This Day in Hamilton Township Athletics   
     
      Welcome to a trip down “Memory Lane.” 
      Each day on this page will appear what occurred in township sports 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years ago.
      Information is from the The Trentonian and Trenton Times archives. 
        If anyone can supply old photos for this page, either e-mailed or hard copy (which will be returned). Click here and put “nostalgia photos” in the subject line. Thanks. 

NOVEMBER 30
1969
High School
          George O’Gorman writes in today’s Times that it’s time to stop under-rating Mercer County soccer after Lawrence and Steinert each won or shared state titles.
          The Spartans tied Hackensack in the Group IV final to finish 18-0-2.
          “That Hackensack team was a well drilled and well disciplined team,” Steinert coach Mario “Goose” Laurenti said. “They showed good individual ball control but our defense was able to hold them down.
          “Playing against teams in Mercer County always helps when you play a strong team in the tournament. Our defense was the key, especially at the end.”
          The All-County soccer team was released by The Trenton Times and Steinert backs John Gribbin and Bruce Henry, and forwards Andy Polascak and Mike Rasimowicz were both first-team picks. St. Anthony’s Herb Weiner was also on first-team. Rasimowicz was chosen after tying former Spartan Joe Hogan’s county record of 30 goals in a season. Polascak added 15 goals.
          Second-team selections were St. Anthony’s Ken Rylak and Hamilton’s Michel Dietmar, while third-team selections were St. Anthony’s John Kish, Tim Kinnevy and Bill Germani and Steinert’s Ken Andrews.
1989
High School
          Today’s Trenton Times All-Area second-team included Steinert’s Alissa Brotman and Kim Schultz, while the two along with teammate Cathy Smith were also named first-team All-County.
         It was written of Schultz “The junior, who gave up field hockey to run, used her long strides to notch a string of second-place finishes (behind Brotman) as well as a 10^th-place finish at the MCT (20:57.8), 28^th-place finish at sectionals (22:31) and 30th-place finish at the NJSIAA final (21:49). Of Smith the paper said “The only strong Spartans holdover from last season, this junior was steady enough to capture fifth at the MCT (20:08.4), 23^rd at sectionals (22:13 and 33^rd at the NJSIAA final (21:57) as Steinert finished fifth in the Group III race of Holmdel.
           For some reason, we could not find the account written on Brotman. Sorry Alissa!
           The Spartans Jerry Bleistein was named Coach of the Year, as The Times writes “With the remarkable improvement of not one individual, but the entire team, Steinert was able to capture fifth at the NJSIAA Group III final. Winning though, was not the only accomplishment for Bleistein. Developing a strong team chemistry with an almost completely new group would be an impossible task for some, but for Bleistein it seemed almost routine.”
            On the second-team was Steinert’s Tricia Matuniak, while the Spartans’ Luz Salas made third team.
1999
High School
          The Trenton Times released its All-County field hockey team this morning and making the first team was Nottingham senior midfielder Leann Grondski. The paper said of Grondski “This talented midfielder was one of a handful of players in the Colonial Valley Conference to notch a double-digit goal total (10). She also assisted on three others. This USFHA Futures participant leads by example on the field and excels with her stickwork. Her ability to distribute the ball to her teammates, helping them set up goals was what made her a vital part of the Northstars' 10-10-1 campaign that ended in the North 2 Group II semifinal.
            Steinert senior forward Stephanie Burrows was a second-team pick along with Spartan senior midfielder Liz Mehl.
          Honorable mention picks included Hamilton’s Jen Cicale and Michelle Yenchick, Nottingham’s Lauren Smith, Lisa Rossi and Katie Banas and Steinert’s Krystal Matheson and Brielle Bentley. 
NOVEMBER 29
1959
Youth
                 In Hamilton Little Soccer play, Neil Bencivengo scored his league-leading 22^nd goal on a penalty kick as the Hamilton Lions beat Hamilton, 2-0. Jack Frascella had the other goal off a John Drager assist. The Whitehorse Lions took a 5-0 win over Post 31 as Jack Bell put pressure on Bencivengo for the league scoring lead with three goals, giving him 21 for the season.  Dick Bartlett and Tom Buzinski also scored. VFW 3525 got two goals from Kenny Hess and one from John McLoughlin in a 2-1 win over PAL.
             In Hamilton Little-Bigger Soccer action, Wayne Huston scored two goals and Carl Taylor added on as PAL upset VFW 3525, 3-1. John Kelly had the VFW goal. John Griffiths scored for The Carellas and Joe Suosso tallied for Post 313 in a 1-1 tie, and Post 31 and DAV also tied 1-1 on goals by Posts’ John Webb and DAV’s Joe Burns.
High School
            Steinert’s Jim Griffiths was named first-team on the Newark News All-State soccer team, and was second team (figure that one out) on the Trenton Times All-City team. Steinert’s Bill Davies and Bruce Grocott were each honorable mention All-State along with Hamilton’s Carl Sensi. 
            Also on the All-City first team were Sensi and Steinert’s Gary Parker, Ed Weissenburger, Davies and Grocott. Second-team picks were Steinert’s Rich Garton, Ken Merrit and Forest Parker, along with Hamilton’s Joe Suosso and George Bruce. Davies, a goalie, had 10 shutouts on the season. 
