Sports

When you try to put together a youth sports team here in Batavia, you're usually lucky to get more than 30 kids on board -- let alone 30 of the most most athletic kids, like in the larger districts near Buffalo and Rochester.

That's why it's all the more impressive that Batavia's U12 (under 12) soccer team won 11 out of 12 games and suffered no losses -- the exception to the winning streak being a tied game, which was played on a 92-degree evening -- during the 2011 season.

Led by Head Coach Pete Cecere, along with assistant coaches Mike Burns and Steve Moore, the team of 11- and 12-year-olds competed against several Rochester area teams, including: Penfield, Victor, Webster, Churchville-Caledonia, Livonia and Bloomfield (that was the tied game).

On Friday night, Cecere and Burns -- who, in addition to coaching the team, are also on the board of directors for Genesee Amateur Soccer Association (GASA) -- took time to answer some questions for The Batavian at Cecere's home, where the team had a pool party to celebrate their successful season.

Cecere gave a lot of credit to the girls for the effort they put into the games.

"A good core of the team played with me year-round (in preparation)," he said. "We had tremendous defense, great goalies," including Paige Hamiester, Courtney Burns and Maggie Cecere.

"Pete has taken the girls a long way," Burns said.

Up until now, U12 was more of a recreational league than anything else. Cecere, along with other GASA board members, wanted to take it up a notch.

As an assistant coach for the Batavia High School varsity team, he understood the challenge that awaited these girls as they approached the age where they would get into modified sports. Soon, they will match athletic prowess with top-notch athletes from some of the region's bigger districts, where coaches have a much larger pool of players from which to draw.

For that reason, the board wanted to take this "rec" program and make it more competitive.

"About half the girls on this team are going to be playing modified in the fall," Cecere said. "And we (the GASA board) decided that the only way they were going to get better was by swimming with the sharks."

Passionate as he was about this prospect, he was also realistic.

"I said, 'Rochester teams have 150 girls when we're beggin' to get 30, so we probably won't do very well. But the girls (our kids) will be playing now are the same girls they'll be playing in modified, and the only way they're going to be prepared is if they actually get out there and play."

To him, it was about how to make the kids better players rather than how to get more kids on the team.

So what did he and the other coaches do to guide these young ladies through this surprising streak of impressive games? Basically, the strategy involved getting them excited about the game of soccer -- including the whys and wherefores of the game's rules and mechanics.

According to Burns, "you could definitely see the spark in their eyes" as they grew in their knowledge of the game.

"One of the beauties of soccer is that it's a game that teaches itself," Cecere said. The girls were able to "learn by doing," as they say.

Cecere, for his part, made sure that there was always activity on the fields during practices.

"I'm a firm believer that there shouldn't be a lot of standing around at practice," he said. "I try to keep them moving, change up activities so they don't get bored, and be supportive. (It's important to) accentuate the positive."

And whenever he does point out any given player's mistake, he phrases it in the form of a question (for instance, "Can you tell me where you went wrong here?")

"And nine times out of 10, they know the answer."

You could say he's a tough coach. He had his girls play the tough teams, and he definitely kept them movin' during those practices. But as a coach, he is also encouraging and fun.

"He has a great rapport with the girls," Burns said. "It's fun to watch someone who can connect with them, both on a game level and on a fun level -- whether it's goofing around on the sidelines or teaching them about how the game works."

For Cecere, it's all about passion for what he does.

"There is literally nothing I like better than coaching these girls," he said.

For more information on GASA, visit www.gasabatavia.org.

Photo taken by Barbara Paserk

The coaches of the Batavia Bulldawgs hosted a youth football clinic at Kibbe Park over Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Press release:

Through the kindness of a local benefactor, Batavia Youth Football, celebrating its 45th season, is excited to offer Tri-County cheerleaders and players an anniversary discounted rate for this season. With the matching donation participants will pay just $45 for the upcoming season.

For 45 years Batavia Youth Football has provided 7 – 13 year olds of our community the opportunity to learn the basics of football within a league focused on player development, guaranteed playing time, annually updated equipment and the ability to play all games locally. The 12-team league consists of three divisions that call Lions Park their home with all games being played on Saturdays.  

The league that was started by area businessmen and funded by local companies and service organizations in 1967 has benefited each high school program in the area. Thousands of area players and many high school coaches came through the ranks of Batavia Youth Football and have starred on and coached State Championship teams, won countless Sectional Championships and earned League Champion accolades. 

Any players or cheerleaders who previously paid the standard registration fee will be refunded the difference by the league administration. Also, available through local generosity, prospective participants who find the cost prohibitive a sponsorship program is available.

