WHS sports roundup
WHS girls lacrosse wins two, now 6-3
The Winthrop High girls lacrosse team improved to 6-3 on the season with a pair of scintillating , back-to-back, 15-14 victories over Fontbonne Academy and Gloucester last Thursday and Friday.
Coach Ben Cimmino and his Lady Vikings now have won three contests in a row, a winning streak they were seeking to extend last night (Wednesday) against Malden.
Emma Carleton scored her 100th career goal in the Gloucester victory, joining her sister Abby as the only two girls in the program’s history to reach that milestone.
“I am extremely proud of Emma and the way her game has developed since last year,†said Cimmino.
Carleton and Maura Dorr led Winthrop in the scoring department in the twin wins, both of which went down to the final minute in which the Lady Vikings scored the winning tallies.
Friday’s encounter had an extra element of adversity with the nasty weather.
“I was extremely proud of how the girls came  to play for 50 minutes, considering the downpour and cold,†noted Cimmino of the grit displayed by his troops against Gloucester. “I was especially proud of how our bench conducted themselves. Every girl was invested in the game, cheering teammates on and ready to play when called on.â€
Carleton received offensive player of the game recognition and Alyssa Ferrera received the Berserker Award (for most hustle) for their efforts against Fontbonne.
Winthrop will play at Saugus tomorrow (Friday), only the second away game for the team thus far this year. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the team responds on the road as we have had only one road game thus far,†said Cimmino.
WHS softball team tops English, Somerville
The Winthrop High softball team earned  pair of big wins over Northeastern Conference rivals this past week, defeating Somerville, 19-14, and Lynn English, 20-4.
Stephanie Strangie and Sofia Vitale shared the pitching duties in the triumph over English. Both tossed three frames, allowing two runs apiece.
Jess Martin was the leading hitter for the Lady Vikings with a single, a double, four walks, six RBI, and four runs scored.
In the Somerville victory, which went into extra innings, Strangie and Vitale once again split the pitching work. Martin wielded the big bat for the Lady Vikings. Jess struck for a double, a home run, two walks, four RBI, and three runs scored.
Emily Creador also contributed in a big way to the Winthrop attack with two hits, two  RBI, and two runs scored.
Brooke Costin and  Syd Crotty both made game-saving catches in the outfield in the Somerville contest and Rachel Farley scored the game-winning run.
In an 8-1 loss to Danvers, Martin accounted for two of the three Winthrop hits. Costin had the other hit for the Lady Vikings, her first at the varsity level.
Coach Dave Guffey and his crew have a busy week ahead with seven games in nine days. They were scheduled to play at Marblehead yesterday (Wednesday) and will travel to Pope John XXIII of Everett today (Thursday).
They will play a doubleheader against Gloucester on Saturday in their annual visit to the Bentley College field. The Winthrop girls will host Swampscott Monday; trek to Peabody Wednesday; and host Everett next Thursday.
WHS sailing team overcomes the elements
The Winthrop High sailing team has faced what head coach Catherine Domina has termed “quite a bit of practice interference due to cold and snow†in the early part of its 2018 season.
“Since we’ve been in the water, we have been able to work on race starts, roll tacking, and right-of-way tactics,†said Domina.
The Vikings have many returning sailors. Team co-captains in their second year of service are Ella McCarey ‘20 and Andreas Simon ‘19. Elizabeth Nolan ‘19 also is in her second year on the team.
Rising varsity sailors from the middle school include Shane Fitzpatrick ‘22, as well as Elle English ‘22 who, says Domina, “shows some real leadership promise.â€
Other members of this season’s varsity squad are: Antea Schlichting ‘21, John Cataldo ‘21, Ella McCarey ‘20, Elizabeth Collins ‘20, Andreas Simon ‘19, and the only senior, RJ St. Jean ‘18.
The team also includes Nam Pham, an international student.
The lone race thus far this season came against Gloucester, which defeated Winthrop for the second year in a row.
All of the team’s races this season will take place out of the Cottage Park Y.C.
From the Press Box
The Rivalry
By: Jim Lederman
The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers opened their semi-final Eastern Conference Battle at the TD Garden on Monday night. The 76ers had won 21 out of their last 22 games. The Celtics prevailed, winning the opener (117-101) in one of the most impressive wins of the season!
The Celtics were in seventh heaven on Saturday night, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks (112-96) to advance to the semi finals! The rivalry brings back memories of 1965, when John Havlicek ‘stole the ball,’ leading the Celtics to another NBA championship. This is a renewal of a six-decade ‘rivalry.’ I was present at the ‘legendary’ old Boston Garden and a seventh game victory over Philly in 1981, with Larry Bird leading the ‘Celts’ to another playoff victory.
The ‘rivalry’ between Boston and ‘Philly’ continued in February when the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in the super bowl.
