Thursday, March 15, 2012

Chess Trophies Won by Columbia Students

Mill Creek Elementary earned the third place team trophy in the K-3rd grade division, and the Rock Bridge High School team managed a fifth-place finish in the High School Division in the Missouri State Scholastic Chess Championship on Saturday in Jefferson City.

Earning individual trophies in their divisions were: Isaac Stiepleman, Grant Elementary, 4th in K-3rd; Ashwath Elangovan, Gentry Middle School, 9th in K-6th; Yash Khanna, Gentry Middle School, 10th in K-6th; Codey Brazeau, Rock Bridge High School, 8th in Board 4 High School; Jonathan Ackmann, Rock Bridge High School, 4th in Board 2 High School; and Vikram Arun, Rock Bridge High School, 8th in Board 1 High School.

Earning medals in their divisions were: Akhilan Elangovan, Mill Creek Elementary, K-3rd; Zane Durante, Gentry Middle School, K-8th; Shray Kumar, Jefferson Junior High, K-8th; Jack Vornholt, Rock Bridge High School, Board 4 High School; and Rohit Rao, Rock Bridge High School, Board 3 High School.

Overall, 23 Columbia Public School District students competed in the competition that drew 473 players from across the state.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Girls Make It Four Trophies for Trinity

The pupils of Trinity Catholic School (Aspley) won their fourth 5-a-side trophy of the season at Harvey Hadden. Trinity teams have already won the U12 Girls and U16 Girls' Indoor 5-a-sides and the U13 Boys' Outdoor 5-a-sides, organized by Nottingham Schools' Football Association.

Along with five other teams from City Secondary Schools, Trinity had qualified for the final of the NSFA U14 Girls' Indoor 5-a-side competition from preliminary rounds.
They dominated the league-based competition winning four of the five matches to record 13 points. Their only blemish was when they faced Djanogly in a very close game which ended as a 1-1 draw.

The battle for second place was also very close with Farnborough and Nottingham Emmanuel both finishing with nine points from three victories. However, the girls from Emmanuel had a much better goal difference and were awarded the runners-up medals.

The trophies and medals were presented by Colin Hammond, the Chairman of Nottingham Schools' Football Association.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Inman Wins Weightlifting Title for New Brighton HS

New Brighton High School junior Josh Inman had to do a juggling act as he left the Blackhawk High School gymnasium Thursday night after the MAC Weightlifting Championships. He had to carry three plaques on his way out, but it certainly wasn't the weight that made it difficult. After all, one of the plaques was for lifting a total of 1,450 pounds to capture the overall total weight title.

"I never expected to get three trophies," said Inman, who also received the plaque for the best squat (530 pounds) and best bench press (365). "I expected to do my best but to win three, that's very good. "It was nerve wracking to do it here in front of a crowd, but it got my adrenaline going. I'm very pleased with the numbers I put up."

The one side of Blackhawk's gym was full of parents, fans, and onlookers and the other side was full of participants and coaches as 17 schools sent a total of 30 five-player teams. This was far from the routine Inman usually has for lifting.

"We usually lift three days a week as a team and get about 30 guys," Inman said. "To me, winning shows how hard we've all been working."

Inman, in fact, wasn't the only one working hard in New Brighton as the Lions took home four of the seven trophies presented. Kellen Mackey, also a junior, won the overall indexed total -- total weight lifted as a multiple of the player's weight -- for the second straight year.

"We want to let everyone know we're working hard," said Mackey, who weighed in at 163 pounds and lifted a total of 1,360 pounds for an indexed score of 1,669. "The teams we'll be competing against are all here. "For me, I have to keep working hard to stay healthy next year. I just work hard and hope for the best."

Monday, March 5, 2012

Highpoints Trophies Earned by Allured and Manning

The CT-33 Thunderbirds swim team competed at North Bay YMCA Invitational swim meet over the past weekend earning a team total of 12 gold, 15 silver, and 13 bronze medals throughout the weekend.

Travis Allured (12) and Jenna Manning (13) completed the five compulsory events in the Ironman competition earning the highest points trophies for their age groups.

Other T-Birds competing in the gruelling ironman competition included Michael Denomme (12) in second place, Jasmine Busschaert (11) in third, and Jillian Picco (11) with a gold medal in the 200 Fly.

In the sprints, Kylie Manning (9) and Ryan Venditti (11) earned third highest overall points earning three gold, three silver, and three bronze medals between them.

Silvers were awarded to Alex Papatheodorou (13), Jane Chirico (11), and Leah Chirico (9). Bronze medals were attained by Elle Louise George (12), Evan Lechlitner (15), and Olivia Lyle (10).

In the 11 and 12-year-old boys category, the medley team consisting of Travis Allured, Michael Denomme, Ryan Venditti, and William Hotson won gold in their relay.

Swimmers capturing top eight finishes were Ashleigh Brady (13), William Hotson (11), Madison Whittet (14), Jaime Reynolds (14).

Competitive rookie swimmer Nathalie Reid (12) earned personal bests and new times in all of her events.

The team is grateful for the fine preparation by coaches Pierre Simard, Penny Lecour and Amy Jackson who are pleased with the team’s dedication to training and their resulting performances.

The team thanks Penny and Amy for their on deck coaching at the past meet.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

'Stars' Shine at Boys & Girls Clubs Dinner

The Greg Nelson Gym at the Village Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad was packed for its 12th annual Super Star Recognition Dinner. At the far end of the gym, a table laden with trophies, custom pins and awards set the stage for the Feb. 1 event.

The 250 guests included the board of directors, donors, volunteers, club members and families. Although some awards were presented to adults, many children were recognized for their special achievements in 2011.

Pat Maldi, director of marketing and special events, took pleasure watching the young people throughout the night. "The kids are all dressed up and excited," Maldi said. "It's really a night about the kids."

CEO Brad Holland and board President Scott Grugel of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad kept a steady pace, announcing a lineup of winners.

Club member Gerald Ball was chosen Youth of the Year and walked away with a $1,000 scholarship that could be used for either school or college. First runner-up, Keli Moriarty-Alkire, received a $500 scholarship. Mara Waynick and Marina Rodriguez, both finalists in the Youth of the Year competition, each received scholarships for $250.
Taylor Barry, Wesley Murray, Chase Lechowicz, Nate DeAndrade and Gerald Ball won the Golden Boy category. And in the Golden Girl group, Brianna DelaMora, Keli Moriarty-Alkire, Katelin Phipps, Sophia Musgrove and Kyriana Tarr were the winners.

The scent of fresh Italian bread permeated the air before the ceremony as guests dined on pasta prepared by Gregorio's Italian Restaurant in Carlsbad. Attendees had the opportunity to tour the club, too.

Enjoying the award-filled night were Billi and Max Gritzmaker, Jack Jaffe, David Price, Mary Ann Price, Herm and Pat Kurth, Sam Russell, Steve Price, Eleanor Murrell, Allyson Hurd, and Terri and Luke Matteson.

Sponsors for the event were Gregorio's Italian Restaurant, Blackburn Foundation and Ted Vallas. Maldi also gave a special thanks to her staff, who worked to make the 12th annual Super Star Recognition Dinner a night to remember.