The Philadelphia Inquirer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Page D11

Wednesday, April 15, 2009 THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER www.philly.com South Jersey Dll High Schools Rowe grateful for Deptford induction SJ Marc dent and talk to him like he was another human being," Rowe said. Rowe said he didn't know much about going to college until his teachers and coaches at Deptford steered him onto the right path. He said he couldn't wait to return, and was extremely proud to be in the inaugural class. "It's not about receiving plaques," he said. "It's about your friends who care about you and coaches who were so instrumental in your life." Rowe never forgot the guidance he received at a time he needed it most, which is why this honor means as much to him as he has meant to Where he went was to the NFL, beginning with the New Orleans Saints in 1967.

Rowe, a defensive tackle, was a second-round draft pick and signed a three-year contract that totaled about $100,000, counting bonuses. "I thought I was the richest man in the world and I would never have to work another day," Rowe said, laughing. Early in his career, Rowe and his wife, Faith, also a Deptford graduate, lived in Deptford in the off-season. Rowe taught school at Deptford from January though June, sort of like a permanent substitute, once the football season ended. He moved to North Carolina in 1974 and enjoyed the same type of success outside football.

Rowe was an announcer for 28 The former NFL player says the coaches at the school put him on the path to success. Dave Rowe has had lunch with a president and played 12 years in the NFL, earning one Super Bowl ring and two Pro Bowl selections, and yet he can't stop talking about his coming induction into the Deptford Athletic Hall of Fame. Rowe, Class of '63, is among seven members and one team to be inducted in the inaugural Hall class on April 27 at Auletto Caterers in Deptford. Now retired and living in Boone, N.C., Rowe, 63, has played for some of the giants of football, including John Madden on the Oakland Raiders team that won Super Bowl XI in 1977, and Joe Pa-terno at Penn State. "But nobody had the influence on me as my high school coaches," Rowe said yesterday in a telephone interview.

"My high school coaches loved me and wanted me to be something special, and that is why entering the Deptford Hall of Fame means so much to me." Rowe said he was especially excited to see his high school football coach, Roy Pickens, who will be among his many friends at the induction. Pickens pulled Rowe from the hallways as a sophomore and persuaded him to play football. Rowe, who would grow to 6-foot-7 and 270 pounds in high school, had never played the sport before. Jim Hawkins, Rowe's former track coach, will also be inducted. Hawkins guided years, serving as an NFL color analyst for NBC for 10 years and adding 18 more doing college football games for a series of companies.

He also worked 28 years as a manager of public relations and member services for Randolph EMC, an energy cooperative, a job he retired from in January. "I've been blessed," said Rowe, who has three children and six grandchildren. Rowe has rubbed elbows with people in high places, none higher than the president of the United States. Rowe said he and his wife went to the White House as part of a group of about 20 athletes invited to what was called a prayer luncheon with President Gerald R. Ford.

"What a thrill it was to get to shake the hand of the presi Nick Allen following in steps of role model The Cherokee star will play at George Mason Setter Kapil Desai (left) and middle hitter Tom Tideman have helped power the Vikings to a 4-1 start that includes wins over two Olympic Conference American Division rivals. Eastern aims to keep volleyball glory going With two stars and a veteran coach, the Vikings are ready to build on last season's division title. Deptford to 112 straight wins, a streak that ended in 1976. "Coach Hawkins and Coach Pickens said I could be anything I wanted to be," Rowe said. "Had I not had those coaches and others at Deptford, I don't know where I would have gone." The 79-year-old Pickens will be Rowe's presenter at the induction ceremony.

"I can't say enough good about him," Pickens said. "He has never changed and remembers where he came from and always had a nice word to say about everybody." when senior Taylor Coomer, a hard-hitting middle hitter, was injured, and he has not been able to return to the lineup. However, sophomore Zach Law, another hard hitter, stepped in and has been doing a good job. Law is likely to miss the Williamstown game because he is on a family trip. "Our other middle, Tide-man, has stepped up and has played exceptionally," Desai said.

