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Covel, ND shut out Fillmore to advance to DD semis

By Nick Sabato

Sometimes in sports a star player can get rolling and it’s hard to stop him.

That’s what happened as Alec Covel started off hot on the mound and never looked back as Notre Dame blanked Fillmore 5-0 in the Class DD quarterfinals at Dwyer Stadium.

Covel started out the game hot, as he struck out his first five batters and he dominated the Eagles all night long.

“He was strong tonight, he had good stuff,” said Notre Dame Head Coach Mike Rapone. “His last couple starts, he’s pitched well, and actually he’s pitched well all year. He has good command of the strike zone, he doesn’t walk many people. When you don’t walk anybody, it’s hard to score.”

The senior right-hander pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out 13 batters to improve his record to 4-1 on the season, with an astounding 0.55 ERA.

“I threw real well tonight,” Covel said. “I’ve had a lot of time off to get ready for this game, and I’ve got a week if we make it to the finals.”

Notre Dame got off to a solid start from the plate after Cal Tygart scored on a sac fly from Louis Reynolds in the bottom of the second to take a 1-0 lead.

The Fighting Irish would score two more in the third on a 2-run triple from Andrew Mullen, before adding two more in the fifth on an RBI double from Tygart and an RBI single from sophomore Tyler Prospero.

“We had some nice hits,” Rapone said. “We got the ball up in the air too much, we’ve got to keep the ball down a little bit more, but we didn’t strike out so that’s good.”

The only time that Covel appeared to be in any danger, was in the sixth inning after loading the bases on two walks and a hit batter with one out. He quickly dug himself out of the hole, picking off Joe Mullen at second base, before getting a strike out to end the inning and preserve the shut out.

Notre Dame (13-3) appears to have a double-headed monster on the mound with Covel and Tyler Stroud, who is 3-1 with a 1.11 ERA.

“It’s a big advantage having two pitchers,” Rapone said. “We didn’t have to space Covel out tonight, say when we want to pull him out and get somebody else in, because he’s not going to pitch Tuesday, Stroud is.”

The second-seeded Fighting Irish will play Tuesday as Tyler Stroud takes the mound with a chance to advance to the Class DD finals.

Kyle Redman allowed five runs on seven hits while striking out four batters for Fillmore.

Batavia clips Eagles as Scheuerlein tosses no-no

By Nick Sabato

In baseball, getting strong play from your pitcher is as important as a quarterback in football, and that was evident as Batavia topped Wayne 8-2 in the Class A quarterfinals at Dwyer Stadium.

The sixth-seeded Blue Devils got strong pitching from starter Jake Scheuerlein and reliever Greg Mruczek, while capitalizing on pitching errors from the 14th-seed Eagles.

Scheuerlein pitched four no-hit innings without allowing a run before Mruczek came in to close out the contest.

“Both pitchers threw the ball really well,” said Batavia Head Coach Rick Saunders. “I’m riding both Scheuerlein and Mruczek all the way through sectionals as long as the run goes.”

On the other side, Wayne pitcher Nate Currier struggled with his command all afternoon, as the Blue Devils got their first five runs without recording a hit.

Batavia struck first as Rich Francis scored from third on a sacrifice fly from James Fazio to take a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Then the floodgates opened in the third.

The third frame saw the Blue Devils score four runs on an error and three passed balls before Ryan Mullen singled (the team’s first hit of the game) in the final run of the inning to take a commanding 6-0 lead.

“Guys had quality at-bats to get on base,” Saunders said. “If they don’t catch the ball behind the plate, that’s a nice way to get a lead. It makes a little more relaxing as a coach. At this point in the tournament, you’ll take them any way you can get them.”

Fazio would score Batavia’s final two runs on a 2-run double in the fifth to go up 8-0.

Batavia would lose their no-hit bid on the first at-bat of the sixth, before finally scoring on an RBI single by Joe Dell’Olio.