The ‘rivalry’ brings back memories of ‘76er’ legends, like Wilt Chamberlin, Dr. Julius Irving, Moses Malone, Billy Cunningham, Andrew Toney, Maurice Cheeks and Bobby Jones.
The battle this month (May) between two of the original NBA could produce one team that will reach the ‘final’ in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics lost their third starting player on Saturday night in the thrilling victory over Milwaukee. Jaylen Brown, who scored over 30 points in two victories over the Bucks, pulled a hamstring and sat on the bench for the opening game. The trio of Al Horford, Terry Rozier and Jason Tatum (21-year-old ‘rookie’) scored 83 points in leading the ‘Green team’ to a (117-101) victory.
On Saturday night, the same ‘trio’ scored 72 points in the victory over the ‘Bucks.’ ‘Coach M ax’ contends the Celtics have great, young players and the team reminds him of a Bill Belichick team, built in the draft and coached by two of the best coaches in their respective leagues. Brad Stevens, only 41 years old, will win a NBA Championship in the future and Belichick’s ‘mantra’ – Do your job, is similar to the ‘young and talented’ Celtics.
In the spring of 2018, Boston’s ‘Baby Boomers’ – Rozier, Tatum and Brown have proved that president and general manager Danny Ainge, has built a team that will win the Celtics their 18th NBA crown.
The return of Marcus Smart from his thumb operation will lead the Celtics to the semi-final round of the playoffs.
The Celtics are minus two all-star players due to injury. Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward will return in 2019 and the Celtics will play in the NBA finals next Spring. The ‘greatest’ defensive player in NBA history, Bill Russell was in the building.
I like the Boston Celtics in seven games to advance to the next round. The 76ers need ‘Doctor’ Julius Irving to defeat the Celtics.
Go Celtics!
Let the Games Begin!
Kentucky Derby
Are you ready to sing, “My Old Kentucky Home,†the first Saturday in May, a Kentucky Classic, the biggest horse race of the year.
All the celebrities will be in attendance – Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and the “Gronk†– Rob Gronkowski, will be at the Running of the Roses!
I hope Bobby Neumeier will be an analyst for NBC, I will consult with the ‘Mule’ and the ‘Duke’ – Gino Dawson to pick my perfectas and tri-fectas – I need a long shot to combine with audible, Vino Rossi and Magnum Moon. I will call Bobby A – for his release!
Two minutes to post!
Let the Race Begin!
The Pleasant Park
On Sunday, April 22, the Winthrop Vikings hockey team held their annual breakup dinner at the Pleasant Park Yacht Club.
I presented the Winthrop Sun Transcript trophy. The award stands for a player who exemplifies dedication, loyalty and sportsmanship. The recipient was assistant captain Steve Holgersen.
My father was a member of the club in the ’50s. I have many fond memories of spending countless weekends on my ‘Uncle Moe’s’ – 42-foot wheeler cabin-cruiser. From the age of 10, I would row Uncle Moe out to his mooring to enjoy many trips to the Wollaston Yacht Club. A trip to Gloucester and a ride down the Annisquam River or a weekend trip to Provincetown.
I always remember the Inter-Club Regatta Races in the harbor off Point Shirley. Today the club has magnificent facilities, a beautiful deck built by the Marley Brothers Brian and Al Marley.
I remember the huge fire at the Pleasant Park in June of 1958; I remember breakfast at the legendary Duke’s Diner, with my dad and Uncle Moe. My dad would buy corned beef sandwiches for our trips at ‘Grunins Deli.’
I always remember my first thrill of water skiing in the harbor off Donovan’s Beach on Brendan Collins’ boat.
If you grew up in Winthrop you have many memories of the beaches and boats and the sailing regatta’s and watching the late Joe Duplin win the World Star Championship. ‘Winthrop By the Sea’ has many memories; one of my favorites is memory of the ‘old’ Pleasant Park Yacht Club.
I recently spoke with a former ‘skipper’ from the Cottage Park Yacht Club – Joe Zambella. I remember the competition in the ‘star class’ between Joe and the late ’World Champion’ – Joe Duplin. Just a couple of ‘Sailors’ from – Winthrop, Home of Champions.
Raise the Sails!
The College Notebook
Two ex-Viking female runners are extending the track career ‘up North’ in Durham, New Hampshire Holly and Heidy Benson are competing on the track at UNH.
I will never forget the outstanding effort from Heidy at Harry Della Russo Stadium. In the annual Revere-Winthrop Powder Puff game, Heidy was the ‘Star of the Game’ for the Lady Vikings, in their tie (it was declared a Winthrop victory) in the exciting (20-20) battle on ‘the turf’ at Revere.
