thesportsdept.com enfield edition february 2013

Inside The Sports Department

Jon Buzby discusses how not to run up the

score. See page 3.

Fermi skiier doing well on the slopes.

See page 10.

PRST-STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

NORWOOD, MA 02062

PERMIT #11

LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

See “Other Options” 0

ALWAYS

FREE!PRINT EDITION

The Sports Department

Schools were the respective tournament

champions of their hockey leagues. They

were two more titles in a long list won by

the Raiders and Falcons.

Two years later, neither school had

enough players to form a full team, so

the longtime town rivals had to merge to

form a co-op. This year, there was enough

to room to add players from two more

schools.

It is the way of Connecticut high school

hockey, especially in north and central

Connecticut, where slashes are as com-

mon in separating co-op team names as

on the ice.

The high school hockey landscape in

Connecticut has evolved drastically over

the last several seasons.

The CIAC has three divisions of 57

teams, down from 63 in 2009-10. Of the

57, 23 are co-op teams with players from

two, three or even four schools.

Lack of numbers is the familiar reason

at the bottom of their league that have had

trouble putting together enough bodies for

a full program.

of the trend.

One year after they merged, Fermi/En-

season. Stafford had been with Rockville

and Manchester, but that tri-op fell apart

due to lack of numbers, and all three

schools found new partners this season.

“If we had kept Manchester, we would

have had 11 hockey players,” Rockville

athletic director Steve Phelps said. The

Rams ended up with Bolton, Coventry and

Lyman Memorial-Lebanon and have rid-

den a deep team to an 12-1-1 start.

“Co-ops are the new norm,” said coach

Paul Dowe of Tri-Town, the oldest co-op in

the state. Formed in 1990, it has players

from Somers, Ellington and East Windsor.

“The only way to survive as a high school

organization is to co-op with other towns.”

“I grew up in Manchester and my older

brother played a lot growing up,” Tolland

another town. “

Steven Grigorian, the vice president of

South Windsor Arena, said he saw co-ops

the largest in the state and have 500 kids.

Now they have about 100.”

And as players get older, hockey gets

equipment, a family can be on the hook for

a hefty bill.

parents a lot of credit,” Dowe said.

The advent of indoor facilities such as

availability of sports such as lacrosse or

soccer that are far cheaper than a season

of hockey.

“People are very cautious with discretion-

of dollars, maybe the parents start looking

in other directions.”

often needs to be replacing as players get

either.

said Bob Croteau, general manager of

Bolton Ice Palace. Crouteau says most

of the high school teams take ice time in

considered “down time.”

provided by the school through the town's

board of education, with the rest getting

Windsor Locks skaters all pay the same

amount, most of which goes towards ice

Mike Bosworth.

In Rockville, the board of education

raised funds for ice fees and coach

stipends, Phelps said, with the remainder

getting picked up by the players. Players

their respective schools, instead relying on

money raised by booster clubs and their

said.

E.O. Smith handles the bulk of the ad-

ministrative work for the tri-op consisting

of them, Tolland, and Windham, accord-

education picks up a higher portion of their

“That being said, for what our kids pay to

skate is still cheap. If they were to go play

in a private league and play the same 25-

said.

While the decrease in numbers often

leaves some high schools with no choice

but to seek out other schools, there are

Dowe said. “The kids make a bunch of

friends. A lot of these kids become lifelong

friends.”

And the results on the ice can be there

Manchester was 2007-08, when the team

won the in Division III. “Go Man-Ville” was

inscribed on a lot of car windows in the

area during the title run.

Per CIAC rules, any team with co-op pro-

not a problem, as most coaches said they

together a team, never mind make cuts.

Junior varsity teams are rare, although

some teams such as Rockville have infor-

mal scrimmages to give players who might

a lot of ice time a chance to develop.

Schools like South Windsor and Glaston-

bury have managed to stay as a single

top hockey programs, although South

Windsor is having an off year this season.

“I think across the board, the size of

our school contributes to being able to

maintain a squad on our own,” Glaston-

bury athletic director Trish Witkin said.

The Tomahawks compete in Division I for

hockey and in Class LL, the largest clas-

-

a point where Glastonbury has had to

consider a co-op program, she said.

Bosworth said there might come a time

down the road when the state might have

to look at cutting back to two divisions if

the numbers keep dropping as they have

been.

While some area youth programs are

down in numbers, the Eastern Connecticut

Ice Palace, has a seen a rise over the last

few years.

“Their numbers had dwindled quite a bit,

especially in the house program and learn-

to-play program,” Croteau said.

thanks to a recruiting effort co-presidents

Bob Pilney and Ken Camello started when

they took over the program three years

ago.

“Kenny and I basically put the emphasis

back on young age groups,” Pilney told

The Sports Department in December.

“We worked really hard with a grassroots

-

keted the area and tried to get kids back to

youth hockey.”

Those two, along with Mike Rooney,

Aaron Lickwar makes a save for

East Granby-

teams in their

before East

them this

February 20132

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 repro-

duced without the written permission of

the publisher.

is not respon-

sible for any editorial comment (other

than its own), typographical errors from

advertisements submitted as camera

ready or any reproductions of advertise-

ments submitted as camera ready.

