Wrestling: One down, several issues to go for NJSIAA

Well, it's official. Boardwalk Hall -- home to the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships since 1992 sans 1999 (new Convention Center), 2000 and 2001 (at Meadowlands) -- will host the event for at least the next three years starting in 2013.

The state and Atlantic City finalized a new three-year deal as announced on Wednesday. Also in the mix to host was the IZOD Center in East Rutherford. When the IZOD withdrew from consideration, the NJSIAA and executive director Steve Timko where left with one alternative. One choice.

Additionally, the dates for this year's tournament -- March 8-9-10 -- are two weeks after regions conclude on Saturday, Feb. 23. This is not unprecedented, but it's certainly not an ideal situation for quite a few in the wrestling community.

"We had no choice [between two venues]," said Timko when reached at his office in Robbinsville on Thursday afternoon. "It's not the week we were hoping for. It's tough being locked in."

One question has been answered, but there a ton of others left to be solved.

Timko said he is trying to meet with his wrestling committee -- including Coaches Association president Dan O'Cone -- in the next few weeks to go over multiple issues and concerns, such as moving dates for districts and regions back a week -- leaving a one week gap between the Groups and districts -- and the possibility of leaving the existing gap between regions and states.

If the committee decides to push districts and regions back one week to close that gap, will schools be allowed to compete during the off-week before districts and will match limits be raised to do so? As of now, schedules and match limits have been satisfied for the most part, leaving schools no margin to work with. Furthermore, how does this impact the spring sports season with later wrestling dates in March?

The new dates in AC also conflict with the EIWA Tournament scheduled to be held at Rutgers that same weekend. A move that isn't sitting well with college coaches, including Scarlet Knights head coach Scott Goodale. The former Jackson coach voiced his displeasure Wednesday via his Twitter account:

"NJ wrestlers don't grow up dreaming of AC they dream of winning a state championship. The venue doesn't matter #joke."

"There are multiple problems." Timko said. "I'm aware of them. The other issue is having kids hold weight for two weeks [between regions and states]. It seems like we'd be affecting less kids by keeping the dates as they are for this year. These are decisions I wasn't looking forward to making."

Timko dismissed the possibility of creating a Tournament of Champions to fill that week void should they decide to move districts and regions back one week. He said such a notion would only be possible this year since the dates revert back to the first weekend in March for 2014 and '15.

"It would not work for next year, so why make it a one-year thing?," he said. "I would have to renegotiate a new contract ... and I'm not about to do that."

It's not an ideal situation across the board. So, how did we get to this point? Timko said he submitted a proposal to both Boardwalk Hall and IZOD back on June 19. Yet, somehow, Lady Gaga was booked in AC for Saturday, March 2 -- what would have been the second day of the state tournament.

It's something that puzzles Timko -- who also said this was the first expired contract with Boardwalk Hall. In years past, new and old contracts overlapped so there was never a point where both sides had no agreement for the following year(s) in place.

"Boardwalk Hall has treated me very well," Timko said. "We sent out [proposals] nine months before the event and we put in dates for the next three years. IZOD got the dates right. Somehow, Lady Gaga won out over wrestling [at Boardwalk Hall]. It was probably a business decision."

However, Timko said he received a call from Boardwalk Hall in the interim asking if the NJSIAA would be willing to move the dates back a week. Timko stated at the time that they were not interested in changing dates.

Another interesting tidbit is that Timko was asked by the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference -- in a unanimous vote among 42 athletic directors -- to investigate finding a new venue following the expired agreement with AC in 2012.

So, not all are in favor of keeping the status quo in AC. Travel concerns across schools statewide are also a consideration for a move. The northern half makes annual trips to Toms River for the Group championships and Atlantic City for the State championships.

"[A lot of] people seem happy we're back in Atlantic City," Timko said. "We did investigate the possibility of finding another site. I will argue that there are 160-something exits [actually 130] on the Garden State Parkway and Toms River is No. 82 [Route 37 exit]. The IZOD favors North 1 and North 2. And it's probably not a bad idea since about 66 percent of the wrestlers [in the state tournament] come from Middlesex County and above."

Would IZOD have won out if it hadn't pulled its proposal at the last minute? Timko didn't offer a direct response.

"IZOD withdrew, and that makes it a moot point and a moot question," he offered.

So, now the real work begins.

"I really care about the sport and I've supported the sport," said Timko, who can often be seen attending the District 17 and Region 5 events. "Now I have a situation and I have to deal with it."

Field hockey: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex rankings

Warren Hills, last year's No. 1 team, returns to the top spot in the first Open Mike team rankings of the season. Only teams from the three counties are eligible.

Records and stats reflect action from Sept. 6-10.

1. Warren Hills (1-0) -- Blue Streaks unquestionably are the deepest team in the area. Senior center midfielder Niki Miller and junior Nikki Schott are terrors in the middle behind a young but talented forward line. Goalie Katie Wintersteen has developed into one of the top keepers in the area. After a 2-1 win over Montgomery -- a North 2 Group 2 finalist last year -- a much-anticipated game with Group 1 power Shore Regional was rained out on Saturday. Coach Laurie Kerr entered the week two wins shy of 200.

Up next: at Delaware Valley on Tuesday; at Phillipsburg on Thursday; Bernards at home on Saturday.

2. Hunterdon Central (1-1) -- Red Devils opened with a pair of tough games -- beating Ridge, 4-3, on Thursday before a 4-0 loss to perennial Group 4 power Bridgewater-Raritan on Saturday. Coach Jenn Sponzo's team lost three meetings against the Panthers last season, including a 4-1 decision in the Group 4 semifinals. Keep an eye on the Barretts -- Nicole and Taylor. Nicole Barrett scored two goals in the win over Ridge.

