Sports Academy Basketball Tournament (Older tournament)

Sports Academy Basketball Tournament (Older tournament)

Last Thursday and Friday RCC Sports Academy held a competitive basketball tournament for the younger and older groups. The younger group for grades 2-5 played a 4 vs. 4 style tournament while the older group (6 – 10) played 3 vs. 3. All teams were selected randomly and played against other teams.


The tournament for the older kids got off to a great start. The epic tournament was set up as 9 rounds then the playoffs. Each team played against other teams to see how they placed in the playoffs. Once the playoffs started it was an elimination round.


Like the younger kids, this tournament was filled with great competitive spirit, and great teamwork. Each team had their own powerhouses and some games were so close that it came down to the very last second. Stephen Smith and Noah Shatkin were the dominating forces to teams 4 and 11 respectively.
Team 12 had amazing teamwork between Ariana Nobles, Yosef Elias, and Zander Schrier. They moved the ball like a team who has played for years, especially with Yosef and Zander. These two kids blew away every team, and made it to the playoffs with a 6-1 record. Team 2 was lead by Zach Bouabidi who with Marcus Ceglinski, and Julian Howell dominated the court in every game. Going UNDEFEATED for the whole tournament it’s no question that this was the team to beat.
Championship Winners!

MVP Zach Bouabidi!


The Championship round was team 2 (Coach Justin) vs. Team 12 (Coach Nick). This game was by far one of the most exciting games in the tournament. Each team was equally matched and nobody could have predicted who was going to win. After an amazing last game that played till the very last second, Team 2 won the championship!!!! MVP goes to Zach Boubidi whose exceptional talent led his team to victory. Coach John who helped organize this event had this to say, "“The purpose of this tournament was to bring campers together and keep fun expectation year in and year out in Sports Academy. The kids got a lot of experience and a better understanding of the competitiveness and teamwork involved in basketball. Overall it’s not about the mistakes, it about what you do after the mistakes. That’s what we try to promote here at the RCC Sports Academy"

What an incredible tournament and thank you for everyone who participated. Please visit our facebook page to see more pictures about this event!

Basketball Tournament (Kids in grades 2-5)

Sports Academy Basketball Tournament (Younger tournament)

Last Thursday and Friday RCC Sports Academy held a competitive basketball tournament for the younger and older groups. The younger group for grades 2-5 played a 4 vs. 4 style tournament while the older group (6 – 10) played 3 vs. 3. All teams were selected randomly and played against other teams.


The tournament for the younger kids got off to a great start. The epic tournament was set up as 9 rounds then the playoffs. Each team played against other teams to see how they placed in the playoffs. Once the playoffs started it was an elimination round.


Each team had their own powerhouses who dominated the court with their skill and sportsmanship. Nick Gamez was given the title of MVP for the tournament and was give a small gift. He led his team to numerous victories and even when faced with difficulty he never complained. His game ethic and talent showed on the court and everyone noticed him playing. Great job to Nick!


Another mention goes to Team 4 who went undefeated going into the playoff. This team comprised of Tyler Wernick, Jacob Bard, Cole Christensen, and Matt Olivo. Team 2, who called themselves “Ultimate”, said “We think we are going to the championship and taking it home.” Although they gave it their best effort they didn’t manage to take home the championship.



After nine rounds and the playoffs two teams stood on top in the championship round. Team 5 vs. Team 6! It was a great game, especially with the exciting cheers from the sidelines. Please check out this video to see the last few minutes of the championship game. After a tough game Team 5 took the win! The team was made up of Sierra Linnin, Jonathan Antolin, William Sun, and Justin Fahmi! Justin Fahmi who was a part of the winning teams had this to say about the tournament, “It was really fun because all the teams were balanced.” Sierra Linnin also commented that she thought the tournament was a lot of fun.
Congrats to this WINNING TEAM!


While the playoffs were going on, teams that were sitting out were able to play in the Hot Spot Basketball Challenge. This was a game designed to test the kids shooting ability from different spots on the court. MVP of the hotspot challenge goes to Elya Elias who scored more than 30 points in the game!

One of the creators of the tournament Coach Kevin had this to say about the tournament. “This was first for the kids, and it was a great tournament. It was set up by Coach John, Loren Marcus, George Glover, and Bianca Aloi who all had great ideas. Kids loved it and I don’t think they ever played that much basketball. All in all it pushed them further then they all came out and played hard throughout the whole tournament.

Please make sure to check out more pictures on our facebook at www.facebook.com/rccsummercamps.

RCC Summer Camps World Cup 2014!