The league will be holding its final weekend of registration sign-ups at the Genesee Country Mall (Batavia City Centre) July 29th and 30th. Anyone interested in signing up can do so between the times of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. You can also contact Batavia Youth Football, Inc., at BYFinc@gmail.com or call Steve Grice at 585-344-4636 or Cal Klippel at 585-356-2728.

A good number of the fans who packed into Dwyer Stadium on Wednesday got what they paid for, and some of them went home disappointed.

The Staten Island Yankees, behind the slugging of #1 draft pick Cito Culver, slammed the Batavia Muckdogs 10-1.

Culver, a Rochester-area native, playing his first game before a sort-of-hometown crowd, didn't take long to give friends, fans and family in the stands something to cheer about, driving a first-inning home run over the right field wall on the third pitch he saw (picture below).

In his third at bat, Culver hit another shot over the right field wall (pictured above) with two runners on base.

The home runs were Culver's HRs of 2011. He's now hitting .295 on the season.

The Muckdogs' (20-19, two games out of first) lone run came on a solo home run from German Medina in the sixth inning.

For the Muckdogs, Joey Bergman had two hits, raising his average to .327. Roberto Reyes also had two hits.

Starter Jose Almarante (2-2) lasted only 3.2 innings getting tagged for seven earned runs and raising his ERA to 4.26.

Culver and the Staten Island Yankees (29-9) return to Dwyer on Thursday. Game time is 11 a.m. The teams meet again on Friday at 7 p.m. (fireworks after the game).

The Staten Island Yankees arrived in Batavia this morning and climbing off the bus for a workout at the YMCA was the Yankees #1 draft pick in 2010, Cito Culver.

He's a Rochester native and this will be his first game played close to home.

Between the Yankee's connection and Culver's WNY roots, big crowds are expected at Dwyer over the next three days. Game times are 7:05 tonight, 11:05 a.m. tomorrow and 7:05 p.m. on Friday (with fireworks afterward).

Culver, who some predict is the future starting shortstop, replacing Derek Jeter for the Yankees, comes to town swinging a hot bat. He's hitting .350 over the past 10 games, including two three-hit games last week.

As for the young player, he's ignoring the Rochester-area media hoopla around his sort-of-homecoming and concentrating on getting ready to play his game.

"I try to stay away from looking at all that," Culver said. "I'm just happy that my mom and my sisters and my close friends can come watch me play. It's been a long time since my grandma and my grandpa came to see me play, so I'm really excited for that."

Meanwhile, the Muckdogs (20-18) are wrapped up in a tight pennant race, tied for second with Williamsport, one game behind three times tied for first (Jamestown, Auburn and Mohoning Valley, all at 21-17).

Staten Island comes into the series with a 28-9 record, seven games ahead of Brooklyn (21-16) in the McNamara division.

Monday, Batavia Downs opened its 2011 harness racing season. Like last year, I spent some time in the stables and the grandstands taking a few pictures of the big day.

Just because it's hot and muggy doesn't mean it's not too early to start thinking about football, Batavia Youth Football, that is.

BYF is conducting registration for its 48th season Friday and Saturday at Batavia City Centre in the main concourse.

Children ages 7 through 13 with a weight between 45 and 130 lbs. are eligible.

There are three divisions, ages 7 and 8, ages 9 and 10, and ages 11, 12 and 13.

Cost is $85 per player. 

All games are played at Lions Park with the season opener Sept. 3. The season runs through October.

Practices begin Aug. 8 with a scrimmage and picnic at Kibbe Park on Aug. 27.

A birth certificate and weigh-in is required at sign up.

The registration on Friday and Saturday will be the last two days to register for BFA.

Sign ups on Friday are from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On those days, children may also register for cheerleading. The is is $65 and registration will be capped at the first 150 to sign up. Cheerleading is open to children age 7 through 13.

For more information, contact Steve Grice at 344-4636 or byfinc@gmail.com.

Press release:

Batavia, NY -- With the Batavia Downs Casino wiener races scheduled for Aug. 28, “Rudy” a veteran of the Batavia races, begins his training.

The now 8-year-old dachshund has been one of the top competitors in the Downs' dog races. He sports a win and then back-to-back seconds over the last three years, for his owner Ron Schiller.

Jane Smart’s “Jake Arnold” has been Genesee County’s fastest dachshund. He’ll look to three-peat when the races are contested after the last harness races on Aug. 28. Post time for the harness races is 1:15 p.m. The wiener dog races, sponsored by Petco of Batavia, begin approximately 4:15 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

The wiener dog races are part of Family Fun Day at the races with all activities for the kids running from 2 until 4 p.m.

