Good Energy Articles

Taylor Barrise scored a career-high 23 points in narrow loss at Bowdoin January 29, 2010 Amherst Falls to Bowdoin on Last-Second Bucket, 69-68 BRUNSWICK, ME – The 18th-ranked Amherst College men's basketball team was unable to stop Bowdoin's Mark Phillips from putting home a rebound with two seconds remaining to give the Polar Bears a dramatic 69-68 win on Friday evening. The Polar Bears improve to 10-7 (2-2 NESCAC) with the win, while the Jeffs fall to 13-4 (3-1) with the defeat. Amherst came out firing, opening up a 15-5 lead after a Taylor Barrise (Allendale, NJ) three-pointer six minutes into the contest. Bowdoin bounced back with a 20-8 run over the next eight minutes, taking the lead for the first time on a beautiful half-court alley-oop pass from Randy DeFeo to Will Hanley, who laid it in for a 30-28 Polar Bear lead. The teams traded buckets for the remainder of the half with the Jeffs grasping a 34-33 advantage at the break. The teams swapped baskets for the early portion of the second period before Barrise scored five straight points to cap a 9-0 spurt that gave the Jeffs a 58-48 lead with seven minutes to play. Bowdoin cut the lead to five points with five minutes left after a Wyatt Littles free throw, but Barrise responded with a three-pointer from the wing that gave the visitors an eight-point lead, 63-55, with just four minutes on the clock. Bowdoin used a 6-0 run to cut the lead to two points with 2:45 remaining and was able to trim the lead to a single point on three occasions down the stretch, the last of which came on a jumper from Paul Sellew with 12 ticks left. Bowdoin fouled Barrise, who missed his first of a 1-and-1 free throw attempt with the rebound bouncing out of play to give Bowdoin the ball, trailing 68-67. Hanley drove the length of the court and lofted an off-balance shot off the glass and rim. Phillips, waiting on the back side of the boards, grabbed the carom and laid the into the cylinder for the go-ahead points with two seconds remaining. Amherst’s Conor Meehan (Meriden, CT) threw up a desperation three-pointer from 35 feet, but it sailed wide and Bowdoin secured the victory. Phillips finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds to lead Bowdoin. Sellew had 15 and 10 rebounds while Mike Hauser notched 11 points and 10 assists for the hosts. Hanley netted 14 for the Polar Bears, who held a 40-30 edge on the glass. Barrise led all scorers with a career-high 23 points for Amherst. Meehan finished with 14, while Jeff Holmes (Saunderstown, RI) notched a dozen for the visitors. The Lord Jeffs will travel to face Colby College Saturday at 4 p.m.

VANDY SPORTS.COM - Signing Day 2010 January 31, 2010 - James Kittredge Feature on Site National Signing Day is just days away and the Vanderbilt Commodores currently have 24 commitments for the 2010 recruiting class as well as a junior college signee. The current crop of commitments are considered to be among the best that Vanderbilt has ever recruited. James Kittredge James Kittredge is a 6-foot-4, 255-pound three-star rated prospect out of Ramsay (N.J.)'s Don Bosco Prep program. A two-way standout, Kittredge racked up 63 total tackles with eight tackles resulting in a loss and three sacks at defensive tackle in 2009. Kittredge also graded out at a high percentage while playing offensive tackle during the Ironmen's 12-0 state championship campaign. Don Bosco also finished the year as a consensus National Champion. Kittredge grabbed second team All-State honors and was selected to the Under Armour All-American game in January. Kittredge may currently be underweight but he possesses a great frame for a defensive lineman, possessing solid distribution from shoulders to ankle. A very physical and aggressive prospect, Kittredge is quick off the ball and can go sideline-to-sideline, making him versatile enough to play any position along the line of scrimmage. He doesn't possess great speed off the edge however, so he'll likely play in the gap or 6-technique defensive end. Kittredge plays with sound pad level and improved as a tackler this season. He is also projectable on the offensive ball as a possible guard, making him a very valuable prospect. Kittredge committed to Vanderbilt towards the end of the summer after a lengthy recruitment that also saw schools like South Carolina, Boston College, Virginia, Rutgers, Duke, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan State, Pittsburgh, West Virginia and several others. Rivals.com has rated him 13th among all prospects out of New Jersey. Notre Dame offered last week but Kittredge remains firm with Vanderbilt and will sign on Wednesday. He earned praise earlier this year in the Under Armour game, playing both defense, offense and special teams and holding his own against some of the top players around the country. Kittredge is one of many defensive line prospects who could impact the roster in 2010, but could also redshirt and add a bit more size during his first year in Nashville. He has a lot of upside and could emerge as a multi-year starter during his Commodore career. Comparable NFL Player: Jeremy Navarre- Jacksonville Jaguars

Sun, fun a reward for Cribbs' blockers 01.30.2010 Zac Jackson, Staff Writer The guy who routinely makes plays that make you jump off your couch just might do it again during Sunday night's Pro Bowl. But this Joshua Cribbs story is at least a bit unique, for it's a little about Cribbs - and a little about a couch. It's about Cribbs' trip to his second Pro Bowl after another record-breaking season in the return game and the vow he made shortly after officially receiving his Pro Bowl invitation last month. Cribbs said - as he always does - that he couldn't do the things he does without his teammates doing the dirty work. As a reward, he said he was bringing his return-unit mates along for a long weekend in South Florida. And many of them were glad to pack up, head south and accept Cribbs' kindness. "Those guys," Cribbs said, "were great all season." About that couch... Way back in October, Ray Ventrone was needling Blake Costanzo in the locker room about his empty apartment. "Blake doesn't even have a couch," Ventrone said. "He sleeps on a futon. He's a little different." Such is life in the NFL for guys like Ventrone and Costanzo who make their livings primarily playing special teams. Rarely are they sure they'll be employed for long, so they plan accordingly. Once Cribbs and the Browns' return units found their stride around midseason, there wasn't much lineup shuffling done. Big blocks spring Cribbs for two kick return touchdowns in Kansas City and a 55-yard punt return that led to points in the upset of the Steelers. Costanzo was a big part of one of the best special teams games in franchise history in the first win of 2009 in Buffalo, which waived Costanzo earlier in the year. After Cribbs' record-setting second touchdown return, a 103-yarder, in Kansas City, Costanzo was first on the scene to help Cribbs celebrate. But he never did buy himself a couch for his time back in Cleveland. "I went the whole season with just my TV and a little futon mat," Costanzo said. "I'm a single guy. I live a simple life. I just like playing football." "I'll say this for Blake," Ventrone said. "My parents only live two hours away and they drove some stuff up to the area for me or else I wouldn't have too much either." Longtime Sports Illustrated NFL writer Peter King picked Costanzo as the best special teams player on his postseason All-Pro team. Not bad company for a guy who was claimed on waivers back in June and whose arrival in Cleveland was trumpeted by a two-sentence press release. "I like the recognition," Costanzo said. "But I never aim for it. I just want to keep hitting guys and get Josh back to the Pro Bowl." Last week, Costanzo said he'd spoken to Ventrone and Nick Sorensen and looked forward to meeting them in South Florida. Abe Elam, who lives in the area, said he was making plans to meet up with those guys, Gerard Lawson and Lawrence Vickers. Brian Robiskie arrived on Thursday as well. "Josh bringing everybody down here speaks volumes about the kind of person he is," Elam said. "He understands it's a team game and it takes 11 guys to help make the plays he makes. No one is more appreciative." "I can't say enough good things about Josh, on or off the field," Costanzo said. "He didn't have to do this. But he took it upon himself to get us all together, get us down there and reward us. It's pretty incredible."

An unexpected lift - Cleveland Browns - Surprises in 2009 01.11.2010 Matt Florjancic, ClevelandBrowns.com ClevelandBrowns.com's review of the 2009 season continues with a look at 10 "surprise" players who came from various backgrounds and situations and ended up contributing to the Browns' strong finish. Linebacker Blake Costanzo. Costanzo was a high-motor, high-intensity special teams player on and off the field during the 2009 season. He recovered a fumbled punt return which helped set up the game-winning field goal against the Bills, Costanzo's former team. He was also a lead blocker for Cribbs' kick return touchdowns and filled in at linebacker at times during the season. An under the radar June waiver-wire pickup, Costanzo, a graduate of Lafayette College, was the only Patriot League alum on an NFL 53-man roster for the entire season.

Bronco Football Hires a Pair of Former Hofstra Defensive Coaches Release: 01/04/2010 Good Energy's owner Pete Ohnegian is glad that his former Lafayette Defensive Line coach - Dave Cohen - has landed safely at Western Michigan after Hofstra dropped its Football program. KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Western Michigan University announced the hiring of Dave Cohen, former Hofstra head coach, as the program’s new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, and Rich Nagy, the Pride’s former defensive coordinator as the Broncos’ new safeties coach. “Coach Cohen and Coach Nagy bring an abundance of success and experience to our program. I was impressed with Hofstra’s aggressive and hard-hitting style of defense during our game at Waldo Stadium. I and the coaching staff are very excited to get them on campus to begin working in preparation for the 2010 campaign,” commented head coach Bill Cubit. Cohen spent the last four seasons at the helm of a Hofstra football program that ranked 26th in the NCAA Division I FCS in total defense in a conference (Colonial Athletic Association) that boasts some of the top teams in the country. His pass defense ranked fourth in the country in 2008. His 22-year coaching career has been highlighted by a national championship in 2003, a trip to the national semifinals in 1997 and a trio of trips to the national quarterfinals in 1995, 1996 and 2004. He was named the NCAA I-AA Defensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Monthly, in 2004. “I am excited to join the Western Michigan football family. I have always had great respect for head coach Bill Cubit as an offensive mind and as a head coach dating back to his days at Widener. After playing at Western Michigan this past fall I was most impressed with the facilities and great game day atmosphere. I can’t wait to coach in that environment as the home team,” commented Cohen.

Costanzo SPECIAL "On and Off the field" Matt Florjancic, Contributor to ClevelandBrowns.com 12.14.2009 First-year Browns linebacker Blake Costanzo does not mind being called a special teams player. If anything, he takes it as a compliment. And he should. In the fourth quarter of the Browns' 6-3 win in Buffalo earlier this season, Costanzo made a special play. On punt coverage, Costanzo recovered a Roscoe Parrish fumble. Parrish attempted to field the 57-yarder from Dave Zastudil, but only after letting the ball roll toward his hands. As Parrish prepared to recover the punt, he failed to control the ball and Costanzo jumped on the fumble. The recovery led to Billy Cundiff's 18-yard game-winning field goal. "Coach (Eric) Mangini does a good job of knowing our opponents, who we're facing, the returners we're facing," said Costanzo. "I like to just keep it loose and have good time with a bunch of my friends playing the game of football, the best game in the world." In a loss to the Chargers, Costanzo recovered an onside kick that resulted in Phil Dawson's 49-yard field goal in the final minute to make it a one-score game. "It's all about effort and who wants it more," Costanzo said. "Every time we go out there, I try to be that guy who's going to win every snap. I've been fortunate enough to be around the ball and when the ball's on the ground, I'm going to get it. "You've got to be a selfless guy because special teams don't get noticed a lot," he added. "It's about going out there and beating the guy you're going against every single play and that's the mentality that you have to have on special teams. That's the way you should play the game in general." Costanzo's selfless play has been noticed by his teammates, those who block with him and also those who run behind him. "He's going to be flying around; he's going to be hitting somebody," said linebacker and special teams contributor Jason Trusnik. "He's just a guy that you can count on. When you see a guy coming down, throwing his body around, making blocks, just hitting people, that gets you a little bit fired up and makes you want to play with him." "He is one of the toughest guys on special teams as far as hitting guys, having fun, knocking guys out, making tackles, getting all the fumbles, production points, helping other guys get off of blocks," said Joshua Cribbs, Browns wide receiver and return ace. "This guy is a tremendous athlete. Not only does he give up his body and crush the opponent, but he also talks to them while he's doing it. He lets them know what he's going to do every time and he does it." While his teammates appreciate the effort, Costanzo is happy to fly under the radar and study how other veterans make plays. "I just like being part of the whole special teams unit," he said. "We've got a bunch of special guys with our leader Josh Cribbs, Nick Sorensen and Ray Ventrone. I can learn a lot of lessons from them, just the way they approach the game, the way they play the game. When I'm out there, I just want to do everything I can to help them succeed and help our team succeed." Costanzo works hard on every play, whether it is in practice or during the games because he knows how difficult it was to make it to the NFL. Costanzo played football at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania. Lafayette is a member of the Patriot League. "It was a difficult path, but so many players before me have done the same thing," said Costanzo. "You've just got to be persistent with it, not give up and keep believing in yourself and your abilities. I've had a lot of great coaches that gave me opportunities along the way and I'm very grateful for that because without that, I wouldn't be here. I didn't have an agent and made my own highlight tape, got some addresses from some of my coaches in college and sent them out myself. "I approach the game the same way I did from when I was a little kid," he added. "I just learned that football's a game; it's the passion of my life and I have fun doing it." Another one of Costanzo's passions and a thing that makes him a special teams player in life is charity work. This year alone, he has volunteered at the Cleveland FoodBank and the NFL's Hometown Huddle. At the Hometown Huddle, Costanzo got to the event early in the morning and stayed through the end. During the day, Costanzo was asked several times, ‘Why are you still here?' His response never changed, ‘It's my day off. I've got nothing else to do. I might as well do some good.' "All of us are really blessed to be out there doing what we're doing," said Costanzo. "I think that we have to give back because there's so many people out there, that we don't even realize in our lives, have given us the opportunity to do what we do. I think that every day you should do a little something to give back to those around you or help out someone in need because that's what life's about anyways. Football is just a game and after football, you've got to be a good person in life. I'm trying to be a better person in my walk of life."

Mahwah BEATS Ramsey in "meaningless" Game November 27, 2009 On BLACK Friday, Mahwah beat their cross-town rival 35-7 in what the Ramsey coaches deemed was a "meaningless" game. Pictured are neighbors and friends watching a flag football game this fall. They were at Finch Park to cheer on younger boys in their flag football game. Although 5 and 6 years old, the boys were playing hard and learning about how to compete. I hope these boys and girls(from Ramsey) did not attend the game at Mahwah High School on Friday when "our" coaches convinced not only the Varsity players but Jim McConville and the Bergen Record reporters that the game against NBIL League opponent and rival - Mahwah, was meaningless. Ramsey's J.V. team was granted the opportunity to take part in an "unimportant" varsity game to the tune of a 28-0 deficit in the first half before a classy Jeff Remo (Mahwah Head Coach) called off the dogs to maintain a respectable 35-7 outcome. Credit to Coach Remo for not commenting on a most upsetting issue in which he accomodated his cross-town rival by moving the game one day earlier. Therefore, Ramsey would have an extra day of rest to prepare for their State Championship game on Thursday against River Dell at Giants Stadium. Football is a game of "controlled violence" and injuries occur although we try to prevent them. There are no guarantees that student-athletes will not get hurt in gym class, practice or playing home run derby over the weekend. Good Energy is upset that Ramsey conceded a loss and the coaches took a game away from boy's who only get the chance to play a certain amount of games before they NEVER play football again. At GE - EVERY game is important and win, lose or tie - playing to COMPETE and TRYING TO WIN is ONE of the most important aspects of Sports. Sports are a physical outlet for people to compete, but also can teach participants valuable lessons about life. What did the Ramsey Varsity football team learn on BLACK FRIDAY? Some things in life are meaningless? GOOD ENERGY REMAINS...

