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December 2014
Vol. I Issue 11
PEE WEE FOOTBALL Swoyersville Sailors take home Super Bowl win against Exeter Panthers Pages 12-13
YOUTH SOCCER Teams score big wins in annual Kim Skiro Tournament in Plains Page 14
FIELD HOCKEY WVW competes in the first round of States competition Pages 18-19
SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES Senior Spotlight: Matt Doggett, Wyoming Seminary page 3 Pee Wee Jr. Pens start winter season with win, pages 16-17
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Editor’s Note: Not Ready to Retire The end of a high school sports season could be the end of organized competition for some athletes. Some players continue their sport in collegiate settings, while others cease to set foot on a field or court ever again. A group of friends in the Wyoming Valley, who didn’t continue their athletic careers after high school, still wanted an outlet for their competitive sides. As a result, Nick Budzyn, Carlo Mercadante, Andy Peck and Kevin Sickle joined the Backyard Wiffleball League to release some of that competitive energy. However, the wiffleball league alone could not fully satisfy their competitive drives. The group of friends wanted more than simply the summer months to compete. So, during a pick-up game of football after a wiffleball game, the Diamond City Flag Football League was born. Now, in it’s second season, the Flag Football League founders still see room to expand: they have plans of a spring ultimate frisbee league.
December, 2014
The founders treat these leagues like any other sports league. They keep statistics for every game, appoint referees, create schedules and prepare the playing fields. Peck, one of the Flag Football League’s founders, says that men of all ages join the league, with many teams consisting of former high school athletes who didn’t want to retire their numbers just yet. It’s great that these athletes don’t turn in their uniforms once they graduate. Just because collegiate sports weren’t in their futures doesn’t mean the love of the game has left them. Year after year these leagues are seeing growth with additional teams joining or current teams expanding. Get updated on what events we’re covering and The founders are happy to see where you can pick up a copy of the print edition. there are other athletes looking for a competitive match. There are opportunities out there for the athlete in all of us. Check out photos from the games in the Diamond City Flag Football It’s that time of year again. Test your knowledge of skiing and snowboarding terms hidden in this puzzle before you break out your skis or board. League on pages six and seven.
On the cover: Crestwood’s Lance Blass nearly intercepts a ball meant for Tanner Gattuso, of Dallas, in a Districts match up. Photo by Steve Shoemaker
Hitting the Slopes
Editor/Publisher: Ellen Hoffman PO Box 1778 Kingston, PA 18704 wyomingvalleysportshot.com wyomingvalleysportshot@gmail.com or 570.406.3335
Jingle Bell 5K Saturday, December 6. Race begins at 10 AM, registration opens 9 AM. Registration fee: $20 day-of, $8 for children under 14 years old. Benefits Marywood University Service Trips. For more information visit www.marywood.edu/5K Pay It Forward - The Fitness Place Holiday Project Select an index card from the stocking in the lobby of The Fitness Place in Mountain Top. Purchase a $25 gift card to a local business and return to a fitness instructor at The Fitness Place by December 15. This project is to benefit the patients of Dr. Schulman.
Melt Hot Yoga New to yoga? $30 for 30 days of unlimited classes - valid for first time customers only. Call 570-287-3400 or email info@melthotyogastudio.com for more information.
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.
Little League Camps Team MVP Baseball/Softball Training is available for grades K-7 - eight hour players camp and one hour coaches clinic. Ranges in price from $75-$125. To learn more go to www.teammvptraining.com under MVP Services tab.
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.
Upward Basketball at The Rock Rec Sports Complex Saturday, December 6 from 8:30 AM to 1PM: evaluations held. Practices begin the week of January 5. Games start January 17 and run through the first week of March. $115 per child. Call 570-696-2769 with questions.
Wilkes-Barre YMCA Children’s Winter Camp December 28-30, ages seven to 16. Fee:YMCA members $80, nonmembers $90. Sunday check-in: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Health Center. Tuesday check-out: 11 AM at the Health Center. Activities include sledding, cross-country skiing, winter crafts and more!
