March 30
1960
College
            In today’s Trenton State College baseball preview, Hamilton graduate Barry Johnson is mentioned as a potential pitcher.
High School
            Today’s Steinert baseball preview reports that a veteran infield gives the Spartans an encouraging outlook. Because Steinert’s fields are not ready at the high school, it will play home games at Bromley Field, while the JV and freshman teams will play at Sayen School on Nottingham Way.
            Coach Dick Leber looks to overcome a 4-10 record with the help of assistants Bill Hoagland (JV) and Bob Pivovarnick (freshmen). Bob Muciarelli, the team’s top hitter in 1959, will be back at second base and form a strong double play combination with shortstop Chuck Giambelluca. Frank Szabo and Rick George battle for third and first base (termed the “initial sack” in the article) will be manned by Dan Pyle. Leftfield hopefuls are Rick Danser and Larry Migliaccio. Jim Griffiths and Don Huggins battle for center and Rich Garton and Walt Bransfield will battle for rightfield along with sophomore Wayne Huston. Forrest Parker will start at catcher, while pitchers include Ed Weissenberger, Bill Hawthorne, Bill Davies and Ed Steckley.
1980
Recreation Leagues
            Today’s Trentonian Neighbors section features the Hamilton PAL boys basketball round-up as it reports on the playoff championships. In the 13/14-year-old title game, the 76ers beat the Bucks, 50-45, as Todd Wilson had 21, Rodney Walker 14 and Mike Dey 10. The Bucks got 17 from Mike Ksepka and 13 from Matt Varava. In the semifinals, the Bucks beat the Celtics, 44-40 as Varava scored 24 and Ksepka had 10. The Sixers took a 49-43 win over the Bullets as Wilson had 22, Walker 10, Dey seven and Steve Samu six.
            In the 10/12-year-old finals, the Bulls beat the Sonics, 75-39, to finish 16-0 for the season and 31-1 over the past two years. Brian O’Reilly had 32 points and Mike Walsh 15 for the winners, coached by John O’Reilly and Gene Robotin. Ken Durfee had 18 for the Sonics. Other members of the championship team were Ed Walters, Warren Smith, Mark McTamney, Chris Louis, Mark Keane, Mark Robotin, Chase Smith and Dave Bentz. In the semifinals, Walsh had 15 and Smith 11 in a 32-27 win over the Hawks. Bob Stefanowicz had 14 and Mike Sacco 12 for the Hawks. In the other semi, Durfee had 25 as the Sonics topped the Rockets, 39-28.  
            In CYO play, Our Lady of Sorrows won the CYO Grammar School basketball title by beating Blessed Sacrament, 41-34. Tom Hoffman had 29 points for the winners. St. Raphael’s girls fell to Blessed Sacrament, 29-26, in the Girls Grammar School final, despite 11 by Colleen Mulryne. The Saints had a string of three straight titles snapped.
High School
            The Trentonian’s track & field previews appeared today, with the following information:
            Hamilton: Mike Brady’s Hornets lost a lot through graduation but they’ve got plenty back. Jeff Mayo is a proven 4:30 miler who should run 9:30 two miles soon. Quarter-miler Dwayne Dyous and hurdler Eric Underwood could challenge for county leadership in their events along with shot put lettermen Greg Lewis and Dave Schappell. The Hornets strength is in the pole vault where Vince Tatarek is hopeful of topping last year’s 13-7, with Brian Walsh and Jeff Ivins potential 13-footers. Curt Tiggett figures to be a consistent sub-2.00 half miler.
            McCorristin: One of the most successful of Iron Mike trackmen, pole vault champ Tom Mahon, is the new head coach. But like predecessor Jack Lally, Mahon must overcome inexperience and lack of depth. The most experienced Mikes are senior distance runners Gino Benedetti and Joe Potocki, who could be McCorristin’s big scorers. Basketball stars Willie Ellison and Steve Brown will sprint, while senior John Morreale handles the weights.
