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July 2014
Vol. I Issue 6
YOUTH TENNIS CAMP King’s College hosts two week tennis clinic at Kirby Park for all ages Pages 6-7
ALL-STAR SOFTBALL GWA and BMT National battle in District 31 All-Star softball play Pages 10-11
RIVER COMMONS YOGA Free yoga sessions in Wilkes-Barre prove popular for area yogis Pages 14-15
AIMING FOR A STRIKEOUT Senior Spotlight: Lily Amadio, Dallas, page 3 75th anniversary celebration of Little League, pages 18-19
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Editor’s Note: Bring on a New Challenge Remember two issues ago when I confessed my hatred for running? Well, things have changed this summer. I can’t say I’m one of those people who loves running. I definitely haven’t hit that milestone yet. However, I am enjoying how I feel now that I started taking runs around my neighborhood. I haven’t pinpointed exactly what made me start running, except that I heard about the Nike Running app for iPhone and thought it sounded cool. I know I’m a little behind on this app sensation but, better late than never...right? For those of you who don’t know what this app does, it tracks your calories, maps your run and gives you your average pace. I’m sure there are thousands of apps or devices out there that can do what Nike Running does. I chose to rave about this specific app because before it I never uttered the words, “I’m going on a run.” It’s a huge factor that helped me willingly decide to go for a run.
Avid runners are probably wondering why I’m preaching something so simple. For me, this is a big deal, and I’m sure there are others out there who feel the same way. It’s scary to try something new, but a great feeling when it turns into something you enjoy. All I can say is that I should have started this earlier. While I only run about two miles each journey, I feel great afterwards and am inclined to continue exercising even after the run. Any sort of athletic activity probably makes others feel the same. So, if you’re weary about joining a team or a club, give it a try! And don’t give up after just one day. Seeing the results of my endurance or strength, run after run, is what amazes me. So, watching skills develop on the soccer field can possibly be what amazes you. But you’ll never know if you don’t lace up your cleats and give it a try.
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American Legion Baseball All summer long there is baseball in the Wyoming Valley. Try to find the senior American Legion baseball team names hidden in this puzzle.
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335
Run for the Cure 3rd Annual Carol Long Memorial 5K Run/Walk Saturday, July 12 held to raise awareness, early detection and a cure for pancreatic cancer. Held at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, 116 Hughes St, Swoyersville. Registration time 8 a.m. and race begins at 10 a.m. Registration fee after June 30: $15 Registration fee for seniors (65+): $10. Children 10 and under are free. Contact Robert Long at 570-2882484 or us56mc@gmail.com. River Commons Yoga Melt Hot Yoga and Balance Yoga offer a free yoga class on the River Commons every Saturday during the summer. Classes are from 10-11 a.m. Bring your own mat and water The class is located at the Millennium Circle Portal across from the Hotel Sterling lot. In the event of bad weather, check the Melt Hot Yoga or Balance Yoga Facebook page. Defensive Skills Camp July 25 5-9:30 p.m. and July 26 and 27 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Revolution Ice Center in Pittston. Coached by Kerry Huffman and Vince Malts. For more information visit evolvingathletes.com or call 856-816-8879.
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.
Stan Waleski Basketball Camp July 7 to August 8 for boys and girls grades K through 8. Camp is held in the St. Joseph Oblates gym in Laflin. For more information call Coach Waleski at 570-457-1206 or Coach LoBrutto at 570-654-8030. Registration information is available at stanwaleski.com
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.
31st Annual Bernie’s Memorial 3 Mile Run/Walk Friday, July 4 in Downtown WilkesBarre. Registration held at the YMCA and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. on River Street. Race ends on Public Square. Free kid’s fun run at 9:15 a.m. starting at South Main and Ross Streets. T-shirts handed out to the first 500 entries. Holy Redeemer Volleyball Skills Camp July 7-11 in Holy Redeemer’s high school gymnasium in Wilkes-Barre. Open to all area players at $90 per camper. Call Jack Kablick at 570-4727323 or Bob Shuleski at 570-3577784 for more information.
On the cover: Nanticoke’s Tony Molitoris steps into his pitch against Mountain Post on his home mound in Honeypot field. Photo by Steve Shoemaker
Our team: Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is locally owned and handmade in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Contributing photographers this issue include Frank Lauri, Steve Shoemaker and contributing staff consists of Elizabeth Hoffman.
