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Multiple Staten Island CYO community leaders honored at annual awards reception

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— While volunteerism is often carried out without expectation of recognition, plenty of contributors were celebrated for their decades of dedication to youth sports on Staten Island at the annual CYO Community Awards Reception on Tuesday evening at the Old Bermuda Inn in Rossville. Emceed by CYO County Director Mike Neely, multiple awards […]

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— While volunteerism is often carried out without expectation of recognition, plenty of contributors were celebrated for their decades of dedication to youth sports on Staten Island at the annual CYO Community Awards Reception on Tuesday evening at the Old Bermuda Inn in Rossville.

Emceed by CYO County Director Mike Neely, multiple awards were distributed to deserving coaches, officials and administrators throughout the borough.

The evening’s marquee honor — the Spirit of the Catholic Youth Organization Award, named for the late Advance Deputy Sports Editor and sportswriter and St. Joseph Hill basketball coach Jerry Lee — was fittingly presented to Carmine Angioli, a longtime colleague of Lee’s in the newsroom and friendly rival for decades on opposing CYO basketball sidelines as St. Christopher’s and now OLQP’s coach.

Mary Lee, Jerry’s wife, presented the award to Angioli, who said that “my family and I cannot think of a better person to receive the award. It is the perfect choice.”

Multiple CYO Staten Island community leaders honored at annual awards reception

Carmine Angioli poses with CYO Staten Island County Director Mike Neely and Mary Lee as Angioli received the Jerry Lee “Spirit of the Catholic Youth Organization Award” on June 3, 2025.Michael O’Brien

During his acceptance speech, Angioli encouraged those in attendance to actively seek out others who might be interested in getting involved with youth sports — urging current volunteers to become “recruiters” themselves.

“I’m sure Jerry would want me to say this. He would want me to encourage everybody here to become a recruiter. If you know somebody who might want to coach, work on them, talk to them, convince them. Let them know that volunteering makes you feel good,” said Angioli, who still puts the Advance’s print sports section out each day.

While Angioli is a familiar face on CYO sidelines across the borough, the ceremony also paid tribute to those who make the games possible on the hardwood — its officials. This year’s Sports Official of the Year honor was presented to Scott Rothman, who has been refereeing CYO games for almost 50 years.

“It’s such an honor to be recognized; except when you’re doing a game. If you’re recognized, that usually means something bad happened, so I’m glad that this recognition is finally for something good,” Rothman joked to the audience.

Multiple CYO Staten Island community leaders honored at annual awards reception

Scott Rothman poses with his plaque after receiving the CYO “Sports Official of the Year” award on June 3, 2025.Michael O’Brien

Tony Navarino — a true jack of all trades in the CYO community, having served as both County Director and a basketball coach — was recognized with the CYO Community Service Award, which he described as “humbling.”

“I was very overwhelmed when Mike Neely called me about being honored. All my volunteering is for the kids and for the Staten Island community. It was the hardest decision of my life when I left the position as Staten Island CYO County Director 17 years ago; I have made friends with pastors, coordinators, coaches and refs that will last a lifetime,” Navarino poignantly said as he accepted his award.

As a parish, Our Lady Queen of Peace received dual honors — earning both the Bill Dunn Memorial Award for Parish of the Year and being recognized by the Warren Jaques Memorial Committee for outstanding sportsmanship across all competitions.

A major factor in OLQP’s recognition was its effort to welcome students from St. Christopher’s following the school’s closure in 2023 — an experience that Pastor Rev. Anthony Mizzi-Gili likened to his own childhood as a student at St. Margaret Mary’s.

“When I was a young kid, I used to play soccer there, and when we didn’t have enough members on the team, who else welcomed us with open arms but Our Lady Queen of Peace,” Father Mizzi-Gili said.

“It’s been a beautiful working collaboration with everybody, and it especially gives the kids the sportsmanship and the courage to see what it truly means to be dedicated to charity. It’s been a blessing,” he added.

Multiple CYO Staten Island community leaders honored at annual awards reception

OLQP Sports Director Anthony Vinci, right, poses with the Sportsmanship Award banner presented by the Warren Jaques Memorial Committee on June 3, 2025.Michael O’Brien

Three other major honorees on the evening were the recipients of the CYO New York President’s Medal for Volunteer Service, awarded to Ronnie Addington and Elaine Grieco — longtime coaches of the Our Lady Star of the Sea cheer program — and Bob Smith, president of the Staten Island CYO Track and Field program.