            Steinert: Andre Modica’s Spartans enjoyed a memorable ’79 and most of the athletes responsible are returning. Leading them is All-County 220-440 sprinter Tom Matlock, who was sectional champ in the quarter mile, and had personal bests of 22.5 and 49.0 in the sprints. Hurdler Darryl Reaves, who clocked 39.5 in the 330s, provides experience, as does quarter miler Dave Lauer, 4:30 miler Ken Robbins and 9:56 two-miler Joe Ewaskiewicz.
1990
High School
            McCorristin guard Bryan Caver was named to the Associated Press’ first-team All-State team.
2000
College
            Post 31 product Matt Slaiciunas hit a two-out, two-run triple in the eighth inning to give Mercer a 5-4 win over Morris. “I just felt real relaxed when I got to the field today, said Slaiciunas, who went 4-for-5 with a two doubles, two runs and two RBI. “When I was at the plate the ball looked like a watermelon. I really needed this to get some confidence back.” Slaiciunas had not been hitting to his potential but had collected a hit or two in most games, prompting coach Dave Gallagher to note “That’s the sign of a good hitter. I hope he can keep hitting the way he did today. If he gets hot it would be a big help for us.”   
March 29
1960
Recreation Leagues
            In the Hamilton 15-year-old playoffs, Creston evened the best-of-three series at 1-1 with a 64-59 win over Evans Roofing. Neal Odun had 19 for the winners while Tom Haje and Jerry Migliacci had 15 each. Fran Pinchot had 43 for Evans, giving him 75 points in the first two games.
1980
College
            Mercer prepares to take on Region XIX foes after returning from a Southern trip 5-3. Steinert grad Brian Binns went 2-0 with a 0.75 ERA on the trip and Hamilton product Al Collins also had a win. Steinert’s Dave Gallagher went 16-for-27 (.593).
1990
College
            Steinert grad Ray Whitman had two hits in Mercer’s 6-3 loss to Gloucester.
2000
Recreation Leagues
            In Mercer Men’s Soccer League play, Randy Guerra had three goals while Drew Fallon, Darren Lewis and Jay Gresko had one each in the Hibernians’ 6-0 win over the Tornadoes. Cook’s Auto/Bill’s Old Tavern took a 10-0 win over Curruchique as Tom Monchak had four goals, Ben McMichael scored three and Joe DiMeglio, Scott Cook and Ken Miranda had one each.
College
            Hamilton grad Ryan Zegarski had three hits and scored five runs in Mercer’s 19-4 win over Broome. Steinert grad Rich Brooks delivered a pinch-hit, walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the ninth to give Rider a 3-2 win over Marist. “I did feel a little pressure up there, it’s been a rough week for us,” Brooks said. “He threw me an outside fastball and I went with it.”
High School
            Hamilton West senior Brian Lyons is named Delaware Valley’s top scholar athlete at the 38^th National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame Dinner. The two-year offensive line starter won a $5,000 scholarship to continue his education. Lyons ranks second in a senior class of 243 and had a 1570 on his SAT boards. “I had never played football in my life, but (coach Keith Hartbauer) walked up to me my freshman year and asked if I’d be interested in joining the program,” Lyons said. “I was a pudgy kid and I guess he thought I could help.” Lyons is the first Hornet to win the scholarship since Paul Evans in 1987.
March 28
1970
Professional
            Steinert grad Rich Giallella has an outstanding first exhibition game by going 4-for-4 as Eugene, the Phillies Triple A club, beat Giallella’s Class A Peninsula team, 6-4. “What I liked best was two of those hits came off left-handers,” said Phils Farm Director Paul Owens. Added Eugene manager Bob Wellman “The kid has a sweet swing. He looks like a genuine hitter.” And finally, Phils owner Bob Carpenter said “Doesn’t that kid hit anything but line drives? I’ve seen him in batting practice and now in this game and I’ve never seen anything but base hits.”
High School
            The Trentonian’s Hamilton West baseball forecast appeared today, and the headline says it all about Hamilton’s hopes for this season: “Hornets’ Theme: Wait Until 1971”
            “Our number one problem is the questionable strength of our pitching staff,” said coach John Boyd. “Then we have a junior team that lacks experience. Graduation took key players. And the weather hasn’t helped. Wouldn’t you know that the first day I gave them off would turn out to be a beautiful day.”
