BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP JULY 14 - JULY 20, 2017 43
St. Ephrem's girls finish undefeated
BY JAIME DEJESUS
JDEJESUS@BROOKLYNREPORTER.COM
They are in a league of their own.
The St. Ephrem’s girls’ softball
team not only took home
the league championship, but also
completed a remarkable season in
which it was undefeated.
The championship game held on
Tuesday, June 20, against St. Anselm at
the field at Shore Road and 79th Street
was the only thing that stood in the
team’s way of perfection.
It was a close game, but when the
final out was made, St. Ephrem had
defeated St. Anselm in a high-scoring
14-12 game, solidifying the team's
memorable season.
Peter DiBona, one of the coaches,
was proud of the team that consisted of
girls 9 to 12 years old. “It was an exciting
game. The final score was 14-12 and
we kept our undefeated season intact,”
he said, praising the St. Anselm's team.
"They were a very worthy opponent.”
Manager Jimmy Young was both
proud that his team accomplished the
impressive feat. “They were a wonderful
group of girls," he said. "I’ve
coached most of them for five years
and in the past three seasons, we went
from 1-12 to 7-6 to now 15-0. To see the
way they came together with a whole
team effort, great defense, probably
the best one-two punch with pitching
in the league. We had two girls that
consistently throw. I couldn’t be more
proud of them. They were a pleasure
throughout the entire time. I hope
they appreciate what a special thing
this was.”
Throughout the 15-game season,
hard work went into making the team
so successful, said DiBona. “The girls
worked really hard,” he said. “They
took the skills they learned in practice
situations and used them during game
day situations. They took direction
well and were very coachable and
Jimmy Young was amazing. They
started practicing in January. It was
a six-month effort.”
He was also proud that each player
took on a role that benefited the team.
“The chemistry of the girls was great
because they understood the team
very well,” DiBona added. “They all
played a part in the program and
every girl was committed.”
The players’ parents added a lot
of support. “We had a tremendous
turnout every game by parents which
was important,” DiBona said. “No one
complained about playing time. They
all understood someone’s skill set
might be higher than another's. And
no one complained.”
"Parents were the best," added Young.
"You couldn’t ask for better parents as
a coach. We were really lucky. It was
a pleasure."
The undefeated season was satisfying
Photos courtesy of Peter DiBona
for everyone involved, especially the
players. “It meant that all their hard work
that after paid off hard work and determination,”
he said. “It all paid off in the
end when they won the championship.”
The winning team.
Paying tribute to local auxiliary police officers
BY HELEN KLEIN
HKLEIN@BROOKLYNREPORTER.COM
Auxiliary police officers were
in the spotlight during the
June meeting of the 62nd
Precinct Community Council, honored
for their voluntary service to
the community and the NYPD.
During the meeting, held at the
Bensonhurst Center for Rehabilitation
& Healthcare, 1740 84th Street,
two APOs were singled out for going
above and beyond.
Auxiliary Police Officer David
Shermatov was lauded as Auxiliary
of the Year for putting in more than
234 hours of volunteer service. He
joined the 62nd Precinct auxiliaries
in July, 2014, and “can always be
counted upon,” said Police Officer
John Ciarcia, the precinct’s auxiliary
coordinator.
In addition, Auxiliary Sergeant
Alex Shaparov, who’s been with the
62nd Precinct auxiliaries since July,
2002, received the George Brossard
Award. Shaparov became a sergeant
in January, 2013, and “is always there
when needed,” said Ciarcia.
BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photo by Helen Klein
Deputy Inspector Anthony Sanseverino, Auxiliary Police Officer David Shermatov, Police
Officer John Ciarcia, Auxiliary Police Captain Hope Syken and Auxiliary Lieutenant Alex
Koutev.