the Chronicle · 10 the Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn., Wednesday, November 8, 2017 By MIKE SYPHER...
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10 the Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn., Wednesday, November 8, 2017 By MIKE SYPHER Chronicle Sports Editor It’s just another day at the beach for Meg Verizzi when she contributes during prac- tice sessions and matches with her Lyman Memorial girls volleyball squad. And Kobe Stigler lists his field vision and his ability to ‘wiggle’ as two of his biggest strengths when he competes for his E.O. Smith football program. Time spent by the shore and focusing on the wiggle have helped Verizzi and Stigler find their respective ways onto Page 10 of today’s edition of the Chronicle as our selections as female and male athletes of the week. Verizzi is a senior setter and right-side attacker for the No. 7-ranked volleyball team in the state as the sec- ond-seeded Bulldogs (20-2) embark on what they hope will turn out to be an extend- ed run in the CIAC Class S state tournament tonight when they host No. 18 Notre Dame-Fairfield at 6 p.m. in Lebanon. Stigler, a junior running back and secondary man on an E.O. Smith squad that has posted a 5-3 over- all record entering Saturday afternoon’s 1 p.m. game at Hartford Public, has provid- ed his Panthers (1-2 Central Connecticut Conference Division II East) with a spark on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Verizzi began playing vol- leyball as a fifth-grader for her recreation camp squad and continued throughout middle school where she honed her burgeoning skills while attending then-Lyman Memorial coach Marty Gomez’s summer camps. And Verizzi’s high school career took off after she spent many a summer day play- ing beach volleyball with fel- low Lyman Memorial senior Leah Vichas for the past two years. “Over the course of the season, our sophomore set- ter [Indigo Hevner] has been able to develop, enabling us to run a 6-2 [system],” said Verizzi “My sophomore year I was exclusively a right-side hit- ter and my junior year I was both a setter and opposite hitter. The 6-2 was extremely effective last year and we are excited to be able to continue with it this year. “Being a setter has taught me to be a vocal leader on the court and has also taught me to work to keep the team’s energy up.” “Also, by playing beach volleyball with my partner, Leah Vichas, for the past two years, I have improved my ball control and learned to hit more effective spots … two skills which have proven cru- cial indoors as well,” added Verizzi. First-year Lyman Memorial head coach Amanda Nappi, Gomez’s assistant for five seasons who helped guide the Bulldogs to the Class S state title last fall, lists Verizzi’s work ethic and versatility as two of the traits that translate into personal and team-wide success. “Meg started off this sea- son as a 6-rotation setter and, as the result of some injuries and illnesses on the team, has recently stepped up as a hit- ter and passer as well,” said Nappi. “This change has been reflective of her career at Lyman Memorial — although she has spent all four years as a setter in some capac- ity, Meg is one of the team’s best ball-control players and is capable of playing almost any position on the court at a high level.” Verizzi earned MVP hon- ors last Thursday night as her Bulldogs captured the Eastern Connecticut Conference Division II tournament title with a 3-game sweep of Waterford in the champion- ship match. Verizzi dished off 21 assists, collected nine digs and slammed home six kills as the Bulldogs prevailed by a 25-13, 25-18, 25-12 mar- gin. For the season, Verizzi has accumulated third-best totals on the team in aces (47) and digs (112), slammed home 56 kills and leads the Bulldogs in assists (519). For her career, Verizzi is looking to reach 1,000 assists tonight in the first-round state tourney match against Notre Dame — she currently has 987 — and has accumu- lated 419 digs, 127 aces and 97 kills. “There are players out there who might have more natural ability and there are plenty who are taller — Meg might be 5-3 … on a good day — but there aren’t many that out-work her,” said Nappi. “The best thing about her work ethic is that she’s not driven by a desire for indi- vidual success or accolades, but by her passion for volley- ball and her love of playing and competing. She’s a great teammate, a leader on