July, 2014
BACK MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN POST NANTICOKE PITTSTON
PLAINS SWOYERSVILLE TUNKHANNOCK WILKES BARRE
Coal Street Hockey School Week-long hockey school for all ages and skill levels. The school is held from August 12 to August 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. Contact Rich Mihelic at 570-2089473 or rmihelic@wbspenguins.com.
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Senior Spotlight: Lily Amadio By Ellen Hoffman
In the Wyoming Valley, structured sporting teams usually begin in grades seven and eight. Students sign up to give something new a try or sign up because they are eager to compete at a competitive level. When signing up for a sport like field hockey, athletes have some sort of knowledge as to what position they want to play-or at least a distinction between a field player and goalie. Dallas grad Lily Amadio signed up for field hockey because it’s something that ran in her family. Her mother and grandmother both played so she said she always had some sort of interest. The only difference is, her relatives played the field while she manned the goal. But, the love of the goalie position came over time. After a goalie was injured during practice, Amadio stepped in thinking it would only be for a day or two while the other player healed. “I just volunteered thinking it would be a one day thing,” she said. “Then whenever they needed someone they always turned to me and said, ‘Do you want to do it again today?’ So I just kept at it and stuck with it.” One thing Amadio admitted was a struggle at first was acting as the communication on the field. “Part of being a goalie is being vocal and communicating a lot,” she said. “At first I didn’t really do that as much or as well as I should have.” She said depending on the situation it could still be a struggle because there isn’t much room for error. “I guess I still struggle with communicating effectively because obviously you can’t be having a long conversation while you’re playing a game.You have to be short, sweet and effective.” Aside from playing for the Dallas high school and middle school teams, Amadio also competed with the Valley Styx Club field hockey team. And now, after saying goodbye to high school, Amadio will move on in the fall to compete at a Division I level at
Central Michigan University. Throughout high school Amadio had been in contact with different universities about continuing her field hockey play after high school but during her senior year she decided her time in the goal would come to an end at Dallas. But, something changed when Central Michigan contacted her. “Really recently, like a few months ago, Central Michigan contacted me and it just worked out. I didn’t think I was going to play until honestly like four months ago,” she said. While Amadio is excited to continue competing, there are things she is going to miss about her team in Dallas. “It was hard ending my senior season with all of my best friends,” she said. “But, at the same time it’s kind of happy because everyone’s going their own way and moving on to bigger and better things. It’s bittersweet.” By playing field hockey with her best friends she not only learned how to work as a team but together they learned how to keep their personal lives off the field. “A big thing for me would be if you have a struggle with one of your teammates or friends, leave that off the field and don’t take any of that to heart.” Amadio said overall her most memorable high school moment was ending in a draw against Wyoming Seminary this past season. “We thought it was really cool because they won states the previous year. The fact that we could keep up with them throughout an entire game showed that we were on the same level, which was awesome.” Amadio is looking forward to building more memories, like her game against Wyoming Seminary, at her new turf in Central Michigan. Senior Spotlight is a monthly feature that will highlight the success and determination of a high school senior who excelled in athletics and is taking those skills to the collegiate level. Photo submitted by Rich Amadio.
KaPow Hockey Klub offers field hockey training, leagues, and tournament opportunities for players 4 to 18 years old. With players coming from all regions in Northeastern PA, it is a great way to meet new friends and continue to improve your field hockey game. Stay posted as the 2014-2015 winter programs will be announced on the website in the coming months at: www.kapowfh.com Hope to see you all this season!
Like us on Facebook for more updates: Kapow Hockey Klub
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July, 2014
Mountain Post Routs Nanticoke 10-0 in Legion Play
Teams meet at Honeypot field for mid season American Legion baseball game - June 18
Kyle Kowalski keeps his eye on a pop up during Nanticoke’s game against Mountain Post.
Nanticoke’s Noah Jackson waits for his pitch at his home field.
Mountain Post’s Justin Darden makes an infield play during the Legion baseball game.
Mountain Post’s Curtis Tokach sprints to home plate at Honeypot field.
Kyle Windt eyes up the pitch during Nanticoke’s home game against Mountain Post.
