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Articles by A.J. Martelli
Boys basketball: Olivieri steals the show as Clarkstown South upends John Jay-East Fishkill
WICCOPEE - For the past couple years, Matt Olivieri’s teammates couldn’t pronounce his last name. The junior on the Clarkstown South High School boys basketball team didn’t mind, but before this season commenced he finally corrected them: “Uh-liv-e-air-e.” “A lot of people mispronounce it. But it’s OK,” Olivieri said. “As long as people know who I am.” He certainly caught the eye of everyone in the gym at John Jay-East Fishkill Thursday, leading the Vikings in a 75-58 win over the Patriots.
Former Hudson Valley Renegades colleagues weigh in on Mets manager finalist Matt Quatraro
Fourteen years ago, the Hudson Valley Renegades interns struggled. Setting up and breaking down the wacky games performed on the field between innings took more time than the umpires would have liked, prompting frustration among the crew. The umps even expressed that displeasure with the youngsters. But there was a constant, calming presence there to restore order: Renegades manager Matt Quatraro. “He would always tell the kids, ‘Calm down.
Former Hudson Valley Renegades colleagues weigh in on Mets manager finalist Matt Quatraro
Fourteen years ago, the Hudson Valley Renegades interns struggled. Setting up and breaking down the wacky games performed on the field between innings took more time than the umpires would have liked, prompting frustration among the crew. The umps even expressed that displeasure with the youngsters. But there was a constant, calming presence there to restore order: Renegades manager Matt Quatraro. “He would always tell the kids, ‘Calm down.
Boys basketball: Mount Vernon beats Arlington to win third-straight, but eyes improvement
FREEDOM PLAINS - The Knights congregated in the foyer at Arlington High School after the game before boarding their bus, but not in the highest spirits. The Mount Vernon High School boys basketball team had just defeated the host Admirals, 49-45. But despite the victory, which typically would draw elation, the team was dissatisfied with its performance, causing some long faces. “We’ve got to play better,” said junior guard Dylan Colon. “It’s a learning experience for us.
Poll: Vote now for the Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week (12/7-13)
The winter season is officially in full swing. A slew of basketball tournaments have already taken place, the Section 1 wrestling dual meet tournament has commenced and a local swimmer recently set a program record. A lot is going on, and the Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week has returned for the interscholastic season. Voting will be open until 2 p.m. Tuesday, so be sure to cast your votes early and often.
Boys basketball: Gabe Bristow, Ketcham topple White Plains in Christmas-themed affair
WAPPINGERS FALLS - In honor of this festive time of the year, the Roy C. Ketcham High School student cheering section decked itself out. The “Ketcham Krazies,” as they are known, wore Santa Claus hats and Christmas-inspired pajamas. Some even dressed as Will Ferrell’s beloved character, Buddy, from the popular Christmas movie “Elf.” And lo, Gabe Bristow brought feelings of great joy for the fans.
Boys basketball: Gabe Bristow, Ketcham topple White Plains in Christmas-themed affair
WAPPINGERS FALLS - In honor of this festive time of the year, the Roy C. Ketcham High School student cheering section decked itself out. The “Ketcham Krazies,” as they are known, wore Santa Claus hats and Christmas-inspired pajamas. Some even dressed as Will Ferrell’s beloved character, Buddy, from the popular Christmas movie “Elf.” And lo, Gabe Bristow brought feelings of great joy for the fans.
Wrestling: Ketcham edges Byram Hills in first round of Section 1 large school duals
The Roy C. Ketcham High School wrestling team has what they call a “pin belt” this year. It’s a replica championship title, not unlike what is used in the WWE. During their meets, the Indians award it to whichever grappler has the most recent victory by pinfall. On Wednesday, in the opening round of the Section 1 Division I dual meet tournament, it got passed around a lot.
Renegades sold: See how sale may impact Dutchess' Minor League Baseball team
Jeff Goldklang and his family brought the Hudson Valley Renegades to Fishkill 27 years ago, making it their objective to deliver family entertainment to Dutchess County. Tens of thousands of fans have packed Dutchess Stadium each summer since, not only for Minor League Baseball, but for the innovative and creative promotions the Renegades offer.
