Enfield Edition Oct 4 2011

The Sports DepartmentEnfield • East Windsor • Somers • Stafford

Also Serving Ellington • South Windsor • Tolland • Vernon Enfield Edition October 4 - 17, 2011

Inside The Sports Department

FREESubscription

See “O’Brien”, Page 15

Go to www.thesportsdept.com and become an I-Member

Former East Windsor Grad Finds Home With Vandals

By Steve SmithThe Sports Department

East Windsor native and former EWHS soc-cer standout Ashley O'Brien was recently given the opportunity to help collegiate soccer players make their mark on the game when she was hired as an assistant coach for the University of Idaho's Women's Soccer Team. O'Brien graduated from EWHS in 2005, and then played at UConn until 2009, before heading to the University of San Francisco and getting her masters degree in sports management and play-ing for the Dons. She earned an All-West Coast Conference honorable mention and an NSCAA Second-Team All-West Region pick between 2009 and 2010. She appeared in 37 games with 36 starts for the Dons in her two seasons. O’Brien also lettered in indoor and outdoor track and field at both UConn and USF. She left the latter as the school's record-holder in the 800m with a best of 2:09.44. She also played with the Bay Area Breeze of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) in Dublin, California. O'Brien had some setbacks in her playing career, dealing with ACL issues since her early years at UConn, where she had to become a red-shirt twice. She has endured seven knee surgeries in that span, and said the transfer to San Francisco is what helped her gain more play-ing time “I think transferring from UConn was a good choice for me,” she said, “just because of the

competitive nature. They were a top Division I school when I went there. It was super-competive, and my body was just really work down from the training and the ex-pectations. San Fran-cisco was a better fit for what I could accomplish with my knees at that point.” O'Brien almost transferred from East Windsor, but for a very different reason. “We were never very strong in soccer at East Windsor,” she said. “It was a struggle, playing-wise. There was one point where I wanted to go to East Catholic and play there. But, I stuck through it, and I think it taught me about patience and getting every-one to try their best.” Coach Peter Showler, a native of Newcastle,

Courtesy of: University of Idaho

Jon Buzby gives parents and coaches a midseason checklist. See Page 3.

See results and photos from the Cider Mill 5K on page 13.

It’s A Free-For-All...

It’s mad scramble in front of the net during a middle school field hockey game between Timothy Edwards (South Windsor) and Mabel B Avery (Somers). See more middle school sports photos on page 12. Photo by Ted Rudulph, The Sports Department.

October 4-17, 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.

The Sports Department assumes no respon-sibility for unsolicated material or reproductions made by advertisers.

The Sports Department

“Support Coverage Of Local Youth Sports...Become A Sports Department Sponsor Today!” Call 860-872-0TSD (0873)

The Sports DepartmentP.O. Box 746, Ellington, CT 06029

860-872-0TSD (0873) • 860-614-5866 • thesportsdept.comPublisher: Kevin Hayes • [email protected]

Editor: Brendan FahertyProduction Manager: Patty Hunter

Contributing Writers: Jon Buzby • Tom Ainsworth • Steve SmithReid L. Walmark • Damian Frasinelli • Nate Owen • Steve Krajewski

David Heuschkel • Amy Locandro • Tim Larew • Erin QuinlanRobert Tedford • Brendon Willis • Katy Sprout • Katie Powers

Steve Krajewski • Matt Lebel • Ryan Kane • Bruce Watt • Mike Bidwell Jennifer Charette • Melissa Green-Maltese

Photography: Steve Palmer • Andre Dumais • Rich Tanguay Bernie Sheridan • Sherrene Wells • Alan Bastarache • Robert Pospisil

Steve Smith • Andre Garant

WIN A SPORTS DEPARTMENT T-SHIRT AND BE ENTERED INTO A BOSTON

CELTICS TICKET RAFFLE!

With the leaves turning and the air growing colder, the sights and sounds of football fill the local fields and our living rooms. So the October Trivia Question is from the NFL. Q - Which was the first Wild Card team to win the Super Bowl? A. Patriots; B. Ravens; C. Raiders; D. Giants

SUBWAYSANDWICH

SHOPS

This is only a partial listing of pick-up spots. To see all

250+ locations, please visit

www.thesportsdept.com

Look At All The Places You Can Find US!

You may cast your vote at www.TheSportsDept.com. Drawing will be held on October 29th and winner will be announced in our November 1st edition. All correct entries will be entered into a drawing for a pair of tickets to see the Bos-ton Celtics play at TD Garden during the 2011-12 season. Ticket drawing will be held on Dec. 31.

Winner!to Jennifer Bellino of Mansfield who is the winner of TheSportsDe-partment.com Trivia Question for September. Bellini, who picks up The Sports Department at Pastori's Restaurant in Ellington, correctly answered that Sparky Lyle and Mike Torres were the two pitchers that were teammates on the Yankees in 1977 and them opponents in the classic 1978 AL East Playoff game between the Red Sox and Yankees. All correct answers from the Sep-tember contest will be entered into a Grand Prize Drawing for a pair of tickets to see the Boston Celtics play this season - and hopefully there will be a season this year!

Congratulations

Be sure to enter our October Trivia contest right now on

www.TheSportsDept.com.

Jennifer Bellino

October 4-17, 2011 3The Sports Department


Now Is The Time For A Midway ChecklistBy Jon BuzbyThe Sports Department

It’s the halfway point for most fall youth sports leagues. It’s also time for coach-es to grade themselves, and for parents to also make sure their child is getting what they hoped back in September when the first practice took place.

