0 ! Section 2 Wednesday, May 8, 1996 The Dallas Post SportsWeek Jan Elston's Mom, and coach, to three By LEN KRYESKI Sports Writer SWEET VALLEY - Much has been said and written about the @rorting ties between fathers and sons. From the proper way to cast a fishing line to a backyard game of catch, this common bond be- tween immediate male relatives has received a great deal of atten- tion. It was the underlying theme of the hit box office attraction, _ Field of Dreams. In recent years moms have emerged in the sporting world. They've become more than just Qhe family's number one cheer- leader or chief consoler on those losing days. Take the case of Jan Elston for example - and with Mother's Day upon us we'll do just that. Jan along with her husband Dave, guides the Lake-Lehman girls’ soccer team. Now in their third season, they've already es- tablished themselves as masters ®f the game and in just a short time have a built a solid reputa- tion with the players. The Sweel Valley couple has three daugh- ters, all of whom play soccer. Jamie and Jess star for Lehman at the midfield position. Jana, a sixth grader, gets her kicks for the North East Attack youth team. Now if you're thinking the girls have made their mark thus far by Sollowing in their mother's foot- WBteps - you're wrong. Their style of play hasn't even been influ- enced by Dave. Both parents graduated from Lehman before soccer became a varsity sport, although Dave did play some in New York when he was younger. The Elstons became involved pri- marily because of their daugh- ters. WV TY Starting with Jamie, all three ec ceived their first taste of orga- nized soccer at the age of live, courtesy of the Back Mountain oe : Lehm Soccer League. “Dave and I got interested just by watching,” said Jan Elston. “We started coaching the children around the time (Jamie and Jess) were nine or 10.” Along the way, the coaching Elstons have learned the finer points of soccer with their chil- dren. “It's exciting playing for them especially because we're winning,” said Jamie Elston. “(The entire situation) is also good [or family bonding.” While she’s made a name for herself and has learned the tacti- cal game of soccer at a rapid rate, Jan wants it known that mother- ing wins out over coaching every time. Being guardian to 40-some girls five or six days a week doesn't make mom's job any easier. “I think it makes it harder," Jan explained. “During the season it's hard to put the player outside and talk to the daughter. Maybe they had a bad day at practice, but they're still a good kid." Mothering is much more enjoy- able, not only because it's a life- long, full-time job, but because of its importance. From P.T.A. meel- ings to college options, Jan has always taken an active interest in her children’s well being. “You have to separate the two (coaching and mothering),” said Jan. “All of the girls prefer it that way. We've always been fair; our girls don't gel any preferential treatment. It's harder on them being the coaches kid." Dallas Mountaineer catcher Kevin McDonald reached high for a throw to the plate early in the Mounts' game against Coughlin May 3. But it wasn't high enough, and the Crusaders’ Matt Klem slid in safely. After falling behind 2-0, Dallas came back to take a 10-5 win to claim a spot at the top of the WVC AAA Division 2 standings. Below, winning pitcher Jeff Kunkle fired to first after picking up a nubber. Kunkle was also 2- for-4 at the plate, and scored two runs. POST PHOTOS/RON BARTIZEK Jamie Elston, left, and Jessica flank their Mom, Jan Elston, with youngest daughter Jana behind. Jan's also the girls' soccer coach. Like any parents, Jan and Dave will be delighted to [ind out they've been most beneficial in their dual roles. In terms of soccer, Jamie finds it easier to talk to them and ask questions about the game. Jessica says that although they disagree [rom time to time, it's never difficult. "Playing for them makes me work harder,” said Jess. “I don't want to let them down.” Jamie is a senior midfielder who will soon make the switch to playing soccer in the fall. Her playing days will continue at Kutztown University and although undecided on a major, she’s lean- ing toward a degree in sports medicine. Jamie is most fond of Lehman's first place finish in the conference last spring. She's recorded one assist so far from her outside midfielder position this season. She doesn't excel as much as Jess, but she contributes wellas a team player and makes few mistakes. “I'm not a (lashy player,” Jamie said. “I'm there when you need me. From a team standpoint I'm looking forward to taking districts and staying on top." Jess is second on the team in scoring, trailing only conference leader Kelly Spencer. The junior leads Lehman in assists and picked up four more and scored a goal for good measure during the club's 10-0 romp over Wyoming Valley West on Monday. Jess holds an inside midfield position and is striving to make her third consecutive trip to the Keystone State Games. Her name may pop up often in the box score, but she’s a true team player, a trait she picked up from her parents. “They've always taught us to work hard, achieve your goals and never give up,” Jess said, “but the team is first - never the individual. If I'm given a job I do it.” Blue collar players, the sisters really enjoy playing their posi- tions on the field because of the constant action. Contributing both offensively and defensively, midfielders are always near the ball. They also agree on the Lady Knights continued success. “I'm