Ramsey keeps checking off list Sunday, November 15, 2009 BY MARK J. CZERWINSKI The Record - STAFF WRITER RAMSEY — One by one, week by week, Ramsey seems to be satisfying its heart's desires on the football field. First came the win over Old Tappan in the final game before the State playoff cutoff that gave the Rams one more game on their Depuyt Field. They made the most of that opportunity Saturday with an impressive 35-6 victory over Pascack Hills in a North 1, Group 2 quarterfinal. "This was really important to us," senior defensive back John Capuano said. "This was probably going to be our last time on this field. We were saying all week that we were going to party on the [big midfield] 'R' one more time, and today we did." Saturday's win means the third-seeded Rams (8-1) get something else they've been after. They'll face No. 2 West Essex, the team that ousted them from the playoffs in the semifinals last season. "West Essex is a good team that's fast and runs great schemes," said Ramsey coach Vic Tribuzio, whose team has won seven straight since a one-point overtime loss to Pascack Valley. "We're going to have our work cut out for us." The Rams put this one away in the second quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points to take a 28-6 halftime lead. The big play was an 81-yard interception return for a touchdown by Capuano in the closing seconds of the half that changed the complexion of the game. Capuano also had another interception in the second half, his fourth in the last two games. "Our defense played great," said senior running back Zach Donnarumma. "[Pascack Hills] made mistakes, but we forced those mistakes. We just kept digging deep, working hard to put the ball in the end zone." The Rams haven't allowed more than three touchdowns in a game this season, and they put the brakes on a Pascack Hills' offense that had averaged 35 points while winning the previous four games. The Rams did a particularly good job of keeping Pascack Hills' star players from dominating. "Our kids play hard," Tribuzio said. "They always play hard. They wanted this opportunity to play one more game on their home field real bad, and they answered that call on their home field." Donnarumma ran for 53 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 12 rushing touchdowns for the season. Junior running back Zack Klein ran for 57 yards and a touchdown, and senior quarterback Kevin Kuruc threw for 124 yards and a touchdown. "We have a lot of athletic kids on this team," Donnarumma said. "We play great defense, but we also have a very balanced offensive attack. We're tough because we have so many weapons." West Essex has won eight straight after an 0-2 start, and is 5-1 at home this season. But in a season where the Rams seem to be making the most of every opportunity, that's a challenge they'll gladly take. "To be honest, that's the one game we wanted," Capuano said. "It's a chance for payback, to make sure that this year is different."

Trattou toughs it out - 11/11/09 not a GE Client - but a GE Story & a NJ GUY! Justin Trattou’s injury sounds horrific, excruciating, debilitating. But then he judges the severity of injuries a little differently than most. “Any injury you can play through isn’t too bad,” said the Florida defensive end. Trattou is enduring some pain and playing through this injury. But, boy, does it ever sound bad. In the Arkansas game a few weeks ago, Trattou landed hard on his shoulder and felt a pop. He kept playing and got hit on the shoulder again later in the game. Pop. What happened was one of the two tendons that connect his left biceps muscle to his shoulder tore and then became detached. “It popped off and it just like rolled down my arm,” said Trattou, a junior from Ramsey, N.J. “You can kind of see it. You can see it kind of hanging there (on top of his biceps). “It won’t ever grow back. It will just scar over and I’ll deal with it. It’s not too bad. I think it’s kind of cool, actually. It makes me look more jacked than I am.” When the doctors first told Trattou what his injury was, he was concerned it might end his season. Then the doctors delivered the good news. “Once I learned that it didn’t need surgery and it was a matter of if I could tolerate the pain or not, I knew I would be able to play soon,” he said. “Once they told me I didn’t need surgery, I was excited.” Pain? No problem. “He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever been around,” UF coach Urban Meyer said. The original diagnosis was Trattou would be sidelined four to six weeks. But only a few days later, Trattou returned to practice and nearly played in the Mississippi State game. “I was going to try, but I really wasn’t strong enough,” he said. “I would have hurt the team, so I gave it an extra week. Now, I’m feeling pretty good.” Two weeks after sustaining the injury, Trattou saw playing time against Georgia. This past Saturday, he played most of the game against Vanderbilt, recording three tackles and playing at his usual high-energy pace. Trattou was asked if he considered himself a tough guy. “I’m just a normal guy from New Jersey,” he said. Trattou said he’s had worse injuries than this one. “Every football player has to play through injuries,” he said. “I haven’t had too many serious ones. You have to push through week to week. “Sprained ankles are worse. You can’t run. As long as I can run, I’m OK. You have to expect when you play hard that things are going to happen. The second you don’t play hard because you’re scared to get hurt, then you shouldn’t be playing football.” Trattou said the pain is bearable, a little nagging during the week. He said it’s no factor once he gets into the game. “It hurts more during the week than during the game because during the game you have all the adrenaline going,” he said. “During the week, it’s kind of nagging pain, but it’s worth it come Saturday. “It’s a trade-off. You only have a certain amount of time here, so you have to enjoy it.” Trattou said the only thing he’s taking for the pain is Advil. He said the strength is quickly returning to his bicep and the only limitation is a slight change in his range of motion. “Statistics say you get 95 percent of your strength back without surgery, so there’s really no need,” he said. Trattou said he’s already doing sets of curls with his left arm with 35 pounds. When one media member said even he could do that much, Trattou said, “Tear your bicep and then do 35 pounds.” It’s not easy, and it comes with some pain. But Trattou has shown he can handle it. “He’s tough, man,” Meyer said. “Not many guys would do what he’s doing.”

Email from an All-American College Football Player November 11, 2009 Subject: Fw: from coach pyne This is what it is all about! Next year we head to high school , but the smiles say it all. ...we went 3 and 6 this year but we WE WORKED HARD, the kids got TOUGH, and it was a LOT OF FUN! That's GE! So many Dads could learn from Dave Pyne - a former great football player whose Grandfather, Father & Brother PLAYED in the NFL. Having what it takes to play in the NFL is a special gift...but TEACHING young boys what football is ALL about is also a special gift. Thanks for sharing Dave - GO GOOD ENERGY in Massachusetts!

Cheers to Todd Smith - MKA Athletic Director MKA will have pink Homecoming for Breast Cancer Awareness October 23, 2009 Montclair Kimberley Academy’s Homecoming on Saturday won’t just be about reuniting and celebration this year. All athletic teams will wear pink as part of their uniforms to honor national Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The field hockey team will be the first to switch colors (from blue/green/white) as it dons pink jerseys for its 4 p.m. Friday game against Columbia, moved up one day due to threat of rain Saturday. On Saturday, the boys and girls soccer teams and girls volleyball teams also will wear pink jerseys while the football squad sports pink wristbands/sweatbands for its 1 p.m. game against Marist. ``Breast cancer is a disease that has affected many members of the MKA community, and we will continue to do our part to raise awareness through fundraising efforts, education and statements of our community’s commitment to help find a cure,’’ athletic director Todd Smith wrote as part of his Homecoming welcome. ``We always wear the MKA athletic uniforms with pride and today we do so with an additional sense of purpose.’’ MKA Athleteic Director, Todd Smith is a Good Energy friend and Lafayette College Alum - Class of 1994.

Is your Program set-up to Win? 10-10-2009 Three years ago the GE STAFF trained several teams in the Summer of 2007 including the Northern Highlands Football Team under "new" head coach Chris Locurto. Our program was set-up to work the players hard but with a unique style to shy away from conventional football training and to have some fun while they work together as a team. We enjoyed our time in the Sun with the Highlanders and our Program was highlighted with a Superstars Competition and the unveiling of the Ice Cream Man following a tough workout. Three years later, the same Athlete's are now in their senior season. Four weeks into the season, their quarterback has a broken collarbone and more than a handful of starting players are not playing due to shoulder injuries. Football programs can no longer be just about x's and o's. In 2009 a football program must have "the student-athlete" in mind. A full day of class and studying at night as well as proper diet, rest and strength will make a team prepared and in better condition - not to mention "in season" strength training. Apparently something is missing at Northern Highlands. You could attribute it to the 1/2 dozen or so Don Bosco Ironmen who could have played for their hometown public school, or that it is a down year. However, these boys were one play away from winning the Championship as 8th graders and that does not include the Hohokus and Saddle River players. A strength training program which is based on preventing injuries and maintaining strength throughout the season could be just the solution. A total body workout performed on Monday following films for Varsity and Tues or Wed for the J.V. so they maintain their strength and minimize injuries. Long practices performing the same drills and plays makes football players over-programmed and forces your athletes' to absorb continuous contact - the same way - over and over again. How about implementing a "feel good" workout after a LIGHT practice on Thursday? Create a "Team Bonding Lift" to augment an otherwise monotonous routine. Imagine your players thinking that this 2nd lift day is a "FUN" activity in which they don't have to perform Olympic lifts, but rather Biceps/Triceps and extra core/abs and stretching. Improve the teenager's spirit and create a different environment. Coaches - Set your Program up to Win games without the x's and o's....and then when you get Emotional and ask the student-athlete to give you more...he not only wants to for himself, the TEAM....but you too. Is anyone listening? Coaches? "Hello??"

Hometown Huddle again a success 10.06.2009 The Browns teamed up with United Way to build a Fitness Zone at Famicos Foundation's Park Village Apartments in Cleveland at the 11th annual Hometown Huddle Tuesday. The Hometown Huddle is United Way's National NFL Day of Caring. The NFL, Browns, Deloitte, Thompson Hine LLP and United Way sponsored the brand-new outdoor 8-station Fitness Zone. A set of parallel bars, a climbing wall, jump ‘n touch and a vault bar were installed by Browns players, as well as volunteers from the organization, Deloitte, Thompson Hine and United Way. While most of the volunteers worked in shifts, linebacker Blake Costanzo arrived early in the morning and stayed for the entire project. "I'm just having a good time," said Costanzo. "These are great people out here working. If they're going to be working, I might as well do the same thing." "Each year, we partner with the United Way and they offer their agencies the opportunity to apply for the Fitness Zone project," said Renee Harvey, Director of Community Relations for the Browns. "We make several sight visits. When we met the staff and how passionate they were about what they're doing and saw the site itself, the need was certainly here. The project was a perfect fit." Costanzo was one of several Browns players who gave their time to the Hometown Huddle project. In the afternoon sessions, offensive linemen John St. Clair and Eric Steinbach helped defensive back Gerard Lawson paint a fence bordering the playground. Safety Brodney Pool and practice squad defensive lineman Brian Schaefering moved limestone, while defensive back Mike Adams and Lawson hammered steel rods into blocks of wood for a walkway. Players also helped pour cement to hold the fitness equipment in place. During the day, volunteers painted a mural along the east wall of the northern-most building. "What I like best is giving the kids something to be proud of," Costanzo said. "I was brought up to take pride in everything you do. It's great to have a place where the kids could run around and play and have some pride in where they live." "The NFL does a great job with the community outreach stuff," said Steinbach. "You've got 32 teams helping out in 32 cities. I think it's making a difference. Giving these kids something new and refreshing is kind of cool." Following the completion of the project, wide receiver Mike Furrey and Costanzo presented Famicos with a check for improvements to the indoor community center. A Nintendo Wii, a Wii Fit pad and DVD player were also donated. In a show of gratitude to the Browns, the children at Famicos put their handprints on a banner and presented it to the players. "It's a true team effort," said Harvey. "It means the world to the residents, but I think it means a lot to the guys to see that they can make a difference in a short amount of time. It takes some of the pressure off of us because they can do the cement and heavy hauling. They certainly go to work." Famicos Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides housing and supportive services to low-income seniors, families and the chronically homeless throughout Cleveland. Famicos serves hundreds of children in Greater Cleveland, including 120 at the Park Village complex.

GE Athlete's Play... written October 2009 It's getting difficult to scan the web and find all our athlete's at their respective colleges and look up their participation in the Box Scores and in their local media. This is what sets GE apart from other Training Facilities. Athlete's that TRAIN AT GOOD ENERGY are part of our TEAM! The GE Staff genuinely cares about the well-being of our Athlete's and we show that by displaying their success at our gym or on the site. We feel that we provide a certain "Performance Culture" that provides our Athlete's with the tools and preparation to excel in their Sport. There are other establishments that pride their gym on a Max Lift of 1 Repetition, but often times the guy who made the big lift in the gym over the summer, is not playing in the fall, literally is not listed as a Participant in the Box Score. We don't have any Olympic Lifters or PowerLifters at our gym. That is a sport in its own right and the goal in that sport is to lift, push or drag the most weight possible. We do utilize Olympic & Power lifts as exercises in our program, but we perform these exercises to get stronger and more powerful for the field of play. Ultimately, GOOD ENERGY provides an athlete with the means of getting athlete's stronger, faster and more agile. By training properly with good mechanics and techniques, our athlete's have the ability to play better. Sooo....it never gets old looking for GE STATS on the web, because after all, we pride our training on the GE TEAM playing better, not on one lift they performed well this SUMMER! KEEP ROLLIN' GE!......Thanks for believing!

Good Energy - Plays a Major Role in Injury Prevention September 21, 2009 Fall 2009 officially starts tomorrow on the calendar but Fall Sports are in Full Swing. Prior to this Fall, the Bergen Record had several articles about injuries in high school sport's and horrific fatalities that have occured during competition in the past few years. NEWSFLASH! Experienced, knowledgeable, professional and certified personal trainers can help prevent many injuries your son or daughter could suffer playing sports through a specific-result's based training program. Injuries do occur in sports and unforeseen fatalities are an enormous tragedy. However, many serious injuries suffered by today's athletes can be prevented by developing a conditioned and strong body enabling your child to play better with less risk for injury. Unfortunately, most high schools do NOT have someone educated or a coach who makes time to train their athlete's with his/her specific needs in mind. Not only that, but teenage athlete's risk injury when their parent's allow them to workout on their own in the high school gym or doing his/her own program at a local health club with no supervision. This is why Good Energy Performance has excelled the past 6 years. Personal - Professional Performance Training. Hundreds of Athletes who have passed through our doors believe that our program helps them prevent injury, gets them stronger and more conditioned for competition, and they play their sport better with the confidence we instill in them. Pictured is Kyle Nelson, junior basketball and baseball player at Ramsey H.S. Kyle is on a National Travel Team for baseball this Fall along with Ramsey's Club Basketball Team. He and his parents have put faith in the Good Energy Program 3x per week this Fall to help maximize his performance. We look forward to introducing Kyle to our Strength & Conditioning Program, taking his abilities to the next level and providing him with the Good Energy WINNING Edge!

