Category: Sports

By Ian Noll-

The picture of Robert Andino says it all.

It explains the pain and misery of being an Orioles fan, the heartbreak of 14 consecutive losing seasons, the seven different general mangers.

“I’ve been an Orioles fan as long as i could remember,” said junior Tim Harris. “They’ve never really been great since I’ve been a fan.”

The climax of the past 14 season was eliminating the Boston Red Sox from playoff contention last season, after a late season collapse that caused the Sox to completely revamp their front office.

The Orioles celebrated like they had just won the World Series and maybe to them, it was their World Series.

Lisa Mayo, an English teacher at Penn Manor has been a fan ever since 1983, the last time they won a world series. She has suffered through about 20 losing seasons and still is as loyal as ever.

“It’s been a roller coaster ride of emotion, but my loyalty never waivers,” Mayo said.

Now it’s 2012 now, the season is young and the Orioles jumped out to their usual start. Being over .500 in the first few series, holding their own at the top of the division. Spirits are high, the fans start thinking “this might be our year.” But, then May blindsides fans,it  feels like getting hit by a freight train.

May is also known as the reality check. Many fans will suffer from this unfortunate occurrence. Symptoms of the reality check include; the below .500 record, the continuance losing series after series, shattered remains of what once were remotes , and an abundance of bad-mouthing the television.

“Well the years start off like every other, they do good the first 10 games, going 7-3 or 8-2 then tank the next 10 games,” Harris said.

But it’s May now, the Orioles are 28-16 and are tied for first place in the AL East. They have swept the Red Sox, taken a series from the Yankees, and have showed that they can stand up to their division rivals.

It seems as if the Orioles are actually turning their franchise around and a legitimate contender in the AL east this year. Everything just seems to be clicking. The pitching is strong, well for the most part, the bullpen is lights out, and the Orioles bats actually showed up this year.

Could it be that the O’s are under a sturdy manager finally with Buck Showalter?

Or is it that the slump is over.

Whatever it is, Orioles fans aren’t complaining.

“I can barely contain my excitement. I have watched nearly every game so far and it’s exciting because even when they’re behind, they often find a way to win…even if it means 17 innings,” Mayo said.

Centerfielder Adam Jones has been the go-to man offensively. He is leading the team in batting average, runs, homeruns, runs batted in and stolen bases. If there was a clutch category, he would be in charge of that too, hitting a three-run home run to beat the Red Sox in that 17-inning marathon game and then hitting the solo shot in the 15th to beat the Royals.

According to Roch Kubatko, 9 of Jones’s 12 homeruns have either tied or given the Orioles the lead.

The Orioles might have finally found their go-to guy.

Pitching wise, the starters have all been even, some pitching better then others obviously, but the most notable one is the Taiwan born Wei-Yin Chen, who is 4-1 to start the season.

Chen has had strong outings against the Yankees and AL leading Rangers, both games in which he only allowed 2 runs or less. Through his first 7 starts, Chen has only surrendered 3 or less earned runs to opponents.

2012 has been a strange year though, at least so far.

There are teams that traditionally do not win games, that are winning games. Teams like the Red Sox, Angels, Yankees and Phillies, teams who traditionally do win games, are on the losing end of games more often then not.

Then there are teams like the Washington Nationals, Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles who are all examples of teams that have had turn around season and have been beating powerhouses such as the Detroit Tigers, Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies.

Could it be that a change in power is coming to the MLB?

Maybe, or maybe not. But one thing is for sure, if this type of play continues, those years of heartbreak and disaster might be a thing of the past.

By Jordan Rineer and Richard Schulz-

Under the nice weather, Penn Manor ran and threw their way into the record book at the LL League championship at Hempfield on Friday and Saturday May 11 and 12.

Lavonte Jones broke a school record in the 100 meter dash, running it in 11.14 seconds.

The only two first place winners, from Penn Manor, were Harrison Schettler and Greta Lindsley.

Tenth grader Lindsley broke a league record in the 800 meter, running two minutes and fourteen seconds.

She won first place and ran the 1600 meter in 5:09.

Lindsley won first place and ran the 3200 meter in 11:32.

“She’s one of the few girls that have run under five minutes in a mile,” said Maria Vita the girls track coach.

Lindsley scored 30 points for the team by winning the 800 meter, 1600 meter and the 3200 meter.

Schettler won first place and ran the 1600 meter in 4:26.

Penn Manor overall placed ninth in the League, Penn Manor girls tied for third overall, and the Comet boys placed ninth overall.

