Sports Update

Townie Grad Peixoto Starts Impressive Pro Boxing Career
2013 East Providence High School graduate Elijah Peixoto has begun a boxing career that has opened eyes in the boxing world. He works during most days and still trains to box professionally. Peixoto told The Reporter that his amateur record is 119-27 and he is now 2-0-1 professionally. "I recently signed a long term fight contract with CES and Jimmy Birchfeild and had my first fight at twin river on August 9th," said the Townie boxer. Peixoto won his second professional fight and defeated his opponent by a unanimous decision. Regarding the EP logo seen on his boxing trunks, Peixoto replied, "that was a little personal addition. Have to represent home." The following is an article from World Boxing News (http://www.worldboxingnews.net/) and is reprinted with WBN permission, Phil Jay, WBN Editor:
Elijah Peixoto looks forward to CES Boxing Debut
He works full-time five days a week, sometimes six, installing insulation in homes, and can even do construction, everything from dry wall to stick framing. When he’s done, he rides his bike to the Big Six Boxing Academy in Providence - seven and a half miles there, and seven and a half home - to work on the one craft you can’t learn in a classroom. Elijah Peixoto (2-0-1, 1 KO) might be the best-kept secret in New England boxing if not for his extensive amateur background. The 24-year-old East Providence, RI, native’s resume dwarfs that of most who’ve come out of this region and puts him in elite company with some of the best in the northeast to lace up in the gloves. A boxer since the age of 12, Peixoto finished 119-27 as an amateur, including four Southern New England Golden Gloves championships, multiple New England Regional titles, four additional Regional Junior Olympic championships and a trip the 2018 Olympic Trials Qualifiers. Two years before that, he won the Cape Verdean Olympic Trials, but the team did not compete due to financial reasons. SPONSORED CONTENT Why The 2019 Mazda CX-5’S Safety Features Have Been Upgraded by Mazda Arguably one of a handful of truly elite fighters to emerge from New England in this generation, Peixoto recently signed a long-term promotional agreement with CES Boxing and made his Rhode Island debut at Twin River Casino Hotel in a four-round super lightweight bout against Tampa’s Carlos Otero (2-0).

“I want to put on the best show I can,” Peixoto said. “I’ve been in with the best of the best. I’m not afraid to step in there with anyone, and if I have to step up early in my career to show everyone I’m ready, I’m with it. “It’s going to be crazy. The energy is going to be wild.” The work ethic that pushes Peixoto to work a full-time job - and not just a desk job, but a job that requires demanding, physical labor - and balance it with his boxing career was instilled at an early age. His grandfather, Charlie Babbitt, and father, Ricardo Crawford, introduced him to the sport as a child. He boxed in all circles, training and sparring as a youth alongside Rhode Island icons Jamie Clampitt, Gary Balletto and Jarrod Tillinghast, absorbing as much as he could along the way. He also met former pro Josh Beeman through his current trainer, Roland Estrada. Upon launching his amateur career, Peixoto knew it’d only be a matter of time before he turned pro. To put his resume into perspective, Peixoto faced current unbeaten Worcester, MA, lightweight Jamaine Ortiz - who also appears on Friday’s show - seven times as an amateur. The two also fought alongside one another at the 2016 Trials, Ortiz at 141 pounds and Peixoto at 132. “Every time was a war, and when I say a war, I mean a war,” Peixoto said. “There’s a mutual respect between us. That’s the kind of brotherhood you normally wouldn’t have with another sport.” The two met up again at an amateur event in Rhode Island, where Ortiz urged Peixoto to turn pro. “A year later we’re on the same card,” Peixoto said. “Life is crazy sometimes.” Fighting everywhere as an amateur from Memphis to Spokane to Chattanooga prepared Peixoto for that long-awaited pro debut, and, as expected, he put on a show, stopping Carlos Galindo in the second round of their scheduled four-round fight in June.

