MetroSportsMagazine Winter 2026Army vs Navy Sports RivalryNYU Women’s Baskeball Sets NCAA Div III RecordProfessional Bull Ridingat MSG Yonkers Montessori AcademyGirls BasketballBack-To-Back Champions PingPongParkinson’s2nd AnnualNew York OpenSemi-pro FootballKicks Off ItsSpring Season
ContentsWinter 2026p. 224 Sports are More Than a Game for Army and Navy Athletes Navy basketball visits West Point for a Star Series men’s and women’s double header. 10 NYU Women’s Basketball Sets an NCAA Division III Record An NCAA consecutive win record set14 Profesional Bull Riding New York Mavericks perform for the home crowd 18 Yonkers Montessori Academy Repeats as NYSPHSAA Girls Baskeball Champions and Captures State-wide Champiohship Section 1, Class B Champions Once Again 22 PingPongParkinson’s 2nd Annual NY Open The Westchester Table Tennis Center Hosts the Return of the PPP New York Open.30 Semipro Football Begins the Season with an Inter-league Battle. Semipro football gets an early start on its spring season MetroSports Magazine | 1www.ClarkShots1.com
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MetroSports Magazine (MSM) is published six times a year by the New York Sports Photo Group. MSM is available online and can be downloaded in electronic format for viewing on tablet and hand-held devices, laptop and desktop computers and purchased as full-color glossy print editions.Founder, Editor-in-Chief, Art Director: Warren RosenbergPublisher: New York Sports Photo Group: nyspg.comEditorial Director / Sales: John ChuhranWriters: John Chuhran, Warren RosenbergDirector of Photography: Clark ThompsonSocial Media: Clark Thompson, Warren RosenbergPhoto Contributors: -Clark Thompson, -Warren Rosenberg -Kiran Komanduri, NYU Washington Square News Advertising: For rate card contact [email protected] Please direct all inquiries to:[email protected] us on the web at: www.MetroSportsMag.comMetroSports Magazine accepts and welcomes photos, short articles, opinions and letters from our readers. There is no guarantee that unsolicited contributions will be published and MetroSports Magazine assumes no responsibility for failure to publish or for editing published contributions. The Contents of MetroSports Magazine consist of copyrightable and/or copyrighted material and cannot be reproduced without the express written consent of the publishers. MetroSports Magazine | 3
Sports Are More Than a Game for Army and Navy Athletes Indeed, Army versus Navy is far more than any game – it is a clash of rivals sharing similar values and emotional and intellectual intensity that extends far beyond the fields of friendly strife. When Army and Navy compete against each other, the fight reaches the foundational culture of each institution. The United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy were established to create tomorrow’s leaders of the military, industry and society in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. The training at these institutions instills a pursuit of excellence and demands 100 percent commitment and effort in everything that those Cadets and Midshipmen do. This is the pursuit of the American traditions and ideals in real human form. It represents the best in all of us. The public at large only considers Army versus Navy to refer to a single football game each December. In fact, that event is a mere skirmish, the tip of an iceberg that is 90 percent invisible to outsiders. Those who have attended West Point learn shortly after arriving that the chant “Beat Navy” (or “Beat Army” if the training involves enrolling at Annapolis) is an integral part of the language on post, two words that find their way into conversation almost as often as “sir, yes sir.” 4 | Winter 2026by John Chuhran, Editor-In-Chief MetroSports MagazineWest Point, N.Y. – Humans crave watching something that defies expectations. That’s one of the allures of sports – we all watch and hope for the team we support to triumph, especially when it is against an opponent that has a history of being a difficult obstacle to defeat. When our team faces a struggle against the same opponent again and again, we get a rivalry – a game that rises above the norm and creates a situation where victory tastes extra sweet and defeat stings a little more. While some famous sports rivalries – Red Sox and Yankees in baseball, Packers and Bears in football, Lakers and Celtics in basketball – are well known, they are mere diversions to real life. However, there is one rivalry that crosses multiple sports and has a lasting impact on those who have experienced it as a participant or merely an observer. There is absolutely nothing that compares to Army-Navy.
