Tommy – Berks Sports Report

Tommy Hunsicker-Wilson

Paul Roberts — Tue, 21 May 2024 10:17:00 +0000

One big inning and a dominant pitching performance propelled Wilson to the District 3-6A semifinals. The fourth-seeded Bulldogs beat fifth-seeded Manheim Township 4-1 on Monday in a matchup of league champions. Matt VanOstenbridge tossed a 3-hitter with ten strikeouts. The Penn State commit improved to (5-1) with a 1.03 ERA. “I think it’s his arsenal of pitches and how he’s able to change speeds. They weren’t really able to touch his off-speed, especially his changeup,” said Tommy Hunsicker. VanOstenbridge has allowed just 24 hits in 47.2 innings this season with 67 strikeouts. Wilson got all four of its runs in the second frame. Designed hitter Ben Kulp drew a leadoff walk. VanOstenbridge followed with a single. Freshman Ryan Marmolejos beat out a bunt to load the bases. C.J. Fernandez and Hunsicker ripped consecutive RBI singles to center. Jack Gabel walked with the bases loaded to make it 3-0. Nick Fiorini added a sacrifice fly to left field. Hunsicker, who’s headed to Millersville for football, went 3-for-3 with a walk. “I was feeling balanced, staying back more and adjusting to whatever pitches they were throwing,” he explained. The senior third baseman raised his batting average to .375. The (17-6) Bulldogs didn’t commit an error. “Our coaches gave us a good scouting report. They put us in the right spots,” noted Hunsicker. Trey Eckman entered the day with a 1.58 ERA for the Blue Streaks. The senior righty had only given up 26 hits and 17 walks over 40 innings. Eckman was charged with four runs on five hits and five walks in three innings. Sophomore Tyler Shirk limited the Berks County champs to one hit over three frames. Wilson left eight runners on base. Manheim Township finished (18-7). The Blue Streaks lost 4-2 to the Bulldogs in the District 3 semifinals a season ago. Wilson will host ninth-seeded Ephrata on Thursday at 4:30pm. The (17-7) Mounts upset top-seeded Cedar Cliff 6-5 in ten innings on Monday. The Bulldogs are trying to reach the District 3 championship game for the second straight year. “This is where we wanted to be, expected to be all year,” said Hunsicker.

Tommy Hunsicker-Wilson

Paul Roberts — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:46:00 +0000

There’s no substitute for experience. Tommy Hunsicker has made big strides in his second season as Wilson’s starting quarterback. His completion percentage has increased from 55% to 66% and his passing yardage has nearly doubled. The 6’1, 185-pound senior has gone from 10TD-9INT to 23TD-4INT. Hunsicker has thrown for 2,074 yards while leading the team with 517 rushing yards and eight more touchdowns. He’s spreading the ball around this year. Madyk Gruber, Correll Akings, and Eddie Case each have between 23 and 27 receptions. Gruber has a team-high 8TD catches and Case is averaging 22 yards per catch. They’re putting up 32 points a night. The (7-3) Bulldogs hold the current state record with 48 consecutive winning seasons. The program is sitting on 600 all-time victories. “I try not to take it for granted. You get to meet a lot of people in this position, make the most of it,” said Hunsicker. Wilson had won seven games in a row before falling to undefeated Manheim Township 49-34 in the regular season finale. The Bulldogs other losses were to Central Dauphin in overtime and Roman Catholic. “We feel like we’re prepared for anybody that we play,” mentioned Hunsicker. #5 seed Wilson travels to #4 Cumberland Valley on Friday for a District 3-6A quarterfinal. The (6-4) Eagles are also battle-tested. Their losses came against Manheim Township, Harrisburg, Central York, and Spring-Ford. Cumberland Valley is riding a five-game winning streak. The Eagles are (9-6) all-time versus the Bulldogs. These programs have combined for twenty District 3 championships with Cumberland Valley claiming thirteen titles. Former Wilson star quarterback Chad Henne has been on the sideline this fall as a volunteer coach. The 15-year NFL veteran retired after winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs. Henne was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and Michigan Wolverines. “It’s definitely been helpful, the little tips that he can give me basically every play,” replied Hunsicker. The more experience, the better.

