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Youth sports

All-Time Great Brentwood HS Soccer Coach Ron Eden Dies At 72: ‘Coached With Love’ All-Time Great Brentwood HS Soccer Coach Ron Eden Dies At 72: ‘Coached With Love’
All-Time Great Brentwood HS Soccer Coach Ron Eden Dies At 72: ‘Coached With Love’ Brentwood High School boys soccer coach Ron Eden, who won more than 450 games across a 30-year career, has died. He was 72. Though Eden’s on-field success earned him local and national accolades throughout his tenure, his impact on players off the field was even more immense, according to those who knew him. “For decades, Coach Eden gave his time, his knowledge, his energy, and his heart to this community without ever asking for anything in return,” organizer Alvaro Phan wrote in a GoFundMe for Eden’s family. “Coach Ron Eden taught us that being part of a team means showing up for one anoth…
Park Predator Hunt Ends: Cherry Hill Man Charged After Exposing Genitals To Girls, Cops Say Park Predator Hunt Ends: Cherry Hill Man Charged After Exposing Genitals To Girls, Cops Say
Park Predator Hunt Ends: Cherry Hill Man Charged After Exposing Genitals To Girls, Cops Say A 43-year-old Cherry Hill man has been charged months after police say he exposed himself in front of girls during a youth athletic event at a Medford Township park. Brian Epstein  turned himself in to officers on Wednesday, July 1, after investigators identified him as the suspect in an April incident at Bob Bende Park, Medford Township police said At 1:23 p.m. on Sunday, April 12, officers responded to the park following reports that a man intentionally exposed his genitals in front of girls attending an athletic event, as previously reported by Daily Voice. After posting his pictur…
Mantua Husband Of Cheerleading Coach Admits To Sexually Assaulting Minor: Prosecutor Mantua Husband Of Cheerleading Coach Admits To Sexually Assaulting Minor: Prosecutor
Mantua Husband Of Cheerleading Coach Admits To Sexually Assaulting Minor: Prosecutor A 46-year-old Mantua resident pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a minor, authorities announced. Michael Brown, the husband of cheerleading coach Valerie Brown, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a minor on Wednesday, June 17, Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew Jones said. As part of his plea deal, he is expected to be sentenced to 10 years in prison, Johns said. As part of his guilty plea,  Brown admitted to having sexual intercourse with a victim between the ages of 13 and 16 on multiple occasions at his Mantua home, Johns said. Valerie Brown was a coach and…
Ridgewood Coach Loses Home In Fire, Community Raises $23K Ridgewood Coach Loses Home In Fire, Community Raises $23K
Ridgewood Coach Loses Home In Fire, Community Raises $23K A popular Ridgewood football and lacrosse coach lost his family home in a basement fire earlier this month, prompting an outpouring of community support that raised more than $23,000 in days. Ridgewood firefighters quickly knocked down a smoky structure fire at a single-family home on the 600 block of Arcadia Road on Tuesday morning, May 5, as per Boyd A. Loving. All occupants were safely evacuated before police and firefighters arrived, authorities said. No injuries were reported. Glen Rock firefighters assisted at the scene. The home belonged to longtime Ridgewood coach and mentor Ernest…
Wyckoff Mourns Death Of Former Mayor Thomas J. Madigan Wyckoff Mourns Death Of Former Mayor Thomas J. Madigan
Wyckoff Mourns Death Of Former Mayor Thomas J. Madigan The Township of Wyckoff is mourning the loss of former mayor and committeeman Thomas J. Madigan, who died this week, officials announced. Madigan, a 42-year resident of Wyckoff, was first sworn into the Township Committee in October 2010 after serving on the Recreation Advisory Board, township officials said in a statement Saturday, Oct. 18. Madigan coached numerous youth sports through the township’s Recreation Department and served as a Recreation Advisory Board Member, the township said in a statement. He was also active in the Wyckoff-Midland Park Rotary Club, the Ramapo Music Parents A…
Vandal Damages New Shed At Park In Chester: 'Yes, We Are Installing Cameras,' Official Says Vandal Damages New Shed At Park In Chester: 'Yes, We Are Installing Cameras,' Official Says
Vandal Damages New Shed At Park In Chester: 'Yes, We Are Installing Cameras,' Official Says An Orange County town supervisor is condemning an act of vandalism that damaged a brand-new shed at a public park, just days after the community celebrated major upgrades to the facility. Chester Town Supervisor Brandon Holdridge announced the incident on Thursday night, Sept. 18, which happened in the Chester Commons Park.  In a public statement, Holdridge called it a direct attack on efforts to provide residents and youth sports teams with improved facilities.  "This goes directly against all those efforts and goals, especially a week or so after we unveiled our new field/light…
Park Planned In Coopersburg To Honor Memory Of Ayden Scharper, 19, Mom Says Park Planned In Coopersburg To Honor Memory Of Ayden Scharper, 19, Mom Says
