Eastchester Athletes to Remember

Eastchester Softball Player is not quiet about her team’s success

Janine Lalli’s record represents the entire loss total for Eastchester High School ’s 2011 softball season. She’s pretty certain her teammates are ok with her part of that column—especially since they’re 14-1. The nine in the win column doesn’t hurt either.

The .550 batting average has her in their good graces too, and enables her to lead by example. But she’s not shy about making some noise. I’m always out there screaming and rooting everyone on, she asserted.

But in case she drops the ball, the whole squad carries the load. “When I don’t do it,” Janine said, “my teammates do.”

Back on the hill, she works her way out of jams with a good sinker and her focus. “I just think, there’s always going to be a next batter so just hit your spots,” she said.

Janine credits her dad with the drive that has landed her a softball scholarship to Marist. “He always pushed me to be the best I could be,” she revealed.

As for the coming upgrade in competition, Lalli takes the change in venue in stride. “To me it’s not a challenge,” she said, “I’m just excited because it’s what I’ve been working for all through high school.”

Otherwise, with the sectionals looming, Coach Walpole has the team grounded, while keeping the laughter to a minimum. “He’s very serious,” she beamed with a little tongue and cheek.

Either way, the formula is pointing toward something very good in the end. “We have a great chance of winning,” the senior concluded.

Mike Mcgovern at Home in the Middle of the Eastchester Soccer Field

As center mid-fielder, senior Mike McGovern doesn't get a lot of goals, or get credit for big stops deep in the defensive end. On the other hand, he likes the way his position melds as both a starting and ending point of much of the action.

“I break down the play on defense and feed to the forwards for assists,” he said.

Getting the nod as team captain last year, Mike inspires dedication and effort in his actions. “I try to push them as hard as I push myself,” he said.

Nonetheless, it won’t be easy after losing eight seniors to graduation, but team chemistry will not be an issue. “We’re always together on and off the field so we have a real good team bond,” McGovern said.

Coach Alfio Carabotta also plays a crucial role in keeping them together and focused. Working us hard, he said, “If we’re going through the motions, he gets us to actually do it and like doing it.”

Of course, soccer plays second string to football in any school when it comes to attention. “It’s always frustrating—that’s just the way it is,” he lamented. But the players on the fall teams definitely have each other’s backs.

Both teams show support as fans, and respect each other on and off the field, he said. The encouragement coming from the football team after soccer’s first round sectional loss was also appreciated, he adds.

School spirit setting the tone, hopefully Eastchester is rewarded this year with congratulations all around.

Eastchester Captain Is Eager on Both Sides of the Football

Controlling the line of scrimmage doesn't mean that only brute force and bulk knock the opposition off its guard. Thomas Cirillo of Eastchester High may know that better than anyone. So he makes the most of his 170 pounds, and doesn't let being a light right guard become an excuse.

"I get out of my stance a little quicker than the other guy, and engage before him," said the senior captain.

Just the same, he sees no reason to give pause at change of possession, and eagerly lines up on the other side at outside linebacker. "I like being able to make the big play on defense," he said.

Even better when he can bring that game changer home in front of a big Eastchester turnout. "You know the crowd is coming alive," Thomas said. "That's a good feeling."

After a 5-4 season last year, and losing five or six key players, he's optimistic that there will be more to cheer about in 2011. Eastchester isn't backing down either in the face of Poughkeepsie this weekend. "They are ranked two in the state," he asserted, “and we're going to be pumped up."

Win or lose, he knows which lessons he'll take from the gridiron to Salisbury College, where he'll study Physics (and hopefully play lacrosse). "Football teaches you that you've got to get back up when you get knocked down," he said.

And if that's not enough, "You not only need to roll with the punches but you've also got to deliver the blow sometimes," he concluded.

Author can be reached at [email protected]