March 5, 2004

 

"The Passion" brings movie goers to Broadway

By Karen Finn

Mel Gibson’s film, "The Passion of Christ" opened in theaters on February 25, stirring up controversial and yes, passionate reviews from both media personnel and the general population. Despite the accusations that the film will trigger anti-Semitism reaction, and is graphically violent, "The Passion" is attracting throngs of moviegoers.

Included on the list of South Jersey movie theaters which have scheduled three daily show times of "The Passion" is Pitman’s Broadway Theater.

What is so significant about that announcement? For the first time in its 78-year history, The Broadway Theater is running a first-run (new release) movie. Dan Munyon, owner and manager of The Broadway Theater since May 1999, credits that maneuver as "an act of God." Up until now, he explains, his theater has never been permitted by a film company to show a first-run film; although, due to a recent business association with Galaxy Theatres, Munyon has been able to attain more recently released films for his screen. Galaxy Theatres is a theater company located in Guttenburg, which owns/rents more than three dozen screens in New Jersey.

Since "The Passion" was financed solely by Gibson and produced by a small production company called Newmarket, it was considered to be an independent film, not under the jurisdiction of a major corporation. This created a unique break for Munyon, since Newmarket was looking for support. With the arrival of the multi-cinema complexes, it’s become more and more difficult for a small town theater (what’s left of them), to compete or thrive. "I needed this film to boost my business," states Munyon frankly.

"We’re excited about this opportunity to show it to the public," says Mary Ann Munyon, Dan’s wife, citing that local pastors and religious clergy have been personally contacted and invited to attend. Prior to each film’s showing, clergy personnel, who are present, will be identified; afterwards, patrons can make arrangements to meet and talk about the film’s contents with the clergy members. "We can see God’s hand in it," she says. "If only one person comes out to see the movie and it changes their life -- it’s been worth it."

In the days preceding the film’s debut, pre-purchased ticket sales were steady and encouraging, says Munyon. And, already two local churches have booked the theater for their congregations for a private showing.

"We plan to keep showing ‘The Passion’ until no one else comes," says Munyon.

For more information on show times and prices, contact The Broadway Theater at 856-589-4616 or 856-589-7519.

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Council notes

By Erik Pfeiffer

Larry Waetzmann, of Waetzmann Planning Group, lobbied for the construction of age restricted housing (age 55 and older) to be built on the Stuart Tract at the February 23 meeting of Pitman Borough Council. Waetzmann said the development promised to provide necessities, benefits and comfortable safety. According to Waetzmann, the development would contain 80-100 units. For the property to be developed in this manner, its zoning would need to be changed from industrial to residential.

Pitman residents spoke for and against the proposal at length. Resident Dan Urgo expressed several concerns including fire safety, water, and the effect on schools.

Pitman School Board member Joe Martin also spoke, addressing the district’s problem with declining student enrollment. A senior citizen development would not address that need, he said, adding that the district would like to see an additional 100 students. Former school board member Erik Mollenhauer concurred.

Others argued that the tract must not be allowed to be developed. Many of those were residents of Cyrus Avenue, whose back yards face the Stuart Tract.

A first reading, providing for the registration and inspection of rental units and for certificates of occupancy for all rental units (residential and commercial) including sales and resales, was again tabled by Councilman Gene Shoemaker, following a lively and lengthy debate. The ordinance, if adopted, would require inspection for rental units each time there is a change in tenant at a cost of $30.

Due to a fire that damaged 616 South Broadway, it is likely the property will be torn down for safety. The property owner at 206 Embury Ave. did not get a building permit for construction work and was charged a $250 fine. The borough owned property at 118 5th Ave. was sold for $95,000; and the property located at 123 10th Ave. will go on auction March 8 with a starting bid of $65,000 (CO included), reported Councilman Gene Shoemaker.

Rowan will soon be moving the huge dirt pile near Alcyon Lake, and the silt overflow near the lake’s boat ramp has already been removed, according to Councilman Will Downham. A device has also been installed that is regulating the silt in the lake.

