Published: May 20, 2008 11:28 pm            

COMMENTARY: Smist & DiTullio clicked like all great partners

JOHN D’ONOFRIO: Together, they’re magic

LOCKPORT — Martin & Lewis, John & Yoko, Abbott & Costello, Lucy & Ricky ...

Like some of the great partners of all time, Lockport High School juniors Andrew Smist and Matt DiTullio share the same thing in common.

They’re worlds apart when you meet them one-on-one, but put them together and it’s simply magic ...

Smist, the quiet, reserved one who played first singles all year; and his post-season boys varsity tennis partner DiTullio, who played second singles, the outgoing, outspoken one, clicked like all great teams do, en route to winning the 2008 Niagara Frontier League doubles championship on Saturday at Sportsplex in North Tonawanda.

They may have “cruised” through the competition to win the annual event, but they beat many top-rated tandems that they weren’t expected to, including a 6-2, 7-5 win over previously-unbeaten Jackson Kocak and Jim Abbott of Kenmore West.

In the title match they beat highly-touted Eric Spanbauer and Curt Ventresca of Niagara Falls, 7-6 (7-5), 6-0.

Lions head coach Dave Shambach said the chemistry was just right for the dynamic Lions’ duo.

DiTullio’s gift of gab is unique for an outstanding athlete, because he seldoms talks about himself. He spends most of his time in pre-games chatting up with his opponents, fellow coaches and reporters, but has worked hard to control his natural energy, so as not to appear unsportsmanlike.

Smist lets his racket do the talking exclusively. That’s not to say Matt’s behavior is unsportsmanlike in any way, shape or form. He’s just wears his heart on his sleeve.

On Tuesday, Smist and DiTullio advanced as far as the second round at the Section VI championships in Lancaster, before falling, but their post-season success will be talked about for quite some time — though maybe not by the ever-talkative DiTullio.



The Hammer’s back

There’s good news in local boxing circles with the return to the ring of Lockport’s Mike Tomaino (39, 189 pounds).

Known as “The Hammer,” Tomaino’s being trained downtown by Seishin-Kan instructor Eric Hill.

His former trainers include local boxing great Billy “Little Red” Hackmer and local football great Dominic Esposito.

Good luck, Hammer!

        

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