Sports 04-19-2018

WHS sports roundup

Fine performances by WHS boys track team

Although the Winthrop High boys outdoor track and field team came up on the short end of a pair of decisions to Lynn English (74-44) and Medford (67-60) in the Vikings’ opening two meets of the season, there were a number of fine individual performances by the Winthrop squad.

Patrick Haskell was a winner in both meets in his specialty, the 400 dash. Patrick topped the field in the English meet with a time of 58.8 and did likewise in the Medford meet in 56.8. Patrick also took first place in the triple jump vs. English with a landing of 34’-3” and second vs. Medford with his jump of 35’-10.5”. Haskell also paced the winning 4 x 400 Viking relay team vs. Medford, with a winning time for the Winthrop quartet of 4:19.6, handily outrunning the Mustang foursome’s clocking of 4:52.3.

The other first-place finisher for the Vikings in the English meet was Cormac MacPhail, who captured two events, the 400 hurdles in 70.5 and in the one mile run in 5:13.

Second-place points in the English contest were scored by: Tyler Chiudina in the shot-put with a toss of 35’-6” and in the javelin with a throw of 99’-7”; William Huber in the discus with a spin of 73’-1”; Manoel Hollanda in the 110 hurdles in 21.3; and Anthony Nargi in the 800 in 2:40.

Third place points were added by: Nean Edwards in the long jump with a leap of 15’-7” and in the 100 dash in 13.2; Patrick Teixeira with a discus toss of 65’-8”; Mark Amatucci in the 400 hurdles in 72.0; and Reno’s Cahani in the mile in 6:02.2.

In addition to Haskell’s first-place performance in the 400 in the Medford meet, other Vikings who topped the field in their events were Chiudina with a javelin throw of 100’ and Hollanda in the 110 hurdles in 20.9.

Second place points  vs. the Mustangs were earned by: Nean with a high jump of 15’-9”; Hollanda in the 100 dash in 12.2; Amatucci in the 400 hurdles in 69.7; Nargi in the 800 in 2:12; MacPhail in the mile in 5:03.9 (just 1.5 seconds off the winning time); Ari Hain in the two-mile; Ryan Kfoury in the 110 hurdles in 21.9; Noah Evangelista in the javelin with a toss of 85’; and Huber with a discus twirl of 67’-2” and a shot-put throw of 37’-7.5”.

Third-place points were contributed by: Mateo Alzante with a long jump of 15’-9”; MacPhail with a triple jump of 31’-4” and a clocking of 70.2 in the 400 hurdles; Chiudina with a shot-put heave of 32’-5”; Dino Tsiotis with a javelin throw of 56’-5”; and Edward in the 100 dash in 12.8 and the 200 dash in 25.3.

The Vikings were set to take on Somerville today (Thursday).

 

WHS boys tennis

defeats English, 5-0

The Winthrop High boys tennis team earned its first victory of the season with a 5-0 triumph over Lynn English on Tuesday.

Sophomore Kevin Dorr, playing at first singles this season, defeated his English counterpart, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. Senior captain Henry Brooks won his match at second singles in shutout fashion, 6-0, 6-0. Junior Chris Finn also won in straight sets at third singles, 6-2, 6-3.

The first doubles duo of junior Sam Yarrow and senior captain Jake Langone remained undefeated at 3-0 this season with a 6-0, 6-2 triumph over their English counterparts.

The tandem of junior Riling Bytiai and freshman Augie Cherico completed the Viking victory with a 6-0, 6-1 win at second doubles.

WHS head coach Marie Finn has been forced to reshuffle her lineup from what she had anticipated this season because of the loss of last year’s number one player, junior captain Corey Cherico, who broke his collarbone during the hockey season.

“Corey’s loss has been a big one,” said Finn. “He was our most experienced player and without him, all of the other boys, all of whom either were on the JV team or played as doubles last year, have been forced to move up on the ladder.

“However, this is a great group of kids and they have been giving their best in every match,” Finn added.

Senior Steve Holgersen also is a captain for the Viking netmen this season.

Finn and her crew were scheduled to play at Somerville yesterday (Wednesday) and to host Everett next Wednesday.

