Countless awards, plaques, trophies, jerseys, and team photos lined the stage during this year’s annual hockey banquet at the Batavia High School auditorium on April 14.
The 2023-2024 BND United hockey season brought much to celebrate and while the many accolades are not surprising for a team led by accomplished coaches and comprised of highly talented players, the true force behind their achievement is not found within every team.
This year’s team was special, and their unity resulted in an extraordinary season. The appreciation of the sport along with the love between coaches and teammates filled the auditorium and was expressed in the numerous tear-filled and humorous stories shared on the stage.
The overwhelming feeling of comradery and family appears to be the true force behind their Championship season, and, together, they have created memories and a devotion that will forever connect them. This season’s story is one of hard work, talent, support, encouragement, respect, and selflessness.
BND United junior, Ivan Milovidov, described as a top-ranked hockey player and a fantastic young man, played a significant role in the team’s unification, strength, and overall success.
If you had the opportunity to watch Ivan on the ice, you witnessed something special. Ivan is an extremely gifted hockey player with character and leadership qualities that are equally impressive.
Among the many honors presented during the banquet was the WDF (Wisdom, Determination, Fortitude) Award, granted annually to a deserving BND United hockey player in remembrance of Wayne D. Foster.
The Wayne D. Foster Foundation Inc. carefully selects a young player who best displays Wayne’s goodwill, courage, and integrity. The honoree is considered based on their work ethic, wisdom, determination, courage, how they interact and care for others, and their unselfish play.
Through observations and in speaking with coaches, parents, and players, it was clear that Ivan was the perfect choice, making it a great privilege for the foundation, represented by Wayne’s grandson, Chase Pangrazio, to present Ivan with this year’s WDF scholarship and trophy.
The Wayne D. Foster Foundation is proud to recognize Ivan and the BND United hockey program. We wish to extend our congratulations to Ivan and the 2023-2024 BND United coaching staff and team for an outstanding season.
Supported by a newly formed board of directors that is committed to establishing a sense of pride in the organization, the Genesee County Spartans are back for a second season of competition in the Northeastern Football Alliance.
Harry Rascoe, (photo at right), vice president/head of football operations and head coach, said all members of the semipro team – players, coaches, directors and game-day volunteers – will be held to a higher standard for the 2024 campaign, which gets underway on June 1 against the visiting Lockport Wildcats.
The Spartans will be playing their home games at the Town of Pembroke football field, just down the road from Pembroke High School on Route 77. All home games will be on Saturdays, starting at 3:30 p.m.
In an interview with The Batavian on Tuesday, Rascoe acknowledged the disciplinary and behavior issues that surfaced toward the end of last season. He said all those associated with the club will be required to abide by two codes of conduct – one instituted by the Spartans and the other developed by the NFA.
“It’s not just a question of talent – and we definitely have some talented players, it’s much more than that,” Rascoe said. “We need a good core of coaches and men; people of character as we look to emulate the (Batavia) Muckdogs (baseball team) as a respected, staple of the community.”
Rascoe said 39 players are under contract for the season, many of them from Batavia High, Notre Dame and other local schools. The team’s kicker is Julie Petry, who made her mark as the Blue Devils’ placekicker during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.
“We’re glad to have Julie on the team, considering the job she did while at Batavia,” Rascoe said.
Jed Reese
Key skill players on offense include running backs Jzhon Henderson, whose father, Jermaine, will be serving on the board and also assisting with the defense, and Jed Reese (photo at left), a Notre Dame grad who played at Mansfield University last season.
Currently, Alex Rood (Batavia) and Corey Turpin from Buffalo are battling for the starting quarterback position.
“We also have signed 6-3 and 6-4 receivers in Deyonci Farley of Albion and Julio Gambino of Buffalo,” Rascoe noted. “Last year, we lacked possession receivers who could run.”
Rob Thurston Jr., another Batavia graduate, is the tight end.
Rascoe said the club has put in a new offense, similar to Batavia High’s system that features a short-to-intermediate passing game.
Gunner Rapone
On defense, Gunner Rapone (Batavia) returns after capturing NFA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023.