Construction at McCowan Library is on track and should be completed by the end of May, continued Downham.

Problems with the discoloration of water due to rust/iron deposits in piping may be improving. Klenphos, a corrosion inhibitor, has been injected into the water. Several residents mentioned positive results, although others insisted there was minimal change.

In other business, Greater Pitman Chamber of Commerce President Russ Johnson inquired on the status of an application for grant funding to begin Phase II of the Broadway Streetscape Project (Broadway, from Pitman Avenue to Laurel).

Johnson’s inquiry came as a result of concerns expressed by local merchants who fear the project will hurt their businesses. Mayor Alice Polocz responded that an application had been submitted. If the funding is secured, the borough would have up to two years to begin the project, she said.

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DancElectric to perform at GCC Foundation fund-raiser

"Glittering Sparks" is the title and theme of the 10th annual Dance concert at 8 pm on Saturday, April 3, in the Gloucester County College Fine Arts Center, with all proceeds going to the GCC Foundation Scholarship Fund.

DancElectric is a non-profit performing group of the Corrine Gangi Dance Center, LLC, of Pitman. The April 3 concert is made possible through the support of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

To date, the concerts have raised more than $20,000 for scholarships. Since the performers and the Gangi Dance Center staff donate their time and talents, the April 3 concert will bring the total scholarship contributions to more than $25,000.

The main production number April 3 will be from "Fame," the movie and TV blockbusters. The concert will offer jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, Irish Step, modern and lyrical dancing.

The performers are young women who are university students, wives, mothers, choreographers, teachers and professionals, united by a love of dance and a commitment to help aspiring GCC students.

GCC Foundation President Barbara Chamberlain noted that all the advance work and staging is done by the Corrine Gangi Dance Center and the DancElectric talent.

"We urge public support of the concert so that we have another sellout," said Barbara Chamberlain, GCC Foundation President and a nurse-professional at Kennedy Health Systems, Washington Township. Mrs. Chamberlain, wife of former Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) President Mark Chamberlain, is a non-traditional graduate of GCC who gave the College commencement address earlier this decade.

Other Foundation officers are Delor Cornell, Wenonah, Vice President; Robert Ahrens, Washington Township, Secretary, and Raymond Notaro, Huntsman, West Deptford, Immediate Past President.

Further information on the April 3 concert and the Foundation itself can be obtained by calling (856) 415-2230 or 2246. Concert information is also available by calling the Corrine Gangi Dance Center at (856) 589-4840.

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Be a member of the Pitman Education Foundation

The 2004 Membership Drive for the Pitman Education Foundation (PEF) is up and running. It is the hope of the Foundation that all who gave their financial support in the past will continue to do so, and that those who were unable to do so in the past will consider a contribution at this time.

The Pitman Education Foundation plays a vital role in the enhancement of the educational program of our Pitman school students. Since its inception in 1994, the PEF has awarded more than $70,000 to Pitman teachers in the form of mini-grants. These grants paid for items that the school’s budget could not address such as audiovisual and science equipment, computer equipment, musical recitals, special speakers, poetry workshops, tickets for plays, and field trips. In addition, the PEF is working on building a trust fund in order that this program will continue into the future.

The Foundation is a charitable, non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible, thus making donations an attractive consideration which benefits both the donor and recipient. Without the support of local businesses; organizations; teachers, administrators, and staff; and the public, the PEF could not continue its program.

Please say YES to education and become a member. To obtain more information about the Pitman Education Foundation or if you are willing to actively participate in this endeavor, call Judy Lohmann, Membership Chairman at 589-0435. Send your tax deductible donation to PEF, P.O. Box 413, Pitman, NJ 08071.

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Kindle kids jump for heart

By Tom Wilk

Members of the Jump Rope Club at the Elwood Kindle School will get a good workout and raise money for a good cause at the annual Jump-a-Thon on Wednesday, March 10.

