WYOMING VALLEY
FREE
SPORT SHOT! September 2015
Vol. 2 Issue 8
For the athlete in all of us
ADULT HOCKEY Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre offers evening ice hockey league Page 10
FOOTBALL PRESEASON Wyoming Valley West Spartans prep for the start of the fall season Pages 12-13
SATURDAY BIKE RIDES Around Town Bike in hosts summer bike rides throughout the Valley Pages 16-17
SWING IN TO A NEW SEASON Senior Spotlight: Becca Weinstock, Wyoming Seminary, page 3 Mini Football Games Start in Luzerne County, pages 6-7
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Editor’s Note: Traveling Fan Clubs Working on Wyoming Valley Sport Shot has opened my eyes to different sporting events in the Wyoming Valley. I’ve lived here for 23 years and there are some leagues or events I have never experienced. While our team put together this issue, I attended a peewee football game (photos on pages six and seven). This was my first peewee football game and by the number of fans lining the sidelines you’d think it was a high school game. Parents, siblings, friends – it seems like every football player or cheerleader has a traveling fan club. It also seemed like each player’s fan club was an extension of another since both teams acted like a family. The coaches knew the parents names, the parents knew the other parents, the parents knew all the players. It was like one big family camped out in tents and lawn chairs lining the side of the field. I arrived before the start of the C Team game and both the Huskies and the Panthers teams
were warming up. Eight and nine year old boys were already so disciplined and running through the drills as a warm-up with the coaches. Most third graders would be running around, goofing off. These boys were so focused on the game and paying attention to their coach’s instruction it was like a Friday night football game with 18-year-olds taking the field. While the boys obeyed the coach’s orders, they also had fun out there, high-fiving and cheering after every play. I enjoyed my first peewee football game, honestly more than I thought I would. It’s amazing how big of a crowd a game for elementary school kids draws. Shout out to these coaches, parents and officials who keep these games organized and fun for the players. This is what intramural sports is about – teaching the players how to play the game and how to love the game.
September, 2015
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41st Annual Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial High School Cross Country Races Saturday, September 5 at Misericordia University. Open to junior high and high school runners. Races begin at 9:30 AM and will end at noon with an awards ceremony to follow. Email cliffrobbinssrracedirector@gmail.com or call 570-690-2978 with questions.
Get updated on what events we’re covering and where you can pick up a copy of the print edition.
All-Star Cheering Sections Get ready to cheer on your favorite teams this fall. Prepare for the beginning of the season by brushing up on your cheerleading terms scrambled throughout the puzzle below.
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335
NEPA Yoga Festival Saturday, September 12 - doors open at 9 AM and classes run 10 AM to 7 PM. Hosted by Nearme Yoga and other local yoga studios. ‘Like’ NEPA Yoga Festival on Facebook for more details and how to register.
Zachary Shoemaker Dodgeball Tournament Sunday, September 20. at the Kingston Armory. Games begin at 11 AM - double elimination - teams of eight. Contact Stef Sikora at 570-574-5945 or email dodgeball4zack@gmail.com.
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.
4th Annual Steph’s Fall 5K Saturday, September 26 10:30 AM start at Luzerne County Sports Complex in Forty Fort. This event is held in memory of Stephanie Godri-Johnston who passed away from colon cancer in May 2012. Contact stephsfall5k@gmail.com for more information.
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.
MVP Classic Baseball Tournament Saturday-Sunday, September 5-6 at MVP Sports Academy in Wyoming. $495 per team 10 and under. Teams guaranteed three games and free use of the batting cages prior to any of games. Contact Dave Favata with questions at 570-609-5118.
Wilkes-Barre Triathlon Sunday, September 13. Full list of pricing at www.wilkesbarretriathlon. com.Participants urged to park at PSU-WB Campus and take the bus to the lake due to the limited parking at Harvey’s Lake. Contact the race directors at 570-270-4793 or info@ wilkesbarretriathlon.com for more information.
On the cover: Wyoming Area’s Grace Gober takes a free hit during a game against Dallas at Lake-Lehman’s Play Day. Photo by Mary Bove
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.
