child for a summer fun bowling pass at Stanton Lanes. Two free games of bowling a day all summer long! Go to www.KidsBowlFree.com/Stanton to register and receive free bowling passes every week via email.
Chris Mennig focuses on his Southern Lehigh opponent’s during the first round of Districts.
Mike Mohutsky reaches for his serve. Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
570-824-4661 470 Stanton St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
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June, 2015
Spartans Rout Comets in 14-4 Home Victory
WVW beat Crestwood, securing a spot in the District II Class AAAA playoffs - May 11
Crestwood’s Curt Yenchik connects with a pitch in a game against Wyoming Valley West.
Wyoming Valley West starting pitcher Logan Zavada goes into his windup against Crestwood.
Crestwood’s starting pitcher Gavin Morgans gets ready to deliver a pitch against WVW.
WVW coaches John Milius (17), Charlie Whited (center) and catcher Ryan Hogan (15) discuss game situations at home in Kingston. Wyoming Valley West’s Ryan Hogan (15) slides head first into third as Crestwood’s Matthew Darden (14) waits for the throw.
Left to right, Tyler O’Kane, a member of the Jr. High team, enjoys a frozen treat while cheering on the Spartans. WVW first baseman Brendin Techmanski gets set for a throw. Crestwood relief pitcher Jared Witner delivers a pitch.
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Spartans Capture District Title at PNC Field WVW secures championship in win over Hazleton - May 25
WVW’s second baseman Mark Popson makes a throw to first base.
Crestwood’s centerfielder R.J. Kresge stretches for a fly ball over his head.
WVW’s Billy Gregory prepares to release a pitch WVW’s Tyler Yankosky covers first base at PNC to his Hazleton opponent. Field in the District II Class AAAA Championship.
Crestwood shortstop Derek Distasio makes Wyoming Valley West shortstop Chris a throw to first base. Lupole makes a throw to first base. Wyoming Valley West coach John Milius congratulates Ryan Hogan as he rounds third after hitting a two run home run against Crestwood in Kingston.
The Spartans celebrate their District II Class AAAA Championship at PNC Field in Moosic.
Photos by Frank Lauri
Mark Baron, Wyoming Valley West, connects with a pitch at PNC Field in Moosic.
WVW Head Coach John Milius gives Justin Montalvo a pep talk before he’s up to bat. Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
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June, 2015
Wyoming Area Captures Win Over Lake-Lehman Warriors, Black Knights get rough in Lehman during mid-season game - May 7
Wyoming Area’s Jake Urban (31) maintains possession as he’s hit by Lake-Lehman’s Dave Kesner (19).
Lake-Lehman’s J. Loeffland (16) puts defensive pressure on Wyoming Area’s Conor McCormick (25).
Lake-Lehman’s Andrew Sharkus (30) and Wyoming Area’s Sammy Greenfield (23) fight for a loose ball in Lehman.
LL’s Justin Bullock (13) focuses on the loose ball as he’s hit by Wyoming Area’s John Urban. Left to right, LakeLehman’s Charlie Kuschke sets up to take a shot. Wyoming Area’s Alex Hawk gets ready to pass the ball against LakeLehman. Lake-Lehman’s T. Wojciechowski (23) and Wyoming Area’s Justin Joseph (20) fight for the ball in the face off.
June, 2015
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Wyoming Area’s Dante Deluca sends the ball downfield in a game against Lake-Lehman.
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Lake-Lehman’s Paul Ciaccia (28) puts pressure on Wyoming Area’s Jake Urban (31).
Lake-Lehman’s Paul Ciaccia (28) is congratulated by teammate B. Devin (3) after scoring.
Wyoming Area’s John Urban (2) goes airborne as he’s hit from behind by Lake-Lehman’s Paul Ciaccia (28) during a WVC match-up.
Lake-Lehman’s Charlie Kuschke (11) sets up to take a shot on his home field against Wyoming Area.
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Wyoming Area’s Sammy Greenfield (23) knocks the ball loose from Lake-Lehman’s R. J. Driscol (8). Photos by Frank Lauri
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June, 2015
Swetland Homestead Presents 1860 Base Ball Game
Members of the 143 PA Volunteer Regiment Co. A reenact a base ball game in Wyoming - May 9
Austin Neagle focuses on the ball during the reenactment game at the Swetland Homestead.
Justin Swan swings at the pitch at the Swetland Home.
Mark Kahn throws a pitch to home.
Members of the base ball reenactment game pose outside the Swetland House. Front left to right, Peter Cangemi, Mark Kahn, Justin Swan, Bruce Geiger. Back left to right, Austin Neagle, Ted Nafus, Jesse Holzman, Mark Riccetti Jr.
Mark Riccetti Jr. delivers a pitch to batter in the reenactment base ball game. Left to right, Ted Nafus waits for his pitch. Jesse Holzman shares a laugh with his teammate. Austin Neagle steps up to the plate. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
June, 2015
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Plains, Forty Fort Battle During Spring Season
U14 teams competed in Forty Fort during the youth soccer spring season - May 9
Forty Fort’s Olivia Molnar looks to pass the ball around the Plains defender.