MetroSports Magazine | 5Army’s Reese Ericson shooting above the reach of Navy’s Zoe Mesuch a native of Clintondale, NY, 30 miles north of West PointPhoto credit: Warren Rosenberg, NY Sports Photo Group
This inter-academy athletic competition dates to 1890 when some Midshipmen challenged counterparts at West Point to a game of the then relatively new sport of football. After that initial contest (won by the sailors, 24-0), the two institutions gradually added other competitions so that more students could experience the adrenaline rush of competing with those who came closest to sharing the experiences, demands, mental challenges, and physical exertions while pursuing service to the same values and ideals the were the foundations of the United States. Since the 1978-79 academic year, the annual Army-Navy athletic challenge has grown to cover more than two dozen varsity sports that have been combined to form the Star Series. The winning Above: Navy’s Julian Gabnidon (#3) driving against Army defender Jackson Mayo (#21) 6 | Winter 2026team in each designated competition (some events are not counted since they are still conducted on the less official “club” level) earns a star that members of the winning team are entitled to wear on their daily uniforms and varsity sweaters. Navy has traditionally won the Star Series, but in 2024-25 Army grabbed the overall Star Series championship for only the fifth time, winning 14 of 26 competitions. Army victories came in Volleyball, Golf, Sprint Football, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Cross Country, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Rugby, Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving, Women’s Basketball, Wrestling, Women’s Tennis, Men’s Lacrosse, and Women’s Lacrosse. The Black Knights were also Star Series champions in 1984-85, 1994-95, 1995-96, and 2013-14.
That was the background when the men’s and woman’s basketball teams from Navy travelled to West Point on February 21 for a basketball doubleheader. The atmosphere for the near-sellout crowd was tense, but the public displays of emotion always stayed at a family-friendly level appropriate for two institutions who emphasize respect for all.In the women’s game, the two top teams in the Patriot League met for a game that would all-but determine the regular season champion and the top seed in the upcoming league tournament. As expected, the game was close throughout. Army (21-6, 12-4 in the Patriot League) took the lead at the start, but Navy (19-7, 13-2) fought tenaciously to stay within six points. After intermission, a tenacious defensive effort by the Midshipmen narrowed the gap and grabbed a small advantage took a narrow lead in the second half. The Black Knights hung on and trailed by six points as the Above: Army’s Ryan Curry from Montgomery, NJ, advances the ball against Navy Defender Austin Benigni. MetroSports Magazine | 7game clock clicked down to the final 30 seconds as the hosts top outside threat –Senior Point Guard Reese Ericson – twisted through traffic to loft a sailing, three-point shot while she he was falling to the hardwood. Army’s own defensive pressure created a jump ball on the ensuing Navy possession, and the possession arrow favored the Black Knights. With barely 13 seconds left, Ericson, who finished with a team-high 13 points, again struggled to get free in a sea of flailing arms. She got off another toss from three-point range, but the balled missed the mark and the final horn signaled a 54-51 Navy win. “It’s just the best game out there,” said Ericson of her Army-Navy game experiences. “The hype that goes into it, how much fun it is win, lose or draw – I will cherish this moment forever. I told
Below: Army’s Taylor Wilson driving toward the basket against Navy’s Julianna Almeida, a Metro Region athlete out of North Arlington, NJ. 8 | Winter 2026point shot. The Navy (23-6, 15-1) defense was prepared for the challenge and held Army to just 3-for-16 shooting from beyond the arc in the first half. Using a 10-0 run to build a cushion, Navy, with 11 upperclassmen among the 17 players on the team, controlled the tempo and took an 81-63 win.With the win by the Men’s team, Navy took its 14th win in the 2025-26 Star Series, clinching this season’s championship.Through it all, the athletes on both teams in both games clearly gave 100 percent effort and remained focused on doing their jobs to the best of the ability – traits that will serve them well as members of the military that will defend our nation.(Navy Head) Coach (Tim) Taylor at the end of the game that I’ll see him again. We’ll be back and we showed we can play with them. “We showed we had the shot, we had the opportunity, we had what it takes to win – we beat pretty much every (other) team in this league, and we’ll be back (in the tournament). This team responds and we’re going to respond again. This team’s just so gifted and we believe there’s something bigger for us out there. I’m not done with my Army-Navy (games).” The Men’s game saw Army (11-18, 5-11) in a difficult situation from the start. Undersized and with just five upperclassmen among the 18 players on the roster, the Black Knights had been forced throughout the year to focus on the three-