Placed award winners:

• Meghan Maisano placed fifth in the 800 meter 2:22.
• Greta Lindsley won first place in the 1600 meter 5:9.
• Breanne Funk placed second in the 3200 meter 11:49.
• Greta Lindsley won first place in the  3200 meter 11:32.
• Laura Wissler placed 3rd in shotput.
• Megan Haines placed 2nd in discus.
• Katie Stringer placed 6th in discus.
• Harrison Schettler placed 2nd  in the 800 meters.
• Harrison Schettler won 1st in the 1600 meter 4:26.
• Jonathan Bitner placed 4th in the 1600 meter 4:29.
• Brendan Kincade placed 5th in pole vault.
• David Burch got 3rd place in triple jump.
• Darren Spirk placed 4th in shotput.

“I thought it was overall a strong performance by our team. I’m proud of everyone,” said Schettler.

By David Mohimani –

The Rusty Gate. Most have never heard of it, but Penn Manor senior Alex Cummins’ mastery of this check has propelled him to All-American status.

Cummins was named an All-American Wednesday by the U.S. Lacrosse Organization.  PIAA District III coaches vote on the designation.

But many Penn Manor students may not be aware of Cummins success on the playing field because lacrosse is not as publicized or as well known as basketball or football.  When talking about Penn Manor sports stars, his name is probably not mentioned in the same breathe as football standout Daulton Parmer and basketball phenom Marc Summy, even though he is arguably just as good if not better at his respective sport.

Over the course of the last four years Cummins has been a dominating force on the lacrosse field. Cummins has received many accolades throughout his career however this year he outdid himself. Aside from his first team all-league selection, he was named as an All-American.

“It feels really good. I’ve basically been working for that this season, so I worked hard to get that.”

Cummins has made a name for himself with incredible take away checks, scooping ground balls, and versatility as an offensive threat even as a defender.

Cummins is the first to admit he could not do it by himself.

“My coaches definitely  taught me a lot since I was a freshman and playing up on  varsity for four years helped me a lot, I got to learn things faster,” said Cummins.

Cummins has been a three-year starter but this year he has taken on more of leadership role. He was selected as a captain this year and he has tried to give younger players the tools to succeed.

“If someone doesn’t know what to do, I teach them and give them some pointers. A lot of kids come up to me ask for advice,” said Cummins.

Cummins is not the only All-American from Penn Manor in recent history, last year defensemen Jaquan Presbery was also awarded the top honor in District III.

Cummins saw his high school career abruptly end when the Comets surrendered a 3-0 halftime lead to lost to league rival Manheim Township in the first round of district play. Luckily for him he has plans to continue his career at the Florida Institute of Technology where he will major in marine conservation and ecology.

“They offered me the most money in scholarships and their marine biology programs are top in the country,” said Cummins on his decision to head to Florida Tech. He added that the nearby beaches were a little bit of an incentive it to go there.

Cummins plans on keeping his success going as a Panther next year.

“I’m just going to keep working hard through college and hopefully get conference awards,”said Cummins.

The future is definitely bright for Cummins, and it has nothing to do with the Sunshine State.

By Aaron Brown, Alexa Stewart, and Breiana Herr –

Hold on, the season is not over yet.

This season has had its ups and downs for Penn Manor girl’s lacrosse team.

This year has been an above average year for the Comets. They have always had very strong teams, but this year’s team has what it takes to take them from a strong team to a dominant team.

They made it to their second consecutive league final game, but lost to undefeated Manheim Township 18-7 on Saturday.

Now, there is a strong district run in the Comets future. The girls have played the number one seed, Township Blue Streaks, in the district tournament 3 times already this season and know exactly what to expect when they see them again. The girls are supposed to play Hershey today.

“We need to beat them this time (Hershey),” said head coach, Kimberly Marsh. “The girls didn’t play to the ability, but they are ready for the second game.”

The lady Comets lost a heart breaker to Hershey the first time on March 23, 10-9.

This was the girls first game of the year. The Comets are a totally different team, now. The girls know what they have to do, they just have to do it

“We have a pretty good chance of winning; the team is more prepared and together now,” said Eryn McCoy, an L-L League first team and all L-L League team player.

The girls are ready for this much anticipated rematch.

“We need to work harder and play smarter than last time we played them,” said Shannon Sloss, an L-L League first team and all L-L League team player.

Along with a strong offense, the girls have a very strong defense this season full of seniors ready to shutout Hershey tonight.