Kaden Marucci
Kaden Marucci, another former Blue Devil, is a stalwart on the defensive side of the ball.
Rapone (photo at right), Rood, offensive tackle Jordan Chambers (Gouverneur) and lineman Baylee Vercruysee (Medina) have been named co-captains.
Jermaine Henderson, who was a Division I running back at the University of Maine after a fine career at Batavia High, said he’s witnessed the team coming together as a unit during practice.
The Spartans host a scrimmage game against the Auburn Pride at 3:30 p.m. on May 11.
“The team’s morale is great and the environment, overall, has really improved,” he said.
Board President Tammy Hathaway said she’s confident that county businesses will rally around the Spartans. She said the team’s sponsors include House of Bounce, Iron Reps Gym, Get Sealed, Ridans Sports Bar and Ken Mistler, and more will be announced over the next few weeks.
Board President Tammy Hathaway and Director/Defensive Assistant Jermaine Henderson. Photo by Mike Pettinella.
“We are building on the best of what we learned last year and will be adding on to make this a team that the community can be proud of,” she said.
Rounding out the coaching staff are Craig Tiberio, defensive coordinator; Jon Grand, defensive assistant, and Burton Howell, offensive coordinator. Lauren Donovan is the board secretary and marketing/media coordinator.
Also on the board of directors are Marc Anthony Bucci, treasurer; Terry Smith, player accountability; Otis Thomas and Victor Thomas.
The Spartans’ final fundraiser is scheduled for May 25 – a golf tournament at Davis Country Meadows in Pavilion.
Genesee County Spartans’ schedule:
May 11, scrimmage, Auburn Pride
June 1 Lockport Wildcats
June 8 at Rochester Chargers
June 15 at East Coast Blue Devils
June 22 at Watertown Red & Black
June 29 Rochester Chargers
July 13 at Lockport Wildcats
July 20 Ithaca Warriors
July 27 East Coast Blue Devils
Genesee County Spartans’ roster:
No. Name Position (If determined) 0 Jedidiah Reese RB 1 Tai Reffell-Pugh 2 Alex Rood QB 3 Deyonci Farley WR 5 Rayshawn Huitt 6 Patrick Krantz DB 7 Gunner Rapone DT 8 Ryley Elliott DL 9 Marley English LB 10 Eric Snell OLB 11 Max Rapone LB 12 Corey Turpin QB 13 Kaden Marucci LB 14 Jzhon Henderson RB 15 Devan Flanagan 17 Nick Santos 19 Jalen White 20 Jzon Richardson WR 21 Delonta Curry LB 22 Cody Wenner WR 23 Kristopher Geising C 24 Michael Jamar Floyd DT 25 Dontre Woods LB 28 Keith Neureuter DE 29 Marcos Velazquez 33 Robert Thurston Jr. TE 40 Matthew Dillon LB 41 Nick Figlow 44 Brian Calderon 45 Amir Cleveland S 52 Jordan Chambers OL 54 Nick Mitchell 56 Steve Kowalczyk OL 60 Thomas Richmond 70 Timothy King OL 71 Anthony Natrigo OL 75 Austyn Fernandez OL 78 Baylee Vercruysse LB 93 Randy Reiner DL
Cole Grazioplene hits a three-run RBI double. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia piled on the runs against Pittsford-Sutherland on Monday behind a strong outing by pitcher Bronx Bucholz for a 10-4 win.
Bucholz notched a complete-game victory, going evening innings, giving up only four hits and whiffing five batters.
The Blue Devils were two 2-0 after two winnings. In the third, Evan Alexander doubled, followed by walk to Maggio Bucholze. Carter Mullen laid down a bunt and beat out the throw to load the bases. Col Grazioplene cleared the bases with a double. Dane Dombrowski followed with an RBI single, giving Batavia a 4-2 lead.
Pittsford-Sutherland tied the game in the fourth inning.
In the seventh, Grazioplene reached on a single. Ryan Fazio singled. Then Dombrowski singles to load the bases. Mekhi Fortes, in the clean-up spot, did just that with a grand slam over the leftfield fence.
Jameson Motkyka also hit a bomb on the next pitch.
