Skip to main content

Sports

Photos: Alexander tractor pull

By Howard B. Owens

Freelance photographer John Spaulding submitted these photos from the tractor pull in Alexander last night.

If you missed the roar, dust and black smoke, there's plenty of opportunity for more tonight with tractor pulls resuming at 7 p.m. The track is behind the fireman's rec hall off Route 98 on the south side of town.

The annual kiddie parade is at noon and the fireman's parade is at 4 p.m.

The band Red Creek performs at 9 p.m. The grand prize drawing is at 10 p.m.

More pictures after the jump (click on the headline):

Photos: Batavia Little League in championship game

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia Little League played a championship game at MacArthur Park on Wednesday. When I left, Batavia was ahead 7-1 or 8-1, but I've not yet received final results from anybody. Evan so, here are photos from yesterday's game.

UPDATE: Batavia won 9-4 and now advances to a sectionals round, which is hosted in Batavia this weekend. Teams in the tournament besides Batavia: Penfield, Auburn, Fredonia, Portville and Orchard Park.

Muckdog's new shortstop collects first hit in Batavia's 3-0 win

By Howard B. Owens

Two games into his professional career, Alex Mejia came through for the Muckdogs in a big way Saturday night, giving local fans an idea why the Cardinals selected the Pac-12 Player of the Year in the fourth round of June's amateur draft.

Mejia put the Muckdogs on the board in the third inning against the Lowell Spinners with an RBI double. It was Mejia first professional hit (top photo).

The former El Camino Real High School (Sylmar, Calif.) All-City shortstop also flashed some leather that proved solid defensively.

Mejia helped lead the Arizona Wildcats to a College World Series championship and signed with the Cardinals just a week ago at the end of his junior year in college to help his family out financially. He received a $250,000 bonus.

The newest Muckdog comes from a strong baseball family (his father was an All-American at Pepperdine, his sisters play college softball and his cousin is with the Washington National's AAA farm team). 

The 21-year-old Californian put up impressive numbers at Arizona, hitting .357 in 2012 and .335 in 2011.

ESPN featured Mejia in a recent article, and the shortstop received some high praise.

"His passion to succeed, his intangibles, his knowledge of the game ... Alex has it all," Lopez said. "I wouldn't trade him for anyone."

There are some analysts who believe Mejia is the best shortstop in all of college baseball. The reigning Pac-12 Player of the Year -- and Defensive Player of the Year -- is hitting .361 and boasts a fielding percentage of .959.

But Mejia wasn't the only player to contribute to the Muckdog's 3-0 win over Lowell in front of 667 loyal Muckdog fans.

David Washington, a fourth-year pro from San Diego, who is showing signs of putting it all together this year and is hitting .322, drove in two key runs in the fourth inning with a two-out double.

Tyler Melling picked up his first in four starts this season, tossing six shutout frames, scatting seven hits and striking out five Lowell batters. Mellin's ERA dropped to 2.05.

Last season's starting shortstop is now the Muckdog's closer, and Yunier Castillo picked up his third save on the year. After eight appearances, Castillo's ERA is 0.80 and he's fanned 12 in 10 innings.

First-round pick Patrick Wisdom continued his solid rookie season with two hits and some impressive defense at third base.

Also collecting a hit was catcher Jesus Montero, who is the top offensive player for the Muckdogs so far this season.

Montero is hitting .407 with three home runs and 12 RBI. His OPS is 1.072.

The fifth-year pro is the brother of Seattle Mariner's catcher Jesus R. Montero (the Seattle catcher is known as Jesus Rafael Montero as opposed to the Muckdog's Jesus Montero). The elder Montero was traded to Seattle by the Yankees, where he was considered one of the top catching prospects in the major leagues.

If you're unable to view the slide show, click here.

Female hit by baseball bat at Dwyer Stadium

By Billie Owens

Mercy medics are responding to Dwyer Stadium in the City of Batavia where a female behind the third-base line was reportedly struck in the head by a baseball bat. There's a Muckdogs game in progress.

UPDATE 8:11 p.m.: The woman is 50 and was struck by a flying bat from 30 feet away. She is said to have head and hand injuries and is arriving at UMMC.