Up next: North Hunterdon at home on Tuesday; Pingry at home on Thursday; at Westfield on Saturday.

3. Voorhees (1-0-1) -- Vikings stormed out of the gate with a 3-1 win over No. 4 Phillipsburg -- their 12th in a row over the Stateliners since 2007 (20-4-1 edge in the all-time series) and the program's 16th straight win on on Opening Day -- before a 1-1 draw with a tough Montgomery squad on Monday. Sophomore Hannah Ryan leads the Vikes with two goals. Two familiar names are in the cage, as Lauren Pianucci and Kathryn Boyce, have seem time early on. Lauren is the younger sister of Kimmie Pianucci, a star goalie for Voorhees the last three years and now playing at Columbia University. Kathryn is the third of the Boyce sisters -- Colleen is at Princeton and Kelsey is playing at Iowa.

Up next: Somerville at home on Thursday.

4. Phillipsburg (1-1) -- 'Liners lost a tough one to Voorhees before rebounding nicely with a 2-0 win over Belvidere on Saturday. Senior forward Katie Decker scored in the opener and Molly Zgoda got here first against the County Seaters. Those two will pace the offense this season. Goalie Brittany Lavin recorded five saves for her first shutout this season and the fourth career. Big showdown for P'burg on Thursday as it hosts No. 1 Warren Hills, which has won the last eight meetings dating to 2008 and leads 26-11-1 overall in the series. 'Liners also have lost the last seven meetings at home since 2005.

Up next: at Somerville on Tuesday; Warren Hills at home on Thursday; at Blair Academy on Saturday.

5. High Point (2-0-1) -- Wildcats enjoyed a strong showing in their opener -- a 7-1 thrashing of rival Vernon before a scoreless tie on Saturday against Pequannock and a 4-0 win over Mount Olive on Monday to go 2-0 in the NJAC American Division. Senior foward and UConn recruit Darby Smith scored five goals -- one shy of the school record -- to become the Wantage school's all-time goals and points leader in the win over Vernon. First-year goalie Erin Williams has posted back-to-back shutouts in the first three games.

Up next: at Morris Hills on Wednesday; Pope John at home on Friday.

6. Wallkill Valley (1-0) -- Ranger survived a scare in their opener with a 1-0 win over Kittatinny at home. Senior forward Andreanna Nordland scored the game-winner -- her 35th career goal. Senior Emily Stukenborg -- arguably the area's top goalie -- made five saves for her first shutout of the season (11 in 2011) and the 26th of her four-year career. She will give the Rangers a chance to win almost every time out. Coach Irene Chernati's team closes the week with two tough ones -- Jefferson and Newton.

Up next: Parsippany at home on Tuesday; at Jefferson on Thursday; at Newton on Saturday.

7. South Hunterdon (2-0) -- Eagles started strong with a thrilling 2-1 win in overtime against defending Skyland Conference Valley Division champion Bernards before a 4-1 pounding of Franklin on Monday. Forward Kaycee Zavorsky is off to a strong start with three goals and one assist in the first two games, while Sarah McCaffrey scored twice against Franklin.

Up next: at Belvidere on Thursday.

8. Belvidere (1-1) -- County Seaters opened with a 2-0 win over Mount St. Mary and followed up with a 2-0 loss to No. 4 Phillipsburg on Saturday. Senior forward Nicole DeHerde scored both goals against Mount St. Mary and senior goalie Amanda Fisher made three saves for her first shutout. Senior back Kristen Ostrzyzek has an assist in the opener. Big week on tap against two Skyland Conference Valley Division foes.

Up next: at Bernards on Tuesday; South Hunterdon at home on Thursday.

9. Newton (1-0) -- Braves escaped with a 1-0 win over NJAC Freedom Division rival Hackettsown in their opener. Senior forward Melanie Rudio converted the game-winner off a feed from junior forward Katherine Kellenberger. Senior goalie Audrey Kelly stopped five shots for her first career shutout. Grudge game against Wallkill Valley coming up on Saturday. Newton won the first two Freedom titles until Wallkill wrestled the crown away last season with two 1-0 wins in overtime against the Braves.

Up next: Lenape Valley at home on Tuesday; at North Warren on Thursday; Wallkill Valley at home on Saturday.

10. Delaware Valley (1-0) -- Terriers earned a 1-0 win over Somerville at home in their opener on Friday. Senior back Caitlyn Slusser scored the decisive goal off a feed from senior midfielder Olivia Brogan to give second-year coach Stephanie Carino her first win in a season opener. Tough week on tap against two of the better teams in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division.

Up next: Warren Hills at home on Tuesday; at Montgomery on Thursday.

Wrestling: NJSIAA scrambling to find state venue

Lady Gaga is scheduled to perform on Saturday, March 2 in evening at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City -- a date that directly conflicts with what would be the second day of the NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships.

Needless to say, this isn't exactly music to the ears of NJSIAA executive director Steve Timko and his organization. In a somewhat surprising move, it appears the home of the state tournament will shift to the IZOD Center in the Meadowlands for 2013 and perhaps beyond.

Timko declined comment on the situation when reached at his office on Friday, but did say there will be an executive meeting on Wednesday to discuss recent events that have caught most in the high school wrestling world off-guard.

"We are not commenting [on a venue for states] as we're still reviewing," Timko said. "No decision has been made at this point. We have to [address this] with our finance and executive committees. We're trying to come to a closure as quickly as we can."