hoping to win districts and See MOM'S COACH, pg 14 Back-to-back wins put Mounts In driver's seat By LEN KRYESKI Sports Writer DALLAS TOWNSHIP - Two outs, nobody on, Jumper gets set, winds, delivers the pitch to Baran. Crack. It’s a fly ball to right field, Griffin Bicking gets under it...and makes the catch. Dallas defeats Hazleton 7-3. Bicking'’s glove was still above his head when a Dallas fan yelled “what a difference a week makes.” On this particular Friday after- noon, the spectator had a valid point. On consecutive days, the Dallas baseball team posted wins over the teams tied for first place in Division 1 of the Wyoming Val- ley Conference's AAA bracket. One day earlier, Dallas defeated Coughlin 10-5, thanks largely to an eight run outburst in the fifth inning. All of this one week after the middle teams of the division, Wyo- ming Valley West and Pittston Area, humbled Dallas by a total score of 28-7. Mount coaches Jack Wolensky and Scott Francis were not taking any solace in cliches, however. They're very much aware of the type of ball this group of guys can play and told the players so after the game. Many of the current players saw considerable action last season. Some saw spot start- ing. Aaron Getz stepped into the line-up for the second half of the season,but the bulk of the playing time was accumulated by four seniors and junior phenoms Jeff Kunkle and Rich Klick. The talent was eventually going to step for- ward; the players just needed a little time adjusting to one an- other and in some cases to new positions. “We're 90 percent better than we were at the start of the sea- son,” Wolensky said. It's nice to beat the two first place teams the last two days. The crossover games are done and we're in the drivers seat in our division (AAA, Division 2)." Dallas went 3-1 during the first trip around its bracket, losing only to Nanticoke. The Mounts do, however, hold a one-game lead over Nanticoke in AAA-2 with a 6- 3 overall record. They'll get a chance at revenge this Friday on the road. Klick belted two home runs and drove home five during the win over Hazleton. Kunkle scored three times and also hit a solo round tripper in the third. Frank Valvano registered his first multi- hit performance of the season by banging out two singles as well as an RBI double in the first. Justin Jumper came up big on the mound, scattering seven hits, only one of which went for extra bases. The junior also displayed great composure whenever work- ing his way out of a jam. He made the best of his pitches and had good control of them, striking out See BASEBALL pg 14 SPORTS ROUNDUP DALLAS BASEBALL Dallas 10 - Coughlin 5 The Mounts secured their hold on first place standings in Div. II with a 10-5 thriller over Coughlin May 2. Griffin Bicking capped a eight run fifth with a towering grand slam. Jeff Kunkle claimed the win tallying five strikeouts, five hits in five innings. Dallas’ record now stands at 5-3. SOCCER Crestwood 5 - Dallas 1 Dallas’ record dropped to 3-6 after a 5-1 upset at the hands of Crestwood May 1. Christy Callahan scored the Mount's only goal unassisted in the third. Adrienne Camp had 14 saves for Dallas. Dallas 2 - Hoban 1 Christy Callahan sank the game winner at 15:31 in the fourth to lift the Mounts past Hoban 2-1, May 3. Melanie Love sank the first Mount goal in the first as- sisted by Jen Hite and Robin Holeman. Dallas outshot Hoban 26-10. SOFTBALL Dallas 2 - Nanticoke 0 Holly Baseski and Suzanne Fisherboth went two for three in the Mounts 2-0 shutout of Nanticoke May 1. Sandy McCloud picked up the win for Dallas giv- ing up just three hits and striking - out six. Pittston 5 - Dallas 3 Dallas evened their record to 3- 3 after suffering a 5-3 loss to Pittston May 2. Melanie Getz and Suzane Fisher were top hitters for Dallas both belting out doubles. TENNIS Dallas 4 - Seton Catholic 3 The Mounts retained their un- blemished record with a 4-3 vic- tory over Seton May 2. Brian Blaze, Quinn Kavannaugh, Dave Germick and Mike Cleary swept dl four single matches. LAKE-LEHMAN BASEBALL Lehman 13 - Wyo. Seminary 2 The Black Knights never looked back after a 9 run first inning and went on to ransack Sem 13-2 May 1. Jarrett Perlis punched a triple driving in three runs while Geoll Engle belted a homerun for Lehman. Lehman 11 - Wyoming Area 0 The Lehman sticks exploded as John Oliver connected for three homeruns and Mike Adamshick hit two en route to Lehman's 11- 0 blanking of Wyoming Area May 2. The Knights offense combined for 13 hits including a triple by Joe Halowich. Geoff Engle and Oliver produced a no hitter with Engle producing the win after four innings pitched. SOCCER Hoban 2 - Lehman 0 [Lehman suffered their first loss of the season May 2 after a 2-0 setback at Hoban. Goal tender Trish Pilosi tallied five saves but let two slip through including a penalty kick in the fourth. The Lady Knights record now stands at 7-1. Lehman 10 - Valley West 0 Kelly Spencer and Sara Kasper accounted for seven of the Lady Knights 10 tallies as Lehman roughhoused Valley West 10-0 May 6. Spencer booted in four goals while Kasper sank three. The Knights outshot the Spar- tans 34-9. VOLLEYBALL Lehman 2 - Tunkhannock 0 The Black Knights dominated the court in the battle of the unbeatens May 1 as Lehman (10- 0) stunned Tunkahnnock (8-1) 15-6, 15-7. Mike Trebendis and Phil Snyder combined for 13 Kills. Lehman ran the score to 14-3 in the second game belore Tunkhannock kicked in. More SPORTS ROUNDUP, pg 14 i ——— l ! | i i
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers