Football: Tri-Valley

Bears condition for success

Stamina, strength and flexibility could propel Tri-Valley back to the title game

By RICHARD A. ROSS

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY — When games this year get down to those crucial minutes in the fourth quarter, Tri-Valley players will still have plenty in the tank. Following the rigorous training regimen of first-year coach John Rusin and his able staff, the players have worked through their long one-a-day workouts doing a variety of drills and conditioning exercises that build strength, flexibility and, most importantly, endurance.

Sprints, back peddling, up-downs, and Karaoke drills go along with stretching and push ups as the team builds its strength and chemistry for the coming season. With about 50 players on board, Tri-Valley is looking fit and fearless.

Last year, Tri-Valley was unable to hold a big lead against Chester as the Hambletonians reeled off an astonishing 21 points in the games final quarter to upset the Bears at home.

Resolving to work harder, The Bears rebounded by capturing the Division IV title with a stunning 20-17 overtime win over rival Sullivan West, a game marked by a gritty defensive stand on fourth down. “Defense is desire,” said Rusin, who served as an assistant coach for the past five years and replaces outgoing gridiron guru Dave Viglione.

Rusin has the total respect of his players as he balances hard workouts with breaks, offers encouragement during drills and even sprints with his players.

Last year’s goal of repeating as Section 9 Class C champions was dashed by a 34-7 thrashing by Sullivan West in the title game, during which standout running back Danny Knox suffered a torn ACL and meniscus on the first play of the game.

Who’s gone?

Tri-Valley lost a great deal of talent to graduation, including High School Heisman national finalist quarterback Joe Garigliano. Also missing from this year’s campaign will be Jim Walsh, Danny Knox, James Connolly, John Borkowski, Danny Walter, Matt Belkin, Chris Gray and Dan Lewis.

Who’s on?

Returning to the backfield this year will be hard-hitting sophomore Ryan Van Lieu. Also back from last year’s campaign are Kyle Byrne at running back, Brendan Walsh at wide receiver (a broken collarbone will sideline Walsh for six weeks or so) and Kevin Smith at running back. Those three seniors will benefit from the added talent of senior Max Fiedler at wide receiver. Fiedler, a track and field standout, will bring his tireless energy to this nucleus of leaders who will spark this year’s campaign.

“We have to take on a leadership role and become role models for the younger players,” said Smith. Fiedler concurred: “We’ve got to keep the younger kids going and make sure that everyone does their part.”

Last year’s team showed high emotion and great motivation, and this year’s group has at least as much of both. “Our goal is to have a winning season,” said Smith. “We need to keep a positive attitude and work together,” added Byrne. “Hard work bonds this team,” said Fiedler, who is anxious to get things going.

“Our greatest asset is our attitude,” noted Smith. “I would say it’s our determination,’ added Byrne. Fiedler believes the team’s speed will be a big plus while Walsh summed up the team’s greatest weapon as its heart.

Other key players who will fit into the mix include the following on offense:

Junior Charlie Edwards will be the quarterback. Brendan Musa and Kevin Drown will join Van Lieu, Smith and Byrne in the backfield. James Knapp and Nick Cassidy will be the ends. Sean Drown will join Fiedler and Walsh at wide receiver. Dustin Van Lieu joins his brother to add speed and diversity on both sides of the ball.

Andrew Yager will anchor the line at center with Murphy and Garrett Gray at the guards. Bobby Fiedler, Tanziel Khan and Ed Bonnell will rotate at tackle. On defense Byrne will play nose guard, Murphy and Gray will be the tackles, Smith and Fiedler will play defensive end. The linebacking corps will consist of Kevin Drown, Dustin Van Lieu, Walsh, Drown, Gary North and Khan. The team brings in kicker Alex Calabrese, who will do double duty by playing soccer this fall.

What’s on tap?

The Bears open at home on September 2 versus Ellenville, a team that always fields a large and competitive team. Last year, Tri-Valley beat Ellenville 39-6 in week one.

In week two, Tri-Valley will host Delhi before traveling to Class B Liberty on September 16. The following week, the Bears’ non-league schedule continues when they host Livingston Manor-Roscoe. On September 30, the Bears get their first league game when they travel to Millbrook. A rematch with Class D reigning champs Eldred follows as an away game. The season wraps up with a home game against Chester, an away league fray with Sullivan West and a final league game at home versus Pine Plains.

Having four teams in Class C this year, with the addition of Millbrook, will make things more interesting. The top two will advance to play for the sectional title game at Dietz Stadium in November. Tri-Valley has every intention of being one of them.

Rusin will be ably assisted this year by Joe Porcaro as defensive coordinator, Mike March as line coach and Scott Gray as an all-around assistant