"His height helps him, and he's smart. He reads the other team and puts it where they can't get it." Tideman, who is scheduled to return to the lineup today after a week resting a sore back, stands 6-6 and can control the net. But even more than the senior's height, Armour likes Tideman's experience and execution. "Our skill level is better than last year," Armour said. "Their potential is to go as far as they want to go." Contact staff writer Bill at 856-779-3826 or biezziphillynews.com Iezzi Yesterday's Results Lacrosse BOYS Moorestown 1 3, Christian Brothers 7 Shawnee 14, Lenape5 Kingsway 1 4, Haddonfield 2 Eastern 3, Clearview 2 GIRLS Eastern 1 5, Cherokee 1 0 Shawnee 15, Seneca 7 Baseball Boxes CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL EXPERIENCE Whetstone (Ohio) St.

Augustine 000 00 0 72 3 160 Ox 19 17 0 WP: Kevin Baxter. LP: Homan. 2B: SA-Steve Dombrowski, Steve Schrenk 3B: SA-Tony Messina. HR: SA-Schrenk. Westerville (Ohio) 203 625 0 18 20 1 Lenape 000 324 3 12 17 3 WP: Cooper.

LP: Jason Bohrer. 2B: W-Hisey 2, Cooper 2, Schumacher, Polluck, Helmer; L-Stefan Kancylarz, Ryan Fletcher. 3B: W-Hisey, Bryant; L-Jamie Mulholland, Steve Shifter. HR: W-Vanaman. Independence 001 10 2 5 2 Lenape 444 22 16 14 3 WP: Dave DeMaria.

LP: Siciliano. 2B: L-Jason Bohrer, Ryan Fletcher, Derek Johnson, Jimmy Drummond, Stefan Kancylarz. 3B: L-Brian Talbott, Johnson; l-Matthews. NONLEAGUE Xavier (N.Y.) Highland 000 000 0 0 5 2 001 030 4 9 0 WP: Steve Hale. LP: Cory Farquhar.

2B: H-Glenn Marsen. Softball Boxes GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT PaulVI(Va.) Sacred Heart 000 00 0 1 2 001 8x 9 10 1 Cherokee's Nick Allen is a leadoff batter with power. He is following catcher Chris Henderson to George Mason. year's 13-8 Cherokee team as an example. "Last year, we had talent, but we couldn't seem to put it together," he said.

"This year, we made it a point to get the team going, and I feel our team chemistry is great and will take us far." Growing up, Allen had only to look across the street for his baseball role model. That happened to be former Cherokee catcher Chris Henderson, now a junior at George Mason. Allen spoke to Henderson while going through the recruiting process, and they both talked about how good it would be to become college teammates. The only problem is that it may not happen because it's likely that Henderson could be selected in the major leagues' first-year-player draft. This season, Henderson is batting .418 with 10 home Visit Our Blog Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducciphillynews.com.

runs and 35 RBIs for a 28-6 George Mason team that is ranked 25th in the latest Collegiate Baseball poll. "One of our dreams was to play together, and we never got that chance because we're three years apart," Allen said. "It looks like he will get drafted and as much as I'd like to be teammates with Chris I hope he is able to play pro ball." Allen said that Henderson had an impact on his decision to attend George Mason. "Knowing somebody I look up to is already there, that definitely affected my decision," he said. For now, all Allen is worrying about is the season.

Cherokee appears to have the offense to contend in the Olympic Conference American Division and Group 4. Lefthander Dan Smith is among the better pitchers in South Jersey, and the Chiefs' chance at contention will likely depend on developing staff depth. It's a staff that should have no shortage of run support led by Allen, the catalyst. One reason he is among the top hitters is that he never stops taking his hacks. Allen plays baseball year-round and said he took about two weeks off in November before resuming workouts.

"I really like our team one through nine," he said. And it all begins at the lead-off spot, where Allen leads off the game and leads the team in all other areas as well. Contact staff writer Marc Narducci at 856-779-3225 or mnarducciphillynews.com. Sterling at Washington Township, 3 Cherry Hill West at Kingsway, 3:30 Cherry Hill East at Moorestown Friends, 3:45 Burlington Township at West Deptford, 4 Boys1 Tennis CAPE-ATLANTIC LEAGUE Holy Spirit at St. Augustine, 4 COLONIAL CONFERENCE Overbrook at Haddonfield, 3:45 OLYMPIC CONFERENCE Cherokee at Eastern, 1 0 a.

