Sports

The Batavia Muckdogs have announced a ONE DAY ONLY SALE! The sale will be this Saturday from 10am - 2pm. They will have select caps and t-shirts marked at 2 for $20They also have some new merchandise in. Holiday Packs and Coupon Books will be available. If you spend $25 or more, you get a free gift and are entered into a drawing to win some autographed memorbilia. Come on down to Dwyer Stadium (299 Bank st.) this Saturday and take care of that baseball fan on your holiday shopping list! For more information you can call the Muckdogs at 585-343-5454!!!  Let's come on out and support Genesee Counties only professional  sports franchise!!!!

The Ice Devils came out strong on Monday night at the Falletti Ice Arena in Batavia, for a Monroe County High School Hockey matchup, but couldn't hold on, as Brighton/East/HFL came up victorious. Brighton forward Andrew Schwingel scored the game winner late in the game to spoil Batavia's early 2-0 lead and to give Brighton their first victory of the season.

After an extended warm up due to referees failing to initailly show, Batavia came out flying and lit the lamp early. Batavia freshman forward Conor Holvey set up senior Will Mulcahy for his third goal of the season. Keeping the pressure on throughout the period resulted in many scoring opportunities for the Ice Devils, and eventually lead to Holvey scoring his first career high school goal. Senior Rob Henning was credited with the assist.

After finding themselves behind 2-0 in the third period, Brighton came back with a fight as forward James Spencer put Brighton on the board. The pressure didn't stop there as Brighton forward Jack Beers, tied the game at 2-2, only to be followed by Schwingel's game winner, giving Brighton the 3-2 victory off a Kevin Holly pass. Holly finished with two assists for the Barons (1-4-0-1). Batavia falls to 2-2 and faces cross-town rival Notre Dame High School Friday at 5pm at the Falletti Ice Arena. The matchup is the first game of Batavia's annual David M. McCarthy Memorial Tournament.

(Photos courtesy of Scott Grefrath)

Press Release

Batavia, NY --- The 63rd season of live harness racing came to end on Saturday night (Dec.5) at Batavia Downs Casino before a large crowd,      thanks to some great weather, a super racing program and a very popular promotion.

“I can’t believe the numbers we did,” Mike Kane, Vice President of Live Racing said. “It was our second best handle of the season and you couldn’t find a seat in the clubhouse. The racing department put out a great card and the pick-6 promotion certainly brought people to the racetrack. It was definitely a great way to end the season."

The final racing program of the 2009 Summer-Fall meet featured three Open handicaps and three Open II events, with over $75,000 in purse money up for grabs.

Michael Scores does it again
One horse that will be sad to see the season come to a close is former Batavia Downs track record holder Michael Scores, who made it three in a row at the Genesee County oval, when he came from off the pace to win the $9,000 Open Handicap in 1:56.1. Once again Kevin Cummings was at the controls for Jim and Sandy Compton. Michael Scores, one of the most popular pacers to ever race in Western New York notched the 70th win of his career.

Light Headed best in Open Trot
Sam Caruso Jr. put Light Headed on the lead and they put up all the numbers en route to a gate to wire score in the $9,000 Open Handicap Trot. Light Headed a winner this season at Yonkers in 1:56.2 scored for the first time in Western New York for trainer Dennis Cummings and owners Tom and Sam Caruso Jr.
 
Memphis Glow upsets in Mares Open
Memphis Glow pulled off the shocker in the $9,000 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap when she exploded to command heading to three-quarters and never had an anxious moment winning by over 3-lengths in 1:56.4 at odds of 23-1. Ray Fisher Jr. was in the sulky for owner-trainer Larry Deyermand and Jay Ankeney.

One winner in the Pick-6 Contest
Nate Maniace of Batavia got 5 out of 6 correct and took home the $1,000 top prize in the pick-6 contest. Over 480 people participated in the must pay-out pick-6 contest that was sponsored by the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association. 

Pending New York State Racing and Wagering approval Batavia Downs Casino will reopen on July 26, 2010.