MetroSports Magazine | 9Above: Army’s Kevin McCarthy securing the rebound against Navy’s Cam Cole
NYU Women’s Basketball’s 2026 NCAA Tournament Run Ends, but a Legacy GrowsNew York University’s women’s basketball team entered the 2026 NCAA Division III Tournament in the midst of one of the most dominant runs in college basketball history—and nearly added another chapter to its growing dynasty. Coming off back-to-back national championships in 2024 and 2025, NYU stormed into the tournament undefeated and riding a massive winning streak that had already broken Division III records. Their quest for a third straight title began with authority, including a lopsided opening-round win and a 70–47 victory over Messiah that pushed the streak into historic territory. As the tournament progressed, the Violets only gained momentum. A dominant Sweet 16 performance—highlighted by a 103–61 rout of HardinSimmons—extended the streak to 90 consecutive wins and showcased their depth and offensive firepower. NYU then advanced through the Elite Eight and into the Final Four, reaching 91 straight victories and positioning themselves one win away from yet another championship appearance. Throughout the run, NYU combined suffocating defense with balanced scoring, overwhelming opponents early and rarely allowing games to stay competitive. 10 | Winter 2026by Warren Rosenberg
MetroSports Magazine | 11The team’s consistency reflected a program built under head coach Meg Barber, whose team had not lost since 2023 and had become a benchmark for excellence in Division III basketball. As a player, Barber left NYU in 2002 as one of the program’s top scorers with 1,228 career points having served as team captain and leading the Violets to multiple postseason appearances. In fact, it was during Barber’s playing time as a member of the Violets that Washington University achieved its 81 consecutive win record that now, as the Violet’s head coach, Barber has helped surpass. As a member of the 2001-2002 Violets team, Barber and her teammates had suffered losses to Washington in both of their contests that season. Veteran leaders like Caroline Peper, Aila Kaibara, and Brooke Batchelor have been central figures, bringing scoring punch, defensive intensity, and veteran poise to the floor — even as younger players step into key roles.However, the championship dream ended just short of the final. In the national semifinals, NYU fell 60–52 to an undefeated Scranton team, snapping their 91-game winning streak—the secondlongest in NCAA history. Despite a late rally, an early scoring deficit proved too much to overcome.Even in defeat, NYU’s 2026 tournament run cemented its place among the greatest stretches in college basketball. Three consecutive undefeated regular seasons, two national titles, and a recordFacing Page: NYU team gathers around coach Meg Barber celebrating their 82 gane win streak in February, the longest in NCAA Division III hsitory. Below: NYU guard, Aila Kaibara, driving toward the basket at the Paulson Center. Photo credit - Kiran Komanduri, NYU Washington Square News.
12 | Winter 2026Below: Guard Brooke Batchelor (#20) advancing the ball on the NYU Paulson Center court. Photo credit - Kiran Komanduri, NYU Washington Square setting winning streak turned the Violets into a modern Division III dynasty - and set a standard that future teams will struggle to match. While the 2026 tournament ended short of a championship, it solidified NYU’s place among the greatest dynasties in college basketball history. Three straight seasons without a loss, two national titles, and a 91-game winning streak represent more than dominance - they reflect a program that redefined expectations. For NYU, the 2025-2026 season wasn’t just about chasing another banner. It was about proving that sustained greatness, night after night and season after season, is one of the hardest achievements in sports. As George Harrison, Nelly Furtado, and others have sung in various phrases, ‘All Good Things Must Pass’, yet even in defeat, the legacy of this historic 2025-2026 season remains intact and sets a standard that others must strive to match.
MetroSports Magazine | 13Above: Coach Meg Barber working the sidelines. Below: NYU guard, Zahra Alexander, a local player out of Rutgers Prep H.S. in South Orange, N.J. Photo credit - Kiran Komanduri, NYU Washington Square News.
