Townie Sports Update

Robert “Bobby” Good in Wrestling Hall of Fame
Bobby Good, a 1977 graduate of East Providence High School, was inducted in the Rhode Island Wrestling Hall of Fame on April 25, 2024.  The prestigious ceremony was held at the Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, RI.  Many of Bobby Good’s classmates, colleagues and city residents were on hand to congratulate “Goody” as he was widely known.  Good was a superb athlete at EPHS and received a scholarship to LSU where he continued to excel. “Bobby Good is as fine an individual you will meet, both on and off the mat and athletic field,” said Manuel Vinhateiro, a mentor and former coach as he introduced Good at the induction.  Good was undefeated in wrestling matches for two years at EPHS and respected throughout New England and beyond.  He won a state championship in 1977 and was named a High School All-American.  “Looking to stay in shape during the off season, Bobby joined the high school soccer team, a sport he had never played,” Vinhateiro said in his introduction.  “Although never playing soccer before, all he did was help the Townies to a 1976 state championship and was named to the All-State team,” added Vinhateiro.  Vinhateiro, a retired School Principal and Superintendent of Schools was also a Townie wrestler.

After wrestling at LSU, Good joined the US Army and served the nation meritoriously from 1982-1990 where he received 3 Army Achievement Medals, A Good Conduct Medal, an Expert Sharpshooters Badge and Expert Hand Grenade Badge.  He also received an Air Assault Badge and a Bronze Medal Sharpshooting Badge on a German Rifle.  Good joined the US Army wrestling team and continued to win awards.  From 1985-1987, while wrestling in the US Army Europe and Africa Championship, he was a three time freestyle champion, a three time Greco-Roman Champion and a three time All Army Champion for both Freestyle and Greco-Roman.  Good was the only American to medal in the 1987 Challenge Cup of Great Britain, winning the Bronze Medal.  In 1988 he took 1^st place in the Southern Olympic Qualifying Championships in Atlanta, Georgia.  That same year he took 2^nd place in the 1988 Olympic Trials in Florida, placing 5^th on the elimination ladder for the World Cup team before retiring with an injury.

Good has been a wrestling coach at Providence Country Day School and currently is an Assistant Coach for East Providence High School.  Townie veteran Head Coach Tom Galligan, also a RI Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee wrestled with Good in high school. “Bobby Good is one of the best athletes our city and state has seen,” said Galligan.  “He is a great coach with kids and we are glad to have him working with current Townies,” added Galligan.  “There are no better people than Bobby Good.”

“I’ll keep this brief,” Good told the Kirkbrae audience at his induction.  “I am only here tonight because of the support I’ve received from family, friends and community. I’ve had many coaching mentors and I hope to be able to give back and help kids of today.”  Good and his wife Debi have 4 children and 5 grandchildren.  “Make no mistake, Bobby Good is a true Townie and indeed has given back much to our community and the nation,” said Manny Vinhateiro.

EPHS Softball
In came down to the wire on Wednesday April 24th as the East Providence Townies grabbed their first victory of the season in walk-off fashion, 5-4, over the Cranston West Falcons.  After graduating 6 starting seniors last year the Townies are struggling this season as they looked for their first win. The Townies have just 2 seniors on the team, 6 juniors, 4 sophomores and 6 freshmen. “Yes, this year is going to look much different for East Providence Softball, after graduating 6 key starters from last season,” said Head Coach Katie Solitro. “We have some new faces looking to make waves in a tough D1 division lineup. What some would consider to be a rebuilding year, I would consider to be reloading. We have a bunch of returning and new talented players able to fill a variety of key spots this season, and personally I feel their potential could help lead up to a very successful season. Many have put the work in during the off season, and it shows,” added Solitro.