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Mountain Post’s Anthony Caladie slides safely into third base against Nanticoke.
Tyler Gavlick, of Nanticoke, shares a laugh with his coach during a break in play.
Mountain Post’s Corey Chalk misses tagging out Nanticoke’s Kyle Pokrinchak at Honeypot field.
Derek Distasio releases his pitch against Nantioke in American Legion play.
Derek Kurkoski of Nanticoke throws to home plate to a Mountain Post batter. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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July, 2014
King’s College Offers Tennis Camp for All Ages
Two week tennis training camp available to youth at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre - June 17
Top, William Wolfgang makes eye contact with the ball on the courts at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre. Above, Matthew Bolan returns the volley during the training camp. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
Tia Amerise lunges to reach a loose ball on the Kirby Park tennis courts in Wilkes-Barre.
Vaughn Kutish celebrates a win at the King’s College tennis camp at Kirby Park.
Cameron Tuck shows off his tennis skills at the King’s College training camp.
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Aiden Temple connects with the ball to send it back over the net to his opponent.
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Norah St Claire moves to keep the ball in play during the King’s College tennis training camp.
Your Shots
Back Mountain Little League Welcomes 2014 Paralympian Stephanie Jallen
Back Mountain Little League welcomed Stephanie Jallen, USA paralympian and Sochi 2014 bronze medalist, to their fields. Stephanie threw out the first pitch of the major league Phillies vs. Pirates game June 7. Stephanie visited with players, displayed her bronze medal and signed autographs. First row: Zach McEntee, Christopher Sholtis, Evan Hromisin, E.J. Matushek, Michael Sholtis, Stephanie Jallen. Second row: Logan Evanosky, Alex Magdalinski, Ryan Eiden, Josiah Thomas, Jason Eiden, Aiden Conrad, Xander Shaner, Michael Rother and Manager Ron Hromisin. Photo submitted by Jessica Matushek.
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July, 2014
WVW Field Hockey Hosts Annual Training Camp
Coaches and members of the WVW FH team teach basic skills to players of all ages - June 17
Senior WVW field hockey player Julia Usefara instructs her group of players how to take strokes on the second day of the camp.
Goalie coach Kristie Rollman takes practice strokes on Sydney Rusnock during the second day of Wyoming Valley West’s annual field hockey camp at Spartan Stadium.
Eighth grader Maddi Russo practices her drive on goal at Spartan Stadium.
Jamie Yeninas leans into her swing during the second day of the WVW field hockey camp in Kingston.
Second grader Madison Orrson gets a feel for using a field hockey stick at the Spartan’s training camp.
Natalie Zasada waits for instruction on when to pass the ball during the second day of training camp.
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Page 9 Far left, Katie Luksa, eighth grader, hits the ball toward the goal in a drill on the second day of the week-long field hockey camp hosted by the WVW high school field hockey team.
Left, Mia Magnotta, sixth grader, focuses on stopping the next stroke from goalie coach Kristie Rollman (not pictured) at Spartan Stadium. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
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July, 2014
Greater Wyoming Area Takes Win Over Back Mountain GWA moves on while BMT National falls to losers bracket in District 31 All-Star softball play - June 15
GWA does a pre game cheer before the start of the District 31 All-Star Softball Game.
GWA’s Lily Harden hits a ground ball during the District 31 All-Star softball game against BMT National. Photos by Frank Lauri
GWA center fielder Cassidy Oriel charges a line drive at Flack Field.
GWA second baseman Abby Gober males a play to first base against BMT National at Flack Field.
BMT National shortstop Ganna Spacino makes a throw to first base at Flack Field.
July, 2014
GWA first baseman Ellie Glatz takes a throw against BMT National at Flack Field.
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GWA’s Hannah Doran connects with a pitch during the District 31 All-Star softball game at Flack Field.
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GWA shortstop Tinsley Sarnak can’t get the throw as BMT National’s Ally Francis slides safely into second base.
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! BMT National third baseman Ally Francis bare hands a ground ball during the District 31 All Star softball game against GWA.
570.235.1037
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July, 2014
High School Hockey League Wraps Up for Summer Challengers beat Wranglers 14-10 in an end of season game in Wilkes-Barre - June 8
Challengers player Tanner Kahlau takes a shot on the Wrangler’s goalie.