Photos: July 4 at Dwyer Stadium -- fireworks and Muckdogs victory

By Howard B. Owens

The 2,266 people who packed into Dwyer Stadium on July 4 were treated to more than just fireworks. They got to see the kind of nail-biter game that makes baseball America's pastime.

Down 2-1 going into the bottom of the ninth, the hometown heros strung together a single, double and single, to plate two runs and walk off with a victory.

The winning run scored on a close play at the plate (see above, and the slide show for more pictures of the score) when Anthony Melchionda scored on a single by Jacob Wilson.

It was the first lead the Muckdogs enjoyed all night.

The low-scoring game meant that nine innings passed quickly.

Muckdogs management entertained fans with a game of musical chairs before the sun faded enough to allow the fireworks show to begin.

If you can't view the slide show of photos, click here.

NFL-sponsored camp in Elba teaches that football is more than just the game

By Howard B. Owens

Over the past five days, 400 boys from throughout the GLOW region were in Elba to do something that doesn't happen much in June -- practice football.

But that's not all the camp was about. The players also were given talks on a few life lessons, such as integrity, good grades and time management.

The camp is jointly sponsored by the NFL and the National Guard and organized by local coaches.

"The NFL and National Guard have gone off chart (on funding the camp)," said Dan Geiger, now an assistant coach with Elba/Byron-Bergen. "No other professional sports program is that willing to put out this kind of money to really go after what they claim is their goal. You know, they talk about character, well they put their money where their mouth is and provide a camp like this."

The players don't need to spend a cent on the camp and the sponsors provide jerseys and workbooks that serve as a time-management tool (mainly, it's a calendar) along with advice on everything from homework tips to exam advice, an NCAA eligibility guide plus action shots of NFL players.

"There’s a lot of great football going on here, a lot of great football learning, but on top of that, there’s a lot of every night the kids learn about character and integrity," Geiger said.

At 400 participants, the local camp is almost certainly the best attended in New York and perhaps the United States.

The week began Sunday night with a some guest speakers, both motivational and inspirational, and players said they found the talks meaningful.

"I personally like the guest speakers," said Nate Jonathan, a senior defensive end from Alexander. "I think it’s cool – a little motivational stuff."

Alton Rupp, a junior fullback and outside linebacker from Alexander, said one inspirational speaker was especially touching.

"Recently my mom passed away," Rupp said. "It kind of helped me because yesterday we talked a little about faith. I believe that my mom is still with me, so it kind of helps out a little bit. I’m doing this right now to help get better for the season and just help make my faith for the season a little bit better."

Austin Schroeder, a senior from Oakfield-Alabama, focused most on the football aspect of the camp.

"It's awesome how many kids are here and it’s set up really cool," Schroeder said. "I get to practice fundamentals of the line that I need to and it's nice to be able to hit before the season."

Asked how much he loved football, Schroeder said, "It's the only sport I play, so that sums it up, I guess."

The camp is one of about 180 throughout the nation and Elba/Byron-Bergen Head Coach Mike Cintorino said teams participating this year came not only from his school, but Batavia, Alexander, Alabama-Oakfield, Holley, Brockport, Albion and Barker/Roy-Hart (Gasport).

Area college football coaches Rocco Salomone, of Buffalo State, and Buddy Sims, of St. John Fisher, also helped out with the camp, Cintorino said.

"It gives them a chance to come out and talk to the kids and tell them what they’re looking for, not just as an athlete but also for students," Cintorino said. "(They tell them) the fact that you’ve got to be a good kid and have to do well in the academics to get into the school."

Geiger said the camp, which he started promoting a few years when was coaching the Batavia Blue Devils, is so popular because so many coaches in the area support and believe in the lessons it aims to teach the boys.

Cintorino said he hopes it's those life lessons that have the most impact on the players.

"We talk about how there’s more to football than just the game," Cintorino said. "There’s a lot of life lessons to be learned -- teamwork, trust, relationships, integrity, honesty, character -- all of those things, so I hope that first and foremost they get to take that way from it."

Students selected to participate in 2102 Batavia Downs Scholarship Race

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Batavia Downs officials have announced the names of the five students selected by their high schools to participate in the 2012 college scholarship race.