           Hamilton is coming off a 9-11 season and will rely on the speed of Marty Pobutkiewicz, Bob Rossi and Alex Manukas on the base paths. Tom Schneid will be on first base, Rossi on second, Pobutkiewicz at short and Bill Everett on third. Tim Power, Larry Bender and Tom O’Donnell provide infield depth. The outfield features Bruce Holub, Manukas, Tony Dolci, Bob Mecdkel and Ed Szuter. Ron Cathel and Russ Walters will catch, while the pitchers are Russ Walters, Gary Cizmadia, Frank Petrangeli, Bob Crozer, Guy Treadway and Bob Hollins.  
1980
College
           Hamilton West graduate Ken Zegarski collected four hits, including a grand slam, and drove in seven runs to lead Rider to a 13-8 win over Lafayette. Zegarski had a late class and had to drive to Easton, Pa. on his own and arrived just in time to take the field. He fell one RBI short of Rider’s school record.
            “I can’t believe it,” Zegarski said. “I only had three hours of sleep and hadn’t eaten anything in 18 hours.” Said Rider coach Sonny Pittaro “It was one of the finest games I’ve ever seen anybody play for us.”
2000
High School
            Today’s Trentonian baseball previews came out with the following forecasts:
            Hamilton: Coming off a 14-10 season, the Hornets are optimistic. They have a new clubhouse in the outfield and plenty of returning players.
            “We have a lot of people back,” said coach Jim Maher. “A lot of kids who not only got experience from last year but from Chuckie (Giambelluca, Post 313 manager). We hope to return to where we were the first three years I was here. I was a contender in the league and a contender for the Central Jersey state championship and a contender for the Mercer County Tournament. I feel that the talent is here to do that. I would think we will battle Notre Dame for the (Valley) division title. We should be the two frontrunners.”
            Leading the returnees are first baseman Matt Giannacio, who hit .494 with 33 RBI. Jim Hoey will be the No. 1 pitcher after winning five games in 1999, while Pat Zegarski, Nestor Reyes, Levin Loretucci, Jeff Iorio, John Leonardo and Mark Pienciak will also pitch. Nick Massari (.317) is at shortstop, Pat Shipe is on second and Hoey and Pienciak are on third. The outfield features Scotty Senese, Zegarski, Joe Crupi (.318) and Jimmy Brettell. Frank Bisznzio (.300), Tom Metzler and Crupi are all catchers.  
            McCorristin: Coach Jim Geraci laments his lack of depth, with just 14 players. “That’s all, Geraci said. “So you can see we can’t afford for anyone to get injured. I think we will be OK offensively but on defense we are looking for people who can catch the ball. . . .our pitching appears only average.”
            Coming off a 15-12 season, the Mikes return John Rotondo, who went 5-4 in 1999 and assumes the No. 1 hurler spot. Joe Radice, Tom Sweeney, Nick Adams, John DeLisa and Jon Macciocca will also see time. Ken Lup will catch after hitting .428 and .398 his first two years. Tom Auletto is the emergency back-up catcher but will start at third base. Mike Falchi is on first base after hitting .370, Adams and Carl Giambrone are battling for shortstop, John Persichetti will play second when Rotondo pitches. The outfield candidates are John Casale, Joe D’Ambrosio, Mike Vrancik, John DiLisa and Giambrone.
            Nottingham: Pete Capone will try and patch together a pitching staff for his Northstars, whose only proven starter is Mark Conklin, who won four of Nottingham’s five games in 1999.
            “Conklin is back for his third year and looks strong,” Capone said. “After Mark we are going to go with a committee. One guy will pitch two or three innings, then another will come in and, maybe, still another come in. Guys are going to pitch a few innings and then turn the ball over to somebody else. Hopefully it will work out. And we will find some strong arms along the way.”