1989
High School
            Today’s Trenton Times cross country teams are released, and Nottingham’s Jon Dauber was a first-team All-Mercer pick while the Northstars Pete Leonard was named Coach of the Year.
            Of Dauber, it was written “Dauber and teammate Dave Thames formed the most consistent one-two combination in the County. Thames held the lead position early in the season before Dauber took over midway through the season. The Northstar senior developed into one of the top runners in Mercer, placing fifth in the county meet and third in the Group III sectionals, helping Nottingham to a second-place finish.”
            The passage on Leonard said “Leonard is succeeding in developing a small, dedicated squad of runners into one of the top teams in the county. Nottingham did not obtain any new legs or “recruits” from other sports so Leonard took a team consisting mainly of juniors and seniors who had won only four meets two years ago, and built it into a powerful team that claimed 12 victories this season.
            Nottingham defeated Steinert, along with Trenton, Hightstown and Hopewell for the first time this season. Leonard’s team also qualified for the state meet for the firs time with a second-place finish at the Group III sectionals. The squad’s previous best showing at sectionals was last year when it placed seventh. “
            Also cited was Thames and teammate Steve Miranda on second team, while Steinert’s Gary Springer and Ty Rizvi were third team picks. Dauber also made the paper’s second-team All-Area team.
1999
High School
           A column appears in today’s Trenton Times stating that football is on the rise in Hamilton Township. Here are excerpts of Mike Olshin’s story:
           Start with Hamilton, the top program in Mercer County since Keith Hartbauer and staff took over in 1994. The Hornets finished the season 9-2 and 57 seconds from a spot in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Group III title game.
            They did it all with a sophomore quarterback, Steve Lattin, who showed poise and maturity beyond his years, and with a junior running back, Shelton Snead, who led the county and established team records in yards and touchdowns.
             But Hamilton isn't the only township team with designs set on a championship in 2000.
             Steinert finished with a winning record at 6-4, but a late-season slide kept the Spartans out of the Central Jersey Group IV playoffs.
             Still, with just 10 seniors on the roster this year, most people looked to 2000 for that success to arrive.
              Players such as quarterback Frank Sabatino, fullback Mike Cuniglio, lineman Bob Ziegler and tight end Mike Costello are part of an impressive junior class. Throw in players like sophomore Chuddy Whalen and back-to-back excellent freshman teams, and you begin to see why head coach Frank Gatto gets giddy when looking to the future.
             Nottingham did make the CJ III playoffs and, as the second seed, earned a home postseason game for the first time in school history.
              The Northstars did it mainly by riding the back of punishing running back Anthony Douglas, who finished right behind Snead in the county rushing race.
           He'll be back to wreak havoc on the CVC again next year, as the junior will likely again be the focal point of head coach Jon Adams' offense.
              If he is successful, by this time next year we could be talking about how the Hamilton Township squads began the 21st century with a bang.          
NOVEMBER 28
1969
Youth
          Alex Tordas scored two goals while Jack McOwen and John Timko tallied one each as Hamilton beat West End, in the National Invitational Soccer Tournament. Joe Suosso had three goals in Post 313’s 3-0 win over DAV.
High School
           The Steinert soccer team capped an unbeaten season by tying Hackensack, 1-1, in the NJSIAA Group IV championship game at Princeton University. The Spartans finished the season 18-0-2. Steinert took a 1-0 lead early in the fourth quarter when a Leapin Ken Andrews headed in a corner kick from Andy Polascak. But Hackensack (18-2-1) tied it late in the game on a Roy Vegera penalty kick.
          Larry Morgan made seven saves in goal for Steinert and preserved the co-championship with several remarkable saves. Steinert finished the season outscoring opponents 72-15.
            It was the first of four state titles for first-year coach Mario “Goose” Laurenti, who told papers afterward he would have rather played the two overtime periods that were used to see who advanced in tournament games leading up to the finals.
          “I would have liked to play until a winner was decided, but under the rules you can’t do it,” Laurenti said. “I’m very satisfied we came this far though. Never in a million years did I think we would go unbeaten or get to the state finals this season.
           “Hackensack was a well coached team. But our boys played their usual great defensive game. I’m very proud of all of them. That was a well drilled team that I inherited from Bob Pivovarnick and I feel that he deserves a lot of the credit for our success.”
           In football, St. Anthony’s dropped a 26-6 decision to Holy Cross despite excellent defensive games by Bob DiFalco, Kevin Fisher, Gary Walters, Danny Hardiman, Rick Bianchi, Mike Mihalow, Marty Levandowski, Scot Grocutt, Steve Williams and Stan Rapciewicz. The unit allowed just 131 yards of total offense. John Dzurko returned a kick 80 yards for the Mikes touchdown.
1979
High School
          The Hamilton Elks Senior 12 Football team was announced and Hamilton West put five players on the team – quarterback Gene Sanguinetti and defensive players Mark Gresavage, Jim Doan, Mark Stephens and Mark Russell. (It is usually the Senior 11, but the committee felt 12 players deserved to be cited this year.) Steinert honorees were defensive lineman Marc Rossi and two-way standouts Darryl Reaves and Pete Capone. McCorristin was represented by center Mickey DiMattia, lineman John Morreale and end Larry Biesecker.
