Bobby D President of DSL

I wrote this message this morning after Amy left for work and I was left with my thoughts alone. This is a trinute to my friend Deeg, to his Family and to all of the victims and family's affected by the events on September 11th, 2009. I did not know Deeg the way that so many of my close friends did. He was a very good friend that I hung out with a lot and we would talk golf or whatever we seemed to find to chat about over the many years that we knew each other. However this message is as much a tribute to his closest friends, my friends (you know who you are), and his family. It is about honoring the memory of someone in a way that I think we all should.

My love and thoughts go out to all of you on this 8th Anniversary.

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When I look back on September 11th, 2001 I think about a lot of things. I lost a friend that day. Davis Grier "Deeg" Sezna, Jr. was a friend of mine since I moved to Delaware. I encourage you to click that link and read a little about him. I can actually still hear his unique voice and style of speaking in my ears. Those who knew him know exactly what I am talking about. Deeg, I still miss you and think about you often.

Most of all today I think about my friends Chris, Nick, Brett, R.J, and Marshall. I think about Deeg's family and the many others that were deeply affected by this loss. Most of all I think about Deeg's little brother who probably does not know me from a hole in the wall, but whom I look at every time I see him with a respect and a hope that he is doing well. I spent a little time with Davis after Deeg passed here and there although I doubt he remembers it. It was mostly in a group with my friends but I remember hoping, like I still do, that he, Gail, and Willy are living their lives well and in honor of Deeg and Teddy. I have seen first hand what can happen to a parent when they lose a child. I have watched the burden of guilt and sadness that a parent can carry with them for the rest of their lives. My father passed 25 years ago and I can still see the pain in their face when my grandmother still accidentally calls me Ricky. Davis, Gail, Willy...I hope you are living a life that Deeg and Teddy would be proud of and I wish you all of my love and support on this Anniversary. For me, it never gets easier, but on July 1st the anniversary of the day I lost my father, the memories seem to get better and better. Personally I like to try to make it a fun day, to remember everything that he was about...
 
When I think back upon all that was lost that day I am reminded of all that was gained. I think every generation goes through something like that...a game changer...a moment in history when we are asked to be bigger than ourselves. We are challenged to be ONE nation, ONE people, and if only for a moment we are reminded of the absolutely awesome power a united nation, standing together as one to show that love and compassion are a bond that when shared can never be broken. Not by anyone or anything.

Click here to read the rest of this Special September 11th Message from Bobby D...

The Castle 8 vs. Shenanigans 6
Happy belated birthday Cyndi Clifton!!! The Castle played a very close game against a very touch Shenanigans squad but managed to hang on at the very end for the win.  Key players for The Castle were Justin Alberto and Connor Joyce who both showed their guns, blasting the competition with delta force.  Birthday Girl Cyndi for Shenanigans was a spunky asset to the squad. She was all over the court trying to get people out left and right.  Definitely someone to look out for! Michael Cimino was all over the place on the court. He wasn’t afraid to get down on the floor to dodge those balls!! So close Shenanigans....maybe next time!

Scratch Attack 10 vs. Hooligans 4
The Hooligan’s squad couldn’t get past the Attack of the Scratch. Partly because Scratch Attack FINALLY had a full roster.  Alicia made her debut and was absolutely great! She had a rapid fire cannon and caught everything that came here way. Jammie Gaffney had a diving catch that was nothing short of enormous! Joel Saufley, Greg Gilbert and Griff were the backbone to the guys! For Hooligan’s, Paul Baksi left his party pants at home, but not his A game. On numerous occasions, he battled hard when he found himself the lone Hooligan on the court. And what can be said about Scott Mance other than he finally joined the 21st century and joined Facebook! Way to go Scotty!!!!

Salopes 11 vs. Abusement Park 3
Mike Gross was definitely the MVP for The Salopes last night.  You
should have seen him jiving and grooving out there on the hard wood.  He was a maniac throwing balls like a wild man.  Melissa Carter carried the Abusement Park team on her shoulders catching three balls in a row during one game. She was definitely the MVP!! Way to show some major girl power!  She must have been eating her Wheaties since last game! Unfortunately the Salopes played a little better and earned the win.

Thunderballs 11 vs. Double Vision 3
Thunderballs pulled of a decisive victory over Double Vision.  Thunderballs were led by Allison Sweeten and Tom Randle.  Both had intense action and have amazing strength in their throwing.  Double Vision made a mid game run winning three straight games, but the streak wasn’t long lived. Captain Lauren Ward did a great job at playing the whole court, moving from side to side like a pinball.  Steven Small had to do his fair share of fighting when he was left alone to fight against three other players.

