High School previews, student athletes of the month, all of the local sports news from around the area.
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Enfield • East Windsor • Somers • Stafford Also Serving Ellington • South Windsor • Tolland • Vernon Enfield Edition September 6 - 19, 2011 Inside The Sports Department FREE Subscription See “Coaches”, Page 3 As the Fall Sports season gets underway, Jake Alvaro will lead the Somers boys soccer team as it looks to repeat as Class S Champions. Check out the Fall high school preview section beginning on page 7. Photo by Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmer- photography.com Chasing Down The Champs Team Chants Should Be Censored By Jon Buzby The Sports Department Chants have always been a part of sports at every level. Whether it’s “Let’s go team” at a tee-ball game or “J-E-T-S” at The Meadowlands, chants get players, parents and fans excited for the big game. But sometimes youth sports teams can take chants a little too far. Last weekend I went to watch my 6-year-old niece play in her team’s first soccer game at the local recreation complex. The weather was perfect, the kids looked great in their oversized shirts and above-the-knee shin guards, and the familiar sight of chairs being unfolded along the sidelines was a welcome sign of an- other fall youth sports season on the horizon. Watching warmups, where half the kids paid at- tention and the other half attended to everything but soccer, was a reminder that unlike many of the college and high school games I cover, this one was going to be a laid back and relaxed atmosphere. Getting ready Warm-ups ended, the ref blew the whistle, balls were cleaned up and teams gathered around their coaches. My niece looked as innocent and nervous as the rest of the kids, some playing an organized sport for the very first time. Video and digital cam- eras were out, grandparents began arriving and even younger siblings were still paying attention at this point. All eyes and ears were on the team. And then team broke the huddle chanting loudly: “Seek, destroy, kill!” I almost fell out of my chair. I couldn’t believe my ears. At the high school level, a cheer such as that would get the coach suspended, and at some fields it might warrant an arrest for making terrorist threats. In all my years coaching and covering sports at any level, I had never heard anything close to that chant. Here I was, at a community field in an upper- middle-class suburban town, watching a coach teach his players a chant that wouldn’t be accept- able in leagues housed in the worst neighborhoods in the country. Changes needed My first thought was: At least I have a column The Stafford Seniors baseball team had quite a run this summer. See page 4. Check out our All-Area softball team, beginning on page 5. Go to www.thesportsdept.com and become an I-Member
Transcript
The Sports DepartmentEnfield • East Windsor • Somers • Stafford
Also Serving Ellington • South Windsor • Tolland • Vernon Enfield Edition September 6 - 19, 2011
Inside The Sports Department
FREESubscription
See “Coaches”, Page 3
As the Fall Sports season gets underway, Jake Alvaro will lead the Somers boys soccer team as it looks to repeat as Class S Champions. Check out the Fall
high school preview section beginning on page 7. Photo by Steve Palmer, The Sports
Department, www.stevepalmer-photography.com
Chasing Down The Champs
Team Chants Should Be Censored
By Jon BuzbyThe Sports Department
Chants have always been a part of sports at every level. Whether it’s “Let’s go team” at a tee-ball game or “J-E-T-S” at The Meadowlands, chants get players, parents and fans excited for the big game. But sometimes youth sports teams can take chants a little too far. Last weekend I went to watch my 6-year-old niece play in her team’s first soccer game at the local recreation complex. The weather was perfect, the kids looked great in their oversized shirts and above-the-knee shin guards, and the familiar sight of chairs being unfolded along the sidelines was a welcome sign of an-other fall youth sports season on the horizon. Watching warmups, where half the kids paid at-tention and the other half attended to everything but soccer, was a reminder that unlike many of the college and high school games I cover, this one was going to be a laid back and relaxed
atmosphere. Getting ready Warm-ups ended, the ref blew the whistle, balls were cleaned up and teams gathered around their coaches. My niece looked as innocent and nervous as the rest of the kids, some playing an organized sport for the very first time. Video and digital cam-eras were out, grandparents began arriving and even younger siblings were still paying attention at this point. All eyes and ears were on the team. And then team broke the huddle chanting loudly: “Seek, destroy, kill!” I almost fell out of my chair. I couldn’t believe my ears. At the high school level, a cheer such as that would get the coach suspended, and at some fields it might warrant an arrest for making terrorist threats. In all my years coaching and covering sports at any level, I had never heard anything close to that chant. Here I was, at a community field in an upper-middle-class suburban town, watching a coach teach his players a chant that wouldn’t be accept-able in leagues housed in the worst neighborhoods in the country. Changes needed My first thought was: At least I have a column
The Stafford Seniors baseball team had quite a run this summer. See page 4.
Check out our All-Area softball team, beginning on page 5.
Go to www.thesportsdept.com and become an I-Member
September 6-19, 20112
The Sports Department is published monthly, and is available free of charge, at display stands in approved private and public establishments, and through authorized distributors only.
No part of this paper may be reproduced with-out the written permission of the publisher.
The Sports Department is not responsible for any editorial comment (other than its own), typographical errors from advertisements submit-ted as camera ready or any reproductions of advertisements submitted as camera ready.
If an advertisement does not meet our stan-dards of acceptance, we may revise or cancel it at any time, whether or not it has been already acknowledged and/or previously published. The advertiser assumes sole responsibility for all statements contained in submitted copy and will protect and indemnify The Sports Department, it owners, publishers, and employees against any and all liability, loss or
expense arising out of claims for libel, unfair trade names, patents, copyrights and propriety rights, and all violations of the right of privacy or other violations resulting from the publication by this newspaper of advertising copy.
Publisher shall be under no liability for failure, for any reason, to insert an advertisement. Publisher shall not be liable by reason of error, omission and/or failure to insert any part of an advertisement. Publisher will not be liable for delay or failure in performance in publication and/or distribution if all or any portion of an issue is delayed or suspended for any reason. The publisher will exercise reasonable judgment in these instances and will make adjustments for the advertiser where and when appropriate.
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The Sports DepartmentP.O. Box 746, Ellington, CT 06029
860-872-0TSD (0873) • 860-614-5866 • thesportsdept.comPublisher: Kevin Hayes • [email protected]
Steve Krajewski • Dan Schofer • Ryan Kane • Bruce Watt • Chris CorkumPhotography: Steve Palmer • Andre Dumais • Rich Tanguay
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TICKET RAFFLE!With the Red Sox and Yankees staging yet another classic September battle, the time seems about right to re-introduce our Monthly Trivia Contest, and this time with a base-ball theme. Here is the Question for September: There are a number of great players who have worn the uniforms of both the Sox and Yankees. In 1977 this former Red Sox pitcher helped the Yankees win the World Series and was also the Cy Young Award winner. Ironically, one of this players teammates in 1977, was the starting pitcher for the Red Sox in the classic one-game playoff for the American League East title in 1978. Name the two pitchers.
You may cast your vote at www.TheSportsDept.com. Drawing will be held on Sept. 30 and winner will be announced in our Oct. 4 edition. All correct entries will be entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to see the Boston Celtics play at TD Garden during the 2011-12 season. Ticket drawing will be held on Dec. 31.