Coaches Ask yourself, has every player tried every position if they so choose? Re-member, our job as youth coaches isn’t to groom the next varsity goalkeeper, but rather to make sure every kid who wants a chance to play a position gets an opportunity. That might also mean “making” some-one play because it’s his or her turn. I’ve coached teams where nobody wanted to play goalie, so we agreed as a team that everyone would until someone decided he really liked it (which didn’t take long). However, there are also instances when you shouldn’t play someone in a position. It’s dangerous for a child who still can’t catch to play first base, or

someone with poor reflexes to stand in goal. But it’s important to explain to the parents why he isn’t getting the chance to play a very active and popular posi-tion. Are your parents generally happy? Sure, my guess is some dad wants his kid to play more, or more often, in a different position. It wouldn’t be youth sports if that wasn’t the case. But over-all, are your parents happy? Sometimes a midseason survey is a good idea. It gives parents a chance to voice their opinion. And although you might not listen to every one of them, at least you’ll get a feel for the job you are doing. The same can be said of your players. Depending on the age, you might want to get their thoughts. You can do this ei-ther verbally in a post-practice huddle or more formally in writing. It doesn’t have to be extensive, but if every player is complaining that a certain drill is boring, maybe you should find a new one.

Parents If you are frustrated about something, it’s time to talk to the coach. Again, there are no guarantees the child will listen, but he or she can’t change it if they are not aware of it. If you aren’t happy with your child’s playing time, ask about it.

But remember, just because your kid is the best on the team (at least in your eyes), that doesn’t mean he or she is going to play more than everybody else. A good youth sports coach gives everyone a chance to play almost equal time. That’s one of the major purposes of youth sports.If you aren’t happy with how your child’s league is being run or how your child is being coached, maybe it’s time to look at other avenues before signing up for the next season. A more or less com-petitive league might be better suited for

your child (and you). Just make sure you consult with the most important person first — your child. And lastly, it’s probably time to regis-ter for that winter sport. Hopefully you haven’t missed the deadline.

Jon Buzby’s columns appear in newspa-pers and magazines around the country as well as numerous websites. Email your comments to [email protected].

October 4-17, 20114 Enfield

Nate OwenThe Sports Department

The Raiders haven taken to the air through the first three games, including an improbable 7-6 win over Stafford/East Windsor on Oct. 1 Down 6-0 with the last few seconds dwindling off the clock, Enfield quarterback Tony Romano connected with Adrian Crighton for a 38-yard score as time expired, and Anthony Trotta put the point after through the uprights to lift the Raiders to a huge win to improve to 2-1 on the season. The win was just another notch on Romano’s belt, who has been impressive thus far. “Tony Romano has done a really good job at quarterback for us,” Raiders head coach Jay Gaucher said. The senior

threw for 171 yards and three touchdowns in the season-opening 40-29 win over East Granby. “He’s done a really good job distributing the ball to the receivers,” Gaucher said of his quarterback. Romano’s top targets so far have been seniors Hugh Lindo II, Adrian Crichton, and junior Kyle Dab-row. The running game has been a work in progress, Gaucher said, while Enfield is looking to recapture their strong defensive play from the preseason. “We’re looking to get off the ball a little quicker and tackle better,” he said. “We were playing fast to the football in the preseason but since the regular season started, we’ve looked like we’re stuck in quick sand. Hopefully that aggressiveness will come back.”Field Hockey

The results aren’t there yet, but long time head coach Cookie Bromage is confident Enfield will turn things around after starting the year with a 0-5 record. “My kids are really young,” Bromage said. “They’ve had to step in and play a major role in the varsity games.” Sophomore Madison LaRusso has been a stalwart in net for the Raiders, finishing with 27 saves in a 5-0 loss to Avon last Tuesday. The team’s only senior, Leila Youssef, has played well, while sophomores Taylor Maier, Megan Evans, and Jenna Cla-vette have also been key contributors thus far. “It’s just a matter of them playing together as a unit and having confidence with each other,” Bromage said. “We’re hanging in there- we’re going to improve.”Girls Volleyball

The Raiders were 2-4 through their first six games of the season, including a tough 3-2 loss to cross-town rival Fermi on September 26. Junior Macy Peach and senior Erika Mott have been playing well for Enfield, head coach Albina M. Belisle said.“She’s been playing good de-fense in the back row,” Belisle said of Mott, while Peach has “really come around the last three games,” she said. “She’s learning to dominate the net.” Belisle said the Raiders are looking to improve their serve receive and work on their transition game.Girls Soccer

Sophomore Kory Wells goes up for the header against Avon. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphot-ography.com

NOW Accepting Patients atStar Hill Family Athletic Center - 100 Gerber Drive, Tolland, CT

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

NOW OPEN! Our NEW Office at: 53 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT

Last Second Heroics Puts Enfield Football At 2-1

Avery Boissy (16) cuts up the middle against Stafford/East Windsor in Enfield's thrilling 7-6 win.

Enfield is well on the way to surpassing its nine wins from a year ago, posting a 4-1-1 mark through the first six games of this season. Defense has been a strong suit for the Raiders, as they’ve allowed only five goals on the year to go along with three shutouts.Boys Soccer Goal scoring has been a problem for the Raiders, as they’ve scored five goals in six games this year, and have been shutout in three straight games entering Monday’s matchup with Ellington. Despite this, a win against the Knights would even their record, as they’re currently 2-3-1 on the season.

