SPC Select History

The storied tradition of the SPC Select franchise began in 1997. Then Intramural Director Dave “Doc” Bryngil finally received permission from his superiors to enter the “Nike Collegiate Regional Flag Football Tournament” at the University of Maryland in November of 1997. For a few years, Bryngil had pondered the idea of entering an SPC team in this tournament, but it was not until this fateful year that he was given clearance to undertake this endeavor. Bryngil immediately realized that SPC’s best chance to be competitive would be by entering the co-recreational division at the tournament. The decision to play in the co-rec division actually made a great deal of sense, considering that only co-rec football was played here in the SPC Intramural League. The biggest dilemmas now faced were selecting a team and adjusting to strict NIRSA rules that would governplay at the tournament.

Bryngil immediately assumed the role as player-coach and sought out an elite group of players, mostly from within the ranks of the current intramural staff. Eleven players were selected to join Bryngil on the first SPC Select team, while Tom Kirwin was named assistant coach and Keith “Rulebook” Massey signed on as team manager.

The first installment of SPC Select split quarterback duties between Johnny Way and Jim Rankin. The biggest stars of the team that first season proved to be Mike Reeves and Hope Grieser, both who earned All-Tournament honors. SPC Select had a rocky start in their first regional tournament, losing 29-0 to North Carolina State. SPC rallied to win their next two games over Maryland and Trenton State to earn a rematch with NC State in the championship game. SPC jumped out to a 9-0 lead in the final, but could not hold off the impressive NC State offense, falling 42-25 and missing out on the automatic bid to the National Tournament.

Energized by the competitive excitement of the regional tournament, SPC Select looking forward to a bright future on the extramural flag football scene. In both the ’98 and ’99 seasons, SPC Select continued to adjust to the subtleties of NIRSA football. And in each of those seasons, SPC fell to UConn in the tournament semi-finals. While these were bitter defeats for the team from Jersey City, SPC Select was becoming one of the most feared teams in the East because of its hard-nosed style of play, led by ’99 All-Tournament selection Patty Marchese.

The 2000 season ultimately proved to be a breakout season for the SPC Select franchise. With the infusion of highly touted players, including quarterback Gabe Poalucci and Jelani Polite, SPC had high hopes for the regional tournament. With an additional automatic bid to the national tournament on the line, earning a berth in the final was the team’s top priority. And this installment of SPC Select did not disappoint, winning their first three games of the tournament with victories over two different Delaware squads, and the College of New Jersey to earn a spot in the final and the coveted bid to the national tournament. Although an injury plagued SPC fell to Eastern Kentucky in the championship, all thoughts were on the first ever trip to the national tournament at the University of New Orleans. Gabe Poalucci and veteran Jessica Backhus were both named to the All-Tournament team at Maryland in ’00.

SPC Select continued its winning ways in “The Big Easy”. Not intimidated by the level of competition at the nationals, SPC opened with a 15-9 victory over South Alabama and followed up with a “sweet revenge” win over UConn in overtime 33-27. Now in the “Sweet Sixteen” of the national tournament, SPC squared off against regional champion, Louisiana @ Monroe. It was a dogfight all the way, but Louisiana @ Monroe prevailed 16-7 to eliminate SPC from the tournament before they advanced all the way to the National Championship game. It was an impressive national debut for SPC Select, and the squad looked to retool for the upcoming season. 

SPC Select had to replace several veteran players with new talent in 2001. The newest edition of SPC Select would get an early test at the inaugural “New Jersey State Flag Football Tournament”. After falling to arch-rival CNJ in the opening game, SPC hammered Stockton and Rutgers to set up a rematch with CNJ. CNJ bowed out, however leaving SPC Select declared as the first ever New Jersey State Champions.

With a state title under their belt, SPC Select moved on to the regional tournament at Maryland. With ten teams competing in the co-rec bracket, this would prove to be the most competitive regional test yet for SPC. SPC opened with a dramatic overtime win over Delaware, 18-9 before crushing Maryland to secure an unblemished mark in pool play. After a first round bye, SPC squared off against co-rec power Towson State. After a scoreless first half, SPC surrendered two touchdowns to take the semi-final loss. Patty Marchese was named to the All-Tournament Team at Maryland ’01.

