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The Bayonne Department of Recreation has announced the 2nd annual Recspy Awards. Similar to the Espy Awards, the Recspys will honor the years best individual and team accomplishments. The Recpsys were chosen with great consideration of team and player attributes. 2008 was a year of great teams, great players, and great games. The Recpsys will honor what a great year it was.
The Bayonne Department of Recreation offers various leagues for both children and adults. These leagues include: Jr. Girls Softball, Women’s Softball, Bocce, Elementary Basketball, Men’s Indoor & Outdoor Basketball, Men’s Baseball, Indoor & Outdoor Co-Ed Volleyball, Co-Ed Softball, Indoor Co-Ed Floor Hockey, Youth Flag Football, Adult Touch Football, Chess Tournaments, and many other events. Recreation is growing and the Department will look to meet the needs of the aspiring community.
The Department of Recreation’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens of Bayonne by providing high quality recreation and cultural programs which meets the needs of all segments of our community.
Best Play
Ajosa to Hill “Hail Mary Catch”
Nov. 19 - Starting Point vs. Roccos.
Always a battle when these two teams meet on the Touch Football field. Starting Point QB Frank Ajosa, Jr. has a dangerous arm. He proved it in this game.
Starting Point came out strong and took an early 18 point lead. Roccos, led by their QB Steve Stiller, always fights back and did so coming back to take a lead. Roccos would score their go ahead TD with about 35 seconds left in regulation. Starting Point had to go the length of the field. Could this be done? Ajosa would get his team to the 30 yard line, but with only 2 seconds left. A “Hail Mary catch” was all that was left for the mustangs if they wanted to win. Roccos played deep, expecting the pass. Here’s the play...Ajosa drops straight back, all receivers go to the right side of the end zone...ball is thrown on a line drive, the ball is tipped by a Roccos defender...right into the hands of #33 Darius Hill of Starting Point. The Mustangs win! A great game and a great ending. Ajosa was quoted “I don't like to win games like this, coming down to a hail mary, but we’ll take any win we can.”
Runner-Up
Mercedes’ Buzzer Beater
Lionel hits a buzzer beater to send the Bayonne Men’s Basketball All-Stars into OT against a tough Audubon Park in the All-Star Game.
Best Game
Bayonne All-Stars vs. Audubon Park All-Stars (@ Bayonne Court)
Bayonne Recreation was invited to take part in a Home at Home All-Star Series with the Audubon Park Men’s Basketball League All-Stars. Bayonne would first travel to Audubon Park in Jersey City and play in a hostile environment. Clearly undersized in the game, Bayonne held their own and earned respect. Bayonne would lose game #1, but they knew game #2 was theirs for the taking.
Game #2. A close game the entire way. Ken Jaworski, James Turner, Lionel Mercedes played huge roles. Bayonne wanted this game, they wanted revenge for their loss in game #1. The game would go back and forth, down until the last minute. Bayonne went ahead but Audubon Park came back and took a lead with a little more than 5 seconds left. Bayonne needed a big play, and they got one. Lionel Mercedes would hit a buzzer beater to send the game into OT. The crowd went nuts! Fans from Audubon Park even cheered on Bayonne. Bayonne would lose, but this game was the game of the year! Everyone who took part of the series with Audubon Park has realized that Bayonne Recreation has some of the best athletes in the area and can play with anyone. Great players, great game.
Best Upset
Pamrapo defeats Starting Pt
Starting Point #2 Seed in the playoffs. Pamrapo Savings #5 seed in the playoffs. Starting Point regular season record 7-3-1. Pamrapo regular season record 1-10. On a cold morning at Gorman Field, Pamrapo forgot about what their record was, forgot that they were the underdogs. They played their best ball of the year. QB Rizzo ignited his team and they caught on fire. They would upset the mustangs in what can be considered the biggest upset in Recreation History.
Sportsmanship Award
Joe Christopher
Joe is a member of the Men’s Basketball League, both Indoor & Outdoor. He is the head coach for his team, The Wire. He is a key asset to his team and is a team leader. He shows great sportsmanship on and off the court. He is the definition of a teammate. He was an all-star and also participated in the Bayonne-Audubon Park All-Star games. Joe is a great person and it is shown through his play and through his actions.
Sports Official of the Year
Joe Hurley
Joe is one of the most well respected officials in Recreation. He officiates the Elementary Basketball League, the Touch Football League, and the Men’s Indoor & Outdoor Basketball League. He brings knowledge to the game and it is shown through his work. He is well liked and the time he puts in is well appreciated. He is the Sports Official of the Year
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Roccos
(Men’s Baseball AA Division)
Dominance. That’s the one word to describe the 2008 Rocco’s Baseball team. Rocco’s dominated offensively and defensively. Their offense led by Nicholas Brancatella, Jonathan Thomas, Michael Tallarida, and Denis Peguero scored an amazing team record 131 runs, while only allowing 41 runs in 11 games. Their defense was well tested in the championship game against a tough Fuego team. Roccos has been a team in the Men’s Baseball League for 12 years and each year they are competitive, with 4 titles in their history. A team of athletes who are competitive. Outfielder Jonathan Thomas was quoted “I think I can speak for every Rocco and say we are very humble about our talents.”
