Sports Shorts

Former Monmouth University linebacker Mike Castellano recently signed a one-year contract with the Arkansas franchise of the upstart All- American Football League that will begin play in the spring of 2009.

"I am really excited about the chance to keep playing football," Castellano said.

Castellanowas a two-timeAll-Northeast Conference selection while at Monmouth. His 218 career tackles rank ninth all-time in school history. The Freehold TownshipHigh School graduate was named a First Team Mid-Major All-American following his senior season with the Hawks.

While at Freehold Township, the Castellano led the Patriots to their only state playoff appearance.

The St. Rose of Lima girls jayvee basketball team won the Shore Parochial League championship and the school's varsity cheerleaders took first place at a competition hosted by St. Francis Cathedral School in Metuchen.

The championship jayvee basketball team members are Geena Ragozine, Eileen Byrne, Hayley Pascoal, Madison Dunn, Courtney Thompson, Grace Kellaher and Simone Monaco. Bill Thompson is the head coach and his coaching staff consisted of Kathleen Dunn, Victoria Wagner, Amanda Freyre and Mary Kate Klecko.

The varsity cheerleaders are Danielle Matteo, Katherine Fatta, Victoria Petrozziello,KellyWall,AlexaBasso,Allison Hellander, Mical Demchak, Teressa Vander Gaag, Kelsey Skinner, Kelly Keane, Heidi Solley, Alexandra Antico, Kayley Barkalo, BriiannaKane,Alexa Ruggler, Carly Burke, Emily Dueti, Mara DiBiannca, Lada San- Filippo and Krist Lepping.

Cindy Antico and Timolyne Skinner are the coaches.

Harness driver Pat Berry scored the 2,000th win of his career on Thursday at Freehold Raceway. Driving Xiaomei in the seventh race, the 32-year-old drive won his 114th race of 2008.

Last year, Berry produced career bests in wins (508) and purse earnings ($4.7 million). Berry first began driving in 1994.

Freehold Raceway presents live racing Wednesday through Saturday. Post time is 12:30 p.m.