            In another football related topic, Steinert’s Marc Rossi signed to play for Rutgers after also being recruited by Pitt, Penn State, Kansas and Virginia. “We feel he’s the top lineman in Mercer County and the only one I’m recruiting in the area,” said Rutgers defensive line coach Ted Cottrell.
1989
High School
           The CVC’s 12 Man TD Club completed its dinner season by naming its final Players of the Week for the past two weeks (the dinner was not held the prior Tuesday).
            For games of Nov. 17-18, Nottingham’s Dominic Gliottone earned defensive lineman honors after collecting eight tackles, three sacks a fumble recovery and a pass hurry in a 14-0 win at Ewing.
           For games of Nov. 23-25, the township had two winners. Hamilton’s Nick Faherty earned Offensive Lineman of the Week as the junior center opened holes for Eric Patterson and Greg Williams in the Hornets’ 6-6 tie with Steinert. The Spartans Tim Kalaurousiotis was Defensive Lineman of the Week after recording two solo tackles and 14 assisted tackles in the 6-6 tie with Steinert.
1999
Youth
            In the Montgomery Tournament, the Hamilton U-10 Blizzard defeated the North Hunterdon Cyclones, 2-1, on goals by Joe Perilli and Ryan Delisa. The Blizzard then defeated the High Bridge Train, 5-2, on two goals each by Pete Kelly and Delisa and one by Perilli. The Hamilton U10 United won the division title by defeating the Livingston Lions (3-1), Readington Blizzards (3-1), Bridgewater Dragons (2-1) and Montgomery Heat (2-1). The goals came from Ryan Gilligan, Jimmy Fitzgerald, Charlie Nocera and Matt Seidner. Mark Ketterer was in goal for the wins.
            The Hibernian U-11 Breeze won the Premiere Division with a 4-0 win over the Montgomery Jaguars. Kelly Crowley, Lora Fink, Marlene Chotkowski and Laura Quhen had the goals and keeper Ali Tomilson recorded the shutout. The Hamilton U-13 Dynamo won its division with a 5-0 win over the Pasco Thunder. Kelly Hogan and Erin Slater each had a goal and an assist. Vicky Schiavone, Deana Cavallaro and Kelly Hamilton added a goal apiece and Claudia Cala earned the shutout. Hamilton tied the Thunder, 2-2, in a preliminary-round game as well. Cavallaro and Schiavone scored for the Dynamo.
           In the Lacey Tournament, the Hamilton U-11 Extreme finished second by beating the Berkeley Bulldogs, 2-0, before losing to the Clifton Stallions, 2-0. Joseph Kazior and Sean Coughi scored the goals. Michael Fuller notched the shutout. The Hibernian U-13 Heartbreakers went 3-0 to win the title in Lacey, including today’s 4-0 win over the Brick Township Raptors in the finals. Marisa Perilli netted two goals while Kim Bayless and Casey Catelli also scored. Christina Duncan was in goal for the shutout.
             In the Bordentown Tournament, the Hamilton U-9 Crush went 1-0-2, defeating Bordentown 5-0 and tying Wyckoff White, 1-1 and Wyckoff Red, 0-0. Goals came from Caitlin Kelly, Julie Cunha, Allison Foy, Kelly O'Donnell, Molly Napolitano and Lauren Snedley. The U-10 Heat fell 2-1 to the Mount Laurel Avalanche in the title game, as Marissa Rago had the lone goal.
            In the West Deptford Tournament, the Hamilton U-11 Enforcers went 4-0 in beating the Cape May Express, Deptford, Voorhees and Tar Kill (N.Y.). Quincy Hendryx, C.J. Prettyman, Sam DaBronzo, Mark Paul and Jeff Barlow scored goals. Rich Balgowan, Danny Clifford, Eddie Collins and Kevin Ream recorded assists. Matt Hvisdock, Eric LaRoche, Tristen DeFazio, Chris English and Justin Mimmo anchored the defense while Rich Weidmann was in goal for a pair of shutouts. The GAK U-14 Thunder took a 2-1, triple overtime win over the previously unbeaten Harrison Fusion. Zak Perkins had the winning goal and Trevor Provost also scored, while Nick Willever, Dan Brackley and Jeff Yegzes paced the defense in front of goalie Grant Harm.

The Trentonian tells the tale of Steinert's 1-1 tie with Hackensack, which gave "Goose" Laurenti the first of four state titles he would win in five years.
 NOVEMBER 27
1969
High School
         Hamilton beat Steinert, 40-0, on Thanksgiving morning after Steinert star Joe Rakoski left the game with a twisted knee after the opening kickoff. Rakoski was involved in just a handful of plays, which didn’t make the Hornets happy.
        “I don’t know about the rest of the guys,” said Russ Walters, “but I wanted to beat them with their star on the field and not on the sidelines. Everyone will tell us the victory is tainted. I can’t believe that. We were up so much, I don’t care if (Eagles rookie running back) Leroy Keyes was playing, we would have stopped him.
        “When ever we picked up a newspaper it was always Joe Rakoski we read about. We’ve got a kid who is just as good. (Irv) Burnett was our answer and he showed them. We would have stopped Rakoski today, but they couldn’t stop all of us, we are together.”
           Hamilton entered the game a slight favorite to begin with and outgained Steinert, 388-139. Burnett rushed for 178 yards and went over 200 in total offense after catching a 34-yard screen pass from Glenn Sliker. He scored four touchdowns and said afterward “This was my biggest game. I’ve been sharper on other days, but didn’t really have to be today. If you want to give somebody credit for the win, give it to the whole team.”
