TheSportsDept.com Enfield/Suffield Edition January 2012

Inside The Sports Department

Who were the top players in our area? Check out our All-Area teams beginning on page 10.

Tautkus steps down as Ellington/Somers coach. See page 5.

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January 2013

ALWAYS

FREE!PRINT EDITION

TheSportsDept.Com

And Windsor Locks!Windsor Locks!!And thank you for inviting TheS-

portsDept.com –

Print Edition into your wonderful communities. Over the past year we have carefully examined potential com-

munities for expansion. In addition to the usual “business” related criteria we were also mindful of one most important thing:Passion. A passion for sports. A passion for stu-dent athletes and a passion for community.Like the other nine towns that we cover –

-onstrated unwavering passion for their sports, their kids and the community. And so here we are. Some of you may have seen TheSports-

Dept.com – Print Edition before, some have not. For those of you seeing us for

-ground: TheSportsDept.com, is a completely local and independently owned media company that is committed to one thing: Local Sports.

ago, we have grown from just two towns to a print and online coverage area which encompasses Ellington, Tolland, Vernon,

Somers, Stafford, Glastonbury and now

Whew! We are mail delivered to more than 42,000 households and businesses in our circulation area and we are committed to covering everything from high school sports to town recreation and travel pro-grams.

Splitting The “D”

Alexis Hurdle (24) of Windsor Locks splits the defense during a girls travel basketball game at Granby.

Kevin HayesPublisher

January 20132 The Sports Department

The Sports Department

: Patty Hunter

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.

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In short, no team will be left behind and we encourage our readers to send us news and notes about how their kids teams are doing. Photos are also always welcome! In addition to our award winning high school coverage, our lineup includes Little League Baseball and softball; travel soc-cer and youth football; cross country, track and cheerleading - to name a few. If your sport is in season, TheSportsD-

ept.com wants to hear from you.

basketball team recently win its league championship? Send us a team photo. Did someone from the local Little League throw a no-hitter or hit two home runs in a game? TheSportsDept.com wants to hear from you. Or better yet, send us a picture!

Perhaps that hole in one you got last week

The same goes for that trophy trout landed on opening day or that perfect 300 game rolled in the local bowling league. Reader submitted news and notes are a mainstay of our local sports coverage.In addition, TheSportsDept.com publishes a monthly “Golf Page” both in print and

place to check out upcoming tournaments,

news about some of the local leagues. Local PGA Pros participate by writing

to help you play better golf. During the high school seasons, look for our regular “Student Athlete of The Month” feature which recognizes some of the remarkable athletes of merit from our local high schools. In addition, TheSportsDept.com is proud to offer a “Health/Wellness and Sports

installments like “Ask The Athletic Trainer” and “Did You Know?” which focuss on training and rehabilitation techniques for athletes of all ages.

outstanding resource for all of the latest information related to athletic training, prevention and treatment.

-ly section on the local NASCAR scene as well as a popular “Camp Directory” and “Kids Activity Directory” to help you plan the next birthday party or family fun day. So take a look and let us know what you think. We truly hope you enjoy your new com-munity paper and website and we look forward to hearing from you soon!Best regards,

Kevin HayesPublisher, TheSportsDept.com

860-872-0TSD (0873)[email protected] submit photos or notes to TheSportsd-ept.com please email us at [email protected].

Kevin Hayes

January 2013 3The Sports Department

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

By Jon Buzby


Winter has settled in around Connecticut,

thousands of kids all over the area are dribbling, passing and shooting. Unfortunately, among those players are a few who prefer to just dribble and shoot.

ball.

that uses too much of something.” Trans-lating that into sports terms, a ball hog is “one that uses too much of the ball.” Or in simpler terms, “does not pass.” And it hap-pens in sports other than basketball. One of the hardest situations to deal with when coaching a talented player is con-vincing that child that he is one of many on a team. At no age should one person ever dominate a game to the point that he eliminates the involvement of his team-mates, regardless of whether he can score

every time or not. Players of all ages know when a player is hogging the ball and they never like it. If you ask a player if he would rather never touch the ball and win, or dribble, make passes and take shots but lose, most would honestly tell you they would rather feel like part of the team in a losing effort instead of knowing they had nothing to do with a win. This is especially true in youth sports.

“to partake equally.” Translated in sports terms it means “pass the ball.” So, how do you get one that uses too much of something to partake equally? Or in sports terms, how do you get a ball hog to pass the ball? Talking with the player might help.

explain to a young player, especially a tal-ented one, why he should not get the ball, shoot, and score every single time. After

who scores them? You should communicate with parents to make sure they understand what you are trying to accomplish with their child. Much like a teacher does, the coach should be sure what is being taught during practice is reiterated at home, even if only as verbal reminders, especially on the car ride to the game.

position or role in the game. Try posi-

participate in meaningful but not dominat-ing roles. In soccer or ice hockey, play the dominating scorer on defense or in goal once in a while. On the basketball court, make sure a variety of players have the chance to dribble the ball up the court

someone who is likely to make a second pass. There is always a position for a player in every sport to keep him from hogging the ball or dominating play, and sometimes

that position is next to the coach on the

work, time on the bench is often the best

player doing everything. Remember, youth sports should be a positive learning experience for everyone regardless of ability level. Therefore, sim-

“unacceptable.”