            The plethora of arms Capone will call on include Justin Schleider, Rob Cento, Eric Ninaltowski, Ryan Lindsay, Mike Mehalik, Scott Kuhen, Ryan Flaherty, Bill Langdon and Erwin Barrientos. Barrientos will also share the catching with Ninaltowski. Adam Allen (.368 last year) will play first, Kuhen and Ron Scartocci battle for second and Flaherty and Langdon fight for third. Eric Bruhn (.328) is at shortstop and Chris Midura will be a utility infielder. Mike Loginow, Chuck Iacono, Mike Pillitteri, Lindsay and Scartocci are outfield candidates.
            Steinert: Coming off a Group IV championship, the Spartans are being touted as one of the top teams in the state, if not the country. “As soon as we won the state championship last year, people knew we lost only three people, so right away expectations were probably higher than some years,” coach Rich Giallella said. “I really feel that it has to be won on the field. And there are so many factors that are never calculated into your season. Chemistry, development of players, team players. When you lose three, many feel you don’t lose much. But you may lose six players because those three do other things besides just play in the game. “
            Michael Rogers (11-2) leads the pitchers after earning Player of the Year honors in 1999 and winning all five of Steinert’s state games. Frank Sabatino (8-0), Eric Dawson (5-0), Ed Francis (3-1), Matt Sweeney, Jeff Hurley and Chris Neylan round out the staff. Sean Whalen will catch, backed up by Andy Meyer and Steve Dykovitz. Billy Seiler will be at first, Steve Fischer at second, Joe Hernandez (county best .489) at short and Joe Wysocki on third. Paul Bencivengo will also see time at third, while John Kokotajlo and Bob Ziegler provide depth in the infield. Chris Talar is in center, Scott Rich (CVC leading six homers) is in right and left is a battle between Chris Balgowan, Brian Andrewsky, Eric Croux and Mike Costello.   
March 27
1960
Recreation Leagues
            In the Hamilton 15-year-old basketball league playoff opener, Evans Roofing got 38 points from Fran Pinchot in a 59-55 win over Creston’s. That gives Evans a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Neal Oku had 18 for Creston’s.
1980
High School
            With Hamilton Township products Dave Mercurio and Chris Ward both graduated, Notre Dame’s baseball team has a pitching hole to fill. The Irish plan on doing so with more township hurlers, as Pete Brescia returns after going 4-2, and lanky right-hander Jim “Jules” Giglio hopes to maintain the success he enjoyed during American Legion season. Switch-hitting freshman Rob Ricciani, another township product, is battling for the catcher’s spot. Steinert transfer Bob Morino can play either shortstop or second base. 
March 26
1970
College
            Steinert grad Bill Povia scored Rider’s only run in an 8-1 loss to Florida State.
High School
            The Trentonian came out with its Steinert baseball preview today, and coach Elwood Tryon was not talking about his three returning All-County players as much as he was his pitching. “If our pitching comes through, we shouldn’t be too bad. I’m optimistic because we have so many experienced players. Everything depends on the pitching. Except for (Dave) Owens, our mound staff lacks experience, but we probably have more depth than anyone in the county. That’s why I’m so optimistic at this early stage of the campaign.”
          First-team All-County returnees are Bruce Henry (1B), Andy Polascak (3B) and Frank Monachello (LF). Mike Rasimowicz is at shortstop while John Wilson and Nick Piontoni come up from JV to battle for second. Mike Zarrilli is a back-up infielder. Bruce Beisswanger is pressed by Gary Fisher in center while Dave Todini is in right. Catcher is a battle between Ken Dizler, Bill Kenney and Gary Campbell. Owens heads a staff that includes Rich and Carol Holden, Neil Bowen and Kevin Gallagher. “If we repeat (as Mercer champs) it will be without Joe Rakoski” said Tryon, whose team was 15-3 in 1969. “His doctor says he’ll be able to play late in the season but I rather doubt that.” Rakoski is coming off surgery for torn tendons from football.
1980
Recreation Leagues
            Bob Berish’s three-point play with four seconds left put the game in overtime as Hamilton beat Ewing, 47-42, in the Ewing Invitational Tournament championship game. Jason Duval had 14 points and took MVP honors for Hamilton.
