DON McCORMACK
Paying a Monday morning visit to the variety store...
A silver celebration
Last spring, Pam Dreslinski was named to the all-time Ashtabula County high school softball team compiled by yours truly.
Now, the former Edgewood and Hofstra University great has been recognized with a much more prestigious honor.
Dreslinski has been named as one of 10 Hofstra players to be part of the Colonial Athletic Association Silver Anniversary team.
The honor was announced last Friday by the league office. As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration in 2009-10, the CAA is recognizing Silver Anniversary teams in 21 championship sports. The teams were selected by a panel of current and former coaches in the conference.
Dreslinski, the Star Beacon Ashtabula County Player of the Year in 2004, headed to Hofstra in 2005 and enjoyed a stellar four-year career, graduating in 2008.
As a member of the Pride, Dreslinski was part of two NCAA Regional finalist teams (2005 and 2008).
She was a three-time All-CAA selection and transitioned from outfield to shortstop her final two seasons, when she anchored a defense as a senior in 2008 that ranked fourth in the nation in fielding percentage.
Her younger sister, Trisha, followed in her footsteps at Hofstra after earning Star Beacon Ashtabula County Player of the Year recognition during her days as a star at Edgewood in 2006 and 2007.
Both played for former Warriors coach Shelley Monas, who has since moved on.
Ringing the Bell
Mike Bell is a member of the Ashtabula County Football Hall of Fame.
Now, the former Pymatuning Valley star and current head football coach of the Lake Catholic Cougars, has been accorded another honor.
The former Laker is part of the coaching staff for the North in the annual North-South Ohio Classic football game.
The game will be played April 23 at storied Ohio Stadium. That is one day before Ohio State’s annual spring football game.
The contest has been moved from its traditional June date to avoid conflicting with the Big 33 Classic, which features players from Ohio against players from Pennsylvania.
McCormack is the sports editor of the Star Beacon. Reach him at donmac@suite224.net.
