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Jones dubbed Dewey Beach Patrol Rookie of the Year

Places first of 20 in annual rookie test
Dewey Beach Patrol rookies take off in the 50-yard swim sprint. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
July 20, 2022

After 10 grueling events on the beach and in the surf, Hunter Jones has earned the title of Dewey Beach Patrol Rookie of the Year. Jones placed first in two events and was near the top in all of the others.

Rounding out the top 10 were Josh Turek, LB Harrington, Greg Karback, Hank D’Ambrogi, Austin Rhue, Chet Mariner, Sean Carson, Chazz DiDominicis and Ella Rishko.

Events competed in were run, swim, run; mile swim; half-mile run; 220-yard soft sand sprint; push-ups; 50-yard swim sprint; line charges; buoy charges; stand pull; and rescue and access.

“The test went extraordinarily well,” said DBP Lt. Hank Coveleski. “This was one of the largest classes that we have had, and to have them all perform at a high level is a promising sight for future summers to come. The rookies did a fantastic job of competing and have done a great job of pushing themselves to be better every day. They’ve earned their blues and have now officially joined a great family that will be with them for the rest of their lives. Truly an exciting day to be a part of DBP.”

The Dewey Beach Patrol rookie class celebrates completing the test. Shown are (l-r) Elizabeth Melson, Josh Turek, Olivia Schwandt, Chazz DiDominicis, Cooper Brown, Luke Bender, LB Harrington, Austin Rhue, Hunter Jones, Chris Perreca, Lucas Ruppert, Greg Karback, Hank D’Ambrogi, Chet Mariner, Dom Sama, Sean Carson, John Antonio, Zack Clausius, Ella Ruppert and Ella Rishko.
Hunter Jones wins the half-mile run. He garnered enough points to be crowned DBP Rookie of the Year.
DBP rookies take part in the push-up contest won by Luke Bender.
DBP rookie LB Harrington competes in the push-up competition.
Rookie Austin Rhue was a top-five finisher in the push-up competition.
Rookies approach the finish in the 220-yard soft sand sprint. The event was won by Hunter Jones.
Ella Rishko placed in the top five in the half-mile run.
Austin Rhue just edges out Cooper Brown in the 50-yard swim sprint.
Lucas Ruppert won the stand pull by hauling the stand 82 feet in 7.42 seconds.
Hank D’Ambrogi hauls the stand through the finish line.
Hank D’Ambrogi wins the buoy charges event.
Greg Karback assesses John Antonio during the lifesaving drill.
Greg Karback takes a break after the stand pull.
Olivia Schwandt competes in the stand pull.
DBP veterans cheering at the stand pull are Erin Cannon on the shoulders of Rainna Tomlin.
Ella Rishko checks the pulse of Elizabeth Melson during the lifesaving drill.
LB Harrington, left, carries in Sean Carson during the lifesaving drill.
Chazz DiDominicis places in the top five in the stand pull.
Ella Ruppert leaves the surf in the buoy charges.
Elizabeth Melson makes the turn in the buoy charges.
LB Harrington competes in the stand pull.
Lucas Ruppert leaves the surf in the buoy charges competition.
Dom Sama finishes near the top in the push-up competition.
Chazz DiDominicis leaves the surf in the buoy charges competition.
Chris Perreca leaves the surf in the buoy charges event.
Lucas Ruppert, right, carries Olivia Schwandt during the lifesaving drill.
Chris Perreca performs to a top-five finish in the push-up event.
Luke Bender wins the push-up competition.
Ella Ruppert bounces up from the line charges competition.
DBP Lt. Hank Coveleski, left, reviews competition results with DBP Capt. Todd Fritchman.
Elizabeth Melson, left, and Greg Karback pop up during the line charges event.
Chet Mariner picks up his place stick in the half-mile run.
Sean Carson exits the surf in the 50-yard swim sprint.
Zack Clausius finishes the half-mile run.
Josh Turek placed second in the Rookie of the Year competition.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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