Spina and Holladay’s combined no-hitter, Palverento’s perfect game highlight the start of the sports week in Salem County
BASEBALL
WOODSTOWN 6, OVERBROOK 0: Dante Spina and Jack Holladay combined on the Wolverines’ first seven-inning no-hitter in recent memory. The two pitchers struck out 10, walked two and faced only two batters over the minimum. Holladay retired 13 in a row before the Rams reached on a two-out error in the seventh. Rocco String went 3-for-3 and Ty Coblentz had three hits and two RBIs to lead the offense.
PENNSVILLE 16, WILDWOOD 2: Chase Burchfield went 3-for-3 with a homer and six RBIs and Connor Starn homered as the Eagles came from behind to win their third in a row. They spotted the Warriors a 2-0 lead. Cohen Petrutz drove in three runs. The Eagles have outscored their opponents 52-2 during their winning streak.
SCHALICK 11, PENNS GROVE 1: Jamari Whitley went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and pitched four strong innings with nine strikeouts as the Cougars improved to 5-0. Evan Sepers had three extra-base hits.
SALEM 9, CLAYTON 6: Andrew May’s two-run single highlighted a four-run sixth that broke a 5-5 tie and led the Rams to victory. May had two hits and four RBIs. Chase Davis and Eithan Longo had three hits apiece. Davis struck out 11 in 6 1/3 innings on the mound.
SOFTBALL
Schalick at Penns Grove
PENNSVILLE 16, WILDWOOD 0: Savannah Palverento retired all 15 batters she faced in a five-inning perfect game. The Salem CC signee struck out five and made big pitches on a few 3-2 counts to avoid any walks. The Eagles supported her with 15 hits. Kylie Harris and Graillyn Weber both had three hits, a homer short of the cycle. Harris and Sawyer Simmons had four RBIs and Avery Watson had two hits and three RBIs. Watson also made a nice defensive play up the middle on the next to last play of the game to keep the gem alive.
OVERBROOK 5, WOODSTOWN 3: The Rams broke a 3-3 tie with two runs in the sixth inning, then turned back a Wolverines threat in the seventh. Lila Bowling had three hits for Woodstown. Ellie Wygand and Hannah Hitchner had two apiece.
CLAYTON 27, SALEM 0: The Clippers erupted for 19 runs in the third inning and held the Rams hitless.
TENNIS
PENNSVILLE 5, TRITON 0
Gabe Schneider (P) def. Tristyn Malone, 6-0, 6-0
Maddox Efelis (P) def. Cole Durham, 6-0, 6-0
Brody Wiggins (P) def. Tirth Patel, 6-0, 6-0
Lucas Cooksey-Sawyer Humphrey (P) def. Sean Gorsky-Brennan Zabala, 6-0, 6-2
Matthew Forino-Carter Willis (P) def. Shrey Modi-Nathanial White, 6-0, 6-1
Records: Pennsville 5-0, Triton 0-4.
WOODSTOWN 4, PENNS GROVE 1
Drew Stengel (WO) def. Alex Ramirez Martinez, 6-1, 6-0
John Farrell (WO) def. Angel Perez Herrera, 6-0, 6-0
Stuart Mondragon (P) def. Joseph Kurpis, 6-2, 5-7, 10-8
Ben Stengel-Nicholas DiTeodoro (WO) def. Anthony Pacheco-Rene Ruiz, 6-0, 6-1
Vincent Merendino-Jake Lewis (WO) def. Adam Gonzalez-Jose Suntecum, 6-1, 6-0
Records: Woodstown 5-2, Penns Grove 1-2.
SCHALICK 5, GATEWAY 0
George Gould (S) def. Dylan Ceravolo, 6-1, 6-0
Rocky Monticolo (S) def. Tommy McCabe, 6-1, 6-1
Conor O’Toole (S) def. Isan Salamanca, 6-1, 6-2
Cayden Brzozowski-Kaden Barnes (S) def. Justin Dugan-Ben Cline, 7-6 (6-0), 6-0
David Santana-Anthony McGrath (S) def. Jackson Smith-Alvaro Sanchis-Moraleja, 6-2, 6-2
Records: Schalick 4-3, Gateway 1-3.
TRACK
SCHALICK GIRLS WIN: The Cougars remained undefeated (3-0) with a win over Glassboro. Jordan Hadfield won three events (800, 1600, 3200) and Gia Martellacci (200, 400) and Ally Green (javelin, 100 hurdles) won two apiece.
WOODSTOWN RELAY DENIED: The Wolverines’ boys 4×800 relay team made a gutsy effort to beat the qualifying standard for the Penn Relays, but they learned Monday the 8:08 they posted in challenging conditions Saturday at Father Judge wasn’t strong enough to make the field for the historic event. The Wolverines have qualified for the 4×400.
GOLF
Clearview 172, Schalick girls 232
Pennsville vs. Overbrook
Schalick vs. Woodstown
LACROSSE
Mainland 15, Woodstown 11
COLLEGE BASEBALL
MONDAY’S REGION 19 SCORES
Salem CC 20, Atlantic Cape 4
Mercer 13, Lackawanna 9
Morris 3, Sussex 2, susp.
RCSJ-Cumberland 9, Middlesex 5
Raritan Valley 23, Delaware Tech 10
Union 13, Rockland 1
HAMILTON – Matt Murphy homered and drove in four runs and four pitchers scattered five hits while allowing just one earned run as Salem CC blasted Atlantic Cape 20-4. In his seven games since breaking out of a slump with eight RBIs against Middlesex, Murphy is 11-for-27 with two homers and 16 RBIs.
Cole Dawson went 3-for-3 with three RBIs and four runs scored. Murphy, Tyler Hacker, Tony Sanchez and Yen Rodriguez had two hits apiece. The Mighty Oaks (17-17) got things started with an eight-run first inning.
Category: TRACK
This week’s schedule
Here is the Salem County sports schedule for the week of April 14-19; games start at 4 p.m. unless noted
APRIL 14
BASEBALL
Clayton at Salem
Overbrook at Woodstown
Penns Grove at Schalick
Wildwood at Pennsville
SOFTBALL
Salem at Clayton
Schalick at Penns Grove
Wildwood at Pennsville
Woodstown at Overbrook
GOLF
Pennsville at Overbrook, Sakima CC, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick girls vs. Clearview, Westwood GC, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick vs. Woodstown, Town & Country GL, 3:45 p.m.
TENNIS
Triton at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Schalick at Gateway
Woodstown at Penns Grove
TRACK
Glassboro at Schalick girls, 3:45 p.m.
Overbrook at Penns Grove
Salem, Gloucester Catholic, Wildwood at Clayton, 3:30 p.m.
LACROSSE
Woodstown at Mainland
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Atlantic Cape, 3:30 p.m.
APRIL 15
BASEBALL
Pennsville at Overbrook
SOFTBALL
Pennsville at Woodstown
GOLF
Schalick girls, Woodstown at Westwood GC, 9:30 a.m.
Salem Tech vs. Gloucester Catholic, Sakima CC, 3:45 p.m.
TENNIS
Schalick at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Woodstown at Timber Creek, 3:45 p.m.
GIRLS LACROSSE
Woodstown at Cinnaminson
VOLLEYBALL
LEAP at Salem Tech
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Harford CC at Salem CC 3:30 p.m.
APRIL 16
BASEBALL
Overbrook at Penns Grove
Salem at Pennsville
Woodstown at Glassboro
SOFTBALL
Glassboro at Woodstown
Penns Grove at Overbrook
Pennsville at Salem
GOLF
Schalick vs. Washington Twp., Centerton CC, 3:30 p.m.
Woodstown vs. Pennsville, Sakima CC, 3:45 p.m.
TENNIS
Delsea at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Millville at Pennsville
Overbrook at Penns Grove
TRACK
Woodstown at Schalick, 3:30 p.m.
