Hudson Valley Winter College ID Camp

By MIKE SABINI

SHRUB OAK, N.Y. – Lakeland coach Tim Hourahan never backs down from a challenge, and getting this year’s Hudson Valley College ID camp together was indeed a challenge, thanks to COVID-19.

Hourahan, with the assistance of Mamaroneck coach Rich Becker and Somers coach Brian Lanzetta, was up to the challenge, though. The camp, which was originally to be held in the summer at Lakeland High School, will now be at 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, and noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13, at Mamaroneck High School.

“The reason we could not hold this event at Lakeland High School, or the club soccer fields we have over at Granite Knolls, is that both campuses are closed for the rest of 2020,” said Hourahan, the camp director. “We are very lucky that Mamaroneck allowed us to host the event, and we owe a huge thank you to head coach Rich Becker and the school’s administration for them hosting our players.”

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Time was of the essence.

“Once we postponed the camp in July, and then August, the only real move was to wait until the end of this high school soccer season in Section 1, to see if any winter dates would work out,” Hourahan said. “There is no reason to host an event next spring, as, first of all, by that time all of the 2021s will be locked into their college choice. Also, we will plan to host the fourth annual ID camp next July for all of our current sophomores and juniors back at Lakeland High School. So, trying to get this camp in December, again really for our current seniors, was really important to do before the new year.”

Seniors Antonio Gerbasi—who was scheduled to visit Potsdam earlier this week, and whose coach is coming to the camp—Austin Bergen, and Jason San Lucas, and freshman Connor Daly are Lakeland players who plan to be at Mamaroneck.

“Attending the Hudson Valley ID Camp means a lot to me,” Gerbasi said. “Especially with COVID-19 making recruitment even harder this year, I am so thankful to be able to have the chance to show the coaches attending the camp what I am capable of and why I deserve a spot on their team.”

Yorktown seniors George Popovic and Dylan Lopez and junior Mason Murphy are also scheduled to participate in the camp.

“It’s going to be fun competing in the Hudson Valley ID camp,” Popovic said. “This camp is a great opportunity to be seen by some of the best college programs in our area. I’m looking forward to playing against some of the best players in the section. I personally can’t wait. It should be a great weekend. Anytime you can be around a bunch of guys who love doing the same thing you love to do, it is always a pleasure.”

Hourahan said that what he is most happy about is that he was able to keep his promise, especially to the 2021 graduates, that that they would find a way to be able to showcase their talents this year.

“All these players had had a really long spring and summer, in which they were unable to attend tournaments, showcases and college camps, and now they will have close to 30 college programs in attendance this weekend,” Hourahan said. “To me, the number of college programs coming says a ton about the caliber of player in this area, as there are still no D1 schools allowed to attend due to NCAA rules, and there are still many other college coaches, who are still not allowed to travel due to their own administration’s rulings.

“I also think having this ID camp a few weeks after the season ends, instead of a month before it starts, is really bringing a whole new angle to this event,” Hourahan added.

Hourahan said that the camp has become special.

“We have a great following, and are really attracting the top players in the region, and because of how high of a level our players are playing in college over the past few years, the number of coaches who are coming to watch them compete is just amazing,” Hourahan said. “For all the players, it’s an opportunity to be seen, and to compete against some of the very best players around. Players will also have a chance to speak directly to coaches at the field, ask questions, and make some real contact to carry forward over the next few months or years for our younger guys.”

This Year, Senior Night Is Opening Night

By MIKE SABINI
YORKTOWN, N.Y. – Yorktown’s field-hockey squad started senior-night week on Oct. 13, honoring seniors Addy Araneo, Alexa Borges, Nicole Peters, Kaylee Robustelli, Maiya Munoz, Lily Taormina, and Natalie Muscolino, before falling in a hard-fought game to Brewster, 3-0.

“It was definitely different having senior night in the beginning of the season, though it was great just being back out on the turf representing YHS,” Araneo said. “COVID just makes you appreciate it all that much more. I look forward to every game, and making my last season as a Cornhusker a great one.”