September 6-19, 2011 3The Sports Department
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topic. And then my second thought was: I never dreamed I’d be writing this column because I thought we were past this type of blatant over-aggressiveness at any level of youth sports, let alone this local recre-ation league that doesn’t even keep score (although something tells me this coach does, and probably statistics, too). My sister plans to complain if it happens again. I’m just hoping someone else com-plains before it does. The message has to
Coaches Should Be Above Obscene Chants
Continued from Page 1 be clear to this coach: A chant like that is unacceptable and if it doesn’t stop, we’ll find another coach. I thought we were past this type of be-havior. Let’s hope this league soon is. And let’s hope your league is, too. If not, please help it be. Jon Buzby’s columns appear in newspa-pers and magazines around the country as well as numerous websites. Email your comments to [email protected]
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Stafford Seniors Summer A Success
By Mark PopovitchThe Sports Department
With the Little League World Series com-ing to a close soon, it’s only fitting that The Sports Department put a cap to summer with a recap of the spectacular tournament run of the Stafford Seniors baseball team.Stafford Seniors had an easier road to the state tournament than most teams, as they were awarded an at-large bid after the other two towns in District 8 (Tolland and Ellington) had to back out when neither team could field a full roster. Basically, Stafford claimed the District 8 crown without having to play a single game in district, which meant yet another championship for the town of Stafford this summer, raising their tally to three in 2011. The state tournament was held in Orange, and featured some powerhouse teams from Haddam-Killingworth, Edge-wood (a team from the Bristol area), and Amity (from the Orange area). In the opening game, Stafford was shut out by Edgewood, 10-0. The offense was limited, but Tom Jacobson and Dalton Zbierski each picked up a hit, while Luke Hoss couldn’t come up with any answers against Edgewood’s deep lineup. But the boys from District 8 stormed back in their second game against Haddam-Killingworth, beating them, 16-1. Brent Henderson was solid on the mound, allow-ing just one hit and striking out four. Zach Rollins provide the pop at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two triples, and Tom Jacobson knocked in four runs with a couple of hits. Jake Kallette also picked up a pair of hits in three at-bats. Then, with a trip to the championship round at stake, Jacobson scattered four hits over six innings, striking out seven, to help Stafford to a 5-3 win over Amity. Zach Rollins hit a solo home run in the first in-ning, while Austin Zbierski chipped in two hits and two RBI. The state championship final was a
best-of-three series against Edgewood. In Game 1, Edgewood jumped out to a 2-0 lead that would stand until the seventh in-ning, where Stafford crossed the plate six times and hold on for the 6-2 victory and a 1-0 series lead. Pitcher Dalton Zbierski held Edgewood in check by surrendering four hits and striking out five. In the sev-enth, Kallette, Adam Brassard, Hoss, and
Austin Zbierski each had a single to drive in a run.
Things don’t go so well for Stafford in Game 2. Edgewood ran away with the contest early on and evened the series at a game a piece after
a convincing 15-2 win. Evan Thereoux and Dustin Majewski
each had two hits to pace Staf-ford’s efforts.
The decisive Game 3 was a thriller, as most championship games this sum-mer have been across the board in Little League and Senior League. Stafford had a 5-3 lead in the sixth. Jacobson was working on a three-hitter when he ran out of pitches. Edgewood pushed a run across and then scored two in the seventh to take a 6-5 lead. In the bottom of the seventh, Stafford had the tying and winning runs in scoring position, but couldn’t capitalize.The state championship that could have been came up just a bit short. Nevertheless, the effort poured in from the team made Stafford’s manager Les Rollins, and coaches Brian Vail, Dan Ford and Emerson Dolby, proud to be along for the ride. From outstanding pitching from Jacobson and Brent Henderson to timely hitting from Rollins, Austin Zbierski and Hoss, Stafford’s postseason run was a success even though they barely missed out on a state championship. The hustle, effort, and determination from players such as Tim Ford, Austen Young and Nate Kopp brought Stafford as far as they went, which is still another District 8 crown to their credit, and the defensive gems of Evan Theroux, Brassard and Kallette en-abled Stafford to stay in even the closest of contests.
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TAFFORD
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Sept. 16: Avon at Stafford/East Windsor, 6:30 p.m.Sept. 24: Housatonic/Wamogo at Stafford/East Windsor, 1 p.m.Oct. 1: Stafford/East Windsor at Enfield, 7 p.m.Oct. 8: Stafford/East Windsor at Coventry/Windham Tech, 1 p.m.Oct. 14: Ellington/Somers at Stafford/East Windsor, 6:30 p.m.Oct. 21: SMSA/University at Stafford/East Windsor, 6:30 p.m.Nov. 5: Ellington/Somers at Canton, 1 p.m.Nov. 11: Granby at Stafford/East Windsor, 6:30 p.m.Nov. 18: Gilbert/NW Regional at Stafford/East Windsor, 6:30 p.m.Nov. 24: Stafford/East Windsor at Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby, 6 p.m.
STAFFORD/E. WINDSOR 2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
STAFFORD 2011 BOYS SOCCER SCHEDULE
STAFFORD 2011 GIRLS SOCCER SCHEDULE
Sept. 13: Stafford at Enfield, 3:45 p.m.Sept. 16: Stafford at SMSA, 3:45 p.m.Sept. 20: Coventry at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Sept: 23: East Windsor at Stafford, 7 p.m.Sept. 27: Stafford at Avon, 3:45 p.m.Sept. 29: Ellington at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 3: Stafford at Somers, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 5: Canton at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 7: Bolton at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 11: Suffield at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 14: Stafford at Granby, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 18: Windsor Locks at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 21: East Granby at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 25: Stafford at East Windsor, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 28: Stafford at Bolton, 3:45 p.m.Nov. 1: Stafford at East Granby, 3:45 p.m.
Sept. 16: SMSA at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Sept. 20: Stafford at Coventry, 3:45 p.m.Sept. 23: Stafford at East Windsor, 3:45 p.m.Sept. 27: Avon at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Sept. 29: Stafford at Ellington, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 3: Somers at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 5: Stafford at Canton, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 7: Stafford at Bolton, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 11: Stafford at Suffield, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 14: Granby at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 18: Stafford at Windsor Locks, 3:45 p.m.Oct. 21: Stafford at East GranbyOct. 25: East Windsor at Stafford, 6 p.m.Oct. 28: Bolton at Stafford, 6:30 p.m.Nov. 1: East Granby at Stafford, 3:45 p.m.
BulldogsBulldogsBulldogs
2011 HIGH SCHOOL
SCHEDULES
Go to page 2 to answer the trivia question. You could win a Sports Department t-shirt and be
entered into a Boston Celtics ticket raffle!You may cast your vote at www.TheSportsDept.com. Drawing will be held on Sept. 30 and winner will be announced in our Oct. 4 edition. All correct entries will be entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to see the Boston Celtics play at TD Garden during the 2011-12 season. Ticket drawing will be held on Dec. 31.
Don’t forget to check out our
Corey Bernier will return for his second season as head coach for Stafford/East Windsor
September 6-19, 2011 5The Sports Department’s All Area Softball Team 2011
“Support Coverage Of Local Youth Sports...Become A Sports Department Sponsor Today!” Call 860-872-0TSD (0873)
All Area Softball
FalconsFalconsFalcons
Ashley Reid
Jess Olson
Brianna Levick Elissa GrafFERMI, Sr.
TOLLAND, Jr.
ROCKVILLE, Sr. ROCKVILLE, Jr.
.410 AVG. - 17 SB - 12 RBI“I am so proud of A-Reid and at the same time sad to
see her graduate from the program. After breaking her thumb for the 7th time, Ashley basically had to learn from scratch how to hit left-handed. She developed into a great team leader, great player and an even
better person.” - Coach Sean Sweeney
9-3 - 1.50 ERA“She is a finesse pitcher with great
control. She recorded keys wins against our toughest competition all year and was great in the State tournament.
