Hey Everyone,
This blog consists of the articles I wrote during my first couple years as a sports correpondent for the Town Crier & Suffolk Journal. I havn't posted any of my articles on here over a year, but I have continued writing for both the Town Crier & Suffolk Journal.
I lived at Suffolk University in downtown Boston the past two years, and it was a tremendous expeirence. This year I will be entering my junior year at Suffolk University.
I have also been in many types of media over the last year of my hobby of taking pics with celebs, and a few samples of it are below.
Boston Globe Article: www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2009/12/22/mike_giannattasio_gets_the_celebrity_picture/
Fox 25 Morning News Interview: http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/morning/meeting-celebrities-in-boston
Channel 5 Chronicle: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/23234146/detail.html
Town Crier Article: http://www.homenewshere.com/articles/2010/04/20/tewksbury_town_crier/news/doc4bc73660561f0932542580.prt
Thanks,
Mike
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Lady's Tennis serving success
THE SUFFOLK JOURNAL
WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 15, 2008
Mike Giannattasio
Journal Staff
The Suffolk University Womens' tennis team kept their seven game winning streak alive with a 7-2 home win versus Saint Joseph College on Saturday afternoon at the Buckingham Browne & Nichols courts in Cambridge, Mass. With the win, the Lady Rams improved to 9-2 overall on the season.
Alex Hernandez, a sophomore and captain of the Lady Ram's team, said she enjoys many aspects about being a part of the team, especially all the people she has met.
"My favorite part about being a tennis player for Suffolk is the people I have met along the way," said Hernandez, who is originally from Newton, Mass. and majors in Psychology. "I have made so many friendships that I know will be long term."
In her role as captain of the team, Hernandez said she tries to show good leadership when she is in and out of uniform.
"As a captain I consider it my job to motivate the girls, and try my best to lead by example on and off the court," said Hernandez. "It is my first year being captain, and I am only a sophomore, so I am just trying to do my best and see how it goes."
The other captain of the team, Kaitlynn Cates, a junior and originally from Middlebury, Connecticut, also has many responsibilities as captain of the team."I want to make sure everyone is organized and prepared for each match," said Cates. "One of my jobs is to make sure that we've all united and come together, and we've come a long way so far this year."
The coach of the Lady Rams, Isaac Stahl, said he has had a great time coaching his team this year and seeing them come together.
"They are the greatest group, with truly dynamic personalities," said Stahl. We are playing great tennis right now and we are looking to continue our success throughout the entire season on route to another conference title."
The win against St. Joseph's and the current seven match winning streak are the proof to Stahl's words.
"Our strength is team chemistry. They work hard and fight for each other. Doubles and team focus has been an issue, but we are really hitting our stride and firing on all cylinders," added Stahl.
The Lady Rams finished with a 14-0 overall record last season and also won their first ever Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship. Stahl hopes they can do the same exact thing this year.
"I want us to repeat as GNAC Champions, and anything less would be a disappointment," he said.Hernandez has the same goal for the team, as well as many others she hopes to accomplish before the year is over.
"My goals for the team this season were to defend the GNAC title and to go to NCAA's again in the spring," said Hernandez. "Another goal for the team I had was for the team to become a unit. By this I mean I wanted us to all get along and be more like a family. Like any family we have our ups and downs, but we have stuck by each other and that's what is important."
Cates added that the effort they put in practices will determine how successful they end up at the end of the season.
"If we work hard, we will achieve our main goal, which is repeating as GNAC champions," said Cates.
The Lady Rams go for their tenth win of the season in a home match versus the University of Massachusetts-Boston Oct. 14.
This article was published in The Suffolk Journal.To view The Suffolk Journal web-site please visit http://www.suffolkjournal.net/
To view the article on The Suffolk Jounral web-site, please visit http://media.www.suffolkjournal.net/media/storage/paper632/news/2008/10/15/Sports/Ladys.Tennis.Serving.Success-3491085.shtml
WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 15, 2008
Mike Giannattasio
Journal Staff
The Suffolk University Womens' tennis team kept their seven game winning streak alive with a 7-2 home win versus Saint Joseph College on Saturday afternoon at the Buckingham Browne & Nichols courts in Cambridge, Mass. With the win, the Lady Rams improved to 9-2 overall on the season.
Alex Hernandez, a sophomore and captain of the Lady Ram's team, said she enjoys many aspects about being a part of the team, especially all the people she has met.
"My favorite part about being a tennis player for Suffolk is the people I have met along the way," said Hernandez, who is originally from Newton, Mass. and majors in Psychology. "I have made so many friendships that I know will be long term."
In her role as captain of the team, Hernandez said she tries to show good leadership when she is in and out of uniform.
"As a captain I consider it my job to motivate the girls, and try my best to lead by example on and off the court," said Hernandez. "It is my first year being captain, and I am only a sophomore, so I am just trying to do my best and see how it goes."
The other captain of the team, Kaitlynn Cates, a junior and originally from Middlebury, Connecticut, also has many responsibilities as captain of the team."I want to make sure everyone is organized and prepared for each match," said Cates. "One of my jobs is to make sure that we've all united and come together, and we've come a long way so far this year."
The coach of the Lady Rams, Isaac Stahl, said he has had a great time coaching his team this year and seeing them come together.
"They are the greatest group, with truly dynamic personalities," said Stahl. We are playing great tennis right now and we are looking to continue our success throughout the entire season on route to another conference title."
