Assembly honors
Cheesequake Chiefs
The Old Bridge Chiefs baseball team poses with Gov. Christie Whitman (center) and (l-r) Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina (R-13th), coach Jim McDermott, manager Gerard Haran Sr., coach George Koutas, coach Bill Mantani and Assemblyman Sam Thompson (R-13th) in Trenton. The team was recognized for taking first place in the 14-year-old division in the New Jersey State Championship this season.
OLD BRIDGE — The Old Bridge Cheesequake Chiefs’ baseball team was honored by the state Assembly for its accomplishments during its award-winning baseball season.
The Babe Ruth state champions were honored during a presentation of a joint resolution of the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly during the Assembly’s session in Trenton on Nov. 20.
"These fine young men serve as role models for their peers in demonstrating the lofty goals that can be achieved through dedication, working as a team and lots of hard work," said Assemblyman Samuel Thompson (R-13). "Their parents are to be commended also for the great amount of support that they obviously supplied to the team."
Thompson was joined by Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina (R-13) and Sen. Joseph Kyrillos (R-13) in presenting team members, coaches and parents with the resolutions on the floor of the Assembly.
Team members were recognized for winning the 14-year-old New Jersey State Championship this year, and for winning the state championships as 13- and 10-year-olds. The Chiefs also won the Sayreville Tournament 15-year-old division, and finished third in the 15-year-old division of the U.S. Amateur Baseball League. They also captured third place in the nine-team Mid-Atlantic Region Babe Ruth playoffs.
"It is such a pleasure to honor these outstanding athletes and their coaches for a successful season and outstanding championship," said Azzolina.
The young athletes enjoyed a successful season under the guidance of their team manager Gerard M. Haran, and coaches George Koutas, Jim McDermott and Bill Mantani.
Gov. Christie Whitman posed with the team and coaches for a photo after the ceremony.
The members of the team are Bryan Ball, Chris Correri, Gerard Haran, Marvin Hyer, Steve Johnson, George Koutas, Charlie Kruer, Steve Mantani, Jay McDermott, Justin Obrusniak, John Pancetti and Danny Zeffiro.