Sports 01-19-2017

WHS SPORTS roundup

WHS BOYS TRACK TEAM TOPS SAUGUS

 

The Winthrop High boys indoor track team earned its first win of the season with a 44-22 triumph over Saugus in a meet that was held at the Revere High field house.

Five Vikings captured first place in their individual events: Andrew McGrail with a shot-put toss of 42’-11” that led a Winthrop sweep in that event; Taylor St. George in the 300 dash with a clocking of 43.2 seconds; Cormac MacPhail in the 1000 in 3:02.9; Will Holden in the mile in 5:15.6; and Nik Beshere in the two-mile run in 11:22.

Contributing three points to the WHS side of the scoresheet with second-place performances were: Calvin Tufa with a shot-put throw of 33’-3”; Dave Navarro with a spring of 6.0 in the 50 dash; Neon Edwards in the 600 in 1:52.7; Pat Haskell in the 1000 in 3:17.1; and Jakob Hain with a two-mile time of 13:55.

Adding single points for their third-place finishes were: Edwards in the high jump with a leap of 5’-2”; Neville Nowak with a shot-put throw of 31’-3”; Jaidon Brown in the 50 dash in 6.3; and Mark Goudge in the 600 in 1:59.7.

The Vikings were scheduled to meet Gloucester this past Monday and to take on Swampscott this coming Monday.

LADY VIKINGS EDGE SAUGUS, 45-41

The Winthrop High girls indoor track team earned its second win of the season with a hard-fought, 45-41 victory over Saugus in a meet that was decided in the final event, the 4 x 400 relay.

Four Lady Vikings captured their individual events to score five points for the Winthrop cause: Gianna Massa with a shot-put toss of 33’-2”; Heidy Benson in the 600 dash in 1:52.3; Gabby Hinchion with a mile run of 6:51; and Camilla Miranda-Llovera in the two-mile in 13:42.

Adding three points to the WHS scoresheet with second-place performances were: Kim McDuffee with a high jump of 4’-2”; Danielle Zanella in the 50 hurdles in 9.0; Regina Garufo in the 300 dash in 49.4; Soneida Dahquist in the 600 in 1:57.1; and Gabby Ford in the 1000 in 4:10.4.

And in a meet where every point counted, single points for third-place finishes were added by: MaryKate Pote with a shot-put toss of 28’-1”; Gianna Massa with a 50 yard dash in 7.1; Kim McDuffee in the 1000 with a clocking of 4:19.5; Devon Barry in the mile in 7:38; and Katherina Thano with a two-mile time of 16:59.

So after all nine individual events, the teams were deadlocked at 41-41, with the outcome of the 4 x 400 relay remaining to decide the meet.

Lady Viking captain Regina Garufo ran the first leg of the race and and gave her team a great start with a split time of 69 seconds. She was followed by Gabby Hinchion, who kept the Lady Vikings in contention with a split of  77 seconds.

Gabby then handed the baton to Soneida Dahquist, who ran a personal record (PR) of 71 seconds. That left matters up to WHS ace and captain Heidy Benson, who blazed around the track with a split of 67 seconds, leaving her Saugus foe well off the pace.

The Winthrop girls’ official time was 4:45.6, easily outracing their Saugus counterparts, who finished in 5:09.7.

“The girls competed and everyone had to do their part for us to win,” said WHS coach Mark D’Amico afterwards. “We were missing our best high jumper and 1000 meter runner, as well as a few other girls for the meet.

“All the girls worked hard, but some key performances that helped us win were having Heidy Benson and Soneida Dahquist getting one-two in the 600; Gabby Ford and Kimberly McDuffee getting second and third in the 1000; Daniella Zanelli getting second in the hurdles; Camilla Miranda-Llovera getting first in the two mile; and Gianna Massa and Mary Kate Pote getting first and third in the shot-put. All events were important, but these were needed to have us have the chance to come down to the relay,” added D’Amico.

WHS GIRLS HOCKEY TEAM WINS TWO GAMES

The Winthrop High Lady Bulldawg hockey team enjoyed a successful week, defeating a pair of Northeast Hockey League opponents in convincing fashion.

Last Wednesday the WHS girls easily handled Medford, 7-0. Lady Bulldawg goalie Gretchen Howard earned her 18th career shutout, breaking the previous mark of 17 that had been set by Katie Burt, who now plays at Boston College and who is regarded as one of the top women’s goalies in the world.

