June 14, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLARK, NJ – The Johnson Crusaders
wrapped up their 2007 campaign and the 41st season of Johnson Tennis with a 12-7 record and a third place finish
in the Mountain Valley Conference’s Mountain Division. It marked the most victories and their best conference finish
since the 2003 season.
Led by first year head coach Craig D’Amico,
the Crusaders reached many new highs this season for either the first time or the first time in a long time. Johnson recorded
a seventh place team finish in the 2007 Union County Tournament, qualified for their eighth straight NJSIAA State Team Tournament,
had a doubles team qualify for the State Doubles Tournament, and saw every starter at least double their career win total.
D’Amico, a former Johnson four year
letterwinner, became only the third head coach in Johnson history to have a winning record in his first season at the helm.
For his efforts, D'Amico was selected by The Star Ledger as the 2007 Union County Coach of the Year.
Thirteen Crusaders earned varsity letters
in 2007, including first year letterwinners: Ryan Couch, Eric Ginocchio, Brian Lutz, Joey Keenan, Joe Mignoli, and Patrick
Ozarek. Second year letterwinners include: Joe Broccoli, Brad Brown, John Monagle, Rob Perez, and Chris Tylutki. Johnson’s
trio of three year letterwinners was Luke Ginocchio, Mike Keenan, and James Villari. For the first time since 2001, Johnson’s
varsity roster featured no seniors.
Mignoli was voted as the 2007 Sub of the
Year and Lutz was voted as the 2007 Newcomer of the Year. Taking home the first ever Ralph Johnson Coach’s Award for
sportsmanship, teamwork, and overall spirit of Johnson Tennis were Ryan Couch and Luke Ginocchio. Junior James Villari, who
led the team with 15 wins on the season, was honored as the 2007 team Most Valuable Player.
Villari was a MVC Mountain Division All-Conference
selection for the third consecutive season at doubles, while his first doubles partner John Monagle received All-Conference
doubles honors for the second straight year. First singles sophomore Chris Tylutki was honored as an All-Conference performer
for the second straight year at singles, and second singles player Mike Keenan was named to the All-Conference team for singles
one season after making the list at doubles.
Johnson will return all thirteen letterwinners
in 2008, and will be looking to make a run at their sixth Mountain Valley Conference championship.
