WYOMING VALLEY
FREE
SPORT SHOT! September 2016
Vol. 3 Issue 8
For the athlete in all of us
RUN FOR THE FALLEN Annual 5K race in the Back Mountain honors fallen soldiers Pages 10-11
PATRIOT CUP High school soccer teams compete in Pittston tourney to start season Pages 16-17
SOFTBALL TOURNEY Annual event hosted by MVP Sports continues success in fifth year Pages 18-19
GRIDIRON BATTLE BEGINS Senior Spotlight: Ashleigh Thomas, Crestwood, page 3 TIME OUT with Jack Davis of Wyoming Seminary, page 19
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Editor’s Note: Encouragement, Pass It On Fall sports are back and I’m probably not the only one excited for a change! I attended a few different youth soccer and football games to take pictures for this issue of Sport Shot. It’s always interesting to see how different teams interact. Some of my favorite childhood memories come from my Kingston Lightning team. The majority of us played together since we were in elementary school and had a team through U18. I spent every fall weekend with these girls growing up, so it’s no question that we were a close knit group. The bond that we had allowed us to really excel on the field. We trusted and encouraged each other. After playing together for so long, you know what your teammates need in order to play their best game. This is such an important element of athletics. Soccer, and many other sports are team sports. You need to rely on your teammates to have your back and how can you do that if all you hear are negative remarks?
Last month I was at a youth boys soccer game and heard so many words of encouragement from all the players on the field. No matter who was winning or what the score was, so many positive instructions were being shared. I thought this was so great and something that may go overlooked. Kudos to these coaches for teaching their players the true meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship. It’s one thing for the coaches to teach the rules of the game. It’s another when they go that extra step to really explain to their players what it means to play on a team. I think many will agree, everyone feels better hearing a little positive reinforcement. At this soccer game I heard phrases like, “Keep with it!” and “Don’t give up!” and “You can do it!” Who wouldn’t feel confident after hearing those words? Coaches, please remember this this season and pass on words of encouragement to your players. It’s something that won’t just help them on the field, it will help them for years beyond youth sports.
September, 2016
Congratulations
Swoyersville 2016 Legion Team
42nd Annual Cliff Robbins Sr. Memorial XC Races Saturday, September 3 at 9:30 AM at Misericordia University. All area schools are welcome for grades 7-12. Coaches can now register their athletes online. $2 parking fee. For more information contact 570-690-2978 or cliffrobbinssrracedirector@gmail.com
Congratulations to our Sr and Jr Swoyersville American Legion Baseball teams on a successful 2016 season! We are very proud of you all! Also, best of luck to the Swoyersville Sailors Football Teams this season! - From Mayor Concert
Friday Night Lights - Coaches 2016 Test your knowledge of the names of the football coaches of Wyoming Valley schools by finding their last names hidden in this puzzle.
On the cover: WVW’s Sean Judge (10) stiff arms Scranton’s Chris Cobley (86) during the first game of the 2016 season at Spartan Stadium. 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.
Hope Teen Challenge Annual Labor Day 5K Monday, September 5 at 9 AM. Registration opens at 7 AM in Kirby Park. $15 registration fee before 9/5 - day of race registration fee is $20. Contact Sally Kinney 570-592-3725. Book It Through Pittston 5K for Literacy Saturday, September 10 at 9 AM at the Pittston YMCA. $30 registration fee for runners, $15 registration fee for walkers. Registration begins at 8 AM. For more information visit www.facebook.com/PittstonLibrary/
5th Annual Stef’s Fall 5K Saturday, September 24 at 10:30 AM at the Luzerne Co Sports Complex in Forty Fort. Both 3K and 5K races available. $20 registration fee for either race. Email stephsfall5k@gmail. com or visit stephsfall5k.com/ for more information.
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.
Mountain Top Run for Rotary Saturday, October 1 at 9 AM at Wright Twp. Municipal Park. Contact Nicole at nicu82@gmail.com or Melissa at Melissa.McLaughlin2@ genesishcc.com
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.
Paddleboard Yoga Sunday, September 4 - two sessions: 9-11 AM, 12-2 PM at Lake Nuangola. Classes hosted by Corinne Farrell from Balance Yoga. $40 per person, eight people required for class.
