By JEFF BREWER & STAFF REPORT SportInc.com
AKRON, Ohio – For Walsh Jesuit, it was simply a case of too much Daniel Bogen.
The Canfield sophomore won four events – the 200-yard freestyle, 100 freestyle, 200 free relay and the 400 free relay – as the Cardinals edged the Warriors 395.0-377.5 for the Akron Division II Boys Sectional Swimming title on Friday night at the University of Akron’s Ocasek Natatorium.
It was apparent from the outset that it was going to be a two-horse race, especially when Bogen (1:47.76) nipped Walsh ace Ben Boshkos (1:48.59) in the 200 freestyle.
Revere finished a distant third with 179.0 points.
In the meantime, this Sectional delivered everything a postseason swim meet should provide, from season best times to heart-pounding excitement for athletes and spectators alike.
“It’s a great pool, too,” Crestwood freshman Danny O’Sickey said. “I’m excited to be here.”
O’Sickey said he had competed before at Ocasek Natatorium as a member of the Lake Erie Silver Dolphins club team.
“There’s a lot of energy because if you want to go to districts you want to get your best time,” he said.
Walsh Jesuit freshman backstroker Joey Reilman felt good after his first race – the 200 medley relay.
“It’s good to get the jitters out,” Reilman said with a smile. “I’m swimming my first high school postseason event and I was little nervous.”
The Warriors won the medley relay in 1:43.14.
Alex Ormond is the meet director for the Division II sectionals run at Ocasek and he did not have to look far for volunteers to help time and record at the blocks.
Ormond’s daughter, Renee, swims for CVCA and she and the other five members of the Royals’ girls team offered to help before competing on Saturday night.
“It’s really fun,” she said. “It gets me excited, but it also gets me nervous”
Coaches implored their athletes to stay on top of the schedule: Don’t miss your race.
Hubbard senior Jacob Castner, a first-year competitive swimmer, had a solution for that worry. He wrote all of his heat information in permanent magic marker on his hand.
“It’ll wash off in a few days,” he said.
No cheering section was any more raucous than a painted band of 21 girls from Canton Central Catholic. In each heat, whenever a Crusader swimmer approached the wall in contention, the noise level in the building would increase.
Archbishop Hoban coach Amy Hovan gave senior Sam Stitzel a big hug after the Knights had placed fifth in the medley relay (1:51.53).
Stitzel’s freestyle split was 24.72 – almost a second faster than he had ever posted.
“It’s a good way to end your senior year,” Stitzel said.
In winning his 200 freestyle heat, CVCA junior Christian Hanz logged a personal best time of 1:53.97, more than three seconds faster than he had ever gone.
Joe Boniface of Youngstown Cardinal Mooney set a meet record in the 50 freestyle (21.57) and his accomplishment came over the loud speaker moments after it appeared on the results board.
CVCA senior Graham Burnell had no intention of posting his best times at the sectional, yet he still managed to win the 200 IM (2:02.58).
“I’m not really tapered yet,” Burnell said. “Hopefully for districts, I’ll taper to qualify for states.” Burnell wasn’t ready to commit to a complete shave, but did say he will don a “faster suit” and a swim cap for districts.
Qualifiers out of the Akron Division II Sectional will advance next week to Cleveland State for the district meet.
WOOSTER, Ohio – It will go down as one of the wildest, craziest, closest finishes since the Suburban League first sponsored a swimming championship.
The Revere girls, with a roster of 12 and a SL dual meet record of 4-2, surprised everyone in winning the 2012 overall league title on Friday night at Wooster High School.
Minutemen coach Steve Marshall saved his best for the last event – the 400-yard freestyle relay. He entered two strong teams and the decision proved to be a winner as Revere (279 points) used a 1-4 finish to overcome Green (271) and Copley (253) in the final standings.
Marshall’s two relay teams outscored Green’s two teams 54-36 and that proved to be the winning margin. It also delivered the overall championship, after the Minutemen had placed fourth in the dual-meet standings.
Nordonia (242) finished a strong fourth in the overall ranking, making for a thrilling ending to the meet.
“We won! We still have leg hair, and we’re not even rested or tapered,” shouted giddy Revere junior Emma Gresser. “I am so happy!”
All-Ohioans Gresser, Alex Poitinger and Maggie Harris performed as expected and the Minutemen got a big lift from seniors Sarah Courtad and Kayla Shockey, juniors Sami House and Erin Peiffer and freshman Alexandria Shockey.
“We didn’t think we were going to be able to pull it off,” Harris said.
Green placed second in the overall standings and Copley third.
“I thought it would be close, but I didn’t think it would be that close,” Marshall said. “It came down to the last relay.
“I kind of stacked the two end relays, just knowing that in the 200 free (relay) we didn’t score that many points because we kind of went for it with both 400 relays. That was a big help for our B relay to get fourth.”
Copley coach Ed Burnsed was disappointed for his girls, but optimistic about the future.