Park Planned In Coopersburg To Honor Memory Of Ayden Scharper, 19, Mom Says A local park honoring Southern Lehigh graduate and standout athlete Ayden Scharper is being planned in Coopersburg, his mother announced in a fundraiser launched just days after his death. Ayden J. Scharper, 19, died by suicide in Allentown on Friday, June 6, and now his family is working to preserve his memory by building a recreational space that reflects his love for sports and the outdoors. His mother, Jessica Scharper, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $30,000 for a park in Coopersburg. In the first four days, it has brought in more than $22,000 from over 200 donors. “New homes an…
DC Educator Asked Girl For Sexual Photos After Meeting At Nearby Groecery Store: FBI DC Educator Asked Girl For Sexual Photos After Meeting At Nearby Groecery Store: FBI
DC Educator Asked Girl For Sexual Photos After Meeting At Nearby Groecery Store: FBI A school employee in DC has been arrested on disturbing child exploitation charges — and the FBI says there may be more victims. District resident Devonne Keith Brown, 56, was arrested on Monday, June 2, by the FBI Washington Field Office’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, federal officials announced. According to officials, Brown allegedly solicited the production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from a young girl in Prince George’s County, after allegedly meeting her in person at a grocery store near her home. Brown was employed at a school in Northeast DC a…
Westwood Track Coach Arrested For Assaulting Young Athlete: Cops Westwood Track Coach Arrested For Assaulting Young Athlete: Cops
Westwood Track Coach Arrested For Assaulting Young Athlete: Cops A 62-year-old Bergen County track and field coach was arrested after police say he assaulted an athlete. On Thursday, May 15, Washington Township police received a report that a juvenile had been hurt by their coach, Ruben Baerga, 62, of Westwood, according to a news release from the department. Baerga works for the private organization New Jersey Striders, which is not affiliated with the Westwood Regional School District, police said. Baerga was arrested by officers following an investigation that included video evidence, police said. Baerga was charged with endangering the welfare…
Maple Shade Resident Charged After Street Hockey Brawl: Police Maple Shade Resident Charged After Street Hockey Brawl: Police
Maple Shade Resident Charged After Street Hockey Brawl: Police Three people have been arrested and charged after a brawl at a street hockey game in Egg Harbor Township last Saturday, March 29, went viral, authorities said. Colleen Biddle, a 41-year-old Philadelphia resident, Robert Schafer, a 38-year-old Maple Shade resident and Justin Pacheco, a 38-year-old Philadelphia resident were charged on Wednesday, April 2 with simple assault at a youth sporting event and disorderly conduct, Egg Harbor Township police said. Video, which has seen been removed, shows the fight begins when two players begin pushing and shoving before a full melee breaks out among …
Community Steps Up For Longtime Volunteer, Business Owner From Ossining Battling Illness Community Steps Up For Longtime Volunteer, Business Owner From Ossining Battling Illness
Community Steps Up For Longtime Volunteer, Business Owner From Ossining Battling Illness The Westchester community is coming together to support longtime resident and local volunteer Bob “Bobby” Nolan, who has fallen seriously ill and is now facing a challenging road to recovery. According to the Gullotta House nonprofit organization, of which Nolan sits on the board of directors, Nolan, a fourth-generation Ossining resident, owns A.A.A. Nolan’s Auto Collision and has spent decades giving back through youth sports, civic leadership, and nonprofit work.  He has also served as president of the Ossining Rotary Club and past governor of the Loyal Order of the Moose and is a me…
Retired Irvington Officer Remembered: 'Respected, Committed' Retired Irvington Officer Remembered: 'Respected, Committed'
Retired Irvington Officer Remembered: 'Respected, Committed' A police department in Westchester is mourning retired Officer Robert J. Higle, a dedicated public servant who spent decades protecting his community and giving back in countless ways. Higle, a lifelong resident of Sleepy Hollow, died on Saturday, March 15, after a courageous battle with multiple illnesses, according to his obituary. He was 70 years old.  Born on February 2, 1954, Higle graduated from Sleepy Hollow High School in 1972 before beginning a long and distinguished career in law enforcement. In 1980, he joined the Irvington Police Department, where he served with honor and d…
Plainville Police Lt Remembered For His Dedication To Community: Army Vet Was 'Amazing Human' Plainville Police Lt Remembered For His Dedication To Community: Army Vet Was 'Amazing Human'