Despite giving up two runs on two hits in three innings of work, Mruczek pitched a strong game as he struck out five batters, showing that the Blue Devils have a strong one-two punch on the mound.

“I like it because it puts a lot of pressure on a high school guy to go seven innings,” Saunders said. “Especially this year with the weather being so bad, it’s hard to stretch guys out. This way I can keep them both fresh the whole way, you roll the dice and take a shot.”

The Blue Devils were led by Fazio, who finished 1-for-2 with three RBIs, while Francis and Zeke Lynn added two runs each.

Batavia (13-5) will next face second-seeded Brighton on Tuesday.

Currier pitched five innings, allowing eight runs on four hits, while striking out four batters for Wayne (7-13).

 

GCC women's lacrosse pair selected All-Region

By Andrew Crofts

 

Genesee Community College's Ashley Makowski (Kendall, NY) and Kaleigh Murray (Syracuse, NY) were recently selected to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) women's lacrosse Region III All-Region team. Makowski was named to the All-Region first team and Murray was named to the All-Region second team.

In her freshman season, Makowski led the Cougars in assists with 12 and was second on the team in goals (20) and total points (32). She played in and started all ten games this spring for GCC, collected 27 ground balls and caused 14 turnovers. She was also selected to the Western New York Athletic Conference (WNYAC) All-Conference first team this spring.

Murray, a freshman, scored a team-leading 33 goals this season, the second highest single-season mark in school history. She added three assists to total a team-high 36 points and controlled 26 draws. She was also named to the WNYAC All-Conference first team this year.

Genesee advanced to the Region III playoffs for the first time in school history this spring. The Cougars set the school record for most wins in a season, finishing the year 6-4.

Young baseball players invited to extend their season into fall

By Billie Owens

Current summer baseball players ages 9 thru 17 can extend their season through the fall with Team New Era Fall Elite Travel Teams. Teams will participate in league and tournament play in September and October.

Tryouts will be held at New Era Park in Depew, 3950 Broadway, as follows:

  • Current summer  players ages 9 thru 11: Thursday June 12th at 6 p.m. and Sunday June 22nd at 5:30 p.m.
  • Current summer players ages 12 thru 14: Thursday June 12th at 7:30 p.m and Sunday June 22nd at 7 p.m.

Fall College Showcase team tryouts (for current summer players ages 15 thru 17): Monday June 16th at 6 p.m. and Saturday June 21st at  6 p.m. Players need only attend one tryout.

For more information see www.teamnewerabaseball.com <http://www.teamnewerabaseball.com> or contact New Era Park at 716-681-3001.

Submitted by: Rich Wozniak, president, New Era Park.

GCC's Astrologo earns men's lacrosse All-American honors

By Andrew Crofts

(Astrologo)

 

Genesee Community College men's lacrosse defenseman Johnny Astrologo (Mahopac, NY) was recently named a 2014 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) All-American. He was named to the All-American second team.

A sophomore, Astrologo was a team captain and played in and started all 15 games for the Cougars this spring. He was second on the team in both ground balls (59) and caused turnovers (53), totals that were 17th and 2nd best in all of the NJCAA this season, respectively.

He was named to the NJCAA Region III All-Region first team and the Western New York Athletic Conference (WNYAC) All-Conference second team this season as well and was an All-Conference first team selection last year as a freshman.

"Johnny is someone that the coaches and his teammates look up to as a leader because you know exactly what you are going to get from him each day," said GCC assistant coach Derek Hoover. "He's a hardworking player that will do whatever is asked of him on and off the field.  I am very pleased that he will be receiving this award because as a defenseman, you don't always get all the praise after each game. Johnny always played against the opposing team's top players and was very successful in his two years with us," Hoover said.

During his two-year career at Genesee, Astrologo started all 33 of the team's games, tallied 112 ground balls and had 112 takeaways. He will transfer and continue his athletic and academic career at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II Dowling College in Oakdale, NY. The Golden Lions compete in the East Coast Conference and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II National Championships this spring.