Paddle Board Yoga Thursday, September 3 at Lake Nuangola 6-8 PM with Corinne Farrell of Balance Yoga. $30 with board, paddle, life jacket and anchor, $40 without equipment. Sign up at www.balanceyogastudio.net.
BASE BASKET TOSS CHEER FLYER
PYRAMID SPIRIT SPOTTER STUNT
TOE TOUCH TOSS TUCK TUMBLE
2nd Annual Color Me Pink 5K Saturday, October 3 in Pittston. Race starts at 11 AM. $35 fee for sign ups before October 1. Medals awarded to the first place finishers in each age group. For more information contact Barb Sciandra at Barb@barbstrong.us or 570-407-0780.
September, 2015
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Senior Spotlight: Becca Weinstock By Ellen Hoffman
Many high school athletes dabble in different sports throughout their high school careers. But at some point, there comes a time where they must choose one they’d like to focus on. Wyoming Seminary 2015 graduate Becca Weinstock faced that decision when she reached ninth grade. As a soccer and field hockey player, she needed to choose one sport since both seasons were in the fall. “At the time I played soccer, and that was kind of my life,” she said. “But when it comes to high school, both soccer and field hockey are in the fall, so I chose field hockey.” Before committing to the Wyoming Seminary field hockey team she had played field hockey for fun or exercise. Then she began playing in leagues at the Wyoming Valley Sports Dome and attending clinics to see if she was really interested. From there it stuck. Weinstock remembers always really enjoying the sport and looks back on a tradition she had as a younger player. “When I first started playing, it was very popular to collect ribbons after each game. I wish I still did that throughout high school and now college so that I would have a material object to remember each game by,” she said. Even though she gave up collecting ribbons, Weinstock will have memories to make with her new team: the Drexel Dragons. There are many things she hopes to accomplish this season and throughout her collegiate career – and some lessons she’s learned just from preseason. “I’ve learned that ice baths are your friend,” she said after just a few weeks as a Division1 athlete. She thinks the biggest transition she’ll face from high school to college is understanding that every girl on the team has the same goals and abilities she does. “Nothing comes easy, so working hard is key,” she said. Weinstock has hopes to increase her skill level by playing at the collegiate level and with other experienced athletes from all over the country. “I have already learned how to make quicker decisions on the field so I can not only better myself, but also my team.” Weinstock comes to Drexel after already
having a very successful high school background. During her junior year at Wyoming Seminary, the Blue Knights captured the State Championship over rivals the Crestwood Comets. “We were the underdogs and absolutely no one expected us to make it to the District Championship, let alone win the State Championship,” she said. “That is a day I will never forget because whenever I think of it I feel completely elated.” Making it to the State Championship was tough, she said, but a season she’ll never forget with teammates she called friends. “I had some of the best times of my life with the girls on my high school team,” she said. “Now that I am in college, I know I will have to adapt to the girls around me.” Growing up with the girls on her high school team made for a very relaxed atmosphere on and off the field. Now at Drexel, she’ll have to learn to work with new girls and create new bonds. Weinstock is studying accounting and hopes to add a Spanish minor before she leaves. “I hope to leave Drexel feeling confident with myself and knowing that I can make an impact in the workforce, but also using my teamwork skills I learned from my team here.” 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 Becca Weinstock.
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September, 2015
Dallas, Wyoming Area Compete in Preseason Play Lake-Lehman invites teams to preseason Play Day. Wyoming Area defeats Dallas 1-0. - August 25
Samantha Banks, Dallas, battles Wyoming Area’s Gianna Gennetts in Lehman.
Wyoming Area’s Grace Gober and Dallas’ Zoe Stepanski fight for the ball at Lake-Lehman’s stadium.
Dallas’ Emily Farrell waits for the play to begin.
Emilie Wanko, of Wyoming Area, dribbles away from Dallas defense.
Wyoming Area’s Lindsey Feeney dribbles down field.
