Sports

Press release:

Otis Thomas, a member of Notre Dame High School Class of 1997, has been named Head Varsity Football Coach at his alma mater. 

A lifelong resident of Batavia, he attended St. Anthony's parochial school before graduating from Notre Dame, where he excelled in Football, Baseball, Basketball and Track and field. 

Otis won the prestigious Nick Salvador Football MVP award twice. His basketball teams played in three sectional finals, winning in 1995 and 1997 when they won the Western Regional title, which advanced them to the NYSPHSAA Final Four. In Baseball, he was on Sectional winning teams in 1996 and 1997. His excellence as an athlete earned him recognition as ND’s Co-Athlete of the Year in 1997 and also led to his induction into the Notre Dame Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021

Mr. Thomas has held a variety of coaching positions at Notre Dame since 2009. His Football coaching experience includes being the head JV Football coach, a JV Football Assistant, a Varsity Assistant, and most recently, the varsity football defensive coordinator. 

Otis has also been both the Boys' and girls' basketball JV Head Coach and a Varsity assistant for the past 8 seasons while also serving as ND’s varsity softball coach for 6 years, winning a sectional title last year.

When asked to comment on his hiring, Otis said, “ I believe in this school and everything about it. Notre Dame, my coaches, my classmates and their families, along with my own family, have made me into the man I am today. I was coached by two legendary coaches, Mike Rapone and the late Bill Sutherland, both of whom had an impact on me and are a big part of why I got into coaching. I always wanted to be the head football coach of my alma mater and consider myself blessed to have this opportunity. I will work hard from day 1 to maintain the standard and teach the culture built by those who have preceded me. Go IRISH!!

Mr. Thomas is currently employed by Aerosafe Global in Rochester as a manufacturing supervisor. He and his wife Nicole live on Otis Street in Batavia with their three children: Teagyn, Nya, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2021 and Gunnar, who is currently a seventh-grade student at Notre Dame.

Press release:

The Elba Lancers won their match against the Holley Hawks on Friday afternoon by a score of 4-1.  Cavin Bennage won the 1st singles match for the Hawks at 6-2, 6-1 against Jason Rowe, but the Lancers took the remaining matches.  Alexa Ocampo beat Kai Kennedy 6-2, 6-0 at 2nd singles.  Clara Torrey beat Josmar Hernandez 6-0, 6-0 at 3rd singles.  Abraham Izucar Hernandez and Alex Mendoza beat Carissa Klossner and Brooke Waldron 6-2, 6-0 at 1st doubles.  At 2nd doubles, Amy Garcia-Vasquez and Lucy Torrey took the fourth match for the Lancers with a score of 6-3, 6-3 against Nico VanLoyten and Sheelsy Gonzalez.

Notre Dame's softball game against Heuvelton (Section X) at the Mudville Softball Complex in Herkimer on Saturday was called after five innings with the Irish leading 21-0.

Pitcher Loretta Sorochty surrendered only three hits over the five innings and fanned 11 hitters.

The Irish had 17 hits, with Mia Treleaven going 4-4, including a double, scoring four runs and knocking in a pair of runs.

Katie Landers had three hits, including a double. She scored four runs and had two RBIs. Emma Sisson, Sofia Falleti, Gianna Falleti and Loretta Sorochty each had a pair of hits. Sisson had a double, two runs scored, and an RBI; S. Falleti had four RBIs; G. Falleti had two runs scored and an RBI; and Sorochty scored two runs and three RBIs.

Notre Dame was scheduled to play Section X's Maddrid-Waddington in the second game of the Mudville Tournament but Maddrid-Waddington forfeited. 

The two victories made Notre Dame the Mudville Tournament Champion for its bracket.

"I'm extremely proud of the effort shown by the ladies this afternoon," said Coach Otis Thomas "It is a great experience to play some schools from outside Section V.  It was a complete team effort today with strong bats, strong pitching and nice plays in the field.  It was unfortunate we couldn't get that second game in and had to accept a forfeited victory, but now we will turn our attention to a crazy schedule coming up with 7 games in 6 days starting on Monday.  This upcoming week will be a big test for us."

Madison Boyce was in control on the mound as she tossed a one-hit, 13 K on Friday night in Alexander.  

Boyce went 7 innings and didn't surrender an earned run while walking only two batters.

The Trojans beat the Byron-Bergen Bees 9-1.

