A Feather in Your Cap, A Hole in Your Sox

In a season where the Boston Red Sox have seen resurgence, bringing them within 2 games of the AL East lead. It was only May 23^rd when they were back 8 1/2 games from that top spot and were thought to be possibly out of it. Pleasant surprises by the likes of : Daniel Nava (who launched a grand slam on the first ever pitch he saw in the major leagues on May 12), Darnell McDonnell (who hit a game tying two-run home run against the NL’s top pitcher in Ubaldo Jimenez), and Clay Buchholz (who currently holds a record of (10 – 4)) have stepped up their proformance and have balanced out the turmoil in bean town.

 Now a troubling issue has emerged. A issue no ball club wants to have. “Injuries.” The Red Sox left their final interleague series against the Giants being able to put a feather in their cap, taking 2 out of 3 in their meeting. Along with accumulating a record of (11 – 4) during their senior circuit tour.

But it came at high price, with three top players getting injured in only a three day span. 2009 AL MVP 2nd basemen Dustin Pedroia became injured on Friday, starting pitcher Clay Buchhulz falling to injury on Saturday, and starting catcher Victor Martinez also joined the walking wounded on Sunday. All injuries occurring during play on the road against the San Francisco Giants.

It is being said that Pedroia will be out for 6 weeks with a fracture in his left foot, after fouling a ball off. No surgery will be needed, but the void at second base will be difficult to fill considering the All-Star leadership, hitting, and fielding Pedroia bring to the table. Let’s not forget the trouble the Red Sox have had trying to find infield replacements for positions like shortstop.  

Utility player Eric Patterson, recently acquired on Saturday from the Oakland athletics, will get the chance to fill in the hole at 2^nd. He will get his opportunity in the up coming series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park to show the Bean Town faithful his stuff.      

Saturday drought the fall of starting pitcher Clay Buchhulz who was taken out of the game in the bottom of the 1^st with what appeared to be a hyper extended left knee. After a MRI, it was revealed to simply be a lower hamstring tear that the team believes to not require any DL (disable list) time.

Behind the plate was the injury to Victor Martinez who became injured following foul balls hitting his left catching thumb in back to back innings. It was reported that he had swelling in his thumb, and at one point had a rap on the finger to alleviate swelling. No surgery is expected, and Martinez is hoping to stay off the DL. But only time will tell.

All these injuries come following the sub par performances of Jonathan Papelbon, blowing two late inning saves against the Colorado Rockies earlier this week. Papelbon blew the save on Wednesday July 23, giving up a game tying home run to 3B Ian Stewart in the bottom of the ninth making the score (6 - 6). Then just seconds later, Papelbon gives up  a walk-off  2-run blast to pitch hitter ,ex-Yankee, Jason Giambi. That nightmare was followed up the next night when Papelbon again blew a lead, this time a (11 - 8) score set to be tied at (11 -11). Papelbon managed finally to hold on for the win in the bottom of the 10th, only after Dustin Pedroia launched his 3rd home run of the night.

Dustin Pedroia ended the game 5 for 5 with 3 home runs, proving his worth and how much the Red Sox really need him. To think that his presence can just be filled is insane considering the production he gives his team out of his primary 2 spot in the batting order. (Dustin Pedroia's stats for the 2010 season: Ave .292 / HR 12 / RBIs 41 / 2B 24).

The Red Sox are in difficult waters, left to ask themselves if they want go out on the market and find a player they can trade for. To some, the Red Sox are still not even sure what they should trade all up for. Names like David DeJesus have been discus in a trade scenario, along with the possibility of the Red Sox looking to move 3B Mike Lowell due to a lack of play time. At the end of the day they have resources, but they are not infinite.

It will be important to see how players like Jason Varitek, David Ortiz, and Jon Lester can perform in order to prevent the club from losing and falling into a hole. Lester demonstrated this stopper mentality on Sunday when he carried the Red Sox, pitching a complete game in a (5 – 1) victory over Giants Ace Tim Lincecum. Keep in mind Josh Beckett maybe just over the hill to return to baseball action. Along with the team leading the league in both runs batted in with (406) and hits (746). (Note: 3^rd in batting average (.277) and 2^nd in home runs with (103)). It will be a true test to see if this team will be able to mend the whole in their sox, or if they will just go down with the ship.