After a slow start in which the Lady Bulldawgs battled to a 0-0 deadlock through the first period, Winthrop exploded for five goals in the second stanza and added two more in the final period.

Sydney Adamson lit the lamp for two goals and earned an assist. McKayla Norris also had a three-point night with a goal and two assists. Kayla Morrill and Abby Carleton both scored their first career goals. Teammates Kelsey Griffith and Ashley Miles also joined in the goal-scoring spree.

This past Saturday afternoon the Lady Bulldawgs took the measure of Marblehead, 5-1. Junior Katie O’Shea proved to be a one-girl wrecking crew for Winthrop, scoring two shorthanded goals with aggressive forechecking that broke open a tight 2-1 contest in the second period.

“Katie was superb and did an awesome job penalty-killing for us,” said WHS head coach Anthony Martucci. “She was on fire all night.”

Linemate Ashley Miles also scored a pair of goals, with O’Shea earning assists on both. Kelsey Griffith accounted for the other Winthrop tally.

The twin wins boosted the Lady Bulldawgs to a 6-2 record. Norris and Griffith are leading the team with five goals apiece and Norris is the point leader with 13. Winthrop has outscored its opposition 27-15.

The Lady Bulldawgs were set to entertain Plymouth last night (Wednesday) in what is believed to be the first-ever interscholastic contest between the two towns.

Winthrop then will hit the road for a pair of tough encounters. They play perennial powerhouse St. Mary’s of Lynn Saturday at Connery Rink in Lynn Saturday evening at 8:10 and will take on Peabody next Wednesday evening at the

Page reaches 100-point

mark for WHS hockey team

Winthrop High senior captain Charlie Page achieved the 100-point plateau this past week, scoring both of the Vikings’ goals in a 2-2 tie with Saugus last Wednesday evening at Kasabuski Arena.

Page entered the game with 99 points and wasted little time in getting to 100, potting his first lamp-lighter in the opening period with an assist from Gene August that tied the score at 1-1.

Saugus grabbed a 2-1 lead in the middle frame, but Page brought Winthrop back to level with an unassisted goal midway through the final period to create the final 2-2 deadlock.

Three days later the Vikings handily dispatched Beverly, 5-0, at Larsen Rink. Brian Chalmers scored his first goal of the season and then added another for a quick 2-0 Winthrop advantage. Henry Brooks assisted on the initial tally and Brooks and Page assisted on the second.

Sophomore Sam Yarrow made it a 3-0 contest before the opening period ended with the duo of Brooks & Page earning assists.

Brooks lit the lamp in the middle period, assisted by Michael Lane and Chalmers, and Dave Barry, assisted by Lane and Page, put the game on ice with a goal in the final stanza.

Sophomore goalie Ryan Skoczylas, who played the first 35 minutes of the game, and Patrick Sennott, who came on for the remainder of the contest, combined for the shutout, Winthrop’s first of the season.

Coach Dale Dunbar and his crew now stand at a sterling 7-1-1 on the season and are 2-0-1 in the North Division of the Northeastern Conference. Winthrop has allowed only 13 goals through its nine games, while scoring 36.

The Vikings will host East Longmeadow this evening (Thursday) at 6:00 in a make-up game. They entertain Gloucester Saturday at 1:30 and then will trek to Endicott College’s Bourque Arena for a first-place showdown with Danvers Wednesday  at 6:20.

Pulsifer pumps in 34

to pace Viking victory

Devin Pulsifer struck for 34 points to lead the Winthrop High basketball team to a 75-70 victory over Danvers last Tuesday at the WHS gym.

Devin enjoyed a superb evening of sharpshooting, hitting on 12-of-20 shots from two-point range, 3-of-4 from three-point land, and 1-of-1 from the free throw line.

Vinny Harrison turned in a superb and efficient offensive effort with 15 points on which Vinny sank 7-of-9 shots from the field.

Tayjuan McKenzie also reached double figures with 13 points, including 6-of-8 from the free throw line and a three pointer. Tayjuan made it a double-double with 14 rebounds and almost attained a triple-double, dishing out eight assists.

David Diaz came through with a fine, all-around performance with five points, including a trey, four steals, nine assists, and nine rebounds.