So what does "Performance Center" actually mean? comment on the beach - Jersey Shore - August 2009 It means that Good Energy is not just an open gym. Where you pay and train when you please...exercise at your tempo and just enough so you can glisten but not sweat. It is a philosophy. We want people to train here who WANT TO WORKOUT. Get fit, become a better athlete and get more out of life because they challenge themselves mentally and physically when they enter our facility. Your performance could be literally to get more energy or it could be to increase your fastball by 3 MPH for the Spring. It has nothing to do with your age or even if you are or were an athlete. But you must bring an open mindset that you believe in our staff and the people who referred you to our facility and we will design a program that will INCREASE YOUR HUMAN PERFORMANCE! amen. GO GOOD ENERGY! Thanks to ALL the believer's who have trained with us the last 6+ Years and have received Positive Results!!

"I don't know why I keep bonking around the 10 mile mark..." Useless Rhetoric at a Public Gym down the Jersey Shore So GE headed to the beach this August and continued to train hard and keep the GE Flowing while on the road... ...while trying to bang out a Power Hour at the Beach...I came across three men who felt the need to banter for most of the hour I was at the facility... It was not an issue the first day I paid the $12./Day Rate because I used their socializing as motivation to get more fit. However, the next day I came across them prior to 7am on a VACATION DAY...& turning the music up at the front desk did not work...so I gave them a dose of GE! "Just workout....stop talking about yourself, how great you are in your Corporate Job and how your life is more important than everyone else's and this is your time to relax...& WORKOUT!" ....they all got my point and disbursed. However, I did manage to add to Mr. Marathon Mental-Man...that if he trained more intensely like he apparently approached his job, then he might not have focus issues while training for the marathon. Do not let others alter your focus. Set your Fitness Goals...even if they are simply to have an uniterrupted Power Hour on vacation ...and get it done. NO EXCUSES!! Don't be the Mindless Marathon Man!! GO GOOD ENERGY!

Stripe chooses GE to become the BEST he can Be! Summer 2009 Finally,...Anthony Dolan and Andrew Romans were able to convince Greg Stripe to stop by our fitness shop to see what it was all about. Greg has not looked back,...training at GE 4x per week, working hard, and enjoying what GE has to offer. Greg was already "All World" in the pole vault and football for Mahwah H.S., but we are excited to prove to him that training the "GE WAY" will fuel him to perform even better in his 2nd season at Lafayette. Greg will be a participant in our Strength & Power program, as well as take advantage of our structured Speed & Conditioning workouts at ETA 2x per week.

D'Alessandro earns scholarship to Duke Tuesday, August 11, 2009 BY ANDY VASQUEZ The Record STAFF WRITER Anthony D’Alessandro doesn’t just want to make a Division I baseball team, the Mahwah center fielder wants to play an important part on one. D’Alessandro thinks he’ll get that opportunity at Duke University. Last week he verbally committed to an athletic scholarship to the Durham, N.C., school. "They want me to make an immediate impact [at Duke], which is the biggest thing in my mind," he said. "I don’t want to go and sit for a couple years, which is what a lot of kids end up doing." D’Alessandro will stay in center field at Duke. He was being recruited by Wake Forest, North Carolina, South Carolina, Rutgers, Seton Hall and a host of other schools. But when weighing all his options, it ended up being an easy choice to select the Blue Devils. "There were a lot of things that I liked about a lot of the other schools," he said. "But I found something wrong with all of them, like a down-point. With Duke, there was nothing bad." A rising senior at Mahwah, D’Alessandro batted .543 with 25 RBI, 25 stolen bases and 40 runs scored as a junior. "He’s a leader," Mahwah coach Jeff Remo said. "And he leads by example. … He’ll stay [at practice] until 7:30 or 8 p.m. just hitting and hitting and hitting. And the other players pick up on that." When D’Alessandro begins classes next year he plans on studying business or going pre-med. And he’s already looking forward to one big benefit of being a student-athlete at Duke — they always can get in to the ridiculously popular men’s basketball games at Cameron Indoor Stadium. "It will be pretty cool," he said. "I’ll get to go see games and I won’t have to camp out."

Personal Training is Alive...and well in Allendale Good Energy enjoys its 6th Year of Personal Performance We are in a recession. If you read the newspaper or watch television you see Bootcamp advertisements, DVD's...and group exercise on the rise. Whatever it takes. Different strokes for different folks....but how many times will your friend remind you of class...or will you be motivated to follow that tape one more time? Good Energy has stayed the course. We continue to train our clientele 1on1 and 2on1. We did initiate a Strength & Power Program this Summer which is up to 12+ clients, but the hour continues to remain one or two clients with one trainer. It works...and quite frankly it is what our client's are used to. The GE TEAM - client's and staff are self-motivated and focused to become more fit or better in their sport. Our client's compete against themselves on a daily basis to improve and therefore don't need a group atmosphere to push, because the Staff @ GE requires that effort each workout. The workouts at Good Energy have evolved over the past six years and require a certain intensity to complete them. Each workout challenges our clients physically and mentally whether it is a cardio routine, upper/lower/total or GE Bootcamp.... Our workouts are pre-scripted for our client's and the weights are written to challenge each client based on their fitness goals. Good Energy Personal Training and Performance Training is rolling and we will continue to uphold our original principles and philosophy despite our increased growth over the years. GO GOOD ENERGY!

Browns claim LB Costanzo 06.17.2009 The Cleveland Browns have been awarded linebacker Blake Costanzo off waivers from the Buffalo Bills. Costanzo entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets in 2006.He was waived prior to the 2006 regular season before going to camp with the team again the following year. He spent a portion of 2007 on Buffalo's practice squad before being promoted to the Bills' 53-man roster for the final three games, during which time he tallied seven special teams tackles. He played in all 16 games as a reserve with Buffalo last year and the led the club with 26 special teams tackles, in addition to recording a pair of forced fumbles. Costanzo was a three-year starter at Lafayette College where he finished his career with 307 tackles, 18 sacks, three interceptions, 12 passes defensed, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Born on April 14, 1984, Costanzo attended Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, N.J. The Browns waived undrafted rookie DB Bryan Williams on Monday.

Rehab home of the home team Friday, June 5, 2009 WALDWICK — The 6,000-square-foot room furnished with treatment tables, exercise bikes, elliptical machines and a treadmill has the jerseys of Patrick Ewing, Jason Kidd, Martin Brodeur and Gary Sheffield hanging on the walls. These major sports stars have come through the doors needing help, and returned to their respective teams ready to resume their careers. On this afternoon, mostly average Joes and Janes occupy the treatment tables at Excel Orthopedic Rehabilitation, which is the norm. The biggest name belongs to Brooke Ammerman, a River Vale native and Pascack Valley graduate who will try out for the 2010 U.S. Olympic women's hockey team in August. Ammerman has a nagging hip flexor injury. She's come in for a massage, some stretching and other exercises to relieve some of the muscles that are in spasm. Excel helped Ammerman after she underwent wrist surgery last year. As a freshman, she helped lead the University of Wisconsin to the women's national championship. Now she calls Excel whenever something hurts. "Going to the best, it's kind of hard to trust anybody else," Ammerman said. "So if I have any questions I usually e-mail them, call them, text them just to find out what their opinion is before I decide to do anything pretty drastic.'' Physical therapists Matt Gibble of Ridgewood and Gary Flink, a Hillsdale native and Franklin Lakes resident, are the co-owners and directors of Excel, and building trust is paramount. Excel is the team provider for Fairleigh Dickinson University, and works extensively with the Nets. Ex-Nets guard Kenny Anderson was Excel's first pro patient in 1995. They have since helped former Nets Stephon Marbury, Dikembe Mutombo, Richard Jefferson and Nenad Krstic return after surgeries. Professional teams outsource their physical therapy needs because travel makes it difficult for their training staff to work daily on players who will be sidelined a long time. Gibble and Flink, both Ironman triathletes, opened the practice in Fort Lee in 1990, and have added locations in Oakland, Hackensack and Waldwick. The Waldwick facility is inside the Superdome Sports Complex and has privileges to use it for patients to exercise in later rehab. A doctor usually calls Excel after someone has major surgery to repair a torn shoulder, ACL, MCL or wrist, and asks to help the person return to a normal life, whether it's an athlete, plumber, welder, soccer mom or weekend golfer. It's how Ewing, Kidd and Brodeur found Excel. "Every person who comes in is in a sling or a cast or immobilized," Gibble said. "We work on restoring the range of motion first, and then we gradually introduce exercises to restore and regain their strength." Dr. Charles Melone, who performed Ewing's wrist surgery in 1997, and assisted in repairing Brodeur's torn left biceps tendon in the 2008-09 season, recommended Excel. Dr. David Altchek performed Kidd's microfracture knee surgery in 2004, and sent the former Nets point guard to Excel. Kidd worked with Gibble, sometimes twice a day, and was the first NBA player to successfully return from microfracture surgery. "Matt and his team were a big part of my comeback," Kidd said. Excel's main competitors are Kessler, SportsCare Institute and some privately owned physical therapy offices. The company says a big part of its success comes from the attention the 15 physical therapists give their patients. They don't want to let down the patient, doctor or team. "We built our practice and our name in the community with the physicians and patients and their families by providing a very personalized level of care," Flink said. Brodeur needed eight wins to break Patrick Roy's NHL record of 551. He worked exclusively with Flink, two hours a day up to five days a week. He returned to the ice in February and set the mark after nine starts. Flink and Gibble were at the Prudential Center to celebrate the record with him. "The beauty of this is how they know their stuff," Brodeur said. "You go to rehab and they would say, 'All right Marty, this is what's going to happen,' and it would happen." Current and ex-Devils Bobby Holik, Sergei Brylin and Jay Pandolfo, ex-Red Bulls Mike McGee and Pete Canero and San Diego Chargers lineman and Garfield native Luis Castillo also have been patients. Nets backup guard Keyon Dooling is rehabbing from hip surgery with Excel now. "They do a great job," Nets trainer Tim Walsh said. "They take care of the majority of any extended rehab, especially in-season. There's no way I would be able to get through without them." Their patients say the same thing.

Male Athlete of the Week: Anthony D'Allesandro of Mahwah Tuesday, April 28, 2009 Baseball is more than just a game for Anthony D'Alessandro. It's been an ongoing adventure. Baseball has given the Mahwah junior, one of the premier hitters in North Jersey, an opportunity for some serious travel. Florida. Georgia. The Carolinas. In fact, summers with his traveling team have been almost like a preview of college life. "It really is as if I'm in college," said D'Alessandro, who had 12 hits in 17 at-bats last week, including the 100th hit of his high school career, to earn The Record Male Athlete of the Week honor. "I get to live on my own, maybe with a player or two. I get to meet a lot of new kids, and that's been fun." D'Alessandro will be away with his traveling team through July. While his classmates are working summer jobs or hanging out at the pool, he'll get a steady diet of the things he loves most — baseballs. D'Alessandro said he hasn't looked at colleges yet, and part of his dream is to someday play professionally. D'Alessandro gave up basketball to run winter track to stay in shape for baseball, and did well enough to earn All-NBIL honors in the 55 meters. When D'Alessandro isn't playing baseball, he enjoys studying history. "It's nice to learn about the past," said D'Alessandro, who is studying the Cold War. "Even in baseball, I'm into old records and stats and things like that." And that's only fitting because D'Alessandro has been busy rewriting the Mahwah record books. He set school single-season records in hits (60) and batting average (.540) as a sophomore, and he's not through yet. "I love hitting," said D'Alessandro, who has been playing since he was 7 years old. "In any other aspect of the game, you know you're supposed to make a great pitch or make a great catch. In hitting, you never know what is going to happen next."

Athlete of the Week: Matt Braun of Ramsey Tuesday, March 24, 2009 Ramsey goaltender Matt Braun has made an art out of staying loose in critical situations. He proved it Saturday at Prudential Center, earning The Record Male Athlete of the Week honor by helping the Rams become the first Bergen County public school to win a State hockey championship. His secret? Knowing how to keep smiling. ATHLETE'S BIO Sport: Hockey Class: Junior Age: 16 Accomplishment: Matt Braun had a 40-save shutout to lead Ramsey to a 2-0 victory over Kinnelon in the State Public B title game. The Rams became the first Bergen County public school to win a State hockey title. Braun was knocked over four times during the game — a rarity for a goaltender — and he even had his helmet ripped off a couple of times. But Braun stood up with a smile beaming through his mask as he playfully slapped the puck into his own net during a stoppage in play. "I was just goofing around a little," Braun said. "That's how I stay calm. So I play around to stay calm and try not to really think about the game. When I don't think about it I play better." Don't confuse Braun's playful demeanor with a lack of focus. When the puck is in play, Braun is hyperfocused, communicating with his defense and watching closely to figure out which angle the next shot might come from. Nearly every time play is stopped, Braun skates to the corner of the ice, touches the boards and skates back to the net. Then he touches two corners of the net. When the stakes are high, this is Braun's way of taking a mental vacation. "I know that if it's a big game, I've usually got to try to take my mind off this as much as I can," Braun said. "So I try not to think about [the game]." Braun's relaxed-but-focused attitude seems to have worn off on his teammates. His current favorite song, by the 1980's band Journey, turned into the theme song for Ramsey during its run to the State title. He led the team in singing that song, "Don't Stop Believin'," after Saturday's historic win. For the always-loose Braun, 40 saves and a State championship provided plenty to believe in. Also nominated: Jeff Molner of Kinnelon for hockey.

FALLING OFF the fitness wagon...... Make a Fitness Journal to go with your Food Log! Take a deep breath.... It is safe to say that MOST adults are stressed about the ecomonic woes we are presently living in. It is easy to have a huge TO DO list that hardly gets started let alone ALL checked off. Do YOURSELF a favor. Put Fitness on the TOP of the List. NOT only that, make a little journal, diary or pad for that matter, to log what fitness you do each week. It's probably unfair to say log fitness "each day", but if you can put something on paper that documents that you went for a walk, bike ride, run or performed an exercise video - it will go a LONG way in improving your mental health and thus your ability to accomplish MORE things on your TO DO list. Don't worry about how long, how far, etc. You can log that you walked for almost two miles, or that you were on your bike ride for 21 minutes. However if you get caught up in distance and time, that will discourage you from performing a little fitness and therefore give you another excuse NOT to do it. Make the Journal TODAY or find an old pad that you can designate for logging your Fitness and you are on the right track to more stress FREE days and more checks off the TO DO LIST. GOOD LUCK. P.S. The picture is for those folks who DON'T HAVE TIME.....wake up early,...and start the day with a GOOD FOR THE HEART activity! : )

Congratulations Katie Nestor TCNJ wins nine events to claim NJAC title New York, NY… The College of New Jersey won its 12th consecutive New Jersey Athletic Conference Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships at the New Balance 168th Street Armory, as the Lions with 240 points. TCNJ has won every indoor championship for both the men and women since the conference began conducting the meet in 1998. TCNJ’s 240 points gave the Lions a 110-point margin over second-place Ramapo (130). TCNJ won half of the events, claiming titles in the long jump, 55-meter hurdles, distance medley relay, mile run, 400-meter dash, 800-meter run, 3,000-meter run, 4x400, and 4x800-meter relays. Richard Stockton, which had winners in the weight throw, pole vault, high jump, and 5,000-meter run, was third with 95.50 points, followed by Rowan (77), New Jersey City (49), Montclair State (41), Kean (22.50), Rutgers-Camden (7) and Rutgers-Newark (6). Senior Stephanie Herrick (Wayne, NJ/Wayne Valley) had a strong meet repeating as the NJAC Champion in the mile with a swift time of 5:06.32, while adding a second-place effort in the 800 meters. In the 800, she posted a time of 2:21.48 trailing only teammate Katie Nestor (Allendale, NJ/Northern Highlands), who won the race in 2:20.60.