Stats:
Mekhi Fortes 2-3, RBI Single, grand slam, five RBIs
Cole Grazioplene 3-4 ,double, two RBIs two Runs scored
Dane Dombrowski 3-4, RBI, run scored
Evan Alexander 2-4, two doubles
Jameson Motyka 1-4, HR
The Blue Devils are now 2-4 (2-1 in league play). They play Sutherland again at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Dwyer Stadium.
Notre Dame pulled out the close league matchup over Alexander behind the pitching of senior Loretta Sorochty.
Sorochty pitched a complete game, giving up just 3 hits, no earned runs and striking out 18 batters.
Emily Pietrzykowski pitched a strong game for Alexander as well, going the distance and only giving up 4 runs on 7 hits, striking out 3 batters.
Offensively for ND, Sorochty helped her cause with two hits and two RBIs. Katie Landers added two hits and a run scored. Mia Treleaven (double), Anna Panepento and Amelia Sorochty each contributed a hit, with Treleaven and A. Sorochty each adding a run scored. Sofia Falleti added a sac fly RBI, while Clairissa Milliman added a run scored.
"Tonight was a good test against a very strong Alexander squad," said Coach Otis Thomas. "I'm proud of the way the girls battled the entire game and can't say enough about our ace Loretta. Our bats were a little cold, but Loretta kept us in the game until we could score a few insurance runs. We have to put this one behind us and prepare for a tough league game vs Lyndonville on Friday."
The Pembroke Dragons triumphed over the Byron-Bergen squad 9-2 on Monday.
Hayden Williams led the way from the pitcher's mound, dominating with 13 strikeouts.
Jayden Bridge emerged as a standout player at the plate, going 3-4 with two doubles, driving in crucial runs and keeping the pressure on the Bee's defense.
Anthony Abbatiello also went 3-4.
Speed also proved to be a weapon for the Dragons, with the team racking up 6 stolen bases. Landon Santini swiped three himself.
In his first victory as the head Varsity Coach for the Dragons, Coach Lang expressed immense pride in his team's effort and dedication. The win not only highlights the talent of the players but also speaks volumes about the resilience and determination of the entire team, he said.
The Genesee Region USBC will be conducting its Annual Banquet & Hall of Fame Dinner on Saturday, May 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming’s Genesee Banquet Room.
The event will get underway at 6 p.m. with a memorial service in honor of members of the bowling community who passed away over the last year.
Highlights of the evening include the induction of brothers Tim and Tom Rohl into the association’s Hall of Fame in the Bowling Achievement category, presentation of the Barbara J. Kreiley Memorial Scholarship and recognition of tournament and regular season league champions.
Election of officers and directors also will take place, along with voting to raise the annual Standard and Local Only Adult membership dues by $1.
The cost of the buffet dinner is $35, with the following exceptions:
NO CHARGE – GRUSBC directors, Adult Tournament Champions (limit one tournament only), Youth Tournament Champions and one guest (limit one tournament only), guest speaker and one guest, Hall of Fame inductees and one guest.
$20 PER PERSON – Past GRUSBC Hall of Famers, league secretary or representative (limit one per league).
The reservation deadline is May 4. The banquet is open to all GRUSBC members, with a reservation deadline of May 4.
Please RSVP by sending an email to mikep@bowlgr.com or by calling 585-343-3736.
ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT CONCLUDES
The 17th Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament concluded on Sunday at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
Unofficial winners of the various divisions are as follows:
Open Team -- Christ Recycling, Albion, 2,860. Robbie Hanks' 300 game and 805 series on the tournament's opening squad sparked the team to the big score and it held on for first place. Other team members were Albert Burch (631), Larry Boyce (523) and Marvin Christ (483). The team received 418 pins handicap.
Women's Team -- Splitz & Giggles, Albion, 2,501. Barbara Casavant posted 604 scratch to lead the way. Other members were Sharon Stefanini (306), Tiffany Crawford (522) and Breanna Seever (502). The team received 590 pins handicap.
Open Doubles -- Daryl Dillon & Greg Gilman, Albion, 1,524. Bowling on the final squad on Sunday, Dillon registered 682 and Gilman rolled 651 for 1,333 scratch plus 191 pins handicap.