Contact Jon Buzby at [email protected] and follow him @JonBuzby on Twit-ter.

First RespondersWith the help of league parents and of-

Organization raised $2,765 at a public skate Dec. 31 at the Bolton Ice Palace

affected by the Dec. 14 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.The idea started with T.J. Crickmore,

graders, who wanted to do something to help.T.J. came up with the idea to hold a public skate. T.J. turned to ECHO's co-presidents Ken Camello and Bob Pilney to gauge their interest. Within a day ECHO secured two hours of donated ice from the Bolton Ice Palace, lined up volunteers to work the

event and also got the worked to get the word out to ECHO families and friends through social and traditional media.The fundraiser was a huge success as players, families, coaches, area business and friends showed up. The funds will be distributed evenly between the families

horrible tragedy.

ECHO Hockey raised money at Bolton Ice Palace for victims of the Sandy Hook shooting. Photo courtesy of ECHO Hockey


Student Athlete of the MonthEAST WINDSOR

Jake Took fouth at

NCCCs and Bacon Academy tourna-ment last year, and forth at the Agawam tournament this year.

3.0

Sometimes I listen to music that gets me

me moving. Sometimes getting myself angry helps, and other times getting my-self cheerful is what I need to do before my matches.

This season

have as many wrestlers on it as I would like. The few that are here are dedicated and are willing to be here. This allows us to get the best possible outcome from our matches.

When I placed in the NCCC tournament last year. I had placed forth and that was the

-ment, it was a good day.

What area did you improve the most

I believe my strongest area would be on my feet and

make my shooting one of my strongest areas.

My coach. He was what made the wrestling

Jacob West

experience fun and worthwhile. Wrestling is as physically demanding as it is men-tally, and my coach was always there to push me and keep me on the right track.

Sticking with the sport for all the years of high school. It demands most of my time in the winter and even time over vacations.

Randy Moss

Red Sox The

Black Keys; Clash of the Titans; Sponge-bob Squarepants

Pintowin.com

and Facebook have changed how you

It allows me to see what everyone else says about the sports.

U.S. Army, then college to become a chemical engineer.

East Windsor Parks and Recreation

By Lori Titus


The portable skating rink will be located on the north side of the East Windsor High School. This facility will be avail-able 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 during the evening as well. The rink is also available at any time during the weekends, or during school vacation. Check with the Parks and Recreation Department for the open-ing date.Winter Yoga

Classes will be held at the East Windsor High School in room D-4 from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday classes will be held Jan. 7 - March 11 with no class on Jan. 21st and Feb. 18th. Wednesday classes will be held Jan. 9th to March 6th with no class on Feb. 20th. The program for residents is $25 once a week or $40 twice a week. For non-residents, $30 once a week or $45 twice a week. Registration is through the East Windsor Parks and Rec-

Bank payment link. Please call 860-627-6662 with any questions.Winter Zumba

Classes are being held at the Town Hall

Annex from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Monday class-es will be held from Jan. 7th to Feb. 25th. Wednesday classes will be held from Jan. 9 - Feb. 27. Registration is through the

our Webster Bank Payment link. Please call 860-627-6662 with questions. The program for residents $35 once a week or $60 twice a week. For non-residents, it is $40 once a week or $65 twice a week; daily walk-ins are $5.

The East Windsor Parks & Recreation is

from 8 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at East Windsor High School. This is open to adults only. No students are allowed to participate. The fee for this program is $2 per night or $32 for the 16 week session. There will be no program on January 21st, February 18th, or April 15th. To see if the program

please call the East Windsor Parks & Recreation at 860-627-6662.

The winners for the 2012 Holiday Lights Contest are: 1st Place Kowalski Family, 2nd Place Turner Family and 3rd Place Ouellette Family. The winner for the Best Business Display is Touchpoints. Thank you to all who registered. We look forward to seeing the displays next year.


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

COLLEGE NOTEBOOK


From Michael Vick to Alex Voukounas, Keith Tautkus has coached a wide variety of athletes in his successful coaching career. After 13 years as coach of the Ellington/Somers High co-op football program, Taut-kus decided to resign.

place other than Ellington,” Tautkus said. “At this point I do not know if I can commit 100 percent of my time to the program.

right way to do things.”

29-year-old college student at San Angelo State.

played. I moved all around the country with my wife (Beth, who was in the U.S.

Tautkus said. “I learned a lot because I

coaching opportunity; a chance to learn.” Tautkus did just that.