The win against St. Joseph's and the current seven match winning streak are the proof to Stahl's words.
"Our strength is team chemistry. They work hard and fight for each other. Doubles and team focus has been an issue, but we are really hitting our stride and firing on all cylinders," added Stahl.
The Lady Rams finished with a 14-0 overall record last season and also won their first ever Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship. Stahl hopes they can do the same exact thing this year.
"I want us to repeat as GNAC Champions, and anything less would be a disappointment," he said.Hernandez has the same goal for the team, as well as many others she hopes to accomplish before the year is over.
"My goals for the team this season were to defend the GNAC title and to go to NCAA's again in the spring," said Hernandez. "Another goal for the team I had was for the team to become a unit. By this I mean I wanted us to all get along and be more like a family. Like any family we have our ups and downs, but we have stuck by each other and that's what is important."
Cates added that the effort they put in practices will determine how successful they end up at the end of the season.
"If we work hard, we will achieve our main goal, which is repeating as GNAC champions," said Cates.
The Lady Rams go for their tenth win of the season in a home match versus the University of Massachusetts-Boston Oct. 14.
This article was published in The Suffolk Journal.To view The Suffolk Journal web-site please visit http://www.suffolkjournal.net/
To view the article on The Suffolk Jounral web-site, please visit http://media.www.suffolkjournal.net/media/storage/paper632/news/2008/10/15/Sports/Ladys.Tennis.Serving.Success-3491085.shtml
Sixty-six former players put the cleats back on
TOWN CRIER- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2008
Alumni Soccer game held on Sunday
By MIKE GIANNATTASIO
Sports Correspondent
On Sunday morning, 66 former Tewksbury Memorial High School varsity soccer members participated in the fifth annual TMHS alumni soccer game. The game was played at the Livingston Street fields in Tewksbury, and the teams were divided by players who graduated in even years since 1976 and players who graduated in odd years since 1976. The even year team won the very well-organized game 7-4.
Steve Levine is the current TMHS varsity soccer coach, and he took part in Sunday’s event for the fifth consecutive year.
“I officiated the game, but I could have sat on a beach chair and watched because the type of soccer they played was so good to watch,” said Levine. “It wasn’t kickball soccer type; it was teamwork type of soccer that involved great passing and great movement off the ball.”
There was a 30 plus year age difference between some of the players on each team, and Levine said that it was great to see some of the players who played for the varsity team decades ago come back and participate in the game.
“It’s just amazing watching the older guys play against the younger guys,” said Levine. “They played the game the way it should be played. It’s just that they got tired quicker and they are catching up to me in age real quick,” he said jokingly.
Although the game is primarily played so the players have the opportunity to catch up with friends and play the game they love, the players all agree that it is not just an ordinary walk-through scrimmage. They all come down to field with the thought of competing, playing hard, and trying to win the game.
Adam Stotik, who graduated from THMS in 2002, has participated in the alumni game since it started and has been on the winning team each year.
“Seeing a lot of the kids that were freshman or sophomores when I was a senior is what I enjoy the most about the game each fall,” said Stotik. “Just getting to find out what kind of people they have become is great.
“It's also interesting to see how much the soccer program under Coach Levine has helped form some of the same qualities in them that I have in myself. He taught me that you can do incredible things if you just believe in yourself and have mind over matter.”
Stotik added that the best part about playing TMHS varsity soccer was all the friends he made throughout the program.
“The teammates I played with and the friendships that were formed was awesome,” said Stotik. “I am still really good friends with many of those kids that I played with seven years later.”
Christopher VanAsselberg also graduated TMHS in 2002, and he played in the alumni game for his third consecutive time on Sunday. He said the players in his age group had the disadvantage in the game.
“The older guys had the advantage but the younger guys play with a very different mentality,” said VanAsselberg.
VanAsselberg also teasingly blamed his former high school coach for giving the older guys the benefits in the game.
“A reminder of how terrible the referees were back in high school is what I took from this game,” said VanAsselberg with a laugh.
Derek Favreau graduated in the TMHS class of 1999, and he has played in the alumni game for four years. He said playing soccer under Levine is what he enjoyed the most as a TMHS varsity soccer player.
“He was a second father to me,” said Favreau of Levine. “Not only did I learn soccer, but he taught me about life. He helped me become a better person. He taught me focus and determination, and he helped me with priorities in life. He is a great role model.”
Favreau added that he enjoyed many aspects of the alumni game on Sunday.
“Seeing old friends and knowing the support of not only the soccer program, but the support for Coach Levine is still very strong was tremendous,” said Favreau. “That says a lot for his work here.”
Levine added that the alumni game would not be an annual event today if it was not for former TMHS soccer player Derek Heartquist who came up with the idea.
“Derek Heartquist started an alumni club several years ago,” said Levine. “From the alumni club, he met Debbie Billings, who started the TMHS girls’ boosters club before they merged, and she suggested they combine the alumni club with the boosters club to make it a stronger program.”
Heartquist said the annual game started in 2003 to help raise money for the TMHS soccer program.
“My brother, Rick Heartquist, who is the assistant varsity and head junior varsity coach, asked me to help him organize (this game) a few years ago to raise money to pay the volunteer freshmen coaches who were former players and who couldn't afford to coach for free since they were in college,” said Heartquist.
“This evolved into trying to help out the boys’ program give out scholarships, warm up suits, and so on. The proceeds now go toward an annual banquet, scholarships for a senior boy and girl and anything else that is needed.”