The “reloading” Townies have shown signs of improvement and EP was trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the 7th inning on April 24th, when Emma Boisseau doubled, scoring Audrey Bernard and Mackenzie Pimentel.  East Providence scored first in the bottom of the 1st, with a double by Junior, Emma Boisseau.  In the bottom of the second, East Providence added two runs on a double by freshman Audrey Bernard.  Cranston West tied the game in the top of the 4th, with two singles by Sofia Marella and Gianna DiSpirito and then Cranston West took the lead again in the top of the sixth 4-3..  “We never gave up and our hard work began to show,” said Coach Solitro.

EP’s Audrey Bernard led off the bottom of the 7^th reaching base on an error and was moved over to 2^nd base on a Pimental grounder.  Hannah Bone entered the game to pinch run at 2^nd and advanced to 3^rd base.  Boisseau then hit a line drive double to left field scoring Pimentel and Bone for the walk-off 5-4 win to the delight of the Townie fans.

The Townies Cassie Dulude earned the win, going the distance on the mound. She allowed 11 hits, and four runs over 7 innings, striking out 4 and walking 2.  Aliyah Conner started the game pitching for West.  She surrendered 6 hits and three runs over three innings, striking out 4 and walking none.  Emma Boisseau provided pop in the middle of the batting order, and led EP with three runs batted in. The cleanup hitter went 2-4 on the day.  Boisseau and Audrey Bernard each collected two hits for the Townies.

The Townies suffered a 15-8 loss against Coventry on April 26^th.  EP scored in the first inning to take the early 1-0 lead but Coventry roared back in their half of the 1^st with 5 runs.  Coventry scored in every at-bats and outhit EP 20-13.  The Townies runs came in the 1^st, 3^rd 4^th, 5^th and 6^th innings as they made the game respectable.  Trinity Provencher scored 4 of the Townies 8 runs.  Sylvie Patterson had three hits for EP and Nethania Figueroa and Audrey Bernard each drove in two runs.  Bernard, Shelby Quinn, Marianna Pina and Emma Boisseau each had two hits. Provencher stole two bases for EP.  EP has nine games in May.  Schedule can be found at https://eastprovidencehs.rschoolteams.com/page/2930.

EPHS Baseball
Townie baseball is at 6-2 after suffering two defeats at the end of April. A 4-0 loss to Prout Memorial in an April 23^rd game in Wakefield and a 6-4 loss to last year’s Division runner-up East Greenwich..  The Townies were off from their usual reliable pitching and timely hitting as they took the losses.  The Prout game was scoreless until the bottom of the 3^rd when Prout led off with back-to-back singles off Tim Robitaille putting runners on 1^st and 3^rd.  After a runner stole 2^nd Robitaille struck out a batter and the next hitter flied out to center.  A walk and then a passed ball brought in the runner from 3^rd and the inning ended on a strikeout with Prout leading 1-0.  Prout scored three more runs in the 4^th and the score remained 4-0.  The Townies only managed two hits, one each by Aidan Martins and Brian Rutkowski. Prout also was held to 2 hits but benefitted from 3 Townie errors and 7 walks.

East Providence started slowly against a determined East Greenwich team in a home game on April 26.  East Greenwich jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 1^st and scored 4 runs in the 3^rd inning.  A run in the 4^th put the Townies down 6-0.  A stale East Providence squad came to life and rebounded with three runs in the 5^th and one more in the 7^th, but with the bases loaded and a chance to tie or go ahead, fell short.  The 6-2 Townies play nine times this month and remain in a good place as the playoffs near for the defending champions.  In the game EP outhit EG 8-6 but three errors were costly.  Townie pitchers Dicecco and Annicelli combined for 11 strikeouts and 6 walks.  EG pitchers had 7 strikeouts and 7 walks. 

The Townies had earlier beaten Barrington in a game of the then-undefeated teams in the division.  East Providence started quickly with 5-0 division record (6-0 overall) after the 2-0 win over Barrington High. In the Barrington game the always tough Eagles managed only 3 hits and were shut out by Tyler Dicecco (win) and Dylan Annicelli (save) on the mound. EP had 7 hits and scored their runs in the 2nd and 4th innings. Townie hits were provided by Aidan Martins, Nolan Lorenz, Tyler Dicecco, Tim Robitaille (2), Oliver Andrews and Gavin Palumbo. Barrington played well but EP prevailed with timely run scoring and good pitching. Dicecco struck out 8 in picking up the win. He worked into the 7th inning. Annicelli came in and grabbed the save for EP.