After moving around the country where

the University of Maryland. He did some high school baseball coaching, but then ended up coaching football and teaching in Newport News, Va. “I was the baseball coach and the weight-lifting coach. I had Mike Vick, I tried to get him to do baseball, but the football coach

as an assistant at Ferguson High before it closed and then I moved to Woodland,” Tautkus said. In the Virginia high school league in which Tautkus coached, there were foot-ball stars like Vick, Plaxico Burress, Allen Iverson, and Ronald Curry. It was a long way from Ellington. “My wife wanted to move back home. She put together some contacts and there just happened to be a tech-ed opening at EHS. They interviewed me and I got hired on the spot. I also started coaching JV baseball that year,” Tautkus said. Around the time that Tautkus was hired, the wheels were in motion to start a football program in Ellington. Tautkus was immediately interested. He just happened to mention in his teach-ing interview in 1997 that he might want to coach football one day. That chance came in 2000. The Knights launched their program with Somers and East Windsor as a JV program that year. They ended up playing three varsity games and a JV Thanksgiv-ing Day game with Coventry. “The (Pequot) league and state wanted

getting any better playing JV. I thought, well, if we stink, we stink, but I want to get

better,” Tautkus said. Well, they never stunk.

program, they hosted defending Class S state champion Hyde Leadership-New Haven. “We won that one,” Tautkus said with a smile. “That was a good one, 13-12. We

The Knights went 7-4 and won the Pe-quot Uncas Division title. The Ellington/Somers program was born. Tautkus liked where the program was go-ing, but there were still challenges. “We had no numbers. We had such a

every kid we saw. We had three schools involved. It was hard and even when we

Tautkus said. The Knights went 10-1 in 2002 and again won the Uncas Division. In 2003 they went 9-2 and in 2004 went 6-4 while losing some tough battles. Tautkus felt the program was moving in the right direction, but that something was missing. “Our goal was to get enough kids. So to do that we used three schools (including East Windsor) —that made us a LL school. We kept just missing out of the playoffs

teams like New Britain and that made us mad at the time. When I look back, they

matched up well vs. LL teams. So our next goal was to not only make the playoffs, but

East Windsor,” Tautkus said. In 2005 the program went to just Ellington and Somers and the program had its only two losing seasons. This was a setback no one expected.

“The most important thing that I learned from that was that even when you are good, there are things you need to change. Maybe we got complacent, we made some changes and really went back to basics,” Tautkus said.

years in a row in 2007 and 2008. His team

made it again this past season with a re-cord of 9-1. Tautkus said that he started to think about stepping away after the 2011 league title. “I started to get tired of all the stuff that

lifting, scheduling, passing league—all the baggage. I started to expand the roles of the staff because I wanted them to take over the team and I wanted to make sure that they were prepared,” Tautkus said.

Keith Tautkus Coaching Highlights:

86-43 10-0 –2011

3-7 –2006 2001, 2002, 2011

2011 2011, 2012

Tourtellotte 2000 42-7 Coventry 2012 38-14

Personal Highlights “Too many to name”

“2011 record wise, we went 10-0—2012 was the best performing

ounce out of their talent” “Tolland, no doubt about it”

“Avon 2011 14-5 victory at Fermi”

“2006 6-0 to Housy”


, a 2011 graduate of Windsor Locks High, is averaging 9.3 points as a sopho-more guard on the Becker College

Hayes has started all 11 games, is

Mass.) in scoring average and min-utes (29.0). Ford-Hayes is shooting 38.9

from three-point range and 66.7 percent from the free throw line. He is averaging 3.9 rebounds, fourth best on the team. He is averag-ing 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Ford-Hayes scored 20 points against Daniel Webster on Dec. 4 and his next best total was 16 in the season-opener on Nov. 16 against

His high school backcourt part-ner, Tim Putnam (WLHS 2011), was to begin his college career Jan. 12. Putnam, a two-time Class S All-State selection, enrolled at

Eastern Connecticut in the fall of 2011, but

Community College coach Bob Freitas, of

this academic year. Putnam has been amazing his team-mates, and coaching staff, in practice since early October, so much so that he has been named captain. Freitas said their

debut at Bristol Community College in Fall River, Mass. “I think everybody will be thrilled that we have our point guard now,” Freitas said. “It will be nice to have a

Putnam, a freshman, will bring leadership to the Rams, said Freitas, who termed

--

make everyone around him better,” Freitas

Trachone Preston -covered from an early-season injury with a

basketball team (9-5). He has started nine games, starting all seven in the past

month. The freshman guard is averag-

48.9 percent from three (second best on the team) and 77.5 from the foul line. He is averaging two rebounds and 24.3 minutes. Preston is fourth in assists and third in steals. (Windsor Locks 2012) is a starting guard for the Massachu-setts College of Liberal Arts basketball team (8-4). She is averaging 3.5 points, 25.6 minutes, 2.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.1 steals. Brown, a freshman, is

career-high is eight points, which she reached Nov. 19 against Becker and Dec. 8 against SUNY-Canton. (Somers 2011), a soph-omore guard, has maintained her role as a reserve on the Dickinson College basketball team (8-4). She has played in 11 games, all off the bench, and is averaging 9.4 minutes a game. She has scored four points and has chipped in with six rebounds, 10 assists and a steal for the Red Devils.

Donovin Ford-Hayes, a 2011 gradu-ate of Windsor Locks, is starting for Becker College as a sophomore. Courtesy of: Becker College

Keith Tautkus, was the face of the Ellington/Somers football program since its inception.


Somers Parks and Recreation

To send us a note for the weekly wrestling notebook online, please send an email to [email protected].

SOMERSStudent Athlete of the Month

Department Student Athletes of The Month.