See more photos at www.TheSportsDept.com

October 4-17, 2011 5The Sports Department

Fourth Annual Josh Smialek 3-on-3 Tournament Features Exciting Hoops Action

Stafford High School was bustling with activity as hundreds showed up for the Fourth Annual Josh Smialek 3-on-3 bas-ketball tournament on Saturday, Sept. 24. The Tournament is held as benefit each year to remember Smialek, a former standout basketball player at Stafford High School who was killed in an automobile accident in 2008. Proceeds from the tour-nament are used to benefit the Stafford community through the Joshua R. Smialek Fund. This year's tournament featured a kids division, a women's tournament and open play. The "Three Amigos" team of Jared Rummel, Jake Nelson and Dylan Snay

captured the exciting kids division champi-onship. All three are from Stafford. The womens division was won by the team of Nicole Steullet (Stafford), Kayla Forino (East Windsor), and Brianna Heald (Stafford). The Men’s Open division was won by a a trio of local stars led by Stafford’s Hayden Palozej. Palozej, who finished a brilliant high school career as Stafford’s all-time leading scorer, teamed up with former Rockville High standout Tim Quinn and former Cov-entry star Jamie Kohn to win the champi-onship game in overtime.

The "Three Amigos" otherwise known as Jared Rummel, Jake Nel-son and Dylan Snay of Stafford won the Kids Division at the Fourth An-nual Josh Smialek 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Stafford High School. Courtesy of: Tracy Rummel

Jessica Blackwood of Enfield goes to the hoop in the Women's Division Semifinals.Stafford's Hayden

Palozej looks to make a move.

Stafford's Danielle Clark (with ball) and Kayla Forino of East Windsor square off in the championship game.

Nicole Steullet drives to the hoop as Jordan Hosey provides the defense.

October 4-17, 20116 Fermi


Fermi Field Hockey Could Contend In CCCBrendon WillisThe Sports Department

The Fermi field hockey team began the season 3-2 record. Head coach Amy Bartholomew said she thinks the team will be a contender for the rest of the season and hopes to continue strong performances in the CCC. Outstanding performers so far for Fermi have been Kerry Davis, Laura Chicorka, Brooke Wisnesky, and Danielle Laven-der.Volleyball Although the girls volleyball team has had a slow start, coach Alex Pyznar and the rest of the team continue to work toward

their goal of reaching the state tourna-ment. With three games against some top-level talent in the state to begin the season, Fer-mi has started off 1-5. However, the one win came against rival Enfield and was a confidence-booster as the girls strive for seven more wins and a state title birth.Seniors Lauren Barillari, Taylor Droney, Sara Charland, Melissa Urbon, Monika Kucharczyk and Adrianna Pliszka have all assumed their roles as upperclassmen leaders, and Pyznar said all have contrib-uted positively to team performance and spirit.Girls Soccer Fermi girls soccer coach Bob Evans

was disappointed by the start to this season, but not because of the girls’ record or effort. Injuries have caused key players to miss significant time on the field and it’s always tough to see injuries affect the outcome of games or a season. Even though the lineup has been switched around against some tough opponents, Evans said he thinks that players have filled in well. Captain Jill Crouse has helped the younger players develop quickly while Rae-Ann Brodeur has played everywhere as the team’s “go-to” utility option. The girls are focused on getting healthy and continuing to stay in con-tention in the league as they look to meet their state tournament aspira-tionsBoys Soccer With a 3-3-0 beginning to the sea-son, Fermi is in the hunt in the CCC. Coach Jim Russell said the Falcons have been in every game and just need to work on finishing – if the team can put some more shots into the back of the net they will be very successful. The defense is strong, led by cap-

tain and four-year starter in goal, Austin Davis. The other captains are Chris De-sautels and Kyle Kazukynas, who have been versatile and fostered an outstanding team attitude. Fermi hopes to be a con-tender for the conference title and certainly hopes to qualify for the state tournament.Football After a 3-7 season last year, Fermi is looking to improve in the CCC, but has had an 0-2 start to the 2011 season with losses at Middletown and against Bulke-ley. Coach Bill Beeler plans to be a league contender because the team has “the personnel in the right place.” An exciting side story is the Division I in-terest generated by senior tackle Dylan Arthurs, who is the top lineman in the league. Other key players are Joe Vella, Trey Duggan, Jack Kelly, Cody Brown, and Dylan Robbins.Football After a 3-7 season last year, Fermi is looking to improve in the CCC, but has started 0-3

this season with losses at Middletown, Bulkeley and a 48-0 loss to Wethersfield on Oct. 1. Coach Bill Beeler plans to be a league contender because the team has “the personnel in the right place.” An excit-ing side story is the D1 interest generated by senior tackle Dylan Arthurs, who is the top lineman in the league. Other key players are Joe Vella, Trey Duggan, Jack Kelly, Cody Brown, and Dylan Robbins.

Sam Delconte serves for Fermi. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Depart-ment, www.stevepalmerphot-ography.com

Lauren Barillari (left) saves the ball as Melissa Urbon looks on. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotography.com


October 4-17, 2011 7Enfield

Student Athlete of the MonthFermi

Plaques for the Student Athlete of The Month are courtesy of Awards and More, 492 Enfield Street, Enfield.


