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Pembroke student, blind since birth, joins cross-country team

By Virginia Kropf

Anneka Pray’s story is one which gives her school principal Nathan Work goosebumps.

Anneka, 12, is a seventh-grade student at Pembroke Junior-Senior High School. What makes her stand out is she has been blind since birth with a condition called microcornea, yet wanted to participate in school sports.

“We’ve never had a student like this in the past,” Work said. “She’s led the pack in transitioning to seventh grade.”

“Anneka advocates well for herself,” said Chelsea Hale, the vision teacher at Pembroke. “She wants to be as independent as possible.”

When Anneka announced she wanted to participate in sports, she initially thought she would like to do soccer. When her mom told her she probably couldn’t do that, Anneka said she thought she’d like cross-country.

The school reached out to Camp Abilities at Brockport State College to learn how they could help Anneka.

It turned out Anneka’s math teacher Peggy Haney is blind in her right eye, but also enjoys running. She agreed to be Anneka’s guide runner.

Before this year, Anneka said math was her least favorite subject, but now it is her favorite.

Haney said her blindness means her perception is off. It took her a week to adjust to running with another person. She had started running two years ago, but had never done cross-country.

“Our common thread is we were both born with our condition and neither is fixable,” Haney said.

Anneka runs a modified cross-country and is coached by Toby Beahan.

“I received word over the summer Anneka was coming to high school,” Beahan said. “I was told she was interested in cross-country and I wanted to set things up to accommodate her. The trails can be a challenge, but once everything was in place, the most exciting things happened. It was awesome. The best part for me is shouting when Anneka is nearing the finish line. All the other kids and coaches are yelling and cheering her on, too.”

Anneka and Haney were among the competitors in Pembroke’s Home Invitational a week ago.

“She does fantastic,” Haney said. “She sprints and she passes people. She is going faster and faster.”

Anneka has a sister in eighth grade and a brother who is a senior. She would like to go to college and find a way to help people like her be able to see.

“Anneka is inspiring to everybody with all the ideas she wants to do,” Hale said. “One thing about Anneka, once she sets her mind to something, she sees it through.”

Her teachers said Anneka is a good student who works hard.

“I’ve been in education going on 16 years and I’ve never encountered anyone like Anneka,” Work said. “She is a very special little girl. I don’t think it gets any better than this.”

Photos: BHS 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia High School inducted its 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame honorees during a dinner at Terry Hills on Saturday evening.

Pictured above are, front row from left Coleen Tooley Oleski, Gerry Carmichael, Michelle Smith Jones, and back row from left Steve Frieday, Jon Santratello, and Rich Anderson. Below, the 1994-1995 Blue Devils hockey team.

Previously: Batavia Blue Devils Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner is next Saturday

Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament is Nov. 3 at Le Roy HS

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The sixth annual Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament will be held at the Le Roy High School Gym Saturday, Nov. 3rd, with eliminations starting at 10 a.m.

The Tournament will consist of Sparring (point fighting), Individual Kata (forms), Team Kata, Weapons Kata, and Self Defense.

Tournament organizers are Soke William Cavalier (Livonia Tatsu Do School), Hanshi Dick Borrell (Borrell’s Karate Academy Batavia), and Renshi Fred Merica (Le Roy Karate & Self Defense Center/ Main Street Fitness). All three have been close associates and tournament/clinic organizers for the past 40 years.

Ages of competitors will start as young as 4 years old with no age limit. We have had competitors in the past well into their 70s. Divisions are broken down by skill level and age.

Spectators are welcome at $5 each and students at $4 each.

The high school is located at 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy.

To see a flier go to www.tatsudo.com and click the link at left of page “November 2018 TMAA Tournament - Download Flyer” or call 585-414-3181.

There will also be a breaking demonstration at noon. They break everything from boards, bricks, coconuts, and Louisville Sluggers with their shins.

Anyone interested to help be a scorekeeper please calls 585-414-3181 for more information, minimum 15 years old, no experience needed.

Kevin Cummings wins five, both features at Batavia

By Billie Owens

Photo of in Runaway Bay N in the lead with driver Kevin Cummings.

By TIm Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Kevin Cummings was red hot at Batavia Downs scoring wins in both features with In Runaway Bay and Nesh Cruiser along with three other victories to take five of the 10 races on the card. Cummings, who is currently the second leading dash driver of the meet, made a strong bid to retake the top spot after his performance on Saturday night (Oct. 20). .

In the $11,000 Open Handicap pace, Dark Horse (Ray Fisher Jr.) left hard and seated In Runaway Bay N (Kevin Cummings) who also tried for the front early. After everyone took a seat the race went to the half in :56 flat. At that point Barry Hanover (Shawn McDonough) started the outer flow and Rock To Glory (Drew Monti) followed that move.

As the race progressed to the three-quarters, Rock To Glory deserted his fading cover and tipped three-deep trying to get to Dark Horse. Almost out of that last bend, Barry Hanover finally packed it in and In Runaway Bay N nudged his way off the pylons between Dark Horse and Rock To Glory. As the top three argued toward the wire, In Runaway Bay N put away Dark Horse and held off a fast closing Rock To Glory to win by a half-length in 1:54.4.

In Runaway Bay N ($8.70) scored his sixth win of 2018 and eclipsed the half-century mark in earnings, now boasting $53,550 this year for owner Mark Jakubik.

In the $9,900 Open II pace, Nesh Cruiser (Kevin Cummings) tripped out behind Bugatti (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the head of the stretch before pulling out and going by to win by a nose in 1:54.4 for his eighth win of the year. Trainer RIchard Roth owns with Randy Roth and Robert Roth.