Boys basketball: Battle-tested Red Hook overcomes Spackenkill
Coming into this year, Matt Hayes made sure his team was prepared. Prior to the start of the season, the Red Hook High School boys basketball coach scheduled scrimmages against Our Lady of Lourdes, Arlington and Roy C. Ketcham. Testing his Raiders early against bigger, Section 1 schools, Hayes said, would be beneficial. “We got beaten up by those three schools. But for us, as a (Section 9) Class B school as we are, it’s certainly going to help us at the beginning of the year,” he explained.
College basketball: Marist women on COVID pause, game vs. Stony Brook canceled
Citing “institutional COVID protocols,” the Marist College women’s basketball team has paused team activities. As such, the Red Foxes’ game at Stony Brook Tuesday night was canceled. The team anticipates playing its next game on Saturday, Dec. 18, at Fairfield, which is Marist’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener.
College basketball: Marist women on COVID pause, game vs. Stony Brook canceled
Citing “institutional COVID protocols,” the Marist College women’s basketball team has paused team activities. As such, the Red Foxes’ game at Stony Brook Tuesday night was canceled. The team anticipates playing its next game on Saturday, Dec. 18, at Fairfield, which is Marist’s Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener.
Former Franklin D. Roosevelt High School shot put thrower and Olympian, C.J. Hunter, dies
C.J. Hunter, a former Franklin D. Roosevelt High School and Olympic shot put thrower, passed away this week. A resident of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Hunter died on Sunday at the age of 52, according to his obituary. No cause of death was given. Hunter was a standout football and track star for the Presidents in Hyde Park, and went on to win gold in the 1999 World Athletic Championships in Seville.
Fans are making noise again for Marist basketball inside McCann Arena
Frank Goberish called last season frustrating. A Marist College basketball fan and season ticket holder, he had to keep up with the Red Foxes’ exploits on television, instead of attending games in-person. “It wasn’t the same feeling as being there,” the Poughkeepsie resident said on Wednesday. College teams across the country larely played in empty gyms and arenas last season. Spectators were not allowed on the Marist campus, due to COVID-19 concerns.
College basketball: Iona men strike back to survive scare from Marist in MAAC opener
Rick Pitino rattled off the names of the legendary coaches he’s gone head-to-head with. Dean Smith. Frank McGuire. Mike Krzyzewski. The Iona College men’s basketball coach didn’t have the opportunity last season to coach against John Dunne’s Marist team. But in his first game in Poughkeepsie against the Red Foxes on Wednesday, the Marist coach’s strategy left him nearly bowled over. “He’s such a good man-to-man coach and he surprised us with the zone,” Pitino said of Dunne.
Kate Peek, standout at The Millbrook School, signs with Fairfield women's basketball
Kate Peek fell in love with basketball when she was 7 years old. A consequence, perhaps, of growing up in a family so involved in the game. Her father and uncle both coached Millbrook teams to state titles, while her siblings play at the collegiate level. And, after establishing herself as a top-tier talent at The Millbrook School, Peek is the next in line from her family to join the college hoops ranks.
College basketball: Marist women fall to No. 11 Arizona out west
The Marist College women’s basketball team headed out west Friday for a showdown with the University of Arizona. And the Wildcats brought the heat in Tucson. Arizona, ranked No. 11 in the nation, defeated the Red Foxes, 78-36. Zaria Shazer tied the game at 16 with a pair of good foul shots with 8:17 left in the half. But, the Wildcats then made their move.
Football: Spackenkill falls in 8-Man regional title game, but proud of historic season
Years ago, Josh Riley played for the Spackenkill High School football team. A Section 9 championship was the hurdle the Spartans just couldn’t leap. Years later, with Riley at the helm as the team’s coach, the Spartans got over that hump. Eight days ago, the team claimed the 8-Man League section crown. The Spackenkill football team meets after its 68-20 loss in the 8-Man regional title game Friday.
Marist men's basketball team takes loss to Princeton in New Jersey Original
The Marist College men’s basketball team soundly defeated an Ivy League team last Friday. On Tuesday, it was the other way around. Playing at Princeton, the Red Foxes lost 80-61. The Tigers did most of their damage in the first half, gaining an early lead and promptly putting the Red Foxes in the metaphorical rearview mirror. Holding a 12-9 with 11:46 left in the half, Keeshawn Kellman created a cushion with a dunk and a subsequent layup.
