Archive: July, 2010
The 2010-11 Group Classifications for football and wrestling should have been posted on the NJSIAA website by now; however, the man in charge is recovering from surgery.
Donald E. Danser, an assistant director who handles football and wrestling classifications, had nor returned to work as of July 14.
Steven J. Timko, executive director of the NJSIAA, should have some news about any changes that are coming when he returns to work on July 15.
Cumberland Regional High pitcher Darren Fischer, drafted by the Los Angeles Angels on June 9, is getting close to signing a contract with the club, according to his father, Gary Fischer, with whom I spoke on July 13.
Tomas Rivera, who works for Pro-1 and has been guiding the 17-year-old Cumberland Regional graduate, confirmed this to me the same day.
The 6-foot, 1-inch, 170-pound lefty was drafted in the 46th round. He had a 5-5 record in high school last season. In 63 innings he struck out 11, walked 30 and had an ERA of 1.88.
Mentioned: Cumberland
I was speaking with Bob Clark, president of the Del-Val Baseball League on July 9 and he was fast-forwarding to July 15. That's when a four-day state tournament for eight teams in the 18-and-under league, also known as the Connie Mack League, is scheduled to begin competition in the state tournament at St. Augustine Prep.
The winner will advance to the Mid-Atlantic Region tournament on July 22 in Troy, N.Y. where eight teams will battle for the right to advance to the World Series on July 29 in Farmingdale, N.M.
"The World Series is the finest in the country," Clark said. "It attracts 70,000 people from around the country for the week [other age groups also will be playing]. There are major leaguers who have played in that World Series."
Marc Narducci
The NJSIAA has released the 2010-11 General Group Classifications for public schools. The sports affected are baseball and softball as well as boys' and girls' basketball and soccer.
The Non-Public classifications as well as those for for football and wrestling are to come. Here are some noteworthy changes.
Kingsway and Cherry Hill West have flip-flopped between South Jersey Groups 3 and 4. The Dragons, who were in Group 3 last season, experienced a school-population surge to 1,091 students and moved to the big-schools group. Meanwhile, West shrank to 1,078 students and shifted to Group 3.
Rick O'Brien
Rick O'Brien
Haddonfield swim coach Bob Querubin was upbeat when we spoke on July 7 about the 2010-11 swim season.
And why not? The Haddonfield boys' and girls' teams each were the 2010 Division B South Sectional champs.
Greg Lee, a senior 'flyer and Will Manion, a junior backstroker and IMer, will lead the boys' team.
Mentioned: Haddonfield Memorial High School
Joe Cucinotti has taken over the Cherry Hill East boys' swim program from Marilyn Brahms.
Brahms told me this on July 6 during a phone conversation in which she said it was time to step down after five years at the helm.
A science teacher who imparted knowledge to her students for 16-and-a-half years, Brahms said Cucinotti is a good choice to replace her.
Mentioned: Cherry Hill High School East
Rick O'Brien