Michael CanneyAgency Principal

Canney Insurance Agency, LLCAllstate Insurance Company

420 En�eld StreetEn�eld, CT 06082Fax 860-741-7592

54 Hartford TurnpikeVernon, CT 06066

O�ce [email protected]

Austin DavisSoccer

Nickname: “Keeper”Accomplishments: Chemistry Award; Spanish Award; St. Michael’s Book Award/Scholarship; All Academic All Conference; CAPT Excellence Award; School Records: Most saves in a single game (28) and most shutouts in a season (8); President of National Honor SocietyGPA: 12.38 (or 4.13 on a 4.0 scale)Other sports: Varsity VolleyballHow do you prepare for a game: First I have the trainer wrap my wrists. Then I listen to my iPod to get mentally ready for the game followed by stretching and some simple warm-up drills.Thoughts on the season: I think our team is very good and I expect great things out of this season.Toughest team to play against: E.O. SmithFavorite sports memory: Winning the Connecticut Cup with my travel team at age 12.Favorite memory of high school: Breaking the school record for most saves in a game when we beat Daniel Hand in the second round of the state tournament for the second year in a row.Role model or inspirational person in your life: David De Gea, the current goalkeeper for Manchester United.Most embarrassing moment: When I spiked a volleyball into a girl’s face dur-ing gym class.Toughest challenge I’ve overcome: My lack of time management skills.

Favorite athlete: Oliver Kahn, legendary German goalkeeper.Most famous (or near famous) person I ever met: Dick VitalePerson I’d like most to meet: Matt DamonFavorite way to relax: Playing video games.Favorite class: ChemistryFavorite snack food: Popcorn ChickenFavorite band: Dream TheaterFavorite restaurant: Olive GardenRed Sox or Yankees: Neither. New York Mets.Favorite movie: Horrible BossesFavorite television show: The Big Bang TheoryPlans after high school: Play soccer in college and major in engineering or computer sciences.

Radio City Music Hall Bus Trip In NovemberEnfield Parks and Recreation

By Alison Alberghini-DurlerThe Sports Department

The Enfield Recreation Department play group is back for the new school year! This program is a great chance for you and your child to meet other families in Enfield and share experiences and secrets of raising children. Your child will be able to explore and play with educational toys and games while moms, dads or caregiv-ers have a chance to talk. Play group is an ongoing program, so registration is NOT necessary, however you must be an Enfield resident to participate. Please note that a participant waiver must be on file with the instructor which can be filled out the first day you attend. Playgroup is held at the Angelo Lamagna Activity Center in the Gym on Wednesdays, October 5, 2011 – June 6, 2012 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. For more information contact the Enfield Recreation Department at 860-253-6420.

Enfield Youth Basketball League The Enfield Recreation Department is accepting applications for the Enfield Youth Basketball League starting Fri-day, September 30, 2011. The program is open to youth in grades 3 - 12 who are Enfield residents. Teams have one weeknight practice and a weekend game. Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 14th at 5:00 PM except for the High School Leagues which have a later deadline of Friday, December 2nd. Online registration is also available. Information on the boys and girls 1 & 2 grade instruc-tional program will be sent home through the schools in November. For complete program information visit the Town website at www.enfield-ct.gov or call the Recre-ation office at 860.253.6420.

Springfield Falcons Game Tickets The Enfield Recreation Department will be selling discounted home game tickets for the Springfield Falcons 2011-2012 hockey season. For more information call the Recreation office at 860-253-6420. For

a complete schedule of home games visit the Springfield Falcons website at www.springfieldfalcons.com . Tickets are lim-ited, don’t delay! Fee is $13per voucher, cash is the only accepted form of payment for tickets. For more information contact the Enfield Recreation Department at 860-253-6420 or more information or visit us on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov.

Radio City Hall “Chrimstmas Spectacu-lar” Bus Trip The Enfield Recreation Department will be hosting a trip to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular show in NYC on Saturday, November 12, 2011. The show, starring the world famous Rockettes is an unparalleled show featuring the Rock-ettes signature high kicks and precision choreography in multiple show stopping numbers. Families will be delighted and touched as they experience the meaning of the holiday. The Christmas Show is at 10 a.m. so you will have plenty of time for sightseeing, shopping and lunch after the show. Trip includes round trip motorcoach transportation, orchestra seat ticket for the Christmas Spectacular Show, and leisure time in New York City to do as you please after the show. Bus departs Enfield Town Hall parking lot at 6:30 a.m. and Departs New York City at 5 p.m. Fee is $98 per person. For more information or to register contact the Enfield Recreation Department at 860-253-6420 or visit us on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov. Don’t delay for spaces are very limited and are filling quickly!

Swim Lessons at JFK Middle School Pool The Enfield Recreation Department offer-ing swim lessons at the John F. Kennedy Middle School pool on Saturday’s. Morn-ing and afternoon lessons are available. Waterbabies, preschool, youth and adult lessons are being offered during this time. For more information contact the Enfield Recreation Department at 860-253-6420 or visit us on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov .

Open Gym Volleyball A program designed for recreational play will be held at the Eli Whitney School Gym. There is no league play during open gym. Pick-up games are arranged amongst the participants. Proof of age and residency is required. Participants must have informa-tion form and waiver on file at the gym to participate. Forms may be filled out the first night you attend. There is no volleyball when the school is closed. Please note

that if the gym gets over crowded, resi-dents will get first priority to play. Program is held Wednesdays, October 5 – No-vember 30 (no program on 11/23) from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Daily fees do apply. For more information contact the Enfield Recreation Department at 860-253-6420 or visit us on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov .

Adult Open Gym Basketball The Enfield Recreation Department hosts 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. Please note that if the gym gets over crowded, residents will get first priority to play. Daily fee’s do apply. For a complete list of program loca-tions, dates and times contact the Recre-ation Department at 860-253-6420 or visit us on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov.

