The recent seasons for Wesleyan women’s ice hockey have not been pretty. Wesleyan has not won more than five games in the last five seasons. Under Head Coach Jodi McKenna, the Cardinals went 0-16 in the NESCAC for 2010-2011 and have only won two league games overall. To call the program anything over than terrible during this stretch would be a lie. After the team recorded its worst record as a varsity program last season, Wesleyan as nowhere to go but up. The 2011-2012 season is the first step in a long rebuilding process for women’s ice hockey.
For the Cardinals, everything starts with Ashleigh Corvi behind the net. The junior mainstay has a career 4.65 GAA and .896 save percentage while averaging nearly 38 stops a contest. Senior co-captains MJ Cardin and Jill Reynolds will provide much-needed leadership on the ice. Most important to the present and especially future of Wesleyan is the arrival of nine talented newcomers. Four of the freshmen are veterans of Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the most renowned prep programs in the country. Jordan Schildhaus had 22 points in 21 games for the school during her senior season.
“This year’s team is a lot better than last year’s,” McKenna said. “The depth and skill of our freshmen is strong and our veterans are further along than usual.”
Wesleyan immediately threw the monkey off its back by defeating Williams College 5-3 on November 18, the team’s first conference victory in more than a year. The Cardinals were tied at three going into the third period before Scildhaus established herself as a player to watch, netting a goal with 9:40 left to put her team ahead. Time and time again Corvi staved off Williams attempted rally, totaling 13 saves in the final stanza and 32 for the game. Junior Kelsey Mueller earned a hat trick in the contest.
In the rematch the next day, the Ephs scored two power-play goals in the third period to earn a 5-4 victory at home. Senior Julia Mulhern handed the Cardinals the lead at the beginning of the third period, but Williams tied it and then put home the winner at 12:35. Wesleyan had their chances but squandered both a power-play and a two-man opportunity in the time that remained. Corvi put up a valiant effort and finished with 38 saves as her teammates struggled to hold on to the puck. Wesleyan was outshot 44-31 in the contest.
Last Sunday Wesleyan fell to unbeaten Holy Cross College at home, 2-1. Holy Cross held a 12-4 advantage in shots in the first period, and got on the board at the eight minute mark. The Cardinals were able to make the score 2-1 five minutes into the third period but were easily denied for the reminder of the game. Schildhaus’s third goal gave her a share of the team lead. For the second consecutive game the team struggled to put pressure on a team, with Holy Cross establishing a 36-20 edge in shots on the afternoon.
“This season is a learning curve,” McKenna stated. “We have to overcome the hurdle of the team not being competitive for a long time. The team has definitely improved since last year. I’m happy with our performance, but I’m not satisfied.”
Wesleyan returns to the ice tomorrow night at home versus Amherst College.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Stuff A Cruiser!
Middlesex United Way
100 Riverview Center Suite 230
Middletown, CT 06457
860/346-8695 Fax 860/346-6044
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
November 21, 2011
For more information contact Jill Davoll, Communications Director, 860-346-8695 or
jill.davoll@middlesexunitedway.org
Middlesex United Way Young Leaders Society to hold a Holiday Social and
Stuff-A- Cruiser Toy Drive to Benefit Children and Families of Macdonough
Elementary School
Middletown, CT – The Middlesex United Way’s Young Leaders Society is holding a Holiday
Social and Stuff-A-Cruiser Toy Drive at Esca Restaurant and Wine Bar on Tuesday, December
13th at 5:30 pm. Anyone is welcome to attend this free Holiday Social where you can connect
with other young leaders who live or work in Middlesex County.
Brighten up a child’s holiday season! Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child aged 5-11 and
help us stuff a Middletown Police cruiser. Encourage your co-workers to donate along with you.
All gifts will benefit children and families who attend Macdonough Elementary School. The
event is being sponsored by Attention To Detail in Middletown, with special thanks to Esca and
the Middletown Police Dept.
The Young Leaders Society is a unique and dynamic group providing community involvement,
personal development and networking for individuals or couples 40 years of age or younger
who live and work in Middlesex County. Our mission is to create opportunities for young
professionals to get involved with Middlesex United Way, connect with colleagues and
community leaders and give back to advance the common good.
Esca Restaurant and Wine Bar is located at 437 Main Street, Middletown. If you have
questions regarding this event, please call Middlesex United Way at 860.346.8695.