Glow Big or Glow Home 5K Friday, September 23 at 7 PM at Misericordia University. $25 registration fee for all participants. T-shirts available to first 150 sign ups. Money raised will go toward the Misericordia Fund, which helps students activities throughout the school year. Contact Jess at 570-674-8202, jdiberna@misericordia.edu
Wyoming Valley Sport Shot
Our team: Wyoming Valley Sport Shot is locally owned and handmade in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Contributing photographers this issue include Caitlin Hargrave, Frank Lauri.
Softball Tournament Fundraiser Saturday, September 3 at the Plains Municipal Park. Any teams wanting to join entry fee is $100.00 ($10.00 a player) To join contact 570-406-2899.
BRUZA CINTI DOWNING GILSKY
KEATING KELLY LABATCH MANNELLO MCCREE
MYERS NORRIS SPENCER WIEDLICH
6th Annual Back Mountain Catholic Youth 5K Run Saturday, October 1 at 9 AM at John Paul II Center on 40 Machell Ave in Dallas. Contact danielghezzi@kings. edu for more information.
September, 2016
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Senior Spotlight: Ashleigh Thomas By Ellen Hoffman
As a kid in elementary school, it’s never easy hearing that your family is moving to another part of the state. Ashleigh Thomas and her family moved from Weatherly to Mountain Top before she was entering the fifth grade. During this transition, her parents talked to her about what activities she wanted to be involved in at her new school, Crestwood School District. The Thomas’ knew Crestwood was highlighted for the field hockey program, so she started there. “I took interest in field hockey because I am a very competitive person,” she said. “So even though I had no idea what the sport even was, I wanted to see if I could play with the team that was said to be the best around.” Thomas attended numerous clinics and camps and eventually joined the Crestwood junior high team. It’s a decision she’s been happy with. During her high school career, Thomas was part of three state finalist teams, winning the title during her freshman year. Thomas also ended her high school career with an overall 94-5-1 winning record. “When our team earned a spot in the State Championship game for the third year in a row it was such a proud feeling and it’s something no other high school team has done,” she said. Because of this success, Thomas decided her skills might be up to par to join a Division 1 team after high school. “I started playing field hockey for fun,” she said. “I had no intentions of playing in college, but I had a successful first couple of years, so my freshman year was when I first started to think I could play in college.” Thomas chose Old Dominion University and is already immersed in the Division 1 athletic atmosphere. “Playing at such a high level is such a great opportunity. I am very lucky.” Thomas says there are so many things she hopes to learn from her new team, coaches and opponents. “This level of hockey has already showed me that it takes both mental and physical strength to play this game, and a game cannot be won by just one person; it takes the whole team.” After leaving the Wyoming Valley for Virgina for pre-season, Thomas has already
dealt with the transition process from high school to college on the athletic level. “The fitness level is much higher as well as the speed of the game. Details are very important. Accuracy of passes, correct ball pace and positioning can determine if a game is won or lost.” But, these are challenges she’s already accepted. From the beginning of her field hockey career she has learned not only all about the game but about herself. She’s taken lessons she’s learned on the field and applied them to her daily life. “Field hockey has taught me to always push myself beyond what I think I can handle.” Thomas says she had such a supportive following during her high school career, she’s looking forward to the same in college. “I miss my teammates from high school and seeing support around our community for our team, but know I get to be supported by a different community and become close with my new teammates.” Thomas is ready to start this new adventure and kick off her collegiate career at ODU. She had her first Division 1 minutes in the first game of the season against Penn State at the end of August. Senior Spotlight is a monthly feature that will highlight the success and determination of an upcoming 2016 high school graduate from the Wyoming Valley who excelled in athletics and is taking those skills to the collegiate level. Photo by submitted by Ashleigh Thomas.
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September, 2016
Forty Fort Surges Ahead of Nanticoke in U12 Game At the start of intramural soccer season, Forty Fort defeats Nanticoke 6-1 - August 27 Left to right, Forty Fort’s Zachariah Neeley steps in front of Nanticoke’s Grace Reed to gain control of the ball. Logan Ostopick, of Nanticoke, dribbles down the field as Forty Fort’s Addison Vasapolli defends. Quentin Mac Blain, of Nanticoke, clears the ball from the Nanticoke defensive zone against Forty Fort. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
Forty Fort’s Dylan Zoranski saves the ball from going out of bounds while Grace Reed, of Nanticoke, defends.