14 | Winter 2026Professional Bull Riding Charges Into New York: Mavericks Make Their Mark at Madison Square Garden PBR’s local team, the New York Mavericks, score a win on the opening night of the three day event. In January 2026, professional bull riding returned to the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, transforming the iconic arena into a dirt-covered battleground for one of the most intense sports on earth. The PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Unleash The Beast Series, highlighted by the Monster Energy Buck Off at the Garden, ran from January 9–11 and delivered three days of adrenaline-fueled competition featuring the world’s top riders and rankest bulls. The New York event served as a key early-season stop in the elite Unleash The Beast tour, which features the top 35 bull riders competing across the United States for points toward the world championship. Held annually in New York City, the event has become one of the sport’s most recognizable showcases. The 2026 edition marked another milestone, continuing a long-standing tradition of bringing Western rodeo culture into one of the world’s most urban and globally recognized venues. Fans packed the sold-out arena across all three days, witnessing a mix of individual brilliance and the evolving team-based format that is reshaping modern bull riding. And all of this took place just blocks north of the old Meatpacking District of Manhattan where cattle, not unlike the PBR’s bucking bulls, would arrive for a losing battle in the city’s slaughterhouses. A major storyline in 2026 was the presence of the New York Mavericks, one of PBR’s newer team franchises. The Mavericks are part of the league’s shift toward a team format—designed to mirror traditional U.S. sports leagues with head-to-head matchups, standings, and season structures. During the Madison Square Garden event, the Mavericks delivered a statement-making performance by upsetting the Carolina Cowboys in team competition, showcasing their growing competitiveness in the PBR’s team series on the national stage. This victory highlighted both the team’s potential and the increasing importance of the team series, which now runs alongside individual competition at select events. Few sporting events contrast with their surroundings quite like bull riding in Manhattan. The transformation of Madison Square Garden into a rodeo arena underscores the sport’s expanding reach and appeal.by Warren Rosenberg and Clark Thompson
MetroSports Magazine | 15Above: A member of the New York Mavericks in action on opening night. Photo credit - Clark Thompson, Clarkshots1Below: Sage Steele Kimzey crowned as winner in closing night ceremony. Photo credit - Warren Rosenberg, NY Sports Photo Group
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MetroSports Magazine | 17Above and Below: Completing the 8 second ride is one thing - the dismount is entirely something else.Photo credits - Above: Warren Rosenberg www.nyspg.com, Below: Clark Thompson www.Clarkshots1.com
18| Winter 2026YMA Guard, junior Liliana Toro, (#12) advancing the ball at the Section 1, Class B, Championship at the Westhester County Center
MetroSports Magazine | 19 The victory secured a spot in the Section 1 Class B championship game, held at the Westchester County Center, one of the premier venues for high school basketball in the region. In the championship matchup against Alexander Hamilton High School (Elmsford, New York) previously reported in MetroSports Magazine, Yonkers Montessori delivered a statement performance. The Eagles played with poise and intensity, controlling the pace and executing their offense in key moments to capture the 2026 Section 1 Class B title. The victory represented more than a trophy—it was a testament to the program’s growth and the dedication of its players and coaches throughout the season.The team then advanced to the State-wide championship after a decisive 67–38 victory over Mechanicville in the state semifinals. The team’s aggressive defense—highlighted by 18 steals—and balanced scoring attack overwhelmed its opponent, with standouts Liliana Toro and Emilee Doherty each scoring 17 points. That momentum carried into the final, where Yonkers Montessori secured the State-wide Class B state championship. The title marks a significant achievement for the program, showcasing its depth, defensive intensity, and ability to perform on the biggest stage.Yonkers Montessori Academy Repeats as NYSPHSAA Section 1 Class B Championsand Goes On to Capture Statewide Championship by Warren Rosenberg he 2026 winter season will be remembered as one of the most exciting chapters in the history of the Yonkers Montessori Academy Eagles girls basketball program. Powered by a talented young roster and a relentless defensive style, the Eagles stormed through the postseason and captured the Section 1 Class B championship and the State-wide Championhip marking a major milestone for the Yonkers school. The Eagles entered the 2025-26 season with confidence after a strong start that saw them pile up victories and dominate several opponents. Early in the season, Yonkers Montessori established itself as one of the most balanced teams in the region, combining scoring depth with strong rebounding and aggressive defense. A key moment came in February when the Eagles defeated North Salem High School 55–40 and followed it up with a commanding 69–25 win over Haldane High School, showcasing the team’s ability to control games on both ends of the court. Those wins helped build the momentum that carried the team into the Section 1 playoffs. Once the postseason began, the Eagles elevated their game. In the Section 1 Class B semifinal, Yonkers Montessori delivered one of its most convincing performances of the year, defeating Blind Brook High School 63–37. The Eagles’ defense suffocated Blind Brook’s offense while their transition game led to easy points throughout the contest. T
