By: Sean Moylan
TOMS RIVER Fifteen minutes after the Florence Township Memorial High girls’ varsity softball team won its first state title since 1987, Florence head coach George Chwastyk stood on a grassy hill behind the beautiful softball field at Tom’s River East and hugged the state Group I championship trophy.
"It’s kind of neat. Maybe I can keep it for the weekend," said Chwastyk of the state championship trophy. "Now I’m with all the Florence legends."
Chwastyk is probably the most successful junior varsity basketball coach in Florence history. His Florence girls’ soccer teams were also very successful and he led his Flashes softball team to several Sectional title games in both South and Central Jersey.
But in Florence there’s winning championships and there’s misery. So when Chwastyk and the Flashes got their first title by beating South Amboy in the Group I Central Jersey Final on May 31, they ended that misery. Then Florence beat Pompton Lakes 3-0 to win the Group I state title on Saturday.
"It’s awesome," added Florence’s Bruce Garganio, who with two daughters on the club, was happy with finally getting over the hump and winning a title.
While the team planned a big celebration and a ride through town on the fire truck, that may not be the only celebration for many of this current group. Yes, the Flashes’ superstar hurler Melissa Mehrer will be pitching for Monmouth University and Kristin Garganio will be hitting her frozen ropes for Lafayette next season and Florence will surely miss the play of outfielder Katelyn Antolic and leadoff hitter Ashley Onori, who has always been such a fast and good softball player.
"After four years of trying it’s a dream come true to finally win a championship," said Onori, who had a single and scored a run in the title game. "It’s the most amazing feeling."
Florence, however, has a strong nucleus of sophomore players coming back including, sophomore Kelly Garganio, who was 3-1 as a pitcher this year and hit a ton this season. Chelsea "Mrs. Clutch" Kehr is the Freedom Division’s best catcher and by next year she’ll probably be considered the best in all of Burlington County. Her father Newell is a tremendous coach as is Bruce Bendetti and Danielle Fudala. Shortstop Erin Sweeney is also on the verge of stardom and Katie Schreck, Carlie Maple and freshman Emily Million could all be household names in Burlington County by the middle of next season.
Sophomores Jackie Giambrone, Katie Dmitruck and Desiree Penice and junior Amber Wolfe should also do well next season. Sweeney believes the team should be set and good for at least another two seasons. Most of the Flashes play travel ball so they should stay in shape as well. But while everyone else was thinking about the next title, Chwastyk, who had a fantastic year coaching his 23-1 team, was still soaking in the 3-0 win over Pompton Lakes, which was a good team with a good pitcher, Chelsea Ott.
"We had no errors in the field and our infield was solid," said Chwastyk, still thinking like a head coach. "(Winning) It’s a happy feeling. It’s nice to see these young kids mature as players."
Who’s next?