“It feels like a combined 82 years [of service] seems like yesterday; thank you to our cheer family for coming to support us, we love you,” Addington and Grieco told the audience after receiving their awards.

The efforts of youth volunteers also didn’t go unnoticed, as Staten Island Academy’s Emma Valenti, St. Joseph by-the-Sea’s Connor Kukal and Xavier’s Dash Arteca Battista were in attendance to receive Gold Medals for their hours of service to the Catholic Youth Organization.

Multiple CYO Staten Island community leaders honored at annual awards reception

Longtime OLSS cheer coaches Ronnie Addington and Elaine Grieco are awarded with a CYO New York Presidents Medal Volunteer Service Award on June 3, 2025.Michael O’Brien

The following individuals also received Volunteer Awards from all of the parishes represented in the Staten Island CYO: Tom Mottola of St. Dorothy’s, Gabrielle Padilla of Bridge Prep, Sean Boyle of Blessed Sacrament, Stephanie Pascale of Holy Child, Prashana Selvarajah of Holy Family, Victoria Turner of Holy Rosary, Hend Gouda of the Islamic Center of Staten Island, Kyle Hand of the Jewish Community Center, Ronald Shamah of Notre Dame Academy, Michael Russo of Our Lady of Good Council, Dave Piasio of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Tracy Tessitore of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Donal Breslin of Sacred Heart, Vianna Passalacqua of St. Joseph-St. Thomas St. John Neumann, Brian Fitzpatrick of St. Ann’s, John Carrescia of St. Charles, John Valenti of St. Clare’s, Jill Benfield of St. Joseph Hill, Mimi Coluccio of St. Patrick’s and Paul Magahis of St. Teresa’s.



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Community Impact Fund — NIKE, Inc.

At Nike, we’re powering the future of youth sport by investing in local, grassroots organizations around the world that are driving positive, lasting change and making play possible for all youth in their communities—starting in the cities where we live, work and operate. A big part of how we bring that vision to life is […]

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At Nike, we’re powering the future of youth sport by investing in local, grassroots organizations around the world that are driving positive, lasting change and making play possible for all youth in their communities—starting in the cities where we live, work and operate.

A big part of how we bring that vision to life is through the Nike Community Impact Fund (NCIF), a program that empowers employees to fuel change in their communities by getting involved in the grant selection process. This employee-led, neighborhood-focused approach allows us to support organizations that we’re confident can make a big impact on their communities—because no one knows what their neighborhood needs better than the people who live and work there.



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Minnesota summer baseball has big American Legion tournament

There was a remarkable baseball tradition played out in our midst over the past five days, and it came with an excellent bonus. “I don’t think we had a rain delay in the tournament,” Jim Peck said. “Every game went off as scheduled.” Larry Addington looked at the field down below as a pair of […]

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There was a remarkable baseball tradition played out in our midst over the past five days, and it came with an excellent bonus.

“I don’t think we had a rain delay in the tournament,” Jim Peck said. “Every game went off as scheduled.”

Larry Addington looked at the field down below as a pair of visiting teams from Nebraska were about to start Tuesday at the 9 a.m. semifinal and said: “That doesn’t happen often.”

Peck nodded and said: “It might be a first.”

The Gopher Classic was started officially by Peck and his recruited partners and volunteers as a 16-team American Legion tournament in 1977. It grew rapidly from there and for more than two decades it has been the largest Legion tournament in the country:

Ninety-six senior teams (19-and-under) guaranteed five games apiece in bracket play over a three-day period; then, the 16 bracket winners playing down to a champion, with the trophy handed out by mid-afternoon on Day 5.

You wonder how it is possible to organize this chaos, and then you realize this is Minnesota, where the grassroots baseball people — facing the challenges of soccer, being so much easier for a 10-year-old to play without causing family embarrassment, and lacrosse, where you can swing a stick without hitting anything — are extremely united with baseball as the underdog of modern youth sports.

Peck, now 85, and his many helpers have been able to keep lining up 16 quality baseball fields for a three-day weekend of bracket play in the middle of summer.



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Build Together, Play Together: 40 Years of Park and Recreation Month | Philadelphia Parks & Recreation

Launched in 1985, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month! Every July, communities across the United States celebrate Park and Recreation Month — a time to honor the people and places that make our neighborhoods healthier, safer, and more connected. For 40 years, Park and Recreation Month has lifted up the […]

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July 16, 2025

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Launched in 1985, this year marks the 40th anniversary of Park and Recreation Month!

