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Softball: Oakfield girls knock out #1 seed

By Howard B. Owens

Submitted by Mary Beth Mcmartin.

Pembroke Girls Softball team knocks out # 1 seed Gananda 
to meet Oakfield in the Class CC Finals on Wednesday

The Teams.

By daniel cherry

The Astros lost 19 to 15 on saturday in minor league baseball.It was a close game.Thanks to TF Browns for being a sponsor.Thanks to Paul Sputore for all he does for the minor leagues.

SC Genesee Lancers Women making their mark in premier soccer division

By Chris Chilano

The S.C. Genesee Lancers Women's team, which became the first local soccer team to be promoted to the Premier Division in the RDSL (Rochester District Soccer League - which is the oldest league in the U.S.A.) is off to a great start in 2009.

The ladies played a tough 0-0 draw against the Canal City (Wheatland) Courage on Wednesday night. The team had many chances but just could put one away. After gaining the tie in their first game of the season, it didn't get any easier as the Lancers traveled to play the Greece Cobras on Saturday morning. The Cobras are a very good and established Premier team. The Lancers were missing 8 players for the match to boot.

The Cobras would score twice in the first four minutes, but the Lancers hung tough and Lindsay Wellspeak (Alexander/FLCC) would steal a ball from the Cobras defeneder and walk in on a breakaway and score with just 7 minutes left in the half go get the Lancers only down 2-1 at half.

In the second half the Lancers took it to the Cobras, with Wellspeak getting goal #2 off a great assist from Megan Baker (Kendall/St. John Fisher). Just moments later Kasey Welch (Byron-Bergen/Naz), coming of ACL surgery and making her return, would score off a wild scramble in front of the net after a Robin Blaun (Elba/SUNY Brockport) assist. The Cobras would tie the game at 3, but with 12 minutes left, Blaun would send a streaking Jessie Jaszko (Batavia/GCC) in on a breakway to score, sealing the 4-3 win. Caitlin Dilal (Mercy/Robert Morris) would make 9 saves in goal for the win, and the Lancers defense led by Jenna Ferrando (Leroy/Buffalo State) and Audrey Rath (Medina/Alfred State) were great all day.

The ladies are now 1-0-1 in Premier play and next up is the much anticipated Cup game vs. Greece Eclipse, Tuesday, June 2 at Lions Park in Batavia. Come out and support them! The team is sponsored by SJ Starowitz, TF Browns, and Lewis and Lewis, P.C.

 

Group of last year's Muckdogs make it to Quad Cities

By Howard B. Owens

Thirteen players who spent at least part of the 2008 season with the Batavia Muckdogs have been placed on the Quad Cities River Bandits roster for 2009.

The players promoted are: George Brown, Hector Cardenas, Ramon Delgado, Arquidemes Nieto, Miguel Tapia, Adam Veres, Charles Cutler, Blake Murphy, Osvaldo Morales, Domnit Bolivar, Alex Castellanos, Jon Edwards and Chris Swauger.

NFL Network coming to cable - just not your cable.

By Brian Hillabush

 For those NFL fans out there that have been waiting for  the NFL Network to come to Time Warner Cable, it looks like you are going to be waiting for a while longer.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that the popular channel - which DirecTV customers have enjoyed for years - signed a 10 year deal with Comcast.

Goodell did leave the door open for a  possible deal with Time Warner in the future.

Goodell also said the NFL will work to resolve any differences it has with other major cable operators that don't carry the network -- including Time Warner Cable Inc., Cablevision Systems Corp. and Charter Communications Inc.

Last year's Muckdog stars promoted to High Class A

By Howard B. Owens

Eight players who spent time with the Batavia Muckdogs during their 2008 championship season are continuing their minor league careers this season with the Palm Beach Cardinals.

Palm Beach, also a St. Louis Cardinals affiliate, is in the Florida State League, which is considered High Class A.