Clockwise from above, Nanticoke goal Jake Jones gets ready for a shot on net from Forty Fort’s Julian Everitt. Noah Divers, of Nanticoke, moves to defend the ball onForty Fort’s TJ Kearns. Chris Julian receives a throw from teammate Logan Ostopick. Nanticoke goalie Jake Jones makes a save against Forty Fort’s Julian Everitt as Nanticoke’s Gregory Bolesta helps defend. Kyle Antinnes clears the ball from the Forty Fort defensive zone as Noah Divers tries to move for a block.
Lucas Koval, of Forty Fort, moves to clear the ball out of the defensive zone.
Gregory Bolesta, of Nanticoke, watches the play from his defensive position.
September, 2016
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September, 2016
Spartans Snag Season Opener Win Over Scranton In a close match-up, Wyoming Valley West sneaks by Scranton 48-41- August 26 Left to right, WVW’s Carson Canavan (44) wraps up Scranton’s Damel Wright (10) during the first game of the season. WVW’s Sean Judge breaks into the open against Scranton during the opening game at Spartan Stadium. Wyoming Valley West’s Chris Melovitz (6) moves in to tackle Scranton’s Damel Wright (10).
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Page 7 Far left, WVW kicker Jake Gurtis (5) kicks a PAT against Scranton with Aaron Austin (7) holding. Left, WVW QB Aaron Austin (7) tries to get free from Scranton’s Aidan Santorsa (11) during the first game of the season at Spartan Stadium. Below, Wyoming Valley West’s Chris Melovitz (6) returns a kick against Scranton. Photos by Frank Lauri
The WVW Cheerleaders and coaches get together for a group shot before the Scranton game. WVW’s Sammy Solomon (90) wrestles Scranton’s Rheyse Green (5) to the ground.
Clockwise from above, WVW’s Sean Judge (10) heads for the end zone against Scranton. WVW’s Brydon Rukstalis (54) wraps up Scranton’s Rheyse Green (5). WVW Head Coach Pat Keating watches his offense against Scranton.
Above, WVW QB Aaron Austin (3) runs past Scranton’s Jacob Watts (15). Right, WVW Cheerleader Emily Wells cheers during the WVW-Scranton game.
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September, 2016
Williamsport Hosts 70th Annual Little League World Series Sport Shot photographer Frank Lauri documents the teams at the 2016 LLWS - August 20
Europe-Africa’s third baseman Samuele Gamberni fields a ground ball against Mexico in the LLWS.
Caribbean’s Egory Manuela (5) beats the throw to first against AsiaPacific in game #7 of the LLWS.
Japan’s left fielder Sosuke Igawa (7) and shortstop Jo Adachi (8) collide going after a fly ball at the LLWS.
Above, New England’s Colin Lemieux (23) side steps the tag of Northwest’s second baseman Zack Reynolds (9) in Game #10. Left, Midwest’s Ali Camarillo connects with a pitch.
Clockwise from above, New England’s DJ Sollitto tries to get his fans pumped up. Southwest’s relief pitcher Gibson Maldonado delivers a pitch against Great Lakes. Japan’s So Hirao (5) pumps his fist in the air after hitting a home run against Caribbean in Game #11 of the LLWS.
Northwest’s third baseman Blaine Causey gets under a pop up against New England in the LLWS.
Canada’s starting pitcher Loreto Siniscalchi delivers pitch against Japan.
September, 2016
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Page 9 Left to right, West’s third baseman Victor Lizarraga (15) bare hands a ground ball against Midwest in Game #6 of the LLWS. Europe-Africa’s starting pitcher Tommasi Adorni (18) delivers a pitch against Mexico in Game #9 of the LLWS. New England’s shortstop Domenic Brazeau (12) fields a ground ball against Northwest in Game #10 of the LLWS. Photos by Frank Lauri
Europe-Africa’s Gabriele Persicv (12) slides safely into second behind Mexico’s Eduardo Gael Garcia (5) in Game #9 of the LLWS.
Above, New England’s Cullen McGrew (13) beats the throw to Northwest’s Blaine Causey (15) from a passed ball. Right, Northwest’s Evan Ullman looks at third base umpire Joe Smith after being called out in Game #10 of the LLWS. The play was reviewed and the call was reversed.
