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