Pistols for Pandas 13 vs. Out and About 1
Pistols for Pandas came out fighting last night.  Kelly O’Neill had gorilla like strength and moves as she gathered the balls and hurled them at her opponents.  The intense facial expressions were enough indication for the opponents to know not to mess with her.  Captain Jeff White was throwing those balls like a well fed farm boy.  Out and About tried to hang on.  Amanda Beck found herself having to play against 5 girls all by herself and she showed amazing stamina.  Scott Tauriello’s catching was amazing.  The judges might want to check him next game for infringement of the rules against the use of superglue and other forms of adhesive. 

STSI 12 vs. Five D’s 2
STSI played a great game in their win over Five D’s.  Kim Frerichs had her balls flying high and hard and A.J. Roop was fierce as ever.  The Five D’s did their best to hang on, led by Captain Keith Snyder who was dodging balls left and right.  The big man on campus Michael Swarr was making his moves, whirling and throwing and twirling.  Wow can he move. Their fine display of dodgeball skills weren’t enough to get past STSI.

Saved By The Balls 9 vs. Master Blasters 5
This was definitely a heated contest, but just on the court. After all, it is just a dodgeball game Matt Farina and Tony Brown.  All was totally forgotten post game, like it should be. For Master Blaster girls, Andie Piccirilli and Lindsey Heck were the MVPs.  Both came up with some game saving catches and strong throws to help the girls take 3 games.  Kristina Naton added some much needed firepower in her first game back this season.  For the guys, Brian Fehnel was really the lone stand out, hanging tough on more than one occasion.  Even with a sore knee, SBTB’s Donna Deldeo had a highlight worthy night. Her throws were spot on and her catching was second to none.

16 Ton Gunz 14 vs. Hit It Then Bounce 0
16 Ton Gunz managed to shut out Hit It Then Bounce. What a game!!!!  Larry Pusey showed an amazing effort for Hit It Then Bounce.  You should have seen the speed at which he hurled the balls at his opponents!!  He was totally working it on the court.  Captain Kim Hazzard was representing for the girls, shooting out balls like seeds from a watermelon.  But the real prize goes to 16 Ton Gunz for the crazy job winning every game!  Jeanna Labik was a breath of fresh air, taking on the opponent with grace and composure. Troy Thomas was Rubberman, working it like Gumby riding his trusty stead Pokey through a mine of cacti. 

Bud Light 10 vs. Out of Bounds 4
The ladies on both these teams had some incredible plays!  The Top Ten worthy play of the night belonged to the Ladies of Out of Bounds. Lauren Kendall was standing behind Pam Kenney. Sam Floyd, the last remaining Bud Light lady, threw. Pam dodged and Lauren made a game winning “look what I found” catch! The men of Bud Light practiced the double team throwing style in the off season and gunned down the men from Out of Bounds one by one. They didn’t have to worry about Chris Murray. He took himself out several times by running into the fire extinguisher box.

Sofa Kings 8 vs. Moving Targets 6
This was an exciting match up that went back and forth. Erin Ott saved day for the Sofa Kings. Down 3 on 1, she caught a ball bringing in Serene Hunter. Together, they took out the two remaining Moving Target ladies to earn the W. As a team, the Sofa King Ladies had a great night catching, particularly the sticky fingers of Jen Merola. For the men, Salmon was dodging like a fish out of water…he had a cannon to back it up too!
Bob Spring looked like he was break dancing out there while Pat Burris just played solid dodgeball and made some great catches and had some explosive throws. For Moving Targets, both the men and the ladies finished tops in their classes at the catching clinic. No matter where the balls were thrown, high or low, they seemed to find a home in the arms of a Moving Target.

Incrediballs 9 vs. Average Joe’s 5
The following took place between 7:30 and 8:15 pm (beep, beep, beep, beep). Like an episode of "24", you never knew how any game was going to turn out. The momentum shifted from one team to the other so often, it was anybody's guess how it would turn out. Dan "no cash" Matera got hit in the face with three balls at once. He didn't know how to react because he is only used to getting hit by two. Stephanie Shamrock let several balls slip through her fingertips. That hasn't happened since.......well since never. But the play of the night was made by Tim Connor. As in kickball, he was a human highlight reel. He was the last man standing and managed to catch a ball between his legs. He then took the ball and threw a rocket at the last Incrediball for the win. But it wasn't enough; the Incrediballs were the better team this night. Holy Mackerel, the Incrediballs managed a victory with Mike Blum on the court. The MVP of the night honor goes to Drew Zundans. He was stealth-like on the court – his opponents couldn’t detect him.

BSD’s 12 vs. FB Jones 2
BSD’s have proven why they are the defending champs; they are a tough team to beat.  FB Jones put forth tremendous effort though. Josephine Kurtz caught everything and never even fumbled the balls, almost as if she had super glue on her hands.  Kendra Acker also played great and really held her own ground out there.  The guys of the team played well too, and managed the team’s only two wins. For BSD’s, Kristie Manley made numerous catches in a row to get her opponents out.  The guys of the team threw bullets all night long.  The game ended when Justin Mueller had an amazing hook arm left handed catch while his right arm was cocked and ready to fire. That takes some serious skill.

