Lower Delco Wildcats qualify for nationals

For the second year in a row, the Lower Delco Wildcats 5th grade basketball team has qualified for nationals. Last week, the team received silver medals in the regional competition for the Mid-Atlantic division, which includes southeastern Pennsylvania as well as parts of New Jersey and all of Delaware. Under the direction of coaches Eileen Ross and Alex Terris, the team will move on to nationals next month in Hampton, VA.

Seen above, in the bottom row (from left) are Katie Detwiler, Meghan Ricker and Sam MacDonald. In the middle (from left) are Kate and Molly Masciantonio. In the back row (from left) are Nicole Barnes, Alexi Terris, Devon Adams, Halle Robinson and Allison Tomasetti.

Ridley Park Swim Club Dash and Splash 5K

On Aug. 11, the Ridley Park Swim Club will host the Dash and Splash 5K Run and Walk. For more information or to register visit http://runtheday.com and search for “Dash and Splash.”

For more information on RPSC, visit www.ridleyparkswimclub.com.

Glenolden wins 3rd annual Interboro Swim/Dive Cup

The third annual Interboro Cup Swim/Dive meet was held Sat. June 11 and Sun. June 12 where Glenolden came out on top for the second year in a row, with Prospect Park finishing second followed by Tinicum.

Triple winners for Glenolden were McKenzie Street (14&U IM, Breast, Free), Kyle Oreskovich ( 10&U Fly, Back, Free) and Konnor Oreskovich (8&U Fly, Breast, Free). Double winners for Glenolden included Ryan Tambon (18&U IM, Free Relay), Dan McGrath (18&U Back, Free), Skylar Street ( 10&U Fly, Breast), Erin Kessler (12&U Fly, Back), Brooke Kessler (8&U Fly, Back), Josh Hagan (8&U Back, Free Relay), Ireland Giaquinto (8&U Free, Free Relay) and Juliana Fanelli (10&U Free, Free Relay).

For Prospect Park, Donnie Taziole was the only quadruple winner of the meet (12&U Fly, Back, Medley Relay, Diving) and Melissa Taziole was a triple winner (14&U Back, Medley Relay, Diving). The double winners for Prospect were Alyssa Tillett (18&U IM, Free) and Kevin Bradley (18&U Fly, Medley Relay).

For Tinicum Tyler Cummings (14&U IM, Fly) was a double winner.

Kedron Green is the 2011 Ridley Township 9-10 Minor League Champions.

Kedron Green finished with an 11-1 record during the regular season and beat the SAA Chiefs in the playoffs to win the Ridley Township title.

Members of the team are as follows:

Front Row: Frankie Gallo, Adam Beyers, Eric Lee, Brian Ward, David Saunders. Middle Row: Christian Gallo, Cameron Farro, Michael Trerotola, Ryan Andrews, Jake Saunders, Kevin Cantlin, Jason McLaughlin. Back Row:Steve Andrews (Asst. Coach), Eric Lee (Asst. Coach), Joe Gallo (Head Coach). Missing from the photo is Karl Praizner.

Cubs win AMLL Major divison championship

On Sun., June 12 the Cubs, coached by Ken Bateman, won the Aston-Middletown Little League Major division championship. After a rocky start, the team won 11 straight games and finished the season with a record of 14-4-1. Christian Bateman pitched a no-hitter in the championship game in a 9-0 win to earn the AMLL title.

The Cubs (seen above, top row, from left) are Coaches James McConnel, Ed Birzes, Ken Bateman, Tyler Opdenaker and Pat Lancianese. In the middle row are (from left) Reid Niermann, Brendan Birzes, Christian Bateman, Austin Trusty, Joseph Loeper, John Barbera. In the bottom row (from left) are Justin Rossi, Blake Parker, Joseph Dignazio, Neil Carney, Jake Lancianese.

