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June 2014
Vol. I Issue 5
GIRLS LACROSSE Pittston Patriots fall in 9-8 lacrosse loss to Lake-Lehman Knights Pages 12-13
VARSITY BASEBALL Dallas and Wyoming Area compete in WVC play Pages 14-15
JR. HIGH TRACK & FIELD Nanticoke competes against Hanover Area in jr. high track and field Pages 18-19
SWINGING FOR SUCCESS Senior Spotlight: C.J.Yakimowicz, WVW, page 3 Locals celebrate Memorial Day with 5 mile run, pages 6-7
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Editor’s Note: Team bonding builds a team One of my earliest memories as a young athlete include participating in the Kingston/Forty Fort Memorial Day parade with the softball, little league and tee ball teams. We would create huge banners that would wrap around my dad’s pick up truck and write our names or sayings with giant purple markers for the Green Jackets (our name was green but our shirts were purple–I still don’t understand). Then, we would all pile into the back of the truck or crowd together on the pavement and parade through the streets, cheering the entire time. I loved this event. I loved cheering for my team and the other teams and I loved showing my pride along with my friends and teammates. I remember constantly chanting cheers like, “We want a home run, just a little home run, we want a triple, just a little triple,” along with a handful of others (those dads were troopers for putting up with a dozen loud ten-year-old softball players). Now, I no longer participate in the parade by walking and chant-
ing with my team, but I still attend the festivities every year and watch other young athletes create their own parade memories. These memories are some of the most important. Now, obviously winning the big game or hitting a home run is something you’ll never forget but team bonding really rounds out the season. They are the times, at least for me, that still stick out in my mind about my years as a Kingston softball player. Seeing some of the teams laughing together during the parade reminded me of the times I spent with my fellow Green Jackets, or any other team for that matter. Coaches, players, parents: make sure team bonding is incorporated into every season, and outside of the dugout. Whether it be throwing lollipops from a pick up truck or going out for a team dinner, get out there and do something without uniforms on. Then, the players won’t just be teammates. They’ll be friends. - Ellen Hoffman
June, 2014
What to expect July 2014: Ball games in the Wyoming Valley
Susquehanna River Runners Club 2 Mile Race-1 Mile Walk Saturday, June 14, 9:00 a.m. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends 10 minutes before the race. Starts at Murphy’s Pub at Slocum and Church Sts. Swoyersville, PA. $22.00 registration fee with checks payable to Susquehanna River Runners Club.
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is excited to cover little league, softball and tee ball games throughout the Wyoming Valley this summer. Let us know if there is an event you think we should cover by emailing wyomingvalleysportshot@ gmail.com or sending us a message on Facebook.
Summer Running
Get ready for all the summer runs and walks throughout the Wyoming Valley. Try to find the running terms hidden in this puzzle.
On the cover: Wyoming Seminary’s Kelsey Atkinson looks for a base hit down the third base line in a softball game against Holy Redeemer. Photo by Frank Lauri
Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335
Chasing Tails Sunday, June 15, 11 a.m. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Two mile walk (pet walk) at Lehigh Gorge White Haven Access Point to Tannery. All pets are welcome if they are leashed. $10 to walk, pets are free and proceeds go to Hazelton Animal Shelter.
Susquehanna River Runners Club Runner’s $5 5K Thursday, June 26. Held at Misericordia University’s track in the Back Mountain. For more information contact Chris Wadas at cwadas@ misericordia.edu.
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.
Wyoming Seminary Futures Wrestling Clinic June 28 to July 2. Program for boys ages 10-18. Boarders must be at least 12 years of age. Train with one of the top prep wrestling teams in the nation by registering at http://www. wyomingseminary.org/.
Your stuff: Bring it on. We welcome your photos, news and ideas submitted for publication. Send submissions of photos and information to wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com. Submitted copy and printed photographs delivered to Wyoming Valley Sport Shot will not be returned. Photos reproduce best if saved in .jpg format at 300 dpi and submitted by email. Game time: Advertising deadline: 10 days prior to publication. Content submission deadline: Seven days prior to publication.
And...Any opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of this publication. We reserve the right to edit all content for clarity, relevance and length and the right to reject submissions. Submitted copy must include a contact name and phone number.
Wilkes-Barre Duathlon Sunday, June 15, 7:30 a.m. A 3.1-mile run, a 16-mile bike and a 3.1-mile run through Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township.Visit http://wbduathlon. com/race-info.php for information on how to register.
