Archive - Apr 2011 - Sports Article
April 17th
BUTLER — Punxsutawney junior Brody Morgan knew he could handle the muddy, slippery runaway while throwing the javelin at the Butler Invitational Friday. Since Punxsy doesn't have a runway, he was used to not having a clear path for the approaches on his throws.
Morgan was surprised with where he finished, winning the javelin (177-0) with a throw six feet further from his next closest competitor, Kyle Armagost of Moniteau (171-2).
Morgan also finished in fifth place in the shot put (45-7 3/4).
April 15th
PUNXSUTAWNEY — The first phase of the VFW Teener League's $250,000 improvements of Rich Kuntz Memorial Field have been completed.
The first step was the installation of new bleachers that were recently built down both lines between the concession stand and the home and away dugouts.
Punxsutawney native Devin Mesoraco had one of the best opening weeks of his minor league career with the Cincinnati Reds, hitting .320 with three home runs and eight RBIs through eight games.
Mesoraco, who plays for the Class AAA Louisville Bats, hit solo home runs during his first, fourth and sixth games before registering a five-RBI performance during his seventh game Wednesday.
April 14th
PUNXSUTAWNEY — When Punxsy senior Ashley Barenchik rounded first base Thursday during the fifth inning of a tie game with Altoona, she wasn't sure if she would make it to second.
Barenchik compensated for what ended up being an extremely close play at second base by sliding head first, and that extra effort led to her being safe for the double.
Barenchik's determination to get into scoring position led to her scoring the go-ahead run later that inning to help the Lady Chucks improve to 3-0 with a 5-4 victory Thursday over Altoona.
PUNXSUTAWNEY — With one of its biggest opponents on the schedule, State College, in town, the Punxsy boys' and girls' track and field teams were more focused on personal best times, distances and heights than individual victories Thursday at Jack LaMarca Memorial Stadium.
State College controlled both of Punxsy's squads — the girls won 115-35, and the boys were 105-45 victors — but the Chucks and Lady Chucks were still pleased with their performance.
ST. MARYS — The Punxsy boys' tennis team won four of five singles matches en route to its second consecutive victory Thursday afternoon, 5-4, over Elk County Catholic in St. Marys.
Upon taking a 4-1 lead, the Chucks' No. 1 doubles tandem won to clinch the victory.
"It was a good test and a good win. You can see the team's confidence when we're playing," Punxsy head coach Todd Heigley said. "We really dominated the singles, which was kind of nice."
April 13th
PUNXSUTAWNEY — Now that he's completed a career as Punxsutawney Area High School's winningest wrestler, senior Kody Young is prepared to take the next step.
Young, who finished with 143 victories and the second-most falls in District IX history, signed with Division II Mercyhurst College Wednesday.
Young was interested in Division I schools Edinboro University and Clarion University, but ultimately chose Mercyhurst with a physical therapy major.
Punxsy coach and Young's father, Buddy Young, said that his son is a good fit at Mercyhurst, which is led by head coach Mike Wehler.
The Punxsy cheerleaders held a luau-themed "Cheer Night in Paradise" awards banquet last Saturday at the B.P.O. Elks. Pictured are the varsity cheerleaders (front, from left): Marcy Farmery, Samantha Caylor, Kissy Wright, coach Julie Baun; (back) Erin Butler, Brooke Grove, Morgain Holeva, Mariah Hicks, Holly Waltman and Kristen Mack. (Photo by Tracy Smith/The Punxsutawney Spirit)
April 12th
PUNXSUTAWNEY — With cold, windy and rainy conditions constantly bearing down on the Punxsy and St. Marys girls' track and field teams Tuesday afternoon at Jack LaMarca Memorial Stadium, sometimes, regardless of ability, the group with a greater will to win in harsh situations comes out on top.
Tuesday, the team that overcame the weather was the Lady Chucks, who handled the Lady Dutch, 95-55, to improve to 2-1 on the season.
Punxsy first-year head coach Barry Young said that staying upbeat helped his girls win big Tuesday.