Lauren Delamater, Dallas, picks up a loose ball in a game against Wyoming Area at Lake-Lehman’s Play Day. Far left, Wyoming Area’s Emilie Wanko, Dallas’ Lauren Delamater, and Wyoming Area’s Lindsey Feeney fight for a loose ball. Left, Wyoming Area’s Grace Gober takes a free hit.
September, 2015
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Wyoming Area goalie Sarah Baylor blocks a shot from Dallas offense.
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Football is back! Enjoy our NFL package on 11 big screen TVs - perfect for all fans! Catch the college and pro games while enjoying great food! ‘Like’ us on Facebook to check out our weekly dinner menu, which changes every Wednesday. Plus, live entertainment with Strawberry Jam Duo on Tuesdays and additional entertainment Friday & Saturday nights. Clockwise from above, Samantha Banks, of Dallas, dribbles down the outside of the field.
Come over to 279 River Street, Plains today! Proud Sponsor of Wyoming Area Field Hockey! Go Warriors!
Wyoming Area’s Ally Bresnahan puts the pressure on Dallas’ Mikaila Chakon. Wyoming Area’s Grace Gober looks to pass the ball as Dallas’ Sydney Strickland blocks the ball. Grace Gober, Wyoming Area, takes a shot while Dallas’ Sara Schwartz attempts to block the ball. Photos by Mary Bove
570-235-1037 www.279barandgrill.com
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September, 2015
Panthers, Huskies Duel in End of Summer Heat
Pee Wee Football C Teams from Exeter, Kingston compete in week two of the fall season - August 23
The Kingston Huskies face off against the Exeter Panthers in Kingston.
Tahjeer Walker, Kingston, runs the ball while Exeter’s Ashod Williamson puts the pressure on.
Huskies’ Jaivon Jones runs the ball while keeping an eye on the competition in Kingston.
Exeter Panthers cheerleaders pose for a photo at the away game in Kingston.
Kingston’s Jaivon Jones trips during a play while Exeter’s Aaron Crossley defends.
Above left, Louden Giza, Kingston, listens to instructions from his coaching staff before the start of the game. Above, Keegan Rasmus, Exeter, looks at fans on the sidelines during a break in play. Left, Kingston’s Tahjeer Walker, left, looks to catch Exeter’s Aaron Crossley during the first quarter. Crossley finished the run with a touchdown. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
September, 2015
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Page 7 Clockwise from left, Kingston’s Tahjeer Walker runs the ball away from Exeter’s Keegan Rasmus. Kingston’s Tylor Jacobosky listens to his coaches pep talk at halftime. Exeter coach offers players water during a timeout in the second quarter. Kingston Huskies C team cheerleaders pose for a photo during halftime.
Kingston Huskies quarterback Orion Russick is helped off the field after an injury by a Kingston coach.
Your Shots
Wyoming Valley Striders Present Bench to Wojnar
The Wyoming Valley Striders board of directors presented a bench in Kirby Park last month to Vince Wojnar, WVS treasurer and co-founder for his endless commitment to the sport of running. This year Wojnar retires as club race director after 40 years. Installing this bench in honor of Vince would not have been possible without the generosity and help from the City of Wilkes-Barre, Mayor Tom Leighton, Butch Frati, and Lisa Prokop. An official bench dedication took place on August 10 with fellow runners and family in attendance. Pictured above: seated Secretary Linda Wojnar, Treasurer Vince Wojnar. Standing: Marjorie Adams, John Martino, Traci Strungis, Tom Walski, Tony Pszeniczny, President Don Grose, and Vice President Karen Moskel. Photo and information submitted by Karen Moskel and Linda Wojnar.
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September, 2015
Forty Fort 4v4 League Teaches Players Basic Soccer Skills
Blue, purple U7 teams compete in an early season game at the Luzerne County Fields - August 22
Blue team’s Thomas Bottoms and purple team’s Emily Shendock battle for the ball in Forty Fort. Above left, Keira Allabaugh, blue team, dribbles toward the purple team’s goal. Above right, Derek Bohn, blue team, volunteers to take the opening kick off. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
Presented by Stanton Lanes Above left, Ava Shaffer, blue team, shakes hands with the purple team. Above, purple team’s Mia Correa dribbles the ball down the field. Left, Rebecca Hernandez, Brianna Harry, Mia Correa and Rosemarie Smith pose for a photo during the second quarter.
