Ground Hogs, Volleyballs & Commitments

I’m all for the tradition that comes with Groundhogs Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania but somebody needs to investigate what’s going on there.
It was cloudy on Gobbler’s Knob and throughout most of Pennsylvania yesterday morning when Phil came out and yet somehow saw his shadow which legend says will bring six more weeks of winter. I think the only reason there was a shadow was because of all the TV lights….seems like those who make up the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Inner Circle had already decided the outcome even before Phil could make his prediction.

Eric Maxwell has done a tremendous job building both the Girls and Boys Volleyball programs at Southern Regional High School. The Rams have become a state power in both and last fall the girls team won a state-record 40 games as Maxwell was named Asbury Park Press Coach of the Year.
However much of that good has been wiped out by an incident that has gone public this week and the 45-year old Maxwell deserves better. A video has surfaced from a game back in October in which the coach hits one of his own players in the head with a ball. Maxwell has said that it was a mistake that came out of frustration and the day after the game issued a letter of apology to the parents on his team. The story has taken on new life 3 ½ months later because a video shot by someone from Cherry Hill East made its way onto web sites like YouTube. I have watched it several times and while it’s a bit shocking school officials had already handled the matter and placed Maxwell on probation. If the unidentified player and her family are okay with everything then its time to move on. Maxwell has done a lot of good for his players, school and sport and that should not be forgotten.

Today is probably the single most important day in college football. It’s National Letter of Intent Signing Day as recruits can finally sign binding contracts with the colleges of their choice. Among the most highly-recruited high school players from the shore area were Jarrett Darmstetter from Barnegat who will sign with Boston College and Raritan’s Bennett Jackson, who is headed to Notre Dame. Both will appear on the “Shore Sports Report” today which airs on 1160 WOBM AM between 3-6pm and will be broadcast live from Monmouth University as the Hawks announce their new recruits.