The state's contract with Boardwalk Hall -- the tournament's home continuously since 2002 -- ended in 2012. Atlantic City has hosted all but two championships since 1992, when it moved from Jadwin Gym in Princeton following the '91 tournament. The new convention center across town hosted the event in 1999 -- an unmitigated disaster where large pillars obstructed most fan's view of all mats and drew a major outcry from paying customers, coaches, fans and media. It was a major embarrassment for the NJSIAA, something it desperately wants to avoid in this case.

After seven straight years in AC, it moved to the Meadowlands for 2000 and 2001 while renovations were being done to old Boardwalk Hall. It has been there ever since. The Meadowlands was a very popular venue with coaches, wrestlers, fans and media members.

Now it appears that the state bit off more than it can chew in this one. The feeling, according to several sources, was that the NJSIAA, which had sent bids out to possibles hosts, thought it had a major bargaining chip with Boardwalk Hall since it lost the Atlantic 10 men's basketball tournament. Apparently, the Hall thought differently and scheduled a big concert for the weekend of the state tournament.

Now, there's really only two options for the NJSIAA -- push the state tournament back a weekend if possible or move to the Meadowlands. No other venue in New Jersey could host a tournament of this size without sacrificing seating or having sufficient space for eight mats or both.

"I think it's a done deal that it's going to come up north," said first-year High Point athletic director Todd Van Orden, who moved from his post at Wallkill Valley at the end of the last school year. "It's just my hunch."

It seems the move a potential won't be a popular with fans who love going down to AC. I've heard some of the complaints -- it's tradition, there won't be anything to do for fans. I say this, AC is no place for student athletes and I've addressed this with Timko in the past. Not to mention the outrageous prices for lodging on the Boardwalk. A lot of the people that want it to stay where it is, love to gamble and have a good time in AC.

The Meadowlands is a perfect host and New York City is a stone's throw away. Hop on a bus or train and the world is your oyster in a few short minutes. I'm hoping it returns to the IZOD, which has sat there like somewhat of a white elephant since the Nets and Devils left town. Stay tuned.

Region 1 staying at Wallkill Valley

Van Orden said that regulations for the Region Tournaments have not been formally sent out -- not totally uncommon this late in the game. However, several sources have said that there will be no change in venue for Region 1 as has been rumored in recent years.

That's good news for many in these parts. Van Orden was a big proponent of keeping it when he was at Wallkill Valley and says that new AD Daryl Jones and his staff will continue what has always been a first-class operation.

The state receives a fat check every year from Region 1 -- the state's top moneymaker -- and that will certainly squash any other schools from scooping it up, try as they might.

"I'm 99.9 percent sure it will be back at Wallkill," Van Orden said.

Timko did confirm that a movement is in place for the district tournaments to be independently run and funded by the 32 host sites this season. After visiting with "about 20 of them" during the summer, he feels this will somewhat ease the financial burden the state has been under the last several years.

Full wrestlebacks for state wrestling

Also on Wednesday's agenda was to be finalizing plans to have full wrestlebacks for the state tournament this season, wherever it might be held. In the past, only first-round winners advanced -- leaving 112 wrestlers in a one-and-done scenario that first night.

"It's part of the discussion. We're trying to figure out the cost factor and the logistics," Timko said. "In my 12 years here it's come up several different times. It is an opportunity for 112 wrestlers to compete."

Field hockey: Smith breaks records as 'Cats roll

It's hard to say if records were meant to be broken this quickly.

Nonetheless, senior forward Darby Smith wasted little time in smashing two school marks that stood for nearly 15 years.

Smith scored five goals to become High Point's all-time leader and added the career points mark to the list as the Wildcats rolled to a 7-1 win over Vernon on Thursday in a Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference clash at Vernon Township High School's Anthony Macerino Stadium.

High Point (1-0 overall, 1-0 American Division), which has won five straight in this series since a 2-0 loss to Vernon in the 2010 season finale, lost 13 seniors and eight starters from last year's squad which won its second straight division title and reached both the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex and North 1, Group 3 finals. But Smith -- after scoring 25 goals last season -- picked up right where she ended 2011.

With 53 career goals and 120 points, Smith surpassed former standout Lesley Dube's totals of 50 and 112. Dube led High Point to sectional titles in 1996 and '97.

"I'm very excited. It's amazing. When I came in as a freshman, I wasn't even thinking about [breaking the records]. To achieve this feels great," Smith said. "[Dube who teaches at High Point] and I were joking around with each other. She said to me [at school on Thursday], "Are you breaking my records today?"

Shattering those records is more like it.

Veteran coach Bev Keur was extremely pleased -- and a bit surprised -- with her team's total domination in the season opener. The win boosts her career win total to 312 in 22 seasons.

"We're rebuilding and we had a tough go in our first couple of scrimmages," said Keur, whose strategy of dropping Smith back behind the forward line paid big dividends. "I'm so pleased with how they're learning the game. Today I was most pleased with our passing."

The 'Cats jumped all over the Vikings early -- connecting for their first goal just 1:55 into the contest. Sophomore Tierney Clark connected for the first of what she hopes is many more goals off a feed from Smith and senior Maureen Gill. Just over 12 minutes later. Smith gave the visitors a 2-0 lead on a corner -- a one-timer off the insert pass from junior Carly Satter that found the left corner of the cage. Satter, who emerged last season on the front line, had two assists and spearheaded that great passing attack that impressed Keur.

Gill, who scored a hat trick in High Point's 6-1 win over Vernon here in 2011, made it a three-goal advantage when she scored on a corner. In all, the 'Cats scored three times on penalty corners, as they finished with a 13-1 edge in that category.