She is a great competitor, smart, and consistently keeps hitters off balance.” -
Coach Tom Drury
36 RUNS - .538 AVG. - 12 RBI“Bri will continue to impress at Fairfield University this fall
and spring.I wish her are the luck under her new coach and hope she enjoys the successes at FU as she did at RHS”
- Coach Frank Levick
29 RBI - .538 AVG. - 3 HOME RUNS“Elisa Graf will be one of the top if not the best third
baseman in the state next year excellent glove and arm also hits the ball with a lot of authority hit 538 last year.”
- Coach Frank Levick
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September 6-19, 20116 The Sports Department’s All Area Softball Team 2011
“Support Coverage Of Local Youth Sports...Become A Sports Department Sponsor Today!” Call 860-872-0TSD (0873)
All Area Softball
JoJo Meunier Morgan McPartland Kaitlyn Lajoie
Stephanie Rahm
SammieOlson
SOMERS, Sr. ELLINGTON, Sr. ROCKVILLE, So.
SOUTH WINDSOR, Sr.TOLLAND, So.
ALL-NCCC .462 AVG. - 16 RUNS - .533 OBP“Kaitlyn Lajoie in my mind is the best pitcher in high school
next year she has great speed pinpoint accuracy and is also just a great kid in general who works hard on and off the field
looking forward to a great season with her on the mound next year.” - Coach Frank Levick
29 HITS - 3 DOUBLES & HOME RUNS - .460 AVG -
19 RUNS SCORED“Had an excellent senior year
both on the field and at the plate. She was a quiet threat, but always came through in the clutch. Was very vocal as a team leader.” - Coach
Amanda Roczniak
LED TEAM IN BATTING AVG. (over .400) LAST TWO
SEASONS “Sammy has been our
offensive catalyst for two years. She has led the team
in batting average (over .400) each year. Sammy
usually leads off or bats 2nd and makes thing happen on the base path. Missing 6 of the first 8 games due to a
basketball injury, she made her presence known as soon as she was healthy this year
and was one of the main reasons for our successful late season run.” - Coach
Tom Drury
1.56 ERA - 12-3 - 202K - 5 SHUTOUTS
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Photo by Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotography.com
September 6-19, 2011 7East Windsor
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Michael CanneyAgency Principal
Canney Insurance Agency, LLCAllstate Insurance Company
East Windsor Girls Soccer Young But StrongBy Matt LeBelThe Sports Department
With 16 players this year, after graduat-ing five seniors, the East Windsor girls soccer team is not the largest or most experienced in the NCCC. Some of the key returners for the Pan-thers include Demetria Estrada, a proven goalkeeper who has been a starter for three years. Morgan Zieler will help lead the offense year as a strong leader at midfield. The capable backfield of Alex and Rebecca George, coupled with Al-lison Rodriguez, will help to provide the Panthers with strong defense this year. Sophomore Samantha Couture, a small, tough forward known for having little fear on offense, will help. Some of the key games for East Windsor will be against top contenders Granby and Suffield. With a young team, the Panthers are looking to win between four and eight games. Coach Bill Arzt says his hope is that team unity can make up for some of their shortcomings with ball handling. Some of the key games for will be against other top contenders Granby and Suffield. With team unity and young, but strong team the Panthers are looking to win between 4 to 8 games this year. The bottom line for this year is that even a team lacking in experience in size can become contenders with the right amount of heart and spirit.
Brendan Elliott boots a ball down field. Elliott will be a senior this season.
Alex George reverses course during a game against East Granby.
Goalkeeper Demetria Estrada will be a fourth year starter for the Panthers this season
PanthersPanthersPanthers
September 6-19, 20118
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Enfield Parks and Recreation
Enfield
Student Athlete of the Month
Student Athlete of the Month
EnfiEldfErmi
Plaques for the Student Athlete of The Month are courtesy of Awards and More, 492 Enfield Street, Enfield.
Plaques for the Student Athlete of The Month are courtesy of Awards and More, 492 Enfield Street, Enfield.
Patience BearseSoccer
Jillian Crouse Soccer
Nickname: Pay-PayAccomplishments: All – NCCC several times in Soccer and Track, captain of soccer and indoor and outdoor track, 2010 team MVP in soccer, Highest Scor-ing Girl for 2010 Indoor Track, National Honor Society, top 10% in my classGPA: 3.7Other sports: Indoor and Outdoor Track and FieldHow do you prepare for a game: I usually try to have a good meal and hy-drate the night before, then a light meal on game day. Finally, I focus and get pumped up to play.Thoughts on the season: We lost a lot of key seniors last year, but we also gained a lot of freshmen this year. This will affect the way we play, so our op-ponents better be ready for a new Enfield High team. I hope we can win enough games to have a home game in the state tournament.Toughest team to play against: SuffieldFavorite sports memory: Sophomore year when the JI wrote an article titled “Patience is Enfield’s Virtue” about how I scored a header goal in the last 8 min-utes of the game to break a 2-2 tieFavorite memory of high school: I can’t choose just one memory. I love Enfield High School. The friends I’ve made, the field trips, the recycling club, my sports, and of course Matball!Role model or inspirational person in your life: I would definitely have to say my friends, they’re always there to make me laugh and have a good timeMost embarrassing moment: Freshman year during Indoor Track and Field, run-
ning in a relay at states against no one else because my relay team was put in the wrong heat.Toughest challenge I’ve overcome: Pre-calculusFavorite athlete: Cristiano RonaldoMost famous (or near famous) person I ever met: I haven’t really met anyone famousPerson I’d like most to meet: BeyonceFavorite way to relax: laying in bed listening to some musicFavorite class: Gym ClassFavorite snack food: CraisinsFavorite band: MGMTFavorite restaurant: PaneraRed Sox or Yankees: Red SoxFavorite movie: The Pursuit of Happy-nessFavorite television show: Pretty Little Liars and GleePlans after high school: I plan on go-ing to a four-year college and hopefully continuing to play sports in college. My first choice is UConn.
Nickname: JillAccomplishments Captain of 2011 Soccer Team. All Conference in 2010 Season.GPA: 3.1Other sports: BasketballHow do you prepare for a game: I usually prepare for a game by eating a healthy snack and listening to music with my teammates to get pumped up.Thoughts on the season: This season I hope that we can communicate well as a team, and have a better record then last season.Toughest team to play against: E.O Smith is a tough competitor and is al-ways a great game.Favorite sports memory: Being the underdog and beating Tolland 1-0 last season.Favorite memory of high school: Tak-ing a school trip to Spain and France this past spring.Role model or inspirational person in your life: My Aunt Linda and my brother Jeremy.Most embarrassing moment: Acciden-tally scoring on my own goal last season, while playing defense. Oops.Toughest challenge I’ve overcome: Not letting anyone’s opinions change who I am.Favorite athlete: Tom BradyMost famous (or near famous) person I ever met: Kara Wolters
Person I’d like most to meet: OprahFavorite way to relax: Hanging out with my friends or Shopping.Favorite class: Marketing or ArtFavorite snack food: GoldfishFavorite band: Maroon Five, Train, Dave Matthews Band, and Taylor Swift.Favorite restaurant: Chicago Sam’sRed Sox or Yankees: Red SoxFavorite movie: Legally BlondeFavorite television show: Criminal Minds and Cupcake WarsPlans after high school: Attend a 4 year college.
