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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.

Performance Coaches & Fitness Professionals Wanted! July 3, 2008 It's True... It does not seem possible, but Good Energy is getting busier. The economy might be struggling, but GE Performance Training is no longer a secret or a luxury - people want it. That being said, we have posted an ad for Full Time & Part Time trainers both in The Bergen Record and on Monster.com to shake the trees for qualified and certified personal trainers who want to be a part of our TEAM. Pictured is Taylor Ciali, a long time Good Energy client and Summer Trainer. Both Taylor & Andy Romans have done an exceptional job training our young athlete's this Summer and will be missed this fall when they hit the gridiron for their respective colleges. Our Fall schedule is already being filled by Winter & Spring athlete's so we hope to service everyone properly with qualified, knowledgeable and motivating Fitness professionals. Do not hesitate to contact us via this site or call 201-760-9900 if you would like to discuss possible employment at our facility. GO GOOD ENERGY!

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. Rob DeBrino 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

ROMANS' NUMERALS EQUAL NO. 1 Wednesday, November 21, 2007 PATRIOT LEAGUE FOOTBALL Attacking LAFAYETTE LB becomes school's third defensive player of the year. By RORY FAUST The Express-Times Always one to place team success ahead of personal accolades, Andy Romans routinely dismissed the notion that he was the catalyst for Lafayette's nationally-renowned defense. The Leopards' humble outside linebacker tried his best to avoid the spotlight all season, but he couldn't dodge the glowing praise heaped upon him by opposing coaches. Romans was voted the Patriot League's Defensive Player of the Year, capping a sensational junior season in which he led the nation's top-ranked defense in tackles, tackles for loss, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. He's the third Lafayette player to win the award and first to be honored since linebacker Dan Bengele won in 1997. Former Leopards defensive back B.J. Gallis also won the award in 1996. "I was surprised. I didn't know that it came out this quick after the season," Romans said Tuesday afternoon. "I'm definitely humbled. It's just an honor to win this award. I couldn't have done it if I didn't have such great players around me. "I really just tried to play each snap as hard as I possibly could. I didn't think about statistics or awards. I just put my head down and played." Holy Cross junior quarterback Dominic Randolph was named the league's Offensive Player of the Year. Randolph ranked second in the Football Championship Subdivision in passing, completing 62 percent of his passes for 3,604 yards and 30 touchdowns. Fordham's Tom Masella was voted the league's top coach after guiding the Rams to the league title. Romans, one of 11 Leopards named to the all-league team, is joined on the first team defense by senior safety Marcel Quarterman and senior defensive tackle Kyle Sprenkle. Senior linemen Jesse Padilla and Greg Lippert and senior fullback Joe Russo were selected to the first team offense. The high honors came as a surprise to Romans, who played hurt for most of the season and was overshadowed on the national stage by Colgate senior linebacker Mike Gallihugh, a finalist for national defensive player of the year. "When you saw the film, take nothing away from (Gallihugh), but everybody will tell you that Andy was hands down better," Lafayette coach Frank Tavani said. "You vote on performance and Andy impressed everyone in the conference." Romans tallied 113 tackles (12½ for a loss), had three sacks, forced three fumbles and recovered three fumbles. He battled numerous injuries -- a tailbone bruise, a stomach bug and a hip flexor/groin pull -- but refused to take a play off in practice or games. The 5-11, 215-pounder from Allendale, N.J., said coaches even resorted to hiding his helmet so he couldn't practice. "One time the trainer actually took my helmet away from me," Romans chuckled. "I actually enjoy practice, I think it's fun. There's nothing worse than seeing your teammates practicing while you're sitting out." All-Patriot selections Offensive Player of the Year: Dominic Randolph, QB, Holy Cross. Defensive Player of the Year: Andy Romans, LB, Lafayette. Rookie of the Year: Xavier Martin, RB, Fordham. Coach of the Year: Tom Masella, Fordham. FIRST TEAM OFFENSE Quarterback: Dominic Randolph, jr., Holy Cross. Tailbacks: Jonte Coven, sr., Fordham; Jordan Scott, jr., Colgate. Fullback: Joe Russo, sr., Lafayette. Wide receivers: Erik Burke, sr., Colgate; Ryan Maher, sr., Holy Cross. Tight end: Ryan McGuire, sr., Holy Cross. Offensive linemen: Greg Lippert, sr., Lafayette; Jesse Padilla, sr., Lafayette; John Reese, sr., Lehigh; Steve Jonas, jr., Colgate; Dan Nolan, sr., Holy Cross. Specialist: A.J. Kizekai, soph., Bucknell. Kicker: Matt Partain, jr., Holy Cross. FIRST TEAM DEFENSE Defensive line: Kyle Sprenkle, sr., Lafayette; Brian Jackosn, jr., Lehigh; Josh Eden, soph., Bucknell; Pat Nolan, sr., Colgate. Linebackers: Andy Romans, jr., Lafayette; Tim Diamond, jr., Lehigh; Mike Gallihugh, sr., Colgate; Earl Hudnell, sr., Fordham. Defensive backs: Marcel Quarterman, sr., Lafayette; Brannan Thomas, sr., Lehigh; Casey Gough, sr., Holy Cross; Cody Williams, sr., Colgate. Punter: Benjamin Dato, sr., Fordham. Rory Faust can be reached at 800-360-3601 or by e-mail at rfaust@express-times.com. © 2007 The Express Times

