Photo: Fireworks at Dwyer Stadium
Melanie Case submitted this photo of fireworks after the Muckdogs' opening night game at Dwyer Stadium. I don't think I've ever seen a better photo of fireworks at Dwyer.
Sports
First-round Pick leads the way for the Muckdogs
At the start of every season the teams are fresh, the players are excited and the fans are restless for some baseball.
The 2015 Batavia Muckdogs season is here and there are many young players, here in Batavia, to get excited about. Highlighted below are three players the Muckdogs are counting on to produce for the upcoming season.
Gabriel Castellanos, a lefty pitcher, will wear number 37 this year for the Muckdogs. He may seem familiar because he was on the Muckdogs roster last year.
Castellanos was a 2010 free agent signing of the Miami Marlins.
He is 6’1” and 165 pounds. The lefty pitcher started 13 games last year and had a 2-6 record. In total, he pitched 62 innings with 54 strikeouts and an opponent’s batting average of .224. He finished the season with an above average 4.65 ERA.
Castellanos, just 21 years old, will be the Muckdogs' opening day starter as the coaching staff hopes that he continues to show improvement and matures on the mound.
The next player to keep an eye out for is shortstop Anfernee Seymour.
Seymour is just 19 years old and is regarded as the fastest player in the Marlins organization.
Drafted in 2014 in the seventh round (#197 overall) he signed a contract for $400,000. This was significant because that was two times the value of that pick.
Seymour played in the outfield his whole high school career, but after trying out for the Marlins, they told him they wanted him to play in the infield.
During the 2014 season he played for the Gulf Coast Marlins. During his stint there, he played in 26 games, had 98 at-bats with a .245 batting average. He had three RBIs, 12 walks and 27 strikeouts. He also had 11 stolen bases.
Although considered to be a project by the Marlins organization, at only 19 years old and with incredible speed, the Marlins have him listed as their 26th overall prospect.
The Muckdogs' most high profile player this year will be the guy behind the plate.
Blake Anderson will catch and wear #26. He was drafted in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft. (#36 overall) He signed for $1.17 million straight out of West Lauderdale High School but was committed to play at the University of Southern Mississippi. He decided to turn pro instead.
During his senior year he lead his team to a 4a State Championship with a .438 BA, 8 HR, 14 doubles, 40 RBIs and an OPS of .523.
According to scouts, he has a hose of an arm and considered to be more of a defensive catcher. Some scouts said that he reminds them a lot of the Baltimore Orioles catcher Matt Weiters.
Back for his third season coaching the Muckdogs will be Angel Espada. Pitching coach and hitting coach Brendan Sagara and Rigoberto Silverio both return as well.
The Muckdogs kick off their season tonight at home against their Thruway rivals the Auburn Doubledays. Game time is set for 7:05.
Note there will be a short ceremony before the game to honor Haley, groundskeeper Don Rocks' longtime dog that passed away this past winter.
Batavia Muckdogs home opener is tonight
The Batavia Muckdogs have their season opener tonight, at home in Dwyer Stadium against Auburn. A six-game home stand begins tonight at 7:05. There is an early afternoon game at 1:05 on Father’s Day; all other games are at 7:05 p.m. General admission is just $7 for adults.
For more information on tickets and the Muckdogs go to http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t511
Below, the Muckdags practice for the opener.
Photos: Genesee Kickball League
In its third year Genesee Kickball League has continued a tradition for adults to have some fun on the field after work. Playing at Batavia Sports Park last evening were six teams in the Spring league.
“We have had as much as 10-12 teams in a session,” said league organizer Matt Smart. "We have two sessions, spring and summer, starting in May and depending on weather and daylight we may get in a fall league.
"Tonight’s teams were the Fireballz vs. Pitches BeCrazy, One Kick Wonders vs. Grass Kkickers, Purple Fother Mickers vs. Kermit Killers. We come up with some relevant names to the sport but it’s all for fun and then we go to our sponsors businesses afterward.
"There are typically one to two sponsors per team and they are recognized on our team shirts. The summer league starts on July 1st."
For more information to register go to Facebook: Genesee Kickball
O-A grad on the Muckdog's beat this season
Kurtis Dunlap, a 2012 graduate of Oakfield-Alabama High School and a journalism student at the University of Missouri's Reynolds School of Journalism, will cover the Batavia Muckdogs for The Batavian this season.