If an advertisement does not meet our

standards 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 state-

ments contained in submitted copy and

will protect and indemnify

, it owners, publishers, and

employees against any and all liability,

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 adver-

tisement. 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

-

where and when appropriate.

assumes no

responsibility for unsolicited material or

reproductions made by advertisers.

NOW OPEN! Our NEW Office at:

53 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT

TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition


February 2013 3

“Support Coverage Of Local Youth Sports...Become A Sports Department Sponsor Today!”



TheSportsDept.com-Print

Edition


Three times in the past two weeks,

I went to local high school basketball

games and witnessed teams running up

the score. I've also seen it happen plenty

of times in recreation and travel league

games, where coaches refuse to control

players, resulting in embarrassing the

opponents even more.

In these situations, all three teams had

leads of more than 25 points heading

into the fourth quarter and continued to

play starters and press full-court.

out, the substitutes were pressing and

running-and-gunning as if trying to score

100 points, even though none of the

teams were close to doing so. And the

coaches did absolutely nothing to dis-

courage it - in fact, they encouraged it.

No matter what level of sport, running

downright unacceptable.

I n baseball, coaches should not tell

players to quit hitting or pitchers to

need to stretch singles into doubles or

doubles into triples, or try to intention-

to the opponent (an unintended conse-

quence of the 50-point rule in Connecti-

cut high schools). But coaches should

not be calling trick or long pass plays on

offense or blitz on defense.

season and lacrosse is right around the

teams to avoid running up the score.

Once the game is out of reach,

coaches can insert all the reserves and

instruct them to pass the ball for one

minute or more when on offense. After a

pre-established time, the team can run a

set play until they score or turn the ball

over. This takes time off the clock while

forcing players to still play hard and work

proven to be an overmatched opponent.

Finally, coaches should insist the win-

ning team never run a fast break.

defense, but it should be in a packed-

in zone without any type of press or

pressure defense on the perimeter. The

challenge to the defenders can be to try

and limit easy shots and not allow the

offense to get rebounds.

with a large lead and to make sure the

players in the game are willing to do so.

-

the bench for that player to sit and watch

the rest of the game.

plan, the coach might also let them know

that if they get benched for not following

instructions, the bench is not only where

against an opponent is embarrassing

for everyone involved on both teams -

but no more embarrassing than for the

coach allowing it to happen.

Contact Jon Buzby at JonBuzby@

hotmail.com and follow him @JonBuzby

on Twitter.

To see the rest of the story, please visit thesportsdept.com

In what could become landmark regula-

for K-12 schools to provide opportunities

for students with disabilities to participate

on athletic teams.

I say “could become” because now

guidelines a step further and offer students

with disabilities additional athletic op-

portunities beyond the traditional varsity

guidelines essentially state is students

be kept off a team because they have a

because they're not good enough. Just like

any other student. And if they are cut, or in

place, in many schools around the country

he will not have the opportunity to compete

on an athletic team.

Fortunately, Connecticut schools are way

ahead of the game.

schools and several elementary schools

statewide offer students with and without

disabilities the opportunity to participate

Special Olympics athletes team up with

to create an opportunity for competition

similar to that of a varsity team. It also cre-

sounds.

get bullied in schools,” said Beau Doherty,

president of Special Olympics Connecticut.

-

of the high school football team telling his

who are at a segregated lunch table to sit

with them. That is, to me, why we do it.”

Sports to Special Olympics founder Eunice

Kennedy Shriver in 1982 while working as

the training director for Special Olympics

with Special Olympics Incorporated staff

-

ily made up of adult athletes. But in 1992,

Doherty had become the assistant director

at Special Olympics Connecticut and ap-

proached the Connecticut Interscholastic

Athletic Conference with the idea of mak-

-

rently boasts a participation of more than

1,300 athletes and partners in 120 schools

throughout the state. At the middle and

February 2013

Student Athlete of the Month Student Athlete of the MonthFERMI ENFIELD


Department as we travel

to Boston for the evening

to see the Boston Celtics

on March 8. The game

will start at 7:30 p.m. Trip

includes round trip motor

coach transportation and tick-

ets in balcony section of the TD

Garden. The bus will arrive in Bos-

dinner or shopping before the game. Bus

2 p.m.. The fee is $85 per person. Pre-

Registration is required .

Open Gym Basketball time for adults 18

and over. Participants must show proof of

age and residency to participate in addition

to having a program waiver on site where

they participate. There is a nightly fee for

these programs. There is no basketball

when school is closed. For locations,

dates, times & fees, visit the Recreation

For ages 18 and over. This program is

designed for recreational play and

will be held at the Eli Whitney

School Gym. During open gym

there is no league play, only

pick-up games are arranged

amongst the participants.

Proof of age and residency

is required. Participants must

have a program waiver on

volleyball when school is closed.

The program runs Wednesdays,

through March 6, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Nightly fees are $2 for residents and $2.50

for non-residents.