Genesee County girls soccer team off to hot start in new season

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County's girls U-19 soccer team is off to a 2-0 start on the season after beating Chili 3-0 in a game played Wednesday evening at GCC.

Sunday, the team beat Corning 8-0 in a game played in Dansville.

Tonight, goals were scored by McKenna Marley-Hill, Emily Phillips and Kaylin Cicero.

Olivia Clark pitched a shutout in goal.

Six cougars earn baseball All-Region honors

By Andrew Crofts

Six members of the Genesee Community College baseball team were recently selected to the 2014 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Region III All-Region team. Sophomore infielders Josh Maier (Brockport, NY) and Rafael Lozada (Santo Domingo, PR) were first team selections and sophomore pitcher Adam Pratt (Batavia, NY), sophomore infielder Phillie Guzman (Bronx, NY), sophomore outfielder Eliecer Carrera (Rochester, NY) and freshman pitcher David Clark (Attica, NY) were second team selections.

Maier hit .323 in a team-high 96 at bats this spring. He totaled six extra-base hits, scored eight runs and drove in seven. In the field, he committed just one error and sported a .981 fielding percentage.

Lozada led the Cougars in batting average (.393), on-base percentage (.505), home runs (3), base on balls (19) and runs batted in (13). He appeared in 31 games this spring. As the primary first baseman, Lozada had a .984 fielding percentage.

Pratt led GCC in strikeouts with 32. He posted a team-best 5.00 earned run average, allowing 20 earned runs in 36.0 innings of work. He pitched a complete-game shutout in GCC's Region III tournament opening-round win over Monroe Community College to help the Cougars advance to the finals.

Guzman hit .291 at the plate and drove in 13 runs, tying him for the team lead this year. He delivered seven extra-base hits, including a home run and a triple. He appeared in 29 games this spring and committed only three fielding errors in 25 attempts.

Carrera held the second-highest batting average on the team at .328. He scored 13 runs, stole 11 bases and drove in seven. He hit one home run and struck out just six times in 67 at bats.

Clark appeared in a team-high 12 games this spring and had the fourth-lowest earned run average (5.56).  He struck out 23 batters in 34.0 innings and only 21 of the 30 runs Clark surrendered were earned.

The Cougars reached the finals of the 2014 Division II Region III playoffs this spring and finished the season 9-27.

Basketball players invited to improve their game at month-long summer camp in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Any hoops players from grade 7 through college who are looking for an opportunity to improve their game are invited to sign up for a summer basketball training camp sponsored by the Batavia High School Boys Basketball Boosters.

The camp is open to both boys and girls.

It runs July 7 through Aug. 15 and the cost is $375. Participants need to bring their own basketballs.

Workouts will be held at Batavia HS under the guidence of head basketball Coach Buddy Brasky.

Players will practice, learn about and be drilled on:

  • ball handling, stationary and on the move
  • shooting, 200-500 shots per day
  • 1-on-1 moves, single direction, double direction, triple direction
  • on the move series, wrist roll series, change of direction series
  • post moves series
  • point guard instruction
  • full court and ½ court game situations. 

The registration deadline is June 15.

To download more information and the registration form, click here (pdf).

Moynihan chosen as Region III Coach of the Year

By Andrew Crofts

(Tom Moynihan)

 

Genesee Community College head golf coach Tom Moynihan has been chosen as the 2014 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III Region III Coach of the Year.

In his third season at the helm, Moynihan guided the GCC men's and women's golf program to a successful spring season. The Cougars placed no lower than third in any regular season team event this year, including a first place finish at the Jamestown Community College Invitational. Sophomore Adam Baumeister (Lancaster, NY) earned three individual first place finishes and Genesee placed fourth as a team at the Region III Championships earlier this month.

"We are very fortunate to have Tom as part of our coaching staff," said GCC Athletic Director Kristen Schuth. "He is great at recruiting talented athletes that have a passion for the sport. The coach of the year award is very well deserved." 