Anyone wishing to register your dachshund should call Arna Tygart at 585-343-3750, ext. 437, beginning normal business hours on July 25. The field will be limited to 64 dogs; the first 50 dogs that sign up receive doggy bags courtesy of Petco.

Cheer Camp, sponsored by the Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football League, is going to be held from 9:30 to 11:30 Saturday morning, July 30, at Kibbe Park. Drop-off starts at 9 at the check-in table.

Cost is $15. Participants must be between 6 and 12 years of age. Birth certificate is required to register.

Registration is 6 to 8 tonight and also from 9 to 11 a.m. tomorrow at Batavia City Centre. To register by mail, send check or money order no later than July 23 to:

Batavia Bulldawgs Football

Atten: Cheer Camp

7 Highland Park

Batavia, NY 14020

Regarding attire, each athlete should come dressed and ready to play. Please wear workout apparel, including T-shirt, shorts, socks and athletic shoes or cleats. NO JEWELRY.

There will be plenty of water but kids are welcome to bring their own drinks.

This two-hour camp will teach the basics of cheerleading. It will include stunts, tumbling, jumps, cheers and dancing! The camp will be coached by Batavia High School Cheer Coach Krista Shamp, along with a few of her alumni cheerleaders and present varsity cheerleaders.

A three-day Youth Football Camp, sponsored by the Batavia Bulldawgs, will be held at Kibbe Park Thursday, Friday and Saturday July 28, 29 and 30.

Registration for the camp will be from 6 to 8 tonight and again from tomorrow 9 to 11 a.m. at Batavia City Centre. Cost is $25.

To register by mail, send a check or money order no later than July 23 to:

Batavia Bulldawgs Football

Atten: Football Camp

7 Highland Park

Batavia, NY 14020

Camp on July 28 and 29 will run from 4 to 6 p.m., with drop-off beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the check-in table. On Saturday, July 30, camp is from 9 a.m. to noon, with drop-off beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Participants must be entering third- through seventh grades and be between the ages of 7 and 12 by Nov. 30. Birth certificate is required for registration.

The camp is designed for kids to learn: the fundamentals of football, techniques of throwing, catching and carrying a football; play calling; new drills; and knowlege of the game. This is NOT A CONTACT CAMP. It will teach kids to have a good time while learning the game of football and being physically active.

The Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football staff and volunteers will work with the athletes on fundamentals, football drills, skill development and agility. Kids will have a positive and fun experience!

Kids receive:

• Quality instruction from Batavia Bulldawg coaches and volunteers
• Batavia Bulldawgs camp T-shirt
• Lunch at the end of camp on Saturday, July 30
• Daily Hustle Awards
• And much more!

Regarding attire, each athlete should come dressed and ready to play. Please wear workout apparel, including T-shirt, shorts, socks and athletic shoes or cleats. NO JEWELRY.

There will be plenty of water but kids are welcome to bring their own drinks.

For more information, please contact the camp organizers:

John Reigle -- (716) 228-5787

Paul Grazioplene -- 344-4411

Tyron Woods -- 813-2636

Or by email at:  bataviabulldawgsfootball@gmail.com

This information comes from Genesee County Young Life.

Genesee County Young Life is seeking sponsors for its annual Roy Hill Memorial Classic Golf Tournament on July 29 at Terry Hills.

Teams of four and hole sponsors are needed. Cost is $85 per golfer, and includes lunch and dinner with your golf. There are four levels of hole sponsorships: $100 -- Individual; $150 -- Bronze;  $200 -- Silver; and $300 -- Gold.

There will be a McCormack riding mid-mower tractor with front loader for a hole-in-one give away. A 32” Vizio HDTV will be raffled as First Prize and an Asus Netbook for Second Prize. Tickets will also be sold to win themed baskets.

Anyone interested in participating in the golf tournament or sponsoring a hole may e-mail acali815@gmail.com or call Genesee County Young Life at (585) 409-9735 or send donation to Genesee County Young Life at: P.O. Box 614, Bergen, NY 14416.

Young Life is a worldwide, faith-based organization that is active in Genesee County. It is not affiliated with any one church but, through clubs that meet in homes and camp at Saranac Lake, tries to reach the youth and give them hope in a world where there is a lot of chaos.

Some of the young people today need a friend to build a relationship with, and that is when trained leaders go into the schools have lunch with the students and befriend these young people. These leaders even attend the student’s sports and music events to build on the relationship.

The goal is to help young people in middle and high school to be able to have a week of camp experience and attend clubs for fun and to learn about God and what He did by giving His Son Jesus to die for people's sins. They typically come back from the camp experience saying it was one of the best weeks of their lives. The clubs help them build relationships with each other and have fun together. 