Lessons are provided in a semi-private

are for those 16 years of age and older.

Ideal for those starting their swimming

-

-

cy. The program is held at the JFK Middle

School Pool on Saturdays, February 23

– April 6 (no class on 3/30), from 2:15 p.m.

and $50 for non-residents. Pre Registra-

tion is required and spaces are limited so

Zetter

: Div. III Golf cham-

pion in 2012

I try

to get into my own little world so I am

mentally ready for the round.

For

-

state championship.

Making a

ten-foot putt on the 18th hole of the

Div. III championship, which gave me

the title. My coach of two years - Bob

Lengyel - passed away last year, before

the season started and it was very dif-

quite hit it hard enough and it sat on the

edge of the hole for a second or two and

there, gave it a little push.

My strongest at-

tribute in golf is the ability to always keep

the ball in play. My distance off the tee

has improved the most.

I

front nine every day. That is one of the

few courses that I can repeatedly play

and not get sick and tired of. I am going

to miss representing my school in athlet-

ics.

Playing a sport as

tough as hockey considering my “de-

my freshman year.)

Tiger

Woods is my favorite athlete and the per-

son that I most model my game after.

Dave

Mathews Band, Ted, and The Big Bang

Theory

www.pgatour.com

People are

much more informed about the times

and scores of sporting events, thus more

people are aware which eventually leads

to more people watching and attending

sporting events.

I plan on going

to Methodist University in the Fall of 2013

to study Accounting with a concentration

in Professional Golf Management. I will

top D-III golf team.

J Rush

Made captain dur-

ing my senior year

Shoot around and listen to music to get

me hyped up for the game.

I think the

keep our heads up and continue to play

at the best of our ability every game.

game-winning buzzer beater in one of

my AAU tournaments.

My strongest area

is shooting mid-range shots. I have im-

proved on taking the ball to the rim more

throughout my career

I will miss

-

ing out with everyone as a big group

when I leave high school.

Coming back from my knee

surgery and still being able to play ball.

Paul Pierce. I model my game after him

because he is so versatile and I try to

play like him every game.

UConn men have always been my team

Ted

ESPN.com

Gives

watch them.

Go to college

play D3 ball.

February 2013 5TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition

Student Athlete of the MonthEAST WINDSOR

Allie, A-Rod

Courant All Academic Team

3.82

I

usually look at who we are playing and

key in on their good players, focusing

especially on what is needed to shut

them down.

This year

we have a great group of talented play-

ers. I hope we can regroup and have a

strong presence in the NCCC and state

tournament.

Our second

game against Bolton. Bolton was unde-

feated in the conference and our team

When they came to our court, we were

able to pull off the upset.

My strength is my

knowledge of the game and under-

standing game situations. Improve-

ments have been seen in my defense

I will miss

my teammates. We are all so close

and have been playing together since

middle school. Overall, I will miss being

My freshman year I

broke my pinky right before the season

started. It was hard coming into the

middle of the season not as ready as the

rest of my teammates who had pre-

season conditioning.

My favorite athlete to watch was Diana

Taurasi. Today, I'd say that my favorite

athlete to watch is Stefanie Dolson. I like

to model my game to be similar to hers.

women.

Band - Ras-

cal Flatts. TV Shows – Boy Meets World

and Modern Family.

ESPN

I am actually

not a member of either of these social

networks, so the way I watch and follow

sports has not been changed.

I plan to go

to UConn or Western New England

Secondary Education.

Is Open

The portable skating rink is open and is

located on the north side of East Windsor

for use by people of all ages, and provides

a free family recreational activity. The rink

is available after school hours during the

week, and evening as well. The rink is also

available at any time during the weekends,

or during school vacation.

-

sion of Mad Science will begin Wednes-

day, February 27 - Wednesday, May 15

at Broad Brook Elementary School. The

theme for this 10-week session is Space &

-

tion may be done through our convenient

online payment process or by completing a

registration form and returning to the East

Windsor Parks & Recreation Department.

Call 860-627-6662 with any questions.

The East Windsor Parks and Recreation

Department is sponsoring the Annual

Limerick Contest, open to East Windsor

residents only. The theme for the Limerick

three and four must rhyme with others as

well. Prizes will be awarded to each age

5-8, Grades 9-12, Adults ages 18 and up.

All entries need to be returned to the East

March 15. Winning entries will be dis-

played in town hall.


-

day nights. This is open to adults only. No

students are allowed to participate. Open

Gym Night will be held at East Windsor

fee for this program is $2 per night or $32

for the 16-week session. There will be no

program on February 18, or April 15. To

see if the program is not being held on a

Parks & Recreation at 860-627-6662.


-

place at the East Windsor Park (Reservoir)

on Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m.. Anyone

interested in participating in this, please

contact the East Windsor Parks & Recre-

ation at 860-627-6662.

Casey Vogt, a senior catcher at Wind-

Summer Rivalry Classic last August 18

Also participating in the game were

Avon.

-

rant's All-Area baseball team last

in his third year as a starter. Vogt (5 feet

11, 185 pounds) also is a three-year

starter for Windsor Locks' American

Legion team.