“When I was younger, people always told me I had more of a pro style. That’s how my father taught me,” he said. “You could look at my style and say, ‘That kid is going to be great.’ It’s written all over the walls.” Peixoto, who graduated from East Providence High School and went to vocational school to learn construction, expects to climb the ladder quickly. The hard work is starting to pay off, and as the accolades roll in, Peixoto will undoubtedly answer the bell by continuing to outwork everyone in his path. “If you really want something, you have to work for it,” Peixoto said. “I hope that other person is training as hard as me, because when I step in that ring you know I’ll be working from Day 1. “This sport makes me dig deep because I want to get to that level where I don’t have to work. I want to work hard now so I won’t have to work anymore. I want everyone to know my skill level and my passion.” True Townie Pride.

EP Icon Sheila Stringfellow Passes
East Providence lost a favorite daughter in August. Sheila Stringfellow, 84, was a respected icon in East Providence and beyond. She passed away on August 14th, 2019. She and Bill Stringfellow were married for 61 years. They were both leaders and mentors of a large extended family. One cannot say the name Stringfellow without talking about East Providence Football and everything Townie. Through the glory years of Townie football, Sheila was there with her husband and High School legendary football coach, Bill "Beansy" Stringfellow every step of the way. She was supportive of the many state championships EPHS has (EP 15, LSA 16, Hendricken 14) and whether they won or lost.

What Townie can forget seeing Sheila and family members sitting in the same Pierce Stadium seats every week, year after year, watching Townie football. A Townie tradition that continued to just a year or so ago, was how former Townie football players would stop by the Stringfellow home during Thanksgiving week for some of Sheila's famous apple pie. From the 1960's through the 2000's they came every year. They enjoyed pie and reminisced about their now grown families and all things Townie.

Sheila leaves seven children, 25 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren (with another on the way). Sheila was also a great chef, once working professionally in that field. She also served East Providence as a quietly, efficient and fair-minded Board of Canvassers Supervisor for years.

The Rite of Christian Burial on a warm day at the end of August was a loving final gathering of family and friends. Mourners arrived early at St. Martha's Church on Pawtucket Avenue in the City. Appropriate hymns were sung and grandchildren gave the readings. With 7 children, 25 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren with their extended families, one can imagine how filled the funeral procession was. It was a day to honor a favorite daughter of EP, a Mom, a Grandmother, Great Grandmother and an iconic matriarch of many Townies. Her family respectfully asked for donations in her memory to the Scholarship Foundation of East Providence, P.O. Box 154438, East Providence, RI 02915.

Rumford Little League Wins Wounded Warrior Title
Rumford Little League has been sponsoring a 12 team baseball tournament every summer with proceeds going directly to the Wounded Warrior Project for American veterans. Last year the league raised over $4200. for the cause. Teams came from all over the region and descended upon the Kim Rock Complex in Rumford.

"We appreciate the teams that travel here to participate every year," said Rumford LL President Eddie Wencis. "But it was kind of nice that our local Rumford team won the major division championship in this year's tourney." Rumford played neighbor Darlington American little league and trailed by a small margin for most of the game.

However, Rumford chipped away, tied the game and with two outs in the last inning, the Rumford team rallied and won the game on a walk-off hit. "In the end it is the Wounded Warriors Veterans who won as we'll send in another big donation," said Wencis.

East Providence High Football Getting Ready
With their home practice field torn apart during construction of the new East Providence High School, members of the Townie football squad and their coaches have been walking to the senior center across the street on Pawtucket avenue. "It's okay," said Head Coach Jay Monteiro. "We will roll with this and are thankful to city and school staff for helping us with logistics, water, etc." he added.

The Townies are coming off a pretty successful season but continue to battle the recruitment wars wit the non-public schools. "We've played well but it is getting harder to compete year in and out. But we have some great kids and coaches, we'll give it our best," the coach said.