Glassboro at Pennsville
Salem at Pitman
LACROSSE
Cinnaminson at Woodstown
GIRLS LACROSSE
Woodstown at Clearview, 5:15 p.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Mercer County CC, 3:30 p.m.
APRIL 17
BASEBALL
Cumberland at Pennsville
Northern Burlington at Schalick
Woodstown vs. Cinnaminson
SOFTBALL
Clearview at Woodstown
Pennsville at Cumberland
GOLF
Schalick girls vs. OLMA, Centerton CC
TENNIS
Delsea at Woodstown
Pennsville vs. Pitman, Shertle Park, 3:45 p.m.
Penns Grove at Schalick
VOLLEYBALL
Salem Tech at Timber Creek
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at Sussex, 2:30 p.m.
APRIL 18
BASEBALL
Salem at Camden County Tech, 11 a.m.
SOFTBALL
West Deptford at Schalick
TENNIS
Pitman at Penns Grove
LACROSSE
Rancocas Valley at Woodstown
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Bergen CC at Salem CC, 3:30 p.m.
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Cecil at Salem CC, 3:30 p.m.
APRIL 19
BASEBALL
Woodstown at Sterling, 11 a.m.
Schalick vs. Cherry Hill West at Haddon Twp., 1 p.m.
Schalick at Haddon Twp., 3:30 p.m.
TRACK
Penns Grove, Pennsville, Schalick, Salem, Woodstown at Woodbury Relays
LACROSSE
Paul VI at Woodstown, 10 a.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Bergen CC (2), noon
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at Mercer County CC, noon
‘Gutsy’ performance
With backs to the wall, Woodstown’s boys 4×800 relay team clears several potential hurdles to post qualifying time for Penn Relays
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
PHILADELPHIA – The deck couldn’t have been more stacked against Woodstown’s 4×800 relay team reaching one of the more ambitious goals for its season, but as they’ve proved time and again there’s not much they can’t overcome.
One of the goals the decorated group set for themselves this spring was to earn a spot in the historic Penn Relays and win their heat, but they were down to their absolute last chance to qualify and bad things were piling up like a stack of high hurdles.
There really was no tomorrow; if it didn’t happen in Saturday’s Father Judge Relays, it wasn’t going to happen. Bad weather was challenging their resolve to even make the trip to make the attempt and once they got there was going to make it difficult to post a good time. On top of that, one of their pieces was competing for the first time after having surgery three weeks ago.
In spite of all that, the Wolverines did what they always seem to do and that’s got the job done. They won the race in school-record time of 8:08.09, a healthy four seconds under the qualifying standard for the Penn Relays race.
The team of Karson Chew, Cole Lucas, Jacob Marino and Josh Crawford won the race by three seconds over runner-up Caesar Rodney High School of Delaware and four Philly parochial squads. They are expected to learn Monday at 5 p.m. if their time is among the top 35 to make it to Franklin Field. The race prelims are April 24 at 9 a.m. with the Championship of America finals the next day at 5:50 p.m.
“It was very gutsy,” Wolverines coach Reggie Teemer said, confident his team will get a small-school spot. “I just felt like these guys are hungry. They are hungry without me motivating them. It was very cold out. It was windy. It was raining. We just knew we went there for business, not like we were out there for anything else. It’s like all right, let’s go out and do this, we’re gonna get a good time and we’re going to go home. They’re just a gutsy group of kids.”
Tops on that list this week at least was Marino. Three weeks ago the junior distance specialist was in a hospital room waiting to have his appendix removed. He was expected to be out a minimum of four weeks, but he was back running at practice in the middle of last week, a week ahead of schedule.
He ran a 2:08 on his leg and according to teammates ran smooth enough to look like he hadn’t had surgery at all. He started losing ground towards the end of his leg, but Crawford quickly reclaimed the lead and left the field in the wake.
“It was a really nerve-wracking experience coming back into the meet having one chance,” Marino said, “but I’m really proud of all that we’ve accomplished and all the work of the other dudes on our team to get us to where we are at, and our coaches as well.
“it was just surreal coming back and being able to do that. it was just really amazing to beat all those odds and to be able to come back and accomplish that with our team and be able to do something that hasn’t been done.”
The Wolverines switched their running order partly to accommodate Marino’s situation. He typically runs second, but on this occasion he swapped with Lucas for the third leg. It’s likely to be what Chew called “our normal” for the rest of the season.
“With Jacob just coming back, he did perfectly,” Chew said. “He did a great job, ran a sub-2:10, which is where we needed him for the day.
“We were really proud of him for doing what he had to do. We went straight for a group hug after we got the time and he was the center of that because of the situation he was in and what he ran. Even though he had that situation he still ran like he needed to run and ran a really good time for having surgery two weeks beforehand. I knew going in he was going to make that happen.”
Shortly after helping the Wolverines qualify for Penn, Marino ran the boys mile for another chance “to get my legs under me” and finished seventh (4:59.78). Samantha Sterner was the only other Woodstown athlete to brave the elements and she finished seventh in the girls mile (5:53.33).
The team already was registered for the 4×400, but to cover themselves for the 4×8 before Sunday’s deadline, they registered for it shortly after the race. Now it’s just a matter of seeing where they fall.
“It’s out of our hands now,” Teemer said. “We did what we’re supposed to do. We’ll just leave it up to the voters, I guess.”
Mission accomplished
Salem boys return to scene of 2024 disappointment, win West Deptford Relays, Parker boys MVP, Schalick wins girls meet; Schalick boys win in Bridgeton; Woodstown 4×800 qualifies for Penn Relays
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
WEST DEPTFORD – Anthony Parker and the Salem High track team came into the West Deptford Relays on this damp and dreary Saturday with something to prove.
They went into the meet last year expecting to go home with the trophy. Instead, they lost to Audubon by two points, the difference being the baton never getting to Parker in the 4×100 relay.
The Rams considered it a major disappointment and it burned within them for the next 12 months. Coach David Hunt thought of it as a coachable moment regarding the importance of quality practice prior to a meet, which that week was not.
They returned to the scene Saturday and this time all the exchanges were clean. They won the meet going away, scoring 113 points, 27 better than the runner-up Green Wave. Schalick won the girls division comfortably ahead of runner-up Pennsville.
“We came into the meet and we only had one thing on our mind and that was getting the trophy,” Parker said. “We lost last year to Audubon and I don’t think anybody was happy with that, so we came in with a good mindset and we got the trophy.
“During the race I was thinking about last year, but I’m like this year it can’t happen again. I know as soon as I get the baton we’re going to win.”
The Rams won seven events in the tough conditions and Parker was the Most Outstanding Athlete of the boys meet for the first time. He posted the best individual time in the 400 hurdles (58.31) and anchored the winning 4×200, shuttle hurdle and revenge-minded 4×100 relays. He picked up the 4×200 when weather washed out the jumps.
They ran 45.47 in the 4×1, 1:36.92 in the 4×2 and 1:13.78 in the shuttle hurdles. Jelani Beverly ran in two of the relays with him, but for the most part they were three sets of teams.
“He did real good today,” Hunt said. “Right now we’re battling the weather so everyone’s times aren’t necessarily where they want them, but as far as his competitiveness coming into the season it’s been great. He’s doing a lot of very good things.
“He went up to Boston (for the New Balance Indoor Nationals), so he never stopped; we went straight from indoor into spring. The difference in him this year has been this role with the team. Other people are responding to his leadership versus last year where he was kind of just a member of the team. He’s shown a lot of growth in that area.”
On the girls side, Schalick won four events and finished second in four others. Pennsville won three events and both mixed events.
