Inaugural Edition
Athlete Spotlight


South Jersey Sports

September 29, 1997

High School Focus

South Jersey Sports Online Provides Local WWW Sports Coverage

Starting this fall, South Jersey sports fans will be able to follow their local sports teams via the Internet. South Jersey Sports Online will premier this fall with coverage of high school, township and intramural sporting events. The website will contain pictures, scores, standings, schedules, athletes of the week and articles written by the SJSports staff. Viewers will be able to contact the SJSports staff to submit articles or request a visit to your school, organization or event for an interview and photos. Also, the website will allow for online submission of articles written by local sports fans wishing to promote players, teams and events. In addition to local information, the site will contain sports trivia contests and other interactive multimedia. SJSports kicks off September 8, 1997, and can be accessed via WWW.SJSports.com.

Athlete Spotlight:
Bishop Eustace's Erica Swesey Defines Student-Athlete

By Bob Grimmie
SJSports Staff Writer

There was always that one kid in your class who ruined the test grading curve for every one. I'm sure you remember. When the whole class failed, this person managed to get a 94 or higher. Thus ruining the curve and any chance you had at passing.

Well, if Erica Swesey isn't careful, she's going to permanently ruin the curve by which all student athletes are measured. The 17-year-old Bishop Eustace senior is a standout in the academic world as much, if not more so, then she is in the South Jersey field hockey community.

"She's unique in that she's academically excellent, athletically excellent and she's involved in student council," said Bishop Eustace head field hockey coach Alice Penza.
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Athlete Spotlight:
Future Uncertain, Though Ability Not For Edgewood's Ruttler

By Bob Grimmie
SJSports Staff Writer

Like many High School seniors, the future is full of uncertainties for Edgewood's Greg Ruttler.

His collegiate destination is undetermined, his intended major at this mystery school is unknown and his career goals are, at best, an after thought. Very normal for a 17-year-old young man, very ordinary.

However, it is Ruttler's extraordinary ability to blast a soccer ball past the outstretched arms of an opposing goalie that will provide the answer to many of his senior year questions.
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High School Football:
Shawnee Defense Key In Win Over 10th Ranked Cherry Hill East

By Bob Grimmie
SJSports Staff Writer

For three quarters the Shawnee High School defense dug in and kept tenth ranked Cherry Hill East out of the end zone. During those quarters Shawnee senior tailback P.J. Lockard, who finished with 108 yards on 24 carries, scored on touchdown runs and 5 and 29 yards.

So with the home team leading 14-0 and threatening to score again in the fourth quarter things looked grim for the Cougars of Cherry Hill East. Then, the momentum swing took a drastic turn in their favor. Shawnee quarterback Mike Connelly dropped back to pass at the Cougar 13 yard line only to have the toss deflected and picked off by East's Matt Tamburrino.

Tamburrino returned the interception to the Shawnee 42 where Connelly took him down. The Cougars then mounted and 11 play drive that resulted in Phil Anderson's five yard run for a touchdown.
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Community Events:
17th Annual MS 150 - City To Shore Bike Tour

By Marvin Stewart
SJSports Staff Writer

Nearly 3,400 cyclists may not be able to change the world - but they can change the lives of thousands of local residents with multiple sclerosis through their participation in the National MS Society's MS 150 City to Shore Bike Tour, Saturday and Sunday, September 27 and 28, 1997. Riders of all ages, abilities - and disabilities - will depart on the 17th annual, 150 mile overnight tour from PATCO Woodcrest Hi-Speedline Station in Cherry Hill on Saturday, September 27 from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., then travel to the Waterford Elementary School, stop for lunch at Hammonton Lake Park, and travel through the Tuckahoe region before arriving in Ocean City on Saturday between Noon and 2:30 p.m. The Tour makes the 75 mile return trip to Cherry Hill on Sunday, September 28 along the same route, with cyclists celebrating the completion of the ride with finish line party back at the PATCO Woodcrest Hi-Speedline Station in Cherry Hill from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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High School Football:
Tucker Has Big Game For Cherry Hill West In Win Over Bishop Eustace

By Bob Grimmie
SJSports Staff Writer

Cherry Hill West opened it's season by beating Olympic Conference Nation Division rival Bishop Eustace 20-13.

West jumped out to an early 14-0 lead a halftime thanks to a six-yard touch down run by Ray Harris and a Kenny Pitter 46-yard touchdown reception from Jammie Russen.

Eustace brought the game within reach in the third quarter when Dan Hogan caught a nine-yard touchdown from Bob Spross.
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