OCHS Student-Athletes Set Sights on College

By Tim Kelly Opponents of East Stroudsburg University’s men’s soccer team will be seeing double for the next four years. Ocean City High School soccer players Hunter and Trevor Paone, twin brothers who reside in Marmora, will take their talents to the Warriors’ Pennsylvania campus in the Pocono Mountains, it was announced Tuesday. Hunter, a forward, and Trevor, an attacking midfielder, have been playing together since they were 6 years old and coached at the club level by their dad, Lou. “(East Stroudsburg) is definitely getting some added chemistry,” Hunter said. “We anticipate each other’s moves and we know where each other are on the field.” The Paones were part of Ocean City High’s annual Spring Signing and Commitment Day ceremony held Tuesday afternoon in the high school library. In all, 18 student-athletes were recognized. Athletic Director Vince Leavey said 12 OCHS athletes announced their college plans last November at the early signing date and at least three more will be announcing later this spring. That brings the anticipated total to 33 student athletes who will play at the next level. “That’s approximately 10 percent of this senior class,” said Leavey, who noted the increase from last year’s total of 24 student-athletes. The Paone brothers were among five players from coach Aaron Bogushefsky’s boys soccer team to take part in the event. The others were Joey Sacco, Matt Brook and Luke Varallo. The Raiders won the Cape Atlantic National Division championship, going 11-1 in the league and 15-5-1 overall. Trevor, left, and Hunter Paone are headed to East Stroudsburg University to continue playing soccer together. They are with their parents, Lou and Dawn Paone. Hunter was the team’s top goal scorer with 11 and added six assists. Trevor had 10 goals and six assists. Both were named to the New Jersey Soccer Coaches Association’s state Group III All-Stars. They were headed to Division I Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, where their older brother Louis ran track and where their sister Alexis plays field hockey, according to their mom, Dawn. Those plans changed in January when Liberty coach Jeff Alder unexpectedly announced his retirement after 30 years leading the Flames’ program. Liberty’s loss was East Stroudsburg’s gain. “The thing about East Stroudsburg, they really demonstrated they wanted us to be part of the team,” Trevor said. “It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to continue playing in college, and to continue playing with my brother.” Trevor said he plans to pursue a marketing degree, while Hunter still has not decided between athletic training or computer science. In addition to the Paone brothers, the Ocean City student-athletes recognized Tuesday were: Matt Brook – Soccer – Arcadia University Mackenzie Matura – Track & Field – Rowan University Tanis McDonnell – Soccer – Immaculata University Delaney Gould – Lacrosse – Lynn College Ashley Vitiello – Softball – Allegheny College Marty Cattie – Lacrosse – Salisbury University Nate Hays – Swimming – Hamilton College Luke Varallo – Soccer – Stevenson College Joey Sacco – Basketball – Vassar College Kasey Clifford – Golf – Westminster College Avery Panico – Crew – Drexel University Rebecca Dubbs – Crew – Marietta College Brandon Lin – Football – Ursinus College Austin Green – Football – Ursinus College Anthony Inserra – Lacrosse – Immaculata University Francesca Trimble – Diving – The College of New Jersey OCHS Athletic Director Vince Leavey introduces the student-athletes to an audience of parents, friends and media.