Besides those two wins, Cummings also scored with Cotton Eyed Joe (1:57.2, $6.40), Terlingua (1:56.4, $8) and Keystone Keen (1:56.4, $6.10) to round out the five-bagger.

Not to be outdone, the Downs leading driver Drew Monti also scored four wins on Saturday night as well. So after the last race ended, Monti is still on top with 82 wins for the meet with Cummings sitting right behind with 77.

The early Pick-5 that was part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program with a $7,000 guaranteed pool produced an instant jackpot payoff $5,350.50 for a $1 ticket on the combination of 7-4-3-2-3.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon with post time set for 5 o'clock.

York/Pavilion shuts down Notre Dame to advance in Class D

By Howard B. Owens

In the rain, on a muddy track, Notre Dame's offense was unable to find its groove Saturday afternoon and slowly watched its Class D quarterfinal playoff game against York/Pavilion slip away.

The Fighting Irish lost 18-0.

At this time, no stats are available.

To purchase prints as keepsakes, click here.

$7,000 guaranteed Pick-5 Saturday at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY--- As a result of no one selecting a winning combination in the early Pick-5 at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 19), there will be a $7,000 guaranteed early Pick-5 pool when racing resumes at 6 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 20) at the oldest lighted harness track in America.

Saturday’s guarantee is part of the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program which offers free program pages for those five races under the “Handicapping” tab at www.ustrotting.com . You can access the program pages directly by clicking here. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv1020x.pdf )

The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. There is no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners, the entire pool (minus takeout) will be carried over once again.

Lougazi posts career best in Batavia feature trot

By Billie Owens

Lougazi with driver Ray Fisher Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

In what turned out to be a very exciting horse race, Lougazi proved to be best once again in winning the $11,000 Open Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (Oct. 19). 

Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) got away last by quite a few lengths off the gate when BZ Glide blasted to the front and posted an extremely fast :27.2 quarter. Positions remained unchanged past that post when Fisher came first-over at the three-eighths pole with Lougazi and motored up the outer rim. 

Incrementally gaining ground around turn-two and up the backstretch, Lougazi drew even with BZ Glide by the three-quarters and the two dueled from there. Trotting in step around the last turn and into the lane, Lougazi finally got a step away from BZ Glide. But Empire Earl N (Jim Morrill Jr.) who was drafting third pulled three wide and was launched for the finish. Lougazi dug in and held him off as well and hit the wire first by a head in 1:56.3, which was a new lifetime mark. 

It was the second win in a row and fourth out of the last six for Lougazi ($11.80) who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift. 

In the $8,800 Open II trot, Edom Up Blue Boy (Jim Morrill Jr.) rode a two-hole trip to the half behind Lutetium (Ron Beback Jr.) before pulling to take the lead by the five-eighths, open up by three lengths and eventually win by four in 1:58. Edom Up Blue Boy ($6.40) is owned and trained by Rock Vinci. 

With only two favorites winning all night, there was a plethora of profound payoffs in most of the races on Friday. But the one wager that did not get hit was the early Pick-5 and as a result, there is a $2,900 carry over pool for the early Pick-5 on Saturday (Oct. 20). That bet will be a part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program with a $7,000 guaranteed pool and free program pages that will be available tomorrow on the USTA website under the handicapping tab.

Post time for Saturday evening will be 6 o'clock.

Alexander advances in sectionals with 25-12 win over Red Jacket

By Howard B. Owens

Alexander put on another impressive offensive performance Friday night to advance in the Class D sectional playoffs with a 25-12 win over Red Jacket.

Chris McClinic was back after suffering a leg injury two games ago and gained 81 yards on 12 carries. He scored one TD. Ty Woods scored a TD on three carries for 35 yards. He also have five receptions for 62 yards and a TD. QB Dylan Busch was 10-16 passing for 117 yards and TD with one interception. Hayden Walton also scored a touchdown.

On defense, Jake Jasen had 18 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. Walton had 10 tackles. Terrez Smith had four tackles and an interception.

"I give a lot of credit to the Red Jacket staff and players for putting together a very good game plan and going out and executing it," said Alexander Coach Tim Sawyer. "They are very big and tough up front and they chewed up the clock at times in this game.

"We were pushed tonight. I'm proud that my kids and staff didn't blink. We stayed within our own game plan and won the game by 2 scores. But for an 8 seed to come out and fight like that, I give them a lot of credit."

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

Class B Quarter Final, Batavia 51 Newark 14

By James Burns

Now that the Sec V playoffs are starting to get real, the question becomes how real are the Batavia Blue Devils? If anyone had any doubt the Blue Devils gave them their answer in 26 seconds. After just a couple of plays, and barely any time off of the clock, Batavia led Newark 7 to 0.  

Newark then was unable to get anything going on their possession and had to punt. Ethan Biscaro fielded the punt, fumbled it, recovered his own fumble, then ran 78 yards for a TD punt return. Batavia led 14 to 0 and they were only two minutes into the game. 

Batavia’s defense dominated Newark’s offense again on their next set of downs and Newark was forced to punt. Batavia had an unforced turnover on the next possession and Newark recovered the ball. Newark was able to capitalize and scored a TD. Batavia 14 Newark 6.  

That was as close as Newark would ever come to mounting any real threat to Batavia. Batavia scored on their next few possessions. Even by going for it on a 4thand 6. Batavia continued to drive the field and score almost at will. The first quarter ended with Batavia leading 28 to 6.

The rest of the game was all Batavia. They led at the half by 42 to 6. The Batavia defense would not let Newark into the game and put some points up on the board themselves’ with a safety in the third quarter

After a lot of substitutions by Batavia, Newark put up the only points of the fourth quarter scoring 8. Final Score Batavia 51, Newark 14.

Batavia Downs offers a $2,000 guaranteed Pick-5 today, early post time is 4:45 p.m.

