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WYOMING VALLEY
SPORT SHOT! July 2015
Vol. 2 Issue 6
For the athlete in all of us
BASKETBALL CAMP Holy Redeemer hosts summer basketball camps for boys, girls Pages 12-13
LITTLE LEAGUE Back Mountain baseball teams compete in summer league in Dallas Pages 14-15
DONN’S DASH Inaugural ALS awareness 5K kicks off in downtown Wilkes-Barre Pages 16-17
DEFLECTING THE SHOT Senior Spotlight: Derek Dragon, Lake-Lehman, page 3 Softball All-Star Game Called Due to Rain, pages 10,11
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Editor’s Note: Thanks C25K! So, in the May issue I let readers know how nervous I was for my first 5K. Well, two months later and I finished two! Thanks to the Wyoming Valley Lady Striders Couch to 5K program I found my strength to cross two finish lines. First, I competed in Donn’s Dash – the inaugural ALS awareness walk in NEPA. While running, I had my Nike Running application on. The application alerts users when they hit each mile. I surprised myself by shedding about a minute from my normal times. I credit that to the atmosphere of the race and trying to keep up with all the experienced runners around me. I didn’t have a goal time in mind for this race. My only goal was to run the entire 3.1 miles. There was a moment during the second mile when I was running out of steam. Thankfully, I turned on to Main Street at that time and spotted the finish line down the street. I ended my first race with a time of 28:12. Way faster than I anticipated! After that race, I felt like I could tackle anything, which was good because seven days later I was
pinning on another bib and getting set at another starting line. This one was at the Be Prepared to Run Flag Day 5K in Kirby Park. This race was exciting because most of the Couch to 5K ladies signed up. This was our goal race. It was so exciting being there for everyone to cross the finish line and a couple participants from our group even placed in their age groups! While I unfortunately didn’t place in my age group (I came in fourth) I did shave another 30 seconds off my race time from the previous week. I finished this 5K in 27:40. I cannot thank the C25K coaches and runners enough. This program allowed me to meet my New Year’s Resolution halfway through 2015! And, to my own surprise, I’m thinking about when my next race will be. I’m so happy I made the decision to sign up for this program. If anyone is on the fence, I can tell you it’s definitely worth it. I know there is another program beginning this fall (wink, wink). Hope to see some new faces there! I know I’ll be back!
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4th Annual Carol Long Memorial 5K Run/Walk Saturday, July 11 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Swoyersville. Registration begins at 8 a.m., race starts 10 a.m. Pre-Registration: $25 with t-shirt. Day of registration: $30 (t-shirts while supplies last). Seniors registration (65 and over) $15 and children under 10 can enter for free. Visit www.carollongmemorial5k.com/
Get updated on what events we’re covering and where you can pick up a copy of the print edition.
Summertime Water Sports Summer is here! As families prepare for summer getaways remember all the fun water activities available whether you’re at the beach or the lake. Search for the terms scattered throughout this word search below.
Walk for Kids Sake Saturday, July 18 at Kirby Park, Wilkes-Barre. Registration: 8 a.m., preregistration fee: $20 and day of event: $25 - $10 for children 12 & under. Race starts at 9 a.m. Free 1/2 mile kids fun run at 9:45 a.m. for children 12 & under. All 5K participants receive a t-shirt. Contact Alan Stout (570)8248756, mentor@bbbsnepa.org Bastidas Soccer Academy July 20-24. Day camps for kids ages 9-17. Micro camp also available for kids ages 5-8. Designed for beginners and advanced players. Camp runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Register online at www.bastidassocceracademy.com/register
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335
Harvey’s Lake Walk-a-Thon Saturday, July 25 at Sandy Beach Pavillion. 9 a.m. registration and 10 a.m. start time (staggered start with bikers, runners, walkers). Pre-registration: $15, day of registration: $20. Only pre-registration grants participants a t-shirt. Contact 570-714-8800 with questions.
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.
3rd Annual Beech Mountain 5K Run/Walk Sunday, July 26 at Beech Mountain Lakes – Race starts at clubhouse. Registration: 7:30 a.m., race starts at 9 a.m. Pre-registration: $20, day of registration: $25. Contact Wendy Reshetar 570-710-7400 or wjreshet@ptd.net
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.