RCC Summer Camps World Cup 2014!

Sports Academy introduced its first annual world cup tournament for our campers last Thursday! Campers from every group were separated into 6 countries. We had

Argentina (white)


Mexico


USA


Germany

Portugal

Brazil


We had a tournament for kids entering grades 2-4 and another one for the older campers. It was a lot of fun and a great way for campers to show off their soccer skills. Each team was balanced and it made for a great competition. Many games went to the last minute and came down to only 1 goal. While some teams did better than other, everyone had a great time. After an exciting day, we can only have 1 winner for each tournament. Organizer of the World Cup, Specialist Franz, wanted to “Congratulate everyone for having some great games!”

Argentina pulled off a win for the younger tournament with a final score against Mexico of 4-2. Corey from one of the teams liked how he “played different teams” and it “felt like a real world cup”. It sure seemed real enough when each game was so exciting.


Nothing yells excitement like the final game of the older tournament. Going into a shootout, this game between USA and Brazil was incredible. Counselors and coaches on the sidelines could not help but scream in support for their teams. Every minute was important as each team had their own powerhouses leading the way to victory. After two halves down and the score still 0-0, we had to move to a shoot out to determine the winner! Overall USA took down Brazil in the shootout.


Jake Miller whose talent and skill earned him the name “Messi” dominated the field in every game. While his team did not win, he needed to be noted in this blog because he was the top athlete in the tournament. When asked about the final game Jake said “We got unlucky that we hit the post” He is referencing the shootout where USA pulled ahead of Brazil because of one ball that hit the post. Overall Jake scored dozens of goals and single handedly controlled the outcome of most games.

Winning team USA had a lot of excitement as seen in this video. They played hard till the very end. MVP of USA goes to Ryan Dorsainvil whose incredible goalie skills not only brought his team to victory but was impressive enough to block Jake Miller who was nearly unstoppable. Jake Silver who scored 5 goals in his first game thought this event was fun because it got everyone together to play a world cup.


All in all we could not have asked for a better world cup. Teams played hard and their teamwork and sportsmanship made the day really fun. Check out our Facebook for more pictures and videos about this world cup!


Winning team for the Younger Tournament Argentina

 Winner of Older Tournament USA

Performing Arts Talent Show!

 Performing Arts campers got to showcase their skills in the Talent show during the first week. Different acts including singing, acting, comedy, monologues, and lot of laughing. It was a lot of fun to see everyone go up on stage and perform something that they enjoy.




Acting specialist Freia commented that this show gives campers, “A better understanding of their talent & abilities without the stress.” I think this is especially important for these young campers who are trying to find what they are best in but can sometimes feel embarrassed or nervous to share it to others.


“Campers feel comfortable in a group and perform their favorite songs” Counselor Mary describes the talent show and why it’s important for campers. Finally assistant directors Karen Marcus and Maggie Glover also noted that this talent show helps campers “express themselves and gives that confidence.”

All in all it was a great event and everyone had a great time. Check out our Facebook page for more pictures about this talent show!

Rockland Boulders Visits Sports Academy! Week 1

Rockland Boulders Visits Sports Academy!

Sports Academy gave a big welcome to three Rockland Boulder players on Thursday, July 3rd! It was a great time as the players got to share their experiences and stories with the kids and answers questions from different campers.



The players that came to visit were Taylor Mangum, Shawn Gilbliar, and Stephen Cardullo.

Taylor grew up in American Fork, UT and also attended Utah Valley University. He has since spent the last seasons (2012-2013) playing in the Milwaukee Brewers farm system. The furthest level Mangum reached was High A last year with the Brevard County Manatees. 2013 also happened to be his best season as he had a 3.91 ERA with 63 strikeouts and five saves in 27 appearances. 2014 will be his first season in a Independent league and with the Boulders.

Shawn grew up in Windham, CT and also attended Eastern Connecticut State College. His time there was historic, since he became the first player at his school to be named a three-time All-American. Gilblair was also voted the Division III Player of the Year twice (2007; 2009) by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Shifting over to his professional career, his best season came in 2012 with the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League. His 2012 season was highlighted by a 11-5 record, 93 strikeouts over 117 IP in 19 starts, and a 3.85 ERA. He did not pitch in 2013.

Stephen is an infielder from Coral Springs, FL. Cardullo played his college ball at Florida State University and was voted a 1st Team All-American in 2009 by Baseball America. He followed up this honor by being drafted in 2010 by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 24th round and was in their farm system for two seasons (2010-2011). His best season came in 2011 with the Missoula Osprey's of the Rookie League when he hit .288 with 10 home runs and 38 RBIs. Cardullo spent last season with the Boulders.