Plainville Police Lt Remembered For His Dedication To Community: Army Vet Was 'Amazing Human' A Connecticut community is mourning the loss of a dedicated police officer who spent his life working to improve his world and the lives of the people in it.  Plainville Police Lt. John Quilter died Saturday, Jan. 18, surrounded by his family. The department did not disclose the cause of death. The 49-year-old Bristol native married his high school sweetheart, Missy, and they had three children. John recently became a grandfather for the first time, according to his obituary.  Original Report: Plainville Lt. Dies Surrounded By Family John Quilter joined the Plainville Police D…
PA Mom Charged After Fight At Midget Football League Game PA Mom Charged After Fight At Midget Football League Game
PA Mom Charged After Fight At Midget Football League Game A fight at a Shippensburg Midget Football League game has led to charges filed against at least one parent, according to court documents.  Exact details about the fight are not clear, but the fight broke out at the game Sunday night, Oct. 27, Shippensburg Midget Football League Presiden Jeremy Stouffer explained in a statement. "I saw two children last night sitting in the back of their car while the mother was being taken away screaming and bawling waiting for someone to come pick them up over a youth football game," Stouffer wrote. "I am embarrassed of the way our coaches …
Retired Officer, Former Athletics Director From Eastchester Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed' Retired Officer, Former Athletics Director From Eastchester Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed'
Retired Officer, Former Athletics Director From Eastchester Dies: 'Will Be Sorely Missed' A police department in Westchester is mourning the loss of one of its retired officers who committed himself to helping young athletes for decades.  The Eastchester Police Department announced the death of retired Officer Alex Bonci on Monday, July 22. His age was not released.  An over 40-year veteran of the department, Bonci served from 1979 until his retirement in 2020.  In addition to his career as a police officer, Bonci was also known as an important figure to student-athletes in Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and Edgemont, where he served as an athletic directo…
Fairfield Little League Team Headed To Tournament After Winning State Championship Fairfield Little League Team Headed To Tournament After Winning State Championship
Fairfield Little League Team Headed To Tournament After Winning State Championship Twelve Fairfield County baseball players ages 13 and under won the state 50/70 Championship on Saturday, July 13, and are headed for the Little League Regional Tournament in Dover, Delaware. Coach Chad Czapla said the Fairfield American team, known as the "Summer Brothers," will get a big send-off to the tournament with a barbecue on Thursday, July 18, and a parade of cars will escort them as they take off for Delaware on Friday, July 19.  "Our team is proud to represent Connecticut in the East Regionals next week," Czapla said. "Many of the boys have played together since they were ei…
Bayonne Sports Icon Marty Reed Dies At 76 Bayonne Sports Icon Marty Reed Dies At 76
Bayonne Sports Icon Marty Reed Dies At 76 Marty Reed, a beloved institution in youth sports in Bayonne, died on Saturday, June 15, at the age of 76, according to his obituary on the Sweeney Funeral Home website. Reed was involved in youth sports for more than 60 years and was a "walking encyclopedia" who remembered every player from Little League and PAL basketball, going back to the 60s, his obituary reads.  He was a regular fixture at Little League games, working the scoreboard and telling stories, and at PAL basketball games, he always greeted people as they arrived, according to his obituary. Bayonne Legend Marty Reed has …
Boyertown Community Rallies For Late Youth Baseball Coach Boyertown Community Rallies For Late Youth Baseball Coach
Boyertown Community Rallies For Late Youth Baseball Coach Community members are raising thousands for the family of Steve Batten, a youth coach who died suddenly on Sunday, May 26, according to colleagues.  Batten coached the Boyertown Black Bears of the Boyertown Midget Baseball League, friends said on GoFundMe. "Coach Steve was a major contributor to BMBL as a coach from t-ball all the way to majors and advanced play," organizers wrote. "He served as the president of the Jr. Division and has been a board member and the director of marketing." "Steve Batten will remain one of the most passionate individuals when it comes to promoting a posi…
Popular Bergenfield Coach, Dad To Newborn Mike Burns Dies After Bicycle Ride, 37 Popular Bergenfield Coach, Dad To Newborn Mike Burns Dies After Bicycle Ride, 37
Popular Bergenfield Coach, Dad To Newborn Mike Burns Dies After Bicycle Ride, 37 Shock and sadness spread following the death of 37-year-old Michael Burns, a well-respected youth sports coach and father of two. According to his obituary, Mike died unexpectedly on a bicycle ride Sunday, March 3.  A member of the Ironworkers Union, Local 11 Mike "loved the challenges of his job, especially the thrill of working on structures from very great heights," his obituary reads. He was outspoken and "always tried to push his own personal limits." "Wrestling was his lifelong passion, and he trained his body, mind and spirit with diligence and devotion to the art and skills of…