Lynn's Legacy

At 9am Saturday morning, the gun was fired and the 2nd annual “Lynn Adams Memorial 5K Run/ 1 Mile Walk and Talk-a-thon” was kick-off to start what would be a full day of activities. Toeing the line was over 340 participants, with140 plus runners and more than 200 walkers. All of who came out to show their support in the community and promote the noble message the late Lynn Adams stood for.


A Somers role model citizen and avid community supporter, Lynn Adams sadly passed away in 2008 after her long and courageous battled with cancer. In her memory, the Lynn Adams organization was created, advocating community service and always lending a helping hand to others.

A head organizer, Sarena Meyers, expressed the joy it was to see multiple families come out and show their support. “The families continue to show their support, especially in a time when volunteering is at a low. We actually continue to see people impressed that we can get this kind of crowd. In the end it is all about voluntarism and giving back.”

In reality there is always challenges when running an event that is only in its second year of existence. But Meyers shed some light on the true challenge the organization will be facing. “The challenge is not only keeping Lynn’s spirit alive, but also keeping the idea of volunteering alive. We don’t want to be one of those tragic things everybody rallies around and then in 10 minutes it is like it never occurred. It is about raising the bar and teaching people about the legacy Lynn created and teaching kids about volunteering. This is a way to create a community with a spirit that people want to live in.”

This passion is seen in its volunteers, as the Lynn Adams organization has raised money and continues to see growth. With these proceeds, the group looks to expand their scholarship program, after last year giving out $1500 to its Lynn Adams Scholarship Recipient. The criteria they look for is graduating high school student from Somers High School, and that exemplify the above and beyond the spirit of community service.

The day would not have been a success with out the support of the Westchester Taconic Road Runners Club. Members like Jeff Tuson shared their reason for supporting such a noble cause by saying, “Lynn Adams was major contributor to the youth sporting community in Somers, and she was very active with the Somers Youth Track Program that Taconic Road Runners sponsors during the summer. I think this was a way for the club to give back in her memory and honor.”

Town Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy was even on hand to show her support, and share her thoughts on what this says about the great citizens that live in Somers. “The Somers community, they always come out to support. Whether it is supporting somebody when they get sick, that person does not have to cook a meal. There is somebody at their house every single day. So today is just a huge celebration that exemplifies what this community is, and what we all mean to each other. I am very proud to be the Super Visor and be part of a group of people who are so caring and so giving, and understand the value of America."

Saturday’s participants both embody the spirit of America and that of Lynn Adams. And finally by days end Serena Meyer expressed the ultimate message she hopes people take away from that days festivities. She stated,” Find a way to find a passion, and turn it into something you can give back.” Hopefully a little helping hand by everyone in the community, can bring that good karma and good times in the process.

Jackson's No-Hitter, 4th of 2010. Ties History.

Baseball is a game that loves and lives by its stats. So when it comes to receiving the prestige of throwing a no-hitter, and the majesty of throwing a perfect game. You forever become a part of baseball history.

Entering Friday night, the 2010 Major League Baseball season had already scene three pitchers forever etch their names into the pantheon of greatness. On April 17th Ubaldo Jimenez of the Colorado Rockies threw a no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves, May 9th Dallas Braden of the Oakland Athletics got himself a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays, and on May 20th Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies threw a perfect game against the Florida Marlins. All three pitchers showing true dominance.

Coming into his Friday road start against the Tampa Bay Rays, 26 year old Arizona Diamondbacks right handed pitcher Edwin Jackson simply looked to get his team the win. Sporting a record of (4 - 6) with a (5.05) ERA coming into the game, Edwin Jackson completed his start throwing the 267th no-hitter in Major League Baseball history. Getting his Arizona Diamondbacks team a (1 - 0) win, and himself into the MLB record books with the Diamondbacks 2nd ever no-hitter. (The previous being pitched by Randy Johnson back in his 2004 perfect game).