FIND Cardio in Your Life! 2009 - Tip #3 From the GE Philosophy Plain and simple! How many times have you read the Fitness magazines by the cashier at the grocery store and the headline reads, "A MORE ACTIVE YOU"...or "10 Tips to a Healthier You", or in the local newspaper right around this time of year,..."Use the stairs not the elevator..." "For a Healthier YOU in 2009" Do you listen? Last Wednesday it snowed. It was still in January...fresh off New Year's Resolutions...and I actually heard some adult's begging for a snow day! Come on now,...putting your pajamas on backwards and inside out is cute,...but that's for kid's looking to sleep in. I went the opposite route. After I trained my morning clients,...who wanted GE in their life, I headed home and attacked the Slurpee-Like slush on my driveway, side walk and front steps as my cardio for the day. 26 MINUTES! Am I looking for a pat on the back because I shoveled? NO! I made shoveling my cardio for the day,...and I'll be honest, I was beat. (and probably a little dehydrated too) So you don't HAVE TO join a gym,...or do weighted sprints in the dark with a harness around your shoulders - like this crazy man in the picture... However, if you have to ask whether 30 minutes on the elliptical was enough,...then it wasn't. If you get off the treadmill after 40 minutes because you sprinted, jogged and walked on a steep incline the whole time, then you probably did enough. FIND CARDIO in your life to be more energized! Whether it is going out at night for an impromptu walk in the cold, brisk air...or re-arranging ALL the bins of baby clothes in your back room...BE INTENSE and work hard!

"How BAD do YOU Want IT?" 2009 - Tip #2 from the GE Philosophy Ask yourself this question? Whether it's to obtain a starting position, lose your last 5 pounds in your lower abs, .... or start your 2009 goals, diet or resolutions? START NOW! If you know why you want to do something... and it is THAT important to YOU... than you will sacrifice your time and effort to achieve your goals. YOU CAN DO IT! Surround yourself with positive people Create a Mindset that allows YOU to be better in `09! pictured is Blake Costanzo BLAKE trains @ GE when he is not running down ball carriers in the NFL. Blake could have given up his dream to play for money,...but he refused to get down. After all, Blake was cut three times by the NY Jets and the Buffalo Bills. BLAKE Wanted to LIVE his Dream BAD enough that he did ALL in HIS Power to Play on Sundays. He refused to listen to the doubters... and did NOT feel sorry for himself when the chips were down. `09 is YOUR TIME to Shine! "How BAD do YOU Want IT?"

BE CONSISTENT . 2009 - Tip #1 From the GE Philosophy The most basic but important training principle to get results... Be Consistent! You will NOT get results if you are not consistent, no matter how hard you train. To get results, you must workout on a regular basis -usually 2-3 times a week- for an extended period of time. If you workout only once a week, you won't make any gains but you will maintain your current fitness level. For instance, our elite athletes train once or twice a week during their competitive season to make sure that they don't lose their current fitness level. Their "in-season" goal is not to make any gains but to prevent the loss of speed, power, strength, and endurance while remaining injury-free. However, to get results, the most driven athletes or fitness enthusiasts should hit the gym and train three or four times per week to get maximum results during the pre-season or off-season. This training thought process must be repeated for a minimum of 6-8 consecutive weeks to make significant gains and up to 12-16 consecutive weeks to really see major improvements. Consistency is really the "secret" to getting great results. For example, if you go to the gym 4 times this week, once the next week, 5 times the following week and not at all the 4th week, don't expect to get results. You would be better off to go only twice a week every week and you would get more results! So, if you are serious about getting results when you undertake a training program, make sure you can commit to at least two to three training sessions a week consistently for an extended period of time. Please email goodenergy@optonline.net to give us feedback on this segment. We would like to continue this "motivational" aspect of our site, but only if YOU - the reader - is getting something out of it. It's YOUR TIME to Shine in `09!

Wejnert Scores 28 as Colgate Defeats Norfolk State 78-54 BRONX, N.Y. (12/29/08) Colgate’s Tayler Wejnert (Ramsey, N.J.) scored a career-high 28 points to lead the Raiders to a 78-54 win against the Norfolk State Spartans in the consolation round of the Fordham Holiday Classic at Rose Hill Gymnasium. Colgate (3-9) had nine players score four or more points in the win, with Kendra Brim (Buffalo, N.Y.) adding 10 points. Three players led the Raiders in rebounding with Brim, Tricia Oakes (Evergreen, Colo.) and Georgia Gier (Mercer Island, Wash.) each posting eight boards. The Raiders jumped out to an early lead in the first half, gaining a 17-6 advantage just over five minutes into the game. Colgate continued to knock down shots while the Raider defense kept Norfolk State (0-7) out of the paint, holding them to just one point during a six minute span. With 9:33 remaining in the half, Wejnert scored her first point of the game on the fast break, and followed it up with two free throws to extend Colgate’s advantage to 22, 29-7, giving the Raiders their largest lead of the game. Wejnert scored all 18 of her first half points in the final ten minutes of play.

The Express-Times Lafayette College linebacker Andy Romans named to All-America team Thursday, December 18, 2008 By CORKY BLAKE Lafayette College senior linebacker Andy Romans honors the game of football by the way he plays. There's no neutral or reverse in his gearbox. On Wednesday, football honored Romans. He was named to the Associated Press Football Championship Subdivision All-America second team defense. "That's outstanding, and he's deserving of everything he gets," said Lafayette coach Frank Tavani. "I've never had a player who worked harder or practiced harder than Andy." With Romans patrolling at outside linebacker, Lafayette has fielded nationally ranked defenses the past two seasons. He's the reigning two-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. "I just love playing football so much, whether it's a game or practice; it's just so much fun," Romans said. "I guess part of it is because of where I come from (northern New Jersey) and having hard-working parents. Also, I've had great coaches and teammates." Despite missing almost all of two games because of an assortment of injuries to his right leg, Romans still posted 96 tackles, 5.5 for loss and two fumble recoveries. Romans spearheaded a 35-21 upset of then No. 14 Liberty on Oct. 18 in Lynchburg, Va., by recording 12 tackles and blocking a punt he returned for a touchdown. "That's the game that stands out for me," Tavani said. "When people watch us they always say 'look at No. 17 (Romans).' They always say they enjoy watching No. 17." Romans, who lives in Allendale, N.J., was an all-state linebacker and fullback coming out of St. Joseph's Regional after leading his team to an NJSIAA sectional championship. But because he's listed at 5-foot-11, Division I schools, including home-state Rutgers, looked the other way. Lafayette was more than happy to welcome Romans to College Hill. He made an immediate impact on special teams as a freshman and moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore. His 326 career tackles is 10th among active FCS players. "It happens to a lot of guys I've played with and against," said Romans of being overlooked by D-1 schools because of size. "But I look at (former teammate) Blake Costanzo. He didn't get a scholarship and he's playing in the NFL with the Bills. "I've always played with a chip on my shoulder but not necessarily because of that. It bothered me when I first came to Lafayette, but once I got settled in I didn't think about it anymore because I loved playing football for Lafayette." Romans' goal is to follow Costanzo to the NFL. He said he's been in contact with most of the NFL teams. "Everybody I've talked to says I'll get a shot somewhere," Romans said. "I know I'll give everything I have when I get that shot."

Philadelphia Marathon - Thomas Barrett, Jr. November 23, 2008 Congratulations to Thomas Barrett, Jr. who completed his first marathon this morning in 3:44:30. Thomas was dedicated to his training and even ran 20 miles during his training schedule, but the reality of 26.2 in the 34 degrees of windy Philadelphia was a different type of gut check. Thomas felt great and was eyeing a 3:30 finish when his legs became dead around mile 20 and cramps set in his calves. He pushed through it all and finished in 3:44. We are so proud of Thomas for not only finishing, but for his dedication to push through various training ailments along the way and self-troubleshooting his ailments to get to his goal of not just running a marathon but attacking it and competing! Congratulations, Thomas - GE'S September Athlete of the Month.

The Smiles on their Face says it ALL.... ...it was a Great Season! I couldn't resist from sharing this email with everyone who reads the Good Energy site. This email is written by a friend and college teammate whose Grandfather, Dad and brother ALL played in the National Football League. Not only was the writer of this email a good football player, but he was tough, understood the game but also hated to lose....he writes: ...it was my kid's first year of playing and he had fun. He had to play up with the 8th graders the first game and he had to play against a kid that was 340 from the city of Worcester, MA - my kid is 180 pounds. He survived. My only goal was for him to have fun and like football and he did. I coached but kind of left him alone and it worked out well. We only won a couple of games but the kids showed up every day - worked real hard, learned a lot and had fun. It was a great time. We had blue collar kids, so the parents were not an issue. WOW! How refreshing is that email? Sports are supposed to be fun. Not only that but "they learned a lot" because it is supposed to be an extension of the classroom, just on a field. I hope whomever reads this article understands what we are trying to convey. Not many people GET PAID to play sports. That is a job. Actually, most of the BEST Professional Athletes love to play and have fun doing it and make a lot of money. Moms and Dads - let your kids have fun playing their sports and stop trying to make the next Derek Jeter or Tiger Woods. You take the fun out of the experience for everyone including your child whom this is ALL about. Thanks, Dave.

Daly, Ridgewood look solid at Shore Sunday, October 5, 2008 HOLMDEL – For Sarah Daly, it isn't about the individual, it all revolves around the team. The senior led a balanced Ridgewood effort to help the Maroons earn a fifth-place finish in the girls B Division at the Shore Coaches Cross-Country Invitational Saturday at Holmdel Park. "We just wanted to score as best as we could, especially with one of our runners battling an injury," said Daly, who was clocked in 20:26 to earn 17th place. "Everyone just gave it their best, this was a real good preparation-type event for the State meets coming down the road." Senior Charlotte Margel took 20th place in 20:45. In all, the Maroons had six runners finish among the top 51 in the B Division with sophomore Grayson Llerandi turning in a personal-best 21:13 clocking, good for 31st place. Megan Granski (21:46), Brenna Fischer (21:47) and Emily Garber (21:53) also did solid work. Ridgewood may have been even more of a threat to first-place Ridge (81 points) from Somerset County, but junior Courtney Schofield's hip flexor flared up and did not permit her to complete the race. "I think we all stuck pretty close together, that's the sign of a true team," Llerandi said. "No one really stood out, we all just contributed our share. It's a good feeling to compete at this level and be successful as a unit instead of as individuals."

Ice hockey always big with Braun Friday, September 26, 2008 BY ANDY VASQUEZ Bergen Record STAFF WRITER For all the hockey fans out there, you know what time it is. The first chills of fall are finally biting into the morning air. The Rangers and Devils are well into their preseason schedules and the first game of the NHL regular season will be here next week. For the first time since June it's OK to get excited. And in that respect, Ramsey junior goaltender Matt Braun is no different than you. Braun, a Rangers fan, is already making plans to go to Madison Square Garden. "I'm excited," Braun said. "I love the game, and it's going to be nice to watch some other people play, too." And after a summer of hard work – it must have felt like there was no off-season for Braun – he hopes he'll get a trip to Prudential Center in March, too. Not for a Rangers-Devils game, but to play in the Public B State title game. In late June he played in the Garden State Games. In July he went to the Boston area for the Chowder Cup, where he represented two teams and faced older competition in one division. "We played a team of all Canadians that were 20 years old," said Braun, who turned 16 in July. "The experience was really good." In early August, Braun traveled to Ann Arbor, Mich., for the Warren Strelow Goaltending Camp. The program, hosted by USA Hockey, is a select camp consisting of the top five goaltenders in each age group eligible for international play. There he trained for four days under USA Hockey instruction and learned the finer points of the game. "Some of the off-ice training was hand-eye coordination with tennis balls," Braun said, "like juggling. It helps you use your hands." Goaltenders are frequently asked to stand on their heads. Apparently, knowing how to juggle doesn't hurt, either. And after his busy summer, Braun isn't about to take a break before the high school season starts in December. Right now, he's playing for the Junior B New Jersey Hitmen. "Pretty much my whole summer has been hockey," Braun said. "And it's going to help a lot." Hockey season is here, and Matt Braun is ready. For all the hockey fans out there, you know what time it is.

Wayne Hlls-Ramapo rivals now NFL teammates Friday, September 26, 2008 BY KEITH IDEC Bergen Record STAFF WRITER Ryan Neill remembers the anguish as if nearly eight years haven't passed. The Wayne native, in his third season as a long snapper for the Buffalo Bills, still can't figure out how Ramapo quarterback Tom Grohs got away from him and two other Wayne Hills tacklers on that disappointing December day in 2000. Neill, then a senior defensive end for the Patriots, jumped into Grohs' passing lane on fourth-and-4 from the Wayne Hills 24, allowing Grohs to avoid him. Grohs also managed to slip senior defensive tackles David Yura and Michael Grenz, giving him just enough time to find receiver Jeff Miller for the deciding touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. That 14-7 defeat denied Neill yet another North 1, Group 3 championship before he embarked on a successful college career at Rutgers. It also ended a third straight Wayne Hills season one win short of perfection. That demoralizing loss is Neill's lasting memory from North Jersey's most intense public high school football rivalry. "I won three and lost one against Ramapo when I was on the varsity, but I lost the most important one," Neill said this week. "I would rather have been 1-3 and a State champion than 3-1. I'll never forget that State championship game." Neill always can count on one of his current teammates to remind him if he somehow suppresses the memory of that devastating game. In fact, it was one of the first things former Ramapo star Blake Costanzo mentioned to Neill when Buffalo signed Costanzo to its practice squad 11 months ago, after he was released by the Jets for the second time. "I was busting his chops all the time about how we beat them," said Costanzo, who beat Wayne Hills once as a junior and twice as a senior. "He really didn't have anything to say because we had the upper hand when we played each other." The Wayne Hills-Ramapo rivalry, which will continue tonight when the teams meet in Franklin Lakes, hasn't prevented them from becoming friends, though. They're neighbors in Orchard Park, N.Y., where the Bills practice and play, and Neill has been instrumental in helping Costanzo become a contributor on special teams. Like Costanzo, an undersized backup strong-side linebacker who played at Division I-AA Lafayette, Neill was not drafted in 2006, despite being a two-time All-Big East defensive end. "I encouraged him to not get down about being on the practice squad and all that," Neill recalled. "I told him if he worked hard and made plays, that he'd get an opportunity to play. We take a lot of pride up here in our special teams unit, and Blake is a guy who our special teams coach, Bobby April, loves." Scouts considered Neill undersized, too, but he has remained on the Bills' 53-man roster since he was promoted from their practice squad following his rookie season. The 6-3, 253-pound Neill is mostly a long snapper now, but his role is vital to the Bills' success. Costanzo (6-1, 235) covers kickoffs and punts, and also blocks as part of the Bills' return units. Together they're enjoying the Bills' 3-0 start, yet they acknowledge that one of them will be disappointed Saturday about the Wayne Hills-Ramapo result. "I still care about the kids at Ramapo," said Costanzo, whose agent, Art Weiss, is the father of Ramapo senior quarterback Andrew Weiss. "I still care about the school. I know it's a big week for the kids over there, especially for the guys who haven't played in a big game like that. I think it'll always be a good rivalry because Ramapo and Wayne Hills have that tradition in high school football. Hopefully, it'll continue on for a while. I'm definitely going to keep my phone on [tonight] to get some updates."