Among the players making the roster are hitting stars Jermaine Curtis, Cold Sedbrook and Shane Peterson.

Reliever Adam Reifer is also starting the season with Palm Beach, as is Lance Lynn, who put up great numbers with both Batavia and Quad Cities.

Rounding out the list of promotions: Francisco Rivera, Ryan Kuilk and Thomas Eager,

Nominations Sought For Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame

By JIM NIGRO

Nominations are still being accepted for The eight annual Batavia Blue Devil Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony and dinner to be held October 17, at Terry Hills Restaurant. The Hall of Fame Committee is accepting applications through May 31. 

In honoring former athletes, coaches, administrators and various contributors, the Hall of Fame recognizes the great accomplishments and outstanding contributions of those associated with the Blue Devil’s athletic program. 

All nominations received by the committee, in addition to those already on file, will be taken into consideration.

The selection process includes the following criteria:                                            

1. In addition to outstanding athletes, coaches and administrators, the Hall of Fame will recognize outstanding contributors such as worthy booster club presidents, parent volunteers, team doctors, etc.   

2.  Athletes become eligible five years after graduation and coaches five years after retirement. Said time frame will also apply to contributors.

3. The nominee must have made an outstanding contribution to his or her sport, such as attaining all-league, all-county or all-state honors, all-time leading scorer, winning state championship, etc.

4. The nominee must be a positive role model, having displayed exemplary character while representing Batavia athletics and also in his or her life following graduation, worthy of being emulated by current and future students.

Nomination forms are available on the district web site at bataviacsd.org or by contacting the athletic director’s office at 343-2480, ext. 2003    

 

Muckdogs announce scholarship opportunity

By Billie Owens

The New York-Penn League and the Batavia Muckdogs are proud to announce a new scholarship program sponsored by the NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation. It will award a $2,500 scholarship to three deserving individuals (one from each of the league’s three divisions). 
 
The scholarship is based on financial need, academic performance and other criteria. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, and also be engaged in extracurricular activities. The applicant should be involved in community service and be able to provide references. The student must include a copy of his or her transcript and a letter of acceptance from the institution they plan to attend.

Applications must be completed and returned to their hometown/local NY-Penn League Club by July 15. Their hometown/local club will choose one application to submit to the NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation selection committee.

Students eligible for this award must be graduating seniors from a public or private high school. Scholarship awards must be applied towards any 2- to 4-year college or university, vocational or technical education institution or program.   
 
Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship can download the application online at www.muckdogs.com or pick up/fill out an application in person at Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank Street, Batavia, NY 14020. Phone is 343-5454.

Kiwanis Club of Batavia Strives to Make Strikes for Golisano Children’s Hospital

By Patrick Weissend

Batavia Kiwanis is rolling together a bowling fundraising event to benefit Golisano Children’s Hospital at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC). The first annual event, called the No-Tap Fun Tournament, will begin at 12 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at Mancuso’s Bowling Center at 214 East Main St. in Batavia. The tournament has a no-tap rule, which means if a bowler gets nine pins down, it counts as a strike.

“Many people in Batavia don’t realize how much of an impact Golisano has on local families here,” said Patrick Weissend, the chair of the first annual No-Tap Fun Tournament and member of the Batavia Kiwanis Club. "In 2008, the hospital served more than 1,600 children from Genesee County," continued Weissend.

Patients at Golisano Children’s Hospital at URMC come from as many as 63 New York counties seeking specialty care in a range of areas. All seriously ill or injured children from the 17-county Finger Lakes region are referred to Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Last year’s Miracle Kid Anders Swanson was from Batavia. Anders had a rare, aggressive brain tumor near the center of his brain. Doctors at Golisano Children’s Hospital at URMC tended to and treated Anders and in mid-September 2007, Anders was declared cancer-free. He is still being monitored closely, but Anders is undoubtedly a miracle, and his care is a testament to how valuable Golisano Children’s Hospital is to kids in the Batavia community, explained Weissend, a close friend to the Swansons.