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

As a result of no winning ticket once again on Wednesday (Oct. 17), Batavia Downs will offer a $2,000 guaranteed early Pick-5 pool when racing resumes today (Oct. 19) at the oldest lighted harness track in America.

Friday’s guarantee is part of the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program which offers free program pages for those five races under the “Handicapping” tab at www.ustrotting.com.You can go directly to that page to access the programs by clicking here. (http://handicapping.ustrotting.com )

The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. There is no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners, the entire pool (minus takeout) will be carried over once again. 

Please note that post time for the first race today is at a special early time of 4:45 p.m.

Same old story for Kaitlyn Rae at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens

Photo of Kaitlyn Rae with reinsman Ray Fisher Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Winning never gets old and seemingly neither does the 9-year-old Kaitlyn Rae; who just keeps on winning. Wednesday evening (Oct. 17) at Batavia Downs she scored her third consecutive victory in the $9,900 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace following the same formula from the last two weeks. 

Kaitlyn Rae (Ray Fisher Jr.) got the lead past the eighth pole and set the pace from there out. After getting to the half in :57.1, post time favorite Roll With Faith (Kevin Cummings) rolled up on the outside to challenge for the lead. The two hooked up for the remainder of the mile, hitting the three-quarters in 1:25.3 before turning for home to decide the winner. Although Roll With Faith paced all the way to the wire, Kaitlyn Rae never gave up the lead she held and won by a length in 1:55.1.
 
It was the 12th win of 2018 for Kaitlyn Rae ($8.40) who now has $61,175 made this year. Riley Asher-Stalbaum both owns and trains the winner. 

In the $8,800 fillies and mares Open II, Machin Marley (Kevin Cummings) led every step of the way en route to her seventh win of the year, timed in 1:57. Thatsideofthefence LLC co-owns the winner with trainer John Mungillo. 

When racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday afternoon (Oct. 19), there will be a carryover of $703 and a guaranteed $2,000 pool in the early Pick-5 wager. It will also be part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program with free program pages available on the USTA website under the “Handicapping” tab. Please note that post time for Friday is early at 4:45 p.m.

'Finally' -- Basom's Kern records first 300 game; youth bowling has much to offer

By Mike Pettinella

After almost 45 years of league bowling – and several “near misses” – Basom’s Scott Kern has finally etched his name into the annals of bowling perfection.

“My kids always asked me if I was going to bowl a 300 game tonight (before heading out to his league at Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield),” Kern said. “Well, I finally can say yes.”

Kern notched his first 300 game last Wednesday night (Oct. 10) in the County Line Stone League on lanes 7-8 at Scopano’s.

His games were 265-162-300 for a 727 series.

His previous high game was 299 (twice) and he also had games of 298 and 297. His high series of 812 was bowled at Scopano’s in April 2006.

Using a Roto-Grip No Rules ball, the 63-year-old right-hander said he made an adjustment after being victimized by “oil transition” in the second game.

“I made a move on the approach, got lined up around the second arrow and tried to stay smooth with the shot,” said Kern, owner/operator of Kern’s Farm Market on Route 77 in Basom.

He succeeded in doing that, putting all 12 balls in the 1-3 pocket.

On the final ball, Kern raised his hands in the air, yelled out, “I finally … did it,” and proceeded to hug his teammates Roy Chamberlain, Larry Gibson and Marc Wilder, and fellow bowlers, including this writer who happened to be bowling on the pair next to him.

He said he almost got a sub for him due to the fact that beans needed to be picked on the farm. However, when a piece of equipment broke, he decided to bowl.

Kern said he dedicates the 300 game to his wife and “biggest fan”, Karla, and to longtime standout and pro shop owner Joe Mortellaro, who Kern has looked up to all these years.

By the way, Scott and Karla teamed up to win the King & Queen Tournament at Mancuso Bowling Center back in the 1990s.

Kern also credited his late father-in-law, Jack Schlagenhauf, and his father, Ronald, a teammate at Allegany Lanes in Corfu, for getting him involved in bowling in the early ‘70s.

ORGANIZED YOUTH BOWLING IS A VIABLE OPTION

The United States Bowling Congress has developed a first-rate – and affordable – youth bowling program for boys and girls of all skill levels.

From weekly in-house junior leagues all the way to national Junior Gold competition, kids have numerous opportunities to excel on and off the lanes.  Organized youth bowling can boosts a young person’s self-esteem, underscores the benefits of teamwork and provides scholarships along the way.

In fact, the bowling industry offers more than $6 million in scholarships, including about $60,000 in New York State.

Parents should know that the registration fee for youth leagues in the Genesee Region is only $10 per person, with $4 of that going to the USBC in Arlington and $6 going to the Genesee Region USBC for awards and other perks.

The GRUSBC also offers youth tournaments where scholarships can be earned, and encourages youth bowlers to enter New York State USBC events for a chance at additional grants. All scholarships earned by USBC youth bowlers go into the bowler’s SMART account as a college fund.

Youth bowlers who become proficient at the sport could become collegiate bowlers – as more than 250 colleges offer bowling and about half of them give out scholarships.

Junior programs are starting now at bowling centers in our area, and it’s not too late for kids to join. It’s true that many students are involved in other school sports, but more aren’t doing anything for recreation and social interaction.  Bowling can provide that outlet.

Here is a list of Genesee Region USBC bowling centers and their phone numbers for parents wishing to learn more about youth bowling (all 585 area code):

-- Le Roy Legion Lanes, 768-8597.
-- Letchworth Pines, Portageville, 468-2166.
-- Livingston Lanes, Geneseo, 243-1760.
-- Mancuso Bowling Center, Batavia, 343-1319.
-- Medina Lanes, 318-4474.
-- Mount Morris Lanes, 658-2540
-- Perry Bowling Center, 237-6358
-- Oak Orchard Bowl, Albion, 589-6900.
-- Rose Garden Bowl, Bergen, 494-9900.

