Spring 2007 Newsletter
Dear Collingswood Athletes and Friends:
SEVENTEETH ANNUAL BANQUET
March 3, 2007, was another highly successful evening for a celebration
of Collingswood athletic history. Over 400 attended the induction,
and our thanks are extended to them and those that supported the
program with congratulatory or business ads. The highlight of the
night was the dedication of the Sam Coursen Wrestling Center to
honor the man known by his wrestlers as “The Boss” for
his coaching career and continued support of Collingswood student-athletes.
SCHOLARSHIP PRGRAM UPDATE
Through 2005, the Hall of Fame has aided 63 students, and contributed
$353,000 to offset their college expenses. The program continues
to expand with a $100,000 endowment from Florence Bell Mitchell,
and he late husband, Hall of Famer Bill Mitchell. Thanks also to
Paul Carmody, who joined the Gold Page with a $1,000 contribution
on the night before the banquet. Recently we received another $1,000
check from Paul, who was an honoree that evening with the 1959-60
Undefeated Wrestling Team. That team is also “paying it forward”
with a pledge to raise $20,000 for the scholarship fund by the 2008
banquet. Thanks go to Hall of Famer and State Champion Jim Robertson
for organizing this fund raising drive. Thanks also to John Hannigan,
Hall of Famer, and Gold Page donor for an additional $1,000 contribution.
LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE GIFT
You can become a permanent part of Collingswood High School history
through the Buy-A-Brick Program. For the cost of $100 you can have
your name inscribed along the walkway to the new addition of the
school. You are helping the P.T.A. with this fundraiser, and should
contact Trish O’Donnell at (856) 854-4934 for additional information.
FALL SPORTS
The football team, coached by Bob Barikian, rebounded in the second
half of the season to record 4 wins and 6 losses. Senior Jesse Hamrick
(LB) and senior Derrick Scott (DB) were selected to the All Group
II, 1st team defense. Hamrick and Scott were chosen for the 1st
team defense in the Colonial Liberty along with senior Pierre Robinson
(DE). Junior Seth Payne (OT) was a 1st team choice on offense in
the conference.
Coach Valrie Dayton’s young hockey team finished with a 10-8-2
record for the season. Sophomore Gabrielle Burgo was honored on
the 1st team for All Group II, while senior Samantha Williams made
2nd team. Burgo, Williams and senior Nicole Valianti also were picked
for 2nd team in the Colonial Liberty.
Coach Marie Rossell Kolynych’s tennis team again qualified
for the Group II state tournament. Senior Melissa Hogan and junior
Anna Gulyamova, 1st and 2nd singles’ players, were chosen
for the All Group II, and 2nd team Colonial Conference honors.
Boys and girls soccer teams struggled this year, but some players
received post-season laurels. Seniors Pat Walsh and Kyle Roof (midfielders)
and Chris Rodriguez (goalie) were recognized in the conference,
as was Avery Roof from the girls team.
BUCKY RETURNS TO SOUTH JERSEY
In February, Hall of Famer R.C. Bucky Waters, was inducted into
the South Jersey Basketball Hall of Fame. Bucky is still active
as a college basketball analyst, but squeezed a couple of days into
his busy schedule to return to his roots. From Al Uliston, a charter
inductee into the S.J. Basketball Hall of Fame, through Bucky, Collingswood
High School has now had 15 players or coaches honored by this group.
WINTER SPORTS
Ron Hamrick’s wrestling team finished with a 20-4 season,
and ranked 9th in South Jersey by the Courier-Post. They were 2nd
in the Conference to Paulsboro and 2nd in the district to Camden
Catholic. Junior Rich Pennisi (125) was a district champ, and seven
wrestlers were runners-up in the district. Pennisi and senior Eric
Davidson (145) made 1st team All Group II, while sophomore Will
Heinel (130) and Senior Jesse Hamrick (171) were 1st team Colonial
Conference.
Both the boys and girls basketball teams had successful seasons.
Joe McLoughlin’s boys had a record of 22-7 and were ranked
13th in South Jersey. They again reached the South Jersey Group
II finals, but were defeated by Colonial Conference rival, Haddonfield.
Junior Darnell McCargo eclipsed the 1,000 point mark for his career,
and should finish next season as the career leader. McCargo, along
with senior Jason Brogsdale were 1st team Colonial Conference picks.
McCargo was then selected 1st team All Group II, while Brogsdale
was a 2nd team selection.
Coach Nancy Warren O’Neill had a busy winter. She was one
of our new inductees into the Hall of Fame for her hockey, basketball,
and lacrosse career. Her Lady panthers had a 17-10 record this year
under her leadership. The girls honorees were junior Lauren Gregg,
1st team, Colonial and 2nd team All Group II and senior Brazyl Richardson,
2nd team Colonial.
THANKS FROM SAM
Sam Coursen wants to express his thanks to the Board of Education
and the community for naming of the wrestling center in his honor.
He was very proud to have so many of his wrestlers and family there
to share in this dedication.
Sincerely,
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE
COLLINGSWOOD HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
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