The tournament is $20 per bowler or $90 per team. Those not interested in bowling are welcome to sponsor a lane for $25. To reserve a spot as an individual or for a team, request a form by e-mailing lgpat@BataviaKiwanis.com or calling (585) 993-1634 or (585) 343-4727.

 

 

Genesee Valley Kart Club 4/26/2009 Weekly Standings

By Jerome Peck II

What a great start to the racing season at Genesse Valley Kart Club! 
 

     April 26 was Race 1, complete with spectators in the stands. The Animal Stock Red & Gold plate classes were large and fun to watch. There was some close racing in both of those classes and it will definitely be exciting as the points add up this season.
      We had a short a burst of rain that once gone, had Mom’s and Dad’s driving around the track in trucks and SUV’s to dry it off. The sun came out and we were all racing again within 30 - 45 minutes.
      Classes are still organizing with the promise of new members in the WKA Animal Black plate as well as the Yamaha classes. Some excitement has been growing about the interest in the Yamaha Masters Class. We expect this group to start growing once the junior classes are underway.

 

 

Genesee Valley Kart Club Race Results for 4/26/09
 
Kid Karts
Nick Fauci
Logan Muschaweck
 
Sealed Animal Red Plate
Brett McManus
Adam Cornel
Madee Clicquennoi
Christian Peck
Ryan Bavineau
Zachary Turner
 
Sealed Animal Gold Plate
McAndrew Gamrod
Tyler Orlop
Taylor Ness
Mikayla Meyer
Chris Andolino
Nick Traynor
 
WKA Animal Black Plate
Adam Johnson
Zack Clicquennoi
 
Yamaha Jr Sportsman
Leo Klimczak
 
Yamaha Sr Pipe
Shane Morse
Sandra Barkley
 
Tag Jr
Robbie Little

  Local area racer Christian Peck competeing in his jr. animal red plate class pulled out a 4th place finish for the day !!  This is a very competetive class of 8 - 11 yr olds.  Some first time drivers others are seasoned veterans

The Desperate Bills

By Fred GUNDELL

 As a youth, there were no Bufalo Bills.  Virtually every local Football Fan belonged to the Giants or the Browns.  That is why alot of local football fans to this date are labelled as "Bills Bashers".  I am not one of those however. If it were not for the Bill I could never see the Giants in person.  They play the Bills every six or seven years, and tickets to the Meadowlands are handed down in Wills.  So here is my criticism of the BILLS!!  Their CHEAP OWNER!!  Who else would move games to Toronto after all these years, and expect the fans to buy into the explanation that he is trying to expand the base...It's the same base it was 30 years ago.

Lets face it, he's trying to sell more of the overpriced luxury boxes, and club seats. That all goes into his pocket.  The player salaries are more than covered by the TV revenue.  ALL clubs to my knowledge share gate revenues equally. That more than pays the staff.  So that leaves the $25.00 parking charge,club seats, Luxury Boxes, and a good hunk of Hot Dog and Beer Money for poor old Mr. Wilson. I feel sorry for him.  He must really be suffering there in Detroit. It's no wonder that  there hasn't been a big time Coach or General Manager in years. And ,Oh bye the way ,they haven't made the playoffs since one year after John Butler left.  Need I list all the losers that have coached here for years.  Think about Kaye Stevens, Hank Bullock, Mallarcki (or whatever his name was), Wade Phillips who inherited a John Butler Team his first year, Tom Donohoe, Marv Levy as GM(??) What did he do? I suspect this guy Jauron is there because he's cheap. No wonder they extended his contract.  It's not because he's been successful. Where would the Bills have been had they had a Big Time coach and GM these past ten years or so.  I'll bet they would have made they playoffs, or better.