“The season is early, but we continue to improve,” said Townie Head Coach Bobby Rodericks. “We have three really good pitchers, and our hitting was slow to start but is improving with each game. We are playing hard and are in this to win every game. We have tough games ahead, including with Westerly who is undefeated,” Rodericks added. “Just like last year, one pitch, one at-bat, one game at a time.” The Townie Junior Varsity team is also undefeated and “looking very good,” according to Rodericks. “Coach Nick Karalekas and assistants Adam Duarte & Kyle Marquis are doing a great job with our future players.”

EPHS Boys Volleyball
The boys volleyball team defeated Pilgrim in a road match in late April, 3 games to 1. 25-10, 25-21, 23-25 and 25-16. DJ Lepine and Jordan Rodriguez led the Townies with 15 and 12 kills respectively. Antonio Varela added 5 kills and 3 blocks.  Antonio Varela added 5 kills and 3 blocks.  In another good win, the squad defeated central 3-1.  Jordan Rodriguez had a game high 12 kills and 13 digs.  Franklin Carela Lopez added 4 kills and a block.  EP defeated Woonsocket 3-0. Game scores were 25-20, 25-15 and 25-22.  The Townies were led by DJ Lepine and Jordan Rodriguez with 12 kills each.  Logan Calouro added 12 digs and 2 Aces.  The Townies have 6 wins against 3 losses to date.  “The team is hitting well, playing consistently on the court,” said Coach Dan Cabral.

EPHS Girls Lacrosse
The Townies girls LAX defeated Bay View 8-7 in a spirited match.  Kenna Wigginton and Alyssa Karalekas each had 3 goals to lead the team.  The team has defeated Cranston East, PCD, Rogers as well as Bay View for a 4-2 record to date.  In the PCD win, the Townies Kenna Wigginton led the scoring with six goals which brought her to the 100^th goal of her Townie career.   Ava Williams recorded 15 saves in net for EP.  The Townie record is 4-3 to date.

EPHS Girls Outdoor Track & Field
The girls outdoor track and field team swept their last home meet and improved to 10-0.  Outstanding performers were; Nazarae Phillip, Kandace and Kendra Daniel, Keira Mullen, Aliyah Evora, Kathryn Patalano, Sadie Gagnon, Trinity Johnson Carter, Layla Bates, Wendy Monteiro and Whitney Monteiro. Congratulations also to Kandace Daniel who set a new school record in the girls pole vault during the team's last dual meet.  Earlier in April the track team moved to 3-0 after earning wins over Mt. Hope, Tiverton and PCD.  Outstanding sprinters were Nazarae Phillip, Kandace Daniel, Kendra Daniel and Aliyah Evora.  Distance runners Kathryn Patalano, Sadie Gagnon, Alicia Pinto, and Melanie Sotomayo turned in strong performances. Keira Mullen, Trinity Johnson Carter, and Adriana Perry, dominated in the hurdles.