Kingston Rec Center Youth Basketball League Girls basketball offered Monday through Friday from June through August. No individual players accepted, must register as a team. Or, the Willie Obremski Memorial Youth Basketball League is offered to boys and girls between the ages of 8-17. $40.00 for members of the Recreation Center and $50.00 for non-members.
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.
37th Annual Anthracite 4 Mile Run Saturday, June 7, 9:00 a.m. Registration begins 7:30 a.m. at the West Pittston Borough Building. Race begins and ends at the Borough Building. $20 registration fee. Make checks payable to West Pittston Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board and call 570-655-7782 for more information.
DASH FINISH JOGGING MARATHON PACE
RACE RUNNING SPRINT STRETCH TRAIN
Coal Street Hockey School Week-long hockey school for all ages and skill levels. The school is run from August 12 to August 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Contact Rich Mihelic at 570-208-9473 or rmihelic@wbspenguins.com.
June, 2014
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Senior Spotlight: C.J.Yakimowicz By Ellen Hoffman
Most high school seniors look forward to the second half of the school year for various reasons: prom, senior skip day, senior trip. Wyoming Valley West senior C.J.Yakimowicz missed out on all of those things, but for good reason he said. Yakimowicz chose to give up those senior events to play ice hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). In December, the London Knights assistant general manager contacted Yakimowicz after one of their scouts saw him play on the Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton Jr. Knights team.Yakimowicz said it was a very fast paced process because he chose to sign with the team two days after Christmas and left for Ontario days later. Initially, he saw himself going to an NCAA team after high school but grew to like the OHL league after research. “I really wanted to go to NCAA,” he said. “So I really didn’t put a lot of thought into the OHL. But as time passed, I did research and talked to people and opened up to the league.” While most seniors have to wait for college orientation to get a taste of living on their own,Yakimowicz got his taste a little earlier. “The biggest eye opener would be living on my own away from my parents and just getting a feel of how it is to be away from everyone you know,” he said. “I think it really matured me and it will help me in the future.” Although it was rough for Yakimowicz to be away from friends and family for five months, he said it will all be worth it if that means he can play hockey as a career. “From the first time I touched the ice I knew I wanted playing hockey to be my job.” At five-years-old his mother thought hockey would channel his aggression and rowdiness. “I remember always being really rough as a kid during recess,” he said. “I just would get excited and push and shove and my mom would always get complaints from other parents on how rough I was with their child. So, she signed me up for ice hockey.” Before moving to Canada to play in the OHL,Yakimowicz played hockey for the Wyoming Valley West high school team and
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the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Jr. Knights. He credits the Jr. Knights for helping him progress as a player. “Without that organization I would be no where near where I am today.” Now, it’s time to wait and see what happens with the NHL draft,Yakimowicz said. “It’s my draft year for the NHL,” he said. “That was a huge factor on where I think I have the best shot getting drafted and where I feel comfortable living for the next four years of my life.” As for the future,Yakimowicz is only looking in the immediate distance. He hopes to get drafted in June and keep pushing himself to better his skills. “I just need to keep working until hopefully the team I get drafted by signs me. But until then, I plan to just keep working and pursue my goal.” Overall, he said, the most rewarding part of this experience so far is seeing the reactions from his loved ones. “Making everyone who believed in me from the start proud of what I’ve accomplished so far is a great feeling.” Senior Spotlight is a monthly feature that will highlight the success and determination of a high school senior who excelled in high school athletics and is taking those skills to the collegiate level. Photo submitted by C.J.Yakimowicz via Getty Images.
Get updated on what events we’re covering and where you can pick up a copy of the print edition.
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June, 2014
Dallas Triumphs Over Crestwood in 15-7 Victory
The Mountaineers battled the Comets in a boys lacrosse game - May 18
Jesse Goode adjusts his gloves before the play begins in a home match.
Connor Keenan moves toward the play against Dallas.
Logan Brace, of Dallas, makes a move past Crestwood’s Robert Coslett in the first half of the boys lacrosse game.
Omar Nijmeh, left, and teammate Matt Ross, celebrate after a goal.
Connor Givens makes his way off the field after the first half.
June, 2014
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Crestwood’s John Macri makes his way toward the goal during an away game at Dallas.
Stone Manello, of Dallas, takes a hit from Crestwood’s Robert Coslett.
Brendan Baloh, of Dallas, looks to scoop up a loose ball in a home game against Crestwood.
Crestwood’s John Majdic, right, fights off Brendan Baloh, of Dallas, to gain control of the ball.