Women's Doubles -- Karen Allis & Jane Chaddock, Batavia, 1,284. Chaddock posted 566 and Allis had 532 on the second to last squad of the tournament. They received 186 pins handicap.
Open Singles -- Jeremy Yasses, Oakfield, 781. Yasses recorded games of 246-211-235 for 692 scratch. With his 89 pins handicap (based on 192 average), he took the lead on the Sunday morning squad.
Women's Singles -- Breanna Seever, Albion, 654. Seever started with a 211 game and went on to roll 522 scratch. Her 132 pins handicap enabled her to top the leaderboard, and she went on to place first in Women's All-Events as well.
Open All-Events -- Scott Culp, Honeoye Falls-Lima, 2,262. Culp put up the winning score without the benefit of handicap. His three series were 747 (Team), 773 (Doubles) and 742 (Singles).
Kyle Beaver, a Grappling World Champion and Canadian National Pro Champion, won the NYS Absolute Grappling Championship representing Lumber City Combat Sports.
His son Jojo Schafer-Beaver, from Pembroke, made his grappling tournament debut and took 2nd place!
Curtis Foss of Medina added to his lengthy list of honor scores last week, posting a perfect game and 800 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
The 36-year-old right-hander, who operates the pro shop at Oak Orchard Bowl, posted games of 300, 257 and 245 for an 802 total using a Storm Summit Peak ball.
Brandon Gurnsey of Albion wasn't far behind, registering a 276 game and 770 series.
At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Bill Neubert of Batavia came within a pin of perfection for the second time this season in the Thursday Owls League.
The 73-year-old righty rolled 11 strikes before leaving the 7-pin for a 299 middle game. He finished with a 759 series.
For a list of high scores for the week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.
Fans from all across the area came to watch Xtreme international ice racing on Friday and Saturday evening at the Dave McCarthy memorial Ice Arena. Photo by Steve Ognibene
For fans of vehicle racing, the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena was the place to be, with motorbikes and four-wheelers among the motorized machines taking to the frozen surface for fast trips around the track.
Anthony Barlow started Extreme Ice Racing 20 years ago, met Robbie Nichols in Elmira 15 years ago, and Nichols became a friend and supporter of the sport.
Last year, Nichols brought Extreme Ice Racing to Batavia for the first time.
"We got a few different classes," Barlow said. "We got the speedway bikes that go from zero to 60 in under three seconds, and they have no brakes. And we've got the four-wheelers, which people can really relate to because most people have a four-wheeler, and you've got the flat-track bikes. You've got the kids racing cars, people love kids, and then you've got the go-karts. So when people come, you never know what you can get with ice racing."
Tom Fluker, left, proprietor of StrikeForce Lanes in Oakfield, greets members of the Townsend family, James, Joanne and Holly, during Saturday's Paul Townsend Memorial No-Tap Doubles Tournament. Photos by Mike Pettinella.
The bowling community came out in force to remember one of its own over the weekend and a Batavia organization dedicated to providing end-of-life care reaped the rewards.
Seventy-one teams participated in the first Paul Townsend Memorial No-Tap Doubles Tournament on Saturday at StrikeForce Lanes in Oakfield, helping to raise more than $3,000 for Crossroads House, a not-for-profit two-bed comfort home on Liberty Street that serves terminally ill residents of Genesee and Wyoming counties.
A portion of the entry fees plus proceeds from a large number of basket raffles and other fundraisers went to Crossroads House in memory of Paul Townsend, a lifelong Batavian and avid bowler who passed away on Sept. 27, 2023, at the age of 61.
The tournament was organized by his wife, Joanne; son, James, and daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Joshua Napoli, with assistance from family members, friends and representatives of Crossroads House.
James addressed the bowlers and others who took part in the event before each of the three squads of bowling.
"We can't thank you enough for the support you have shown our family," he said. "My father would be overwhelmed by the turnout here today."
Twelve of the 71 teams earned prize money, with Dennis Maid of Byron teaming up with Jeff Pangrazio of Batavia to earn the $400 first prize with a 1,789 score with handicap.
