Last week we took a look at all-star listings in both our Washington DC and the Lehigh Valley area for several sports.

This week we continue to honor the top athletes in their respective sports by highlighting the top achievers in the sports of tennis and baseball.

First, here are your Eastern Pennsylvania Conference top tennis players…

Saucon Valley’s Deven Pandey was the District XI 2A tennis champion and Freedom’s Noah Potts captured the 3A title.

Next, here are the EPC-18 first and second team all-stars for baseball…

Most Valuable Player – Jake Dally, Nazareth

We are blessed to have a number of special sports people in the Eastern Pennsylvania region. Coaches, players, administrators…officials, umpires and referees.

Frank D’Angelo is one of those special members of the latter categories. In addition to being a school administrator for several years, he announced his retirement after a 45-year officiating career midway through 2022, but he also was diagnosed with Stage Four cancer over the last several months.

We had the privilege recently to talk with Frank about both his wonderful experiences officiating different sports, along with his current medical struggles…

https://youtu.be/J2uvq-Ff1Pw

Frank’s full story can be seen on ATVN On-Demand, which is free for all of Astound Broadband’s video customers, who are able to watch these and other local sports interviews at any time, for free, through the Astound’s On-Demand services.

Now, we bring you the last of our best scholastic sports highlights of the past year for games aired on ATVN…

1. Astound Sports: North Schuykill vs. Allentown Central Catholic (3/23)

2. Astound Sports: Allentown Central Catholic vs. Easton (2/23)

3. Astound Sports: Pen Argyl vs. Palmerton (3/23)

Check back to “The SportsTalk Shop” here on our website as we will be continuing to bring you more “all-star” listings as announced by the local leagues, conferences and districts in the Astound viewing areas over the next several weeks.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.

With the school year now behind us, we are happy to unveil the local “all star” listings for teams in our ATVN coverage areas.  This week we continue our rundown, starting with the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference – 18’s first and second team softball honorees.

2023 MVP – Madison Glick

It was a busy offseason for local athletic directors and high school administrators as a number of head football coaching positions opened up since the end of the 2022 season.

We recently began a series of programs featuring interviews of these brand new coaches to our area by having the new head coaches at Whitehall and Saucon Valley in our studios to talk about their history and thoughts on the upcoming season.

Both coaches had great visions for their respective programs, along with a passion to have their kids succeed on and off the field and both Zephyr and Panther football fans should be excited for this fall – and beyond – for their programs.

Our countdown featuring new head football coaches in the Lehigh Valley continues on this Thursday’s “ATVN SportsTalk,” live at 7pm on the Astound Broadband TV Network.

Video customers will also be able to watch these and other local sports interviews in their entirety at any time, for free, through the Astound’s On-Demand services.

Now, we continue our second-to-last listings of the best highlights of the past year for games aired on ATVN.

1. Astound Sports: Southern Lehigh vs. East Stroudsburg South (2/23)
   
   
2. Astound Sports: Allentown Central Catholic vs. Bethlehem Catholic (3/23)<
3. Astound Sports: Easton vs. Central York (3/23)
   
   

Check back to “The SportsTalk Shop” here on our website next week for more on local sports news and insights as well as our final listing of highlights of high school productions from the past school year on Astound Broadband’s ATVN.  We will also have more “all-star” listings as announced by the local leagues, conferences and districts in the Astound viewing areas over the next several weeks!

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.

Oh, the places you will go…if you play tournament softball!

Throughout my softball journey, I have been very blessed to see and play in so many amazing places. I started traveling for softball at the age of ten and since then I have played in 13 different states all over the country. Each new place I’ve been to comes with new opportunities and new adventures. 

When I was ten years old I was on my very first tournament team. We played mostly local tournaments in Quakertown, Emmaus, and Landsdale. Our first major destination we went to was Ocean City Maryland. This would be my first time going to Maryland and I remember staying at the Flamingo Motel. I remember my family and I went to the Salty Dog for the first time and we went to Dead Freddies for a team dinner. 

My next two years of tournament softball took me to many more places. My first national tournament was played in Hartford, Connecticut. We got 5th place overall and made so many memories. It was my first year of dance parties in hotel rooms, team dinners that always took way too long, and many games of softball. My next national tournament was in Sterling, Virginia. I remember the hotel we stayed at was the only one we’ve ever been to with an outdoor pool. I also remember going to this restaurant called Generous George’s that had the biggest pieces of pizza ever. 

Softball would take me back to Ocean City, Maryland, a total of three more times. Each time we came in the top ten of the tournament. I remember when my team and I stayed at the Princess Royal and every single night we would walk across the street to Candy Kitchen and Sunsations. We would go swimming in the huge pool and my team and I would try our best to not get caught using the hot tubs because none of us were sixteen yet. Something else I remember was walking with my sister to get ice cream and cookie dough at Dodo every night on our trip last year.

Once my team got older we began to take even bigger trips. We would end up going to Nashville Tennessee, Space Coast Florida, Kansas City Kansas, and Gulf Shores Alabama. Something funny about all of these trips was that my family and I drove to every single one. We would never go on an airplane and fly to any of these places. 