Billed as a Jump Rope for Heart event, the Jump-a-Thon will be held from 3:30 to 5:15 pm. in the Pitman Middle School. A jump rope demonstration will be held at 4:45 pm. Money raised from the event will be donated to the American Heart Association.

Frances Y. Bradley, the principal at Kindle School, said the Jump-A-Thon is eagerly anticipated by the club members, who are soliciting pledges for the event. "The kids are loving it (learning to jump rope)," she said. "We have about 90 children involved in the club."

Interest in the club was so strong this year that club members split up to practice on two different days after school: Tuesday and Thursday. "It’s a good experience for boys and girls," said Bradley, noting club membership is about two-thirds girls and one-third boys. "We have seen more boys involved in the club," the principal said. She has noticed more students practicing jump rope in the schoolyard at lunchtime.

In the club, students learn different jumping techniques, including double dutch (jumping with two ropes).

Bradley, school nurse Lorraine Kiger and Beth Nazer have helped to organize the club. Parents of club members have also volunteered to turn the ropes for the children.

Kindle School has sponsored the Jump-A-Thon for at least 10 years, Bradley said. Last year’s event raised $2,700 for the heart association.
This year, the school also participated in Go Red For Women, a national campaign by the heart association to make women aware of the risks of heart disease and strokes, the No. 1 and No. 3 killers of women. The school sold red pins to promote the campaign. Funds raised from the sale of pins will be combined with the money brought in by the Jump-a-Thon.

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Exploring law from a Capitol Hill viewpoint

Presidential Classrooms is an action packed week at the Nation’s Capitol. Only the brightest high school juniors and seniors across the country are accepted into this highly respected program. An opportunity to spend time at Georgetown University and enjoy the closeness of Capitol Hill is not new to Pitman High school Senior Rachael Garrett. Garrett has also participated in the Junior Statesmen Summer School at Georgetown University in 2003, where she attended college classes and talked to influential speakers like Collin Powell. Just recently she went back to Georgetown for a week with the Presidential Classrooms program. This time she got to discuss issues of the government in small caucuses and continue her passion for law and politics, and even visit the Kuwaiti Embassy.

Daughter of Keith and Lori Garrett, Rachael has been involved in SADD, Key Club, and the March of Dimes Committee. She is the Secretary of REBEL, an anti-smoking club, and President of a new chapter of Junior State of America. She played on the Tennis Team for four years, threw discus for Girls Track and Field for two years, and managed the varsity Wrestling Team for three years. Even with her rigorous extracurricular activities, Rachael manages to keep up her grades. She is in Honors and AP courses and is in the top 20 of her class.

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"MathCounts" at Pitman Middle School

What really is MathCounts? If you look at the specifics of the program, it is a national competition that conducts 500 local competitions and 57 "state" competitions annually, involving all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Department of Defense Dependent Schools, and the State Department schools worldwide.

If you ask one of the Pitman Middle School members, "MathCounts is a group of students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade who prepare to compete in a competition in February." And that is exactly what the members have been doing since September.

To participate in the competition, a school can register a team of four students and a maximum of four additional students who compete as individuals. This year, just the second time that the Middle School has participated, the group saw such a large number of members that a test had to be administered to determine the eight participants. Representing Pitman Middle School at Rowan University on February 7 were Danielle Collier, Allison Daminger, Jacquie Nesbit, Amanda Rencher, Adam Roberts, Amanda Sirisky, Robert McCarthy, and Clayton Cozzan. The students are coached by math teachers Claire Seider and Clare Bonner.

While the competition is directed at the seventh and eighth grade curriculum, sixth grade students are also eligible to compete this year for the first time. "Although they may find it a bit more challenging, we anticipate our sixth grades will not only do a fine job this year, but also be better prepared to compete again next year," said Bonner.

So what really happens at the competition? There are two rounds for all participants where "mathletes" are scored individually: the Sprint round and the Target round. The Sprint Round is a timed session where students solve problems without the use of a calculator, and the Target Round involves presenting eight problems to the students, two at a time, six minutes per set. Although calculators are permitted for this round, the questions can be quite challenging and students need to be focused and able to work quickly.