WEST DEPTFORD RELAYS
BOYS 1
TEAM SCORES: Salem 113, Audubon 86, Florence 32, Pennsville 29, Pitman 18, Clayton 14, Buena 9, Freire Charter 8
EVENTS (Top 3)
400 Hurdles: 1. Anthony Parker, Salem 58.31; 2. Henry Lisboa, Pennsville 1:00.21; 3. Gradin Buzby, Salem 1:01.53. Team: Salem 1:59.83, Audubon 2:06.96, Pennsville 1:00.21.800 SMR: 1. Audubon 1:38.69; 2. Salem (Timothy Gregory, Omarion Pierce, Terrance Smith, Jelani Beverly), 1:39.72; 3. Clayton 1:44.73
4×100: 1. Salem (Jelani Beverly, Anthony Parker, Omarion Pierce, Terrance Smith), 45.47; 2. Audubon 45.65; 3. Pennsville (Henry Lisboa, Danny Knight, Ty Young, Colin McGlinn) 46.52
Shuttle Hurdle: 1. Salem (Gradin Buzby, Anthony Parker, Jerry Seals, Timothy Gregory), 1:13.78
4×200: 1. Salem (Jelani Beverly, Kaden Robinson, Terrance Smith, Anthony Parker), 1:36.92; 2. Florence 1:42.13; 3. Freire Charter 1:44.00
4×800: 1. Audubon 9:23.61; 2. Salem (Xavier McGriff, Jerry Seals, Matthew Howard, Andrew Dale) 9:31.60; 3. Pitman 9:49.01
DMR: 1. Audubon 11:47.48; 2. Pitman 12:15.04; 3. Salem (Joshua Gilbert, Gavin Cronrath, Samuel Cooke, Andrew Dale) 12:42.87
4×1600: 1. Salem (Samuel Cooke, Matthew Howard, Gavin Cronrath, Andrew Dale) 21:24.43
Discus: 1. Dylan Hoff, Audubon 118-9; 2. Wyatt Irvine, Salem 113-2; 3. Nick Hiros, Florence 113-1. Team: Audubon 214-2, Salem 205-7, Florence 113-1.
High Jump: 1. Donovan Weathers, Salem 5-8; 2. Liam Nixon, Audubon 5-6; 3. Kaden Robinson, Salem 5-4. Team: Salem 11-0, Audubon 10-10, Florence 10-0.
Javelin: 1. Connor Ayars, Pennsville 154-5; 2. Breyson McCracken, Audubon 142-4; 3. Logan Gilbert, 137-4. Team: Pennsville 282-11, Audubon 279-8, Salem 232-4.
Pole Vault: 1. Jack Mazzoni, Buena 11-6; 2. Gradin Buzby, Salem 10-6; 3. Jelani Beverly, Salem, 9-0. Team: Salem 19-6, Buena 19-6, Pennsville 16-0.
Shot Put: 1. Nick Hiros, Florence 43-0; 2. Aiden McKinney, Audubon 42-8; 3. Pedro Ibarra, Clayton 38-7. Team: Audubon 79-11, Salem 75-1, Clayton 74-7.
GIRLS 1
TEAM SCORES: Schalick 86, Pennsville 60, Clayton 54, Salem 51, Florence 37, Buena 32, Pitman 28, OLMA 3
EVENTS (Top 3)
400 Hurdles: 1. Emily Madden, Buena 1:15.04; 2. Taylor Bass, Pennsville 1:16.96; 3. Brooke Valentine, Schalick 1:17.90. Team: Buena 2:36.92, Schalick 2:39.29, Salem 2:41.39.
800 SMR: 1. Pennsville (Kallie Morrison, Annabella Manning, Ariana Charles, Megan Morris) 2:01.62; 2. Clayton 2:07.39; 3. Florence 2:10.66
4×100: Clayton 54.49; 2. Schalick (Brooke Valentine, Caileigh Schalick, Gia Martellacci, Phoebe Alward) 56.31; 3. Florence 58.59
SHR: 1. Buena 1:17.63; 2. Salem (Audrey Boggs, Tahirah Davenport-White, Ji’Yonna Seals, Kashira Patterson) 1:19.02; 3. Schalick (Gabriella Simonini, Ava Scurry, Piper Warner, Rebekah Cuff) 1:21.37
4×200: 1. Schalick (Sophia Harris, Phoebe Alward, Caileigh Schalick, Gia Martellacci) 1:53.60; 2. Clayton 1:56.08; 3. Salem (Angelina Fothergill, Raniyah Parsons-Smith, Ma’Kayla Smith, Amaia Massengill) 1:57.45
4×800: 1. Schalick (Sarah Torpey, Caylen Taylor, Olivia Sacerdote, Emmalynn Robinson) 11:36.16; 2. Pitman 11:39.68; 3. Salem (Gabriella Bartlett, Samantha Dale, Isabella Langley, Tessa Bohn) 12:16.72
DMR: 1. Schalick (Caylen Taylor, Sarah Torpey, Emma O’Neill, Helen Lillia) 14:09.53; 2. Pennsville (Izzy Saulin, Taylor Bass, McKayla Patterson, Sawyer Slad) 15:59.52; 3. Florence 16:02.74
4×1600: 1. Pitman 26:55.85; 2. Schalick (Sarah Torpey, Caylen Taylor, Olivia Sacerdote, Emmalynn Robinson) 29:15.89; 3. Florence 29:48.63
Discus: 1. Sebrina Bradford, Schalick 90-1; 2. Destinee Williams, Clayton 89-5; 3. Rainelle Blocker, Clayton 82-5. Team: 1. Clayton 171-10, Schalick 166-9, Pennsville 149-8.
High Jump: 1. Kallie Morrison, Pennsville 4-8; 2. Anna Gallo, Clayton 4-4; 3. Taylor Bass, Pennsville 4-0. Team: Pennsville 8-8, Salem 8-0, Clayton 4-4.
Javelin: 1; Rainelle Blocker, Clayton, 112-2; 2. Olivia Sacerdote, Schalick 89-6; 3. Navaeh Robinson, Schalick 87-0. Team: Schalick 175-6, Clayton 154-11, Pittman 141-7.
Pole Vault: 1. Megan Morris, Pennsville 8-6; 2. Tyiana Miller, Salem 6-6; 3. Marlee Lawson, Pennsville 6-6. Team: Pennsville 15-0, Salem 12-6
Shot Put: 1. Rainelle Blocker, Clayton 32-6.5; 2. Kylie Sack, Buena, 29-3.5; 3. Tatiyonna Crawford, Pennsville 27-2.25. Team: Clayton 58-2.5, Buena 54-11.75, Pennsville 52-3.25
MIXED 1
4×100: 1. Pennsville (Connor Ayars, Kayla Buck-Finley, Cole Campbell, Izzy Saulin) 1:00.57; 2. Florence 1:05.52
4×400: 1. Pennsville (Colin McGlinn, Megan Morris, Henry Lisboa, Ariana Charles) 4:04.69; 2. Florence 4:27.87
GIRLS 2
TEAM SCORES: Gloucester City 78, West Deptford 70, Lower Cape May 47, Middle 37, Oakcrest 34, Pleasantville 33, Penns Grove 28, Eastside Camden 11, Deptford 8, Camden Catholic 2
EVENTS (Penns Grove only)
800 SMR: 4. Penns Grove (Ariana Dowe, Ja’Onyi Fundora, Niyannah Hill, Kimberly Smith) 2:04.06
4×100: 5. Penns Grove (Janiyah Cummings, Arianna Dowe, Malliyah Gardner, Semijah Hinez) 56.66
4×200: 1. Penns Grove (Ariana Dowe, Janiyah Cummings, Ja’Onyi Fundora, Malliyah Gardner) 1:56.65
Discus: 5. Penns Grove (Zoey Ceasar, Nalayea Livingston) 117-3
Shot Put: 2. Zoey Ceasar, Penns Grove, 29-11.25. Team: 1. Penns Grove (Ceasar, Jarlene Vichi) 57-1.25
Schalick boys repeat
BRIDGETON – The Schalick boys won eight of 14 events in challenging conditions and ran away with the Bridgeton Relays for the second year in a row. The Cougars scored 118 points, lapping Division I runner-up Cedar Creek. David Stewart won the long jump and triple jump and ran a leg on the winning 4×100 relay.
