Randallstown High School Visits the Washington Wizards

Randallstown High Schools students were provided the opportunity to visit the Washington Wizards this past weekend. Students were able to interview players and personnel. After meeting with players downstairs, interns were given media passes and viewed the game from the media booth.

Randallstown High School Visits the Washington Wizards

Randallstown High Schools students were provided the opportunity to visit the Washington Wizards this past weekend. Students were able to interview players and personnel. After meeting with players downstairs, interns were given media passes and viewed the game from the media booth.

Bergen Catholic's Cushing named top defensive rookie

From the first practice in training camp until the last game, Brian Cushing was a tackling machine for the Houston Texans.

That's exactly what the team sought when it chose the linebacker from USC 15th overall in the draft last April. What the Texans also got is The Associated Press 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Bergen Catholic's Cushing named top defensive rookie

From the first practice in training camp until the last game, Brian Cushing was a tackling machine for the Houston Texans.

That's exactly what the team sought when it chose the linebacker from USC 15th overall in the draft last April. What the Texans also got is The Associated Press 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Dwight Morrow Wins Historic Baskeball Game

"History in the Making," read the game program, "Striving to become the most successful basketball coach in the history of Englewood."

The Maroon Raiders basketball players surround Dwight Morrow coach Gerald Akridge after his 271st victory, which is a new school record.

The Dwight Morrow boy’s basketball team opened the 2009-10 season Dec. 18 with a little more than a win on their minds. Not only were they trying to start off the season 1-0, they were also seeking victory number 271 for head coach Gerald Akridge, which would be a school record.

The Maroon Raiders accomplished both goals in impressive fashion by defeating Westwood 74-62. The win made Akridge the all time winningest head coach in Maroon Raider history breaking the previous mark held by Thomas J. Morgan.

"It means a lot," said Akridge who is in his 14th season with the Maroon Raiders. "I’ve had a lot of great teams to help me along the way and I’d like to thank all the players and coaches who have been with me throughout the years."

Judging by the team’s performance, Akridge is sure to add on a lot more victories to his total. The Maroon Raiders played inspired basketball in front of a jam packed gymnasium, named after the aforementioned Morgan.

When asked if he thought it was time to rename the court Akridge quipped, "No, I still have a lot more years left in me. Besides, Morgan is a fantastic man and I’m honored just to be mentioned in the same breath as him."

Dwight Morrow Wins Historic Baskeball Game

"History in the Making," read the game program, "Striving to become the most successful basketball coach in the history of Englewood."

The Maroon Raiders basketball players surround Dwight Morrow coach Gerald Akridge after his 271st victory, which is a new school record.

The Dwight Morrow boy’s basketball team opened the 2009-10 season Dec. 18 with a little more than a win on their minds. Not only were they trying to start off the season 1-0, they were also seeking victory number 271 for head coach Gerald Akridge, which would be a school record.

The Maroon Raiders accomplished both goals in impressive fashion by defeating Westwood 74-62. The win made Akridge the all time winningest head coach in Maroon Raider history breaking the previous mark held by Thomas J. Morgan.

"It means a lot," said Akridge who is in his 14th season with the Maroon Raiders. "I’ve had a lot of great teams to help me along the way and I’d like to thank all the players and coaches who have been with me throughout the years."

Judging by the team’s performance, Akridge is sure to add on a lot more victories to his total. The Maroon Raiders played inspired basketball in front of a jam packed gymnasium, named after the aforementioned Morgan.

When asked if he thought it was time to rename the court Akridge quipped, "No, I still have a lot more years left in me. Besides, Morgan is a fantastic man and I’m honored just to be mentioned in the same breath as him."

Julia Nemm- East Lake HS

Julia talks to Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Julia Nemm- East Lake HS

Julia talks to Matt Garza from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Interview with Baltimore Ravens Kicker Billy Cundiff

New Town High School interviews Ravens Kicker Billy Cundiff on his love for the sport, his advice for students and much more. Courtesy of New Town High School.

Interview with Baltimore Ravens Kicker Billy Cundiff

New Town High School interviews Ravens Kicker Billy Cundiff on his love for the sport, his advice for students and much more. Courtesy of New Town High School.

FHS Sports Media Interns Attend Ravens Training Camp

As part of Sportz Ventures' High School Media Internship Program, several students from Franklin and Randallstown High participated as active members of the media during the Baltimore Ravens Pre Season Training Camp on August 15, 2009. These students, interested in post high school careers within the sports industry, were given media credentials, access to field activities and conducted player interviews.


