Overtime

Starting when she was 5 years old, Katie Pape was a fixture running around the Trinity Catholic gymnasium, chasing after balls and watching her older brother, Glenn, help lead the Crusaders’ boys basketball team to FCIAC and state titles as a senior, in 2001.

Her time in the Trinity bleachers continued as her cousin Amanda went on to become the city of Stamford’s all-time scoring leader.

When the time came for her to attend high school, Pape opted instead to go two miles down the road, to Stamford High. But in a sense, she brought some of what she learned in the Trinity gym with her.

At a time when three-sport athletes have gone the way of $8 movies and iPod Classics, Pape is that rarer exception: a three-sport captain. Pape is currently one of the co-captains for the Black Knights softball team, and if the last seven months is any indication it should be in the hunt for a league or state title this spring.

Pape started for the Stamford field hockey team that won its second straight state championship, and for the girls basketball team that reached the FCIAC final.

Pape had plenty of preparation for her role this year: as a junior she was a captain for both the basketball and softball teams.

“It’s the biggest honor, especially to be a three-sport captain,” Pape said before leaving for today’s game at New Canaan. “I wrote my college essay about being a captain even though I’m not the superstar in any of the sports.”

Pape’s teammates will attest that she is a superstar captain. It is a role she takes seriously. During last week’s game against Trinity Catholic, sophomore Chelsea Sciarretta walked and looked over to coach Tony Esposito for a signal. As she turned back to the field, Pape shouted out to Sciarretta and reminded her to be smart on the basepaths.

There have been many similar scenes the last two years.

Pape said she had superior training for her status.

“My brother Glenn was probably one of the best leaders I have ever seen,” Pape said. “And of course there was Amanda. I learned a lot from them.”

Pape was also well-schooled at home. She is the youngest of four kids. There is a 16-year difference between Pape and her oldest sister. Glenn, who is now 26, is closest in age.

“I think my sisters were always that kind of figure for me and that is basically all I have known my entire life,” Pape said.

Pape’s teams will have a big void to fill on their rosters next year.

They will have an even bigger one to fill in the locker room.

For those of you who missed the compelling movie “The Zen of Bobby V,” which documents Bobby Valentine’s life as manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan, MSG is rebroadcasting it tonight at both 8 and 11 p.m., and tomorrow at 8 a.m. and noon.

The film, which debuted last year at the Tribeca Film Festival and first aired on ESPN, was directed by three NYU students, Andrew Jenks, Jonah Quickmire Pettigrew and Andrew Muscato. They did an outstanding job of capturing Valentine’s rock-star status in Japan.

(This is the latest in a series of entries by guest bloggers throughout the high school spring sports season. Mike Nemchek and his daughter Sammi, who is entering her fourth year as a starter on Trinity Catholic’s softball team, explore the topical nature of the parent-athlete dynamic.  Mike coached many of the city’s top players in youth leagues, including Sammi.)

By Mike Nemchek

With the exception of a few high school softball teams, I am not very familiar with the majority of rosters throughout the FCIAC. As a result, I tend to focus all of my attention and voice my total support for Trinity Catholic.

This was probably obvious to most who attended last Wednesday’s season opener against Brien McMahon. I did not know a single Senator, therefore my undivided attention was on the 2009 version of the green and gold.

The following day, however, Trinity took on the Black Knights of Stamford, and I found myself struggling with my emotions.

You see, as Stamford sprinted out on the field in the top of the first inning, I scanned each position (sorry, apparently old coaching habits take a long time to fade) and noticed a number of familiar faces. In fact, out of the starting nine for Stamford, I coached six players at one point. They were either on one of my “house” teams in Stamford Babe Ruth Softball or on one of the SBRS All-Star teams I was associated with.

Then I added the three from Trinity who also were former players of mine, which brought the total number of starters to nine out of a possible 18. Using some basic math skills, that equals 50 percent of the starting players in a city game. Suddenly, I was filled with a great amount of pride.