It was not pretty, but Jackson managed to get through after throwing 149 pitches (a MLB record for a no-hitter) and a whopping 8 walks (tying a MLB mark with Dock Ellis and Nolan Ryan for 2nd all-time in a no-hitter). Jackson once a Tampa Bay Ray was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and like a diamondback does in the wild, he bit back.

But in a weird twist of fate, the Tampa Bay Rays have to had a strange misfortune, getting the short end the stick with all these good pitching performances. Making it the third time the Tampa Bay Rays have been blank in the last two seasons, and the first in the Rays home ballpark of Tropicana Field. Get this, in the 13 years the Rays have existed, they have been no-hit 4 times.

The first came on April 27 , 2002 when ex-Red Sox Derek Lowe no-hit the Rays ,then called the the Devil Rays, at Fenway park. Fast forward to July 23, 2009 when Mark Buehrle threw his perfect game against the renamed Rays. Remember center field defensive replacement Dewayne Wise making the heralded play only known as “the catch.” And then Oakland Athletics pitcher Dallas Braden throwing a perfect game against the Rays on Mother’s Day, May 9 ,2010.

But on June 25 it was Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Edwin Jackson’s night to shine. He helped write a stat that ties the major league record with a combined total of (4) no-hitters being pitched before the All-Star break between both the American and National League. Only in one other year has Major League Baseball scene a season start like this before the All-Star break, and that was 1990.

For sure baseball is making a case that this is the year of the pitcher. And Edwin Jackson, the 267th no-hitter in baseball history, showed us why.

First of its Kind, Interleague Swap

During the course of every baseball season the usual basics are set in stone. Teams are set to play 162 games during the regular season, the defense and batting alignments features 9 players, and the guest away team bats first with the home team batting in the bottom of that inning. Pretty basic stuff. Well, come Friday night, July 25, when Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue square up in a 3 game series, the rules go topsy-turvy the fundamental stage will be turn upside down.

When first pitch is thrown Friday night by Blue Jays 6 foot 1 inch starting pitcher Jesse Litsch, it will be on a Phillies mound where the Blue Jays will be the home team. That’s right, you read correct. The Blue Jays will play as the home team, playing baseball on the road against the Phillies in their home ballpark of Citizens Bank Park.

But how did this crazy turn of events come about? Due to the predicted presence protesters, fences were put up around Toronto to make way for the G20 summit. It is there that the G20 Summit is planed through the next three days to discus the current economic troubles. It was because of this it was deemed safest for the game to be played elsewhere for security reasons.
But when it comes to a home field advantage the question is, “how will this affect the game itself.” As before mentioned, the order in which teams bat is changed, along with the jerseys each team will wear that night. The Blue Jays will wear home jerseys whereas the Phillies, playing in their own home ballpark, will sport the guest away jerseys.

Phillies will still man their home bug with the Blue Jays in the guest’s. But the real storyline people will be watching is the performance of ex-Blue Jay and current Philly starting pitcher Roy Halladay.

With a record of 8 wins and 6 losses, Roy Halladay will go up against his old ballclub for the first time. It was only this past offseason when a trade transaction between these two ballclub’s was made, that brought Halladay to the city of brotherly love and lead him on to pitch a perfect game. Only the 20^th to be pitched in Major League Baseball history.

It will be a true test to see how Halladay will perform considering how he has record losses in each of his last three outings. Giving up only a combined total of 10 earned runs in those three previous outings and sporting a current season ERA of 2.43.

One final note, Elias Sports Bureau plans to record any homeruns hit during this series to be accredited has happening in Citizens Ball Park. But the on record, this game will be counted as being played in the Rogers Center, the home of the Toronto Blue jays.

Regardless, by weeks end the Blue Jays will collect money because of what should have been their home game start, Roy Halladay will have pitch for the first time against his old ballclub, and Interleague Play will have recorded its first home swap series in its existence from the time in was created in 1997.

That’s life, that’s baseball.

2010 Somers Fest

Coming off of a successful Somers Lions' Club Invitational on May 1, Somers High School will play host again as it honors its spring athletes with the 2010 Somers Fest.
Saturday, May 15 is the day and date when those athletes will hit the playing fields in front of the home fans, all in hopes to raise money to support Somers athletes and athletic teams.

