Sports

Clark and Garwood Year in Review: The Biggest Sports Stories

As 2011 comes to an end, we're taking a look back at some of the sports moments we captured throughout the year.

Time to look back. Here, our most memorable sports stories from the year. Keep reading this week for more of our "Year in Review."

Jan. 19, 2011:

The team captured its 10th win in a match against Roselle Park and just kept winning: They achieved the state triple-crown, becoming Watchung Conference Champions, Union County Champions, and Group 2 Section 2 State Champions. “They have been bowling together since they were little and its amazing the camaraderie that they have," said Head Coach Michelle Zaleski. 

Find out what's happening in Clark-Garwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Feb. 17, 2011:

PJ Franciotti (football), Gabi Levine (swimming) and Jacob Stockl (golf) know how to win on their sports teams and in the classroom. The three students from the Class of 2011 signed with Colgate, St. Bonaventure and Rutgers, respectively.

Find out what's happening in Clark-Garwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Feb. 19, 2011:

Second-seeded Brandon Santos won by a pin, while sixth-seeded Sal Montuori surprised the field to advance by decision.

Santos went on to win the the semifinals against third-seeded Kyle Pompilio from South Plainfield, beating him 9-8. In the finals, Santos faced off against first-seeded Patrick Eichner from Govenor Livingston and beat him 9-5 to became the district champ in his class. In the regions, Santos needed to place in the top three in his class to move on to the finals Atlantic City. He beat Gabe Gordon of Millburn 7-3, but then lost in the semifinals ending his shot at the finals.

March 3, 2011:

On Feb. 12, the team competed and won fourth place at Colts Neck High School's Cougar Classic Cheer Championship. The following day, the team moved up on the awards list, earning the second place trophy in a competition at St. John Vianney High School in Holmdel. The next weekend, on Sunday, Feb. 20, the cheerleaders attended the JuST Cheer Competition at Clifton High School and again took home the second place trophy.

May 9, 2011:

Athletic Director Gus Kalikas pointed to Mark Wilson's first game on the mound as a varsity player as the harbinger of good things to come: Wilson pitched a no hitter – and he was only a sophomore. Two seasons later family and coaches came together to celebrate Wilson, now a senior, signing a letter of intent with St. Peter's College in Jersey City, a Division 1 school.

 

May 13, 2011:

In the halls of Arthur L. Johnson High School, news spread quickly regarding the school board's decision not to rehire head football coach and gym teacher Nick Gregorio for the 2011-2012 school year. The news led players and other students to react swiftly, passing around a signature petition to keep the second-year coach. Ultimately, the board's decision was upheld, and in June...

June 3, 2011:

The Clark Board of Education unanimously approved Mike Mancino to replace former head football coach 

"We're ecstatic about this decision," said Johnson Athletic Director Gus Kalikas. "Mike's been part of the program since 1993, and he's been part of two state championships and five conference championships."

Aug. 1, 2011:

The Arthur L. Johnson Crusaders hosted their annual Pop-Warner Night, an event that kicks off the Pop-Warner season in Clark with varsity football players holding a skills camp for younger Crusaders. In addition, this year, former Super Bowl Champion and current football analyst Tony Siragusa spoke to the players.

Aug. 2, 2011:

The Clark Bombers Little League 8U travel team played in four tournaments from June until July 29 in Clark, Cranford, Kenilworth and Edison. The team won the championship in the first three tournaments and made it to the championship game in the Edison tournament – which was rained out after the team took a 1-0 lead. The Bombers' final record was an incredible 23-1.

Oct. 5, 2011:

In their first competition ever, the Johnson High School Crusader Marching Band took the field on Oct. 1 at Matawan Regional High School in its  Tournament of Bands competition, and went home with three first place trophies in hand within the Group 1, Class A Band Category. Taking first place at this very first competition was a huge accomplishment for the marching band, color guard and advisor team, as well as a source of pride for Johnson High School.

Oct. 29, 2011:

The early season snowstorm did not keep the Johnson vs. Roselle football game off the field. After plowing the field, the game finally began at 4 p.m. and ended with a 6-0 victory for Johnson. Check out our photos of the snowy action.

Nov. 9, 2011:

The Johnson Crusaders captured their third North 2 Group 2 sectional title in the last four years with a 4-1 victory over Rumson at Johnson High School.

Nov. 10, 2011:

Johnson fell to West Essex  7-1 in the Group 2 semifinals at Boonton High School behind an unyielding offensive attack from the Knights. Still, Johnson finished the season with a record of 19-6 and a second consecutive sectional championship in what was another successful campaign. 

Nov. 14, 2011:

Despite a promising start after quarterback Lance Pecina scored in the first minutes of the game, the Crusaders found themselves neck and neck with the now 8-1 Delaware Valley Terriers. Under new coach Mike Mancino's lead, the Crusaders ended their season with an admirable 6-3 record.

Dec. 13, 2011:

For the first time in Clark Pop Warner history, a Clark cheer squad, the Midget Large Novice team, earned the privilege of competing in the National Pop Warner Cheer Championships at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The team earned 4th place in the competition.

 


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