Clockwise from above, Southwest’s centerfielder Britton Moore makes a diving catch against Great Lakes in Game #8 of the LLWS. West’s coach Anthony Soto consoles Southwest’s Rilan Quinones (15) after making the last out in Game #12 of the LLWS. Asia-Pacific bows to their fans after their victory against Caribbean in Game #7 of the LLWS.
Canada’s Matteo Ripoli leaps into the air as he scores a run against Japan.
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September, 2016
Evening 5K Run in Lehman Supports Fallen Soldiers The annual Run for the Fallen attracts hundreds of area runners for friendly race - August 17
The runners take off after the starter’s gun sounds at the Run for the Fallen 5K.
Kait Yunishi crosses the finish line in Dallas.
Bryce Mattson finishes sixth place overall at the race.
Travis Mattson completed the race second overall in Dallas.
Porter (white dog) and Sampson (black dog) pull their owners off the starting line at the Run for the Fallen 5K.
Austin Stevens finishes fifth place overall at the Run for the Fallen 5K.
Members of the Dallas Girls Field Hockey Team and their coaches get a group shot before the race.
Far left, Dom DeLuca finishes the race first place overall. Left, Joe Kichilinsky crosses the finish line.
Race staff volunteer Riley Oremus gives some course instructions to the runners.
Max Steinruck, Kyle Langon and Adam Zarola, all from Shavertown, get ready to run in the race. Photos by Frank Lauri
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Volunteers from Dallas High School pose for a group shot. Pictured are Shreena Patel, Emily Finnegan, Madison Baloga, Samantha Sorokin, Grace Jarden, Riley Oremus, Maxine Derome, Rebecca Balara.
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Above, members of the LakeLehman Girls Field Hockey Team, their coaches and some furry friends get a group shot before the race. Far left, Ally Rome finishes fourth place overall and second place female finisher. Left, Cody Poeppering crosses the finish line.
Runners from the middle of the pack show good form when taking off from the starting line at the Run for the Fallen 5K.
Move from the Couch to a 5K Race! Register Now! The Lady Striders present an eight week training program to get you off the couch and running 3.1 miles in November! The group meets three times a week for 30-40 minutes. Meeting places vary throughout the Valley including Kingston, Wyoming and Kirby Park. Registration fee: $40 (includes all practices, race entry and membership to Wyoming Valley Striders) Must register by September 19!
Marjorie Adams crosses the finish line in Dallas.
Chris Roberts crosses the finish line at the Run for the Fallen 5K.
Mike Cleary, father of 1st. LT. Michael J. Cleary, gives some
Contact Karen at karmcl@hotmail.com or visit the Lady Striders Facebook page to register!
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September, 2016
Plains Powers Past Forty Fort in Season Opener
U12 girls teams from Plains, Forty Fort battle through heat to kick off the season - August 20
Plains’ Camryn Dlugosh clears the ball while Forty Fort’s Mackenzie Bowling watches on at The Pit in Plains.
Forty Fort’s Sophia Sands is congratulated by teammates Holly June and Mackenzie Bowling after scoring a goal.
Jill Singer, of Plains, controls the ball during a game on her home field against Forty Fort. Left to right, Plains’ Katie Keating cheers on her teammates from the sidelines. Forty Fort’s Holly June dribbles the ball down the field toward the Plains goal at The Pit. Plains’ Sarah Dudick puts pressure on Forty Fort’s Holly June during the first game of the intramural season. Left to right, Forty Fort’s Lily Kerrick controls the ball while Plains’ Anyssa Day puts on pressure. Plains’ Christina Mullin moves toward the Forty Fort goal as Adriana Kopalek defends. Plains’ Anyssa Day picks up a loose ball against Forty Fort. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
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Above, Forty Fort’s Lily Kerrick (middle) moves to keep the ball in the Plains defensive zone.
Above, Forty Fort’s Mackenzie Bowling controls the ball while Laci Halchak, of Plains, defends. Above right, Grace Ossowski, of Plains, moves the ball down the field.
Left, Sophia Sands, Forty Fort goalie, positions herself to block Plains’ Christina Mullin’s shot. Far left, Plains’ Sarah Dudick and Forty Fort’s Holly June fight for possession.
Host your end of season sports awards party with us! Our bowling and pizza awards parties are a great way to end your sports seasons! Bring everyone together to celebrate all your accomplishments! We have packages to meet all your needs. Call the alley at 570-824-4661 to set up your party at Stanton Lanes!