EPHS Boys Outdoor Track & Field
The boys outdoor track and field team swept the last home meet and improved their record to 8-1. Individual winners for the Townies were: Cam Evora in the triple jump and high jump, Brandyn Van Wagner in the long jump, Jaidin Ivy in the 400 meter, bryan rivera in the pole vault, the 4x100 meter relay consisting of Jack Pawlik, Jaidin Ivy, Kwamahn Gilliard, and Justin Jardine, the 4x400 meter relay consisting of julius cortes, gerry gagnon, justin jardine, and Jaidin Ivy.  The team recorded many impressive performances at the class A relays. Among those placing were the 4x400 meter relay team, 1st place, consisting of Justin Jardine, Julius Cortes, Mac Prevete and Jaidin Ivy, the sprint medley, 5th place, consisting of Jack Pawlik, Brandyn Van Wagner, Justin Jardine, and Jaidin Ivy, the 4x800 meter relay (6th place) consisting of Will Anthony, Will Massey, Gus Belanger, and Daniel Lukusa, the distance medley (5th place) consisting of Will Anthony, Daniel Lukusa, Roger Beaudet, and Preston Teles. Also the 4x100 co-ed relay consisting of Nazarene Phillip, Brandyn Van Wagner, Kandace Daniel, and Jack Pawlik, broke the school record while placing 2nd in the event.

Earlier the team opened their season with three wins, defeating PCD, Mt. Hope and Tiverton.  Individual winners for the townies were: cam evora in the triple jump, justin jardine in the 200 meter, Kenaz Ochogwu in the high jump, Lucas Santa Cruz in the long jump, Michael Precious in the hammer, Roger Beaudet in the 110 meter hurdles, Jaidin Ivy in the 400 meter, Jack Pawlik in the 100 meter, the 4x100 meter relay consisting of Jack Pawlik, Lucas Santa Cruz, Kwamahn Gilliard, and Brandyn Van Wagner, and the 4x400 meter relay consisting of Imanuel Prevette, Gerry Gagnon, Justin Jardine, and Jaidin Ivy.

Congratulations to Hope Moran, recently selected as the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leader for East Providence High School.  The Hugh O’Brien Youth Foundation or HOBY was established in 1958 by the late actor Hugh O’Brien for the sole purpose of empowering youth to make lasting and positive change in their communities.  Hope is a sophomore possessing excellent leadership skills.  She plays both lacrosse and tennis. She is a member of the Debate Team, serves on both the Student Council and Sophomore Class Committee and is a student representative to the NEASC and School Improvement Teams.  “Hope exemplifies “Townie Pride. Congratulations again on your achievement,” said Townie Athletic Director Alex Butler.

Rhode Island Half Marathon and 5K
The Rhode Island Half Marathon and 5K is set for Sunday, May 19th, 2024. Participants can c choose from either the half marathon or 5K, which offer some of the best views in Rhode Island, including scenic views of Narragansett Bay and the iconic Providence skyline along the East Bay Bike Path. Both USATF-certified and city-approved courses conveniently start and finish at Pierce Memorial Stadium in East Providence, RI.  Due to demand, the Rhode Island Half Marathon will be capped at 2,000 participants. Once the field is sold out, a waitlist will be opened in the event more slots become available.  Thousands of runners and their families will be visiting the region, state and city. Many of these runners travel to the marathon and arrive over the weekend.  The East Providence police have been planning the race course with the event planners to have a course with minimal impact to vehicle traffic.  Marathon Participants can enjoy a picturesque course along the East Bay Bike Path, a brooksrunning tech race t-shirt, finisher’s medal for all participants, a post-race beer garden hosted by Crook Point Brewing Company and live entertainment & food trucks at the finish line.  Start Times: Half Marathon Start Time: 7:30 am, 5K Start Time is 7:45 am.  T-shirts will be given for all entrants who register online before race day. Shirts are not guaranteed for entries on race day. 

The race conveniently starts and finishes at Pierce Memorial Stadium in East Providence, RI. A fast, flat, and USATF-certified course, the Half Marathon follows Veterans Memorial Parkway before looping back to return on the East Bay Bike Path, which offers stunning views of Narragansett Bay and the Providence Skyline. The course features several points where runners find water on both sides, showcasing the impressive beauty of Rhode Island’s more than 400 miles of coastline. All participants will be chip-timed. The time limit for the half marathon will be four hours and the field will be capped at 2,000 participants. Once the field is sold out, a waitlist will be opened in the event more slots become available.  Runners can register at https://runsignup.com/Race/RI/EastProvidence/RIHalf5K.