February 20136



Boys Basketball NotebookBoys

Basketball

Girls Basketball NotebookGirls

Basketball


Few area girls basketball teams have

been as dominant as Somers this year,

and with an 11-game winning streak, the

showed they belong among the NCCC's

top teams.

-

-

ments to improve our defense,” coach

said. “It has been the biggest

area of improvement we had. The win

streak was because we were able to play

more consistent defense.”

Though defense certainly wins games,

it is the Spartans offense that has been

guard Diandra DaRosa.

DaRosa has done everything well for

Somers, but scoring (21 points a game) is

where she really stands out.

by her scoring but by her ability to run our

offense and her passing out of double

phenomenal year.”

The conference tournament serves as a

tough test for Somers, whose streak was

1. But its real purpose is to bridge its regu-

lar season run to the Class S tourney.

“While the league tournament is important,

it's not as important as our state tourna-

ment run, so we are gearing up for that,”

Walker said.

The Panthers (10-7) are going to the

NCCC and Class S tournamens. But they

hit a snag in early February with three

points per game.

“Teams go through good phases and

bad phases,” head coach

said, “and we have had a little slump the

last few games.”

But its nothing a few days off followed by

teams get in a little funk and you have

were working towards.”

The Panthers will be one of as many as

11 NCCC teams receiving berths to the

state tournament.

The Raiders (9-9) are getting contribu-

tions across the board, and it is teamwork

that has proved dividends down the stretch

this season.

“I think were getting to where we want

to be,” head coach said.

“When we get to this point in the season

we really preach defense.”

Led by nine seniors, the Raiders will be

in the Class S tourney for the fourth year in

a row. They are only a few years removed

then.

had a tough stretch where we played the

top four teams right in a row. Right now the

-

ting solid play from

and , our two leading

scorers.”

Two others stepping up down the stretch

include and Amber

.

and determination and determination of

the Falcons (2-17, 2-11 CCC East).

but where we are now as opposed to

where we were at the beginning of the

season has shown tremendous improve-

ment,” Fermi coach said.

“The CCC East is a really tough confer-

better is if you play [teams that are] better

than you.”

Though they may not perform as remark-

ably as other teams in the area, there

are few squads with as much respect or

teamwork.

few years, but these guys stay together

which is important,” the coach said. “It

takes a lot of guts to know when you get

play. They want to get better and its fun to

backs.”

the Class S tournament. But whether they

dance or not second-year coach

has a lot to be proud of. Assured

an increase in wins over last season, the

Raiders have played hard defense and

communicated like a team. And all of this

not-so-distant future.

will be competing in the state Class M

tournament, pulling off key wins over

SMSA and East Granby in back-to-back

weeks to clinch a berth. . . . . Stafford (2-

wins over SMSA and Fermi coming in

December.


team's defense has been suffocating

The Wildcats have evolved into one of

the best NCCC teams because of their

consecutive games to improve to 10-5

its defensive pressure and intensity and

become more dangerous at both ends.

The Wildcats are a much better than they

were a few weeks ago, and their defense

makes them a team no one wants to face

come tournament time.

points a game during its streak, which

stretched from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1.

“It begins and ends with our defensive

intensity,” coach Dan Gatto said. “Our

players have really dedicated themselves

-

lowed everything else to fall in place. Our

leading to easy baskets.”

Guard and forward

defensive players. Guard

has been an outstanding scorer for the

Wildcats.

The Raiders (13-2, 10-2 NCCC) are one

of the best teams in the NCCC and Class

-

ings. The Raiders outscore opponents by

10 points on average.

The losses were 59-35 at Avon on Jan.

hit a game-

Guard has been the Raid-

ers go-to-guy on offense and consistently

Somers

The Spartans (6-9) have clicked on of-

fense since a 1-7 start. The offense has

and sharing the ball, resulting in improved

shooting numbers. Big men

and have been the

main options on offense, but others have

stepped up and provided solid production

points, Coverdill 11.5.

“We need to continue to work hard and

focus on one game at a time ,” coach John

The Bulldogs played on of their best

games of the season in a 65-63 victory at

Coventry on Feb. 7 as star Zach Rollins

made a three pointer with one second

left.Coventry came into the game with

a double-double with 28 points and 11

rebounds. The team surrendered a large

lead, but then showed its toughness

said that the

Bulldogs were outstanding defensively

and singled out guard for his

second-leading scorer to one hoop.

East Windsor

-

defense has improved and been aggres-

sive at times, but the effort sporadic and

inconsistent. East Windsor needs two wins

to qualify for the Class S tournament.

Feb. 5 is a perfect illustration of the strug-

offense was up and down throughout, and

the defense had frequent breakdowns in

the fourth quarter. Forward

and guard were again

the bulk of the offense, combining for 37

points.

The Raiders (3-13) have improved after

a 1-9 start but remain unable to piece

together a complete 32-minute effort. This

inconsistency shows up on the score-

board, as Windsor Locks has had a num-

ber of close losses recently. The Raiders

are 2-12 in the NCCC.