 

WHS softball team falls to Lynn Classical

Although the Winthrop High softball team dropped a 12-0 decision to Lynn Classical last week on a cold and windy day at Breed Field in Lynn, the contest was not as one-sided as the final score might indicate against a Classical squad that went 17-3 last year and is the defending Northeastern Conference champion.

The Lady Rams led 2-0 after the first inning and 4-0 after three before adding on four more markers in the fourth for an 8-0 advantage.

The contest was ended after six innings because of the Mercy Rule when Classical scored four more runs for the 12-0 finale.

Lady Viking pitcher Stephanie Strangie started the game and went the first four innings, allowing only six hits. However, six bases-on-balls contributed to Classical’s run total.

Sofia Vitale tossed the final two frames and yielded five hits.

The Lady Vikings managed only four base hits on the day. Jess Martin had two of the safeties, Strangie had a single, and Izzy Mahoney contributed a bunt single.

“We played well on defense,” said WHS head coach Dave Duffey, whose squad committed only two errors. “Our outfield — Izzy Mahoney in center, Nelly Carter in left, and Katie Gagnon in right — made six put-outs and figured in 10 plays with no errors.

“We are a very young team and we we look to improve every time out,” Duffey added.

The Lady Vikings were scheduled to play at Somerville yesterday (Wednesday) and will trek to Danvers on Monday.

 

WHS girls lacrosse

at Revere tomorrow

 

The 3-1 Winthrop High girls lacrosse team was slated to entertain St. Mary’s of Lynn yesterday (Wednesday) and make the short trek to Revere tomorrow (Friday).

Coach Ben Cimmino and his crew will host Salem this coming Tuesday and Fontbonne Academy next Thursday.

 

From the Press Box

Building A Program

By: Jim Lederman

The Winthrop high school boys lacrosse program is making a name for the Vikings, in the Northeastern Conference. Coach Brian Donnelly is the head coach, in his third year as mentor, after three-years as an assistant taking over from Matt Serino, the athletic director at W.H.S.

‘We have 30-players in our varsity and JV programs. Everyone plays! My assistant coaches, Rich Cifuni and Jeff Parsons are terrific,” said Brian.

“The youth lacrosse program with Rich Cifuni in charge, has been a huge reason we are the talk of the NEC.” “Last week we played the two top teams in our division, Swampscott and Revere and we played them very strong,” we lost to Swampscott (8-7) in overtime at legendary Blocksidge Field in Swampscott. The Revere Patriots won the league last season and we lost (9-4) after trailing by only two goals until the final minute.”

“The new turf field at Miller Field is great,” said coach D, we should attract more players. The future is  ‘very bright’ for the Vikings,” said coach Donnelly. “The Vikings had a (9-9) record last year. The Vikings are (2-4) after two weeks, we predict a number of victories the next two months,” praised Brian.

“Two senior players are outstanding three-sport-athletes. Senior defenseman Christian Lyons and Calvin Tufa, add leadership and confidence to our team,” said Brian.

The junior’s co-captain Pat Sennott and hockey standouts Brian Chalmers (he should play football this year!) and Luke Evangelista, come from the highly successful Vikings hockey program. Junior goaltender Drew DiMento, a third year starter, has been very strong in the nets. Sennott and Lyons are co-captains of the Vikings!

“Sophomore Joe Mahoney and Luke Evangelista, have asserted themselves and are the most improved on the squad,” praised coach Donnelly.

The very strong and athletic freshman class is led by Austin Daigneault and Aiden Cifuni, John Silva and Chris Ferrara (that name is very familiar to Vikings sports). We have a ‘brother team’ frosh John Silva and junior Jack Silva (Winthrop players from Winthrop families). “Our defense is our strength,” said Brian and we continue to improve and will be a team to compete,” said the coach. Lacrosse in Viking country – is growing!

Raise the Stix!

The Vikings are Coming!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

The Voice of the Bruins

The Boston Bruins opened their 2018 NHL playoff series with the Toronto Maple Leafs – The Bruins won (6-3) behind a ‘hat trick’ from Brad Marchand.