Romans Named Patriot League Football Defensive Player of the Year Nov. 20, 2007 EASTON, Pa. - - Lafayette junior linebacker Andy Romans (Allendale, N.J./St. Joseph Regional) has been named the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year and is one of 11 Leopards included on the All-Patriot League First or Second Teams, which were released today. Romans anchored the No. 1-ranked defense in the country, allowing just 85 yards per game on the ground and 175.2 yards per game through the air. He made 60 tackles in six Patriot League games this season with a season high of 16 against Colgate. Romans also forced two fumbles and made two fumble recoveries against league opponents, finishing first and second in the league in those categories. He led the team with 113 tackles (12.5 for a loss), three sacks, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. The History major is the third Lafayette player and second linebacker to receive the honor in the 22-year history of the league. Linebacker Dan Bengele (1997) and defensive back B.J. Gallis (1996) are the others.

Andy Romans Garners Defensive Player of the Week Oct. 29, 2007 Junior linebacker leads the Patriot League and ranks ninth in the nation in tackles per game EASTON, Pa. - Junior linebacker Andy Romans (Allendale, N.J./St. Joseph Regional) has been named the Patriot League Football Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season and third time in his career. Romans made 16 tackles, one for a loss, and forced a fumble against Colgate on Oct. 27. The junior History major leads the Patriot League and ranks ninth in the nation with 94 total tackles for 11.8 tackles per game. With his 16-tackle effort vs. Colgate, Romans reached double figures for the sixth time this season and the fifth game in a row. For the season, Romans has forced three fumbles and recovered three more. He earned Patriot League and ECAC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Oct. 8 following a 13-tackle performance vs. Columbia on Oct. 6. In that game, three of his tackles went for a loss of 17 yards while leading a defense that held Columbia to -13 yards rushing. Romans also managed two sacks and forced a fumble. Lafayette (4-4, 1-2) will finish off its three-game homestand with Senior Day on Saturday vs. Bucknell.

Bosco takes to the air Monday, October 29, 2007 MONTVALE -- Brett Knief has had his moments this season, proving beyond a doubt that he can run one of the most high-powered offenses in North Jersey. But Sunday afternoon was different. In one of the most anticipated matchups of the season, the Don Bosco junior quarterback simply confounded St. Joseph. Knief ran for three touchdowns and threw for 158 yards to lead the Ironmen, ranked No. 1 in The Record's Top 25, to a convincing 37-7 win over No. 5 St. Joseph in a key NNJIL Division C contest at Dinallo Stadium. "Brett had a great game, no question about it," said Don Bosco coach Greg Toal, whose Ironmen (7-0) have won 30 straight regular-season games. "He makes us better because of all the things he can do." And given all the firepower that the Ironmen can lay on the table each week, that's a scary proposition. The Green Knights (6-1) went into the game determined to stop the Bosco ground game, and Knief made them pay for that diligence with a series of clutch passes. KEY TO THE GAME -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Don Bosco's ability to come out in the second half and take St. Joseph out of the game. "We sold out to the run," said St. Joseph coach Tony Karcich. "We made him throw, and the kid stepped up." That was especially true in the closing minutes of the first half. The Green Knights had the momentum after tying the score at 7-7 with 5:52 remaining, and had the Ironmen in a third-and-5 situation on their own 40-yard line. That's when Knief stepped up the first time, connecting with senior tight end Alexander DiSanzo for a 35-yard gain that began to change the face of the game. Seven plays later, the pair teamed up again for a 20-yard gain, setting the stage for Tony Jones' touchdown with 1:07 remaining that put Don Bosco ahead to stay. They weren't spectacular long passes, but intermediate strikes in between the linebackers and the secondary. In fact, Knief and DiSanzo teamed up on that type of pass five times for 114 yards. "They hurt you from a lot of different points," Karcich said. "You've got to stop the run, but today we saw they can throw. They hadn't shown they could throw that well before." "Running is the key," said Knief, a Ramsey resident who ran for two of his three touchdowns in the second half. "But if you stop the run, we'll beat you with the pass." The Ironmen can't spend a lot of time savoring this win. Not with archrival Bergen Catholic, The Record's No. 3 team, on deck Saturday night. "It's the biggest game of the year," Knief said. "You spend the whole year, right from the summer, thinking about Bergen Catholic."