the court and a true role model for younger players.” And now we move on to the ‘wiggle’ portion of our story … Stigler has wiggled and raced and cut back and jumped to some solid offen- sive numbers for his Panthers, racking up 703 rushing yards on 87 carries (8.1 yards per attempt) and finding the end zone seven times. The 5-11, 180-pound Stigler has also hauled in 10 pass receptions for 174 yards and another score for the Panthers. The genesis for the ‘wig- gle’, Stigler’s signature move, took root in the Willimantic Youth Football League 10 years ago. “I started playing for Willimantic, the Blue Tornadoes, when I was 8- years-old,” said Stigler. “Football is not for every- body, but I’ve always loved it. Plus, I have been playing with the same crew my whole life. “I am a running back and a safety. This year is cool because the ball is in my hands more and I feel like I can contribute more to the team.” And his notable strengths? “My field vision and my wiggle,” said Stigler. That wiggle has translat- ed into some fine defensive work by Stigler in the second- ary with a 43-yard intercep- tion return for a touchdown punctuating E.O. Smith’s 38- 7 victory over CCC Division II East rival Farmington last Friday night. Stigler also contributed a pick-6 in a 28-21 loss to Windsor back on September 29, taking it to the house from 45 yards out. “Kobe’s role with us is as a play-maker and a leader,” said third-year E.O. Smith coach James Kelly. “He worked hard in the off- season and it has helped our team become more danger- ous. He started some at safety on defense as a freshman and evolved more offensively the past couple of years. Working with an upperclassman like Isaiah Rivera has helped him a lot as well.” For your latest LOCAL High School & College scores online at theChronicle.com 383 Trumbull Hwy / Rte 87, Lebanon, CT • Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week • Take-Out & Delivery Call: 860.456.7663 • www.logcabinct.com PROUDLY HONORS ATHLETES of the WEEK Kobe Stigler Football, E.O. Smith Meg Verizzi Volleyball, Lyman Memorial “Meg treats every single contact with the ball as important, whether she’s peppering with a partner, participating in a drill in practice or competing in a match. She gives the same effort and hustle, day-in and day-out, and that’s why she has developed into the excellent all-around player she is.” — Lyman Memorial coach Amanda Nappi E.O. SMITH’S KOBE STIGLER LYMAN MEMORIAL’S MEG VERIZZI Roxanne Pandolfi | Staff Junior running back Kobe Stigler and his E.O. Smith football Panthers have carved out a 5-3 overall record this season heading into Saturday’s road game at Hartford Public. Thomas J. Nanos | Special to the Chronicle Senior Meg Verizzi and her Lyman Memorial girls volleyball squad recently clinched the Eastern Connecticut Conference Division II tournament title and the Bulldogs currently are ranked No. 7 in the latest state coaches poll. For the Best LOCAL Game Coverage the Chronicle “We knew Kobe would have a huge impact on our program as a freshman because of his athleticism along with his will to win and desire to get better. His strengths are his field vision and speed on the field. Off the field he is a good student and a kid that others like to be around. He’s a leader for us, especially the underclassmen.” — E.O. Smith coach James Kelly Lasto Congratulations to: Meg Verizzi of Lyman Memorial Kobe Stigler of E.O. Smith Go Bulldogs! Go Panthers! Peter Leeds 860-377-4433 “Not Just The Sports Guy” “The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.” Juma Ikangaa, winner of the 1989 New York City Marathon the Chronicle AS SEEN IN
Transcript of the Chronicle · 10 the Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn., Wednesday, November 8, 2017 By MIKE SYPHER...
10 the Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn., Wednesday, November 8, 2017
By MIKE SYPHERChronicle Sports Editor
It’s just another day at the beach for Meg Verizzi when she contributes during prac-tice sessions and matches with her Lyman Memorial girls volleyball squad.
And Kobe Stigler lists his field vision and his ability to ‘wiggle’ as two of his biggest strengths when he competes for his E.O. Smith football program.
Time spent by the shore and focusing on the wiggle have helped Verizzi and Stigler find their respective ways onto Page 10 of today’s edition of the Chronicle as our selections as female and male athletes of the week.
