La ® @ LA o @ | § » J ve i ¢G ® ge ve >) 9 > 9 The Dallas Post The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, August 4, 1993 9 From the pressbox By Dave Konopki | Forgotten all-stars . There was no wild celebration awaiting Jim Davis as he crossed the plate with the game-winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning in the championship game of the Lower Valley 11-12-Year- Old Tournament. In fact, if you've never heard of the Lower Valley Tournament you're not alone. And that's a shame. Brad Jumper belted a double to score Davis with the winning run and winning pitcher Mickey Snyder pitched one and one- third innings of hitless relief to lift Back Mountain National to a 10-9 win over Nanticoke. The Nationals, under manager, Jack Snyder, finished the double-elimination tournament unbeaten for the second straight year. But there weren't hundreds of screaming fans. In fact, the crowd consisted of little more than the players’ families and only a handful of interested fans. There were no fire trucks with sirens blaring. Just a single honk of a car horn in the distance and the sounds of players ex- changing high fives. There was no media coverage. No pictures in the paper the following day. In fact, unless you were specifically looking for the results of the Lower Valley Tournament you probably didn't find them in the daily papers. These are the forgotten all-stars. They are 14 young men who have spent the last three weeks in virtual obscurity, taking a back seat to the District 16 teams, never once complaining. Don't get me wrong. Both district teams deserved every inch of press they received, especially the Back Mountain American League team, who won the District 16 title. They represented the Back Mountain community and the entire district extremely well with their never-say-die attitude at last week's Section 3 tourna- ment and are deserving of any accolades they have received, or will receive in the future. But the lack of recognition and support for the Lower Valley champions is downright inexcusable. It is true that the American League team played in Towanda on the same night as the Lower Valley Tournament championship game. But the number of non-family adult fans from the Back Mountain who attended any of the first three games played by the Lower Valley team could probably be counted on two hands. Maybe this column can give these players at least a small portion of the recognition they have earned, and rightfully de- serve. : “We knew all along that we had a good hitting team,” said Snyder, who was assisted by Russ Eyet, Rich Jumper and Doug Whitehead. “We had good hitters up and down the lineup. Even when we didn't score many runs, we still hit the ball hard. We didn’t know if we could stop anyone from scoring, but we played better defense during the tournament than I thought we would. The kids played great.” Snyder defined the word “class” before, during and after the tournament, never saying a word about the lack of recognition. In fact, as always, Snyder kept his sense of humor. “We tried to keep everything low key,” said Snyder, whose team received a championship banner from the tournament. “I told kids before the tournament started that they'd be given a hat and the opportunity to play a few more games. In fact, we only had one rule on the team. I told the kids that after we win the champion- ship, I didn't want to get doused with water.” Snyder didn't appear too upset when Russell Wenrich (along with help from Snyder's mother) broke that rule following the game. “Russell played with me for five years,” said Snyder. “I guess he earned the right.” Although he had praise for the entire team, Snyder did ac- knowledge the outstanding play of a few individual players. “Jim Davis pitched very well for us,” said Snyder. “And E.J. Ishley pitched some good games. Brad Jumper really hit the ball well. The kid can flat out hit. But all the kids played very well. It was a great team effort.” Members of the team were: Jim Davis, Russ Eyet, E.J. Ishley, . Brad Jumper, Matt Loftus, Bruce Nagle, Mickey Snyder, Greg Stanislow, Damian Temperine, Scott Walsh, Russell Wenrich and Charles Whitehead. Perhaps they will be forgotten no more. SportsShorts Dallas volleyball, cheerleader physicals The Dallas High School girls volleyball and cheerleading physicals will be given on August 12 beginning at 8 a.m., followed by make-up physicals. Matt Lloyd, Philip Gager in Keystone Games Matthew Lloyd of Dallas will compete in the 10th annual Keystone State Games Summer Games finals scheduled for August 4-8 in the Greater Harrisburg Area. Lloyd has entered the ice hockey competition - Midget Division in the Capitol/Blue Mtn./Pocono Region. Lloyd is a sophomore student at Wyoming Seminary. He is the son of John and Elizabeth Lloyd. Philip Gager of Dallas, will compete in the 10th annual KeystoneS- tate Games Summer Games finals scheduled for August 4-8 in the Greater Harrisburg Area. Gager has entered the ice hockey competi- tion - Midget Division in the Capitol/Blue Mtn./Pocono Region. Gager is a sophomore student at Wyoming Seminary. He is the son of John and Beth Gager. Irem Women’s golf results Results from Irem Women Golfers for July 27: Class “A” Elie McKeage, “B" Esther Saba, “C" Joyce Shaw, “D" Jane Kopp. Putting prizes “B” Arlene Rothstein, “D" Jane Kopp. ~ Playing for the Frederick Trophy and tied were Sandi Valentiand Bok Choi who will have a 18-hole playoff. Golf schools at Four Seasons Golf Schools starting at Four Seasons Golf Club, Exeter: Junior Classes start on Friday, Aug. 13; Ladies Classes start on Monday, Aug. 16; Men's Classes start on Tuesday, Aug. 17; Each school will consist of four sessions from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The Golf Schools will be instructed by Rick Rydzewski who is a Certified PGA Golf Professional and a graduate of Wilkes University. To register call the pro-shop at 655-8869. LL field landscaped in memory of Ripa, Misson By DAVE KONOPKI Sports Writer Charles Ripa, Jr. and Harley Misson both loved the game of: baseball. Back Mountain Little