U10 Comets win Mid Atlantic Regional championship

The Comets 5th Grade (U10) took first place in the Mid Atlantic Regional competition after defeating the Lower Delco Wildcats in the Championship game last Sunday.

The win gives them an automatic seed in the Amateur Athletic Union National Championships in Hampton, VA on June 26th. Congratulations to the girls and the coaches for an awesome championship weekend.

The team, seen above, (kneeling, from left) are Tess Elder, Maura Hendrixson, Molly Paolino, Lauren Ross, Ashley Livingston. Standing are (from left) Coach Jess, Emily Helms, Seanna McNamara , Emily Monaghan, Coach Jim, Kaitlyn Roccio, Caroline Hertz, and Olivia Young.

Media Softball Honors Chuck Ellis

Chuck Ellis of the Tri-County Umpire Group recently called his 3000th ball game. Media Area Girls Softball interrupted play recently to honor Ellis on his accomplishment.

Above, Ellis is pictured with members of 10 MAGS teams. In his 32nd year of umpiring, Ellis has guided, coached and called balls and strikes for thousands of youth.

St. Denis baseball wins Region 32 trophy

Despite the sweltering 100-degree day, the Saint Denis 5th and 6th grade baseball team captured the Region 32 trophy by defeating Sacred Heart Manoa, 5-3. The team remained undefeated 11-0.

Seen above, in the back row, are (from left) Coach Chris Hogarth, Coach Greg Stellar, Coach Clay Warnick. Missing is coach Luke Dougherty.

Players are (from left) Anthony Warnick, Michael Quagliariello, Nick DiIorio, Peter Noonan, David Hogarth, Stephen DeFruscio, Brendan Brown, Timmy Truax, Nick Abbinizio, Kevin Dougherty, Jack Clinton and Marty Howe.

SAA B2 Team competed in BOLT

Springfield's B2 Lacrosse Team participated in the End of Season BOLT Tournament held in Boyertown. The boys ended the tourney with a successful 3-1 record. First row: Pasha Verica, Nate Lohr, Scott Crockarell, Johnny Powers, Jon Miller, Anthony Lawson and Matt Ondo; second row: Ronny Miller, Joey DeBernardi, Matt Blake, James Spence, Giuliano Ciancaglini, Anthony DelVecchio, Max DiFonzo, Michael Ward and Colin Wynne; third row: coaches Nick DiFonzo, Jim Marra and Vince Marra.

Springfield Athletic Association laxers undefeated in tourney

SAA's 3rd/4th Grade Lacrosse Team traveled to Boyertown to compete in the End of Season BOLT Tournament. The boys went undefeated in the tournament and finished their regular season with a 12-2 record. Front: Ryan Reger; first row: Steven Griffin, Liam DiFonzo and Geo Dotsicas, second row: Aiden Shandley, James Kutufaris, Jake Broomall, Zach Broomall, Liam Rhode and Bobby McTeague; third row: Ethan Crowther, Kieran Green, Jeff Biancanello, Dominic Addona, Patrick Clemens, Andrew Phillips and Jack Spence; fourth row: coaches Brian Crowther, Mike Spence, Joe Addona, Paul Broomall.