Heartquist brought his entire family to watch the game on Sunday, and he said they enjoyed watching every minute of it as well as all of food that was given to the players and volunteers after the game.
“I look forward to a game that has guys ranging from 19 and one year out of high school to guys in there late 40's as well as the camaraderie at the cookout afterwards,” said Heartquist.
Heartquist added that several people deserve praise for putting together the annual game.
“My brother Rick, as mentioned, and Coach Levine, who makes the guys want to give back a fraction of what he gave most of us over the years both deserve lots of credit,” said Heartquist. “Debbie Billings and Sue Boudreau, whom are both always willing to give their time have been a huge help as well.
“Also worth mentioning are Jimmy Field, who always makes sure we are fed after the game, Paul Hebert, who is the current president of the boosters club, and Ed Sipowicz who does the taxes for free each year. Most importantly, Dave French of French's Restaurant, who always takes good care of us at the annual banquet, and also & J & B Butcher who donated all of the food for this years’ game deserve lots of credit.”
Levine once again added that the alumni soccer game was another outstanding event and he hopes that it will continue for many more years to come.
“It was great watching the artistic soccer that was played, and the guys on the field know how to make players good no matter what their talent level is,” said Levine.
“All the guys had a good time, and they all interacted very well. It is very hard to get together on a Columbus Day weekend, but many of the players even brought their families with them.
Hopefully some of the alumni can step up and take over in a few years to keep this annual event going.”
Alumni Soccer game held on Sunday
By MIKE GIANNATTASIO
Sports Correspondent
On Sunday morning, 66 former Tewksbury Memorial High School varsity soccer members participated in the fifth annual TMHS alumni soccer game. The game was played at the Livingston Street fields in Tewksbury, and the teams were divided by players who graduated in even years since 1976 and players who graduated in odd years since 1976. The even year team won the very well-organized game 7-4.
Steve Levine is the current TMHS varsity soccer coach, and he took part in Sunday’s event for the fifth consecutive year.
“I officiated the game, but I could have sat on a beach chair and watched because the type of soccer they played was so good to watch,” said Levine. “It wasn’t kickball soccer type; it was teamwork type of soccer that involved great passing and great movement off the ball.”
There was a 30 plus year age difference between some of the players on each team, and Levine said that it was great to see some of the players who played for the varsity team decades ago come back and participate in the game.
“It’s just amazing watching the older guys play against the younger guys,” said Levine. “They played the game the way it should be played. It’s just that they got tired quicker and they are catching up to me in age real quick,” he said jokingly.
Although the game is primarily played so the players have the opportunity to catch up with friends and play the game they love, the players all agree that it is not just an ordinary walk-through scrimmage. They all come down to field with the thought of competing, playing hard, and trying to win the game.
Adam Stotik, who graduated from THMS in 2002, has participated in the alumni game since it started and has been on the winning team each year.
“Seeing a lot of the kids that were freshman or sophomores when I was a senior is what I enjoy the most about the game each fall,” said Stotik. “Just getting to find out what kind of people they have become is great.
“It's also interesting to see how much the soccer program under Coach Levine has helped form some of the same qualities in them that I have in myself. He taught me that you can do incredible things if you just believe in yourself and have mind over matter.”
Stotik added that the best part about playing TMHS varsity soccer was all the friends he made throughout the program.
“The teammates I played with and the friendships that were formed was awesome,” said Stotik. “I am still really good friends with many of those kids that I played with seven years later.”
Christopher VanAsselberg also graduated TMHS in 2002, and he played in the alumni game for his third consecutive time on Sunday. He said the players in his age group had the disadvantage in the game.
“The older guys had the advantage but the younger guys play with a very different mentality,” said VanAsselberg.
VanAsselberg also teasingly blamed his former high school coach for giving the older guys the benefits in the game.
“A reminder of how terrible the referees were back in high school is what I took from this game,” said VanAsselberg with a laugh.
Derek Favreau graduated in the TMHS class of 1999, and he has played in the alumni game for four years. He said playing soccer under Levine is what he enjoyed the most as a TMHS varsity soccer player.
“He was a second father to me,” said Favreau of Levine. “Not only did I learn soccer, but he taught me about life. He helped me become a better person. He taught me focus and determination, and he helped me with priorities in life. He is a great role model.”
Favreau added that he enjoyed many aspects of the alumni game on Sunday.
“Seeing old friends and knowing the support of not only the soccer program, but the support for Coach Levine is still very strong was tremendous,” said Favreau. “That says a lot for his work here.”
Levine added that the alumni game would not be an annual event today if it was not for former TMHS soccer player Derek Heartquist who came up with the idea.
“Derek Heartquist started an alumni club several years ago,” said Levine. “From the alumni club, he met Debbie Billings, who started the TMHS girls’ boosters club before they merged, and she suggested they combine the alumni club with the boosters club to make it a stronger program.”
Heartquist said the annual game started in 2003 to help raise money for the TMHS soccer program.
“My brother, Rick Heartquist, who is the assistant varsity and head junior varsity coach, asked me to help him organize (this game) a few years ago to raise money to pay the volunteer freshmen coaches who were former players and who couldn't afford to coach for free since they were in college,” said Heartquist.
“This evolved into trying to help out the boys’ program give out scholarships, warm up suits, and so on. The proceeds now go toward an annual banquet, scholarships for a senior boy and girl and anything else that is needed.”
