Courier-Post from Camden, New Jersey • Page 33

cuthJerseySpokts TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1902 5D olonia I title High School Girls' Track Burlco Liberty Division Big three to battle for High School Baseball Colonial Conference Another in a series on the prospects of high school baseball. Today, the Colonial Conference. By MIKE HORNER Courier-Post Staff Things will look very familiar atop the Colonial Conference baseball standings this spring as perennial contenders Audubon, Haddonfield and Sterling high schools battle for the championship. Sterling, which has won a share of the conference title in each of the last three years, will be hard-pressed to four-peat as veteran head coach Ralph Townsend Jr. heads into the season with only three returning lettermen from last year's 19-6 squad.

All-South Jersey hurler Tom Nuck-owski (9-0, 2.18 ERA in 1991) and Jim Haefele (6-0 in '91) will keep Sterling in the hunt. Consensus preseason favorite Audubon, conference co-champion last season, is deep in pitching and will return its entire infield. Brett Laxton, Brian McGettigan and Sam Blocklinger make up the Green Wave's formidable starting rotation for first-year coach Rich Horan Jr. Haddonfield cannot be overlooked as the Bulldogs return nine lettermen, all seniors, from last year's Group 1 state champion, which registered a 19-9 mark. Haddonfield co-captains Kevin Webb and Matt Falciani highlight a lineup loaded with hitters.

Paulsboro coach Russ Spicer, who will enter his 39th year of coaching area base- TAMARA KAUFMANN Washington Twp. pn Ifcl SHELLY Shawnee ball, hopes to mold a darkhorse contender with pitching as the foundation. Mike Fisler, William Nevius and Jason Lucci will anchor the staff. Audubon Coach: Rich Horan 1 st year. Outlook: Eight lettermen return from last year's 16-7 squad.

Three solid starters and the return of the entire infield will make them tough to beat. Key Returnees: Seniors Brett Laxton P1B, Mike Harris SS, Sam Blocklinger PINF, Brian Brown 3B, Jeff Smith 1B, Jeff Whitman OF; juniors Brian McGettigan P2B, John Gaspari 3B. Newcomer: Junior Joe Knoedler; sophomores Nick Del Gozzo, Ryan English. Collingswood Coach: Ron Ross, 11th year. Outlook: A strong defensive team that is in need of pitching and a power hitter to attain a .500 season.

Key Returnee: Seniors Gerry Gatelein P2B, John Melfi 1B, John Buckman OF, Matt Boyer 3B; junior Anthony Ladik SS. Newcomers: Seniors Greg Didonato, Joe Reilly; juniors Rick Koss, Gerry Davidson; sopho mores Erik Barros, Greg Brandley. Gateway Coach: Walt Fleger, 9th year. Outlook: Strong hitting club that hopes to build off last season's impressive finish when it won six of Its last eight games. Six lettermen return from that 8-14 campaign.

MARCI TOBIN-FRASER MEGAN Eastern All-Group 4 Girls' A 4tC-Jv A iM A il BROWN fir i Willingboro favored to defend title Another in a series on the prospects ol high school girls' track. Today, the Bur lington county League Liberty Division. By LEE WAGNER Courier-Post Staff Defending champion Willingboro High School is the heavy favorite to repeat as the girls' track champion in the Bulington County League Liberty Division. The Chimeras are coming off a very strong winter season and seem to be loaded with talent in the sprints and middle distances. Shawnee, which was runner-up to Willingboro in 1991, appears destined to again fill that position, and is very strong in the distance events with All-South Jersey cross country performers Julie Goldstein and Liz Moore.

Holy Cross is the other team that rates a contender's nod as veteran coach Mike Gould welcomes back a host of letter-winners. Cherokee, Lenape, Pemberton and Rancocas Valley will be left to fight it out for the final four rungs on the Liberty ladder. Cherokee Coach: Tom Katsanos, 15th year. Outlook: Looks pretty strong on the track but Is very inexperienced in the field events, especially the throws, with the graduation of All-South Jersey performer Brklgit Sedivi. Tough conference, so a .500 record would be good.