Along with Eryn and Shannon, Emily Eddowes also received L-L League first team and all L-L League team honor. Emily McCoy and Lauren Ali, both received second team honor.

The team has been led by their all-star cast on offense and defense.

They are looking forward to the challenge ahead of them, but are preparing one game at a time.

The goal at the beginning of every team’s season is to make it to the league, district and state tournaments. The girl’s goal now is to win the district and state tournaments.

With everything the girls have been through this year, they are definitely capable of accomplishing these goals, they just have to keep working hard, and bring there best effort and ability to each and every game.

By Ryan Flexman –

It will be known as the champion’s challenge.

Spain’s very own Real Madrid, which happens to be ranked first in its league, is scheduled to play in Los Angeles this summer against last year’s Major League Soccer champion LA Galaxy.

The event will be held on August 2, 10:30 p.m. ET at the Home Depot Center in California and soccer fans from Penn Manor will be tuning in.

Austin Wilson, a Penn Manor soccer player said,  “I’m excited for this game, I know Galaxy won’t win but hopefully it’s an exciting game.”

This is the fourth time that Madrid is coming to the US, many believe that it will be another embarrassment to US soccer like the last three meetings.

But others beg to differ.

“I feel like this year its going to be different, the Galaxy are hot after winning the [MLS] championship last year and want to show the world that US soccer is no longer a joke,” said Penn Manors Ian Burns, an enthusiastic soccer fan and player.

Burns believes that LA Galaxy will come away with a 3-2 victory over the Spaniards.

The first time the Galaxy and Madrid faced each other was in 2005 when current Galaxy star and captain David Beckham played for Real Madrid.

Madrid went home with a 2-0 victory.

The second was in 2010, when Madrid squeezed a surprising 3-2 victory. The third game was different in 2011, Madrid came to play and left with a 4-1 victory.

“We are excited to give our fans a chance to see the Galaxy take on one of the best clubs in the world in Real Madrid,” said Galaxy COO, Chris McGowan. “This will be a tremendous event for Southern California soccer fans, especially with the opportunity to see this game in such an intimate setting as The Home Depot Center. It will truly be one of the must-see sporting events of the year.”

This event gives soccer fans the opportunity to watch some of the worlds most valuable players, including Cristiano Ronaldo who is arguably the best player of this generation. Last year’s match held over half a million crazed soccer fans, and both teams were supported.

Not only is it a wonderful atmosphere for soccer fans around the country, but the players get a lot out of it too. Playing against some of the world’s best players is nothing but a plus for the less-skilled American players.

Some of the players from the MLS’s dream is to play on the same field as Cristiano Ronaldo and other stars from around the world, and this is their chance.

By Jordan Rineer –

Sitting and waiting for the NFL.

Penn Manor graduate Chas Alexcih waited through all 253 picks for the National Football League potential recruits to see if his name was going to be up in lights.

It wasn’t.  But that wasn’t the end of the story.

“Initially I was very disappointed because going through the process I had been given a draftable grade by many scouts and coaches,” said Alexcih.  “But towards the end of the draft I began to get a lot of calls from teams to sign me as a free agent so the disappointment was short-lived since I had so many options after the draft.”

Shortly after the draft he got a phone call from the Miami Dolphins, offering a spot on the practice squad.

Penn Manor’s eyes were focused on Alexcih ever since his days as a Penn Manor Comet.

Alexcih and fellow football star for Pitt, Jordan Gibbs, both graduated from Penn Manor in 2007.

Gibbs got offered a scholarship by the University of Pittsburgh coach Paul Chryst.  He waited three years and finally got what he deserved, a starting spot on the team his senior year.

Alexcih however initially was not offered a spot on the team. The University of Pittsburgh coach, Paul Chryst,  liked what he saw, but had no scholarships available. He told Alexcih if he walked on and if he worked hard enough, a scholarship would be his for the taking.

Alexcih has not only earned his scholarship, he became a college standout. In all four years of his college career, he totaled 127 tackles (29.5 for a loss), 18 sacks and an interception. The interception was returned for 47 yards.

Alexcih was invited to the NFL combine. The NFL combine (also called the National Invitational Camp) is a week long event in February in Indianapolis. All the professional scouts come out and see the best college athletes compete for a spot in the draft.

Although Alexcih didn’t hear his name called on TV, in the end he got what he wanted. A chance to play in the NFL.