It was their second win in as many weeks, having won the small schools division at Buena the week before.
“We love bad weather; our guys are 4-0 in bad weather,” Cougars coach James Turner said. “They look at it as an advantage because they are willing to push through it and do what needs to be done.”
BRIDGETON RELAYS
TEAM SCORES: Schalick 118, Cedar Creek 58, Pleasantville 44, Triton 34, St. Joseph (Hamm.) 16, Haddon Twp. 16
EVENTS (Division I)
400 Hurdles: 1. Hunter Dragotta, Schalick 1:00.79, 2. Kolby Sicklar, Schalick 1:01.48
4×100: 1. Schalick (Michael Eberl, Zaeshawn Mills, Reggie Allen, David Stewart), 44.59
4×200: 1. Pleasantville 1:33.12; 2. Triton 1:36.11; 3. Schalick (Kenneth Bartee, Jase Volovar, Roneem Thomas, Zaeshawn Mills) 1:36.80
4×400: 1. Schalick (Michael Eberl, Reggie Allen, Jase Volovar, Jacob Carter) 3:44.04
4×800: 1. Schalick (Salvatore Longo, Hunter Dragotta, Chase Riley, Collin Bittle) 9:19.89
4×1600: 1. Cedar Creek 19:57.07; 2. Schalick (Collin Bittle, Chase Walker, John Egan, Nicholas Valentino) 22:02.78
800 SMR: 1. Pleasantville 1:39.64; Schalick DQ
1600 SMR: 1. Pleasantville 3:31.69; 2. Schalick (David Stewart, Zaeshawn Mills, Roneem Thomas, Steve Chomo) 3:51.88
DMR: 1. Schalick (Steve Chomo, Salvatore Longo, Jacob Carter, Chase Riley) 11:48.46
High Jump: 1. Jase Volovar, Schalick 5-0; 2. Reggie Allen, Schalick 5-0
Long Jump: 1. David Stewart, Schalick 19-6.25; 2. Zaeshawn Mills, Schalick 19-2.75
Triple Jump: 1. David Stewart, Schalick 39-8.5; 2. Levi Feeney-Childers, Schalick, 39-4.25
Shot Put: 1. Kyle Stephens, Haddon Twp. 42-11; 2. Ethan McLean, Schalick 35-0.5
Discus: 1. Mandel Pettiford, Cedar Creek, 162-4; 2. Ethan McLean, Schalick, 122-6; 3. Nylan Sutton, Schalick 102-7
Woodstown’s 4×8 takes
it down to the wire
PHILADELPHIA – Woodstown’s decorated boys 4×800 relay team posted a time good enough to qualify for the Penn Relays Saturday when it won the race at the Father Judge Relays in school-record time. The Wolverines came in with an 8:08.09, four seconds under the qualifying threshold for the historic race, in their last chance to qualify.
The team of Karson Chew, Cole Lucas, Jacob Marino and Josh Crawford won the race by three seconds over Caesar Rodney High School of Camden, Del. They are expected to learn if their time is among the top 35 to make the Penn Relays field Monday. The race is April 24. The Wolverines had qualified for the 4×400 earlier in the year.
Shortly after helping his 4×800 relay team hit the mark, Marino finished seventh in the boys mile (4:59.78). He is three weeks removed from having his appendix removed. Samantha Sterner finished seventh in the girls mile (5:53.33).
Look for an expanded version of this story soon at the Riverview Sports News website.
Turning point
Woodstown stands up to adversity, Gloucester City for much needed win; includes all of Thursday’s reported Salem County action
SALEM COUNTY BASEBALL
Woodstown 4, Gloucester 2
Pennsville 26, Clayton 0
Pitman 11, Salem 0
Schalick 3, Overbrook 2
Glassboro 16, Penns Grove 2
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
GLOUCESTER – Whether it was a team they had beaten every time they played before or one that had taken them down in walk-off fashion in last year’s playoffs, it didn’t really matter. The Woodstown baseball team was in need of a feel-good win and got it Thursday night.
The Wolverines were skunked by the two best pitchers in Salem County in their last two outings, but they got things back moving in the right direction with a 4-2 win at Gloucester City. That’s the same Gloucester program that broke their hearts with two runs in the bottom of the seventh of last year’s South Jersey Group I title game.
“I think there was a sense of relief,” Woodstown coach Marc DeCastro said. “I told them yesterday it doesn’t matter when it happens almost every team goes through a point where it becomes easy to kind of splinter and blame things and people and everything but yourself, and then there are times when the teams that can be good take those opportunities and grow from them.
“Whether we won today or whether we didn’t, to me, it was a little irrelevant. We’re still not ready to be a really good team just yet, we’re still learning how to do that, but what I wanted to see was how we handled each other and handled the game, and I thought they did a really good job.
“I saw some things that showed me there were some people who were looking to get it on the right track as opposed to just let it go where it was. I was happy with the way we approached the game. I’m obviously glad that we won, but first and foremost I wanted to see whether we could handle ourselves or I had to be the one to handle things. I was glad to see they were able to do that.”
Unlike their last two games in which they fell way behind in the first inning, the Wolverines (3-2) scored a run in the first and never lost the lead. Tommy Tucci singled in a run in the first and doubled one home in the third – both with two outs — to give them a 2-0 lead and Blake Bialecki gave them some necessary insurance with a two-run single through a drawn-in infield in the seventh.
Tucci and Bialecki both had two hits in the game. Rocco String, Ty Coblentz and Caiden Spinelli also had two hits apiece. String and Coblentz both scored twice.
“The win was needed bad,” Bialecki said. “We’ve been struggling and it is definitely a part of the season where we could either fall apart as a team or come together as a team. Today we responded very well to the adversity we have been facing.
“Coach said that if he had to interfere with us fighting the adversity we would struggled with it all season. But today we showed him we can bounce back ourselves. Now he knows that if we face adversity again, whether that’s a stretch of games like we just had or just adversity in a specific game, he knows we can figure it out and bounce back.”
Aaron Foote was the first of four Woodstown pitchers and he got the win. He worked into the fifth inning in his first appearance since the season opener and allowed two hits and a walk while striking out four.
Gloucester staged a rally in the home seventh that looked unnervingly familiar to the Wolverines. The Lions scored two runs and threatened more with bases loaded and none out, but junior Chase Harding came on got the last three outs on a two strikeouts and a ground out.
Although the thought didn’t register at the time with DeCastro, who remains steadfastly focused on the present and future, there were more than a few Wolverines who recalled last year when Gloucester rallied on this field in the bottom of the seventh to snatch the sectional championship game away.
“All game I was having flashbacks to last year’s game,” said Bialecki, a senior outfielder. “We were all really excited for this game because of last year. When they were threatening in the last inning I was really worried it was going to happen again.
“But we were able to pull it off this time.”
And show their coach they can be counted upon in times of adversity.
PENNSVILLE 26, CLAYTON 0: The Eagles got big games across the board. Chase Burchfield, Connor Starn and Mike McClincy all homered, all nine starters had at least one RBI and scored at least one run and three pitchers combined for a no-hitter.
It was the Eagles’ highest-scoring game since they put 29 on Clayton May 11, 2016. In fact, four of the Eagles’ 10 highest-scoring games since 2011 have come against the Clippers.
McClincy went 3-for-5 with six RBIs. The junior catcher got his first varsity hit in his first at-bat and the next time up hit a grand slam, which he told teammates was the first homer he’d ever hit in his life. Starn, a senior, went 3-for-3 with four RBIs and his homer was his first in 149 varsity at-bats.
