Sports
Port sending five seniors to Agganis All-Star Soccer Classic
After posting a disappointing 2-11-3 record in 2007, the Newburyport boys soccer team managed to qualify for the state tournament in 2008, enjoying an impressive 10-6-4 campaign. The team's reward: having five seniors invited to the 14th annual Agganis All-Star Soccer Classic on Tuesday at Manning Field in Lynn (7:30 p.m).
Newburyport graduates Tyler Stotz, Ethan Machurat, Thayer Adsit, Tom Svirsky, and Paul Cendron will join the North Squad, coached by Al Jackson of St. Mary's of Lynn.
"It feels good (to be selected)," Svirsky said. "I know people who have played in it before and they all say it's a good time. It's a good opportunity to get to play with good players from around the league that you've never played with or have only played against."
The Clippers' five selections are tied for the most with St. Mary's. With 11 seniors on their 2008 roster, Newburyport was at no shortage for leadership on a team that desperately needed it after struggling in 2007.
"We definitely had a strong senior team," said Machurat, Newburyport's goalie. "We had four senior captains, which is a lot of captains, and 11 seniors on the team. I think it's great we tied for most players. Our coach thought really highly of our senior class, that's why he named four captains. I know he was hoping as many of us as possible would be asked to play (in the Agganis game)."
The Newburyport seniors will have the opportunity to play alongside their teammates one final time before heading off to compete at the college level. Being able to share the experience with four teammates will not only make the experience more enjoyable for them, but also could give them an advantage on the field, according to Svirsky.
"We think we'll have an advantage playing-wise and having a good time," he said. "We're all on the same team and are used to playing together, and have played together our whole lives. Some of the other guys only have one or two teammates from their school playing, so we'll definitely have an advantage there."
Machurat echoed his statements, pointing out that it would be plausible for all five seniors to end up on the field at the same time.
"Hopefully we all get put on the same line," Machurat said. "We work well together so if we're on the same line it'll be fun. We always know where each other is going to be. We're spread out all over and we all play different positions for the most part, so hopefully we'll get a chance to be on the field at the same time."
Machurat also mentioned how he is looking forward to playing against a familiar face, Salem coach Mike D'Agostino, who coaches his summer league squad. D'Agostino is coaching the South team.
The Agganis All-Star Classic is a much needed breather for many athletes, amidst a summer of preparation to compete at a higher level. Both Machurat and Svirsky, who plan to attend soccer tryouts at Bentley College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute, respectively, alluded to the fact that they expect the level of competition to come as a challenge.
"I'm not officially on the team yet, but I'm definitely going to try out," Machurat said. "There's one open keeper spot for freshmen. I practiced with the team once already, and just from that you could see, it's a whole different world. Everyone is a lot bigger and faster than in high school. I saw a kid get yelled at just for kicking a ball without a purpose, so it's definitely more intense."
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Two heads are better
NEWBURYPORT — The decision to bring in Steve Malenfant as Newburyport's next head golf coach was no sand shot.
In as long as former coach Bill Pettingell was leading the Clipper charge, some eight and a half seasons, Malenfant was alongside him, serving as the team's volunteer assistant coach. -
Local schedule
TUESDAY
CROSS COUNTRY: Pentucket at Amesbury (3:45 p.m.); Wilmington at Georgetown (3:45 p.m.); Masconomet at Newburyport (3:45 p.m.); Lynnfield at Triton (3:45 p.m.)
FIELD HOCKEY: Amesbury at Pentucket (3:45 p.m.); North Reading at Georgetown (3:45 p.m.); Newburyport at North Andover (3:45 p.m.); Triton at Wilmington (6 p.m.) -
Golf capsules
AMESBURY INDIANS
Coach: George Dodier (4th season)
Last year: 7-9
Returning players: Jon Fournier, sr. (captain); Sean Ward, sr. (captain); Peter Merrow, sr.; Tyler Smith, sr.; Eric Eaton, jr.; Troy Eaton, jr.; Mike Zielinski, jr. -
Local briefs
Football
MVP Flag Football in Amesbury is now accepting registrations for the fall season. The league is co-ed and is open to ages 5-10. Registration can be completed on-line at mvpflagfootball.com. Visit mvpflagfootball.com or call Steve Coco at 978-378-0MVP for more information. -
Georgetown's Shores readying for marathon
GEORGETOWN — Georgetown High School senior Dan Shores has never worried about wins and losses throughout his cross country career.
Shortly after joining the team as a seventh-grader in 2005, he learned his enjoyment and the team's winning percentage would have to be mutually exclusive. The Royals have posted a combined record of 3-52 in his five seasons with the team. - A 5K family
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Two heads are better