GR YOUTH TRAVEL LEAGUE OFF AND ROLLING

Seven teams are competing this season in the Genesee Region Youth Travel League – two from Rose Garden Bowl, two from Oak Orchard Bowl and one each from Legion Lanes, Perry Bowling Center and Mount Morris Lanes.

The league, which is being coordinated by Genesee Region USBC Vice President Frank Jarkiewicz and Director Joann Van Duser, bowls on Sunday afternoons.

The 2018-19 schedule is as follows:

-- Oct. 28, Mount Morris Lanes.
-- Nov. 4, Legion Lanes.
-- Dec. 2, Oak Orchard Bowl.
-- Dec. 16, Livingston Lanes.
-- Jan. 20, Oak Orchard Bowl.
-- Feb. 10, Perry Bowling Center.
-- Feb. 17, Mount Morris Lanes.
-- March 10, Legion Lanes.
-- March 17, Rose Garden Bowl.

Competition began last weekend at Rose Garden Bowl, with the Rose Garden Bowl II team winning 19 of a possible 24 points. Team members are Katelyn Ball, Evan Phillips, Sawyer Zinter and Megan Jarkiewicz.

High scores for the day: Austin Hawker (Mount Morris), 627 series; Dennis Van Duser (Perry), 257 game; Jillian Menzie (Rose Garden Bowl I), 204 game and 586 series.

Rosters of the other teams:

Oak Orchard Bowl I – Kyle Brett, Jesse Keller, Dallas Ecker, Cameron Ecker.

Perry Bowling Center – Josh Sprague, Brook Jurek, Tony Sprague, Dennis Van Duser.

Le Roy Legion Lanes – Tyler Klein, Felicity Wieseltier, Samantha Hyde, Aaron Leone.

Oak Orchard Bowl II – Tyler Brett, Bailee Snook, Paige Snook, Ben Lennox.

Rose Garden Bowl I – Jillian Menzie, Devon Zinter, Michael Sardou, Brooke Jarkiewicz.

Mount Morris Lanes – Austin Hawker, Trent Willis, Joshua Morris, Brad June.

It’s unfortunate that the GR Youth Travel League doesn’t include any teams from Mancuso’s in Batavia, especially considering that there were three Batavia squads in the league last season. But a group from the Batavia program is participating in an “elite” travel league this season in Rochester.

TOURNAMENTS IN AND AROUND THE GENESEE REGION

November is a busy month for tournaments in the Genesee Region.

-- The 34th Gladys Ford Memorial Women’s Senior Singles is scheduled for Nov. 3-4 at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.

Entrants (GRUSBC women 50 and over) are divided into six different age groups and roll three games on either Nov. 3 (noon) or Nov. 4 (1 p.m.). One in five in each classification will earn prize money from the handicap event.

The entry fee is $30. To enter, contact Jan King at 585-335-7474 or 585-704-1401 by Oct. 28. Entry forms can be downloaded from the GRUSBC website – www.bowlgr.com.

-- The 13th annual Genesee Region USBC Senior Masters will take place on Nov. 10 at Livingston Lanes in Geneseo.

Association members (men and women) who are at least 50 years old as of Dec. 31, 2018 are eligible to compete. Qualifying squads (three games) are at noon and 1:30 p.m. and re-entry is allowed. The entry fee is $30.

First place, based on 48 entries, is $300 plus a free entry to the GRUSBC Masters in February at Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield. The top 12 qualifiers advance to the finals at 3 p.m.

To sign up, contact Paul Spiotta at 585-202-6458.

-- The 4th annual PAWS Triples No-Tap Tournament to benefit the Albion PAWS Animal Shelter is set for Nov. 10 – with squads at 1, 3, 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. – at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.

The entry fee for the handicap tourney is $75 per team, with one in six teams cashing. Teams can cash more than once as long as one bowler is changed.

For entry and donation information, contact Oak Orchard Bowl at 585-589-6900 or Curtis Foss at 585-590-0804.

-- The 11th annual Triple O Mechanical Singles Handicap Tournament returns to Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen on Nov. 11, with qualifying squads (three games) at 10 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

First prize, based on 48 entries, is $500, and the entry fee is only $30. The top three qualifiers from the 10 a.m. squad and the top two from the 12:30 p.m. squad will earn guaranteed spots in the eliminator finals that begin at 5 p.m.

The finals will include a senior (55-and-over), super senior (65-and-over) and woman not making the cut as long as there are at least five entries in each category. If a senior, super senior or woman make the cut outright, then the incentives would not apply.

To enter, call 585-343-3736 or 585-861-0404. The event is limited to 24 bowlers per squad.

-- The 3rd annual Brian Morasco three-person handicap no-tap tournament is scheduled for Nov. 17 at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia. Proceeds from the event and basket raffles will go to Genesee Cancer Assistance and the Arthritis Foundation.

First place, based on 48 teams, is $750. The entry fee is $75 per team. Squad times are 1 and 3 p.m.

Teams can sign up by calling Mark Brown at 716-474-7900 or Mancuso Bowling Center at 585-343-1319.

The folks at Medina Lanes aren’t letting October slip away without offering another fundraising event.

A three-person handicap no-tap tournament is planned for Oct. 27, with squads at 5 and 7 p.m. The entry fee is $60 per team. Call 585-318-4474 to sign up. All bowlers are invited to stay for the Halloween party afterwards featuring Marnie K and the 4 Non-Blondes.

