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Multiple athletes take part in signing day at ALJ High School  – Union News Daily

This slideshow requires JavaScript. CLARK, NJ — On Wednesday, May 14, various staff members and administration at Arthur L. Johnson High School participated in a signing day ceremony to honor multiple student athletes for their years of service to Crusader Athletics and commemorate their moving on to continue their athletic and academic careers as NCAA […]

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CLARK, NJ — On Wednesday, May 14, various staff members and administration at Arthur L. Johnson High School participated in a signing day ceremony to honor multiple student athletes for their years of service to Crusader Athletics and commemorate their moving on to continue their athletic and academic careers as NCAA Collegiate Athletes.

The following student athletes were honored:

Xavier Arthur – cross country / track and field – Stockton University, Ospreys, Galloway – D3

Arthur will be continuing his running career in Galloway, where he will be competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference for the Ospreys of Stockton University. Arthur is a two-time Randolph Relay medalist and a five-time UCC Valley Division Conference medalist. For his outstanding efforts, Arthur earned 1st Team All-Conference Valley Division.

“Xavier’s work ethic and passion for the sport has set the tone for our distance team. He’s shown what it means to commit fully – on the xc course, on the track and in the classroom. I have no doubt he’ll thrive at the next level and I’m excited to see him bring that same grit and heart to the collegiate stage,” said head coach Cindy Tarello.

Zachary Belverio – wrestling – University of Buffalo, Victor E. Bull, Buffalo, New York – D1

Belverio will be continuing his grappling career in Buffalo, New York, where he will be competing in the Mid-American Conference for the Division 1 Bulls of the University of Buffalo. Belverio has an outstanding 4.18 grade-point average, ranked No. 38 in his graduating class. Belverio is a member of the Math, Science and Italian National Honor Society and Student Council. He is also a peer leader. He was a captain and four-year gold letter winner for the Crusader Wrestling Program. Some notable career statistics: two-time Dover Tournament Champion, Union County Champion and two-time district champion. Finished his season with a stellar record of 37-03 and a career record of 113-39. Belverio was a regional champion this past season – only the ninth wrestler in ALJ school history to do this – and finished in sixth place in NJSIAA State Tournament – only the eighth wrestler in ALJ school history to place at the NJSIAA state tournament. For his efforts, he was named 2024-2025 Team MVP.

“This young man has put in the time and deserves every bit of the credit and recognition he is receiving. When coaches say, ‘Go earn it,’ he took that to heart and did just that. Through relentless dedication, hard work and a passion for the sport, he transformed himself into one of the most decorated wrestlers to ever walk the halls of ALJ. Though he fell short of his ultimate goal of becoming a state champion, his accomplishments speak for themselves. In just four years, he proved that it’s never too late to start wrestling,” said head coach Ricky Ortega.

Isabella Ciccotelli – basketball – Delaware Valley University, Rams, Doylestown, Pennsylvania – D3

Ciccotelli will be continuing her basketball career in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, where she will be competing in the Middle Atlantic Conference for the Rams of Delaware Valley University. Ciccotelli has a 3.92 G.P.A. and is ranked No. 69 in her graduating class. Ciccotelli is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and Heroes & Cool Kids. She is a four-year gold letter winner in basketball.

“Bella Ciccotelli was a four-year letter winner whose energy and positivity were a consistent presence in the Johnson Basketball program. She brought spirit and support to her teammates throughout her time with the team, and her commitment to the team was invaluable,” said head coach Joe Marino.

Robert Gallagher, football  – United States Merchant Marine Academy, Mariners, Kings Point, New York – D3

Gallagher will be continuing his football career in Kings Point, New York, where he will be competing in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference for the Mariners of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Gallagher has a 4.24 G.P.A. and is ranked No. 33 in his graduating class and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is also a member of the Italian Honor Society, Key Club, Heroes & Cool Kids and is a peer leader. Gallagher was a senior captain and three-year letter winner in both football and baseball. He is a four-year gold letter winner in winter track and field as well. Career Statistics: From his quarterback position, he had more than 1,900 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns, 1,578 passing yards and 17 passing TDs and contributed defensively as the starting cornerback. In baseball, he has 43 runs scored, 44 hits and 19 RBI, as he gets ready to knock off Governor Livingston this afternoon in the UCIAC quarterfinals. His post-season accolades include 1st Team All Patriot Silver Division, and 1st Team All-Union County and he was the MVP of the football team this past fall season.