He'll cover home games and write occasional features about the team and its players.
Dunlap is studying sports journalism at Missouri.
He's the oldest of three siblings and in high school played football, basketball and baseball. For three seasons, he was a batboy for the Muckdogs.
"Someday I hope to have my own column in a newspaper where I can share all the crazy things that pop into my head," Dunlap said.
The 2015 season opens Friday.
Pembroke ballplayer honored by NCCAA
Press release:
On Thursday, the NCCAA announced the end of the year awards for Baseball with Caleb Lang taking three awards and Joey Nieves-Markee earning Honorable Mention. Lang was awarded with First-Team All-American, Player of the Year, as well as the Burbridge Award for Christian Leadership.
The awards come after Lang was named NCCAA East Region Player of the Year and Nieves-Markee made the All-East Region Team. Lang finished the 2015 campaign with a .444 batting average, 60 hits, 55 RBI, nine homeruns, 115 putouts, and only two errors from the outfield. Nieves-Markee ended his best year with a .427 batting average, 53 hits, 34 runs scored, and 16 stolen bases
Lang was also named a First Team All-American his previous two years with the Highlanders but this year was able to grab the Player of the Year award. Possibly even more impressive than that was his receiving of the Hank Burbridge Unlimited Potential Outstanding Christian Leadership Award
"To be thrown into the same conversation as Mr. Burbridge, who is highly regarded for not only baseball but for being a great man of God is amazing," said Lang after being notified of the award. "I am honored to receive this award and am very thankful that I am seen as someone who represents Christ in his actions on and off the field."
The purpose of the award is to honor the NCCAA's Outstanding Christian Baseball Player of the Year with potential Christian service through baseball. In order to be eligible for this award, a student-athlete must be at least a junior; possess and demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities; possess and demonstrates outstanding athletic ability; and possess and demonstrate a vibrant and clear Christian testimony on and off the field.
"This is one of the greatest awards that I have received thus far because it represents more than baseball; it represents the ability to change human lives," Lang continued. "I am grateful to all the people who have shown me the importance of service and I can only hope to impact for Christ the amount of people that Mr. Burbridge was able too."
You can find the release from the NCCAA here. Below is a full list of the honorees.
NCCAA 1st Team All-American
Pitcher-Kyle Vail, Southwestern Christian University
Pitcher-Andrew Bergmann, Judson University
Pitcher-Dustin Lawson, Lee University
Pitcher-Wilson Ashford, Fresno Pacific University
Catcher-Brandon Cummings, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Catcher-Zack Jones, Trinity Christian College
1st Base-David Espinoza, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
2nd Base-Luke Rojas, Judson University
Shortstop-Allen Staton, North Greenville College
3rd Base-Florentino Moreno, Arlington Baptist College
Extra Infielder-Ziar Koeiman, Oklahoma Wesleyan University
Outfield-Caleb Lang, Cairn University
Outfield-Preston Scott, Fresno Pacific University
Outfield-Carlos Torres, Campbellsville University
Outfield-Tyler Osborn, University of Northwestern
Of course, the course of the course changes after big storm hits Le Roy CC
It it rains, it floods at the Le Roy Country Club, at least when it rains like it has recently.
A creek that cuts through the lush green fairways on the front 9 often overflows with an abundance of water, and according to course pro Robbie Sinclair, the "lake effect" is often teeming with wildlife after a big storm. I tried to make it out today while several herons were at the pond, but only came across this duck hen and her ducklings.
All 18 holes remain open for golf, though the normally par 4 second is reduced to a par 3, with a tee shot over a lovely water hazard.
Enjoy a Muckdog's game on us!
The baseball season is just days away. Yup, the Batavia Muckdogs are returning to Dwyer Stadium for all the fun and community and professional baseball that we all enjoy.
Join The Batavian Club and receive a voucher for two free tickets to a regular season game.
Members of The Batavian Club receive more than $300 in gift certificates. These are gift certificates that be used in the same local businesses we all patronize every day.
The Batavian Club is a great value for all of its members. An annual membership is a mere $60. So think about it, use your first $60 in gift certificates and the rest of your membership package is like getting free money. Who doesn't like free stuff?
Sign up with an annual recurring payment instead of a one-time payment, and save another $10 off your membership fee. More free stuff!