At the end of a particularly hot August practice, Coach Monteiro disclosed that he has a lot on his mind. Addressing his players, Monteiro talked about his own Dad's poor health. "My Dad is my rock, my hero. His health is failing and there are times I may be away from practice," he told his players. "Somedays I may find it difficult to be here as I need to be with my Dad. But he is okay for now and he wants me here and he wants us to win," said Monteiro.

So with a dislodged practice field and worry about his Dad, Coach Monteiro looks to his teaching and coaching to get him by each day. "We're Townies, we will fight hard."

EPHS FOOTBALL 2019-20 Schedule:
Fri 9/13 7:00 pm vs. Mt. Hope at Pierce Memorial Field
Fri 9/20 7:00 pm East Providence at St. Raphael Pariseau Field
Fri 9/27 7:00 pm East Providence at Cumberland
Fri 10/04 7:00 pm vs. North Kingstown at Pierce Memorial Field
Fri 10/11 7:00 pm East Providence vs. Cranston East at Cranston Stadium
Fri 10/18 7:00 pm vs. Shea at Pierce Memorial Field
Fri 10/25 7:00 pm vs. Hendricken at Pierce Memorial Field
Sat 10/26 11:00 am vs. Scituate at Pierce Memorial Field
Fri 11/01 7:00 pm East Providence vs. Cranston West at Cranston Stadium
Thu 11/28 10:00 am vs. La Salle at Pierce Memorial Field

EPHS BOYS SOCCER 2019-20 Schedule:
Wed 9/04 6:00 pm Central Falls at East Providence
Fri 9/06 3:30 pm East Providence at Coventry
Tue 9/10 5:45 pm East Providence at Barrington
Sat 9/14 12:00 pm East Providence at Central Providence Career Academy
Wed 9/18 6:00 pm Tolman at East Providence
Wed 9/25 6:00 pm East Providence at Shea Max Read Field
Sat 9/28 4:00 pm East Providence at South Kingstown Curtis Corner Middle
Wed 10/02 6:00 pm North Kingstown at East Providence
Fri 10/04 7:00 pm East Providence at Portsmouth
Wed 10/09 6:00 pm Classical at East Providence
Fri 10/11 6:00 pm La Salle at East Providence
Tue 10/15 6:00 pm Hendricken at East Providence
Thu 10/17 6:00 pm East Providence at Cumberland
Mon 10/21 4:00 pm Moses Brown at East Providence
Wed 10/23 6:00 pm Smithfield at East Providence

EPHS Girls Soccer Schedule:
Wed 9/04 3:30 pm Chariho at East Providence Pierce Memorial Field
Mon 9/09 3:30 pm East Providence at Exeter/West Greenwich
Thu 9/12 6:00 pm Johnston at East Providence Pierce Memorial Field
Mon 9/16 4:15 pm East Providence at Lincoln School Faxon Farm
Wed 9/18 3:30 pm Middletown at East Providence Pierce Memorial Field
Fri 9/20 3:30 pm Moses Brown at East Providence Pierce Memorial Field
Mon 9/23 6:00 pm Mount St. Charles at East Providence Pierce Memorial Field
Thu 9/26 7:00 pm East Providence at North Providence
Mon 9/30 6:00 pm Toll Gate at East Providence Pierce Memorial Field
Wed 10/02 3:30 pm North Smithfield at East Providence Pierce Memorial Field
Fri 10/04 4:00 pm East Providence at Pilgrim
Wed 10/09 3:30 pm Ponaganset at East Providence Pierce Memorial Field
Fri 10/11 3:30 pm St. Raphael at East Providence
Wed 10/16 4:00 pm East Providence at West Warwick
Mon 10/21 6:00 pm Westerly at East Providence Pierce Memorial Field
Wed 10/23 4:15 pm East Providence at Wheeler