“Passion, compete level, and overall will to win is something that you just cannot teach … it must be instilled from within. Robert Gallagher epitomizes all of that. In addition, how he has grown off of the field is even more impressive. He is a positive role model, a leader and someone that has excelled in the classroom. We look forward to seeing what the future holds at the United States Merchant Marine Academy,” said head coach Anthony Delconte.

Ryan George – football – Hartwick College, Hawks, Oneonta, New York – D3

George will be continuing his football career in Oneonta, New York, where he will be competing in the Empire 8 Athletic Conference for the Hawks of Hartwick College. George was a three-year letter winner and was captain of the ALJ football team this past fall. This past season, he finished with 1,027 rushing yards and 16 TDs, and on defense, George had 45 tackles, one forced fumble and three sacks. His career totals are outstanding with a whopping 2,600 rushing yards and 33 TDs. George’s post-season accolades include 1st Team All Division, 1st Team All-Union County, and second team Central Jersey All Group 2. He also received the Don Lapenna Memorial Leadership Award. He is also a member of the winter and spring track and field teams throughout his four years as a Crusader, lettering three times.

“Ryan George has come a long way from his freshman year, and turned himself into a dominant player for the Crusaders on both sides of the ball. He has an extremely bright collegiate future and Hartwick College is lucky to have him. We look forward to following his collegiate career over the next four years,” said head coach Anthony DelConte.

Abigail Marcazo – field hockey – Kean University, Cougars, Union – D3

Marcazo will be continuing her field hockey career in Union, where she will be competing in the New Jersey Athletic Conference for the Cougars of Kean University. Marcazo has a 4.15 G.P.A. and is ranked No. 45 in her graduating class. Marcazo is a member of the National Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society and the ASL Honor Society. She is a three-year letter winner for the field hockey program and captained the team this past fall season. Marcazo was selected 1st Team All Division and 1st Team All Union County. She finished the season with two assists and a team-high four goal line saves. Marcazo was the recipient of this year’s Brian Piccolo Award, given out by Clark UNICO.

“Abby was the driving force behind our defensive unit this past fall season. Her excellent technical skills kept her in each and every play, rarely, if ever, letting an opponent past her. She does not back down from a challenge but instead enjoys stepping up to them. She takes motivating the team seriously and you can always count on her to bring energy,” said head coach Gina DeLauro.

Sarah Ponik – ice hockey – Curry College, Colonials, Milton, Massachusetts – D3

Ponik will be continuing her ice hockey career in Milton, Massachusetts, where she will be competing in the Conference of New England for the Colonials of Curry College. Ponik played her travel youth hockey with the Union Thunder as a member of both boys and girls teams competing in the NJYHL and Mid Atlantic Woman’s Hockey Association, where she helped teams win several tournaments and one league championship. Ponik then spent five years with IronBound Elite Tier 1 Hockey Program, traveling throughout North America and competing against the best teams in her age group. As a core member, Ponik enjoyed individual success as well as helping her team win numerous tournaments and two league championships. Ponik is a four-year gold letter winner on the boys ice hockey team. As a rugged defensive minded defenseman, Ponik was never out of position on the ice. She also contributed offensively, chipping in with one goal and 14 assists. Ponik was a 2024-2025 team captain for the Crusaders, and was named Honorable Mention All McMullen Division. She was also a two-year letter winner in the sport of girls’ lacrosse. Ponik was recruited by Curry College and is committed to play NCAA Division III Hockey. She will begin her collegiate athletic career wearing No. 20 for the Colonels.

“Sarah is a wonderful young lady who has had a fantastic career for the Crusaders. She is an extremely hard worker who has been a huge part of the Johnson Ice Hockey program the past four years. She is a hard-hitting stay at home defenseman who was one of the smartest players that I have ever coached. We are excited to see Sarah continue her athletic career for the Colonials next year,” said head coach Christopher Enrico.