For more information about Middlesex United Way’s Young Leaders Society visit our website at
www.middlesexunitedway.org/yls or at www.facebook.com/MUWYoungLeadersSociety.
Wesleyan Wrestling Determined to win New England Championships on Home Floor
Wesleyan wresting should be the premier winter sports team in 2011-2012. Wesleyan has established itself as one of the premier programs after a banner 16-3-1 campaign. The Cardinals gained a number of outstanding accomplishments last season, including a NEWADuals title, an 11-match win streak and a third-place finish in the New England championships. Now heading into the season, the team is ranked #1 in New England and #28 nationally. With strong wrestlers throughout the lineup, Wesleyan should have no problem holding onto or improving these rankings.
“It would be nice to have a great record this season,” Head Coach Drew Black said. “But that’s not ultimately what matters. Our goal is to win the New England championships on our home floor.”
The Cardinals depth is what will allow them to have a great shot at winning the NEWA championships in 2012, on their home floor no less. Wesleyan returns seven place winners from those championships. Juniors Kyle Ross and Jefferson Ajayi return after being New England champion and runner up in the 174 and 184 pound weight classes. Junior Howard Tobochnik was 5th at NEWAs at 149 pounds, 157-pounder and sophomore Troy Sampson was 6th at the championships and 197-pounder and senior Luke Erickson was 5th at New England’s. Sophomore Joey Schwartz is ranked first in New England in the 133-pound weight class.
The squad began the regular season on November 19 in the annual Doug Parker invitational at Springfield. Wesleyan finished fifth of 15 teams with 67 team points. Both Ajayi and Rossa reached the finals with Rossa dropping an 11-6 title decision. Rossa is seventh in the latest New England rankings. Three other wrestlers reached the consolation semi-finals.
“Our cylinders haven’t been firing all at the same time,” Black stated. “I think we’re beginning put it together however. Our starters are performing at high level.”
After time off for Thanksgiving, Wesleyan returns to the mat on Saturday against Rochester Institute of Technology for its annual invitational.
“It would be nice to have a great record this season,” Head Coach Drew Black said. “But that’s not ultimately what matters. Our goal is to win the New England championships on our home floor.”
The Cardinals depth is what will allow them to have a great shot at winning the NEWA championships in 2012, on their home floor no less. Wesleyan returns seven place winners from those championships. Juniors Kyle Ross and Jefferson Ajayi return after being New England champion and runner up in the 174 and 184 pound weight classes. Junior Howard Tobochnik was 5th at NEWAs at 149 pounds, 157-pounder and sophomore Troy Sampson was 6th at the championships and 197-pounder and senior Luke Erickson was 5th at New England’s. Sophomore Joey Schwartz is ranked first in New England in the 133-pound weight class.
The squad began the regular season on November 19 in the annual Doug Parker invitational at Springfield. Wesleyan finished fifth of 15 teams with 67 team points. Both Ajayi and Rossa reached the finals with Rossa dropping an 11-6 title decision. Rossa is seventh in the latest New England rankings. Three other wrestlers reached the consolation semi-finals.
“Our cylinders haven’t been firing all at the same time,” Black stated. “I think we’re beginning put it together however. Our starters are performing at high level.”
After time off for Thanksgiving, Wesleyan returns to the mat on Saturday against Rochester Institute of Technology for its annual invitational.
State Senate District Boundaries To Shift In Middletown
Note: in an earlier version of this article, I reversed the 2001 and 2011 maps, confusing old and new. I apologize for foisting my confusion onto you.
The State Legislative Redistricting Commission maintained the two existing districts for the State Senate, but it significantly moved the boundary between them. Many residents will be voting in a new district in 2012.
District 9, currently represented by Paul Doyle and centered in Rocky Hill, is now a long and meandering district which stretches from the eastern portion of Westfield all the way to Maromas. District 13, currently represented by Len Suzio and centered in Meriden, will now move to the west, and include the other half of Westfield and the western part of south Middletown.
Holiday Book Sale
The Friends of the Russell Library will be selling their best, most recently published (2008-present) fiction and non-fiction books on Friday, December 2, 1-6 pm and Saturday, December 3, 9-4 pm. The pre-sale for Friends' members is Friday, 12-1 and limited to 10 books per family.