Proudly sponsored by the Somers Athletic Booster Club, a $5 donation provides parking admission and full access to the all of the day’s festivities. (Free parking for Somers High School tennis matches will take place at Reis Park.)

Fifteen minutes before the start of varsity games on May 15, ceremonies will be held to honor departing Somers senior athletes. The 12th-grade Tusker Athletes will bid farewell to the fans and playing fields they called home, and held near and dear.

One exception, the seniors on Somers track and golf teams will be honored at the halftime of the first ever match-up between the Somers varsity and Montgomery varsity boys lacrosse teams. That game’s start time is slated for 3 p.m. on the Tusker Turf (Turf #1).

A great match-up to start off your day will be to check out the Somers varsity softball team as it faces Fox Lane. Watch as the nation's 17th-ranked softball player, Tammy Wray, and her teammates will look to continue their winning ways as they look forward to the playoffs. This game is set to start at 10 a.m. at Primrose Field.

After you finish watching the action on the softball diamond, be sure to walk over to the Somers High School Tusker Turf (Turf #1) where Somers' boys lacrosse team will take on Montgomery in the two teams’ aforementioned first-ever matchup at 3 p.m.. With many of Somers’ top senior Lacrosse athletes headed to Division I lacrosse schools like West Point (Greg Petre), Colgate University (Eric Pfiffner) and St. John’s University (John Bello), the team looks poised to put on a good showing for the last regular-season game of the season.

“All of us guys have built up such a strong relationship. It is sad to leave my teammates; it feels like leaving your family," Bello, a defenseman, said.

Before the day is over be sure to check out the Somers varsity baseball team as it goes head to head in a league rivalry game against Fox Lane. With the Somers trying to win its fourth consecutive Section 1 ritle, look for these two teams battle it out for bragging rights.

Junior right fielder D.J. Guintini explains the magnitude of the Fox Lane match up when he said, “The upcoming game against Fox Lane will be a battle till the end. Beating them will show people we are just as strong a team as past years, and we can compete with the best in the section.” First pitch is set for 5 p.m. It is time for some hardball!

All that and more is scheduled for what is expected to be a fun, high-octane day for community and the athletes. It is events like the 2010 Somers Fest that do more than promote having fun and living active life style. It is events like this that reach out to the community and allow everyone cheer on the home team and be a Somers Tusker.

Over the Mic. and On the Diamond

In every job field there is a community people that one works with to get the job done. In the closing weeks of my W.I.S.E. project, that type of community has started to take shape. The last time I left you, I reported the on field action, with early season developments. Now, as I start to bring my senior year to a close, I find that not only have I learned what it takes to be seriously in the game as a reporter, but also the constant need to be looking for the next big opportunity.

One of the major goals that I stressed coming into my last few posts was the interest to share this MSGVarsity experience with others and hopefully pass the torch to others. With that being said, I feel that this dream has the promise to become a reality with the additions of talented students like: Josh Hanzer, Anthony Miniacci, Jordan Feldman, and Peter Siminetti. With the last few weeks being filled with varsity baseball play-by-play coverage we, not just me, have been able to experience the reporter’s life and get chance to be a part of the sports we love. The general scope of what I have been able to experience has been tremendous, and truly remarkable considering the brief 5 month window I have had.
With baseball underway, it is at the games Anthony Miniacci sets up a camera to record the action, while Josh and I orate the play-by-play call for the Somers Tuskers.

The ability to work with a huge baseball enthusiast like Josh has been great. Most play-by-play men will tell you that it is a truly difficult and gifted art to call a game all by yourself. I enjoyed the task of calling a game by myself, and found that it brings the announcer closer to the game. But when you add another person in the booth, an instant chemistry is born. Not only does a telecast take on greater knowledge of the subject, but also more stories from the orators can be told to a viewing audience.

Other developments that are in the works is the possibility to work the Somers Baseball game on Thursday May, 20th when Somers Varsity Baseball goes up against Carmel at Renagades Stadium. If given the opportunity, we will bring you that match up from the field to the comfort of your home.

One final note that has been of interest is the upcoming MSGVarsity and National Academy Of Television Arts and Science award contest called the “V Awards.” With all the work accomplished this year, it will be an interest test to see where my work ranks among thousands of other talented students. Good stuff!