Mackenzie Thompson – track and field – University of Vermont, Catamounts, Burlington, Vermont – D1

Thompson will be continuing her track and field career in Burlington, Vermont, where she will be competing in the American East Conference for the Division 1 Catamounts of Vermont University. Thompson has a 4.27 G.P.A. and is ranked 31st in her class. Thompson is a member of the Key Club, Heroes & Cool Kids, S.M.A.C. and multiple National Honor Societies – NHS, Math and Italian. Some of her athletic accolades include: varsity soccer – four-year gold letter winner and captain. Thompson’s post-season accolades included being named 1st Team All-Union County and 1st Team All-Mountain Division. She was named team MVP both junior and senior years for soccer. In basketball, Thompson is a four-year letter winner and was team captain, leading the Crusaders to the quarterfinals this past winter season. Not to be outdone, in her junior year, Thompson was named the girls track and field MVP as well. Thompson took first place in the Union County Valley Division Championship Meet in the 4×400 and long jump.

This past spring, Thompson led the girls track and field team to the 2025 Conference Championship. Thompson also represented ALJ at the NJSIAA National Girls and Women in Sport Day as its outstanding female athlete. Thompson earned an amazing 12 varsity letters – including three gold letters – throughout her career while being a captain for all of her sports her senior year.

“Johnson track and field boasts a true standout in Mackenzie Thompson. Her consistent drive and fierce competitive spirit have made her a force on and off the track. Mackenzie played a key role in the girls varsity team’s Union County Valley Conference Championship victory this year. The University of Vermont is gaining an exceptional talent; Mackenzie is poised to make a significant impact as she enters the next chapter of her track and field career,” said head girls soccer coach Brittany Casares.

Joshua Maltez-Torres – football – Eastern University, Eagles, St. Davids, Pennsylvania – D3

Maltez-Torres will be continuing his football career in St. David’s, Pennsylvania, where he will be competing in the Middle Atlantic Conference for the Eagles of Eastern University. Maltez-Torres was captain of the football team this past fall while starting on both sides of the ball. His leadership and commitment to the sport earned him three varsity letters throughout his high school career. His career statistics include: 723 rushing yards and six rushing TDs, 288 receiving yards and three receiving TDs. Maltez-Torres was awarded 1st Team All Patriot Silver Division for his work on the field as a Crusader this past fall season. In addition to football, Maltez-Torres showcased his athletic versatility by competing in track and field as well, running the 100m, 200m and 4x100m and 4x200m relay events, where he proudly secured six medals. Maltez-Torres has committed to Eastern University, where he plans to pursue a degree in business management while continuing his football career.

“Josh is an all around amazing athlete who always put 110% into everything that he did. Dedicated, loyal, hardworking, and passionate about everything he does, Josh is a true team leader and role model for our younger athletes. I cannot thank him enough for all of his hard work and dedication to this football program. I know that Eastern is not only getting a great football player, but an even more amazing young man,” said head coach Anthony DelConte.

As one can see, the student athletes made the school, and community, extremely proud and have all had wonderful athletic careers as Crusaders.

“All of these student athletes have been an integral part of the success of our athletic programs while competing at Arthur L. Johnson High School the past four years. More importantly, they have been model student athletes that did things the right way both on the fields, in the classroom, and throughout our community. Although it will be sad to see them leave, the Crusader’s loss is their respective college’s gain, and we look forward to following their successful collegiate athletic careers over the next four years,” said Gus Kalikas, athletic director at Arthur L. Johnson High School.

Crusader Athletics would like to wish the best of luck to all of the student athletes moving on to participate in NCAA Collegiate Athletics.



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Penn State baseball earns commit from former Tampa infielder Kevin Karstetter | Penn State Baseball News

Another transfer is on the way to Happy Valley. Kevin Karstetter announced via X that he committed to Penn State. There’s no place like HOME…#WeAre 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/HEvL2zElGY — Kevin Karstetter (@kpk34) July 11, 2025 The State College native has had a decorated career in his college journey so far. He earned FCSAA Male Athlete of […]

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Another transfer is on the way to Happy Valley.

Kevin Karstetter announced via X that he committed to Penn State.