The books represent a wide range of subjects such as art, sports, cooking, history, home and hobbies, science, nature, and travel. There will also be collectible and vintage books. All books are great bargains, priced to sell at $2+, and are in excellent condition. Movies, music and recorded books will also be on sale. This is a great opportunity to find some holiday gifts. All proceeds from the sale go towards library materials and programs.
Two Storms May Have Cost City $500,000
The Finance and Government Operations Commission meeting last night approved an appropriation of $250,000 to cover costs related to the clean-up from Tropical Storm Irene and Storm Alfred. The money will be used to cover overtime pay to city workers, rental of equipment to expedite debris removal, and the hiring of a private contractor to address damaged trees throughout the city.
During discussion with the Council members, Billy Russo, the Director of Public Works, explained that the city is in the process of applying for federal disaster relief money to reimburse these expenses. He said that Bob Dobmeier in his department is collecting information from all municipal departments, including the schools, to submit the expenses to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Russo estimated that the city's storm-related expenses would total about $500,000, and that FEMA would reimburse the city for 75% of this. The council members, as well as Carl Erlacher, Director of Finance, congratulated the city's workforce for keeping the storm clean-up costs so low. Erlacher pointed out that Durham was reported to have spent $600,000 (just on brush removal), and West Hartford as much as $3M.
In response to a question from City Treasurer Quentin Phipps, Russo commented that costs were kept low because unlike other towns, the city did not hire large numbers of contractors to do clean-up.
Russo told the Commission that he expected all brush pickup to be completed soon, "I'm comfortable that by Christmas we'll be done with this."
Russo estimated that the city's storm-related expenses would total about $500,000, and that FEMA would reimburse the city for 75% of this. The council members, as well as Carl Erlacher, Director of Finance, congratulated the city's workforce for keeping the storm clean-up costs so low. Erlacher pointed out that Durham was reported to have spent $600,000 (just on brush removal), and West Hartford as much as $3M.
In response to a question from City Treasurer Quentin Phipps, Russo commented that costs were kept low because unlike other towns, the city did not hire large numbers of contractors to do clean-up.
Russo told the Commission that he expected all brush pickup to be completed soon, "I'm comfortable that by Christmas we'll be done with this."
Park & Recreation Dept. Announcements for December
Middletown Parks and Recreation Department
Upcoming programs – 860-343-6620- Register NOW.
Upcoming programs – 860-343-6620- Register NOW.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
State Legislative Districts Realigned
In the new map, all of Westfield and the area around Snow School will be consolidated into the 33rd District. The downtown, including both the Village District south of Washington Street and the North End area north of Washington Street, will no longer be part of the 33rd. Instead, those areas will be joined with Newfield Street, the southern half of the City, and all of Maromas to form the 100th District.
Holiday Offerings on Stage at Oddfellows
Well have you been naughty or nice this year? Oddfellows Playhouse has something for you in either case.For those that have been Nice: Oddfellows Playhouse’s Junior Repertory Company presents Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, adapted by Jerry Montoya from the story by Charles Dickens.
The story is one we all know, Ebenezer Scrooge and the eerie visits of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. However, Montoya’s adaptation quickly dispenses with the merriment, because “after all this is a ghost story.” The trimmings and trappings that have become synonymous with the Dickens’ tale are stripped down to a darker, more theatrical telling of the story.
Director Lorra Webb sets the tale in an orphanage on Christmas Eve. The children act out the tale on their dreary Christmas Eve, and explore their own Christmas past, present, and the Christmases yet to come. Taking a cue from the traditional Victorian practice of telling ghost stories at Christmastime, the young actors tell the story of Scrooge, Marley and the Cratchits.
Performance Dates: December 8-10
All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for Adults and $8 for Students/Seniors and are available online here or by calling 860-347-6143.
The production is made possible by major support from CT State Department of Education, CT Commission on Culture & Tourism, Middlesex United Way, The Stare Fund, Pratt & Whitney, with special support and sponsorship from the Middletown Commission on the Arts.
And for those that have been Naughty:
Oddfellows Playhouse brings to the stage author David Sedaris’ satirical, biting examination of our holiday shopping culture, Santaland Diaries. Adapted for the stage by playwright Joe Mantello, “Santaland Diaries” launched the career of writer and commentator David Sedaris. The play recounts Sedaris’ days as a Christmas elf at Macy’s department store in New York City.