Two time NCCC champion, two time 3rd place in Class S state championships, two time academic All-State team, selected as team captain sophomore, junior and senior years.

9.6 The

night before I eat a pasta dinner for ener-gy the next day. I get all of my equipment (shoes, headgear, knee pads, singlets, etc) together and ready to go. I pack my

rest. The day of my match I constantly go through my moves and shadow-wrestle in my head.

My goals are to win the NCCCs again and win the Class S state championship - also to maintain my grades and be on the academic all-state team again. I feel the team is ready for a good year and it will be a great season to end on my career on.

During my freshman year, my brother was a senior captain on the team and we won the Class S state championships as a team. I got to share this championship with my brother and my dad as the coach as we made history at Somers High.


at leading by example and communicat-ing with the team. I improved the most with my offseason training.

I

Nick Zachary

am going to miss the bonding time the team goes through with the long bus rides and the all-day events along with the time we spend practicing everyday for three months. What I think I will miss most about leaving high school is the

that I grew up with as we all go our sepa-rate ways.

InjuriesRed Sox

UConn men

I like any kind of music besides metal. There are too many movies out there to say

that often. I will be going

to college for a business degree. I have not narrowed my choices down yet but

my schools.

Tot

Starts SoonBy Amy Saada

Somers Recreation

Have the little ones learn the funda-mentals of basketball beginning Jan. 19. An instructional, co-ed program that teaches the fundamentals of basketball to young players using a variety of fun drills and activities designed to improve skills. Includes T-Shirt, basketball and participation medal. Register online today.. http://somers.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/ Space is limited. Fee $45 for 5 weeks.

Wrestling NotebookWres!

ing


are off to solid starts. Both have shown steady improvement; the most encourag-ing sign for both is the increase in num-bers.

and Fermi coach have seen encourag-

where and -

chio both had strong performances. Fermi hosted its annual Fermi duals, where the Falcons had another successful event and Joe Nai and Kevin Lampro have been strong.Somers

The Spartans have had a great start to their season, ending December with an 11-3 record. Most recently they turned in a dominant performance in sweeping the Somers Mid-Season Duals Jan. 5. The

Spartans took down SMSA, Housatonic, Holy Cross, Classical Magnet, and Lyman

sweep in which only one match was de-cided by less than 40 points. Coach Scott Zachary earned the 100th win of his career Jan. 2 against St. Bernard-Montville. Somers has been led by Anthony An-

drade (120 pounds), Nick Zachary (126), and Ryan Conner (152). The Spartans

Somers fell to NCCC power Avon 48-26 in a home dual meet Jan. 9Fermi

The Falcons have had an up-and-down month Fermi has turned in strong perfor-mances at certain times, but struggled in competing at all weight classes.

Nai (113), Lampro (145), and (275). They have also been given some strong performances by freshman

(160).

Some of their stronger team perfor-mances were at the Fermi Duals, the best a dominating 57-15 victory over Rockville. Fermi is still in pursuit of its 500th all-time program victory.

The Raiders competed strong in the opening month, although they don't have many wins to show for it. But cOlsen is happy with his team's progress.

-

(152) and (113) took second and (138) was fourth against tough competition.

wrestlers place. Considering we are now a Class S team, we did very well against some of the schools in the tournament

At the Fermi Duals the Raiders also had strong individual performance from Malo-ney and R.J. Wages. The Raiders went 0-2 on the day, but went to the wire with New Haven in a 35-34 loss.East Windsor

success they wanted in the win column, but coach is very happy with the way his team as wrestled early on. Both wins came in the NCCC, where East Windsor is 2-1. “The kids are working hard and really

that were wrestled we won (them all) by pin. When we wrestled Canton, we won because we won it on the mat and we did not give up a single pin,” Flynn said.

Coach team stands at 4-4 at the middle of January. The team has been up and down, but have been given some outstanding individual performances by their wrestlers. Junior , at 220 pounds, is un-defeated so far on the season--he stands at 18-0. Also, Khmari Thomas, a 160 pound sophomore, is 13-1 on the year.


FERMI ENFIELDStudent Athlete of the Month Student Athlete of the Month



Rach, Kaliff Student-Athlete,

MVP, Captain, National Honor Society 11.7/12

I

music and focus on the game.

The team is just looking for respect from our school and our community. We are working to-gether as a team to become competitive within our league and to win games.

Finally break-ing the three-year losing streak. It was

buzzer sounded, the crowd stormed the court and we were all jumping around so excited. A bunch of us were crying. It was the feeling of victory that keeps us all going.


in driving to the hoop and rebounding. I have improved most on my defense and foul shooting.

off as a bunch of girls with a passion for

basketball and it turned into a huge fam-

other and it shows when we play.

weak ankle are always a problem for me.

Michael Jordan

Red Sox. UConn women.

Rascal Flatts; Miracle; Friends

ESPN.com


Twitter and

watching the game or not. I plan to go to

college for athletic training.

My accomplish-ments have been making it to California for the U.S. National Hockey Tourna-ment, making High Honors all four years of High School, and holding the Fermi Track Record for 3x Pole Vault.

13.6667

My pre-game involves a warm-up jog, stretches, and a lot of water.