The State College native has had a decorated career in his college journey so far. He earned FCSAA Male Athlete of the Year honors at the State College of Florida before heading to Arizona State for a season where he hit .260 in 39 appearances.

Last season was the peak of Karstetter’s career, as he won the D2 NCAA championship with Tampa. During his second year of NCAA baseball, Karstetter hit .335 with five home runs and stole 19 bases.

MORE BASEBALL COVERAGE


Penn State baseball draft profile | Paxton Kling has five-tool potential

Once a highly recruited prospect, Paxton Kling returned to his home state and became a super…

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Bryce Underwood Crowned CFB’s Top Freshman by Fans, Marking Historic Michigan Beginning

Bryce Underwood walked into Ann Arbor with a $12 million NIL deal and the weight of being college football’s top recruit. Fans call him the “best freshman in the country” before he’s even taken a snap. But with that kind of money and hype comes a question that’s splitting college football: Is he worth it, […]

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Bryce Underwood walked into Ann Arbor with a $12 million NIL deal and the weight of being college football’s top recruit. Fans call him the “best freshman in the country” before he’s even taken a snap.

But with that kind of money and hype comes a question that’s splitting college football: Is he worth it, or is everyone getting ahead of themselves?

Why Did Bryce Underwood Choose Michigan Over LSU?

The former LSU commit shocked the college football world on November 21, 2024, when he flipped to Michigan after nearly a year of pledging to the Tigers. The same day, he signed with the Wolverines, shifting the momentum of Sherrone Moore’s first season in Ann Arbor.

That decision, widely discussed across recruiting circles, also reinforced Michigan’s growing reputation in the NIL space. Underwood’s reported agreement with the university is believed to be worth between $10.5 million and $12 million over four years, making him one of the highest-valued recruits in college football history.

When College Football Report asked fans on X who they believed would be the top freshman in the country next season, responses poured in.

“Underwood and it’s not close,” one user wrote.

Another pointed out: “The True Freshman Running Back at Clemson is going to have a big year,”

“As a Michigan fan I hope it’s Bryce,” a fan remarked.

“Bryce Underwood might be the best player period,” another remarked.

What Makes Underwood’s Arrival at Michigan So Historic?

His arrival makes him the second No. 1 overall prospect to sign with Michigan in the modern recruiting rankings era, joining Rashan Gary (2016). He also joins a short list of elite prospects to pick the Wolverines, including Jabrill Peppers (No. 3 in 2014), Ryan Mallett (No. 5 in 2007), LaMarr Woodley (No. 4 in 2003), and Prescott Burgess (No. 5 in 2003).

Underwood’s high school resume was dominant. Over four seasons, he threw for 11,488 yards. He accounted for 179 total touchdowns with 27 rushing TDs and 152 passing TDs, winning two state championships and compiling a 50-4 record. His national spotlight grew even brighter when he became the No. 1 recruit before his junior year.

Read More: Analyst Predicts ‘Samurai Sword’ QB Bryce Underwood Could Turn Michigan into 2025’s Biggest Sleeper

Despite his accolades, Underwood’s youth and inexperience leave questions unanswered. He won’t turn 18 until August 19, 2025, just before Michigan’s opener against New Mexico. He enters a quarterback battle that features Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene and second-year player Jadyn Davis.

At 6’4″ and 208 pounds, Underwood possesses elite physical traits, including a powerful arm and the mobility to escape pressure and create big plays. Against weaker opponents like Central Michigan, his natural tools alone could give Michigan a decisive edge. However, how well he transitions to the college level remains uncertain, even as expectations soar.