Alex Dernier and Johnathan Van Dalinda rounded out the scoring for Winthrop with four points apiece. Van Dalinda also grabbed five rebounds.

The Viikings fell behind early, 21-10, in the opening period, but sliced the deficit almost in half to go into the intermission trailing by six, 39-33. They moved closer after three periods, 55-51, and then outscored the Falcons 24-15 in the final frame to claim the victory.

Winthrop hosted Malden Catholic this past Tuesday and will trek to Beverly tomorrow (Friday). They will entertain Lynn English this coming Tuesday.

From the Press Box

One Hundred Points

By: Jim Lederman

Charlie Page has reached another milestone. The Vikings captain scored two goals on Thursday night at Kasabuski Arena in Saugus. The Vikings and Saugus Sachems battled to a (2-2) game, with the Vikings leader scoring both Winthrop goals.

Charlie follows his brother Chris ‘Buddy” Page, who scored 108 points in his WHS career that concluded three years ago. Chris plays for Stonehill College and they follow their dad Chris, who played at Fitchburg State College.

The hockey family tradition runs very deep in the Page household. Mary is Charlie’s proud mom, she comes from the Donahue family, Uncle Sean was a key member of the 1976 Vikings state championship team and a prominent Boston attorney.

Cousin Harry Benson Jr. is an ex-Viking skater; cousin John DeSolio is another Viking hockey player. Cousin George Barker was a Viking goaltender. The Page’s and Donahue’s could start a team and play another team at Larsen Rink.

Larsen Rink is always filled with the Page and Benson and Donahue ‘gang’ cheering for another Viking standout that is the reason Winthrop is “Hockey Town USA” and Larsen Rink has built a very proud tradition – Winthrop – Home of Championship Teams.

The Vikings and Saugus battled to a tie (2-2) to keep coach Dale Dunbar’s team in first place in the Northeastern Conference.

Coach Dale Dunbar praised his al-star player; “I think the sky is the limit for Charlie.” Dale feels Charlie could play division one college hockey.

I have covered Viking hockey for over 40 years; I have watched some of the legendary Viking skaters – Bobby McDonald (57 goals), Captain Mike Eruzione (Olympic Hockey Captain), John Tiano (RPI-National Championship College Player), Danny Brugmann (Yale University captain), Paul Pearl (Holy Cross and Harvard coach.

I spoke with coach Dunbar, “Charlie has been a great captain and leader,” “he set an example for all of our playe4rs, with his leadership by hard work to improve and his dedication to Vikings hockey.” “We have had great captains, play like John Tiano, Steve Goddard, Michael Norris, Chris LeBlanc, Jake Rand, Noah Hodgkin’s, Chuck Sullivan, Paul Pearl and Frankie Ferrara, that have represented Vikings hockey” said Dale Dunbar. “When you put that Winthrop hockey jersey on, you represent your town and proud hockey tradition.”

Between the Pipes

All-star goalie Gretchen Howard set another record ‘between the pipes’ for the Lady Bulldawgs.

Proud papa Peter Gill reminded me Gretchen broke the ‘shutout record’ of Katie Burt (presently the Boston College net minder) the shutout record was eighteen.

Let’s salute the boys ‘sophomore sensation’ – Ryan Skoczylas pitched a (5-0) shutout victory over Beverly. Proud ad Joe Skoczylas was on crutches cheering for Ryan on Saturday. Joe tore his Achilles in a freak accident at the Memorial Gym.

Two great goaltenders leading our two impressive hockey teams (with 14 – victories) that call Larsen Rink their home!

Let the Games Begin!

The Bertino Gang

The family is hard at work at 6 a.m. in the morning. The door’s open at 6:30 for J.A.C.s Café – a popular restaurant at Crest Ave. in the Highlands. The ‘Bertino Gang’ has established a reputation as – the ‘best’ homemade food and hospitality in town.

Amy Bertino is the Lady who makes the ‘best muffins’ in town. Head chef Matt Bertino can whip up the legendary ‘French toast’ and the best omelets. The ‘matriarch is mom – Ellen Bertino – the wait staff knows your name and your order, before you walk in. Jill is the leader of a group (Ari, Danielle and Tara) of waitresses. Do you want chocolate chip or the famous blueberry muffins?

“Two eggs over corn beef hash please”!