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.

KNIEF TAKES CENTER STAGE FOR IRONMEN The Bergen Record - September 7, 2007 By ART STAPLETON RECORD COLUMNIST RAMSEY – Brett Knief has completed only three varsity passes, so you can imagine how much he had to prove this summer as Don Bosco's newest quarterback. Not to his opponents, mind you, considering that quest begins Saturday night when the Ironmen take the field just outside of Philadelphia for their season opener against St. Joseph's Prep. The first challenge Knief faced was trying to make believers out of the players on The Record's No. 1 football team – the guys in his own locker room. "I can throw the ball and everybody knew I could run," he said, "but I needed to be a leader from the moment I stepped into the huddle as the starter." The junior paused before adding with a smile: "If you're a leader, people see it." The Ironmen certainly have seen leadership, which is something they have come to demand from the position through their recent years of dominance. Their last three starting quarterbacks -- Matt Simms, Mike Teel and Steve Levy -- finished up their high school careers with similar resumes. All-State honors. Division I scholarships. Six trips to the State final and three championships, two for Teel and one for Simms in December. One year after starting his sophomore season third on the depth chart, Knief is poised to follow in their footsteps. "It's not easy filling shoes like that, it's like joining a dynasty," he said, referring to his three All-North Jersey predecessors. "Being the quarterback at Don Bosco is my life right now and it's a great job to have." The Ramsey resident is a threat to scramble and go the distance every down, making a potent ground game even more diversified. The Ironmen return their leading rushers from last season -- senior Guy Germinario, junior Dillon Romain and sophomore Tony Jones -- so the offense has been tweaked to utilize their talent on the field at the same time. The backfield will be even harder to stop thanks to the addition of a quarterback who can beat the smartest of defenses with his arm and his legs. "Our defense had personality last year and this year our personality comes from Knief," Don Bosco defensive coordinator Dan Marangi said. "Try defending that offense every day in practice and Knief makes it go. Some guys hit the wall at the end of the summer, but he's gone through the wall and kept on going." Also a talented outfielder in baseball, Knief has received recruiting letters from schools such as Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech for his prowess on the diamond. He was set to spend his summer drumming up even more collegiate interest from baseball programs by attending national showcase events, but changed his mind when a knee sprain in June threatened his place on the football team. That's when the decision was made, the glove and the bat stored away in his bedroom closet. "We all felt like it was an open race [to replace Simms] and Knief just came out and won the job," Germinario said. "No one thought he was a bad player, but we really didn't know how good he was. I think he surprised all of us and he gets even better every day." The 6-foot, 175-pound Knief likens holding the reins of what should be one of North Jersey's most productive offenses to waiting at home plate for a pitch from former Seton Hall Prep ace Rick Porcello, something he got the chance to do this spring. Porcello, a first-round draft pick who has since signed with the Detroit Tigers, tried to beat Knief with a fastball on the inner half during a State tournament game in June. Incredibly, Knief turned on the offering from the best high school pitcher in America, crushing the ball over the fence for a home run. "All eyes are on me as the quarterback at Don Bosco just like all eyes were on us when we faced Rick Porcello in baseball and that's exciting," Knief said. "Getting that type of attention is just something that comes with the job." Knief won't be heading to the batting cages for a few swings anytime soon, however. Early morning throwing sessions on the gridiron with offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile will have to do, at least until the Ironmen complete what they expect to be yet another State championship run. "I'm still a baseball player that loves football," Knief added. "But I'll never let anything come between me and winning football games for Don Bosco." Twelve games and a State title, to be exact. That's the only standard of success by which quarterbacks at Don Bosco are judged. E-mail: stapleton@northjersey.com