Wrestling: Eastern States Classic canceled amid COVID-19 concerns for host school Original
The Minisink Valley High School wrestlers heard the news before their coach, Kevin Gallagher, had broken it to them. And Gallagher said his Warriors were “bummed” when they learned the annual Eastern States Classic, a highly regarded and notoriously challenging wrestling tournament, has been canceled this year.
Wrestling: Eastern States Classic canceled amid COVID-19 concerns for host school
The Minisink Valley High School wrestlers heard the news before their coach, Kevin Gallagher, had broken it to them. And Gallagher said his Warriors were “bummed” when they learned the annual Eastern States Classic, a highly regarded and notoriously challenging wrestling tournament, has been canceled this year.
Wrestling: Eastern States Classic canceled amid COVID-19 concerns for host school
The Minisink Valley High School wrestlers heard the news before their coach, Kevin Gallagher, had broken it to them. And Gallagher said his Warriors were “bummed” when they learned the annual Eastern States Classic, a highly regarded and notoriously challenging wrestling tournament, has been canceled this year.
Wrestling: Eastern States Classic canceled amid COVID-19 concerns for host school
The Minisink Valley High School wrestlers heard the news before their coach, Kevin Gallagher, had broken it to them. And Gallagher said his Warriors were “bummed” when they learned the annual Eastern States Classic, a highly regarded and notoriously challenging wrestling tournament, has been canceled this year.
Wrestling: Eastern States Classic canceled amid COVID-19 concerns for host school
The Minisink Valley High School wrestlers heard the news before their coach, Kevin Gallagher, had broken it to them. And Gallagher said his Warriors were “bummed” when they learned the annual Eastern States Classic, a highly regarded and notoriously challenging wrestling tournament, has been canceled this year.
Wrestling: Eastern States Classic canceled amid COVID-19 concerns for host school
The Minisink Valley High School wrestlers heard the news before their coach, Kevin Gallagher, had broken it to them. And Gallagher said his Warriors were “bummed” when they learned the annual Eastern States Classic, a highly regarded and notoriously challenging wrestling tournament, has been canceled this year.
Marist College women signs Red Hook basketball star Morgan Tompkins
In her younger years, Morgan Tompkins attended basketball camps at Marist College. She admitted she wasn’t a very polished player at the time, and might have tested the nerves of some of her instructors. “I was so young. I was always the pain in the butt,” Tompkins said with a laugh.
Millbrook volleyball team punches ticket to Class C final four after sweeping Dobbs Ferry
MILLBROOK - The mood on the sideline was jovial, and the Blazers appeared ebullient. After winning the second set, they cheerfully danced the “YMCA” as it played over the loudspeakers in their gym, coupled with smiles and laughs. The Millbrook High School volleyball team’s relaxed attitude and calm demeanor has lent a hand in its success this year. “I feel like we’ve been doing it the whole season,” said junior outside hitter Julia Stoliker, whose voice was hoarse after the match.
College basketball: Marist women win thriller over Drexel in season opener Original
When a season opener features a matchup of defending league champions, it’s perhaps easy to expect a combination of athleticism and drama. The Marist College women’s basketball team and Drexel provided both on Tuesday. In the game’s closing seconds, the Red Foxes scored the winning basket to topple the Dragons, 52-50. Marist enters the season having won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title last year, while Drexel won the Colonial Athletic Association.
Marist men's basketball team loses in overtime to American in season opener
If the Marist College men’s basketball team proved anything Tuesday, it’s that it has a flair for theatrics. The Red Foxes trailed host American University late in regulation, but struck back to tie it and push the season opener into overtime. Marist then took an early lead in the extra period. But in the end, the Eagles prevailed 77-73, in a wild season opener. It marked the second-straight year the Red Foxes started their season in an overtime battle.
Poll: Vote now for the Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week (11/3-8)
It was busy this past week, as soccer teams competed in state regional play, volleyball section champions were crowned and the football section finals took shape. And after another tireless seven days comes voting for the next Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week. The poll will remain open until 2 p.m. Tuesday, so make sure to cast your votes frequently. Last week's winner was Chris Hagar of the Marlboro boys soccer team, who tallied 12,344 votes.
Boys soccer: Soetan's heroics send Hamilton to first-ever Class C final four
VALHALLA - Tiwa Soetan was overwhelmed, and could hear the audible chants from the crowd after the game. “Ti-wa! Tiwa! Ti-wa!” The Alexander Hamilton High School fan section, which has backed the boys soccer team all year, let him know how appreciative they were. “Every game they come to support us, which I’m grateful for,” Soetan said with a smile.
