Knights crowned Section V B2 champions
Le Roy beat Wellsville 7-1 on Sunday to win the Class B2 Section V Championship.
Video and photo by Tim McArdle.
Sports
Pembroke Dragons 10U Baseball Team wins championship tournament in Perry on Sunday
Submitted photos and press release:
The Pembroke Dragons 10U Baseball Team/Cal Ripkin Division won the Abbott Memorial Championship in Perry on Sunday.
The team was one of 15 teams invited to play in the two-day tournament, playing five games total.
Over the two-day tournament, the team scored a total of 50 runs, only allowing five against.
They defeated Letchworth in the semi-final game 7-1, and then defeated Nunda in the championship game 9-0.
Pitchers PJ Reeves, Zachary Hartz and Brayden Lang helped keep the runs to only five scored against the Dragons.
Home runs by Madden Perry and PJ Reeves, bit hits by Austin Post, Jacob DiPalma, along with great fielding by Ryan Zika, Owen Schultz, Leo Lang and the rest of the Dragons helped seal the deal to bring the championship home.
Blue Devils win Section V title in baseball
The Batavia Blue Devils beat Geneva 9-0 behind an Alex Hale one-hitter at Wayland-Cohocton today to win the school's first sectional title in baseball since 1998.
Submitted photo.
Genesee Region USBC Hall of Fame inductees
Four people were inducted into the Genesee Region United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame earlier this month at a ceremony held at Batavia Downs.
Three recipients are in the photo above, from left, Robert Hughson, of Medina, Achievement; Al Vlietstra, of Warsaw, Veterans Achievement; and James Foss, of Medina, Achievement. Eunice Englert, of Nunda, also was enshrined for Meritorious Service to the sport of bowling.
Photo by Mike Pettinella.
Video: Companion Retriever Hunting Challenge at Godfrey's Pond
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Jim Beverly, a hunting retriever trainer from Oakfield, hosted his second annual Companion Retriever Hunting Challenge at Godfrey's Pond in Byron on Saturday. The challenge is primarily for retrieving-trained dogs who are more often pets than hunting companions.
Back by popular demand: Tri-County Youth Flag Football for boys and girls 5 to 14
For the second year, Tri-County Youth Flag Football is offering boys and girls ages 5 to 14 the chance to play NFL-Flag Non-Contact Football.
Games are 5 on 5, fun and filled with a ton of action. Everyone will get to play and learn good sportsmanship and teamwork. Players can sharpen their football skills and learn new ones.
Practices will be one hour on Wednesday nights, with games of two 15-minute halves played on Sunday morning.
Register as an individual or with a friend.
Volunteer parents are requested for youth ages.
Teams consist of five to eight co-ed players. Age groups are: 5 to 7 / 8 & 9 / 10 &11 / 12 to 14.
You must register in person. Cost is $65.
Registration will be at T.F. Brown's restaurant in Batavia (214 E. Main St.) on the dates and times below:
- 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- May 25 AND June 1
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- June 22 AND June 29
For questions and more information, please contact Otis Thomas at (585) 993-0244 or Kevin Rogers at (716) 860-4551.
Video: Preview of Companion Retriever Hunting Challenge, tomorrow at Godfrey's Pond
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At 10 a.m., Saturday, Godfrey's Pond on Griswold Road, Stafford, hosts the Companion Retriever Hunting Challenge. The event is open to the public.
The event is geared toward "every day" retrievers, dogs who are pets and companions and hunt with their masters as a hobby. All sporting breeds are invited to participate but only retrieving breeds will be scored. Dogs that hold field trial titles and hunt test titles may also participate but these dogs will not be scored.
Jim Beverly has been training retrievers for almost 55 years.
Andy Merkel was interviewed for the video. His dog Roy won the 2017 and 2018 Scenes Challenge and this year his daughter and her 9-month-old puppy will participate.
The registration fee is $35 with proceeds going to benefit the Geneses County chapter of ducks.org
It may still be possible to register. Call Beverly at (716) 474-4661.
Batavia Lions Club is sponsoring Girls Fastpitch Softball tournament tomorrow
Press release:
The Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball organization, with sponsorship from the Batavia Lions Club, is hosting a 12U six-team Memorial Day Weekend Tournament this Saturday, May 25.