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, Caitlin Hargrave, Frank Lauri, Steve Shoemaker.
30th Annual Wyoming Valley Conference HS Cross Country All-Star Awards Wednesday, December 3 at 6:15 PM Open Space Bldg., 73 South Main Street, Pittston. Contact Vince Wojnar at 570-474-5363 or 570-574-6911 for more information.
AERIAL BOARD CARVE DOWNHILL FREESTYLE HALFPIPE
LIFT MOGULS POWDER SHREDDING SKIING TUCK
Holy Redeemer HS Seeks Girls Varsity Softball Coach Interested applicants should contact the high school at 570-829-2424 for more information or can send their resume to the Athletic Director: jpquilina@holyredeemerhs.org or 159 South Pennsylvania Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
December, 2014
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Senior Spotlight: Matt Doggett By Ellen Hoffman
Matt Doggett, of Shavertown, P.a., remembers his first wrestling tournament well. As a second grader, he arrived at a novice tournament in Towanda and competed in the 85-pound weight class. It was a day full of firsts: his first competition, his first time wearing a singlet and headgear, which he said he felt ridiculous in, and his first trophy. “Despite knowing close to zero about wrestling, I ended up finishing second in my bracket. It was a very proud moment and I think I brought the trophy to school the next week,” he said. At the time, Doggett was looking for a sport to stay active with in between football and baseball seasons. He didn’t know that wrestling eventually would become his number one sport. Now, over ten years later, Doggett took his skills from the Wyoming Valley to Columbia University to continue his wrestling career at the Division I level. In the beginning years of his wrestling career, he didn’t know where his talents would take him. But, in his junior year at Wyoming Seminary, D-1 opportunities began emerging. “For the majority of my wrestling career I never saw myself competing at the Division 1 level,” Doggett said. “I always viewed wrestling as a way to open up college opportunities for me that I otherwise wouldn’t have from academics alone.” After visiting the Columbia campus and talking with the coaching staff, Doggett knew the environment in the New York campus was where he saw himself continuing his education – on and off the mat. Now, in his first season as a Columbia Lion, he’s learned there are no shortcuts in Division 1. “If you want to be successful, you have to give it 100 percent every day in training because every opponent is tough at this level,” he said. “You also have to become a student of the sport and be open to changing your style and technique, even if it worked in high school, because oftentimes old habits won’t work in college.” Doggett said the matches now are at a more intense level than what he was used to competing against in high school. “I’ve come to find out that the jump from high school wrestling to D-1 wrestling is staggering. The sport feels a lot faster
paced in college and the intensity level is much higher overall, especially in hand fighting on your feet.” Throughout his ten years competing, he’s learned numerous lessons that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. The most important lesson he’s learned is perseverance. “I was never a very decorated wrestler or had much natural talent,” he said. “But wrestling taught me to get back up and work hard when the going got tough.” It wasn’t always easy to keep going after being knocked down in a match or even practice. But, Doggett said giving up is not a part of a wrestler’s character. “There were a lot of times when I wanted to quit, but giving up isn’t in a wrestlers mentality. That perseverance is something I can apply to all areas of life, and for that I’m thankful.” Luckily, Doggett didn’t have to leave behind all his teammates from Wyoming Seminary after graduation in May. There are three other former Blue Knights now wrestling as Lions: Tyler Ponte, Garrett Ryan and Tyrel White. Doggett is leaning towards a degree in economics at Columbia, but is currently undecided. The Lions’ next match is the Cliff Keen Invitational on December 5 and 6 in Las Vegas. Senior Spotlight is a monthly feature that will highlight the success and determination of a 2014 high school graduate from the Wyoming Valley who excelled in athletics and is taking those skills to the collegiate level. Photo submitted by Matt Doggett.
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December, 2014
Crestwood Cruises Past Dallas in District II Match up
Crestwood Comets recorded a 56-0 win over the Dallas Mountaineers - November 7
Crestwood’s Jay Popson sacks Dallas quarterback Matt Harrison.