Lakeland’s girls soccer seniors—Ava Pagliaro, Sarah Pinkowsky, Amanda Cole, Aisha Bhakta, Juliana Moscati, Francesca Gerbasi, Nicole Haughney, and Sydney Nivar—enjoyed a 5-2 win on Oct. 13 against Brewster.

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“Having senior night as our first game was unusual, but definitely one to remember,” Pagliaro said. “Our team had so much energy and excitement, and that played a huge role in our performance. Although it was not the usual senior night, our sophomores and juniors did a great job of making our senior night feel just as special as any other.”

Pagliaro said that it’s hard to believe how fast the last four years have gone.

“I feel like just yesterday I was a freshman making posters and handing out flowers to the seniors,” Pagliaro said.

Yorktown’s boys soccer seniors—Anthony Canger, David Dippolito, Chris Judge, Teddy Kozera, Marco Landicino, Dylan Lopez, Vasyl Oliinych, Ruslan Semenko, Peter Spallone and Scott Weitman—reveled in a 6-0 victory against Brewster on Oct. 14.

“Senior night was definitely very different from the rest of the others I have experienced,” Kozera said. “Usually, senior night is the last home game, but with these uncertain times, it’s best to play it safe and get it out of the way. The experience was very different from others because we had to social distance while taking pictures. But it meant a lot to me that we were able to get this done for the other seniors and myself, and finish it with a win.”

Chris Ciraco, Jason San Lucas, Austin Bergen, Tyler Nocito, Antonio Gerbasi, Bobby Hernandez, Reed Thompson, Jack Tuite, Jaskaran Singh, Dan Gonzalez and Dom Duggan make up Lakeland’s boys soccer senior class.

“The experience was amazing,” said Bergen, whose team defeated Putnam Valley, 4-0, on Oct. 14. “We have been waiting so long to get back out on the field and play a real game, and the fact that it was senior night just made us want the win so much more. It means so much to me, being a senior captain and getting a big win on senior night. Senior night was something I personally have been looking forward to, since my high school soccer career started.”

Yorktown’s girls tennis seniors—Catherine Clark, Nora Curanaj, Rebecca Gerdis, Lauren Kitts, Giovanni Phipps, and Asha Rath— celebrated with a 7-0 victory against Lakeland on Oct. 14.

“It was great to honor the seniors, and it was very nice to have their parents attend,” said Yorktown coach Roger Dayer. “Mr. [Rob] Barrett, the athletic director for Yorktown High School, did a great job of organizing everything. Rebecca Gerdis, Giovanna Phipps, and Lauren Kitts played first, second, and third singles, respectively. It was a beautiful day weather wise, and every other way. The seniors and the rest of the team have been a pleasure to coach, and the seniors deserved a great senior day.”

Yorktown girls soccer seniors—Sophia Spallone, Chayce Buono, Cate Ward, Alicia Menduni, Samantha Paglino, Abby Passarella, and Grace Pearce—punctuated their night with a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against Lakeland on Oct. 15.

“Senior night is always a very emotional night for everyone, and there were definitely some tears shed,” Buono said. “It’s crazy to think that this is the beginning of the end, but it gave all of us the drive to get that win. It was a nail-biting game. Every time we scored, Lakeland would come right back with a goal. To come out with a victory is another step towards our goal, which is league and section success.”

Lakeland’s field-hockey seniors—Katelyn Cerrato, Keirra Ettere, Emma Fon, Daniella Hart, Emily McGovern, Kristen O’Shea, Nancy Pagliaroli, and Emma Ryan—celebrated their big day with an 8-0 triumph against sister school, Walter Panas, on Oct. 17.

“It felt bittersweet that my teammates and I were able to be honored tonight,” Ettere said. “Reality has finally hit that it’s my last season, but I am so excited to be spending it with the most amazing girls. Especially through this crazy time, we were unsure if we would get this opportunity, but we did, and I couldn’t be happier.”