Youth Programs The Enfield Recreation Department is of-fering a variety of programs for Youth this fall. Offerings include Babysitter Training, Ice Skating, Zumbatomic, Dance, Gym-nastics, Martial Arts, Swim Lessons and more. For complete information on any of these programs contact the Enfield Rec-reation Department at 860-253-6420 or visit us on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov . Class offerings are dependent upon suf-ficient registration so if you are interested, please register early.

Dolphins Swim Team The Enfield Dolphins Swim Team is com-ing soon! The season runs from October to the middle of February. New swim-mers must try-out for the team. Interested swimmers are required to have passed beginner swim levels. Returning swimmers should NOT attend the tryout night and should register directly with the Recre-ation Department via website, mail or in person at the Recreation office. Returning swimmers can register beginning Septem-ber 9th. Tryouts for new swimmers are scheduled for Thursday, October 6, 2011, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Fermi High School pool. Fee for residents is $150.00 and non-resident fee is $187.50. In addition to the program fee the Dolphins Swim Team Parents Association collects a small fee. For more information, contact the Enfield Recreation Department at 860-253-6420 or visit us on the web at www.enfield-ct.gov .

October 4-17, 20118 The Sports Department

This Edition’s Reader Submitted Photos Feature Rockville High Boys Soccer

TheSportsDept.com encourages all of our readers to submit photos they would like to see online and in print. This week's set of photos was sent by Johnnie John-son of Vernon who took some great shots at a recent Rockville High boys soccer game vs. E.O. Smith-Storrs. To send photos or story ideas to us, simply click the "News Tip" or "Coaches, Submit Game Scores" buttons on the home page. You may upload up to 10 photos per event! Submissions will be included online in one of our featured gal-leries as well as in The Sports Department print version.

The Rockville High boys soccer team takes to the field for a CCC East matchup with perennial power E.O. Smith-Storrs. Photo by: Johnnie Johnson, Special to The Sports Department

Rockville sophomore goalie Dan Hansen (back red), freshman Andrew Forman (3) and junior Connor McCullough (24) prepare to defend an E.O. Smith corner kick. Photo by: Johnnie Johnson, Special to The Sports Department

Freshman Tyler Johnson dribbles past a defender during Rockville's CCC East game vs. E.O. Smith-Storrs. Photo by: Johnnie Johnson, Special to The Sports DepartmentTyler Jones lets it fly on goal vs. RHAM. Photo by:

Johnnie Johnson, Special to The Sports Department

October 4-17, 2011 9Stafford

Stafford Better, Not SatisfiedNate OwenThe Sports Department

It took just four games for the Bulldogs boys soccer team to double their win total from last year. But head coach Rob Schadt isn’t about to let Stafford (2-3) sit back the rest of the season. “We can’t be satisfied with where we’re at right now,” he said. “We still have to go out like any other team and earn a victory.”Senior defender Kyle Pallanck has been one of the Bulldogs’ steadiest players in the early going. “He brings a great effort in every game,” Schadt said. “Hopefully his attitude and approach rubs off on some of the other players so they give their best effort every game. We’ve been a little inconsistent with that.” Center midfielders Tucker Carlson and

Andrew Bachiochi have also played well.“We need to bring a more consistent ef-fort every game,” Schadt said. “We’re not good enough where we can afford to have lapses during the game.”

Girls Soccer Stafford split its first two games, collect-ing wins against Sport and Medical Sci-ences Academy and East Windsor before losing to Ellington last week to drop to 2-4. Stafford travels to Canton this Wednesday, the first of three straight road games for the Bulldogs.

Field Hockey A record 35 players showed up for the Stafford field hockey team this year, and that depth has allowed the Bulldog (2-3) to be competitive in the early going.“We lost 1-0 to Avon and that’s a team

that’s been beating teams seven or eight to nothing,” Stafford head coach Elaine Boldi said of the Bulldogs’ opening day loss to one of the NCCC’s top teams. Senior goalie Sam Bassett made 28 saves in the loss to Avon after

serving as a backup last year. Senior Tori Utter and junior Alicia Morgan have also played well for Stafford. Stafford will look to gen-erate more offense as the season pro-gresses. “We need to improve our scoring; once we get in the circle we have to be more ag-gressive,” Boldi said.

Cross Country There are six runners on the Stafford girls cross country team. None of them had any experience entering this year. That hasn’t held them back, as head coach Mark Dunn said each of them is working hard and has improved as through the season. The Bulldogs roster consists of four freshmen (Hannah Wood, Erica Lawlor, Anna Smith and Onie Tumel), a junior (Kelsey Heavener) and a senior (Shaina Wilson). Wilson was a member of both the indoor and outdoor track teams, and has taken on a leadership role, Dunn said. The boys team consists of 13 runners, led by seniors Tom Maynard, Charles Cormier and Lou Arruda. Maynard and Cormier are veterans of the program, while

Stafford's Lou Arruda dusts the competition during a meet. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotogra-phy.com

Stafford's Marita Brothers tries to split Somers' defenders Katie Faulthrop and Dominique Hebert. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmer-photography.com Arruda is new this year, Dunn said. Fresh-

man Matt Moore has also been a consis-tent performer, according to Dunn. “Everyone’s been running faster times,” Dunn said.

Football The Bulldogs are 0-2 entering last week-end after losing to Avon opening day and dropping a 22-15 decision to Housatonic/Wamogo. Zach Rollins scored Stafford’s only touchdown against Avon on a 65-yard run.


October 4-17, 201110 Golf


Send Us Your Golf News And Tournament Information!

email us at [email protected]

Upcoming Golf Tournaments

Golf pagE

Indian Valley YMCA's Annual Tournament A

Huge Success The 11th Annual Indian Valley YMCA golf tournament was held on Sept 16th with a full field at Rolling Meadows Country Club in Ellington. The tournament, which benefits the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign, raised more than $6,000 which will be used to help fund camp tuition and various YMCA programs which benefit underprivileged youth and families in the area. Ellington's Paul Murphy lets it

fly on the 10th hole at Rolling Meadows CC during the 11th Annual Indian Valley YMCA Golf Tournament. Courtesy of: Indian Valley YMCA

20th Annual Vernon Orioles Golf Tournament

Saturday, Oct 8 at Twin Hills CC in Coventry.Entry fee of $100 includes golf, cart, golf towel, team photo, lunch and dinner. Deadline for signups is Mon-day Oct 3. Tee times are given on a first come, first served basis. For more information please call Steve Krajewski at 860-870-3520

YMCA volunteer Brenda Sisco (right) of Ellington and Irene Mederios take a ride to the first tee at the annual YMCA golf tournament.

October 4-17, 2011 11Somers


SomerSStudent Athlete of the Month

Beginning in 2011, Awards & More in Enfield will provide commemorative plaques for The Sports Department Student Athletes of The Month.

Awards & More is located at 492 Enfield Street, Enfield.

Nickname: Kay, BonnieGPA: 9 (out of 12)Other sports: Basketball & Track and FieldHow do you prepare for a game: Listen to music and get my game face on with Katie Fawthrop.Thoughts on the season: I’m excited to see where this year can take us, I hope to make it to states again.Toughest team to play against: GranbyFavorite sports memory: Brownie fight on the bus with KatieRole model or inspirational person in your life: My grandma & my momToughest challenge I’ve overcome: playing with an injuryFavorite athletes: Luciana Aymar & Derek JeterMost famous (or near famous) person I ever met: Alfonso Riberio from Fresh PrincePerson I’d like most to meet: Bonnie LarityFavorite way to relax: Eating good food, and hanging out with friendsFavorite class: GymFavorite snack food: Nutty BarsFavorite band: Dave Matthews BandFavorite restaurant: On the Border

Red Sox or Yankees: Yankees all the way!Favorite movie: The BenchwarmersFavorite television show: Trauma: Life in the ER.Plans after high school: Play field hockey in college, and go into athletic training or physical therapy.

Kayla RenaudField Hockey

Somers Soccer Has Up And Down StartKate PowersThe Sports Department

After winning its first three games of the 2011 season, the Somers girls soccer team has dropped its last two to end the first month of the season. Despite the team’s overall success, it has already been set back by injuries, forcing several key players to sit out and recover and shifting the focus to the remaining, healthy players. In its 3-2 win over Bolton on September 20, Jacqueline O'Grady scored fours minutes into overtime to lift the Spartans to the win. Katherine Lavalle also found the back of the net twice. On the team's performance thus far, coach Lacafta claims that his team is “working well as a unit” and that, as each player gets comfortable with each other, the team is building stronger chemistry. Though the season is far from over, and more challenges lie ahead, Lacafta knows that the combination of chemistry and con-fidence, as well as the “positive attitude” displayed by his players, will be a driving force in his team’s continued success this season. The team's last two losses have have come against Suffield, 2-0 and Granby Memorial, 5-1. The Spartans play its next three games on the road.Boys Soccer The defending Class S champions started its title defense on the right foot,

outscoring its opponents 18-2 - including an 8-0 win over Bolton - as they jumped out to a 3-0 start on the season. The Spartans hit a bump in the road, losing back to back 1-0 games to both Suffield and Granby Memorial, before getting back on track with a 5-0 win over Windsor Locks on September 30. The shutout was goalie Alex Geas 32nd of his career, as he stopped six shots from Windsor Locks.Goal scorers in that game included Kyle Laires, Lorenzo Rolocut and Luke Alvaro. Don Whittle chipped in with two as-sists.Field Hockey The Somers field hockey team drop four straight games after winning its first game of the season and ended September with a 2-4 record. The team can rebound as they have a fa-vorable schedule with three straight home games to begin October.

Sami Pruden tries to find room in the open field. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotography.com

Kristin Stricker takes a shot for the Spartans. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotography.com

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. Draw-ing will be held on October 29th and winner will be an-nounced in our November 1st 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

Photo by Alan Bastarache, The Sports Department, www.bastarachephotos.com



TSD Local Digest

The Connecticut Wave AAU pro-gram will host a free Fundamentals Youth Basketball Clinic on Oct 16 at 1 p.m. at Nomads Adventure Quest in South Windsor. The clinic is open to all boys and girls in grades 5-8 and will include skills stations, shooting labs, team transition drills and 3-on-3 competitive play. Participation is limited to the first 75 players to sign up. All participants must have insurance under a parent and/or legal guardian • You do not need to have played for the CT Wave to participate FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:Mike Alves860-978-2697www.ctwve.net

Middle School Sports Still Alive And Well

Despite a slew of budget cuts the past few years, some middle athletic programs are still alive and well. This week's photo essay spotlights some of the area teams as they competed in soccer and field hockey.

Marissa Bazzano of Timothy Edwards (5) gets off the shot as Meg Williams (12) of Mabel B Avery School in Somers defends.

Shaun Sharp of VCMS breaks upfield during a middle school boys soccer game vs. Tolland. Photos by:

Ted Rudolph, The Sports Department

Tia Lashway (23) of Mabel B Avery School in Somers rushes up to defend Jordyn Gat-tuso of Timothy Edwards (South Windsor) during a middle school field hockey game last week.