Info On Enfield Programs Available This Week
By By Alison Alberghini-DulerThe Sports Department
The Recreation Department no lon-ger prints a seasonal program guide to go home with elementary school children. In an effort to save resources and “go green” we will post all pro-gram offerings on the town website, www.enfield-ct.gov and only send a registration reminder flyer home with students. If you don’t have access to the internet you can always stop by the Recreation Office to view our pro-gram offerings in paper form. We will still offer all the same great programs you have come to know and love. Fall
program information will be available online at www.enfield-ct.gov starting Sept. 7. Fall Registration Information: Enfield resident registration begins on Sept. 16 at 9 a.m. Non-residents can begin registering on Sept. 24.
The Enfield Recreation Depart-ment is located at 19 North Main St. in the Angelo Lamagna Activity Center. The office is open Mon-day-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. To contact the office, call 860-253-6420 or on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov.
2011 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULESFalconsFalconsFalcons RaidersRaidersRaiders
FERMI FOOTBALL ENFIELD FOOTBALLSept. 15: Fermi at Middletown, 7 p.m.Sept. 23: Bulkeley at Fermi, 7 p.m.Oct. 1: Wethersfield at Fermi, 4 p.m.Oct. 6: Fermi at Bristol Central, 7 p.m.Oct. 14: Fermi at Farmington, 7 p.m.Oct. 22: RHAM at Fermi, 2 p.m.Oct. 28: Fermi at Hartford Public, 7 p.m.Nov. 5: Fermi at E.O. Smith, 1 p.m.Nov. 11: Maloney at Fermi, 7 p.m.Nov. 19: Bloomfield at Fermi, 2 p.m.
Sept. 17: Enfield at Granby, 1 p.m.Sept. 24: Enfield at Gilbert/NW Regional, 1:30 p.m.Oct. 1: Stafford/East Windsor at Enfield, 7 p.m.Oct. 6: Enfield at Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby, 3:30 p.m.Oct. 15: Canton at Enfield, 1:30 p.m.Oct. 21: Housatonic/Wamogo at Enfield, 7 p.m.Oct. 28: Ellington/Somers at Enfield, 7 p.m. Nov. 5: Enfield at Avon, 3 p.m.Nov. 11: Coventry/Windham Tech at Enfield, 7 p.m.Nov. 22: Enfield at SMSA/University, 6:30 p.m.
F E
September 6-19, 2011 9
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Enfield
Enfield Girls Soccer Returning Solid Core The Raiders girls soccer team lost seven starters from last year, but a return a solid core that should help them be competitive this fall. “If we can score goals, we will be in all games. Defense has to remain solid for us to be successful,” head coach Todd Zenczak said. Top returners for Enfield include a trio of All-NCCC players: senior defender Patience Bearse, sophomore midfielder/forward Si-erra Trepacz, and junior Kaylee Polmatier. Bearse is “the best defender in the NCCC,” Zenczak said, while Trepacz could become a scoring threat if moved to forward. Polmatier creates scoring chances through pressure and tenacity, Zenczak said. Bearse will share captain duties with se-niors Amanda Leonardo and Kendell Mar-tin. Leonardo has played numerous positions during her three starting years on varsity, and the team will rally around her leadership and work ethic, Zenczak said. Vocal leader Martin will start in goal. Senior Delaney Higgins, a two-year started at midfield, rounds out the top returnees for Enfield. Despite a solid returning core, Zenczak expects to start several freshmen, citing inexperience as one of his team’s potential weaknesses as they head into their Sept. 13 opener at Stafford. “It’s still early in the season but the girls are working hard so far,” he said. “The team’s work ethic and pressure will hopefully create many opportunities to score. “
Boys Soccer After a 5-11 record last season, En-field is looking to reverse its fortunes and make the state tournament in a tough NCCC.The Raiders lost seven players, including five starters, something that wasn’t lost on head coach John Mancuso. “This will be a rebuilding, after gradu-ating many of our key varsity players,” he said. “We look to be small, but fast and skilled.”Enfield will be led by its trio of senior captains: midfielder/forward Kyle Casey and defender/midfielder Dan Critz, and Tony Perrone. Suffiled, Avon, and Somers are all teams to look out for, Mancuso said, pointing out the large number state champion teams that have emerged from the NCCC over the last decade. Enfield opens play when it hosts Stafford on Sept. 13.Girls Volleyball With seven starters gone due to gradua-tion, Enfield returns a young team but has state tournament aspirations and will look to improve on last season’s 2-16 record. Seniors Jen Novak (middle hitter) and Jessica Kaplan (server/libero) are the top returners for Enfield. “We have a great group of girls with a great attitude for this year’s season,” head coach Albina M. Belisle said. The Raiders start the season Sept. 15 at Suffield.
Kyle Casey fights for possession against East Windsor’s Seth Miller in a game last season. Photo by Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmer-photography.com
Amanda Leonardo gets out the way of a flying Karlee Alves during a matchup last season. Photo by Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmer-photography.com
September 6-19, 201110
EnfiEldStudent Athlete of the Month
Fermi
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Fermi Boys Soccer Looks To Continue SuccessBy Brendon WillisThe Sports Department
The Fermi boys soccer team is coming off a strong season where it went 13-5 in the CCC. Although five varsity starters were lost to graduation, the team has a good crop of talent returning for the 2011 campaign. Returning players are led by the captains, Chris Desautels, Austin Davis, and Kyle Kazukynas. Davis is a four-year starter at goalie while Desau-tels and Kazukynas are each three-year starting players. Davis had seven shut-outs in his junior season and is looking to
duplicate his outstanding effort in the com-ing year. Desautels and Kazukynas are both extremely versatile players. Another exciting returning player is junior striker Adrian Case, who was an All-Conference selection in 2010. Head coach Jim Russell said, “I am confident Fermi will produce a competitive team and enjoy the season with this great group of players.” He added that the team has shown outstanding attitude, chem-istry, respect, and intelligence, all of which make him very optimistic for this season. The only team weakness is lack of overall experience, but with everyone working well together, Fermi is poised for a strong season.Girls Soccer Coming off the 2010 season in which Fermi went 8-9, the girls soccer team is looking to build toward a winning record this year. The captains for the 2011 season are Jill Crouse, Ellen Cote, and Erica DeGuile. Crouse is an outstanding senior defender who is coming off of a 2010 All-CCC East selection. Other key re-turners include Ashley Kennedy, Stepha-nie Wence, Rae-Ann Broduer and Andrea Colca. Coach Bob Evans said he thinks that the young team’s current players are ready to step up. Other strong parts of the team are its unity, chemistry and team speed.The Fermi girls are look-ing to oust Tolland, RHAM and E.O. Smith, other top contenders in the CCC.
Field HockeyThe Fermi High field hockey team had a strong winning season last year, finishing 2010 with a record of 12-5-1. With only one starter from last year’s team lost to
graduation, the team is poised to have a very strong 2011 campaign. Head coach Amy Bartholomew said she is excited for the season and said that the team needs to “play with heart.” She also said that if the team continues to practice hard, the effort will be rewarded and good play will definitely transfer into the games. As long as Fermi is able to keep up momentum for the whole 60 minutes, they should be able to contend with the likes of Glastonbury, Simsbury, and South Windsor. Top return-ers include Kerry Davis, Laura Chicorka, Stacey Kraucunas and Brooke Wis-nesky, all of whom are four-year starting players.