Baltimore's Franklin and Randallstown High Schools are two of the 60 plus high schools across the country participating in the media internship program. Sportz Ventures' approach to the promotion of high school athletics though digital literacy and media training is a unique, cost free program designed to benefit schools, athletes and the students. Through the program, student interns gain valuable experience with their school's own teams, in addition to professional teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. Interns train within the fields of journalism, events planning, broadcasting, videography, photography, public relations and management. Student produced pieces will be added to an athletics website exclusively designed and maintained for their school by Sportz Ventures.

Rich Reed, Athletic Director of FHS, was eager to bring the program to his high school after learning about the benefits from Sportz Ventures Development Director, Jennifer Corace. Reed feels that the combination of internship training, team promotion and website development is a great way for students to learn about the sports industry while increasing school spirit and pride. The internships really expand the reach of our athletic program by adding student produced work and information to our athletics website. Both athletes and non-athletes can participate and learn about different careers in sports which benefit both the students and the schools.

FHS Sports Media Interns Attend Ravens Training Camp

As part of Sportz Ventures' High School Media Internship Program, several students from Franklin and Randallstown High participated as active members of the media during the Baltimore Ravens Pre Season Training Camp on August 15, 2009. These students, interested in post high school careers within the sports industry, were given media credentials, access to field activities and conducted player interviews.


Baltimore's Franklin and Randallstown High Schools are two of the 60 plus high schools across the country participating in the media internship program. Sportz Ventures' approach to the promotion of high school athletics though digital literacy and media training is a unique, cost free program designed to benefit schools, athletes and the students. Through the program, student interns gain valuable experience with their school's own teams, in addition to professional teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. Interns train within the fields of journalism, events planning, broadcasting, videography, photography, public relations and management. Student produced pieces will be added to an athletics website exclusively designed and maintained for their school by Sportz Ventures.

Rich Reed, Athletic Director of FHS, was eager to bring the program to his high school after learning about the benefits from Sportz Ventures Development Director, Jennifer Corace. Reed feels that the combination of internship training, team promotion and website development is a great way for students to learn about the sports industry while increasing school spirit and pride. The internships really expand the reach of our athletic program by adding student produced work and information to our athletics website. Both athletes and non-athletes can participate and learn about different careers in sports which benefit both the students and the schools.

Student Interns from Ponte Vedra High School go to Jaguars Training Camp

The Jaguars hosted 10 students from Ponte Vedra High School on Monday morning as part of the Sportz Ventures internship program. The program is geared toward students who are interested in careers in sports management, public relations, events planning, broadcasting, journalism, and videography.

The students had the opportunity to see how the franchise operates behind the scenes and interviewed several players following practice. Ponte Vedra High School has 40 students signed up for the program which is based out of New York, and more than 25 Florida high schools are participating in 2009. Former NFL great Roger Staubach was an original investor in the company.

The area students watched practice and had the opportunity to hear from several members of the media about their profession along with Jaguars Senior Vice President, Football Operations/General Counsel Paul Vance. The theme of the day was learning.



"We are trying to groom kids to be sports journalists," said Jennifer Corace, Development Director. "Today was a great opportunity for them to learn from professionals and interview NFL players."

Following practice, each student conducted a one-on-one interview with a Jaguars player. Among the players interviewed were Quentin Groves, Gerald Alexander, Joe Zelenka, Josh Scobee, Clint Ingram and Montell Owens.

The sports media company works with high school athletics departments to expand the reach of their athletes and athletic programs. The free service to high school involves the implementation of a student sports information director program. The program has sent students to spring training to interview players and will be attending several NFL training camps this summer.

Student Interns from Ponte Vedra High School go to Jaguars Training Camp

The Jaguars hosted 10 students from Ponte Vedra High School on Monday morning as part of the Sportz Ventures internship program. The program is geared toward students who are interested in careers in sports management, public relations, events planning, broadcasting, journalism, and videography.

The students had the opportunity to see how the franchise operates behind the scenes and interviewed several players following practice. Ponte Vedra High School has 40 students signed up for the program which is based out of New York, and more than 25 Florida high schools are participating in 2009. Former NFL great Roger Staubach was an original investor in the company.

The area students watched practice and had the opportunity to hear from several members of the media about their profession along with Jaguars Senior Vice President, Football Operations/General Counsel Paul Vance. The theme of the day was learning.



"We are trying to groom kids to be sports journalists," said Jennifer Corace, Development Director. "Today was a great opportunity for them to learn from professionals and interview NFL players."

Following practice, each student conducted a one-on-one interview with a Jaguars player. Among the players interviewed were Quentin Groves, Gerald Alexander, Joe Zelenka, Josh Scobee, Clint Ingram and Montell Owens.