Teams include Batavia Stingers Black, Batavia Stingers Yellow, Le Roy, Lyndonville, Perry and Oakfield-Alabama.
Games will take place at fields at John Kennedy School, Batavia Middle School, and Lions Park.
Start time for the first round of games is 8:45 a.m., with the second set of games getting underway at 11 a.m.
Semifinal action begins at 2 p.m. with the Championship game being played at 5:15 p.m. at Lions Park. It is located at 11 Wallace St. in Batavia.
The City of Batavia Fire Department, sponsor of Stingers Softball 12U Yellow team, will be at John Kennedy field presenting our nation’s flag during the playing of the National Anthem prior to the start of the first round of games.
The Batavia Stingers 10U Yellow team will also be on hand to show support for the older age division.
Rain date will be this Sunday (May 26) in the event that games must be suspended on Saturday.
The Batavia Girls Fastpitch Softball, a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2017, would to thank the Batavia Lions Club for their generous support of this event.
Iroquois wildlife refuge hosts annual Youth Fishing Derby morning of June 1
Press release:
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is hosting the 28th annual Youth Fishing Derby from 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1.
The derby is held during National Fishing and Boating Week at Ringneck Marsh on Iroquois NWR. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m.
Rods and reels will be available for children to borrow if needed and worms will be provided as bait.
The event is sponsored by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge Inc., which will be providing door prizes and trophies for the anglers with the three biggest fish in each age group (under 7, 8-12, and 13-17).
NEW THIS YEAR: there will also be trophies and prizes for the most persistent angler (total length of all fishes caught in any age group) and the angler who catches the most species (any age group).
It’s sure to be a fun fishy day! The fishing derby and all activities are free to the public.
Please contact Refuge staff at 585.948.5445, ext. 7037, or visit our website here for further information.
Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
To get to Ringneck Marsh, take Route 63 over the county line into Orleans County, Town of Shelby, and turn east onto Oak Orchard Ridge Road. In less than 0.5 miles, you may park in the Ringneck Marsh Overlook Parking Lot.
Individuals with disabilities and any other person who may need special assistance to participate in this program should contact the Refuge at (585) 948-5445 or at the Federal Relay No. 1-800-877-8339.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
Basketball Training Camp in city schools is July 8 to Aug. 9, cost is $350
Press release:
Batavia High School Coach Buddy Brasky will hold Basketball Training Camp at the Batavia City Schools this summer.
This is a six-week program that will emphasize offensive skill development.
The program is open to anyone, male or female, from grades seven to college. Cost for the program is $350.
Brasky will be joined by: skills instructor Tim Sullivan; Tom Redband -- Girls Varsity coach at Elba High School; Matt Shay -- Boys Varsity coach at Pembroke High School; Billy Truitt -- former Division 1 and professional basketball player; and Bill Pitcher -- longtime area basketball player and coach.
Basketball Training Camp will be held from July 8th to Aug. 9th. There will be two sessions:
- Monday/Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for boys in grades nine to college.
- Tuesday/Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. for boys in grades seven and eight, and girls in grades seven to college.
For an application call or text Buddy Brasky at 585-356-4050 or email: mbrasky@bataviacsd.org
Alexander player signs with D'Youville to play basketball
Ryan Davis, a standout with the Alexander Trojan's basketball team, signed a letter of intent yesterday to attend college and play basketball at Division III D'Youville College.
Davis will major in Business Management.
Photo: Tricia Davis, Ryan Davis, Mike Davis, and Alexander Head Coach Wayne Hanley.
Submitted photo and information.
Byron-Bergen Girls Varsity Softball Team supports Wounded Warrior Foundation
Above, the Byron-Bergen Girls Varsity Softball Team, York Varsity Softball Team, and local veterans participating in the ceremony.
Submitted photos and press release:
On Tuesday, May 14, the Byron-Bergen Girls Varsity Softball Team honored several local veterans in their Second Annual Wounded Warrior Foundation Charity Game and Fundraiser.
The event featured a moment of silence, an escorted procession to home plate, and a salute to the flag. In addition, the Varsity team joined forces with visiting York players to raise more than $3,000 for the Wounded Warrior Foundation.
“The players are passionate about supporting this cause,” said Head Softball Coach Mariah LaSpina. “Many of them have relatives who have served and a few of them plan to enter service themselves aftergraduation. I’m proud of their dedication to supporting and honoring our service men and women.”