Volleyball: Millbrook sweeps sectional bracket to win seventh straight title
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it also might make the accomplishment more fulfilling. There seemed to be more verve and excitement from the Millbrook volleyball team on Friday, as the players stormed the court after having stormed through the sectional bracket. The Blazers giddily celebrated a seventh consecutive championship, but this one meant more to them.
Girls soccer: Arlington bound for state Class AA final four after beating Monroe-Woodbury
FREEDOM PLAINS - When the Arlington High School girls soccer team won the Dutchess County regional championship nearly a year ago, coach Kelley Hand was insistent on one thing: Had there been a state tournament, her Admirals likely would have been there. Geographic regional tournaments were held in place of traditional section tournaments last November and the state tournament was cancelled, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But a year later, the Admirals reclaimed the Section 1 Class AA crown.
Verard's goal lifts Somers over Beacon, sends Tuskers to Class A regional boys soccer final
MONTROSE - Long before the game, AJ Lucas’ legend had already spread. The goalie from Beacon High School is among the elite boys soccer players in the state. Maybe, the Tuskers, thought beyond. “The whole time before the game, we were saying this goalie is literally one of the best goalies in the country, even,” Jacques Verard said.
Poll: Vote now for the Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week (10/26-11/1)
The postseason was in full swing this week, and athletes across Section 1 and Section 9 delivered thrilling performances. And it's once again time to elect the next Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week. Voting will remain open until 2 p.m. Tuesday, so cast your votes frequently. Last week's winner was Hunter Gent of the Spackenkill High School football team.
Arlington High School football team topples White Plains to advance to Class AA semis
WHITE PLAINS - There’s an old sports cliché about how a team can “peak at the right time.” The Arlington High School football team suffered a few early season losses, but found its groove, qualifying for the Section 1 Class AA postseason. After winning their third game in a row two weeks ago, all the Admirals could talk about was hitting their stride. And, after beating White Plains 21-8 Friday in a section quarterfinal, the Admirals raved about the momentum they’ve built up.
Boys soccer: Beacon claims first section title in program history in win over FDR
MIDDLETOWN - Nearly year later, the memory still lingers in the minds of the Bulldogs. The Beacon High School boys soccer team defeated John Jay-East Fishkill in the Dutchess County Regional championship last November, bringing a title to the team that had been competitive for so many years, but had never won "the big one." Due to the pandemic, regional tournaments were played in place of traditional section tournaments, giving Beacon a chance.
Scarsdale boys soccer team defeats Arlington, marches to Section 1 Class AA final Original
FREEDOM PLAINS - The Raiders gathered in a huddle, and jumped in unison, letting out a joyous cry. “Siu!” All season, the Scarsdale High School boys soccer team has made it a tradition, mimicking Cristiano Ronaldo’s celebratory ritual and phrase after securing a big win. “That’s our celebration,” explained senior midfielder Adrian Lim. It was an extra special triumph for the third-seeded Raiders on Wednesday, defeating No. 2 host Arlington 3-0 in a Section 1 Class AA semifinal.
Dylan Updike's overtime score lifts Spackenkill boys soccer team past New Paltz
Brendan Cross confessed that Dylan Updike has endured some growing pains throughout the season, the sophomore not having scored a goal. But, Updike has worked incredibly hard, the Spackenkill High School boys soccer co-coach said, calling him a “gamer” and lauding the time and dedication he’s put into the sport. “He’s busted his butt all year,” Cross said of Updike. “He’s worked the hardest.” And in the most crucial moment of the season on Monday, Updike’s work paid off.
Poll: Vote now for the Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week (10/19-25)
As the soccer playoffs ramped up in Section 1 and Section 9, the postseason picture became clearer in football, volleyball and field hockey this past week. Athletes delivered shining performances, bringing on voting for the next Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week. The poll will be open until 2 p.m. Tuesday, so cast your votes often. Last week's winner was Kara Kilpert of the Spackenkill High School girls soccer team.
