The International Insider » sports

M23: Teachers Rule on the Court

Sean Fisher — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 05:23:03 +0000

After attempting to better their record to 2-0, the students lost to the CSIHS faculty in a very brutal battle. The students, undermatched in height and overmatched in age, lost 71-65. But don’t worry, the students will be back again next year, ready to avenge themeselves against the Faculty.

We promise.

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Winter 2010 Olympics Prove Adventurous

Dylan Luke — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:55:57 +0000

The snow, the ice, the adrenaline rush. These were all found at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. The games are well over but the excitement hasn’t died down.

The United States prevailed in gaining the most medals with an astounding 37: 9 gold. 15 silver, and 13 bronze. However, Germany came in second place with 30 medals.

Canada came in third place with 26 medals, 14 of them being gold, the most won in these Olympics. The hardest earned of these medals was the Men’s ice hockey medal.

The Canadian team had took an early lead in the game with a point in the first period, followed by another point in the second. But the Americans fired back with one goal in the second and one more in the third. With the game tied at 2-2, it was sent into overtime. Sidney Crosby scored in the third securing the gold for Canada.

However, there was a dark overcast this year. That would be the death of 21-year-old Georgian luger, Nodar Kumaritashvili, who skidded off the luge track into a pole during a practice run. He never even had the chance to compete.

On the other hand, there have been many exciting moments in competition. One example would be the performance by Shaun White in the snowboarding half-pipe competition. To secure the gold, Shaun White had been extremely daring by performing “the most dangerous trick in snowboarding,” known as backside 1260 double McTwist. By doing this, he had became the first snowboarder to win back to back gold medals in the winter Olympics.

Another athlete is somewhat unheard of, who was dubbed the “queen of the Olympics” because she had won the most medals (5) in the games, Norway’s own Marit Bjoergen. She had won three golds, a silver and one bronze medal in the cross-country skiing event.

The opening ceremonies of the Olympics went quite well, with an entertaining display for all viewers. There were many interesting entrances along with effects. Unfortunately, one torch failed to rise at the end of the ceremony.

The closing ceremony however, went off without a hitch. The games were closed with an extravagant ceremony, with musical performances. The Canadians managed to keep the ceremony upbeat even with another moment to honor the fallen luger from Georgia. Many tributes were made and medals celebrated. Now off to London for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Russia for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Swing, Batter Batter, SWING!

Rosa Carucci — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:31:32 +0000

The CSI/McCown varsity softball season has officially ended and just like the bases, the girls were loaded with excitement.

Despite the 14-1 losing streak during the ‘08 softball season, the girls worked hard this season to show what they are really made of.

“I feel we have a strong young team, and we play more experienced teams, but we came together and became closer than friends, which helps make a stronger team,” said freshmen outfielder Jamie Lepard.

With impeccable comradery, the girls have made an enormous comeback this year. Heading into the playoffs, the Dragons were tied for 4th place, out of eight Staten Island public schools, with nine wins and eight losses .

On April 27th, the Dragons put up a fight against the Tottenville Pirates.

Although the Pirates scored two runs in the first inning, the Dragons didn’t give up. Antoinette Galbo ripped an RBI triple in the third inning to get the girls on the move for an 8-2 trail after Tottenville. Although Galbo’s hit got the girls going, they lost 18-2.

With a loss on their shoulders the Dragons still gave it their all in their next game against MSIT.

Third basemen, junior Briana Kohm hit a blast over the left field fence for a three run homer. Unfortunately, the girls still walked away with a loss. But the girls didn’t stop there.

The Dragons gave Tottenville another run for their money. However, this plan back fired when the girls h a experineced a tragic loss with a score of 9-0 in their second game against Tottenville.

“Not that the team is lacking in either, but defense is always the struggle because I believe defense is the most important part of the game. Defense wins games. When your opponent can’t score, you can’t lose. We will face a variety of good pitchers, and I believe our offense will score runs, but the challenge, I believe, is always making the right plays and shutting down the other Staten Island teams,” stated coach Rosario Miano.

After hitting a little speed bump in their defense, the girls put on their game faces in their game against Petrides on May 5th. The Dragons exhaled fire for an outstanding victory over the Panthers, 20-0.