Heartquist brought his entire family to watch the game on Sunday, and he said they enjoyed watching every minute of it as well as all of food that was given to the players and volunteers after the game.
“I look forward to a game that has guys ranging from 19 and one year out of high school to guys in there late 40's as well as the camaraderie at the cookout afterwards,” said Heartquist.
Heartquist added that several people deserve praise for putting together the annual game.
“My brother Rick, as mentioned, and Coach Levine, who makes the guys want to give back a fraction of what he gave most of us over the years both deserve lots of credit,” said Heartquist. “Debbie Billings and Sue Boudreau, whom are both always willing to give their time have been a huge help as well.
“Also worth mentioning are Jimmy Field, who always makes sure we are fed after the game, Paul Hebert, who is the current president of the boosters club, and Ed Sipowicz who does the taxes for free each year. Most importantly, Dave French of French's Restaurant, who always takes good care of us at the annual banquet, and also & J & B Butcher who donated all of the food for this years’ game deserve lots of credit.”
Levine once again added that the alumni soccer game was another outstanding event and he hopes that it will continue for many more years to come.
“It was great watching the artistic soccer that was played, and the guys on the field know how to make players good no matter what their talent level is,” said Levine.
“All the guys had a good time, and they all interacted very well. It is very hard to get together on a Columbus Day weekend, but many of the players even brought their families with them.
Hopefully some of the alumni can step up and take over in a few years to keep this annual event going.”
Golf team ends season on a good note
By MIKE GIANNATTASIO
Sports Correspondent
The Tewksbury Memorial High School varsity golf team wrapped up their season on Tuesday with a 1-15-0 overall record.
The Redmen won their first match of the season last Thursday by a score of 15-5 versus Methuen. The winners in the match were Jon Deshler, Ryan Doherty, Dan Rose, Evan Cutelis, Nick Aleo, and Craig Semenza.
On Friday, the Redmen lost a home match by a score of 19.5 to .5 to Andover.
On Tuesday, the TMHS varsity golfers fell 12.5 to 7.5 to Dracut in their last match of the season. The winners of the match were Matt Thomann, Ryan Doherty, and Craig Semenza.
“A win would have put us in the states,” said head coach Jay Stamp on the teams’ last match. “Needless to say it was a very tough loss.”
The Redmen hope to turn their season around next year as many current junior-varsity players will be expected to step up and contribute for the varsity team.
The junior-varsity team plays three matches in a row this week before ending their season. They play a match versus Lowell High School on Wednesday, a match at Dracut on Thursday, and their last match of the season at Lowell on Friday.
Sports Correspondent
The Tewksbury Memorial High School varsity golf team wrapped up their season on Tuesday with a 1-15-0 overall record.
The Redmen won their first match of the season last Thursday by a score of 15-5 versus Methuen. The winners in the match were Jon Deshler, Ryan Doherty, Dan Rose, Evan Cutelis, Nick Aleo, and Craig Semenza.
On Friday, the Redmen lost a home match by a score of 19.5 to .5 to Andover.
On Tuesday, the TMHS varsity golfers fell 12.5 to 7.5 to Dracut in their last match of the season. The winners of the match were Matt Thomann, Ryan Doherty, and Craig Semenza.
“A win would have put us in the states,” said head coach Jay Stamp on the teams’ last match. “Needless to say it was a very tough loss.”
The Redmen hope to turn their season around next year as many current junior-varsity players will be expected to step up and contribute for the varsity team.
The junior-varsity team plays three matches in a row this week before ending their season. They play a match versus Lowell High School on Wednesday, a match at Dracut on Thursday, and their last match of the season at Lowell on Friday.
Rangers top Redmen on the football field
TOWN CRIER- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2008
By MIKE GIANNATTASIO
Sports Correspondent
With first and goal from the two yard line and the first half winding down, the Tewksbury Memorial High School football team looked like they were going to take a 14-6 lead into the third quarter. After running the ball four times, Tewksbury only got as far as the one yard line, and it was missed opportunities like these as to why the Methuen Rangers walked out of Doucette Field with a 27-20 win on Saturday afternoon.
With the loss, the Redmen fell to 1-3 on the season.
“That was a tough pill to swallow,“ said coach Brian Aylward referring to the Redmen not capitalizing on their chance to score before the first half ended. “We just have to take advantage of our opportunities to score.”
The Redmen looked like they were easily going to get their second win of the season in the opening quarter, as senior running back Joel Altavesta returned the opening kickoff back to the Methuen 45, where sophomore quarterback Sean Connolly would then lead the Redmen on a 13 yard drive that brought them to the two yard line. Altavesta then scored on a two yard running touchdown with 2:42 left in the first quarter that gave the Redmen an early 6-0 lead.
It was another good game statistically for the senior quad-captain Altavesta as he had another tremendous performance and provided most of the TMHS’ offense. He carried the ball 22 times, which was good for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
“Joel had another good one statistically,” said Aylward, “I thought we did some good things on offense as well.”
Connolly, a 15 year old making his second start of his young football career, completed 5 for 10 passes which was good enough for 69 yards.
“He’s a work in progress and he’s going to continue to get better,” said his coach. “He’s got a great opportunity to make some things happen. There’s a couple things I'd like see him to get better at, such as getting quicker and decision making but he’s doing a good job so far overall.”