Wilkes University Summer Field Hockey Camp July 7-10 at Ralston Athletic Complex in Wilkes-Barre. PreK-5th grade: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. 6th-12th grade: 1 p.m.3:30 p.m. Cost: $100 per player. All campers receive a t-shirt. Misericordia University Baseball Camp July 7-11 at Anderson Center on campus. First day registration and check in 8:30 a.m. Camp runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Available for boys ages 7-12.
On the cover: Jack Leahy dives to block a shot during the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp sponsored by West Side United Soccer. Photo by Frank Lauri
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.
July, 2015
BOATING CANOEING JET SKIING KAYAKING PARASAILING
ROWING SCUBA DIVING SURFING SWIMMING WAKE BOARDING
Lady Monarch Basketball Camp for Girls 8-14 July 27-31 at Scandlon Gymnasium at King’s College. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (M-TH) 9 a.m.-noon (F). Contact Brian Donoghue for pricing: 570-208-5900 Ext. 5432 or briandonoghue@kings.edu
July, 2015
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Senior Spotlight: Derek Dragon By Ellen Hoffman
Derek Dragon, 2015 Lake-Lehman graduate, didn’t picture his wrestling career continuing after high school until his sophomore season. “I started to realize how passionate I was about the sport,” he said. But now, it doesn’t look like his wrestling career is ending any time soon. Dragon will be attending Lock Haven University in the fall. He’s joining the Division I wrestling team and majoring in the pre-physical therapy program. “That had a big part to do with it,” he said of the course selections. “I want to specialize in sports medicine because I want to be able to help injured athletes get back to their sport.” Dragon made his decision to attend Lock Haven based off a few different areas. First, the pre-physical therapy program. Second, the coaching staff and other wrestlers. Third, the location of the campus. “It’s close to home but not too close to home. It really just seemed like the perfect fit for me,” he said. Dragon, who’s been wrestling since he was six-years-old, is excited for the intensity of the sport to pick up once he makes it to Lock Haven this fall. “It’s Division 1 so everyone is good there,” he said. “There is no one that is lacking or behind. So I’ll have to wrestle my hardest every single time.” He’s continued training since the high school season ended in February. Between now and when he moves away to school he’ll be training wherever he can find a mat, he says. He’ll also be helping out as a counselor at the Lock Haven wrestling camp for high school students this summer. Wrestling has been a part of his life since he was just a kid. He credits the sport for making him a better person. “I think wrestling just made me a better person overall. I don’t know how to pick just one area that it’s helped me in. I definitely would not be the person I am today.” Dragon has worked his way up through the years and is proud of his accomplishments on the mat. “If you want to be good you have to work at it.You need to be willing to work hard to be the best.” He learned this work ethic from his cousin, who also wrestled. Dragon says it is a family sport and after watching his cousin, he wanted
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to do the same. It didn’t take him long to feel comfortable on the mat. During his first tournament, he pinned his opponent just five seconds in to the match. After that, it just stuck. Dragon began competing for club teams and joined the Lake-Lehman school teams. He’s glad he was able to experience what he has at both the club and school levels. Each, he said, taught him something about the sport he’ll take away. “Club is always in the off-season. Through that I’ve just learned a lot more technique and a lot more mental strength, I guess would be a good way to put it. Being tougher and getting over that mental block.” One of his favorite memories came during his freshman year at Lake-Lehman at the Dallas meet where the Black Knights took home the win by just one point during the last match. “The whole gym was packed, even the balconies. It was a really hyped up match and something I’ll never forget.” He said he’s grateful for all his experiences and knows what he will miss most are the friends he’s made throughout the years. “Honestly what I’ll miss the most is being around the friends I’ve had my entire life. All the seniors I’ve been with since I was three.” 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 Derek Dragon.
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July, 2015
Kids Show Off Their Skills at Summer Soccer Camp West Side United Soccer hosts the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp in Edwardsville - June 24
Camp Instructor Scott Francis directs his group for a skill drill at the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp sponsored by West Side United Soccer. Emma Tienken shows off her skills during camp.