Sudden Death Of Jersey Shore Middle Schooler Spreads Shock, Sadness Sudden Death Of Jersey Shore Middle Schooler Spreads Shock, Sadness
Sudden Death Of Jersey Shore Middle Schooler Spreads Shock, Sadness A Monmouth County family is rallying for support after a 12-year-old boy's sudden death. A GoFundMe page said 12-year-old David Pakula died of unknown causes on Friday, Jan. 5. More than $32,000 was raised from at least 421 donations as of Monday, Jan. 8. The memorial fundraiser called Pakula's death shocking. "Our hearts and prayers are with Monika and Darek, David's younger brothers Patrick and Alex, and the rest of the family," the GoFundMe page said. "This unexpected event shocked all of us and left a huge hole in our hearts." An obituary for Pakula said the Morganville boy went to Ma…
Former Youth Coach Used Power To Entice, Sexually Abuse Minors In MD: Prosecutors Former Youth Coach Used Power To Entice, Sexually Abuse Minors In MD: Prosecutors
Former Youth Coach Used Power To Entice, Sexually Abuse Minors In MD: Prosecutors A former youth coach in Calvert County has admitted to local charges after previously pleading guilty to grooming and sexually abusing young victims who were in his care during years of psychological and physical torture. Owings resident Moshe Michael Imel, 53, a longtime former coach of the Patuxent Rhinos youth football team, pleaded guilty in Calvert County Court to three felony charges related to the sexual abuse of minors, authorities announced on Tuesday, May 2. Last month, Imel pleaded guilty to similar federal charges. According to the Calvert County Sheriff's Office, between …
Youth Coach Killing: Final Suspect Convicted In Baltimore Youth Coach Killing: Final Suspect Convicted In Baltimore
Youth Coach Killing: Final Suspect Convicted In Baltimore A second home invader has been convicted for playing his part in a botched armed robbery that left a popular youth coach dead in Baltimore. Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates announced on Tuesday, April 18, that Khalil Madden may spend decades in prison for his alleged role in the attempted robbery and killing of Jordan Taylor in 2019. “Today concluded the long fight to deliver justice for Jordan Taylor, a beloved and respected youth sports director, and his family,” Bates said. My thoughts are with Ms. Taylor as she continues to grieve the loss of her wonderful husband. His absence…
Volunteer Youth Coach Sexually Assaulted Female Players: Philadelphia Police Volunteer Youth Coach Sexually Assaulted Female Players: Philadelphia Police
Volunteer Youth Coach Sexually Assaulted Female Players: Philadelphia Police A 38-year-old volunteer youth sports coach has been charged with the sexual assaults of two teen players, authorities in Philadelphia said. Timothy Foster, of the Port Richmond Tigers Sports Association, assaulted the victims on multiple occasions, some of which were inside of his Chatham Street home, 6abc says citing police. Authorities believe there could be more victims.  Foster has been accused of "multiple sexual assaults that occurred with minors while coaching youth basketball and softball teams," the PPD said. The Port Richmond Tigers released the following statement: "As you may …
Softball Coach Ordered To Repay $12K To Jersey Shore Team He Stole From: Prosecutor Softball Coach Ordered To Repay $12K To Jersey Shore Team He Stole From: Prosecutor
Softball Coach Ordered To Repay $12K To Jersey Shore Team He Stole From: Prosecutor A coach from Neptune Township has been ordered to pay $12,000 in restitution to a youth softball team he was accused of stealing from, authorities said. Michael Lane, 54, also was sentenced to five years probation after he pleaded guilty to misusing several thousand dollars of the team’s funds earmarked for traveling expenses and tournament costs, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. The restitution to be split among 10 families whose daughters played on the softball team, Santiago said. Lane admitted on April 4 to theft by failure to make…
$8 Million Check Will Bring North Jersey State-Of-The-Art Ice Skating Rink To Life $8 Million Check Will Bring North Jersey State-Of-The-Art Ice Skating Rink To Life
$8 Million Check Will Bring North Jersey State-Of-The-Art Ice Skating Rink To Life Union County officials are expected to be presented with a check made out for $8 million in state funding that will go toward renovations to an indoor ice skating rink at the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle. The check will be presented by State Senate President Nicholas Scutari on behalf of the State of New Jersey. “Right now, we have a great facility in use, but it can only be used seasonally," Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams said. "With the construction of a new state-of-the-art indoor skating rink, we will be able to offer year-round use of the building, attracting even …
