Women Shine in Tennis Tourney

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 13- The 20^th anniversary of the Bronx Open, a USTA Pro Circuit tennis tournament played at the tennis courts in Crotona Park, was celebrated last week. The prelude to the U.S. Open, the only Grand Slam event hosted in the United States, which will also be played in New York City, is a drawing card to young women pros from all corners of the globe.

The 32 entrants in the main singles draw included players from 13 nations in the continents of North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe and Australia. Thus, the Bronx, as its history reflects, welcomed women from throughout the world.

The players competed to raise their rankings and earn a share of the $50,000 in prize money by their success in the tourney. They also came to sharpen their skills in competition on the same surface and in the sane weather conditions as the U.S. Tennis Center in Flushing, where the U.S. Open will be played two weeks after the Bronx tournament concluded.

Romina Oprandi of Switzerland lived up to her first seed position by capturing the title and winning the $7,315 in prize money with a victory over a former Bronx champion (2001, Anna Chakvetadze of Russia, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3, in the final. After the first set, it appeared as if Chakvetadze was on her way to be the only woman to be a two-time winner of the event. Both reached the exalted final game by defeating young Americans, Chi Chi Scholl (20) and Alison Riske (22) in the semis. Oprandi’s victory was her second tournament win within the past month. It was her 22^nd ITF title.

The doubles final was a clash between two Japanese twosomes. The second seeded team of Shuko Aoyama and Erika Sema defeated the team of Eri Hozuma and Miki Miyamura in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(4).

Residents of the Bronx and tennis fan visitors were able to see professional tennis free of charge with the only exception being the final on Sunday afternoon, which charged a nominal fee of $10.

Youngsters, ages 6-18, were able to learn or improve their tennis skills with free tennis lessons that were given every afternoon of the tournament from 5-7 p.m. The Thursday session, as it is every year, was the special Kid’s Day. The annual Around the World Parade and other festive children’s activities took place.

The sponsor of the week-long event was Emblem Health.

The health maintenance organization has sponsored the tournament through 18 of its 20 year existence.

Highlanders Train Future All Stars

By Deigo Mack

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 13- Recently, I had a chance to spend a day with Bronx Highlanders Baseball Academy (HBA) founder Joe Cisco Sr. After seeing his team in action, I came away impressed with a local sports program and recognized an undying dedication to Bronx youth.

In fact, for over 20 years, in the Pelham Bay section of the Bronx, Coach Joe Cisco Sr. has built a baseball program with an emphasis on character and mental preparation rather than winning championships. Sound odd? Go figure.

Cisco explains “Winning isn’t everything because after you win a ballgame, it’s destined your going to lose one sooner or later. And then, what? Here at Highlander Baseball, we believe losing is more important than victories. Think about it. How else would we know our capabilities unless we lost a game or two? After that, you make adjustments and be thankful someone taught us our weak points.”

So regardless of the scoreboard, HBA remains a winner both on and off the field. The biggest example is Coach James Cisco Jr., the founders’ son, whom played baseball at Fordham University. Nowadays, the younger Cisco coaches the Highlander’s 17-year-old traveling team for his Dad, making HBA, a family affair.

Even players say the camaraderie is genuine. Talented St. Raymond’s High School pitcher Malik Dixon said, “I wouldn’t be the pitcher I am today without Highlander Baseball Academy and I owe it all to Coach Joe and his son.”

Even hard hitting third baseman Miles Semetis stated, “We learn so much about life from Coach Joe and Coach James, baseball becomes easier. They teach us about hard work, dedication and staying the course.”

For instance, it is common for HBA players to participate in off season training: batting cages, weight training, fielding instruction, and other developmental drills are worked on during winter months.

In the summer, it is baseball tournaments and high school showcases for HBA players. Their results speak for themselves. Highlander Baseball Academy is responsible for sending over 50 kids to college and minor league franchises since 1990.

Joe Sr. said, “I’m 64 years old. My son has energy to travel…I don’t. Plus, Junior knows the program inside out…he lived it. I enjoy watching him coach, he makes me so proud.”

Sitting in the dugout, Joe Jr. leads HBA into the future with designer shades on. He offers coded encouragement to his players between innings, which proves you’d have to be inside Bronx Highlanders Baseball Academy to understand its lingo.

But the day wouldn’t be complete without a last word from HBA founder, Joe Sr. who says “Remember winning isn’t everything, our goal is to get kids to college.”

Looking over numerous college scouts and press interviews of his players, it seems his formula is working. Training, Education and Exposure is Highlander’s motto.

It’s a job well done.

visit www.eteamz.com/HighlanderAcademy  Facebook.com/Highlanders Training Academy

e-mail Deigo Mack: Deigomack@yahoo.com

Sweet Revenge for Red Bulls

(Photos by Ken Carozza)

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BRONX, NEW YORK, August 13- The Red Bulls served up sweet revenge at home in their new Newark Stadium. After losing 2-0 to the Dynamo in Houston, the Red Bulls returned the favor. On Friday they beat Houston 2-0.

