A story that originates in Kentucky is one that you can be sure will be followed by those involved with the sport of football right here at the Jersey Shore. David Jason Stinson, the head coach at Pleasure Ridge High School pled not guilty yesterday to reckless homicide charges in the death of a 15-year old player in late August. Max Gilpin died of complications from heat stroke, three days after collapsing on the practice field. Stinson, who was in his first season as head coach, was released Monday without having to post bond but faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
Gilpin, a 6’2, 220 pound offensive lineman collapsed during the end of practice when players were running sprints called “gassers.” Reports say coaches were pushing the players in the 94-degree heat, denying them water and promising to end practice if at least one player quit the team which did occur later. 15 minutes before Gilpin collapsed a teammate went down and was sent to a nearby tree for shade where he was treated with water and ice packs.
It’s believed this is the first time criminal charges have been brought against a high school or college coach for an incident like this one and it does raise many questions. Pushing players in the summer to get them ready for a season has been the norm for decades and despite awareness over heat-related problems there were six deaths in 2008 associated with heat on the high school and college level. There can be no denying more information is available today on the importance of hydration as I can tell you during my high school days we didn’t even know the meaning of the word. You also now have athletic trainers involved in the process, often working with coaches to make sure the proper precautions are taken.
Obviously none of us really knows what took place on that practice field in Louisville last August and that will come out during the trial. The death of a 15-year old is tragic and not to be taken lightly. However the precedent that could be set in this case will also have major ramifications for years to come and you can be sure coaches from all over the country will be watching.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
A Football-less Sunday
The last Sunday we did not have a pro football game to watch was August 31st so if you suffered yesterday it’s just a preview of things to come. I was out most of the day and did not get home until late in the afternoon and it was strange to turn on the TV and not find a football game, although A&E did offer a Sylvester Stallone marathon. Of course there is one more game left in the season…that being Super Bowl 43 Sunday night. The Steelers & Cardinals arrive in Tampa today and it certainly is not like last year when there was so much buzz over the game with the Giants playing and of course winning. However there seems to be plenty of Pittsburgh fans in our area as I have seen numerous vehicles and even homes displaying logos and other signs of their allegiance.
If you ever wanted to know how fast one falls from the spotlight just think about President George Bush….for the most part gone and forgotten.
So Joe Torre has a book coming out next week in which he takes a couple of shots at Alex Rodriguez and Brian Cashman. When word of this got out yesterday many Yankee fans were quick to question why Torre would go negative when his stint in the Bronx was so successful. First you need to read the book before you draw any conclusions but let’s be honest...the Yankees pretty much ended the relationship between the two and did not even mention Torre during the closing ceremonies at Yankee Stadium. Of course this so-called controversy will help sell books and maybe that was the intent all along.
Of all the subjects I have talked about in my “Hometown View” the one that has generated the most feedback has to do with kids returning home from college either during the holiday break that just ended or for the summer. I can’t even tell you how many times over the past month people approached me to comment about the changes in their sons and daughters especially when it came to things like staying up at night and sleeping during the day.
Of course they are now back at school so you can take the “out of sight, out of mind attitude” but remember…. they’ll be home in just four months.
If you ever wanted to know how fast one falls from the spotlight just think about President George Bush….for the most part gone and forgotten.
So Joe Torre has a book coming out next week in which he takes a couple of shots at Alex Rodriguez and Brian Cashman. When word of this got out yesterday many Yankee fans were quick to question why Torre would go negative when his stint in the Bronx was so successful. First you need to read the book before you draw any conclusions but let’s be honest...the Yankees pretty much ended the relationship between the two and did not even mention Torre during the closing ceremonies at Yankee Stadium. Of course this so-called controversy will help sell books and maybe that was the intent all along.
Of all the subjects I have talked about in my “Hometown View” the one that has generated the most feedback has to do with kids returning home from college either during the holiday break that just ended or for the summer. I can’t even tell you how many times over the past month people approached me to comment about the changes in their sons and daughters especially when it came to things like staying up at night and sleeping during the day.
Of course they are now back at school so you can take the “out of sight, out of mind attitude” but remember…. they’ll be home in just four months.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Football-less Friday
A couple of random notes heading into the first weekend without pro football since early September.
I still love broadcasting high school sports and one of the reasons why is doing a basketball game from Gepp Gym at Monsignor Donovan High School. It’s no Ritacco Center but always makes me feel nostalgic about the way things used to be as it serves as both a gym and auditorium and we broadcast last nights Donovan-Central game from the stage. There is nothing like that gym packed with fans that are right on top of the court and of course in good times the student section called “The Pit” makes it a nightmare for visiting players. Many years ago we had a basketball team at the radio station and the WOBM “No Stars” would annually play a game against the Donovan faculty and it was comical to have those students rip you each time you did something wrong. It was also great to see former Griffins coach and Athletic Director Steve Gepp at the game. He is truly one of the best people I have met in my years covering sports and he
was a lot of fun to watch on the bench for so many years. By the way the Griffins rolled to an easy win and they are a team to watch as six of their top seven players are underclassmen. Included in that group are a pair of impressive sophomores in guard Sean Grennan and 6’5 center Anthony Duszczak, who scored 18 points and was our player of the game.