Following the Target Round, the four-person teams that have been selected for each school compete. They have 20 minutes to solve 10 problems, and their ability to work as a member of a team is crucial. This year’s team consisted of Collier, Daminger, Nesbit and Rencher.

PMS’s other four competitors created their own squad, taking the Team Round test for the experience, but their round was not be scored. After a short lunch break, the top 10 individual competitors from all the participating schools were announced.

These top 10 mathletes went head-to-head in the Countdown Round, a fast-paced, oral competition for the top-scoring individuals. In this round, pairs of mathletes competed against each other and the clock to solve problems.

"We are very proud to announce that the Middle School MathCounts competition team captured two trophies this year: the fourth place team trophy, and our very own eighth grader, Allison Daminger, placed fifth in individual competition. The competition has grown this year to include 20 teams, and about 120 individual mathletes. What a great year!" said Bonner. " We are proud of not only the eight members that represented Pitman Middle School on February 7, but also the other members that have been working so hard since September to make our MATHCOUNTS group such a success.

Local members include David Jam, Aaron Baer, Chelsea Cioffi, Kathleen MacIntosh, Chelsea Spitz, Alex Horner, Arunn Chanthirakanthan, Eric Todd, Neil Pladus, Greg Guenther, Lauren Leonard, Ryan Dill and Molly White.

Bonner is quick to note that aspecial thank you goes out to the Pitman Education Foundation for funding the program. "Through their generosity, we have been able to purchase our team t-shirts as well as coaching materials, prizes and incentives, and of course, refreshments for each of our meetings," she said.

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Obituaries

Arlene I. Hamilton (McDevitt), 66, of Pitman, passed away on February 23 in Kennedy Health System, Washington Township.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., Mrs. Hamilton moved to Pitman over 40 years ago. She formerly worked for AndBro, Pitman, and McDonald’s Restaurant, Hurffville.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Samuel L. Sr.; four children, Arlene Payne of Pitman, Dawn Timms-Hamilton of Woodbury, Kathleen J. Hamilton of Pitman and Samuel L. Jr. of Pitman; one sister, Bernice R. Schmeid of Woodbridge, Va.; and three grandchildren, LaTisha Galvin-Vreeland, Tristan Timms and Samantha Payne. She was predeceased by one son, Thomas P. Hamilton.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Pitman. Burial was in Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro. Arrangements were under the direction of the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman.

Lillian Ann "Peg" Hanley (Smith), 65, passed away on February 14 in Maple Shade. Born and raised in Staunton, Va., she had lived in Glassboro, Pitman and Haddonfield.

Mrs. Hanley is survived by her husband, James T.; three children, Theresa A. Hanley Forbes and her husband, Thomas of Paulsboro, Sharon L. Hanley Kier of Daytona Beach, Fla., and James D. of West Deptford; three brothers, Maurice Smith, Lacy Smith and Cecil Smith, all of Staunton, Va.; seven grandchildren, Thomas A. Forbes II and his wife, Kerri, Jason Forbes, Lee Forbes, Christopher Forbes, Aaron Keir, David Raymond and Robert Magana. She was predeceased by her parents, Icy A. and John W. Smith; two brothers, John Smith and Pierce Lee; and one sister, Audrey Smith.

A memorial mass was held in St. Bridget’s Church, Glassboro. Arrangements were under the direction of the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

Dr. George A. Hays, 80, Professor Emeritus of Education of Glassboro State College, passed away on February 19 in Underwood-Memorial Hospital , Woodbury.

Born in Philadelphia, Dr. Hays grew up in Ocean City, N.J., where he attended public schools and graduated from high school.

While a freshman at Montclair State College in 1942 he enlisted in the Army Reserve, and was soon called to active duty and assigned to the Army Signal Corps. He took part in the invasion of Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, and the battle for Germany.

After World War II, he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts Degrees from Montclair State and his Doctorate in Education from New York University, where he received the Founders Day Award for Scholarship.