Verizzi is a senior setter and right-side attacker for the No. 7-ranked volleyball team in the state as the sec-ond-seeded Bulldogs (20-2) embark on what they hope will turn out to be an extend-ed run in the CIAC Class S state tournament tonight when they host No. 18 Notre Dame-Fairfield at 6 p.m. in Lebanon.
Stigler, a junior running back and secondary man on an E.O. Smith squad that has posted a 5-3 over-all record entering Saturday afternoon’s 1 p.m. game at Hartford Public, has provid-ed his Panthers (1-2 Central Connecticut Conference Division II East) with a spark on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
Verizzi began playing vol-leyball as a fifth-grader for her recreation camp squad and continued throughout middle school where she honed her burgeoning skills while attending then-Lyman Memorial coach Marty Gomez’s summer camps.
And Verizzi’s high school career took off after she spent many a summer day play-ing beach volleyball with fel-low Lyman Memorial senior
Leah Vichas for the past two years.
“Over the course of the season, our sophomore set-ter [Indigo Hevner] has been able to develop, enabling us to run a 6-2 [system],” said Verizzi
“My sophomore year I was exclusively a right-side hit-ter and my junior year I was both a setter and opposite hitter. The 6-2 was extremely effective last year and we are excited to be able to continue with it this year.
“Being a setter has taught me to be a vocal leader on the court and has also taught me to work to keep the team’s energy up.”
“Also, by playing beach volleyball with my partner, Leah Vichas, for the past two years, I have improved my ball control and learned to hit more effective spots … two skills which have proven cru-cial indoors as well,” added Verizzi.
First-year Lyman Memorial head coach Amanda Nappi,
Gomez’s assistant for five seasons who helped guide the Bulldogs to the Class S state title last fall, lists Verizzi’s work ethic and versatility as two of the traits that translate into personal and team-wide success.
“Meg started off this sea-son as a 6-rotation setter and, as the result of some injuries and illnesses on the team, has recently stepped up as a hit-ter and passer as well,” said Nappi.
“This change has been reflective of her career at Lyman Memorial — although she has spent all four years as a setter in some capac-ity, Meg is one of the team’s best ball-control players and is capable of playing almost any position on the court at a high level.”
Verizzi earned MVP hon-ors last Thursday night as her Bulldogs captured the Eastern Connecticut Conference Division II tournament title with a 3-game sweep of Waterford in the champion-ship match.
Verizzi dished off 21 assists, collected nine digs and slammed home six kills as the Bulldogs prevailed by a 25-13, 25-18, 25-12 mar-gin.
For the season, Verizzi has accumulated third-best totals on the team in aces (47) and digs (112), slammed home 56 kills and leads the Bulldogs in assists (519).
For her career, Verizzi is looking to reach 1,000 assists tonight in the first-round state tourney match against Notre Dame — she currently has 987 — and has accumu-lated 419 digs, 127 aces and 97 kills.
“There are players out there who might have more natural ability and there are plenty who are taller — Meg might be 5-3 … on a good day — but there aren’t many that out-work her,” said Nappi.
“The best thing about her work ethic is that she’s not driven by a desire for indi-vidual success or accolades, but by her passion for volley-ball and her love of playing and competing. She’s a great teammate, a leader on the court and a true role model for younger players.”
And now we move on to the ‘wiggle’ portion of our story …
Stigler has wiggled and raced and cut back and jumped to some solid offen-sive numbers for his Panthers, racking up 703 rushing yards on 87 carries (8.1 yards per attempt) and finding the end zone seven times.
The 5-11, 180-pound Stigler has also hauled in 10 pass receptions for 174 yards and another score for the Panthers.
The genesis for the ‘wig-gle’, Stigler’s signature move, took root in the Willimantic Youth Football League 10 years ago.
“I started playing for
Willimantic, the Blue Tornadoes, when I was 8-years-old,” said Stigler. “Football is not for every-body, but I’ve always loved it. Plus, I have been playing with the same crew my whole life.