January is National Mentoring Month and the theme for that at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County is “expand your universe; mentor a child! Right now there are 75 children, most of them boys on the waiting list for a mentor to come into their life. If you have even thought about getting involved now is the time to find out how you can make a difference. Big Brothers Big Sisters will hold an Open House at their office in Lakewood on 85 Williams Street on Wednesday, January 28th from 3-7pm. You can meet the staff, Board of Directors and “Bigs” and “Littles” to find out more about a program that has changed lives. For information you can call the office at
(732) 905-5349 or visits bbbsoc@optonline.net.
I still love broadcasting high school sports and one of the reasons why is doing a basketball game from Gepp Gym at Monsignor Donovan High School. It’s no Ritacco Center but always makes me feel nostalgic about the way things used to be as it serves as both a gym and auditorium and we broadcast last nights Donovan-Central game from the stage. There is nothing like that gym packed with fans that are right on top of the court and of course in good times the student section called “The Pit” makes it a nightmare for visiting players. Many years ago we had a basketball team at the radio station and the WOBM “No Stars” would annually play a game against the Donovan faculty and it was comical to have those students rip you each time you did something wrong. It was also great to see former Griffins coach and Athletic Director Steve Gepp at the game. He is truly one of the best people I have met in my years covering sports and he
was a lot of fun to watch on the bench for so many years. By the way the Griffins rolled to an easy win and they are a team to watch as six of their top seven players are underclassmen. Included in that group are a pair of impressive sophomores in guard Sean Grennan and 6’5 center Anthony Duszczak, who scored 18 points and was our player of the game.
January is National Mentoring Month and the theme for that at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ocean County is “expand your universe; mentor a child! Right now there are 75 children, most of them boys on the waiting list for a mentor to come into their life. If you have even thought about getting involved now is the time to find out how you can make a difference. Big Brothers Big Sisters will hold an Open House at their office in Lakewood on 85 Williams Street on Wednesday, January 28th from 3-7pm. You can meet the staff, Board of Directors and “Bigs” and “Littles” to find out more about a program that has changed lives. For information you can call the office at
(732) 905-5349 or visits bbbsoc@optonline.net.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Charitiable Events
More than 100 people attended a special luncheon Wednesday at Woodlake Country Club in Lakewood as the Toms River-Ocean County Chamber of Commerce honored Matt Smith along with Ed Sunday and Gateway Toyota.
Both received the 2009 Pinnacle Philanthropic Leadership Awards for their
continued service to the Chamber and the community. Smith, a partner in the consulting engineering firm of O’Donnell, Stanton & Associates and Gateway Toyota were previously honored as Distinguished Citizens and Organizations of the Year, which is part of the criteria for the Pinnacle Award.
Previous honorees who attended yesterday’s luncheon included attorneys Harvey York and Bob Novy, developer Gary Lotano, Nina Anuario of OceanFirst Bank, Toms River Police Chief Mike Mastronardy and Community Medical Center, represented by Rick Palllamary.
Also announced yesterday were details of the 46th Annual Reception and Dinner Gala which will be held on May 14th at Eagle Ridge Golf Club. Retired Superior Court Judge Eugene Serpentelli will be saluted as Distinguished Citizen of the Year while the Presbyterian Church of Toms River has been selected as the “Organization of the Year.”
The Atlantic Club in Manasquan and the Muscular Dystrophy Association will host a benefit on Friday, January 30th with all proceeds going to Augie’s Quest, which is the MDA’s ALS Research Initiative. WinterQuest will feature food, music, dancing, ice carving, silent auctions and more. Also on hand will be the authors and promoter of the children’s book, “A Glove of Their Own” which tells the story of kids who play baseball for the love of the game. What’s so special about the book is that each sale results in donations to help “Play it Forward.” For tickets and more information on WinterQuest you can call (732) 292-4357
Both received the 2009 Pinnacle Philanthropic Leadership Awards for their
continued service to the Chamber and the community. Smith, a partner in the consulting engineering firm of O’Donnell, Stanton & Associates and Gateway Toyota were previously honored as Distinguished Citizens and Organizations of the Year, which is part of the criteria for the Pinnacle Award.
Previous honorees who attended yesterday’s luncheon included attorneys Harvey York and Bob Novy, developer Gary Lotano, Nina Anuario of OceanFirst Bank, Toms River Police Chief Mike Mastronardy and Community Medical Center, represented by Rick Palllamary.