Quenton Swift dribbles through the defend-ers.
Its always a heated rivalry when Enfield and Fermi get together. Photo by Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotography.com
September 6-19, 2011 11Somers
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Somers Boys Soccer Looks To RepeatBy Kate PowersThe Sports Department
The Somers boys varsity soccer team is preparing for the 2011 season after a successful 2010 that resulted in a Class S state title. Head coach John Pantuosco said his team has a “very good outlook” for the upcoming season after Somers finished 16-2-2 last year. Only losing two starters to graduation, Somers looks strong with several key returning players, notably seniors Jake Alvaro, Don Whittle, Alex Geas and Connor O’Grady, and junior Joe Pantuosco. At midfield, Alvaro will be starting varsity for his fourth year in a row, a significant contributor to two of the team’s state championships and one of its NCCC titles. Coach Pantuosco said Alvaro may be the “best athlete he has ever coached.” Whittle and Joe Pantuosco are predicted
to be the team’s strongest forwards, both of whom are leading scorers for Somers.
Geas and O’Grady are ex-pected to maintain Somers’ strong line of defense, as both boys have played a significant part in the team’s impressive record of only 0.5 goals given up per game. For the upcoming season, Coach Pantuosco said his team’s biggest strength is that it is used to winning but also notes that such attitude could potentially be the team’s big-gest weakness. Pantuosco predicts the
league’s most competitive team’s this season will be Avon, Suffield, Ellington, Granby, and Coventry, but has a positive outlook for a successful season. Girls Soccer The Somers girls varsity soccer team starts its 2011 season aware of its squad’s youth and lack of experience. Finishing last season 9-8-2, head coach Mark Lacafta predicts that his girls will have to work hard to “improve their game and skills as a team,” as the majority of players have no more than one year of varsity experience. Losing five players to graduation last year, returning players such as senior captain Victoria LaVallee, junior captain Kylen O’Hearn and sophomore Helena Rheault will be key in leading the team in both experience and ability.
Lacafta emphasizes that improving skills as a team, rather than on an individual level, will be crucial in the team’s success. Though his team lacks experience, Lacafta says he is confident that his squad has the desire to learn and compete that will be its driving force throughout the season. Coach Lacafta recognizes that his team will have to work hard this season to make up for its lack of experience against the likes of Suffield, Avon and Granby, but predicts a solid season and a chance to compete in the state tournament. Field Hockey The varsity field hockey team at Somers plans to “focus on the basics” this season. Somers finished 6-9-1 last season and new coach Amy Cunningham says she believes that improving stick skills, passing combinations and communication will be essential for the team’s success. Key returning players include senior Teresa Garlick, junior Kayla Renaud and sophomore Kristen Steidler. Cunningham said the girls’ biggest strength is their sense of team, as they are all “dedicated to accomplishing the same goal.” On the reverse, Cunningham said she worries that their weakness is the way in which the reputations of other, strong teams in the league can be “intimidating” to the point that it influences their own performance. In regards to this year’s competition, Cunningham comments that each game will be challenging, especially those against traditionally strong teams such
as Granby and Avon. While the season ahead will be testing, Cunningham knows that if her girls “play the game they prac-tice . . . they will have the opportunity to be successful in each game.”Boys and Girls Cross Country According to head coach Michael Nizoliek, the Spartans welcome back a promising group of runners. The cross country team has a talented group return-ing this season and is hoping to be more competitive in the league. Among those returning are: Cullen Roberts, Robert Beauman, Mark Erwin, Mark Beulieau, Ryan Lynch, Alyssa Norton and senior Heather McLauchlan. The team came into the season more conditioned than usual, as most of the team ran during the summer.
Junior Kelsey Charette will be a major part of the Somers girls soccer team this season. Photo by Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotography.com
The Somers boys soccer team looks to repeat as Class S champions. Photo by Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotography.com
September 6-19, 201112 Somers
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Somers Parks and Recreation
By Jenifer CharreteThe Sports Department
Tuesday evening Yoga sessions will be held for 10 consecutive weeks from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at the Kibbe Fuller Community Center Gym for $80. Sessions are ongo-ing. Instruction will be taught by Kripalu Yoga Instructor, Diana Ricci Gunther. You will strengthen, tone, increase flexibility, and improve the function of all body. Bring a Yoga mat and a blanket. To register or for more info, contact: [email protected] Thursday morning Yoga sessions will be from 9:45 a.m.-10:45 a.m. at Kibbe Fuller Gym Fee for 5 weekly sessions: at $20. Walk-ins are welcome. The class is taught by Kripalu Certified Instructor Pat Baker. Gentle, therapeutic Kripalu style Yoga. Fully instructed, including modifications. This class is designed for individuals who have little or no yoga experience. You will learn breathing techniques while practicing basic yoga postures. An enjoyable series of stretches & movements leave you en-ergized & relaxed. Bring a yoga mat and a blanket. For additional info and to register, please contact Pat at 668-4851.
Zumba Fitness with Toning plus Abs Shake sweat and have fun with this spicy Latin flavored workout. Bring your 2-3 pound hand held weights for the ton-ing portion, water and a yoga mat for the abdominal workout. Call Mary to register or for information. 860-841-4252. Classes will be held on Monday and Wednesdays 6 p.m.-7:15 p.m. from September 12 - October 26 and November 2 - December 21. To attend one class a week, the cost is $55. To attend both classes, the cost is $100. Please note classes are 75 minutes with the abdominal workout included
Shape it Up Studio - Now Open The Shape It Up Studio is located at the Kibbe Fuller Community Center. It is a fitness studio for adults. It has 10 exercise machines in the circuit, a treadmill, ellipti-cal and free weights. All exercise is fully supervised by studio coordinator, LeeAnn MacFeat. It is open Mondays, Wednes-days & Fridays 9 a.m. - noon. There is a monthly donation of $20 to join. Please call Florence at the Senior Center at 860-763-4379 for more information or to register.
Tot Soccer Tot Soccer is for ages 3-5. The cost is $30 for Somers residents, and $35 for out of town residents. The program includes Tot soccer T-shirt, soccer ball & partici-pation medal. The program will be held on September 24, October 1, October 8 and October 15. There are two sessions: 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. and 10 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. The program will be held at “Tot Sports Field” Behind the Senior Ctr. on Battle St. For the safety of the tots, we will NOT play if there is a steady rain. The main emphasis of this program is to have fun, while laying the foundation for future soccer interest. Parents are encouraged and needed to participate in this program with their child. Wear your sneakers. Drop off forms by September 21 to: Somers Recreation (located in the Se-nior Ctr. 19 Battle St); or mail to: Somers Recreation Department: PO Box 308 ~ Somers, CT 06071. E-Mail [email protected] or call 860-763-4379 for further information. Forms are available at the office or on www.somersct.gov
Annual Fall New York City Trip On Saturday, November 26th, travel with Somers Recreation on their annual fall New York Trip. See the sights or do some holiday shopping. This is an “On your Own “ day. . Contact the Somers recreation department to reserve your seat. A deluxe motorcoach transportation with Post Road Stages leaves the Kibbe Fuller Commu-nity Center Parking lot at 7 a.m . The bus leaves New York at 7 p.m. Drop offs at the Met, F.A.O. Schwartz, Rockefeller Center and Times Square. The cost is $42.