Key Returnees: Seniors Nesli Bilgin (distance), Rachel Dychtwald (throws); juniors Jen Blakeslee (distance), Missy Jeffrey (distance), Natalie Messmore (distance), Jen O'Malley (hurdles), Courtney Wiberg (hurdles), Christy Jarvls (hurdles), Sonya James (sprints), Lorl Stansbury (sprints), Sara Schuler (sprints, jumps); sophomores Karis Townsend (sprints, jumps), Colleen Jenkins (jumps), Robin Warren (throws). Newcomers: Sophomores Jennifer Mazurek (distance), Andrea DiVencenzo (hurdles); freshmen Erica Perazza (distance), Melissa Wick (sprints), Dedra Cargile (long jump). Holy Cross Coach: Mike Gould, 6th year. Outlook: In pretty good shape in field events, especially the throws, and has several letter-winners returning. Optimistic outlook but will be hard Dressed to beat Willingboro, as will just about everyone else.

Should battle Shawnee for second place. Kev Returnees: Seniors Kristen Tier (hur dies), Michele Mason (400, relay), Mashea Mason (400, relay), Michele Juliano (hurdles); juniors Sharon Sfrisi (throws), Judy Sweet (jumps), Kelly O'Leary (hurdles, long jump), Chrlssy Robertson (800), Lynn Hurley (distances), Maureen McClave (800); sophomore Michele Dipponto (distances). Newcomers: Senior Amy Tanzillo (400, 800, 400 hurdles); juniors Sandy Ruple (throws), Kim Kelley (sprints). Lenape Coach: John Roberts, 3rd year. Outlook: Should field a competitive team but apparently lacks the depth to be considered a contender.

Kev Returnees: Seniors Jen Gizelbach (hur dles), Patty Bryan (distances), Jen Nash (sprints), Kia Johnson (sprints); juniors Avis Clarke (sprints), Robyn Gibb (high jump), Michelle Ryals (throws), Rachel Shanok (800). Pemberton Coach: Joe DeVito, 2nd year. Outlook: Has some good individual talent but suffered a big loss when Sheri Cooper moved to Florida. Much like Cherokee, a .500 record in this touah leaaue would be a good one. Key Returnees: Seniors Jeanetta Smith (shot put, javelin), Artessa Hughley (800), Sheri Kespelher Crystal Revels (field events); juniors Shelia Carr (hurdles), Terra Jervis (distances): sobhomore Lisa Carr (distances).

Newcomers: Senior Nicole Nicholson (hur dles); freshmen Roslynne Jones (sprints), Michele Barksdale (sprints, javelin). Rancocas Valley Coach: Mike Morse, 4th year. Outlook: Only four letterwinners back from 3-6 team. Good numbers 40 girls are currently out but is a very young team and will probably struggle, especially early in the year. Key Returnees: Jen Rogers (distance), Sheyby Wingate (distance); junior Isata Bah (long jump, sprints); sophomore Tricia Votta (throws).

Newcomers: Junior Audrey Page (sprints); sophomore Minnie Potter (throws); freshmen Mlnthia Blachoski (800), Catherine Pfeiffer (distances), Erica Plasket (hurdles). Shawnee Coach: Francine Siedlecki, 5th year. Outlook: Led by one of the top distance runners in South Jersey in junior Goldstein, Renegades once again will be one of the premier teams in the area and will present a definite challenge to Willingboro. Key Returnees: Seniors Diana Ferris (discus), Danielle Melnick (distances), Pharra Ralney (hurdles), Jen Straub (long jump, hurdles), Alisa Tavani (field events), Abbey Tern-prano (400), Dawn Ulrich (hurdles); juniors Julie Goldstein (distances), Stephanie Burgin (middle distance), Nicole Galanek (200, high jump, shot put); sophomores Kate Morrissey (distances), Joyce O'Neil (distances). Newcomers: Freshman Liz Moore (distance).

Willingboro Coach: Robert Tull, 1 st year. Outlook: Unquestionably the team to beat, especially off the excellent winter season enjoyed by the Chimeras. A little weak in the distance events but loaded in the sprints, hurdles and jumps. Key Returnees: Seniors Kanika Utley (hurdles), Stephanie Martin (sprints), Nicole Abrams (throws); juniors Tasha Minkens (800), LaRae Grey (hurdles), Marsha McCleary (sprints, shot put); sophomore Kia Van Wright (sprints). Newcomers: Freshmen Tiffany Butler (sprints), Tiffany Brisbane (relay), Shawnet Bright (sprints).

