Bow man pitches, runs team into championship position

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 19:55:00 GMT

Athlete of the Month sponsored by Indian Head Athletics

He’s quiet in general, but Wade Brown’s pitching in particular has silenced opposing bats in the New Hampshire Baseball League’s postseason, helping his Bow Falcons close within a single victory of the league title.

Brown is 3-0 so far in the wooden-bat league’s playoffs, earning him the Indian Head Athletics Athlete of the Month for August.

The postseason is no aberration for Brown, who allowed one earned run during three starts and five relief appearances while posting a 0.28 ERA in 32 innings pitched for the regular- season’s top team.

And it wasn’t just Brown’s arm that’s helped Bow reach the title series against the defending champion Manchester Eagles. Brown’s legs were the deciding factor in the semifinals.

Facing Bedford in the second game of the best-ofthree series, Brown led from second base in the ninth inning of a tied game.

Mike Percy singled to left, and the throw from the outfield was on target, but Brown’s hard, clean slide jarred the ball from the catcher’s glove, bringing the Falcons onto the field in celebration of their two-game sweep. Bow continued its strong play in game one of the best-of-three NHBL finals, beating the Eagles, 7-3.

Frank De Maria, Bow’s manager, said Brown is an unassuming family man during the week, but he becomes a fiery competitor when the uniform’s on.

“He is totally focused when he’s playing,” said De Maria. “He’s soft-spoken, but he comes out and gives a Herculean effort every time he’s on the field.”

According to De Maria, many in the league, which includes athletes 38 and older, have played high-level college baseball, with some playing professional baseball in their prime.

Brown was a solid high school player, but he never played college ball.

“That’s what makes it even more amazing,” said De Maria. “He’s just such a great athlete.”

Brown’s success in the league is an added bonus; he joined five years ago for different reasons.

“The camaraderie with teammates is just as important as trying to stay in shape and play some good, honest baseball,” said Brown. “This gives you the opportunity to do what you did as a kid, and really enjoy yourself.”

(Editor’s note: The Athlete of the Month receives a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Indian Head Athletics.)

Athlete of the month: Bow’s Bucchino a rock in net for state champs

Goffstown Editor — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:11:00 GMT

BY MATT SCHOOLEY
Sponsored by Indian Head Athletics

David Bucchino won’t be in net when the next Bow boys lacrosse season starts, but he’ll still have an impact in the crease.

In addition to working closely with his protege during practices, the recently graduated Bucchino steadied the Falcons en route to a second consecutive Division II title, earning him the honor of Indian Head Athletics Athlete of the Month for June.

During Bow’s three postseason contests, Bucchino allowed just under six goals per game, but it wasn’t only his work during games that impressed Falcons mentor Chris Gaudreau.

“He’s just got it. His talent as far as being a leader and getting other kids to follow is even more impressive,” said Gaudreau. “Not only does he have talent, but he carries himself in exactly the way you’d want him to.”

Next year, the Falcons turn to a junior netminder with little varsity experience. John Fanaras was the backup goalie this year, and he was able to soak in a great deal of advice from Bucchino, a fellow left-hander.

“There have been a lot of skills I picked up from him, from hugging the post and keeping the angles,” said Fanaras. “I also got to see the way he handled himself in a lot of big situations. He holds his composure very well, and that’s something that every goalie should take into consideration.”

Both Fanaras and Gaudreau said Bucchino carries the same intensity he has during games while on the practice field.

Bucchino, who plans to play lacrosse at Elmira College next year, said it will be difficult to move on from the Falcons, yet he knows he’s leaving the team in good hands with Fanaras taking his place.

“I told him before I left that he had big shoes to fill, but he’s ready. I have a lot of confidence in him,” said Bucchino. “They gave me a lot of respect. It’ll be really hard for me to leave, but I definitely went out with a big bang.”

During the end-of-year awards ceremony at the high school, Bucchino was given the Male Sportsmanship Award – not just for the spring season, but for the entire year.

Gaudreau will miss Bucchino next season, both on and off the field.

“He’s really a coach’s dream,” said Gaudreau. “He attacks the ball, and he makes saves that you wouldn’t expect him to be able to make. Every game there were four or five goals that he kept off the board. He just saved us.”

(Editor’s note: The Athlete of the Month receives a $50 gift certificate courtesy of Indian Head Athletics.)

Bow News : athlete of the month

Bow man pitches, runs team into championship position

Athlete of the month: Bow’s Bucchino a rock in net for state champs