Rec Sports

Jack Mango, Long Island youth sports advocate, dies at 91

Published

9 months ago

April 30, 2025

Jack Mango believed strongly that all kids should have the opportunity to play youth sports regardless of their financial situation. It was that premise that helped Mango build youth organizations within the Suffolk County Police Athletic League.

His belief in “no kid left out” fueled the start of the Bellport Youth Football program. Mango, a Korean War veteran and an advocate for all youth in sports, died at age 91 at Good Shepherd Hospice in Port Jefferson on April 16.

“You never realize the length and breadth of a life until you try to put it into writing,” said his daughter Jacqui Schwicke of East Patchogue. “My father truly believed that youth sports were a key to a successful life and that all children who want to play should be able to participate regardless of their ability to pay. He felt the need for community-based programs was essential.”

Mango started the Hauppauge Youth Organization in 1974 to provide a place for children to play baseball and football. He coached and officiated both sports at the youth level. He would leave the presidency of the HYO and join the Suffolk County Police Athletic League Football Board of Directors in the mid-1980s, where he oversaw team alignments and scheduling.

“His scheduling precision and attention to detail is legendary,” Schwicke said. “The coaches called him ‘old school’ because of his use of paper, ruler and pencil to create schedules. And, even as computers were becoming popular, he trusted his pad and pencil. He didn’t trust computers.”

Mango was born in Brooklyn on July 16,1933. He graduated from East New York Vocational High School in 1951, where he excelled as a four-sport athlete.

“He played basketball, baseball, football and ran track in high school,” his son Jim Mango of Islip said. “He was only 5-foot-10 but he could grab the rim. His favorite trophy sat prominently on his bedroom dresser after he captured a high hurdle title in the Armory.”

He worked with a trucking company during and after high school and learned to be a mechanic. He worked briefly at Macy’s in Manhattan before he was drafted into the Army for the Korean War in 1954.

Mango served two years before he was honorably discharged in 1956. While in the service, he met the love of his life, Rosemary Guzzardo, at a dance at the St. Fortunato Catholic Church in East New York. They were married in the same church in 1955, and the couple would have celebrated their 70th anniversary Nov. 5. Rosemary Mango died at age 89 in October 2024.

“They had a fantastic relationship,” Jim Mango said. “My mother planned the vacations all over the world for them. My father had a tough guy persona, but my mother was the real boss.”

The Mangos had six children and moved from Brooklyn to Commack in 1959 and then settled in Hauppauge in 1964.

Mango attended New York City Community College and graduated with a degree in Applied Science in 1961 while working for Sperry Corporation. He attended night school at C.W. Post and earned his degree in mechanical engineering in 1971, then got a job at Grumman Aerospace in Bethpage as a technical writer. He worked for nearly 30 years before he retired in June 1992.

“He was very proud of the manuals he wrote for the Lunar Module,” Schwicke said. “His name was on a manual left on the moon by the Apollo 11 astronauts.”

Mango’s love for children in sports helped create new PAL programs.

“My husband Steve and I decided to leave the regional South Shore Youth organization and start a new youth football program in Bellport,” Schwicke said. “My dad was thrilled and had the PAL to support our move with seed money. He had been encouraging us to do it for years. Many children in the Bellport area were being excluded due to inaccessibility and lack of funding. When we made the move, many followed our lead and today most towns have their own community-based youth programs. It was his vision.”

Mango’s impact left an everlasting impression. Bellport still allows every child to play regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

“It was what my father wanted,” Schwicke said. “He wanted sports available for every child and family. He brought a compassionate, empathetic voice to his role on the PAL Board of Directors.”

Mango is also survived by children Lorraine Follini of Somers, Susan Zogbi of Commack, Dianna Mango of New Jersey and Joseph Mango of Pennsylvania.

A funeral service for Mango was held last week.

The family said donations can be made in his honor to the Suffolk County Police Athletic League.

Gregg Sarra is Newsday’s high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.

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Rec Sports

Florida demolishes Tennessee basketball – The Daily Beacon

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Had the turnover balloons made the trip, Tennessee basketball’s cardio would be at an all-time high.

The Vols traveled to Gainesville, Florida, and walked away with a 91-67 loss to the Gators in flattening fashion.

An 18-turnover effort kept No. 21 Tennessee (11-5, 1-2 SEC) from getting a breath of fresh air. Instead, the consistent giveaway of free possessions remained haunting, as Florida (11-5, 2-1) cashed in for 30 points off turnovers.

Nate Ament led an otherwise abysmal offensive attack with 17 points. Ja’Kobi Gillespie followed with 12 points, but committed four turnovers to just three assists. Bishop Boswell’s six turnovers made it a double-digit turnover effort from Tennessee’s starting backcourt. Boogie Fland went for a career game on the Vols’ defense, tacking on 23 points in Florida’s win.

Sloppy first half in varying fashions

The Vols and Gators put forth opposite first-half outings, but the games complemented each other enough to bring a mere 13-point margin at the break.

For Tennessee, it was turnovers and failure on defensive rebounds that provided struggles. On Florida’s side, missed shots plagued the Gators.

As a team, the Vols committed 12 turnovers across the first 20 minutes. They also allowed Florida to pull in seven boards on the offensive glass. Those blunders paced Tennessee to 20 total shots in the frame, making a measly eight.

Florida took advantage of the extra possessions, chucking up 34 shots in 20 minutes. The Gators scored 18 points off turnovers, helping create a 13-point margin heading to the locker rooms.

Cleaning up the mistakes did not occur during the break. Tennessee moved forward with the trend, committing six more turnovers over the remainder of the game.