In attendance were several veterans currently with the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department as well as veterans from the local community. In a touching moment, three of the Varsity players escorted their grandfathers to home plate in honor of their service.
“As a veteran, I can’t tell you how proud I am of the softball program,” said Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannan. “Coach LaSpina and the players really own this project from start to finish and I applaud them.”
Photos by Gretchen Spittler.
Below, Byron-Bergen School Resource Office and Marine Corps veteran Matthew Butler escorted by Byron-Bergen Girls Varsity Softball players Lizzy and Becca.
Below, veterans and players face the flag for the National Anthem.
Below, Vietnam veteran Fred Bauer Jr., escorted by his granddaughter Chloe and fellow teammate Lucy.
Runners from Genesee County compete in marathon at Letchworth, including top female finisher
Submitted Write-up and photos
This past weekend hundreds of runners, with a large contingent from Genesee County, took part in the 10th annual Sehgahunda Trail Marathon at Letchworth State Park.
The course, which is comprised of 26.3 miles, starts at the Mount Morris Dam Visitor Center, and runs along the Finger Lakes Trail, ending in Portageville. There are between 3,000 and 4,000 feet of climbing and has been described as one of the hardest trail marathons on the East Coast. The race is organized by YellowJacket Racing of Rochester.
The wet spring made this year’s course extremely muddy and much more difficult. Three years ago, the race was extended to a two-day event, with the second day being comprised of an additional 5K, 10K, and 15K. For those who dare to attempt to complete both days and succeed, they complete a grueling 72 kilometers in two days, known as the “Sehgahunda 72."
Miranda Betances (top photo) of Batavia was the first female to cross the finish line on Saturday, completing the Trail Marathon in 4:51:19.
Chad Minuto and Stephen Konieczny, of Batavia, were two of 26 competitors who successfully finished both days of racing, becoming Sehgahunda 72ers.
Gabriel Abdella, of Batavia, who was diagnosed with brain cancer last year, successfully completed the trail marathon on Saturday in a time of 6:48:43, and also completed the 15K (9.3 miles) on Sunday. Abdella is an Adirondack 46er, and he and his wife, Michelle, recently hiked Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa.
Full results and more information about the race can be found at yellowjacketracing.com.
This photo and one above it, Gabriel Abdella.
Stephen Koneiczny & Chad Minuto
Finishers of Sehgahunda 72
GCC hosts national lacrosse tournament, Onondago CC wins crown for third time
Press release:
In a rematch of the 2018 NJCAA Men’s Lacrosse National Championship game, #3 Onondaga Community College and #1 Nassau Community College Lions needed overtime to settle the 2019 edition.
In the end, Offensive Most Valuable Player Percy Booth scored the game-winning goal with 17 seconds remaining, to give Onondaga their third-consecutive National Championship, defeating Nassau 7-6 on Sunday afternoon at Genesee Community College.
In a game that went back and forth throughout its entirety, the two teams played in a defensive match with goaltenders. Frank Delia (Onondaga CC) and both Gunnar Luckoski and Anthony Kennin (Nassau CC) played outstandingly well throughout the National Championship game.
Percy Booth from Onondaga had a hat trick on the day, including scoring the game-winner in the overtime period. Kyle Worsley scored two goals and added an assist for the Lazers. Karl Flinter also scored for Onondaga. Frank Delia made 19 saves between the pipes for Onondaga.
Liam Muldoon led the way offensively for Nassau scoring a pair of goals. Justin Roderka also scored two goals. Dan Rooney scored one goal and tallied three assists and Matt Russo also scored for the Lions.
ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM members include:
- Jackson Kranzy – Howard CC
- Tim Russell – Howard CC
- Jack Watsic – Howard CC
- Eli Doyle – Harford CC
- Tyler Wagoner – Harford CC
- Moriah Yousefi – Harford CC
- Liam Muldoon – Nassau CC
- John Ehlers – Nassau CC
- Justin Rodereka – Nassau CC
- Gavin Kesserling – Onondaga CC
- Phil Barilla – Onondaga CC
- Eli Dandelaught – Onondaga CC
- Offensive Most Valuable Player – Percy Booth (Onondaga CC)
- Defensive Most Valuable Player – Frank Delia (Onondaga CC)
- National Coach of the Tournament – Eric Miccio (Onondaga CC)
WC Intl. Speedway's opening night was well attended, and lit by a full moon
Press release from Wyoming County International Speedway:
By Dan Turner, track announcer
It has been many, many months since the racers of the Wyoming County International Speedway got the chance to “Feel the Need for Speed." This past Saturday night (may 18) was their first time in 2019 to do just that.