Meanwhile, Burchfield went 3-for-5 with four RBIs, Cohen Petrutz went 4-for-4, Mason O’Brien went 3-for-4 and Jeff Wagner drove in three runs.
“It was a big game for the offense,” Eagles coach Matt Karr said. “I was very proud how locked in our guys were. It was cold and they stayed focused through each at bat and their approach to the day was what we expected.”
Logan Streitz, Starn and O’Brien combined on the five-inning no-hitter, each throwing 30 pitches or less. They struck out nine, walked three and hit a batter.
“They all threw the ball very well, especially considering the conditions and how long they had to sit in between innings,” Karr said.
Pennsville’s big games
Here is a list of Pennsville’s highest scoring baseball games (since 2011)
| RUNS | OPPONENT | DATE |
| 39 | Salem | May 15, 2014 |
| 31 | Clayton | April 13, 2015 |
| 31 | Wildwood | May 14, 2018 |
| 29 | Clayton | April 11, 2016 |
| 29 | Penns Grove | April 5, 2024 |
| 26 | Clayton | April 10, 2025 |
| 24 | Gateway | May 20, 2013 |
| 24 | Clayton | May 4, 2017 |
| 20 | Wildwood | May 8, 2013 |
| 20 | Gloucester City | Apr. 14, 2014 |
SCHALICK 3, OVERBROOK 2: Lucas D’Agostino’s two-run double highlighted a three-run sixth inning that broke a scoreless tie and then he pitched the seventh behind the Cougars’ ace to get the save.
Schalick’s Luke Pokrovsky and Overbrook’s Tyler Wood battled for five innings before the Cougars (4-0) broke through in the sixth. Both pitchers went six. Pokrovsky allowed four hits, an unearned run in the bottom of the sixth and struck out 14.
Enrico Hatz and Pokrovsky both had two hits for the Cougars.
PITMAN 11, SALEM 0: One day after their pitchers put together a no-hitter the Rams were no-hit themselves. Pitman’s Jude Engstrom and Kiernan Clark allowed the Rams only two base runners – walks to Terrell Robinson and Andrew May. Nick Watson homered for Pitman and Hudson Rue had three hits and three RBIs.
GLASSBORO 16, PENNS GROVE 2: Joey Tongue and Gavin Dillard both had three hits and Sal Esgro had three RBIs to lead the Bulldogs. The Red Devils, no-hit the day before, were held to two hits – a single by Bristol Scott and Liam Irvin’s RBI double.
Softball
THURSDAY’S SCORES
Pennsville 18, Clayton 2
Gloucester 14, Woodstown 1
Pitman 12, Salem 1
Schalick at Overbrook
Glassboro 18, Penns Grove 0
SCHALICK 14, OVERBROOK 13: Taylor Brown’s two-out line single brought Ava Lauglin home with the winning run to cap a two-run seventh-inning rally that allowed the Cougars to walk it off. Lauglin was in scoring position after tripling home the tying run.
The Cougars trailed 9-1 in the third inning and tied it 9-9 in the bottom of the fifth on Olivia Vanacker’s bases-loaded walk and Alexa Shimp’s run-scoring fielder’s choice.
The lead changed hands four time in the final two innings. Overbrook went ahead 11-9 in the top of the sixth, but the Cougars rallied in the bottom of the inning to take a 12-11 lead on Addi Shimp’s RBI double. Overbrook took a 13-12 lead in the top of the seventh before the Cougars ended it in the bottom of the inning.
Addi Shimp and Cloe Elliott each had three hits for Schalick. Maddie Brown had three RBIs.
PENNSVILLE 18, CLAYTON 2: The meat and the bottom of the lineup provided most of the damage for Pennsville. Kylie Harris and Savannah Palverento, the Nos. 3 and 4 hitters in the Eagles’ lineup, were a combined 4-for-5 with seven RBIs. The bottom third of the order – Reagan Wariwanchik, Makenzie Widener and Gianna Evans – were a combined 8-for-9 with seven RBIs. Wariwanchik and Evans both had three hits, Evans and Widener each had three RBIs.
GLOUCESTER 14, WOODSTOWN 1: The Lions erupted for 11 runs in the second inning to send Woodstown to its first loss of the season. Hannah and Grace Hitchner had the Wolverines’ only two hits off Gloucester pitcher Kloi Tighe.
PITMAN 12, SALEM 1: The Panthers pulled away from a one-run game with eight runs in the third inning. Lexi Kostiuk went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and Madison Peek drove in a pair of runs for the Panthers.
GLASSBORO 18, PENNS GROVE 0: The Bulldogs scored seven runs in the first inning and nine in the third.
Golf
WOODSTOWN 175, CUMBERLAND 229
(Running Deer GC, par 36)
Woodstown: Grant Prater 42, Erich Lipovsky 43, Anthony Bokolas 44, Jack Bucksar 46.
Cumberland: Thomas Marguglio 51, Chase Pepper 56, Brian Feliciano 59, Blake Darick 63.
Tennis
WOODSTOWN 5, TRITON 0
Drew Stengel (WO) def. Tristyn Malone, 6-1, 6-0
John Farrell (WO) def. Cole Durham, 6-4, 6-3
Joseph Kurpis (WO) def. Tirth Patel, 7-5, 6-3
Luke Shaw-Mason Shimp (WO) def. Sean Gorski-Brennan Zabala, 6-1, 6-0
Nicholas DiTeodoro-Ben Stengel (WO) def. Shrey Modi-Nathanial White, 6-0, 6-1
Records: Woodstown 4-2, Triton 0-3
VINELAND 4, SCHALICK 1
Jorge Alverez (V) def. George Gould, 6-3, 6-1
Rocky Monticolo (S) def. Christopher DeCarvalho Chanez, 6-1, 5-7, 12-10
Justin Mastro (V) def. Conor O’Toole, 6-4, 6-1
Alex Garcia-Asher Hill (V) def. Kaden Barnes-Cayden Brzozowski, 6-2, 6-3
Kevin Maldonado-Sam Heck (V) def. David Santana-Anthony McGrath, 6-1, 7-5
Records: Vineland 4-3, Schalick 3-3
This week’s schedule
Here is the Salem County sports schedule for the week of April 7-13; games start at 4 p.m. unless noted; games subject to weather conditions
APRIL 7
BASEBALL
LEAP at Salem
Schalick at Haddon Heights
Woodstown at Pennsville
SOFTBALL
Pennsville at Woodstown
Salem at Deptford
GOLF
Pennsville vs. Overbrook, Kresson GC, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick vs. Williamstown, Scotland Run GC, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick girls vs. Cumberland, Running Deer GC, 3:30 p.m.
Woodstown vs. Wildwood, 3:45 p.m.
TENNIS
Deptford at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Glassboro at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Penns Grove at Wildwood
Schalick at West Deptford, River Winds TC
TRACK
Gloucester Catholic, Wildwood at Salem
GIRLS LACROSSE
West Deptford at Woodstown
VOLLEYBALL
Salem Tech at Kingsway
APRIL 8
BASEBALL
Clayton at Schalick
Pennsville at Overbrook
Woodstown at Wildwood
SOFTBALL
Overbrook at Pennsville
Schalick at Clayton
Woodstown at Wildwood
GOLF
Pennsville vs. Clayton, The Birches, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick vs. Cumberland, Running Deer GC, 3:30 p.m.
Salem Tech vs. Pitman, Sakima CC, 3:45 p.m.
Woodstown vs. Overbrook, Kresson GC, 3:45 p.m.
TENNIS
Pennsville at Cumberland, 3:45 p.m.
Woodstown at Kingsway, 3:45 p.m.