DiPaola makes the most of his opportunity By Don Bostrom of THE MORNING CALL themorningcall.com Quarterback leads Leopards to win after waiting his turn to play. September 3, 2007 It really should not have been much of a surprise the way Lafayette senior quarterback Mike DiPaola was able to make a seamless transition from the Brad Maurer era with a sparkling performance in his varsity debut during Saturday's 49-10 rout of Marist. After all, DiPaola had forged courage, fortitude and cool while running the scout team for two years against the heat generated by the Leopards' No. 1 defense that featured man-hunters Maurice Bennett, BLAKE COSTANZO, Marvin Snipes and Andrew Brown. ''When you get beat to death every day on the scout team, that gets you ready to go,'' Lafayette coach Frank Tavani admitted. If DiPaola had any butterflies, they were flying in formation. The slow start had nothing to do with jitters. Marist surprised Lafayette by employing a different defense than the one Lafayette had prepared for. Once adjustments were made, the Leopards were unstoppable. DiPaola showed plenty of arm strength, confidence and poise while completing 10 of 16 passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns in just about one half of action. Those stats might have been even more impressive if not for two pass interference penalties Marist drew trying to stop Shaun Adair on some deep balls. ''I was really pumped to play this game,'' DiPaola said. ''... We have great players around me that were there for me. I just went out and played football.'' Romans empire: Junior linebacker Andy Romans was in one of those zones early in the game during a brilliant sequence in which he registered 1.5 sacks, recovered a fumble, made four tackles and nearly came up with an interception. ''I've said many times I catch myself in practice just kind of watching him,'' Tavani said. ''He just loves the game. He flies around. He makes all kinds of plays. I'm just glad he's playing for us and we're not having to coach against him.'' Romans was pleased with the way Lafayette turned Marist away in the red zone after a bad snap on a punt had put the Red Foxes in business on their first possession in a scoreless game. ''Since I've been here, that's kind of how our defense has always been,'' he said. ''We give a little bit but then when they get down in the red zone we stop them. ''That was huge for us when they missed that field goal. It boosted our confidence. From there on we played really well.'' ''It was a good start to the year. Definitely,'' Romans said. ''I felt like our defense was flying around. We can enjoy this for a few more hours, next week we have Georgetown. That's a league game, that much more important and that's where our focus has to go. We can't get too caught up in our season opener. This one is in the books. It's done. It's over. We have to look forward to our next opponent.'' Romans had only one regret. ''Thinking back, I wish I had picked up that fumble and started running with it,'' he said. ''I wanted to be smart, get on the ball and give us great field position.'' The Leopards quickly converted that turnover into a score that started the rout. donald.bostrom@mcall.com 610-820-6506 Copyright © 2007, The Morning Call

Junior Linebacker - ANDY ROMANS - Leads Leopards Defense Tuesday - August 28, 2007 - EASTON EXPRESS-TIMES Low-profile defense willing to step out from the shadows LAFAYETTE FOOTBALL. Seven starters give Leopards experience. Tuesday, August 28, 2007 By RORY FAUST The Express-Times EASTON | Defensive tackle Kyle Sprenkle and linebacker Andy Romans insist Lafayette's highly-heralded defensive unit isn't interested in seeking the spotlight. By season's end, Sprenkle, Romans and their defensive mates may not have a choice. The Leopards return seven starters -- including all-Patriot League selections Sprenkle, Romans and cornerback Adrian Lawson -- to a defense that allowed the second-fewest points in league games last season. The unit may have to carry the team, at least in the early going, as the three-time defending league champs transition new personnel into key roles on offense. The notion is legitimized by the fact that a pair of defenders (Sprenkle and safety Marcel Quarterman) were picked as team co-captains. "I think the pressure is on to help carry this team and I think we're up to the challenge," said Sprenkle, an all-league second team selection last season. "We're not always getting all the representation in the papers, but that's not really important to us, either. We're out there just to win football games, and as long as we're winning that's all we really worry about." Romans, also an all-league second team selection, acknowledged the defense thrives on anonymity. "We're kinda used to being pushed off to the side; it seems like the defense is always that way," said Romans, who led the team in tackles as a sophomore last season. "I think the personality of our defense, we kinda like that. We don't need to be talked about all the time. We're confident in ourselves and we definitely feel like we could carry this team, no doubt." It's a confidence that carries over onto the field, where the Leopards play with a near-reckless abandon that often wreaks havoc on opposing offenses. "We pride ourselves defensively on running all over the field. That's the style we enjoy most," coach Frank Tavani said. "I think the kids enjoy playing it because we're not just in one or two different sets; we're in multiple looks, coming with pressure from everywhere at different times. They like playing the defense and I think that adds to their aggressiveness." Continuity could be a major factor in the success of the Leopards' defense, which led the league in rushing defense last season. Sprenkle (6-3, 270) and fifth-year senior DE Keith Bloom (6-5, 245) return up front. Sprenkle was second in the league with 13½ tackles for a loss as a junior, including four sacks. Bloom led the Leopards with five sacks and had 10½ tackles for a loss. Romans (5-11, 215) anchors a solid linebacking corps that was considered a question mark going into last season's training camp. Senior Mark Plumby (5-11, 215) returns to his starting role as strong side linebacker and is flanked by sophomore Mark Leggiero (5-11, 220), the team's rookie of the year last season. All four players in the secondary saw significant action last season. Lawson, an all-league second team pick last season, and junior Marvin Clecidor are returning starters at cornerback and the team's two safeties, Quarterman and Nigel Bryant, both played key roles down the stretch last season. Injuries forced Quarterman into the starting lineup and Bryant was the Leopards' nickel back. "I know we have a good group of guys," Sprenkle said. "I think the characteristic of the defense this year is we're playing as a team, one complete unit. We're not out there to get individual credit." It may come anyway, whether they're seeking it or not. Rory Faust can be reached at 800-360-3601 or by e-mail at rfaust@express-times.com.