“We go through stretches where our

out or play help defense,“ said coach

defense has improved, and that sopho-

more guard has matured

quickly and become a reliable scoring

option off the bench.

Fermi

The Falcons (0-15) have continued to

play hard each and every time out in the

tough CCC East. Fermi is allowing 75

points a game, and has only lost one by

less than 20 points.

Point guard has been play-

nine points.

The Bulldogs (10-7) have consistently im-

proved over the course of the season and

are now 8-7 in the NCCC. Stafford has

of their wins coming by 10 points or less.

Jay Vachhani of

-

-

--

February 2013 7



Hockey NotebookHockey

Notebook

In Somers

Many trips will be coming up soon, cour-

tesy of the Somers Parks and Recreation

department. Day trips are open to all ages.

3rd Friday in March, May,

July, Sept, November - $20

March, 5

at The Aqua Turf in Southington - $79

May 5 - $39

June 22

Grades K-2 Basketball

This fun, skill-intensive program is

designed for beginning to intermediate

players. In addition to technical basketball

skills, our basketball staff will focus on

respect, teamwork and responsibility.

Campers learn skills on both sides of the

football including the core components of

passing, catching, and defense - all in a

fun and positive environment. The week

$129

In this multi-sport camp, we combine two

Athletes will learn the rules and essential

skills of each sport along with vital life les-

sons such as respect and teamwork.

Program Note: Parents are encouraged to

participate with their children. This camp

for pre-school aged kids introduces the

essentials of one to two sports. Through

balance, hand/eye coordination, and skill

development. Must be toilet trained in

order to participate.

Ages 5-8

Ages 9-11

Campers will learn the fundamentals of

swinging, putting, and body positioning.

Using the SNAG (Starting New At Golf)

that young players can make an effective

transition onto the golf course. All equip-

ment provided.

Wrestling NotebookWres!

ing


-

Jeff Beiler is ecstatic. The Falcons (8-10)

are in second place in the CCC East as

and made them look like seasoned veter-

ans.

the CCC East title, but they ultimately fell

“We only had E.O. Smith left. Because

of our illnesses this week, we postponed

the meet......we probably won't resched-

ule making us tied with E.O. for second

place with one loss,” said Beiler, whose

team turns its attention to the state Class

M tournament after the CCC event was

cancelled because of the snowstorm.

going into the states, as Beiler compared

the quality of the conference event to that

of the State Open.

(285), (106), and

(120) all have realistic

shots to place in the top three in their

classes.

Beiler believes that (152),

(138),

and (160) could also

place high, but will have tougher roads

based upon their regular season individual

records.

Raiders, but coach Brian Olsen is pleased

with some of his individual performances.

has some individual performers who

should fare well at the NCCC meet, which

was postponed because of the storm. It

was not known at press time if the confer-

ence was going to reschedule the event.

Olsen wanted to make sure that his wres-

tlers are ready to go for the NCCC Tourna-

ment this weekend. (152)

sat out the Bobcat Invitational at Colches-

ter resting his knee.

the Bobcat Classic after defeating the top

Wages dropped to 152, one of the larger

went 3-2 (two wins by pin) but did not

place.

“These wrestlers should have a good

NCCC showing and hopefully all four can

place in the top four,” said Olsen.

Somers entered eight wrestlers in the

-

ford Feb. 2 Seven came home with medals

(195) was named most out-

standing wrestler, earning his 150th career

win in the process.

Second places: Christian Andrade (106)

(126),

Thirds: (113), Adam Pat

(160).

Somers (18-6) ended their regular

over Granby, giving them a 6-1 record and

second place in the NCCC.

The Panthers don't have numbers, but

individually they are competing well. At the

Eagle Eye Classic Jan. 22 at East Catho-

lic, Brandon Davis (106) was third,

(138) tied for third and

(160) was fourth.

said coach . "All the success

only 10 kids in the lineup. We have had

the kids have really stepped up. Going into

every match we wrestle we are already

these kids have come together as a team

and they way they have been working is

something to be admired. They are really

working to help push each other and make

each other better."

a team.

(120),

(170), Matt Nardi (195), and

(160) of Windsor Locks

also won.


season, but coach Frank Genovese of the

if the Falcons are already in the playoffs.

seven-game series and we have to win the

series,” Genovese said.

Windsor Locks/Granby and South Windsor

before losing to Simsbury Feb. 6.

“We need more consistency,” Genovese

-

sively, it shows.”

and have con-

tributed offensively for the Falcons, while

has been solid on the blue

been very steady back there,” Genovese

said of Beck.

-

sor Locks/Granby coach Nick Boorman is

hopeful the Wildcats (5-9-1) can make a

playoff push down the stretch.

ready to go,” Boorman said.

Many of the Wildcats skaters started the

-

gressed.

better and better.”

Sophomore (16 goals, 12 as-

Boorman said.

It's been another tough season for Tri-

Town, which is out of the postseason for

the second straight year after making the

The Terrorcats (1-13) of Somers, Ellington

and East Windsor were on a nine-game

losing streak culminating with a 3-2 loss

the big goal when we need it,” coach Paul

, and

have been playing well, Dowe said.