After a scoreless first half. The Red Bulls came on strong on the second half with goals from Juan Gunnar Solli and Tim Cahill. The Bulls moved into second place with the win.

Help Catch Perv

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 10- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to track down a man who exposed himself to a 15-year-old girl.

Cops say that around 1:50 p.m. on July 23rd, the man exposed himself to the teen at the East 180th Street station of the Numbers 2 and 5 subway line.

Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are confidential.

Soccer Superpowers Clash at Yankee Stadium

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(Photo by NY Yankees)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 9- Soccer fans flocked to Yankee Stadium on Wednesday night to see two of the legendary European superpowers, Real Madrid of Spain and A.C. Milan of Italy, meet in a friendly match.

Prior to entering Yankee Stadium, many in the large crowd had dinner at neighborhood eateries on 161^st Street. Several distributed 4-inch commemorative soccer balls to its patrons. Dr. Cary Goodman, Executive Director of the 161 BID Business Improvement District), who spearheaded the project, commented, “We want everyone to enjoy this great soccer match. These are two great teams, representing two great soccer traditions.”

Having the opportunity to see two of the most prestigious football sides on the Yankee Stadium pitch was quite an attraction as the sellout crowd of 49,474 was the largest gathering to witness a soccer game in either Yankee Stadium.

The match between the world renowned sides was the second of the World Football Challenge matches held at the iconic sports venue in the Bronx this summer. Soccer’s premiere at the current Yankee Stadium took place on July 22, when the Chelsea F.C. and Paris St. Germain fought to a 1-1 draw. A very respectable crowd of 38,202 attended that contest.

Excitement grew as the day of the second game drew nearer. The two sides have been among the most prominent world football squads in history. Milan, now in its third century of existence, is one of the most decorated clubs in history. The club has been an 18-time winner of Italy’s Series A. It has captured the European Cup/UEFA Champions League Title in seven years, 1963, ‘69, ‘89, ‘90, ‘94, 2003 and ‘07.

Real holds a record nine wins of the European Cup beginning with five consecutive titles from 1956-60, ’66, ’98, 2000 and ’02. Within Spain, Real has been victorious a record 32 times. The club’s most recent season, 2011-12 was a banner year. It set marks for points, 100, goals scored, 121, difference in goals scored, +89, away wins, 16, and total wins (32).

The contest proved to be extremely one-sided to the delight of most of those in attendance as Real was victorious, 5-1. Although billed as a “friendly,” individual and club pride are always factors when professional athletes are in action.

One of the greatest current superstars of the sport, Christian Ronaldo, lived up to expectations as he scored two goals, During the 2011-12 season, the Portuguese forward scored 46 goals in 37 games in La Liga in Spain and netted 12 in 13 other appearances. Ronaldo remains the most costly transfer in world football history as Real Madrid paid $130 million to Manchester United to obtain his services.

The 27-year old received a standing ovation from the full house when he was removed from the contest with 10 minutes left. When asked why Ronaldo was given so many minutes, Madrid’s manager, Jose Morinho, replied, “It’s a historical stadium, a historical opponent, a full stadium. Christian is part of the show, what the people want to see.”

Another Real Madrid player in the spotlight was Kaká. The talented Brazilian assisted on two goals in the second half. The 30-year old was rumored to be returning to his previous club, Milan, for the new season. Marinho forthrightly expressed his opinion, “I’m happy to keep him and happy to sell if he wants to go. He’s a great player. My arms are open if he wants to stay.” To clubs interested in purchasing the services of Kaká, he warned, “If you want to buy a diamond, you have to pay.”

The nine games of the Herbalife World Football Challenge were played not only to heighten interest in soccer within the United States nor to fill the coffers of each club, but also to prepare each club for the fast approaching new season. Madrid open its season on August 18 and Milan opens on August 26.

Cops Hunt Arsonists

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 8- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a gang of arsonists.

Cops released surveillance video of one of five suspects wanted in connection with an arson at a construction site. Investigators say that at around 8:52 p.m. on August 5, the group entered the rear of 3701 Jerome Avenue and set fire to a hut on the construction site. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. he public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Bird Brained Subway ‘Gunman’

BRONX, NEW YORK, August 8- Police nabbed a real bird brain near the Westchester Square Station when a suspect tried to sneak on the subway with a “gun.”

At around 4:30 p.m. on August 7, police were conducting bag screenings at the Westschester Square Subway Station on the Number 6 line. Officers observed a man with appeared to be a handgun in his front pocket.

Sergeant Reinaldo Colon and Police Officer Rafael Baez followed the suspect out of the station and stopped him on the corner East Tremont and Westchester Square. Cops found the suspect to be in possession of a BB gun, which looked very much like a 9mm handgun. 

Police arrested 25-year-old Alexis Santillan of Pelham Bay and charged him with criminal possession of a weapon.