Boxing 
            Hamilton PAL boxers Kenny “Bang Bang” Bogner and Willard “Pop” Nance each won their first bouts to advance in the National Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament. Bogner scored a second-round KO over Louisville’s Mike Johns, while Nance scored a unanimous decision over Detroit’s Rodney Green. 
1990
            The GAK 75’s took a 3-2 win over Vito’s Kickers as Carlos Vasco had two goals and Chris Kalargheros added one.
2000
High School
            The Trentonian’s All-County basketball team was announced today Steinert’s Mike Conover was named first team, while Steinert’s Cory Nojemko, Hamilton’s Jason Malloy and Nottingham’s Brian Jenkins, Yves Terilus and Jeremy Coleman were all honorable mention.
          Of Conover, the story said A McDonald’s All-American, Conover led the CVC in scoring with 19 points a game and scored 419 points to finish his Steinert career with 1,392 points. The opposition only held Conover to below double figures in one of 22 games as the 6-8 center hauled down 11 rebounds per game and had season-high 31-point efforts against Hopewell Valley and West Windsor-Plainsboro. “This year was the first in his career that we didn’t have a constant outside threat but Mike still managed to lead the league in scoring,” said Steinert coach Roger Bigos of Conover, who had 100 blocked shots and shot 56 percent from the floor. “He was the difference in several of our wins this year.”
March 25
1980
High School
            Today’s Trentonian has its Steinert baseball preview, which indicates the Spartans are using a fairly new technique – videotape. “We’ve been using it for a while,” coach Ken Rauba said. “We film all the scrimmages for hitting and pitching. It gives the kids a chance to see everything I’ve been saying. I can stand there and tell them what they’re doing wrong and that will help, but on the films they can see it for themselves. Then, there’s no doubt about it.”
              Getting the benefits of such tape are starting pitchers Dave Hoffman, Steve White, Adam Wurpel and Jim Elberson. The Steinert catchers are Pete Capone, backed up by Gary Van Norman and Kevin Connors. The infield consists of Tony Marant (1B), Sam Tola (2B), Rob Colton (SS) and Steve Durelli (3B). The outfield features Ken Ridge, Rich Tola and Jim Lozier, while Tom Ridge and Fred Gmitter are back-ups.
              “We have some experience but it’s going to take a lot of improvement and a lot of work,” said Rauba, starting his sixth year. “You can’t go anywhere if you don’t work hard. We’re going to keep a low profile and keep it loosey goosey. We have to get our act together in April and win in May and June.”
1990
Recreation Leagues
           In Mercer Men’s soccer, Tom Fink’s two goals and one each from Dave Spishak and Dan D’Angelo gave M.J. Kicks a 4-1 win over Perry’s Clubhouse, running Kicks’ unbeaten string to 15. The Hibernians, playing with just eight men, got two goals from Tom Moffat and one each from Sean Toner and John Such in a 4-1 win over Gersh’s Place. Don Lenox played well in goal, allowing Joe Staub to get Gersh’s lone score.
            In Central Jersey 12/13-year-old soccer play, Marco Crivelli, Michael Arbogast and Michael Cicale had goals as the Hamilton Heat topped the Princeton Pride, 3-0. Kirk Partyka notched the shutout in goal.
            In today’s Trentonian Neighbors section, the Hamilton PAL 14-year-old boys basketball round-up tells us that the Bucks finished 12-0 with a 60-41 win over the Bullets as Joshua Kramer, Erich Lampkin, Matt Opacki and Corey Stokes all hit double figures. Mike Mims and Keith Hamilton split 16 in defeat. Other players on the champion Bucks are Ryan Donnelly, Anthony Granoldi, Jeremian Kramer, Bryant McBride, Fred Shultz, Carey Tulband and coach Anthony Stevens.
           The PAL Players of the Month for January were the Sonics Chris Coleman in the 12-year-old league and the Nuggets Mike Snyder in the 14’s. For February, Opacki won the 14’s honor and Pat Callahan the 12’s. In tournament play, Snyder and Justin Swain played well in Hamilton’s run to the semifinals of the consolation division of the Cinnaminson Tournament. In the St. Raphael’s Tournament, Hamilton’s 12 got beat in the semifinals although Coleman and Callahan excelled.  The Warriors Nicky Metz was named the best 12-year-old defensive player.
