Somers Top Quotes of 2024/25
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Cross Country at Byram Hills
Julia Aquilino wasn't alone in recognizing how the incline is where ground can be made up, and she really monetized the necessity. “The hills pay the bills,” she dropped the mic.
Volleyball Versus Pelham
Unlike basketball, the volleyball bench never takes a seat and maybe with good reason, according to Emma Barton. “If we sit down, we might not stand back up,” Barton had the perfect deadpan.
200th Save (or not) for Julia Schmidberger
On October 14, the PA announced Julia Schmidberger’s 200th save, and the cheers went up. Unfortunately, one of her five previous saves didn’t count, and the milestone had to be saved for the next game. But Schmidberger marked the moment nonetheless. “It was still 200 hundred in my heart,” she didn't let the facts get in the way of a good story
Somers Football Versus Harrison
Down 6-0 in the fourth quarter and facing a 4th and 17 from the Harrison 25, the Tusker season was on the line. Fortunately, the outcome came down to lineage and the legacy this proud team has long built. “We’re family. We got the ribbon for a reason,” Dean Palozzolo clarified with his touchdown reception that paved the way for a 14-6 victory.
Football Versus Rye
38 yards out, Miguel Iglesias roll left ran nowhere, and Coach Anthony DeMatteo identified his QB’s successful improv back the other way. Finding Jason Whipple on the right for a first down, beamed DeMatteo, “That’s called a no-no, a go-go.”
Football Versus Averill
With Mason Kelly and Miguel Iglesias breaking the line relentlessly, the duo’s pounding wasn’t the only pain being inflicting, according to Dillon Kuchinsky.“Toward the second half, they stop firing out as much,” asserted the center. “They’re like, holy crap, I don’t want to block against these guys.”
Basketball Versus Clarkstown
Falling behind Clarkstown early, it was defense that sparked the come back, and Timmy Monahan did so by putting his body on the line. Drawing charging like no one else, Coach Loughran cited his reserve’s fall time resume. "That’s why we love football players playing basketball,” boasted Loughran.
Section One Wrestling Championships
The Wrestling Sectionals sometimes provides an unusual occurrence. Two wrestlers from the same team meet each other, and Ethan Steuber and Loghan Dwyer got the call this past March. So that leaves a coach in a precarious position, but Ronnie DiSanto was perfectly diplomatic as who he was rooting for. “Somers,” he didn’t miss a beat.
Wrestling State Championships
After placing 6th in the States, Ryan Ball obviously gave thanks to his parents, coaches and the whole town of Somers. But he was sure to not leave out that one person every wrestler needs.. “Kaylee, she helps me sneak food when I need it - even when I’m not supposed to eat,” the big brother revealed.
Hammer time
Charlie Sullivan has had rugged, out of control red hair and an early beard since 8th grade, and the look didn’t go unnoticed. “People were like, you look like Thor. You should try out the hammer,” and given that he recently took second in the nationals, those middle schoolers might just deserve a medal too.
Baseball Versus Brewster
After launching what would be a three run homer, Jake Hopper gave a lesson to all the major leaguers who flip their bats on every big blast. “I try to act like I've been there before,” he dropped his bat and provided proper instruction.
GLAX Versus Nanuet
Sydney Ingraham just completed her final game on Tusker Turf, and with big things ahead at Notre Dame, she expressed how Somers won’t be so easy to leave behind. “I wish I could bring them all with me,” she assured.
Boys LAX Versus Rye
Like any game, Hudson Ruby had plenty to stand down, and he freely admitted the lunacy of being the main stop gap.“Dude, it’s something you have to be born with,” the goalie explained.
Same game versus Rye
At the draw, it’s no easy game either - especially when the draw man must decide when to set up and when to fire away. An all-or-nothing scenario, Coach Hirsch laid out the mettle involved. “You got to be headstrong and you got to be smart,” the coach clarified. “Mayfield is both.”
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Somers 12U Shows Fight in Opening Season Loss
On Wednesday June 18, Somers 12u Red Storm opened their season at Reis Park and a good summation of the 10-7 loss came from Luca Ciavardini. “We need more strikes by our pitchers and less mental errors in the field,” the first baseman admitted. But there was still an upside to the defeat that saw the storm fall behind 9-2.
By Rich Monetti6 months ago in Unbalanced
Wild Card Weekend Recap: What Happens Now?