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.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS - THE BERGEN RECORD Sunday, July 8, 2007 OPTIONS, OPTIONS: Don Bosco won the Schiano Shootout last month behind a strong performance at quarterback by junior Brett Knief. The Ironmen are expected to change their offensive game plan a bit this season with Knief -- also a talented runner -- under center. With backs Guy Germinario, Dillon Romain and Tony Jones, the Ironmen likely will attack defenses differently than they did with Matt Simms running the show. "We're going to do a lot of different things, a little bit of everything," said Don Bosco offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile, who was officially named the school's athletic director July 1. "And [Knief] is going to be a big part of it."

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.”

Lauren's 1st and Goal Hits Six Figures for Pediatric Brain Tumor & Cancer Research June 5, 2007 1410 high school kids and 220 college coaches participate in annual camp EASTON, Pa. - The rains stayed away just long enough for 1,410 high school football student-athletes to enjoy a day of learning on the gridiron, as Lauren's First and Goal Football Camp was held at the Metzgar Fields Athletic Complex on Sunday afternoon. The one-day camp raised $125,000, all of which is dedicated to pediatric brain tumor research and pediatric cancer services. "Today was an incredible success thanks in large part to over 400 volunteers and over 40 past and present Lafayette football players. I'm just amazed by the amount of support and generosity from everyone involved," Lafayette defensive coordinator and director of the camp John Loose said. Lafayette President Dan Weiss welcomed campers during a lunchtime speech. Following his address, Loose's daughter Lauren, whose battle with an inoperable brain tumor is the motivation for the event, brought those in attendance a huge smile with her brief 30-second "thank you." New York Giants legend Phil Simms spoke to the crowd, reminding the participants it will be their work ethic that will determine their success in the classroom and on the football field. He advised the campers to always listen to their coaches and parents. ''If I had listened better to them, I would have had a better career; we might have won another Super Bowl,'' Simms said. He closed his statements by acknowledging it was an honor to be part of the event. Over 220 college coaches of all levels from around the country traveled to Easton and volunteered their time, sharing their gridiron expertise along with their enthusiasm for the cause. Also in attendance was Bill Sheridan, linebackers coach of the New York Giants, as well as Ben Kotwica, assistant coach of the New York Jets. Kotwica was also the guest speaker at last year's Lauren's First and Goal Camp. In only its fourth year of existence, the camp has blossomed into one of the largest one-day football camps in the country. The non-contact clinic was open to students entering grades 9-12 in the fall of 2007. The minimum donation is $25, with all of the proceeds from the camp directly benefiting Lauren's First and Goal Foundation, a 501c3 tax-exempt charitable organization. Through the generosity of its volunteers and sponsors, all of the proceeds went directly to the pediatric brain tumor research and cancer services.

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!

Wednesday May 9, 2007 SPEED & CONDITIONING AT GOOD ENERGY! On Saturday, our resident PROFESSIONAL "SIGN GUY Art Amerman," owner of A&A SIGNS in Wycoff, NJ was @ GOOD ENERGY, putting up our latest addition to the GE - WALLS OF FAME - SPEED & CONDITIONING! It was very appropriate timing for this added PHOTO/SIGN Opportunity, because the GE STAFF is presently designing the SUMMER SPEED & CONDITIONING Program to go along with SUMMER STRENGTH 2007 and our TEAM TRAINING for several local high schools. As we always mention to our clientele...YOUR WORKOUT IS ONLY LIMITED BY OUR IMAGINATION! Thanks to our PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS with coaches and players at the COLLEGE & PRO LEVEL, we continue to build a large resource list of workout programs. For the past FOUR Summers we have implemented our own "Functional" variables to make our Summer Program - Progressive and Individualized to fit the NEEDS & GOALS of our Clientele at GOOD ENERGY! WE LOOK FORWARD TO A BUSY SUMMER starting next week with many College Athletes now done with final exams and ready to push their game to the next level with GOOD ENERGY! Our 2007 program will be filled with FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT Training this Summer to go along with PUSHING & PULLING WEIGHT. Many of our Athletes have developed plenty of strength over the past several years and it is NOW time to maximize on that strength - by increasing their SPEED - POWER & EXPLOSIVENESS! OUR SUMMER QUEST is for OUR GE ATHLETES to perform their SPORT at their MAX Capability, not just to accrue impressive numbers in our weight room! WE DEVELOP SUCCESSFUL, INJURY-FREE ATHLETES! GO GOOD ENERGY!