And, for tournament bowlers age 60 and up, the next 60-and-Over Tour scratch singles event is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 28 at Doug Kent’s Rose Bowl Lanes in Newark. Check-in starts at 11 a.m and competition gets under way at noon.

WCIS's season-ending Shoot-out brings heated racing and emotions over the chilly weekend

By Billie Owens

By Dan Turner, WCIS Speedway announcer

It’s that time a year again for the temperature to dip, the leaves to change color and the Wyoming County International Speedway to hold their Annual “Shoot Out at the Bullring”.   As always it’s one of the Crowning Jewels that most drivers, car owners and team would like to win and close out their season.   That’s very evident by the car counts the picturesque 1/3 mi. banked asphalt facility draws in on this mid-October race.   Over 60 cars on hand for the Friday night potion of the Shoot out and 80 plus cars in the pits for Saturday night.   Those hardy fans that were in attendance for both shows, got to see some awesome racing to cap off their 2018 racing season.

Friday night was the kick off for Shoot Out weekend at the Blacktop Bullring.   As mentioned over 60 cars packed the pits for this chilly October evening.   31 4 Cylinders were on hand to flex their muscle and try and take home the winners portion of the Shootout’s expanded payout.   Top 3 from each of the four heats (won by Jankowiak, Gustafson, Moldt and Pierce) redrew for the feature starting position.  The front was full of talent as a pair of perennial and former multi time feature winners, Jimmie Pierce Jr and Jacob Gustafson would lead this class to green.   With 26 cars taking the green, It took no time and the leaders were moving in on lap traffic.   The battle for number one was on between the 66 of Gustafson and the 26 of Pierce.  Thru a handful of caution, the most, scary was the 14s of Sean Sickles that lost control and hiyt the large heavy equipment tires at the end of the pit wall were cars exit the track.   Sean was ok thou the car may not see the track again.  After a few more minor cautions we would see the Moldt #51 make his way to the front and challenge Gustafson.  Andy J in the London #89 would soon be racing for a possible win.   It was all Gustafson in the JG Autowerks #66 machine collecting another win.   “We had a pretty good car, thanks to Dad and I want to thank all the Polish people out there” per Jacob  : )

A healthy car count for our entry level class the Super 6 class.   Many invaders from Spencer and other tracks came to close out their season.   About a dozen came to flex their muscle at the Perry NY speed complex.   It was not big surprise to find the Multi time Spencer Speedway champion in Victory lap. Hallett was followed by the 89 of Brandon Allen and the Heat race winner Andy Cocilova in his 93.

Capping of the Friday night festivities would be the SST Super Stocks running their last race of 2018 with 50 laps the distance.    This was the who’s who of Super stock racing in NY.  Holland, Spencer, Lancaster, Chemung, all represented by their best.   Horvatits and Tim Welshans would pace the field to the green.   It was Joe Horvatits taking the early lead and showing his muscle.   The caution would fly early and as Horvatits slowed something broke on the #4 and he would take a hard hit into the first turn wall and end his night.   Then it was a race as Mike Chenaille, Eric Stone, Dan Majchrzak, Ted Welshans and eventually the 17x machine of Zach Meyers would all get near the front to lead some laps.   In the end it was 2018 track champion Zach Meyers taking the top spot a little after half way, with his smooth calculated driving style worked well with the cool track temperature and lack of grip on the track.

And that was all just in Friday night’s action.   Saturday would prove to be a whole new story with the Addition of the SST Modifieds and the NYSuper Stocks invading the 1/3 mile Power plant.  It would be Sandra Vogler Mem.51 laps for the NY Super Stocks.  The fantastic 4 cylinders were back and as exciting as ever. Then we closed our season with a great SST Modifieds show, The Jim Pierce Mem 100 lap event.

The 4 cylinder class would start our night as a fitting build up to the NYSS and the SST Modifieds.  Some of the drivers and teams could not make the Saturday night show and some new faces were in attendance to make for one excellent racing program.   Early muscle was shown by the heat winners, Gustafson, Schosek and Pierce. In all division tonight the top twelve qualifiers all redrew for their starting spots.   As the green flew it became obvious that this cold track was not just an issue for the Super Stocks and Modifieds, the 4 Bangs were feeling the effects also.  Two laps in it was the #27 stopped on the back straight. Lap 4 it was Monica Greene‘s # 5 having some issues.   Then he drivers settled in and ran off 9 laps before the 1x and9 would drew a yellow.   Local fan favorite Jimmie Pierce Jr. bid for the win on a night of racing named after his late father Jim Pierce, would fall short with engine problems.   A few more cars would come together on the restart causing another yellow.   Then the 4 cylinders would take the green and roll thru the 25 lap mark and close the season at Perry.   Jacob Gustafson would go back to back and dominate the feature tonight.   Gustafson was followed by Greg Moldt in his #51, and with a great run was the #05 of Otis Bradshaw, taking the show position.

For New York Super Stocks Press release and results see their website Nysuperstocks@gmail.com 

What better way the close out a great season than to put 28 of the best Modified drivers and machine on the track for 100 green flag laps in memory of one of our great friend and former SST Modified Champion, Jim Pierce.   This race was renamed after Jim, last year after his untimely passing.  It’s a race many mark on their calendars in March to race in memory of their good friend and competitor.   The guys with the fastest toys started showing their strength as Smith, Dietz, Potrzebowski and Hanbury all picked up the heat race wins.   I can promise you one thing about the Wyoming County Intl. Speedway.   @8 cars running 100 laps for a pretty substantial check to the winner will NEVER get you a boring race.   Its not a ride around til 10, 20 or 30 laps remaining.   Its a lot of pride and bragging right to carry all winter how well you fared at the Shoot out.   Patrick Emerling drew the pole to start this race.   He would be surrounded by other great drivers, Hanbury, Nye, Smith, Andy J, Timmerman and WCIS regulars Bookmiller, Knapp, Majchrzak, Fuchs and Bradshaw.