Over the years, I was fortunate to coach with some of the finest softball minds who, more importantly, belonged to some of the finest people in the city of Stamford. One of the most important things we all agreed on was our role as coaches.

Fundamentals of the game were a priority and we all felt responsibility for ensuring the girls were adequately prepared for the competition at the next level. In addition, fun had to be woven in to keep the love of the sport in their hearts.

So there I was, at the home of the Black Knights, watching nine former players displaying their awesome skills and enthusiasm. My normal total focus on the green and gold seemed to fluctuate with every pitch and subsequent play.

I applauded sound hitting and fielding, regardless of the colors of the uniforms. Those special nine include Lauren Beluk, Becca Hasak, Jessica Ortega, Katie Pape, Megan Robustelli, Mia Savona, Julianne Vesciglio, Merrilee Weston and my daughter Sammi.

As you know by now, the Black Knights were two outs away from defeat when Becca stepped to the plate and crushed a game-tying two-run home run to deep left-center field. Stamford went on to win in nine innings, 5-4.

Miss Hasak’s remarkable accomplishment did not surprise me as I was accustomed to her coming through in the clutch for me in the past.

In fact, all nine players were major contributors for my coaches and I over the years, so it does not surprise me to see them doing similar things for their respective high schools.

As if nine were not enough, I should add a 10th because Megan Demetros, the Crusaders’ pitcher who graduated last year, came home from UConn for the Easter holiday and was there to watch and support a number of her former teammates. Just like all the others, Megan was a pleasure to coach and a key contributor to our success.

I apologize to the green and gold because, for one day, my eyes saw more than just two colors. They saw a game of numbers.

(This is the first in a series of entries by guest bloggers throughout the high school spring sports season. Fred Kelley was an assistant for Stamford High’s baseball team the last 20 years. Now, with the retirement of Bobby Augustyn, Kelley is taking over one of the city’s most storied programs. Kelley will share the ups and downs of being a first-year coach.)

By Fred Kelley

Baseball coincides so appropriately with spring, which symbolizes new beginnings and fresh starts. As I embark on a new baseball season, I can’t keep from reflecting on those players who have come before and since moved on.

They sat in the same shoes as many of our new starters, and probably had some self-doubt about competing at the varsity level. For me, as a first-year head varsity baseball coach, it feels the same because I still proceed with the exact same alacrity I have always had.

However, every move and every decision will be scrutinized with a magnifying glass. Who should start? Who should sit? Every choice will be made solely by me.

That being said, I can read in my current players’ eyes that they want to succeed not only for themselves, but passionately for me. That makes me feel good, and I will persevere for them as well.

As I said, the best thing about baseball is its link to spring, when things start anew. That is seen in the major leagues every spring training. New players have a clean slate. Do they share similarities with players of the past? Absolutely.

The so-called experts doubted the resolve and our ability to win with last year’s team, which finished 21-4. The similarities to this season are too many to count.

When seniors from last year like Todd Savatsky, Gavin McCullough, Sean Cribbin, Greg Palumbo, Anthony Pandone, Matt Gencarelli, Luke Anderson, Carl Battanelli and Tim Giuliano were juniors, they had zero varsity experience. A kid named Mitch O’Meara was down at junior varsity. All the seniors had graduated and the lone star, Mike Sciarretta, returned with these virtual rookies.

I told those doubtful experts that I will work the players, as I have always done. It worked and the experts were wrong. That team made it to both the FCIAC and state semifinals.

As the late Tug McGraw said, “You gotta believe.” That will be my mantra this spring.

This year the only experienced players are Michael Tiscia and O’Meara, but once again the Black Knight work ethic prevailed in our first contest against a good Danbury team.

Danbury will definitely be in the hunt this season, so what we accomplished behind the pitching of O’Meara and the hitting of Chris Lorusso, Steve Hagedus, Steve Orgera, Chaz Kiernan and Nick Hollendonner bodes well.