Genesee placed two individuals, Baumeister and Chris Mandia (Highland, NY), on the All-Region team and both will compete at the NJCAA National Tournament June 3-7 at the Chautauqua Country Club.

Moynihan is the third head coach at GCC to receive coach of the year honors in 2013-2014. Women's soccer head coach Jeff Reyngoudt and men's basketball head coach Terry George were also recognized in their respective sports. Moynihan resides in Alexander with his wife Patty and has three children and nine grandchildren.

Photos: Real Encounter performs bike tricks on Center Street

By Howard B. Owens

A rider performs a trick called "The Superman" during a trick riding event Tuesday evening in a parking lot off Center Street put on by a traveling evangelical group called Real Encounter.

The group, led by Brad Bennett, travels the nation performing stunts on bicycles and motorcycles and preaching the Gospel.

About halfway through the program, Bennett delivered a sermon about salvation, led the group in prayer and then asked all those who accepted Jesus Christ as savior that night to come forward. More than two dozen people gathered around Bennett. The group met briefly with Bennett and received a Bible and instructions on joining a local church.

The group performs again tonight in Pembroke and tomorrow in Attica.

Photos: Remote control racing at the Genesee County Fairgrounds

By Howard B. Owens

After leaving the Vendor Blender at the fairgrounds, I found a group of local residents racing remote control cars on a dirt track nearby. Bob Markek, a racer and race organizer for KRZ Raceway and Hobbies, said this is the third year the group has been racing at the fairgrounds.

14th Annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Tournament

By Billie Owens

The 14th Annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Tournament is set for Monday, June 2, at Terry Hills Golf Course, located at 5122 Clinton Street Road in Batavia.

Proceeds benefit the Kelly for Kids Foundation which aids disadvantaged and disabled youth. More than 50 celebrities typically take part in the tournament.

Registration and breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. and the shotgun start is at 9:45.

 

Event Date and Time
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Muckdogs announce 2014 promotional schedule

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise, have released their 2014 promotional schedule featuring fireworks, giveaways, special events, and daily promotions.

The 2014 season is the 75th anniversary of professional baseball in Batavia. This season will feature a couple promotions to help celebrate this momentous occasion. The first one occurs every Saturday home game, as well as Sunday, Aug. 31. At these seven games, one fan will win $75 worth of “Muck Bucks” courtesy of the Genesee County Baseball Club and the Muckdogs Booster Club. “Muck Bucks” can be used to purchase food and/or merchandise at Dwyer Stadium.

The second promotion will occur on Friday, Aug. 22nd. When baseball came to Batavia in 1939, 3,000 fans attended the first game, which is an attendance record that still stands to this day. The Muckdogs will attempt to break this attendance record on Aug. 22nd. If the record is broken that night, one fan could win $3,001!

The Muckdogs will again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season.

The Daily News will continue to sponsor Muckdog Mondays. Every Monday home game, fans can purchase buy one get one free General Admission tickets with a coupon that runs in the Saturday edition of The Daily News.

Every Tuesday, New York’s 529 College Savings Program presents Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets. Every Tuesday home game, the first 50 kids accompanied by an adult will receive a free General Admission ticket.

The Family Four Pack will take place on every Wednesday during the 2014 season and is presented by MVP Healthcare. Fans can purchase four general admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12-oz. sodas and a 2014 program for only $30, a savings of $16.

On Thursday nights, Bob Evans Restaurant will sponsor our Kids Eat Free promotion. At every Thursday home game, the first 100 kids 12 & under will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and snack item.