They are: Lindsay Hilburger -- Notre Dame of Batavia; Sonia Nevinger -- Alexander; Jessica Levins -- Batavia; Jamie Marshall -- Elba; and Leanne King -- Pembroke.

The race will be held on Sept. 15, between the fifth and sixth live harness races at Batavia Downs. Approximate post time for the scholarship race is 7:45 p.m.

A total of $7,500 in college scholarship funds will be given to each high school student in the dash for cash. The race will be conducted at one mile -- two laps around Batavia Downs' historic half-mile oval.

“We're thrilled to provide additional scholarship funds to area high school students,” said Todd Haight, general manager of Batavia Downs. “This coincides with the contributions made daily by Batavia Downs Casino to the New York state lottery for education.”

All students are required to practice at least five times during the month of August with the driver/trainer they will be teamed up with. This exposes the student to the full equine experience associated with the racing industry.

Scholarship breakdowns are as follows: $3,000 to the winner; $2,000 for second; $1,200 for third; $800 for fourth; and $500 for fifth. Scholarships are not equine specific and can be used for any higher education.

The event is a partnership of Batavia Downs Casino, Buffalo Raceway, Harness Horse Breeders of New York and the Western New York Harness Horsemen's Association.

The 66th season at America’s oldest lighted harness track gets under way on July 23 with a new post time of 6:25 p.m.

3-on-3 basketball tournament scheduled for return to Williams Park

By Howard B. Owens

Former Batavia High School basketball player Jerry Smith is bringing blacktop basketball back to Williams Park with a 3-on-3 tournament June 30.

Williams said it's been a few years since the park hosted such tournaments, but he remembers them from his youth and thinks area players should get the same opportunity.

As many as 35 teams, or more, are expected to participate, coming from not just Batavia, Elba and Le Roy, but also Buffalo, Lockport, Perry, Medina and other towns in the region.

"It's some of the best competition around," Smith said.

The cost is $50 per team and teams can consist of as many as five players.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and play begins at 9 a.m.

For more information, call Smith at (585) 993- 3342 or email him at honeybun11x@yahoo.com

Proceeds will benefit Franchise Basketball of Rochester, an Amateur Athletic Union team and help send the team to Las Vegas in July for a tournament. Local team members include Jalen Smith, Tommy Prospero, Justin Washington and Jered Thornton.

Photo: Jalen Smith, Justice Fagan and Josh Johnson.

Local student athletes named to NJCAA Academic All-Region List

By Billie Owens

Several student-athletes from Genesee Community College were named to the NJCAA Academic All-Region List for the 2011-2012 athletic seasons. Students honored on the NJCAA Academic All-Region List have maintained full-time enrollment and earned a grade point average of 3.5 (roughly equivalent to an A) or better.

Those who made the list include:

  • Summer Bliss, of Bethany, a member of the women's soccer team;
  • Lauren Hughes, of Elba, a member of the volleyball and swimming and diving teams;
  • Cody Niccloy, of Le Roy, a member of the men's soccer team;
  • Emily Mott, of Oakfield, a member of the swimming and diving team;
  • Lindsay Chatt, of Oakfield, a member of the softball team;
  • Amanda Brown, of Bergen, a member of the women's soccer team.

Genesee Community College Athletics Program endeavors to provide a quality and competitive intercollegiate athletics program consistent with the National Junior Collegiate Athletics Association (NJCAA) philosophy and the overall educational mission of Genesee Community College.

Participation in collegiate athletics should be an extension of the total educational experience for the student athlete. The inherent philosophy emphasizes the athletic setting as a classroom used to teach character, commitment, work ethic, respect for differences, and the importance of sacrifice, teamwork and cooperation.

For further information and pictures go to Genesee's Athletic Web page, which is updated regularly with game results, team rosters, photographs and information about Genesee's overall athletic program. http://www.genesee.edu/athletics

Free fishing derby at Dewitt Recreation Area for children up to 16

By Billie Owens

The Fishers of Men Fishing Derby will be held at the Genesee County Park Dewitt Recreation Area on Cedar Street in Batavia on June 23.