Bill Lyons Sr. of Elba and Ron Shultz of Oakfield placed second with 1,737, good for $280, while brothers Peyton and Colton Yasses of Oakfield finished in third place with 1,693, winning $240.
Other cashers were as follows:
Cassidy Bratcher and Jimmy Macaluso of Le Roy, 1,688 ($200); Bob Zemla of Buffalo and Bob Van Dorn of Batavia, 1,663 ($190); Corey Winters of Middleport and Alishia Foss of Brockport, 1,659 ($170); Jane Chaddock and James Elmore of Batavia, 1,640 ($150); Danielle Schultz and Chris Fowler of Batavia, 1,611 ($130).
Dennis Maid and Chase Cone of Bergen, 1,606 ($120); Rich Mortellaro of Corfu and Scott Shields of Batavia, 1,589 ($100); Aiden Warner of Basom and Peyton Yasses, 1,588 ($90); Shawn Illerbrun of Warsaw and Brian Green of Batavia, 1,586 ($70).
The tournament was sponsored by Striking Effects Pro Shop in Batavia and StrikeForce Lanes/Rusty Rail Bar & Grill.
James Townsend gets ready to roll the ceremonial first ball to start the bowling tournament/fundraiser in memory of his father, Paul.
Mike Szatkowski said everything changed once he entered the 10th frame of the third game on lanes 1-2 at Mancuso Bowling Center last Tuesday night.
Bowling in the Brighton Securities Triples League, the Batavia left-hander, who turned 38 today, went into the final frame with nine consecutive strikes -- needing three more to secure his first United States Bowling Congress-certified 300 game.
"Getting the first seven, eight or nine strikes didn't faze me because I've had that before but once I got to the 10th frame, I could feel the adrenaline kick in and my heart pumping faster," said Szatkowski (photo at right), manager of Fastenal on East Main Street Road.
Despite the pressure mounting on each delivery, Szatkowski came through by placing the ball in the 1-2 pocket each time for the perfect game. He said his previous best was 289.
For the night, he led his team with a 755 series, with the 300 following games of 251 and 204. He bowls with his cousin, Ben Miles, and longtime friend and former college roommate, Dan Zambito.
Also in the league, veteran kegler Rick Saunders of Batavia rolled a 279 middle game en route to a 723 series.
At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Robbie Hanks set the pace in the Thursday Men's Triples League with a 235-268-278--781 series.
ASSOCIATION TOURNAMENT STARTS FRIDAY
The 17th annual Genesee Region USBC Association Tournament, the season-ending Team, Doubles, Singles and All-Events competition, is scheduled for April 5-7, 12-14 at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion.
The GRUSBC has extended the "paid in full" deadline for the first weekend to this Tuesday -- giving bowlers more time to get their entry forms filled out and sent with their checks to the association office, 55 Edgewood Drive, Batavia, NY 14020. The deadline for the second weekend is April 9.
To sign up in advance, call 585-861-0404 or send an email to mikep@bowlgr.com. Entry forms can be found at www.bowlgr.com.
A Proprietor's Squad, with complimentary food and beverages, is scheduled for this Friday at 6:30 p.m. A few spots remain on that squad.
Erik Fix, Gary Donofrio, Carter Fix, Lucas Morrison, Gabriel Vallese, Jack Walker, and Sara Stockwell. Photo by Howard Owens.
The Le Roy High School members of the Byron-Bergen/Le Roy Swimming and Diving Team were honored at Tuesday's Le Roy Central School District Board of Education meeting for their Section V Class C championship.
The team went 10-1 on the season.
Coach Sara Stockwell said that accomplishment is all the more notable because the team didn't have its own pool for training this season. The Byron-Bergen pool is undergoing renovations. The team practiced in Chili.
"Ten and one is a huge improvement over last year and the year before," Stockwell said. "They were 2-10, so it's a major improvement. We were the Genesee Regional League champions, and we won the Genesee Region League meet championship, so they won the meet and the league.
She said, "Our kids swam phenomenally all season."
MARCH 22, 2024 -- Brothers Tim and Tom Rohl, holders of a combined six Genesee Region USBC Masters Tournament titles, will be inducted into the local bowling association’s Hall of Fame in May.