Paulsboro Coach: Russ Spicer, 39th year. Outlook: Pitching depth and infield defense are solid. If hitting develops, it could create some surprises. Five lettermen return from last year's 17-7 club. Key Returnees: Seniors Jeff Kupsey 2B, Mike Fisler 1BP3B; juniors William Nevius P1B, William Ginipro SS; sophomore Jason Lucci P3B C.

Newcomers: Seniors Lou Damminger, Tony Gatto, Tony Zubec; junior Ryan Gllllkin; sophomore Eric DiPietro; freshman Mike Belh. Sterling Coach: Ralph F. Townsend 22nd year. Outlook: Only three lettermen return from last year's 1 9-6 campaign, but the bulk of the pitching staff Is still intact. If inexperienced bats develop, should be in the thick of the conference race again.

Key Returnees: Senior Tom Nuckowski juniors Jim Haefele Chris Baker OF. Newcomers: Juniors Bill Peters, John Miller, Jay Brook; sophomore David Santana. West Deptford Coach: Joe Gslliera, 6th year. Outlook: Young and deep pitching staff will be relied upon to carry this program out of the conference basement. Key Returnees: Seniors Sean Garrison P1B, Ben Gismondi SS28, Jason Mill Paul Ricci CF; juniors Rory Ines Sean Joyce Dave Maschke 2BSS, Chris Cramp 3B; sophomores Brian Mullins Tom Jones P.

Woodbury Coach: Rick Santarone, 1st year. Outlook: Looks to be a rebuilding season as only two lettermen return. Key Returnees: Seniors Gary Wade CF, David Black 2B. Newcomers: Junior Wes Waltimyer; sophomores Mike O'Hara, Kevin Snyder; freshmen Nick Turse, Steve Wakeman. H.S.

Boys' Basketball Players from area get chance to show off PENNSAUKEN The top senior boys' basketball players in the area will showcase their talents Friday night when the Boys' Division of the Albert Carino Basketball Club of South Jersey sponsors its 15th all-star game. The game will be played at Pennsauken High School and is slated to begin around 8 p.m. There are a few preliminaries prior to tapoff for the main attraction. First at 5:30 p.m., there will be the grammar school all-star game. This will bring together 30 of the top grammar school players from South Jersey.

This is the fifth year for this game. Also prior to the main game will be a dunk contest among the high school players. The North squad will be coached by Eastern's Gary Wilson, and he will be assisted by his own assistant Harold Little and Paul VI head coach Lou Abbat-tista. The South squad will be directed by Joe Fussner, head coach at Atlantic City High School, and he will be assisted by Lloyd Barksdale from his own staff. The North team will be headed by Woo-drow Wilson's Reggie Welch, the area's all-time leading scorer with 2,938 points, and Camden's Greg Barr, who set a state record by scoring 94 points in the year's final game.

The North also will feature Fred Hannah of Burlington City and Justin Phoenix of Camden Catholic, the all-time leading scorers at their respective schools. Paulsboro's Quincy Lee, Gateway's Erich Wiltsee, Kingsway's Benny Liles and Gloucester's Kevin Cunane, the all-time leading scorers at their respective schools, head the South squad which also includes J.D. Asselta of Ocean City and Ozzie Smith-bey of Glassboro, two of the leading scorers in the area this past season. At halftime of the high school game, there also will be a 3-point shooting contest. Proceeds from the game are divided between the Carino Club for its scholarship fund and the Lions Club, Districts 16B and 16C, for its Sight and Speech Foundation.