Nashville was an opportunity for our team to play competition from all over the country. We were the only team east of the Mississippi river to come. Something that was my favorite part of national tournaments was pin trading, and I got some of my coolest pins in Nashville. My team and I went shopping almost every single day at the huge mall across the street from our hotel. I also remember going into downtown Nashville to take in the sights and sounds.

Space Coast was a magical place for my team and I. The first time we went we got first place overall which was such an opportunity. I remember the feeling of our pitcher throwing the last pitch and creating a dog pile on the pitcher’s mound. We all put our gold rings on our fingers and we walked off the field together as champions. My team and I then went back to our hotel’s pool and had a huge karaoke party. Going back to Space Coast last year and getting third place was another time. This time came with many runs to chick fil a, a game that did not end until 12:30 in the morning, and getting breakfast at Planet Smoothie every single morning. 

Kansas City is the furthest “west” I have ever been. Playing softball in Kansas against the best competition is another experience. Once again my team and I were the only team from East of the Mississippi and no one had ever heard of where we were from. Everyone was assuming we were from Vegas because our jerseys had an ‘LV’ on them. Our hotel in Kansas was in the middle of an outlet mall.  My favorite part was when my team and I walked through the fountain in the middle of the mall after the mall closed late at night. 

My last national tournament in Gulf Shores, Alabama, was an emotional experience. I got to share the field with my sister for the first and last time. It was my last time playing for my coach who I had played for my entire tournament ball career. My team and I got second place and the trophy we won was at least six feet tall. I remember my team and I walking to Target to get ice cream at night, playing indoor mini golf, and having two beach days.

All of these trips had their memories but something that sticks out the most to me was having my family with me through it all. I am so thankful for the opportunities I was given and the support my family gave me. Traveling for softball has shaped me into the person I am, but without my family none of it would have been possible. 

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.

There’s lots of high school sports news in the Lehigh Valley, but before we talk about that, allow me to mention the actual fireworks that you’ll be able to see once again this Independence Day holiday, live on the Astound TV Network.

ATVN is once again the exclusive home to the Fourth of July Fireworks Special, from J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown this Tuesday starting at 7pm.  In addition to the fireworks show (very roughly scheduled to take place after 9pm), we will have live music featured from area bands, interviews with local dignitaries as well as spectators and a special ceremony honoring our local veterans–all scheduled for the evening’s events.

Be sure to check out our entire day of patriot programming, starting at seven in the morning with our “Victory at Sea” marathon, counting us down to the fireworks show.

Now, for some of the local sports “fireworks.”

The end of the school year means the releasing of many districts and leagues’ “all-star” listings.

For today’s entry, we take a look at the volleyball “all-stars” in the Eastern Pennsylvania conference….

Check back to “The SportsTalk Shop” here on our website for more on local sports news and insights as well as highlights of recent productions on Astound Broadband’s ATVN.

In the meantime, enjoy your ‘Fourth!’

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.

The Lehigh Valley is home to a lot of special people–many local sports fans don’t realize just how diverse some of our “local” sports personalities are.

Frank Scagliotta was a great head football coach at Bangor and Pocono Mountain High Schools, but he’s also one of four people in the ENTIRE COUNTRY that analyzes and evaluates ALL of the NCAA Division-I college basketball officials.

(Yes, if you were one of the many people who had some questions about the controversial calls in this year’s NCAA Final Four tournament, he’s one of the people that has to review those referees.)

We had the pleasure of having Mr. Scagliotta on our “ATVN SportsTalk” show to talk about his favorite moments as a high school football coach, along with talking about his current role training and evaluating NCAA basketball referees.

Here’s a sample of his thoughts and reflections back on his great career (the entire interview is available for Astound video customers for free through ATVN on-demand).

We have another legendary “Frank” coming up on this week’s “SportsTalk” show – one that has touched many people’s lives in various ways. Unfortunately, local referee/umpire Frank D’Angelo is also currently in a battle for his life.

Mr. D’Angelo will be in our studio to talk about his great career and his current struggles.  Tune in this Thursday at 7pm for a very special edition of our program on ATVN.

Now, we continue our countdown of the best highlights of the past year for games aired on ATVN.

1. Astound Sports: Allentown Central Catholic vs. Southern Lehigh (2/23)

2. Astound Sports: Southern Lehigh vs Bangor (3/23)

3. Astound Sports: Northwestern Lehigh vs. Allentown Central Catholic (2/23)

Check back to “The SportsTalk Shop” here on our website next week for more on local sports news and insights as well as highlights of recent  productions on Astound Broadband’s ATVN.

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.

Last time here at “The SportsTalk Shop” we brought you part one of our highlights from an exciting high school sports season.

But this spring was unique because it marked the first time that our network not only brought you a state playoff game, but we included girls softball in our coverage this spring.