Racers for north of the border, from Canada, were in attendance as well as some teams from near the Pennsylvania border. A total of 24 modified teams 15 4 cyl., 7 SST Super Stocks, 11 Super 6 cars, were ready to stretch their legs and see if all their hard off season work and upgrades would net them the winner’s trophy and prize money that goes hand in hand.
Opening night was sponsored by the Churchville Fire Equipment Co.
Mother Nature cooperated and has given the track a fantastic afternoon and evening for racing. Just one ominous feature of the night was the dreaded FULL MOON…
As on most nights at the Blacktop Bullring the mighty 4 cylinders lead off the program. The 4 bangers as usual put on a great race with a great mix of Hondas, Saturns, Acuras and other makes mixed in. The qualifying went off pretty much hassle free. Then the redraw took place during intermission and that shuffled up the top 6 racers. The feature would run to about half way before a caution would fly for a simple spin.
At this point is was a 2-car race between the #8 of Dave Heims and the #51 of Greg Moldt. Officals would see the exhaust pipe was dragging on the Moldt ride. For safety purposes the #51 had to go pit side and have the crew fix or remove it and not cause a dangerous racing situation if, it was ran over by another car and cause a wreck.
This I believe was the twisted sense of humor of the full moon. But now we had the fastest 4 cyl. In the tail of the field and less than 10 laps to gain as many spots as possible before the checkers waved. Well, Moldt put on the blinders and focused on moving his car to the front.
Drop the green and Moldt passes 5 cars on the back straight, 4 more on the front straight. Now 6th and every lap getting pasted 1 or 2 cars. With the white in the air Moldt put it besides the #8 of Heims. There was nothing Heims could do, but watch Moldt pick up feature #1 on opening night.
Well over 17 cars are registered to run the SST Super Stock class but only 7 cars were in attendance on opening night. Many of the drivers and crews stating they will be ready next week on Military Appreciation Night. All our perennial runners were on hand and the much awaited return of 3-time track champion, Dave Krawczyk. It was only awaited by the fans, most of the teams in the Super Stock division know that the 11k is the car to beat on most nights.
Tonight was no exception as it was only a handful of laps the the Krawczyk and his 11k were out front. Eric Hastreiter and Paul Flye, both graduates of the 4 cylider class have started making noise in the thou small, but tight class at the bullring.
A new addition to the weekly racing program is the Super 6 class that got its start in Spencer Speedway a few years back. Being the primary entry-level racing division, it keeps the cars very basic. It keeps the cars on OEM rims, bodies, engines and transmission, though the car must have all the safety gear to prevent injuries in case of a wreck at speed on the track.
This class over the years was a 6 to 8 car field. With the class getting more and more competitive, its growing to a very respectable 11 car field, pretty respectable for opening night. During the meet and greet it was Flyin Brian Hallett saying that he did not think that the car was winner capable. But a great start and starting spot helped put the 36 out front early and Brian was not going to let it get away. Hallett was chaced across the line by Cocilova, new comer Chris Deyoe.
Just for fun lets shuffle up the top 12 SST Modified drivers and see what happens. Neil Dietz would lead this full field of Mods to green. Dietz would take the early command of the race and yes he was getting challenges from, Timmy Lewis in the #41 and the #27 of Kevin Lewis. On lap 15 of the 30 lap main, the first of a few yellows waved.
This with the cars of Virts, Logsdon, Dennie, Fuchs and Kosachook. Only Dennie, Logsdon and Zack Kosachook could restart, the rest would watch the conclusion from the grandstands. Lap 18 came and possible damage from the previous wreck may have caused Logsdon to bring out caution 2 in turn one.
The cream was rising to the time and it was clear Bookmiller brought his A game along with John Barber, Danny Majcrhzak, Kevin Timmerman and fan favorite Gary Coon. With only 2 laps remaining, Bookmiller was applying pressure and Dietz was fighting them off. Off turn 3 Dietz entered the turn wide and Bookmiller took his shot and dove deep into the turn three at the apex, Dietz slammed the door and Bookmiller was coming fast. They made contact and it was Dietz spinning off turn four and Bookmiller powered through.