Bay View Soccer Schedule:
Tue 9/03 6:30 pm Bay View at Cumberland
Fri 9/06 3:45 pm East Greenwich at Bay View
Wed 9/11 6:30 pm Bay View at La Salle
Fri 9/13 3:45 pm Lincoln at Bay View
Tue 9/17 5:30 pm Bay View at Mt. Hope
Thu 9/19 3:45 pm North Kingstown at Bay View
Tue 9/24 7:00 pm Bay View at Portsmouth
Fri 9/27 3:45 pm Prout at Bay View
Tue 10/01 3:45 pm South Kingstown at Bay View
Fri 10/04 3:45 pm Bay View at Scituate
Tue 10/08 3:45 pm Smithfield at Bay View
Fri 10/11 12:00 am Bay View at Johnston
Fri 10/11 6:00 pm Bay View at Barrington
Tue 10/15 3:30 pm Burrillville at Bay View
Sat 10/19 4:00 pm Bay View at Cranston East
Tue 10/22 3:45 pm Coventry at Bay View

EPHS Girls Tennis
Thu 9/05 -3:30 pm East Providence: Middletown Gaudet Middle School
Tue 9/10 -12:00 am Classical: East Providence 
Thu 9/12 -12:00 am East Providence: Lincoln School
Tue 9/17 -3:30 pm Cranston East: East Providence At Park View Middle
Thu 9/19 -12:00 am East Providence: Scituate
Tue 9/24 -4:00 pm Chariho: East Providence
Thu 9/26 -12:00 am East Providence: Narragansett
Tue 10/01 -4:00 pm East Providence: North Smithfield
Thu 10/03 -12:00 am East Providence: South Kingstown
Tue 10/08 -3:30 pm East Providence: Mt. Hope
Thu 10/10 -3:30 pm East Providence: Ponaganset
Tue 10/15 -3:30 pm East Providence: Lincoln
Thu 10/17 -12:00 am East Providence: Portsmouth

EPHS Girls Volleyball:
Tue 9/03 6:30 pm East Providence at Cranston West
Mon 9/09 6:30 pm East Providence at Cranston East
Wed 9/11 12:00 am Mount St. Charles at East Providence
Wed 9/11 12:00 am Mount St. Charles at East Providence
Mon 9/16 12:00 am Cranston West at East Providence
Fri 9/20 12:00 am North Kingstown at East Providence
Wed 9/25 6:30 pm East Providence at Ponaganset
Thu 9/26 6:30 pm Prout at East Providence
Fri 10/04 6:30 pm Cumberland at East Providence
Tue 10/08 6:00 pm South Kingstown at East Providence
Thu 10/10 6:30 pm East Providence at Mount St. Charles
Tue 10/15 6:00 pm East Providence at South Kingstown
Thu 10/17 6:30 pm East Providence at North Kingstown
Wed 10/23 6:30 pm Ponaganset at East Providence
Mon 10/28 6:30 pm East Providence at Coventry
Wed 10/30 6:30 pm La Salle at East Providence

Bay View Volleyball:
Tue 9/03 6:30 pm East Greenwich at Bay View
Tue 9/03 6:30 pm Bay View at West Warwick
Thu 9/05 6:30 pm Lincoln Bay View at Lincoln Middle School
Tue 9/10 4:45 pm East Greenwich at Bay View
Thu 9/12 6:30 pm Bay View at Juanita Sanchez
Mon 9/16 6:30 pm Bay View at Westerly
Wed 9/18 6:30 pm Johnston at Bay View
Tue 9/24 6:30 pm Toll Gate at Bay View
Thu 9/26 6:30 pm Bay View at North Smithfield
Tue 10/01 6:30 pm Mt. Hope at Bay View
Thu 10/03 6:30 pm Lincoln at Bay View
Mon 10/07 6:30 pm West Warwick at Bay View
Thu 10/10 5:30 pm Bay View at East Greenwich
Fri 10/11 12:00 am Bay View at Johnston
Wed 10/16 6:30 pm Juanita Sanchez at Bay View
Mon 10/21 6:30 pm Westerly at Bay View
Wed 10/23 6:30 pm Bay View at Toll Gate
Tue 10/29 6:30 pm Bay View at Mt. Hope
Wed 10/30 6:30 pm North Smithfield at Bay View