Goalies and

er have also been steady this season.

“Both goalies are playing outstanding,”

every day.”

February 20138

Student Athlete of the MonthSOMERS


Cull

GPA: 8

I usually stretch,

listen to rock-and-roll and then stick

handle for about 10 minutes to warm up

my hands and wrists.

with everyone and love the bonding that

we are able to have, especially seeing

as though we are a team of three towns,

we establish close relationships with one

another.

Freshman

year, scoring an overtime goal against

Probably face-offs.

From the begging I was always a good

face-off winner and now I have improved

so much in my defense abilities as well.

I will miss having practice every

my life, so I will miss that the most.

Peeping a positive mind even though my

time playing hockey is ending soon. I will

miss it so much and would do anything

to have one more year on the team.

serving captain and played on my favor-

ite team the Detroit Red Wings

I'm not a huge

I root for the underdogs.

UConn women. They have a

great team and dominate in the women's

basketball realm.

without a doubt slap

about a hockey team that isn't very good

and gets sold to be basically actors. It's a

great movie.

They have increased

the popularity of high school sports

because now highlights are available to

be seen by many people rather than the

I plan to attend

college, of which I haven't decided. But I

do know I will be playing lacrosse while

in college, and hopefully club hockey as

well.

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

www.NATA.org for more information. Certi-

-

partnered to bring readers a monthly col-

may submit questions related to injuries,

training advice, rehabilitation or any other

sports medicine topic. Submit questions to:

-

-

-

[email protected]

Because school–aged athletes seem

so nimble and quick, an often neglected

activity for these athletes is stretching.

And stretching should be done in two

phases – before activity and after activity.

up. A good warm-up includes a few min-

utes of activity such as brisk walking or

slow running (this can even be in place).

There are a few general “rules” for

stretching. First, stretching is not a speed

sport: it needs to be done slowly with con-

trol over the movements being performed.

Second, bouncing should not occur during

a stretching activity. The end point of the

stretch should be a 5-10 second hold

when resistance is met. Third, if an athlete

should have instructions for stretching

from an athletic trainer or physical thera-

pist.

It is especially important to stretch the

back and the large muscles groups of the

lower body. Some easy ways to do this

are:

place your hands on your knees and bring

your knees up toward your armpits. Re-

peat 3-5 times.

With your hands on your lower legs or

ankles, roll forward aiming you chin for

your legs. Repeat 3-5 times.

with your legs straight and spread apart.

Put both hands on one shin or ankle and

February 2013 9TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition


STORRS — In Connecticut and around

the country, sports fans are aware of how

great the University of Connecticut wom-

years. But few get an inside look at all that

goes into that greatness.

impressive, consistent, and undeniable.

What many are not aware of is the unique

way the team practices throughout the

-

mined by preseason tryouts practices

against the women during the season.

This year, three local former high school

boys basketball players made that squad

team improve and get an inside look at a

legendary program.

and of El-

lington and of Somers are

on the 15-man squad, working with the

week. Through scrimmaging and a lot of

drills and defensive work, the men are im-

All three have formed bonds with other

members of the men's practice squad and

to still be a part of structured basketball.

The men run sets and plays when scrim-

the coaching staff wants the women to

work on for upcoming opponents. The staff

what they need to do in full-court press,

half-court sets, and more.

So, in a way, the men are getting some

of the top coaching in the nation. Particu-

larly for the frontcourt players, practicing

the fast, physical style of play.

Sophomore center Kiah Stokes said,

it helps us out. When we do rebounding

post defense. It makes us stay low…They

help us out so much in the post.”

She was genuinely appreciative of what

the men players do, and Gresh can vouch

for the appreciation. “The guys on the

team get a lot of respect and we really feel

the motions,” he said.

-

-

tice team came about in the mid-1990s,

when former standout Jen Rizzotti - an

to practice against men.

Coach Auriemma said, “My players feel

we are without those guys. They do a lot

more for us than I think we could ever do

for them.”

Senior guard Caroline Doty echoed

the thoughts of her coach and added,

than them. They bring an intensity level

know if they know how much we appreci-

I love having them around.”

-

tured basketball and also likes being in-

volved with the UConn basketball program

as do many kids in the area.

and seeing them do the things you helped

with in practice. Like a drill or something

defensively. When they win you feel like

a part of it as someone that goes to the

school and more than that now too.”

-

--

roll forward aiming your chin for your leg.

Repeat 3-5 times, then repeat on the other

side.

-

each other with your knees out to the

sides. Put your arms on your knees and

Repeat 3-5 times.

a chair or wall with one hand. With the

other hand pull the lower leg on that same

side up towards your buttocks. Repeat 3-5

times, then repeat on the other side.

crossed and feet close together. Bend

forward. Repeat 3-5 times, then cross your

legs in the other direction and repeat.

with one foot pointing out to the side.

Keeping your back straight lean over that

foot and return to the starting position.

Repeat 3-5 times and then repeat on the

other side.