College notes: Romans from Allendale is a star Tuesday, September 16, 2008 BY JOHN ROWE Bergen Record Staff Writer St. Joes’ standout starring at Lafayette By major college football standards, Andy Romans is an undersized linebacker at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds. But on the Division I-AA the Football Championship Subdivision level, the Lafayette College senior from Allendale plays bigger than a 6-7, 300-pound defensive lineman. The Patriot League defensive player of the year last season, Romans is off to another good start this season. The former St. Joseph star has 14 tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in two games. He began with a 10-tackle performance in a 28-6 win over Marist and contributed four tackles in a 24-6 victory over Georgetown in which Romans played against Hoyas fullback Dean Duchak of Mahwah, a high school teammate and best friend. Romans has no friends on the field. He’s on the watch for the Buck Buchanan Award, which is presented to the best defensive player in Division I-AAat the Football Championship Subdivision level. Last season, Romans was the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year and Lafayette’s most valuable player. He was in on 113 tackles, which ranked him 25th in the nation, as he led the Leopards for the second straight season. Lafayette had the best defense in the country, allowing 260.9 yards per game.

"What the hell DID I do this Summer?" September 2008 @ Good Energy! This is a direct quote from a morning client in September. We don't think she was frequenting this Ice Cream Truck but she did... ..."take off" from Good Energy while she was playing with her four children this Summer. She promised us that she remained "highly active" though. Spin Class at a Health Club Power Bootcamp at a Health Club ...along with numerous distance runs and some core at home. She IS so sore right now from her 1st workout back at Good Energy! And if you have read the rest of our site you know that we don't really do the "NO PAIN, NO GAIN" thing. We try to write appropriate workouts for our clients to achieve their fitness goals whether it is to perform better in a particular sport, or be more fit! YEAH Good Energy! The bottom line is we do train with a certain intensity for our 1 hour workouts that can not be duplicated at another facility or on your own. Although we were a little taken back that this particular client was "so sore" after a fairly basic "Total Body" workout, our staff is encouraged that our training is rather progressive and is not the "every day" bootcamp or class. You HAVE to work your whole body to be fit! Don't just work on one facet - your heart, your muscles and mind must ALL be in tip top shape! GO GOOD ENERGY!

JACOBS READY TO ROCK FOR NH! Sunday, September 7, 2008 Top 25 Countdown: Northern Highlands BY TIM LEONARD RECORD STAFF WRITER From the time she had her knee surgery, through all of the arduous rehabilitation sessions, Cathy Jacobs has been keeping an eye on the calendar. The senior has been determined to make it back for Sept. 12, the date Northern Highlands opens its season. She knew her junior season was over before it started when she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee during a preseason practice. She waited until November to have the surgery because doctors wanted her to do physical therapy so that the knee would be stronger after the procedure. "I just look forward to playing. I haven't played with these girls or at this level for [more than] a year now. To be back out there is just great," said Jacobs, who was voted a captain by her teammates. "When I was a junior sitting out, it was definitely the worst thing. We're returning most of our starting lineup. This year could be the year that every senior dreams of." Jacobs was trying to rush back from a torn quadriceps she suffered while training in the summer of 2007 for a tournament in Holland. Not long after she got back on the field, Jacobs suffered the injury to her knee while defending a free kick. She jumped in the air as the kick was struck and heard a pop in the knee. The pain was instantaneous. "I'm probably being more cautious than she is," Northern Highlands coach Tara Madigan said. "Right now, at the point where we are, we don't need to push her 150 percent. She is much physically and mentally stronger now. "She's a completely different player. Her level of play has gotten better. She has become more confident. Her physical conditioning for coming back from ACL surgery is incredible." But Jacobs still doesn't feel that she's all the way back, even though she will be the starting sweeper for Northern Highlands, which is No. 4 in The Record preseason Top 25. Her knee still gives her some trouble, with occasional pain or swelling causing her to go to the sideline for a bag of ice. The recovery time is supposed to be a year, but Jacobs knows she doesn't have quite that long. The one-year anniversary of her surgery comes on Nov. 8. By then, the Highlanders' season will be over or close to it, depending on how far the team progresses in the State tournament. "I don't think about my knee until it starts hurting me," said Jacobs, who has elected not to wear a brace. "I'm not waiting for it to get better or waiting for a year to pass. I don't think about it unless it makes me think about it by hurting or swelling."

Bills bring back LB Costanzo by Chris Brown, Lead Journalist Last Updated: 9/5/2008 10:13 AM ET Buffalo acted quickly in addressing the shortage at the position signing Blake Costanzo Friday. Costanzo had been with the club since being signed to the team’s practice squad last October. He was eventually promoted to the active roster on Dec. 14 of last year and played in the final three games of the season, mainly on special teams. The second-year linebacker played on both the weak and strong side during the course of training camp this summer. Costanzo was one of the team’s final cuts when the club reduced the roster to 53 on Aug. 31.

Templeton hearing from Ivy Programs September 4, 2008 OL Jack Templeton of Ramsey (NJ) Don Bosco Prep is one of the top returning lineman in the Garden State. With a rigorous schedule about to begin for the Ironmen, NJVarsity.com spoke to Templeton about his preparation for the season and his recruitment. Templeton and Bosco will take on DeLaSalle in their first game Templeton, 6-foot-3 and 255-pounds, first spoke about the preparation for the upcoming season, which will see the Ironmen take on nationally ranked DeLaSalle (CA) and St. Xavier (OH). "Well I've been making sure to know my assignment and the team has just been practicing hard, and trying to get better every day," said Templeton. The senior lineman was asked to give his thoughts on the upcoming schedule for Bosco. "I think that it is a great opportunity for our team to go out and play such prestigious programs," said Templeton. "We have a real shot to compete with them and beat them." When it comes to his recruitment, Templeton is receiving interest from some of the top academic programs in the country. "Recruiting has been alright," said Templeton. "I have been talking to mostly Ivy schools. Penn, Columbia, and Dartmouth are showing the most interest." He also mentioned that he will likely wait till after his senior season to take any visits, and denies having any current favorites. So what is he looking for in a program? "A good education and a solid program," said Templeton. NJVarsity.com will continue to stay in touch with Templeton in the coming months, and also keep a close eye on the Ironmen and their quest for another State Championship.

Top 25 football: Dolan is center stage at Mahwah Monday, September 1, 2008 BY DARREN COOPER STAFF WRITER - The Bergen Record Anthony Dolan remembers his one and only high school touchdown, but believes throwing a good block is better. "I scored a touchdown when I was a sophomore on JV playing defensive end. I intercepted a pass and ran it 25 yards for a touchdown - that was real exciting," the Mahwah senior said. "But making a big block on a big play, that's what I like more." Spoken like a true lineman, and a true lover of football. At 6-foot, 200 pounds, Dolan won't scare anybody with his numbers in the program. But he was first-team All-NBIL last season, a testament to his heart and character. "Being an undersized center, I think it's all about hard work and believing that you can do it," Dolan said. "It's all about mental toughness and your preparation each week. You have to believe you can do it." Dolan started playing football in second grade and would do anything to be on the field, so when the call went out five years later that his team needed a center, he was quick to volunteer. "I just wanted to play," he said. "I said I would try it out, so I stuck with it. I think center is a great position. You are the first one up to the ball, you get the first look at the defense, you are in the middle of everything." The Thunderbirds, who are ranked No. 10 in The Record preseason Top 25, were knocked out of the Group 2 playoffs last year, 26-20, by Lenape Valley in a double overtime heartbreaker. They have to replace standout running back Greg Stripe, who graduated, but expect to see plenty of the multi-talented Jamal "Big Play" Clay, who will line up all over the field. "He is going to have a tremendous impact," Dolan said of Clay. "He has worked real hard here at Mahwah and we are excited for Jamal." Even though Dolan hasn't been able to add much weight to his frame (he was listed at 195 last year), he too worked hard this summer, training at Velocity Sports Performance in Mahwah. He said he has improved his speed and strength. Dolan also wrestles for the Thunderbirds in the winter (he was fourth in District 5 last winter), but he couldn't wait to get back in the football locker room. He was with coach Jeff Remo the day before practice started, organizing equipment and cleaning up things. That's how hungry he was to get started. "We are ready to go," Dolan said. "Hard work pays off and we have been working real hard this off-season. I feel like we are going to be great. I feel real good, State championship."

Lafayette senior linebacker measures up in every way ANDY ROMANS. He's used his naysayers as motivation. By MICHAEL BLOUSE The Express-Times Too small, too short and too slow, Andy Romans has heard it all over the years. But instead of letting those labels bring him down, he's used them as motivation to turn himself into one of the elite linebackers in the Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) and one of the best ever at Lafayette College. "My whole life," the 5-foot-11, 215-pounder said, "ever since I was 6 years old, I've heard I was either this or that. I've always carried a chip on my shoulder. But at the same time, I try not to be too bitter about it. I understand. "But it's football ... what's an inch or two, or a couple pounds?" Romans is proof positive that the best way to judge a player is to watch him perform on the field. And anyone who's watched the ferocious tackler play for coach Frank Tavani's Leopards would agree he's a good player. Actually, a great one -- despite being a few inches shorter and a few pounds lighter than the ideal size for a college linebacker. This year's Patriot League Preseason Defensive Player of the Year said he was not highly recruited coming out of perennial football power Saint Joseph Regional of Montvale, N.J. "I was around a lot of talent in high school," Romans said, referring to himself as a good player on a great team. "Lafayette was the only Patriot League school, the only school really, who wanted me. I was very close to walking on at Rutgers ... it was either doing that or coming here. I just really liked the coaches and the program at Lafayette. They made it clear they wanted me." It's a decision Romans is thrilled he made. No. 17 played primarily on special teams as a freshman, then came on strong as a sophomore to pile up 109 tackles and earn All-Patriot League second team honors. His improvement continued as a junior last season, making 113 tackles and being voted by coaches as the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year. "I definitely consider myself fortunate and blessed to have ended up at Lafayette," he said. It's safe to say the coaches and his teammates on College Hill feel the same. "With Andy, we knew when we recruited him, we were really fortunate to get him," said Tavani, the veteran coach of the Leopards. "A lot of people underestimated him because of his size. And I think there are a lot of people who might realize they made a mistake. "Andy knows only one speed to play, full speed. To watch the film and see what he does to his body over the course of a season, it's incredible. He's a great player and a great leader." One of Romans' best qualities, according to Tavani, is his work ethic. The 21-year-old history major credits his parents, Thomas and Sharon Romans of Allendale, N.J., for teaching him the importance of hard work. "I think I'm the person and player I am because of my parents," Romans said. "Both my dad and my mom work really hard. My dad always told me if I miss one workout or one practice, there's someone out there working harder than me. And I don't want to let that happen." His talent and hard work could soon pay off with a professional career. Tavani reported scouts from several NFL teams have stopped by preseason practices and told the coach that Romans is "draftable." Those are the words the player with the can-do attitude wanted to hear. "I really love football," Romans said, "and I'm going to do everything I can to play the sport for as long as I can." ©2008 The Express-Times © 2008 lehighvalleylive.com All Rights Reserved.

Andy Romans Named to Buck Buchanan Award Watch List Senior co-captain also collects third-team All-America Preseason Honors Aug. 28, 2008 EASTON, Pa. - Senior linebacker Andy Romans (Allendale, N.J./St. Joseph Regional) continues to pile on the preseason honors as the team co-captain was named to the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List announced Thursday by The Sports Network. The award is given to the top defensive player at the FCS level. Romans certainly has earned his placement on the roster, as he collected 2007 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year honors and garnered conference Preseason Player of the Year honors prior to the 2008 campaign. The two-time All-Patriot League selection has led the team in tackles the past two seasons and averaged 10.3 tackles per game for 113 in 2007 while earning team MVP honors. He is the second Lafayette player to appear on the watch list, as Maurice Bennett '06 debuted in August of 2005 and eventually finished eighth in the national balloting to go along with his All-America honors. The Buchanan Award was established in 1995 by The Sports Network and was named for All-Pro defensive end Junious "Buck" Buchanan, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs after a standout career at Grambling State. In the preseason, Romans was named Second-Team All-America by The Sports Network and Third Team All-America from College Sporting News. Romans is the playmaker on a defense that ranked first in the nation in total defense in 2007. The Leopards gave up a meager 260.9 yards per game while also ranking fourth in rushing defense (85.7 ypg), eighth in scoring defense (16.9 ppg) and 15th in pass efficiency defense (108.3). Individually last season, Romans made 12.5 tackles for loss, including three sacks, and forced three fumbles while recovering three more. For the season, Romans reached double figures in tackles 10 times with a season-high 17 vs. Harvard. In Patriot League action, Romans made 60 tackles in six contests with a season high of 16 against Colgate. The History major from Allendale, N.J. also forced two fumbles and made two fumble recoveries against league opponents, finishing first and second in the league in those categories. The Leopards ended 2007 with a 7-4 overall mark and were 4-2 and in second place in the Patriot League standings. Head coach Frank Tavani's squad opens the season at Marist on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m.