Breakthrough Athlete of the Yr.
Nicholas Brancatella, Roccos/GS Comm.Bank/All Day
Nicholas was key to his team’s success in 2008. He was the ace of the Roccos pitching staff, and was a key contributor for GS Comm. Bank in the Co-Ed Softball League. Nicholas was almost perfect on the mound for Roccos. Actually he was, going undefeated and also throwing a no-hitter. Nicholas also was the catalyst for the Roccos offense, who scored an amazing 131 runs. Nicholas also patrolled the outfield for GS Community Bank in the Co-Ed Softball league and made several game changing catches. His bat was a big reason why GS Community Bank made it to the championship Round. He won the MVP Award and is All-Bayonne Rec. Nicholas has a bright future in Recreation Sports.
Best Championship Performance
Denis Halsey, The Rock Grasshoppers
Denis had a mission in the Adult Touch Football League and that was to win a championship. During the regular season, his team finished in 2nd place behind the undefeated All Day. Denis wanted another chance at All Day and got one when the two teams met in the championship. Denis was on that day finding his receivers. He led his team to the National Division title, and almost upset Roccos in the league championship. Denis has a great arm and his arm will be heard from for years to come.
Best Touch Football Player
Anthony Carrano, Roccos
Anthony led his team to the league championship. He also was named MVP as he led the league in touchdowns. He was the go-to-guy for Roccos. He’s tall, fast, and strong. He was the best Touch Football Player.
Best Outdoor Basketball Player
Ken Jaworski, Any Given Monday
Ken puts up huge numbers each game, he’s big and strong. He can play with anyone. He showed his athleticism in the All-Star games against a big Audubon Park team. The coach for Audubon Park was quoted “I love how Ken plays, I want him on my team!” Ken is All-Bayonne Rec and will continue to be a factor in any game he’s in.
Best Adult Baseball Player
Steve Yurchak, Jr., Sav. Banchees
Steve was named MVP of the league. He had ridiculous offensive numbers, hitting .708. Steve led his team to a championship. He also claimed the Homerun Derby. He can hit, and he can throw. He was the best adult baseball player.
Best Co-Ed Softball Player
Rob Kochanski, Underdawgs
Rob was a team leader for the Underdawgs Co-Ed Softball team. Led his team to another title. Was a dynamic force in the lineup with teammate Chris Otero. He can hit and played a nasty shortstop. He was an All-Star and he will dominate in the Co-Ed League for a long time.
Female Athlete of the Year
Tina Teguilla
Tina was by far the most athletic in the Co-Ed Softball League. She played an exceptional outfield. Any ball hit her way was caught, no question about it. She made several web gem catches. She was a HUGE reason why the Underdawgs repeated as champions in the Co-Ed Softball League. She made the All-Star game, and she will be an all-star for a long time.
Male Athlete of the Year
Frank Ajosa, Jr.
Frank “Mr. Goodeyes” is the face of Bayonne Recreation. He is the starting catcher for the Joosey Guys baseball team, the starting QB for the Starting Point Mustangs football team, the starting shooting guard for the Starting Point Basketball team, the starting shortstop for the Big Apple Brewers in the Co-Ed Softball League, and he also plays some volleyball. He puts up big numbers in all the leagues he plays in. Frankie also can run, he participates in various 5K races. Frankie has the knowledge and athletic ability to go far in Recreation.
2008 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS
Adult Touch Football
League Champs
Rocco’s
American Div. Champs
Rocco’s
National Div. Champs
The Rock Grasshoppers
Men’s Baseball
AAA Division
Savage Banchees
AA Division
Rocco’s
Men’s Outdoor Basketball
Division I
Any Given Monday
Division II
Bad News Boys
Division III
Brothers Tavern
Co-Ed Softball
Underdawgs
Co-Ed Outdoor Volleyball
Confusion
2008 ALL-BAYONNE REC TEAM
Ken Jaworski
Anthony LaBruno
Steve Yurchak, Jr.
Nicholas Brancatella
Denis Halsey
Frank Ajosa, Jr.
Anthony Carrano
Wayne Colegrove
Steve Stiller
Tina Teguilla
Kristy Bonner
Tom Montagne
Special Thanks:
Mayor
Mark A. Smith
Terrence Malloy
Mayor 2007-2008
Director of Public Works, Parks & Recreation
Gary Chmielewski
Superintendent of Public Works, Parks & Recreation
James Cilino
Supervisor of Recreation
Pete Amadeo
All Recreation Officials
All Recreation Scorers
ALL RECREATION FANS
LOOKING AHEAD...
2008 has come to an end. What a year it was. Great games, great players, great teams. Who will be the team of 2009? Will there be a new Athlete of the Year? What upsets are awaiting us? Time will tell. Will Roccos lose a game in ‘09? Will the Underdawgs & Any Given Monday go for a three-peat? Will the Savage Banchees continue their dominance? They certainly have a target on their backs. Will there be a new breakthrough athlete? Time will tell. Recreation is such an integral part of our lives. Is it a part of yours?
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