The Trojan offense was led by Melissa Sawyer as she went 4-for-5 with one run scored and three RBIs.  Ava Yax was 3-for-3 with two doubles, a walk, three runs scored, an RBI and two stolen bases. Melanie Bump went 3-for-4 with a double, a run scored and an RBI.  Ava Yax went 3-for-3 with two doubles, two runs scored, a walk, an RBI and two stolen bases.  Madison Boyce went 2-for-4 with two runs scored a walk and an RBI. Carley Shepard added an RBI Triple on the day.

"It was good to build on yesterday’s win with another consistent day for our team," said Coach John Goodenbury.  "With this crazy spring weather, we just want to be able to play consistent ball, and now we are starting to.  Sawyer and Bump have been seeing the ball really well lately and have had a big impact on our offense.  Together, these two girls are 13-for-17 with 12 RBIs in our last two games alone.  The rest of our team is also starting to hit the gaps instead of finding the defense, and that’s huge.  We are gaining momentum, and it's exciting."

Two undefeated Flag Football teams battled it out Wednesday evening for the top spot in Section V Girls Flag Football, and Batavia defeated Monroe by a score of 26-0 at VanDetta Stadium.

On the opening drive, Anna Varland turned a quarterback sneak into a 60-yard TD. 

With 3:07 left in the first half, Varland connected with Isabella Walsh for a touchdown.  The extra point was good and Batavia was up 14-0.

A couple of possessions later, with 23 seconds left in the half, Nicole Doeringer snags an interception and Walsh scores again for Batavia making it 20-0.

Varland scored Batavia's final TD with 13 minutes left in the game.

Stats: 

Anna Varland, 114 yards passing, two TDs,  three interceptions, 74 yards rushing, two rushing TDs 

Isabella Walsh, 4 carries, 91 Yards two TDs

Jaimin Mcdonald, 8 flag pulls

Aleeza idrees, 4 flag pulls

Kylee Brennan, 11 flag pulls

Grace Parker, 2 interceptions

Nicole Doeringer, 3 interceptions 

"Monroe is an extremely tough team, and our girls were up for the task tonight," Coach Ben Bucholtz said. "Defensively, we had Kylee Brennan and Jaimin Macdonald play really well, and then our secondary Nicole Doeringer, Grace Parker and Anna Stevens combined for six interceptions."

Batavia, at 7-0, next plays on Monday at home against Greece Olympia-Odyssey. Game time is 7 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click  here.

Jay Antinore went the distance, seven innings, for Notre Dame against Byron-Bergen on Wednesday to help his team to a 7-2 victory.

Antoniore gave up five hits and one earned run, fanning two hitters.

He also had the only multi-hit game for the Irish, going 2-4, scoring three runs and driving in one.

Jaden Sherwood was 1-2 with two walks, scoring once and driving in a run. Charles Cummings was 1-2 with an RBI and a run scored.

For the Bees, Kinkleer (not listed on the team's roster, so no first name available) went 2-3 and drove in a run.

Photos by Pete Welker.

Elba beat Holley in baseball 9-2 on Tuesday.

Captain Bing Zuber went 2-3 with RBIS and four stolen bases. Fletcher Norton went 2-2  with two RBIs and two stolen bases. Eliseo Lagunas was 3-3 an RBI, two runs scored and three stolen bases.

Sophomore Nick Scott and freshman Mason Vigiano combined for the no-hitter. Scott got the win, going four innings and fanning eight hitters.

Both of Holley's runs were unearned.

Elba picked up its fourth win in the team's fifth game of the softball season on Monday, beating Kendall 9-4.

Brea Smith picked up the win. She K'd five hitters and walked only one.

Maddie Thompson was 2-3 with an RBI.  Lydia Ross scored twice and drove in a run, going 2-4 and walking once.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs have officially released their 2024 promotional night schedule.  This season the Muckdogs will have four fireworks shows -- June 1, 15, July 3 & 20, $1 Hotdog & $2 Beer Night return, four brand new theme nights, & a blast from the past!

This season, fireworks shows will be sponsored by Graham Corporation & Batavia Downs (Sat. June 1), Oak Orchard Health, HP Hood, & Rochester Regional Health (Sat. June 15), Tompkins Bank & Turnbull Heating & Air (Wed. July 3), and O-AT-KA Milk Products (Sat. July 20). The Helicopter Candy Drop will make a return on Saturday, July 27, vs Jamestown. Dwyer Stadium will also feature some new things, as Dave’s Ice Cream will host a giveaway night, Bark in the Park (bring your dogs to the game!), Kids Free Night (July 5), and Bills Mafia Night.  The Muckdogs will also have something old but new in 2024 as well.  On Friday, June 28, Batavia Clippers Night will be at Dwyer Stadium for fans of baseball in Batavia from decades past.  The Muckdogs will have lots of other fun and giveaways this summer.  The Muckdogs will also have a free T-shirt giveaway on Sunday, June 30 & the Helicopter Candy drop courtesy of Pete Zeliff returns on Saturday, July 27. The full schedule is available at www.canusamuckdogs.com.