The ‘TD Garden’ crowd of (17,565) was loud and the ‘voice of the Bruins’ – not the TV play-by-play team of Jack Edwards and Andy Brickley, but the singing of the legendary Rene Rancourt – singing the Canadian and National Anthems, before a loud crowd – the playoffs mark the final season, after inspiring the SRO-Garden crowd. Rene will retire (after 42 years) fist pumping the (18,000 fans).

Johnny Most (high above the ‘parquet floor’) inspired Celtics fans on radio for 16-championship years. The Public Garden announcer – Eddie Paladino (Irving for 3!) is a Saugus resident and was a frequent visitor to Brown’s Pharmacy, to visit the late ‘doctor’ Harry Ofilos. I would often talk with Eddie many times to talk about the fate of the Boston Celtics, present and future!

Rene Rancourt grew up in Lewiston, Maine and dreamed of being an opera singer – “Oh Canada”. I will miss his stirring ‘rendition’ of the anthems to open the playoff games.

We will all miss ‘The Voice’

Go Bruins!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

The Big Blue Days

I have placed my order for the new book – Big Blue Days – a chronicle of Swampscott high football from 1953 until 1976.

I attended my first WHS football game at Miller Field in 1956. The Big Blue were coached by the legendary Swampscott mentor Stanley Walter Bondelevitch, the book claims Swampscott was ‘synonymous with championships.

The Big Blue compiled undefeated seasons in 1957, 1958, 1963, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1971 and 1972.

The book is written by Robert J. Jauron. Yes, he is the brother of Swampscott legend Dick Jauron, he played for Swampscott and Yale University and played in the NFL for Detroit and Cincinnati and coached in the NFL.

I had a ‘first hand’ look at those ‘Big Blue’ teams. In 1956, the Big Blue had a 22-game win streak until they played Winthrop at Miller Field in 1956. Final score on Columbus Day – Winthrop 12 – Swampscott 6. Both Winthrop touchdowns scored by Frank ‘Buster’ Ferrara (member of the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame).

In 1959, the Big Blue had a 12-game win streak. I played in the game played at the legendary Blocksidge Field on a Saturday morning. Final score Winthrop 12 – Swampscott – (one of my favorite football memories. The game was broadcast on radio station WESX in Salem. ‘Spike’ Brown was the announcer. I talked with Spike after the game and 30 years later I did business with Spike at radio station WBZ.

The ‘Big Blue’ had a celebrated 32-game unbeaten streak. The streak was broken by St. John’s Prep. I will call Robert Jauron, to remind him – the Winthrop Vikings hold the North Shore and NEC record, a 33-game unbeaten streak – two Super Bowl titles and three NEC titles. The coach Robert A. DeFelice missed a third Super Bowl title by the old point system by one hundred of a point.

Defa lost to the Big Blue in 1971 and 1972 – the Vikings only lost one game each year to the Big Blue of Swampscott.

Dick Jauron held the NEC scoring title in 1981 when Chuck Sullivan scored 166-points. The present NEC scoring record is held by the late – Anthony ‘Touchdown Tony” with 195 points. The Vikings are second in the NEC with ‘three’ super bowl championships – the ‘Big Blue’ have two!

I will have to talk with author – Nick Tsiotos – two books – The Boston Marathon and A story of the Life of Harry Agannis. We could write a book “The North Shore Championship Teams” – just dreaming!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

Vikings vs. Patriots

The rivalry between Revere and Winthrop resumed at the ‘new’ Miller Field on Thursday afternoon. The defending NEC lacrosse champs defeated the Vikings (8-4) in a game that was close, until the final minute.

I entered Miller Field with the sun shining, but the Northeast wind turned the sunny skies to winter conditions. The last time these two rivals played was on Thanksgiving morning.

The Vikings played a very strong game on Wednesday, losing in overtime (8-7) to the ‘Big Blue’ of Swampscott on Blocksidge Field in Swampscott.

The Patriots struck first and held a (2-0) advantage after the first 12-minute period Joe Mahoney and frosh Austin Daigneault (he is a three-sport standout) scored second period goals to cut the margin to (4-2) to end the third period.

Co-captain Pat Sennott found the back of the net in the third time frame. The Patriots scored two goals in the fin al minutes of a very competitive game.