Batavia Downs Casino is open year around for Simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks. The gaming floor featuring over 600 slot machines is open from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- As former track announcer John Bothe would say there are only 24 more bulges left in the season with the final two 12 race cards scheduled for Friday (Dec. 4) and Saturday (Dec. 5) at Batavia Downs Casino. Post time is 7:05 p.m.

On Friday night it’s customer appreciation night with racing fans receiving free live racing programs; delicious cake, complements of B J’s wholesale club; and coffee and coupons for free Subway subs complements of Batavia Subway in the enclosed Grandstand while supplies last, beginning at 8 p.m.

Also on Friday night the immensely popular Pick-6 contest will return for possibly a two-night engagement. Once again the free Pick-6 contest will be co-sponsored by the Western New York Harness Horsemen’s Association. Starting out with a $1,000 pool, the Pick-6 contest requires racing fans to select all six winners in the Pick-6 races, which begins on race four and concludes on race nine. The contest Pick-6 is open to all Players Club members as long as they do not have a 2009 valid racing license. There is no charge to become a Players Club Member.

Additionally on Friday night Tim Bojarski, President of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, along with first Vice President Jason Settlemoir and delegates Sam Pendolino and Brian Mazurek, will be presenting trophies for several categories during the UNY-USHWA Night of Distinction.

Saturday night features free on track programs and a Pick-6 contest as long as it is not won on Friday. If played, Saturday's Pick-6 contest will be a must pay-out situation with the person or persons selecting the most winners taking home the $1,000 pool.

Racing fans wishing to dine in the clubhouse on closing weekend are strongly advised to make a reservation; please call 585.343.3750, ext 445.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Former Batavia Downs Casino track record holder Michael Scores notched the 69th win of his brilliant career when he closed with a furious rush to win the featured $9,000 Preferred Handicap on Saturday night (Nov.28).

With leading driver Kevin Cummings in the sulky, Michael Scores got away seventh in the field of eight. He was still six lengths behind at the top of the stretch when he kicked it into another gear and went zooming by the tiring leaders in deep stretch to win by a quarter-length in 1:55.3 for owners Jim and Sandy Compton. Jim is also the trainer. The win put Michael Scores over the $550,000 mark in career earnings.

Allamerican Improv (Ray Fisher Jr.) and Oh Gee Whiz (Ron Beback Jr.) hooked up before the half-mile station and raced clear around the racetrack but were unable to hold off Michaels late charge and had to settle for second and third money with Oh Gee Whiz getting up for second late. 

Racing resumes at America’s oldest lighted harness track on Friday night. Post time is 7:05 p.m. Saturday night will end the 2009 live racing season. Racing fans wanting to dine in the clubhouse on closing weekend are strongly advised to make a reservation, please call 585-343-3750.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- The veteran campaigner Craiger notched the 38th win of his career when he won the featured $8,000 II Trot on Friday night at Batavia Downs Casino. The 9-year-old Sea Battle gelding was capably driven by Jim McNeight for trainer Neal Russo and owners Edt Stables.

Getting away seventh, Craiger bided his time along the rail until angling out three-wide approaching three-quarters. Now picking off horses one by one around the final turn, Craiger had all the momentum coming off the turn and trotted home strongly in the center to be a head winner in 2:00.3. Craiger has lifetime earnings of more than $238,000.

Roy (Jack Flanigen) surged late in the passing lane to be second while the talented 3-year-old trotting filly Queen Creek (Ron Beback Jr.) came on to be third despite an overland journey.

Jim McNeight, Ray Fisher Jr. and Ken Holliday all had driving hat tricks while training doubles went to the meet's leading conditioner Sherri Holliday and John Mungillo.

Passailed to be retired on Saturday

Win-lose or draw the well bred pacer Passailed will make the final start of his career in the 5th race on Saturday night.

The 13-year-old Albatross-Assailed stallion was originally retired in 2002 but was brought back to the races in 2008 when the breeding business went downhill in Quebec. He was purchased after a qualifying race by current owner Patrick Chella’s Nickel City Ranch Stable.