TRACK
Glassboro at Woodstown
Penns Grove at Pennsville
Schalick at Overbrook, 3:30 p.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Northampton CC at Salem CC, 3:30 p.m.
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at Sussex County CC, 3:30 p.m.
APRIL 9
SOFTBALL
Woodstown at Maple Shade
GOLF
Pennsville vs. Triton, Sakima CC, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick girls vs. Kingsway, Centeron CC, 3:30 p.m.
TENNIS
Delsea at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
Haddon Heights at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Overbrook at Schalick
Timber Creek at Penns Grove
GIRLS LACROSSE
Kingsway at Woodstown
VOLLEYBALL
Triton at Salem Tech, 3:45 p.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Northampton CC, 3:30 p.m.
APRIL 10
BASEBALL
Clayton at Pennsville
Glassboro at Penns Grove
Pitman at Salem
Schalick at Overbrook
Woodstown at Gloucester City
SOFTBALL
Gloucester City at Woodstown
Overbrook at Schalick
Pennsville at Clayton
Penns Grove at Glassboro
Salem at Pitman
GOLF
Pennsville vs. Schalick, Centerton CC, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick girls vs. OLMA, Centerton CC, 3:30 p.m.
Salem Tech vs. Overbrook, Sakima CC
Woodstown vs. Cumberland, Running Deer, 3:45 p.m.
TENNIS
Triton at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
Vineland at Schalick
TRACK
Salem at Clayton
Woodstown at Cherokee Challenge
LACROSSE
Woodstown at Holy Spirit
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Howard CC at Salem CC, 3 p.m.
APRIL 11
BASEBALL
Pennsville at Haddon Heights
SOFTBALL
Haddon Heights at Pennsville
Haddon Heights at Woodstown
TENNIS
Penns Grove at Clayton
Woodstown at Highland, 3:45 p.m.
Schalick at Wildwood, 4:15 p.m.
LACROSSE
Woodstown at Moorestown Friends
GIRLS LACROSSE
Haddon Heights at Woodstown
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Camden CC at Salem CC, 3:30 p.m.
APRIL 12
BASEBALL
Schalick vs. Triton, 10 a.m.
Salem at Gloucester City, 10 a.m.
Schalick-Triton winner vs. Gloucester-Salem winner, 1 p.m.
Woodstown at Pennsauken Tech, 10 a.m.
Pennsville at Haddon Heights, 2:30 p.m.
SOFTBALL
Schalick at Holy Spirit, 11:30 a.m.
TRACK
Pennsville, Salem, Schalick girls at West Deptford, 9 a.m.
Schalick at Bridgeton Relays, 9 a.m.
Woodstown at Father Judge Invitational
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Camden CC (2), noon
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Delaware Tech at Salem CC, noon
APRIL 13
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at Orange County CC, noon
High school Saturday
Here are results of Salem County teams in softball and track events around the area Saturday
SOFTBALL
MILLVILLE – Pennsville went 2-1 in the Ron Vinick/Millville Tournament, scoring a pair of two-run wins over Oakcrest.
The Eagles wrapped 9-7 and 8-6 wins around a 7-5 loss to Millville.
Kylie Harris had two hits and two RBIs in the 9-7 Oakcrest game. Graillyn Weber went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in the 8-6 Oakcrest game. Savannah Palverento had two hits and two RBIs in the loss to Millville.
TRACK
(Top 4 finishes)
DEPTFORD SPARTAN RELAYS
DEPTFORD — Pennsville’s Connor Ayars won the boys javelin in the Deptford Spartans Relays.
BOYS
400 Hurdles: 3. Anthony Parker, Salem, 57.71
4×100: 3. Salem, 44.16
4×110 Shuttle Hurdle: 4. Salem, 1:10.06
4×200: 4. Salem, 1:34.36
Sprint Medley: 4. Salem, 3:57.27
Long Jump: 3. Will Roy, Penns Grove, 19-9.5
Triple Jump: 2. Bryan Garlic, Penns Grove, 41-11.75
Javelin: 1. Connor Ayars, Pennsville, 162-0; 3. Wyatt Irvine, Salem, 142-0
Shot Put: 4. Raymond Brown, Penns Grove, 42-9.75
GIRLS
800 Sprint Medley: 4. Pennsville, 2:01.35
Pole Vault: 2. Megan Morris, Pennsville, 10-0
JIM CAMBURN MEMORIAL RELAYS
BUENA – Schalick’s boys and girls swept the team titles at the Jim Camburn Memorial Relays.
The Cougars boys scored 95 points and edged Atlantic County Teach by two points in their standings. The girls posted 122 points and were 45 points ahead of runnerup Vineland.
DIVISION I
BOYS
4×100: 1. Schalick (Ethan McLean, Jermaine Loney, Nyzier Wynder, Sheldon Goldsborogh), 49.93
4×100: 1. Schalick (Reggie Allen, Levin Feeney Childers, Zaeshawn Mills, David Stewart), 43.80
4×200: 2. Schalick (Kenneth Bartee, Zaeshawn Mills, Jase Volovar, Roneem Thomas), 1:36.55
4×400: 1. Schalick (Reggie Allen, Jacob Carter, Steve Chomo, David Stewart), 3:29.51
4×800: 1. Schalick (Joshua Weiner, Connor Jackson, John Egan, Giovanni Granato), 14:33.19
4×800: 1. Schalick (Chase Riley, Salvatore Longo, Hunter Dragotta, Steve Chomo), 13:20.65
1600 Sprint Medley: 2. Schalick (Jase Volovar, Zaeshawn Mills, Dylan Sheehan, Collin Bittle), 4:01.00
1600 Sprint Medley: 1. Schalick (Kenneth Bartee, Griffin Botticello, Chase Riley, Chase Walker), 4:13.43
Distance Medley: 3. Schalick (Salvatore Longo, Steve Chomo, Chase Riley, Jacob Carter), 11:48.17
4×110 Shuttle Hurdle: 1. Schalick, 1:13.93
Long Jump: 1. Zaeshawn Mills, Schalick, 20-1; 3. David Steart, Schalick, 19-6.5
Discus: 1. Nicholas Ashwell, Schalick, 93-5; 4. Jermaine Loney, Schalick, 80-4
Discus: 2. Ethan McLean, Schalick, 130-11
Javelin: 1. Nyzier Wynder, Schalick, 135-1; 2. Dylan Sheehan, Schalick, 121-10
Javelin: 1. Gary Simonini, Schalick, 125-0; 2. Jermaine Loney, Schalick, 119-5
GIRLS
400 Hurdles: 2. Ava Scurry, Schalick, 1:18.86
4×100: 1. Schalick (JeRae Allen, Athena Eberl, Lucky Virga, Ranae Scurry), 57.33
4×100: 3. Schalick (Phoebe Alward, Jaelynn Jarmon, Gia Martellacci, Caileigh Schalick), 52.05
4×200: 4. Schalick (Bella Cittadini, Angelia Deaver, Lailani Hernandez, Ortiz Sanchez), 2:14.84
4×200: 2. Schalick (Sophia Harris, Caileigh Schalick, Gia Martellacci, Phoebe Alward), 1:52.33
4×400: 3. Schalick (Sophia Harris, Gia Martellacci, Jadalyn Guzman, Lucy Virga), 4:32.52
4×800: 2. Schalick (Jordan Hadfield, Caylen Taylor, Sarah Torpey, Emma O’Neill), 11:12.64
1600 Sprint Medley: 1. Schalick (Phoebe Alward, Jaelynn Jarmon, Gia Martellacci, Jordan Hadfield), 4:26.65
Distance Medley: 1. Schalick (Jordan Hadfield, Helen Lillia, Sophia Harris, Sarah Torpey), 13:57.79
4×100: 3. Schalick (Athena Eberl, Allyson Green, Piper Warner, Ava Scurry), 1:17.73
Triple Jump: 1. Jaelynn Jarmon, Schalick, 33-7
Discus: 1. Allyson Green, Schalick, 89-1; 3. Sebrina Bradford, Schalick, 83-7
Javelin: 1. Olivia Sacerdote, Schalick, 93-2; 2. Allyson Green, Schalick, 92-7
DELAWARE INVITATIONAL
NEWARK, Del. – Woodstown’s boys finished 10th and the girls 11th.