“You lose close meets sometimes,” Burnsed sighed. “It teaches kids sometimes you have to lose before you can win. They put their all into this season and I’m real proud of them.”
The Indians had eight freshmen among their 14 swimmers and just one senior.
Burnsed believes the addition of Nordonia is a huge boost for the swimming championship.
Poitinger was a double winner for the Minutemen in the 200 free (1:59.89) and the 500 free (5:29.37). Copley freshman Madison Myers won the 50 free (24.76) and the 100 free (54.16).
Cloverleaf senior and Ohio University recruit Addy Ferguson captured the 100 butterfly (59.14) and the 100 backstroke (58.70).
For as close as the girls meet was the boys meet was Copley in charge from beginning to end. The Indians were 6-0 in SL dual meets and then capped off a repeat championship by dominating the league meet.
Copley’s point total (326) far outdistanced second-place Nordonia (256.50) and third-place Wadsworth (237.50).
“We had really good senior leadership with Henry Signore and Chris Lane,” Burnsed said. “We had some good young swimmers step up. I had some huge improvements from our younger kids and we were just pretty solid all year.”
Signore won the 200 freestyle (1:50.12) and placed second in the 100 free. Junior Kory Braman won the 500 free (5:04.56) and junior Cooper Comstock won the 100 backstroke (57.41). The Indians won both the 200 and 400 free relay events.
Wadsworth senior Mike Pavlak set meet records in winning the 200 IM (2:02.77) and the 100 breaststroke (1:02.51).
RHS- Be part of the celebration tonight, Friday 1/27, as the Men’s soccer team raises the 2011 State Finalist Banner before the Varsity basketball game. Celebrate with the Men’s soccer team and cheer onto victory the Basketball teams!! See you at 7.
Last night the wrestling Minutemen traveled to Tallmadge for their final Suburban League dual of the season. Revere came out victorious with a final score of 44-30. Winning by pin for the Minutemen were Jake Totten, Stephen Suglio, Kyle Flynn, and Matt Peterson. Alec Fetzer recorded a technical fall, while Justin Smith earned a hard fought decision. Nice job wrestlers! Tomorrow (1/28) the Minutemen will host a non-league dual meet at noon against the Eagles from North Olmsted. Be there and be loud
The Varsity Girl’s Basketball team won their game against Nordonia Wednesday night. The game was intense down to the last minute. The Girls take on Highland this Saturday (1/28) at 7:30pm at Home. Make sure you come out and support the three girls basketball seniors; Kristen Sawka, Maria Pontich, and Jordan Serpentini on their Senior night. Good luck to the varsity cheerleaders who compete at Ohio State this Sunday
Congratulations to Anna Demjanjuk!
This past weekend (January 7th) Anna earned an MVP award during the Queen of Diamonds Showcase at Kent State University. She was also one of 11 players chosen by the college coaches for a special cage event. In 5 1/3 innings pitched, Anna struck out 11 of 19 All-Star batters, allowed only one hit and went 6 for 12 at the plate. A stellar performance!
RASBC Revere Reverse Raffle Dinner will be held on Friday March 16, 2012 at 6:30pm.
This is a terrific event and a major fundraiser for the RASBC. The entire Revere Community is invited to this annual gathering where a fun time is guaranteed for all.
Volunteers and silent auction items will be needed to make this event the best ever!
St. George Fellowship Centre 3204 Ridgewood Road Akron, Ohio
$2,000 Grand Prize, Sideboards, Silent Auction and Games
$100.oo per couple or $78 single (includes beverages, dinner and a raffle ticket.
Contact Michele Ruetty: 330-659-4337 or msruetty@roadrunner.com
Click for the 2012_Reverse Raffle Invitation.
PROCEEDS SUPPORT EVERY SPORT AT THE REVERE HIGH SCHOOL!
The RHS wrestling team came up with two non-league wins this past Saturday against Wooster and Hoban to improve their overall dual meet record to 4-4 on the season.
The host Minutemen began the day with an exciting 42-38 victory over Hoban, following it up with another big 48-22 win over the Generals of Wooster. Scoring bonus points for the Minutemen were Kyle Flynn,Zeck Lehman, and Ahmad Khatib, each recording two pinson the day. Stephen Sulgio, Matt Peterson, and Justin Smith each contributed with a combinedthree pins andthree forfeits on the day.
The Minutemen will host a tough Suburban League matchup this Thursday against Wadsworth and Nordonia, start time is at 6 PM.
Be there and be loud!
12/29/2011 – West Side Leader
BATH — The Revere High School swim team donated toys and nonperishable food items to support Summit County Children Services and ACCESS for the holiday season.