Becca Collins of Mabel B Avery (9) and Emily Guilmette of Timothy Edwards lock sticks dur-ing a middle school field hockey game in South WIndsor. Photo by: Ted Rudolph, The Sports Department

October 4-17, 2011 13Cider Mill 5K

sufferWhy

with shoulder pain?Let us help!

A new shoulder replacementprocedure offers hope for peoplesuffering from shoulder arthritis androtator cuff damage. The procedure,called Reverse ShoulderReplacement, has consistentlysucceeded where traditional shouldersurgeries have failed, providing painrelief, increased range of motion, and greater joint stability.

Dr. Randall Risinger ofHartford Orthopedic Surgeons isfellowship trained in orthopedicsports medicine, includingadvanced arthroscopic and openshoulder and knee repair

techniques. He has had great successin performing the FDA approvedReverse Shoulder procedure.

To learn more and arrange aconsultation, please call HartfordOrthopedic Surgeons at 860-525-4469.

Hartford Orthopedic Surgeons offers relief for chronic rotatorcuff problems & arthritis

www.htfdorthosurg.comOffice Locations

HARTFORD • SOUTH WINDSOR • ENFIELD • AVON

For appointments call 860.525.4469

John J. Mara, MDRobert W. McAllister, MD

John J. O’Brien, MDRandall J. Risinger, MD

Welcome Dr. Risinger!

Scenes From The Cider Mill 5K & Family Fun RunPhotos by Andre Garant

Members of the Tolland Travel Soccer Team dress up for the Cider Mill Mile Race! Tolland youngsters participate in the Kids Race.

The Cider Mile Race kicks off. Nicholas Migani of Griswold takes home the Cider Mill 5K title.

RESULTS1. Nicholas Migani - 16:27.7 - Griswold2. Adam Bulewich - 17:12.0 - Windsor3. Daniel Fields - 17:35.1 - Lebanon4. Brett Stoeffler - 17:53.4 - Tolland5. Kevin Vallez - 18:01.5 - Ellington6. Matthew Molski - 18:07.7 - New Haven7. Melissa Stellato - 18:33.6 - Windsor8. Surge Davis - 18:38.2 - Manchester9. Peter Lafontaine - 18:48.9 - Tolland10. Donna Kay-Ness - 19:28.2 - Somers11. Louis Free - 19:45.6 - Tolland12. Christopher Bradford - 19:59.4 - Tolland13. Chris Palko - 20:36.0 - Dayville14. Michael Beaton - 21:05.2 - Storrs Mansfield15. Frank Kenney - 21:05.8 - Tolland16. Mark Barile - 21:09.4 - Windsor Locks17. Joshua Bedard - 21:11.0 - Tolland18. Greg Miller - 21:11.8 - Tolland19. Micael Tubbs - 21:28.3 - Tolland20. Julia Sprout - 21:37.3 - Tolland21. Ryan Powers - 21:52.5 - Andover22. Bob Guzzo - 21:56.1 - Stafford Springs23. Katherine Deloreto - 22:00.6 - Tolland24. Jd Duckstein - 22:05.8 - Tolland25. Dave Mansher - 22:12.4 - Tolland

26. Michaela Caron - 22:26.4 - Tolland27. Tim Brown - 22:35.9 - Suffield28. Steve Paasch - 22:40.9 - Tolland29. James Janiak - 22:43.4 - Tolland30. Michael Johnson - 22:54.9 - Tolland31. Lori Thompson - 23:01.4 - Tolland32. Victoria Brocious - 23:03.6 - Tolland33. Donald Wolff - 23:11.3 - Tolland34. Kevin Wood - 23:13.8 - Tolland35. Bryce Kerecz - 23:15.5 - Tolland36. Caroline Lafleche - 23:23.7 - Tolland37. Hayley Collins - 23:25.5 - Tolland38. John Collins - 23:27.5 - Tolland39. Mark Molloy - 23:29.2 - East Hartford40. Steven Grinold - 23:31.8 - Tolland41. John Kerecz - 23:35.3 - Tolland42. Richard Chromik - 23:36.5 - Tolland43. Chase Hoffman - 23:37.1 - Tolland44. Tom Walsh - 23:41.4 - Wethersfield45. Ricky Perryman - 23:45.9 - Tolland46. Karen Caron - 23:48.1 - Tolland47. Ryan Angers - 23:59.4 - Tolland48. Jeannine Graham - 24:01.8 - Tolland49. Ryan Greenberg - 24:18.1 - Tolland50. Lisa Jenkins - 24:21.5 - Tolland

The 12th Annual Cider Mill Road Race and Fun Run was held in Tolland on Saturday. The Cider

Mill 5K & Family Fun Run is organized by a committee partnered by the Tolland Elementary

PTO, Tolland Middle School PTO, Tolland High School Booster Club and the Tolland

Recreation Department. All proceeds benefit these organizations and their efforts to promote physical fitness within the Tolland community.

October 4-17, 201114 Motorsports


Motorsports pagE

Posocco Earns Title Number Six At Stafford Speedway

It’s not exactly the way he would have drawn up the finish, but Stafford’s Ryan Posocco is the Late Model track cham-pion at Stafford Motor Speedway for a record sixth time. Posocco, who finished fifth behind Woody Pitkat in the Fall Final Late Model Feature at Stafford on Sunday, was disqualified from the Sunday race after track officials that he had used an illegal valve spring retainer on the car. The track announced a handful of penalties early Monday afternoon. Pitkat, of Stafford, also had his victory in the feature race nullified for the same infraction. Mark St Hillaire, who finished second in the Late Model feature on Sun-day and third place finisher Dillon Moltz were also disqualified for a different rules violations according to the track press release. Posocco and Pitkat were running 1-2 go-ing into the Fall Final so the dual disquali-fication meant a third track title in the past four years for Posocco. Pitkat’s lone track title came in 2006. In the Limited Late Model division, El-lington’s Kevin Gambacorta clinched his second career track championship. Gam-bacorta finished seventh behind Stafford’s Cory Casagrande in the Fall Final feature event on Saturday, but the finish was good enough to secure another title. Gamba-corta last won the LLM track championship in 2006.