The show is a fundraising event for Oddfellows Playhouse – the youth theater provides programming and productions by and for young people. The many theater artists involved are donating their time and energy to put the show together. “We have been venturing into the world of “grown-up” theater more and more over the last several years as a way to raise money for the Playhouse, our scholarship funds and operating costs. We have this great theater space available and we want to maximize our exposure to audiences”, said Executive Director Matthew Pugliese.
Tickets are $25 for Adults and $10 for Students/Seniors and available online here or by calling 860-347-6143.
Oddfellows Playhouse’s production is directed by Tony Palmieri, who owns and operates Datura – A Modern Garden, a wedding and event floral studio. Palmieri played the role of Crumpet last December at the Playhouse. On directing this year instead of performing, Palmieri said, “When I first sat down with Oddfellows earlier this year to discuss working on the role, I had some reservations about reprising the role. I thought it would be more interesting as an artist and for the audience to see another actor’s interpretation.”
Santaland Diaries is appropriate for mature elves only. Performances are December 15-17 at 7:30pm.
Wesleyan Squash Teams Shooting for High Rankings in 2011-2012
Coming off of a season in which the Wesleyan men’s squash team finished 14-12 and finished 20th in the national rankings, the young and talented squad has high hopes for the 2011-2012 campaign. Six of Wesleyan’s seven returning starters are just sophomores who proved themselves last season as freshmen. Because of their impressive talent, the team attained a preseason ranking of 19th, seven spots higher than last year.
Sophomore John Steele was the outstanding performer in 2010-2011, going 19-6 out of the #1 position and earned first-team all-NESCAC recognition. Sophomore Zander Nassikas earned 17 victories and will play in one of the top positions as will sophomores Jeff Berman and Alex Nunez, who totaled 15 and 16 wins respectively.
“I believe they have the talent and potential to crack the top 16 nationally,” Head Coach Shona Kerr said of her men’s squad. Injury seems to be a little bit of a concern at this point and we have a number of young, inexperienced college players - these will be our challenges in achieving our goals.”
The Wesleyan women’s squash team resembles their male counterparts in a number of ways. The women’s team had the same record in 2010-2011(14-12) and has the same preseason ranking of 19th. Both teams rely on youth, with the Cardinals welcoming eight new freshmen. And the women’s team has the same high hopes going into the new year, setting its sights on a top-16 finish in 2011-2012.
Sophomore Mary Foster leads the team in the top spot after going 12-13 there a year ago and obtaining second-team all-NESCAC honors. Kerr says of Foster that “she is extremely balanced as an individual” and that “her squash IQ is high and she understands the game.” Other players expected to stand out are sophomore Diana Edwards, who had a 15-11 posting in the #2 slot, and junior Tanesha Jackson, who fashioned a 15-9 mark while playing at #4.
The Wesleyan squash teams got their 2011-2012 seasons started in Boston over the weekend of November 19-20 at the Boston Round Robin. The men’s team faced off against Bates, Northeastern, Connecticut College and MIT, putting together a 2-2 start during the event. The Cardinals won one match and lost one against Conn. College and Northeastern by 5-4 margins. The team was unable to play a couple of regulars due to injury. Wesleyan defeated MIT with ease 8-1 but lost to Bates, ranked #16 in the preseason, by the same score. Freshman Blair Corbin, playing #7, was the lone winner versus Bates. The women’s squad also played Bates, Northeastern and Conn. College, as well as Bowdoin and Wellesley. The Cardinals took down Northeastern, Conn. College and Wellesley in 9-0 sweeps but fell to Bates and Bowdoin, both ranked in the preseason top-20, by scores of 7-2 and 5-4. Foster and Craig ended the weekend with team-best 4-1 records.
“I was very pleased with the way both teams conducted themselves over what was most definitely a testing weekend,” Kerr said. “We were presented with many adverse situations that I know the teams will learn from and I am grateful to the experience for this.”
The Wesleyan Round Robin will take place in Middletown from Friday-Sunday. The event features a number of visiting teams, including Colby, Tufts, Brown, John Hopkins, Colgate, Fordham, Hobart and William Smith College and Smith.