North Squad Greg Barr, Camden; Reggie Welch, Woo-drow Wilson; Anthony Smith, Burlington Township; Fred Hannah, Burlington City; Mike Melchionni, Bishop Eustace; Tealang Lloyd, Willingboro; Chuck Guittar, Paul VI; Justin Phoenix, Camden Catholic; Mark Hen-son, Sterling; Kirk Kerrin, Eastern; Dave Ingram, Triton; Jon Haynes, Cinnaminson; Duke Castro, Haddon Heights; Mark Phillips, Pennsauken; Greg Murray, Cherry Hill West. South Squad Rob Sharkey, Wildwood Catholic; J.D. Asselta, Ocean City; Ozzie Smith-bey, Glassboro; Benny LISos. Kingsway; Marlon Leslia, Pleasantville; Anthony Toner, Sacred Heart; Damon Newkirk, Williamstown; Amadi Eze, Schalick; Erich Wiltsee, Gateway; Quincy Lee, Paulsboro; Kevin Cunane, Gloucester; Shannon Green, Woodbury; Bill Rettig, Gloucester Catholic; Darrell Tillman, Penns Grove; Charles McNeal, Middle Township. Key Returnee: Seniors Bob Hemphill OF, Frank Alloway 1BP, Kris Lemeshuk junior Mike O'Conner 3BP; sophomores Bill Tull SSP, Dan Cooper LF.

Newcomer: Senior Jim Oxley; junior Ray Bar-ford; sophomore Chris Humes. Haddonfield Coach: Dick Eastwick, 8th year. Outlook: Senior-laden squad whose ability to score runs and play defense will have it fighting for the conference title once again. Nine letter-men return from last year's 19-9 squad and the holes will be filled by a 1 7-2 JV team. Key Returnees: Seniors Kevin Webb P2BC, Mart Falciani OF, Chris Nasuti SS, Rick Thomas 1BOF, Neil Townsend PINF, Darren DiMedlo OF, Dan Stokes PINF, Chris Guidice IF, Dennis Manning PIFOF.

Newcomer: Senior Craig Lyons; juniors David Kornbau, Joe Cordova, Jerry MacNamara, Eric Ziminski, Kevin Tighe; sophomores Tim Bloom, Adam Thomas. Haddon Heights Coach: Carl Dean, 1st year. Outlook: Will utltllze its speed and search for pitching in what looks to be a rebuilding season. Key Returnees: Seniors T.J. Ambrose 2B, Dennis Bantle 3B, Jeremy Daubert POF, Layne DeShlelds OF, Peter Longo Mike Santarlas OF, Joe Snyder Chris Starrett SS.

Newcomer: Senior Ken Nocito; juniors Craig Ferrese, Shaughn Howery, Bill Cooper, Scott Dobisch, Ted Fluck, Scott Ramalho, Andy Wells. Haddon Township Coach: Frank Trautz, 4th year. Outlook: Young team that will build around its outfield. Must develop an infield and more pitching. Key Returnees: Seniors Brett Wiltsey P1B, John DICicco OF, Mike Cosenza OF, Chris Tumolo 2B.

Newcomers: Senior Jim Ericson; juniors Steve Eife, George Kafes; sophomores Jim Coughlin, Adam Procoplo. GARRISON ALKENEASE GARRETT Highland- City Basketball Hawkins, whose teams went unbeaten in 10 straight years during the winning streak, will retire in September after 33 years in the Deptford system as a teacher, coach and assistant principal. "It's going to be a trememdous feeling to get together with a lot of my former athletes I haven't seen for a long time," said Hawkins, who retired from coaching after the 1976 season. "A lot of the guys I coached have their own families now, and I'm really looking forward to seeing them again. A lot of them are still in the area, but sometimes you can live just four or five miles from someone and never see them.

"I do see a few of my former athletes at our Bible readings on Sunday mornings." Committees are currently being formed to organize the reunion banquet. An organizing meeting will be held April 8, 7 p.m., at Deptford High. For further information, call Heisinger (853-8104), Washington (881-4415) or Collins (881-3435). 4g 1 1 'it Vv.1 FIRST TEAM Player School Ht. Yr.

Avg. Tamara Kaufmann Wash. Twp. 5-9 Sr. 18.4 Shelly Brown Shawnee 5-9 Sr.

12.1 Marci Tobin-Fraser Eastern 5-1 Sr. 13.7 Megan Garrison Highland 5-5 So. 19.8 Alkenease Garrett Atlantic City 6-1 Jr. 16.7 AmyGiello Shawnee 5-5 Sr. 12.4 Shelyna Hamilton Overbrook 5-2 Sr.

