Pursuit Of Perfection

Forwards rarely get this good a look at Alex Naples.

BY JASON MOLINET

Fuzzy childhood memories still carry Alex Naples today. He was just a toddler when Jeremy Pracher, his uncle on his mother’s side, played soccer for Bellport High School. Naples recalls being at many of the games.

It’s not just past recollections imprinted in Naples. Soccer is apparently embedded in his DNA too. That’s because his father, Michael Naples, was a goalkeeper on one of the first soccer teams at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue.

All that soccer knowledge has been passed down. And it was on display Friday night when St. Anthony’s played one of the biggest boys soccer matches in program history. The 5-11, 170-pound Naples was in goal. The Friars downed Buffalo-Nichols, 4-0, in a state CHSAA semifinal at Adelphi.

Actually, Naples was never challenged by Nichols. The defense in front of him wouldn’t let anyone through. But he may be tested in the title game at 3 p.m. Sunday when the Friars face Molloy.

“He’s very athletic and fearless,’’ Friars coach Gene Buonaiuto said. “He’s actually made great saves in a lot of games. He’s only given up four goals this year.’’

Credit plenty of soccer experience at a young age. It began with advice and tips from his uncle and father. Naples graduated to sessions with trainers at the age of 12.

“I’ve learned a lot from [my uncle and father] growing up,’’ Naples said. “I was never the tallest goalie and that’s a big thing. So I needed to make up for it technically. So I tried to make up for it trying to be technically perfect. I’m athletic but I don’t fit the mold of a goalie.’’

But where Naples really came into his own was in the last year playing for Queens-based Met Oval, one of 64 teams in the fledgling U.S. Soccer Developmental Academy. In June, Naples was named All-Conference in the Northeast Division.

And with two seasons in goal for the Friars, the senior has several options to play at the next level. If Naples gets accepted early decision, then Penn is the likely destination. Naples wants to major in business. But Holy Cross, Northeastern and Adelphi are in the mix.

Naples chose St. Anthony’s over his home school district of Bellport, namely for the academics. So don’t be surprised if that’s the deciding factor in a university.

College can wait. Naples still has one game left in his St. Anthony’s career. And it’s been a wild run.

“We knew we had a good team,’’ Naples said. “We lost in the semis last year. Our main goal was to win the league outright this time. I’m not saying we expected it. But we had the talent and ability to do that.’’

That mission was accomplished with an impressive 3-2 win over defending champ Chaminade. Now if the Friars can clear one more hurdle, they can lay claim to being one of the best teams in the country – and program history.

That’s a memory that may never fade.

High-Flying Defender

Ariana Aston is the last line of defense.

BY JASON MOLINET

Ariana Aston walked into an area Petco store not long ago and fell in love with a parrot. A Green-cheeked Conure to be precise.

It’s a South American tree-top bird that stands all of 10 inches tall and can live 30 years.

Today, it’s a member of the family. It knows everyone by name – yes, it can talk. Squeaky the parrot even laughs a lot like Aston’s father, Jeff.

In many ways, Aston’s soccer season has unfolded in the same way. She went from under the radar to central figure on the Friars girls soccer team, which just clinched the regular-season Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA title and top seed in the playoffs.

Iconic St. Anthony’s girls coach Dave Prutting had heard good things about Aston as a freshman on the junior varsity a year ago. But he never saw her play until August tryouts and didn’t plan to promote such a young player to the varsity.

Aston made quite an impression. The sophomore from East Setauket didn’t just land a roster spot, she’s the sweeper, the last line of defense for the 13-4-2 Friars.

“She runs the defense and reads the game really well from the back,’’ Prutting said. “I can’t say enough good things about her. We wouldn’t be where we are without her back there.”

Aston was a midfielder on St. Anthony’s championship junior varsity last season. She had played defense in the past and hated it. But in the last year she’s been asked to play back and the position has grown on her.

“There are moments when I need to make the big save,’’ said Aston, her voice betraying her excitement.

What makes Aston perfectly suited to be a sweeper is best understood by stepping away from the soccer field for a moment. Aston ran indoor track last winter, specializing in the 200 and 400 meters, as well as the hurdles. That’s right, Aston is flat out fast – and nimble.

“They are usually the last line of defense they have to anticipate,’’ Prutting said. “They have to be all over the field, strong stamina and good speed. They are going against the fastest players on the other team. She definitely has it all.”

Aston and the Friars’ defense came up big in the finale against Sacred Heart Academy last week. The teams played to a 2-2 tie earlier in the season. In the rematch, Sacred Heart managed just five shots on goals as St. Anthony’s took a 4-0 win.

It’s been quite a year for Aston. It started with the added responsibility of a new pet. Now she’s helping take care of an entire team.

“When I tried out my dad and I expected to make the JV,’’ Aston said. “It was awesome to make the varsity.

“I think it’s a strong defense. We haven’t been scored on many times. I love the girls back there.’’

Reichert Nears Milestone

St. Anthony’s coach Rich Reichert.

BY JASON MOLINET

Rich Reichert recorded his 175th career win last Saturday. It was a signpost on the road toward another championship, just another way to mark the success that is St. Anthony’s football.

While the Friars (4-1) face their toughest CHSFL test yet with a Sunday 1:30 p.m. date in Staten Island with 4-1 St. Joseph by the Sea, another road win would tie Reichert for fourth place on the Suffolk all-time football wins list.

Reichert, 56, is 175-45-3 in 22 seasons at St. Anthony’s, good for a .795 winning percentage.