That seems to all for the Somers Report. You can see my Final W.I.S.E. presentation on Wednesday, May 28th during 7th Period in the Somers High School autotorium. Come as I show my fellow classmates the life of a reporter, and the life changing ride I have experienced. Till next time.

-Mike Rossillo

Day 3: BP With Number 17

(Coach Antonucci and short-stop Tammy Wray looking on during hitting instruction.)

When spring rolls around in the town of Somers, you can be sure of one thing. Long time Somers Varsity Softball Coach in Coach Antonucci will be there for the start of another softball season. This year was no different, as he returned with one of the country's best softball player. That's right!, one of America's best high school softball players.

The nations 17th top ranked high school softball player , as named by ESPNRise.com, Somers High School's senior shortstop Tammy Wray was in attendance on Wednesday, as Mr. Antonucci started off his softball season with fundamental hitting drills. With solid cuts in the batter's box and good team chemistry, the girls came in with open minds and a jolt to put themselves, and their team, on the winning track this season.

As a spectator at the practice, it was easy to see the influence and belief the girls have in the system run by Antonucci. It was Somers High School senior Kelsey Hagenah's efforts just to make it to practice, literally hours from stepping off a plane ride from a college visit at Arizona State University, that told me that the girls were making significant efforts to turn the ship around from the struggled years past.


(Kelsey Hageneh taking swings just hours off a plane ride from Arizona State University)

When I talked to Coach Antonucci, I asked how he looked to maximize the production from his lineup. Among the moves he plans to make are to feature Somers junior Ciera Rojas behind Wray in the battling order. Hopefully a move that can help eliminate pitchers throwing around Wray, giving her more pitches to hit. A move that could bring down the 23 walks she compiled last year, compared to the 19 RBIs she batted in.

This is a young team, but has signs of commitment to stick with their coach and to start a winning tradition for Somers softball.

That brings us to the end of my "3 Day Somers Varsity Sports Tour." Official schedules will be out soon for all teams, and the action in the broadcast booth will start backup. With new additions to our crew, we look to bring you Somers High School Varsity Sports at a new level. The field level.

Be sure to tune in to MSGVarsity.com where new interviews are being posted. (Link to site at the bottom of page.) Featured stories are on Dave Purpura of the Somers Varsity Ski Team, and Andrew Madigan of the Somers Varsity Football Team.

Developments in the production studio have been bringing in the 17th top ranked Tammy Wray in for a interview this week. Be sure to tune in as I ask Wray about the life style of being a top level athlete, and what it means to her to be recognized on the national stage by ESPNRise.com.

That is all for the Somers Report. I'm Mike Rossillo. See you next time.

DAY 2: High Octane Action on the Tusker Turf

Day 2 of my tour of Somers Varsity Teams, I hit the Tusker Turf to watch the defending Section 1 Varsity Lacrosse Champs practice. And no doubt about-it, they were getting themselves ready for what is expected to be another BIG 2010 campaign. With the Somers Lacrosse's 2nd annual Red/Grey Tournament coming up this Saturday , March 20th starting at 9am, the Coaching staff made it clear that this was a new season with good teams coming after them in the following months. Once again the Somers Tuskers will have to prove they are the best against the best.

On the playing field was Somers senior lacrosse player Sean Ryan who talked about the excitement of starting up another season of lacrosse for Somers. Going deeper he explained how even with the depth and the talent on the team, there is still work to be done for them to reach their maximum potential and to stay there. He speaks the truth as this weekends tournament features some great teams in the CHSAA Champion Saint Anthony's, as well as the always top of the line New Jersey varsity team in Don Bosco.

For sure this is going to be an awesome experience to see some of the best players in the state, but just as equally exciting to chronicling some of the action with great lacrosse enthusiasts like Joe Lombardi.

In other news, with the events the staff is covering increasing in notoriety, there has been an increased need to find more students who want be part of the crew. These interest would range specifically to covering school sporting events and other extra curricular activities. As of today, 3 students showed interest in working with the tools and venues MSGVarsity has provided. A goal this week was to make progress on this issue of more staff , and today was a great step in that direction.