"Our corners were really working today," said Gill, who now has five career goals against the Vikings. "I hope we can do this every time [we play]. This is a brand new team and we knew we had to step up. I'm so proud of all the girls."

Smith connected for the first of four second-half goals with 27:57 left in the second half. The record-breaker came unassisted with 20:25 left. In between, senior forward Rachel Colvin, Vernon's goals leader with 24 last year, got the Vikings on the board 5:10 seconds into the final half.

"Our corners were spot-on," said Smith, now with eight career goals against Vernon. "Last year, we were pretty rusty [on corners]. We've been working hard on them in practice. To come out and play as good as we did opening day was absolutely amazing."

Defensively, new High Point goalie Erin Williams didn't get much of a test as she faced just four shots all day. On the other end, first-year Vernon goalie Clara Mikaeil was pretty solid despite the number of goals allowed. Mikaeil made a number of outstanding saves and the score could have been much worse if not for her play. Back Regina Incarnato, a first-year varsity starter, also had a solid game for the Vikes.


High Point (1-0, 1-0)                   3                   4             --   7
Vernon (0-1, 0-1)                        0                   1             --   1

Scoring

First half -- HP, Tierney Clark, 1st, (Darby Smith, Maureen Gill), 28:05; HP, Smith, 1st, (Carly Satter), 15:50; HP, Gill, 1st, (Satter), 13:34.

Second half -- HP, Smith, 2nd, 27:57; V, Rachel Colvin, 1st, 24:50; HP, Smith, 3rd, 20:25; HP, Smith, 4th, 7:55; HP, Smith, 5th, 6:20.

Shots -- High Point 19; Vernon 4.

Saves -- Erin Williams 3 (HP); Clara Mikaeil 12 (V).

Penalty corners -- High Point 13; Vernon 1.

In other action:

Voorhees 3, Phillipsburg 1 -- Sophomore Hannah Ryan scored what proved to be the decisive goal midway through the first half as the Vikings opened with a home victory -- their 16th straight opening-day win and their 11th in a row over the Stateliners dating to 2007. Voorhees' last loss in an opener was 1-0 in double-OT to Belvidere in 1996. Junior Ashley Kerekgyarto and freshman Kathryn Roncoroni also scored goals. Senior forward Katie Decker connected for P'burg in the Skyland Conference Raritan Division contest.

Warren Hills 2, Montgomery 1 -- Sophomore forward Jessica Nissen and senior center midfielder Niki Miller scored to lead the Blue Streaks in their home opener. Miller's second-half score, which made it 2-0, was the difference as Warren Hills led 1-0 at the half. Amanda Crampton and Nikki Schott recorded assists and goalie Katie Wintersteen made three saves.

Hunterdon Central 4, Ridge 3 -- Senior forward Nicole Barrett scored a pair of second-half goals to lift the Red Devils in their season opener in a Skyland Conference Delaware Division clash in Basking Ridge. Junior forward Carissa Benedickson and junior midfielder Ally Baligian staked Central to a 2-0 lead in the first half before the hosts came back to tie it.

Sparta 3, Morris Hills 2 -- Senior forward Lauren Hunt deposited the shot heard round Sparta with three seconds left in the second half to give the Spartans an opening-day win in an NJAC American Division matchup. Ally Matchett and Maggie DePaul also converted goals. The win snapped the Sussex County school's 20-game losing streak dating to 2010 -- when it finished 2-15-1 -- and gave Kristin Savasta a win in her coaching debut. Sparta's last game without a loss was a 1-1 tie against Pope John on Oct. 19, 2010. Its last win was a 3-1 triumph over North Warren on Oct. 2, 2010. Sparta was 0-16 in 2011 and scored only two goals.

Pope John 1, Montville 1 (OT) -- Senior forward Rachel Spetz connected off a feed from Beth Dauer in the second half to help the Lions earn a draw in their opener in an NJAC American Division contest. Kelsey Sullivan and Sam Scalabrini combined for seven saves in PJ's first game under veteran coach Gina DiMaio. The Lions lost twice to Montville in 2011.

Wrestling: Blair moving on without Buxton in charge

Longtime Blair Academy wrestling coach Jeff Buxton has moved on and the Blairstown school is also forging ahead with the 2012-13 school year.

Buxton, to the casual observer, abruptly resigned on Aug. 25 and left behind a national powerhouse that has captured 32 straight National Prep championships. The Bucs have been ranked 10 times as the nation's top program since 1995.

Blair headmaster T. Chandler Hardwick said Buxton approached him in July about the possibility of stepping down from his coaching post -- a position he's either held as co- or full-time head coach since 1984.

"This process started in July," Hardwick said when reached at his office on Thursday. "We talked about it. His reasons are personal in nature -- personal, professional and family. We went round and round about it and he decided to move on from Blair. I understand [the timing] being odd [to outside parties]. But he had been thinking about it for awhile. We certainly support him."

Hardwick confirmed that assistant coach Charles Danhof, who has been with the program for 10 years, assumes the interim head coaching duties. The school will be conducting a search for a full-time head coach in the near future. Buxton was unavailable for comment on his resignation or his coaching future.

"Because of the timing [of Buxton's resignation], I suggested to the Board of Trustees [to appoint Danhof as interim coach]," Hardwick said. "Getting the school year started was very important to us."

Hardwick said that he had a very good relationship with Buxton and that he's already received several calls about the high-profile coach from potential employers. According to one reliable source, Rutgers is interested in adding Buxton to head coach Scott Goodale's staff.

