We would like to again congratulate Frank Stella for a fantastic season. In only his second year as head coach, his Novice Blue team completed an undefeated (9 - 0) season and won the Novice Division Championship. Congratulations also go out to Assistant Coaches; Vinny DiCupillo and Larry Sarn, All-Stars; Kellan Cohill, Anthony Coccimiglio, Matt Faicco & George Zain and the rest of the 2011 Novice Champions; Chris Coad, Michael Coccimiglio, Chris DiCupillo, Hady Farhat, Brendan Lynch, Michael Marino, Greg Sarn & Stephen Stella.
The other Novice Division coaches and teams did a great job and can be proud of playing well and having fun. So thank you to Novice Black and coaches Justin Klug, Ken Klug & Kevin Griffin; Novice Red and coaches Joe Heron & Joe Guarino; and to Novice White and coach Steve Loff & Philipe Higginson.
In the Bantam Division, congratulations go out to coaches Joe Cavalcante & Tom Gulino and their Bantam Purple team for compiling a perfect 10 - 0 record, becoming our 2011 Bantam Division Champions. They were led by All-Stars Julius Arcaro, Andrew Cortese, Ben Gulino & Joe Nugent. Also to be commended were Thomas Cappa, Joseph Cavalcante, Louie Mariani, Alex Micciola, Kyle Twohig & Frankie Ungaro.
The other Bantam coaches and teams all did a great job and contributed to the success of the league this season. So thank you to Bantam Black, coached by Steve Juliano, Mark Bramante & Philipe Higginson; Bantam Blue, coached by Tony Tartaglia & Anthony Gugluizza; Bantam Burgundy, coached by Mike Skarl; Bantam Red, coached by Keith Ferrer & Bantam Silver, coached by Angelo Gnerre.
Our MVP recipients were Anthony Coccimiglio in the Novice Division & Julius Arcaro in the Bantam Division. Both players led their undefeated teams throughout the season with outstanding all around play. Congratulations to both boys for great seasons, we're looking forward to nothing less from both of them next year.
Our final award of the night was presented to the player that has shown outstanding growth and commitment to the league, the parish and the community. He is a roll model for all of the players of the league and shows a "Joy of the Game", the main reason that we play. Congratulations go out to Matt Bramante, the receipiant of our 10th Aniversary and third annual St. Ephrem Youth Program Scholarship. Along with the plaque that was presented to Matt on Friday, a check for $750.00 will be sent to Xaverian High School, where Matt is a Sophomore.
During the award ceremony Angelo Gnerre delivered 36 pizzas from his DaVinci Pizzeria on 18th Ave. The great crowd at the gym, quickly devoured them, along with the soft drinks that were on hand.
Finally I would like to thank all of the parents for coming to awards and for getting involved with our Flag Football program, we know that it is because of you that we attain whatever success that we do. Special thanks to Joe & Linda Cavalcante, Frank Spadaro, Mike Skarl, Steve Fadel, Roseanne Devito/Boccadifucco and all of the volunteers at the concession stand. Thank you to Mitch, Ralph, Dom & Anthony; our referees.
Registration for our 11th season will take place in June.
The next event that we will be hosting will be our annual HOOP-IT-UP tournament. HOOP-IT-UP is 3 on 3, co-ed, half court basketball and it will take place in the St. Ephrem Gym on Friday & Saturday March 30 & 31, 2012. Look for registration information in the next couple of weeks.
Thanks again for a great 10th season.