Crestwood cheerleader Mallory Dixon is all smiles during the Comets victory over the Mountaineers.
Matt Harrison (10) hands the ball off to Mountaineers teammate Ryan Cheskiewicz.
Justin Mucha, of Dallas, punts the ball in a District II Class AAA game against Crestwood.
Crestwood’s Lance Blass looks how to make his way down the field.
December, 2014
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Crestwood’s Seamus Rother celebrates a fumble recovery for the Comets.
Omar Nijmeh returns a kick for the Dallas Mountaineers.
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Uzee Ukattah takes the kickoff to start the second half for the Mountaineers.
Crestwood’s Connor Keenan practices on the sideline during the game against Dallas.
The Crestwood Comets storm the field to start the District II Class AAA game against Dallas. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
Tanner Gattuso, of Dallas, tackles Crestwood’s Frank Aigeldinger.
Crestwood’s Tanner Kahlau makes his way in for the touchdown.
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December, 2014
Pylon Defeats Gridiron Gang in Mid-Season Match
Despite chilly weather, Diamond City Flag Football teams compete in Wilkes-Barre - November 15
Scott Dobash and Josh Salisburg from team Pylon celebrate a touchdown.
Josh Salisburg, Team Pylon, gains yardage against the Gridiron Gang at Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre.
Pylon’s Nick Taylor leaves Gridiron Gang’s Robbie McHugh behind as he makes his way down the field.
Gridiron Gang’s Dean Pega looks for an open teammate at Kirby Park.
TJ Masteller, Team Pylon, looks to make a pass down the field.
Gridiron Gang’s Kyle Evans and teammates prepare to make a play against Team Pylon.
December, 2014
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SCLSU Muddogs Run Over Elite Gym in 26-6 Win Diamond City Flag Football League proving more popular in it’s second year - November 15
SCLSU Muddogs makes an interception against the Elite Gym team.
SCLSU Muddogs set up a play against the Elite Gym Flag Football team in Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre.
Elite Gym’s Phil Walsh, left, grabs hold of SCLSU Muddogs player Brian DeLuca.
Russell Monroe, Elite Gym player, sneaks around SCLSU Muddogs player Jake Lehnowsky. Photos by Mary Bove
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 your team’s accomplishments! We have packages available to meet all your needs!
Elite Gym’s Zack Bavis spots an open teammate in Kirby Park in Wilkes-Barre.
SCLSU Muddogs player Nick Glarratano escapes the defense of the Elite Gym Flag Football team.
Call 570-824-4661 or stop in today to set up your party at Stanton Lanes!
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December, 2014
Villa Maria Spoils Crestwood’s Near Perfect Season
Crestwood takes home silver in 2-1 loss in State Championship game against Villa Maria - November 15
Crestwood’s Lizzy Dessoye looks to keep the ball away from Villa Maria’s Lindsay Dickinson. Casey Cole reflects on the championship game.
Daniella Callaghan moves the ball up the field for Crestwood in the PA State Championship game.
Hannah Ackers looks to take possession of the ball.
Hunter Pittman, far left, scores the only goal for Crestwood in the PA State Field Hockey Championship game.
Crestwood goalie Dallas Kendra participates in the second place medal ceremony.
Crestwood’s Casey Cole puts pressure on Villa Maria’s Alexa Ostoich during the championship game in Whitehall.
December, 2014
Crestwood celebrates after their only goal of the game.
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Villa Maria’s Samantha Hickey tries to tackle Crestwood’s Casey Cole.
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Cara Jarmiolowski sheds a tear during the medal ceremony.
Crestwood poses for a photo with their second place awards in Whitehall.
Villa Maria’s Nicole Tsiaras tries to make it past Crestwood’s Ashleigh Thomas in the PA State Final game. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
Crestwood’s Sarah Macko handles the ball with strong defensive pressure from Villa Maria’s Caroline Mullen.