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September, 2016
Swoyersville Sails Away with Win Over Plymouth Indians D teams from Wyoming Valley Youth Football Conference compete in first game of season - August 13
Swoyersville Sailors’ Paul Riggs breaks a tackle attempt from the Plymouth Indians.
Carson Brown, of the Swoyersville Sailors, breaks away from the Plymouth defense.
Swoyersville’s Chase Meyers drops back to pass off the ball to teammate Urijah Rivas during a home game against Plymouth.
Preston Sninsky, of the Swoyersville Sailors, takes a break from the action.
Plymouth’s Jonathan Otway dives to tackle Swoyersville’s Chase Meyers. The tackle was unsuccessful and the touchdown was good.
Swoyersville player Chase Meyers smiles at the Sport Shot camera during a break in the game.
Clockwise from above, Swoyersville’s Peyton Sninsky quickly moves his feet to get past the Plymouth defense. Swoyersville’s John Farris gets set for the play against the Plymouth Indians. The Swoyersville Sailors and the Plymouth Indians face off in the D team game in Swoyersville. Swoyersville’s Raymond Chimock runs the ball downfield.
Swoyersville’s Brradeen Dierolf (49) moves in to tackle Plymouth’s Ezekiel Hidayat-Hughes (56).
Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
September, 2016
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Junior Mounts Grab Home Win Over Huskies Dallas takes on Kingston in C team match-up for first game of the season - August 13
Above, Kingston’s Louden Giza carries the ball downfield. Left, a Dallas player carries the ball downfield.
A Dallas player looks for an open path as Kingston’s Alexander Leland rushes to make a tackle.
A Dallas player carries the ball to the Kingston endzone for a touchdown.
Below, Kingston’s Christopher Wright can’t catch the Dallas player who goes in for a touchdown. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
Kingston’s Alexander Leland breaks a tackle during an away game at Dallas. Left to right, Dallas coaches a player watch the play from the sideline. Scott Greene, of Kingston, tries to tackle a Dallas player. A Dallas player gains yardage against Kingston. Alexander Leland, of Kingston, looks to make a run.
The Dallas quarterback hands the ball off to his teammate during a home game against Kingston.
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September, 2016
Annual Patriot Cup Tournament Kicks Off Fall Season
Dallas Mountaineers defeat WVW Spartans during pre-season activities - August 6
The Dallas Varsity Girls Soccer Team gets pumped up before the start of their game against Wyoming Valley West at the Patriot Cup in Pittston.
Dallas’ Sydney Fulton dribbles the ball away from the Dallas defensive zone.
Dallas’ Morgan Jenkins sends the ball upfield.
Wyoming Valley West’s Kennadi Josefowicz controls the ball while Dallas’ Sarah Krokos puts on pressure.
Tiffany Michalek, of Wyoming Valley West, controls the ball.
Dallas’ Samantha Mazula tries to block the ball from WVW’s Nicole Boutanos during the Patriot Cup.
Top to bottom, WVW’s Lauren Thoryk controls the ball at mid-field. Dallas’ Emma Lehman clears the ball.
Dallas’ Sydney Fulton and WVW’s Sabrina Seitz battle.
WVW’s Kennadi Josefowicz grabs a loose ball as Dallas’ Morgan Jenkins pressures her.
WVW’s Lauren Thoryk and Dallas’ Samantha Mazula fall battling for ball control while WVW goalie Emma Grimes picks up a save. Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
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Pittston, Hanover boys varisty teams end in draw during Patriot Cup Tournament - August 6
Billy Perles, of Pittston, controls the ball as a Hanover Area player defends.
Hanover’s Lloyd Deno and Pittston’s Brandon Overman battle for control of the ball.
David Butler, of Pittston, throws the ball in during the Patriot Cup match-up against Hanover Area.
James Plishka, of Pittston, nabs the ball from Hanover’s Modou Janneh during the Patriot Cup in Pittston.
Nick Barberi, of Pittston, takes a free kick during the Patriot Cup.
Clockwise from above, Zack Koczak, of Hanover, looks for an open teammate for a throw in. Shaun Gurnari, of Hanover, oversteps a kick and loses control of the ball. Pittston’s James Plishka and Hanover’s Hunter Ravert battle for the ball at mid field during the Patriot Cup.
Hanover Area goalie Mark Kocher gives his teammates direction during the Patriot Cup.