The team, shown above left, includes: (front row) Sarah Courtad, Alexandria Shockey, Chris Pollard, Adam Seay, Erin Pieffer, Samantha House, Emma Gresser and Alex Pearl; (middle row) Maggie Harris, Gil Hooper, Emily Ayers, Kerry White, Allen Hessman, Evelyn Troutman and Caroline O’Brien; and (back row) Ashley Sterba, Ryan Gross, Christian Burlotos, J.T. Wintrow, Jon Davis, Sahan Kiredina, Ben Mullaly, Alex Poitinger, Luke Mierzejewski, head coach Steve Marshall, assistant coach Lianna Mikesina and Kayla Shockey.
12/8/2011 – West Side Leader
By Sean Patrick
BATH — According to head coach Dan Mosher, the realistic goals for the Revere High School wrestling team this season include: five to six district qualifiers; one or two state qualifiers; and a top four finish in the Suburban League.
Last year, the team finished 26-13, with two district tournament qualifiers in Kyle Flynn (112 pounds) and Dominic Scianna (103 pounds), both of whom have returned for their junior year.
A strength for this year’s team is that most of last year’s key wrestlers have returned, as only two seniors graduated after last season.
“We have most of our starters returning, with more experience and off-season mat time than last year,” Mosher said.
According to the coach, the team features a nice blend of youth and experience.
“We are pretty even across all grade levels,” he said. “Most of our varsity starters are upperclassmen, however.”
The coach said he has “a strong trio of senior leaders this year” in: Matt Peterson, 132 pounds; Justin Smith, 138 pounds; and Eric Roose, 145 pounds.
Mosher said Peterson’s technique and ability “improved tremendously” during the off-season.
“Matt Peterson was 28-9 last season, narrowly missing district qualification,” the coach said. “He has wrestled the entire off-season with the freestyle wrestling program at Brecksville High School, as well as attended many camps and open mat sessions. He has the potential to go deep into the district tournament, as well as possibly make a run at the state tournament.”
Smith and Roose also are being counted on for key contributions, Mosher said.
“Justin Smith has also spent time in the off-season attending wrestling camps and improving his technique. Look for him to have a strong season,” the coach said. “Eric Roose was 24-17 last season. However, a season-ending broken ankle at the Suburban League tournament kept him from participating in the sectional tournament. He also has the potential to go deep into the postseason tournaments this year.”
Zeck Lehman leads “a strong group of freshmen” this year, Mosher stated.
“[Zeck] was a junior high state qualifier last year. Look for him to see a lot of varsity time this season at 152 pounds,” the coach said. “With more experience at the high school level and physical maturity, he has the potential to be very successful throughout his high school career.”
The team’s 2011-12 season got under way Dec. 3 at the Beachwood Bison Kickoff Classic, where Revere finished as the runner up with 336 total team points to 338 points for the first-place Garfield Heights High School Bulldogs. Individual champions at the tournament for Revere were Scianna (106 pounds) and Stephen Suglio (182 pounds). Flynn (120 pounds), Peterson (132 pounds), Smith (138 pounds) and Carl Roman (285 pounds) finished in second place in their weight classes, and Roose finished in third place.
Mosher is in his third year as head coach of the Revere wrestling program and his fourth year coaching at Revere overall. He is assisted by Matt Bruce, Zaid Khatib and Trevor Shaver.
THE REVERE VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM LOST A TOUGH GAME TO BEREA. MITCH RUETTY HAD 14 POINTS AND 14 REBOUNDS, WHILE MARK MOCKBEE ALSO HAD 14 POINTS. THE JV TEAM LOST TO BEREA. COME SEE THE MINUTEMEN IN ACTION TOMORROW NIGHT AT MASSILLON JACKSON. THE JV GAME BEGINS AT 6PM FOLLOWED BY THE VARSITY GAME AT 7:30PM. BE THERE!
The RHS Varsity Wrestling Team started off the 2011-2012 season with a strong runner-up performance at the Bison Kickoff Classic at Beachwood High School on Saturday. The Minutemen held the top spot of the team leader board the entire tournament until the final round, finishing with 336 total team points to the Garfield Heights Bulldog’s 338 points. Revere had two individual champions on the day in Dominic Scianna and Stephen Suglio. The individual tournament championship is the first for both wrestlers in their high school careers. Other strong performances were turned in by Kyle Flynn, Matt Peterson, Justin Smith, and Carl Roman, who all finished second place in their respective weight classes. Additionally, Eric Roose placed third. Great job wrestlers!(5)
Revere girls surge to win in 4th quarter
Junior Abby Klein scored 19 points to lead the way for Revere (1-2, 1-0 Suburban League). Junior Gabby Vitez had 13 points, while sophomore Marissa Harvath dropped in 12 for the Minutemen.
Eight players scored for Cloverleaf (0-3, 0-1), led by senior Haley Ploucha’s 12 points. Senior Shelby Dearth scored 11 points.
Also scoring for Revere was Kristen Sawka (5 points) and Kaylyn Roose (1 point).
Also scoring for Cloverleaf was Katie Simpson (8 points), Andrea Baughman (5 points), Brittany Piper (4 points), Kendall Yuhas (3 points), Jessica Lindemeyer (2 points) and Sam Furr (2 points).
