The calendar has flipped; it’s now dark at 5:00 p.m., and the PIAA state playoffs for fall sports are nearing its conclusion. But for players, coaches, and spectators, the winter sports season gets underway as this Friday marks the first official practice day for local hoopsters and grapplers. While the first games of the high
READ MOREIt was a bit early for Halloween, but as I flicked by the channels, remote in hand, I thought my eyes must have been deceiving me. Amid a Sunday full of NFL football, soccer, motor cross, drag racing, tennis, cornhole, pickle ball, and even a rodeo available on the TV screen, the Big Ten channel
READ MOREIt is that time of year again. The time in which one of the most anticipated events that takes place in this area, particularly the Endless Mountains area, happens. It celebrates the beauty of the autumn canopy of leaves that appear throughout the region and locally and throughout the rest of the state as well
READ MOREIn a scoreless PSAC soccer match between rivals Lock Haven and Bloomsburg, the Lady Huskies were on the attack. From the wing, a strong kick made its way toward a Bloom teammate streaking toward the goal. As a Lock Haven defender closed in, the kick-pass missed its intended target, striking the LHU player squarely in
READ MOREIf there were such a thing as a sports dictionary, future editions might list the definition of tradition as ‘a past observance of athletic competition carried on by players, teams and community entities with much anticipation, interest, and fervor.’ As we drove home from Gettysburg on September’s first Saturday after watching grandson Tucker play his
READ MOREOn a sunny and hot 90-degree July afternoon, a slight breeze, a covered pavilion, and a scenic view of folks enjoying boating activities on the Susquehanna River provided the backdrop as long-ago South Williamsport high school classmates gathered at the Susquehanna Boat Club. Many years ago, during his scholastic days, class president Bob Coolidge excelled
READ MOREJimmy has headed down the shore for a little vacation, so I’m taking up the helm this week. No worries, he’ll be back next week! In his absence, it only seems fitting that we should talk about all things sports. I’m not usually a sportswriter, but I think I can handle it. Maybe. We’ll see.
READ MOREMy life-long affiliation with and enjoyment of baseball and basketball has included decades of coaching the games I love. Those years have also included several seasons of umpiring games at various levels of play. While coaching decisions are sometimes questioned by the game’s fans, such differences of opinion are often greatly overshadowed when it comes
READ MOREFour years ago, an enthusiastic group of parents, fans, and supporters gathered in the parking lot of South Williamsport’s AAA office to send off an excited team of pre-teens to the Little League Softball World Series in Portland, Oregon. The wide-eyed youngsters were members of the Little Mountaineer Softball All-Star team, which was about to
READ MOREA few might say that I am one of the area’s all-time greats. I was always legit. I dominated the local camp circuit in the early ’90s. Tons of ribbons. Several certificates. A handful of trophies and fancy plaques. Yes. I was the self-proclaimed free throw shooting king. Foul shooting has always been an important
READ MOREWhenever the accomplishments of local basketball talent are discussed, Kelly Mazzante’s name is at the forefront of the conversation. Such was again the case with the recent announcement that Mazzante had left Bucknell University to accept an assistant coaching position at Georgetown University. The former Montoursville High School and Penn State University standout enjoyed a
READ MOREI am thankful to be at Lycoming. This is my second stint as the Warrior’s Golf Coach. I took a five-year hiatus after my mid-life crisis. I was with the team from 2001 to 2015. I stepped away to focus on other side hustles. They were extremely fun while they lasted. I got the call
READ MOREThis past Easter Sunday provided the Lowery clan with a most enjoyable get-together, the first such group opportunity since Christmas. The downstate trip included great conversation and catch-up, a tasty spread, and some backyard cornhole competition. Sprinkled in was a vast array of tempting cakes, pies, and sweet treat desserts. Not on the menu was
READ MOREOne of the most interesting and unique fundraising events that benefits worthy causes in the area is the annual “Bowl for Kids’ Sake” event that benefits Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northeastern Pennsylvania, which serves the Lycoming County area. It takes place Saturday, April 15 from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.at Faxon Bowling Lanes. Bowl for
READ MOREThe game flashing across the TV screen was a bit of an afterthought as our conversation centered on the day’s activities. Suddenly, Jean pointed out, “That’s Dwight refereeing this game.” The game was the PIAA Girl’s 3A state championship game between Dunmore and River Valley from Hershey’s Giant Center. That Dwight was longtime friend and
READ MOREFor several months leading up to the NCAA’s March 12 Selection Sunday announcement of which teams would receive invitations to the “Big Dance,” many of the potential invitees were as nervous as teenagers eagerly anticipating their inclusion in a big high school social. The saying “been there, done that” is commonplace in our vernacular, and
READ MOREHigh School Fishing He’s felt the tension of playoff soccer. Enjoyed the 60-foot 6-inch challenge of trying to get a batter out. He’s experienced the excitement of sinking 3-pointers in raucous gymnasiums. But for South Williamsport senior Zach Lynn, it is the fourth sport he plays that gives him the most satisfaction. For many, the
READ MOREFor area high school athletes participating in baseball, softball, tennis, and track & field, the dawning of March 6 was anticipated by all. The date marked ‘the official’ beginning of practice permitted by the PIAA for spring sports. South Williamsport softball coach Tom O’Malley spent hours before his squad’s afternoon practice time riding a tractor
READ MOREI love this time of year. Oh, it brings back so many memories. As a player. A broadcaster. A coach. And now as a fan. There are tons of ups and downs. Fantastic atmospheres. Tremendous student sections. The sounds. I still get nervous for my friends. High school basketball is at its best in March.