15-2 Florida run provides separation before half

Despite struggles maintaining the basketball, Tennessee had remained in the game for the first 16 minutes of the game. And then the tides flipped.

A Boogie Fland stepback jumper marked the start of what became a 15-2 run over the final 3:51 of the first half. He scored 10 of the points all by himself, including a sequence where he drilled a three and then ripped away a steal on the defensive end to sink a layup.

Rick Barnes wanted a timeout to bandage the wound, but the dismay continued seeping. Tennessee’s next shot was blocked, and the ensuing inbounds pass could not get in — forcing a second timeout within 11 seconds of game time. Bishop Boswell turned the ball over out of the timeout.

Florida had been shooting 26% from the floor with 7:42 left. The Gators finished strong, making 8-of-11 shots to bring the total to 41%.

Heading into the break, Tennessee went from a tied 26-all ball game to down 41-28 with lingering turnover problems.

The Vols could not overcome the deficit they dug into, and Florida continued to run away with the game in the second half. The Gators outscored Tennessee 50-39 in the final 20.

Ament flourishes

Not many positives could be pulled away from the demolition on the road, but star freshman Ament at least put forth promise.

Ament scored 17 points on 5-for-11 shooting. He also hauled in four rebounds and an assist, while keeping turnovers limited to two. His four fouls limited him to 27 minutes.

The 17-point outing is the most for the 6-foot-10 wing since he scored 20 against Kansas on Nov. 26. He had been averaging 11 points per game in the seven games between those performances.

Tennessee will have the chance to rebound on Jan. 13 when it faces Texas A&M at Food City Center

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Rec Sports

Photos: Fort Lewis College women’s and men’s basketball take on Westminster University

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Both Skyhawks teams were victorious on Saturday afternoon

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College finger rolls the ball over Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Ashten Martinez of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Massal Diouf of Fort Lewis College blocks a Westminster University shot on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Cassius Carmichael of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College passes the ball while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Jaxon Smith of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College drives to the basket while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Lauren Zuniga, left, Fort Lewis College women’s baseketball head coach, and assistant coach Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw are all smiles with player Claudia Palacio Gámez after winning the game against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Stewart Erhart of Fort Lewis College splits the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a 3-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Claudia Palacio Gámez of Fort Lewis College fights off the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Josie Davis of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Trey Curry of Fort Lewis College takes away a passing lane while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College goes for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray, left, and Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College fights for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College comes off the floor during the Westminster University game on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

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Rec Sports

City to unveil sports park master plan

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FAIRBORN — The community is invited to attend a community presentation on Fairborn’s Sport Park Master Plan. The event will be held at the Fairborn High School Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 18, at 3 p.m.

According to the city, the plan outlines proposed improvements to the Fairborn Wee Hawks Football and Fairborn Little League fields at Ernie Apt. Park. The city’s goal is to create a modern, much-needed athletic facility for local youth.

Park planners say that during the presentation, you’ll be able to see the proposed layout and upgrades, learn how the improvements will benefit young athletes and families, and ask questions.

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The wildest hockey brawl of the year was at an AHL intermission youth game

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, won a game 3-2 on Saturday, breaking a tie in the third period while short-handed. That’s not what fans were buzzing about from the game on social media.

Between periods at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a standard mites game became very un-standard when a bizarre brawl broke out between the two youth teams.

Countless haymakers were thrown with tiny gloved fists. Multiple kids charged full-speed into the fray. At least one kid punched a teammate. The crowd, or at least the louder fans in the stands, was loving it. There are no officials in sight. Which is unfortunate, because at least one kid can be seen dangerously trying to kick an opponent with his skates.

The spectacle peaks at the 47-second mark when a goalie charges in and completely lays out an opponent who was grappling with his teammate.

What’s that? You want another angle?

Details are admittedly sparse here. We don’t know if any of those kids sustained an injury on the ice, or what even caused the brawl aside from youthful aggression. We’re just talking about something you don’t expect to see at a youth hockey game.

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Rec Sports

PEM hosts area athletes in wrestling invitational

Published

7 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

PLAINVIEW, Minn. (KTTC) – Wrestlers filled the gym at Plainview-Elgin-Millville high school for the 2026 PEM Wrestling Invitational.

Eight schools took the mat: LARP (Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson), Pine Island, FCLMC (Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/Mabel-Canton), Lake City, WWC (Winona/Winona Cotter), La Crosse Logan/Cent., Cochrane-Fountain City, and the host school PEM.

The Bulldogs came out on top at home, leading the way with 206.5 points. LARP finished in second with 201.0 points. The team results are as follows:

PEM – 206.5
LARP – 201.0
Pine Island – 192.0
Eau Claire North – 111.0
FCLMC – 96.0
Cochrane-Fountain City – 70.5
Lake City – 47.5
WWC – 47.5
La Crosse Logan/Cent. – 39.0

An individual champion was crowned in each weight class. Those champions are as follows:

107 – Mason Zabel, PEM

114 – Owen Zabel, PEM

121 – Reid Ihrke, PEM

127 – Christian Zibrowski, LARP

133 – Michael Alexander, LARP

139 – Owen Lange, LARP

145 – Jag Foster, Pine Island

152 – Aiden Graner, PEM

160 – Ben Grabau, Pine Island

172 – Calvin Arentz, La Crosse Logan/Cent.

189 – Kane Larson, FCLMC

215 – Logan Peterson, PEM

285 – Chase Drazkowski, LARP

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Native Youth Olympics preparations under way | Sports

Published

9 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Ketchikan athletes had the gym to themselves on Friday as they warmed up for the Native Youth Olympics kick-off scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium at Kayhi.