Campers were able to ask their own questions to these ballplayers. One question that really stood out to me was from Ryan Lee who asked, “Why did you decide to play baseball?” While many players play because they were good, these players reminisced about how it was their Dad who introduced them to the sport when they were very little. With motivation from their parents, and a natural talent, they soon fell in love with the game.

William Friscoe asked, “How did you become a Boulder’s player?” I thought it was interested that some of these players were from all over the country and were not local players. They answered that they were scouted and eventually joined the team. It was a lot of fun to see how someone from another state wound up all the way here in Rockland County.



When asked to leave a quote to campers here is what each ball player said.

“Don’t let your short term wants get in the way of your long-term goals” &
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” –Shawn Gibliar

“Believe in yourself and be a good person” –Stephen Cardullo

“If what you did yesterday still looks good today, you haven’t done much today. –Taylor Mangum

Counselor Patrick Callahan noted that these types of events helps kids learn team work and evolves them into better adults. Director of Sports Academy, Matt Matcovich also found this experience to be worth wild stating that “It was awesome that we can build a relationship between two county organizations and we hope we can continue it.”

All in all it was a great experience. Best stated from Camper Jake Silver, “It was awesome”. For pictures and videos about this event please check out our Facebook page!

Learn to Twirl For Free!

NEW HORIZONS TWILERS

LEARN TO TWIRL FOR FREE!

WEDNESDAYS, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6

4:15 - 5:30 pm (After-Care hours), RCC FIELDHOUSE

Baton Instruction includes basic techniques. Learn coordination, self-confidence, and teamwork in a fun creative environment. 

Bring water, hair in pony tail, and sneakers.

NO CHARGE FOR CAMPERS

Registration: newhorizonstwirlers@yahoo.com

www.facbook.com/newhorizonstwirlers

www.newhorizonstwirlers.wix.com/newhorizonstwirlers

RCC Outlook article: RCC SUMMER CAMPS CATER TO KIDS

Looking for a camp over the summer for kids in grades 2-9? At RCC, from June 30 through August 8, RCC Summer Camps will be in session. With different programs that cater to all things kids love, like sports, art, computers, science and performing, there is something that every child can enjoy.

At a rate of $275 per week ($25 off per week if you sign up before June 20), your child will get the opportunity to spend a summer doing their favorite activities, learning team building skills and making new friends that can last a lifetime.

Under the supervision of directors Matt Mattcovich (Sports Academy) and Kelly O’Hanlon (Art Institute, Computers, Performing Arts and Destination Science), your child has a variety of different programs they can choose to enjoy the summer doing. They include the following:

Sports Academy-This is for the kids who just simply love sports. In addition to the 10 sports RCC Summer Camps offer (baseball, tennis, basketball, football, handball, gym sports, soccer, softball, instructional and free swim). This year, Rockland Boulders will be coming to play with the kids. For those children who love the fun and competitiveness of sports, this is the program for them to go with!

Computers-Today, technology is in a continuous state of advancement. This program is for kids who love to keep up with the things a computer can do. In this program, children will learn animation, video game development, website design and even programming. Sessions are always hands on and include a computer (both desktop and mobile will be used). The program runs from 9 am until lunch, and afterwards, the children go to a variety of activities including swimming, music, arts and crafts, etc.

Destination Space-Our newest program caters to children who love science, technology and experimenting. While they are an independent camp not run by RCC, they still have the same hours and age requirements, but are the only program to offer half day programs. At a rate of $275 for a full day per week, the half day prices are $175 per week.

Performing Arts-This is for those who love to perform. Whether it be singing, acting or dancing, the performing arts program will have professional instruction and will even have access to the famous RCC Theater. Over the course of the summer, campers will be able to perform in their own performances. This program run in the morning, and after lunch at midday, the campers then will have different activities they can attend like swimming, music, arts and crafts, etc.

Art Institute- This program is for campers who love to create and let their imaginations run wild with a paintbrush at hand. Here, campers will be able to paint, sculpt, and draw projects. If you have a creative mind and love to make things, this is the place for you. The program runs until lunch at midday, and afterwards, campers then go on to attend activities like swimming, music, games, scrapbooking etc.

If you are interested in signing up, or just want to look for some more information, please visit their website at www.rccsummercamps.com. There you can find the camp’s blog, registration information and further contact information. In addition, you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter, subscribe to them on YouTube or dial 845-574-4451 to speak with a representative.

Visit here to see the full article

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Adam Samuel

Staff Writer