Boys soccer: Zarrella's late-game heroics push John Jay past New Rochelle, into semifinals
WICCOPEE - With each shot the Patriots took, the groans from the bleachers were audible. Fans were on the edge of their seats as the John Jay-East Fishkill High School boys soccer team took shot after shot, but as each was halted in their path by New Rochelle goalie Daniel Madeira, there was a disappointed response from the crowd. The Patriots adjusted and applied more pressure as the game wore on.
White Plains football team earns league crown with win over John Jay-East Fishkill
WICCOPEE - For Mike Lindberg, there was a bit of a personal touch to Friday’s game. The White Plains High School football coach is a Dutchess County resident, and is familiar with many of the coaches and players at John Jay-East Fishkill. His son plays for the Southern Dutchess Patriots youth football program, and he lives just a quarter of a mile away from John Jay coach Tom O’Hare. “It was personal. This is my backyard,” Lindberg said. “I see all these guys all the time.
Boys soccer: Arlington advances to Class AA quarterfinals after win over Clarkstown South
FREEDOM PLAINS - The idea has been the same since the first day of preseason: “Keep getting better.” And the Arlington High School boys soccer team has done just that. The Admirals became a stronger team as the regular season progressed, working towards earning the second seed in the Section 1 Class AA tournament. That development led the Admirals to Thursday, when they hosted Clarkstown South in the tournament's opening round, claiming a 2-0 win over the Vikings.
Boys soccer: Arlington advances to Class AA quarterfinals after win over Clarkstown South
FREEDOM PLAINS - The idea has been the same since the first day of preseason: “Keep getting better.” And the Arlington High School boys soccer team has done just that. The Admirals became a stronger team as the regular season progressed, working towards earning the second seed in the Section 1 Class AA tournament. That development led the Admirals to Thursday, when they hosted Clarkstown South in the tournament's opening round, claiming a 2-0 win over the Vikings.
Millbrook High School volleyball team continues to excel in year of 'firsts'
For as typical as it seems for the Millbrook High School volleyball team, this season has been a little different. Yes, the Blazers are maintaining their tradition of excellence, looking poised to defend the Section 9 Class C title they won this past spring. But this season has deviated from the norm, in that Millbrook has beaten top-tier competition it hadn’t defeated in the past, and flourished at its weekend tournaments.
Boys soccer: After exceeded game limit, Pawling will play in sectionals without head coach Original
The Pawling High School boys soccer team qualified for the upcoming Section 1 Class B tournament, but the Tigers will be without their head coach. According to Section 1 executive director Todd Santabarbara, Pawling coach Travis Light is not eligible to coach in the postseason because the team exceeded the regular-season maximum of 16 games. The school self-reported the issue to sectional officials.
Poll: Vote now for the Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week (10/12-18)
As the regular seasons across fall sports are cooling down, athletes in the area heated up with spectacular performances this past week. With that said, voting is now open for the next Poughkeepsie Journal Player of the Week. The poll will remain open until 2 p.m. Tuesday, so be sure to cast your votes frequently. Last week's winner was Gianna Felipe of the Franklin D. Roosevelt High School volleyball team. She racked up 6,682 votes.
Arlington High School football team peaking at right time, defeats North Rockland
FREEDOM PLAINS - Mike Morano could only describe his team in two words, based on the roll it has gotten on: “Pretty dangerous.” The Arlington High School football team suffered a shutout loss to Suffern three weeks ago, but quickly rebounded with back-to-back wins entering its game Saturday against visiting North Rockland. And against the Raiders, they carried on their winning ways, to the tune of a 31-6 victory.
Spackenkill football team revels in thrilling homecoming game win over Pawling
The Spartans unstrapped their helmets while rushing to their bleachers, and almost like professional wrestlers making their grand entrances, offered high-fives to the student spectators when the game was over. With the towering, fluorescent LED lights flashing, the players then sprinted back to the field, where they dogpiled on first-year head coach Josh Riley. The excitement in the moment and the magnitude of the victory warranted such a celebration. “That was awesome.
High school volleyball: How Franklin D. Roosevelt turned itself into a well-oiled machine
There’s a tradition before every match. Players on the Franklin D. Roosevelt High School volleyball team gather in the locker room, and the cacophony commences. The Presidents exuberantly howl to pump each other up, with the intent of taking that enthusiasm to the court. “It’s always ‘Let’s go, we got this,’ or ‘We’re going to catch the dub,’” explained senior outsider hitter Gianna Felipe. “It’s all positive, confident.
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