BOYS
400: 2. Josh Crawford, Woodstown, 49.78
800: 4. Cole Lucas, Woodstown, 1:59.89
4×400: 3 Woodstown (Josh Crawford, Karson Chew, Kyle Reitz, Cole Lucas), 3:26.56
2000 Steeplechase: 4. David Farrell, Woodstown, 7:18.61
GIRLS
2000 Steeplechase: 1, Samantha Sterner, Woodstown, 8:17.28; 2. Anabel Schaal, Woodstown, 9:05.52
This week’s schedule
Here is the Salem County sports calendar from the week of March 30-April 6; events start at 4 p.m. unless noted
MARCH 31
BASEBALL
Glassboro at Schalick
Penns Grove at Woodstown
Salem at Wildwood
SOFTBALL
Pennsville vs. Gloucester Catholic, Stauffer Fields
Schalick at Glassboro
Woodstown at Penns Grove
Wildwood at Salem
GOLF
Schalick girls vs. Williamstown, Scotland Run
Woodstown vs. Deptford, Town & Country GL, 3 p.m.
TENNIS
Clayton at Schalick
Glassboro at Penns Grove
Wildwood at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
TRACK
Glassboro at Penns Grove
LACROSSE
St. Joseph at Woodstown
VOLLEYBALL
Salem Tech at Highland, 3:45 p.m.
APRIL 1
GOLF
Pennsville vs. Pitman, Pitman CC
Schalick vs. Wildwood, Union League GC
GIRLS LACROSSE
Haddonfield at Woodstown, 4:30 p.m.
TENNIS
Glassboro at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
VOLLEYBALL
Salem Tech at Camden County Tech, 3:45 p.m.
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Lackawanna at Salem CC, 3 p.m.
APRIL 2
BASEBALL
LEAP at Penns Grove
Pennsville vs. Pitman, Alcyon Park
Salem at Holy Cross
Woodstown at Schalick
SOFTBALL
Gloucester Catholic at Salem
Pitman at Pennsville
Woodstown at Schalick
GOLF
Schalick girls vs. Clearview, Centerton CC
TENNIS
Middle Twp. at Woodstown
Pennsville at Overbrook
TRACK
Schalick at Pennsville
Woodstown at Overbrook
APRIL 3
SOFTBALL
Penns Grove vs. LEAP at Rutgers Camden
GOLF
Pennsville vs. Cumberland, Sakima CC, 3:30 p.m.
Salem Tech vs. Wildwood, Union League National
Schalick vs. Overbrook, Centerton CC, 3:30 p.m.
TENNIS
Pennsville vs. Clayton, Williamstown MS
Schalick at Glassboro
Woodstown at Triton
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at Camden CC, 3:30 p.m.
APRIL 4
BASEBALL
Haddon Heights at Woodstown
Pennsville vs. Gloucester Catholic, Brooklawn MS
Schalick at Delran
SOFTBALL
Salem at Camden County Tech
Schalick at Delsea
Woodstown at Haddon Heights
GOLF
Pennsville vs. Cedar Creek, Sakima CC, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick vs. Overbrook, Centerton CC
TENNIS
Pennsville at Bridgeton, 3:45 p.m.
Vineland at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
LACROSSE
Lower Cape May at Woodstown
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Middlesex, 3:30 p.m.
APRIL 5
SOFTBALL
Pennsville at Millville Tournament, 9 a.m.
TRACK
Pennsville, Salem at Deptford Relays, 9 a.m.
Schalick at Buena Relays, 9 a.m.
Woodstown in Invitational at Univ. of Delaware, 9 a.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Middlesex at Salem CC (2), noon
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Mercer County CC at Salem CC, noon
Shining a bright light
8 ‘slam dunk choices’ headline the first Schalick High School Sports Hall of Fame induction class since 2015
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
PITTSGROVE – When it’s been a while since you’ve had a Hall of Fame induction, it’s really important to make a splash on the night you bring it back.
The Schalick High School Sports Hall of Fame is inducting the seventh class in its history tonight with a group described as eight “slam dunk choices” for their first enshrinement ceremony in 10 years.
The Hall will welcome athletes Zyra Thomas, Sam Gerstenbacher, Joyce Perry, Sandra Cook and Jeremy Simkins, coaches Mike Hars and Steve Pierangeli and the Cougars’ 1996 South Jersey Group 1 champion boys tennis team into its lineup of Schalick luminaries in ceremonies at the high school auditorium.
“It’s just been a long time coming,” Hall of Fame chairman Erik Cagle said.
The Hall last welcomed a class in 2015 and after a brief pause were preparing to install another group when COVID infringed on everybody’s plans.
They were gearing for a reboot in early 2020 when COVID turned the world upside down and threw the project into a tailspin. They restarted the process about a year and a half ago with some new committee members and some new ideas and the result of their efforts will be on display tonight.
“We just needed to get the ball rolling and get things moving in the right direction,” Cagle said. “People asked from time to time if we were going to do the Hall of Fame again and I said please be patient with us, we’re going to get there. One year turned into two years turned into ten years.
“We’re giving new life to this and hopefully this is something that catches on it a big way. We just really had to kick ourselves in the pants to get moving again.”
One of the biggest changes involved taking the ceremonies from a successful run at a nearby country club back to the high school where it literally all began for the inductees. Now, a walk down the hall to the auditorium is a walk down memory lane.
“It’s a nice bit of homecoming for the athletes,” Cagle said.
With all the excitement surrounding the renewal, organizers are anticipating their largest turnout ever. They’ve already pre-sold a good number of tickets and expect a large walk-up crowd at the door to push attendance to record numbers.
A welcoming reception is scheduled for 6 p.m. with the program to begin at 7.
“I’d like to think it’s going to really reinvigorate the school’s attitude towards the Hall of Fame,” Cagle said. “Ten years, you start to wonder is this ever going to restart again? I’m glad I wasn’t there for the death knell of it. It’s nice that I’m able to keep it going.”
The plan is to have another induction next year and perhaps the year after, then do them every other year.
Cagle said he’ll breathe a huge sigh of relief after tonight’s closing remarks. There was a lot that went into planning this year’s renewal – fundraising, finding a venue, dotting and crossing all the Is and Ts, all the while sifting through an impressive list of nominees still in the fold from classes gone by to the ones nominated over the last 10 years.
“Obviously when you shut down for 10 years a lot of worth candidates accumulate,” Cagle said. “We need to clear the deck a bit, get some of the people who should have been honored a while ago back here.”
Those who turn out tonight will hear a lot more about the inductees, of course, but here’s a snippet (written by Cagle) of what they can expect.
Schalick athletics director and HOF co-chair Doug Volovar called the group “a quality class of people who have done some tremendous things at Schalick High School and helped build a legacy of quality athletes and sports and programs.”
SANDRA COOK (basketball): This is technically Cook’s second Schalick Sports Hall of Fame induction; she joined the ranks of Cougar greats in 2012 when her 1983-84 state champion girls basketball team was honored. She was a devastating paint player who averaged 22 points and 17 rebounds as a senior. She had 38 points in state semifinals and went for 16 and 12 in the title game.
SAM GERSTENBACHER (track/cross country): The 2016 graduate holds school records in the mile, 1500, 3200 and 3000 steeplechase and is the only Schalick runner to clock in under 10 minutes in the 3200, a feat he also accomplished in the 3000-meter steeple chase. Upon graduating, he held the Salem County records for the 3200, steeplechase and cross country.