Bowl and receive a bowling ball or pin featuring DESPICABLE ME characters! Join the club today!
Sign up and bowl with your family and friends and get your bowling bucks certificate to redeem for ball, pin or other merchandise! Starting September 13 at Stanton Lanes: Sundays at 2 PM Fridays at 4:30 PM Saturdays at 2 PM Call Stanton Lanes for details: 570-824-4661
September, 2015
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Members of the purple team pose for a team photo in Forty Fort.
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Forty Fort’s blue team groups together for a photo after the game against team purple.
Blue team’s Grace Albanese fights purple team’s Rebecca Hernandez and Rosemarie Smith for the ball during a 4v4 game in Forty Fort.
Clockwise from left, Thomas Bottoms moves the ball through the purple team defenders. Blue team’s Kennedy Debo picks up a loose ball during the fourth quarter. Purple team’s Anthony Magnotta dribbles toward the goal. Blue team’s Brad Bohn celebrates after scoring a goal in the fourth quarter. Emily Shendock dribbles the ball down the field in Forty Fort.
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September, 2015
Sunbury Takes Road Win Over Tuxedos in Wilkes-Barre Toyota SportsPlex offers evening hockey league for adult players looking to stay in the game - August 20
Tuxedos’ Chad Spencer waits for play to begin at Toyota SportsPlex.
Chad Spencer blocks a shot from Sunbury’s Jeff Hughes.
Sunbury’s Jeff Hughes receives a pass from a teammate during a D League game in Wilkes-Barre.
Brian Chuzas, of the Tuxedos, calls for the puck as he has an opening in front of the net at the Toyota SportsPlex.
Sunbury’s Jeff Hughes and the Tuxedos’ Darren Zimmerman fight for possession during a D League game.
Sunbury’s Jason Potter picks up a loose puck at a game at the Toyota SportsPlex.
Left to right, Tuxedos’ Eric Nogin looks for an open teammate during a D League game. Jeff Barrett, of the Tuxedos, dribbles the puck in the air in between change ups. Steve Verdosa, of the Tuxedos, scores on Sunbury’s goalie Eisenberger.. Tuxedos Brad Anthony and Sunbury’s Bruce Hemsarth face off in Wilkes-Barre. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
September, 2015
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September, 2015
Spartans Prepare to Kick Off 2015 Football Season Wyoming Valley West players start the season with practice time on and off the field - August 18
Raphael Zbysheski, left, and Jake Shemo work on a blocking drill at Spartan Stadium.
Eric Raitter focuses on the ball during a day of preseason practice at Wyoming Valley West Stadium.
Sean Judge works on his arms in the Wyoming Valley West football weight room.
Clockwise from left, Jake Gurtis practices kickoffs during a summer practice in Kingston. Robbie Dwyer runs through his weight lifting training in the Wyoming Valley West football weight room. Robbie Dwyer catches a pass during a session of triples practices in Kingston. Spartan lineman work on blocking drills during a practice at Wyoming Valley West Stadium. Members of the Wyoming Valley West Spartans football team work out in the weight room before heading to the stadium in Kingston.
September, 2015
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Page 13 Clockwise from left, quarterback Aaron Austin, left, hands off to Chris Melovitz. Noah Cussatt works on special team drills in Kingston. L.J. Wesneski grabs a drink of water in between drills at Spartan Stadium. Savion Saunders works out on a leg machine in the Wyoming Valley West football weight room. Photos by Frank Lauri
Clockwise from left, Devon Weidman leaps for a pass during a practice at Wyoming Valley West Stadium. Brydon Rukstalis works out in the Wyoming Valley West football weight room. during a session of preseason practices. Chris Bleich works his chest and arms in the Wyoming Valley West football weight room. WVW Head Coach Pat Keating watches his players run through drills at Spartan Stadium in Kingston.