m. PaulVI at Pennsauken, 3:45 Cherry Hill East at Washington Township, 3:45 TRI-COUNTY CONFERENCE Glassboro at Cumberland, 3:45 Penns Grove at Pitman, 4 NONLEAGUE Lenape at Rancocas Valley, 10a.m. Audubon at Burlington City, 1 1 a.m. Lindenwold at Moorestown Friends, 3:45 Haddon Heights at Deptford, 4 GCIT at Buena, 4 Boys' Volleyball Clearview at Kingsway, 3:45 Eastern at Collingswood, 3:45 Cherry Hill West at Williamstown, 4 Track and Field COED Palmyra at Cinnaminson, 1 0 a.m. Clayton at Gloucester, 4 BOYS Clearview at Deptford, 3:45 Kingsway at Cumberland, 4 Highland at Williamstown, 4 Oakcrestat Absegami, 4 BuenaatMiddle Township, 4 GIRLS Cumberland at Kingsway, 4 Williamstown at Highland, 4 Absegami at Oakcrest, 4 MiddleTownship at Buena, 4 than they ever have," Armour, who is in his 15th season as head coach, said of his team.

Armour calls Desai the best setter in South Jersey. Other South Jersey Volleyball Club players such as Ryan Haddon of Cinnaminson High and Russell Morrissey of Moorestown High are setters who are comparable to Desai, Armour said. But the senior's leadership, de-ceptiveness, and accuracy make him stand out. 'We're looking to go pretty far," said Desai, who at 5 feet 9 is shorter than many setters. "Almost the entire varsity team plays for the club, the junior varsity players, too.

We know we can play with the top teams in the state because we have played them for years." The Vikings lost to Old Bridge last year in the quarterfinal round of the South Central Section. A blow to their playoff ambitions occurred in December, By Marc Narducci INQUIRER STAFF WRITER Cherokee's first-year baseball coach, Marc Petragnani, appreciates the play of Nick Allen, but he said the senior shortstop offered more than what can be viewed on any stat sheet. "Nick is just a fantastic leader," said Petragnani, who was a varsity assistant the previous five seasons. "His leadership and work ethic is great, and I wouldn't trade him for anybody." Allen came into this season with his mind free from recruiting after signing with George Mason in November. He has played both second base and shortstop during his Cherokee career and is viewed as a college second baseman.

"Nick is a middle infielder who is athletic, who is an offensive player, who has a shot to be an impact player," George Mason coach Bill Brown said yesterday. The 5-foot-ll, 175-pound Allen is that rare commodity a leadoff batter with some pop in his bat. Last season, he hit .436 and had 13 extra-base hits, including 13 doubles. But his main job is getting on base and scoring. He scored 29 runs last season.

This season in two games, Allen is 4 for 9 with two doubles, a home run, and five runs scored. He is the catalyst for a a 2-0 Cherokee team that has been stopped only by the inclement weather. The Chiefs have had three games postponed. Cherokee is ranked No. 7 in South Jersey by The Inquirer and hosts No.

1 Bishop Eustace in today's 11 a.m. winner's bracket of the Grand Slam Classic. In baseball, individual production is the most important aspect, but Allen said that leadership can't be minimized. He points to last WP: Kylie Kristovich. LP: Elisa Marino.

2B: SH-Rachel Gavigan, Ann Stringari. Today's Schedule Baseball GRAND SLAM CLASSIC Bishop Eustace at Cherokee, 11 a.m. CAL RIPKEN BASEBALL EXPERIENCE Lenape vs. Whetstone (Ohio), noon St. Augustine vs.

St. Edward's (Ohio), 6 BURLINGTON COUNTY LEAGUE Florence at Burlington City, 11 a.m. Pemberton at Holy Cross, 11 a. m. CAPE-ATLANTIC LEAGUE Oakcrestat Millville, 4 Hammonton at Vineland, 4 MiddleTownship at LowerCape May, 4 COLONIAL CONFERENCE Collingswood at Haddon Heights, 1 Overbrook at Sterling, 3:45 Haddon Township at Paulsboro, 3:45 West Deptford at Haddonfield, 3:45 Lindenwold at Woodbury, 3:45 Gateway at Audubon, 3:45 Haddon Township at Lindenwold, 3:45 OLYMPIC CONFERENCE PaulVI at Washington Township, 3:45 TRI-COUNTY CONFERENCE Gloucester at Salem, 11 a.m.