Also announced yesterday were details of the 46th Annual Reception and Dinner Gala which will be held on May 14th at Eagle Ridge Golf Club. Retired Superior Court Judge Eugene Serpentelli will be saluted as Distinguished Citizen of the Year while the Presbyterian Church of Toms River has been selected as the “Organization of the Year.”
The Atlantic Club in Manasquan and the Muscular Dystrophy Association will host a benefit on Friday, January 30th with all proceeds going to Augie’s Quest, which is the MDA’s ALS Research Initiative. WinterQuest will feature food, music, dancing, ice carving, silent auctions and more. Also on hand will be the authors and promoter of the children’s book, “A Glove of Their Own” which tells the story of kids who play baseball for the love of the game. What’s so special about the book is that each sale results in donations to help “Play it Forward.” For tickets and more information on WinterQuest you can call (732) 292-4357
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inauguration Of Barack Obama
Change has come to America and whether you were in Washington DC Tuesday or glued to your TV you witnessed it in its entire splendor. A day that really can’t be summed up in just words saw Barack Obama become the 44th President of our nation with the pomp and circumstance that at times seemed more appropriate for the coronation of a new King.
Regardless of who you voted for in November you have to admit that yesterday was not only historic but a day full of hope at a time when we need it the most. Sure much of the theme is the fact that Obama is the first African-American to serve as our Chief Executive but it’s much more than that. He is youthful and mature, serious but with a smile that radiates and while he may be humbled by the task before him you don’t get the feeling he is afraid to take it head on.
Another indication of the change is the First Family who will now call the White House their home. Michelle Obama was described yesterday as the
“woman who could save the fashion industry” and she clearly will not be in the shadows. Daughters Malia and Sasha will grow up right in front of us which reminds many of the JFK days in Washington. Don’t think despite their young age they don’t have influence because J Crew’s website was jammed when people found out the First Daughters were wearing clothes from their kids line. Many were disappointed when they learned that the clothes were especially designed for the girls and are not available….at least not yet.
Obama’s speech to the nation and world yesterday may not have given us a historic line like “ask not what your country can do for you but rather what you can do for your country” but it did set a tone for what’s about to come in his administration. We can only hope that he is the right person to set a new course because we are heading in the wrong direction. All Americans biggest hope should be that Barack Obama does not just go into the history books because of the color of his skin but rather because of the greatness of his presidency.
Regardless of who you voted for in November you have to admit that yesterday was not only historic but a day full of hope at a time when we need it the most. Sure much of the theme is the fact that Obama is the first African-American to serve as our Chief Executive but it’s much more than that. He is youthful and mature, serious but with a smile that radiates and while he may be humbled by the task before him you don’t get the feeling he is afraid to take it head on.
Another indication of the change is the First Family who will now call the White House their home. Michelle Obama was described yesterday as the
“woman who could save the fashion industry” and she clearly will not be in the shadows. Daughters Malia and Sasha will grow up right in front of us which reminds many of the JFK days in Washington. Don’t think despite their young age they don’t have influence because J Crew’s website was jammed when people found out the First Daughters were wearing clothes from their kids line. Many were disappointed when they learned that the clothes were especially designed for the girls and are not available….at least not yet.
Obama’s speech to the nation and world yesterday may not have given us a historic line like “ask not what your country can do for you but rather what you can do for your country” but it did set a tone for what’s about to come in his administration. We can only hope that he is the right person to set a new course because we are heading in the wrong direction. All Americans biggest hope should be that Barack Obama does not just go into the history books because of the color of his skin but rather because of the greatness of his presidency.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Parties & Eagles
You were probably expecting me to do a segment today on the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States and you would be partly correct. I’m going to wait until tomorrow to talk about the historic moment when Obama becomes the first African-American to hold the highest office in the nation. I will certainly watch the ceremonies today which I’m sure will be emotional for many as change truly does comes to America. The only thing I question is the pomp and circumstance surrounding this event at a time when our country and the world is in really bad shape. In all honesty it’s been a four-day event and one can only imagine the price tag the government has to pay in security alone.
Somebody once said you learn a lot about the people you work with at a holiday party. If that’s the case than there are some of us who are very different once the music begins. We had our holiday party over the weekend and I certainly work with some dancing fools. Actually there are those who can really move and those whose movements are not pretty. Then there are those like me who refuse to give anyone ammunition for post-party commentaries or cell phone pictures. Nothing wrong with letting your hair down and I’m glad to report that nobody did anything to be ashamed of or regret when they woke up the next morning.