In 1949 he married the former Ruth Hackney of Ocean City and they made their home in Goshen, N.Y. where he served the Goshen Central School District for nine years as a teacher and athletic coach.

Dr. Hays came to Glassboro in 1958 where he was instrumental in the development of a new program for preparing teachers in all subject fields for secondary schools. He served as the first chair of the Department of Secondary Education.

During his 28 years at the College he taught courses for five academic departments and supervised more than 2,000 student teachers in the public schools of New Jersey. He developed the Student Teaching Handbook used by all student teachers at the College, and co-authored a popular book for teachers entitled "Teaching Study Skills." He also wrote numerous articles for National and State educational journals. Over the years, he was chosen to serve on Middle States Evaluation Teams in the evaluation of schools and colleges in N.J., Pa., and Md.

He is survived by two sons, Terence G. and Kevin R., both of Pitman; four daughters, Cynthia C. Scharnagl and Nancy B. Cope, both of Newfield, Wendy R. McLaughlin of Frederick, Md., and Karen J. Canonica of Williamstown. Dr. Hays is lso survived by 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life was held in the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman. Burial was in Manahath Cemetery, Glassboro.

Carl W. Satterfield, 88, passed away on February 12 in the Health Care Center, Washington Township.

Born in Buckhannon, W.V., Mr. Satterfield lived in Pitman for over 55 years. He worked for National Fruit Co. in Glassboro as a truck driver, retiring in 1976 after 38 years.

Husband of the late Anna, Mr. Satterfield is survived by three children, Carl Jr., of Ashfield, Mass., Dorothy Carino, of Pitman, and Richard, of Bay City, Mich.; one sister, Irene Wilcox of Glassboro; eight grandchildren, John Rubart, Barbara Webster, Anna Shelly, Richard Satterfield Jr., Paul Satterfield, Katherine Satterfield, Amy LeBeau, and Douglas Satterfield; and four great- grandchildren Holly and Sarah Shelly, Laura Rubart and Reed Satterfield.

Services were held in the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman. Burial was in Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro.

Contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice, 800 Jessup Rd., #808, Thorofare, NJ 08086.

Clarence P. Webb, 86, passed away February 14 in Underwood-Memorial Hospital, Woodbury.

Born and raised in Gloucester City, Mr. Webb lived in Pitman since 1952. He served in the Merchant Marines from 1934-1938.

After the Merchant Marines, he worked for New York Ship, Camden and was hired by Texaco Eagle Point Plant, West Deptford Township, when it opened. He worked for Texaco as an engineer, retiring in 1980 after 30 years.

Mr. Webb is survived by his wife of 63 years, Eleanor D. (Shindle); three children, Carolyn B. Wagner and her husband, Herbold Jr. of Gibbstown, Bernice A. Gendron and her late husband, Andrew of Ortley Beach, and Joan M. Dresh of Mantua Township; one brother, Charles R. Webb of Collingswood; six grandchildren, Laura A. Wagner, Herbold Wagner III, Michael R. Dresh, Bernice Hasher, Kelli L. Gendron and Andrew D. Gendron; and six great grandchildren, Danika Hasher, Herbold Wagner IV, Sarah Dresh, Benjamin Wagner, Lauren Dresh & Jake Hasher.

Mr. Webb was predeceased by his brother, John Webb; and two sisters, Josephine Leach and Alice May Powers.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, Pitman. Burial was in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Hurffville. Arrangements were under the direction of the Kelley Funeral Home, Pitman.

Contributions may be made to McCowan Memorial Library, 15 Pitman Ave., Pitman, NJ 08071.

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SPORTING VIEW

By Caitlin Bonner

Swimming

With the swim season winding down, the Panthers won their last two meets against Highland and Deptford, and also scored victories in the Gloucester County, South Jersey, and State Championships. Pitman defeated the Tartans 119-61 in an interdivisional match-up. The Panthers picked up 11 first places in the meet. Mike Tranchina, Jamie Overholt, Chris Merryman, Melissa Settar and Sam Becker all won individual events to help the team, while the 200 Medley relay, and 400 Free relay also won for Pitman.