“This entire year has been such huge improvement, and our team spirit is so strong, especially since we’re looking at a spot in the playoffs.

The 20-0 victory over Petrides is just one game, but it shows how powerful we can be in the field and on the bench supporting each other and working towards our goals,” explained Captain Kristina Sanzone.

After several rainy days, the girls were back in action on May 8th against New Dorp. New Dorp scored three runs in the first inning. Although there were still 6 innings left, that’s all New Dorp Needed. The Dragons lost 3-1.

Picking themselves up from another downfall, the girls walked away with stunning victories their next two games against Petrides 18-6 and New Utrecht 20-16.

Next, two more losses against Port Richmond, and it was time for the biggest game of the season, the game that would determine the future of the team.

After all the anticipation, it seemed that Captain Sazone knew what her team was capable of doing.

Scoring an amazing nine runs, the girls went on to defeat Curtis 12-11 and advance into the playoffs, their first ever.

“I believe the difference in any game, especially when we play these tough Staten Island teams is making plays. The teams that win this time of the year are the teams that believe they can make plays, and then get on the field and get it done. I believe that we’ll make those plays,” continued Mr. Miano.

On May 28th, the Dragons versed Stuyvesant High School in their first ‘09 playoff game.

The girls started off with a fantastic lead in the first inning, scoring 2 runs against Stuyvesant. The mood in the air was intense, as the girls didn’t allow Stuyvesant to score a run until the third inning.

Putting the ball to the barrel, short stop Antoinette Galbo, captain and pitcher Corinne Fairlie and third baseman Briana Kohm all hit triples, giving the Dragons an astonishing victory with a score of 10-5.

In the second round of playoffs, the Dragons made their way to Brooklyn to play James Madison High School.

Holding the second seeded team until the fifth inning 0-0, the game ended with a 11-0 win for Madison.

Although the girls lost, they made hitory by being the first CSI/McCown team to make it to playoffs

Hopefully next season, the team will take the title as New York City Champions.

The Dragons continue to put their best claw forward in climbing the ladder to being one of the best teams on Staten Island.

Girl’s Basketball Shuns Shutout Season

Matthew Prevosti — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:27:21 +0000

The Dragon’s lair was once again filled to capacity for one of the final girls’ varsity basketball games against the rival, Raiders of Port Richmond High School. Much like the rest of the girls’ games there were both positives and negatives.

As a young team this season was as positive as it could be. All freshman and sophomores with the exception of one senior, and one junior the Lady Dragons’ are the youngest varsity team on the Island and are a force to be reckoned with in the near future.

The girls’ finished the season with a record of 1-11-0 and played exceptionally hard in all of their games. Senior, Briana Kohm, was a key player in the girls success this year, not only on the scoreboard, but with her varsity playing experience as a source of advice for many of the girls’ .

“Being the only senior, I was able to offer knowledge to the team, while gaining knowledge from the team as well,” said Kohm.

One of the sound traits of the Lady Dragons was their phenomenal defense. When the girls faced Petrides, one of the best shooting teams on the Island, they held them to only 52 points as the Panthers average 66 points per game and a high score of 75. The girls lost by eight in their efforts against Petrides but gained more than any win could on their season record, it gained them the knowledge and experience of playing sound team defense and the outcome and power of what it can do.

Likewise, on January 11, the girls’ versed New Dorp for the second time this season and made drastic improvements on the scoreboard. With great offense the girls’ were able to place their second highest score total at 38 points and keep the point spread at 21.

Yet, on January 21, the girls were determined to get their first win of the season. As soon as the Raiders stepped into the gym, the Lady Dragons’ knew it was time for business.

With a blow out first quarter at 11-5 in favor of the Dragons, the girls’ showed more heart and attentiveness then they did the whole season.

Sophomore Jennifer Carullo paired with Erin Kohm to make four three point shots in the first half. Freshmen Taylor Briggs and Danielle Kearney of McCown paired for six quick 2nd quarter points, which led the Dragons Briana Kohm to a quick 4 point 4 rebound surge late in the 2nd.