Boys Soccer Preview: Leading Goal-Scorer Jaramillo Back for Lakeland

By MIKE SABINI

October 14, 2020
SHRUB OAK, N.Y. – Lakeland comes off a season where, as the No. 12 seed, lost at No. 5 Nyack, 2-0, in the opening round of the Section 1 Class A tournament, finishing at 8-8-1.

“I have been blessed to coach so many talented players in my time here, and I’m really looking forward to my 16th season (as head coach) with a very deep roster in 2020,” said Lakeland coach Tim Hourahan, who coached the Hornets to the 2011 Section 1 Class A crown.

The Hornets return 17 players, including seven starters.

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Offensively, returning is the team’s leading goal scorer, Bryan Jaramillo, who finished 2019 with 10 goals, as a freshman, in an All-League campaign.

Jaramillo will be joined by fellow sophomore returning starter Sonny Karaqi (5 goals in 2019), and seniors, three-year starter, captain Jason San Lucas, Antonio Gerbasi, and Steban Minchalo.

Two more Hornets are sophomores Derek Jaramillo (Bryan’s cousin), returning from the academy program, and Michael Rodriguez, a transfer from Putnam Valley.

“The makeup of our offensive-minded players has a great mix of abilities, and all of these players will look to bring this program back to its heights from just a few years ago,” Hourahan said.

Leading the defense will be senior captains and three-year starters, center-back Reed Thompson and Austin Bergen, who plays just about any position.

“They will play in front of our first-year starting goalkeeper Jason Pasato (senior), who was having a lights out winter league before the virus hit, and we are excited to see him take over in the net,” Hourahan said.

Also playing on defense is newcomer senior Conor Hufnagel, who will play Division 1 lacrosse at Hofstra University.

Hourahan said, if you ask him now, what the goals are for this campaign, it would be to give his players a meaningful season, in which every day, the team is looking to get better, be great teammates, and enjoy being part of the program.

“Sure, would I like to see our team be in the mix for a league and/or sectional title, of course,” Hourahan said. “Those are our program goals since I arrived in 2001. But for today, I just want these kids to have an opportunity to compete. I want them to stay grounded, be where their feet are, and not worry about tomorrow. I want them all to try and become the best they can be today, and let’s see if we can stack up a lot of those consecutive days and see where it takes us.”

Lakeland is scheduled to open at 6 p.m. vs. visiting Putnam Valley on Wednesday, Oct. 14, on senior night.

Boys Soccer: Lakeland Captains Look Forward to Season
By MIKE SABINI
September 17, 2020 at 9:00 AM

SHRUB OAK, N.Y. – Lakeland has a very talented trio of senior captains who are all three-year starters. They are each very excited to start the season, which is scheduled to begin with its first practice on Sept. 29.

One of the Hornets’ captains is Austin Bergen. The senior plays a lot as a center midfielder, but also sees action as an outside back or winger.

Bergen is champing at the bit to play.
“I couldn’t be more excited to start on the 29th,” Bergen said. “We have been waiting to play as a team for so long, and we are ready to get the season rolling.”

With team activities being canceled since March because of COVID-19, there have been many challenges in preparing for this season. Staying in shape is one them.

“Well I’ve been doing a lot of running and lifting weights,” Bergen said. “I’ve also been to the field with a few of the guys to get some shots in.”

Bergen, along with the other captains, Reed Thompson and Jason San Lucas, have been doing their best to keep their teammates involved.

“We have been trying to keep everyone on top of their workouts and staying in shape by texting them or even having Zoom calls with coach (Tim Hourahan),” Bergen said.

Thompson, a center back, also can’t wait to get started.

“Personally, I’m super excited to get back on the field,” Thompson said. “Normally, we would’ve been playing by now, so I know that not only myself, but my whole team, is really itching to start competing again.”

Thompson, like Bergen, has been doing the best he can to stay in top, physical condition.

“Normally, we have a preseason-fitness camp, but obviously we couldn’t do that,” Thompson said. “I’ve been staying in shape though by lifting weights in my garage, running, and biking. Coach Hourahan also put together a great workout program for our team, so I’ve been completing those as well.”