I hope to make states for the pole vault and get a personal record of 10 feet.

During the Massachusetts Girls State Hockey

score, there was only two minutes left and I scored the winning goal from the point. I remember seeing the puck just

-mates jumping on me knowing we were headed to Anaheim, Calif, for Nationals.


On the ice I am strongest with strategy and anticipat-ing what the other team is going to do. Throughout my hockey career I have vastly improved my skating skills which have made me a stronger, faster player.What are you going to miss the most

Over-

-nitely going to miss my teammates. We have truly become family. Overall, I am going to miss all the friends I have made on the sports teams at Fermi.

Celiac disease. I was diagnosed a year ago and it has changed my life dramatically. Before I

knew I had celiac, I was having severe joint pain all over, frequent asthma at-tacks, numbness of my hands and feet and occasionally tremors in my arms. It hindered my ability to play sports and do things I love. Once I was put on a strict gluten-free diet, all of my symptoms slowly disappeared. It has been a long grueling process, but I have never given

My father. I model my game after his intensity, hard work and perseverance.

Red Sox and UConn Men.

Queen; Monty Python and The Holy Grail; Castle.

NHL.com--

ter and Facebook changed how you

It has made it easier for me to watch and follow sports, getting instant updates on my favorite teams.

I was recently

Physical Therapy Doctorate Program, so I will be going there after high school and hopefully playing hockey for their womens club team.

In Action

as we travel to Boston for the evening to see the Boston Celtics take on the Atlanta Hawks on March 8. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. Trip includes round trip motor coach transportation and tickets in balcony section of the TD Garden. The bus will ar-rive in Boston around 4 p.m., allowing time for dinner or shopping before the game.

at 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 resi-dency is required. Participants must have

when school is closed. The program runs Wednesdays, through March 6, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Nightly fees are $2 for resi-dents and $2.50 for non-residents.

Lessons are provided in a semi-private setting with an experienced instructor and are for those 16 years of age and older. Ideal for those starting their swimming journey to those seeking a technique re-

-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. – 2:55 p.m. The fees are $40 for residents and $50 for non-residents. Pre Registra-tion is required and spaces are limited so

Photo from Grynn and Barrett studios

Save $10 on your next party with this ad.

Call for details.

Buy One Admissionand Get One Free

(with this ad-limit 1 person per ad) for any skating session listed

Learn to SkateAsk us about classes

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MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY WEEKEND

Tiny Tot Skate & Bounce9:30 - 11:30 AM

Fun !lled time to play! Bounce Houses, Skating and more!

Admission: $5.75 includes roller skate rental if needed.

Cheap Skate Night6:00 - 9:00 PM

Late Matinee Skate5:00 - 7:00 PM ..... $5.75

Evening Skate7:30 - 11:00 PM ... $9.75

Double Session5:00 - 11:00 PM ... $12.00

Morning Skate10:00 - 12:00 Noon .. $5.75

Matinee Skate1:00 - 4:00 PM ......... $6.75

Top 40 Skate7:30 - 11:00 PM ....... $9.75

Morning Skate10:00 - 12:00 Noon .. $5.75

Matinee Skate1:00 - 4:00 PM ......... $6.75

Christian Gospel Music6:00 - 9:00 PM

Skating Bonanza12:00 - 5:00 PM ... $8.25

THURSDAY, Jan. 17th FRIDAY, Jan. 18th SUNDAY, Jan. 20thSATURDAY, Jan. 19th MONDAY, Jan. 21st

Admission to skate, including roller skate rental if needed and all you can eat pizza is $8.50 per person.All patrons entering the facility for this session who do not wish to skate must pay a $5.00 admission fee.


Girls Basketball NotebookGirls

Basketball


cylinders after a slow start to the season.The Spartans (8-3) had won seven of eight as of Jan. 11 after a 1-2 start. Coach Alan Walker is hoping the Spartans can stay in the hunt for a top seed in the NCCC tour-

to be deeper because of balance that didn't exist in recent years.

tournament will include all teams that qualify for their CIAC class tournaments, regardless of how many teams reach the states. Walker acknowledged that Somers is grouped with Bolton (8-3), Ellington (8-2), Avon (7-2), Coventry (6-2), Granby (7-2), East Windsor (7-3) and Windsor Locks (5-6) with designs on the highest seeds in

conference record was 5-3 after defeating

as the season continues,” Walker said.-

cess thus far has been its offense, which had been averaging 57.1 points. “A key

week,” Walker said. Somers averaged 45.7 points during its 1-2 start. Since then, it's 61.4. Junior guard Diandra DaRosa is averag-ing almost 17 points with 11 rebounds, six steals and seven assists. Senior captain

a guard, is averaging 13.2 points and junior forward/guard Stetson and senior captain and guard Emma Panto each are averaging nearly eight points.East Windsor

-ning streak and won six of seven following a 1-2 start. Junior guard scored 17 points in a 62-44 win over El-lington (8-2) on Jan. 8.

scored 13 points and added 12. The Panthers won 11 games last year as the No. 25 seed in the CIAC Class S tournament. At this pace, they will have a much better seed. Windsor Locks

Windsor Locks (5-6) has lost three in a Doug

Knowe

the Raiders but point out where they need to improve before the postseason starts