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December, 2014
Pittston Area Claims First Place in Large Varsity Division Coughlin, Crestwood, Dallas, Tunkhannock and Pittston all placed in local cheer competition - November 9
The Tunkhannock Tigers begin their routine for the judges at the Cougar Cheer Challenge.
The Dallas Mountaineers finish their performance and smile for the judges.
Members of the Coughlin cheer squad pump up the crowd.
Olivia Rinaldi, Ashlie Alves and Steph Lewis from Dallas perform at Misericordia University.
Kallie Healey, of Pittston, competes in the Misericordia University gymnasium.
Crestwood’s Alexa Hady stunts with the help of her Comet teammates.
Pittston Area cheerleaders stunt during their routine at Misericordia University.
December, 2014
Allyson Sebolka, of Dallas, works the crowd during their routine.
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Victoria Smolenak, of Crestwood, does a basket toss with the help of her teammates.
Tunkhannock’s Emily Karavitch stunts.
Pittston’s Madeline Moss pumps up the crowd.
The Crestwood Comets perform at Misericordia University’s Cougar Cheer Challenge.
Joey Fiorello cheers for the Mountaineers at the Misericordia Cougar Cheer Challenge.
Coughlin cheerleaders work together to complete their competition routine.
The Tunkhannock Tigers make their way to the mat to begin their performance. Photos by Mary Bove
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December, 2014
Sailors Cruise Past Panthers in Pee Wee Super Bowl
Swoyersville Sailors, West Wyoming/Exeter Panthers competed in D Team championship - November 9
The Swoyersville Sailors line up against the West Wyoming/Exeter Panthers in the D Team Super Bowl.
Sailors Raymond Chimock looks to move around the Panthers defense.
Panthers Keegan Rasmus looks to take down Sailors Paul Riggs.
Sailors Peyton Sninsky and Panthers Gaberiel Rosengrant shake hands.
Sailors Paul Riggs moves the ball down the field.
Sailors cheerleader pumps up the crowd at Spartan Stadium in Kingston at the D Team Super Bowl.
Damian Lefkoski, Panthers, rushes the ball down the field.
December, 2014
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Sailors Nico Belgio plays defense against Panthers Michael Smith in the Championship game at Spartan Stadium in Kingston.
Swoyersville Sailors D Team celebrates their Super Bowl Championship over the WWE Panthers.
Laila Zdancewicz, Sailors, tries to tackle the Panthers Damian Lefkowski in the second half of the game.
Sailors Carson Brown rushes to the end zone in the Championship game against the Panthers.
Noah Smith (7) hands off the ball to Panthers teammate Damian Lefkoski. Far left, Oliver Bolin, of the Panthers, prepares to start a play. Middle, Logan Hargrave celebrates with his teammates during the medal ceremony. Left, Sailors cheerleader chants for her Sailors football players. Photos by Caitlin Hargrave
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December, 2014
Youth Soccer Teams Compete in Kim Skiro Tournament
Bear Creek, Plains U8 girls teams participate in annual Plains Tournament - November 1
Bear Creek’s Lela Giardina clears the ball from the Plains offense.
The Plains Purple Dolphins pose together before the tournament.
Irelyn Corcoran looks to move the ball out of the Bear Creek defensive zone. Photos by Ellen Hoffman
Bear Creek’s Alexis Rodriguez works the ball down the field.
Caitlyn Sekelsky and Emma Christianson celebrate Sekelsky’s first goal of the season.
Addison Corchado, Purple Dolphins fan, watches their game against Bear Creek.
Avery Kozerski, of Bear Creek, clears the ball.
December, 2014
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Fists Fly in First Jiujitsu Tournament in Exeter Galli’s Fighting Chance School of Defense, Pride Lands II Brazilian Jiujitsu host tournament - November 9
Students from the Pride Lands II – Brazilian Jiujitsu – Exeter Academy wait to be called into action.
Referee Avery Hemme introduces bout winner Drew Dixon during the 2014 Rise and Fall Jiujitsu tournament in Exeter.