Are we out of the woods? Of course not. There are, as always, many strong teams in the FCIAC, starting with crosstown rivals Westhill and Trinity, along with Greenwich, Darien, St. Joseph, Ludlowe, Norwalk and McMahon.

This year we will take each day as well as each game one at a time. We will work hard, dream of the possibilities and play baseball passionately.

This is truly a new beginning.

(This is the first in a series of entries by guest bloggers throughout the high school spring sports season. Sammi Nemchek is entering her fourth-year as a starter on Trinity Catholic’s softball team. Her father, Mike, coached many of the city’s top players in youth leagues, including his daughter. Sammi and Mike will explore the topical nature of the parent-athlete dynamic).

By Sammi Nemchek

As I begin my senior year of softball at Trinity Catholic, I’m filled with a great amount of excitement. It’s nice to finally get back outside in the spring weather to play a fun yet competitive game.

On the other hand, knowing that this is my last year upsets me as well.

As I reflect back, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing the game. Growing up, softball was my entire summer. Every day I spent practicing in the heat and traveling on the weekends to compete in tournaments was special, but it was most enjoyable because I spent it with the other Stamford players.

I’ve played all my life with and against players from Trinity, Stamford High, Westhill and even Greenwich. The biggest accomplishment we reached together was making it to Mattoon, Ill., in 2004, and the opportunity of a lifetime, to play in the Babe Ruth 12-and-under World Series.

It was sad when we all had to part ways, but I have continued playing with Julianne Vesciglio and Merrilee Weston, who are the only other seniors beside myself on the Trinity team this spring. The three of us really gel together and know how to work well with one another, which should continue to benefit us in our last season.

Playing for Trinity is an amazing experience. We have great coaching, dedicated players and the right amount of intensity. We have players who will pick you up when you’re having an off game, and players who will compliment you when you’re having a good game.

In addition to the great girls we have on the team, we also have great fans. Our parents are dedicated and attend almost every game, even scrimmages, regardless of distance and weather.

Growing up I did not realize how lucky I was to have my father as a coach. I was stubborn and hated to be corrected by him, but I learned as I got older that he was only trying to help me.

Now my father is no longer my coach (even though I have to remind him of that), but my No. 1 fan. And I now appreciate all the support he has given me over the years.

My father taught me sportsmanship, if I learned nothing else. He taught me the importance of being a team player and to give respect to all.

I would like to say to parents who have freshmen and sophomores playing, try to make it to all of your sons’ and daughters’ games now because it does make a difference, even if they will never admit to or say how much they appreciate your support.

And for parents who have juniors and seniors playing, this may be your final times to ever watch your children play the game, so don’t miss out. I know I sure appreciate both my parents going into work early just so they can make it to my games on time.

The Westhill High School softball team is considered, along with St. Joseph, Trumbull and perhaps Fairfield Warde, one of the teams to beat in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference this season, and deservedly so. The Vikings return everyone from last year’s championship team except for first baseman Lauren Page and have no weaknesses except for team speed.

But as this afternoon proved, though Stamford High and Trinity Catholic played .500 ball a year ago, each is much improved and capable of being sleepers.

The biggest cause for optimism is pitching, the one commodity no team can with without. The Black Knights’ Taylor Zito, a transfer from Westhill, pitched a six-hitter, struck out 12 and walked just two in today’s 5-4, nine-inning win over Trinity, a game they trailed, 4-0, going into the bottom of the fifth. Zito allowed just one hit over the final four innings to allow her team to rally.

Stamford has a seasoned outfield in Katie Pape, Mia Savona and Becca Hasak, who hit the game-tying two-run homer with one out in the bottom of the seventh. It will benefit with the return of Megan Robustelli, who pitched last year, back to first base. She is one of the league’s top hitters.