Joseph Langdon and Trey Leo fight for the puck in a high school hockey match.
Challengers goalie Mike Novatnack takes a breather in between play in the Toyota Sportsplex.
Jerry Scatena filled in for the Wranglers and scores on Challengers goalie Mike Novatnack.
Joseph Langdon from the Wranglers handles the puck by the Challengers goal during the second half of play at the Toyota Sportsplex. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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Page 13 Challengers teammate Zach Ouladelhadjahmed looks to make a move toward goal in a high school league game at the Toyota Sportsplex.
Jake Goldowski scores for the Challengers in their 14-10 victory.
Jerry Scatena handles the puck on the ice during the first half of the Challengers and Wranglers game in Wilkes-Barre.
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July, 2014
Local Yogis Practice Relaxation at River Commons Luzerne County yoga studios offer free yoga in Wilkes-Barre during the summertime - June 14
Alexe Rice focuses on her balance and breathing as an instructor from Lotus Pug Yoga Studio in Wilkes-Barre teaches a free yoga class.
Zoe Evans stretches during the beginning of the yoga session hosted by Lotus Pug Yoga Studio.
Maria Unice concentrates on her standing deep breathing.
Miranda Russell of Lotus Pug Yoga Studio introduces herself to the class at yoga on the River Commons in Wilkes-Barre.
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Kendra Vanesko practices a bow pose during a Saturday session of yoga.
Rachael Gabriele focuses on instructor Miranda Russell’s commands.
Amber Russo completes the free yoga session by focusing on her breathing. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
Ana Lutz practices Warrior I along with over 50 other participants at the second week of free yoga on the River Commons in Wilkes-Barre.
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July, 2014
Wiffle Ball League Heats Up at Diamond City Park The Backyard Wiffle Ball League met for a double header in Wilkes-Barre - June 8
Clam Blasters Tom Gannon high fives Rob Hess at home plate after his home run.
Clam Blasters player Rob Hess gets ready to take a pitch over the fence for a home run in Wilkes-Barre.
Saturday Crush’s Andy Peck swings at a pitch in a Backyard Wiffle Ball League game at the Diamond City Park in Wilkes-Barre. Photos by Frank Lauri
Clam Blasters Joey Dougher is right on this 53 MPH pitch during the Backyard Wiffle Ball League play.
Saturday Crush’s Bob Loftus backpedals to snag a pop up at the Diamond City Park in Wilkes-Barre.
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Saturday Crush’s George Moser gets ready to make contact at Diamond City Park. Clam Blasters pitcher Tom Hannon is in his motion during the Backyard Wiffle Ball League play.
Saturday Crush pitcher Mark Belles delivers a pitch at the Diamond City Park.
Clam Blasters pitcher Joey Dougher shows a side winder delivery.
Saturday Crush’s Andy Peck gets a hit during the Backyard Wiffle Ball League play.
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July, 2014
Little League Celebrates 75th Anniversary in Ed/Lark Locals joined in a celebrity game to honor Little League Baseball at the Ed/Lark field - June 6
Olympians Jay Terdiman and Stephanie Jallen pose with the Phillie Phanatic at the Ed/Lark Field.
A cake cutting ceremony took place with Jack Baranski, West Side President Ron Reino, Chris Conczey and the Phillie Phanatic during the 75th Anniversary of Little League Baseball.
Dave O’Kane from the West Side Manager and Coaches team bats during the celebrity game.
Former Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguin player Dennis Bonvie connects with a pitch.
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Tyler O’Kane loses a battle with whipped cream during a contest at the 75th Anniversary of Little League Baseball.
Bob Bertoni, District 16/31 Administrator, and the Phillie Phanatic pose for a picture at the celebratory game.
Wyoming Valley West junior Alex Brennan throws a pitch as a member of the celebrity team at the Ed/Lark Field.
Ninety-year-old Joe Putprush throws out the first ceremonial pitch of the evening. Far left, Wyoming Valley West Head Football Coach Pat Keating swings at a high pitch during the 75th Anniversary of Little League Baseball at Ed/Lark Little League Field. Left, Jason McManus from the West Side Managers and Coaches Team makes a play to first base in the second inning in Larksville. Photos by Frank Lauri
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July, 2014