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Hudson Valley NY College ID soccer camp

John Jay Cross River’s Dennis Galvan, left, pressures Fox Lane’s Gavin Morales during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches. Peter Carr/The Journal News Lakeland’s Lucas Boyko plays the ball during […]

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Hudson Valley NY College ID soccer camp

John Jay Cross River's Dennis Galvan, left, pressures Fox Lane's Gavin Morales during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

John Jay Cross River’s Dennis Galvan, left, pressures Fox Lane’s Gavin Morales during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

Lakeland's Lucas Boyko plays the ball during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Lakeland’s Lucas Boyko plays the ball during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

Fox Lane's Gavin Morales during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Fox Lane’s Gavin Morales during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

Lakeland's Lucas Boyko defends Ardsley's Tiernan Kenny during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Lakeland’s Lucas Boyko defends Ardsley’s Tiernan Kenny during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

John Jay Cross River's Dennis Galvan, left, fights for the ball with Yorktown's Stephano Alvarez during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

John Jay Cross River’s Dennis Galvan, left, fights for the ball with Yorktown’s Stephano Alvarez during the Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

The Hudson Valley College ID camp at Lakeland High School July 11, 2025. The soccer clinic and showcase camp was for local high school players to be observed by college coaches.

Peter Carr/The Journal News

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PWHL Seattle signs Anna Wilgren to one-year contract

The PWHL’s newest American franchise made another big signing on Thursday, as PWHL Seattle inked defender Anna Wilgren to a one-year contract that will keep her with the club through the 2025-26 season. Wilgren’s playing rights were acquired by Seattle after she was selected with the 10th pick of the 2025 “We’re excited to have […]

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The PWHL’s newest American franchise made another big signing on Thursday, as PWHL Seattle inked defender Anna Wilgren to a one-year contract that will keep her with the club through the 2025-26 season.

Wilgren’s playing rights were acquired by Seattle after she was selected with the 10th pick of the 2025

“We’re excited to have Anna representing Seattle this season,” said PWHL Seattle General Manager Meghan Turner in a news release. “Anna made an immediate impact in her first year with strong defensive play and the ability to contribute to all zones. She’s tough to play against and will be a great fit in our organization.”

The 25-year-old Wilgren, taken by the Montreal Victoire in the fifth round of the 2024 PWHL Draft, scored three goals and six assists for nine points in 30 regular-season games in 2024-25, as well as recording three assists during the Victoire’s playoff series against the Ottawa Charge.

“I am so excited to be a part of bringing women’s hockey to the West Coast,” said Wilgren. “The energy that Seattle fans brought to last year’s PWHL Takeover Tour was incredible. I can’t wait to play in front of such a passionate women’s sports fanbase every night with such a talented group of athletes.”  

Wilgren, a native of Hudson, Wis., spent four seasons playing college hockey at Minnesota State, scoring 12 goals and recording 30 assists for 42 points in 91 career games. In her fifth season, she transferred to Wisconsin, logging in two goals and 22 assists for 24 points in 40 games, helping the Badgers reach the 2024 NCAA Championship.

Wilgren joins a blue line that includes Cayla Barnes and Mariah Keopple, as well as Emily Brown, Megan Carter and Aneta Tejralova.



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‘Essence of the JCC’ soon to retire

“She’s been the power behind everything that happens here,” Lois Rittenhouse said with a smile for Barbara Sugarman, who was working in the lobby of the Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston. “She is one awesome lady,” said Cissie Ashley. “She’s been part of this place in such an intense way. The dedication she […]

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“She’s been the power behind everything that happens here,” Lois Rittenhouse said with a smile for Barbara Sugarman, who was working in the lobby of the Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston.

“She is one awesome lady,” said Cissie Ashley.

“She’s been part of this place in such an intense way. The dedication she has to Sara’s Table has been remarkable,” Rabbi Larry Kaplan said, referring to the JCC’s food pantry for the needy.

On a recent, ordinary weekday morning, the JCC was bustling with people coming and going from exercise class or Pickleball games, arriving to do volunteer work or to buy one of the kosher meals long-time employee Barbara Sugarman had ready for pick-up.

Because Sugarman, who recently turned 82, plans to retire next month after 67 years working for the JCC, a reporter visited and asked people how they feel about the woman who for decades has been synonymous with the Jewish Community Center.

“You should title your piece ‘Spot Reserved in Heaven,’ ” Pickleball player Jeff Lubin advised the reporter.

“She’s an enabler, in a good way,” Lubin continued. “I started teaching a class here (in biblical studies) and Barb helped me get it off the ground. With the bridge club, the men’s club, she asks, ‘What do you need?’ and she makes it happen.”

Back in the 1950s, Sugarman was a 15-year-old student at Kingston High School who wanted a summer job.