Coming off of a season in which the Wesleyan men’s squash team finished 14-12 and finished 20th in the national rankings, the young and talented squad has high hopes for the 2011-2012 campaign. Six of Wesleyan’s seven returning starters are just sophomores who proved themselves last season as freshmen. Because of their impressive talent, the team attained a preseason ranking of 19th, seven spots higher than last year.
Sophomore John Steele was the outstanding performer in 2010-2011, going 19-6 out of the #1 position and earned first-team all-NESCAC recognition. Sophomore Zander Nassikas earned 17 victories and will play in one of the top positions as will sophomores Jeff Berman and Alex Nunez, who totaled 15 and 16 wins respectively.
“I believe they have the talent and potential to crack the top 16 nationally,” Head Coach Shona Kerr said of her men’s squad. Injury seems to be a little bit of a concern at this point and we have a number of young, inexperienced college players - these will be our challenges in achieving our goals.”
The Wesleyan women’s squash team resembles their male counterparts in a number of ways. The women’s team had the same record in 2010-2011(14-12) and has the same preseason ranking of 19th. Both teams rely on youth, with the Cardinals welcoming eight new freshmen. And the women’s team has the same high hopes going into the new year, setting its sights on a top-16 finish in 2011-2012.
Sophomore Mary Foster leads the team in the top spot after going 12-13 there a year ago and obtaining second-team all-NESCAC honors. Kerr says of Foster that “she is extremely balanced as an individual” and that “her squash IQ is high and she understands the game.” Other players expected to stand out are sophomore Diana Edwards, who had a 15-11 posting in the #2 slot, and junior Tanesha Jackson, who fashioned a 15-9 mark while playing at #4.
The Wesleyan squash teams got their 2011-2012 seasons started in Boston over the weekend of November 19-20 at the Boston Round Robin. The men’s team faced off against Bates, Northeastern, Connecticut College and MIT, putting together a 2-2 start during the event. The Cardinals won one match and lost one against Conn. College and Northeastern by 5-4 margins. The team was unable to play a couple of regulars due to injury. Wesleyan defeated MIT with ease 8-1 but lost to Bates, ranked #16 in the preseason, by the same score. Freshman Blair Corbin, playing #7, was the lone winner versus Bates. The women’s squad also played Bates, Northeastern and Conn. College, as well as Bowdoin and Wellesley. The Cardinals took down Northeastern, Conn. College and Wellesley in 9-0 sweeps but fell to Bates and Bowdoin, both ranked in the preseason top-20, by scores of 7-2 and 5-4. Foster and Craig ended the weekend with team-best 4-1 records.
“I was very pleased with the way both teams conducted themselves over what was most definitely a testing weekend,” Kerr said. “We were presented with many adverse situations that I know the teams will learn from and I am grateful to the experience for this.”
The Wesleyan Round Robin will take place in Middletown from Friday-Sunday. The event features a number of visiting teams, including Colby, Tufts, Brown, John Hopkins, Colgate, Fordham, Hobart and William Smith College and Smith.
Sophomore John Steele was the outstanding performer in 2010-2011, going 19-6 out of the #1 position and earned first-team all-NESCAC recognition. Sophomore Zander Nassikas earned 17 victories and will play in one of the top positions as will sophomores Jeff Berman and Alex Nunez, who totaled 15 and 16 wins respectively.
“I believe they have the talent and potential to crack the top 16 nationally,” Head Coach Shona Kerr said of her men’s squad. Injury seems to be a little bit of a concern at this point and we have a number of young, inexperienced college players - these will be our challenges in achieving our goals.”
The Wesleyan women’s squash team resembles their male counterparts in a number of ways. The women’s team had the same record in 2010-2011(14-12) and has the same preseason ranking of 19th. Both teams rely on youth, with the Cardinals welcoming eight new freshmen. And the women’s team has the same high hopes going into the new year, setting its sights on a top-16 finish in 2011-2012.
Sophomore Mary Foster leads the team in the top spot after going 12-13 there a year ago and obtaining second-team all-NESCAC honors. Kerr says of Foster that “she is extremely balanced as an individual” and that “her squash IQ is high and she understands the game.” Other players expected to stand out are sophomore Diana Edwards, who had a 15-11 posting in the #2 slot, and junior Tanesha Jackson, who fashioned a 15-9 mark while playing at #4.