After a three-and-out on their first possession, Methuen took the lead with 5:11 in the second quarter as Methuen quarterback Mike Bartlett took a direct snap and ran in from two yards out for the touchdown. Matt Gordon’s extra point was good and Methuen took a 7-6 lead.
Tewksbury then had a nine yard drive that brought them to the Methuen one yard line, but they would not score and Methuen had a 7-6 halftime lead.
Methuen was forced to punt on the first series in the third quarter and Tewksbury took over the ball at their own 42 yard line. Facing third down at the Methuen 46 yard line, Connolly hooked up for a 19 pass with Sean Teel that brought them to the Methuen 25 yard line.
Altavesta would then run 13 yards, while fumbling and recovering the ball, that brought Tewksbury seven yards from the end zone. Senior David Manory ran in for the touchdown one play later, and Connolly would then find senior Steve Lovejoy for the two point conversion as Tewksbury took a 14-7 lead with 6:02 left in the third quarter.
After another three-and-out for Methuen, they punted but the ball was fumbled by the return man and recovered by the Rangers. Three players later and Methuen scored on Mike Bartlett’s second touchdown from five yards out. The extra point was good and Methuen tied the game 14 apiece with 2:51 left in the third quarter.
Tewksbury then fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Methuen quarterback Matt Bartlett threw a 35 yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage that gave Methuen their second score in 20 seconds and also a 20-14 lead.
“The turnovers are something that we have to avoid,“ said Aylward on his teams’ two costly fumbles. “It’s hard to beat anybody when you turn the ball over. We can’t make those kinds of mistakes and beat ourselves.
“Defensively, we just have to be prepared for changes that teams are making with the adjustments that we are making. And that comes with experience. We've got a lot of guys out there that are first year varsity guys and we can't rely on two or three veteran players to make big plays for us.”
After failing to score on a nine yard drive, Tewksbury punted but got the ball back two plays later on an interception by Chris Legerstrom. Six plays later, Altavesta would run in for the two yard score to tie the game 20-20. The extra point would have been good by kicker Ron Wallace, but a false start was called on the offense and the game stayed tied with 5:44 left in the game.
The Bartlett brothers on the Methuen team both had the game of their lives, as quarterback Mike would lead the Rangers down the field before throwing a 33 yard touchdown to his brother Matt as the Rangers took a 27-20 lead with 2:56 left in the fourth quarter.
Tewksbury had one more series to try to tie the game, but a couple of incomplete passes gave Methuen the ball back for good as they won their second game of the season. It was also only their second win in two years as the 2-3 Rangers snapped a 33 consecutive Merrimack Valley Conference losing streak last year.
Although disappointed with the loss, Aylward said his team fought hard and they will take what they learned from this game into the rest of the season.
“Our run game has been strong,” said Aylward. “We have to keep evolving our pass game and it’s a work in progress so we have to keep working at it. We also have to improve on moving the ball down the field and executing. The special teams have to improve too.We have to work on all of this. We try to find the appropriate amount of time in practice to address these things.
“Defensively we’ve done good things up front. We’ve had some tough injuries that have hurt us, and we have some guys that are playing injured on top of that. Those are things that every team has to fight through. We just have to go at it with whosever ready for that particular week.”
On Friday, Tewksbury heads to Andover in a conference match, and Aylward said that they have a very good team with an outstanding quarterback.
“They are big upfront like every team we’ve played,” said Aylward. “Their quarterback is a tremendous player and he’s a great athlete. He can hurt you with throwing the ball, and I think he makes great decisions and has great speed. He’s probably their best runner as well.
“They also got a handful of good backs, and they are a very scary team to try to prepare for defensively.”
On Tuesday, Aylward was asked about how the team was responding at their practices to their disappointing loss on Saturday, and Aylward said that the players are all giving a great work ethic in preparation for their 7 p.m. away game on Friday night.
“When we go through hard times, the leaders have to step up,” said Aylward. “Our guys are working hard and staying positive. They had opportunities to quit (on Saturday) but they battled back and worked hard.
“We’re working as hard this week as we are any other week and as long as the effort is there and the kids are working hard and trying to make things happen, then we’ll be all right.”
By MIKE GIANNATTASIO
Sports Correspondent
With first and goal from the two yard line and the first half winding down, the Tewksbury Memorial High School football team looked like they were going to take a 14-6 lead into the third quarter. After running the ball four times, Tewksbury only got as far as the one yard line, and it was missed opportunities like these as to why the Methuen Rangers walked out of Doucette Field with a 27-20 win on Saturday afternoon.
With the loss, the Redmen fell to 1-3 on the season.
“That was a tough pill to swallow,“ said coach Brian Aylward referring to the Redmen not capitalizing on their chance to score before the first half ended. “We just have to take advantage of our opportunities to score.”
The Redmen looked like they were easily going to get their second win of the season in the opening quarter, as senior running back Joel Altavesta returned the opening kickoff back to the Methuen 45, where sophomore quarterback Sean Connolly would then lead the Redmen on a 13 yard drive that brought them to the two yard line. Altavesta then scored on a two yard running touchdown with 2:42 left in the first quarter that gave the Redmen an early 6-0 lead.
It was another good game statistically for the senior quad-captain Altavesta as he had another tremendous performance and provided most of the TMHS’ offense. He carried the ball 22 times, which was good for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
“Joel had another good one statistically,” said Aylward, “I thought we did some good things on offense as well.”
Connolly, a 15 year old making his second start of his young football career, completed 5 for 10 passes which was good enough for 69 yards.