The sports media company works with high school athletics departments to expand the reach of their athletes and athletic programs. The free service to high school involves the implementation of a student sports information director program. The program has sent students to spring training to interview players and will be attending several NFL training camps this summer.

Beyond Bergen and Beyond Jersey, Bosco is #1

By Geoff Magliochetti: DonBoscoAthletics.com

Few could argue with that the Don Bosco Prep Ironmen belonged at the top of the New Jersey High School Football Rankings. However, when it came to topping the national polls, the obvious choices were teams like St Thomas Aquinas (Florida) and Byrnes (South Carolina).

However, when Byrnes fell to Aquinas, and Aquinas fell in their state playoff game, the Ironmen rose to number one in the country. Not too many people could argue that the Ironmen were a great team, but the top ranking simply solidified their reputation as one of the greatest modern high school dynasties.



If I told you a running back had 1,387 yards with 34 touchdowns on the year, who do think I would be talking about? Heisman winner Mark Ingram from the University of Alabama? Wrong. NFL superstar Adrian Peterson? Wrong again. The answer is Bosco running back Tony Jones. Jones ran for an average of 7.9 yards per carry, leaving defenses across the nation scratching their heads. The running was complimented by a dual passing game led by junior Gary Nova and sophomore Mike Yankovich. No matter who threw the ball, there would always be someone to catch it. Names like seniors Jimmy Clark and Ryan Cobb, regularly appeared in postgame box scores after the two combine for 17 touchdowns. And whether a running back or receiver got the ball, there was always room to run thanks to a stellar offensive line consisting of seniors Brandon Sacco, Adam Kurtz, Kurt Schmitz, Peter Meile, and junior Andrew Benvenuto.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ironmen were led by intimidating line. Led by seniors Bryan Murphy, James Kitteredge, Billy Meile, and junior Paul Canivari , the line combined for 21.5 sacks. The linebacker corps, headed by seniors Paul Sakowski, Steele Devito, Cobb and junior Lars Larson, not only knew how to tackle, but could also force plenty of turnovers. And the all senior secondary featuring seniors Chris Brady, Dan Chun and Andrew Parilla combined for 7 interceptions. As for special teams, the younger brother of former Bosco hero Pat Murray, Aidan Murray, took over kicking and punting duties, while senior Chris Burrell handled returns.

The Ironmen started the year with big expectations, and what better place to start the year than at the friendly confines of Granatell Stadium? The Ironmen took on their old nemesis from the West, the Spartans of De La Salle (California). Unlike the contest in Concord (which came down to a last second field goal), the Ironmen quickly put away the Spartans. Before most fans had settled into their seats, the Ironmen had jumped out to a 16-0 lead. They eventually took the game 30-6. After a bye week, it was off to the Deep South in Prattville, Alabama. The Lions tried to intimidate the Ironmen with an elaborate pregame show, complete with a sign that read, “You’re from the North, but we see no one above us,” Once again, the Ironmen jumped out to an early lead, with three Jones touchdowns making it a 23-0 lead. After the Lions scored 24 unanswered points to take the lead, two Burrell touchdowns sealed the deal, giving the Ironmen a 35-24 victory. Jones finished the game with a career high 223 yards on 20 carries.

Easy wins over Passaic, Clifton and Kennedy followed the Prattville win. A showdown with the hated Bergen Catholic Crusaders awaited the Ironmen on a rainy Saturday night. Due to the flood like conditions, the game was moved to Sunday afternoon. The Ironmen faced a challenge from the Crusaders, but Jones’s four touchdowns propelled them to a 28-20 victory. The Ironmen met little resistance the rest of the way, plowing their way through the playoffs, and holding off an early challenge from St Joseph’s Regional on Thanksgiving. They outscored their five opponents 264-58 during the five game stretch.

In the Ironmen’s final appearance at the old Giants Stadium, they faced a familiar foe in the St Peter’s Marauders. The Marauders, still fuming over a 42-9 beatdown the Ironmen bestowed upon them four weeks earlier, came up pumped, but any momentum they had was killed after a crushing Chris Corvino hit on the opening kickoff. A Cobb interception set up another Jones touchdown, and the rout was on. St Peter’s made a small comeback, but they couldn’t stop Jones who ran for 218 yards and all five Bosco touchdowns in the snowy 35-15 victory.

As the sun sets on yet another football season, the Ironmen once again see themselves on top. This time, however, they are the champions of the entire country. But this is no time to be satisfied. They will return to practices this summer more determined than ever to repeat as not only state champions but national champions as well. When faced with a challenge like this, most teams would cringe and make excuses. The Ironmen smile and take the field.