With another win, he’ll tie Seton Hall of Patchogue coach Henry Read. That’s significant because before there was St. Anthony’s, Seton Hall was the Suffolk private school football power. And Read was its only coach, guiding the Eagles from 1940-73.

In fact, Reichert was a member of the inaugural Friars football team in 1967 and actually faced Seton Hall. St. Anthony’s lost it’s first five meetings to Seton Hall and Read. Seton Hall is 5-2 all-time against the Friars, one of the few programs with a winning record.

So whenever Reichert does get won No. 176, he and the program will have come full circle. Longtime Comsewogue coach Tom Cassese is the winningest coach in Suffolk history with 209 victories.

At his current pace, Reichert could catch Cassese by the end of the 2011 season. Where does Reichert stand elsewhere? He’s second in CHSFL history behind St. Francis Prep’s Vinnie O’Connor (316). But O’Connor, in his 55th season, is 3-1 and has shown no signs of slowing down. The Long Island and state record belongs to Bethpage’s Howie Vogts, who has 355 wins.

SUFFOLK’S WINNINGEST FOOTBALL COACHES
COACH……………SCHOOL………….YEARS……………………WINS
Tom Cassese……Comsewogue……1973-2006……………….209 
*Joe Cipp Jr……….Bellport…………..1976-92, 1996-2008……193
Fred Fusaro………Sachem…………..1971-2002……………….192 
Henry Read………Seton Hall………..1940-73………………….176
*Rich Reichert……St. Anthony’s…….1987-2008……………….175
* NOTE: Active  

Campus Chapel Opens

Bishop William Murphy blesses the new chapel at St. Anthony’s.

BY JASON MOLINET

It is an odd sight, even at a Catholic high school. A church bell tower rises above the complex, surrounded by brick and glass. A closer inspection reveals an Umbrian-inspired chapel, its architecture far different from the South Huntington landscape

For so long a dream, the brainchild of St. Anthony’s principal Bro. Gary Cregan, its full beauty and function were publically unveiled Saturday when the Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels was blessed in a moving morning mass. Bishop William Murphy, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre, presided over the dedication.

His presence alone made the moment noteworthy. But it was clear the once you walked into the chapel that Bro. Cregan’s attention to detail has made this a special space indeed. It took four years of planning and two of construction at a cost of $2.7 million. When Bro. Cregan finally spoke, at the conclusion of the mass, his message was one of thanks.

The chapel would not have been possible without the support of the entire St. Anthony’s community. And now the chapel stands as a statement in its own right.

“We’re viewed as a school that stresses academics and athletics,’’ Bro. Cregan said afterward. “I wanted to send a loud message. We are about God before all else.’’

Our Lady of Angels may be brand new, but it is adorned with relics that give the place instant warmth and character. From the 15th-century Italian alter to the century-old pews from a Massachusetts church to the bell Bro. Cregan bought on eBay, the chapel instantly transports you somewhere else.

That this sanctuary is nestled in the midst of a chaotic high school is all the more remarkable. The credit belongs to its principal. Its legacy belongs to the St. Anthony’s community.

Russo Moves On To Northwestern

 
Jessica Russo was a girls lacrosse star for the Friars.

BY MIKE GANCI

For Jessica Russo, the dream of playing lacrosse on the USA Team began when she was a little girl, watching her brother Scott who played for Virginia. Ever since she was in second grade, Russo’s been carrying a lacrosse stick as if it were an extension of her body. As the years went by, she got better, and for the past four years, she has been the cornerstone for St. Anthony’s lacrosse. Now, she is moving on to Northwestern.

At the St. Anthony’s award dinner, both  Russo and Scott Vallone (who played football for St. Anthony’s) were given the Dellicave Award, which is given to athletes who exhibit the best grades, community service, and of course, production for their prospective teams.

“It’s an excellent honor,” said Russo. “I can’t believe I am done with St. Anthony’s. This school has really helped me grow as both an athlete and a person.”

Russo hasn’t just been limited to lacrosse in her tenure at St. Anthony’s.  She spent time playing basketball as a freshman, (point guard) and Soccer as both a freshman and sophomore (defense/midfield/attack). For soccer, she was awarded the team’s defensive MVP for 2007.

“My favorite sport has always been lacrosse,” said Russo. “Following my brother around while he played for Virginia made me realize how much I love the game.” Russo has developed a pretty impressive resume of her own.

Russo’s accolades for lacrosse are off the charts. She was on the New York State Empire team for lacrosse for three years, and even served as the team’s captain in 2007. She also was an All Long Island player for three years, and was even bestowed as an All American in 2007. As a multiple-time CHSAA player of the year, Russo proved that she was ready for the next level.

Also, Russo almost made the Under 19 USA team, but was cut in the last round.

“The coach told me that I was the last one cut. That still didn’t make me feel any better, but at least I know that I was capable of playing with the best.”

Russo is moving on to a situation in which her accolades at St. Anthony’s mean absolutely nothing. Although she was recruited to play lacrosse at Northwestern, (as well as Duke, Georgetown and many other colleges) she is going to need to start from scratch and prove herself once again.

“Northwestern has one the National Championship the past four seasons,” said Russo. “I am going to have to work very hard to get playing time, and I am going to do whatever I have to.”

Russo seemed fired up about moving on to the next level, but she knows it is not going to be easy.

“I know there are going to be good times ahead, but I am going to have to be determined. I want to eventually be able to start, and then one day, maybe I will fulfill my dream to play for the USA team.”

For Jessica Russo, it seems like the sky is the limit.