            In PAL girls basketball JEM Trophies topped Busy Bee Travel, 44-28, in the Hamilton PAL Invitational Tournament. Tamika Parkman, Lisa Serenelli and Jen Tandy provided the scoring punch as JEM won its 13^th straight. Heather Gray, Lori Bloodsworth and Shelly Wilson excelled for the Bee. Janine Pollak’s 13 led McCay Insurance to a 35-25 win over Brock’s Embroidery, as Brock’s missed the playoff finals for the first time in five years. Allison Williams added nine for McCay, while Melany Furda had six for Brock’s. Hamilton’ PAL’s Red team topped Ewing, 24-18, as Jackie Beers had nine points and Jaime Zamparelli added six. Jessica Walter’s eight weren’t enough to prevent Hamilton from losing a 41-18 decision to Trenton.
            In PAL Senior Division tournament play, Cindy F. Jalkowski scored eight, Danielle Mitala seven and Erin Maley and Jen Hanlon six each as Hamilton beat the Hopewell Y, 46-35.
            The Royals “Miss Yell” for the 1989-90 PAL season was Yardville’s Aisha Richmond.
High School
            The Trentonian Neighbors section had a photo of this year’s Hibernian Senior Soccer 11 All-Star team, which includes Steinert’s Curve Miller, Randy Jacobs and Matt Crivelli, Hamilton’s Jeff Fell and Nottingham’s Eric Zickler, who earned the night’s top award by winning a college scholarship. The two-time All-County and All-State star won based on his attitude, ability and accomplishment.
2000
Recreation Leagues
            In South Jersey Girls soccer action, the Hamilton U-11 Fireballs took a 3-0 win over the Pinelands Blue Angels as Jamie Boccanfull scored all three goals while Anna-Marie Fedorowycz had the shutout in goal. The U-12 Hibernian Hurricanes topped PYAA, 2-1, as Mandy Laird and Chrissy DelTurco had the goals and Christine Duncan and Korrine Campbell played well in the nets. The U-13 Hibernian Heartbreakers got two goals each from Kim Bayles and Camille Carlucci in a 6-3 win over Cinnaminson. Gina Farrara and Madison Turanin also scored.
           Kelly Hogan’s goal gave the Hamilton Dynamo a 1-0 win over Cherry Hill as Claudia Cala had the shutout and Deana Cavallaro played stellar defense. The Hibernian Heat beat the Highland Hornets, 3-1, as Leah Carney scored twice and Katie Tindall once. The Heat then bat the West Deptford Angels, 3-0, as Carney, Tindall and Marissa Rago had goals and Kaitlin Heenehan notched both shutouts.
            In CYO boys varsity basketball playoff action. St. Raphael’s topped St. Anthony’s, 67-49, as Brian Sakowski had 28 points for the winners. Jimmy Collins had 19 to lead St. Gregory’s past OLS, 52-47. St. Raph’s topped OLS in boys JV play as Matt Jeiney had 11 points, while Billy Campion’s 10 aided St. Gregory’s 49-10 win over Incarnation.
College
           Steinert product Josh Pine fired a three-hitter with five strikeouts in pitching Mercer to a 1-0 win over Del Tech in the first game of a doubleheader. Pine improved to 5-0 and entrenched himself as the Vikes No. 1 starter. “Josh has really been excellent for us,” coach Dave Gallagher said. “Teams see very few good pitches to hit from him. He has the ability to throw off-speed pitches when he’s behind in the count and that makes him very effective.” In the nightcap, Hamilton West’s Ryan Zegarski had three hits, including a double, a run scored and three RBI in a 7-5 setback.
March 24
1980
High School
            In today’s Trentonian, the Hamilton West baseball preview informs us that the Hornets have plenty of talent pushing each other for playing time. “I’m pleased to be in a situation like that,” said coach Marty Flynn. “It’s good to have everyone feel they have to work to their potential. The kids are working hard and I can see some positive results, but we still have a ways to go.”