NFL EUROPA - WEEK 4 NEWS & NOTES May 4, 2007 Week 4 team notes RHEIN FIRE (1-2) This week: vs. Hamburg Sea Devils Head coach RICK LANTZ was frustrated at his team’s inability to turn good field position into touchdowns last week, saying: “When you get down near the goalline and throw the ball into the end zone, you have to get some in there.”… LB RICHARD KOONCE (Pittsburgh Steelers) recorded 3 tackles, 1 sack and 1 interception last week. Ranks second on the Fire with 13 tackles on the season… LB BLAKE COSTANZO (New York Jets) registered 5 tackles and 3 pass defenses last week. Leads Rhein with 18 tackles through three games and has added 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 3 pass defenses… LB DEREK REHAGE (Pittsburgh Steelers) recorded 3 tackles last week and has 6 on the season… Rhein’s defense ranks second in NFL Europa, restricting opponents to 213.7 yards per game… The Fire defense is holding opposing offenses to a league-low 3.8 yards per play…

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.”

RAMSEY SUBURBAN NEWS Wednesday - April 11, 2007 VARSITY COACHES TO HOST FOOTBALL CAMP Come join the Ramsey High School Varsity Coaching staff from 8:45am to noon July 30 through Aug. 3 to learn to become a complete player regardless of your skill or experience. All students entering Grades 5-9 this September are welcome to enroll. The camp is being held at the Ramsey High School football practice facility and field. The week is filled with football specific instruction for all positions as well as 7 vs. 7 games each day. Camp starts each day with a speed and agility session compliments of Good Energy in Allendale. Each camper's speed and agility is evaluated and recorded as part of a written evaluation. For a brochure or registration fee inquiries, please call Vic Tribuzio at 201-785-2300, ext. 21870, or email vtribuzio@ramsey.k12.nj.us.

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.”

TRX - as seen in Sport's Illustrated - Drew Brees - All-Pro QB New Orleans Saints BRETT KNIEF - DON BOSCO PREP QB & BASEBALL PLAYER Training Like a PRO @ GE ! NFL Workout: Strapped In A system designed by a Navy SEAL got the Saints' Drew Brees in shape to succeed Posted: Tuesday January 9, 2007 12:42PM; By Lisa Altobelli To help him recover from surgery to repair a torn labrum and a partially torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder -- and to prepare for an All-Pro season this fall -- Saints QB Drew Brees turned to an unusual workout regimen. "When they told me it was invented by a Navy SEAL, I knew it would be cool," says Brees of the nylon TRX suspension-strap system devised by SEAL Randy Hetrick for training in small spaces such as in ships and submarines. "It's just your body weight working against gravity, so you won't get injured. Now my wife [Brittany] uses one at home, and I'm addicted." Brees began using the system (sold to the public at fitnessanywhere.com) last April under his trainer of three years, Todd Durkin. "I like that Todd was a quarterback [at William and Mary]," says Brees. "He trains me in a way that's position-specific." Durkin says he wants his athletes "to be strong feet to fingertips. In Drew's case, I knew we could do that safely using TRX." Safely and effectively: Brees, who plays the Eagles on Saturday, led the NFL with 4,418 passing yards. ATOMIC PUSH-UPS With feet in straps eight inches off the ground, assume the push-up position. Do a standard push-up. Then, at a controlled, even speed, raise tailbone as high as possible, keeping legs straight and pulling the body into a pike position. Return to the push-up position. Two sets of 15. Benefits: Core strength as well as shoulder stability. "This is an advanced move," says Durkin. "We needed to get his shoulders as strong as possible, and the core generates the majority of his throwing power." HIP ROTATION WITH SCORPION KICK With left foot in strap eight inches off the ground and straps anchored overhead, assume the push-up position. Pull right knee tight to chest. Rotate hips to left and bring right knee towards left elbow. Rotate hips to the right and bring bent right knee out over the top of the body. Do a set of 10, then switch legs. Two sets per side. Benefits: Core and rotational strength, shoulder stability, flexibility. "Awesome for a QB," says Durkin. "It helps disassociate his shoulders from his hips to improve his throwing torque." PENDULUM SWING WITH KNEE TUCKS With feet in straps eight inches off the ground, assume the push-up position. Swing both legs to the right and bend knees toward the right elbow. Then let gravity pull legs back through the center before swinging to the left and bending both knees toward the left elbow. Do 20-30 reps or for 30 seconds. Benefits: "This really targets the obliques and the lower abs," says Durkin. "It develops the midsection while at the same time focusing on rotational strength." CARD TOSS (For this, Brees goes strapless.) Standing in a wrestler's stance, left arm behind back, face a partner a few yards away. The partner tosses up a playing card and asks a question about anything -- music, pop culture, even football. ("What play do you call when you see a Cover 2?") Catch card with right hand while answering. Do 10 cards with one hand, then switch. Benefits: Hand-eye coordination, reaction time and mental toughness, which, says Durkin, "teaches an athlete to push through to the final second." SUSPENDED CRUNCH With feet in straps eight inches off the ground and the straps attached to an overhead bar, assume the push-up position. Lift hips and pull knees toward chest. Extend legs back to starting position. Two sets of 15. Benefits: The most basic of the exercises in Brees's routine, this strengthens the core and develops shoulder stability, keys to passing effectively. "We needed to get his shoulders as strong as possible," says Durkin, "and the core generates the majority of his throwing power."