Yellows flew and officials deemed Bookmiller to join Dietz in the rear with only a one lap shoot out. Did I already mention the full moon? Green, white checker is ready now with Timmy Lewis on the pole, Majchrzak outside and Barber in the #01 behind Lewis.
Clean start and Barber helped push Lewis past Majchrzak and it was a two-car battle and barber had the bottom off turn 2 Lewis up high and they had contact and both Lewis and Barber slid they the wet infield grass off turn two. Majchrzak would capitalize on the aggressive misfortune of Lewis and Barber.
“I could sorta see that these two were not going to lift, so I just held my breath and took full advantage of the spin," said Majchrzak in Victory lane.
4 cylinders
1)Greg Moldt, 2)D.Hiems, 3)J.Gustafson, 4)B.Woch, 5)J.Anastewicz, 6)K.Ricketson, 7)M.Hurlburt, 8)B.Dils, 9)R.Laskowski, 10)J.Landwehr, 11)J.Kriebs, 12)J.Klamat,13)E.Reardon, 14)K.Kocher, 15)J.Sass
Super 6
1)Brian Hallett, 2)A.Cocilova, 3)C.Deyoe, 4)r.Cassidy, 5)J.Parthemer, 6)F.Parsons, 7)A.Knoepfler, 8)P.Rodriguez, 9)J.Welton, 10)A.Parthemer, 11)D.Parsons
SST Super Stocks
1)Dave Krawczyk, 2)E.Hastrieter, 3)P.Flye, 4)J.Horvatits, 5)F.Kline, 6)R.Richter, 7)S.Gleed
SST Modifieds
1)Daniel Majchrzak, 2)K.Timmerman, 3)G.Coon, 4)R.Nugent, 5)B.Dennie, 6)A.Bookmiller, 7)K.Lewis, 8)N.Dietz, 9)B.Kosachook. 10)J.Barber, 11)T.Lewis, 12)P.Townsend, 13)C.Jenkins, 14)C.Lanni, 15)C.Logsdon, 16)Z.Kosachook, 17)N.Michielsen, 18)T.Alloco, 19)M.Virts, 20)S.Fuchs, 21)G.Sharkey, 22, B.Chandler, K.Woody DNS
Batavia Blue Devils Youth Football Camp is July 15-16 at BHS
The Batavia Blue Devils Youth Football Camp will be held on Monday and Tuesday, July 15-16, behind Batavia High School, located at 260 State St. in the City of Batavia.
Time is 9 to 11:30 a.m. both days.
Cost is $45. Cash or check (payable to: Blue Devils Touchdown Club).
It is for students entering grades one through eight in the fall.
Hosted by Head Coach Brennan Briggs and the BHS Football staff.
Bring shorts, T-shirt, cleats and water bottle.
Mail payment and the following information to Brennan Briggs, 103 Oak St., Batavia NY 14020 OR to: Batavia Middle School, 96 Ross St., Batavia NY 14020, ATTEN: Brennan Briggs.
- Name of Camper
- Camper is entering Grade ___
- Emergency Contact Name and Phone Number
- T-shirt Size: ADULT ___ or YOUTH ___
Register by July 5 to guarantee correct T-shirt size.
The camp will feature relay races, flag football games at the end of each day; current BHS football players, as well as alumni will speak and work with campers; T-shirts distributed and pizza after Tuesday's camp.
Here's the breakdown of what will be taught for each position; all drills will be modified for age groups:
- Quarterbacks -- Hand placement, 3-step, 5-step, footwork drills, throwing mechanics, and ball-handling drills;
- Wide Receivers -- Stance, start, footwork drills, hand drills, route running;
- Running Backs -- Stance, start, footwork drills, run blocking, pass blocking;
- Offensive Line -- Stance, start, run-blocking drills, pass-blocking drills;
- Linebackers -- Stance, start, footwork drills, tackling-form drills, run stopping, pass defending;
- Defensive Backs -- Stance, start, footwork drills, man coverage, zone coverage, pass defending;
- Defensive Line -- Stance, start, 1 v. 1 drills, speed and quickness off the ball.