At the hockey ‘breakup’ dinner at the ‘iconic’ Pleasant Park Yacht Club I spoke with some of the senior Viking skaters.
Tyler Marley will attend UMass Lowell; Jake Adamson will continue his education at Endicott College. Jake Langone will study at Westfield State. Tyler Mignosa heads to Milton to study at Curry College. Captain Henry Brooks will decide between Endicott and UMass Lowell.
Former NEC MVP Charlie Page, will join his brother Chris and play at Stonehill College, after an excellent year of junior hockey with the Walpole Express, coached by ex-Viking Jon Lounsbury, a member of the WHS Athletic Hall of Fame.
Extra Points
Congrats to former Vikings hoop coach David Brown, named to the St. Mary’s of Lynn ‘Varsity Club.’ David was the second 1,000-point scorer in Spartans hoop history.
Speaking of ‘high honors’ the 2018 Winthrop High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony, will be held on Saturday night, Oct. 20th at the Neil Shapiro Center for Performing Arts in Winthrop High School.
In 2016, the committee inducted 10 individuals and two ‘championship teams.’ We have received many nominations and we remind you – nominations close on July 5. Nomination forms can be picked up at the office of Attorney Chris Tsiotos, 193 Winthrop St., or by calling Chris at 617-846-9192.
The Hall of Fame was founded in 1998. There are 158-inductees and since 2005 we have inducted many championship teams.
We salute junior girls lacrosse standout Emma Carleton for reaching the 100-point club. She joins her sister Abby in the ‘100-point club.’ They must have vitamin water in the Carleton House – Congrats to another standout female Viking athlete!
Former WHS two-time Boston Herald all-scholastic football standout, Chris Beranger is on the ‘West Coast,’ at La Hoya, Calif. working to become a golf pro. Chris graduated from UNH and h is football career was cut short after two concussions. A salute to another UNH-Wildcat from Winthrop.
Chris scored one of the biggest clutch plays in WHS football history, with his game winning catch, to beat Revere on Thanksgiving Day.
Go Vikings!
Let the Games Begin!
On the Radio
The loss of legendary Gil Santos last week, ‘The Voice’ of the New England Patriots had me thinking of sports announcers. I would turn down the television of Patriots games and listen to Gill and Gino Cappelleti. I had the memory of talking with Gino, who as playing in a member-guest at the Winthrop Golf Club (WGC) 40 years ago.
Gino’s partner was Al Sablone, legendary owner of Sablones’ Veal and Vintage in East Boston. ‘The Duke’ Gino – No. 20 was one of the greatest receiver and place kickers in Patriots history!
I loved to listen to ‘Spike’ Brown, sports announcer at WESX, the North Shore’s sports station for 40 years.
I would always listen to Johnny Most, iconic ‘Voice of the Celtics.†‘High Above Courtside’ Johnny would say.
In 1981 I sat in the Press Box at Alumni Stadium on the campus of Boston College. The Winthrop Vikings vs. Tewksbury 1981 high school Super Bowl Vikings 14 – Tewksbury 0. Bob Neumeir, a rookie sports reporter at WBZ Channel 4. Bob had a long and distinguished career. Bobby would become the legendary racehorse analyst; I would talk with Bobby at Saratoga Race Track in New York every summer.
Last week I listened to Bob Beers, 98.5 FM color man on Bruins games. Bob interviewed former radio announcer Dave Goucher. The ‘Gouch’ was a longtime Bruins play-by-play announcer. His “Bergeron! Bergeron! Bergeron! Call on the Sports Hub (98.5) after the call in 2013, when the Bruins defeated Toronto in the playoffs, after trailing by four goals will live on for ages. The ‘Gouch’ is now the play-by-play announcer for Las Vegas-Knights!
I enjoy ex-Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak, the color man on 98.5 Patriots broadcasts.
Vikings Sports Schedule
Home Games
Friday, May 4 – Girls lacrosse vs. Saugus at Miller Field at 4 p.m.
May 4 – Boys lacrosse vs. Saugus at Miller Field at 6 p.m.
Saturday, May 5 – Softball vs. Gloucester at Bentley University at 11 a.m.
Monday, May 7 – Boys tennis vs. Swampscott at McClean Courts at 4 p.m.
Boy’s lacrosse vs. Swampscott at Miller Field at 4 p.m.
Softball vs. Swampscott at the Little League Field at 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 8 – Girls tennis vs. Salem
Wednesday, May 9 – Baseball vs. Peabody at Veterans Field at 4 p.m.
Girl’s lacrosse vs. Revere at Miller Field at 4 p.m.
Thursday, May 10 – Boys lacrosse vs. Saugus at Miller Field at 4 p.m.
Girl’s tennis vs. Peabody at McClean Courts at 4 p.m.
Go Vikings!
Let the Games Begin!