READ MOREAn admitted ‘basketball junkie,’ a year ago, South Williamsport’s Dean Kriebel’s daily practice plan had one distinct goal; find a way to make it to the next day. The only game he was determined to win was the game of life. In December 2021, Kriebel was diagnosed with cancer, and his total concentration was to
READ MOREAs this is being written, I have no idea which version of the old adage “March comes in like a lion and leaves like a lamb” may hold true. Regardless of how the weather may treat us during the month ahead, one thing is for certain; of the many basketball teams and wrestling squads that
READ MOREI simply love this time of year. Many of the local teams are getting geared. The playoffs have begun. Everyone has a clean slate. A few will advance. Maybe some will cut the nets. Buckle your seatbelts, sports fans. I have been in the gym an awful lot. Jensen’s squad is holding its own. So
READ MOREThis week, your Webb movie-guy continues to focus on under-the-radar films; so here are a few lesser-known titles honoring Black History Month: “Belle” (2013) – Unbelievable real-life story of England’s Dido Elizabeth Belle. Illegitimate daughter of an African slave and an 18th-century admiral, Dido was raised a free gentlewoman in the upper-class household of her
READ MOREThe walls of the St. John Neumann gymnasium are lined with banners paying tribute to the feats its athletes have achieved throughout the school’s history. However, as a result of recent action taken by the school, all current and future Neumann basketball players will be playing on a court named in honor of a man
READ MOREBig Jim is back in California. He sent me a few pics from the beach and an 8-page punch list. I will do my best when he is gone. Has anyone seen my fishing rods? Several folks have asked the question. ARE YOU MISSING THE COACHING? I usually smile and give them a quick answer.
READ MOREThe air will be filled with basketballs, basketball trickery, and, dare I say, “wizardry,” when the Harlem Wizards take on a team of 29 teachers, principals, and staff who will be in a charity basketball event at 6:30 p.m. on February 9 at Williamsport Area High School, gymnasium, fondly known as the “Magic Dome.” The
READ MOREFor a few short hours last week, it seemed like summer as the “summer game,” baseball, was celebrated at the Williamsport Crosscutters Hot Stove League banquet held at the Genetti Hotel. The banquet was highlighted by appearances by former Pittsburgh Pirate manager and former Williamsport Bills manager Clint Hurdle, ESPN’s Hall of Fame announcer and
READ MOREJanuary 22, 2003, we published the first issue of Webb Weekly. As you can see on the cover, our cover story that was about the upcoming Super Bowl. Man, have we covered a lot since then. Going back through and looking at past issues this week has been a trip, to say the least. The
READ MOREHappy Birthday to the Webb Weekly. And special thanks to those who are fans of this page. I am truly humbled by all of your feedback and positive vibes. I want to give some love and congratulate a few — props to the boss man Jim and my lovely editor Steph for allowing me to
READ MOREThe Harlem Wizards are set to return to the Magic Dome at Williamsport Area High School in a fundraiser benefit game for the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation (WASDEF) on Feb. 9, 2023. The game, presented by Geisinger, will begin at 6:30 p.m., with doors set to open at 5:30. From crazy slam-dunks to
READ MOREI feel bad for our district leaders. Making a decision today is tough. I truly believe that they are in it for the right reasons. But it’s hard to make the best choice. Our administrators get paid well. And they have to put up with a lot. Please remember they have a difficult job. They
READ MOREThe Christmas season has a different feel From the worldly troubles and all that is real People greet each other and spread good cheer Wouldn’t it be nice if that happened all year? Sports are an escape we all can enjoy As much as the little ones with a new Santa toy We gather and
READ MOREIt was announced recently that the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has authorized a Pennsylvania historical marker honoring late, distinguished local artist Frances Tipton Hunter to be erected locally. The marker is to be dedicated sometime in 2023. It has been speculated that the maker is to be placed appropriately enough in Way’s Garden, the
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