20 | Winter 2026 Also making it into the 2026 NYSPHSAA basketball championships were Metro area girls varsity teams from Albertus Magnus, Nyack, Tappan Zee, and Tuckahoe, and for the boys teams, Mamaroneck, North Salem, Rye, and Tapan Zee. For the players, coaches, and supporters of Yonkers Montessori Academy, the 2026 season will be remembered as a year when determination, teamwork, and resilience came together at exactly the right time. With a championship banner now part of the program’s legacy, the Eagles have established themselves as a rising force in Section 1 girls basketball and a team that will be watched closely in the seasons ahead. The YMA Lady Eagles win earned them the first State-wide championship for a Yonkers school since the 1932 win by the Yonkers H.S. boys team.Above: Emilee Doherty (#2), sophomore shooting guardRight: Grace Gleeson (#3), junior power forward
MetroSports Magazine | 21Above: Left: Anisa Mustafaj (#1) 8th grade shootong guard and Right: Arsela Mustafaj, (#32) Senior forwardBelow: The YMA Lady Eagles on their way to the the 2026 Section 1 Class B Championship at the Westchester County Center.
22 | Winter 2026 On March 1, 2026, the 2nd Annual PingPongParkinson New York Open brought together table tennis players, caregivers, volunteers, and supporters at the Westchester Table Tennis Center in Pleasantville, New York for a day of competition, community, and celebration of movement. The event, organized by the global nonprofit PingPongParkinson, drew participants from within the United States and beyond. Both competitive players and those opting for more relaxed, informal play, took part in matches designed for fun, fitness, and fellowship. All competing players had a Parkinson diagnosis and were matched with others having comparable abilities. PingPongParkinson, established to harness the benefits of table tennis for people with Parkinson’s disease, focuses on how the sport’s rapid movePingPongParkinson Hosts the 2nd Annual New York Open at the Westchester Table Tennis Centerby Warren Rosenbergments and coordination challenges can improve motor control, balance, concentration, and overall quality of life. While the tournament structure offered a competitive atmosphere for seasoned players, the heart of the event was to foster community and support for those living with Parkinson’s. In this regard, the tournament was more than just athletic competition - it was a space where participants could gain confidence in their movement, connect with others navigating similar challenges, and enjoy the supportive energy of a dedicated community. The Westchester Table Tennis Center, a venue familiar with hosting inclusive events, buzzed with energy throughout the day. In addition to tournament play, attendees gathered off-court to share stories, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the accomplishments of everyone who participated
MetroSports Magazine | 23whether they were there to compete, support, or simply cheer on friends. Many participants and spectators noted that the event’s welcoming atmosphere encouraged connections both on and off the court, fostering friendships and offering a shared sense of purpose. For people with Parkinson’s, these personal interactions and moments of achievement can be as meaningful as any score. Jan Rose, an organizer of the New York City chapter of PingPongParkinson and a former member of the Board obesrved that, “The day was meaningful for me from the moment our New York City team arrived and we were hugged by team members representing our sister PingPongParkinson chapters from around the country and even from Germany. We were immediately drawn into friendly warm-up play with the many skilled volunteers who donated their time for the day. The adrenaline from being in a competitive event, the feeling of community, and the cardio benefit of playing worked together to give me a high all day. I can say that on this day there were long periods where I forgot I have Parkinson’s.” Other participants from the NYC chapter noted similar experiences. “Just a brief note to offer a big ‘THANK YOU’ for yesterday’s Ping Pong Open in Pleasantville. You guys did a terrific job organizing and executing the event … and yes, I know there were many others heavily involved but will trust you to pass on my appreciation. I had a wonderful time and look forward to future friendly competitions. It would not have happened without you!” Kevin Clancy, New York City.Below: Left-Margie Alley from the Westchester ChapterRight - Jan Rose from the New York City Chapter