See you at J.A.C.s Café!

Saturday at Larsen Rink

Larsen Rink at the Michael Eruzione Center was filled on Saturday to watch a double header – two Winthrop hockey games in one afternoon.

Long time Viking fan Peter Ottaviano commented to me, “I remember going to Fenway Park to watch a Red Sox double header.”

The Lady ‘Bulldawgs’ were very impressive defeating archrival Marblehead (5-1). The victory improved coach Butch Martucci’s skaters record to (6-2) Ashley Miles and Katie O’Shea scored two goals each and Kelsie Griffiths lit the lamp for the first ‘Bulldawg’ score.
The Dale Dunbar hockey team shutout Beverly (5-0) junior standout Brian Chalmers had two goals, Henry Brooks (number 12), soph sensation Sammy Yarrow and senior co-captain and outstanding senior defenseman drilled another slapshot for the final Viking goal. The Vikings improved to (7-1-1) with big games with Marblehead, Gloucester and Saugus on the horizon.

Number 21

The Jersey USA number 21 hangs in the legendary Larsen Rink at the Michael Eruzione Center. I was with captain Mike at “No Backing Down” book signing at West End Johnnies” in Boston. He signed 100 books – people couldn’t wait to meet the U.S. Olympic hockey hero in 1980 – he is still a legend 37 years later. Michael Jr. and Paul joined their dad.

I watched the 2017 Winthrop Vikings play at Larsen Rink yesterday. Number 21 for the Vikings is soph Cory Cherico. He comes from a long line – 10 members of the Martucci-Ferrara family to skate for the Vikings. Mom is Toni Ann and dad is Cory – Uncle Gus and the matriarch – Minnie Martucci are at the rink!

Do you believe in miracles? See you are Larsen Rink!

Let the Games Begin!

At The Foul Line

A couple of interesting notes from ‘Around the NEC,’ I listened to columnist Steve Bulpett in the Boston Herald. A legendary Boston Celtics columnist (and close friend of Chris Tsiotos).

Steve lives in Swampscott and when I joined Chris and Steve for lunch one day, we talked about Winthrop vs. Swampscott – the big NEC hoop rivalry and the present Boston Celtics team.

This year the ‘Big Blue’ of Swampscott are winless (0-11) and their coach resigned last week.

I spoke last winter to legendary channel 5 (WCVB) sports anchor Mike Lynch at a Vikings – Magicians hockey game. The magnificent Swampscott high school gym is dedicated to Dick Lynch (Mike’s dad and ex-Swampscott coach – I think he is 88 years old).

The Dick Lynch Gym has beautiful banners hanging from the rafters to honor the great Big Blue teams, Nick Tsiotos reminded me when Chris Tsiotos tossed in 39 points at the old Swampscott High school gym on the hill.

The Vikings ended a 39-game win streak for the Big Blue in their old gym!

Legendary Swampscott players like Dick Jauron, Mike Lynch and Larry and Paul Moran, had to battle Dennis Hayes and Nick and Chris Tsiotos from the champs – the Vikings hoop team (What happened to the reputation of Viking basketball teams?)

Let the Games Begin!

Viking Games on TV

The new year (2017) has finally produced Viking football games on television. Kudos to Mike Cabral, Brian Donnelly and Michael Mahoney – the Viking TV hooked up the cable to bring you Winthrop Viking (2016) football games and the exciting Revere-Winthrop Powder Puff games.

Tune into channel 15 – Viking TV, produced from the new studio at Winthrop High School. ‘The Voice’ is back on the air and catch the thrilling Revere-Winthrop Thanksgiving Day game of 2016.

I hope the senior girls, who played an incredible game vs. their archrival Revere Lady Patriots can enjoy the games.

I look forward to broadcasting the Lady Bulldawgs (last season) and coach Dale Dunbar’s exciting Viking hockey sextet thrilling games in February and March!

Lights – Camera – Action!

Let the Games Begin!

Around the Rim

I received a call last week from Marty Fischer who lives in Virginia. The captain of the 1957 WHS team that captured the NEC title, for legendary coach John P. Sheehan. I watched my first WHS Tech Tourney game in the old ‘Boston Garden’ in 1957. Marty played in the backcourt with Walter ‘brother’ Milano and received a scholarship to play at UNH.