The Wesleyan squash teams got their 2011-2012 seasons started in Boston over the weekend of November 19-20 at the Boston Round Robin. The men’s team faced off against Bates, Northeastern, Connecticut College and MIT, putting together a 2-2 start during the event. The Cardinals won one match and lost one against Conn. College and Northeastern by 5-4 margins. The team was unable to play a couple of regulars due to injury. Wesleyan defeated MIT with ease 8-1 but lost to Bates, ranked #16 in the preseason, by the same score. Freshman Blair Corbin, playing #7, was the lone winner versus Bates. The women’s squad also played Bates, Northeastern and Conn. College, as well as Bowdoin and Wellesley. The Cardinals took down Northeastern, Conn. College and Wellesley in 9-0 sweeps but fell to Bates and Bowdoin, both ranked in the preseason top-20, by scores of 7-2 and 5-4. Foster and Craig ended the weekend with team-best 4-1 records.
“I was very pleased with the way both teams conducted themselves over what was most definitely a testing weekend,” Kerr said. “We were presented with many adverse situations that I know the teams will learn from and I am grateful to the experience for this.”
The Wesleyan Round Robin will take place in Middletown from Friday-Sunday. The event features a number of visiting teams, including Colby, Tufts, Brown, John Hopkins, Colgate, Fordham, Hobart and William Smith College and Smith.
Coming off of a season in which the Wesleyan men’s squash team finished 14-12 and finished 20th in the national rankings, the young and talented squad has high hopes for the 2011-2012 campaign. Six of Wesleyan’s seven returning starters are just sophomores who proved themselves last season as freshmen. Because of their impressive talent, the team attained a preseason ranking of 19th, seven spots higher than last year.
Sophomore John Steele was the outstanding performer in 2010-2011, going 19-6 out of the #1 position and earned first-team all-NESCAC recognition. Sophomore Zander Nassikas earned 17 victories and will play in one of the top positions as will sophomores Jeff Berman and Alex Nunez, who totaled 15 and 16 wins respectively.
“I believe they have the talent and potential to crack the top 16 nationally,” Head Coach Shona Kerr said of her men’s squad. Injury seems to be a little bit of a concern at this point and we have a number of young, inexperienced college players - these will be our challenges in achieving our goals.”
The Wesleyan women’s squash team resembles their male counterparts in a number of ways. The women’s team had the same record in 2010-2011(14-12) and has the same preseason ranking of 19th. Both teams rely on youth, with the Cardinals welcoming eight new freshmen. And the women’s team has the same high hopes going into the new year, setting its sights on a top-16 finish in 2011-2012.
Sophomore Mary Foster leads the team in the top spot after going 12-13 there a year ago and obtaining second-team all-NESCAC honors. Kerr says of Foster that “she is extremely balanced as an individual” and that “her squash IQ is high and she understands the game.” Other players expected to stand out are sophomore Diana Edwards, who had a 15-11 posting in the #2 slot, and junior Tanesha Jackson, who fashioned a 15-9 mark while playing at #4.
The Wesleyan squash teams got their 2011-2012 seasons started in Boston over the weekend of November 19-20 at the Boston Round Robin. The men’s team faced off against Bates, Northeastern, Connecticut College and MIT, putting together a 2-2 start during the event. The Cardinals won one match and lost one against Conn. College and Northeastern by 5-4 margins. The team was unable to play a couple of regulars due to injury. Wesleyan defeated MIT with ease 8-1 but lost to Bates, ranked #16 in the preseason, by the same score. Freshman Blair Corbin, playing #7, was the lone winner versus Bates. The women’s squad also played Bates, Northeastern and Conn. College, as well as Bowdoin and Wellesley. The Cardinals took down Northeastern, Conn. College and Wellesley in 9-0 sweeps but fell to Bates and Bowdoin, both ranked in the preseason top-20, by scores of 7-2 and 5-4. Foster and Craig ended the weekend with team-best 4-1 records.
“I was very pleased with the way both teams conducted themselves over what was most definitely a testing weekend,” Kerr said. “We were presented with many adverse situations that I know the teams will learn from and I am grateful to the experience for this.”
The Wesleyan Round Robin will take place in Middletown from Friday-Sunday. The event features a number of visiting teams, including Colby, Tufts, Brown, John Hopkins, Colgate, Fordham, Hobart and William Smith College and Smith.