Locks 61-46 on Jan. 8, then Bolton (8-3) earned a 49-34 over the Raiders on Jan. 11. Knowe said his team needs to improve defensively. Senior captain Jessica Kuzmickas, the

the loss to Granby, and added 12 points. and Amber Curran have been effective for the most part this season as well.

games. scored four points in a 43-9 loss to Bolton Jan. 8.

scored 20 points against Coventry (6-2) on Jan. 4, with

adding 14 points. and have reached double

back-to-back wins in late December. They beat Wilcox Tech 46-17 Dec. 21 in Mer-iden then defeated town rival Fermi of the CC, on Dec. 27 by 40-35 in their annual holiday tournament.Fermi

Fermi (1-10) is still searching for its second win. The Falcons beat Hartford Public (0-11), 40-22 on Jan. 2, snapping a seven-game losing streak to start the season. led Fermi with 19 points against the Owls and Justyce

Jenkins added seven points.

Jan. 10. Sheena Ware and

have been fairly consistent contributors to

8, 55-27. Jaime Sierra paced the Bulldogs with six points. scored 10 points and Brenna Roy had nine in their 48-28 loss to East Windsor on Jan. 4.The Bulldogs beat Fermi 45-27 on Dec. 28. Heavener scored 15 points, Roy 10

and six. Randazzo and Amber Pierce each scored 12 points in a 61-44 win over SMSA (1-10) on Dec. 18.

then lost at Granby 45-23 on Jan. 11. The Wildcats were led by 16 points and 14 in the win over Stafford. added

in a 61-51 loss to Somers (8-3) on Jan. 4.

Hailee Stetson of Somers, who is averaging nearly eight points a game, looks to make the pass. Photo by: Alan Bastarache, The Sports Department, www.bastarachephotos.com

make a pass around the three point line. Photo courtesy of Lifetouch.

Kelsey Charette of Somers gets ready to go up for a layup. Photo by Alan Bastarache, The Sports Department, www.bastarach-ephotos.com

February 16 at the Pratt and Whitney Aircraft Club200 Clement Road, East Hartford.

Grades 5/6: 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.Grades 7/8: 6 p.m. - 7p.m.

More information is available at www.eteamz.com/ctroughriders1/ or by contacting Director/Coach Donnell at 860-805-8820

AAU BOYS BASKETBALL TRYOUT FOR 2013 SEASON


See m

ore p

ho

tos a

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Dep

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Youth Photos

Ashlye Zysk of Windsor Locks tries to box out for a re-

by Melanie Oliveira, The Sports Department, www.photos-fromthesidelines.com

Jason Karangekis lofts a one handed

travel basketball game.

Raelynn Voislow of Windsor Locks battles for a rebound during a recent 7/8th grade game against East Windsor. Photo by Melanie Oliveira, The Sports Department, www.photosfromthesidelines.com

Tautkus had the joy of coaching both of

now a senior at EHS. He felt that Aus-tin could play football in college and he wanted to be there to watch it all. “I had so much fun. We were such over-achievers, it was great, Tautkus said. Despite ending his career with a 29-22 loss to Weston in the Class M playoffs, Tautkus has wonderful memories of his overall stay. “I loved the relationships that I had with my players. I loved to see them grow, ma-ture, get better at football, but be great in life. I saw them become great young men and represent themselves well.

I had so many former players come back and coach - Erick Knickerbocker, Chris Wells, Justin Russell, Alex Voukounas,

Eric Senger, Joe Tarpinian - they were all such great kids and it was a joy to watch them become such good young men,” Tautkus said.

baseball team and has no intention of giving that up. He still wants to coach, but

role. “I want to watch Austin play, but I also owe so much to my family. My wife, my sister, my in-laws, my girls, my boys - all of

They were all so supportive - I mean at least for years I could say I was spending time with the boys, but it was great. They are the best,” Tautkus said. Tautkus leaves with a record of 86-43, three division titles, one league title, and two playoff appearances. It will be a tough act to follow.


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

Glastonbury - Quarterback Ellington/Somers - WR/S

Ellington/Somers - G/LB

Ellington/Somers - RB/LB Stafford - RB/CB

Ellington/Somers - WR/DE

Tolland - RB Glastonbury - LB/WR

South Windsor - Quarterback

Glastonbury - DE/QB


Student Athlete of the Month

Student Athlete of the Month

WINDSOR LOCKS

SUFFIELD

Court Two year captain,

All- American Cheerleader for Universal Cheerleading Association (2008 and 2012), MVC ( Most Valuable Cheerlead-er) Football Season 2012

3.3 I go

over all of the counts for every quarter, halftime and time out that we had either prepared the practice before the game or the practice the night before.

We have increased the amount of girls we have had on a team. I am proud of this fact

on the Wildcats cheer squad I feel ac-complished at having 23 girls that I can call my teammates.

Meeting my best friends through this sport.

What area did you improve the most in

The area I am most strong in would be stunting. I have im-

two years of high school I did not always set the best example for cheerleaders younger than me and I often goofed around.

The thing I am going to miss most are the laughs and the relationships I made on the team.