It only took a few green flag laps to produce our first caution as 22z Billy Ray Pruitt and the 96 of Gary Coons tangled.   Restart everyone was playing nice til lap unlucky 13.   Pruitt and  Tim Nyes came together and that put Billy Ray on the hook and done for the night.   Lap 16  saw Joe Evans come to a stop in turn 4 and a double spin with Tim Nyes and the 74 of Sherry Hogan. Racing continued thru a few more cautions as the lead was being swapped amongst, the 07, 51, 15 and a few others wanting the lead.  After a restart on lap 39 it was chaos on the front straight as Hanbury in the Gary Noe 1H car was outside the Emerling 07 for the restart and as they cross the start/finish line smoke and sparks and Hanbury was hard into the outside retaining wall, done for the night.   Under red flag conditions Emerling stated “he felt a bump but did not   Know if he made comtact with the 1H machine”  as the wreck was being cleared we talked with the top 5 drivers to get their game plan.   As we finished talking a loud banging was going on.   That was Tony Hanbury using his helmet to beat on the roof and wind screen of Emerling’s 07 ride.    Track safety crews stopped the malay and Hanbury was escorted away.

It was a few more cautions and a couple bent up racecars and the last caution came at lap 84 when a few cars came together and Sherry Hogan doing a great job of driving got spun and gathered it up and drove away before the balance of the field was baring down on her and it could have been a big wreck.   In the end it was Emerling picking up his second Jim Pierce Mem win in as many years.  “ We had the opportunity to run the Whelen Modified Tour this weekend, but Jim wa a good friend of ours and we thought it Important to honor him and run here at the Bullring.” Said Patrick.   He was followed across the line by Andy J. and Rusty Smith.

FRIDAY OCT. 12 RACE RESULTS
Mike Shaughnessy Memorial WCIS Super Stocks (50 Laps): ZACH MYERS (17x), Ted Welshans (39), Daniel Majchrzak (14), Mike Chenaille(14s), Nik Welshans (41), Eric Stone (09), Frank Kline (33), Kyle Skoney (55), Kory Lanni (29), Eric Haistreiter (47), Paul Flye (94), Nick Robinson (3), Joe Horvatits (4), Scott Gleed (03), Jay Canonico (13), Tim Welshans (32) Did Not Start: Cole Hicks (46)
Qualifying Winners: Tim Welshans, Zach Myers

4 Cylinders Dash 4 Cash (20 Laps): JACOB GUSTAFSON (66), Greg Moldt (51), Andy Jankowiak (89), David Brunka (28), David Heimes ( , Joe Brunka (27), Dan Dressel (09), Monica Green (5), Kyle Casper (10), Tom Lalomia Jr (8L), Jeff Landwehr (15), Braedon Suffoletta (9), Triston Kline (7x), Kathie Ricketson (44), Jody Krieb (1x), Adam Killingbeck (73), Kenny Ham (19), Russ Bulger (32b), John Klamut (7), Kevin Kocher (31), Ryan Palmer (10x), Jimmy Pierce (26), Josh Schosek (37ny), Kory Lanni (18), Sean Sickles (14s), Dominic Rafferty (29jr) Greg Krause (24) 
Did Not Start: Dave Harbst (2h), Justin Saas (2), Jesse Hurley (22), Bob Palmer (32)
Qualifying Heat Winners: Andy Jankowiak, Jacob Gustafson, Jimmy Pierce, Greg Moldt

6 Cylinders (25 Laps): BRIAN HALLETT (36), Brandon Allen(89), Andy Cocilova (93), John Parthemer (95), Frank Parsons (14), Tim Faro (98), Alison Knoepfler (35), Chris Deyoe Jr (14d), Tammi Bennett (78), Robert Cassidy (16), Mike Chenaille (14s)
Qualifying Winner: Andy Cocilova

SATURDAY OCT. 13 RACE RESULTS
Jim Pierce Memorial SST Modified (100 Laps): PATRICK EMERLING (07), Andy Jankowiak (41j), Shawn Nye (51), Kevin Timmerman (17), Alan Bookmiller (40), Ricky Knapp (11), Zack Curren (94), Sherri Hogan (74), Steve Fuchs (4), Gary Coon (96), Chad Nugent (42), Carrie Bolton (6j), Scott Wylie (44), Toad Bradshaw (00), Jake Vernon (27), John Barber (01), Daniel Majchrzak (14), Neal Dietz Jr (84), Joe Evans (91), Tony Hanbury (1H), Tim Nies (86), Gary Noe (1), Billy Ray Pruitt (22z), Cassie Logsdon (09) 
Failed to Qualify: Tom Alloco (6), Timmy Lewis (41), Beth Dennie (16), Jennifer Dennie (22), Jay Withey Jr (29), Wayne Baker (B51), Nathan Michelsen (68), Don Pringle (96r) 
DQd Smith(15),  Potrzebowski(72)
Qualifying Winners: Rusty Smith, TJ Potrzebowski, Tony Hanbury, Neal Dietz Jr

Sandra Vogler Memorial New York Super Stock Series (51 Laps): SCOTT WYLIE (98), Shaun Frarey (38), Josh Hunter (7), Dylan Bancroft (91), Scott Adams (68), Zach Willis (75), Nick Robinson (15), Eric Brown (48), Jason Dinzler (40), Amber Vanorden (17), Nate Peckham (90), Jim House (76), Brian Wozniak (85), Matt Larrivee (12), Eric Haistreiter (47), Andy Cryan (09), Joel Gleason (25), Charlie Sharpsteen (34), Cole Hicks (46), Sam Rotunda Jr (5), Chris Vogler (51), Mike Hyman (87), Jimmy Steffenhagen (61), Cody Frantz (0), Josh Schoonmaker (84), Zac Petrie (37)
Failed to Qualify: Joe Fetzer (2), JP Harbst (04), Steve Perez (88), Eric Hadley (71), Griffin Miller (6)
Qualifying Winners: Dylan Bancroft, Nick Robinson, Scott Wylie, Joel Gleason