Be sure to check in tomorrow as I stop by the Somers Varsity Softball Team's Practice. There I look to visit with Coach Antonucci and find out how he plans to arrange his lineup for this year. Also find out what Coach thinks All-State Short Stop Tammy Wray will do for this up coming season. See all that and more tomorrow.
-Mike Rossillo

DAY 1: Working With the Boys of Summer

Today marked a great start to my 3 DAY TOUR of going around and watching Somers Varsity Sports get underway and ready for the upcoming 2010 season. Day 1 brought me to the NEW Somers Gymnasium where the Boys Varsity Baseball Team was led by Head Coach Joe Wootten. Coming into this season winners of 3 consecutive New York State Section 1 Titles, the team looked good as fielding and hitting drills were conducted.

I got the chance to meet Coach Wootten and hear what he feels the upcoming Baseball season may bring. When asked about the developing pitching roles on the team he pointed out both returning Seniors Chase Levi and Kevin Watson. Both of whom are battles tested and ready for the big stage. On the issue of possible position battles, Coach simply said, “You hit, you play.” Sounds good to me.

My goals coming into today, and for the rest of the week, is to meet the players between the lines, take notes that can provide greater incite in my future work, and most importantly meet the Coaches. Something I learned early on with the Varsity Basketball program is that it is important to have a good working relationship with the Coaches and anyone else you may work with in the field. Communication is everything.

Speaking of communication, with the departure of Coach Murphy, an interesting issue has now popped up. "Who will call the pitch selection during the game?" Coach Murphy who has traditionally done so, and has been a key part of the teams success, will be filled in by Coach Muller, who by many is agreed to be qualified for the job. Coach Muller having been a longtime catcher in his college years, knows the strategical part of the game as well as the battle that takes place 60 feet, 6 inches between both the hitter and the pitcher.

Other plays and notes to follow will be the possible move to have young talented sophomore infielder Joe Tomasulo move as the fill time second baseman. With a combination of good hitting and knowledge of the game beyond his years, Joe Tomasulo should be able to make himself right at home at the second base position. Also look for older brother Rob Tomasulo behind the plate, as he will split playing time at the catcher position with senior Jake Levine.

Only time will tell if the Somers Tuskers can keep their dynasty going for a forth consecutive New York State Section 1 title. If the boys of summer can get their motors revved for the big time, they will be the big time.

In other developments, I just finished editing my first segment that will be posted on MSGVarsty.com. Set aside the work that takes place in the field as a correspondent, working in the editing room is just as important and demanding. The past weeks I have been learning up on a software called "Final Cut Pro" and have found that it really helps when editing the finer details in film and video. In the time I have been working with "Final Cut Pro" I have also been learning from one of MSGVarsity's own product workers by the name of Kevin. With Kevin's help he has shown me how the people at MSGVarsity maximize the use of Final Cut Pro and make material that we see of mainstream television.

Up to this point I am happy with the work that I have been able to do, and look to continue this run all the way through the rest of the year. With such good momentum, it should be a smooth transition into the Stay-Awake-Athone on April 16th. It is on this date at the Stay-Awake-Athone that a camera crew and I will be filming a segment about the charity event and them allow it to air on the television show Quick: 60.
With all the coordination to get these productions going, I find that at this point I am working at least 1 hour a day after school, and currently looking at more perspective opportunities to come. Which is great!

As of now there is a chance that I may be able to cover the PENN Relays this April. The PENN Relays being one of the most prestigious track meets in the country, will actually make way for the Somers Boys 4 by 800 meter relay team that qualified to race there this coming April. With a chance to cheer on the guys, along with a great internship opportunity, it is my goal in the next two weeks to add this as one of things I would like to be a part of and cover. It looks on paper to be a great educational as well as entertaining experience.