My injuries. In seventh grade I fractured the top of my tibia and was diagnosed with osgood schlatter.

Madeline Mctier. She is determined. She cheers on ACE and had a brain tumor but through it all she is now in remission and is still doing what she loves, cheer.

Red Sox and Uconn Men

Little

Cheerwiz.com-

ter and Facebook have changed how

I follow lots of cheer accounts and it is a way for cheerleaders to communicate new stunts and things they have tried and to share things they have created.

I plan on go-ing to school and later in life becoming a competitive cheerleading coach and owning my own cheer gym with my two co-captains.

Loughran

Track &

twice in the 4x800, and broke a six-minute mile.

3.8 Be-

fore every relay, my 4x800 team licks the baton in our running order.

Indoor track is always a preparation for outdoor

Qualifying for

I broke a six-minute mile.


I came in fresh-man year with good endurance; my track career has taught me to pair speed with that endurance.

all united by a common purpose as far

familiarity.

Effectively juggling grades, sports, student government, friends,

dance and family.

Galen Rupp (American runner, Olympic 10K silver medalist) He successfully does what I try to do, run your own race, put yourself in a good rank then pass people on the last kick.

Red Sox, UConn women

Cold-play, Pitch Perfect, Saved by the Bell.

Milesplit.com


I can follow my favorite athletes on Twitter and see

I play to go to college in Washington, D.C., and be a Political Science major.

Windsor Locks Parks and Recreation

Through February In

Windsor Locks

Windsor Locks Parks and Recreation

The Windsor Locks Park and Recre-ation Department offers a wide range of programs for all ages throughout the year. Youth Basketball at the recreational and travel levels is in full swing with games running every weekend through the end of February. Indoor Soccer runs on Sunday afternoons in January and Febru-ary for children between Pre-K and 3rd grade. There is no fee for indoor soccer. The next Movie Night is Jan. 18. This

show will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Wind-sor Locks Town Hall Gymnasium. There is no fee to attend the movie, but conces-sions will be available for a nominal fee. Pre-registration is required by phone or stopping in the Windsor Locks Park and

Funtime Adventures and Playtime Adventures are parent-child playgrounds for children between ages 18-36 months and 3-5 years of age on Wednesday

and Thursday mornings. Tumbling/Gym-nastics is offered on Saturday mornings for children ages 3-10 and Jikido Jujitsu classes are offered on Wednesday nights for ages 6 and up. All swim programs at Windsor Locks High School pool are currently suspended while repairs are made to the roof and pool areas. Keep an eye out for updates on the reopening of the pool. When reno-vations are completed, Adult Lap swims, Family swims and swimming lessons will resume. Various Adult Fitness classes are offered throughout the week as well as Adult Basketball and Volleyball. For more infor-mation on any of these programs, please

at (860) 627-1420 during normal town hall hours or visit us on the web at www.windsorlocks.org under the Park and Recreation tab. All classes are subject to

-ment. Weather related cancellations are announced on Channel 3, WFSB.


All Area Boys Soccer

South Windsor

Stafford

Somers Glastonbury

StaffordTolland

EllingtonFermi

Glastonbury South Windsor

January 201313

Hockey NotebookHockey

Notebook

In The Winterallied 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-

-vided by Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network (rehab.harthosp.org ), formerly

Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network (HHRN) and The Sports Department have partnered to bring readers a monthly col-umn on sports medicine topics. Readers may submit questions related to injuries, training advice, rehabilitation or any other sports medicine topic. Submit questions to:

School) [email protected]; Kyle

harthosp.org; Wendy Nichols, Physical

harthosp.org As the cold weather and snow settle in, we frequently hear the lament about want-ing to live in a warm climate where we can be outside all of the time. With some plan-ning, however, we can be active outside all winter. Most people think about downhill skiing and snowboarding in the same sentence as winter sports. But there are other op-tions if those sports are too expensive in terms of time and/or money.Taking the winter off is not in the best interest of a healthy body. Some of the more popular aerobic

outside options include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, walking or hiking. “Aerobic” refers to any activity that means

rate. There is an initial expense involved in getting the right equipment for these

to go. There are numerous places in which to participate in these activities such as parks, reservoirs and conservation areas.

-tant to follow the following safety tips: Make sure you have all of the associ-ated safety equipment, including a helmet,

-tion. Layer your clothing to protect yourself from the elements. Your inner layer should have wicking properties and your outer-most layer should be water and windproof. Remember protection for your head, face, neck and hands. Keep a small snack and some water with you at all times. For personal safety:let others know your timeframe and/or

-gency contacts, and any pertinent medical information use sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB, even on cloudy days and in the winter. If being outside in the winter is just not appealing, try some of the popular inside options such as swimming, dancing and spinning classes. These are available

and recreation programs and adult educa-tion classes.


By Nate Owen


A year after rival schools Fermi and En-

team, the squad has expanded, adding players from East Granby and Stafford. Most of the players from Fermi and

Genovese took on three players from East Granby and two from Stafford.

a while,” Genovese said. “We worked on some team-building activities. Our start, despite the record, has been very good.

things.” The Falcons also dropped from Division I to Division II this year, but still play in the CCC North. “Our record in the past two or three years against Division I teams has not been very

good, so we appealed to the (CIAC) and they allowed us to move down,” Genovese said.

