A team compiled of police officers from Rockport and Essex took home first place at the Annual Massachusetts Coalition of Police Convention bocce ball tournament on September 13 in Hyannis.
Rockport Police officers Lt. Mark Schmink, Officer Roger Lesch and retired Rockport Police Officer Bob Hickey joined forces with Essex Police Officer Rob Gilardi to take first place in the highly competitive field of 36 teams.
According to Lesch the goal was to "bring the trophy back to where it belonged" and the team did just that.
Team captain Schmink led the team to victory and brought the trophy back to the Rockport Police station for the sixth time since 1999.
Hickey scored the winning point to take the series, which started at 2:30 p.m. and finished at 8:00 p.m. while Schmink and Gilardi also played very well.
The trophy is currently on display at the Rockport Police Department and will also make its rounds through the Essex Police Department.
Ruben qualifies for Sr. Games
Rockport's Lorelei Ruben qualified for the 2013 National Senior Games to be held next summer in Cleveland, Oh. after qualifying in the 50 and 100 meter freestyle swimming events.
Ruben, who just turned 80 last month, tried out the two swimming events even though she is admittedly a novice swimmer but was still able to reach the qualifying mark in both events in the women's 80-84 division.
"I had to try even though I am a poor swimmer," Ruben said. "I had learned by watching others. I managed in the 50 meters but the 100 was very hard, somehow the crowd cheered me in."
Ruben says she will not take lessons to improve her game and prepare for the Summer 2013 Senior Games, which she has participated in several times.