Tommy Hunsicker-Wilson

Paul Roberts — Fri, 12 May 2023 17:47:00 +0000

It’s easy to understand why Tommy Hunsicker feels comfortable whenever Matt VanOstenbridge is on the mound. The junior left-hander was brilliant in the BCIAA quarterfinals against #7 seed Oley Valley. VanOstenbridge held the (13-8) Lynx to two hits over six innings in Wilson’s 6-0 victory at Muhlenberg. He struck out eight and walked none. “Every time he goes out there we feel like we got the best chance to win…He brings energy on the mound. He’s special,” said Hunsicker. VanOstenbridge has piled up 69 strikeouts while holding opponents to 26 hits over 47.2 frames. The second-seeded Bulldogs got on the board in the 1st when Evan Gabaldon scored on a wild pitch by freshman Chase Kegerise. The young southpaw issued a pair of walks in the bottom of the 1st. Hunsicker singled in the 3rd and eventually scored on a sacrifice fly to left field by his younger brother, Christo. Wilson added three runs in the 4th inning. Mason Sensenig and Tommy Hunsicker provided RBI singles. Hunsicker, a junior third baseman, and catcher Jordan Shutter each went 2-for-3. The (14-6) Bulldogs got eight hits from six different players. They extended their winning streak to seven. “At the beginning of the season, I think we were a little too loose. We tightened it up. We’ve been able to figure out a happy medium,” noted Hunsicker. Junior shortstop Paul Petersen replaced Kegerise after four innings. Nick Fiorini scored on a wild pitch in the 5th to make it 6-0. Kegerise gave up five runs, four earned, on six hits and three walks. The Division 3 champions defeated Wilson 8-6 in the county semifinals last year. This season the Bulldogs are moving on to FirstEnergy Stadium. They face #3 seed Muhlenberg at 9am on Saturday. VanOstenbridge is unavailable after throwing 83 pitches on Thursday. Tommy Hunsicker has confidence in Nick Crocona, Ben Kulp, and his brother. “They’ve done their job and we’ve got some big wins with them on the mound,” replied Hunsicker. Christo Hunsicker, a promising sophomore, struck out two in a clean 7th inning against the Lynx.

Tommy Hunsicker-Wilson

Paul Roberts — Sat, 24 Sep 2022 01:41:00 +0000

Tommy Hunsicker’s stats were modest through the first four games of the season. The 6’1, 185-pound junior had a breakout performance against Cedar Crest on Friday in West Lawn. Hunsicker tossed three touchdown passes in a 36-13 victory over the Falcons. He finished 8-of-12 for 127 yards. Hunsicker added 81 rushing yards on ten carries. He even caught a pass that was deflected back to him and picked up eleven yards. He understands what it means to play the same position as former Wilson stars Kerry Collins and Chad Henne. “It’s special. It’s an honor, but I know it comes with hard work. There’s a lot more work to be done, especially if I want to get somewhere like they are,” he said. The (4-1) Bulldogs were on top 15-7 at halftime thanks to a pair of touchdown runs from Cam Jones. The Holy Cross commit went untouched off right tackle from 27 yards away for a 15-0 edge early in the second quarter. Jones piled up 113 yards on only eight carries. The all-state selection spun out of a tackle and raced down the left sideline for a 48-yard touchdown reception with seven minutes remaining in the third quarter. Wilson led 29-7 at that point. Hunsicker opened the second half with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Eddie Case. The 6’3 junior wide receiver made a spectacular diving catch over the middle. Hunsicker told me it was the first time they ran that play this year. Hunsicker later hit tight end Brady Kline on a 5-yard shovel pass midway through the final period. That score concluded a 75-yard drive. Hunsicker believes that Kline, a 210-pound sophomore, has a bright future. “He got on the field as a freshman at Wilson which is impressive by itself. He played great last year. He’s been really reliable for us this year. He’s always gonna make a play,” said Hunsicker. Cedar Crest allowed 395 total yards including 267 on the ground. The Bulldogs averaged 8.9 yards per carry. Falcons’ senior quarterback Jay Huber injured his right knee on the opening possession. He returned at the beginning of the third quarter, but that didn’t last long. Huber’s knee buckled as he dropped back to pass and the 6’2, 195-pound signal caller crumbled to the turf. Cedar Crest has lost 19 straight to the Bulldogs. The (2-3) Falcons went for it on fourth-and-eight at midfield on their first two series. Both possessions came to a halt on incomplete passes. Wilson took advantage of the short fields with scoring drives that totaled 98 yards. Hunsicker emphasized that the team has improved dramatically since a 46-15 loss to Roman Catholic in Week 1. “On the offensive side, we’ve come together a lot more. We’ve stopped looking around and started looking at ourselves. It’s been a lot more intense in practice,” he replied. Cedar Crest managed 177 total yards. Jackson Custer took over for Huber at quarterback. The 5’11. 165-pound sophomore ended up 7-of-18 for 70 yards. Fernando Marquez ran for 23 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Ethan Heisey was in action for the first time this season. The 6’3, 195-pound wide receiver missed four contests with a wrist injury. He had a game-high four catches for 27 yards. Nolan Groff, a 6’1 senior, was limited to three grabs for 38 yards. Nick Weitzel and Nick Crocona each had seven tackles for the Bulldogs. Hunsicker loves playing at Gurski Stadium. “It’s amazing. [I] waited for this my whole life. It’s a great atmosphere [with] a ton of fans,” he stated. We talked about his favorite NFL quarterbacks and his favorite baseball players. Hunsicker started at third base as a sophomore at Wilson. He enjoys watching Bryce Harper and Francisco Lindor. We also discussed his favorite teachers. The Bulldogs have won 16 consecutive league games. They visit rival Gov. Mifflin next Saturday afternoon.