In 2009 Passailed has made 26 starts with three wins. His lifetime earnings are over $318,000. He took his 1:50.2 lifetime mark at Woodbine Racetrack, in 2000, with Rick Zeron in the bike.

Passailed will resume his stud career at Dr. Guy Hammonds, Steuben Farms, located in Bath, New York. He’s sired 84 registered foals.

The 63rd Summer-fall only has three more nights left. With racing on Saturday (Nov.28) and next Friday and Saturday. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- When racing resumes on Wednesday night (Nov. 25) there will be only five live racing programs left in the 2009 season at Batavia Downs Casino. This will also be the final Wednesday of the meet. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The 63rd Summer-Fall meet concludes on December 5.

“We’re expecting a nice crowd tomorrow night,” Michael D. Kane, Vice President of Live Racing said. “The night before Thanksgiving has always been a good night for us, and with our Wednesday night clubhouse special still going (purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price and get $10 back in Casino free play) I expect it to be busy.”

“We’re also playing the $500 Odd/Even Challenge on Wednesday,” Kane added. This is a handicapping game where one Player’s Club member could win up to $500. Sign-up begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club.

October award winners

Jack Flanigen, Sherri Holliday and the talented pacer New York Prime were honored as October driver, trainer and horse of the month.

The 43-year-old reinsman Jack Flanigen led all drivers in October with 33 wins. He also had 25 seconds and 15 thirds in 164 starts. His UDR was .316 and his drives earned $114,811.

Flanigen missed the entire 2008 Batavia Downs meet due to an injury suffered at Buffalo Raceway. He’s currently the second leading driver at the 2009 summer-fall meet, behind only Kevin Cummings.

Sherri Holliday continued with her hot hand and was named trainer of the month for the second month in a row. A perennial leading conditioner on the Western New York circuit, she won 16 races with seven seconds and five thirds from 62 starters. Her win percentage for the month was 25.8 and her UTR was .348. She’s currently the leading trainer at the Summer-Fall meet.

New York Prime took home horse of the month honors. The 6-year-old son of Bettor's Delight had a spectacular October. In five starts he had four wins and a second. Two of those wins came in the Open Handicap.

New York Prime is currently tied for the most wins at the summer-fall meet with seven. His 18 wins this season makes him one of North America’s winningest horses.

New York Prime is owned Richey Edward Myers, Jeffry Myers, Robert Marsjanik and Robert Stern. Alex Guiliani is the trainer.

Tim Bojarski, President of the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association, made a special winner's circle presentation. Each award winner receives an embroidered tote bag with their name on it.

Many thanks go out to Tim Bojarski and everyone associated with the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association for making these monthly awards possible.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Photo: Alex Guiliani, Robert Marsjanik, Robert Stern, Richey Edward Myers, Todd Haight, Sherri Holliday, Jack Flanigen, Tim Bojarski. Photo by Paul White.

Press Release:

Batavia, NY--Arm And A Leg, already the favorite to be named Western New York Harness Horse of the Year, made a statement that he’s also looking for Horse of the Meet honors as well, when he won his sixth Open Handicap pace of the season, at Batavia Downs Casino, on Saturday night (Nov.21).
 
Arm And A Leg, with Batavia Downs' leading reinsman Kevin Cummings in the sulky, appeared to be perfectly spotted second-over as the $9,000 Open field moved around the clubhouse turn. That perfect trip quickly changed, however, heading to three-quarters as the field began to bunch and Arm And A Leg now found himself in a terrible blindswitch.
 
Around the final turn and at the top of the stretch Arm And A Leg was still all bottled with no place to go but the crafty Cummings was able to split horses in midstretch and go on to victory in 1.56.2 for owners Mark J. Jakubik and John P. Cummings Sr., who is also the trainer.
 
This was the 13th victory of the 2009 campaign for Arm And A Leg, a 6-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding, and it raised his seasonal earnings to $86,000. He’s won an impressive 25 times the last two year.
 