Springfield Athletic Association EDCO results

EDCO Intermediates
Springfield Blue 3
Briarcliff 0
Springfield Blue 4
Briarcliff 1
Blue took two victories over division leader Briarcliff in a twin bill played Sunday, June 12 at Crowell Park, to improve to a record of 5-2. Great pitching kept the scores low and the games fast as each contest was played in less than 90 minutes.
Matt Gallo was strong and went the distance in game one to earn a complete game shutout. Gallo allowed just three hits while striking out eight to secure his second win of the season.
The scoring action started in the third inning when Chris Dougherty worked the count for a free pass, which was followed by a Dom Decesaris single to left. With two on and nobody out, Gallo put down a nice sacrifice bunt to advance the runners to second and third. Doc used his wheels to score from third on a wild pitch and Decesaris later scored on a tag up off a Zach Young sacrifice fly. Young also had an unassisted Utley like double play in the game and later scored a run in the fifth when Tommy Lyons came up big with a bases loaded two out single.
Pete Sabato and Jeff Peranteau were also in the hit column and Sabato caught a runner attempting to steal second.
Blue’s dominating pitching kept rolling right into game two as Tim Houtman took over where Gallo left off. Houtman cruised through seven innings allowing just one run off four hits with 7 K’s.
Pete Sabato got Blue on the board early when he walked in the first and came around to score on a throwing error made off a ground ball hit by Nick Santana. Blue stretched the lead in the fourth when Tom Lyons saw an opening and didn’t hesitate, scoring from third on a wild pitch.
Lyons, Matt Achuff and Jeff Peranteau had consecutive singles in the fourth and Chris Dougherty broke the game open with a two run ribeye steak he smoked to left center. Defensive highlights were made by Sabato in right field, who demonstrated that he’s more then a one trick pony from behind the plate.
Marple White 12
Springfield Blue 3
In a lack luster performance, Blue laid an egg and checked out in a forgettable game played at North Avenue on June 6. The final score wouldn’t indicate it was a tight game tied at one going into the fourth inning. Tim Houtman and Zach Young each had a pair of hits and Tom Lyons and Chris Dougherty had knocks for Blue. Ryan Graham and Billy Johnson each had a walk and a run scored in the loss.

Springfield sports notices for June 16

SHS Cheerleading Clinic
The Springfield High School 3rd Annual Cheerleading Clinic will be held Saturday, June 18. Girls are invited to join the Varsity and Junior Varsity cheerleading teams for a day of cheering, dancing and stunt classes. Two sessions offered:
*Third grade & under-- 9 a.m.-12 p.m.. Registration at 8:30 a.m., parent show at 11:30 a.m.;
*Fourth grade and up-- 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Registration at 11:30 a.m., parent show at 2:30 p.m.
Cost $15 per girl. No cheerleading experience needed!
To reserve a spot, contact Kristen Shanabarger at kshana@bddnreit.com or at 484-645-6709.
SHS Fall Sports Physicals
Springfield High School’s fall sports physicals will be held on Tuesday, July 19 and Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Dr. Sing's Office at 166 Saxer Avenue.
Cost is $20 and payment must be in cash. Bring completed PIAA physical form with you. Physicals for the 2011-2012 school year cannot be dated any earlier than June 1.

ThunderBats win season finale

The MGMAA ThunderBats defeated a very tough and talented Westgate Hills club 12-3 Saturday night at Genthert field. The visiting ThunderBats great pitching, timely hitting, and their trademark fielding paved the way to another hard-fought victory.
This win capped an undefeated inter-league season for the girls from the Merion Golf-Merwood Athletic Association in Haverford Township.
The ThunderBats,who play their home games at Paddock Park, had their first taste of playing under the light Saturday night. The game was called due to weather after five innings, but that did little to diminish the excitement generated by the team's play. This year's squad consisted of: Alyssa Alessi, Patti Cippolone, Samantha Dengel, Erin Gallagher, Sadie Gold, Kerry Hasson, Victoria Hodgson, Breanna McDermott, Sarah McGoldrick, CeCe Peden, Emma Schreiner, Siobhan Slattery, Gianna Turco, and Nicole Walheim. Many of this year's team will be moving up to the major league, which is for girls ages 11 to 14 and hope to stay together as they compete against other leagues.
Any girls interested in joining any of the Merion Golf-Merwood teams can contact Jeff Hodgson at jjhodgson@ Verizon.net. There are teams for ages 5-6, ages 7-8, ages 9-10, and ages 11-14. Registration will begin in January 2012, but we will take early reservations , and give out any league information starting in July 2011.

Marple U17 Vipers Soccer Team Hosts Team From England

Over the years the Marple Newtown U17 VIPERS, coached by Jim Nicolardi, have battled many premier soccer teams at venues from upstate New York to Virginia.

