NEW CASTLE —
No matter the drive, Red Hurricane fans showed their pride.
Thousands of New Castle High basketball fans made the 200-mile journey to Williamsport to see their ’Canes attempt to make it to their first state championship game since 1998.
As the crowd filed in, it was clear that the stands would bleed red and black.
With the exception of a small contingent of Lower Merion fans, the house was full of New Castle faithful who gave their best efforts to cheer the team on.
Laura Matarazzo, 47, was one of many to board the plethora of charter buses that lined areas of New Castle to escort fans to the game.
“I know for sure there were at least five or six charter buses that I saw,” Matarazzo said. “We brought a lot of fans.”
Matarazzo’s son, Johnny, was a member of the team two seasons ago and her daughter, Gabby, is a senior this year.
“I was a basketball fan in the fact that my son played his junior year. So, we’ve always followed the team. I’m a big Ralph Blundo fan. I think he’s a great coach and he’s done some great things for the community.”
Those riding the buses enjoyed watching movies, talking with friends and enjoying the bounty of available food — anything to make the 3 1/2-hour drive pass.
“Actually, it was kind of quiet. I think a lot of people were just getting ready for the game,” Matarazzo said. “But it was fun. There was a lot of food. You know New Castle, we’re famous for food. There was a lot of food being passed around. It was nice.”
Anna Pascarella, 49, also boarded one of the buses that left from New Castle for Williamsport around 1 p.m.
“We left about 1:20 p.m. from the old Giant Eagle on the east side. Our bus was full. I think the last count I heard was probably 10 (buses) with the student buses as well. That doesn’t include the team bus.”
A 1982 New Castle graduate, Pascarella was taking in the championship run of the 1981-82 team from a student’s perspective. Years later, she’s grown to appreciate the team in a different way.
“I’m looking at it now from a more mature individual,” she said. “I’m taking a lot more in right now and I think I have a better appreciation for the players, the coaches and the time that goes into it.
“As a youngster, you just don’t think about those things. You just want to go to the game and start cheering and hooting and hollering on the bus, and you do those kind of things. Both are good, it’s just a different perspective.”
Heather Cuscino, 40, boarded the same bus as Pascarella and couldn’t wait for the contest to start.
“I’ve always been a fan of basketball and the team. It’s a very great experience and it’s very humbling,” the 1990 New Castle said. “I’ve been to every playoff game since the WPIAL started and all the home games throughout the season.”
Another member of the bus brigade, Daresse Henderson, 23, was a 2007 graduate of the school who played for the team. He believed New Castle’s unity this season was its strongest asset.
“I just like that they play together. Blundo, he makes them play with a lot of heart and he’s a good leader for the kids. He teaches them how to be men before basketball players,” he said. “I like the way Malik (Hooker) plays, I like the way Shawn Anderson plays. Each player does their part. There are no egos or anything like that.”
The impact the team has had on the New Castle community was something that impressed Henderson most.
“It’s kind of a big thing. It’s good to see the community support the kids and travel far, far away and show them a lot of support. They’re definitely doing something legendary.”
Other fans decided against riding the bus. Marcee Richardson was one of them. No, she wasn’t worried about feeling crowded or the discomforts that go with riding a bus — she was worried about losing her seat at the game.
“I wanted my seat down front, in the middle, so I can do what I do,” she said. “I came straight here because I didn’t know what the line was going to be like.”
Richardson, another 1982 graduate of the school, is a diehard fan. Not only does she attend every football and basketball game, she makes sure she gets plenty of tickets so her family and friends can go.
“The ticket manager told me I buy more tickets than anybody in New Castle,” she said. “I probably bought 45-50 for this game. Everybody calls me and texts me that they need tickets.”
Most people wouldn’t arrive 2 1/2 hours before a game starts when they have a ticket. Richardson’s pride in her team was reason enough for her.
“They deserve it.”
Sports
Related Photos
Related Links
Discussion
Video, Story: ’Canes fans flock to Williamsport by the busload
- Sports
-
-
WPIAL Track and Field Championships: Mohawk’s Grim reaps 800 title
Hopes and dreams fueled area athletes at the WPIAL Track and Field Championships yesterday. Aspirations of capturing a WPIAL title and punching a ticket to the state meet filled the minds of those who packed Baldwin High School to prove their mettle.
-
WPIAL Track and Field Championships: Shenango’s sister tandem shines
Lawrence County girls shined in the field events at the WPIAL Championship. Shenango High’s Amanda and Sarah Herb highlighted the participants, as the sister tandem scored top performances in the field.
-
New Castle Basketball: Former 'Canes' standout to play professionally
New Castle High graduate and Slippery Rock University basketball standout Devin Taylor is going pro. Taylor signed a professional contract yesterday to play for the Etzella Ettelbruck Basketball Club in Luxembourg for the 2013-2014 season.
-
WPIAL Baseball Playoffs: Beaver pitcher shuts down Laurel bats
Once again, Austin was awesome for the Beaver High baseball team. This time, it was Austin Logan who pitched a gem and led the Bobcats past Laurel, 6-0, in a WPIAL Class AA quarterfinal clash at historic Pullman Park.
-
WPIAL Baseball Playoffs: ‘Missed opportunities’ end season for Union
The book is closed on the 2013 Union High baseball team. Those interested in reading the last chapter should turn to the page titled, “Missed Opportunities.” There were plenty of them in the Scotties 5-1 loss to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals at Pullman Park in Butler.
-
WPIAL Softball Playoffs: Mohawk rolls to win
Mohawk High’s battery gave the team a positive charge yesterday. The pitcher-catcher duo of Jaki Bender and Lucia Fee powered the Lady Warriors softball squad to a 7-0 victory over Brentwood in the first round of the WPIAL Class AA playoffs at North Allegheny High School.
-
Athlete of the Week: Meet Kim Burdett of Shenango
Sitting in math class. Eating lunch with friends. Brushing her teeth. No matter what Kim Burdett finds herself doing, there’s a good chance there’s one thing first and foremost on her mind — softball.
-
Spring Sports: A roundup of local action for May 15
Wilmington High softball pitcher Abby Sotter was in control yesterday. Sotter tossed a complete game, lifting the Lady Greyhounds to a 6-1 District 10, Region 2-AA home win over Mercer.
-
NHL Playoffs: Pens top Senators 4-1 to take series opener
The Ottawa Senators know there is little margin for error if they want to upset the Pittsburgh Penguins. If they don’t slow down Pittsburgh’s potent power play, they’ll have a difficult time against Sidney Crosby and the rest of the Penguins.
-
High School Basketball: Union grad set to coach Kennedy Catholic girls
Chris Mele is taking his 20 years of coaching experience to Kennedy Catholic High School. Mele, a Union High graduate, was announced yesterday as the head coach of the Lady Golden Eagles basketball team.
- More Sports Headlines
-