Xavier Crushes Glastonbury 34-6 in First Round of Class LL Playoffs: Observations on the Game
- In defeating Glastonbury 34-6 in the first round of the CIAC Class LL playoffs at Palmer Field Tuesday night, Xavier played about as close to perfect as a team can get. Facing a formidable opponent and with heavy rain coming down constantly, Xavier excelled in every facet of the game. Running back Mike Mastrioanni resembled a pinball as he constantly banged off Glastonbury defenders while picking up easy yards and extending drives. Meanwhile, the Tomahawks had only one drive that produced any success. Time after time, the Falcons blew up Glastonbury drives and caused them to go for negative yardage. The final score did not come close to indicating the smackdown Xavier laid on its opponent. For Glastonbury, they looked like boys playing a men’s game.
- Mike Mastrioanni was indispensable in this game. With the help of his phenomenal offensive line, Mastrioanni gained big chunks of yardage on almost every run. He bounced off and shedded defenders, wearing them down and continuing drives. The senior back was in beast mode for the entire contest-he finished with 176 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries-which allowed the Falcons to need very little contribution from the passing game. Quarterback Pat D’Amato tossed a beautiful 39 yard touchdown to Ryan Murphy and ran for a touchdown, but overall Xavier rarely threw the ball and completed only two passes in the overwhelming rain. The Falcon’s really didn’t need to when totaled a staggering 335 yards on the ground. Glastonbury was never a match physically or strategically, not even for one drive.
- Until their final drive of the fourth quarter, Glastonbury’s offense was nonexistent. Their performance could only be described as pathetic: zero yards in the first half, only one first down until the Tomahawk’s final drive, 42 yards of total offense. Defensive stalwarts like Matt Craig, Sean Marinan Jr., Ryan Jacobucci and Ryan Murphy reached the backfield with no trouble and tackled their opponent’s offensive players for no gain or significant losses. It didn’t help that Glastonbury’s offense was unimaginative and inefficient, repeating similar draw plays or outside routes even as they went nowhere. Glastonbury needed to put together a stellar offensive performance to match up with Xavier’s defense. They proved that they didn’t have the speed, strength or savvy to do so.
- It was hard not to be enchanted by the Falcon’s sheer mastery of the fundamentals on both sides of the ball. This mastery encompassed a number of areas, particularly the way Xavier’s offensive lines and backs work together in the running game and the ability of the team’s defensive backs in defending opposing receivers. Mastrioanni consistently demonstrated his skill in following his blockers and hitting open holes, with varying speeds depending on the situation. And defensive backs like Ryan Jacobucci, who had an interception in the third quarter, smothered Glastonbury’s receivers with aggressive tackles and denied them any extra space. It was a brilliant display by the Falcons and a testament to the skill of both the players and the Xavier coaching staff.
- Really, Glastonbury? In the 21st century, there’s no reason why any team, especially one representing a high school, should have a nickname like Tomahawks. It’s disrespectful, dishonest and immoral. A high school is supposed to be a place for learning and calling your football team by this name expresses every negative connotation possible to students about Native American culture. If Glastonbury High School had any sense it would change their team name as quickly as possible.
- Kudos to the Xavier and especially the Glastonbury fans for their show of support. 1,500 fans watching the game in such terrible weather, and on a weeknight, needs to be celebrated. The fans were constantly supportive and stayed until the bitter end as both teams fed off their energy. I can’t wait to see enjoy the crowd in the next two rounds.
- Xavier Head Coach Sean Marinan stated after the game that this was the strongest all-around game Xavier had played all season. Certainly a nice way to start off your playoff run. I and no one I’ve talked to believe the Falcons can be matched up with on any level, and they seem to be the biggest favorite in the state in a long time. The LL playoffs are a coronation for Xavier. Every other team is just in their way.
Pelletier Elected Chair Of Planning And Zoning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission began their new term on a bipartisan note last night. Richard Pelletier (D) was nominated by Nick Fazzino (R) to be chair, and Fazzino was nominated by Pelletier to be vice-chair. Pelletier has served several terms as vice-chair, he replaces Quentin Phipps, who left the P&Z to successfully run for city treasurer, as chair.
Newly elected member Joyce Rossiter (D) was elected secretary.
Newly elected member Joyce Rossiter (D) was elected secretary.
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