"I think he's going to have a lot of offers," Hardwick said. "I think he's going to take some time to reassess what's important to him. I've had a number of conversations with people and I say "Good luck with [pursuing him to coach]. I don't know if Jeff is ready [to accept] when anybody calls."

Buxton's resignation at this time of year certainly raises some eyebrows. Though Hardwick agreed with that notion, he would not get into specifics as to why Buxton stepped down just days before the school year. Hardwick did say that he had a very strong relationship with the former coach.

"I think we considered each other friends," Hardwick said. "But again, I am his employer and he made that decision."

Hardwick said that Blair is very proud of its wrestling program and the notoriety it has brought to the school. However, wrestling is not the end all and be all. If Blair can remain as one of the top wrestling programs in the country remains to be seen.

"[Wrestling] has given us a national exposure that we're very proud of," Hardwick said. "But if wrestling or one of our other programs stopped functioning, our school is very resilient. The reality is that we're not a life support system for a great high school wrestling program. We're just a mother ship. The community doesn't feel dependent on wrestling as an identity of our institution."

Hardwick did say that Blair expects to have a great 2012-13 season regardless of recent circumstances.

"I think Jeff would say the same thing," Hardwick said. "I hope he comes back and visits us in the fall. He loves these kids and has a close relationship with them."

2012 Field Hockey Preview: Hunterdon-Warren

Belvidere

Coach: Kristin Gaitan (4th season, 40-18-2)

2011 record: 15-5, 8-2 (second place Skyland Conference Valley Division)

Key returnees: F Nicole DeHerde (8 goals, 8 assists), sr.; F Alexa Beaumont (7 goals), sr.; D Kristen Ostrzyzek, sr.; F Alison Bancroft, sr.; MF Sarah Edmiston, sr.;  F Erin Sassaman, so.; F Tomi Ayers, sr.

Key losses: MF Laura Cheatham; MF Kasey Keenan (10 assists); MF Morgan Lucas; D McKenna Kels; GK Josee Ritter (12 shutouts); F Tiffany McKenna (27 goals).

Top newcomers: GK Amanda Fisher, sr,; D Sarah Granitzski, sr.; D Danielle White, sr.; D Sarah Woodworth, sr.; MF Meghan Laubach, jr.; MF Natalie Lotter, sr.; F Jamie Wasser, sr.; F-MF Kaitlyn Robinson, jr.; F Ashley Fisher, sr.

Outlook: County Seaters are coming off their best season under Gaitan, finishing with 15 victories for the second straight year and reaching the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex semifinals for the first time in program history. Belvidere also qualified for the state playoffs, a 2-1 loss to Montclair Kimberley. Replacing McKenna's 27 goals on offense and Ritter's 12 shutouts in the cage will be monumental tasks. If the Seaters can score, they could surprise. DeHerde will be the featured player on offense.

Delaware Valley

Coach: Stephanie Carino (2nd season, 6-10-1)

2012 record: 6-10-1, 4-6-1 (fourth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)

Key returnees: MF Olivia Brogan, sr.; D Caitlin Slusser, sr.; D-MF Kristen Brokaw, jr.; F-MF Caroline Vath (5 goals), so.; D Sawyer Warzybuk, sr.

Key losses: GK Mary Drabich; F Diane Opiekun; F Katie Guiliano.

Top newcomers: MF-D Alyssa Orrico, so.; MF-D Brianna Scripko, so.; GK Jackie Compta, sr.

Outlook: Terriers are coming off back-to-back six-win seasons and lost their best player in Drabich, one of the top goalies in the conference. Her loss will be felt. The duties in the cage fall on Compta, who will have to get up to speed quickly in a very tough conference and division. Carino is excited for her second season and says the Terriers will have plenty of leadership this season. If the offense, which produced 24 goals in 17 games last season, can improve, so can the team's win total.


Hackettstown

Coach: Stephen Speirs (3rd season, 14-21-1)

2011 record: 6-13, 4-4 (third place NJAC Freedom Division)

Key returnees: D Julia Derco, sr.; F Stefania Swider, sr; MF Nicole Andes, jr.; F Sierramarie Fitzgerald, jr.; F Michelle Carlson, jr.; F Kelly Healy, so.; Marissa Siconolfi, so.

Key losses: F Kaitlin Perch; F Megan Healy; GK Tanya Volkert; D Rebecca Connelly; F Danielle DeGraw.

Top newcomers: GK Jessia Huffman, sr.; D Allana Fitzgerald, so.; D Michaela Sass, fr.; F Samantha Strathern, fr.

Outlook: Tigers are entering their fourth season in the NJAC and are looking to get above the .500 mark for the first time since 2009. Derco and Swider are solid players to build around, but the loss of Volkert in the cage will hurt. Hackettstown is a bit more experience after starting last season with 13 first-year players. Numbers in the program are up, according to Speirs who says the defense will be solid this season. It will need to be after the offense produced a total of 15 goals in 19 games in 2011.

Hunterdon Central

Coach: Jenn Sponzo (14th season, 177-92-16)

2011 record: 14-10, 7-5 (third place Skyland Conference Delaware Division)

Key returnees: F Nicole Barrett (7 goals, 8 assists), sr.; MF Chloe Maurice, sr.; MF Allison Baligian, jr.; F Taylor Barrett, so.; F Kendall Nickel, so.; D Emily Grube, sr.; GK Fran Orella, sr.; D Annie Hosler, jr.

Key losses: F Kim Engelhart; F Rebecca Jaeger; MF Kristen Given; MF Julie Earle.

Top newcomers: F Carissa Benedickson, jr.; MF Morgan Lojek, jr.; D Megan Brady, sr.; D Hailey Kohler, jr.; F Sarah Pulkowski, jr.