              Returning from a 15-4-1 team are pitchers John Iorio and Frank Sheldon, while Ken Tucci, Kenny Crow and Troy Stevenson will also toe the rubber. “Two weeks ago I had five throwers, now I have some pitchers,” Flynn said. Co-captain Gene Sanguinetti is back at catcher, backed up by Rocky Lambert. Sheldon and Lambert will split time at first base, Leon Alexander, Bob Smetanka and Mike Zack are fighting for second, Joe Mastropolo and Rick Garzillo vie for shortstop. Third base is anyone’s guess at the moment. The outfield consists of Gary Bachik, Gary Rowe, Ben Warner and Tom Rockhill. Gary Turansick will play everywhere.
1990
College
            In basketball, Steinert’s Bill Rebbeck scored 12 points and hit the 3-pointer to send the game in overtime as Mercer beat South Georgia, 97-95, in the NJCAA Division II consolation game for third place. “Rebbeck made the game-winning shot in our first game this year and then he saves the game for us with another big shot in our final game,” said coach Bud Livingston.
2000
Recreation Leagues
            In Hamilton PAL basketball, the Clippers topped the Hawks, 56-35, in the 12-year-old Division championship game as Matt Bramley had 23 points and Quincy Hendryx scored nine. Tyrell Wilson had seven steals, while LD DiMatteo had 12 for the losers and Phil Hickey added 10. In the 14-year-old title game, Brian Salkowski had 14 points while Dan Raywood and Ricardo Spence had seven each in the Knicks 47-44 win over the Sixers. Spence added 15 rebounds. The Sixers got 12 each from Eugene Moore and Mike Graziano.
College
            Hamilton resident and Notre Dame grad Matt Slaiciunas had a hit and run scored in Mercer’s 4-3 loss to Jefferson.
March 23
1980
Recreation Leagues
            Defending State champ GAK Gold won its second-round game of the National Junior Cup Division 1 Tournament, taking a 9-1 win over Toms River. Eddie Gauss had four goals while Kevin Kinnevy, Bruce Bellinger and Warren Maruca got one each.
            In their Cup opener, Mike “Slick” Watson scored two goals with the second coming off a Brian O’Gorman assist as the Hamilton Fury topped the Boca Gold, 2-1. The GAK White also won their opener, 6-0, over Lawrence Hamnetts II as Vince Martorano had three goals, Mike Britton two and John Wiener one.
            In Division II Junior Cup play, the Hamilton Fever topped the Old Bridge Apollo, 2-0, in their opener on goals by Todd Such and Mike Mihavetz. Goalie Tom Ridge had the shutout.
           In semipro play, Dave Leckie and Tom Fink scored in the Trenton Italian Nationals 3-1 win over the Trenton Azzuri.
1990
Recreation Leagues
            In CYO Boys JV playoff semifinal action, Darren Pandolfini’s 15 points could not save St. Gregory’s from a 39-29 loss to Incarnation.
College
            Nottingham grad Jen LoPresti moved to 4-1 in pitching Trenton State’s softball team to a win over Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
March 22
1970
Recreation Leagues
            Dom Stillitano scored all five goals as Hamilton Youth took a 5-1 win over Post 313 in the Junior Division of National Soccer Cup first-round play.
College
            The Rider College baseball team gets ready to head south with Steinert graduate Bill Povia at third base, while Hamilton grad Joe Schneid is one of three sophomores in the outfield. Steinert grad Rich Sokolowski is one of the team’s top hurlers.
1980
High School
The headline says it all as the McCorristin girls win their second straight state championship. 
              The McCorristin High girls basketball team won its second consecutive NJSIAA Group II championship game by taking a 65-55 victory over Union Catholic at North Brunswick High School. “We were really fired up in the first half,” said McCorristin All-American Kate Larkin, who completed a spectacular high school career on top. “In the second half we played like we didn’t want it to end.” Said coach Kevin Gallagher “It’s satisfying in a different way than last year,” coach Kevin Gallagher said. “After last year, people expected us to win it again. If we hadn’t won it, that would have been news. I don’t think people will make such a big fuss over them like they did last year.” Larkin finished with 27 points and McCorristin ended at 27-3 with a 20-game winning streak. The Mikes had some sadness mixed in with their joy. “I feel happy and upset at the same time,” said senior Lisa Vaccaro. “It’s hard to explain. I’ve been with most of these girls since sixth grade. I feel like a part of me is leaving.” Other seniors on the team were Patti Sikinger, Kim Gore and Joann Bucci. “It’s strange,” Larkin said. “You think it’s never going to end, but it does.”