Sophomore Erin Kohm led the Dragons at half with 11 points, as the Dragons were up 25-16. The Dragons cruised through the rest of the night to win with a final score of 48-44.

The Lady Dragons’ will all return next year for another season of play with the exception of one player, Briana Kohm. Unlike every other team on the Island, the Dragons will have had a season to “themselves” and will return with a better, smarter team next season.

“My girls are working hard each and every day. We are getting better as a team, and we are looking forward to making a name for ourselves in the near future,” said Coach Nicole Stefanski.

Dragon Grapplers One Win Away From Title

Madison Lock and Megan Davis — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:04:16 +0000

The coed wrestling team has been fighting since the very beginning. Winning 6 out of 7 matches, our Dragons will continue to try and cling on to first place at their last meet of the year, which will be played over the mid-winter break. Stay tuned to PSAL.org for further details.

The team has faced many obstacles, but they always gave it their best effort and now they are fighting to be first place.

As of now the Dragon wrestling team is tied for first with Forest Hills High School. Even though they lost to Forest Hills they still have a chance to take the division title.

With the loss against Forest Hills High School the team was pushed to defeat anyone who stood in their way.

First up was a grapple with Erasmus High School. And the Dragons went back to business earning their sixth win.

“I’m very excited about their win. It was important to get a win after having our first loss.” said Coach Miano, who leads a strenuous practice with our wrestlers everyday.

The team shows up to every meet with only one thing in mind: winning.

“Our team works hard as usual and it shows. I am proud that I won because I go to practice everyday just like my teammates, that’s why we win, because we work hard,” said sophomore Sher Mohammad.

The wins did not stop at the meet against Erasmus. The team went on to win against Boys and Girls High School 24-12, and Benjamin N. Cardozo High School 30- 18.

As is often the case, when things are going well, they tend to keep going that way. Winning breeds confidence.

“In the ring when a wrestler is in his zone, all other sounds are blocked out. We showed them that skill beats strength,” said freshman Matthew Vainshtein. “Pain is temporary, pride is forever,”.

Come support our Dragons as they continue to wrestle their way to the top.

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Ms. Guo Joins CSIHSIS

Megan Davis and Steven Birch — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 23:02:54 +0000

Steven Birch | The Insider
Ms. Guo teaches students Chinese

Last month our school welcomed a new Chinese teacher to the staff, Ms. May Guo. In addition to teaching Mandarin, Ms. Guo is a sophomore advisor.

Ms.Guo previously taught Mandarin Chinese for two years at KAPPA International High School in the Bronx.

“This school is very similar to the school where I used to teach because they both are international and both offer Mandarin programs. They both do international trips like going to Costa Rica,” said Ms.Guo.

With much experience, Ms.Guo likes to teach the Chinese language using different methods.

“ I like to use songs to teach Chinese vocabulary, and it also helps students with Chinese pronunciation. In learning characters, I’m sure the kids don’t like to simply memorize every character or write it over until it’s remembered. I like to use Liu Shu to help students understand characters and put parts together to form characters. Liu Shu is used to learn characters by understanding the category the characters are in. Liu Shu is also used in understanding the creator of the characters to understand the roots of each and expand on the vocabulary,” said Ms.Guo.

Besides being involved with school activities, Ms.Guo says she loves paper cutting, listening and playing the Chinese Harp, Origami and some simpler sports such as jogging, hiking, and traveling.

We are all so pleased to have Ms.Guo teaching at our school.

Girls Dribble Through December Season

Matthew Prevosti — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:45:27 +0000

It was a Tuesday evening, and our school’s gymnasium was once again filled to capacity with excited fans. Earlier this month, our girls’ basketball team began their third varsity season with a home game against New Dorp High School.

With a new coach and a new team, many are hopeful the girls’ basketball team will find success this season and improve upon last season’s 4-10 record.

“We have been working hard for two months and know what we need to do. It is just the matter of if we come to the game mentally prepared. I have faith in my girls, and they need to believe in themselves,” said head coach Nicole Stefanski.

After the first few quarters of their game, despite their best efforts, the girls were behind. The final score was New Dorp 63-31. Despite the loss there were many bright points during the game.