Outlook: After posting the program's lowest win total in 25 years, the Red Devils rebounded in a big way last season with 14 wins and capturing the North 2, Group 4 sectional championship (its sixth under Sponzo who is the school's all-time coaching wins leader) before falling to Bridgewater-Raritan in the Group 4 semifinals. Offensively, Central made a huge leap -- going from 11 goals in 2010 to 48 a year ago. Engelhart (team-high 20 goals) is a big loss as she was the heart and soul last year. Nicole Barrett will be counted on to fill the scoring void. Defense is the team's strength with Maurice, one of the top players in West Jersey. Orella stepped up nicely in the cage last season, particularly down the stretch. Expect Central to be a championship contender once again.

North Hunterdon

Coach: Stacy Ditze (5th season, 34-58-2)

2011 record: 2-15, 2-10 (sixth place Skyland Conference Delaware Division)

Key returnees: F Keaton Gray, sr.; MF Sophia Latriano, sr.; MF Amanda Lambert, jr.; MF Emily Baldwin, jr.

Key losses: MF Jenn Lambert; F Monica Chamberlin; D Michaela Martino; GK Felicia Heard; MF/D Sam Kose.

Top newcomers: D Isabella Desmaris, sr.; GK Bridget Walsh, sr.

Outlook: Lions are coming off one of their toughest seasons in recent years after falling on strokes in the North 1, Group 4 playoffs in 2010. North was extremely young a year ago with only four returning letterwinners. This season, 15 of the 21 players currently on the varsity roster are seniors. Ditze will be counting on Gray to help lead an offense that was shut out 11 times last season and scored a total of seven goals. Latriano also is a nice player in the midfield. Walsh replaces Heard (a fine goalie) in the cage. Could be another tough season in a rugged division, but expect the Lions to be improved.

North Warren

Coach: Laura Kasa (3rd season, 5-31-1)

2011 record: 5-12-1, 2-8 (fifth place Skyland Conference Valley Division)

Key returnees: F Jessica Towey, so.; D Kathleen Wadiak, jr.; GK Rebecca Hendershot, jr.; F Laura Gessler, jr.

Key losses: GK Madison Moore; F Jenna Norgard; MF Giuliana Lorusso.

Top newcomers: F Megan Stevens, so.

Outlook: Talk about your improvements. After a winless campaign in 2010, the Patriots won five games a year ago and showed a marked improvement in their ability to compete. A win in their first game snapped a 23-game skid dating to 2009. Offensively, North went from two goals in 19 games to 19 goals in 18 games last season. Towey (team-high six goals) made a splash as a freshman and is back to lead that unit. Defensively, the Pats allowed 59 goals compared to 96 in 2010. Losing Moore in the cage hurts, but Hendershot, a converted forward, has stepped up to the challenge, according to Kasa. After a summer of camps and training, the coach expects bigger things from this group in 2012 -- the first year that North Warren will be competing in the NJAC Freedom Division.

Phillipsburg

Coach: Jennifer Paulus (2nd season, 10-11)

2011 record: 10-11, 4-8 (fifth place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)

Key returnees: F Katie Decker, sr. (9 goals); MF Molly Zgoda, sr. (6 goals); GK Brittany Lavin, sr.; F Clare Smith, sr.; MF Mariya Saydek, sr.; D Allyson Butler, sr.; D Renee Custodio, sr.; F Kelly Jankowski, jr.; MF Gabby Morena, sr.; F Katy Frey, sr.; F Marissa Perino, jr.; MF Gabby Jackson, jr.; F Janelle Jackson, jr.; MF Emily DiMarco, so.

Key losses: F Lauren Nunes (9 goals); F Priscilla Howell (12 goals); MF Cassie Fortuna; D Autumn Marinelli

Top newcomers: Lacey O'Dowd, fr.; Kylie Marhold, fr.; Ellie Zgoda, fr.

Outlook: Stateliners, who return seven starters, really came on in the second half last season, winning six of their last 10 games and reaching the North 1, Group 4 semifinals after state playoff wins against North Hunterdon and Westfield. Decker was a big reason for the team's success down the stretch with seven goals in those 10 games, including two in the playoffs. Decker and Zgoda will anchor the offense this season, while Lavin (three-year starter in the cage), Saydek and Custodio pace the defense. Also keep an eye on DiMarco, who saw significant time in the second half last year. If this team gets consistent goal scoring, watch out.

Voorhees

Coach: Taylor Webb (2nd season, 14-4)

2011 record: 14-4, 10-2 (second place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)

Key returnees: MF Tori Crans, jr.; F Ashley Kerekgyarto (5 goals), jr.; D Alex Barish, jr.; D Anna McLees, sr.; F-MF Sara Diacik, sr.

Key losses: F Antoinette Metzler; MF Cat Chen; MF Erin Miller; F Kat Francis; GK Kimmie Pianucci; D Taylor Irving.

Top newcomers: F-MF Hannah Ryan, so.; F-MF Kathryn Roncoroni, fr.

Outlook: Vikings enjoyed a fine season last year, winning two state playoff games before dropping a tough 1-0 decision to sectional champion Johnson in the tough North 2, Group 3 draw. Lack of a consistent offensive attack against quality opponents hurt this group a year ago and that will be the key to staying in the championship hunt for one of the top programs in New Jersey. Kerekgyarto is leading returning scorer with the departure of Metzler and Irving (combined 23 goals). The biggest loss to overcome is in the cage, where Pianucci (9 shutouts in 2011, 23 total last two years) was among the finest goalies ever produced out of the Hunterdon County powerhouse. Defensively, last year's unit allowed one goal or fewer in all but one game. Lots of questions surrounding the Vikes for the first time in awhile, but you can expect tradition and an outstanding coaching staff will guide this team along.