The Patriots goalie was ‘sensational’ or the final score might have been a closer game.

 

Behind the Net

Coach Donnelly predicted the Vikings will be a stronger and more confident team, when the Vikings invade Harry Della Russo Stadium on May 7^th.

The Vikings lost a member of the team in the JV game. Frosh Joe Langone broke his leg and was rushed to the hospital.

The coaches and teammates wish young Joe a speedy recovery from his serious injury.

Go Joe!

Go Vikings!

Let the Games Begin!

 

 

 

 Extra Points

Congrats to the new assistant coach in the Vikings football program. Coach Jon Cadigan has named ex-Viking co-captain Chris Ferrara to his coaching staff.

Chris has devoted his time as an outstanding coach in the Winthrop Youth Football Program. He played with the Viking team that had Mark D’Ambrosio at quarterback. The Vikings almost won a NEC title, but lost a heartbreaker to the Gloucester Fishermen.

Chris followed his brother Joe, a member of the 1992 Vikings that played in a super bowl game at Miller Field. Chris will coach on the 2018 Vikings and his young son Chris is on the team.

Good Luck coach Ferrara!

Go Vikings!

Let the Games Begin!

How many more days until the 2018 Vikings play at the ‘new’ Miller Field?

 

 

 

The Marathon Man

Friday night at the Mass. State House- they held the Boston Marathon Wreath Ceremony to honor “Bostonians’ for their contribution to the marathon.

Two men who are friends of yours truly were honored and recognized. Police Commissioner William Evans, received the ‘exceptional service award’ for his work protecting the runners and citizens of Boston. Billy received a ‘Gold Olive Branch’ from Greece. I see the ‘Commish’ every Christmas holiday at the “Meadowmere Resort in Ogunquit, Maine.

Local author (three books) and WHS Hall of Fame athlete Nick Tsiotos, was honored for his book the Boston Marathon, The Greatest Race in 1946’ – 50 years after the first Marathon!

Billy Evans has run ’25 marathons’ and I always see him at 5 a.m. in Maine jogging!

Ready, Set, Go!

Let the Marathons Begin!

 

 

On the Diamond

Ex=WHS teacher and coach Barry Rosen is continuing his love for coaching baseball. Barry is assistant coach of the Salem State Vikings. Barry has coached at Merrimack and St. Anselm’s.

Congrats to coach Bob DeFelice in  his 50^th year of coaching baseball at Bentley University. The Bentley A.D. has a baseball field and hockey rink named in his honor!

I cheered for golf pro Rickey Fowler in the ‘Masters,’ his colorful orange pants and hat is for his alma mater, Oklahoma State – the Cowboys.

Trivia: Can you name the other Oklahoma State pro athlete in New England?

Can you name the first Celtics three-point shooter? Hint, he lived in Lynnfield during his Celtics playing career.

 

 

Viking Sport Schedule

Home Games

Spring has finally arrived

Get down to Vets Field, Miller Field, the McClean Courts and Little League Field and cheer for the Vikings!

Monday, April 23

Softball – Winthrop vs. Danvers – Little League Field – 4 p.m.

Tennis – Winthrop vs. Danvers – Boys McClean Courts – 4 p.m.

Tuesday, April 24

Girls Lacrosse vs. Salem – Miller Field – 4 p.m.

Wednesday, April 25

Lacrosse vs. Pope John – Boys at Miller Field – 4 p.m.

Tennis vs. Everett – Girls McClean Courts – 5 p.m.

Track Meet vs. Saugus – Miller Field – 4 p.m.

A Return to the days of coach Pat Mcgee – I hope she is at Miller Field. A salute to the ‘Hall of Fame’ coach!

Softball vs. Everett – Little League Field

Thursday, April 26

Lacrosse vs. Font Bonne Academy – Girls – Miller Field – 4 p.m.

Friday, April 27

Baseball – Winthrop vs. Revere – Veterans Field – 4 p.m.

Lacrosse vs. Gloucester – Girls at Miller Field – 4 p.m.

Monday, April 30

Lacrosse vs. Lynn English – Boys at Miller field – 4 p.m.

Let the Games Begin!