Christie Rampone was named Sky Blue FC’s Defender of the Year and Most Valuable Player by a vote of the coaches, players, staff and media.
Rampone, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and Sky Blue FC captain, has been the anchor for Sky Blue FC’s back line this season. Her leadership has been pivotal for the squad.
“She’s been our most important player by not only providing leadership, but also direction and experience in the back line,” Sky Blue FC head coach Jim Gabarra said. “She’s had to play with three to five rookies in the back, and having that back line for a period be one of the best defenses in the league is a real credit to her leadership.”
Sky Blue FC set a franchise record 435-minute shutout streak this season and had nine clean sheets.
Rampone has played a total of 1,800 minutes, missing only two games while on USWNT duty. Rampone starred at Monmouth University prior to her USWNT play.
Forward Monica Ocampo claimed the Golden Boot after leading the squad with eight goals at the conclusion of the regular season — two being game winners. She also had two assists.
Sky Blue FC has qualified for the National Women’s Soccer League playoffs.
Everett “Ebby” Novak, an owner and breeder for more than 25 years, was named the 2013 recipient of the Virgil “Buddy” Raines Distinguished Achievement Award.
The Raines Award, instituted at Monmouth Park in 1996, honors men and women who have demonstrated a continuing commitment to the sport of thoroughbred racing as an owner or trainer, and whose conduct has been exemplary for professionalism, integrity and service to the sport.
Novak, who purchased New Farm in Marlton in 1988, was the 18th recipient of the Raines Award. To date, top runners carrying the New Farm’s purple and black colors have included Conveyor, Appealing Skier, Sacred Honour, Meadow Monster, Phone The Doctor, Forest Heiress, Wild Snitch and Wildcat Heir, who sired Rainbow Heir, winner of this year’s Grade 3 Jersey Shore Stakes.
The award is named for the late Virgil “Buddy” Raines, one of racing’s most venerable figures who was a regular at Monmouth Park before his retirement. Raines trained horses for 65 years and won the Preakness Stakes in 1962 with Greek Money.
Each recipient of the Raines Award receives a special trophy emblematic of the honor. All winners of the award have their names placed on a special plaque that is displayed in the Monmouth Park Clubhouse.
Discounted tickets for the Rutgers University Homecoming football game against the University of Houston on Oct. 26 at Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway are available for only $35.
Before the game, attendees can enjoy music, food and giveaways in areas around the stadium. Small children can participate in bouncy games, face painting, meeting the Scarlet Knights’ mascot and more.
To order tickets or for more information, contact the Rutgers athletics ticket office at 866-445-4678 or visit the Rutgers website at www.scarletknights.com. Mention promotional code RUAA.
This is the Scarlet Knights’ last season of action before moving to the Big Ten Conference in 2014.
The NJ Xtreme 14U girls softball team finished up their season with a season-ending championship at the Lacey Summer Storm tournament. Going 6-0 on the weekend, they beat the Carteret Kraze, 13-1, in the semifinals and the Brick Bombers, 8-3, in the finals.
The championship game’s offense was led by Catherine Grillo’s four RBIs. The team finished its season with a 52-19-3 record.
Team members are Emma Hughes, Natalie Farparan, Stephanie Tuquero, Gabriella Scimemi, Nancy Gray, Jamie DiMario, Hadassah Curry, Caitlyn Kelly, Sam Frazetto, Sarina DiBari, Carley Layton and Catherine Grillo. The players are from Freehold, Marlboro, Manalapan, Sayreville, Colts Neck, Matawan and South Brunswick.
The team is managed by Joe DiMario, and the assistant coaches are Lenny Maltese and Paul Gray.