The GRUSBC Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 at Batavia Downs Gaming’s Genesee room on Park Road.
The Genesee Region USBC will be providing more information about the banquet, including how to get tickets, next week.
The Rohl name has been a fixture on the bowling scene in the Genesee Region for parts of five decades with older brother Tim making his mark from 1985-2005 before moving to Florida and Tom finding success on the lanes over the past 30 years.
Both left-handers are products of the youth bowling program directed by Fran Krenzer at Legion Lanes in Le Roy, where they grew up and where Tom still resides.
With numerous league and tournament titles, honor scores and high averages, the Rohls can boast of multiple crowns in the Masters, the prestigious scratch singles event that started in the Batavia Bowling Association and continued in the GRUSBC through last season.
Tim, now 57, is a four-time Masters champion, with victories in 1988, 1995, 1999 and 2002, and Tom, 50, won the tournament in 2001 and 2013.
The brothers also won a BBA tournament as teammates – joining forces to capture the Johnson-Ianni Doubles title in 1999.
Among their many other accomplishments:
Tim Rohl
-- 1990 BBA Association Tournament All-Events scratch champion, 2,046 for 9 games; -- 1991 BBA Association Tournament Team, Singles and Doubles champion; -- 1993 BBA Association Tournament Team champion (Kraus Trucking), 3,089 scratch; -- Bowled 760 in Kraus Trucking’s 2,224 three-man series with Jerry Geissler and Bruce Kraus in 1989-90 season; -- Won seven Classic League titles at Mancuso Bowling Center with Kraus Trucking and Terry Hills teams; -- Has seven 300 games, as many 290-299 games, two 800 series in local association competition, with high averages of 224, 221 and 219 in the Mancuso Classic League and 220 in the Batavia Bowling Center Classic League (1990). -- Tournament titles include the Channel 4 Open, winning $4,000; Western New York Classic Tour and Attica Open, and he made the finals of the 2004 Storm Challenge in Las Vegas. -- As a collegiate bowler, his 752 at the 1985 NJCAA Regionals in Corning was in the top 10 in the nation at that time.
After relocating to the Sarasota, Fla., area in 2006, Tim placed seventh in the Florida USBC state tournament with 791 in singles in 2012, and compiled league averages of 231 and 236 with two 300 games and two 800 series from 2010-13.
Tom Rohl
-- 2000 GRUSBC Association Tournament All-Events scratch and handicap champion, 2,177 for 9 games; 2002 Association Tournament Doubles scratch and handicap champion with Darrow Rumsey, 1,417 score, and multiple years of top finishes in association tournament doubles and singles; -- Has 10 300 games, six 290-299 games and five 800 series in local association competition, with his first coming in 1995-96 as part of an 811 series while bowling with Tim and their father, John, at Legion Lanes; -- Has a high series of 824 (Livingston Lanes in Geneseo) with high averages of 227 at Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield, 216 at Legion Lanes and 214 at Mancuso’s, and rolled a 700 series at the USBC national championships; -- Four-time Velletta Memorial three-person Tournament champion at the former Scopano’s Lanes in Oakfield; -- Other tournament titles and top finishes include first place at the 2024 Super Bowl handicap singles at Mancuso’s, Attica Open, second place at Lilac City Tournament team event ($25,000 prize), second place in the 2022 GRUSBC Scratch Memorial, second place at the Bowlers Journal in Reno in 2010 and a top 12 finish at the Brunswick Shootout in 1998 against PBA members, including Bill O’Neill, Mike Fagan and Tom Smallwood.
The young players who are learning the game as members of the Batavia Stingers, so Batavia High School's varsity softball team members coaching the Stingers players is good for both teams, said Rob Kersch.
Kersch is Batavia's varsity softball coach.
The Blue Devils hosted a clinic for Stingers players in the auxiliary gym at the high school on Saturday.
"I wanted to make sure our kids are giving back to the community," Kersch said. "They were all little softball players, you know, like they're teaching and coaching right now. I wanted to give back, and they're excited about it, too. They want to get involved with these kids. The other thing is, you're looking at future Batavia Blue Devils. We want to foster some a relationship with them, and help build them up, so when they come up to us, they will be much better players."