Caden Hahnebach sets up to block a shot during the third day of camp.
Vanessa Flaherty moves the ball down the field.
Campers and instructors take a group shot during the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp. Far left, Campers listen to the instructors before the third day of camp starts. Left, camp instructors talk to the campers during the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp.
July, 2015
Gavin Wolfe, left, tries to get the ball past Jackson Abrams during soccer camp in Edwardsville.
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Lauren Gluchowski tries to get a shot past goalie during the Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp.
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Chris Bonoski puts the ball in play during a drill at Challenger Sports British Soccer Camp.
Goalie Brian Leahy gets low to block a shot on net.
Megan Ohrin kicks the ball during a drill at camp.
Camp instructor Stefano Greco talks to his group before camp begins. Photos by Frank Lauri
Daniel Daleo warms up during camp in Edwardsville.
Camp Director Benjamin Pellant runs a skill drill for his group in Edwardsville.
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July, 2015
Local Skaters Glide Across Ice in FIgure Skating Camp The Diamond City Figure Skating Club hosts summer camp at Toyota SportsPlex - June 23
Mia Amerman and classmates watch for instruction.
Cassidy Ford practices her ballet moves during the first session of Skating Camp.
Abby Kim glides across the ice in Wilkes-Barre.
During the “Time Warp” Mia Amerman performs part of the routine campers learned.
Rayne Pucci, and members of the Skating Camp, perform a stunt on the ice. Left to right, Kassadi Totten, right, and Mia Amerman dance to the “Time Warp”. Rayne Pucci watches instructor Mary Siejak during the ballet portion of camp in Wilkes-Barre. Maria Humen comes out of a spin move during camp at the Toyota SportsPlex. Ashleigh Button points her toe and focuses on her balance befor heading out on to the ice at the Toyota SportsPlex. Photos by Mary Bove
July, 2015
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Your Shots
Women Participate in C25K Program
Rayne Pucci, Dailyn Cochran and Cassidy Ford glide across the ice at the Toyota SportsPlex.
Dailyn Cochran performs a stunt on the ice.
Campers practice their balance off the ice.
Dailyn Cochran practices jumping off the ice.
A camper points her toe during the ballet session.
Maria Humen and other campers perform the routine they learned at Skating Camp.
Members of the third Couch to 5K program competed in the Be Prepared to Run Flag Day 5K in Kirby Park June 13. The Couch to 5K program was run by the Wyoming Valley Lady Striders and is an eight week training program designed to get participants off the couch and running a 5K. Participants met three times a week and built up their endurance in order to be prepared for the 3.1 miles at the end of the program. Pictured above are: Bottom row: Karen Yenchak, Darlene Pearson, Carline Lindley, Ellen Hoffman, Karen McLaughlin, Barb Rupert, Marjorie Adams. Middle row: Ann Drazba, Nancy Needle, Sandy Orrson, Joan Bilski, Cathy Thomas, Joan Pekarovsky, Kim Krupsha, Christina Jaskulka, Nancy Edkins,Vicky Clemonts, Kim Seward, Barb Fleming, Steph McManus, Donna Cupinski, Martina Kaminski, Carol Lee Wajda. Back row: Eileen John, Sue Libertoski, Lisa Kesselman, Dawn Pugliese, Joanne Hagnar, Sean Fleming, Mary Goyla, Joanne Zuba, Melanie Lear, Neesha Turner
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July, 2015
Swoyersville Claims Win Over Plains with Late Run
American Legion teams compete at Roosevelt Field; Swoyersville comes out on top with 2-1 win - June 18
Swoyersville’s pitcher Tyler Yankosky reacts after walking a batter at his home field.
Plains third baseman Kyle Turonis makes a throw to first base against Swoyersville.
Plains’ catcher Brandon Butry gets ready to go back on defense.
Swoyersville’s Logan Zavada and manager Sean Toole discuss strategy during a timeout.
Upper left, Justin Vought, center, is mobbed by his teammates Bill Gregory, Tyler Yankosky and Ryan Hogan after delivering the game winning hit to defeat Plains 2-1. Left, Tim Cavanaugh puts Plains on the board as he crosses the plate at Roosevelt Field. Above, Swoyersville’s Brenden Techmanski recites the American Legion Sportsmanship Pledge. Right, Plains’ shortstop Kyle Ofier gets under a pop up.