Things looked up when Erin Kohm, Jen Carullo and Victoria Prevosti combined to make four three-point shots in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter. Adding to their total of fourteen points in the quarter, this made it the highest scoring quarter of the game. Although the offensive struggled, the girls’ defense was a step up from last season.

The team was very confident going into their next game against McKee/Staten Island Tech. Although the girls’ lost 72-35, they matched their opponent from the three-point line. Due to their efforts, the girls are now tied for second best (on the Island) in the three-point shooting category. If the girls continue to shoot this well, they should have an outstanding season.

The next game was the girls first away game, held at Port Richmond High School. The girls efforts were impressive, and although the scoreboard didn’t show it, they outplayed Port Richmond.

After being away from their home court, the girls came back to play against Tottenville High School. Although the team lost 59-22, Danielle Kearney drove to the boards to make a layup, while Samantha DiMarco was two for two from the foul line.

Their most recent game was at Susan Wagner High School.

“So far I think we have been playing well. We know what we are doing out there, so we are not losing because of any lack of talent. We lost a lot of starters with the beginning of a new season. We are just now warming up to each other, and with a few good games, we’ll be right back in it,” said sophomore starter Victoria Prevosti.

The girls still have a good chance at improving last years’ record, and after their pre-season jitters are out of the picture, they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Sports Briefs December 2009

Briana Kohm and Steven Birch — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:44:13 +0000

The Insider

Since indoor track season began, muddy shoes and drenched shirts are a thing of the past for our school. Now, the muddy field of Essex Drive has been replaced with the hardwood floor of the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, located in Manhattan on 168th Street. There, our indoor track team competes with schools from all five boroughs.

Cross Country offically came to a close last Thursday, December 10, at the Staten Island High School Track and Field Association where freshman MVP awards were given to Angela Guarino and Joseph Rodriguez. Varsity honors were also given to Shawn Cybulska and Shivanna Duncan.

At the recent indoor meets, new school records were set on December 7th by Diana Estrada who ran the 300 meter in 53.98 seconds. At another meet on December 11th, Diana Estrada medaled in the girls’freshmen 1000 meter run.

Joseph Rodriguez ran in the boys’divison 300 meter dash in 46.96 seconds and came in a very respectable 29th.

The team’s next meet will be at the Armory on December 26th.

“We’re training just as hard as we did for cross country, but I’m more excited to try shotput events this season,” said sophomore Samantha Bruno.

The indoor season is on, so let the races begin.

Wrestling

The boys are starting off their season well, but many fans know that they have more potential than they are showing.

On Thanksgiving Eve the boys went up against Bard High School and won 82-45. The top shooter of the game was sophomore Christopher Frank, scoring a total of 22 points.

The second game of the season was against Port Richmond where the boys gave it their best, but in the end were defeated 61-36.

The boys third game of the season on December 6th was against Curtis; the boys lost 77-29. Newcomer Quamaine Tomlin put 10 points on the board, while veteran Jamier Archer battled to add seven points to Quamaine’s efforts.

The boys fourth game took place at New Dorp High school. They lost 71-59 despite an outstanding effort. Quamaine Tomlin led with a total of 23 points.

The boys fifth game took place on our home court against MSIT. The boys caught up in the second period with a score of 37-32, but their efforts fell short. Jamier Archer was the top scorer with 19 points in the 87-61 loss.

The boys won their sixth game against Petrides in overtime 56-48.

New York Yankees Take Their Twenty-Seventh Title

Madison Lock — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:23:35 +0000

New Yorkers went wild after the New York Yankees won their twenty-seventh World Series. It took nine long years for the Yankees to claim their victory, and on November 4th, 2009, the Yankees did.

Due to the Yankees great hitting, outfielders, basemen, and pitching, the Philadelphia Phillies walked away with a tragic loss.

On October 28th, the New York Yankees lost the first game of the World Series at home. Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Cliff Lee, stumped the Yankees with his fastballs, curveballs, and change-ups.

Even with the effort of the Yankees, including Derek Jeter who hit doubles and singles, the Phillies took the game 6-1.