Tommy Grabowski-Wyomissing

Paul Roberts — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 22:12:00 +0000

Maybe Spartans’ fans should start calling their fullback “Touchdown Tommy.” The 200-pound senior scored 7TD in three playoff games this season. Grabowski ran for 185 yards and 3TD on twenty carries in the District 3-3A championship game. The (13-0) Spartans defeated second-seeded Boiling Springs 55-14. It’s Wyomissing’s tenth District 3 title and third in a row. Grabowski went out in style. His final carry of the afternoon was a 69-yard TD run midway through the third quarter. He has 23 touchdowns this year. The Spartans finished with 430 rushing yards. Grabowski said this championship means everything to their group of twelve seniors. He explained why Wyomissing has been extremely successful for so many years. Grabowski praised senior linebacker Jack Miller who made plays all over the field against the Bubblers. Miller has a very high football IQ. Grabowski added that 6’3 junior quarterback Ben Zechman has a bright future. Zechman went 4-6 for 90 yards and 2TD after an early interception. I asked Grabowski how far the Spartans can go in the state playoffs. He replied with a smile, “All the way.”

Tommy Grabowski-Wyomissing

Paul Roberts — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 16:56:00 +0000

How did Wyomissing fullback Tommy Grabowski feel after running the ball 28 times against Middletown on Saturday afternoon? He told me, “I think I’m going to go home and go right to sleep!” The 200-pound senior finished with 157 yards and 2TD. Grabowski is up to 1,018 yards and 20TD this season. The (12-0) Spartans shutout #5 seed Middletown 14-0 in the District 3-3A semifinals. They met for the sixth consecutive year in the playoffs. Wyomissing has won the last three matchups. Grabowski is a three-year starter at linebacker. The Spartans held the Blue Raiders to 48 total yards! 6’4, 240-pound fullback Tajae Broadie managed just 23 yards on eight carries. Broadie has numerous Division I offers. Grabowski said Wyomissing has a lot of leaders on defense including fellow linebacker Jack Miller. This was the Spartans’ closest game of the season. They led 7-0 at halftime before going on a 17-play, 79-yard TD drive to open the third quarter. Grabowski ended that eight minute possession with a 2-yard run on 4th and goal. He knows that playing in a competitive game will help the Spartans as the postseason continues. Wyomissing will host #2 seed Boiling Springs in the District 3-3A championship next Saturday afternoon.

Tommy Grabowski-Wyomissing

Paul Roberts — Sat, 30 Oct 2021 17:38:00 +0000

Tommy Grabowski is one of the best players on one of the best Class 3A teams in the state, but he would much rather put the spotlight on the offensive line. Grabowski is extremely humble and never looks for attention. However, when you score 16TD in ten games and you’re a three-year starter at LB, people are going to take notice. I spoke with Grabowski about his quiet personality after the (10-0) Spartans crushed Conrad Weiser 45-7 at the A-Field. The 200-pound senior fullback ran for 112 yards and 3TD on 13 carries. Wyomissing wrapped up the Section 2 championship in the Berks Football League. I asked Grabowski how far the Spartans can go in the playoffs. He replied, “all the way.” Wyomissing was the District 3 champ and state runner-up last season. Grabowski wasn’t expecting such a lopsided game against the (7-3) Scouts. He explained why their unbalanced formation is so effective. We also talked about 6’4, 310-pound offensive tackle Jven Williams. Grabowski knows that Williams has tremendous potential. The Spartans will be the #1 seed in the District 3-3A bracket.

Tommy Grabowski-Wyomissing

Paul Roberts — Sat, 11 Sep 2021 16:43:00 +0000

Tommy Grabowski had a big day against Boyertown in the Spartans’ season opener. The 200-pound senior FB ran for 91 yards and 3TD on 16 carries. He had 66 yards by halftime in Wyomissing’s 35-7 victory over the Bears. Grabowski is a three-year starter who made 16 tackles in last season’s Class 3A state championship game. He told me a funny story about going up against 6’4, 310-pound junior Jven Williams at practice. Grabowski likes how Ben Zechman is coming along at QB. He also said the Spartans’ backfield is going to be tough to stop.

Tommy Grabowski-Wyomissing

Paul Roberts — Sat, 14 Aug 2021 15:00:00 +0000

Tommy Grabowski may have flown under the radar last year, but his coaches don’t believe that will happen again. Grabowski is a three-year starter who finished second on the team in tackles last season. He piled up 16 tackles in the Class 3A state championship game! The senior FB/LB also plays baseball for the Spartans. He talked about his favorite NFL player and whether it’s more exciting to hit a walk-off home run or score a game-winning touchdown.