Fireworks will again light up the sky after every Friday night game at Dwyer Stadium, as well as on the annual Independence Day celebration on July 3rd. Every Saturday will feature a pre-game concert in the concourse. These “Rock the Ballpark” events are presented by Tim Horton’s of Batavia and New Buffalo Impact, with Papa and Mama Root, an oldies rock and roll tribute band, and original music recording artists. All performances begin at 6 p.m. and are weather permitting. Returning to the lineup this year is Dollar Draft Saturday presented by Eastown Beverage and Redemption Center. Every Saturday home game, 12-oz. Bug Light and Genny Light drafts will be just $1 from 6 to 7 p.m.

At Sunday home games, kids can run the bases with Homer after the game courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurant. Also on Sundays, the first 100 seniors will receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda/coffee, and a snack item courtesy of The Williams Law Firm.

Other games of note on the 2014 promotional schedule include:
Opening Day/Magnet Schedule Giveaway
Saturday, June 14th

Personal First Aid Kit Giveaway
Friday, June 20th

Muckdogs Car Decal Giveaway
Saturday, June 21st

Independence Day Celebration Fireworks
Thursday, July 3rd

Post-Game Helicopter Candy Drop
Sunday, July 20th

Prostate Cancer Awareness
Friday, July 25th

Bark in the Park
Sunday, July 27th

Le Roy Community Night
Friday, Aug. 8th

Muckdogs Note Pad Giveaway
Saturday, Aug. 9th

Snapple Night
Friday, Aug. 22nd

Team Photo Giveaway
Saturday, Aug. 23rd

Fireworks Nights will be as follows: June 20th, June 27th, July 3rd, July 18th, July 25th, Aug. 8th and Aug. 22nd.

The Muckdogs open their 2014 home schedule on Saturday, June 14th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m. For a complete 2014 promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585) 343-5454. Muckdogs season tickets, coupon books, ticket packages and individual tickets are all on sale.

Darien Lake to host 3-on-3 basketball tournment in Jully

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

City officials, Gus Macker organizers, Darien Lake executives, and members of the Police Athletic League joined together outside Buffalo City Hall this morning to announce that the Gus Macker tournament will be returning to Western New York this year. Genesee County's Darien Lake intervened to save the tournament, which would have otherwise been canceled this year.

“We’re excited to be able to bring the tournament back (here),” said Gus Macker organizer Scott McNeal. “Darien Lake offers the necessary space and infrastructure for the thousands of players and families that come to participate in and watch the games.”

This Gus Macker tournament is the second-largest out of 38 locations nationwide, with more than 3,000 players and spectators annually. The three-on-three tournament attracts both male and female players, 78 percent of whom are under the age of 24, and 47 percent of whom are under 17. 

“As Western New York’s family-fun destination, the Gus Macker Tournament is a perfect fit for us,” said Darien Lake spokesman Vince Nicoletti. “We’re very excited to be hosting the games this year and look forward to continuing this great ... tradition.”

This year’s tournament will take place on July 19th and 20th across Darien Lake’s sprawling parking lots, which will be converted into basketball courts with four to six featured games taking place inside the park itself. Darien Lake will also be keeping the Police Athletic League as the event’s charitable beneficiary.

First Batavia Pickleball Tournament is Saturday

By Billie Owens

The first Batavia Pickleball Tournament is being held at the Batavia YMCA from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. Registration is $15, $5 of which will go to support the Batavia WMCA. Double elimination format. Partner blind draw on day of tournament.

The tournament is open to the first 32 players.

Format: Each match will be 11 points by 2 except for finals. Consolation round winner will play one 15-point game against the winner's bracket. If the winner's bracket triumphs, they win the tournament. If not, then there will be a 2-out-of-three game match to determine the champion. These games will be 11 points by 2.

For more information, contact Timothy Pickering at (585) 219-4686 or at  timothy77777@hotmail.com

Registration deadline is Friday, May 16.

Comprehensive baseball skills evaluation session for youth 8 to 18 offered this summer at GCC, registration required

By Billie Owens

Press release:

My Pro Day would like to announce the arrival of its comprehensive skills evaluation in Batavia this summer. Genesee Community College is hosting this special event for youth baseball players from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 10. Advance registration is required and spots are limited.