“He’s a work in progress and he’s going to continue to get better,” said his coach. “He’s got a great opportunity to make some things happen. There’s a couple things I'd like see him to get better at, such as getting quicker and decision making but he’s doing a good job so far overall.”
After a three-and-out on their first possession, Methuen took the lead with 5:11 in the second quarter as Methuen quarterback Mike Bartlett took a direct snap and ran in from two yards out for the touchdown. Matt Gordon’s extra point was good and Methuen took a 7-6 lead.
Tewksbury then had a nine yard drive that brought them to the Methuen one yard line, but they would not score and Methuen had a 7-6 halftime lead.
Methuen was forced to punt on the first series in the third quarter and Tewksbury took over the ball at their own 42 yard line. Facing third down at the Methuen 46 yard line, Connolly hooked up for a 19 pass with Sean Teel that brought them to the Methuen 25 yard line.
Altavesta would then run 13 yards, while fumbling and recovering the ball, that brought Tewksbury seven yards from the end zone. Senior David Manory ran in for the touchdown one play later, and Connolly would then find senior Steve Lovejoy for the two point conversion as Tewksbury took a 14-7 lead with 6:02 left in the third quarter.
After another three-and-out for Methuen, they punted but the ball was fumbled by the return man and recovered by the Rangers. Three players later and Methuen scored on Mike Bartlett’s second touchdown from five yards out. The extra point was good and Methuen tied the game 14 apiece with 2:51 left in the third quarter.
Tewksbury then fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Methuen quarterback Matt Bartlett threw a 35 yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage that gave Methuen their second score in 20 seconds and also a 20-14 lead.
“The turnovers are something that we have to avoid,“ said Aylward on his teams’ two costly fumbles. “It’s hard to beat anybody when you turn the ball over. We can’t make those kinds of mistakes and beat ourselves.
“Defensively, we just have to be prepared for changes that teams are making with the adjustments that we are making. And that comes with experience. We've got a lot of guys out there that are first year varsity guys and we can't rely on two or three veteran players to make big plays for us.”
After failing to score on a nine yard drive, Tewksbury punted but got the ball back two plays later on an interception by Chris Legerstrom. Six plays later, Altavesta would run in for the two yard score to tie the game 20-20. The extra point would have been good by kicker Ron Wallace, but a false start was called on the offense and the game stayed tied with 5:44 left in the game.
The Bartlett brothers on the Methuen team both had the game of their lives, as quarterback Mike would lead the Rangers down the field before throwing a 33 yard touchdown to his brother Matt as the Rangers took a 27-20 lead with 2:56 left in the fourth quarter.
Tewksbury had one more series to try to tie the game, but a couple of incomplete passes gave Methuen the ball back for good as they won their second game of the season. It was also only their second win in two years as the 2-3 Rangers snapped a 33 consecutive Merrimack Valley Conference losing streak last year.
Although disappointed with the loss, Aylward said his team fought hard and they will take what they learned from this game into the rest of the season.
“Our run game has been strong,” said Aylward. “We have to keep evolving our pass game and it’s a work in progress so we have to keep working at it. We also have to improve on moving the ball down the field and executing. The special teams have to improve too.We have to work on all of this. We try to find the appropriate amount of time in practice to address these things.
“Defensively we’ve done good things up front. We’ve had some tough injuries that have hurt us, and we have some guys that are playing injured on top of that. Those are things that every team has to fight through. We just have to go at it with whosever ready for that particular week.”
On Friday, Tewksbury heads to Andover in a conference match, and Aylward said that they have a very good team with an outstanding quarterback.
“They are big upfront like every team we’ve played,” said Aylward. “Their quarterback is a tremendous player and he’s a great athlete. He can hurt you with throwing the ball, and I think he makes great decisions and has great speed. He’s probably their best runner as well.
“They also got a handful of good backs, and they are a very scary team to try to prepare for defensively.”
On Tuesday, Aylward was asked about how the team was responding at their practices to their disappointing loss on Saturday, and Aylward said that the players are all giving a great work ethic in preparation for their 7 p.m. away game on Friday night.
“When we go through hard times, the leaders have to step up,” said Aylward. “Our guys are working hard and staying positive. They had opportunities to quit (on Saturday) but they battled back and worked hard.
“We’re working as hard this week as we are any other week and as long as the effort is there and the kids are working hard and trying to make things happen, then we’ll be all right.”
Golf team still looking for first win
TOWN CRIER- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2008
By MIKE GIANNATTASIO
Sports Correspondent
The Tewksbury Memorial varsity golf team, although winless in 12 matches, have been improving week to week as the team heads into the last few weeks of the season.
Their schedule has not been helping them get their first win though, as the Redmen played three consecutive away matches from October 1st through the 3rd.
The golfers lost a match last Wednesday to Methuen at Merrimack Country Club by a score of 13-7. The point scorers for Tewksbury were Matt Thomann and Jon Deshler, whom both halved their matches, as well as Ryan Doherty who won his match 4 and 3 and Craig Semenza who also won 4 and 3.
On Thursday, Tewksbury played at Haverhill and lost 16-4. Dan Rose halved his match at the six spot and Evan Cutelis won his match at the seven spot 2-1.
The next day, Tewksbury headed to Central Catholic and the competition did not get any easier as they lost 19.5 to 5. Evan Cutelis and Dan Rose halved their match. Ryan Doherty played a good round and lost one down in the three spot.