Conard Dec. 31 where the Falcons had a two-goal lead with six minutes left. Jason Despard led the team with seven goals before Jan. 12, while Avery Boissy (5 goals, 7 assists) led in points. Ryan Zetterholm and Logan Beck have been steady on the blueline, while Aaron Lick-war has been solid in net.

up a lot of the net.” Nick Ferracci has chipped in timely goals

said. “Simple little mistakes here and there are costing us.”

have a bit of learning curve entering this

season after 12 players graduated

with the players we have; I really enjoy coaching them.”

has been led by the line of Kasey Buch-holtz, Jake King, and Drew Ash. The trio

line, keeping them in check while scoring a considerable amount of goals.

been by one goal; the other two were by two, with an empty-netter in each. “This team can be very good,” Boorman said. “We want to just keep improving and stay motivated.”

the puck near the boards. Courtesy of: Lifetouch Photography


Boys Basketball NotebookBoys

Basketball

By Danny Atkinson


Coming into the season, the East Wind-sor Panthers believed establishing a powerful defensive presence early would be the biggest key to success. Mission accomplished so far. East Windsor is 4-3 and 2-3 in the NCCC thanks to an aggressive and rugged de-fense that allows just 50.6 points a game. The Panthers' success on defense is generated by the mentality players take on that end. “The goal on defense is to only allow one attempt at the basket while also making (opponents shoot) as low of a percentage as possible,” assistant coach Bob Knapp said. As well as the defense is playing, Knapp and head coach believe it can play better. Knapp points to rebound-ing as an area where East Windsor can improve.

team as a whole needs to become more physical. One of our best rebounders is Adam Fisher and he is one of the small-est starters. The team still needs to mature as a group to bring stability to this aspect

Forward and guard Da-

have been strong performers on offense, where the team is averaging 50.4 points. Farley scored 19 and Mocadlo

against East Granby Jan. 11.

-ing balanced. The Raiders are averaging nearly 65 points a game while giving up roughly 51. Guards Ray Preston and and forward Kevin Camidge have each made big contributions on both ends. Lima

Somers Jan. 10. Coach points to the

reasons for its success. “Everyone has chipped in to our success,

against. Our success so far this year has been directly related to the guys buying into what we do in regards to using our

said

The Bulldogs began the season 3-2 but have lost two frustrating home games to

between its offense and defense. Against East Windsor, Stafford was miss-ing effort and toughness for much of the game, and paid for it with a 63-57 loss. However, it looked like a completely dif-

East Windsor 34-17. It was a reverse story -

ing an outstanding job spreading the ball around and looked to be in control when they hit six consecutive threes to begin the

went cold and its defense did not react well to a run by the Wildcats. Stafford went on to lose, 65-57.

as a team,” head coach said. is the centerpiece of the offense and is able to take over games. Rollins is averaging 18 points and 8 rebounds a game.

and athleticism to shut down opposing of-fenses and win close games. The Wildcats are allowing 48.6 points per game, and each of their wins has come by 10 points or less. Coach Dan Gatto praised Suf-

turnovers. Senior guard is the

is capable of putting on a show. Guards and Damien Gunn and

forwards and Ben Wood-

house

Wildcats are averaging 53.5 points a game overall.Somers

Somers (1-7) has dropped four consecu-

tive games and is last in the NCCC at 0-4. Three of the losses have been by less than 10 points. Coach John Hostetler said his offense has frequently been indeci-sive, leading to costly turnovers, and that Somers' defense has been hurt by mental lapses. Senior big men and Brendan

have been reliable and are aver-aging 12.3 and 9.8 points, respectively.Fermi

The nemesis for the Falcons (0-8) have been turnovers. Poor ballhandling, espe-cially against pressure defenses, has held back the offense and led to easy scoring opportunities for opponents. Fermi has especially struggled over the past four games against Hartford Public, Bloom-

has been outscored by nearly 40 points a game. Through seven games, forward Josh

was averaging a double-double (both 12 points and rebounds), and Josh

averaged rebounds per game.

Windsor Locks

Windsor Locks (0-6) is averaging just 36 points and has not scored more than 44. The Raiders are shooting poorly.Guard Nate Pierce is Windsor Locks' most consistent player, and has begun to em-

and Brandon Gilbert have also begun to take on key roles for the Raiders. Coach acknowledges Locks' execution has been lacking, but is

-ture and maybe get on a hot streak these next few weeks. “We were in this same position last season when we started 1-7 before winning 11 in a row.”

Paul Lima has picked up right where he left off last

Dapo Ayeni attempts to block the shot of El-

Photo by Melanie Oliveira, The Sports Department, www.photosfromtheside-lines.com

January 201315

All Area Girls Soccer


Ellington Tolland Tolland Glastonbury

Stafford Glastonbury Rockville Stafford

Tolland East Windsor South Windsor

January 201316

NOW OPEN! Our NEW Office at:

53 Mountain Road, Suffield, CT


TheSportsDept.com Enfield/Suffield Edition January 2012

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Transcript of TheSportsDept.com Enfield/Suffield Edition January 2012