Another horse making a serious run for Horse of the Meet honors, New York Prime (Tom Agosti), came on to be second despite racing extremely wide around the final bend, while last week's open winner, Oh Gee Whiz (Sam Schillaci), who also had a  wide trip, finished third. 
 
In addition to winning the Open, Kevin Cummings won the Open II with former Downs track record holder Michael Scores in 1:55.2 and the Open III with Knob Hill Splash in 1:56.
 
There are only five more racing nights left in the 2009 season at America’s oldest lighted harness track. Live racing will resume on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m., the final Wednesday of the meet.
 
It will also be the last chance to take advantage of one of the best deals ever offered at the Downs, purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price ($13.95) and receive $10 back in Casino free play. Racing fans can also win up to $500 in the Odd/Even Challenge; sign-up to win begins at 5:30 p.m. at Players Club.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs

The Notre Dame Boys Cross Country Team made school history on Saturday after becoming the first Notre Dame athletic team to win 4 consecutive Section V titles.  Senior Kevin Pawlak has been a part of each of those victories, and led the team with his 3^rd place finish in the Class D meet.  Sophomore Andrew Fischer was right behind in 4^th and Senior Nate Flumerfeldt 5^th.  Junior Nick Flumerfeldt placed 15^th and Sophomore Matt Sausner stepped up big to place 29^th to round out the scoring.  Senior Jason Harasimowicz and Junior Tyler Pingrey also put up solid performances for the Irish.  The boys beat runner-up Arkport by 19 points.  Along with the team championship, KP, Fish, and Nate received individual patches for finishing in the top ten.  In the merged D/DD results, the Irish placed third and fell short in their quest to return to the state championship meet in Plattsburgh.

The Girls Team also had great performances as Sophomore Meghan Zickl and Senior Rachel Berggren finished in the top ten, taking 9^th and 10^th respectively to earn individual patches.  Eighth grader Bailee Welker placed 12^th, Junior Kristen Antolos 15^th, and Jumior Sydney Moag 54^th to round out the team scoring.  The team placed 3^rd in the Class D meet which was won by Arkport.

Congratulations to all runners on an excellent season!

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- New York Prime tied Outlaws Ransome for the winningest horse at the 2009 Summer-fall meet when he took the featured $8,000 Open Handicap, Saturday night (Nov-7.) at Batavia Downs Casino.

In eight Batavia starts, New York Prime has won seven and finished second in the other. He’s won 18 races this year which makes him one North America’s best, only three horses, Shortest Distance, Bell On Wheels and Real Expresso have won more.

Tom Agosti sent New York Prime right to the top and they were cruising on the lead in :59.3. Approaching the five-eighths the real race started when last week’s Open winner, Arm and a Leg with Kevin Cummings, moved alongside to challenge.

The two best pacers in Western New York put on quite a show as Arm and a Leg gained command at three-quarters in 1:28 but couldn’t clear.

Around the final turn Arm and a Leg was still in front but feeling pressure from both sides as New York Prime was beginning to fight back at the rail while Oh Gee Whiz and Ron Beback. Jr., were advancing three-wide. At the top of the stretch all three pacers were across the track.

Down the lane it was a determined New York Prime who fought back to score a neck victory over a very game Arm and a Leg in 1:56.3. Oh Geez Whiz wound up third.  

New York Prime, a 6-year-old son of Bettor’s Delight, is trained by Alex Giuliani for owners Richey Edward Myers, Jeffry Myers, Robert Marsjanik and Robert Stern.

2009 Downs dash leading driver Kevin Cummings and Ron Beback. Jr., scored hat tricks on Saturday night while Tom Agosti had a driving double. Jim Graham, Alex Giuliani and Ron Beback. Jr., conditioned a pair of winners each.

Racing resumes on Tuesday night, this will be the last Tuesday of the season. It will also be the final opportunity to take advantage of one of the best deals ever offered at America’s oldest lighted harness track. Purchase one clubhouse buffet at the regular price ($13.95) and receive $10 back in Casino free play. Post time is 7:05 p.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

Press Release:

Batavia, NY --- Ultra Racing Stable's talented distaffer Party News went from last to first to win the Wednesday night featured $8,500 Filly and Mares Open at Batavia Downs Casino.
 