The Crusaders also have a solid pitching. While they lost their ace, Megan Demetros, Tina Boehn has the potential to be equally effective. Merrilee Weston is an outstanding shortstop, while Eileen Ornousky, Sammi Nemchek and Julianne Vesciglio are good players to build around. And Caitlin Ornousky, a freshman right fielder, had her moment in the spotlight — she threw a runner out at the plate for an inning-ending double play in the sixth — wrested away by Hasak.

The season is just two games old and it will take another two weeks for trends to take hold. But the early signs would indicate this could be a return to the days when all three city teams were major players in the conference race.

(This is the first in a series of entries by guest bloggers throughout the high school spring sports season. Stamford High senior Emily Powers, a starting defender for the school’s two-time state championship field hockey team, is playing lacrosse this spring though she had never picked up a stick before and the program is still competing on the JV level. She will tell you why and document the experience.)

By Emily Powers

Oh the life of a fourth quarter senior. I’m into college, all I have to do to graduate is pass English class, and everything else is just a breeze.

So why would I want to add a two-mile run to my day? Why would I want to take up a sport with crazy rules that I know absolutely nothing about? Why would I want to try a whole new sport that is nothing like anything I’ve ever played?

Why not?

This is one of the last times in my life that I can take an activity a little more lightly. After high school, college and real life starts. Everybody tells you high school is the greatest four years of your life, and while they have been, I’m hoping there are even better things ahead.

Coming off two back-to-back state championship seasons on the Stamford High field hockey team, I have known nothing but victory. Now, I’ll be joining a JV girls lacrosse program at my school that didn’t even win one game last year (but did almost tie one!). Because the team has only been in the FCIAC for two years, we have been allowed to play at the JV level, but with the program slowly growing as more girls are getting involved, next year it will play a varsity schedule.

Ms. Figg, who was my assistant field hockey coach both years, is also the assistant lacrosse coach. She has been trying to get me to play for a while, and though I had considered it I never really had the time.

This year I got drawn in as my friends, including a field hockey teammate, Laura Dembofsky, told me even with my hectic schedule, where includes babysitting three times a week, it was still possible for me join the team.

With the program still developing, most of the girls told me it’s just a way to have a good time, and that I shouldn’t expect much winning. My first thought was, “I do not lose.” But then again, maybe it would be okay.

Just the experience of something that I can now take along with me to college should be enough. I will be attending the University of South Carolina next year, and when I went for my visit I learned they have an intramural girls lacrosse program. Not only can I make friends that are into the same things as me, but I love sports, participating and watching, and it’s not something I wanted to have to give up due to college.

This spring I will be taking on a new experience, and while some may questions my methods behind it, it’s really very simple: You can’t knock something until you’ve tried it.

(This is the first in a series of entries by guest bloggers throughout the high school spring sports season. Returning captains Bobby Horn and Steve Rivera, who played a key role during the Westhill High School baseball team’s magical run to the CIAC Class LL championship last year, will take you along for the ride as the Vikings deal with the pressures of attempting to repeat.)

By Bobby Horn and Steve Rivera

There are many pressures put upon such a young team as ourselves after winning a state title. We know that we are playing with a target on our back. Everyone wants to take us out. Most people would find this hard to handle, but we don’t.

The pressures that are put on us just make us work that much harder to achieve our goals. We work hard every single day to become the best possible team that we can be. Not much needs to be said to the kids on the team: they know how hard they need to work in order to follow in the footsteps of a state championship team.

As a matter of fact, there is not a lot of pressure at all. This is a new year, as well as a new team. We no longer look in the past; all we do is look toward the future. We are constantly keeping our eye on the prize. We have a great group of players that are filling in for the 14 seniors that we lost this season.

They are already rising to the challenge. We are off to a good start, with a win over Greenwich yesterday to open the season. We work as a team and win as a team, just like a year ago.

Of course, no one will ever forget about the 2008 state championship team. However, there is more to be accomplished, and that is what we are looking to do this season.