League baseball in particular. They loved coming to the ball- park on Church Street, whether it was to root on a family member or just to take in a game. They spent countless hours at the field. Now, their spirits will live there forever. Families of both men recently attended a dedication ceremony at the W.W. Kubis Memorial Field where donations made by the families in memory of the men were used to put landscaping around the field. The landscaping, which was done by Russ Eyet, includes a flower bed of petunias and gerani- ums around the flagpole and a lovely display of birch trees, bar berry shrubs, rhododendron and yarrow surrounding the score- board outside the rightfield fence. The families were escorted around the field by league presi- dent Larry Lettie, treasurer Bob Rogers and head groundskeeper Barry West. Ripa, who played semi-pro baseball, loved to come to the ballpark, especially when his Strategy session Coach Doug Whitehead and pitcher Mike Regan went over a few things during Back Mountain American's game in the W.W. Kubis Memorial Tournament last week. The local team lost to Mountain- top 6-2. Big prize Sports\Week POST PHOTO/RON BARTIZEK LITTLE LEAGUE MEMORIAL - The families of Charles Ripa, Jr. and Harley Misson gathered to see the landscaping done at the Back Mountain Little League field in the mens' memories. From left, Chalres Ripa lll, Lindsey Ripa, Mrs. John (Carol) Oliver, Mrs. Charles Ripa, Jr., Allison Ripa, Joanna Oliver, Meredith Ripa, Becky Edwards, Susan Edwards, Lori Nerozzi, Helen Misson, Jeff Misson. grandson, Johnny Oliver, was playing. In fact, Ripa, who always putalittle something in the bucket as thedonations were being taken, watched as his grandson helped lead Back Mountain National to the District 16 championship in 1990 and to the sectional final against Shippensburg. He would pass away less than one month later. “"He loved this field,” said his daughter, Carol Oliver of Dallas. “"He always said this was the most beautiful baseball field around POST PHOTO/RON BARTIZEK Back Mountain Baseball held its annual awards picnic Sunday at Irem Temple Country Club, with an attendance of about 700. Among the drawing prizes was use of a luxury box at a Red Barons game, donated by Frank Trinisewski. Shown above, from left, Larry Lettie, Back Mountain Baseball president; Trinisewski; Tom Dougherty, vice-president in charge of fund raising. 'Mini-Mount' cheerleaders slate rehearsal, activities The Dallas Mini-Mounts junior cheerleaders will hold a manda- tory rehearsal Thursday, August 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. Gymnastics beginner and inter- mediate classes will combine to form a Tumblers 1 class. It will meet Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. Advanced gymnastics will now be called Tumblers 2, and will meet Tuesdays from 8:15 to 9 Jn. Uniform handout will be Wed., August 4 from 7 to 8 p.m. Practice remains from 6 to 8 p.m. Uni- forms will only be given to a par- ent or guardian over the age of 18. Umbrella sale has been ex- tended until September 2. Orders may be given to your team parent or advisors. Money is due for anyone inter- ested in Jerry Preschutti's youth camp at Marywood College Au- gust 9-11. Girls whoare interested in being in the "Cheer Squad" should contact their advisors. Pictures will be taken August 9 at 6 p.m. at the Dallas Township yard. Wear complete uniform and game sneakers. A practice will follow until 8 p.m. Raindate is August 11. _ We followed the (state champion) here for kids. This (landscaping) is beautiful. He would have loved it.” For Misson, the father of seven children, Little League was a daily part of his life during the summer months. Even when his children were through playing. “We loved coming here. We were here all the time," said Mis- son's wife, whose husband passed away six months ago. “We used to hurry up and eat dinner and then come here to watch the games. 1962 team all the way to Wil- liamsport. Coming here was the - best years of our lives. “I love it. I think it's beautiful,” said Mrs. Misson, of the land- scaping. “It's a lasting tribute. I think he would be happy.” les Ripa and Harley Misson proba- bly crossed paths dozens of times at the little league complex. Now, in addition to their love of base- ball the two will have something else in common: A special place at the field they both loved. Tinner's 45 points carry Payne to win in rec ball Jeff Tinner exploded for 45 points to lead Payne Printery to an 87-55 win over the Mounts in the Dallas Borough Recreation Basketball League. Tinner had 23 in the opening half and 22 in the second half to pace the blow- out. Ed Thomas had 10 for the Mounts. : Dugans Pub stayed unbeaten with a 68-46 win over Jim-Jon. Nafty Hage had 19 and Frank goals. Earlier in the week The Field- house whipped the Mounts 78-56 with Lou Woychick's 19 leading the way. Jim-Jon nipped Payne behind Tom Shalata’s 18, the final was 58-56. Also Stegmeier 1857 squeaked by Team Straigis 68-66 with Mike Luksic nailing 23 for the victors. Play continues the week of Aug. 2. Debona 13 for the victors while LEAGUE STANDINGS Tom Shalata had 19 for Jim-Jon. Dugans 8-0 The Fieldhouse also had an Fjeldhouse 6-3 easy time with an 81-57 win over i . Team Straigis. George Marut with Sigmon 1867 Be 18 and Joe Darling with 17 led the p 4.5 winners. Jay Straigis led the los- ane WE ers with 25 including five 3-point Team Straigis 2-6 Mounts 2-7 Although they never met, Char- Misericordia holds second soccer camp College Misericordia recently hosted the second annual Misericor- dia Soccer Camp on the Dallas campus. More than 150 young soccer players from throughout the Wyoming Valley attended the camp. Misericordia men’s soccer coach Chuck Edkins served as director of the camp which was open to boys and girls eight to 15- years-old. Pictured, first row is Jeff Kernag, Dallas. Second row, from left, Katy Pitcher and Betsy Pitcher, Harveys Lake. Third row, from left, Mitch Bailey, Dallas; Chuck Edkins, camp director; Anne Long, Dallas. IH |
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