By Eric Mossop, Athletic Director, Pennsauken High School
Arguably, no sport brings more excitement to the PHS gymnasium than Coach Jack Killion, Jr.’s boys volleyball team. The team has made deep playoff runs each of the past five seasons, and looks to make another deep run behind the talented senior class of Malek Maddah, Robert Macauley, Andy Tran, and Jared Jordan. Junior Tuan Nguyen is also slowly becoming one of the better setters in South Jersey!
Coach Clinton Tabb and the boys track team look to build on an impressive winter track season behind a nationally ranked 4 x 200m team and bring home a state championship this spring. The team will be highlighted by senior standout sprinters Marquan Jones and Martin Booker. Coach Phil Zimmerman and the girls track team look to build on the success of senior distance runners Briana Roberts and Amanda Bakley.
Coach Byrd and the baseball team look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2012 behind a young team with a lot of potential. Juniors Johnny Almonte and Jake Urena , as well as sophomore Josh Negron, provide a solid core of talent to a team that is starting one senior, four juniors, and four sophomores. This season – and the future – certainly looks bright for the Indians!
Coach Marc Granieri and the softball team look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010; the team has a good chance behind seniors Lisa Hershey and Cieani Copes. The youth movement is also showing major promise. Sophomore Nicolette Mastromarco and freshman Rachel Hershey could be the pieces that will help the team get over the playoff hump!
Coach Shana Smeriglio has returned from a coaching stint at Rowan University to lead the lacrosse team, which has enjoyed growing success. Last season, the team made the playoffs after a three-year absence, fielding a team of mostly underclassmen. Juniors Sharlize Burgos and Nani Espada on offense, midfielders Dezeray Adams and Selena Carter, and defender Arielis Reyes look to lead the team to a high playoff seed!
Basketball Playoff Update
For the second year in a row, both the boys and girls basketball teams qualified for the NJSIAA playoffs!
Coach Lauren Creel and the girls team went on a late run to secure the number 11 seed, but fell in a hard fought contest to number six Moorestown. Their 15-win season was the best in recent memory and their first winning season in over five years!
After defeating number 10 Allentown, the Boys team traveled to number two-ranked Pemberton for a revenge game after an ugly loss earlier in the season. The Indians would have none of that this game! The exciting contest saw 12 lead changes, with the Indians falling just short on the final shot to lose by only two points! With only two seniors on this year’s squad, the future certainly looks bright for the Indians!
Another Indian Signs To Play In College
Senior soccer standout Alex Rodriguez recently signed his acceptance letter to attend Philadelphia University this coming fall. Alex follows in the footsteps of his brother Dominic, another PHS soccer alum who is graduating this year from Philadelphia University with his MBA! Congratulations to Alex, Dominic, and the Rodriguez family!
NFL Gold Football Presentation On May 13
Earlier this year, Pennsauken High School received three gold footballs from the NFL in honor of our three alumni who have played in the Super Bowl: John Taylor, Dwight Hicks, and David Griggs. John, Dwight, and David’s brother, Billy, will be back at PHS on Friday, May 13 to present the footballs to Pennsauken High School in a ceremony you won’t want to miss! A fundraiser is also being planned for after the event to benefit the All Sports Booster Club and PYAA organizations.
Upcoming Sports Schedules
Log on to Pennsauken.net and check out our upcoming schedule to come see your favorite team in action. I’m positive that the passion displayed by our student athletes will inspire you as it inspires me daily!
Athletic Department Partners With 21st Century Scholars
The Athletic Department is proud to announce a partnership with Camden County College’s 21st Century Scholars program in order to promote both academic and athletic success. Tutoring will be available throughout the year for students. While student-athletes can participate in the program in season, the Athletic Department plans on developing an off season “Code Red Student Athlete” program, which includes both tutoring and opportunities to improve strength and conditioning.
All Sports Boosters Seek New Members
The Pennsauken All Sports Booster Club is excited about another school year and the opportunity to work towards supporting the Indian student athletes. The Club presents the Code Red football program, sponsors the end of year Athletic Awards Night, and awards over $5000 in scholarships to graduating seniors annually! Fundraisers planned for this year include the highly successful craft beer and wine tasting social, which will take place on Thursday, May 12 at Marco’s at the Pennsauken Country Club.
Club membership is $20 and includes a pass to all home games and a special gift. They also offer a $40 family membership that includes season passes for four. Contact the All Sports Booster Club at pennsaukenasbc@gmail.com or go to www.pennsauken.net for more information. All are welcome to join! The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the PHS Library.
Follow PHS Sports Online
In addition to the wealth of information available on Pennsauken.net, including schedules, recruiting information, Varsity Club and more, be sure to follow Pennsauken Athletics on Facebook (PHSAthletics) and Twitter (@PHSAthletics1) to stay up to the minute with game results and other school related information.