Somers Basketball Association Needs Your Help Registration for Rec and travel basketball will be in October. Please check the SBA link on ww.somersnow.com for further information. Registration information will also be going out to the schools. Current-ly, the basketball board is in transition and is in need of new, energetic and dedicated members. If you are interested in helping with the growth of basketball in our town, and would like to participate, please con-tact the Recreation Department. Without new board members and volun-teers this year’s season may not happen. Please contact Jenifer Charette at 860-749-7160 or [email protected].
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September 6-19, 2011 13Stafford
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Stafford/East Windsor Football Looking To ImproveBy Nate OwenThe Sports Department
An experienced backfield and a de-fense that turned in several tough per-formances over the second half last season has the Stafford/East Windsor football team looking to improve its 2-8 record from a year ago. Second-year head coach Corey Bernier has junior Zach Rollins and senior Tim Atruc returning at running back. Rollins was an All-League utility player last season after returning two punts for touchdowns, and both will see reps at defensive back as well. Atruc “will be the leader of our de-fense,” Bernier said. Other top returners include senior captain and two-way lineman Rick Reilly, senior linebacker/tight end Matt Graham, senior running back/defensive back Jesse Scroggins, junior linebacker/fullback Emerson Dolby, and senior offensive lineman Beau Weed. “We have an experienced core of players, especially at the skill posi-tions,” Bernier said. “Our numbers are low this year, so depth will be an issue.” The Bulldogs graduated eight letter-men, including six starters. Teams to look out for include Gilbert/Northwestern, Avon, Ellington and Coventry, Bernier said. Stafford plays a 10-game schedule, starting with Avon at home on Sept. 16. They’ll close the regular season at Windsor Locks/Suffield/East Granby on Thanksgiving night.
Girl’s Soccer After missing the state tournament with a 4-10-2 record last fall, Stafford enters this year down seven starters due to graduation. Head coach Steve Budaj said the Bulldogs had 21 players prior to the
start of school, and were hoping to add more once the year began. Dani Clark and Morgan Quagliaroli will serve as captains this year. Ki-anna Woods (four goals) and Lauren Webb (three) are the only returning players who scored last season. “Our major goal for this season is to improve each day in practice and in games,” Budaj said.The Bulldogs open their season on Sept. 16 when they host Enfield, and close on Nov. 1 with a home game against East Granby.
Junior Lauren Webb warms up during a practice last season.
Tucker Carlson tries to keep the ball from hitting the ground during a practice.
BulldogsBulldogsBulldogs
September 6-19, 201114 Golf
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A number of local players have fared well thus far in the 24th Mid-Amateur Champi-onship being played at The Farms Country Club in Wallingford. KJ Camera of South Windsor and play-ing out of Ellington Ridge Country Club, is currently tied for fourth place. Camera carded an even score of 37-35 and sits three strokes behind first round leader
Scott Farrell from Black Hall CC. The tournament was originally scheduled to be played August 30-31 but due to Hur-ricane Irene and scheduling conflicts round one was played on August 31st and the final two rounds to be played Wednesday, September 7th. Round two will begin at 7:30 am followed by round three at 12:30 pm with round one leaders teeing off their
final round at 1:50pm. Glen Boggini from Twin Hills CC in Coventry is tied for 14th at 3-over par along with Tim Heaney of Ellington Ridge. John Sawka, playing out of Topstone GC in South Windsor is four shots off the lead while Brian Powers of Ellington Ridge is 5 back.
Holes In One And Junior Championship Results From Twin Hills CC
Twin Hills Country Club in Coventry was the site of four aces recently. Tolland’s Ed Chagnot aced the 204-yard 13th hole on July 4. Tuan Hoang of Coventry pulled off a hole in one on the 153-yard 16th at Twin Hills on 7/14 and Frank Zemek of Tolland knocked his tee shot into the hole on the 150-yard 4th hole on 7/28. Chris Coleman completed the string of aces with a hole in one on the 16-yard 8th hole on 8/21.
Glen Boggini (left) and Brenden Mailloux hooked up in an epic battle for the men's club championship at Twin Hills CC last month. Boggini finally prevailed after seven extra holes of sudden-death play. Courtesy of: THCC
Little Sisters of the Poor: 21st Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner Will be held at the Elmcrest Country Club on Sept. 12. There is a $125 cost per golfer, which includes a $45 gift certificate for an additional greens fee to return to Elmcrest for a round of golf. Call Sister Jane or Kathy White at 860-741-0791, St. Joseph's Residence, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield, CT 06082
Tri-Town Hockey Alumni Golf Outing Saturday, Sept 10, at Rolling Mead-ows CC in Ellington1:30 p.m. shotgun$125 per person, includes 18 holes with cart, dinner, raffle, prizes, etc.For more information or to reserve a spot please call Chris Pape at 860-741-2630 or Jay DiResta at 860-875-3716
Second Annual Tina Niewinski Memorial Golf Tournament To Be Held Sept 9 The Second Annual Tina Niewinski memorial Golf Tournament will be held on September 9 at the Elmcrest Coun-try Club in East Longmeadow MACot is $100 per golfer and includes greens fees, golf cart, cookout lunch, pig roast and a gift certificate for one complimentary round at the Elmcrest Country Club - a $45 value.All proceeds will benefit the Lupus Foundation, Checks should be made payable to Lupus Foundation of America. Reserve your foursome by Wednesday August 31st.Also you can be a sponsor for the event. Sponsors names will be dis-played on the golf course and listed in newspapers after the tournament.All sponsors will receive a letter from Lupus Foundation for tax purposes.Sponsor Level $50, $100, $250 and $500. Deadline is August 23. For additional information, reserve a foursome or reg-ister as a sponsor please conact Jerry Niewinski Jr 860-8361851 or email [email protected].
Honorary Chairperson Chris DaileyMonday, October 3rd at Ellington Ridge Country Club$185 per golferScramble format includes lunch, con-tests, dinner, raffle. Sponsorship oppor-tunities available. For more information contact Stu Magdefrau, Chairperson 860-871-0373 or email [email protected]
Twin Hills CC Junior Club Championship ResultsA-Flight1st. Patrick Stratton 842nd. Brian Boudreau 88B-Flight1st. Colin Cordero 852nd. Allan Andrews 91C- Flight1st. Eric Goff2nd. Ben Norstrom
ELLINGTON
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September 6-19, 2011 15The Sports Department
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TSD Local Digest
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East Catholic Standout Will Attend Central Connecticut State University
East Catholic guard/forward Ni-cole Ferguson, an All-CCC East se-lection last season as a junior, has accepted a schol-arship to continue her basketball career at Central Connecticut State University in the fall of 2012. Ferguson, who played her first two seasons of high school basketball at Ellington High School, was a first-team All-Con-ference selection during her first season at East Catholic. As a senior, Ferguson is expected to be one of the top guard/forward combination players in the state this season. Ferguson' size (6 feet) and her outside shooting acumen make her a difficult matchup for defenses, especially against a zone.Ferguson was pursued by a number of Division I programs but settled on Central for a few reasons. "I really like Central because I really loved the coaching staff and they have a really competitive basketball program. I just like the school over-all," she said. "I'm excited because the league (Northeast Conference) is really competitive and there are a lot of good teams that we will be playing. I'm looking forward to the competition.''