Fischer and the late ‘brother’ Milano have been in ducted into the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame – two hoop standouts!

I have watched WHS basketball for 60 years! Here is a list of some of the great Winthrop high school hoop players that helped build the reputation of Winthrop basketball the Hoop Capital of the North Shore.

The Voice of the Vikings top 50

Top Scorers

Chris Tsiotos (1,000 points)

Marty Fischer

Joe Duplin

Steve Miles

Dino Mallios (1,475 points)

Len Riley

John Monahan

Sean Conway

Michael Mason

Dennis Hayes

Anthony Griffin

Arnie Springer

Top Point Guards

Bob Krute

Chuck Mullane

Nick Tsiotos

Sheldon Bernstein

John ‘Max’ Tsiotos

Chris Zikos

Anthony Poto

Gavin Mahoney

Mike Harrison

Top Rebounders

Mike Condakes

Kevin Dowd

Charles ‘Mouse’ Rand

Randy Herdt

Quinton Dale

Anthony Hatzisavas

Robert ‘Truck’ McKenna

Mike Welch

Top Forwards

Kevin Corkhum

Steve Demetrious

Mike Mcmanus

Lou Hinckley

Todd Doherty

Adam Hubley

Steve Miles

Larry Thomas

The ‘family tradition’ has always been strength of WHS basketball – The Tsiotos brothers Nick, Chris and John – The Zikos brothers Chris and Greg, The Kalogeris – John, Mike, Paul Harrison.

Boys – John and George, the Lundbergs – Paul and Bobby, the Hinckley’s Lou and Fran, the Welch Gang – Michael, Keith and Alan, the MacPhails – John and Warren, the Petersen’s – Jay and Joe, the Griffins – Jeffrey, Anthony, Jason and Michael, the Conley’s – Teddy and Howie, John and Peter Lyons, the Mullanes – Sean and Chuck, the Harrison’s – John, Michael and Paul, the Mallios boys – Vasili and Dino, Kevin and John Dowd, Ben, Tom, Richie Hogan.

The Winthrop hoop teams have won three State Championships 1963-1995 and in 2011. We have had many unsung Garden Heroes like David Lynch, Paul Struzzerio, and Joe D’Amore in 2011. Fast Eddie Quinn 12 points in the Boston Garden and Johnny Warren.

Let’s salute the coaches John P. Sheehan, Henry McCarthy, Peter Grimes and David Brown.

Take it to the rim!

Let the Games Begin!

The Tennis Courts

I had a great opportunity to speak with captain Mike Eruzione at a recent book signing of “No Backing Down” in Boston.

Mike asked me how the “tennis court issue is progressing?” Mike reminded me how he would learn to improve his skating at 6 a.m. in the morning on the McClean Courts and adjacent to Winthrop high school in 1970-1972.

Michael commented on the rise of tennis and the new athletic facilities of the new school and the promise of a new athletic facility at Miller Field.

When visiting teams come to play Winthrop in tennis, softball, football and baseball – the new athletic complex will compete with any school in the Northeastern Conference.

We need to keep the McClean Courts for the use of all the male and female athletes, adjacent to the new building – WE do not need additional parking! Attend the big meeting on February 7th at Winthrop high school. To keep the courts – Save the Courts” See you at the meeting!

Let the Games Begin!

Pigskin Picks

“The Voice” predicted a Patriots –Green Bay super bowl – The two greats quarterbacks in the NFL – Tom Brady vs. Aaron Rogers.

Brady will play in his 7th super bowl – he will win his 5th super bowl – February in Houston – in the match up Brady vs. Rothlisberger on Sunday

Patriots – 30 – Steelers 21

Packers – 27 – Atlanta 24

Lets Go Pats!

Let the Championship Games Begin!

Vikings Sports Schedule

Lady ‘Bulldawgs’ hockey

Saturday, Jan. 21 – 8:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s of Lynn (Connery Rink)

Wednesday, Jan. 25 – 5:15 p.m. vs. Peabody at Peabody

Viking Hockey – Coach Dale Dunbar and company

Saturday, Jan. 21 – 1:30 p.m. at Larsen Rink vs. Gloucester Fisherman

Wednesday, Jan. 25th – 6:20 p.m. at Endicott College – Danvers Falcons

Go Vikings!

Let the Games Begin!