Fishing will begin at 8 a.m. with lunch and prizes at noon. The event is free to the public and open to the youth up to age 16. All youth must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should bring their own fishing gear and bait.  Some bait will be available on a first-come-first-served basis.

This is the NYS Free Fishing Weekend. No fishing licenses are required for adults so come and join the fun! There will be prizes based on age categories with free hotdog, chips and drink for lunch.

The event is sponsored by local churches, businesses and the New York Conservation Officers Association.

Batavia Downs announces online bets for harness racing

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation, owner of Batavia Downs Casino, has today announced a strategic partnership of services with Saratoga Casino and Raceway and ebet Technologies, LLC. Subject to approval of the New York State Racing and Wagering Board, these two prominent New York State racing entities will be partnering in the launch of the new advance deposit internet wagering platform, www.BataviaBets.com.

“We felt very strongly that we should partner with a proven organization within New York State such as Saratoga,” said Michael Kane, CEO of Western OTB/ Batavia Downs. “This will work towards the betterment of wagering for our customers and be a great example on how we can work together within New York State to strengthen the horse-racing industry.”

Kane also added that support was acquired for SaratogaBets because of the platform’s proven success.

Western OTB’s unprecedented alliance with Saratoga Casino and Raceway is part of an effort amongst New York State racing entities to work together to create cost-effective revenue opportunities in today’s highly competitive pari-mutuel environment.

“We have experienced great success with www.SaratogaBets.com, our advance deposit wagering platform,” said Jamie Hartman, COO and executive vice president of Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “We’re thrilled to collaborate with eBet and Batavia Downs to institute this exciting wagering option in Western New York and to further promote increased support and interest in New York racing.”

BataviaBets is a free service allowing customers who sign up for an account to wager on pari-mutuel events via the internet in addition to wagering via the telephone. Focused on servicing local residents and guests who support Batavia Downs and the Western Regional OTB network, this convenient option gives access to customers who would like to place a wager, watch the races, or check results.

“We are excited to work with an organization like Batavia Downs to extend their brand while maintaining access and control of their customer base,” said Mark Gregory, chairman of eBet. "We’re focused on delivering new channels and incremental revenues for regional racetracks like Batavia.”

Muckdogs may have a couple of prospects worth watching in 2012

By Howard B. Owens

Mondays are usually low attendance nights at Dwyer Stadium, and only 1,055 fans turned out last night for the Batavia Muckdogs season opener.

The Muckdogs lost to Auburn 6-5, but it was exciting baseball and at least two of the current crop of MLB hopefuls showed some flashes of why they'll be fun to watch in 2012.

David Washington, a first baseman from San Diego, is in his fourth professional season. The 6' 6", 200-pound former basketball dunking champion demonstrated some athleticism on the first play of the game with a backwards dive to grab a flare in foul territory (top photo). Washington also slammed a pitch over the right field wall in the power play in the eighth inning. The left-hander had three hits and also recorded the longest out of the game with a fly ball to the warning track in dead center field.

Patrick Wisdom is a first-round draft pick whom scouts say can become a rare commodity: a power-hitting third baseman. He tends to swing amiss too much, but he does have power and projects, with experience, as a good fielding third baseman. Monday he showed some range, quickness and a strong arm. He didn't get a hit, but was hit by a pitch and drew a walk, scoring both times he reached base.

Monday's pitcher, Ben Freeman, gave up three runs on six hits over six and a third innings. Adam Bileckyj took the loss, giving up two hits and two runs (one earned).

Catcher Jesus Montero had three hits but was lifted in the eighth inning after being hit by a pitch that glanced off his helmet and hit his forehead. 

The Muckdogs are home again Wednesday against Auburn and there will be fireworks at the park Friday when the Muckdogs take on the Jamestown Jammers. Both games are at 7:05 p.m.

Photos: Batavia Motor Sports bringing in bigger races for extreme dirt track action

By Howard B. Owens

Extreme dirt track racing is getting bigger in Batavia. The WNY EDT committee brought in a regional race Saturday that attracted racers from as far away as New Jersey, and on Aug. 11, a national professional race will hit the track.

Amy McNutt said there's been ATV racing at the track -- which is about 50 years old -- for the past six or seven years, but a reconstituted race committee has been working hard to grow the sport locally.