         Marve Johnson and Shawn McCrae also scored, while Gary Cizmadia had an interception and fumble recovery. Nelson Nugent and Russ Walters also had big defensive games and Ed Griffiths booted four PATs.
         “A team either gets sky high or dies when their leader gets hurt,” Steinert coach Pete Brescia said. “We did the latter.”
          Hamilton won the Mythical Mercer County title with a 5-1 record and finished 7-2 overall, while Steinert finished 4-2, 6-3. The Hornets took a 6-5 lead in the Thanksgiving series.
1999
Youth
           In the Bordentown Tournament, the Hamilton U-15 Sting blanked the West Windsor-Plainsboro Fusion, 4-0. Jill Mansfield had two goals with assists from Lindsey Fiabane and Lindsay Brennan. Lisa Kokotajlo and Jessica Barratt each had a single tally, with Kristen Krisak gaining an assist. In game two, Mansfield’s goal gave the Sting a 1-0 win over the M.C. Dynamo. Goalie Jennifer Krisak collected both shutouts for the Sting. The Hamilton U-14 Fireballs finished second in Bordentown, beating the host Blast, 1-0, on a goal by Jackie Basso and topping the North Burlington Lightning, 1-0, on Meghan Weintraub goal. Anna Marie Fedorowicz was the winning goalie in both shutouts. The Hibernian U-11 Waves captured their bracket by going 4-0 in the tournament. In today’s opener, the Waves beat the Bordentown Blast, 3-1, on goals by Katelyn Loder, Gianna Russo and Jenna Wright. In the finale, the Waves blanked the Hamilton Fireballs, 2-0. Julianna DeLorenzo and Loder each tallied. Goalie Amanda Marazzo collected the shutout and tournament MVP honors.
             In the Lacey Tournament, the Hamilton U-11 Extreme defeated the Lacey Express, 1-0, on a goal by Kevin Jarvis and shutout goaltending by Michael Fuller. The Hibernian U-13 Heartbreakers defeated the Medford Strikers, 4-2, as Holly Baker, Gina Herrera, Camille Carlucci and Casey Catelli each scored goals.
           In the HTRSA Division 3 playoffs, McCranor's Mustangs defeated Brotman and Graziano, 2-0. Dan Brackley and Brian McGlone each had a goal.  
NOVEMBER 26
1969
High School
          In the Trenton Times this morning, George O’Gorman picks Hamilton over Steinert, stating “Can’t think of a better way to end the season than with a game to decide the Mercer County title. Under the first-year coach Bill McEvoy, Hamilton has looked mighty impressive thus far, and one more impressive game will be enough to give Hamilton its second straight county title.
         Down the street at The Trentonian, Joe Logue writes “Tempted to go for a 27-27 tie, but the Hornets more rounded offense may be able to outscore Rakoski. . . .eh, Steinert.”
        In a preview story of the game in The Times, Steinert coach Pete Brescia explains why his team is more than just running back Joe Rakoski.
        “We are a good football team, a lot better than even I thought we would be this season,” Brescia said. “It’s just that all of the other kids have played in the shadow of Joey and haven’t gotten the acclaim they should be getting.
         “I’m not trying to take anything away from Joey because he certainly deserved everything he got. He’s a great football player. I just think people are being misled if they think our club is comprised of Rakoski and a group of bodies.”
          Brescia went on to praise Frank Monachello, Bruce Beisswanger, Denny Skrajewski, Chuck Piechota, Steve Garland, Tony Zito and Tony DelAversano.
         Hamilton coach Bill McEvoy said “It’s a case of an individual who dominates. They are a good football team with Rakoski as a catalyst. We know he has the ability to break a game open, but we can’t concentrate on him and let the others go. We hope to play a normal defense against them.”  
1989
High School
           The daily papers released their All-County cross country teams today and Steinert’s Kim Schultz and Alissa Brotman were first team in The Trentonian.
           The paper wrote of Brotman “Before she arrived on the CVC scène, this Steinert freshman already had a fine reputation as a top distance runner in her age group. She enhanced that reputation by lading the Spartans to the county team title and finishing second at the Mercer Meet in 19:43. She went on to enjoy outstanding success at the NJSIAA races, finishing sixth in Central Jersey Group III and 11^th at the Group III state finals where she just missed qualifying for the Meet of Champions.
           It said of Schultz: Along with Brotman and second team pick Cathy Smith, Schultz gave (Jerry) Bleistein’s squad a solid threesome that led the ay in most of its CVC races. Schultz was the number 10 finisher in the county championships as she overcame an early fall to help spark the Spartans to the team title. She also placed eighth in the CJ III race and was 30^th in the Group III state championships.
         Jerry Bleistein was the paper’s Coach of the year, as the paper noted “The architect of a fine boys running program at Steinert, Bleistein’s success in the girls’ ranks is just as legendary. His Steinert teams of the late ’70’s and early ’80’s won five straight county ti8tles and based on the results his young 1989 squad turned in another dynasty may be starting. Although Bleistein reached a milestone in his career with his 300^th win in October, it was the county title his girls won in November that had to be the most enjoyable. With only one experienced runner, and four freshmen, the Spartans regained their county title and stamped themselves the cross country team to beat when the new decade begins.  