Warren Hills

Coach: Laurie Kerr (12th season, 197-59-11)

2011 record: 22-2, 11-1 (first place Skyland Conference Raritan Division)

Key returnees: MF Niki Miller, sr. (22 goals, 14 assists); MF Nikki Schott, jr. (9 goals, 7 assists); GK Katie Wintersteen, sr. (13 shutouts); F Meghan Dempski, sr; F Sydney Muntone, so.; F Nikki Profita, so.; D Amanda Crampton, so.

Key losses: F Lindsey Schott (27 goals, school record); MF Whitney Kowski; D Jen Hylkema; F Kayla Grater (16 goals); F Sarah Detrick; D Jamie Miller; D Caitlin Clark.

Top newcomers: F Shannon Zignoli, jr; MF Melanie Loth, jr; D Allie Brouhard, so.; F Julie DeSanto, fr.

Outlook: Blue Streaks are annually in the championship discussion and this year they could be the favorites for a Group 3 state title that has eluded this program since its first finals appearance in 1996. The graduation are losses are huge, make no mistake, as Scott and Kowski enjoyed spectacular seasons a year ago, helping to lead the program to its first county championship. Niki Miller is one of the top all-around players ever to don the Blue and White and she will take her talents to UMass next year. Nikki Schott is an exceptional distributor, though her assists dipped from 16 to seven last year. Wintersteen, a three-year starter, was key a year ago as her continued improvement in the cage helped the Streaks reach the North 2, Group 3 final where they lost 3-2 to Group 3 champ Freehold Boro. Barring injuries, this could be a special season in Washington.

2012 Field Hockey Preview: Sussex

High Point

Coach: Bev Keur (22nd season, 311-113-14 in three stints)

2011 record: 20-2, 13-0 (first place NJAC American Division)

Key returnees: F Darby Smith, sr. (25 goals, 47 last two years); F Maureen Gill, sr. (7 goals); D Michaela Macken, sr.; F Carly Satter, jr.

Key losses: MF Sarah Clark; D Bea Cannavale (8 goals); MF Sashal Hagan (11 assists); F Nikki Hull (18 goals); F Brittany Papa (14 goals); D Shannon Havens; D Kelsey Fleury; GK Kelsey Stoll, sr. (9 shutouts).

Top newcomers: GK Brittany McKay, sr.; GK Ashley Morrow, sr.; D Danielle Stetzel, sr.; GK Erin Williams, sr.; MF Michaela O'Hern, jr.; F Alexis Ambrosino, so.; F Tierney Clark, so.; MF Kristen English, so.

Outlook: Wildcats lost 13 seniors, including eight starters, to graduation after posting 20 wins for the second straight year in 2011. A lot of offense went out the doors in Wantage with the departures of Hull, Hagan and Papa -- as 51 of the team's 86 goals graduated. First and foremost, though, will be finding a replacement for Stoll in the cage. High Point was a solid defensive team a year ago and Macken will help anchor that group this fall. Smith is one of the top scorers around and should become the school's career points leader this season, while Gill emerged last season as a capable scorer. The lack of experience will hurt and another run to a sectional final will be tough to duplicate. 'Cats also dropped from Group 3 to Group 2 this season.

Kittatinny

Coach: Heather Reynolds (4th season, 19-28-4)

2011 record: 6-9-1, 2-5-1 (fourth place NJAC Freedom Division)

Key returnees: F Sam Hennet, sr.; F Lyle Freeman, sr.; F Megan Calascibetta, sr.; D Dana Yanvary, so.

Key losses: F Savannah Quinn; F Dylan Bradley; MF/F Michaela Virga; MF/D Katie Kandel; MF/D Molly DeLaney; D Nicole Mazzacchi; GK Melissa Calascibetta.

Top newcomers: N/A.

Outlook: Cougars were hit with heavy graduation losses, particularly on defense. The loss of Melissa Calascibetta in the cage is big, so finding a replacement will be paramount if this program is to get back over the .500 mark. Megan Calascibetta was the team's leading scorer last season with seven goals. Otherwise, the offense was rather pedestrian as the Cougars scored a total of 16 goals. If the offense improves and the defense holds, a .500 record is a possibility.

Lenape Valley

Coach: Kate Rothman (2nd season, 3-13-1)

2011 record: 3-13-1, 1-7 (fifth place NJAC Freedom Division)

Key returnees: MF Sally Olson, so.; F Alyssa Falleni, so.; F Aurora Eckstein, sr.; D Emily Zimmer, sr.

Key losses: MF Jenna Tambasco; MF Meg Delagrange; GK Deanna Utter.

Top newcomers: GK Jeannine Lubin, sr.; MF Isabelle Becker, so.; F Hollis Smith, fr.; F Morgan Cone, jr.

Outlook: Patriots took their lumps in Rothman's first season at the helm. Offensively, last year's unit produced just 10 goals in 17 games. Lenape is counting on Falleni, who scored three of those, to increase that total this fall. Defensively, the loss of Utter is huge. She held opponents to one goal or fewer in nine games last season. Pats will continue the rebuilding process in 2012.

Newton

Coach: Lisa Bechtel (23rd season, 330-104-10)

2011 record: 9-6-1, 4-3-1 (second place NJAC Freedom Division)

Key returnees: F-MF Melanie Rudio, sr. (10 goals, 14 assists); F-MF Katherine Kellenberger, jr,; MF Melissa Bencivenga, jr.; D Alexis Picarella, sr.; MF Steph Mocerino, sr.; MF Pauline Tabaranza, sr; D Emily Ventura, sr.