There are many other stretches similar

much about which stretches you do, but

that you do some. As always refer any

questions

February 201310

“Support Coverage Of Local Youth Sports...Become A Sports Department Sponsor Today!” “Support Coverage Of Local Youth Sports...Become A Sports Department Sponsor Today!”



School.

skier who has his eyes on competing in

obstacle get in the way of his dream.

-

tively about three years ago, he has im-

proved at a rapid clip and become a suc-

him a spot on Team Mau, an elite racing

team led by Mau Thompson, the head ski

coach for the national organization Adap-

and bumpy road to get where he is.

and Richard, began taking him skiing at

seven. It took three years for him to learn

-

ing on to a pole held by his mother, and

it was only after this and many adaptive

his own.

Once Andrew could ski, he immediately

-

idly and found a level of freedom and op-

portunity in skiing not there off the slopes.

“It allows me to do something I normally

compete against other people, whether it

be able-bodied or not. I can go skiing and

keep up with my friends, which I normally

them to wait or slow down.”

freedom skiing has offered her son.

“When I watch him ski I am amazed at

how graceful he is,” she said. “I sometimes

wish I could put a sign on his back that

says 'Disabled Skier' so that everyone

could know what he has overcome to do

taken him to places we never imagined he

for the AbilityPLUS Adaptive Alpine Race

Team at Mount Snow in Vermont dur-

ing the 2009-10 season and was almost

immediately successful. The turning point

in his competitive skiing career when he

was awarded a scholarship to attend the

Ski Spectacular in Breckenridge, Colo., in

December 2010, an event sponsored by

the insurance company.

under some of the best Adaptive Ski Race

coaches in the country, alongside mem-

bers of the U.S. Adaptive Ski Team and

fellow racers from the U.S., Canada and

Europe. This opportunity inspired him to

start taking racing seriously, and started

Olympics and Winter Paralympics.

gold medals with the AbilityPLUS team.

the honor of being named an “Emerging

Athlete” by ski coach Mau Thompson.

Oregon, in July.

Learning under Thompson has been

Cooper, Colo., Kimberly, B.C., and Winter

Park, Utah, this season, and will compete

at these areas and others the rest of the

-

son credit for this improvement.

-

edge of skiing,” he said. “She has helped

me to improve my technique and prepare

for races and to improve my skiing to

levels that I had not been able to achieve

am right now.”

“Mau is very thorough with her training,”

concerned about meeting long-term goals

for her racers.”

from a week-long speed training camp

focus was to improve his turns and starts,

in slalom and Super-G after previously

pleased with his results, and thinks doing

more disciplines will inspire him to be a

better skier.

“Competing in these events will push

me to work harder and encourage me to

glimpse of what I could be as a racer.”

making progress towards competing for

acknowledges that he may not be pre-

pared to compete at that level. The 2018

Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South

Korea may be a more realistic goal, and

World Cup if he does not make the Para-

up on Sochi.

go.”

reaches his goal of being an

Olympian, skiing has pro-

foundly changed who he is.

Andrew and his mother both

deeply appreciate how the

sport has allowed him to suc-

ceed on his own terms.

me grow as a person, and

to slowly become more and

more outgoing,” Andrew said.

“It is something I can do, and

do well, that many others

“It is mind-boggling to me what skiing has

allowed him to do,” Sheryl said. “Andrew

does not see himself as a disabled per-

son.”

Learn to Play program had 55 members,

while Mini-Mites had 30. Once players

are done with Mini-Mites, they move on

in-house group.

-

petitive travel leagues instead of learn-to-

Whalers left, youth programs are still im-

“When the Whalers were here, they

Wolf Pack or the Whale are,” Grigorian

said. “The Whalers were always doing

something, always giving back, and that

had a lot to do with it when [youth hockey]

was strong. Every little kid wanted to be a

Whaler.”

governing body for amateur ice hockey

in the United States, has made several

changes to help increase interest in the

game, including addressing the issue of

concussions and the travel schedule for

mite hockey.

-

ers that are on their way [from the youth

level],” Rockville coach Christian Steven-

son said.

years, you could see more (schools) going

back out on their own.”

said the Bruins' Stanley Cup two years

-

ized at the high school level for several

years.

of hockey players that are going to play,”

Genovese said. “I played so I want to pass

-

ment.”

But there are other options for players

besides their local high school. While

rarely lost players to select programs or

to private schools like East Catholic, or the

schools through the state.

games and you can be on the ice every

smart move to make because the cost

to play in high school is about the same.

Really, it depends on the family and what

their goals academically are.”

While more and more schools are band-

ing together due to dwindling numbers,

those closest to the game realize what a

“

-

sons. If more people realized what good

kids are generated through the game, I

think more kids would be playing.”

-

-

February 2013 11

Student Athlete of the MonthSUFFIELD

“Support Coverage Of Local Youth Sports...Become A Sports Department Sponsor Today!” “Support Coverage Of Local Youth Sports...Become A Sports Department Sponsor Today!”


Student Athlete of the MonthWINDSOR LOCKS

Kyle

January Athlete of the Month

I usu-

ally listen to a lot of music and go over

game scenarios in my head before the

game.