Albion's Kinder gets drafted by Chicago

By Brian Hillabush

Albion grad Derek Kinder was just selected with the 251st overall selection in the seventh round by the Chicago Bears.

Kinder was a standout running back for the Purple Eagles and was switched to wide receiver at the University of Pittsburgh. He tore his ACL during his senior year and received an injury red shirt.

He bounced back this season to catch 36 passes for 422 yards and three touchdowns.

It was reported that Kinder had worked out for Chicago and Cincinnati in the weeks prior to the NFL Draft.

 

NFL Draft live blogging

By Brian Hillabush

4:04 p.m. - Here we go. No big surprise as the Detroit Lions select quarterback Tim Couch, err, Matthew Stafford. The team reached a contract with him last night. Updates will be coming through the day.

4:16 p.m. - Jason Smith just went to the Rams. My prediction is Kansas City trades down and probably the Jets come up and get Mark Sanchez.  (OK, I'm wrong and confused by the selection).

4:39 p.m. - Jets moved up for Sanchez. Great move. He's the best QB prospect in the draft.

4:59 p.m. - The Oakland Raiders are the worst franchise in the AFC and that was an absolutely stupid draft pick at No. 7. Darrius Heyward-Bey out of Maryland is the fourth ranked receiver in the pre-draft rankings. Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin are easily more likely to be stars. Mel Kiper gave this pick an F. I also do.

5:13 p.m. - San Francisco is the only team other than Buffalo and Michael Oher is still on the board. If San Fran takes him, expect possibly USC linebacker Brian Cushing or Texas defensive end Brian Arakpo to be the pick. If the 49ers take somebody else though, Oher is the pick.

5:27 p.m. - Aaron Maybin of Penn State is the pick. The defensive end is a pretty good pass rusher, but not a choice I think a lot of fans would have made. The Bills need to replace Jason Peters, who was traded to Philly, and Oher would have been perfect. I preferred Arakpo as well.

5:50 p.m. - Buffalo isn't up again for a bit, so I'll be taking a break unless something big happens. What do you all think about Maybin getting picked at 11?

6:06 p.m. - Oher is still out there. He is considered one of four offensive tackles coming into the draft. Why is he dropping?

6:20 p.m. - Detroit just took Brandon Pettigrew, the best tight end in the draft. I was hoping he'd fall to Buffalo at 28.

6:39 p.m. - Good for the Baltimore Ravens. Michael Oher is a great story and a great player. They definitely get an A+ for this pick, at 23 when he should have been top 10.

6:55 p.m. - Two big picks coming up. My Colts are on the board and I'm hoping for North Carolina wide receiver Hakeem Nicks to replace Marvin Harrison. Then the Bills will look at either tackle or linebacker. Rey Maualuga is still out there.

7 p.m. - Indy takes Donald Brown, running back from Connecticut. He's a good player, but I wanted a receiver. I guess replacing Dominic was important.

7:04 p.m. - Buffalo takes Eric Wood, a center from Louisville. He's a four-year starter and can play every position on the line. It will be interested to see what the Bills do with him.

7:33 p.m. - 3 1/2 hour first round ... not bad. Lots of fun and surprises. I'll keep giving the occasional update as the second round goes on. Buffalo has the 10th pick.

8:17 p.m. - The Bills take Jairus Byrd, CB out of Oregon, with the 10th pick in the second round. It looks like a bit of a reach and there has still only been one tight end selected. Also, does the team really need a cornerback?

9 p.m. - Dallas and Buffalo just made a trade. 

9:01 p.m. - Buffalo again helps the offensive line by getting the top guard, Andrew Levitre from Oregon St. A surprising move to see the trade and a solid pick by the Bills. Dallas got the 75th and 110th picks owned by Buffalo. Excellent move.

Notre Dame guard Kevin Francis is first-team all-state

By Brian Hillabush

Notre Dame guard Kevin Francis had a tremendous senior season and because of that has earned first-team, all-state honors by the New York State Sportswriters Association.