4 Cylinders (30 Laps): JACOB GUSTAFSON (66), Greg Moldt (51), Otis Bradshaw (05), Tom Lalomia Jr (8L), Corey Copeland (89), David Brunka (28), David Heimes ( , Charles Palmer (10), Joe Brunka (27), Dan Dressel (09), Bob Palmer (32), Jesse Hurley (22), Triston Kline (7), John Klamut (7k), Ryan Palmer (10x), Braedon Suffoletta (9), Kenny Ham (19), Jody Krieb (1x), Kevin Kocher (31), Russ Bulger (32B), Jeff Landwehr (15), Jimmy Pierce Jr (26), Justin Sass (2), Alex Brown (04), Josh Schosek (37ny), Monica Green (5)
Qualifying Heat Winners: Jacob Gustafson, Jimmy Pierce Jr, Josh Schosek
Results funished by Steven Petty

Veteran bowler Scott Kern posts first perfect game

By Mike Pettinella

Longtime league bowler Scott Kern of Basom finally found perfection on the lanes, rolling his first 300 game last Wednesday in the County Line Stone League at Scopano's Lanes in Oakfield.

The 63-year-old right-hander calmly placed three balls into the 1-3 pocket in the 10th frame on lane 8 to finish his string of 12 strikes -- and cap a fine 727 series. Watch for more details on his achievement in Mike Pettinella's Pin Points column this Thursday.

In other league action around the Genesee Region, 17-year-old lefty Matt Hurlburt exploded for a 778 series in the Thursday Night League at Perry Bowling Center. His games were 245-278-255.

Earlier in the season, he notched his first 300 game in a league at Livingston Lanes in Geneseo.

Click on the Pin Points tab for a long list of high scores.

A F F Bigdaddy goes two straight in Batavia Open

By Billie Owens

Photo of A F F Bigdaddy with reinsman Denny Bucceri in the lead.

By TIm Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

A F F Bigdaddy continued to be a hot horse among the top class pacers at Batavia Downs as he won his second straight $11,500 Open Handicap pace on Saturday (Oct. 13).

The race got away in post position order meaning Bugatti (Jim Morrill Jr.) was calling the shots. After reaching the quarter in :28 flat, In Runaway Bay (Kevin Cumming) pulled first-up at the three-eighths and brought A F F Bigdaddy (Denny Bucceri) with him. Now in two rows, positions remained unchanged from the half to the three-quarters with the race proceeding in a timely 1:25.3.

As the pacers were rounding the final turn, Bucceri swung A F F Bigdaddy three-deep at the apex and it was clear the pair meant business. Under a full head of steam, A F F Bigdaddy paced by In Runaway Bay and then Bugatti before opening up a three length lead and hitting the wire a wrapped-up 1:54.1 winner.

It was the fifth win in the last eights starts for A F F Bigdaddy ($10.80) who now has seven for the year along with $41,393 in earnings. Jennifer and Marcus Rogowski own the 5-year-old Sir Luck gelding who is trained by Steve Kiblin,

In the $9,900 Open II Handicap, Cool Like Fire (Billy Davis Jr.) came from off the pace late amidst a four-horse charge down the lane to win his fifth race of the year by a length in a time of 1:54.2. Cool Like Fire ($14.20) is owned by WIlliam Emmons and is trained by Jim Clouser Jr.

Four drivers scored doubles on Saturday night. Drew Monti, Jim Morrill Jr., Billy Davis Jr. and Denny Bucceri all got a pair across during the proceedings.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon with post time set for 5 o'clock.

Le Roy finishes 2018 with 3-4 record after final game home loss

By Howard B. Owens

Wayland-Cohocton turned out to be a tough opponent for Le Roy to finish the season against, knocking the Knights to a 3-4 record with a 48-7 defeat.

For Le Roy, Cineque Robinson gained 86 yards on 14 carries. Jake Hill was 4-13 passing for 103 yeards and a TD. Nate Andrews made a 70-yard reception for a TD.

Bob Locke had 13 tackles and Anthony Leitten had eight.

In other Friday night football:

  • Alexander finishes the regular season with a 7-0 record after beating Perry (4-3) 26-0. Terrez Smith gained 122 yards on 24 carries. Dylan Busch was 7-15 for 144 yards and three TDs. Takari Lang-Smith had three receptions for 44 yards. Jake Jasen had eight tackles and a sack. The Trojans enter sections as the #1 see in Class D.
  • York/Pavilion beat Pembroke 38-13.
  • Batavia Notre Dame beat Bolivar-Richburg 49-28.
  • Batavia plays at Haverling today.

Photos by Ed Henry.

Nate Andrews races to the end zone with a 70-yard TD reception.

QB Jake Hill implores the Le Roy fans to be louder after tossing 70-yard TD pass to Nate Andrews.

Andrew Kettle sweeps left for a nice gain for the Knights.

Cole Rauscher smothers Way-Co RB Brandon DeGuarde.

Batavia Blue Devils Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner is next Saturday, deadline to RSVP is Monday

By Billie Owens

Submitted plaque photos and press release:

The 17th Annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner will be held next Saturday, Oct. 20, at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility on Clinton Street Road in Batavia.

Social Hour starts at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 o'clock. 

Cost is $30 per dinner.

Tickets are available at the Batavia High School Athletic Director's office. Deadline is Monday, Oct. 15th.

