The Harlem Wizards visited Oakfield-Alabama High School on Wednesday and put on a show, demonstrating their trick ball handling, shots, and high-level basketball skills while playing a game against a team comprised of OA teachers and staff.
The Oakfield-Alabama PTO hosted the fundraiser. During half-time, souvenirs were on sale, and players autographed items. Half-time was followed by a three-minute game between O-A elementary school students.
It was Lunch Lady Land for Halloween at Oakfield-Alabama Middle High School with cafeteria workers dressed as old school lunch ladies, serving Sloppy Joes, while a video of Adam Sandler playing his song "Lunch Lady Land" on repeat on a TV screen. Submitted photo.
On Thursday at Genesee Community College against Oakfield-Alabama Elba, the Alexander Trojans started hot and keep the heat through all four quarters of football for a 47-14 win.
The Trojans drove down the field with their opening possession, capping the drive with a TD run from Junior Kingston Woods from three yards out.
A stout defense gave the Trojans their second possession soon after and Brody Heckman tossed a 12-yard TD pass to Duke Snyder. With a two-point conversion, Alexander led 14-0.
On its next possession, OAE put together a drive of its own to make the score 14-7, but Alexander answered with a 92-yard kickoff return by Kingston Woods.
Four minutes later, Damien Hale sprung loose and scored on a run up the middle from 17 yards out. Melissa Sawyer's kick was good, notching the score at 28-7 into the half.
In the third, Ryder Reichert scored from three yards out, extending the lead to 34-7.
OAE put together another drive of its own, making it 34-14.
Early in the fourth Heckman, ran a keeper from nine yards out for a TD and Sawyer's kick was good 41-14.
Later in the fourth, Hale scored on a 35-yard run that included braking four tackles, wrapping up the scoring at 47-14.
For Alexander, Sean Pietrzkowski led the Trojan Defense with seven tackles and two tackles for a loss. Mason Snyder had six tackles and two tackles for a loss. Damien Hale and Ryder Reichert each recorded QB sacks.
For OAE Brayden Jachimowicz was 10-22 passing for 83 yards and two TDs, five yards to Hunter Tabolski, and 15 yards to Brendan Porey. Avery Watterson had 10 tackles. Jack Cianfrini had nine tackles. Dominic West had eight tackles.
"Hats off to Alexander for a physical game," said OAE coach Tyler Winters. "We will look to use the remaining weeks of the season to learn how to play tough football against tough opponents. If we can take care of business the rest of the way, we hope to set ourselves up for a chance to still get to where we want to go."
Alexander is now 6-1 on the season, and OAE is 4-3.
Junior WR/LB Mark Caparco - 25-Yard TD Reception, 1 INT on Defense
Junior TE/DL Nick Scott - 30 Receiving Yards, 5 Tackles, 1 TFL
"A complete team effort in today's win," said Coach Tyler Winter. "From a competitive standpoint, it's nice to pick up a big win like this while knowing we still have not played our best ball yet this season. We have a quick turnaround to the next challenge, but we are excited to get back to the grind."
Senior RB Jack Cianfrini - 91 Rushing Yards, 1 Rushing TD, 15-Yard TD Reception from Sophomore QB Brayden Jachimowicz
Senior DL Ryan Stymus - 10 Total Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery
Junior DB Brendan Porey - 1 INT, 2 PBUs
"We have begun to preach that October is 'tough guy' football season," Coach Tyler Winter said. "In order for our team to get to where we want to go, we need to find a way to persevere and get gritty wins. Our boys did exactly that tonight. There is plenty that we need to improve upon, but it's always good to go on the road and get the win on our quest for improvement."
The Byron-Bergen Lady Bees traveled up Route 262 to take on the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Lady Aggies on Saturday morning.
The Bees won 2-0.
Both goals for the Bees were scored by midfielder Mia Gray in the second half. Her first goal was a header (assisted by a corner kick from Grace DiQuattro). Her second goal was assisted by Elizabeth Starowitz.
Oakfield-Alabama/Elba ran into a tough Avon squad on Friday and lost 56-0.