Pittston’s David Butler saves a ball from heading out of bounds while a Hanover player defends.
Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
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September, 2016
Angels in the Outfield Tournament Brings Out Area Players MVP Sports Academy hosts 5th annual softball tournament in Wyoming - August 6 Clockwise from left, Matthew’s Angels player Kris Opiel makes a throw to first base. Members of the team Jaeger Bombers get together for a group shot before their game. Pictured (L-R) are Madison Mishanski, Caitlyn Kraynak, Danielle Bulger, Lauren Maloney, Chris Sebia and David Simpson. Matthews Angels’ Steve Dotzel connects with a pitch during the first game.
Emily Wolfgang connects with a pitch in her first plate appearance.
Jim Delsandro makes a play during the Angels in the Outfield Tourney.
Matt Wright delivers a pitch in the first inning.
Donnie Galli catches a pop up fly.
Aaron Lee gets ready for the pitch. Far left, teams line up for the National Anthem before the start of the 5th Annual Angels in the Outfield Charity Softball Tournament. Left, Teams and players register and receive their jersey’s to participate in the 5th Annual Angels in the Outfield Charity Softball Tournament in Wyoming. Photos by Frank Lauri
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TIME OUT with Jack Davis By Ellen Hoffman Wyoming Seminary junior Jack Davis has been prepping throughout the summer for another wrestling competition. This one is different from any tournament, event, match he’s ever had before. He may only be 17-years-old, but this month he’s heading to Tbilisi, Georgia with the United States’ team for the Cadet World Championships. Sport Shot caught up with Davis before his trip to see what it takes to make the United States’ World Team.
Nickarena Gilpin warms up with her teammates before her game.
Shortstop Cory Lescavage gets under an infield pop up.
Mike Tierney starts the day off with some opening comments and game instructions.
Corey Lescavage is safe as he beats the throw to first base.
Joey Gavenonis takes a throw for an out at first.
Clockwise from left, Kyle O’Fier makes a throw to first base. Left-fielder Emily Wolfgang runs down a long fly ball and makes the catch during the tournament in Wyoming. Steve Dotzel gets under a pop up fly during the Angels in the Outfield Tournament. Cory Lescavage connects with a pitch against Matthews’ Angels.
What does your training routine look like? I have been to multiple wrestling camps this summer ending with a trip to the Olympic Training Center at the end of July. Since I have gotten back I have a routine my coaches want me to follow. That consists of running everyday and getting a wrestling workout in.
What do you think is the hardest aspect of wrestling? Maintaining your weight. It’s hard when you’re with your friends and How did you become interthey can eat whatever they want and ested in wrestling? When did how much they want. You have to be you start competing? disciplined. Adding to I became interthis is the mental pain. ested in wrestling When someone is because of my taking your arms and dad. He was a bending them behind wrestler. He took you in an attempt to my brother and I make you move a way down to his office you’re not supposed one weekend to to takes as a lot of do some work and mental strength. You there was a youth push through the pain wrestling match and fight until the going on in the whistle blows. There high school gym. is no other sport We were so upset that can compare to that we weren’t wrestling’s level of wrestling. Our physical and mental dad didn’t want Wyoming Seminary’s Jack Davis. toughness. us to start sports Photo by Frank Lauri too early while we Last season you won a were still young. That Monday we National Prep Title – explain were at our first wrestling practice that experience. and that following weekend our first It was a great feeling. My freshman match. That was 11 years ago. year I injured my thumb and had to have surgery right before the start Explain the feeling of of post season. I had to sit out for making the United States’ States and Nationals. It was devastatWorld Team? ing. But sitting there watching my It was a feeling I have never felt. teammates compete made me want Winning a National Prep Title was to wrestle even more. I came back great but something about knowstronger and won a National title this ing you’re going to represent your past season. country is amazing. What are you most excited for on your trip to Georgia next month for the Cadet World Championships? To wrestle international competition. The countries that will be there are powerhouses in Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling. That’s all they train for year round. These are countries that are producing World and Olympic champs year after year. It will be interesting to see how I fare against international competition.
Do you have an overall goal for your wrestling career? Aspirations for upcoming seasons? To continue to improve and get stronger. I can’t be happy with just settling for OK. I need to continue to push myself even when my body wants me to quit. Hopefully with training hard, competing well and staying healthy that will help me continue my education and wrestling at the collegiate level.
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September, 2016