The Hornets are fortunate to have three captains that each bring something to the table.

“I feel like all of us are great leaders in our own way,” Thompson said. “Austin and Jason are our offensive leaders, and I’ll be in the back controlling our defense. What’s been really important for us as captains this year has been keeping our guys motivated during these times, to complete the workouts, and get out to the field, on their own to practice. This way, when the time finally comes for us to play, we’ll all be prepared.”

San Lucas, a center-attacking mid, said the Hornets are very eager to participate in their first day of practice.

“I know the team and I are very excited and blessed to have the opportunity to start practicing on the 29th,” San Lucas said. “Coach usually has a number of practices well before the season so we can all be ready and prepared, but we decided to do workouts at home and register our progress into a log, and the team has been staying in great shape because of this.”

San Lucas, like Bergen and Thompson, stressed the importance of working out at home.

“I feel myself and the other captains help the team in making sure everyone is working out, especially in this tragic time, and we try to have our own small practices to get together and keep our chemistry,” San Lucas said. “We also have a lot of experience and try our best to drive and motivate the team.”

By MIKE SABINI
August 12, 2020 at 12:43 PM

UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Lakeland 2016 graduate Johnny Denis continued his climb up the soccer ranks earlier this summer, when he signed to play with the New York Cosmos of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).

“It means a great deal, and I am humbled to be given the opportunity to play for such a historical team in the U.S.,” Denis said. “Becoming a professional soccer player has been a dream of mine since I was 5 years old. This would not be possible without my coaches, and I mean all of them, and of course the support of my family. The journey was not easy, and looking back it has taught me so much. New York Cosmos in the soccer world carries huge merit. I am so thrilled to be a part of this organization.”

Denis can play many positions from center mid to winger, but he believes his best position is attacking midfield.

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He said he is thrilled to be part of a club with such a rich tradition, that goes back to the days when the Cosmos were a powerhouse in the North American Soccer League from 1970 to 1985.

“Not only is it a thrill, but an honor for me to prepare during practices and place my best effort, to cohesively work with my team to win games,” Denis said. “You fight in the moment to be recognized, throughout time. For the New York Cosmos, they will always be known for having one of the richest histories in American Futbol. To play on the team that once had players such as Pele, Bekenbauer, and Raul, wearing its jersey is surreal. As a player, it’s my responsibility to continue to do my best, on and off the field, to continue the tradition, that made this team, so special within the soccer world.”

Denis said his goals, alongside his work ethic, is to continue to develop and to get better every single day.

“I am here for whatever the team needs,” Denis said. “In playing for the Cosmos, the expectation is to win, no matter who the opponent is. For this year, I hope we dominate and I can help the team, however my coaches see fit.”

Denis feels that the Cosmos deserve to continue to be recognized and respected within the United States.

“There are many great players and coaches that, given the opportunity to compete, can develop a greater fan base to promote the team,” Denis said. “My hope is that Mr. Rocco Commisso (Cosmos’ owner) succeeds in giving the Cosmos, the recognition and importance the franchise deserves in American soccer. He is passionate about the game, and he can only complement the future of the Cosmos. I am hopeful for the best of outcomes.”

Denis has had an array of experiences already in the game of soccer, including playing in 2018 for the Under 23 Red Bulls.

“My journey, as a whole, has helped me get to the place I am today,” Denis said. “Each team has taught me so much, from high school to academy and the national team.”

Before signing with the Cosmos, Denis played Division 1 soccer at Columbia University. He said his time at Columbia was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences, thus far.

“Transitioning from a mindset that was mostly caring about soccer, to one that required that same attention for school, was not easy,” Denis said. “The soccer aspect was amazing, from the culture that was instilled on me as a freshman, to the things I learned on the field. I was afforded the opportunity to obtain a great education and meet mentors that have impacted my life. I established friendships with fellow teammates, coaches, and alumni that will always have a special place in my heart.”