Party News, a 5-year-old daughter of Party At Artsplace, recorded her ninth win of the 2009 campaign in 1:56.4, a new seasonal mark. Troy Boring was in the sulky for trainer Cliff Keene. The $4,250 share of the purse put Party News at just under $50,000 in earnings this season.
 
Natural Spring and Tom Agosti, the leader into the home stretch, finished second while last week's Mares Open winner Pembroke Primo (Kevin Cummings) wound up third.
 

Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights. Post time is 7:05 p.m. The 2009 Summer–Fall meet concludes on December 5.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino
 

A change of venue for the Section V High School Cross Country Championships puts Batavia and Genesee Community College at center stage this Saturday.  The college grounds will be filled with runners and their families and friends from 92 Section V schools vying for individual and team championship titles.  Here is a list of the race times:

10:30am  Boys Class C

11:00am Boys Class D/DD

11:30am  Girls Class C

12:00 noon  Girls Class D/DD

12:30pm  Awards Ceremony 1 -- Class C/D/DD Boys and Girls

1:00pm  Boys Class AA

1:30pm  Boys Class A

2:00pm  Boys Class B

2:30pm  Girls Class AA

3:00pm  Girls Class A

3:30pm  Girls Class B

4:00pm  Awards Ceremony 2 -- Class AA/A/B  Boys and Girls

Press Release:

Batavia, NY--Arm And A Leg, a 6-year-old Nobleland Sam gelding out of the Towner’s Big Guy mare Kelly’s Hat Trick, quickly took the lead from post 5, and never looked back, to win for the 12th time this season in the featured $8,500 Open Handicap Pace for owners Mark J. Jakubik and John P. Cummings Sr., in 1:55.3, at Batavia Downs Casino, on Saturday night (Oct. 31).
 
With regular reinsman Kevin Cummings in the bike, Arm and a Leg cut all the fractions in the race, 27.4, 57.3, and 1:26.4 en route to a three-length score over New York Prime with Tom Agosti. Oh Geez Whiz (Ron Beback Jr.,) was farther back in third.
 
New York Prime, who was parked out to almost the half from his assigned outside post position, suffered his first defeat in Western New York after winning six in a row. He remains a serious candidate for October horse of the month.
 
The win raised Arm and a Leg’s seasonal earnings to just under $80,000 and lifetime earnings to $210,000. John Cummings Sr., is the trainer.
 
Kevin Cummings, Troy Boring and Jack Flanigen all had driving doubles. Training doubles went to Jim Compton and Laurie Patistas.
 
Batavia Downs Casino is currently racing Tuesday-Wednesday-Friday and Saturday nights, post time is 7:05 p.m. The 2009 Summer-Fall meet ends on December 5.
 
In addition to live harness racing Batavia Downs Casino offers simulcast wagering from some of North America’s top tracks and Video Gaming. The gaming floor featuring over 600 gaming machines is open 7 days a week from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.
 
Todd Haight
Promotional Marketing Specialist
Batavia Downs Casino

The Alexander girl's soccer team made their way back into the semi-finals for the 6th time in the last 7 years last night with a 2-1 win in overtime over Caledonia-Mumford Friday night in Caledonia.  Alexander entered the game as the 5th seed and Cal-Mum was the 4 seed.

Alexander ran out to a 1-0 lead early in the game as sophomore forward Julia Pettys scored a goal off a cross from freshman midfielder Abby Shilvock to put Alexander up 1-0 with the strong wind at their back in the 1st half.  The wind was blowing from one end of the field to the other and gusting an estimated 20 miles and hour throughout the game.  The score remained 1-0 at halftime.

In the 2nd half Alexander would have to go into the wind and preserve the lead.  Caledonia wasted little time knotting the game at 1 as they scored on one of their many corner kicks in the 2nd half 9 minutes into the half.  Alexander struggled to clear their defensive 3rd the entire half and worked incredibly hard to keep the score at 1-1.  Junior goalkeeper Hannah Wilson made a fantastic leaping save late in the 2nd half to keep the score 1-1 and send the game to over time.