24 | Winter 2026 “Yesterday’s event was wonderful. Thank you for being among the organizers. It was great to be in a new venue and meet other Parkinson’s players.” Julia Bradford, New York City. Henry Duerr, a 65 year old competitor from Germany speaks about having the disease and what participation in PingPongParkson has meant to him. “Six years ago my life changed forever. Out of the blue I was diagnosed with Parkinsons. I was shocked to my core at first. Neither did I have any friends and collegues with Parkinsons, nor did I have any knowledge what to expect. So I really struggled to get a grab on it. After a while I learned, that ping pong was supposed to be super helpfull for the disease, so I went to my first practice. I played with my son a lot in the past, and I always had a passion for ping pong but nobody could´ve seen coming what this first practice changed in my life : it ignited such a flame, such a burning passion that I started to compete at parkinson ping pong tournaments. I got to know so many beautiful and kind people. Everyone going through the same struggles, pain and sorrow. And in that pain everyone is united. Its such a beautiful journey that I never could´ve seen coming. It unlocked so many things in my life that never seemed possible. I went all over the world, Finnland, Spain, Portugal to compete in tournaments. Just recently I went to New York where I won gold in the doubles. Its a terribly painful disease at times, but in that shared pain is so much beauty that’s comforting.” Brian Carson, a competitor who came in from the United Kingdom commented, “Thank you for your support in enabling my attendance at the Ping Pong Parkinson NY Open yesterday. It was a fantastic experience, as I knew it would be, and I am still “buzzing” today. The event organisation was excellent and everyone I met was friendly and welcoming and just made the day a wonderful experience.I have had a great trip, packed with activities and experiences and the event yesterday was the icing on the cake.”Above: Jan Sanford Below: Larry DiamondAbove Henry Duerr during competition andBelow: Celebrating his wins.
MetroSports Magazine | 25 Many of the competitors came in from neighboring New Jersey where that participate in the PingPongParkinson chapter at the Ridgewood YMCA. The Ridgewood chapter organizer, Simona VitaliBryant summed up their experience by stating, “What an amazing day for the Ridgewood Y as well, we came home with eight medals! The energy was incredible, and the rallies were so much fun to watch.”Some specific observations from Ridgewood competitors include:Jan Sanford. “Living with Parkinson’s has changed the way my body moves, but it has not changed who I am. After my diagnosis, I began noticing small but frustrating changes. My steps became shorter. My movements felt stiff. Tasks that once felt automatic suddenly required intense focus. More than anything, Parkinson’s began to affect my confidence. I started moving less, going out less, worrying about falling, and wondering if I could still do the things I loved. Then I was introduced to ping pong through a program for people with Parkinson’s at the Ridgewood Y with Simona Vitali-Bryant. At first, it seemed unlikely that such a simple game could make a difference. The first time I held the paddle, my arm felt stiff and my reactions were slow. The ball seemed to move faster than my body could respond. But I kept trying. Over time, I began to notice real changes not just physically, but mentally. Each rally rebuilt something Parkinson’s had quietly taken from me: confidence. When I returned a serve or won a point, I felt capable again. The community around the table mattered too. We encouraged each other, laughed together, and celebrated small victories. Parkinson’s can feel isolating, but at the ping pong table, I was not alone.Parkinson’s may have changed the rhythm of my body, but ping pong helped me find a new one. One filled with movement, connection, and renewed confidence.”Larry Diamond, “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in October 2021, possibly linked to my service time in Vietnam. The advice from my neurologist was simple: stay active. As a member of the YMCA in Ridgewood, I was fortunate to discover that they offer programs specifically for people with Parkinson’s. I’ve always been a competitive person, and ping pong reignited those competitive juices with an added bonus: social connection. Through both the exercise classes and ping pong, I’ve met wonderful, warm people. The combination of activity and socialization has helped keep me engaged and active in the mainstream of life. I’m grateful to live in a community with these kinds of resources and I have to admit, my grandchildren were especially impressed when I won the ping pong Silver Paddles at the October Ridgewood Y Fall PPP Tournament and the bronze medal in doubles at the New York Open on March 1st.” Joseph Capalbo. “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019. At first, the diagnosis filled me with fear and uncertainty about what the future might hold. Everything changed, however, when my wife and children gave me an unexpected gift: table tennis lessons. Through those lessons, my instructor introduced me to the work of Nenad Bach and the Ping Pong Parkinson’s community. Discovering this program was life-changing. Playing ping pong has not only brought joy back into my daily routine, but it has also significantly improved my quality of life and helped slow the progression of my symptoms. Beyond the physical benefits, the sport has given me something equally valuable: a community. Through ping pong, I’ve met many wonderful friends who understand the challenges of living with Parkinson’s and support one another through the game we all love. This year, I had the opportunity to participate in the Ping Pong Parkinson’s tournament at the Westchester Table Tennis Club. It was an incredible ex-