Nicole Ferguson will take her skills to Central Connecticut State University in the fall of 2012. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Department
Ellington Coach Picked To Head UConn Lacrosse Program Former Ellington coach Paul Scor-dato was named men's lacrosse coach at UConn. Scordato, who currently resides in Ellington, has been involved in coaching in the Ellington Public School system at both the middle school and high school level re-cently. A native of Westchester, NY, Scordato was a two-time captain and
Longtime Ellington coach Paul Scordato was tapped to head UConn Club Lacrosse Team.
Ellington Thunderstix Make Some Noise At State Tennis Championships The Ellington Thunderstix U-14 Junior tennis team won the United States Tennis Association's Western Massachusetts state championship last month. The team then proceeded on to sixth place finish at the New England Sectional Tournament. Ellington received strong contribu-tions from all 12 team members during the state tournament. The team in-cluded Austin Chen, Micah Fox, Mahit Mail, Tyler Schmidt, Max Shlafstein and Kevin Sisco, who were joined by Lexi Kubas, Jessica Maitland, Kath-eryn Sisco, Natalie Sullivan, Ashley Thomas and Madison White. In its last match of the weekend, the Ellington team, coached by Ellington High coach Rich Willis, won a showdown against the Enfield Slammers to take the championship. The tournament format included a boys singles, boys doubles, girls singles, girls doubles, and mixed dou-bles match in each team match.Total games won throughout all matches determined the tournament winner.
The Ellington Thunderstix U-14 tennis team captured the USTA Western Mass State Title last month. Courtesy of: Jim Maitland
first team All-County defenseman for Lakeland/Panas High School. Upon com-pleting high school he attended the Mas-sachusetts Maritime Academy, where he studied Marine Engineering and was a two-time captain for the Buccaneers men's larosse program, as well as team MVP and conference MVP his senior year. After graduating, Scordato became an assistant coach at the University of New Haven and helped turn the program around. In 1981, he
was promoted to head coach at UNH and put together a 22-14 record, including wins over Division I schools St. John's, Vermont, UConn, Fairfield, Hartford and Marist. Scordato left New Haven after the '83 season to work in the private sec-tor, but he remained involved in the Connecticut Valley Lacrosse Club over the next six years as both a player and coach, and he would also play for the Western Massachusetts Lacrosse Club. Scordato became the Somers La-crosse Association president for 10
Tolland Youth Running Camp A Big Hit The Tolland Youth Running Camp, sponsored by the Recreation Department had 50 participants this past summer. The campers - who ranged from grammar school through middle school - learned the finer points of running and enjoyed great weather throughout. The camp was held from Aug 8-12 and members of the Tolland High School girls and boys cross country teams served as counselors.
Ellington won their initial bracket on Saturday and moved on to win the championship bracket on Sunday. Ellington also entered a team in the 18 and younger Western Massachusetts tournament held at Forest Park in Springfield and finished in second place in the advanced bracket. Willis also lead this team that included Rob Hensley, Cam King, Joe Korzeb, Andrew Parker, Nick Salwa, Tyler Vanagas, Courtney McGowan, Hannah Riley, Lauren Schmidt, Allison Steinmetz, and Cristina Szepanski. Ellington lost a match to first place bracket team Forest Park "A" 3 matches to 2 matches and by only a total of 7 games.
years, throughout the 1990s, and also coached in the Nutmeg State Games, before starting to coach in Ellington.
September 6-19, 201116 Outdoors
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DEP Weekly Fishing ReportInland ReportPost Hurricane IreneSome state parks (remember that some boat launches are within state parks) and forests remain closed.Anglers and boaters are advised to peri-odically check the DEEP websites (www.ct.gov/dep or www.ct.gov/deep) for the latest status of DEEP facilities.A number of rivers including the Connecti-cut River, Housatonic River and Farm-ington River are currently unfishable due to the extremely high flows and difficult/dangerous for boating. Some lakes and ponds may also be difficult to access, fish or boat. See the Notes and Notices section for additional information.LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing was gener-ally fair to good last week with the best reports from Wononskopomuc Lake, Win-chester Lake (including a 6 lb bass), Ball Pond, Candlewood Lake, Mudge Pond and Lake Hayward, and fair reports from Quaddick Lake (lots of “small” fish), Powers Lake, Gardner Lake (lots of 1 lb “cookie-cutters”) and Long Pond. It was tough finding many bass at Beseck Lake and East Twin Lake.SMALLMOUTH BASS – Candlewood Lake smallmouth fishing has been good, and last week some action was also reported from Gardner Lake and Highland Lake.NORTHERN PIKE – Some catches report-ed last week from Bantam Lake, Pachaug Pond and Quaddick Lake.Rivers & streams – Flows have become very high and unfishable in some areas, especially larger rivers such as the Housa-tonic and Farmington Rivers. Those wish-ing to fish should try smaller streams and tributaries, as they are the first to recede. Anglers can find real time stream flow data for a number of rivers and streams in CT on the USGS website at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ct/nwis/current/?type=flowFarmington River – Trout fishing had been very good. Since the arrival of Hur-ricane Irene, much of the river has been unfishable due to high flows and flood-ing. Although Still River inputs continue
to slowly drop to more comfortable levels (currently 580 cfs), West Branch flows have again increased as releases from the Goodwin Dam have been increased to 750 cfs and are expected to continue until at least Sept. 6 to facilitate lowering Cole-brook River Lake. Due to the current high flows the annual pre-Labor Day stocking of the West Branch Farmington has been postponed. Flow conditions will be re-evaluated early next week, at which time the stocking will be rescheduled.Housatonic River – The river is currently unfishable due to very high flows, about 6,800 cfs at Falls Village and about 9,300 cfs at Gaylordsville. For updated flow information, anglers should call First-Light Power at 1-888-417-4837. Anglers in this area should try the smaller streams and tributaries, as they typically drop to fishable levels quickly. The thermal refuge areas on the Housatonic, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers reopened on Sept. 1.The thermal refuge recently established on the Salmon River in East Haddam is closed to fishing and access through Sept. 30. This refuge is located around a spring entering the Salmon River approximately 220 feet south of the unused paved boat launch at the state-owned property for-merly known as the Sunrise Resort off of Route 151. The refuge includes all water within 100 feet from the end of the pipe as posted.Lakes & Ponds – Anglers had been find-ing some trout in a number of lakes and ponds, including Crystal Lake (Ellington; target 25-30 ft early morning), East Twin Lake (30-35 ft), Highland Lake (target 30+ ft), Mashapaug Lake (target 25-27 ft), West Hill Pond and Beach Pond.CONNECTICUT RIVER – The river has crested at both Hartford and Middletown, but remains above flood stage and very turbid, with lots of debris (large and small) moving downstream. These conditions are unsafe for boating and make angling (from shore or boat) difficult to impos-sible. Last week (before Irene) NORTHERN PIKE fishing had been picking up, with catches at the mouth
of Salmon River, along the mainstem downstream from Hartford to Harbor Park and in the Haddam Meadows area. CATFISH had been providing some great late summer action on cut bait (chunk-ing). Anglers had been finding some nice BLACK CRAPPIE (use small shiners in back coves). SMALLMOUTH BASS fishing in the En-field area was fair, and some nice smallies were reported from the mainstem from below Hartford to Middletown.Notes and NoticesLAKE ZOAR – Water ski clinics for the disabled are scheduled for Sept. 10 in the upper end of Lake Zoar. These events run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and boaters are asked to take care when passing through this area (marked by buoys) of the lake, and avoid interfering with the event.LAKE LILLINONAH - Lake Lillinonah remains drawn down (approximately 11.5 feet from its current level as a flood control measure. The use of both state launches (Route 133/steel bridge launch and Pond Brook launch) by trailered boats will be im-possible during the drawdown this week-
end. Anglers can call FirstLight Power at 1-888-417-4837 for updated lake level (and Housatonic River flow) information.LAKE MCDONOUGH - The boat launch facility is currently closed because of Irene. Anglers/boaters should check the MDC website (www.themdc.com) for updates concerning its availability for the Labor Day weekend (typically the last weekend of operation for the year).CONNECTICUT RIVER LAUNCHES - The Haddam Meadows and Salmon River State boat launches are closed because of flooding, as are the Riverfront Recap-ture facilities in the Hartford/East Hartford area (Riverside Park, Charter Oak, Great River).STATEWIDE STATE BOAT LAUNCH STATUS - Most state boat launches remained open, but anglers are advised to check access roads carefully and use extra care when launching. Although Gard-ner Lake State Park is listed as closed, the boat launch is open. The East River launch in Guilford was reported as closed because of downed wires as of Aug. 30 (no further update available).