Nicholas Colavito, right, moves in to take down opponent Jacob Krulick.
Dominic Colavito, left, attempts to break away from a tight jacket hold being placed on him by opponent Drew Dixo.
Junior division Brazilian Jiujitsu competitors listen to the rules presentation.
Sydney Kruszka works to draw opponent Adam Shovlin during the 2014 Rise & Fall Jiujitsu Tournament in Exeter. Photos by Frank Lauri
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December, 2014
Jr. Penguins Squeak Past Delaware Ducks in Home Win Pee wee hockey league begins winter sessions at Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre - November 9
Jr. Pens Tyler Shedlock looks to receive a pass.
Ducks players celebrate a goal against the Jr. Pens.
Jr. Pens Trevor Kruczek moves the puck down the ice at the Toyota SportsPlex in Wilkes-Barre.
Jr. Pens Harrison Peairs warms up in goal before the game.
Jeremy Grodzicki, Jr. Pens, puts the pressure on Ducks Mason Yoder.
Trevor Kruczek, of the Jr. Pens, takes a shot against the Ducks Alexander Williams.
December, 2014
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Page 17 Far left, Zach Aben, of the Jr. Pens, looks for an open teammate on the ice against the Delaware Ducks. Left, Jr. Pens Robbie Lichtenstein and a Delaware Ducks player wait for the face off at the Toyota SportsPlex. Photos by Steve Shoemaker
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December, 2014
Spartans Edge Council Rock North in States Competition
WVW secures 2-1 win in first round of PIAA Class AAA field hockey tournament - November 4
Wyoming Valley West sidelines react to a goal scored by Haley Gayoski against Council Rock North.
WVW’s Madison Woods moves the ball down the field in the first round of states competition.
Wyoming Valley West’s Haley Gayoski pushes the ball down the field.
Mercedes Jasterzenski, WVW, moves the ball away from Council Rock North’s Theresa Delahanty.
WVW’s Madison Woods tries to move the ball past Council Rock North’s Amrit Ahluwalia (10).
WVW celebrates their 2-1 win over Council Rock North.
WVW’s goalie Alicia Moore gives high fives during player introductions.
December, 2014
WVW’s Melinda Helena works the ball up the field.
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WVW defender Julia Usefara clears the ball.
WVW’s Megan Kane gets ready to receive the ball during action against Council Rock North.
WVW’s Haley Gayoski (37) is congratulated by her teammates after scoring a goal in the first half of the game.
Wyoming Valley West’s keeper Alicia Moore (99) blocks a shot from Council Rock’s Devon Mela (14).
Call now for holiday party reservations. Book before it’s too late! Check out our Facebook page to view our weekly dinner menu-gourmet menu changes every Wednesday.
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Wyoming Valley West’s Foto Tsioles passes the ball up the field. Photos by Frank Lauri
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December, 2014
Your Shots
Local Boy Races with NASCAR Legend Stan Waleski Holiday Basketball Camp
Jordan Thomas, of Harding, is one of the youngest professional sprint car driver’s in the United States. In August, he had the opportunity to race with NASCAR legend Tony Stewart at Selinsgrove Speedway. The 16-year-old is an junior at Wyoming Area High School and is also involved with the Swoyersville Teeners baseball team where he is a pitcher and a catcher. Photo submitted by William Peck.
Registrations are being accepted for the Stan Waleski Holiday Basketball Camp held at St. Joseph’s Oblates gym in Laflin. The camp is open for boys and girls grades two through seven running Monday, December 29 to Tuesday, December 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The camp stresses skills, fundamentals, competitions, team play and fun for all. The campers will be grouped by age and grades in boys and girls divisions. Campers will receive a t-shirt and certificate. For more information on the camp call Coach Waleski at 570-457-1206 or Coach LoBrutto at 570-654-8030 or email stanwaleski@yahoo.com. Both Waleski and LoBrutto direct the camp. Photo submitted by Coach Stan Waleski.
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