The First Of August

Toms River’s Todd Frazier had a productive night to help the Cincinnati Reds win for the 18th time in 21 games Tuesday. Frazier belted a 2-run homer, his 12th of the season, in the 3rd inning against visiting San Diego and them made a tremendous over the shoulder catch in the 9th inning to help preserve a 7-6 victory. The rookie is batting .276 while playing third base, first base and left field.

After an outstanding freshman year at Penn State there is more good news for lacrosse standout Tatum Coffey of Toms River. The former North Mariner was among 36 players named to the U.S. Women’s National Senior Team which will serve as the training team pool for next summer’s World Cup in Ontario, Canada. Coffey was among 80 women who participated in a 3-day tryout featuring the top lacrosse players in the country and the soon-to-be 19 year old was the youngest player chosen for the national squad. Tatum scored 34 goals for the Nittany Lions this past spring and was a third team All-American…the only freshman in the nation to earn such a lofty honor. Coffey had a storied high school career at Toms River North where she also played soccer, basketball and ice hockey.

On the subject of Girls Lacrosse Central Regional High School has landed one of the state’s top coaches as Chris Raichle has left Shore Regional after 14 years to take over the Golden Eagles program. A Toms River South graduate, Raichle built the Blue Devils into a perennial shore and state power and during his tenure they won 8 Shore Conference Tournament titles and 5 consecutive NJSIAA sectional titles. In addition to returning closer to his home to coach Raichle has taken over as the Principal of the Seaside Heights Elementary School after previously working as a principal for the Monmouth-Ocean Educational Services Commission.

Dayton’s Dream Team & Autism Speaks will hold a fundraiser this Saturday at Blackbeard’s Cave on Route 9 in Bayville. From 6-9pm supporters can purchase wristbands for $20 with a portion of the proceeds donated to Autism Speaks…there will also be a dunk tank and golf contest. Dayton’s Dream Team was formed by Jo-Dee and Jerry Frulio of Bayville, whose 4-year old son Dayton has autism. They have held several events to raise money for research and raise awareness in the community.