The Cranford Police Athletic League (PAL) had a busy fall season this year for its flag football, tackle football and cheerleading programs. The season began with the grand opening of a new snack stand and bathroom facility that was spearheaded by the Cranford PAL, Cranford Booster Club and volunteers John Vicci and Tony Digiovanni. Joining in the effort was the Township of Cranford and the Cranford Board of Education. Also new to the program this year was the addition of certified athletic trainers at all hosted home event days at Memorial Field for added participant safety. This fall season also marked the transition from paper-registrations to electronic-registrations as well, making www.cranfordpal.org the one-stop-spot for PAL information.
At the conclusion of the fall season, the PAL Tackle Football Program, run by Tackle Football Program Director Brian McGovern, held its Awards Banquet for the 6th, 7th and 8th grade teams. This year’s banquet was held on Saturday December 10th 2016 at the Garwood Westwood. The banquet’s keynote speaker this year was Chuck Bell who serves as the Cranford High School Freshman Football head coach. The Cranford PAL Cheerleading Program, run by Cheerleading Program Director Jenn Mooney, also celebrated its participants’ efforts this season at an end of the year party at Costa’s Restaurant in Roselle Park. Lastly, PAL Flag Football Director Jim Kwiatkowski reported that the introductory football program for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders was a well-attended success. PAL Executive Director Matt Nazzaro applauded the collective effort by all directors. “The Cranford PAL is driven by a force of dedicated volunteer parents, police officers, and community stakeholders”, he said. “I want to thank the Program Directors and their respective volunteer staff for the time and energy they’ve invested in our children this fall.”
The transition from fall to winter seasons was seamless once again this year, with Basketball Program Director John Frieri holding try-outs in October at Orange Avenue School.With the assistance of his volunteer staff, including PAL President Gregg Wheatley, the winter basketball season is underway and teams have participated in the Wayne Thanksgiving Tournament, Holiday Slamfest, Autumn Hoops II, and the Raritan Bay JamFest.
The PAL Wrestling Program also began with almost 100 participants registered.
(above) Cheer Party