Francis scored 20.9 points with 5.7 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 5.1 steals per game while leading the Fighting Irish to the top seed in the Section 5 Class D1 playoffs.

The Batavia basketball team that made the state semifinals had a pair of selections on state squads. Andrew Hoy was selected to the sixth team and Marcus Hoy was picked to the seventh team.

Local bloggers start gabbing about sports at the Watercooler

By Brian Hillabush

As Matt Novak, Matt McCracken and Brandon Brummert were driving back from the NCAA Basketball Tournament in Memphis, they started talking about a way to have some fun talking sports with their friends.

The trio of Oakfield-Alabama graduates decided that starting a blog was the best way to accomplish this. That was when GC Watercooler was born.

Novak created the site that night (March 30) and it went live on Friday of that week, with links being posted on Facebook and Section 5 Talksback. 

Novak currently attends Syracuse University and is a big basketball fan. He is also the top poster on Talksback. 

McCracken attends SUNY Geneseo and specializes in NFL and Brummert is a junior in college and writes about college football.

The site has more than just the three writers.

Steve Huber - who is a graphic designer that graduated from Attica - is a baseball analyst and fellow Attica grad Don Busch writes about college football.

O-A grad Travis Klotzbach writes about the NFL and current Oakfield-Alabama student Ben Cherry writes about soccer and wrestling. Casey Call - another O-A grad - writes about basketball.

Elba's Collin Stucko and Sonny Giuliano both write about college and NBA basketball while Notre Dame's Christian Bochicchio writes about college football and Shea O'Connor writes about the NFL.

These young writers are a talented group and the site offers a lot of humor to go along with news and opinions. You can check it out here.

 

Star of 1948 Batavia Clippers went on to long, productive career in baseball

By Howard B. Owens

There probably aren't too many people around who remember the players from the 1948 Batavia Clippers, but one of those men popped up in the news this week.

Joe Macko, a 6' 2", 200 lbs first baseman spent his first year of professional ball in Batavia. He smacked 11 home runs, hit .315 and also served as the team's bus driver.

Those 11 home runs would be the first of 306 he would hit in his 18-season minor league career. 

Alas, Macko never mastered hitting a curve ball, and thus never saw a single pitch in a major league ball game.

Macko was a coach with the Chicago Cubs in 1964. His son, Steve Macko, played 24 games with the Cubs before dying of cancer at age 27.

Macko, 81, who recently served as an ambassador for the Texas Rangers, was inducted this week into the Texas League Hall of Fame.

Batavia man gets big win at new Yankee Stadium

By Brian Hillabush

Even though the New York Yankees couldn't get a victory to open up their new stadium Thursday, it was still a pretty big day for 1995 Notre Dame graduate Dave Pero.

Many of the former greats made an appearance, the weather was great for baseball and the local man made history.

 Pero - a high school teacher in Syracuse - was the first guy to ask his girlfriend to become his fiance at the new Yankee Stadium when he proposed to Heather DeCarolos.

"There's nothing better than to kick off this opening day and this stadium by making a commitment to my future wife," Pero told the New York Daily News.

Pero, 31, got down on one knee and popped the question while The Skycoasters - a band out of Rochester - was playing the Earth, Wind and Fire song "September" nearby. DeCarolos said yes.


"I'm stunned," DeCarolos, 23, told the Daily News. "I'm on top of the world. I can't think of a better place for this to happen."

Audio interviews on The Batavian: Baseball chat with Brian Hillabush

By Howard B. Owens

I wanted to set up a system that would allow me to record some of my interviews and then post those MP3 files to The Batavian.

Today, to test out my new system, Brian Hillabush (whom I meant to refer to as the "once and future sports editor of The Batavian" in the recording) talk a little baseball.

You can download the MP3 audio file here. The file is about 10 minutes long.  We cover the majors, Muckdogs and our recent fantasy league draft.

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