The Muckdog's opening weekend is set for Saturday, June 1, at 6:30 vs. the Elmira Pioneers with post-game fireworks and then back Sunday, June 2nd 4:05 vs. the Niagara Falls Americans with meet the team night. 

Season tickets are on sale starting at just $99.  585-524-2260 or visit www.canusamuckdogs.com for special promotions, season tickets, or group information.  See you at Dwyer Stadium this summer.

Carley Shepard drove in five runs on three hits to lead Alexander past Alden 16-13 on Saturday at Alden.  

Shepard’s biggest hit was a bases-clearing double to the left field gap in the fourth inning. 

The rest of Alexander's offense was also strong, as the team landed 22 hits on the day.   

Madison Boyce, Melanie Bump and Faith Goodenbury had three hits each during the contest.  Meanwhile, Emily Pietrzykowski, Melissa Sawyer, Claudia Ripstein and Lillian Szymkowiak notched two hits each on the day.

On the bump for Alexander, Emily Pietrzykowski pitched five solid innings, only allowing one earned run and striking out two Bulldogs. Madison Boyce earned the win as she hurled four two-hit innings while striking out 6 Bulldogs.

"We needed this one," said Coach John Goodenbury. "We knew that we haven’t been playing our best ball lately.  We needed to put our feet down and turn things around. They did just that today, and I am proud of these girls.  It was a very cold day as it was snowing off and on throughout the game, and we were missing our starting third baseman, but our girls battled through it and beat a very good and well-coached team on their home field.  Our team had at least one hit today, which was nice to see.  It felt like the ball had been going straight to fielders for putouts in our last three games, but not today.  We are looking forward to our showdown with Oakfield on Monday."

Stats:

• Carley Shepard: 3-for-5, 5 RBIs, 1 Run, Double, SB
• Madison Boyce: 3-for-5, 2 RBIs, SB
• Faith Goodenbury: 3-for-4, 2 Runs, RBI, SB
• Melanie Bump: 3-for-5, 3 Runs, Double, SB
• Emily Pietrzykowski: 2-for-4, 3 Runs, 2 BB, 4 SB
• Claudia Ripstein; 2-for-6, 1 Run, 2 RBIs
• Melissa Sawyer: 2-for-5, 2 Runs, 2 RBIs, Double, 2 SB
• Lillian Szymkowiak: 2-for-5, 1 Run

Pitching:

• Emily Pietrzykowski: 5 IP, 6 hits, 1 Earned  Runs, 4 BB, 2 Ks
• Madison Boyce: (W) 4 IP, 2 hits, 3 Earned Runs, 3 BB, 6 Ks

Batavia Norte Dame smacked around 21 hits on Friday afternoon, leading to a 14-5 win over Lyndonville in Girls Softball.

Hannah Tenney and Mia Treleaven each had four hits. Tenney had three RBIs and scored a run. Treleaven had an RBI. Sofia Falleti had a single, double and three-run blast over the center field fence.  Falleti finished with three runs scored and six RBIs.  Gianna Falleti contributed three hits, two RBIs and scored twice.  Loretta Sorochty, Katie Landers and Cayleigh Havens each had two hits, with Landers scoring three runs and Havens scoring once.

Elba beat CG Finney 16-1 on Tuesday in Girls Softball.

Stats:

• Maddie Thompson was 3-4 and scored twice
• Maddie Hall was 2-5, 2 RBIs and scored 3 times
• Madison Marks and Madilyn Marks each had 2 RBIs
• Adi Norton was 2-4 and 2 RBIs

"Offensively our team had 19 hits and ran the bases well," said Coach Dean Gottler. "Defensively, our fielding was outstanding to back up another great outing from winning pitcher Brea Smith, who struck out four and walked only one."

Photos by Kristin Smith.

Press Release:

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.

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.

On defense, Gunner Rapone (Batavia) returns after capturing NFA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2023.

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.

“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.

Sponsorship information can be found on the Genesee County Spartans Facebook page.

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

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

To view or purchase photos, click here.