         Making the paper’s second team was Steinert’s Cathy Smith, while honorable mention honors went to Steinert’s Tricia Matuniak.
          For the boys team, Nottingham’s Dave Thames was second team along with Steinert’s Chris Gray and Ty Rizvi, while honorable mention honors went to Nottingham’s Steve Miranda and Steinert’s Jim Opaleski and Gary Springer.
1999
Youth
         In the Lacey Soccer Tournament, The Hibernian U-13 Heartbreakers topped Point Pleasant Palomino, 4-0, as Marisa Perilli scored twice and Holly Baker and Casey Catelli each added a goal. Christina Duncan picked up the shutout.
          In the Bordentown Tournament, The Hibernian U-11 Wave defeated the Hamilton Fireballs, 2-0, as Katelyn Loder and Gianna Russo scored with Amanda Marazzo recording the shutout in goal. In their second game, the Wave defeated the Northern Burlington Lightning, 6- 0, as Russo had a hat trick, Julianne DeLorenzo had two goals and Caitlyn White also scored. Also in Bordentown, Leah Carney's goal helped the Hibernian U-10 Heat to a 1-1 tie with the Council Rock Tornadoes. The Heat then edged the Robbinsville Renegades, 1-0, on Marissa Rago's goal. Kaitlin Heenehan posted the shutout.
          In the Montgomery Tournament, the Hamilton U-13 Dynamo blanked the Wayne Wildcats, 4-0, as Cassie Zulla scored twice and Colby Lynch and Jen DiPersio each had a goal. ’Keepers Zulla and Claudia Cala shared the shutout. The Dynamo then defeated the Montgomery Wildcats, 3-0, as Lindsey Conlow, Vicky Schiavone and Lynch scored and Cala collected the shutout.
         The Hibernian U-11 Breeze topped the North Hunterdon Jaguars, 3-0, in Premier Division play. Kelly Crowley, Abby Lambert and Courtney Sunkiskis each had a goal while goalie Ali Tomilson posted the shutout. The Breeze beat the PASCO Thunder, 4-1, as Marlene Chotkowski scored twice while Lora Fink and Sunkiskis each contributed single goals.
        In the Howell Tournament, the U-13 Hamilton Champions topped the TRIC Jaguars, 4-0, on goals by Amanda Vernon, Jessica Powers, Ashley Rowley and Nicole Cox. In the second game, the Champions played a scoreless tie with Howell United Magic. Dana Piotrowski was the goalkeeper in both shutouts.
         In the West Deptford Tournament, the GAK U-14 Thunder went 1-0-1 on opening day, beating the Washington Township Blast, 3-2, on goals by Zak Perkins, Brian McGlone and Chris Spider Boozan. In the second game, a goal by Jim Vanderwater gained a 1-1 tie with the Barrington Thunderstorm.
NOVEMBER 25
1969
High School
         Steinert defeated Trenton, 2-0, in the NJSIAA Group IV semifinals, getting goals from Wayne Mahan (off a perfectly struck Andy Polascak corner kick) and John Wilson, who dribbled through four Trenton defenders after getting the ball at midfield.
        The win put unbeaten Steinert (18-0-1) into the finals against Hackensack (18-2). Defensively, goalie Larry Morgan notched his sixth straight shutout and 10^th overall with help from fullbacks John Gribbin and Bruce Henry.
         “Henry has been exceptional the last five games and he’s gotten better each game,” Steinert first-year coach Mario “Goose” Laurenti said. “He and Gribbin gave us another great game today, but I’d have to credit the whole team with a fine effort.”
          Morgan made the play of the day when he made a sliding tackle on All-County forward Dom Stillitano as he broke in on goal. That helped keep the game scoreless and Steinert scored soon after.
         “That had to be the turning point,” Laurenti said. “I think if he had scored they would have definitely had the momentum on their side and it would have been tough to beat them.”
1979
Youth
          The Hamilton Fury took a 1-0 win over the Virginia Cobras in the finals of the Arlington (Va.) Soccer Tournament. Maureen Mulryne converted from Bernadette Kraft to score the first goal of the entire season against the Cobras. Denise Durfee had eight saves for the shutout. In the semifinals, Debbie Reeves scored off an assist from Ann Pizzallo in a 1-0 win over Bowie, Md.
           In boys action at the Arlington Tournament, the Hamilton ‘69 Blazers beat South Arlington, 4-0, on goals by Glen Gibbs, Eric Elcheck, Warren Smith and Billy Dodds. The Blazers also topped Pegasus, Va., 2-0, as John Maessner scored a goal and Pete Rossi had the shutout in goal. The Hamilton Hurricanes tied South Arlington, 2-2, on goals by Kevin Cubberly and Sean Russell. Rich Soffel and Kevin Kenny had assists. Russell also scored in a 1-1 tie with Gaithersburg, Md., and Steve Collins and Craig Klein had goals in a 5-2 loss to Atlanta.
           In the Bordentown Girls Tournament, The Hamilton 66ers got goals from Laurie McGarrigle and Denise Dardzak in a 2-0 win over Lawrence.
Central Jersey Flag Football
       Tinker Johnston threw three touchdowns and Dick Small scored three as Jo Jo’s Tavern took a 29-12 win over Hightstown AC. Dave Henderson also scored, while Johnston and Henderson had PAT’s.