Pitman gained another lopsided defeat over Deptford in a Tri-County match-up as the Panthers took most of the events. The 200 medley relay, consisting of seniors Merryman, Anthony Romano, Settar, and Traci Arnold, swam together for a victory in their last duel meet. Caitlin Gilmore dominated the diving competition with 155.7 points. Becker, Rob Conova, Deviney Rattigan and Denise Carita picked up wins for the Panthers as they improved to 9-4 on the season.

The Panthers finished fourth in a battle between the Gloucester County teams. Mike Tranchina dominated the 50 Freestyle, winning by more than a second. Dave Shirley also dove for second place for the Panthers, while Jamie Overholt tied for first in an exciting photo finish of the 100 Freestyle. Pitman’s 200 Free relay also earned a surprising second place finish in a close race with Washington Township.

Wrestling

Pitman and Schalick have had a long history in wrestling. Last year, the match was decided in the final weight class, giving Pitman their third straight Classic title. This year proved to be just as exciting. Schalick jumped out to an impressive lead, but the Panthers weren’t willing to give up their title just yet. They fought their way back with wins from Tommy Greiser, Eric Larson, and a tight 1-0 victory for Derek Brown. The Panthers captured the match when they took the final four decisions. Mike Bellochio had a crucial pin at 130, while Joe Centafonte tied the score with a technical fall. Jimmy Graham gained the lead with a major decision and then Drew MacCorkle secured the victory with a 12-8 win at 145. The Panthers won the match 31-24 and clinched their fourth straight Classic Division crown.

Unlike the Schalick match, Delsea picked up all of the toss-up matches to down the Panthers 42-15. The Crusaders took an early 23-0 lead. Jimmy Graham won 12-10 in overtime to put Pitman on the board. It didn’t get easier for the Panthers. Previously undefeated Eric Larson was defeated in the final seconds of a deadlocked battle. Nick Cristella and Len Beato picked up wins for the Panthers but it proved to be not enough.

The Panthers were defeated in a non-conference game against Wildwood, 62-46. Pitman trailed by only four at halftime but couldn’t hold the Warriors from exploding in the second half of the game. Matt Rutherford had 16 in the game, while Tim Matchett contributed 10.

The Panthers fared better against Clayton in a 47-37 win. Kyle and Tim Matchett combined for 26 points as they rolled to a Classic Division victory. Justin Castagna also added 12, including six points beyond the arch.

The Panthers dominated Pennsville, 72-54 in another Classic Division game. Senior Matt Rutherford had a career-high 25 points with five field goals in three-point land. Eddie Manbeck also had 16 points and eight rebounds and Kyle Matchett had 10 for the team. Because of a gym ceiling leak, the Salem game was finally played on Friday night. The height of Pitman’s team, Tim Matchett (15), Kyle Matchett (17) and Eddie Manbeck (21), scored the bulk of the scoring in a game won on the boards. It was another tight game for the Panthers as a third quarter lead was squandered in the final period. Key foul shots by Manbeck and guard Matty Healy gave the Panthers a 55-51 cushion. A desperation three-pointer by Salem at the buzzer went in, but it wasn’t enough to take down the Panthers. With a 55-54 win, Pitman improved to 9-11 on the season with four games remaining.

Girls’ Basketball

The Panthers traveled to Schalick, hoping for a win but were defeated, 54-37. Chayle McFaull had 15 for the Panthers while Colleen Vankirk and Julia Drinkwater each added five. The team had a disappointing third quarter as the Cougars outscored the Panthers.

Another long bus ride proved painful as the girls were downed 63-21 by the Wildwood Warriors. McFaull led the Panthers with seven and Julia Drinkwater added six.

Pitman was looking for revenge as the Clippers came to Pitman for a second game. The Panthers defeated Clayton, 46-34, as McFaull chipped in for 16 points to snap a three game losing streak. Drinkwater added four points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the team. Lisa Cancglin also provided six points, seven rebounds and a smothering defense to help stop Clayton.

