In The Navy

“In the Navy” was a popular song by the group “Village People” more than thirty years ago and it’s also where Toms River East football standout Nico Steriti is heading. The Shore Sports Network’s Ocean County Player of the Year has verbally accepted an offer to attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and play football for the Midshipmen. Steriti visited the school with his parents last weekend before making a decision and he is expected to sign a National Letter of Intent at High School East on Wednesday, February 3rd. Nico is best known for his offensive exploits as he ran for more than 1,600 yards this past season and scored 28 touchdowns but he is also a standout defensive back and many feel that’s what he’ll play in college. Navy is coming off a 10-4 season that included a 35-13 rout of Missouri in the Texas Bowl earlier this month. The Mids 2010 schedule includes an October visit to the Meadowlands to play Notre Dame.

There was a very touching note to last weekends Ocean County Boys Swimming Championships. In what was described as the most exciting race of the meet, Toms River North junior Greg Hirtes swam the race of his life to win the 100 butterfly by 1/10th of a second. What was truly amazing was that Hirtes was swimming with a very heavy heart as his mother had passed away just three days earlier after a rather short battle with cancer. Maureen Hirtes was just 43 years old and the mother of 11 children (6 boys and 5 girls) ranging in age from 18 to just five months. One of her final wishes was that Greg continue to swim and his victory was celebrated and appreciated by not only his competitors but everyone in attendance at the Ocean County YMCA. For all its imperfections sports does often provide moments and memories that are rather unforgettable and Greg Hirtes performance was a lasting tribute to his mother.

In a game that will likely going a long way towards deciding the Class B South Boys Basketball championship Lakewood will visit Monsignor Donovan tomorrow night….you can hear it on our Shore Sports Network, including 1160AM. The Piners lost their division opener but have won four straight in “B South” while the Griffins are a perfect 4-0. The atmosphere at Gepp Gym should be crazy where “The Pit” will be very much alive. Tipoff is at 6:30pm.