Beyond Bergen and Beyond Jersey, Bosco is #1

By Geoff Magliochetti: DonBoscoAthletics.com

Few could argue with that the Don Bosco Prep Ironmen belonged at the top of the New Jersey High School Football Rankings. However, when it came to topping the national polls, the obvious choices were teams like St Thomas Aquinas (Florida) and Byrnes (South Carolina).

However, when Byrnes fell to Aquinas, and Aquinas fell in their state playoff game, the Ironmen rose to number one in the country. Not too many people could argue that the Ironmen were a great team, but the top ranking simply solidified their reputation as one of the greatest modern high school dynasties.



If I told you a running back had 1,387 yards with 34 touchdowns on the year, who do think I would be talking about? Heisman winner Mark Ingram from the University of Alabama? Wrong. NFL superstar Adrian Peterson? Wrong again. The answer is Bosco running back Tony Jones. Jones ran for an average of 7.9 yards per carry, leaving defenses across the nation scratching their heads. The running was complimented by a dual passing game led by junior Gary Nova and sophomore Mike Yankovich. No matter who threw the ball, there would always be someone to catch it. Names like seniors Jimmy Clark and Ryan Cobb, regularly appeared in postgame box scores after the two combine for 17 touchdowns. And whether a running back or receiver got the ball, there was always room to run thanks to a stellar offensive line consisting of seniors Brandon Sacco, Adam Kurtz, Kurt Schmitz, Peter Meile, and junior Andrew Benvenuto.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ironmen were led by intimidating line. Led by seniors Bryan Murphy, James Kitteredge, Billy Meile, and junior Paul Canivari , the line combined for 21.5 sacks. The linebacker corps, headed by seniors Paul Sakowski, Steele Devito, Cobb and junior Lars Larson, not only knew how to tackle, but could also force plenty of turnovers. And the all senior secondary featuring seniors Chris Brady, Dan Chun and Andrew Parilla combined for 7 interceptions. As for special teams, the younger brother of former Bosco hero Pat Murray, Aidan Murray, took over kicking and punting duties, while senior Chris Burrell handled returns.

The Ironmen started the year with big expectations, and what better place to start the year than at the friendly confines of Granatell Stadium? The Ironmen took on their old nemesis from the West, the Spartans of De La Salle (California). Unlike the contest in Concord (which came down to a last second field goal), the Ironmen quickly put away the Spartans. Before most fans had settled into their seats, the Ironmen had jumped out to a 16-0 lead. They eventually took the game 30-6. After a bye week, it was off to the Deep South in Prattville, Alabama. The Lions tried to intimidate the Ironmen with an elaborate pregame show, complete with a sign that read, “You’re from the North, but we see no one above us,” Once again, the Ironmen jumped out to an early lead, with three Jones touchdowns making it a 23-0 lead. After the Lions scored 24 unanswered points to take the lead, two Burrell touchdowns sealed the deal, giving the Ironmen a 35-24 victory. Jones finished the game with a career high 223 yards on 20 carries.

Easy wins over Passaic, Clifton and Kennedy followed the Prattville win. A showdown with the hated Bergen Catholic Crusaders awaited the Ironmen on a rainy Saturday night. Due to the flood like conditions, the game was moved to Sunday afternoon. The Ironmen faced a challenge from the Crusaders, but Jones’s four touchdowns propelled them to a 28-20 victory. The Ironmen met little resistance the rest of the way, plowing their way through the playoffs, and holding off an early challenge from St Joseph’s Regional on Thanksgiving. They outscored their five opponents 264-58 during the five game stretch.

In the Ironmen’s final appearance at the old Giants Stadium, they faced a familiar foe in the St Peter’s Marauders. The Marauders, still fuming over a 42-9 beatdown the Ironmen bestowed upon them four weeks earlier, came up pumped, but any momentum they had was killed after a crushing Chris Corvino hit on the opening kickoff. A Cobb interception set up another Jones touchdown, and the rout was on. St Peter’s made a small comeback, but they couldn’t stop Jones who ran for 218 yards and all five Bosco touchdowns in the snowy 35-15 victory.

As the sun sets on yet another football season, the Ironmen once again see themselves on top. This time, however, they are the champions of the entire country. But this is no time to be satisfied. They will return to practices this summer more determined than ever to repeat as not only state champions but national champions as well. When faced with a challenge like this, most teams would cringe and make excuses. The Ironmen smile and take the field.