The TMHS golfers lost their closest match of the season on Monday, as they fell to Chelmsford 11-9.
“The match came down to the final putt in the final group,” said Coach Jay Stamp.
Going into the final hole Craig Semenza was even and Rob Bradley had already won his match 3 and 2. The best ball for Tewksbury was even, as the team score at this point was Tewksbury 9 and Chelmsford 8 with three points left to be had.
“If Semenza won the hole he would have halved his match to get a point and won or halved best ball to win the match,” added Stamp.
Semenza and Bradley both pared out and Bradley's opponent pared out as well. Semenza's opponent needed to make his putt from 15 to make birdie and win the match.
With all of the pressure of the match, Semenza's opponent drained his putt and stole what would have been the biggest upset of the year for Chelmsford.
The point takers in the match were Ryan Doherty who halved his match, Jon Deshler who won 3-2, Dan Rose who won 4-2 and Rob Bradley won 3-2
Evan Cutelis lost his match 4-3 and Dan Rose had already won his. Without best ball from their group the match would have been over before the last hole.
“I talked to Evan and Dan before the last hole to inform them how important best ball was,” said Stamp. “Evan, even after losing his match, helped his partner take best ball on the eighth (hole) and he birdied the last hole to win best ball.”
The TMHS golf team plays a home match versus Methuen on Thursday and a home match versus Andover on Friday. On Tuesday the golfers play a match at Dracut.
By MIKE GIANNATTASIO
Sports Correspondent
The Tewksbury Memorial varsity golf team, although winless in 12 matches, have been improving week to week as the team heads into the last few weeks of the season.
Their schedule has not been helping them get their first win though, as the Redmen played three consecutive away matches from October 1st through the 3rd.
The golfers lost a match last Wednesday to Methuen at Merrimack Country Club by a score of 13-7. The point scorers for Tewksbury were Matt Thomann and Jon Deshler, whom both halved their matches, as well as Ryan Doherty who won his match 4 and 3 and Craig Semenza who also won 4 and 3.
On Thursday, Tewksbury played at Haverhill and lost 16-4. Dan Rose halved his match at the six spot and Evan Cutelis won his match at the seven spot 2-1.
The next day, Tewksbury headed to Central Catholic and the competition did not get any easier as they lost 19.5 to 5. Evan Cutelis and Dan Rose halved their match. Ryan Doherty played a good round and lost one down in the three spot.
The TMHS golfers lost their closest match of the season on Monday, as they fell to Chelmsford 11-9.
“The match came down to the final putt in the final group,” said Coach Jay Stamp.
Going into the final hole Craig Semenza was even and Rob Bradley had already won his match 3 and 2. The best ball for Tewksbury was even, as the team score at this point was Tewksbury 9 and Chelmsford 8 with three points left to be had.
“If Semenza won the hole he would have halved his match to get a point and won or halved best ball to win the match,” added Stamp.
Semenza and Bradley both pared out and Bradley's opponent pared out as well. Semenza's opponent needed to make his putt from 15 to make birdie and win the match.
With all of the pressure of the match, Semenza's opponent drained his putt and stole what would have been the biggest upset of the year for Chelmsford.
The point takers in the match were Ryan Doherty who halved his match, Jon Deshler who won 3-2, Dan Rose who won 4-2 and Rob Bradley won 3-2
Evan Cutelis lost his match 4-3 and Dan Rose had already won his. Without best ball from their group the match would have been over before the last hole.
“I talked to Evan and Dan before the last hole to inform them how important best ball was,” said Stamp. “Evan, even after losing his match, helped his partner take best ball on the eighth (hole) and he birdied the last hole to win best ball.”
The TMHS golf team plays a home match versus Methuen on Thursday and a home match versus Andover on Friday. On Tuesday the golfers play a match at Dracut.
Event a complete success once again
TOWN CRIER- WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2008
Road race brings out hundreds of runners
By MIKE GIANNATTASIO
Sports Correspondent
On Sunday, the fourth annual Half Marathon/5K road race was another success as hundreds of participants showed up on the rainy morning to run and raise money for the Wilmington community. The event had a 13.1 mile road race, along with the new addition of the 5K run or walk.
Laura Ahern has been a part of the road races since its inaugural in 2005, and she said it was a great turnout again this year.
“We had so much fun the day of the event,” said Ahern, the assistant director of the rewarding day. “The rain couldn't have stopped any of us. We had over 300 runners/walkers, and the day went off successfully without a hitch. We are so lucky to have dedicated people that are committed to making this event successful. We have received numerous e-mails complimenting us on the course, the organization of the race, and the free food/entertainment.
“Our hard work and dedication paid off and we ended up raising more money than in previous years. We can't wait to present the checks to the high school students and the Wilmington Community Fund, which helps out the food pantry.”
Denise Gentile is the other assistant director of the races, and she agreed with Ahern as she thought the day was terrific as well.
“I think the day went great,” said Gentile. “Even though the weather was rainy the people came out. I give them credit. The runners and the help were all there. We always try to do our best and I feel people realized it and enjoyed themselves. I thank everyone for all the support we get.”
Ahern enjoyed many parts of the day, but she said the best were watching all the runners, especially children, having fun.