SPC Select opened the 2001 National Tournament with a game against Texas State Champion, Our Lady of the Lake. SPC Select lost their first pool play game ever in national play, 15-13. Needing a win to secure a play-off berth, SPC bounced back to dominate Tennessee-Martin 35-0.  Now in the round of sixteen for the second consecutive year, SPC Select would face off against another flag football powerhouse, Southern Mississippi. On a cold and blustery Louisiana morning, Southern Mississippi jumped out to an early 27-0 lead in a sloppy first half for the team from Jersey City. However, SPC wouldn’t go down without a fight, rallying to make the score 27-17. The SPC comeback fell just short, as SPC Select was unable to bang in the tying touchdown in the waning moments of the contest. Patty Marchese was named Second Team All-American and SPC Select was ranked 13th in the nation following the National Tournament.

While coming off this heartbreaking defeat, SPC Select was intent on gearing up for the 2002 season. After an arduous recruiting process, the 2002 team was assembled and prepared to play the most rigorous schedule in franchise history. The season opened with the New Jersey State Tournament where SPC Select would defend its crown. In a tournament that would spark the biggest flag football rivalry in the country, SPC battled College of New Jersey in both the opening game and the championship final. In a classic opener, CNJ out dueled SPC in overtime, 23-21. SPC sailed through its next two games against teams from Stockton, winning both of them easily, 39-0 and 25-0. The stage was now set for a championship rematch between SPC and CNJ. SPC Select took a 22-17 lead into the final minute of the game, but CNJ scored a miraculous touchdown and meaningless safety to capture the state title, 25-22.   

SPC then traveled to the NIRSA Northeast Regional Tournament at Cornell University.  In an ironic twist of fate, SPC’s first game in pool play was against CNJ.  This time SPC Select got a measure of revenge for their state tournament defeats, prevailing 7-0 in a hard fought defensive struggle.  The next game proved to be a romp for SPC as they set a franchise record for points scored in a 60-0 defeat of Susquehanna University.  SPC Select then matched up with the host team Cornell University in their final pool play game.  Cornell took an early 7-0 lead but SPC stormed back to score 35 unanswered points to secure a 3-0 record in pool play.

In their last tournament prior to Nationals, SPC Select traveled to the University of Maryland for the sixth consecutive year to compete in the NIRSA Regional at College Park.  SPC got an easy first round win when projected nemesis Rutgers-Newark, featuring several former SPC Select players forfeited their pool play game.  In their only other pool play game, SPC once again demolished Stockton, 42-0.  SPC was wary of their first round opponent East Carolina University.  ECU jumped out a a 7-0 lead on the first drive of the game, but again SPC responded in style putting 34 points up on the board while only allowing ECU  to score a safety in a 34-9 victory.

For the fifth time this season, and the second time in a tournament final, SPC would battle CNJ.  This game was a classic contest with thelead changing hands several times.  With two minutes remaining, SPC marched down the field to take a 22-17 lead.  CNJ, however, matched SPC’s scoring drive and on the final play of the game went in for a TD to secure a 23-22 win.  Patty Marchese and Chris Hernandez were selected as All-Regional MVPs for this tournament.

SPC opened pool play at the 2002 ACIC National Tournament in New Orleans with a game against Regional Champion the University of Nebraska.  SPC stumbled to an18-12 loss before rebounding with a 35-0 drubbing of the University of Central Florida to secure a spot in the play-offs.  In the round of sixteen, SPC Select was matched up against national powerhouse the Louisiana @ Monroe.  SPC pounced to an early 18-0 lead, but squandered this advantage, allowing the tournament’s eventual runner-up to storm back by scoring 25 unanswered points, thus ending the season on a bitternote for SPC Select.

In the summer of 2003, the SPC Select organization underwent a complete overhaul that began with the firing of General Manager Harold "Solid" Gold.  Dave Bryngil regained his title as G.M. and began to put the pieces in place for another championship run.  He was assisted by Director of Player Personnel Allison Cantale and Head Coach Chris Cassaro.  The quarterback controversy was resolved when Doug Grant was named starter, thus enabling All-Regional receiver Chris Hernandez to remain at his best position.  Big name free agents Paul DeFrancesco and Mike Hughes were signed early, while Bryngil, Cantale, and Cassaro scouted the league for additional talent.  Melissa Neglia and Dana Buturla were added to an already strong line-up of female talent, while rookies Tyler Smith, Pete Pasuco, and "Canada" Lou Proietti (the team's first international player) were brought into the fold.