Maghenzani, Licata key for Northern Highlands Sunday, August 24, 2008 BY GREGORY SCHUTTA STAFF WRITER - The Bergen Record Nick Maghenzani and Alex Licata couldn't help but become friends. Their fathers were the two coaches of their first youth league team. Eleven years later, the two seniors are still playing alongside each other in the Northern Highlands midfield and shouldering the burden of leading a Highlanders team with high expectations following a 15-4-1 season in 2007. "I've known Nick forever," Licata said. "I think we complement each other. When we need that energy, he's the one who can provide it." "Alex is more of the silent leader," Maghenzani said. "I like to get my teammates ready to play. I'll show them where they have to be. Alex leads by example." However they do it, second-year coach Pat Naughter is looking for them to be coaches on the field as the Highlanders, ranked No. 18 in The Record preseason Top 25, look to integrate elements of the successful freshman and JV programs with seven returning starters. "If you go by stats, they were among the league leaders in goals and assists last year," Naughter said of his two all-league midfielders who combined for 12 goals and 16 assists. "They can read each other's movements. Alex has just one speed. He's very calm. Nick is more emotional. If you need somebody to grab a guy around the neck and tell him what he needs to do, Nick will do that." The two started this summer, helping to lead captains practices and participating with the rest of the team at the Montclair State summer league. Expected to be a rebuilding team last year, the Highlanders surprised a lot of people with 15 wins, losing in the first round of the Bergen tournament on penalty kicks to Tenafly and the second round of the North 1, Group 3 sectional tournament by a goal to eventual runner-up Morris Hills. "Our goal this year is just to go out and play better," Maghenzani said. "We have to keep up the intensity," Licata added. "We never gave up. We always battled. We may not have had the most talent, but when it came down to the close games, we gave it our all." That translated into a 8-1 record in one-goal games. But the Highlanders have some rebuilding to do on their defense, replacing two all-league backs and one of two goalkeepers who shared the duty last year. "That was a lot of games that could have gone the other way," Naughter cautioned. "We can't count on doing that again. Soccer-wise, we're going to be looking for more attacking options." Nick Maghenzani and Alex Licata couldn't help but become friends. Their fathers were the two coaches of their first youth league team. Eleven years later, the two seniors are still playing alongside each other in the Northern Highlands midfield and shouldering the burden of leading a Highlanders team with high expectations following a 15-4-1 season in 2007. "I've known Nick forever," Licata said. "I think we complement each other. When we need that energy, he's the one who can provide it." "Alex is more of the silent leader," Maghenzani said. "I like to get my teammates ready to play. I'll show them where they have to be. Alex leads by example." However they do it, second-year coach Pat Naughter is looking for them to be coaches on the field as the Highlanders, ranked No. 18 in The Record preseason Top 25, look to integrate elements of the successful freshman and JV programs with seven returning starters. "If you go by stats, they were among the league leaders in goals and assists last year," Naughter said of his two all-league midfielders who combined for 12 goals and 16 assists. "They can read each other's movements. Alex has just one speed. He's very calm. Nick is more emotional. If you need somebody to grab a guy around the neck and tell him what he needs to do, Nick will do that." The two started this summer, helping to lead captains practices and participating with the rest of the team at the Montclair State summer league. Expected to be a rebuilding team last year, the Highlanders surprised a lot of people with 15 wins, losing in the first round of the Bergen tournament on penalty kicks to Tenafly and the second round of the North 1, Group 3 sectional tournament by a goal to eventual runner-up Morris Hills. "Our goal this year is just to go out and play better," Maghenzani said. "We have to keep up the intensity," Licata added. "We never gave up. We always battled. We may not have had the most talent, but when it came down to the close games, we gave it our all." That translated into a 8-1 record in one-goal games. But the Highlanders have some rebuilding to do on their defense, replacing two all-league backs and one of two goalkeepers who shared the duty last year. "That was a lot of games that could have gone the other way," Naughter cautioned. "We can't count on doing that again. Soccer-wise, we're going to be looking for more attacking options."

Ramsey back is up and running Tuesday, August 19, 2008 BY DARREN COOPER STAFF WRITER - The Bergen Record When Joey Marraffino went down last year, so did Ramsey. The Rams started 2-0, with the speedy running back rushing for 142 yards and a touchdown in a season-opening win over Secaucus and then playing well in the upset win over Pascack Valley before suffering a high ankle sprain before halftime. He missed most of the next three weeks, and when he returned to action, he wasn't 100 percent. And after that promising start, the Rams finished 5-5 and missed a playoff berth. "It spoiled my whole season," Marraffino said. "I wasn't the same after that. It was pretty disappointing. We were talented last year, we just didn't get it together. We should have been better than 5-5, but things didn't work out." Marraffino said the ankle still was tender in the spring, and so he didn't run track, choosing to work instead in the weight room. He also has a personal trainer and said he is entering this season in excellent shape. "I am very excited; this is my last year for Ramsey, the whole team is excited," Marraffino said. "The league is very tough, like always, but I think we should do well. We have a bunch of talent. "We have a bunch of sophomores and juniors, and our seniors have been playing varsity for a few years, so we have some experience. We know the system." In Marraffino's absence, teammate Zach Donnarumma played a big role in the backfield, and he returns this season, but the Rams must replace talented quarterback Jake Siebert (graduation). "That's going to be tough," said Marraffino, 17. "We have Rob Archetti, a junior, who is a good athlete, to play quarterback, but it will be tough to replace Jake." The 5-7, 160-pound running back is the speed component (he runs a 4.58 40) in the Rams' ground-based attack and is expecting plenty of carries as Archetti gains experience behind center. "We just have to work hard, practice hard and learn all the plays, all the standard stuff," Marraffino said. "We have to be better." As one of the smallest schools in the NBIL, Ramsey enters the season with realistic hopes, but also with optimism. "I think we will contend," Marraffino said. "I think we will be a tough team, but this is a tough league with a lot of Group 3 schools. Every year is tough. There are a lot of good kids and good coaches in this league."

IHA's Ravettine has Olympic-sized dreams AUGUST 15, 2008 Today the world watches Michael Phelps, four years from now it could be watching Bryeanne Ravettine. The Immaculate Heart Academy senior-to-be from Mahwah recently returned from the USA Swimming Junior Nationals in Minneapolis where she finished seventh overall in the 50 freestyle with a performance that bettered the Olympic Trials qualifying standard. To give some perspective, her time of 26.34 is probably about two seconds slower than the winning time will be in Beijing in the 50, and it came two months too late for her to have swam at the Olympic Trials, but it does seem to set things up nicely for her and London in 2012. Not that Ravettine is ready to go there just yet. "It doesn't mean a thing," she chuckled. "The 50 is the easiest event to make the finals and the hardest because everyone is separated by like .01 of a second. But I got it now and I have another four years to train." Ravettine, 17, had never competed at the Junior Nationals before but qualified this year in four events. Her breakthrough came in the 50 freestyle, where she won her heat and lowered her personal best time by almost a half second. "I got off to a good start and I just kept going," Ravettine said referring to her preliminary heat. "I only took two or three breaths and I heard the people cheering and it said lane 7, 26.34. I was so excited." Her time also drew the attention of the college coaches in attendance. They swarmed her, seeing a 17-year old who hasn't worked out extensively with weights (OK, not at all) and with the long, slim frame that cries out speed. "My coach and I described it as a meat market," said Ravettine, who has a long list of schools she is considering. Before the final, Ravettine was put in a tent with the other swimmers – "It was the first time in my life I ever felt like I was normal height," she joked – and swimming in lane seven, she finished seventh - and with a smile. "The meet was so fast," said Ravettine. "I was just so happy to get the time. You don't see a lot of juniors in high school [get it], and this was one of my personal goals for a long time."

Giving Back to his Roots! August 1, 2008 Good Energy owner, Pete Ohnegian wanted to give a public "thank you" to Ramsey High School freshman football coach, Bob Connell for allowing Good Energy and its staff to provide Speed & Agility for the Rams the past few Fridays. It has been rewarding to "give back" to the town in which Pete grew up in and is raising his family. Hopefully the 20 or so football players that are participating in GE's drills are excited about training with Good Energy. Pete is glad that he has the opportunity to train the boys on the field where he played for four years and where he dreamed and visulaized playing at a higher level. It is possible - commitment, dedication & lots of HARD WORK! Good Energy will continue to train the young Rams for the next few weeks prior to Summer Camp and looks forward to watching their maturation as Coach develops them into Freshman football players this Fall. Thanks Coach Connell.

May 11, 2008 GE ATHLETE'S EXCELLING THIS SPRING! It has been a long time since we added an article on the site, but we had to take a time out to ackowledge the recent success of our Athlete's in their respective sports: This past week alone,.... ANTHONY D'ALESSANDRO (pictured) led Mahwah to their first State Playoff Berth in 20 years and continues to remain hot at the plate bashing three home runs just this past week. Anthony is the current Athlete of the Month and remains on fire in May. JORDAN MISTRETTA won the NBIAL discus in the League Meet collecting 1st Team All-League as well as placing third in the shot put. He continued his Personal Records in the Sectional Meet on Wednesday 5/14/08 by placing 4th and 5th respectively and once again exceeded his throws in the League Meet. BRITTANY BAIUNCO is ALL the way back from her labrum surgery this past winter and is now 7-3 heading into the Bergen County Semi-Finals this Saturday at Ramapo College. The GE Staff witnessed her strikeout the first 6 Paramus batters that she faced last Saturday in the quarterfinals. The GIORDANO SIBLINGS (MIKEY & SAMMY G) continue to excel on the lacrosse field for the Ridgewood Maroons. Both the boy's and girl's teams are in the Bergen County Finals at Ramapo High School on Sunday and we look for them to bring home Championships. SAMMY is back getting quality time for the Varsity, while MIKEY is in the top 10 of ALL Bergen County scoring categories and is being courted by more than a handful of Division 1 schools interested in his scoring & playmaking prowess. JACK TEMPLETON won the Offensive Lineman MVP at the Recent The BIGTIME SHOWCASE at Rutger's formerly the Elite Combine. JACK is not made for Combine Type Showcases but embarassed his fellow lineman when it came time for 1on1's despite not having pads. We look forward to sharing Jack's scholarship offers when they begin to trickle in. There are MORE SUCCESS Stories to tell about GE ATHLETE'S PERFORMING at their best in their sports,...but these happened in ONE WEEK! GO GOOD ENERGY! Train Hard @ GE...and Play Great in Your Sport!

THINGS LOOKING UP FOR BLAKE COSTANZO February 13, 2008 Bobby April 's special teams units have been special the past few years. Armed with seasoned veterans the Bills special teams coordinator has had a strong core to lead his different units on the playing field, in practice and in the meeting rooms. But with free agency looming at the end of the month Buffalo's special teams core that has enjoyed so much success could be stripped of some key components. Set to become unrestricted free agents on Feb. 29 are Sam Aiken , Mario Haggan , Ryan Neufeld and Josh Stamer . All four came to the Bills in 2003 and for the past five seasons they have been vital cogs in Bobby April's special teams wheel. But they all know the likelihood of all of them continuing their careers with the Bills is not good. "We all know how free agency goes and they'll probably not be able to retain us all," said Stamer. "I look at it as a blessing to be with these guys for so long. There's really nothing to worry about because there's not much control you have over it. You wait and see what happens." Filling the void If in fact the Bills lose a majority of this special teams core to free agency it is encouraging to know that there are some younger specialists emerging on Buffalo's roster. Those discoveries were borne out of the team's injury ravaged roster, which robbed April of a lot of his special teams regulars who had to play on offense or defense. "It was unbelievable this past year. I've never seen anything like this," said April. "The positive is we found out about guys like John Wendling , Justin Jenkins and Blake Costanzo . Those guys made a lot of plays. We had guys that spelled guys at times and played a little bit, like Dwayne Wright and others. We found guys like Tim Massaquoi . Those kinds of guys may have to be key players."

JUNIORS - SUPER BOWL2007 RAMSEY 35, GLEN ROCK 0 Sunday, November 25, 2007 By Jim McConville NJS.com Staff Writer WAYNE -- The North Jersey Junior Football League completed its 44th season on Saturday with the playing of its championship games, and the Super Bowl XIX winners all reside in Conference A. Wayne PAL, Ramsey and Wayne Boys Club each completed undefeated seasons with convincing victories over game opponents at the Barbour’s Pond Complex in Wayne. The NJJFL is a 16-team league comprised of towns from Bergen, Passaic and Morris counties. It took all of 14 seconds for the Trojans to establish themselves, as Matthew Butler ran back the opening kickoff 52 yards for a touchdown. The offense then found the end zone four straight times, giving Ramsey (11-0) its first Junior championship since 2003 and its third Super Bowl title overall. The Trojans completely shut down the previously undefeated Panther’s offense, limiting them to no first downs and nine yards in the first half, and they struck for three more scores in the first half. Brian Donovan went in from a yard out with a minute left in the first quarter and Daniel Yankovich went 21 yards for the third touchdown. The final score before halftime was set up by Clayton Creadick’s interception and a 23-yard Eric Meile to Yankovich pass play. Jake Donnarumma capped the series with a 4-yard run off right tackle. Yankovich added his third PAT run (Brian Quinn and Alec Turer had the other two extra points). Glen Rock (10-1) put together a nice drive with Nile Slater ripping off a 27-yard run and John Mackie finding Menas Hiras for a 7-yard reception, but Nick Catalano’s sack left the Panthers short at the Trojan 13. Ramsey then went 67 yards in 12 plays, with the second offense getting the score on a Butler 15 yard run. Butler then preserved the shutout with and interception in the final two minutes. Slater had 56 yards rushing on 10 carries and Mackie had seven tackles and Aaron Slodowitz and Jeff Kopyta each made six tackles. The Trojans racked up 186 rushing yards and 216 total yards, with Yankovich (10 carries, 69 yards) leading the way. Donnarumma forced a fumble and had four tackles for the Ramsey defense.

Romans played with passion, pain Lafayette linebacker is PL's defensive player of the year. By Don Bostrom | Of The Morning Call November 21, 2007 Lafayette junior linebacker Andy Romans only knows one way to play football. All out, all the time. A perfect illustration of his kamikaze-style of defense, where every play is a mission of its own, came against Holy Cross two weeks ago. A tipped pass was fluttering to the ground a few yards out of bounds when Romans made a diving attempt to retrieve it, even though if he was successful, it would not have counted as an interception. ''Simply incredible,'' marveled Lafayette coach Frank Tavani. ''You can't coach effort like that. Andy is always going full-bore in practice, too. I often find myself gawking at him with my jaw open.'' Rival coaches share that sentiment and they demonstrated their respect by voting Romans the 2007 Patriot League defensive player of the year. ''He's a pure joy to watch,'' Holy Cross coach Tom Gilmore said. ''You wish every player had that kind of passion and intensity.'' Romans was the heart and soul of a Lafayette defense that ranks No. 1 at the NCAA FCS level in total defense (260.1 yards per game) and No. 4 against the run (86.3). The 5-11, 215-pound native of Allendale, N.J., joins linebacker Dan Bengele (1997) and safety B.J. Gallis (1996) as Leopards to win the award. Romans finished the season with 113 tackles (12.5 for loss), three sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. His single-game high was 16 tackles against Colgate. Not bad for someone was injured the entire season. ''I just had a string of bad luck,'' Romans said. ''My body kept breaking down.'' He came into preseason camp hurting from surgery needed to remove a cyst from his tailbone. He also battled through a hip pointer that was originally feared to be a season-ending hernia. ''I knew it wasn't because I actually had a hernia in the exact same spot before,'' Romans said. ''That was a tough injury. It really bothered me and it didn't go away for several weeks.'' Romans capped things off by cracking two ribs in the first quarter against Lehigh. ''At first I thought it was a bruise or a muscle thing,'' Romans said. ''But the pain kept getting worse and worse. I told the guys in the huddle, 'I think my spleen is coming out.' It was really bad.'' Romans remained in the game and recorded nine solo tackles, part of a gallant effort in which the Leopards blanked the Mountain Hawks in the second half to post a 21-17 win. ''I'm hurting big-time right now,'' Romans admitted. ''The doctor said the only thing that will heal me is complete rest. That's really got me bummed out because it means I can't work out for a while.'' Romans is equally frustrated that Lafayette's season is over. ''I've never felt so bad at an end of a season before,'' Romans said. ''I wish we could keep playing because we really came together at the end. We played for the right reasons -- for each other. ...'' donald.bostrom@mcall.com Copyright © 2007, The Morning Call

Costanzo moves to New York as the only former Leopard currently in the NFL Oct. 29, 2007 EASTON, Pa. - Free agent and former Lafayette linebacker Blake Costanzo '05, signed with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League on Oct. 24. Constanzo will be a member of the team's practice squad. "We're extremely happy to hear that he's getting an opportunity to sign on with the team," said Lafayette head coach Frank Tavani. "He's a pure football player and an opportunity to be on the practice squad and eventually get activated for special teams - which there is a very good possibility that will happen - is just great for him." The two-time All-Patriot League selection led the Leopards to Patriot League Championships in 2004 and 2005. He finished his career on College Hill with 307 tackles and 18 sacks. Costanzo initially signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2006. While under contract with the Jets, he spent a year playing for the Rhein Fire, part of NFL Europe. He recorded 47 tackles, two sacks, one interception for 37 yards and one forced fumble, starting nine out of 10 games. Costanzo was named to the All-NFL Europe team as a result of his standout play. The Franklin Lakes, N.J. native was released by the Jets on Sept. 1. He began talks with several teams and eventually signed with Buffalo on Wednesday, joining the practice squad that day. "It such a great place to play because it's a blue-collar town and they just believe in guys working hard and playing football," Costanzo said. "Every guy is there for each other and there's no star above another, and I love that."

