he New York Sharks steamrolled through their first IWFL campaign in 2002 to become the league champions. It was a team high in talent, experience, and a determination to win it all for their teammate Sharon Pascale who had died before the start of the season. New York was predominately a veteran ballclub that had its way with the opposition by winning every game and by an average margin of 39 points. Both offense and defense dominated. Their record was strong enough to have them rated the number one women’s tackle football team in the country.
As the Sharks prepare for the 2003 season, things may not look as rosy. The team has been hit exceptionally hard and not by any team in the Eastern Conference. Practically the offensive and defensive line will consist of new players with little or no prior football experience. Veteran lineswomen Nikki Cerrato, Denise Wasilewski, Debbie Wasilewski, Aurora Lighthart, Lynn Lewis, and Kelly Eckstein will not be returning. Some have retired from football or are putting their football careers on hold this season as they pursue other ventures. The only returning starting lineswomen are Anna “Tonka” Tate and Beth Nugent.
Other players not returning to the team are Lori DeVivio, Lakisha Grant, Tara Passoni, Josie Smith-Malave, Patti Height, Janet Chichester and Veronica “Vicious” Simmons.
But before the other teams in the Middle Atlantic Division start printing up play-off tickets, the Sharks will still be a force to be reckoned with. Returning as starters will be the IWFL’s top rated quarterback Val Halesworth, linebackers Monica Marsh, Chrissy Hilla, Darleen Hall, and IWFL Championship Game MVP Missy Marmorale, wide receivers Valerie Monaco and Liz Presto, defensive back Virginia Leon and running back Courtney Eaton. Also coming back to the Sharks after sitting out the 2002 season or playing elsewhere will be Chris Aigotti, Jen Blum, Michelle Brown and Rose Addison.
To help bolster the line will be Suzette Crumley who will appear as a starter this season and rookies like Faith Mitchell, Monique LeBlanc, Karen Mulligan, and Vivian Alberty.
A lot of players in the skilled positions will be back for the Sharks and that is what makes New York so dangerous. But many a game is won in the trenches and this year, the offensive and defensive line bring big question marks. The offensive and defensive lines were a big reason for the team’s success last year. The way they play this year will help determine if the Sharks can repeat as IWFL champions.