However, this past weekend, they played an opponent none would have imagined a few months ago. The Bridgend College team from Wales in the UK came to the states May 25 and toured the East Coast playing top soccer teams from Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The 26 Welsh players also got their fill of sightseeing by visiting Ground Zero, NYC and the Jersey shore.
The Bridgend players spent the weekend in PA and were hosted by the Viper players and their families. Their final stop was a “friendly” match on Sunday, June 5 between Bridgend and the Vipers.

It was a close fought match with Bridgend coming out on top with the final score 3 – 2.

After the game, in true international soccer fashion, the teams exchanged jerseys and enjoyed a philly-style dinner hosted by the Vipers.

Local Olympic athlete to appear at Mickey Vernon Sports History Museum

Charlene Morett, Lansdowne-Aldan High School graduate, medal-winning Olympic field hockey player and current Penn State coach, will appear at the Mickey Vernon Sports History Museum on Sunday June 26, 2011 from 12 noon to 1 pm to sign autographs and answer questions about her athletic career.

It has been quite a career: In 1980, she made the US Olympic Field Hockey team, but did not compete at the games in Moscow because of the American boycott. She remained on the team in 1984, when she helped the United States to capture a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. A Penn State graduate herself, Charlene has been the head Field Hockey coach at Penn State since 1991.

For anyone who would like to meet and speak with Charlene, the museum is at the corner of 1 Beaver Valley Road and Route 202 in Chadds Ford, PA. It will be open from 11 to 2pm on the day of her appearance. For more information, contact Jim Vankoski at 610-909-4919 or vankoski21@comcast.net.

Phillies Hall of Fame member Richie Ashburn is subject of new book

Richie Ashburn, called the “most beloved athlete” in the history of Philadelphia is the subject of a new book is set to be released by Barricade Books.

Richie Ashburn … Why The Hall Not? The Amazing Journey To Cooperstown with a foreword by Dan Stephenson, who does video for the Phillies, will be in bookstores and on the Internet by the end of the month.

“This is a wonderful true story about a star athlete who takes time to talk to a young fan and sign an autograph and later the fan mounts a grassroots campaign to help the star athlete get into the Hall of Fame,” said Barricade Books Publisher Carole Stuart. “You don’t find many uplifting stories about athletes these days. This book tells such a story.”

Tim McCarver, former professional baseball player and broadcaster on Fox Sports’ baseball game of the week, said, “This is a marvelous book about Philadelphia’s most beloved athlete Whitey Ashburn.” Philadelphia Phillies broadcaster Chris Wheeler said, “And when I think about Whitey, I smile. What a legacy Whitey has left.”

Co-author Jim Donahue met Richie Ashburn as a young fan at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia. Ashburn signed an autograph for him and Donahue became an Ashburn fan. Later, Donahue began a campaign, Why the Hall Not? to have the Hall of Fame induct Ashburn. Along the way, Donahue and Ashburn became friends. They shared meals and even watched Jeopardy together. Donahue was Richie’s guest when Ashburn and another Phillies’ great, Mike Schmidt, were inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Richie Ashburn … Why The Hall Not? The Amazing Journey To Cooperstown $19.95 (hardcover) can be ordered from Amazon and other Internet sources, including www.barricadebooks.com and www.mowday.com, the website of co-author Bruce Mowday.

Mowday is a former sportswriter and has written a number of books, including Jailing The Johnston Gang, Bringing Serial Murderers To Justice for Barricade Books.

“When Jim Donahue first told me about his relationship with Richie Ashburn, I knew it would be a wonderful book,” Mowday said. “It’s a great story of a star baseball player being kind to a young fan. More athletes should follow Richie’s example.”

The book includes Donahue’s personal story, and much information as a results of research at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., as well as interviews with members of the Phillies organization and those associated with the Why The Hall Not? campaign.