            Kenny Unverzagt had three hits and three RBI in McCorristin’s 16-1 baseball win over Liberty High in Lynchburg, Va., while Mickey (Rome) DiMattia had a single, double and four RBI in a 6-5 win over Liberty in the nightcap of the doubleheader. The two split the catching duties. Fran Ermi had a two-run single in the nightcap and Rick Leckie got the win. Brian Moceri won the opener with six strikeouts.
1990
College
            Nottingham grad Jen LoPresti fired a two-hitter and moved to 3-1 by pitching Trenton State’s softball team to a 3-0 win over third-ranked Allegheny. Lori Lubieski, another Nottingham grad, hit a two-run triple and scored the third run.
            Steinert’s Bill Rebbeck had 16 points and hit four big free throws down the stretch to give Mercer’s men’s basketball team a 95-90 win over Kemper in the NJCAA quarterfinals. “People used to say we couldn’t just win with local kids, but I hope we’re proving them wrong,” said coach Clyde “Bud” Livingtston.
2000
Recreation Leagues
            In the CYO basketball B Bracket girls final, Immaculate Conception topped St. Raphael’s, 23-21, despite 11 points by Samantha Brennan.
College
            Steinert grad Matt Wolski had a hit and two RBI in Rutgers 12-2 win over Monmouth. Notre Dame grad and Hamilton product Matt Slaiciunas had three hits and an RBI in Mercer’s 12-11 loss to Raritan Valley. “I started off a little slow, so I’m making some minor adjustments,” Slaiciunas said. Hamilton grad Ryan Zegarski slugged a solo homer.
March 21
1960
Recreation
            Al Offredo’s free throw with one second left gave Little Mike’s a 49-58 win over the Picas in the Hamilton 20-year-old League Playoff championship game. Offredo and tom McDowell had 19 apiece for the winners, while Nort Parker had 17 and Ron Stanik 14 for Picas.
1980
High School

         The McCorristin girls basketball team goes through its final workout of the season as it prepares for tomorrow’s NJSIAA Group II championship game with Union Catholic at North Brunswick High School. The Iron Mikes are going after their second straight title. “Union Catholic is senior-oriented so we know they won’t crack under pressure,” coach Kevin Gallagher said. “They’re a deliberate team so we’ll try to speed things up. Since they do play patiently, it will make each possession that much more important.” Added leading scorer Kate Larkin “We have to be careful not to let the game get out of hand. We have to know when to slow it down.” And from Viking coach Kathy Matthews we get “The press is what makes McCorristin go,  that’s the key. We have to handle the press. But, then again, they also have to handle whatever we throw at them.” The Mikes carry a 19-game winning streak into the fray.
2000
High School
            The Trentonian’s All-County swim team was released and Hamilton’s Christina Dooling made first-team. The following passage was written: Dooling was a legend before she even dove into the water for the Hornets this past season, but since the freshman wanted to concentrate on he dancing career, Hamilton coach Chuck Zalescik wasn’t sure if she’d do the high school swimming thing. But for the Hornet fans it was good that she did as her butterfly and IM not only improved Hamilton’s swim team but also gave the Hornets their first swimmer to place in the top 3 at counties (second in the butterfly). The rookie also became the first Hornet swimmer to appear at Individual States. Dooling also set school marks in most of the freestyle events and 200 IM and her 58.84 in the fly was tops in the county.
            Honorable Mention selections for the girls included Hamilton’s Stephanie Grace, Steinert’s Jacquelyn Nami and Nottingham’s Christine Phillips. For the boys, honorable mention picks were Steinert’s Dan Seeth and Hamilton’s Kyle Schulke.
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