Wiffle ball tourney smacks a home run

Wall Township recently held its first annual Wiffle Ball Tournament, which hit a home run with all involved.

Over 150 kids and adults signed up to play Wiffle Ball on June 28. Games began at the Wall Intermediate School at 9 a.m. and went until 5 p.m. Each three-player team played three, three-inning games.

“After months of preparation, the first Wall Township Wiffle Ball Tournament was a success,” said Carol Cotta, a volunteer who helped make the event happen. “Everyone seemed to have a good time,” said Mrs. Cotta.

The championship games were held before the fireworks on July 3 on the front lawn of the municipal complex in Wall. The games were three innings, single elimination, with a final six-inning game for championship. Trophies were given to each player on the winning teams, as well.

The winners of the third- and fourth-grade level were the Travel Team Trio, which consisted of Matt Cooley, Matt DeGenova, and Casey Foley; the winners of the fifth- and sixth-grade level were The Mudhens, made up of Richie Eknoian, John Martorana and Trey Nelson; the winners of the seventh- and eighth-grade level were The Three Amigos, who were Troy Klahre, Joe Hall, and Matt Pruden; the high school and adult team winners were The Three Stooges, who were James Sterenczak, Joe DiMichele III and Tom Howey, who replaced Frank Marone who could not make the championship game.

Mr. Sterenczak and Mr. DiMichele are teachers at Wall Central School who not only played the game, but also helped umpire the games throughout the tournament day.

Mrs. Cotta, whose husband Chris ran the event, said that his “goal was to have a day for all, kids and adults alike, to come out and play a game that all of us adults can remember playing as kids. He hopes it will spark an interest in the town and possibly become an annual event.”

Mrs. Cotta wished to thank all of the umpires, Wall Grounds and Maintenance, as well as Jen Klahre, Troy Klahre, Joe Hall Jr., Matt Pruden, Nicole and Danielle Cotta, among many others who helped out during the tournament.

“We would also like to thank Ed Grill, the Wall Township Recreation Department, for allowing us to hold this event in Wall,” Mrs. Cotta stated.