Romans rules the defense Friday, October 12, 2007 By RORY FAUST The Express-Times Andy Romans may not be faster than a speeding bullet or able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but Lafayette's defensive catalyst certainly resembles Superman on the football field. The junior outside linebacker leads the nation's top-ranked defense in virtually every statistical category, and his penchant for making highlight-reel plays has only added to his allure. Romans' superhero status was cemented last week when he soared high over a blocker and stripped the quarterback while crashing to the turf. The sensational sack was part of an outstanding all-around performance that netted him Patriot League defensive player of the week honors after a 29-0 dismantling of Columbia. Romans' acrobatic act resulted in a momentum-changing turnover that allowed the Leopards to turn a 10-point margin into a blowout. Defensive lineman Andrew Poulson, who recovered the fumble, appropriately dubbed Romans' effort a "Superman dive." "I didn't know Andy came swooping in until I saw it on film," Poulson said. "He came out of nowhere really, just being an animal, and put his hand right in the right spot. The quarterback didn't even see it coming." A fitting description, considering opponents rarely see the small but mighty Romans until it's too late. The 5-foot-11, 215-pounder's unabashed and energetic style has made him one of the most feared defenders in the league. An all-league second team selection last year as a sophomore, Romans has developed into a bona fide defensive player of the year candidate. "There's no question," Leopards coach Frank Tavani said. "There are a lot of good players and that will all be decided in the end, but he certainly plays at that level." Romans is the statistical and emotional leader of a defense that is ranked first among Football Championship Subdivision schools in scoring average and yards (8.8 points and 210.2 yards per game, respectively). Lafayette's defense is also third nationally in yards per rush (1.7) and 13th in passing defense (147.0 yards per game). The second-year starter leads the Leopards in tackles (47), tackles for loss (6½), sacks (3), forced fumbles (2) and fumble recoveries (2). "We're proud, but I wouldn't say we're satisfied," Romans said. "We have a lot of stuff we still have to work on. We play with a lot of pride, but we're not even thinking about the ranking. We're not satisfied with where we are right now." Romans is rarely satisfied unless he's flying through the air to disrupt an opposing ballcarrier, a kamikaze-style of defense that wows opponents and teammates alike. "He's just fun to watch. He just loves the game and plays 100 miles an hour every play," Tavani said. "He does things that you probably wouldn't want people to do, jumping over and hurdling people and making things happen. "We're happy that he's playing for us and not playing against us." Romans is happy to be at Lafayette, too, especially since he was largely ignored during the recruiting process by everyone except the Leopards. "Honestly, I didn't have many options," the former St. Joseph's Regional (N.J.) High School standout said. "I thought my whole senior year I was going to get a scholarship. Rutgers said I could walk on, but I wasn't sure about that. None of the Patriot League or Ivy League schools recruited me. But Lafayette was really interested in me and I haven't looked back since I've been here. I love the attitude; I love the coaches." Tavani also was surprised Romans flew under the recruiting radar, considering he had a record-setting high school career and earned all-state honors. "He's probably two inches of height away from playing anywhere in the country," Tavani said. "We were just ecstatic that he was overlooked by the bigger schools. I think the people that have seen him play since saw that he could play at any level anywhere." © 2007 The Express Times © 2007 PennLive.com All Rights Reserved.

HOOPS IS IN BARRISE'S BLOOD July 27, 2007 Northern Highlands senior guard Taylor Barrise is traveling enough this summer to keep AAA busy, but the road he is most interested in figures to lead to an Ivy League or high-academic school. This summer, the 6-foot-4, 185-pound shooting guard has participated in the Yale Prospect Camp, the Columbia Prospect Camp, the Rutgers Prospect Camp, the Reebok Summer Classic at Rider University, the Triple "S" Harley Davidson JamFest in Morgantown, W.Va., and Hoop Group's Academic Elite camp at The College of New Jersey. In August, the Bergen County player will attend the Dartmouth Prospect Camp. He is making a mini tour in hoping of improving his stock with colleges. The son of Nets assistant coach Tom Barrise has drawn interest from Ivy League schools like Princeton, Yale, Dartmouth and Columbia, as well as Manhattan and Siena from the MAAC, Colgate and Lehigh from the Patriot League, and Stonehill and New Haven. Barrise has a good basketball body and a 4.02 grade-point average to go along with his junior averages of 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds. A strong shooter, he has been working on his ballhandling this summer, and he hopes recruiters take notice of an overlooked part of his game. "I'd say defensively," Barrise said. "I think I was getting recognized more for what I can do offensively. But I feel like I can guard well." With the team's nucleus returning at Northern Highlands this winter, Barrise figures to be a leader of a strong club. NJ Hoops is published by a former New Jersey college coach and scout for the past 18 years whose full-time career for the past four years is covering New Jersey basketball.

CHANGES AFOOT FOR NH FOOTBALL Thursday June 28, 2007 By Cory K. Doviak NJS.com Editorial Director ALLENDALE -- For 19 years, Steve Simonetti was the face of the Northern Highlands football program as its head coach. But times change and since Simonetti stepped down after last season, they have done so at a rapid clip in a short period of time. Chris Locurto, an assistant on Simonetti’s staff for two years, was chosen over a number of other candidates to inherit the head coach’s head set and he has wasted little time putting his own stamp on the program. The offensive scheme will be changed from the consistent but predictable ground-based style and in its place will be a more wide open multiple set attack that will emphasize the forward pass. The early incarnation of the new approach showed promise two weeks ago when the Highlanders went 4-0 in 7-on-7 play against Rockland County (NY) opponents and the wheels are in motion for the start of the season, which is still more than two months away. “Coach Simonetti is an icon. He was here for 19 years and he was the right coach for this place for a long time. He has a history of being a very structured, very disciplined man with strong convictions and he left a legacy here,” said Locurto, standing on the practice field last week. “It is hard to step for a guy who had been around for so many years, especially when you were on staff and the perception is that it is going to be the same type of program. But every coach has to do things his own way, not that one is better than another, but there are some things that we are going to change.” Another of those changes that has already been implemented is the way that Locurto is conducting his offseason workout program. In his first stint as a high school head coach, he is not above ceding authority to someone he trusts and, this summer, Locurto has put some of his team’s physical conditioning in the hands of the crew at Good Energy, the fitness center located around the corner from the high school in Allendale. “The game has changed so much in terms of the demands on a coach in the offseason,” said Locurto. “To have a guy like [Good Energy owner] Pete [Ohnegian], a local guy who is willing to come in and work with the kids, is invaluable. There is no book that you can open that says if you do this, this and this, then you will become a champion. But what a workout like this does is bring the team together for a common goal and puts us in the best position to be champions, to be successful on game day.” Once a week, the Good Energy team shows up and about 20 Highlanders do the same to run with five gallon water jugs, toss empty (and we stress empty) kegs over their heads, high step through ladders on the ground, hit some sandbags, pull weighted sleds through the grass and break off into teams for an old fashioned tug-of-war. “We are basically all about one-on-one training, but coach Locurto came into the center knowing that I have a football background to see what we did,” said Pete Ohnegian, the owner of Good Energy, who has trained many local athletes that have professional sports aspirations. “We talked and I gave him some exercises to add to his own strength program, and then we figured we would do some team training. It’s conditioning with some speed elements added to it.” Ohnegian, who played five years of professional football in the Arena League, also brings with him his team of trainers, all of them current or former Bergen County athletes, which adds to the program as the participants know that those putting them through their paces were once in their same shoes. Among the staff who are still active as collegiate football players are Dean Duchak (St. Joseph Regional, Georgetown), Sean Welch (Ramsey HS, Bowdoin College), Taylor Ciali (Blair Academy, Hobart College) and Andy Romans, a St. Joe’s graduate from Allendale who is a starting linebacker at Lafayette. And through it all on a hot day, there were smiles mixed with the sweat and lactic acid buildup as the current Highlanders finished off the tug-of-war, the last station of the afternoon, and headed for the ice cream truck that Ohnegian brought in special to cap off the workout. “It is like a 180 from last year. Everything we did last year was in the weight room – power cleans, squats – and we did it three times a week and that was it,” said Kevin O’Shea a senior-to-be, who will play wide receiver and free safety. “If you ask anyone here they’ll tell you that this is the hardest workout we have ever done, but it was fun and we couldn’t wait to get here today to get started. Everyone here is pumped up. "We are being trained by guys like Andy Romans, who I saw play growing up in Allendale and every trainer here is playing college football which is what we all aspire to do. We are not going to have one easy game when the season starts and it all starts here. We have to put the work in to get where we want to be in December.”

MAY 28. 2007 COSTANZO'S BEEN ON FIRE! Published: 05-28-07 By Randy Lange Editor-in-Chief Article Permalink: http://www.newyorkjets.com/articles/costanzo-s-been-on-fire This is the first of a four-part series on the four Jets participating in NFL Europa this spring. With this new-fangled Internet, word about an NFL team's draft choices not only gets around pretty quickly. It gets around the world very quickly. So it's no surprise that Rhein Fire linebacker Blake Costanzo got wind of the New York Jets' second-round selection of David Harris. "Yeah, they took a linebacker, I heard," Costanzo told newyorkjets.com recently. But did the news affect him one way or another? "Not at all, man. It doesn't matter who they drafted or signed for free agents. I'm going to try to help the team any way I can." Costanzo, who has described himself as a "throwback" kind of linebacker, has been a man on fire for Rhein. Starting on the strongside in the 4-3 defense, he had a Fire-leading 37 tackles, including a team-high seven in Saturday's night 23-10 loss at Frankfurt. He also has two sacks, a 37-yard interception return, four pass defenses and a forced fumble through seven games. He's been making plays. "Oh, yeah, I'm having a great time over here. We're getting a good opportunity to play a lot and that's all I wanted," he said. "I've been working on my whole game in general, just my knowledge of football, reading plays, learning different things about reading different linemen. I definitely wanted to work on the mental part of my game." Costanzo hasn't been doing much sightseeing although he has gotten out to tour the city of Dusseldorf. And he hasn't had many culinary adventures — "The food at our hotel is pretty good, kind of like American food," he said. His culture has come with drinking in the atmosphere of the crowds that have attended Rhein's games. Even though the undrafted free agent from Lafayette played in all four of the Jets' preseason contests last year before being released and ultimately re-signed, he still can appreciate the average crowd of 22,000 that has attended the Fire's games. "The fans are great," he said. "At my small school, I never played in front of crowds like that before. This is Germany. There's a lot of singing, whistles and horns in the stands." Maybe there will still be some noisemaking for Costanzo as a member of the Green & White. Fans will speculate about whom Harris affects most as he moves into the inside linebacker picture alongside Jonathan Vilma. Starter Eric Barton? Brad Kassell, who backed up Barton? Anthony Schlegel, last year's third-rounder? There doesn't seem to be much room for Costanzo. But he'll try to make room. His ace in the hole is his special teams play, which doesn't seem to have suffered by his starting role in NFL Europa. He's been in on three kick-coverage tackles, tied for most on the team. And Costanzo doesn't see a downside to having thrown his body around for 10 games from April to June, just in time to participate in another tough training camp conducted by head coach Eric Mangini. "As soon as I get back, I'll get a couple of weeks of rest and I'll be ready to go," he said. "Actually, I think it benefits me. There's no way to get in football shape besides playing football."

May 17, 2007 SUMMER 2007 - TEAM TRAINING WITH GOOD ENERGY! GOOD ENERGY is proud to spread our training principles and expertise to local high school teams this Spring & Summer. Our TEAM TRAINING can be specifically programed to your team's specific fitness goals and needs. This Spring & Summer we will be providing POWER HOURS for Schools requesting a "different" approach to training to spark up their normal regiment and challenge their athletes. TEAM TRAINING is highlighted in the photo gallery to provide a visual of the WORKOUT we have in place. The POWER HOUR is specifically made for FOOTBALL training in which we will incorporate the necessary movements ALL football players must perform to excel in their performance. We can make our Program different based on the movements of your sport whether it is soccer, hockey, basketball, etc. Our TEAM TRAINING program this Summer is for Football Specific Movements including - PUSHING, PULLING, SPRINTING, CHANGE OF DIRECTION, LEG POWER & HIP EXPLOSIVENESS. With a TEAM of GE TRAINERS and a well thought out plan we will oversee your TEAM perform these movements in an organized & efficient workout. Our GOAL is for EVERY athlete to work hard for the entire workout, peforming each movement with 100% effort, but also with proper technique, and ultimately have FUN while WORKING HARD! GO TO PHOTO GALLERY - TEAM TRAINING, for Sample pictures of Previous GE WORKOUTS in which we performed similar movements to our TEAM TRAINING PROGRAM. Feel free to call us - 201-760-9900 if you may be interested in GE training YOUR TEAM! GO GOOD ENERGY!