Saturday's clinic was all about hitting. Clinics scheduled for April 7 and April 21 will concentrate on fielding and base running.
Current Stingers Board President Michelle Gillard said, "This is a great opportunity for our young athletes to learn and be mentored by older players."
Matt Landers, one of the co-founders of the Stingers, helped facilitate the clinic and said he thinks there is demand for the Stingers program to grow in Batavia, but more parents need to get involved, especially as coaches.
"I think that we definitely have a need in the community and more interest in the community," Landers said. "We're thrilled to be able to do this, again to keep this program going. But we know we can get bigger and have more more kids play ball, but it all comes down to having more coaches."
Ashley Johnson, Pembroke, Isabella Reeves, Alexander, and Kori Radley, Le Roy, were among the cheerleaders for the game. Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Genesee County was well represented in Rochester on Saturday for the 39th annual Ronald McDonald House Charity Basketball Games.
Le Roy's Merritt Holly, playing on the Red Team, was named the game's MVP, scoring 18 points and six rebounds. Braedyn Chambry was awarded the Bob Parker Sportsmanship Award for the Red Team.
Roxanne Noeth was one of the two coaches for the Red Team. She was honored during the game for playing in the girls' RMHC 1987 game. She is the first person to play in a girl's game and coach a boy's team. (People have played and later coached in a game, but she is the first female to coach boys and play in the girls' game).
Victoria Fetzer, a freshman from Le Roy sang the National Anthem to open both the boys' and girls' games.
Merritt Holly, MVP. Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Merrit Holly Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Roxanne Noeth and Braedyn Chambry. Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Braedyn Chambry Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Roxanne Noeth Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Pembroke's Tyson Totten represented Pembroke on the Gold Team. Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Tyson Totten Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Caitlin Ryan, left, represented Oakfield-Alabama in the girls' game. Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Le Roy's Victoria Fetzer sang the National Anthem for both the boys' and the girls' games. Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Byron-Bergen's Brody Baubie was at the game as a spectator, and his ticket was selected to attempt a three-point shot for a chance to win $500. He made the shot. He donated a portion of the prize back to the Ronald McDonald House. Photo by Jennifer DiQuattro
Team championship members and coach Charlie O'Geen of the BMHL Newstead Homes Kings Photo by Steve Ognibene
Newstead Homes Kings beat Kelly's Holland Inn Stars, 6-1, on Sunday at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Ice Arena to win the Batavia Men's League Hockey Championship.
The Kings came out of the locker room hot, opening the first period with goals by Dan Eckerson, Evan Eckerson, and David Holtz.
"We knew going in that they were going to come out flying, and we just had to play our game," Evan Eckerson said. "Gary (Schum), our goalie, he played a heck of a game, and you can't really ask anything else of him. He didn't allow a goal until 10 seconds left."
Eckerson said his team scored "not the greatest goal" to take a 1-0.
"But, hey, they all count. They all look the same on the score sheet. That got us on the board and that got us the momentum to keep going through the first period."
In the second period, the Kings took advantage of a penalty, with Shane Wiseman netting a power-play goal, assisted by Mitch Ernst.
The Stars got some quality shots on Schum in the second and third period, but the goaltender was equal to the task.
"This team has been all about energy, checking the whole season long, and today they did a great job in front of me -- pressuring the puck and resolving the turnovers," Schum said. "Defensively, they were just great in our own zone today."
The Kings' netminder kept the Stars scoreless through four penalty kill opportunities in the third period until, with 9.3 seconds to play, Jason Hauesser scored for the Stars.
Evan Eckerson added two more goals late in the third period, getting the hat trick and securing the most valuable player award for the game.
Kings Coach Charlie O'Geen, the last original active member of the league, won his sixth championship.
"We won the championship with Charlie a couple of years ago," Eckerson said. "There's no better guy who deserves it more. He's one of the first ones. He's been here since the start, and he's still here, still winning championships, picking championship teams."
Several bowlers cracked the 700 mark in league action around the Genesee Region USBC last week.
At Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia, Brian Cline led the way with a 239-268-269--776 series in the Mancuso Real Estate Monday Doubles League, raising his average to 239.