The Batavia Blue Devils are the 2018 Far West Champions and 2018 State Finalists. They have been Section V Champions four out of the last five seasons.
Muckdogs seek best singers to belt out 'Star-spangled Banner' before first pitch of 80th season
From Batavia Muckdogs:
BATAVIA – The Batavia Muckdogs are looking for the area’s best singers to perform the "Star-spangled Banner" prior to first pitch at Dwyer Stadium during our historic 80th season of professional baseball in Batavia.
The Muckdogs will hold open auditions at Dwyer Stadium from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23rd. The team encourages individuals and groups to visit and give their best performance for the opportunity perform before the crowd during one of our 38 home games.
Those wishing to tryout must keep their performance under 90 seconds while using a traditional style with minimal creative variation. Vocalists must be a cappella, although instrumental auditions are welcome.
Individuals and groups wishing to audition must fill out an application form upon arrival at Dwyer Stadium prior to the audition. Singers and their immediate families will receive complementary game tickets on the date of their performance. For questions, please contact the Muckdogs at 585-483- 3647.
About the Muckdogs
Recognized as the birthplace of the New-York Penn League and one of it’s founding franchises, 2019marks the 80th season of professional baseball in Batavia, NY. Operated by Batavia Muckdogs Inc., the Muckdogs are the Class A Short Season Affiliate of the Miami Marlins and the only professional sports franchise in Genesee County.
Two on-air personalities hired to broadcast NY Sire Stakes Sept. 14 at Batavia Downs
By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs
Batavia, NY --- Batavia Downs has announced that they have retained the services of Heather Wilder and Peter Kleinhans as their on-air personalities for the broadcast of the $1.8 million New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) Night of Champions which will be held at the track on Saturday (Sept. 14).
Wilder will be doing pre and post-race interviews and Kleinhans will provide analysis and handicapping insight.
Heather Wilder, above, grew up with solid roots in harness racing being the daughter of Dan and Ruth Altmeyer and later marrying Meadows leading driver Mike Wilder. Her knowledge of every aspect of the sport is extensive as is her relationships with all its participants.
Besides being actively involved in racing everyday, Wilder currently handles talent management for the Delaware County Fair during the live TV broadcast of the Little Brown Jug. She has also been a regular part of the United States Harness Writers Association’s (USHWA) Dan Patch Awards Banquet both as an onstage host and Facebook live interviewer and producer for many years.
While she worked as public relations and marketing director for the Meadows Standardbred Owners Association (MSOA) she became a pioneer of reporting on racing on Facebook Live and coordinated the promotion of countless on-track events. In recognition of her fine work she was the recipient of USHWA's Lew Barasch Memorial Breakthrough Award for industry career achievements in 2013.
Wilder’s lifelong involvement with the sport and its players will make for interesting trackside and winner’s circle interviews throughout the night.
Peter Kleinhans started going to Roosevelt Raceway as a teenager and his passion for the sport grew from there. Eventually he started training and driving his own stable and reached the top of the game.
Kleinhans was training a stable of 20 horses led by Enough Talk who was the first trotter in the world to break the 1:50 barrier when he won by over eight lengths in 1:49.3 at Colonial Downs in 2008. Enough Talk also won the Breeders Crown in 2010 and received the Dan Patch older trotter of the year trophy from USHWA in each of those two seasons.
Although he still competes as an amateur driver, Kleinhans has expanded his role in the sport to announcer, analyst and host and has recently filled in at the Meadowlands in those capacities. His knowledge and expertise of the sport and articulate delivery of same will provide an informative and entertaining look at the night’s races for all who are watching.
“We are very excited to add such accomplished and professional talents to our production of the Night of Champions” said Todd Haight, Director/General Manager of Live Racing at Batavia Downs. “Heather and Peter have performed at the highest levels of the sport both on and off the track and will bring a unique perspective to the show for our fans.”
The Batavia Downs live racing meet kicks off on Wednesday (July 24) and runs through Saturday (Dec. 14). For more information on the upcoming racing season log on to www.bataviadownsgaming.com/live-racing.
(Wilder photo credit: USTA. Kleinhans photo credit: Meadowlands)
Longtime WNY harness horseman John P. Cummings Sr. dies at 73
By Tim Bojarski for Batavia Downs
Longtime Western New York harness horseman John P. Cummings Sr. passed away on Saturday (May 11) after a lengthy illness.