Corey Metz, of Dallas, carries the ball away from a Crestwood defender. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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June, 2014
Over 500 Compete in Forty Fort Five Miler Forty Fort Lions 34th Annual Old Fort 5 Miler has record turnout on Memorial Day - May 26
Vince Wojnar, Wyoming Valley Striders timing coordinator, sets the clock before the race kicks off.
Wilkes-Barre’s David Sadvary finished first overall in the Forty Fort Five Miler with a time of 27:47.
Jenn Swiderski, Camp Hill, finished second of the female competitors with a time of 32:39.
Marina Orrson, Shavertown, was the first female finisher of the Forty Fort Five Miler with a time of 29:01.
Forty Fort’s Chris Decker snaps a photo of his five mile time as he crosses the finish line.
June, 2014
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Mickey Moorhead, Wilkes-Barre, finished third overall with a time of 28:09 in Forty Fort.
Andrew Connell, Forty Fort, pushes himself to the finish line in the Five Miler on Memorial Day. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
Your Shots
Luzerne County Lightning Wins Cinco de Mayo Championship
The Luzerne County Lightning 6th grade girls basketball team competed in and won a Cinco de Mayo basketball tournament in Bath, Pa. Front row from left: Kylee Laudenslager, Alex Wesneski, Cameron Marcinkowski, Ally Vezendy. Second row from left: Leah Hodick, Alahnna Balbach, Jessica Shaver, Lily Savoy. Photos submitted by Wendi Shaver.
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Make it Happen at LCCC! 1.800.377.5222 • www.luzerne.edu
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Chinstraps, Emperors Battle on the Ice
Middle school hockey teams end game in 3-3 tie at the Toyota Sportsplex - May 24
Emperors Brian Hannah looks for an open teammate to pass the puck.
Zach Novotnek of the Chinstraps reaches to defend Mike Huntington, right, of the Emperors. Photos by Mary Bove
Zach Novotenek, Chinstraps player, moves through two Emperors defenders.
Chinstraps teammates Zach Deremer (78) and Eddie Velez (41) watch the play.
June, 2014
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Jimmy Lloyd, left, passes the puck as Chinstraps defender Zach Deremer moves in.
Chinstraps Eddie Velez (41) controls the puck as Alexa Kovaly of the Emperors defends.
Chinstraps player Todd Modispaw carries the puck down the ice at the Toyota Sportsplex.
Jimmy Lloyd, of the Emperors team, passes the puck through Chinstraps players.
Coach Kirk Hannah of the Emperors talks to his players during a break in play.
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June, 2014
Courtdale Native Finishes First in Wilkes-Barre Run Runners and walkers participated in the Wilkes-Barre River Street 3 Mile Run & Walk - May 18
Chris Wadas from Courtdale finished first overall with a time of Sherri Yelen from Kingston finished eighth overall with a time of 15:36 in the Wilkes-Barre River Street 3 Mile Run & Walk. 20:04 in Wilkes-Barre
Race participants set their clocks for the Wilkes-Barre River Street 3 Mile Run & Walk as they take off from the starting line.
Ashley Gregory from Sugarloaf finished twentieth overall and gives a “thumbs up� as she crosses the finish line.
Frank Gaval from INSTA-RESULTS logs in the official times as the runners cross the finish line. Photos by Frank Lauri
June, 2014
Old Forge’s George Dunbar finished tenth overall with a time of 21:01in Wilkes-Barre.
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Greg Bassham from Mountain Top finished with a time of 19:30, sixth overall, in the Wilkes-Barre River Street 3 Mile Run & Walk.
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Rose Yanko of Wilkes-Barre finished fourteenth overall with a time of 22:28 in Wilkes-Barre.
Now booking private graduation parties! Catering also available. Follow and like us on Facebook to check out our weekly dinner menu. Get the best fan experience with our 11 big screen TVs for all your sports viewing! Chris Corbett, of Wilkes-Barre, finished 15th overall with a time of 15:36 in the Wilkes-Barre River Street 3 Mile Run & Walk and also gets a congratulatory hand slap from Race Director Bill Buzza.
570.235.1037
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June, 2014
Knights Defeat Patriots in 9-8 Lacrosse Match Lake-Lehman picks up away win in girls lacrosse over Pittston Area - May 9
Laura Singleton, of Pittston, looks to make a pass in a home game.
Lake-Lehman’s Aleaha Blazick chases after Pittston Area’s Haley Norwillo in a girls lacrosse game.
Pittston’s Anna McDermott, left, carries the ball away from Lake-Lehman’s Carey Keiper.
Mikalie Blazick, of Lake-Lehman, carries the ball toward the goal as Pittston’s Rachel Ferrance follows.