Stafford's Ryan Posocco locked up his record sixth Late Model track championship at Stafford Motor Speedway on Sunday.

Tom Bolles (#76) of Ellington gets tangled up with Michael Gervais (Southbury) during the SK Modified feature event Sunday. Bolles went on to a fourth place finish, his best of the season.

Ryan Posocco clinched his record sixth Late Model track champi-onship at Stafford Speedway on Sunday

Dan Avery (#10) of Somers battles for position with Ellington's Tom Bolles (#76) and Todd Owen (#90) of Somers during the SK Modified Feature at Stafford Speedway.

SEE FINAL STANDINGS AT

SPORTSDEPT.COM

Kevin Gambacorta of Ellington wrapped up his second Limited Late Model track title at Stafford on Saturday afternoon. Courtesy of: Stafford Motor Speedway

Woody Pitkat (#88) took the lead on Lap 7 and never looked back on his way to a third consecutive Late Model Feature victory and sixth overall this season.

October 4-17, 2011 15East Windsor


WellsPHOTO GALLERY

“Capturing the Moment”

Specializing in:Sports Photography

Portraits Special Events

Visit us at www.Wellsphotogallery.com

England (who roots for Sunderland in the English Premiere League), said he hired O'Brien after a recommendation from a friend, Mark Carr – O'Brien's coach at USF. “We did a national search,” Showler said. “Mark contacted me and suggested that [O'Brien] might be worth pursuing. After her semi-pro season, she came up and worked soccer camp for us, and so she could see what Idaho was like.” “I was playing semi-pro in California for a WPL team,” O'Brien said. “I had been looking for a coaching job, and my coach at San Francisco knew of a coach at Idaho who had just had an assistant leave. He [Showler] got in touch with me and I flew up to Idaho, worked at a camp, and four days later I took the job.” Showler said O'Brien has been a tre-mendous addition to the program and is working out well since starting in late August – making adjustments to her new surroundings and a tougher travel. Even though she has had a fast learning curve, since she took the job just as the Vandals' season was starting. “The hard part with coming in late,” Showler said, “is getting to know the girls, and then finding out the systems and deal-

O’Brien Wants Defen-sive Minded Vandals

ing with travel, but she's assimilating pretty well. She's getting her feet under the table, and next year will be even easier for her.”O'Brien said Idaho has treated her well. She is primarily working with the team's defenders, as well as helping to run the team, on and off the field. She's also find-ing a way to get on the pitch herself, at least in practices. “Whatever Pete needs me to do,” she said. “I jump in and play with the girls sometimes.” UI's Assistant Asst. Media Relations Director Spencer Farrin said Idaho's soc-cer program has historically struggled, but is still relatively young, having begun in 1998. But, since Showler began there seven years ago, the team has steadily improved. “Two years ago, the team won 9 games, and was 14-7 last year,” Farrin said. “It was our best record in school history.”O'Brien said she is looking forward to the season ahead and helping the Vandals reach the post-season. “I think we have a good chance to really do well this season, in the conference,” O'Brien said. “Our goal is to win the WAC tournament and get to the NCAA tourna-ment, which the program has never done. We're setting our goals high.”

Ashley O'Brien gives some tips to her players. Courtesy of: University of Idaho

Continued from Page 1

Wins Giving East Windsor Confidence

East Windsor cross country has had its ups and downs, first losing to East Granby and Ellington in a tri meet. However, the team has improved; in a quad meet against Coventry, Somers, and Sport and Medical Sciences Academy, East Wind-sor beat SMSA 16 to 45 with one of its lead runners, Dan Guagni, finishing with a personal best time. The team received another confidence boost in a tri meet against Stafford and Windsor Locks, beat-ing both teams.

Girls Cross Country The girls team has had a tough start to their season, losing to Stafford, Ellington and Somers in three different meets.

Boys Soccer The Bull-dogs are 0-3, losing tough games to Suf-field, 7-0, and Granby, 8-0. In their third game, they fell just short in a heart-breaking loss to Wind-sor Locks, 3-2. Kevin Mocadlo has been the leader on offense, while Brian Perron

has helped to lead the team on defense as goalie.

Girls Soccer East Windsor has struggled so far, but found a strong offensive player in Abby Morin, who scored the lone goal for the Panthers during their loss to Stafford. Goalie Demitria Estrada has been the defensive leader, recording 21 saves in their 3-0 loss to Enfield.

Zach Ames heads the ball for the Panthers. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotography.com

East Windsor’s Zachary Hannon splits two SMSA defenders on his way upfield during an NCCC boys soccer game. Photo by: Steve Palmer, The Sports Department, www.stevepalmerphotography.com



540 Talcottville Rd, Vernon, CT - www.vernonpoolman.com

WITH THISCOUPON

3 minutesor less

168 Bridge St., East Windsor,Open 7 Days A Week, 7-7

860-623-0599Behind the Shell Gas Station next to Burger King

Exit 45 Off I-91

Documents

Enfield Edition Oct 4 2011