KEEP IT OLD SCHOOL! April 25, 2007 By Tara Ryan If you think back to several years ago, our society and the way we interacted with one another was slightly different. Kids were more respectful of their elders, men were more chivalrous, family values were held in higher regards and football hit harder. Blake Costanzo is an old-school football player who loves to hit. (City-Press) Not to say that we live in a time where the family life is dissolving and the NFL is turning into an organized powder puff league – far from it. But, behind the big time glitz and hard-hitting action that’s now seen in professional football, things are different than before. Football has evolved over time and so have the players. For linebacker Blake Costanzo, those were the days to live and play by. That kind of life and that kind of hard, tough football are his kind of style – old school. Costanzo uses that term to describe his on the field play and his off the field personality. He’s a laid back and emotional guy who values his relationships, likes to hit hard and have fun in everything he does – especially when he’s on the field. “I’m big into my teammates, family and friendships and all of that kind of stuff,” said Costanzo. “I’m just an old school guy. I love how everything used to be done. Today, men aren’t the same way they used to be. I really look up to my grandfather and want to be like him. I believe in working hard and you get what you put in work for. There are no excuses in life.” Working hard is exactly what Costanzo’s done and he started early in life when he played football as a kid; however, it wasn’t until the seventh grade that he really came out of his shell. He developed a passion for football and the necessary outward aggression to play at the linebacker position. “I sucked when I was younger,” said Costanzo. “I was scared to hit, I was timid and it took me awhile to get how football was such a physical game. In sixth or seventh grade I finally got the hang of what football was all about. I realized that all the other sports were great, but nothing compared to the teammates and teamwork and the physical aspect of football. Being on the field was my peace.” Growing up in Northern New Jersey, Costanzo played in a solid football program at Ramapo high school and was taught by good coaches that quickly helped him develop into a strong and aggressive player. His desire to play at the collegiate level had always been in his mind, and eventually his hard work paid off as he was given the opportunity to play at Lafayette College. Attending a smaller institution can sometimes down play the talent and athleticism of an athlete because of the lack of exposure and publicity and Costanzo was aware that if he would ever succeed in the NFL, he’d have to work that much harder to get noticed. “I feel like there are a lot of good players that go to smaller schools that don’t get noticed,” said Costanzo. “It was definitely more difficult; but, if you’re good and you keep working at it, you’ll eventually find a way to play somewhere. I wouldn’t have gone anywhere else.” Costanzo found that way, and his outgoing North Jersey personality – that can be seen in the hallway of the hotel and on the football field – and obvious hard-nosed athletic ability, helped to move Costanzo to the next level. Heading into Week 3 he has proven to be a vocal leader to his coaches and teammates and has almost effortlessly excelled through practice and the first two games. Currently leading the team with 14 tackles and 2.0 sacks (based on coaches film), Costanzo hasn’t once gotten a big head. He always credits his fellow defensive players – such as friend and teammate, CB Wale Dada – and his veteran linebackers coach, Bernardo Harris, for his success. “I was lucky enough to make plays. But, it takes 11 guys to make the defense work,” said Costanzo. “I wouldn’t make plays if the defensive linemen weren’t doing the right thing and if the linebackers weren’t filling the right holes. I’ve been lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time. Hopefully it will carry on throughout the season. “I think our coach is awesome. He played in the league for a long time and I have a lot of respect for him. He’s the type of guy I want to play like – old school, tough linebacker. We call him ‘Dado.’ He’s that old school linebacker that I want to be like.” Costanzo is viewed by others around him as a strong personality and a unique player, who admires those that played before him and aims to use their aggressive, dirty style of playing as his model for defensive play. Harris believes that Blake has what it takes to succeed at the top level, as long as he continues on his path. “Blake’s a good guy. He’s a good player and I care about him – I care about all my players,” said Harris. “He has that style of play that’s needed to succeed. He’s done a great job for this defense and I can only see him getting better throughout the season.” After being allocated to NFL Europa by the New York Jets, Costanzo looked to this as an opportunity to build relationships and develop into a better player with the ultimate goal of making the 53-man roster of an NFL club. It’s Costanzo’s current goal to improve during the season and to take advantage of the opportunity he’s been given. In order to gain a coveted spot on an NFL team he’ll have to set himself apart from the competition that make-up the six teams of the NFL Europa League. “I want to get better as a football player and show people that I can play,” said Costanzo. “I want the opportunity to help out a team. I’m with the Jets right now and I would love the chance to help them out. I was a Jets fan growing up. I want to show that I can play at a higher level. I’m playing here for the opportunity.” Costanzo’s selflessness, animalistic play and tough mentality are the keys to his success. His aggressive on the field nature and deep respect for those around him have developed him into a talented and driven player that will ultimately find success in any aspect of his life and most definitely on the football field. “It’s all about old school football – physical, rough and tough football,” said Costanzo. “Football is a tough sport, you’ve got to be tough to play this sport and that’s the way it should be played. It’s played with aggressiveness. The finesse stuff can be saved for the offense, or whoever wants it. In the defense, you have to be old school tough.”

Congratulations - Josh Corn UPENN Catcher Philadelphia Big 5 Player of the Week Friday, March 23, 2007 By JOHN ROWE STAFF WRITER Brendan Monaghan of St. John's and JOSH CORN of Pennsylvania, two catchers, are off to quick starts in their seasons. Monaghan, a senior from Wayne who played at Wayne Hills, is the Red Storm's top hitter at .386 and has driven in 13 runs. St. John's beat No. 8 Rice in its trip to Texas. CORN, a senior from Allendale who played at Northern Highlands, is the Philadelphia Big 5 Player of the Week. He hit .545 (6-for-11), with two doubles, to help the Quakers win two of three games. Corn is hitting .381, with nine RBI.

March 22, 2007 Wejnert is Gatorade's Player of the Year Thursday, March 22, 2007 By Cory K. Doviak NJS.com Editorial Director DEMAREST – As a senior at Holy Angels Academy, Taylor Wejnert is usually in the all of the gossip. But on Tuesday night, at the Florentine Gardens she was the last to know. It was after all of the other winter sports teams had been called to podium to be recognized at the annual sports awards dinner and after the basketball team, which won the Bergen County championship last month, had been honored for its accomplishments. There was just one more order of business and it was read out by AHA hoops coach Sue Liddy. It was not until then that Wejnert caught on that she was named as Gatorade’s Girl Basketball Player of the Year in New Jersey. Only one girls basketball player in each of the 50 states receives the honor and, this year, New Jersey’s honoree is Wejnert. Wejnert knew that she was one of three finalists (along with Paterson Eastside senior Shadasia Greene and Iasia Hemmingway, a senior at Shabazz and last year’s winner), but had no idea that the decision had been made and her father, Rich, already knew the result as he drove her to the dinner on Tuesday night. “I asked him on the way to the dinner if he had ever heard back from the selection committee and he told me not to worry about it, that he had not heard back and that they had probably already notified the winner,” said Taylor. “So when [Coach Liddy] said there was one more award to give out, one that she had never given out before, I was so surprised. “I just started hugging everybody and crying. I got really emotional because it is such an honor, the best I have ever received,” Wejnert continued. “And to have all of my coaches there, my teammates who made it possible, my parents sitting in the front row with my brothers, it was just really special.” The award was the perfect capper to brilliant senior season and a stellar career at Holy Angels. Wejnert was recently named first team All-Bergen County for the third straight season, she will likely be a first team All-State pick when those honors are announced and she led her team to some memorable victories during the 2006-07 season. Wejnert scored a game-high 27 points and was a perfect 16 of 16 from the line as Holy Angels knocked off IHA for the first time in her high school career back on January 25. She hit her final 10 shots from the field in the way to a 38-point win over Queen of Peace in the quarterfinals of the Bergen County Tournament and then went on to lead the Angels to their first county championship since 2003. Holy Angels also went undefeated in league play for the first time in school history on the way to the NNJIL Division C title. “It was just such a great season and really I am sharing the award with my teammates,” said Wejnert, who has accepted a full scholarship to play at George Mason University. “We won so many big games as a team this year and they played such a big role in me even being considered [for the award]. I was happy just to be a finalist, but his is just such a special way to end what was really a great season.” Gatorade has been naming a Player of the Year for each state in girls basketball since the 1985-86 season. Wejnert is the third player from Bergen County player to be so honored, joining IHA graduate and current UCONN Huskie Tahirah Williams (2004-05) and Pascack Valley’s Kim Beezer (1993-94) in the elite club. Winners on the state level then move into the national pool from where one girls and one boys are named Gatorade’s National Player of the Year. Last year’s winners were Greg Oden (now starring for Ohio St.) and Tina Charles, who played at Christ the King (NY) and is now a starter for the UCONN women’s team that is also in the Round of 16.

March 5, 2007 BLAKE COSTANZO IS GOING FOR IT ! By Cory K. Doviak NJS.com Editorial Director Blake Costanzo, a 2002 Ramapo High School grad, is getting ready to leave for NFL Europe, a path he hopes will lead to the American version. ALLENDALE -- Blake Costanzo is going for it. The 2002 Ramapo High School graduate who went on to play four years off college football at Lafayette, has the dream of playing in the NFL and he is not about to stop now. He was so close last season when he made it to the last round of cuts with the New York Jets before breaking his wrist in the final preseason game and he is on the road back where the next stop is Dusseldorf, Germany. After he was injured, Costanzo reached an injury settlement with the Jets, who saw enough potential in him to retain his rights. He has been assigned to the Rhine Fire of NFL Europe where his helmet will bear the Jets’ logo on the back. Costanzo will leave for training camp in Florida on Saturday before heading off to Germany in early April. To get ready for the challenge, he is being put through the wringer at Good Energy, a fitness center in Allendale. “The Jets saw enough in me to send me to Europe, so I want to work hard, stay in shape and become the best athlete I can be,” said Costanzo. “That’s why I like it here at Good Energy. Pete [Ohnegian] mixes it up. We do hockey workouts here, we work on core strength, legs and balance and those things are so important to football. It’s not just about pushing weights.” Costanzo won two state championships at Ramapo as a tight end and linebacker, he was a first-team all-NBIL selection three times and was first team All-County and All-State in his senior year. He then went on to Lafayette where he was a four-year starter at linebacker before graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Sociology last May and embarking on a career in professional football, not the usual career path for a Lafayette alumnus. Bill Stevens, of Bill Stevens Karate in Allendale, demonstrating techniques during a workout at Good Energy last Wednesday. “Blake is not your typical Ivy League or Patriot League football player. He did not take an internship at Goldman Sachs to set himself up then play a little football on the side,” said Ohnegian, the owner of Good Energy and himself a Lafayette College graduate who played five seasons of professional football in the Arena League. “Jets camp for him last year was really like a fifth year of college. He is still young, he is only 22 years old, and he is going for it. His attitude makes it exciting for us here, too, and we want to help him get there.” To get Costanzo on his toes, literally, Ohnegian brought in Bill Stevens, a martial arts master and owner of Bill Stevens Karate, a dojo in Allendale, to work with Costanzo in martial arts techniques that that focus on leverage and balance, to key components in the game of football. In addition to showing Costanzo how to basically choke a man to the point of passing out and breaking a headlock with only the index and middle fingers, Stevens demonstrated the rhythmic motions of martial arts. To the untrained eye, the workout did not look particularly taxing, but the muscles were burning, the sweat was dripping and the footwork was constant. Think training for a career in professional football is easy? “I was expecting to find a highly tuned athlete and that is what Blake is. What I tried to do is challenge him in a different way,” said Stevens. “He is in excellent physical condition, but what martial arts teaches is to use different muscle groups from different angles. Just the stress involved mentally, the thought process and concentration is part of the workout. And when you are learning, you are growing.” The off-the-beaten-path workouts are part of the larger program that Costanzo is following. He has pulled weighted sleds through the parking lot, jumped on and off of raised platforms and even wore a medieval-looking head harness connected by chains to weights to increase the strength of his neck muscles. Hey, professional football is a violent business. “It’s all about movement and getting him to focus on the movements he will be using on the field,” said Ohnegian. “Blake is not into straight weight-lifting, he’ll do what a coach tells him to do with weights, but he doesn’t enjoy it, so we try to keep it interesting for him. Since he has been here he has actually lost 12 pounds, he's gone from 245 to 232, but it is good because he has actually gotten stronger and more powerful at a lower weight.” All of the effort, all of the expense and all of the time he has put in are just part of the journey that Costanzo hopes will lead to the goal, a spot on an NFL roster. “I am fully recovered from my injury and I am in the best shape that I could be in at this point, so I am confident that I have done everything I can to be ready for the opportunity,” said Costanzo, who will be one of just four linebackers on the Rhine Fire roster, so he figures to get plenty of playing time. “I am going to take care of my body in Europe, play the 10 game schedule and then come back ready for NFL training camp. I will do anything I can to help a team, special teams, whatever they want me to do. It’s a challenge and I am ready for it.”

Beach yes, party no at Good Energy workout Sunday, July 16, 2006 By Cory K. Doviak NJS.com Editorial Director ALLENDALE -- At first glance, it might have been the type of thing one would expect college age athletes to be doing on their summer breaks. A Saturday on the beach with cutoff T-shirts, kegs of beer and some running around in the sand. But on second glance, what this group of nine was doing was anything but the definition of vacation. It was no Saturday evening beach party, it was instead a part of a grueling workout designed by Pete Ohnegian, owner of Good Energy, a fitness center in Allendale. And the call time was 6:00 a.m. Six of the nine participants in the unique training session were current or soon-to-be college athletes; one, David Duvall, is readying for his senior season as the starting running back at Ramsey High School. Another, Brett Knief, is going to be a sophomore and is the air-apparent to the Don Bosco Prep quarterback position, and the other, 34-year old Warren Roarke, was just trying to prove he could still do it. Regardless of where they are going or where they have been in their careers, all volunteered for the rough one-hour plus workout on the sandy shore of Crestwood Lake in Allendale. “All I did was set up a sheet at the front desk that said 6:00 a.m. on the beach and I had 14 sign up. Four of them were younger and I called them last night and told them that it was going to be real intense,” said Ohnegian, who played college football at Lafayette College, professionally in the Arena League and looks like he still could. “I try not to make anything a mystery so they all knew we were going to work hard.” And that they did. After starting the work out with fast-paced agility drills and suicides in the sand, the second half of the looked like something out of a late night rerun of the World’s Strongest Man Competition without the embarrassingly tight singlets. There was one station set up with an empty keg that the participants had to lift and throw directly over their heads. There was another with dual five-gallon water jugs that had to be carried while running. There was a weighted sled that had to be pulled by a rope through the sand, a forearm burner that only got tougher as the sled dug its way into the sand. There was another weight sled with a harness, and two kegs, one full and one half empty, that made for a squatting station. “This was good. To get up early and get a good workout in before it got too hot. Once we go to camp, we are going to be up early every day and this gets us mentally prepared ready for that,” said Dean Duchak, a 2005 graduate of St. Joseph Regional High School who is now a linebacker at Georgetown. “It’s a different world out there in college [football]. Everything is going 100 miles an hour and you really can’t take a break at any time. In college there is always someone in front of you or behind you that they recruited to play, so it’s always a competition and you have to do what you can to meet that challenge.” The other participants were Andy Romans (SJR Class of 2005, Lafayette College football), Ryan Gorsuch (Don Bosco Prep ’05, Villanova football), Danny Marraccoli (Don Bosco ’06, St. Joseph’s University lacrosse), Sean Welch (Ramsey HS ’05, Bowdoin College football), and John Kleinert (Ramapo HS ’06, Williams College lacrosse). Everyone involved had their own reasons for being at the lake before the sun showed up. For Roarke, who graduated from Mahwah High School in 1990, it was a matter of just proving to himself that he could still hang with the younger generation. “If you came out here by yourself and tried to do something like this you would quit. It’s tough," said Roarke, who went on to play tight end at William & Mary College. “But I think that every athlete still has that thought in their head that they could still do it, that they still have that edge. With these guys everybody pushes each other, they all know what it is to compete and I saw it as something I wanted to be a part of.” “I see our training as one big progression and we only have five weeks with the college kids. This, I thought, was a success. it was something different for them to keep things fresh and we’ll do it again,” said Ohnegian. “We also have to get them ready for their actual conditioning tests and we’ll practice those, but all of this helps get them over the top and that is what we are striving for at Good Energy.” Source: Northjerseysports.com