GOOD ENERGY IN THE NEWS !! November 2, 2006 From The Morning Call Allentown, PA Family ranks high with Lafayette LB ANDY ROMANS His parents and sister travel from New Jersey to attend each Leopard game. By Don Bostrom OF The Morning Call That irascible Dorothy of Kansas will always be the chart topper when it comes to clicking your heels together and saying, ''There's no place like home.'' Lafayette's prized sophomore weak side linebacker Andy Romans deserves some recognition though for a pre-game ritual that pays homage to his family. ''I write my parents initials on my cleats every year,'' Romans said. ''SR and TR. Sharon is always on the right cleat, Tom is always on the left. ''Before I go in for every series, I rub the back of my cleats together.'' Romans has been doing this since he was a standout at St. Joseph Regional High in Allendale, N.J. ''It means a lot to me to have my family there,'' Romans said. ''They've come to every game since I've been six years old. It's important to have family there to support you.'' Denise Romans, Andy's older sister, is also usually at games and she's had a profound impact on his life, too. ''Yeah, people would never guess I'm an artist,'' Romans said. ''I love to sketch stuff. I draw a lot with a pencil. I kind of got that from Denise while we were growing up.'' Denise was a pretty good role model. She's now an accomplished professional artist. ''She does a lot of work for advertising companies,'' Romans said. ''It's weird. I'll be walking through a supermarket and she'll say, 'I drew that label for that yogurt company.' I think that's pretty cool.'' When it came to playing time as a freshman, Romans was on the football equivalent of a steady diet of plain yogurt. At practice, he was only given a handful of repetitions. On Saturdays, he sat and watched arguably the greatest linebacking corps in Lafayette history — Maurice Bennett, Blake Costanzo and Dion Witherspoon — help carry the Leopards to a Patriot League title. ''That was the first time I ever had to sit at any level,'' Romans said. ''It was very tough, but it only made me that much more hungry. ''I hate not playing. Going into the offseason, I knew there was a spot open waiting for me if I worked hard enough for it. That was my motivation.'' Interestingly, family of sorts intervened. Romans got into fantastic shape working as a trainer at a gym owned by Pete Ohneghian, a star lineman for Lafayette in the early 1990s who played in the Arena Football League for the Tampa Bay Storm, Miami Hooters, N.J. Red Dogs and L.A. Avengers. ''Pete is kind of like a big brother to me,'' Romans said. ''He's actually my sister Denise's brother-in-law. So, I don't know what that makes him to me. ''He helped me out in the recruiting process. He sent tapes out for me. He didn't really push me toward Lafayette. He knew it was my decision. ''He talked to coaches. He didn't try to steer me in this direction at all, he left it up to me.'' Another piece of inspiration was provided by Romans' real brother. ''My favorite player as a kid was always Barry Sanders,'' Romans said. ''Then I read Lawrence Taylor's book a couple of years ago. ''He kind of took over in my mind because I was a linebacker. My brother gave me a Lawrence Taylor jersey in high school and I've had it here in my room the last two years. LT is a good role model to have — on the field at least. I don't know about off it.'' On the field, Romans has been doing a pretty good LT impersonation while trying to carve out his own identity. ''You can't get caught up in trying to be the guys that were there before,'' Romans said. ''They were great. But they are gone. We have to establish our own identities.'' Romans has done just that. He has emerged as the most consistent defensive player the Leopards have. Despite missing a game and a half with a hamstring injury, Romans' team-high 74 tackles (10.6 per game) ranks second in the Patriot League behind Colgate's Mike Gallihugh, who ranks No. 2 nationally with 97 (12.1 per game). He earned Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honors for an 18-tackle game against Holy Cross that included 11 solo stops. Romans' strengths are speed and a nose for the football. ''I get to the ball,'' he said. ''The biggest difference I've seen is college is everything is a little faster. Everyone is always running full speed.'' Coach Frank Tavani thinks Romans brings a ''sense of urgency.'' ''Andy is hungry to play out there,'' Tavani said. ''He runs well, is tough to block and so aggressive. I don't know about flying up high and winding up on his head in the pike position in a pile though [like he did against Holy Cross with reckless abandon]. It doesn't surprise me to see Andy making that many plays.'' It shouldn't. Romans simply wants to make things click.

