Athletes in Shorts
From staff & wire reports

Boys Tennis

Highland Park High School boys tennis took a lot of positive steps in achieving a 9-4 record this season under Tom Sclafani, entering his fourth year as coach.

Leading the senior-laden squad was Michael Rong (7-4 record) in first singles and Ash Sharker (6-3) in second singles. Other seniors who had strong seasons included Jesse Liu, Yancy Ho, Mike Bachman, and Alex Conway, who alternated in their play at both singles and doubles.

"This was a very special group," said Sclafani.“They have all grown up as players and as people. I will miss this group."

The Owls made it to the second round of the state tournament before bowing out to South  River.

"The depth of our team, with eleven players, helped a lot," said Sclafani. "We were able to substitute, which helped us against our opponents."

Two freshman who played a big part in first and second doubles this season were Sam Feingold (2-1 mark in third singles) and Asa Lieberman-Zuberman. Sclafani expects big things for next year's squad.

"The incoming freshman we have for next year will be solid."

Boys Baseball

Despite a 4-16 record, the boys baseball team showed a lot of promise. Leading the way was senior Tony Olarra who finished the campaign with a .470 batting average. He finished his high school career with 89 total hits, while playing various positions in the infield, outfield, catcher and starting pitcher.

Other players starting varsity in their first season will be back for next year. They include junior rightfielder Will Randall-Goodwin, .358 average; sophomore pitcher Mike Ryan, who won two games on the mound and hit .312; sophomore Louis Middleton, with a solid year defensively in the outfield; junior Ben Heisler (296 average), a strong defensive catcher who handled the pitching staff quite well; junior pitcher Chris Marshall who hit .309; and speedy sophomore outfielder Mohammed Elfaki.

Despite the team's record, third-year coach Rich McGlynn believed the learning experience made him a better coach.

"Coming off a successful football season allowed me to be more patient and appreciate the small things," said McGlynn. "Our players worked hard, never gave up and what they learned each day was more rewarding to them personally as the season went along," he added."

Girls Softball

The girls softball team struggled during the 2008 spring campaign. Sixth-year coach Lori Szentgyorgyi had positive statements to make regarding the team.

"This is a very young team with a lot of freshmen and just five seniors. But they all had a great attitude," said Szentgyorgyi.

"This team has shown improvement from day one," she added. The Owls earned the best sportsmanship award in the GMC Blue Division. "I was proud of our kids for winning that award," said Szentgyorgyi.

Leading the way was sophomore hurler Samantha Mundy, who finished with a .401 batting average and a slot on the first team for All-GMC Blue Division. Senior center fielder and team captain Nilsa Romero was most valuable player of the senior-all star game.

Other seniors who had solid seasons included catcher Lauren Rohan, right fielder Samantha Arias, and infielder Ania Underwood. Senior left fielder Clara Younge won the award for most improved player. A good season was also turned in by sophomore shortstop Sacha Lugo.

Szentgyorgyi looks ahead to next season.

"We want to keep it going for next year."

Spring Soccer Clinic for Girls

The borough recreation department is pleased to offer a Spring Soccer Clinic for Girls in K-4th grades. This program will be facilitated by Spencer Rockman of Rovers International. Fun and fitness will be provided for all skill levels with skill-building activities and Roverama small-sided games. The clinics will be held in Donaldson Park, from 6:00pm – 7:15pm, for 5 Tuesdays, beginning May 6. The fee will be $30. for Highland Park residents and $45. for non-residents. Please register at the Senior / Youth Center, 220 So. Sixth Avenue; for more information, call 732.819-0411.

Exercise Class for Arthritis and Pain

The Department on Aging is currently holding a weekly exercise class featuring gentle exercise, information, discussion, and relaxation, on Tuesdays at 11 AM in the Senior/Youth Center. For more information, call 732.819-0052.

LOCAL SWIMMERS ARE POOLING THEIR RESOURCES
GMC meet brings out several personal bests

Fessant-Eaton, Shangle, and Nolan put in a solid performance at the swimming GMCs.

Highland Park High School received outstanding performances from three exuberant swimmers at the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) championships one week ago at the Denunzio Pool on the campus of Princeton University.

Leading the way was junior Kayleigh Shangle, who captured the 50-yard freestyle event in 25.04. With her victory, Kayleigh qualified for the NJSIAA Meet of Championshps held in March. This is her third year of competing and she is the first swimmer from her school to win an event since Lisa Rong in 2001. Shangle placed fourth in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 1:03.42, a personal best for her.

Sophomore Henry Fessant-Eaton competed in the 100-yard backstroke placing 16th in 1:10.13, a personal best for him, while finishing 29th in the 50-yard freestyle in 26.25. Fessant-Eaton is in his second year of competition.

Freshman Jessica Nolan competed in the 50-yard freestyle placing ninth in 26.94 while finishing seventh in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:12.83 a personal best for her. All three swimmers practice at the University Swim Club at Rutgers University.

Most schools that have a full squad swim in the team events. Other schools like Highland Park may not field a full squad but can compete in individual events. Only eight individual events are contested but the schools who don't field a full team like Highland Park can only have their individual swimmers compete in just two events.

Head coach Elaine Hewins-Shangle is proud of the way her swimmers went out and competed: "It's a nice opportunity for the swimmers to compete and we appreciate the support from the high school and the town."

- Howard Princz

OWLS EARN ANOTHER STATE TOURNEY BERTH
Girls' squad is 12-5 with gutsy upset of ranked Blue Jays

The Highland Park High School girls basketball team has looked to set a number of goals heading into the season. With a 12-5 record, they are on their way to the state tournament, for starters.

"We wanted to qualify for the states, defend and win the sectional tournament, win the overall Group I championship and the holiday tournament, which we won," said third-year girls varsity basketball coach Glen Kertes.

The Owls successfully defended their Brearley Tournament championship earlier this season. Their 1-2 punch this season is led by freshman point guard Jocelyn Summers and senior swingman Justine Boyd.

"Justine has been a mentor to Jocelyn," said Kertes. "We like to have Justine play different positions in different games to create a mismatch."

"She is not into individual stats, just doing what she has to do in order for the team to win." he added.

Seniors Michelle Ivey and Ania Underwood and junior Alyssa Hudgins share the center position. Clara Younge, another senior, is a scoring threat from the outside. "When Clara has the confidence, the team has confidence in her," he said. "She has played well defensively."

Team unity is something that Kertes has stressed this season. "We're playing as a team, like a family this season instead of focusing on individual stats... a lot of individuals have stepped up."

Sophomore guard Leah Salkin has been assigned a very important task: "She has been given the task of stopping the other team's leading scorer, their best player. She is our defensive stopper," explained Kertes.

Things are looking up for Highland Park come late February. The Owls could be a #2 or #3 seed when the state tournament begins on February 25th.

- Howard Princz