Alexander again had the wind at their backs in the first half of overtime.  Alexander went right to work and put pressure immediately on the Cal-Mum net.  3 minutes into the 1st half of overtime senior forward Anna Dominick received a ball 40 yards from goal and went to work dribbling past the entire Cal-Mum defense and getting inside the 18 yard box.  Passing up an average shot she drew the sweeper in and cut the ball to her left around the sweeper and beat a diving keeper in the lower right hand corner to make the score 2-1.  Alexander had a couple chances to make it 3-1 but didn't find the net.

In the 2nd OT Alexander would again have to protect a 1 goal lead going into the wind.  This time they made that lead stand up as the defense and midfield worked incredibly hard and limited Cal-Mums chances.  Alexander's forwards held possession of the ball and helped kill the final minutes off the clock.

With the win Alexander moved to 14-3-1 on the season and has a matchup Tuesday night against 8th seeded Nazareth who upset the top seeded Bloomfield Bombers in the quarter finals.  Alexander and Bloomfield met in the quarterfinals 2 years ago with Alexander winning that game.  Very few players are left from that team but it is sure to be a great battle.

The Genesee/Livingston County Cross Country Championships were held yesterday at Leroy High School.  All 22 schools from the Genesee Region League and Livingston County League came together for the 3.0 mile race at Leroy, the first time Leroy has hosted the event.  The site was changed to Leroy from Genesee Community College due to Section V hosting the Section V XC Championships at GCC next weekend.

Pavilion had a stellar day, with both the boys and the girls teams winning the team title.  Pavilion girls were led by race winner Liz Valento, who set a new course record.  The Pavilion boys were led by Tylor Richardson who placed 7th in the boys race which was won by Geneseo's Ryan Moynihan.

Individual Top Ten Girls:  1.  Liz Valento - Pavilion 19:13  2. Kristina Martin - Holley 20:23  3. Katie Peichoviak - Attica  20:43  4. Kim Lovett - Byron Bergen  20:49  5. Casey Emerson - Geneseo  20:51  6. McKenzie Bennett - Dansville  20:58  7. Katy Monahan - Warsaw  21:00  8. Justine Swartz - Attica  21:04  9. Kristen Wezel - Geneseo  21:06  10. Lindsay Ryan - Geneseo  21:07

Girls Team Results:  1.  Pavilion - 91  2.  Geneseo - 105  3.  Attica - 113  4.  Livonia - 142  5.  Byron Bergen - 143  6.  Oakfield Alabama - 162  7.  Wayland Cohocton - 166  8.  Hornell - 174  9.  Dansville - 179  10.  Wheatland Chili - 207  11.  Alexander - 301  12.  Mt. Morris - 307  13.  Leroy - 323  14.  Avon - 377  15.  Pembroke - 382

Individual Top Ten Boys:  1.  Ryan Moynihan - Geneseo  16:45  2.  Cohen Miles-Rath - Wayland Cohocton  16:49  3.  Paul Schwan - Leroy  16:51  4.  Alex Chichester - Mt. Morris  17:11  5.  Dan Carlson - Leroy  17:16  6.  Calvin Patten - Alexander  17:20  7.  Tylor Richardson - Pavilion  17:24  8.  Tim McGowan - Dansville  17:25  9.  Gabe Rodriguez - Geneseo  17:27  10.  Andrew Fischer - Notre Dame  17:33

Boys Team Results:  1. Pavilion - 101  2.  Pembroke - 126  3.  Geneseo - 128  4.  Notre Dame - 149  5.  Dansville - 177  6.  Hornell - 189  7.  Wayland Cohocton - 198  8.  Leroy - 210  9.  Caledonia Mumford - 237  10.  Wheatland Chili - 253  11.  Kendall - 255  12.  Holley - 305  13.  Oakfield Alabama - 307  14.  Livonia - 315  15.  Alexander - 326  16.  Keshequa - 391  17.  Byron Bergen - 435