Every July, communities across the United States celebrate Park and Recreation Month — a time to honor the people and places that make our neighborhoods healthier, safer, and more connected. For 40 years, Park and Recreation Month has lifted up the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — plus thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — who help care for our country’s local, state, and community parks.

Here in Philadelphia, our parks and recreation system is one of the largest in the nation. Each year, our public parks, trails, playgrounds, pools, and recreation centers welcome millions of visitors. These spaces give residents places to play, exercise, gather, and relax — all while helping keep our city greener, healthier, and stronger.

This year’s national theme, Build Together, Play Together, reminds us that parks and recreation services are more than just spaces — they’re community cornerstones. Together, we build and maintain accessible, inclusive, and sustainable spaces that deliver real benefits for families, neighbors, and neighborhoods.

Park and Recreation Month is also a time to celebrate the programs that help communities thrive. From youth sports leagues and after-school activities to nature walks, summer camps, and cultural events, our city’s recreation centers and parks create countless opportunities for residents of all ages to connect, grow, and enjoy meaningful experiences.

Elisa Ruse-Esposito, Park Stewardship Administrator, shared her appreciation9 for our dedicated Park Friends Groups and volunteers:  “Volunteers have always been a vital part of our Parks & Rec family. Your dedication is the foundation of everything we do, and during the challenging times, your hard work and support mean more than ever. Thank you for showing up for Philly.”

Through the hard work of park and recreation professionals, Philadelphia continues to expand green spaces, plant more trees, maintain safe playgrounds, and offer affordable programming that enriches lives. Each playground swing, basketball court, community garden, and hiking trail is a testament to what we can do when we invest in our shared spaces and come together to care for them.

This July, we invite everyone to celebrate by getting outside, enjoying your local park or recreation center, and sharing what these spaces mean to you. Whether you’re attending a free community event, cooling off at a city pool, tending a community garden, or playing with your family at a local playground — take a moment to appreciate the people and places that make it all possible.

Join the national conversation and show how parks and recreation help your community Build Together, Play Together by using #BuildTogetherPlayTogether in your posts and photos.

Together, we can honor our park and recreation professionals, support our union workers, and continue building a stronger, greener Philadelphia — for everyone.

This link directs you to Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Instagram page.



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See photos from former Butler star Ethan Morton’s youth basketball camp at Butler High – Butler Eagle

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton, middle, leads a team huddle group cheer during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle Rob McGraw Former Butler boys basketball star Ethan Morton hosted three days of youth basketball camps at his old stomping grounds, offering […]

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Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton, middle, leads a team huddle group cheer during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Former Butler boys basketball star Ethan Morton hosted three days of youth basketball camps at his old stomping grounds, offering kids in grades 3-8 a chance to learn skills from a former NCAA Division I player.

Morton, who graduated from Colorado State in the spring and spent four years at Purdue, held his second annual youth camp at Butler High School Monday through Wednesday.


Related Article: Former Butler basketball star Ethan Morton paying it forward with youth camp. Here’s what to know


Related Article: Meet the Butler Eagle’s Top 25 male athletes of Butler County between 2000 and 2025, ranked 1-25

Gino Savannah takes a shot during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Gino Savannah, right, passes the ball during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton talks with campers during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Chase Hutchison, left, and Jaxson Cook practice hoop shots during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Miles Hunt and Ryan Banko try and make a basket during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Miles Hunt dribbles the ball during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Conner Hohn takes a shot during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Nate Gilkey, right, helps Ethan Morton, middle, with a demonstration during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Noah McCormick with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Connor Hohn with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Connor Hohn with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton, middle, leads a team huddle group cheer during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Gino Savannah, left, Jace Sanders and during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Noah McCormick with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Colton Franklin, right, tries to block a pass by Noah McCormick during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

  • Gino Savannah takes a shot during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Gino Savannah, right, passes the ball during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton talks with campers during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Chase Hutchison, left, and Jaxson Cook practice hoop shots during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Miles Hunt and Ryan Banko try and make a basket during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Miles Hunt dribbles the ball during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Conner Hohn takes a shot during Ethan Morton’s basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Nate Gilkey, right, helps Ethan Morton, middle, with a demonstration during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Noah McCormick with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Connor Hohn with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Connor Hohn with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton, middle, leads a team huddle group cheer during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Gino Savannah, left, Jace Sanders and during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Butler native and former Colorado State basketball player Ethan Morton helps Noah McCormick with his defense during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw

  • Colton Franklin, right, tries to block a pass by Noah McCormick during a basketball camp on Monday July 14, 2025, at Butler High School. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

    Rob McGraw





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After winning state tournament, Orcutt 13U All-Stars prep for regional | Youth Sports

After going 4-0 and winning the championship at the Central California Babe Ruth 13U State Tournament in Lompoc earlier this month, the Orcutt 13U All-Stars squad has its collective eyes on the Pacific Southwest Regional. The double elimination regional tournament will take place July 20-26 at Price, Utah. If the Orcutt All-Stars play defense there […]

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After going 4-0 and winning the championship at the Central California Babe Ruth 13U State Tournament in Lompoc earlier this month, the Orcutt 13U All-Stars squad has its collective eyes on the Pacific Southwest Regional.

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Cowboys star Micah Parsons gives back to Harrisburg community in 3rd annual youth camp | NFL

HARRISBURG — Even when the red carpet was rolled out for Micah Parsons in the form of a high school jersey retirement, the former Harrisburg cougar, Nittany Lion and Dallas Cowboys superstar made Tuesday all about the kids. Returning to his alma mater for the third annual Lions Den Football Camp and Charity Carnival at […]

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HARRISBURG — Even when the red carpet was rolled out for Micah Parsons in the form of a high school jersey retirement, the former Harrisburg cougar, Nittany Lion and Dallas Cowboys superstar made Tuesday all about the kids.

Returning to his alma mater for the third annual Lions Den Football Camp and Charity Carnival at Harrisburg High School’s Severance Field, the NFL edge rusher who starred for the Cougars in 2016 and 2017, threw together another day filled with quality coaching, group photos, swag, food trucks and more.

The event was once again free to the public, and with 300 registrations for his youth football camp — and another 50 for sister Shatara’s girls basketball camp, a new addition this year — it was a day well spent for the community Parsons still calls home.

“It means a lot because we’re having success, we’re doing it the right way. We’re just hoping to have continued success and continuous impact with the kids, and that means more,” Parsons said. “You see a lot of these kids who were here last year and it’s like, ‘Oy yeah’ and they just keep getting better and better.”

Parsons picked up his fourth Pro Bowl nod this season since his explosive NFL debut as the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound defensive end is coming off a 43-tackle (30 solo), 12-sack campaign in which he also forced two fumbles and had a pass defense.

He was also in the company of Donte Kent, a fellow Harrisburg alum who was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL Draft, at Tuesday’s camp.

“This is where I’m from. I’ll say it later during my little speech I have to give, it takes a village. It takes me, it takes their parents, it takes these coaches, the high school kids, they look up to all of us,” Parsons said. “I remember when I was in sixth grade and I used to watch Zayd Issah, Drew Scales, Zack Kuntz, those guys and I was at those Friday night lights camps and I was like, ‘Bruh, I can’t wait to be just like them.

“Just to be in this position, I know (the kids) are thinking the same thing and giving them something to look at and reason to be out here and be active and showing them resilience.”

With kids of various age groups donning No. 11 Cowboys jerseys, navy blue Penn State gear matching the man of the hour himself, and even a splash of No. 23 for Parsons’ varsity kit, the ripple effect he’s left since graduation — Big Ten Linebacker of the Year, two First-team All-Pro selections and poised to potentially be the highest paid defender in the NFL — has never been stronger.

That was apparent as early as 7 a.m. when Parsons worked out with dozens of Harrisburg-area high school, college and NFL players at Reservoir Park alongside Susquehanna Township Athletic Director Lance Deane, Parsons’ personal trainer.

Harrisburg athletic director and head football coach Calvin Everett, who’s been coaching the Cougars since 2011, oversaw Parsons when he was the PennLive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons after transferring in from Central Dauphin. To see one of his former players achieve national stardom and make the effort each summer to give back to his own, is an invaluable tradition from Everett’s lens.

“It’s great for Micah to come back and show love back to the community. It’s just good for our community and our program, we all love and appreciate Micah,” Everett said. “It’s inspiration, that’s the biggest thing. I hope that they’re all inspired by everything that’s going on right here. This whole atmosphere is awesome. It’s positive, everyone’s excited, so that’s the biggest thing.”

Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work.

— Follow Evan Wheaton on X/Twitter @EvanWheaton

©2025 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit pennlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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