Lisa Mayo, an English teacher at Penn Manor has been following him since her son Tony and Alexcih played on the same team in eighth grade.

“Chas going into the NFL was huge, Chas going to the Dolphins is beyond my wildest dreams and I cannot wait to get my jersey,” said Mayo.

Chas has a lot people rooting him on in Pennsylvania.

“It feels great man, I had a great support base at Pitt and since I’ve signed with the Dolphins there has been an unbelievable amount of people contacting me saying good luck, it really means the world,” said Alexcih.

All eyes in Penn Manor will be on Alexcih this season.

By Sam Valentin and Bri Kelly-

The Penn Manor Softball team had three goals going into the 2012 season.

The first was to split the season series against section rivals. The second was to end the season above .500. The last goal was to qualify for the district tournament which was a lofty goal considering this had not been for over 10 years.

They achieved them all.

The lady Comets ended the year with a 12-7 record overall and a 10-6 record in there section which was good enough to earn section one runner up to Warwick and a district berth. The Comets play Saturday at 4pm at Garrett Field in Willow Street.

“Proud since the programs been not very good,” said Penn Manor senior second basemen, Jenny Hanner about qualifying for playoffs. “My freshman year we won four games.”

Through April 10 the girls were sitting third in there section with 2-2 record behind Hempfield and Warwick. They dropped games to rivals, Warwick, and Hempfield early. The Comets took Solanco to the brink on April 13. The game went nine innings but the Mules charged on past the Comets. They then upset front running,Warwick at home on April 27. They continued to surge forward.

They found themselves tied for second in the section with rival, Hempfield on April 30. May second, senior night for the lady Comets was a pivotal game against Hempfield which would potentially decide the runner up in section one.

The game was an emotional one with it being senior night but it was also the biggest game of the year for them.

“I felt nervous,” said Comet’s senior hurler, Ashley Witmer. “The game had more meaning.”

Well they were excited to start the game. But after the top of the first inning they were all but excited since Hempfield scored four runs. In the dugout a sense of urgency and panic was felt. One of the coaches delivered a speech.

It worked to perfection.

The Comets answered back with a big first inning of there own, scoring five runs. They tacked on a few more insurance runs and never looked back on their way to an 8-5 win.

“I was more shocked that we actually beat Hempfield,” said Witmer on her thoughts after the game.

But that was not completely secured until the final game of the season which was a win at McCaskey.

This win slates them a rematch against section three champion, Manheim Central. Coming in off a hot streak gives the Comet’s some confidence heading in.

” We are feeling very confident heading into Saturday,”mentioned senior first basemen, Vicky Nase.” We have really been working as a team lately and have been doing really well offensively and defensively.” But to others its an unknown territory which brings nervousness.

“Don’t know what to expect, just hoping everything goes well,” said Witmer about districts and league playoffs.

“There are always nerves when there is a big game especially since this is out first playoff game while at Penn Manor,” added Nase.

” I am sure the will be (nervous) they have not been there since 1999,” added Head Coach, David Stokes. “They played basically three playoff games so hopefully that pressure over that span helps us.”

They already notched a win against the Baron’s in the beginning of the season.

“Mannheim Central is a good team but we will have our work cut out for us,” said Stokes.”We need to peak at the right time.”

By Daulton Parmer –

Congratulations to the spring sports and all of the athletes who achieved high honors in the Lancaster-Lebanon League.  The announcements were made in the past week.

Girls Soccer:

First Team Accolades– Lindsay Hutchinson (Junior), Logan Kramer (Senior), Sara Bennis (Senior)

Second Team Accolades– Demi Greenawalt (Senior)

Boys Volleyball:

First Team Accolades– Cheyenne Weber (Senior), Dayonte Dixon (Senior), Dylan Weber (Senior)

Second Team Accolades– Mark Dano (Junior), Joey Jackson (Senior)

Honorable Mention Accolades– Colby Sangrey (Senior)

Boys Lacrosse:

First Team Accolades– Brady Charles (Junior), Alex Cummins (Senior)

Second Team Accolades– Connor Ream (Sophomore)

Honorable Mention Accolades– Damon Cummins (Sophomore), Alex Kirk (Senior),  Adam Hess (Junior), David Mohimani (Senior), Harrison Manning (Senior)

Girls Lacrosse:

First Team Accolades– Emily Eddowes (Senior), Eryn McCoy (Junior), Shannon Sloss (Junior),

Honorable Mention Accolades– Lauren Ali (Junior), Emily McCoy (Junior)

Other spring sports accomplishments coming soon. Also, good luck to the remaining teams still in the running.