26 | Winter 2026Above: Joseph Capalbo Below: Brian Scottperience to compete alongside others who are also living with Parkinson’s. The matches were both fun and highly competitive, and the sense of camaraderie made the event truly special. I plan to continue playing ping pong for as long as I am able. I truly believe it helps manage the symptoms of my disease while giving me purpose, connection, and hope.”Brian Scott. “I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in April 2023, and the diagnosis was confirmed through testing in June 2023. Since then, I have experienced symptoms such as tremors, gait difficulties, insomnia, loss of strength, and challenges with balance and coordination on my left side. Fortunately, my symptoms remain relatively mild, allowing me to continue participating in many of the activities I have always enjoyed. After my diagnosis, my wife spent time researching programs that could help people living with Parkinson’s. Through her efforts, she discovered a program at the Ridgewood YMCA designed specifically for Parkinson’s patients. Since then, I have been attending classes there a couple of times each week. Like any sport, table tennis requires concentration, quick thinking, and preparation. I believe this mental engagement helps keep my mind sharp. The game challenges me to think strategically, plan ahead, read my opponent, and play with confidence and determination. In addition to the mental benefits, ping pong is also excellent exercise. As we all know, staying active and continuing to move is one of the most important ways to slow the progression of Parkinson’s. For me, the game provides both a physical workout and a mental challenge, making it a valuable part of how I manage my condition.”Roben Seltzer has been living with Parkinson’s for the past 12 years. A few years ago, the progression of the disease led him to stop driving and withdraw from many of the activities he once loved: skiAbove: Roben Seltzer Below: Brian Carson
MetroSports Magazine | 27iing, hiking, walking dogs, and spending time with friends. When his movement disorder specialist, Dr. Elana Clar suggested he try Ping Pong Parkinson’s (PPP), Roben decided to take on the challenge. Over the following year, with the support of PPP and the dedication of his then Physical Therapist Assistant - Simona Vitali-Bryant - now the Director of the Ridgewood Y Parkinson’s Program and a PPP leader and coach, Roben noticed meaningful changes. His hand tremors decreased, his depth perception improved, he experienced greater stamina, renewed motivation, and most of all a sense of joy. Today, Roben has happily regained his independence. He is driving again, reconnecting socially, and pushing himself further by competing in Ridgewood Y PPP tournaments. Most recently, he participated in the 2nd Annual New York Open, where he won a silver medal in doubles. Who would have thought that a game I’ve casually enjoyed all my life could help improve my mobility after a Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2021? My name is Don Campolo, and since October 2024 I’ve been part of the Ping Pong Parkinson (PPP) program at the Ridgewood YMCA. After undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery in 2021, which greatly reduced my tremors and improved my quality of life, PPP added a whole new dimension to my journey. Ping pong demands quick reactions, strategy, and stamina, and after every session I feel stronger physically and sharper mentally. It almost feels like magic—suddenly I’m lunging for shots as if Parkinson’s isn’t there. With encouragement from our enthusiastic leader, Simona Vitali-Bryant, I even competed in PPP tournaments. At my first event in Westchester, NY, I saw incredible competition and managed a few wins. This year, I’m proud to say I brought home a silver medal in the second-division singles. Our Ridgewood YMCA team had a fantastic time. The 2nd Annual New York Open reported on here celebrated the 9th anniversary of the PingPongParkinson movement at the site of the very first PingPongParkinson World Championship in October of 2019. Since then there have been subsequent PingPongParkinson World Championships held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy (2025), Lasko, Slovenia (2024), Wels, Austria (2023), Pula, Croatia (2022), Berlin, Germany (2021). There was no 2020 Championship because of the global Covid pandemic. The next PingPongParkinson World Championship is scheduled for Hanover, Germany this coming September.Below: PingPongParkinson founder, Nenad Bach, welcoming participants to the 2nd Annual PingPongParkinson New York Open via videoconference connection from Croatia.