Despite our

record, we have a solid team with a lot of

turn the season around and make a

strong run for the playoffs.

Scoring two

year to get us a rematch with Guilford in

the second round.

Killing penalties is

one of my strengths. Our team has one

of the best penalty kills in the league, and

I'm lucky to be consistently running it from

a defensive standpoint. I improved on

defense in general over my career.

I'm going to

miss my teammates the most. We've al-

ways been close on and off the ice. Also,

I'm going to miss all of my friends from

high school.

Balancing sports and my

tough academic schedule.

Zdeno

Chara. I try to model my game after him

by using my size to my advantage on the

ice.

men

Fa-

vorite band is Emarosa. Favorite movie

is Miracle. Favorite TV show is Worka-

holics

ESPN.com

It's easier

with social networking to get game

updates or share opinions with other

fans. Now I can share my opinions or

arguments instantly as I'm watching the

game.

I hope to at-

tend either Carnegie Mellon University

or Bentley University for a degree in

-

ing.

Jonnathan Oliveira

Basketball, Baseball, Soccer

Jonny O

Windsor Locks through Park and Rec de-

I try

my abilities.

: My thoughts

on this season are although our record

does not show it we are a very talented

team who has fought to be in a lot of

out for the better, but the guys are getting

-

of the season against Bolton this year in

overtime. I played very well myself and

so did my teammates. This game showed

what my teammates and I could do in a

varsity basketball game.

The area that I am

strongest in is being a good teammate,

shooting and defense. I improved in being

a more stronger and vocal player.

What I am going to miss the most about

seniors that I have played my entire life

with.

TOvercoming a rare form of

genetic Anemia and pushing through it to

succeed both academically and athleti-

cally.

Soccer: Cristiano Ronaldo, Basketball:

Brandon Jennings, Baseball: Derek Jeter

UConn Meen

favorite

movie “The Town”, favorite TV show

“Person of Interest”

ESPN.com

I can now

follow all the athletes I look up to and

instantly.

My plans after

high school include attending a D1 or D2

school and hopefully making an athletic

team for one of the three sports I play.

The Windsor Locks Park and Recre-

ation Department offers a wide range of

programs for all ages throughout the year.

Winter programs are beginning to wind

and recreation levels, will be ending late

February/early March. Indoor Soccer will

also be ending in late February.

During February vacation week (Feb.

19th-22nd), Open Gym Basketball will

South Elementary School. Entertainment

will be offered on Tuesday and Wednes-

day of vacation week. On Feb. 19, T-Bone

will be performing a great show of mu-

sic and fun. On Feb. 20, magician Tom

the whole family. Both of these shows will

be held in the North Street School gym

and will begin at 10 a.m. Admission is free

for each event.

Baseball team will also be offered during

February vacation week. The program is

for baseball and softball players in Grades

1-5 and will be held 9 a.m. - noon in the

Windsor Locks Middle School gym. The

cost of this program is $50. Registration

can be done in the park and recreation of-

Futsal Soccer Clinics sponsored by the

Locks Soccer Academy will be offered in

late February through March. Futsal is a

smaller sized soccer ball that is weighted

to stay on the ground to promote foot

sessions. For more information and to reg-

ister, visit www.lockssoccer.com. Feel free

lockssoccer.com

and the show will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the

town hall gymnasium. There is no fee to

attend the movie, but concessions will be

available for a nominal fee. Pre-registra-

tion is required by phone or stopping in the

Funtime Adventures and Playtime Adven-

tures are parent-child playgrounds for chil-

dren between ages 18-36 months and 3-5

years of age on Wednesday and Thursday

mornings. Tumbling/Gymnastics is offered

on Saturday mornings for children ages

on Wednesday nights for ages 6 and up.

-

ketball and adult volleyball are offered

throughout the week. For more information

on any of these programs, please visit or

at www.windsorlocks.org under the Park

and Recreation tab.

and Recreation Depart-

programs, Circuit Training,

Rebounding (mini trampoline) and

deadline is Tuesday, February

19 at 12:00 noon. For complete

com or call 860-668-3862.

There will be a trip to the Boston Flower

March 16. The cost is $53 per person for

Own Trip. Registration deadline is Febru-

ary 26. For complete details check www.

-

on April 17. The cost is $37 per person.

Registration deadline is March 27. For

-

hall.com or call 860-68-3862.

and Recreation

Department is spon-

soring Gymnastics for

grades 3 – 5 (coed) on Wednes-

days and Thursdays, February

School Gym. Resident fee:

$50, non-resident fee: $60.

Registration deadline is Febru-

668-3862.

-

ment is sponsoring Bear Necessities on

Wednesday, March 27 from 6 p.m. – 8

p.m., at the Kent Memorial Library Audi-

torium. Fee: $10 (free for children ages 6

– 16), non-resident fee: $15. The registra-

tion deadline is Tuesday, March 19. For

-

hall.com or call 860-668-3862.

February 201312 TheSportsDept.com - Print Edition

thesportsdept.com enfield edition february 2013

Documents