The revamped SPC Select squad opened up the 2003 season with the New Jersey State Tournament at Richard Stockton College.  SPC twice pounded the host school 36-0, 41-0, to reclaim the New Jersey State crown.  The team then traveled to the Northeast Regional Tournament at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.  Having lost in the finals of this tournament last year, SPC was focused on winning the championship.  Pool play opened with a 28-10 victory over Cornell University followed by a 35-6 massacre of Susquehanna University.     

In the tournament's semi-finals, a super-charged SPC squad demolished Cornell again, 36-6.  This set the stage for another showdown against SPC's arch-rival, The College of New Jersey.   In the cavernous confines of Cornell's football stadium, SPC's defense held CNJ scoreless en route to a 12-0 victory and SPC's first Regional Championship.  Patty Gentile was named tournament MVP, and Chris Hernandez, Quaderah Caver, and Doug "The General" Grant were named to the All-Tournament Team.  

 The following weekend at the Maryland Regional Tournament at the University of Maryland, SPC would look to advance to their fourth consecutive regional final.  In pool play, SPC faced James Madison University and defeated them 41-6 and then trounced the University of New Hampshire 38-10.  In a much ballyhooed semi-final match-up, SPC once again played nemesis CNJ.  This time it was lights out for the  team from Trenton as SPC rolled to a 41-0 victory. 

In the championship game, SPC faced UConn, winner of the 2003 North Carolina Regional Tournament.  UConn stormed to an early 14-0 lead and SPC was unable to answer back and lost 29-0.  Teresa Wilson, Patty Gentile, and Doug Grant were named to the All Tournament Team. 

SPC Select opened up the 2003 ACIC National Flag Football Tournament at the University of New Orleans against nationally ranked Georgia Southern.  A tough first round opponent, SPC Select opened a 25-0 halftime lead and held on to win 25-18.   SPC Select cruised into the play-offs following a forfeit win against Western Kentucky, and then played another squad from Western Kentucky in the first round of single elimination play-off action.  SPC Select annihilated the opposition 48-0 to advance to the Elite Eight of the National Tournament.  With this breakthrough win, SPC Select advanced past the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in franchise history. 

After being eliminated twice by Louisiana Monroe in two previous national tournaments, SPC Select extracted revenge by defeating the top ranked team, Pull My Shorts, 22-10, in a thrilling match-up in the Elite Eight.  Louisiana Monroe jumped out to an early ten point lead, but SPC Select quickly answered back as Grant hooked up with "Canada" Lou Proietti to cut the lead to 6-10.  Following an interception by Pete "The Kid" Pasuco, Gentile scored a nine point touchdown and Hernandez caught the extra point from Grant to give SPC a 16-10 lead.  SPC was not done yet as the first half closed in dramatic fashion.  Gentile threw a long pass that was intercepted by Louisiana Monroe, but Proietti intercepted a lateral between Louisiana Monroe players and scored to give SPC a 22-10 halftime advantage.  SPC's defense, led by Doc Bryngil, was stingy in the second half as neither team gave up a touchdown.  With the final score 22-10, SPC Select advance to the Final Four.  While SPC Select was ecstatic, following the victory, the team faced the sobering possibility of playing without Paul DeFrancesco who suffered an injury against Louisiana Monroe.

In the Final Four, SPC would match-up against the University of Central Florida, while UConn would face Northwestern State.  UCF jumped out to an early lead, and with a female touchdown called back due to a penalty, SPC Select found itself in a 21-0 first half hole.  SPC valiantly tried to rally in the second half holding UCF scoreless, but SPC Select was only able to muster up one touchdown to make the final 21-6.  Despite not making it to the championship game, this SPC Select squad had made an impressive mark on the flag football world, and finished the season ranked fourth in the nation.  "Canada" Lou Proietti was named First Team All-American Offense and Patty Gentile was named First Team All-American Defense.  

Following the Final Four game, Doc Bryngil announced his retirement on New Year's Eve 2003.  With Bryngil's retirement the first of several personnel changes had taken place for the next season.  Due to pregnancy the 2004 squad lost Patty Gentile along with veterans Pam DeLuca, Teresa Wilson and Doug "The General" Grant due to graduation.  The team suffered another unexpected blow when All-American Lou Proietti transferred to his fourteenth college in three years. 