DNA Explosion 14 vs. Boozin’ Balls 0
Well what can be said really, but Boozin’ Balls had FUN! DNA Explosion is a tough team.  Meghan Henning, Tammy Goldbaum and Rachel Walton are a trio that can be untouchable!  The ladies of Boozin’ Balls came oh so close to pulling out wins with Amanda Mattei and Jennifer Price forging a strategy that worked.  If only it was thought of earlier.  Andy Waslyn and Dave Haley were just too much for the Boozin’ Ball men. While they were congratulated for their hustle, it just wasn't enough.

Flame Throwers 7 vs. Shooting Blanks 7
For The Flame Throwers, Chris MacMicking was a tremendous player in multiple games.  He was the last man standing several times, and went on to win game 12 for his team.  The Flame Thrower men maintained control of the thrown balls which bounced off the walls back into their favor and they continued to throw rapid fire like machine guns.  For Shooting Blanks, Tonia McMillan played like a superstar in game 9 with crazy dodges and throws.  Jamal Williams was also a striking player for his team with more energy than the Energizer Bunny.

Smart Alecks 10 vs. Balls Across the Noze 4
Balls Across The Noze put up a good fight.  Laura Michelsen really held her own against three opponents in what had to be almost record time anyone has lasted on the court by themselves.  Brett Brandau played a fantastic game both offensively and defensively, he is really one with the ball.  Brian Tuchband almost had a game win after he caught a ball literally seconds after he was hit by one to get out.  For Smart Alecks, the guys of the team used their strategizing and team work to go for the win.  They threw simultaneously when they could which really helped them out.  Nick Phillips made the final game winning catch moments after he did a graceful sideways somersault.

Balls In Your Face 7 vs. Butter Balls 7
This was yet another exciting match up.  On the girl’s side, Jill Volk from Balls In Your Face was a great player and was able to dodge multiple throws at once.  She held her ground well, and in one of the games it all came down to her against Laura Colosi from Butter Balls.  It was a close battle, but in the end, Jill came out on top with a win for her team.  For the Butter Ball men, Brian Lofink was a machine. He fired shot after shot taking down his opponents one by one.

Five Ohh 12 vs. Fierro Cheese 2
The Fierro Cheese ladies gave Five Ohh a run for their money even without their anchor Kelly Ellis. Hope you feel better soon Kelly.  Donna Walsh caught everything that came near her; Maybe her bright shorts caught Five Ohh off guard.  She really didn't miss a catch though!  The Five Ohh men were able to bring down Fierro Cheese and even Sonny Maiorano couldn't bring his team back from the 3 on 1 onslaught.  Kevin Murphy carried Five Ohh this week with two wins as last man standing.  Steve Barnes and Tom Lynch used the power of two to their advantage throwing out the Cheese men one by one.

Team Awesome 8 vs. Balls and Dolls 6
Although Team Awesome went on to win this one, things were very close and exciting all game.  The game started off with a 1-1 tie.  For the Team Awesome, Eric Armstrong played quite the game.  He made a catch and then threw the ball to get an opponent out which brought the game to a 4-4 tie after Team Awesome had been down by two.  He also played phenomenal as the last one standing on the court.  For the Balls and Dolls, Team Awesome took target practice at Joel Bricker, who had to dodge several balls at once on multiple occasions, but he was too quick for his opponents. Kristina Kochi has a really good arm and used a very accurate soft ball pitch throw to take down her opponents.

Sucka Ma Balls 7 vs. Untouchaballs 7
Both teams clearly brought their A Games tonight.  It was like a battle field out there with balls flying all over the place.  For Sucka Ma Balls, Janelle Biller played an outstanding game and remained the last one on the court on more than one occasion thanks to her remarkable dodges.  Eric Zupan was also back in action after sitting out last week’s game and he caught everything that came his way.  For the Untouchaballs, Dan Calio played like a champ and single handedly took down three opponents for a game win.  I think one of the real reasons this team may have won is because of the grunts resembling pro tennis players that could be heard on their side when balls were thrown.  It was definitely intimidating!

Hey Everyone, this is just a reminder that NO alcoholic beverages are permitted in Wilmington State Parks. It is a great privilege to play at Rockford Park. If a refreshing Bud Light is what you want, they are waiting for you at the DSL Weekly Feature Bar after the games. Please always Drink Responsibly. Thanks!

For a complete list of Wilmington State Parks Rules and Regulations visit: http://www.destateparks.com/know/rules/rulemenu.htm