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entered into a Boston Celtics ticket raffle!You may cast your vote at www.TheSportsDept.com. Drawing will be held on Sept. 30 and winner will be announced in our Oct. 4 edition. All correct entries will be entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to see the Boston Celtics play at TD Garden during the 2011-12 season. Ticket drawing will be held on Dec. 31.
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Motorsports pagE
Ryan PreeceWoody PitkatKeith RoccoTodd OwenEric BerndtDan AveryCurt BrainardFrank RuoccoGlen ReenMichael Gervais, Jr
Racing Version Of A Pennant Chase Shaping Up At Stafford Motor Speedway
With four feature events remaining Staf-ford’s Woody Pitkat is in position to make a run at a rare double championship. Pitkat, who picked up his first SK Modi-fied victory of the season on Friday night, is within striking distance of the points leaders in both the SK Modified and Late Model divisions at Stafford Motor Speed-way. Pitkat figures to play a prominent role in the Late Models points chase as he has closed within 32 points of defend-ing champion Ryan Posocco. Pitkat has three victories thus far in the Late Models and has a solid grasp of second place, 60 points ahead of Dillon Moltz. The SK Modified division has turned into a three-way race with Ryan Preece leading the way followed by Rocco and Pitkat. Other local notables to watch down the stretch include Stafford’s Cliff Saunders who is running third in the DARE Stock standings and Ellington’s Kevin Gamba-corta who is just 16 points behind Shawn Thibeault (Plainville) in the Limited Late Model standings
Stafford's Woody Pitkat found the win-ner's circle for the first time on Friday night. Photo by: Steve Palmer
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Health & Wellness
ASK THE ATC
Another Look At Concussions
Concussion Should Be Called A Brain Injury
Especially In Kids And Young Athletes
Get Involved In The Game, It’s Good For You
Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC’s) are allied health care providers trained in the prevention, evaluation and rehabilitation of sports injuries. They work under the direction of a physician and they are board certified nationally and licensed in CT. Visit www.NATA.org for more information. Certified athletic trainers at Enfield High School and Enrico Fermi High School are provided by Eastern Rehabilitation Net-work (www.easternrehab.net ), a depart-ment of Hartford Hospital (www.harthosp.org). Eastern Rehabilitation Network (ERN) and The Sports Department have partnered to bring readers a monthly column on sports medicine topics. Readers may submit questions related to injuries, training advice, rehabilitation or any other sports medicine topic. Submit questions to:Ben Stralka, ATC (Enrico Fermi High School) – [email protected]; Kyle Hicks, ATC (Enfield High School) – [email protected]; Wendy Nichols, Physi-cal Therapist (ERN Enfield) – [email protected]
In April 2011, ERN ran a response to a question about concussions. Because schools are going back into session and contact sports will be starting, we’re run-ning the information again as a reminder about this important topic. A concussion is the result of a blow to the head that causes the brain to hit the inner wall of the skull. Concussions can occur as a result of either direct (a hit) or indirect impact (shaking or spinning one’s head). Concussions from sports are most likely to occur in high impact and/or speed sports such as football and soccer. Concussions are mainly diagnosed by observing signs and symptoms of the injured athlete. There are myriad symptoms that a concussed athlete may experience, including, but not limited to: headache, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting, blurry vision, slurred speech, sensitivity to noise and light,
confusion, difficulty sleeping, difficulty con-centrating, irritability and sadness, difficulty with memory, and loss of consciousness.Concussions are categorized into three grades by severity: from Grade 1 the least severe, to Grade 3 the most severe. While there can be a great range of symptoms, as noted above, we always send the ath-lete for medical attention following a head injury. Recent studies have shown that concussions can have a lasting effect on someone’s life. Protective headgear in any activity that can result in a head injury is the first line of defense to minimize or prevent concus-sion. More research is underway to help prevent and treat head injuries. For ex-ample, helmets have been developed that monitor every impact, providing important information to assist in determining injury.Fortunately, most concussions will resolve with the first line of treatment – rest. The next important consideration for the athlete, parents and coaches concerns a safe return to sport. This gets deter-mined by collaboration among the athletic trainer and a physician and is based on signs, symptoms and a battery of specific neurologic, mental and physical tests. This approach provides an objective assess-ment as to whether an athlete can safely return to sport. If at any time you are con-cerned you have sustained a concussion you should always consult a physician for further evaluation. In May 2010, the State of CT passed Public Act No. 10-62, An Act Concern-ing Student Athletes and Concussions (see http://www.cga.ct.gov/2010/ACT/PA/2010PA-00062-R00SB-00456-PA.htm). This law states that effective July 2010, any person in CT with a coach-ing permit issued by the State Board of Education must complete an initial training course regarding concussions and head injuries, and effective in July, training must be reviewed annually.
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When a doctor diagnoses an injured person as having a traumatic brain injury (TBI), it sounds pretty serious. The patient receives more treatment than someone diagnosed with a concussion, but the two are essentially the same thing. Physicians have developed a growing alertness to a concussion’s potentially lingering effects, including hearing loss, dizziness, memory problems, headaches and depression. Still, those diagnosed with a concussion return to school or physical activities sooner than TBI patients. A study by McMaster University in To-ronto shows that in the days following a
concussion diagnosis, children were about 1 1/2 times as likely to be discharged from the hospital as those with a “mild TBI” di-agnosis. And it was 2 1/2 times more likely that they would return to school and other activities early. Their parents and others often did not consider a concussion to be a serious injury. Medical researchers say it is increasingly clear that patients with repeated concus-sions, especially those who go back to strenuous activity before their brain has completely healed, run a high risk of nega-tive effects in the future.
Just because you watch a lot of sports on TV doesn’t mean you’re a couch potato. In fact, scientists at the University of Florida say sports fans who regularly get involved in watching their favorite sports are health-ier. Male or female, ardent fans studied in this project had less fatigue, tension, and depression. And they even had higher self-esteem than their indifferent pals.In another study, looking at action shots of their favorite team aroused diehard fans (ranked by brain waves, heart rates, and sweaty palms) to about the same level as
when they were shown pictures of animal attacks. One final study showed that sports fans who had cheered their team to victory had a very positive outlook on what the rest of the evening would hold for them. When interviewed, basketball fans were sure they would score better at darts, solving anagrams, and getting dates.Everyone knows that cheering your team will pump people up, just turn on the game and see what happens. – TSD Staff Report
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The Sports Department
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