“All of my friends were working at the camp,” she said, noting the JCC maintained a camp at Twin Lakes at the time. “I called for a job and they said the staff was full but if I wanted to volunteer I could.”

Sugarman began working as a volunteer but by the time seven weeks of summer camp were over, the camp administration decided to pay her after all. Her salary for the whole summer was $35, paid in one lump sum.

With camp over for the season, Sugarman volunteered to work at the center through the rest of her high school career and while she was studying education at Temple University. Basically, she never left — not during the time she worked for the Bell Telephone Co., and not when she and her husband, the late Howard Sugarman, were raising their three children.

For 19 years she served as the Jewish Center Youth Regional Director and for more than 20 subsequent years she has served as director of adult and cultural programs, arranging holiday and educational programs, collecting food for the hungry and helping people every way she could think of.

“She’s a wealth of knowledge. She answers any question you have,” said co-worker Lisa Cope. “In the short time I’ve been here, about a year and a half, she’s like my best friend.”

“If you ever needed any kind of connection, she knew it,” said Gerri Kaplan, leader of the Midrasha School.

“I like people,” Sugarman said, offering a hint to the key to her success. “I’m a people person. I tell people to call me, even on a weekend, even at night. I like to be available.”

For Sugarman, it was difficult in recent weeks to tell person after person that an upcoming local history class at the JCC, to be taught by local historian Tony Brooks, had reached its limit and their names would be put on a waiting list.

More recently she was relieved to have the class moved to a larger space, so the 47 people on the waiting list could be notified that they were welcome to attend after all.

Making them happy made her happy.

“I can’t imagine this place without her,” said JCC president Jane Messinger. “She is the essence of the JCC and what we’re all about. She’s irreplaceable.”

“We’re going to remain friends,” Messinger said, giving Sugarman a fond hug. “Hopefully she’ll come back for a visit.”

“I’m going to miss the people here,” said Sugarman, whose next chapter involves moving to South Carolina to live with her son Jeff and daughter-in-law Heather, who are building a home there.

Other family members include daughter Wendy and her husband Scott Lowden, daughter Randi and her husband Aaron Chapin and grandchildren Katie Sugarman, Jacob Sugarman and Sydney Chapin.

Family and friends will celebrate Sugarman’s long career this weekend at a brunch, and she expects her last day at work will be in the middle of August.



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Isaac Howard Gives Utmost Praise to MSU

Former Michigan State star Isaac Howard was recently traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Edmonton Oilers, signing a three-year, entry-level contract that will ultimately take his talents to the NHL next season. Despite the departure, Howard gives MSU a lot of credit. In his own words, Howard could “not be more grateful” for […]

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Former Michigan State star Isaac Howard was recently traded from the Tampa Bay Lightning to the Edmonton Oilers, signing a three-year, entry-level contract that will ultimately take his talents to the NHL next season. Despite the departure, Howard gives MSU a lot of credit.

In his own words, Howard could “not be more grateful” for the role that the Spartans played in his journey to the next level. He is the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner, given to the No. 1 player in college hockey, and was the main factor in why MSU won a second-straight Big Ten title.

As Howard prepares to embark on his NHL journey, he spoke to reporters in a virtual media availability this week to discuss multiple topics, including the role that the Spartan program played in his development and ultimate journey to the NHL.

“I mean, I couldn’t be more grateful for this place (MSU),” Howard said. “I had two of my best years here. I think this school and coaching staff, everyone just has such high class, and I think they’ve helped me a lot as a person outside of the arena, and I think that’s helped me on the ice.

“I focus a lot on play away from the puck and defensive stuff with (head coach Adam) Nightingale and all the other coaches, and I think they’re world-class. They preach development first, and I think if you can buy in, you’re going to get the most out of this place, and I think it’s worked for me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

The words from Howard are not only a major feather in the Spartan program’s cap for how well they have developed top talent, but it is also an incredible recruiting pitch. To hear the best player in college hockey admire MSU like he did and credit his teammates and coaching staff is crucial.

NHL training camp begins in late September, and Howard will certainly be on the ice with the team that has gone to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals but has lost both times to the Florida Panthers.

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