Pittston Area’s Emily Herron, left, and Lake-Lehman’s Courtney Thomas, right, battle for the ball.
June, 2014
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Elaina Menichelli, of Pittston, looks to pass the ball to a teammate as Lake-Lehman’s Carey Keiper defends.
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Summer Field Hockey Camp Hosted by
Wyoming area field hockey Available to Boys and girls age K-6 as of start of the fall 2014 school term MONDAY, JULY 14 - FRIDAY, JULY 18 9 AM - NOON Hosted at the Wyoming area field hockey complex, exeter, PA CAMP FEE : $80 (includes youth size t-shirt)
Mallory Wilson, 10, scores on Pittston Area’s goalie in a girls lacrosse match. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
PAYMENT DUE DATE : July 11, 2014 for registration form Email Jill holcomb jholcomb110@comcast.net
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June, 2014
Mountaineers Score Home Win Over Warriors Wyoming Area Warriors lost on the road 7-4 to the Dallas Mountaineers - May 7
Dave Simpson Jr. of Dallas looks to connect with the ball for a hit against Wyoming Area.
I was a teacher and coach for more than a decade. That’s a calling that should not be ignored. Wyoming Area pitcher Joe Gavenonis sends the ball to home plate.
But today, after nearly 20 years in finance, I see a lot of retiring teachers who are ignored by the financial institutions that hold their 403(b)s and pensions.
If you’re a teacher or administrator who plans to retire soon, call me. I promise you the highest level of service befitting the dedication with which you served our children through the decades. Your calls for help will never be ignored. You’ll make money, you’ll sleep at night and you’ll never have a second thought about what you should have done with your retirement account. And to all retiring teachers and administrators, thank you.
STRATEGIC CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Michael A. Incitti, MBA Registered Investment Adviser
Dallas’ Chad DeBona sprints to third base as Wyoming Area fielders try to make a play. Photos by Mary Bove
6 Dale Drive Mountaintop, PA 18707 (570) 466-9262 • (570) 474-9827
June, 2014
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Jordan McCrum of Dallas looks to make a base hit in his home game against Wyoming Area.
Center fielder for Wyoming Area, Bryant Clark, dives for the ball against Dallas.
Chad DeBona, left and Rory Mullin, both of Dallas, scramble for a loose ball.
Tyler Mitchell of Wyoming Area looks to make the out at first.
Dallas pitcher Domenick Oliver looks to first base before stepping into his pitch.
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June, 2014
Royals Rough Up Blue Knights on Home Field Holy Redeemer records a home victory against Wyoming Seminary - May 9
Top, Wyoming Seminary pitcher Paige Allen gets out of the circle to get a pop up. Above, Abbie Cocoran, of Wyoming Seminary, can’t make the stretch as Holy Redeemer’s Katie Gushka beats a throw for a single.
Holy Redeemer’s Chelsea Skrepenak shares a laugh with her coach during a time out.
Holy Redeemer relief pitcher Kaya Swanek gets ready for her release against Wyoming Seminary. Photos by Frank Lauri
June, 2014
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Wyoming Seminary starting pitcher Paige Allen throws a pitch in the first inning against Holy Redeemer.
Holy Redeemer’s Victoria Steinetz smiles on third base after just hitting a triple down the left field line.
Holy Redeemer second baseman Olivia Menning gets ready to scoop up a grounder hit her way.
Holy Redeemer starting pitcher Kristen Coffay throws a pitch against Wyoming Seminary in the first inning.
Wyoming Seminary’s Kelsey Atkinson gets under a fly ball in center field.
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June, 2014
Nanticoke, Meyers Compete in Track and Field Meet The jr. high teams of Nanticoke and Meyers met at the Trojans complex - May 1
Meyers hurdler Janssen Wilborn leaps over the hurdles during an away meet.
Nanticoke runner Kristopher Russin competes in a meet against they Meyers jr. high team.
Meyers’ Tyler Brown lands in the sand during the long jump portion of the jr. high meet.
Louis Martinez gets air during his long jump event at Nanticoke’s track and field complex.
Lisa Radziak, a Nanticoke runner, competes in an individual event against Meyers.
June, 2014
Nanticoke’s Johnathan Krzyinicki leaps toward the sand.
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Nanticoke runner Alyssa Newell pushes toward the finish line.
Javon Hallager, of Meyers, participates in the long jump event during his away meet at Nanticoke.
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Meyers’ Divine Howard reaches for the sand in the long jump.
Giavanna Rose, of Meyers, releases the discus in a jr. high track and field meet. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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June, 2014