OAE stats:
Avery Watterson: 43 Yards Rushing, 11 Total Tackles
Jack Cianfrini: 35 Yards Rushing, 11 Total Tackles, 1 TFL
Carson Warner: 14 Total Tackles
"Nice win for Avon. We did not come to play tonight," said Coach Tyler Winters. "Luckily, it's early. We have a group that is learning every day, and there is plenty to learn from tonight. We will look to get back on the path we know this group can take."
The Oakfield-Alabama Central School District's (OACS) 20th anniversary of the Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 12 to honor exceptional alums and inspire current students.
Reflecting on its inception, Bill Bostwick, a retired OACS teacher and this year's guest speaker, said that founder Dave George "came to me with the idea while I was a Lead Teacher while he was editing the alumni newsletter. We presented it to Superintendent Mike Hall, who was enthusiastic about it. With initial funding from Mike Hall's fund, we were able to start the Hall of Fame."
"After the first year, the operation became a volunteer self-supporting effort. Without the community's help, the Hall would cease to exist," Bostwick said. "Growing up in Batavia, my education was shaped by the emphasis on Math and Science during the space race. I initially pursued a bio-chemistry major at Hobart College but discovered my true passion in English literature. This liberal arts experience deeply influenced my perspective on the Hall of Fame," he said.
The inaugural Hall of Fame induction in 2004 remains a standout memory, Bostwick said.
"The first class was remarkable. We honored 11 individuals, including a Fortune 500 CEO and a top FBI official. Celebrating their achievements was a powerful experience for everyone involved."
"I really haven't had much involvement since I retired. The idea always was (and continues to be) to have the inductees interact with the students as much as possible to show them that there are ways to accomplish great things even if you're from a small town."The Hall of Fame also supports broader school goals through fundraising efforts.
Proceeds from the event go towards scholarships for graduating seniors, providing financial support to students pursuing higher education or skilled trades.
Since 2008, the Hall has awarded $25,500 to graduating seniors.
A vital feature of the Hall of Fame event is the involvement of current students. Students are paired with inductees for interviews and interactions, providing valuable learning experiences.
The food services students also prepare a farm-to-table lunch for the inductees, creating a meaningful connection between past and present.
The Hall of Fame, founded in 2003 by Dave George, OACS Class of 1979, was established to honor alums who have made significant contributions to their fields and communities. George, who is heavily involved in OACS with the alum newsletter and fundraising efforts, envisioned the Hall of Fame to provide current students with role models who exemplify the potential of an OACS education.
"The Hall of Fame's impact on the OACS community has been profound. The Hall of Fame is a powerful source of inspiration. Hearing about the achievements of our alums helps students see what's possible and reinforces the idea that their dreams are attainable with hard work and dedication," George says.
A Former OA teacher and Bostwick coworker, John Jakubowski, calls him a "master teacher."
Regarding the Hall, Jakubowski said, "I think that the OA HOF doesn't just recognize successful grads who have made outstanding contributions, but it also serves to recognize the teachers, administrators, school board members, and the community that made OA a great district."
Bostwick advises maintaining the Hall of Fame's legacy: Find what you're passionate about, excel at it, and treat people with kindness. Let the chips fall where they may!"
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. in the OACS High School Cafeteria. The evening will celebrate these distinguished individuals' achievements, offering an opportunity for the community to come together and honor their successes.
The Hall of Fame's 20th anniversary will feature the induction of four distinguished alums:
Robert (Bob) Briney, Class of 1962 Erin Graham, Class of 2002 Erik Olsen, Class of 1973 Terry Wolcott, Class of 1977
Tickets for the Hall of Fame event are available from Sept. 5 to Oct 5, and may be purchased at the following locations: OACS Elementary and the Junior-Senior High School; and Oakfield Family Pharmacy, 40 Main St.
For those preferring to purchase tickets by mail, send your request to:
OA Hall of Fame PO Box 35 Oakfield, NY, 14125
When purchasing by mail, make checks payable to Dollars for Scholars, indicating HOF Tickets in the memo line, and include your email address for order confirmation.
If interested in supporting the Hall of Fame event or the scholarships provided, write your tax-deductible check to Dollars for Scholars and write Hall of Fame in the memo area, and mail to address above attention Hall of Fame Treasurer.;Hall of Fame Treasurer.