JEREMY SIMKINS (football/track): It’s safe to say that Jeremy made his senior season with the Schalick football team a memorable one. On offense he piled up 26 catches for 634 yards and 11 touchdowns and on defense he reeled in seven interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He scored at least one touchdown in every game and holds eight program records. On the track he was a three-time Tri-County champion in the 110 hurdles and two-time champ in the 400 hurdles and as senior won the Group II state 400 hurdles crown.
JOYCE PERRY (field hockey/track): In field hockey, she’s the program’s single-season goal scoring leader with 31 and held the career goals record until 2020. In track, she holds the program best in the 400 hurdles, one of several events in which she flourished,. She also played four years on the girls basketball team.
ZYRA THOMAS (track): It’s easy to consider Zyra the greatest shot put thrower in Schalick history. She is a five-time state champion in the event and holds the South Jersey record with a heave of 48-9, which won her the national championship at the Armory in New York City. She also holds the distinction of being the first female Cougar football player in program history.
“I remember her being a really tough competitor and giving everything she had while she was on the field of competition,” Volovar said.
COACH STEVE PIERANGELI: “Coach P” is in his 97th season in 45 years of coaching Schalick athletics. He’s coached baseball, boys track, boys and girls cross country and girls basketball. His teams have amassed 383 victories, 61 championships and three South Jersey titles. A dozen of his former charges have gone on to become coaches themselves, three of whom he’s working under as a current Schalick track assistant.
“I’m honored to be recognized by the group and to be part of a long history of great athletics at Schalick,” he said. “Over the years with the programs I’ve been entrusted with I think we did a good job in developing the programs, individual athletes and individual people. I’m quite proud of what we’ve accomplished.”
COACH MIKE HARS: A beloved teacher, coach and colleague for 28 years, his passion for doing it right helped an array of athletes become legends at Schalick. Whether on the football field or at the throwing venues in track & field, Hars drove his charges to excellence. His name is on the Hars-Lake Trophy that goes to the winner of the annual Cumberland-Schalick football game.
1996 BOYS TENNIS TEAM: The Cougars went 20-1 with a school-record 15 shutouts. They won the Tri-County Classic Division, overall Tri-County Conference, South Jersey Group I Championship and finished runner-up in the State Group I Championship. The team was led by coach Karen Bowman, a member of the inaugural Schalick HOF Classic, and led on the court by singles players Ryan Jackson, Bryan Nardone and Chris MacNeill and doubles teams Scott Wark-Jim Zee and Rob Thomas-Ian Gardner.
“These are what I would call the ‘slam dunk choices,’” Cagle said. “Think back to the first Baseball Hall of Fame ceremony where you had Babe Ruth, Walter Johnson, Ty Cobb, all the greats. These are people who have really accomplished great things at the state level, not just South Jersey. They were really easy to identify. We could have easily selected five more. That’s why we’re going to do it again next year – hopefully.”
A.P. SCHALICK SPORTS HALL OF FAME
The Class of 2009: Jayme Majek, Karen Bowman, Crystal Bailey, Candyce DeLoatch, Donnie Jackson-Bey, Kevin Jackson, Brent Mathers, Sean Collins, Josh Hedgeman, Charles Armstead, Karl Haywood, Robert Johnson and Mark Boyle.
The Class of 2010: Paul Gause, Sharon Hawk, Mary Brown, Aisha Morgan, Greg Frith, Mike McGowan and the 1978 Softball Team.
The Class of 2011: Lorraine Hunt, Nicole Vit, Rachel Johnson, Darryl Gause, Andy Hughes, John Donovan, the 2001 South Jersey Group 1 champion and state finalist Boys Soccer Team.
The Class of 2012: Matt Newton, Dan Mannella, Laura Hodson, Aaron Wicox, Scott Baldwin, Rose Johnson, Dave Ewart, the 1984 Girls Basketball Team.
The Class of 2013: Rashonda Scurry, Pete Mavroff, Amadi Eze, Matt Bailey, G.R. Schalick, Erik Cagle, 2004 South Jersey Group 1 Champion football team
The Class of 2015: James Woodley, Ashley Hansen, Janet Ricards, Joey Mannella, Jimmy Tuller, Coach Dale Driver and the 2009 South Jersey Group 1 Champion field hockey team
The Class of 2025: Zyra Thomas, Sam Gerstenbacher, Joyce Perry, Sandra Cook, Jeremy Simkins, Mike Hars, Coach Steve Pierangeli, 1996 South Jersey Group 1 Champion boys tennis team
This week’s schedule
Here is the Salem County sports schedule for the week of March 23-30; events start at 4 p.m. unless noted; x-scrimmage
MARCH 23
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at Delaware Tech, noon
MARCH 24
BASEBALL
x-Highland at Schalick
SOFTBALL
x-Lindenwold at Penns Grove
x-Lower Cape May at Salem
x-Paulsboro at Pennsville
TENNIS
x-Gateway at Pennsville, 3:45 p.m.
GOLF
Woodstown vs. Highland, Town & Country GL, 3:45 p.m.
BOYS LACROSSE
x-Woodstown at St. Augustine
MARCH 25
BASEBALL
x-Woodstown at Cumberland
SOFTBALL
x-Cumberland at Woodstown
TRACK
x-Penns Grove, Salem at Bridgeton
BOYS TENNIS
x-Pennsville at Delsea, 3:45 p.m.
GOLF
Pennsville vs. Haddon Heights, Tavistock CC
Wildwood vs. Salem Tech, Sakima CC, 3:45 p.m.
Woodstown at Wild Oaks GC, 9 a.m.
GIRLS LACROSSE
x-Woodstown at Haddon Twp.
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Raritan Valley CC at Salem CC, 3:30 p.m.
MARCH 26
BASEBALL
Penns Grove at Pitman
GOLF
Pennsville, Clayton vs. Salem Tech, Sakima CC, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick girls vs. Delsea, The Birches, 3:30 p.m.
Schalick boys vs. Woodstown, Centerton CC, 3:30 p.m.
TRACK
x-Camden Co. Tech at Pennsville
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Cape May Tech at Salem Tech, 3:45 p.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Mercer County CC at Salem CC, 3:30 p.m.
MARCH 27
BASEBALL
x-Schalick at Collingswood
SOFTBALL
Pitman at Penns Grove
x-Timber Creek at Schalick
GOLF
Pennsville vs. Woodstown, Town & Country GL, 3:45 p.m.
Salem Tech vs. Gloucester Catholic, Westwood GC, 3:45 p.m.
TENNIS
x-Clearview at Woodstown, 3:45 p.m.
x-Schalick at Triton
MARCH 28
BASEBALL
Bridgeton at Penns Grove, 9:30 a.m.
Penns Grove vs. Gateway at Westville LL, 2:30 p.m.
x-GCIT at Woodstown
x-Schalick at Timber Creek
x-West Deptford at Pennsville
GOLF
Clearview vs. Schalick, Centerton CC
Pennsville vs. Haddon Twp., Sakima CC
BOYS TENNIS
Schalick at Cumberland
GIRLS LACROSSE
x-Timber Creek at Woodstown
BOYS LACROSSE
Woodstown at Ocean City
BOYS VOLLEYBALL
Riverside at Salem Tech, 3:45 p.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Salem CC at Montgomery County (Pa.) CC, 3:30 p.m.
MARCH 29
BASEBALL
Woodstown at Gateway, 10 a.m.
Bridgeton at Penns Grove, 11 a.m.
Penns Grove at Gateway, 2 p.m.
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Montgomery County (Pa.) CC at Salem CC (2), noon
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Salem CC at CC of Morris, noon
MARCH 30
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Bucks County CC at Salem CC, noon
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