Cumberland at Clearview, 4 NONLEAGUE Highland vs. Manalapan at Fort Pierce, Fla. Moorestown at Wall Township, 11 a.m. Kingsway at Pennsauken Tech, 3:45 Shawnee at Westerville (Ohio), 8 Softball GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT In Myrtle Beach, S.C: Sacred Heart vs. Cassadega Valley (N.Y.), 12:30 BURLINGTON COUNTY LEAGUE Florence at Northern Burlington, 1 0 a.m.

Burlington Township at Pemberton, 3:45 For the latest news, opinions and chats about local high school sports, visit our blog, HS Inquirer Insiders, at http:www.philly.comhighschools Shawnee lacrosse players notch 100 th goals By Bill Iezzi INQUIRER STAFF WRITER With two of the best volleyball players in South Jersey in the starting lineup and a veteran coach directing the action, Eastern is looking forward to its best season ever. Setter Kapil Desai and middle hitter Tom Tideman give the Vikings a one-two punch that has gotten the team off to a 4-1 start that includes wins over two Olympic Conference American Division rivals. Coach Tom Armour, who guided the Vikings to division crowns in 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2008, sees Cherry Hill West and East, and Williamstown as the top threats to their division title. The Vikings beat West, 25-23, 25-20, on April 6, and East, 25-15, 25-20, the next day. Eastern is scheduled to host Williamstown on Friday.

"They expect to be division champs again and hope to play further in the state tournament It was a wet yet memorable day for John Marcelli of Moorestown and Shawnee's Sarah Lenow, as both lacrosse players scored their 100th career goals yesterday. Marcelli turned in a five-goal, one-assist performance in Moorestown's 13-7 victory at Christian Brothers in a soggy nonleague boys' match. Lenow South Jersey over Boys' and camf the windy GINS SpOllS and rainy conditions to pump in six goals, reaching her milestone early in the second half of host Shawnee's 15-7 win over Olympic Conference rival Seneca. Baseball Steve Schrenk launched a 390-foot home run to straightaway center field and Kevin Baxter won in his first varsity start as St. Augustine swamped Whetstone (Ohio), 19-0, at the Cal Ripken Baseball Experience in Myrtle Moorestown, Beach, S.C.

Also in Myrtle Beach, Lena-pe rebounded from an 18-12 opening-game loss to Wester-ville (Ohio) by dominating Independence (Ohio), 16-2. Nonleague. Steve Hale scattered four hits and two walks over five innings and his battery mate, catcher Glenn Marsen, drove in three runs with a single and a double to lift Highland over Xavier (N.Y.), 4-0, in Fort Pierce, Fla. Softball Ann Stringari's two-run double keyed an eight-run fourth-inning rally that allowed Sacred Heart to put away from Paul VI 9-0, at the Grand Slam Tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Arielle Bruno batted 2 for 3, scored a run, and knocked in three in support of pitcher Kyle Kristovich, who raised her record to 5-0 by tossing a one-hit shutout.

CAPE-ATLANTIC LEAGUE Absegamiat Buena, 4 Vineland at Hammonton, 4 LowerCape May at MiddleTownship, 4 Millville at Oakcrest, 4 COLONIAL CONFERENCE Audubon at Gateway, 3:45 Haddon Heights at Collingswood, 3:45 Paulsboro at Haddon Township, 3:45 Haddonfield at West Deptford, 3:45 Woodbury at Lindenwold, 3:45 TRI-COUNTY CONFERENCE Salem at Gloucester, 11 a.m. GCITat Glassboro, 4 NONLEAGUE Moorestown at Egg Harbor Township, noon A.l.duPont at Pennsville, 3:30 Pennsauken Tech at Pennsauken, 3:45 Williamstown at Cherokee, 3:45 Lacrosse BOYS Oakcrest at St. Augustine, 4 Absegami at Middle Township, 4 GIRLS HolyCrossat Cinnaminson, 10a.m. Collingswood at Sterling, 11 a.m. Maple Shade at Moorestown, 11 a.m.

Delran at Rancocas Valley, 3:45 MiddleTownship at Absegami, 4 Moorestown Friends at Ranney School, 4:30 Golf COLONIAL CONFERENCE Audubon at Woodbury, 3:45 OLYMPIC CONFERENCE Lenape at Bishop Eustace, 11 a.m. Cherokee at Eastern, 3:45 TRI-COUNTY CONFERENCE Glassboro at Cumberland, 3:30 Clayton at Deptford, 3:30 Pitman at Clearview, 3:45 Gloucester Catholic at Williamstown, 4 NONLEAGUE PaulVI at Holy a.m..