By Aaron Brown –

Bryce Harper and Robert Griffin III are two rising stars taking their talents to Washington D.C.

In the eight games that Harper has played in, he has already made a name for himself at the age of 19.

“He’s smart,” third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said in an interview with The Washington Post. “I think his baseball IQ, the way he adjusts and the things he does at his age are impressive. The double as well, to know what kind of arm you have in left field, just kind of the knowledge. He’ll learn. It’s only the beginning of it, that’s the scary part. He’s only going to get better.”

Although young sports stars can be role models and an inspiration to athletes here at Penn Manor, some believe early fame can go to their head.

“I admire his talent and ability, but I believe that it is overshadowed by his terrible attitude,” said Nick Tulli, a junior in Penn Manor.

Some think Harper is cocky, but what 19-year-old playing major league baseball wouldn’t be? He is trying to fit in with all the other major league all-stars. He is fulfilling his dream and making lots of money on top of that.

Harper may be the next five-tool player in the MLB.

The traits that make a five-tool player are: hitting for average, hitting for power, a strong arm, a strong fielding ability, and speed.

Harper has all five of these traits. He is batting .308, which is a superb batting average. He hits for power. He hit 5 doubles, but has not hit his first home run, yet. He has a strong arm, which he shows off in left field. He is a very good fielder, has not made an error. Also, he as good speed, which he puts on display on the bases and in the outfield.

Harper made history, by batting in the three hole at the age of 19. He is the youngest player to bat third, since B.J. Upton in 2004.

“I mean, he’s swinging the bat good. He’s had quality at-bats. It’s what you do. I don’t care if his name’s Harper or whatever. Or how old he is,” Davey Johnson, the manager for the Washington Nationals, said in an interview with The Washington Post. “He looks like a pretty good choice to me.”

Harper is boosting the moral of National fans and will have put the team on his back, with Jayson Werth out with a broken wrist.

“I just wanted points,” said Tulli. “Fantasy baseball is all about winning, not having a respectable team.”

Along with Harper, Washington D.C. added another phenom in Robert Griffin III.

The Washington Redskins drafted the Heisman winning quarterback  2nd overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

“I think its exciting for the redskins since they now have a big name quarterback, but I feel like the Redskins have put a lot of pressure on him,” said Tim Harris, a loyal Washington Redskins fan at Penn Manor.

The coach of the Redskins, Mike Shanahan, named Griffin the starter after just one practice.

“He’s the starter,” Shanahan proclaimed after practice. “Period.”

“He’s ahead (of schedule),” Shanahan said later. “Very few people can take as much verbiage (from the playbook). Robert was able to pick it up very quickly and it showed on the field.”

Griffin is going to have a great chance for Rookie of the Year over Andrew Luck because Griffin is going to be put in an offense with many weapons, unlike Luck.

The Redskins are trying to improve on their 5-11 record last season. They are hoping Griffin can be the man to spark the offense, which has been dragging for years.

“He definitely has the skills and the ability to be a great quarterback in this league,” said Harris. “I hope he can take the Redskins to a couple of Super Bowls.”

By Ryan Flexman-

USA basketball is known for winning the Olympics, but maybe not this year.

With four out of the twelve players injured, including last year’s MVP Derrick Rose and the highest paid player in the NBA Kobe Bryant, the USA isn’t looking very intimidating anymore.

The U.S. basketball team won four out of the five last Olympics, all of them under the reign of Mike Krzyzewski (Duke University Head Coach).

But this year is his last, and he wants to go out with a bang.

With all of their players 100 percent and ready to go, they’re first in the FIBA world rankings.

Derrick Rose, last years MVP, tore his ACL and MCL and is out for the remainder of the playoffs and Olympics.

Dwight Howard was the defensive player of the year for the past three years, and just got surgery on his back after having back problems for a while.He will not participate in any of the playoff games or the Olympics.

The 14-year veteran in the NBA Chauncey Billups tore his achilles tendon.

Kobe Bryant, who is the highest paid player in the NBA, suffered a shin injury mid way through the 2012 regular season. Bryant may be back in time for the Olympics, but will not be 100 percent.

All injuries occurring during the regular season, and a lot of people believe it was because of the lockout where they couldn’t train during the off season. Their bodies weren’t physically fit enough to play without getting hurting themselves.

U.S. basketball will suffer because of this, but hopefully will still come home with a gold.