Still, the Yankees shook it off as they walked on the mound the following day. Solo home runs were hit by both Teixeira and Matsui, and the crowd went wild as the Yankees won Game 2, 3-1.

Yankees filled the dugout for their third game, all decked out in pinstripes on a rainy Halloween in Philadelphia. The New York Yankees won their second game in a row with a score of 2-1.

They took this game thanks to Alex Rodriguez, whose hit was ruled a ground rule double on the field but later reviewed and determined a home-run. This was also the first instant replay call in World Series history.

On November 2nd, the Phillies were on top of their game. Alex Rodriguez put the Yankees on the board with an RBI double, but with a strong pitcher and lineup, Phillies took over. Attempts were made by the players to come back, but in the end of a close game, Phillies took the game 8-6.

Hideki Matsui, or as many know him, Godzilla, lived up to his nickname as he was named MVP on November 4th, although he was a triple short of the cycle. The Yankees brought home the title of World Series Champions with a 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies.

“I thought it was awesome. I thought Matsui deserved the MVP award and his nickname Godzilla fits his performance. Jeter throughout the post season was in a slump, but hopefully next season he’ll be ready to hit. I believed the Yankees deserved to win the World Series,” said freshman Tommy LaCara.

Fans felt amazing over the Yankees’ win, for they have waited a long time for it to happen.

“I feel great. It’s been nine years since they won the World Series and it’s great to see the veterans like Jeter and Rivera win again and it’s great to see newcomers win like Sabathia and Matsui,” said Para- Professional Chris Adinolfi.

After twenty-seven World Series titles, baseball fanatics hold high expectations that the Yankees will win again.

The Yankees made it all the way this year, and victory is now theirs and ours.

Dribble Down and Shoot: Boys Get Ready for the Season

Briana Kohm — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 22:22:16 +0000

Joseph Ojo taking the ball down court.

Boys’ basketball is back, and the boys are already preparing for competition this year. Coaches Ray Palma and Elliot Wilson are back to whip the boys’ into shape and have a successful season.

With, only a few wins last year the boys new team is sure to push through and start the season off with a bang.

Along with the new season comes a new team. Since the seven seniors graduated last year, this year there is a team of 14 boys consisting only of juniors, sophomores, and freshmen.

“We are a young team, and I think we have kids who want to play. I hope we can make a run at the end of the season and get the boys’ to work hard so they do well,” said Coach Elliot Wilson.

Though the team has a lot of new and young members, there is no doubt that the boys will do well, especially with all the effort the coaches put into their practices.

“In practice we start by doing a drill called Kansas, which is a shooting warm up. Then we do running, shooting drills, three man drills, stretch, crack to crack, and run plays,” said junior Haynes Yatco.

The two hour practices that run everyday will prepare the boys for this year’s competition from all over the five boroughs and local high schools including Curtis, Port Richmond, Tech/McKee, New Dorp, Petrides, Wagner, and Tottenville.

“I have high expectations for the team this year because they gained many new and talented players,” said Athletic Director Dennis Barrett.

Yet Mr. Barrett and the coaches aren’t the only ones with high expectations for this year.

“As a new player I hope to contribute to the team. With a lot of new players, including myself, I hope we can pull together as a team and have a successful season,” said sophomore Michael Odumosu.

The parents and former players also had some words to say for the boys’ team this year.

“I think they’re going to have an adjustment period since they lost seven players, and I am excited to see what they can do together,” said parent Mrs. Archer.

Also, 2009 graduate and former player for the boys’ basketball team, Bernard Jones, has high hopes for the team this year even if they lost seven players.

“I see the team making it to the playoffs if they learn what it means to play as a team,” said Bernard Jones.

The players on the team this year are juniors Jamir Archer, Talon Turner and Haynes Yatco, sophomores Christopher Frank, Hayward Yatco, Quamaine Tomlin, Schwartzen Jarmond, Michael Odumosu and Matthew Prevosti, and freshmen Brandon O’Keefe, Anthony Fakoya, Joseph Ojo, Valon Lela, and James Besignano.

On November 25th the boys will face Bard High school in a Thanksgiving Eve face off.

Hopefully, with the support of our school, the team will have a repeat of last year’s game and blow Bard away to start off their season.