“I am a running back and a safety. This year is cool because the ball is in my hands more and I feel like I can contribute more to the
team.”And his notable strengths?“My field vision and my
wiggle,” said Stigler.That wiggle has translat-
ed into some fine defensive work by Stigler in the second-ary with a 43-yard intercep-tion return for a touchdown punctuating E.O. Smith’s 38-7 victory over CCC Division II East rival Farmington last Friday night.
Stigler also contributed a pick-6 in a 28-21 loss to Windsor back on September 29, taking it to the house from 45 yards out.
“Kobe’s role with us is as a play-maker and a leader,” said third-year E.O. Smith coach James Kelly.
“He worked hard in the off-season and it has helped our team become more danger-ous. He started some at safety on defense as a freshman and
evolved more offensively the past couple of years. Working with an upperclassman like Isaiah Rivera has helped him a lot as well.”
For your latest localHigh School & college
scores online at
theChronicle.com
383 Trumbull Hwy / Rte 87, Lebanon, CT • Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a Week • Take-Out & Delivery Call: 860.456.7663 • www.logcabinct.com
PRouDLy HonoRs ATHLeTes of the Weekkobe stiglerFootball, e.o. smith
Meg VerizziVolleyball, Lyman Memorial
“Meg treats every single contact with the ball as important, whether she’s peppering with a partner, participating
in a drill in practice or competing in a match. She gives the same effort and hustle, day-in and day-out, and that’s why she has
developed into the excellent all-around player she is.” — Lyman Memorial coach Amanda Nappi
e.o. smith’s
KOBE STIGLER lyman memorial’s
mEG VERIZZI
Roxanne Pandolfi | StaffJunior running back Kobe Stigler and his E.O. Smith football Panthers have carved out a 5-3 overall record this season heading into Saturday’s road game at Hartford Public.
Thomas J. Nanos | Special to the ChronicleSenior Meg Verizzi and her Lyman Memorial girls volleyball squad recently clinched the Eastern Connecticut Conference Division II tournament title and the Bulldogs currently are ranked No. 7 in the latest state coaches poll.
For the Best localGame coverage
the Chronicle
“We knew Kobe would have a huge impact on our program as a freshman because
of his athleticism along with his will to win and desire to get better. His strengths are
his field vision and speed on the field. Off the field he is a good student and a kid that others like to be around. He’s a leader
for us, especially the underclassmen.” — E.O. Smith coach James Kelly
D A R T M O U T H , Massachusetts — Freshman Megan Lasto won three indi-vidual events, teamed with her two sisters and junior Amber Albe on the victori-ous 200 medley relay and also took home a second-place finish on Saturday at the Louise Goodrum Invitational, hosted by the
University of Massachusetts Invitational and the Tripp Athletic Center.
In the non-scoring meet, Megan Lasto claimed the 50 (28.84) and 100 butterfly (1:03.79), the 100 individual medley (1:06.93) and also swam the anchor on the 200 medley relay (2:04.73).
She was also second in the
100 breaststroke (1:14.68).Twin sister Maggie cap-
tured the 200 freestyle, was second in both the 100 back-stroke and 500 freestyle and swam the third leg of the winning relay.
Junior Mollee Lasto, the team’s 2-time MVP, was sec-ond in the 50 backstroke and swam the opening leg of the
winning relay.In addition to swimming
the second leg of the relay, Albe swam to third place in the 50 breaststroke.
Junior Hayley Mangan was third in the 50 and 100 but-terfly for the Warriors.
Saturday’s performance earned Lasto the swimmer of the week and rookie swim-
mer of the week honors in the Little East Conference, the second time she has been cited by the league this sea-son.
Eastern hosts Western Connecticut State University on Friday at 6 p.m. and travels to face Rhode Island College Saturday at 1 p.m. at Bryant University.
Lastoswimsto LECaward
Congratulations to:Meg Verizzi of Lyman Memorial
Kobe Stigler of E.O. SmithGo Bulldogs! Go Panthers!
Peter Leeds 860-377-4433“Not Just The Sports Guy”
“The will to win means nothing without the will to prepare.”
Juma Ikangaa, winner of the 1989 New York City Marathon
the ChronicleAs seen In