OCTOBER 21, 2006 ANDY ROMANS CONTINUES HIS DOMINANCE IN DIV. 1-AA FOOTBALL EASTON, Pa. (http://www.lafayette.edu) Oct. 21, 2006 Holy Cross Knocks Off Lafayette 38-28 at Fisher Field Leopards 265 rushing yards are overcome by 352 yards through the air by the Crusaders Game notes Lafayette failed to cross midfield on its last three possessions; Holy Cross added an insurance field goal with 1:31 left. "This is a great win for our players, our coaches and Holy Cross," said Gilmore, who evened his three-year record at Holy Cross to 15-15. "I'm proud of the way our guys responded to the adversity we had in the first quarter. "This shows we can compete with the better teams. This is certainly a step in the right direction." The same cannot be said for the Leopards, who travel to Colgate this week in a make-or-break situation. "Colgate's a huge game. We still got to play for our pride," said sophomore linebacker Andy Romans. Sophomore linebacker Andy Romans finished with 18 tackles, the highest total by a Lafayette player since All-American Maurice Bennett had 19 stops against Harvard last season. Romans has 65 tackles in just over five games this season, and 10 or more stops in all five full games which he has played as a starter. He was credited with 2.0 tackles for a loss on one solo stop and two assists. HARD WORK, IS PAYING OFF FOR ANDY ROMANS !!

September 1, 2006 Lafayette College - ANDY ROMANS #17 - Sophomore - LB LEOPARDS READY TO PLAY! The waiting game. Lafayette players anxious to make an impact as starters after serving as valuable backups. Friday, September 01, 2006 By CORKY BLAKE The Express-Times Senior Justin Stovall has waited through three seasons to become Lafayette College's starting middle linebacker. Stovall's running mate at outside linebacker, Andy Romans, said one year as a special teams gonzo was almost too long for him. "It was real tough for me; I can't imagine what it was like for a guy like Stovall waiting three years for his turn," said Romans, the all-time leading tackler at St. Joseph Regional, one of the top prep programs in New Jersey. "I know it's not easy waiting your turn, but I believe I'm ready." Romans will be one of five members of Lafayette's talented sophomore class who will be in the starting lineup 2 p.m. Saturday, when the Leopards open their 125th football season at Sacred Heart University. The other second-year players who have worked their way into coach Frank Tavani's first unit are all on offense -- wide receiver Shaun Adair, fullback Joe Russo, right guard Leo Plenski and tight end Michael Conte. Ten other sophomores are listed as backups, including four of the five offensive linemen. The fifth, center Michael Wojcik, is a freshman. Romans, Stovall and junior Mark Plumby, the other outside linebacker, all are making their first starts. They're replacing All-American Maurice Bennett, New York Jets free agent Blake Costanzo and Dion Witherspoon, who some regarded as the most athletic of the trio. "Things have been going great," Romans said. "We're champing at the bit because we're all excited to get our shot at playing." The Pioneers are picked for last in the Northeast Conference, but they don't lack for offensive firepower. Quarterback Tyler Arciaga is a second-year graduate student who served as a backup for two seasons at UNLV before switching to Sacred Heart last fall and throwing for nearly 2,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. "Their quarterback plays with a lot of poise and confidence," Tavani said. "He ranks up there with the best quarterbacks we'll see this year." Arciaga also was sacked 27 times last season. The strength of the Leopards' defense will be its line and three returning starters -- all-league end Marvin Snipes and tackles Dan Liseno and Kyle Sprenkle. "They like to throw the ball deep," Romans said. "They got a lot of speed." Offensively, the Leopards may try to steamroll the Pioneers behind a line that averages 299 pounds and will be clearing the way for 220-pound tailback Jonathan Hurt and the 235-pound Russo. Adair, like Romans, relishes the opportunity to be a full-time player. Adair made the biggest impact among the freshmen, catching 22 passes for 392 yards and three touchdowns as the Leopards' third receiver. "There are a lot more plays I have to know," Adair said. "Last year I was in for a limited number of plays. Playing last year definitely helped me feel more comfortable this season. "I think the offense is going to click early this season. Brad (Maurer) is in his third year as a starter and Jon (Hurt) is back." Against dangerous Sacred Heart, the Leopards' offense might need to be in sync immediately. Corky Blake can be reached at 800-360-3601, ext. 3600, or by e-mail at cblake@express-times.com. © 2006 The Express Times © 2006 PennLive.com All Rights Reserved.

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.” And what passed for a cool down was an old fashioned tug of war that included Rob DeBrino, a 1992 graduate of Old Tappan who was elected into the NV/OT Athletic Hall of Fame earlier this year. DeBrino was forced to pick up the rope in place of the one participant whose alarm clock let him down. DeBrino, who played four years of minor league baseball in the Twins organization, is a trainer at Good Energy. “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