Former cheerleader, Maryanne Mattson, and Tony Gravinese were added to the 2004 squad.  In September, SPC Select hosted its first open try-out to fill out two male and two female spots.  The first open position to be filled was the male quarterback and SPC Select scouts tabbed D-Block superstar Mike Iurato.    Due to an internship at the race track, Iurato could not commit to the 2004 squad.  Joan Porter lobbied for the addition of Eddie Pitre to the squad as quarterback, and he was slated in that position to start the season.  Karim Hicks, Jackie Russell, and Tanisha Boyd were also added to the roster. 

SPC Select opened up the 2004 season at the State Tournament at Richard Stockton College.  SPC destroyed the host school twice 37-0, 25-0, to regain the New Jersey State Championship.  Because the Northeast Regional Tournament at Cornell University was cancelled for the 2004 season, SPC Select chose to travel to the University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida for the Southeast Regional.  Arguably the most competitive regional in the country each season, this year's pool drew two of the top-ranked team's in the country, Louisiana Monroe and the University of Central Florida.

SPC opened the tournament against Delgado Community College, trouncing them 39-0.  Next up, SPC faced long-time rival Louisiana Monroe.  The SPC Select offense struggled as they fell 19-7 in their final pool play game.  The play-off round proved to be a disappointment for SPC Select.  The squad faced off against the former two-time National Champion, the University of Florida.  SPC hung tight in the low scoring affair, but then Florida went deep despite John "The Swami" Massey's scouting report.  With the final score 15-6, SPC Select was eliminated.  Quaderah Caver was named to the All-Tournament Team.  

Next up for SPC Select was the Mideast Regional Tournament at the University of Maryland.  SPC Select retooled the line-up following the debacle in Florida, and Chris "Leche" Hernandez took over the reigns at quarterback.  In the opening games, the new look offense had no trouble scoring points as SPC trounced Millersville University 31-0 and Richard Stockton College 49-0.  SPC emerged as the top seed in the play-offs and had to fight off a feisty Millersville squad 17-0.  In the championship game, SPC defeated the University of New Hampshire, 27-6, to earn their first ever Mideast Regional title.  Defensive star, Tony Gravinese was named to the All-Tournament Team, while Chris Hernandez and Joan Porter were male and female MVPs.

During the Christmas holiday, SPC Select advanced to the National Tournament in New Orleans for the fifth consecutive season.  The Select team came in with momentum and kept it going as they thwarted Tennessee Martin 42-6.  The Skyhawks could not contend with the balanced play of the offense and the stifling play of the defense.  In their second game of pool play SPC Select faced a far stiffer challenge in Louisiana Monroe.  Louisiana Monroe jumped out to an early 14-0 lead putting SPC Select back on its heels.  SPC answered back, scoring 17 consecutive points, defeating their opponent 17-14.

Because of their outstanding performance in pool play, SPC Select earned a first round play-off bye, and automatically advanced to the round of eight where they faced the University of Texas at Dallas.  Even though two touchdowns were disallowed, SPC Select had a chance to score on the final drive of the game, but came up short 23-15.

In the off-season, in a decision that rocked the flag football world to its foundations, Doc Bryngil was motivated to come out of retirement for one last season.  Upon hearing about his return, Flagmag Football Magazine ranked SPC Select number one in the nation in their pre-season poll.  Following the birth of her daughter, Patty Gentile made her long awaited return to the squad.  There was no quarterback controversy as Mike Iurato committed to the team prior to the start of the season.  Other additions included Angelina Albruzzese (Offense), Rich George (Defensive Maniac) & Steve McLeod (Male Center).

SPC Select opened up the 2005-06 season at the New Jersey State Tournament at RIchard Stockton College.  This year's field was the most competitive in tournament history, as five teams competed in the co-rec division.  SPC opened up the tournament against Montclair State University, handily defeating them 35-0.  In the second game of pool play, SPC Select faced former arch-rival, the College of New Jersey.  CNJ was annihilated, 37-0.  As the top seed for the play-offs, SPC Select advanced to the semi-final round and faced Rutgers University defeating them 32-0.  In the final, SPC faced Richard Stockton College, winning 25-0 to regain their title as New Jersey State Champions.