1989
High School
      For the first time in 31 years of Steinert-Hamilton football, the game ended in a stalemate as the two teams tied, 6-6.
         The game was moved from Thanksgiving to Saturday due to a snow storm and a slick, muddy field made conditions tough.
            “It was back and forth all day, but we both had to play on it,” Steinert coach Steve Simek said. “They stuffed us a few times and we’d stuff them. I thought we’d be able to run the ball better on the ground.”
            Steinert’s Dominic Garofalo scored on a 12-yard run with 9:47 remaining and the PAT went wide as both teams finished with 3-4-2 records. Hamilton’s Greg Williams scored on a 16-yard run to give Hamilton the lead in the third quarter. Williams set up his score by returning a punt 20 yards and catching a 24-yard pass from Dan Ritter.
            During the game, Steinert quarterback Rich Bodinizzio enjoyed his first varsity completion – a 12-yard pass to Tim Moore; Garofalo rushed for 86 yards and Williams ran for 59.
             “Greg Williams is the most underrated back in the CVC,” Hamilton coach Dave Prutow said.
1999
High School
           Hamilton rolled to a 27-9 win over Steinert to finish the season at 9-2 while the Spartans fell to 6-4. The tone was set early when Steinert moved to the Hornets 24 on its first possession only to fumble the ball away.
          ''I think if we had scored first,'' Steinert coach Frank Gatto said, ''it would have been a different ballgame.''
            But they didn’t. Eight plays later, Hamilton’s Shelton Snead scored behind the block of Jeff Hamilton. Snead went on to rush for 154 yards and three touchdowns, finishing the season with school records in rushing yards (1,426) and TDs (22).
            ''After the loss to Neptune (in the NJSIAA  Group III Central playoffs) we had a pretty bad week of practice,” Jeff Hamilton said. “But (the players) never doubted we win this game. Never.''
             Steinert got a 28-yard touchdown pass from Frank Sabatino to Doug Smith and a 35-yard field goal from Ben Lay. Gelin Stockton had a 21-yard interception return for a Hamilton touchdown.
            Smith won the Rich Fornaro Award as Steinert’s Most Valuable Player for Steinert, while Tad Kornegay won the Bill McEvoy Award as the Hamilton MVP. The Hornets won the Joe Logue Trophy for the Hamilton Township school that had the best football season.
                                                                 * * * *
            Nottingham defeated McCorristin, 52-6, to win the Little Brown Jug and finish with a 7-3 record, the best in school history. The Northstars also claimed the CVC’s Colonial Division title.
             Anthony Douglas tied the Northstars mark for touchdowns in a game with four as he rushed for 234 yards on 20 carries. Douglas established Nottingham records in rushing yards (1,228) and touchdowns (15) for a season, eclipsing the marks set by Dante Coleman in 1993. ''The offensive line made it easy,'' Douglas said. ''Our fullback, Rob Jewell, made some great blocks, and the whole offensive line – Markens Leger, Adam Allen, Alex Depaz, Vinnie Czepiga and Philippe Adrien.''
             ''I wanted Anthony Douglas to get the record today,'' coach Jon Adams said. ''Anthony has worked hard and deserves it. The offensive line has been terrific all season and I wanted them to get credit for their work. Today is the exclamation point on the season.''
            Dave Bernard, Jewell and Terrance Hill also scored for Nottingham while John Stevens scored for the Iron Mikes. The win avenged a loss to McCorristin in 1998.
            “'Last year's game was a thorn in my side,'' Adams said. ''It was the culmination of everything that went wrong. I looked in the mirror and didn't like what I saw. I gathered my coaches and discussed what we needed to do. They were great and we made changes in the program and instituted them. This group of seniors is special to me. Of the 17 we have, 13 start. This group had a lot of commitment in-season and out.'' 
                                                          * * * *
           In today’s Trenton Times, Steinert senior back Dennis McCabe was named first-team All-Area in boys soccer. Second-team picks were McCorristin forward Rick Steeb and Steinert goalie Matt Spair.   

The Nov. 26 Trenton Times headline tells the tale of Steinert's win in the state semifinals over Mercer County rival Trenton.

NOVEMBER 24
1959
Youth
       In Hamilton Little Soccer play, Dick Crockett’s Whitehorse Lions took a 3-0 win over PAL as Jack Bell scored his 18^th goal of the season, and Dick Geallella and Tom Buzinski also scored.  The Hamilton Lions topped VFW 3525 as Bob Missticconi scored his first goal of the season, while Dennis Popeson and Steve Collis also scored. Bruce Chorba had the VFW goal.
1969
Youth
      In Hamilton Little Bigger soccer action, Alex Tordai scored three goals as Post 313 beat Independent Radio, 4-3. Carella Shoes and Post 31 played to a 1-1 tie as Keith Hunter and Bob Schwartz exchanged goals, and Bob Rhiel and Barry Pelletteri did likewise as VFW 3525 tied the Hamilton Elks, 1-1.
         In Tru Heet’s 3-1 win over Francione Plumbing, Mark Pelletteri, Bob Lloyd and Glen Hartman tallied goals. DeLorenzo’s topped Maguire Burke, 2-1, on goals by Brian Baggott and Gary Baggeley. Jerry Thompson’s two goals powered Roofer’s to a 7-0 win over GAK.