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September, 2015
Youth Soccer Season Kicks Off in Luzerne County Kingston, Nanticoke U11 Boys teams compete in first game of fall season - August 15
Kingston goalie Ayden Langdon moves to block a shot from Nanticoke’s forward during a game in Forty Fort.
Kingston Lightning’s Josh Wilkins dribbles down midfield toward the Nanticoke goal.
Nanticoke player pulls the ball back as Kingston’s Leo Tarreto defends.
Kingston Lightning’s Jackson Turner makes a move around Nanticoke’s defender.
Kingston Lightning’s Kyle Matthews takes a shot on net against Nanticoke’s goalie.
Nanticoke player dribbles toward the Kingston goal.
Kingston’s Julian Everitt and Nanticoke’s defender battle for the ball.
Kingston’s Maxwell Saporito looks to his coach for instruction before the quarter.
Kingston Lightning cools off with a drink during halftime in Forty Fort. Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
September, 2015
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September, 2015
ATB Offers Summertime Activity for Local Cyclists Around Town Bicycles in Wilkes-Barre gathers area cyclists for morning rides - August 15
Cyclists depart Wilkes-Barre with members from Around Town Bikes.
Tony Zigmont talks with the group before the ride.
Brian Hazinski gets to the halfway point on the ride in West Pittston.
Mark Dixon rides in to West Pittson.
Ron Hines bikes through Wyoming near the Wyoming Monument on Wyoming Ave.
Dale Houck rides through West Pittston with cyclists from Around Town Bikes.
Above left, Seth Gollhart rides through Wyoming with members of Around Town Bikes. Above, Troy Reihert makes his way to the halfway point in West Pittston.
Cyclists gather together to listen to the route before leaving Wilkes-Barre.
Left, Barry King rides over the Market Street Bridge in Wilkes-Barre after leaving the shop.
September, 2015
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Irene Wendowloski cycles through Wyoming in route to Montage Mountain Road.
Shane Ralston and Andrew Weidwald start the Saturday morning ride with Around Town Bikes.
John Panzitta, Tom Williams, Dale Houck and Ron Hines ride through Wilkes-Barre.
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Pat Good rides through Wyoming during Around Town Bike’s Saturday morning rides throughout the summer.
Around Town Bike’s Tom Williams maps out the route.
Cyclists take off from Around Town Bikes.
Around Town Bicycles, Inc. Rear 59 North Main Street • Wilkes-Barre, PA. 18701 570-970-3008 • www.atownbikes.com
Choose your adventure with a new Specialized hybrid bicycle like the Ariel or Crosstrail. A gravel excursion, a trip to the market, or some quiet time away is all within reach. Test ride one today and experience the best customer service in the area.
Jeremy Klapac travels through Wyoming in route to Montage Mountain. Photos by Frank Lauri
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September, 2015
7th Annual Pauly Friedman 5K Supports Help Line Program Family Service Association of NEPA hosts annual run/walk at Misericordia University - August 9
Stephen Housenick, Kingston, takes first place with a time of 19:14 at Misericordia University.
Racers take off during the 7th Annual Pauly Friedman 5K in Dallas.
Sherri Yelen, Kingston, finishes first in the female division with a time of 21:45.
A group from Trion Manufacturing poses with Champ of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders.
Walking participants follow the runners on Misericordia University’s campus in Dallas.
Jill Hockenbury Snowdon, Dallas, and Shannon and Glenn Zimmerman, Mountain Top, get together before the race begins.
Amanda and Alyssa Machey get ready for the race to start with the Railriders Champ at Misericordia University.
Wilkes-Barre’s Nathan Searfoss finishes the Pauly Friedman 5K race in second place overall with a time of 20:43 in Dallas.
Mike Zimmerman, Family Services Association CEO, thanks everyone at the event for their continued support of the 5K race.
September, 2015
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Brady O’Boyle, Pittston, and Nancy Coassolo, Laflin, relax on a bench A participant crosses the finish line at with Tux from Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins before the race. Misericordia University’s campus. Photos by Frank Lauri
A runner moves toward the finish line during the Pauly Friedman 5K race.
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A young runner inches closer to the finish line during the 7th annual race.
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September, 2015