Baseball Coach From Mount Vernon Sentenced For Engaging In Sexual Activity With 16-Year-Old Baseball Coach From Mount Vernon Sentenced For Engaging In Sexual Activity With 16-Year-Old
Baseball Coach From Mount Vernon Sentenced For Engaging In Sexual Activity With 16-Year-Old A 31-year-old baseball coach from Westchester County has been sentenced for engaging in sexual activity with a 16-year-old former player. Robert Pope, of Mount Vernon, was sentenced on Thursday, Sept. 22, to four years in state prison and 10 years of post-release supervision, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced. Pope was the owner and head coach of Mount Vernon Baseball, an independent organization and coached youth teams. He will also be required to register as a sex offender, Rocah said. The DA's Office said Pope pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sexual ac…
Support Surges For Family After Death Of Devoted Dad, Phillipsburg Public Works Employee, 44 Support Surges For Family After Death Of Devoted Dad, Phillipsburg Public Works Employee, 44
Support Surges For Family After Death Of Devoted Dad, Phillipsburg Public Works Employee, 44 Support is on the rise for the family of devoted father and Phillipsburg Public Works employee Kevin Johnson, who died at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Pocono on Tuesday, Aug. 30 at the age of 44. Born in Hackettstown, Kevin had been employed with the Department of Public Works with the Town of Phillipsburg, his obituary says. Kevin was known for his love of youth sports and had spent time as a coach with Steele Hill and Firthtown, according to his memorial. He also loved the Philadelphia Eagles. Above all, Kevin was a dedicated family man who embraced his role as a loving father to his wife, Sta…
Bergenfield Little League Honors Living Coaching Legend Bergenfield Little League Honors Living Coaching Legend
Bergenfield Little League Honors Living Coaching Legend The opening of the 2022 Bergenfield Little League season was a borough affair. Locals flocked to the renovated Staunton Field on Saturday, April 2 for a host of games following opening ceremonies that included longtime coach and general manager Kevin Smith being awarded the 2022 Sportsman of the Year. Smith "dedicated over 30 years coaching the youth of Bergenfield," the league wrote in a post. "For that we are very thankful." Smith "demonstrated the highest level of sportsmanship, treating players in a fair and fun environment that enriched their Little League experience," his award says…
Westchester Baseball Coach Accused Of Having Relationship With Player, Police Say Westchester Baseball Coach Accused Of Having Relationship With Player, Police Say
Westchester Baseball Coach Accused Of Having Relationship With Player, Police Say A baseball coach in Westchester is facing charges for allegedly having improper contact and a relationship with a former player, police said. Robert Pope, age 30, the owner and head coach of Mount Vernon Baseball, an independent organization, was arrested following an investigation into allegations of him having improper contact with a minor. On Monday, June 14, the Mount Vernon Police Department was alerted to allegations that a baseball coach in the city was allegedly engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old former player. Police said that the mother of the alleged vic…
COVID-19: Massachusetts Announces Date It Will Start New CDC Mask Guidance COVID-19: Massachusetts Announces Date It Will Start New CDC Mask Guidance
Covid-19: Massachusetts Announces Date It Will Start New CDC Mask Guidance The light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel is fast approaching in Massachusetts. Gov. Charlie Baker announced that any remaining COVID-19 occupancy limits or restrictions will be lifted beginning Memorial Day Weekend, effective as of Saturday, May 29. Baker made the much-anticipated announcement on Monday, May 17 during a COVID-19 briefing. Restrictions will be lifted for all industries, as well as indoor and outdoor gathering limits. Health officials in Massachusetts said that they will be adopting the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for mask-w…
Shots Fired During Little League Game Sparks Outrage From Community In Fairfield County Shots Fired During Little League Game Sparks Outrage From Community In Fairfield County
Shots Fired During Little League Game Sparks Outrage From Community In Fairfield County This story has been updated. State and local government officials are working to stem the number of shootings taking place in Fairfield County after shots were fired during a Little League game. The incident took place Saturday, May 15, during an East End game at Newfield Park in Bridgeport, said Scott Appleby, director of Emergency Management. The shots startled those playing and attending the game and sent players running for cover. By Sunday, May 16, parents and worried residents were rallying at the park to put an end to such violence in the city. They were joined by Gov. Ned Lamont…