        In the Hamilton Little Soccer league, Ricky Wiener’s three goals gave GAK a 3-0 over Liccardiello’s. Walter Klock’s three goals and two by Johnny Sedor gave the Ukranian Americans a 5-0 win over Banks. Scotts Americans topped NDW, 5-0, as Dennis Rooney had three goals. Tubby’s topped Plumeri’s, 2-0, on goals by Jimmy Mangine and Vinnie Stillitano.
1979
Youth
        Penardi’s Jewelers finished as Hamilton Township Recreation Soccer Association’s Division III champion (12-13-year olds) for the second straight year under coach Pat Yanucil. Penardi’s finished 12-1-2. Team members included Chris Poreda, Bill Ingram, Rich Straszewski, Bill Kerr, Chuck Sheppard, Frank Volpe, Gary Conover, Tim Yanucil, Bob Prietzman, Mike Black, Rich Straszewski, Vinny Lucidi and Bob Schultz.
1989
High School
       The Trentonian prognosticator picks Steinert to beat Hamilton on Thanksgiving, saying “Steve Wirth turns in Spartan effort on defense.”
1999
High School
         The Times boys soccer All-Conference team was released today and the following township schools earned first-team honors (with Times comments following):
          Rick Steeb, McCorristin senior forward: Steeb was on a mission this season. Yet that mission was not always chasing former Trenton High standout Dominic Stillitano to become the Colonial Valley' Conference's all-time leading scorer. When the season began Steeb did not know how close he was to the mark or if it was attainable.
         Instead, this senior was simply interested in proving his critics wrong. He worked extremely hard over the summer to improve his game and physique. Steeb came out this season and proved he could score against anybody, compiling a career-best 30 goals. He surpassed Stillitano in his next-to-last game and finished with 83 career goals to earn Player of the Year honors.
         Matt Spair, Steinert junior back:  The last two seasons, this junior sweeper has quietly plied his trade in an effort to make Steinert's backfield the best in the Colonial Valley Conference. This season, as it became apparent that the Spartans' defense was the best in the county, Spair helped Steinert's backfield re-establish itself as one of the best in the state as well.
         Along with fullbacks Rob Cherrington, Jon Vaneehkoven and Steve Borusovic, plus goalkeeper Mike Rogers, Spair led the Spartans to an area-best 14 shutouts this season. One of only two juniors on The Times' first team, he will be counted on to provide more of the same leadership next season for coach Eric Hastings' team.
           Dennis McCabe: Steinert senior midfielder: This senior midfielder was the lifeblood of a Steinert squad which registered the Spartans' most wins since their state championship team of 1988. Yet that 17-4-2 record was of little comfort to McCabe when he suffered a terrifying, season-ending injury from a mid-air collision against West Windsor- Plainsboro in the sectional semifinals. He was forced to watch from the sidelines with a broken nose and 30 stitches as top-seeded Steinert lost a 1-0 decision to third-seeded East Brunswick.

The Nov. 23, 1969 Trenton Times (below) featured a story on Steinert's state tournament soccer win over Ridgewood today, but focused on the upcoming battle with Trenton in its headline.

NOVEMBER 23
1979
Youth
         In travel soccer play, the Hamilton 66ers beat Cinnaminson, 3-0, in the semifinals of the New Jersey Division III State Cup. Dan Donigan had three assists in the win while John Skrajewski, Mark Adams and Tim Yanucil played stellar defense. Chris Christiano had two goals and Kevin Vandewater also scored, while Sean Daily, Scott Tessein, Rich Garton, Ron Parishy, Dave Spishak and Frank Little also contributed all-around games. Chris Kraft returned from a broken foot and provided slick passing along with Don Lenox and Bill “Clubber” Fink.
1999
High School
             Steinert’s Joe Moffo is named Colonial Valley Conference girls soccer Coach of the Year by The Trenton Times, which wrote: In a year he called the most challenging, yet rewarding, Moffo led Steinert to a record of 14-4-1. Moffo was forced to deal with turmoil early in the season when two returning starters left the team. The Spartans made great improvements from the start of the season, playing Moffo's possession style of soccer to near perfection in knocking off No. 1 seed Hillsborough in the CJ Group IV State Tournament before losing to perennial state power East Brunswick.
         The Spartans Jamie Acheson was also honored, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. The Times wrote of the senior: A first-team selection for the second year in a row, Acheson was a quiet leader for the Steinert team. Acheson was a four-year starter for the always stingy Spartans defense. She continued the tradition of tough Steinert defenders. Acheson never became flustered under pressure, even when knocked around by bigger opponents. She hopes to play soccer in college, and one of her choices is The College of New Jersey.
NOVEMBER 22
1959
Youth
         In Hamilton Township Little-Bigger Soccer League action, The Carellas took a 2-0 win over VFW 3525 as Carl Smires and Ivan Olinsky had goals.
1969
High School
        Steinert’s soccer team took a 1-0 win over Ridgewood in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA Group IV Tournament as Andy Polascak headed in a corner kick from Kevin Welsh with less than 30 seconds left in the first half. The defense of Bruce Henry and John Gribben made the goal stand up as Steinert notched its fifth straight shutout and ninth overall in moving to 17-0-1. Ridgewood ended 11-6-2.