I think I figured out why I love Wild Card Weekend so much. It's because it's the first playoff anything of the calendar year. The NFL season starts in the fall, and once upon a time, the champion was crowned either on or slightly before New Year's. The evolution of the NFL schedule has resulted in the playoffs starting just into the New Year, and currently, the final week of the season falls on the first weekend of the New Year, with Wild Card Weekend coming a week after that. So yes, chronologically, the NFL's Wild Card Weekend serves as the first playoff anything of the calendar year.
By Clyde E. Dawkins3 days ago in Unbalanced
“I Didn’t Set Out to Break Records”: Pakistan’s First Female MMA Fighter
When people talk about mixed martial arts (MMA), Pakistan is rarely part of the conversation—especially when it comes to women. Yet one young woman has quietly rewritten that narrative, not by chasing headlines, but by stepping into a cage where few Pakistani women have dared to stand. Pakistan’s first female MMA fighter did not begin her journey to shatter records or challenge tradition. She began it simply because she loved to fight—and believed she had the right to. A Dream Born in Defiance Growing up in Pakistan, combat sports were never presented as a viable path for girls. Boxing gyms, wrestling mats, and fight promotions were overwhelmingly male spaces. For a young girl interested in MMA, the obstacles came early and often—raised eyebrows, discouraging comments, and the constant reminder that “this isn’t for you.” Yet the fighter recalls that her earliest motivation had nothing to do with proving society wrong. She trained because MMA made her feel strong, focused, and free. “I didn’t set out to break records,” she has said in interviews. “I just wanted to see how far I could push myself.” Training Without a Roadmap Unlike athletes in countries where MMA is well established, Pakistan’s first female MMA fighter had no clear roadmap. There were few female coaches, no local women’s leagues, and limited facilities that welcomed women. Training often meant improvisation—borrowing gym hours, practicing with male fighters, and learning techniques from online videos. Her discipline, however, set her apart. MMA demands mastery across multiple fighting styles: striking, grappling, wrestling, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Balancing these skills required relentless dedication. She trained through injuries, financial constraints, and social pressure, often without knowing whether there would be an actual fight waiting at the end. Breaking Barriers Without Breaking Herself What makes her story remarkable is not just that she entered the MMA world, but how she did it. Rather than positioning herself as a rebel against culture, she framed her journey as one of personal growth and professionalism. She emphasized fitness, discipline, and sportsmanship—values deeply respected across Pakistani society. This approach helped shift perceptions. Slowly, resistance turned into curiosity, and curiosity into support. Family members who once questioned her choices became her biggest allies. Coaches who were hesitant to train a woman began to see her commitment and skill. The First Step Into the Cage Her debut fight marked a historic moment. Stepping into the cage was not just about winning—it was about visibility. For the first time, young girls across Pakistan could see a woman representing their country in a sport often viewed as aggressive and inaccessible. The fight itself was a test of nerves as much as technique. Under bright lights and intense scrutiny, she fought with composure and confidence. Regardless of the result, the message was clear: Pakistani women belong in MMA. A Symbol, Not a Slogan While media attention labeled her a trailblazer, she resisted being boxed into symbolism alone. She insisted she was an athlete first. “If I’m treated as an exception, the door closes behind me,” she once noted. “If I’m treated as a professional, the door stays open.” That mindset has influenced a new generation. Gyms in major cities are now seeing more women sign up for combat sports. Conversations around women’s self-defense, strength training, and athletic ambition are growing louder. Redefining Strength in Pakistan Her journey challenges a narrow definition of femininity that still exists in many parts of the world. Strength, she demonstrates, does not erase grace or values. Instead, it complements them. By embracing MMA, she has expanded what is socially imaginable for Pakistani women—not just in sports, but in any male-dominated field. The Road Ahead Despite her achievements, the road ahead remains difficult. Sponsorship opportunities are limited, international exposure is costly, and institutional support for women’s MMA is still developing. Yet her presence alone has already shifted the landscape. She now speaks openly about mental resilience, discipline, and self-belief—lessons that extend far beyond the cage. For her, success is not measured by medals or records, but by impact. More Than a Fighter Pakistan’s first female MMA fighter didn’t set out to break records—but she broke a barrier far more significant. She proved that courage doesn’t always roar; sometimes it trains quietly, shows up consistently, and steps forward when the moment arrives. Her story is not just about fighting. It’s about choosing one’s own path—and daring others to imagine new ones.
By Fiaz Ahmed 7 days ago in Unbalanced
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