22.6 SECOND TEAM Player School Ht. Yr. Avg. KimMerz Cherokee 5-4 Sr. 9.9 Jineea Butler Cherry Hill West 5-9 Jr.

13.8 Lonnice Williams Willingboro 5-4 Jr. 11.5 Danielle Grandrimo Highland 5-2 Sr. 12.1 Megan Crank Washington Twp. 5-7 Sr. 9.2 JenKillough Eastern 5-2 Sr.

9.8 Christie Carll Pemberton 5-8 Sr. 13.6 Karen Alkins Washington Twp. 5-8 Jr. 12.5 AMY GIELLO SHELYNA HAMILTON Overbrook Group 4 girls' basketball all-stars First in a aeries honoring the scholastic all-star players of the recently concluded winter season. HONORABLE MENTION Athinia Ginis, Atlantic City; Johnette Davis, Kenisha Womack, Camden; Jill Marple, Cherry Hill East; Sue Jehl, Eastern; Lorene McDermott, Lenape; Kcianna O'Neal, Highland; Melissa Coursey, Millville; Tara Boyd, Laura Coulter, Shawnee; Ursala Battles, Two-time South Jersey Group 4 champion Shawnee High School had two players named to the All-Group 4 girls' basketball team, announced today by the Courier-Post.

First-team repeater Amy Giello is joined by Shelly Brown as Shawnee's representatives. Rounding out the elite team are repeater Tamara Kaufmann of Washington Township, Marci Tobin-Fraser of Eastern, Megan Garrison of Highland, Alkenease Garrett of Atlantic City and Shelyna Hamilton of Overbrook. Shawnee's duo had almost identical scoring averages, yet both played different games Giello running at the point and a perimeter shooter, and Brown working underneath in the paint. Shawnee finished its season with a 24-6 record and was co-champion of the Burlington County League Liberty Division with Holy Cross. Kaufmann, who led her team in scoring for the second consecutive season, used her experience to help Washington Township win the Olympic Conference American Division championship.

Tobin-Fraser was a deadly perimeter shooter who wbb not afraid to mix it up inside despite her small stature. She was a three-year starter for Eastern. Garrison, who was a second-team selection last year, was considered a complete player who played primarily at the point. The Highland standout also was considered a very good rebounder for a guard. Garrett, also a second-team choice last year, helped Atlantic City make the tournament field for the second straight season.

Hamilton was the area's second-leading scorer this season. The Overbrook standout featured quick moves to the basket and became only the second girl in school history to surpass 1,000 points for her career, finishing with 1,116. Six schools are represented on the team, which was selected by the Courier-Post sports staff after nominations and voting by the coaches of South Jersey. Former athletes to honor Hawkins By JOEY CULLIGAN Courier-Post Staff Jim Hawkins always will be remembered as the head coach of one of South Jersey's longest winning streaks in high school boys' track. But Hawkins also will be remembered for much more, according to those whose lives he touched during his 15 years as the Deptford High School coach.

Hawkins' teams won 112 consecutive dual meets from 1965 to 1976 to set a then-state record which lasted until Penns Grove broke the mark in 1986 and eventually won 121 in a row. Willingboro subsequently broke Penns Grove's record in 1990 and has won 164 straight meets. Several athletes who competed for Hawkins during his 15 years (1961-1976) are currently planning a reunion banquet in October to coincide with Hawkins' retirement from the Deptford school system. "Mr. Hawkins was the type of guy anyone would be happy to have as his father," said Bryant Heisinger, a 1966 Deptford graduate and one of the organizers of the reunion.

Also on the reunion committee are former Deptford track athletes Leon Collins and Harold Washington. "He (Hawkins) has always been an honest man, and he always stood up for his athletes," said Heisinger. "Mr. Hawkins has always been a person concerned about others, and he's dedicated his life to that. "I know he made a big impression on me when I was in high school, and I know a lot of people stayed with the track team because of the influence he had on them." Collins, who graduated in 1968 after competing on three consecutive unbeaten teams, agrees with Heisinger.

"One of the reasons we were so successful is because we had so many people on the team, and I believe we had so much depth because everyone wanted to compete for Mr. Hawkins," said Collins. "He was much more than a coach. He inspired us to go that little extra, and he brought out the best in you. He also did a lot for the guys, spiritually.".