       “I was really surprised by their hustle and aggressiveness,” Laurenti said of Ridgewood. “And the play of their goalie (30 saves) was really something. We certainly had the chances to score but that goalie made some mighty fine saves.”
       The win moves Steinert into a semifinal match with Trenton, which it already beat twice during the season.
         “I’m really not looking forward to playing them again,” Laurenti said. “We were very fortunate to beat them the first two times, and I don’t know if my luck will hold out one more time.”
1979
High School
          Gene Sanguinetti completed 8 of 11 passes for 105 yards and scored the winning conversion to lead Hamilton to a stunning, 8-7 win over Steinert on Thanksgiving morning.
        Steinert actually led, 7-0 at halftime, despite being outgained 127-76 in the first half. Reserve quarterback George Serpikov hit Dan Burns with a 29-yard touchdown pass to give Steinert the lead. In the fourth quarter, Sanguinetti found Jack Johnston with a six-yard touchdown pass, then bootlegged in on the two-point conversion after a fake handoff with 10:56 remaining.
       “I didn’t even consider kicking,” Hamilton coach Bill McEvoy said. “We wanted the win.”
           “We knew we had nothing to lose,” Sanguinetti said. “We’ve been playing together since we were freshmen and we just went out and played our hearts out.”
      “We didn’t control the ball,” said Steinert coach Frank Lugossy. “The defense was on the field too much. When your defense is on the field the majority of times, you’re going to get beat.”
      Steinert finished the year 6-3 while Hamilton ended up 4-5.
1989
High School
         This morning, The Trentonian prognosticator picks McCorristin to beat Allentown, saying “Carthan brothers last game together brings Mikes their first win.” In an accompanying preview story, Iron Mikes coach Terry Martin says “We’ve made steady improvement. We’ve had good games with Allentown. Last year they came back in the second half and won in a very exciting game. We’ll play this game like any other game, we aren’t changing anything.”
        Later that night, Allentown takes a 14-0 victory and Martin says “I’m very, very disappointed. It’s hard to explain. I’m at a loss for words,” after an 0-7-1 season came to an end.
1999
Youth
           In Hamilton PAL basketball Junior Girls action, Monte’s Café topped Aztec Graphics, 25-12, as Jeanine Angotti scored six points. In Senior Girls play, Arena Dance Apparel defeated Classic Vending, 24-22, as Crystal Fowler netted 10, Chrisoula Ginis had eight and Jessica Williams six.
         In the Hamilton Little Lads, Dolci's Construction defeated Maurice's Mobil, 33-21, as Patrick Deli had 12 markers and Ryan Brydzinski scored four in the final period.
In the Hamilton Township Recreation Soccer Association, Nick Botteri’s goal gave Hamilton PAL a 1-0 win over Carpenter’s Local 31. In Division 4 playoff semifinal play, Brotman & Graziano beat 3 Seasons Sporting Goods, 3-2, behind two goals from Reynaldo Leonard and one from Taylor Anderson. Justin Mino and Charlie Fuller each scored a goal for 3 Seasons. In the other semifinal, Don Morgante beat Creative Arts, 2-1, as Ryan Gilligan and Justin Munz each scored for the winners. Patrick Septer had the lone goal for Creative Arts. 
NOVEMBER 21
1959
High School
            Steinert dropped a 2-0 decision to Verona in a state tournament semifinal soccer game at Drew University (see above image for how story appeared in the Nov. 22 Trenton Times). The Spartans finished 11-2-5 while the Hillbillies improved to 15-1-2. Steinert reached the semis by beating Irvington Tech, 2-0, as John Griffiths and Karlos Lazdins had the goal and Bill Davies notched the shutout in the nets.
            This marked the second straight year that Verona, the defending state champ, ousted Steinert from the playoffs.
1969
Junior High
          Paul Lashutka scored on a 20-yard run and Greg Reed tallied on a 12-yard run as coach Jack O’Rourke’s Reynolds Junior High football team topped Fisher, 14-6.
1979
High School
           In The Trentonian, George O’Gorman picks Notre Dame over McCorristin, saying “The ’79 season is ending in disappointment for the Irish. But at least they’ll have a CVC co-championship to soothe their frustration.”
          That night, Larry Bisecker’s 33-yard field goal gave McCorristin a temporary 3-0 lead before the Iron Mikes fall, 28-3 to Notre Dame.
            “The kids really hit tonight,” McCorrstin coach Kevin Hardiman said. “The kids gave a hundred percent and that’s all we ask of them.”
             In the previews, “Oge” also picks Steinert over Hamilton, noting that “Spartans use the Kermit Getz to Dan Burns aerial show to conclude their best season since 1971.” 
           In a preview story, Steinert coach Frank Lugossy says “Certainly, when you’re the favorite it puts pressure on but I, as a coach, tell the kids before every game that we have everything to gain and nothing to lose. If we do things right fundamentally, the score will take care of itself.
          “Hamilton has an explosive team. We’ve scouted them and exchanged films and I think in gauging team speed they are a bit faster than us. (Gene) Sanguinetti can throw well and they have a tough, physical defense.”
           Before his injury, the Spartans already knew how valuable McCabe had been to their season. He led the team with 11 goals and tied for the lead with 10 assists for a team-high 32 points.

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