Ted Taylor, author and media professional said, “Richie Ashburn was part of Philadelphia baseball for decades, entire generations grew up watching him play and/or hearing him describe the game as only a Hall of Famer could. Phillies fans haven’t been blessed with many great players over the years but in Ashburn they got not only a great player but a great human being as well. This book tells the uplifting story of Richie, a fan and Richie’s road to the Hall of Fame.”

Annual St. Denis sports banquet

The 7th and 8th grade held their annual sports banquet last Sunday. After the 9:30 mass, the athletes and their families gathered in the Grimes Center for breakfast and to hear guest speaker Michael Bradley, a sports journalist and radio host.

After the 7th and 8th grade were recognized for their sports achievements, special awards were given out. The Louis Montanari Award, an award given to an 8th grade boy who shows outstanding scholarship, leadership and athletic ability went to Christopher Anderson.

The Hugh Bracken Award, an award given to an 8th grade girl who shows outstanding scholarship, leadership and athletic ability went to Lauren Dice. The Joe O’Connor Award given to both an 8th grade boy and girl who exhibit outstanding team spirit, enthusiasm and dedication was awarded to Maureen Heneghan and Matt Burns.

Springfield Athletic Association EDCO Intermediates

EDCO Intermediates
Springfield Gold and Blue split a double header on Sunday at Crowell Park in a battle for Springfield bragging rights.
Gold 5
Blue 3
Gold took the first game behind the strong pitching of Chris Ganley. He pitched all seven innings allowing just three runs on six scattered hits with 1 K and no walks. Gold scored all five runs in the second inning with Mike Asterino delivering the big blow on a bases loaded triple. Ryan Strain started the inning with a single, stole second and scored on a Jake Brown RBI single. John Walsh walked and John Sansilo scored on a bases loaded walk by Nick Antenucci.
Catcher Jake Brown was two for two with a walk and had a nice putout at the plate on a strong throw from center fielder Eric Pollock.
Jeff Peranteau pitched a solid five and a third for Blue but missed on a couple of boarder line pitches in the second inning that led to trouble. Mike McKale led the offensive for Blue with two hits and two RBIs. Peranteau added two hits, and Pete Sabato had a RBI to go along with Dom Decesaris who had a hit and a run scored. Matt Gallo was called on to wiggle out of a first and third one-out jam in the bottom of the sixth and gave great relief as he struck out the two batters he faced.
Blue 9
Gold 1
After polishing off a few hotdogs at the traditional Blue-Gold BBQ between games, Blue bounced back to defeat Gold.
Matt Gallo ignited the team in the first inning when he raked a three-run homer into the deep right field corner to give Blue all the runs that they would need.
Mike McKale shined in his first start since eighth grade going five innings and striking out six while allowing just one run on six hits without any walks. Matt Gallo added the finish touch in the final two innings with four punch-outs.
McKale had two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored to help his own cause.
Lead off man, Tim Houtman was on base four times with three hits and a run scored.
Matt Van Pelt scored from second on an RBI single by Zach Young who also scored two runs, including one off a Nick Santana sac fly to left. Tommy Lyons called a great game from behind the plate and gunned down a runner on an attempted steal of third,
Eric Pollock had two hits for Gold and pegged another runner at the plate with catcher Chris Ganley making the tag.
Jake Brown had two hits and Jason Marchetti and John Walsh each had a knock.
Mike Astrino made his 2011 pitching debut with a scoreless sixth.

Delco Junior Track Meet

The Annual Delco Junior Development Track will be held Saturday, June 11 at Strath Haven High School starting at 9 a.m. The meet is sponsored and directed by the Delco Road Runners Club and the Swarthmore Recreation Association.
There is no entry fee, and participants from all counties are welcome. Competition is held in two year age groups: 8 and under, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18 for boys and girls.
For more information e-mail the meet co-director, byronmundy@yahoo.com.