Genesee County Young Life has three major fundraisers throughout the year. In the Spring, we have an auction at the Byron Fire Hall that the Harris Wilcox family does gratis. In the Fall, there's a banquet at Bohn’s Restaurant and a speaker shares how Young Life has been a special part of that person’s life.

Summer's Roy Hill Memorial Classic Golf Tournament is named after the man responsible for starting of the golf tournament as a fundraiser. He had a real heart for the youth.

Submitted by Kim Koziol.

Batavia beat Le Roy twice to win the District 3 Championship.

In the first game, Nick Bezinque had the big hit knocking in three runs with a bases loaded triple. Cameron Ells, Griffin Moore, Casey Radka, A.J. Marcello, Michael Calderon, Taylor Stefaniak and Philip Koziol all had hits for Batavia. Radka went the distance on the mound striking out seven and only two walks. Le Roy’s Cole Biggins played a great game at short stop in the 6-4 loss.

In the second game, A.J. Marcello was the big hitter with two doubles and a monstrous home run. Cameron Ells, Jerry Reinhart, Nick Bezinque, Philip Koziol, Evan Bender, Michael Calderon and Taylor Stefaniak also had big hits for Batavia in the 11-3 win. Alex Jones and Jerry Reinhart pitched a great game holding Le Roy to three  runs.

Front row: Taylor Stefaniak, Griffin Moore, Evan Bender, Cameron Ells, Phil Koziol. Second row: Michael Calderon, Casey Radka, Alex Jones, Jerry Reinhart, Nick Bezinque A.J. Marcello. Third row: Coach Todd Bender, Coach Jerry Reinhart, Manager James "Beef" Soggs, Coach Dave Hall, Coach Sean Radka.

With more than 2,200 fans in Dwyer Stadium for baseball and fireworks, the Batavia Muckdogs mounted a three-run, eighth-inning rally to snatch a 3-2 victory over Mahoning Valley.

Starter Jonathan Cornelius went four innings without giving up a run, and only one hit, but did not figure in the decision. Relief pitcher Eric Binder picked up his second win of the year.

Danny Miranda completed his fourth save.

The Muckdogs are now 8-10 on the year and will taken on Mahoning Valley (10-7 and tied with Jamestown for first place in the Pinckney Division) again at 7 tonight at Dwyer Stadium.

Second-season Muckdog Mike O'Neill started the rally in the eighth frame with a walk, advancing to second on a fielder's choice when Joey Bergman, also a returning Muckdog, grounded out. 

O'Neill scored when Juan Castillo singled sharply to left field and Aaron Sillga misplayed the ball.

Two more errors added two more runs for Batavia when Jeremy Patton hit a grounder to right that right fielder Kevin Fontanez overran, allowing Castillo to score and Patton to take a charge at third base. He scored on a throwing error by second baseman Todd Hankins.

First baseman Romulo Ruiz had two hits, raising his season average to .308.

More pictures after the jump:

The 2011 Challenger Baseball season is in full swing at MacArthur Park, Batavia.

The annual program sponsored by Genesee ARC and the YMCA gives local children with special needs a chance to play baseball on Sunday evenings for a few weeks each summer.

Area youth volunteer to help with the games.

More pictures after the jump:

I was out at Area 51 yesterday to watch the races and take some photos. I had a great time and figured I would share a few. If you have never been there, you are really missing out on one of the great attractions in Genesee County! 

A young rider waves to the camera, making it look easy! He's in the 7-11 age group!

Four more photos after the jump:

Two riders battle for the lead during the final lap!

Photos by Destin Danser

Auburn pitching held the Batavia Muckdogs to only five hits at Dwyer Stadium on Friday night, taking the NYPL season opener 6-1.

Ryan Demmin (1-0) went five innings for Auburn to get the win and Batavia starter Hector J. Hernandez (0-1), a second-year pro from Carolina, Puerto Rico, went only four innings, despite giving up only one earned run, to take the loss.

First-year catcher Kevin Moscatel had the only extra base hit for the Muckdogs, smacking a double in the second inning.

The Muckdogs travel to Auburn for their Saturday game and return home Sunday, Father's Day, for another match with the Doubledays. Game time is 1 p.m.

Tonight's attendance was 1,709.

It was meet-the-players evening at Dwyer Stadium as fans and the 2011 Batavia Muckdogs were able to mingle and meet for the first time.

The evening included a whiffle ball home run contest for both adults and children, live music, hot dogs and pretzels along with an autograph session when fans could come on the field and meet the players.

The home opener is at 7 p.m., Friday. There's also a game at 1 p.m. on Father's Day, Sunday (and I'll be there with my dad, though I doubt we'll have a catch on the field after the game.).

More pictures after the jump: