Student-Athletes Inspired By Super Bowl Alumni
By Eric Mossop, Athletic Director, Pennsauken High School
This past month, Pennsauken alumni John Taylor, Dwight Hicks, and Billy Griggs came back to their alma mater to present PHS with three gold footballs in honor of alumni who have played in the Super Bowl as part of the NFL’s celebration of Super Bowl 50. During the school day, former San Francisco 49er Dwight Hicks met with student-athletes and delivered a powerful speech about his life; how persistence and competition ultimately led to his success. Weeks later, I still have student-athletes coming into my office telling me how Dwight’s speech – and how he took the time to talk with them one-on-one – has made such a difference in their daily attitudes and motivation. I can’t thank Dwight enough for the time he took out to help motivate our student-athletes.
Over 60 student-athletes were also in attendance for the ceremony later that night, where John, Dwight, and Billy spoke to a gymnasium filled with alumni and community members there to see a piece of Pennsauken’s history. All three players signed helmets, which the Athletic Department will deliver to schools in the district to proudly display and to help motivate the next generation of Pennsauken student-athletes.
The gold footballs are proudly displayed by the main entrance of the high school for all students and school visitors to see; they serve as a symbol of Pennsauken’s proud heritage with the NFL and other championship alumni.
Volleyball Advances To State Finals
Coach Jack Killion, Jr.’s boys volleyball team advanced to the NJSIAA South Sectional semifinal round, held on June 1. Their historic run, a school record for volleyball advancement, is even more special after knocking off Kingsway, the number 10 team in the state, two games to zero. The matches against Kingsway marks the third time that the Indians have knocked of a team ranked in NJ.com’s Top 15. The volleyball team also earned wins against number seven St. John Vianney, and number 13 Fairlawn. The team has been led by extremely strong play from Malek Maddah, Robert Macauley, Tuan Nguyen, and Andy Tran.
Track Continues To Break School Records
Coach Clinton Tabb’s boys track team has set two school records this season. The 4 x 200 meter relay team of Marquan Jones, Martin Booker Jr., Nahzir Russell, and Braheem Whitfield set a new school record with a time of 1:27.68 at the Willingboro Relays. The same student-athletes also comprise the 4 x 400 meter relay team, which set a new school record with a time of 3:17.83 at the Woodbury Relays.
Coach Phil Zimmerman’s girls track team set a new school record in the 4 x 800 meter relay this season. Keyoura Smith, Amanda Bakley, Sianna Feliciano, and Briana Roberts posted a 10:12, breaking the school’s previous mark of 10:24. They are looking to become the first 4 x 800 relay team to qualify for States in Pennsauken history!
Other Sport Updates
Coach Marc Granieri and the softball team qualified for playoffs for the first time in five years as the number 16 seed, but lost to number one-ranked Jackson Liberty. The young team has shown promise for the future, with a developing sophomore class that includes Nicolette Mastromarco, Megan Flahtery, Karisma Ingles, and Kaitlyn McGowan.
Coach Byrd and the baseball team finished one spot away from qualifying for playoffs; and Coach Shana Smeriglio’s girls lacrosse team started to come together at the end of the season, also falling just short in their playoff hopes. Arielis Reyes led the team with 21 goals on the season, followed by Selena Carter who netted 18. Both teams return a significant amount of starters, and look to continue to improve next season.
All Stars Booster Club Seeks Members
Throughout the year, the Pennsauken All Sports Booster Club works to support the Indian student athletes. The Club presents the Code Red football program, sponsors the end of year Athletic Awards Night, and awards over $5,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors annually!
Club membership is $20 and includes a pass to all home games and a special gift! We 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!
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!
Follow Us Online
In addition to the wealth of information available on www.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.