Forty Fort’s Ava Gonzalez and Plains player battle for the ball.
Clockwise from left, Plains defender clears the ball out of their defensive zone. Plains goalie prepares to blog a shot from a Forty Fort player. Forty Fort’s Olivia Molnar and Plains player get aggressive as they go after a loose ball. Brooke Pileggi, Forty Fort, punts the ball after making a save in Forty Fort. Avary Heckman, Forty Fort, dribbles toward the Plains goal. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
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June, 2015
Hanover, Meyers Practice Their Skills in Competition Junior High teams from Hanover, Meyers compete in a track and field meet in Wilkes-Barre - May 7
Hanover’s Kylee Kolbicka competes in the high jump competition.
Rebecca Merth, of Hanover, competes in the Javelin throw at Meyers.
Hanover’s Nadia Lamoreux practices her long jump.
Teagan Staudenmaier, of Meyers, and Samantha Nay, of Hanover pace themselves during a junior high track and field meet.
Gelson Dejesus and Marcos Martinez lead the pack for Meyers in a home meet against Hanover. Left to right, Meyers’ Ashley Bruno and Jenay Zelinka, Hanover’s Kylee Kolbicka compete during the hurdles event. Alicia Harris competes in a relay event at home. Hanover’s Rebecca Merth practices her Javelin throw in the parking lot before the meet.
June, 2015
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Page 15 Left to right, Meyers’ Giavana Scazafabo practices her Javelin throw against at a home meet. Abby Korba, of Hanover, competes in the high jump at Meyers. Gelson Dejesus, of Meyers, leads for his 4x1 relay team against Hanover. Kaleb Hansen Richart, of Meyers, keeps his focus during a meet against Hanover Area. Photos by Mary Bove
Backyard Wiffle Ball Honors First Hall of Fame Inductees
The Backyard Wiffle Ball League held their first Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the Diamond City Park in Wilkes-Barre on May 3. Four BWBL players were honored and are pictured above, Bob Loftus, Andy Peck, Tom Hannon and Kevin Sickle. The inductees received plaques and were surrounded by friends and family during the ceremony. Left, Mark Belles and Mike White speak on behalf of the BWBL during the induction ceremony. Upper left, BWBL inductees and their family and friends gather for a group photo after the ceremony. Photos submitted by Andy Peck, taken by Jack Monick
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June, 2015
Local Yogis Practice Skills During Afternoon Stretch Balance Yoga in Forty Fort, offers classes for every yoga level - May 7
Above, Christina Spradlin focuses on her breathing at the beginning of class.
Mike Vogt practices his balance in a handstand.
Beatriz Rivera-Barnes performs a lower lunge.
Clockwise from above, Brenda Sharp uses her strength to lift herself up with her arms. Paula Chaiken goes in to a downward dog pose. Margo Kell-Evansky stretches her back at Balance Yoga Studio. Class members focus on their breathing to start class.
Left, class members use accessories to stretch at the end of class.
June, 2015
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Page 17 Clockwise left to right, Brenda Sharp stretches during class at Balance Yoga Studio. Class attendees perform lower lunges while Instructor Corinne Farrell looks on. Corinne Farrell, yoga instructor, assists Terry Citti with a lower back bend in wheel position. Christina Spradlin focuses on her breathing during an afternoon class at Balance Yoga. Class members perform back bends during class in Forty Fort. Photos by Mary Bove
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June, 2015
Wyoming Seminary Sneaks Past Coughlin in 10-9 Win The Blue Knights faced off against the Crusaders in a Wyoming Valley Conference match - May 4
Coughlin’s Alex Smith (14) tries to get past Wyoming Seminary’s Alexis Sokech (9).
Seminary’s Alexis Quick passes the ball.
Coughlin’s Savanna Robinson looks to pass the ball.
Above, Wyoming Seminary’s Katherine Romanoski (15) and Brigid Wood (6) go after a loose ball. Right, Coughlin’s Baylee Bukeavich (1) knocks the ball loose from Wyoming Seminary’s Corinne Conyngham (12). Far right, Coughlin’s Kalie Reed moves the ball down the field.
Coughlin’s Alex Smith moves the ball down the field against Wyoming Seminary.
Wyoming Seminary’s Katherine Paglia (20) and Coughlin’s Hailee Dumont (8) fight for the ball at Guthrie Field.
June, 2015
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Page 19 Clockwise left to right, Coughlin’s Hailee Dumont moves to the goal against Wyoming Seminary at Guthrie Field. Wyoming Seminary’s Emily Gabriel (8) tries to knock the ball loose from Coughlin’s Kelsey Gabriele (4). Wyoming Seminary’s goalie Helley Gavin gets set to block a shot against Coughlin. Coughlin’s Kalie Reed (27) defends Wyoming Seminary’s Megan Obeid (4). Photos by Frank Lauri
Coughlin’s Savanna Robinson (20) takes a back door shot on Wyoming Seminary’s goalie Helley Gavin (25) during a WVC match-up.
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June, 2015