Philadelphia will have to be content with being home only to the World Series champions as the Eagles have come up short once again in their bid for a Super Bowl title. That’s a good thing because I don’t know if I could have survived the constant ribbing from Philly fans about being the “city of champions.” The Eagles do deserve credit for not quitting in Arizona Sunday and Donovan McNabb was able to rally his team after a terrible first half. But the vaunted Eagles defense let the team down and there will not be an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl. Here’s hoping the Cardinals prevail which should give hope to fans of all teams because they were the laughing stock of the NFL just a few short years ago.
Somebody once said you learn a lot about the people you work with at a holiday party. If that’s the case than there are some of us who are very different once the music begins. We had our holiday party over the weekend and I certainly work with some dancing fools. Actually there are those who can really move and those whose movements are not pretty. Then there are those like me who refuse to give anyone ammunition for post-party commentaries or cell phone pictures. Nothing wrong with letting your hair down and I’m glad to report that nobody did anything to be ashamed of or regret when they woke up the next morning.
Philadelphia will have to be content with being home only to the World Series champions as the Eagles have come up short once again in their bid for a Super Bowl title. That’s a good thing because I don’t know if I could have survived the constant ribbing from Philly fans about being the “city of champions.” The Eagles do deserve credit for not quitting in Arizona Sunday and Donovan McNabb was able to rally his team after a terrible first half. But the vaunted Eagles defense let the team down and there will not be an all-Pennsylvania Super Bowl. Here’s hoping the Cardinals prevail which should give hope to fans of all teams because they were the laughing stock of the NFL just a few short years ago.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Cold Random Friday Thoughts
You talk about bad timing. I do a segment yesterday on how we don’t have real winter weather any longer and we get snow showers and brutal low temperatures. Somebody sent me an email wondering if I was in Florida when I wrote the piece. In truth I did do it in advance because I had to take yesterday off as my daughter needed to have her wisdom teeth removed.
However what we are now experiencing will not last long and we should be above freezing by early next week.
What you do see during bitter cold mornings like this one is people warming their cars up. While that is a good thing after the first minute or two you are only doing it for your comfort as your car only needs a couple of minutes to get the oil going. Also when you go to start your engine there is no real need to pump the gas like we used to do with older vehicles.
A couple of random notes heading into what is a holiday weekend for many:
Southern Regional High School will hold its 19th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this Sunday from 3-7pm at the Holiday Inn in Manahawkin. This year’s inductees are Rich Beverley, Melissa Boyda, Lori Citarella, Sean Crawford, Dan Hall, Curt Walters and coaches John Bihlmier and Roy Librizzi. Also going into the hall will be the Rams 1997
Wrestling team which won a state sectional championship.
Tom Farrell announced earlier this week that he is stepping down as the head football coach at New Egypt High School after seven seasons. This comes three months after Farrell was appointed principal of the school. He coached the Warriors for seven seasons and in the last two they qualified for the state playoffs. Farrell previously was an assistant coach at Monmouth University and the head coach at Monsignor Donovan where his oldest son plays and now he’ll get to watch him on the weekends.
A small correction in regards to the dinner on February 6th at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City to honor recently-retired Brick Township High School football coach Warren Wolf. The dinner will start at 5:30 and not 5pm as I reported earlier in the week. Those interested in attending can contact Brick Township High School Principal Dennis Filippone at (732) 262-2500 or Lacey High School football coach Lou Vircillo at (609) 709-5303
However what we are now experiencing will not last long and we should be above freezing by early next week.
What you do see during bitter cold mornings like this one is people warming their cars up. While that is a good thing after the first minute or two you are only doing it for your comfort as your car only needs a couple of minutes to get the oil going. Also when you go to start your engine there is no real need to pump the gas like we used to do with older vehicles.
A couple of random notes heading into what is a holiday weekend for many:
Southern Regional High School will hold its 19th Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this Sunday from 3-7pm at the Holiday Inn in Manahawkin. This year’s inductees are Rich Beverley, Melissa Boyda, Lori Citarella, Sean Crawford, Dan Hall, Curt Walters and coaches John Bihlmier and Roy Librizzi. Also going into the hall will be the Rams 1997
Wrestling team which won a state sectional championship.
Tom Farrell announced earlier this week that he is stepping down as the head football coach at New Egypt High School after seven seasons. This comes three months after Farrell was appointed principal of the school. He coached the Warriors for seven seasons and in the last two they qualified for the state playoffs. Farrell previously was an assistant coach at Monmouth University and the head coach at Monsignor Donovan where his oldest son plays and now he’ll get to watch him on the weekends.
A small correction in regards to the dinner on February 6th at the Tropicana Hotel in Atlantic City to honor recently-retired Brick Township High School football coach Warren Wolf. The dinner will start at 5:30 and not 5pm as I reported earlier in the week. Those interested in attending can contact Brick Township High School Principal Dennis Filippone at (732) 262-2500 or Lacey High School football coach Lou Vircillo at (609) 709-5303
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