The next weekend, SPC Select moved on to compete in the Mideast Regional Tournament at the University of Maryland for the ninth consecutive season.  They opened pool play on Friday night with a win against James Madison University, 23-3.  The next morning, they faced Susquehanna Unviersity who already had a loss under their belt.  With an unenthusiastic effort, SPC was defeated by Susquehanna 18-6. 

SPC Select regrouped following the loss in the final game of pool play, moving Maryanne Mattson to center and Angelina Albruzzese to full time receiver.  SPC's first play-off match-up was against New Jersey rival Monmouth University.  SPC annihilated their opponent 69-6, recording the highest amount of points ever scored by SPC Select in a single game.  With their win, SPC advanced to the semi-final round and faced the top seed in the tournament, the University of Maryland - Baltimore County.  Although SPC could only muster up six points, the defense held their opponent scoreless and SPC Select won 6-0.  In the final, SPC once again faced James Madison University, defeating their opponent 33-21 to earn their second consecutive Mideast Regional Championship.  Mike Iurato and Melissa Neglia were named to the All-Tournament Team, and Patty Gentile was named MVP.

Next up for SPC Select was the Northeast Regional Tournament at Cornell University.  In pool play, SPC defeated the College of New Jersey, 25-0, and Richard Stockton College, 42-9.  Advancing straight to the semi-final round, SPC once again faced and defeated arch-rival the College of New Jersey 19-0, and in the final against Richard Stockton College, defeated their opponent 35-3 to be crowned Northeast Regional Champs.  This marked the first time in team history that SPC Select won two regional tournaments in a single season.  Mike Iurato was named Male MVP and Patty Gentile was named Female MVP of the tournament.

Due to Hurricane Katrina, the National Flag Football Tournament was moved from the University of New Orleans to University of West Florida in Pensacola, Florida. An even greater hole was discovered while a majority of the team was sitting in Newark Airport preparing for the flight down. Mid-Atlantic Regional and Northeast Regional MVP Patty Gentile would not be able to participate due to pregnancy. SPC Select opened up pool play again with the Skyhawks of the University of Tennessee-Martin. Despite falling behind on the opening possession, SPC Select scored 28 unanswered points en route to a 28-6 victory. Next up for Select was North Carolina State University. In an exciting game, North Carolina State launched a drive in the final minutes to score the game-winning touchdown and score a 22-19 victory. Despite the loss in pool play, SPC Select still qualified for the single elimination portion of the tournament, drawing the University of Nebraska-Lincoln D-Unit. The offense scored early for Select and an interception return for a touchdown in the second half by Rich George capped the shutout for the defense in an impressive 14-0 effort for Select. Next up were the National Quarterfinals and a meeting with Georgia Southern University. Georgia Southern spread the field early and thinned out the Select defense to jump out to a 27-0 lead. SPC Select fought back valiantly; however, the early defecit was too great, and the Nationals run ended with a 27-18 loss.

The 2006 season started with worry for General Managers Patty Gentile and Doc Bryngil. Doc again entered retirement. Angelina Albruzzese, Mike "Downy" Iurato, Steve McLeod, Melissa Neglia, Karim Hicks, and Tyler Smith were all lost to graduation. To fill these gaping holes, Patty Gentile returned following pregnancy.  SPC Select then went out to sign freshman Eric Barry, former football player Terrence Wright, junior Kelliann Coleman, sophomore Chelsea Kilway, freshman Kerry Martinez, and bubble standout, senior Ryan McCarney. Manager John Massey shifted from the player/manager role to the center of the defense early in the season as well.  

The season started on the first Saturday of November at Richard Stockton College for the New Jersey State Flag Football Tournament. SPC Select was looking to make it four consecutive championships in South Jersey. The title defense got off to a rocky start against arch-rival TCNJ. Leading 9-7 in the fourth quarter, TCNJ completed a long guy-to-guy score and a 6-point touchdown to enlarge their lead to 15-7. SPC Select, knowing they needed a female score, installed freshman Kerry Martinez in at quarterback. With under thirty seconds left and ice running through her veins, she launched a missile across the middle that was speared by veteran Pete Pasuco for a game-winning score and a 16-15 SPC Select win over their enemies from outside of Trenton.