Another streak was started, this time a winning one, when the Panthers upset playoff-bound Pennsville, picking up their second in a row, and fourth overall. Pitman outscored the Eagles 16-8 in the final quarter as McFaull added six of her 12 points from the charity stripe. Katelynn Schmidt had a career high 17 points offsetting Katie Kline’s 19 points, a top scorer in South Jersey. Cancglin again was praised for her oppressive defense, as she frustrated Kline, along with, at times, two other Panthers.

The Panthers improved to 4-16 on the season, with four games remaining.

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By John Rozanski

As the weather begins to warm up, PHS winter sports action draws to a close. The season was considered a great success for some teams and a stepping stone for the future of other Pitman teams.

In a critical match at Audubon High School, the Panthers Wrestling team came up with a crucial win in a dramatic finish. Despite falling behind early to the Green Wave, 19-6, the Panthers were able to rally around their middle weights and pull out a win. The rally started with a major decision win by 119-pounder, Derek Brown and a decision win by 125-pounder, Matt Thomas. Underdog Mike Bellocchio also pulled off a huge win for the Panthers that made the score 19-16. Two more wins by senior Jim Graham and junior Drew McCorkle out of the next four decisions, gave Audubon a three-point lead heading into the final match. One of the best wrestlers on the Panther squad, Eric Larson, took little time in sealing the victory for the Panthers as he pinned his opponent just 1:19 into the match, giving Pitman the 28-25 victory. With this win, the Panthers headed off to Paulsboro for the South Jersey Group I final.

The SJ Group I final didn’t go quite as well as the Audubon match. The Panthers have most of their dominate wrestlers in the middle weights, which is also where Paulsboro flourishes. Unfortunately for the Panthers, Paulsboro took the majority of the middle weight decisions, as well as most other decisions in the match. Senior Jim Graham recorded Pitman’s only win, and the Panthers failed to regain the title in the 58-3 defeat.

Looking to finish off their season with some fireworks, the boys’ basketball teamed hoped to take out Woodstown in a Tri-County Conference game. Unlike most Panther games this season, the boys found themselves behind by a score of 31-13 at the end of the first half. Rallying behind the team’s leading scorers, Kyle Matchett (11), Tim Matchett (13), and Ed Manbeck (12), the Panthers fell just short of an amazing comeback with a disappointing final score of 55-53. Also scoring for Pitman was Matt Rutherford (5), Kevin Todd (6), Justin Castagna (5), and Matt Healy (1).

Pitman failed yet again to get a win in what was senior-night for the Panthers against Glassboro. Seniors on the floor for Pitman included Kyle Matchett, Ed Manbeck, Matt Rutherford, Joel Minter, Doug Lutz, and Rob Traynor. Manbeck led the Panthers in scoring with 17 points, followed by Matchett with 10 in the 73-55 defeat.

The Girls’basketball team suffered a heartbreaker in their home game against Penns Grove. With a 26-22 lead after the half, they were out-scored by seven points in the third quarter and settled for a tough loss, 46-44. Leading scorers for the Panthers were Chayle McFaull (13), Colleen Van Kirk (9), Lisa Cancglin (7), and Katelynn Schmidt (6).

The Lady Panthers would find themselves with another disappointing loss in their game against Woodstown. Underclassmen contributing for the Panthers were Casey Whitley with two points, Julia Drinkwater (3) and Abbie Finn (2). Final score: Woodstown 48, Pitman 25.

Despite three three-pointers by freshman Chayle McFaull in the Panther’s next game against Palmyra, Pitman again fell short of another win. Only down by one at halftime, McFaull’s game-high 15 points and a combined 18 points from Lisa Cancglin and Katlynn Schmidt still couldn’t spell a win for the Panthers. A three-pointer by Palmyra with four seconds left in the game closed all hopes for Pitman as they fell, 44-41. McFaull had another big game against rival Glassboro and sophomore Maggie Dutil came up big for the Panthers with eight points in the disappointing 74-44 loss.