“I enjoyed seeing the dedicated Half Marathon runners show up and ready to run - rain or shine,” said Ahern. “I enjoyed seeing all the young kids with their families and friends enthusiastic about raising money for their charity even in the pouring rain. I loved seeing Veronica Slater and her (Cystic Fibrosis) team with smiles on their faces when they finished and then waiting for her mom Cheryl to finish the Half Marathon.”
Gentile also liked watching Veronica smile when her mother finished the 13.1 mile race.
“Seeing Veronica Slater come across the finish line was amazing,” said Slater. “I liked watching everyone come across the finish line. Seeing the look on their faces, knowing what they had accomplished, being young or old was great.”
Cheryl Slater, who ran the half marathon to benefit her nine year old daughter who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, was clocked at 2:12:43 in the half marathon.
“I think it was a great day,“ said Slater. “I think the success of the event goes to the organizers, volunteers, runners and spectators. On such a rainy day everyone was in great spirits and it was truly contagious.
“My favorite part of the day was hearing how enthusiastic and proud my children and their friends were for finishing a 5K race. They all want to do another one soon. This to me is worth running 13 miles in the rain any day.”
Ahern said that there are several people that was worth mentioning for setting up the day.
“First, I want to once again thank our company sponsors, because without them, this race wouldn't happen,” said Ahern. “Secondly, I would really like to thank Ed and Sue Coughlin of Wilmington for making the course such a success. They are there each and every year with their team of volunteers including the Wilmington Rotary Club at every mile along the race with mile markers and water stops. Ed and Sue are such an intricate part of the race, we appreciate everything they do.
“Thirdly, I would like to thank the Wilmington Police for their support and Michael Ciara, Town Manger for his participation in this years event. Lastly, I want to sincerely thank "all" the volunteers and participants of the race, because their dedication is outstanding.”
Ahern also added that she hopes to see more participants at the race next year and help raise money for the community.
“We are so lucky to have family and friends in our lives that fight for something they believe in,” said Ahern. “I am just so happy we can help out in such a small way. We hope to see you next year because you are truly making a difference. Please remember it's never to early to sponsor the race.”
Road race brings out hundreds of runners
By MIKE GIANNATTASIO
Sports Correspondent
On Sunday, the fourth annual Half Marathon/5K road race was another success as hundreds of participants showed up on the rainy morning to run and raise money for the Wilmington community. The event had a 13.1 mile road race, along with the new addition of the 5K run or walk.
Laura Ahern has been a part of the road races since its inaugural in 2005, and she said it was a great turnout again this year.
“We had so much fun the day of the event,” said Ahern, the assistant director of the rewarding day. “The rain couldn't have stopped any of us. We had over 300 runners/walkers, and the day went off successfully without a hitch. We are so lucky to have dedicated people that are committed to making this event successful. We have received numerous e-mails complimenting us on the course, the organization of the race, and the free food/entertainment.
“Our hard work and dedication paid off and we ended up raising more money than in previous years. We can't wait to present the checks to the high school students and the Wilmington Community Fund, which helps out the food pantry.”
Denise Gentile is the other assistant director of the races, and she agreed with Ahern as she thought the day was terrific as well.
“I think the day went great,” said Gentile. “Even though the weather was rainy the people came out. I give them credit. The runners and the help were all there. We always try to do our best and I feel people realized it and enjoyed themselves. I thank everyone for all the support we get.”
Ahern enjoyed many parts of the day, but she said the best were watching all the runners, especially children, having fun.
“I enjoyed seeing the dedicated Half Marathon runners show up and ready to run - rain or shine,” said Ahern. “I enjoyed seeing all the young kids with their families and friends enthusiastic about raising money for their charity even in the pouring rain. I loved seeing Veronica Slater and her (Cystic Fibrosis) team with smiles on their faces when they finished and then waiting for her mom Cheryl to finish the Half Marathon.”
Gentile also liked watching Veronica smile when her mother finished the 13.1 mile race.
“Seeing Veronica Slater come across the finish line was amazing,” said Slater. “I liked watching everyone come across the finish line. Seeing the look on their faces, knowing what they had accomplished, being young or old was great.”
Cheryl Slater, who ran the half marathon to benefit her nine year old daughter who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, was clocked at 2:12:43 in the half marathon.
“I think it was a great day,“ said Slater. “I think the success of the event goes to the organizers, volunteers, runners and spectators. On such a rainy day everyone was in great spirits and it was truly contagious.
“My favorite part of the day was hearing how enthusiastic and proud my children and their friends were for finishing a 5K race. They all want to do another one soon. This to me is worth running 13 miles in the rain any day.”
Ahern said that there are several people that was worth mentioning for setting up the day.
“First, I want to once again thank our company sponsors, because without them, this race wouldn't happen,” said Ahern. “Secondly, I would really like to thank Ed and Sue Coughlin of Wilmington for making the course such a success. They are there each and every year with their team of volunteers including the Wilmington Rotary Club at every mile along the race with mile markers and water stops. Ed and Sue are such an intricate part of the race, we appreciate everything they do.
“Thirdly, I would like to thank the Wilmington Police for their support and Michael Ciara, Town Manger for his participation in this years event. Lastly, I want to sincerely thank "all" the volunteers and participants of the race, because their dedication is outstanding.”
Ahern also added that she hopes to see more participants at the race next year and help raise money for the community.
“We are so lucky to have family and friends in our lives that fight for something they believe in,” said Ahern. “I am just so happy we can help out in such a small way. We hope to see you next year because you are truly making a difference. Please remember it's never to early to sponsor the race.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