Also at Mancuso's, fellow left-hander Nick Johnson posted a 736 series in the Brighton Securities Tuesday Triples League.
At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Mike Lyons started with 278 on his way to a 743 series in the Wednesday Men's Handicap League, with Scott Gibson next at 715, and Mark Mack registered a 715 series in the Thursday Owls League.
At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, four bowlers exceeded 700 in the Sneezy's Monday Night League -- John Beadle 267--748, Brandon Gurnsey 257--711, Troy Fanton 259--710 and Robbie Hanks 246--705.
For a list of high scores, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.
Adam Philp of Batavia has 5,500 reasons to smile after winning the Super Bud Bowl last Sunday night at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego. Official tournament photo.
Adam Philp became the second Batavian to win the prestigious – and extremely challenging – Super Bud Bowl at Lighthouse Lanes in Oswego last Sunday.
Competing in a tournament that normally attracts more than 1,100 bowlers over the course of a week (this year’s entries totaled 1,178), the 40-year-old right-hander won eight straight matches to earn the $5,500 first prize.
Seeded third in the three-bowler finals, he defeated 2020 Super Bud Bowl champion Nick Galusha of Altamont, 217-194, before knocking off No. 1 seed Joe Mazuryk of Schenectady, 219-160, for the title.
While 48 of the 96 finalists received either one- or two-round byes, depending upon their scores and placement on their respective qualifying squads during the week, Philp wasn’t as fortunate. He qualified on Tuesday night with an 811 four-game total, which guaranteed him a spot in the finals but without a bye.
That meant he needed to win eight straight matches under the single-elimination format to become the champion.
“It was surreal,” he said in a phone interview with The Batavian. “I couldn’t believe I did it – especially coming from having no byes. Some of the guys were saying that I’m only the third or fourth person that’s ever won the tournament that way.”
The tournament has produced 36 different winners in its 36 years. Philp joins the late Joe Trigilio (1999) as the only Batavia residents to win the event.
Philp averaged around 215 in his eight wins. His lowest score was 182, coming in a third-game match against Tori Burkins of Ravena, and it almost wasn’t enough.
“That was that was my closest match,” he said. “She actually could have struck on the first ball the 10th frame to beat me, but she left a weak 10-pin. I pretty much had the match in hand until I left a bomb 7-10 (split) to give her a chance."
He won that match by six pins and then went on to defeat Ray LeChase II and Andrew Kopec, both of Rochester, and Brandon Boyer of Glens Falls to reach the stepladder final round.
Mazuryk won $2,800 as the runner-up and Galusha pocketed $1,600.
The finals, which started around 4 p.m., were delayed for more than two hours by a power outage and didn’t finish until 11:15 p.m.
“It was a long day and then I had to drive to Massachusetts for work right afterwards,” said Philp, who is employed by the CSX Transportation railroad. “I didn’t get to the hotel until 5:15 in the morning. I had an adrenaline rush until about 4 o’clock and then I hit a brick wall.”
When he’s not bowling (Philp participates in the County Line Stone Trios League at Mancuso Bowling Center), he’s watching his 9-year-old son, Gavin, play hockey or his 6-year-old daughter, Naomi, dance. He and his wife, Anna, also have a daughter, Macie, who’s almost 2.
Philp is a former Genesee Region USBC Scratch Memorial champion. His previous best finish in the Super Bud Bowl was making it to the round of 12.
Three Perry bowlers cashed at the Super Bud Bowl. Chad Dunning made it to the round of 12, earning $600; Brian Weber won one match, good for $340, and Dennis Van Duser took home $170.
RICH WAGNER POSTS 300 GAME
In GRUSBC league action last week, Batavia lefty Rich Wagner added to his long list of honor scores with a 300 game in the Toyota of Batavia 4-Man League at Mancuso Bowling Center. He finished with a 684 series.
Chase Cone of Byron rolled a 753 series in the Tuesday Nite Coed League at Mancuso's, finishing with a 267 game.
At Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, Curtis Foss had games of 279, 255 and 236 for a 770 series to lead the way in the Sneezy's Monday Night League.