With that said, here’s part two of our look at recent productions on Astound Broadband TV, which includes our coverage of the District XI 5A & 6A softball championships…

1. Astound Sports: Easton vs. Nazareth (6/23)

2. Astound Sports:  Pocono Mountain East vs. Whitehall (6/23)

3. Astound Sports: Avon Grove vs. Liberty (6/23)

4. Astound Sports: Liberty vs. North Penn (6/23)

5. Astound Sports: Bethlehem Catholic vs. Bangor (3/23)

6. Astound Sports: Parkland vs. Freedom (2/23)

7. Astound Sports: Gwynedd Mercy vs. Bethlehem Catholic (3/23)

8. Astound Sports: Liberty vs. Easton (3/23)

Now that the high school baseball season is over, tune in for our ongoing coverage this summer of ATVN’s Blue Mountain League Baseball “Game of this Week.”  This Tuesday we bring you exclusive coverage of the Egypt Orioles taking on the Martin’s Creek Creekers.

And … be sure to check back next week to “The SportsTalk” Shop for more video highlights and insights from this spring 2023 baseball and softball season!

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.

We finally closed the books on our “spring sports season” on Astound’s ATVN last week.

With that said, we present to you several highlights of the top games we broadcast this past spring…

1. Astound Sports: Liberty vs. Nazareth (5/23)
   
   
2. Astound Sports: Emmaus vs. Parkland (5/23)
   
   
3. Astound Sports: Liberty vs. Parkland (5/23)
   
   
4. Astound Sports: Saucon Valley vs. Bangor (5/23)
   
   
5. Astound Sports: Saucon Valley vs. Allentown Central Catholic (5/23)
   
   
6. Astound Sports: Blue Mountain vs. Bethlehem Catholic (5/23)
   
   
7. Astound Sports: Parkland vs. Liberty (5/23)
   
   

Now that the high school baseball season is over, tune in for our first broadcast of the summer of ATVN’s Blue Mountain League Baseball “Game of this Week” this Tuesday as the Limeport Dodgers take on the Northern Yankees.

And be sure to check back to “The SportsTalk” Shop for more video highlights from this spring 2023 baseball and softball season!

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.

When I told my parents the summer going into seventh grade that I wanted to run cross country they looked at me like I had four heads. I told them that it was something that I wanted to try and it would keep me in shape for my other sports. They supported me and they dropped me off at my first summer run practice. I did not know what to expect, all I knew was that it would be a lot of running. I had all the equipment for it. All I needed was a pair of sneakers and believe me I have plenty of those. What no one told me was all of the hard work that went into the sport. For those who say, “all you do is run, how difficult can it be?” are wrong because there is so much more to it than running. In my opinion running is a mental sport. It&#39;s all about having a strong mindset to go get that girl in front of you crossing the finish line or having the strength to finish a race without walking.

I learned very quickly that cross country was more than just running. I had to learn how to breathe properly, maintain a pace, and how to tackle hills. Something else I learned was that stretching is imperative before and after races. I was never one to ever stretch before exercise and that’s one reason as to why I am not very flexible. I learned that if you do not stretch and do a cool down run after a race, you will feel absolutely terrible the next day. All of the lactic acid will build up in your muscles making your entire body feel horrendous.

My favorite part of cross country was running the last four hundred meters of every race. This is where you break out into a dead sprint to try and pass as many people as you possibly can. I learned to reach deep within myself to find the last bit of energy that would push me to the finish line. This is where mental strength becomes an important
part of the sport. Something I found very different in this sport was that it is more about your individual performance rather than a team. Every week you would go out and try to beat your time from the week before.

As much as cross country was an individualized sport, the team felt like a family to me. Everyone always supported each other through every race and you always had someone cheering you on. I am very thankful for all of the amazing coaches that I had. Coach Gillespie and Coach O’Neill were my first two coaches. They had a great amount
of knowledge of the sport. They were the first coaches to teach me all the ins and outs of running. Coach Sorrentino and Coach Marakovits always pushed me to do my best and be successful in every race.

When I got to high school I had the pleasure of running for Coach Lelko and Coach Fabian. These two are the best of the best and they have been doing it for many years. I could not have asked for better coaches than these two. Their experience and expertise in this sport helped me improve my game. Not only did they make the team work very hard day in and day out pushing us to our limits running Peach Bottom on a Saturday morning at eight am but they also somehow made it fun. I have so many amazing memories from them but my all time favorite was finding Whitehall rocks on the Ironton Rail Trail during our runs. It was like going on an egg hunt that turned into a competition of who can collect the most rocks. I must admit, I found a lot of rocks over the years and have quite the collection on display in my bedroom. My favorite rock I found was one that is painted like a turtle.

Who would’ve thought the sport that I signed up for to keep in shape would become a sport I fell in love with. I qualified for districts all four years, ran in four league races, and even came in the top five for the girls race at DeSales my freshman year. I was given the honor of rookie of the year during my freshman year and was honored to be the scholar athlete my senior year. Joining cross country was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The skills I learned in this sport are everlasting. For those of you who think cross country is just running you are wrong. It is a lot of physical and mental strength. I challenge you to get out there and run.

Remember it’s just a hill, get over it!

The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Astound Broadband or any other agency, organization, employer or company.