28 | Winter 2026
MetroSports Magazine | 29 The success of PingPongParkinson depends on the support of those who work with, train, and help the participants in PingPongParkinson training sessions and competitions. Above - Alan Abt, Below - Ted Hindenlang
30 | Winter 2026Semipro Football Begins the Season with an Inter-league Battleby Clark ThompsonThe idea of a crossover clash between Big East Football and the New England Football League has always carried a certain intrigue—two competitive regional circuits with distinct identities, colliding for bragging rights and momentum. That intrigue became reality in the highly anticipated matchup between the New England Golden Lions and the Middlesex 49ers, a game that delivered intensity, physicality, and a compelling contrast in styles. From the opening kickoff, it was clear this wouldn’t be a routine interleague exhibition. The Golden Lions, representing the New England Football League, brought a disciplined, defense-first approach. Known for their structured schemes and emphasis on minimizing mistakes, they leaned heavily on field position and methodical drives. On the other side, the Middlesex 49ers embodied the Big East Football identity—fastpaced, aggressive, and unafraid to stretch the field vertically. The first quarter unfolded as a defensive chess match. The Golden Lions’ front seven established early control, limiting Middlesex’s rushing attack and forcing third-and-long situations. However, the 49ers’ secondary proved equally resilient, breaking up multiple passing attempts and preventing New England from capitalizing on favorable field position. Momentum shifted in the second quarter when the 49ers found rhythm through their passing game. Exploiting soft spots in zone coverage, Middlesex orchestrated a sustained drive that culminated in the game’s first touchdown. The Golden Lions responded with composure, leaning on their ground game to wear down the defensive front and tie the contest before halftime. The second half showcased adjustments from both sidelines. The Golden Lions increased their tempo, catching the 49ers off guard and generating chunk plays through play-action passing. Meanwhile, Middlesex doubled down on defensive pressure, dialing up blitz packages that disrupted timing and forced hurried decisions. By the fourth quarter, the game had evolved into a battle of endurance and execution. Each possession carried heightened significance, with both teams trading stops and narrowly missing scoring opportunities. The defining moment came late, as a turnover deep in Golden Lions territory gave the 49ers a short field—an opportunity they converted with precision to seize a late lead. Despite a final push from New England, the Middlesex 49ers managed to hold on, sealing a hard-fought victory that underscored the competitiveness of Big East Football. Still, the Golden Lions proved they could match up physically and tactically, reinforcing the strength of the New England Football League. Beyond the final score, the crossover game highlighted the value of interleague competition. It offered players a chance to test themselves
MetroSports Magazine | 31Golden Lions (above) and Middlesex 49ers (below) advancing the ball on the ground against strong defensive opposition.Photo credit - Clark Thompson, www.Clarkshots1.com
32 | Winter 2026against unfamiliar opponents and gave fans a rare glimpse into how different football cultures stack up on the same field. If this matchup is any indication, future meetings between these leagues won’t just be exhibitions—they’ll be must-watch events.
MetroSports Magazine | 33
28 | September - December 2020