Key losses: MF Alicia Grotyohann; GK Amanda Norman (14 shutouts); D Sam Hofmann; MF Kelsi Huber;  MF Jenny Diener; MF Nicole Petrillo; F Kayla Kahn.

Top newcomers: GK Audrey Kelly, sr.; F Karlee Liddy, sr.; D Monica Wilder, sr.; D Paige Zawislak, jr.; D Naomi Zoko, jr.; F Sam Brewster, so.; MF Carly Dykstra, so.

Outlook: Braves lost some talented players to graduation and eight seniors overall from last year's team that went 1-1 in the North 1, Group 2 playoffs, but struggled against the better teams on the schedule. The loss of Norman is significant with no experienced keeper returning. Always a solid defensive team, Newton will need to find a reliable goalie. Rudio, last year's leading scorer, returns to anchor an offense that struggled in producing 28 goals a year ago. This young group will need a year to mature.

Pope John

Coach: Gina DiMaio (first season)

2011 record: 7-11, 7-7 (fifth place NJAC American Division)

Key returnees: F Lydia Hoff, sr.; D Nicola Sarao, jr.; F Rachel Spetz, sr.; F Beth Dauer, sr.

Key losses: MF Meghan Chrobock; F Shannon Connell; D Lauren Grosso; F Genna Lapola; MF Sydney Logan; F Kimberly Piwko; GK Jenna Gloria.

Top newcomers: F Molly Romania, so.; D Elizabeth Frye, sr.; MF Taylor Bailey, so.; D Baylee Vazzo, so.;  F-MF Sara Gonzalez, so.; D Natalie Martin, so.; GK Sam Scalabrini, so.; GK Kelsey Sullivan, so.

Outlook: DiMaio, the highly successful former coach at Hackettstown, takes over the Lions, who went 28-29-2 the previous three seasons under Susan Blanchard. The cupboard isn't exactly stocked, but DiMaio will get the most out of what she has here. Hoff was among the team's leading scorers a year ago with seven goals. Scalabrini got some varsity experience in the cage last season which should help the defense. Aside from the 17 goals they scored in games against Sparta and Mount Olive, the Lions only amassed 17 in the other 15 games, so finding a consistent attack will be the key to a successful campaign.

Sparta

Coach: Kristin Savasta (first season)

2011 record: 0-16, 0-13 (eighth place NJAC American Division)

Key returnees: MF Maya Drummond, sr.; D Liz Anderson, jr.; F Lauren Hunt, sr.; D Emily Melberger, jr.; F Maggie DePaul, sr.; MF Lauren Fabiano, sr.; MF Sam Mornhineway, sr.; D Mia Finkle, sr.; F Ally Matchett, jr.; GK Julia Keenan, jr.

Key losses: GK Jacquee Quinn.

Top newcomers: MF Julia Silvestri.

Outlook: Spartans have struggled the previous three years, going 9-59-2 over that time. Savasta takes over for Emily Scott, who guided the program for eight seasons. After a winless campaign, there is no where to go but up in 2012. Scoring will be a priority after a total of two goals last season. Quinn was a steady goalkeeper, so that will be another challenge for this group. It will be baby steps for the new coach.

Vernon

Coach: Hollyce Schoepp (3rd season, 25-15-1)

2011 record: 15-6, 11-3 (second place NJAC American Division)

Key returnees: F Rachel Colvin (24 goals), F Kim Leung, sr.; sr.; D Julie Cacace, jr.

Key losses: MF Steph Peterson; F Melody Prisco (19 goals); F Kayla Turner-Boss (16 goals); MF Jessica Lambert; MF Kate Moran; GK Rhonda Richardsen.

Top newcomers: N/A.

Outlook: Vikings were another group to be hit hard by graduation, losing 35 goals between Turner-Boss and Prisco. Actually, Turner-Boss was lost 10 games into last season with an injury. Colvin did a nice job of stepping up on offense and led the team in goals scored. She will be the leader of the offense, while the defense looks to retool after the loss of Richardsen, a solid goalie. Should be a bit of a rebuilding year for a team two years removed from a sectional final.

Wallkill Valley

Coach: Irene Chernati (27th season, 334-166-5)

2011 record: 14-5, 8-0 (first place NJAC Freedom)

Key returnees: F Andreanna Nordland, sr. (8 goals); GK Emily Stukenborg, sr. (11 shutouts); D Olivia Ganz, sr.; F Kylee Kulsar, sr.; D Rachel Fiedler, sr.; F Casey Pustelniak, jr.; F Barbara Hannan, jr.; MF Katelynn Higgins, jr.

Key losses: MF Brittany Harlos; D Kristina Garrera; F Felicia Wetzel; D Katie Bencivenga.

Top newcomers: MF Emma Chick, jr.; MF Courtney Berado, jr.; D Alyssa Cooke, sr.; F Laura David, so.; D Alexis Cohan, so.; MF Meg Good, so.; MF Catherine Readmond, so.; D Erica McNaulty, fr.; D Brianna Sabatello, jr.

Outlook: Rangers sustained some key losses from last season, most notably Harlos and Garrera. But the biggest plus is the return of Stukenborg, a three-year starter in the cage who has 20 shutouts the last two seasons. She will anchor the defense, which figures to be fine with Fielder also back. Nordland scored 17 goals as a freshman and has totaled that many the past two seasons. She will need to take charge more on the scoring end if this team is to repeat as division champs and make a run in the North 1, Group 2 playoffs.