Mr. Cummings first got involved in harness racing in 1968 at the age of 22 through his brother-in-law Steve Flanigen. While working full time at both Trico Products and Bethlehem Steel (where he was a tradesman bricklayer) he started jogging and training horses with Flanigen and found what would soon become a lifelong vocation.
He started out with a couple homebreds named Clippers Classic and Windjammer Munk and soon added overnighters like Don J and Jack Flood to build his stable. Then through his 42-year career he went on to train horse that included Pembroke Primo (1:55.4, $341,026), Mr. Casanova (1:53.2, $274,073), Cambestion (1:52.4, $184,892), Good Evening Smile (1:57.3, $89,219), Solitaire Hanover (1:53.2, $63,953), Pitch The Prez (1:54.4, $89,396) and New York Sire Stake winner Pass Now (1:55.2, $81,918).
Mr. Cummings most notable horse was Arm And A Leg (1:54, $320,791) who in 2009 won 13 out of 39 starts and $86,000 to be named the Western New York Horse of the Year in a ceremony held at Batavia Downs.
Over the years Mr. Cummings amassed 3,779 training starts with 731 wins, 574 seconds and 466 thirds and earnings in excess of $1.8 million.
Although he did also drive, it wasn’t too often. Early on he used Flanigen who had more experience in the bike, and then later he had several more viable options that provided him the luxury of staying solely in the jog cart. You see Mr. Cummings is not only known as a trainer at the track, he also has the distinction of being the patriarch of one of the largest family of drivers in New York State. Four of his five children were boys who were brought up in the business since they could walk.
John Cummings Jr., Tony Cummings, Todd Cummings and Kevin Cummings were taught the ropes by their father and have all been training and driving since they were old enough to get their licenses. And now Todd’s son Kyle Cummings has made his grandfather proud by breaking out on the racing scene earlier this year with his first driving win.
All told, Mr. Cummings impact on harness racing through himself and his family has been 54,387 starts with 8,272 wins and over $38 million in earnings. That is a family tradition.
Although his wife, children and horses were his primary passion, when Mr. Cummings had any free time he enjoyed playing cards and was also an avid bowler. He did roll a 300 game and proudly wore the ring he received indicating that milestone everyday.
"Harry", as he was affectionately known by everyone, had an affable personality and the ability to make people laugh in any situation throughout his entire life and his presence will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
John Cummings Sr. was the beloved husband of Lallah (nee Flanigen) Cummings; devoted father of John Jr. (Megan Wilson), Anthony (Barbara), Colleen (Tim) Gallagher, Todd (Tammy), and Kevin (Rhonda) Cummings; son of the late Edward and Dorothy (nee Pike) Cummings; loving brother of Edward (late Clara), Frank, late Dorothy "Snookie" and late Peter Cummings; cherished grandfather of 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received on Tuesday (May 14) from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Lakeside Memorial Funeral Home, 4199 Lake Shore Road (corner of Camp Road and Route 5) Hamburg, NY. A mass of Christian burial will be held Wednesday (May 15) at noon at Saint John Paul II Parish 2052 Lakeview Road, Lakeview, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Donations and condolences may be left online at www.lakesidefuneralhome.com.
Batavia blanks Le Roy in Rotary Championship, Sallome named MVP
Last evening, the Batavia Blue Devils advanced to the finals (following their close win to Oakfield-Alabama) between the Le Roy Oatkan Knights. Alex Hale pitched the first five innings while Andrew Francis closed on the mound for the duo to have a complete game.
The first three innings showed no score from either team, until the bottom of the fourth as Batavia scored five runs. Sam Sallome, Trevor Zewan, Andrew Francis, Josh Weis, and Luke Grammatico each had a hit and RBI. Later on in the sixth, Luke Grammatico would score again with his second hit and RBI. Alex Hale and Jake Humes came to home plate as well.
Batavia was calm, cool, and collected throughout tonight and having continuous hits led to many runners on base, which turned into plenty of scoring opportunities. They were defensively sound. Batavia led Le Roy in hits 12-3 and one error to Le Roy’s three. Final score 8-0.
After the match, Sam Sallome was announced 2019 Rotary Tournament MVP.
Story submitted by Thomas Ognibene.
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