Sports

HOCKEY TEAM READIES FOR SEASON: The Livingston High School Lancer ice hockey team gets ready for the season opener on Friday, December 8, at the Codey Arena against West Essex. Shown here, Livingston skaters take off during the speed drill. Don Schwartz Photo

On Sunday, December 3, the Livingston Junior Lancer wrestling team participated in the Roxbury Rumble tournament at Roxbury High School.

“Their remarkable achievements in this event are a testament to the program’s thriving spirit and commitment to excellence,” said coach John Kane.

Beau Scheier and Jackson Saidel won first place in their respective categories, while Adam Burroughs clinched fourth place during the tournament.

Donovan Ferry earned second place. Michael Chaiklin achieved his first pin and win during the tournament, and took third place.

Giorgio Decorso competed in the experienced division of the competition, displaying “resilience and tenacity,” as stated by Kane.

“Their dominant performances were not just victories, but also powerful statements of their rapid development in the sport,” said Kane.

PREPARING FOR THE SEASON: The Livingston High School girls’ basketball team continues to get ready for season openers on varsity, junior varsity, and freshmen levels. Above, Lancer Emma Tovitz drives the ball against Lancer Marissa Kay during the offensedefense drill. Don Schwartz Photo

WINTER SPORTS TRYOUTS START: Tryouts for the Livingston High School winter sports teams are underway at the Fitness and Wellness Center and track field at LHS. Above, Lancer shot put candidates work on their technique during tryouts on the track. Below, long-distance runners set the pace during tryouts. Photos for tryouts for other winter sports can be seen throughout this issue. Don Schwartz Photos

The Livingston Green Knights 10U travel baseball team participated in – and ultimately won – the Montclair Invitational Tournament on Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19, in Montclair.

On Saturday, the Knights split their preliminary round games, losing, 7-6, in the first game and winning the second game, 6-5, behind pitchers Leo Krantz and Dax Wendolowski, with Spencer Friedman getting the save.

In the semi-final game on Sunday, Spencer Friedman pitched a complete game and struck out six batters as the Knights defeated the Montclair 11U Bulldogs, 6-4, to advance to the finals.

In the finals, Leo Woodsmall pitched a complete game and the Knights won in walk-off fashion when Leo Krantz stole home on a passed ball for the winning run in the bottom of the sixth inning.

TRIAL BLAZERS TURKEY BOWL: On Saturday, November 18, the Trial Blazers for Kids Club at Livingston High School held its inaugural flag football Turkey Bowl event. The club was started by Lily Kestler to honor the life and memory of her brother, Jake Kestler. Club advisors and teachers Maggie Lafferty and Mickey Ennis worked together with the Club’s executive board, Lily Kestler, Sarah Blatt, Marlie Goldstein, Andrew Rubinstein, Dylan Hochberg, and Madelyn Rothfeld, to put together this event. Within a week, 12 teams had signed up for the event and raised over $1,000 for Trial Blazers for Kids, which works to improve treatment options and find cures for pediatric cancers. Ultimately, Team Yellow and Team Green (the teachers’ team) took home the trophies

Rice University has announced the signing of Joshua Mandelbaum of Livingston to play men’s tennis at Rice University in Houston, Texas. He will be on the team’s 2024 roster, announced head coach Efe Ustundag.

Mandelbaum joins the Owls from NewarkAcademy in Livingston. He was ranked as the 44th recruit in the nation and also achieved a #1 national doubles ranking in 2021. He was named to the 2022-23 USA Today HSSA Boys’Tennis Player of the Year watch list.

Mandelbaum was named firstteam all-state in 2022, and has compiled a record of 44-1 during his high school career. He won one silver ball and two bronze balls at the L1 National Indoors Doubles Championships in his career.

Mandelbaum also started the Rally For Tennis fundraiser, this year raising over $80,000 in support of the Greater Newark Tennis and Education Foundation.

NATIONAL NORTH CHAMPIONS: The Livingston Stealth Green 11 and under baseball team are the National North Champions. The team defeated Montclair and North Caldwell in the playoffs, followed by a win against the Springfield Eagles, 12-2, to claim the championship title, Shown here, in the back row, is head coach Ed Murray, coach Alyson Rosenberg, and coach Joe Feola. In the middle row are players Eli Risis, Alan Gholston, Vincent Broderick, Liam Zotti, Gavin Feola, Tatum Kuo, and Ryan Rosenberg. In the front row are players John Agriantonis, Zach Fuchs, Ryan Traub, Ethan O’Neil, Zach Weiner, and Tanish Reikhy. Not shown are Cameron Roig, and Michael Decorso. Joe Feola Photo

LANCERS ADVANCE IN NJSIAA TOURNAMENT: On Wednesday, October 25, the Livingston High School varsity boys’ soccer team defeated Barringer High School, 2-1, during the NJSIAA Tournament. Lancer goals were scored by Jacob Lowenthal and Dylan Santucci. The Lancers advanced to the NJSIAA quarterfinals, defeating Montclair, 3-0. Livingston goals were scored by Jacob Lowenthal, Joshua Baskies, and Jason Cross. The boys’ varsity soccer record stands at 13-4-1. Shown above, left, Lancer Senior Nicolas Tserpelis readies to take the ball away from the Barringer center forward. Above, right, Livingston goal keeper Jacob Hans drives the ball downfield against a Barringer player. Don Schwartz Photos