These are the new inductees who will be honored:

  • Ice Devils Hockey Team of 1994-1995
  • Coleen Tooley Oleski  --  Class of 1965
  • Michele Smith Jones  --  Class of 1982
  • Stephen Frieday  --  Class of 1968
  • Gerry Carmichael  --  Assistant to Director of Health, PE and Interscholastic Athletics from 1986 to 2018
  • Richard Anderson  --  Class of 1976
  • Jon Sanfratello  --  Class of 1992

For more information please call 343-2480, ext. 2003.

Sponsored by the Batavia Coaches Association.

Ray Fisher Jr. wins four, both Opens at Batavia

By Billie Owens

Photo of Kaitlyn Rae with driver Ray Fisher Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

It was a big night for Ray Fisher Jr. at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 12) as he won four races including both feature races. 

First in the $10,400 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace, Fisher sent Kaitlyn Rae off the wings and right to the front where she dominated her rivals all the way. With an open two-length lead, Kaitlyn Rae set fractions of :27.4, :58 and 1:26.1 before rounding the far turn and skating away to a six-length win in 1:54.3. 

It was the 59th career victory and 11th win of the year for Kaitlyn Rae ($21.60) who is owned and trained by Riley Asher-Stalbaum.

Photo above of driver Ray Fisher Jr. with Lougazi​.

Then one race later in the $11,500 Open Handicap trot, Fisher took Lougazi off the gate and settled in second to the quarter before pulling at the three-eighths pole to take the lead past the half. From there he called the shots as he got to the three-quarters in 1:27.4 and then trotted home sharply while holding off a late challenge from Empire Earl N (Jim Morrill Jr.) to win by a length in 1:57.2. 

Owner Mary Warriner enjoyed watching Lougazi ($7.80) get his seventh win of the year under the tutelage of Fisher’s wife, Ryan Swift. 

Fisher also won with Susie’s Delight (1:55.2, $4.10) and Bands Ariston (1:59.3, $9.60) to round out the Grand Slam. Both of these horses are trained by Swift as well giving her the hat trick.

Fisher is currently fourth in the standings for wins on the meet with 45 behind the leading Drew Monti who has 74, Kevin Cummings with 67 and Billy Davis Jr. with 54. 

Please note that when racing resumes at Batavia Downs on this afternoon (Oct. 13) it will do so with a very early post time of 4:15.

Wyoming County Intl. Speedway holds shoot-out this weekend

By Billie Owens

Wyoming County Intl. Speedway Itinerary for Shoot-out Weekend Oct. 12-13.

Event Info: Dates and Times

Friday, Oct. 12th:
 Pit Gates Open 3:00 pm
 Open Practice - All Divisions 3:30 pm
 Practice Ends 6:30 pm
 Driver’s Meeting (WCIS Super Stocks, 6 Cylinders, 4 Cylinders)* 6:35 pm
 SST Modified Pit Stop Challenge Competitors Meeting 6:50 pm
 Qualifying Races 7:00 pm
 4 Cylinders – 6 laps
 6 Cylinders – 8 laps
 WCIS Super Stocks – 8 laps
 Intermission
- SST Modified Final Practice (10 laps) followed by SST Modified Pit Stop Challenge
- WCIS Super Stock Redraw – Flag Stand
 Feature Races
 4 Cylinder Dash-4-Cash – 20 laps
 6 Cylinders – 25 laps
 WCIS Super Stocks – 50 laps

Saturday, Oct. 13th:
 Pit Gates Open 10:00 am
 Pre-Technical Inspection 10:15 am
 Open Practice/Front Gate Opens 11:00 am
 4 Cylinders, Vintage Racecars, NY Super Stocks, SST Modifieds
 Practice Ends 1:15 pm
 Driver’s Meeting - All Divisions* 1:35 pm
 Qualifying Races 2:00 pm
 NY Super Stocks - 8 laps
 SST Modifieds - 10 laps
 4 Cylinders - 8 laps
 Feature Races
 Vintage Racecars – 15 laps
 Intermission
- Jim Pierce Memorial 100 SST Modifieds Re-Draw at Starter’s Stand
- Sandra Vogler Memorial 51 NY Super Stock Re-Draw at Starter’s Stand
 Feature Races (continued)
 B-Main/Consi (TBD) – 4 Cylinders/NY Super Stocks/SST Modifieds
 4 Cylinders - 30 laps
 NYSS ‘Sandra Vogler Memorial’ 51 Championship Event - 51 laps
 Jim Pierce Memorial SST Modified 100 - 100 laps

Sunday, Oct. 14th:
Rain Date if needed, itinerary TBD

Early post for Batavia Downs this Saturday

By Billie Owens

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

What was originally an unscheduled night of racing, Saturday (Oct. 13) has now become the earliest post time of the meet for Batavia Downs. Due to a concert previously scheduled, Saturday’s nine-race card will kick off at 4:15 p.m. 

Racing gates open at 2:45 p.m. and the clubhouse will be open at 3:15 p.m. 

There will also be a special menu in the clubhouse on Saturday. A Texas-style bar-b-que is being offered that will feature bar-b-que pulled pork, bone-in chicken, roasted red potatoes, mac-n-cheese, butter-basted corn, rolls, coffee, tea or soda and all for only $16.95. And everyone purchasing the buffet will receive $15 back in free play for the gaming floor. This offer is good from 3:15 until 6:45 p.m. and reservations are suggested. 

After the live racing card concludes, “Kiss This,” the East coast’s premier Kiss tribute band, will play a full-costumed concert in the Paddock Room starting at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $10 and are available at www.bataviaconcerts.com or at Lucky Treasures Gift Shop right at Batavia Downs Gaming.

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