My Pro Day is the first to bring the excitement and fun of a pro baseball or college tryout experience to players of all ability levels, ages 6-18. For a limited time, a one-year My Pro Day membership -- including the comprehensive skills evaluation-- is just $59, half off the national rate of $119.

The My Pro Day membership starts with a pro baseball or college style evaluation, where coaches will identify strengths and weaknesses, and you'll see your skill-by-skill rankings in a nationwide player database. We'll test arm strength, fielding skills, pitching speed and accuracy, catcher pop times, hitting and bunting ability, speed, agility, athleticism and more.

But that's just a small part of the My Pro Day experience:

  • Go online to build, update and share your My Pro Day baseball card.
  • Make an early impression on top travel team coaches and scouts at all levels.
  • Follow top players from around the country in every age group.
  • Enjoy a full year of all these and other benefits for only $59, a special introductory price for local players.

For more details, benefits and registration for the upcoming My Pro Day event in your area, visit www.MyProDay.com.

Eighth Annual David R. Millis Golf Tournament to aid local cancer patients is June 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The 8th annual David R. Millis Memorial Golf Tournament will be hosted on Sunday, June 1st, at the Batavia Country Club. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 1 p.m.

This tournament is in memory of David Millis who passed away with pancreatic cancer at the early age of 54. Dave was the superintendent for the Pollution Control Facility in the Village of Albion for 32 years and was an active member of the community.

The cost for a single golfer is $85, which includes, lunch, beverages and dinner. Guests not golfing are also invited to buy dinner only tickets for $25, which will start at 5:30 p.m. All participants, whether golfing or dining will be entered into a drawing to win a TV and have the opportunity to buy 50/50 and raffle tickets. The following sponsorships are also available: Corporate, Major, Awards, Lunch Beverage, Longest or Shortest Drive, Closest to the Pin and hole sponsors. We also have several volunteer opportunities available. 

This tournament features, men and women’s longest drive and closest to the pin and putting contests. There are great raffle prizes, which include local sports tickets, autographed memorabilia, gift certificates and many more items. Don’t miss your chance to win two-year lease on a 2014 Chevy vehicle and other great hole in one prizes sponsored by Don Davis Chevrolet, Buick, GMC in Albion.

The proceeds from the tournament will again benefit the Knights/Kaderli Memorial Fund which is a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to assisting local families with their fight against cancer.  The money assists with prescriptions, medical insurance, nutritional supplements, hospital beds, and other needs. In the past seven years, this tournament has raised more than $89,000 thanks to the support and generosity of many friends, sponsors and participants and we hope to reach the $100,000 mark this year.

To register please fill out the form below and return by May 18th. For questions or more information please email millismemorial@yahoo.com or visit us on www.facebook.com/DavidRMillisMemorial.  Thanks and hope to see you there!

Photo: Byron-Bergen baseball team in Cooperstown

By Howard B. Owens

Roxanne sent in this picture of the Byron-Bergen baseball team with the Wheatland-Chili team in Cooperstown today. She said, "A beautiful Mothers Day in Cooperstown! Sunshine and baseball!"

Photos: Empire Cup draws soccer players from throughout the Northeast

By Howard B. Owens

Players from more than 70 teams and their families are in town this weekend for the Empire Cup College Showcase, a premier soccer event for soccer players 15-18 looking to move to the next level. Coaches from more than 100 colleges attend the tournament at the Batavia Sports Park on Bank Street Road. Players travel from all over the Northeast in order to participate. Clor's Meat Market is the official food vendor. Local businesses report seeing an increase in sales during the event.

Soccer continues tomorrow at the park.

Photos: Hoops at Williams Park

By Howard B. Owens

Late this afternoon, there was a robust game of basketball at Williams Park. The players were Greg Solomonidis, Dustin Pilc, David Burr, Coty Patrizi, Manny Delrosayrio, Mike Jamil.

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