July, 2015
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Swoyersville’s second baseman Mark Popson makes an off balance throw to first base.
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Swoyersville’s Ryan Hogan walks back to first base.
Plains’ Kyle Ofier makes contact with a pitch.
Swoyersville’s shortstop Bill Gregory makes a throw to first base in an American Legion game against Plains.
Swoyersville’s Mark Popson ties the score 1-1 as he crosses the plate at his home field.
Plains’ pitcher John Fagotti delivers a pitch in a game against Swoyersville at Roosevelt Field. Photos by Frank Lauri
Plains’ designated hitter Steve Dressler connects with a pitch in an American Legion game against Swoyersville.
Plains’ second baseman Tim Cavanaugh (18) looks to the umpire for a call after putting the tag on Swoyersville’s Brenden Techmanski (7).
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July, 2015
Rain Ends Senior Girls All-Star Softball Game Early Girls All-Star game called after half an inning due to heavy rain storms - June 15
Crestwood’s Colleen Borum pitches for the East All Stars team.
Meyers third baseman Gina Strillacci, East All Stars, makes a throw to first base. Photos by Frank Lauri
The West All Stars get together for a team photo before the 2015 Robert L. Dolbear Senior Girls All-Star Softball Game.
GAR’s Mikayla Hoskins watches the pitch as the rain comes down during the All-Star Game.
Above, Wyoming Area’s Emily Wolfgang, West All Stars, swings at a pitch.
Coughlin’s Julia Miller, East All Stars, moves in the direction of the ball.
Left, Nanticoke’s Maddy O’Donahue, East All Stars, puts the tag on Dallas’ Sydney Kern.
July, 2015
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The East All Stars get together for a team photo before the 2015 Robert L. Dolbear Senior Girls All-Star Softball Game.
Above, Wyoming Area’s Emily Wolfgang and teammates play in the mud after the 2015 Robert L. Dolbear Senior Girls All-Star Softball Game was called because of heavy rain. Far left, Dallas’ Sydney Kern, West All Stars, gets set at the plate. Middle left, GAR’s Brittany Stephenson, East All Stars, gets under a pop up during the first inning. Left, Crestwood’s Colleen Borum throws to first base.
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July, 2015
Holy Redeemer Hosts Popular Boys Basketball Camp
Members of the boys basketball team counsel younger players during summer camp - June 19
Stan Wateski dips down to take a shot during camp at Holy Redeemer High School.
Michael Fino, right, talks with a friend at Holy Redeemer’s Basketball Camp in between training drills.
Kyle Skutack eyes up the basket before taking a shot at Holy Redeemer’s Basketball Camp.
Jadon White looks to take a shot from outside.
Taden Degraffenreid reaches for a ball.
Charlie Revitt listens to the coaching staff before starting a new drill.
Louis Michaels dribbles around at camp. Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
July, 2015
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Royals Help Campers Grow their Basketball Skills Holy Redeemer Girls Basketball hosts a camp to encourage younger girls to play - June 15 Top, Lydia Lawson, counselor, tells her group what the days schedule includes.
Mackenzie Perluke takes a shot on net during the Holy Redeemer Girls Basketball Camp.
Katie Quinn dribbles to the net at Holy Redeemer High School.
Clockwise, Toni Amato completes a lay-up on a side net in Holy Redeemer’s gym. Camp counselor Rebecca Prociak gets a list of the campers names before the first day of camp. A camper dribbles through a drill at camp. Maddie Olshemski practices her ball handling skills during Holy Redeemer’s Girls Basketball Camp.
Bottom, Gemma Alberti practices her quick feet and defense skills at Holy Redeemer High School. Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
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July, 2015
Minor League Teams Show Friendly Competition The A’s and the Indians of Back Mountain’s Minor League compete in Dallas - June 10
Ethan Leone, A’s pitcher, sends a wild pitch toward the plate where the A’s Jackson Rischawy makes the play.
Cam Hudgins, of the A’s, swings at a pitch from the Indians at their home field in the Back Mountain.
The A’s Jack Leandri runs to catch a fly ball in a game against the Indians.
A’s Jack Leandri makes a play during the game against the Indians in the Back Mountain.
Indians’ Matt takes a swing at a pitch from the A’s during a game in the Back Mountain.
Indians’ Aiden makes a play during a Back Mountain Little League game.
Mikey Timinski, of the A’s gets low to watch his teammate make a play.
Indians’ Aiden dives to make the play in the infield against the A’s.
July, 2015
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Page 15 Far left, Indians’ Jacob connects with the ball for a hit during a game against the A’s. Left, Matt Maxfiled lines up with the pitch in a game against the Indians. Bottom left, Mikey Timinski, of the A’s, looks to make a play as the Indians’ Robert stays at the plate. Photos by Mary Bove
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Zachary Kile, the A’s, sends a ball toward home.
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July, 2015
Inaugural 5K Event Brings ALS Awareness to NEPA Over 150 runners compete in Donn’s Dash 5K run/walk in Wilkes-Barre - June 6
Tyler Young crosses the finish line as the overall winner of Donn’s Dash in Wilkes-Barre.
Second place finisher JC Blewitt crosses the finish line of Donn’s Dash 5K and Fun Run.
Brianne Schmidt thanks everyone for their participation in Donn’s Dash in Wilkes-Barre.
Tyler Lobo finishes in third place overall out of 160 runners at the inaugural Donn’s Dash.
Brianne Schmidt hugs her mother, Dawn, after placing in her age group.
Bryan Cockerham, of we-care.com, presents a check for $7,168.24 to Donn’s Dash. Pictured from left: Angela Desiderio, Tim Seigfried, Cockerham, Michelle Morgan, Brianne Schmidt. Left to right, Donn’s Dash coordinators Angela Desiderio, Tim Seigfried, Michelle Morgan and Brianne Schmidt pose for a photo. JC Blewitt, Jill Houseknecht, Erin Tanner, Meghan Ball and Courtney Lienert pose before the opening ceremony. Lauryn Ferrence and Kimberly Kenehan pose for a picture before the start of the race. Photos by Frank Lauri
July, 2015
The youngest runner, Ryan Burke, crosses the finish line of Donn’s Dash in Wilkes-Barre.
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Donn Schmidt’s wife Dawn pumps her fists in the air as she prepares to cross the finish line.
Rob Baran crosses the finish line of Donn’s Dash with daughter Ava.
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Lourdes Sikora competes in the inaugural Donn’s Dash run in Downtown Wilkes-Barre.
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July, 2015
Nanticoke Area Victorious in PIAA Class AAA Opener Nanticoke secured a 6-5 win over Twin Valley to advance to the quarterfinal competition - June 3
Nanticoke Area’s Rachel Roccograndi (3) beats the throw and tag of Twin Valley’s Devon Haddow (6) in the PIAA Class AAA First Round Playoff game.
Nanticoke Area’s Cassie Novakowski lays down a bunt against Twin Valley.
Nanticoke Area’s head coach Ryan Stetz high fives assistant coach after defeating Twin Valley 6-5.
Nanticoke Area’s Cassie Novakowski squeezes the glove against Twin Valley.
Nanticoke Area starting pitcher Leandra Ramos goes into her windup against Twin Valley.
Nanticoke Area catcher Maddy O’Donohue looks to the dugout for the sign.
Nanticoke Area’s Maddy O’Donohue and Leandra Ramos react after their win.
July, 2015
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Nanticoke Area joins hands during the National Anthem before their game against Twin Valley.
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Nanticoke Area celebrates after defeating Twin Valley 6-5 in the first round.
Nanticoke Area’s Kiera Brown connects with a pitch against Twin Valley at Wilkes University.
Above, Nanticoke Area’s Morgan Briggs reacts after scoring the go ahead run in the sixth inning against Twin Valley. Left, Nanticoke Area’s Rachel Roccograndi watches from the dugout as her team bats against Twin Valley.
Nanticoke Area’s relief pitcher Miranda Bohn delivers a pitch.
Photos by Frank Lauri
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July, 2015