Dodge Ball! / Events Warming in the Bullpen

There you have it! Here is this years Somers Dodge Ball Tournament 2010 Winners! Team Irresistible took the crown for what was a great charity event run by the Peer Leadership Group here at Somers High School. At the event I coached for Team Tag Team, where we were eliminated in the early rounds with a 1 and 3 record. Not good.
But beyond coaching Team Tag Team, I got to work from another vantage point on the court. Following our elimination, I worked court side with one of MSGVarsity's camera man producers who shot video of the night's events. During the heat of all the matches, I got to set up camera angles that added theatrical effects to the segment that is soon to be released. When working a game like this, it is important to get the emotions of the athletes during their victories and losses. We were able to do just that. Along with film on the teams, the camera operator and I also filmed the enthusiasm of the fans with frames of teams like the New York Nuggets being followed around by a entourage on kids with designed fan T-Shirts. It was just crazy.
Once the games had concluded, I had a chances to speak candidly with the MSGV camera operator about the software they use in the work field. The software "Final Cut" seems to be the name that people use when editing film for TV viewing. That was good news because I am currently learning how to use the "Final Cut" software after school.
Overall the Dodge Ball Tournament was a great success with the Peer Leadership Hosts having their "best" Tournament yet, along with myself gaining valuable field knowledge on how to work sporting events like Dodge Ball.
Other developments in the works are getting out to see some of the Somers Varsity teams play in practice, along with meeting the coaches and players for future interview material. Good Stuff.
Keep it tuned here for a BIG upcoming week with tons to do and little time before the Somers Tuskers start their 2010 Spring Sports Campaign.
See you next time
-Michael Rossillo

Tale of Two Athletes

Today was a big day!
The Studio 18 crew and I got to do two interviews. One with Somers Football Player Andrew Madigan, and the other with Somers Skiing athlete Dave Pupura.
Andrew, a highly touted student athlete, was picked for this weeks segment because of the fact that he pursues excellence on and off the football field. He capped off that hardwork by being inducted in as a member of the "Golden Dozen."Not to mention Andrew was awarded as the recipient of the prestigious Chris Mello Award. A award that exemplifies the hard work of athletes, like the late Chris Mello, and presents them with scholarship money and a top honor in the sporting community. Hands down, Andrew is a great athlete. But he is an even better person. Congrats my friend. You can be sure to see great things from Andrew in the future.
The other athlete we interviewed was Junior Dave Pupura, a Skiiing athlete at Somers. Racing fast is something of a trend in the Pupura family. Dave is younger brother of past Somers student athlete and Ski Meister Mike Pupura. Dave this year placed 3rd at Sectionals and had the chance to compete at the States Meet. Dave said himself, he expects a even better year next year. Keep in mind the 3rd place finish takes place in only his Junior year.
Two great athletes, and the students here at Studio 18 were able to share that with all of you. This is what it is all about. Getting Somers students stories out to the public to commend their interest.
In Addition to the full day, the MSGVarsity Studio on Long Island signed off on coverage of the April 16th Stay Awake-athone. Film compiled at the event will go into a segment for the TV show Quick: 60 on MSGVarsity's TV station. Good stuff!
In other news, tomorrow is the highly talked about Somers Dodgeball Tournament. I will be coaching at the games, along with doing some Interviews with the MSG camera guy who will also be at tomorrows festivities.
A lot of cool things are happening in school right now. It will be fun to see how it all plays out by the end of the year. So keep it here to find out all the behind the scenes stories that make it happen!
Till next time.

So Far...

Hey!
Have been working this week to get some good stuff covered for the next month. Getting ready to have recording of the Dodgeball Tournament on March 5th here at school. Along with the Dodgeball Tournament, currently working on getting some good interviews on a few stories before Spring Sports start up. Got to see a few Varsity teams get in action. So far the teams are looking focused. Good stuff.
Currently on Thursdays, MSG has been coming in and giving students lessons on working in the TV production field. It has been really informative with guys like Joe Lombardi giving pointers. Joe worked for the Journal News and has been in the field from many vantage points. He has worked as a play-by-play man, reporter/writer, and now regional manager of MSGVarsity in Westchester and Connecticut.
Some important issues that have come up is the interest in getting more people involved who may want to learn the T.V. Broadcast field. (Before this WISE Project I only knew little about how the whole production industry worked. But you learn quick. You can come in with no experience and still learn. Plus the whole experience is fun.)
Hope that fun continues.
(If any readers have questions, leave a comment or just ask me in the halls.)
Mike Rossillo