"We're trying to grow the sport and let people in Batavia know the track is here so we get more spectators," McNutt said.

Batavia Motor Sports is located on Harloff Road next to Polar Wave.

The next closest track that runs extreme dirt track ATV races is in Geneva, McNutt said.

The race in August will bring racers from as far away as Oklahoma and South Dakota and points will count toward a national championship.

If you're unable to view the slide show, click here.

Photos: Fight against armyworms carried out at Batavia Sports Park

By Howard B. Owens

A worker from CY Farms applies pesticide to the border area of Batavia Sports Park, off Bank Street Road, Batavia. The pesticide is being used as a precaution to protect the fields from armyworms. The actual playing fields were not sprayed, but soccer teams will be kept off the fields for at least 24 hours.

Wagering at Batavia Downs on Belmont Stakes was third-best ever

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Officials at Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB), the owner of Batavia Downs Casino, announced today wagering handle on the Belmont Stakes was the public benefit corporation’s third-best ever totaling more than $856,000. This is a 12-percent increase over last year. WROTB saw a 16-percent increase on the Kentucky Derby and a 3-percent increase on the Preakness from last year.

“The anticipation leading up to the race was the best in years,” said Todd Haight, OTB’s handicapper and the GM of Batavia Downs Racetrack. “Despite I’ll Have Another‘s late scratch on Friday afternoon, the publicity surrounding the race was enough to pique the public’s interest.”

The race was won by Union Rags, who ran down Paynter in the final furlong of the race. Union Rags will race next in the Travers’ Stakes at Saratoga Racecourse on Aug. 25.

Batavia Downs in owned and operated by Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public benefit corporation. Municipalities that own Batavia Downs Casino include the 15 counties of Western New York as well as the cities of Buffalo and Rochester. The track is also home to Batavia Downs Casino, featuring 640 video slot machines. Batavia Downs Casino is located less than one mile from Thruway Exit 48 and is open daily from 8 to 4 a.m.

City celebrates Notre Dame girls softball state championship

By Howard B. Owens

The Notre Dame girls softball team got a homecoming befitting state champions Saturday night with a police and fire escort from the Thruway, down Oak Street, east, then west on Main Street and finally down Woodward to the parking lot of their school.

The girls swept two games in Queensbury Saturday to become the state's Class D champions.

It's the third straight year the softball team had a chance at a title and it turned out truly to be a case of the third time's the charm.

"It took a lot of heart and dedication, waking up super early, getting to practice before games, hitting, throwing, the whole thing," Kaylin Young said. "It was definitely worth it."

In the semi-final game, the Fighting Irish beat Hamilton 9-2, but the championship game was much tighter with Notre Dame (19-7) taking a 1-0 victory over Deposit.

"We were the visiting team so I was the lead-off hitter and I got two early strikes," Laurie Call said. "I'm thinking, 'oh, my gosh,' and then I got a single. Then I just remember each time something bad happened, I just had to tell my adrenaline to go back down and make sure I'm focused on the game and not to worry about the state title. It's just another game."

It's the first state title in softball for Notre Dame.

"It means an awful lot to the Notre Dame community and the family that is Notre Dame," Coach Rick Mancuso said. "We're very proud of the girls and we would like to thank the community for coming out tonight, welcoming us as the newest state champions."

The newest state champions were greeted at the Thruway exit by Engine 12 and Ladder 15 of the Batavia Fire Department and three Batavia patrol cars. With lights and sirens, the caravan of players, parents and fans paraded through the city with dozens and dozens of people turning out along Main Street to cheer for the team.

Laurie said the city's greeting was really overwhelming.

"It’s really, finally like all that weightlifting you've been doing, all those pitches you’ve taken in the legs, like everything finally means something and you just kind of want to stop and cry," Laurie said.

Photos: Fly-fishing on the Oakta Creek, Le Roy

By Howard B. Owens

During my Friday morning drive, I took a turn down Oakta Trail Road and spotted somebody in the creek tying a fly to a leader. I introduced myself to Bill Westfall of Cheektowaga, who said, "Sure, go ahead and take some pictures." In the 15 minutes I hung around, his every cast hit his spot and he did land one small trout. 

Authentically Local