You're helping to support The Batavian's mission to bring you the best local coverage and supporting local businesses at the same time. Everybody wins.
Here's what you get:
- Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, $3
- Alex's Place, $5
- Alli's Cones & Dogs, $3
- Batavia Country Club, $5
- Batavia Muckdogs, Two free GA tickets
- Beds-N-Bones Pet Lodge, $5
- Blue Pearl Yoga, $10
- Center Street Smoke House,$5
- City Slickers, $4
- Dan's Tire & Auto, $5
- The Detail Shop, $2
- En Garde, $5
- Floral Fantasies, $3
- Great Kutz, $3 on haircuts
- Hardcor Audio, $20
- Jagged Edges Salon, $5
- The Mane Attraction, $5
- Main St. Pizza Company, $3
- Max Pies Furniture, $100 on $500 or more retail value
- Millennium Computer, $20 on $100 or more purchase
- R&D Outlet Center, $5
- R.W. Vapors, $5
- Santino's Pizza, $5
- Settler's Restaurant, $5
- Smokin' Eagle BBQ & Brew, $5
- Sweet Pea's Cupckaery Cafe, $2
- Valle Jewelers, $25 on $100 or more retail value
- Vinyl Sticks
- West Main Wine and Spirits, $3
There are three ways to join: Use Paypal (buttons below) call us with your credit card information, or mail us a check.
Call us at (585) 250-4118 during regular business hours.
Single member non-recurring payment: $60 Single membership annual recurring automatic payment of $50Photos: Special Olympics torch arrives in Batavia
A group of runners, including several members of the local law enforcement community, carried the Special Olympic Torch from Elba to the Genesee ARC building on Walnut Street, Batavia, this morning. Along the way, they stopped at the Batavia School District's fourth-grade track meet on Woodward Field.
Above, Garrett Schmidt and Avelin Tomidy get ready to assist Deputy Joseph Corona in carrying the torch for a lap around the track.
Carl talks about what Special Olympics means to him and how he won three medals at a recent competition.
Dave Chua
The runners approaching Van Detta Stadium.
Completing the lap around the track.
BHS athletes prepare for state meet in Albany
Batavia High School track state qualifiers will participate this Friday and Saturday at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association track meet at Albany State College. The state meet consists of two classifications, with large schools in Class A, AA, and small schools, including Batavia, in classes B, CC, C and D schools.
I interviewed Coach Dan Geiger, head coach of the girls team, and spoke about this weekend’s itinerary.
“The kids will board for Albany after school Thursday representing section five and arrive for a practice late that evening," Geiger said. "The kids will compete on Friday and then return again on Saturday, and if they qualify they will do what’s called a federation championship in which they combine large, small schools and the public athletic association from NYC area. Every school in New York State will have a chance with that one, but only the top eight schools in the state will compete in those races on Saturday. Depending on how Friday goes we are looking to have all the kids participate Saturday and the goal is to arrive back at BHS Saturday night will lots of medals.
"Just about every year we have sent a couple of each from boys and girls to the state meet. This year we have a much larger group than in the past and it’s always great to get relays in and it’s a lot of fun for the kids. A lot of individuals over the years make it in for various races. This is the first time in history that we will have both boys and girls relay racers go, which is an outstanding accomplishment as a program. Our program has been very strong the last eight years consistently that we have sent a few kids to participate.
"We have had some really strong individuals on our relay teams and had a very difficult choice as to who to pick for our relays and have eight strong 400-meter runners. We can only bring six to the meet, four to participate and two listed as alternates. Two girls I want to recognize -- Reagan Henrici and Aimee Freeman -- who were right there with these girls but unfortunately we could only bring six and not all eight to the meet. We got have some really great depth that have showed it in sectional time on both girls and boys side that will compete with them and hopefully make it on the podium.“
Pictured above from left, first row: freshman Sophie Dinehart (4x4), senior Missa Dispenza (4x4), 100m & 400m hurdles, freshman Kiaya Franklin (4x4), eighth-grader Bri Wormley (4x4), freshman Claire Zickl (4x4), not pictured -- senior Becca Canale (4x4).
Second row, from left: junior Cal Jantzi (4x8), junior Louie Leone (4x8), sophomore Campbell Andersen (4x8), senior Devon Keopp (disc thrower), junior Nick Callisher (4x8), senior Jerrett Laskett (4x8) & 400m hurdles.
For more information go to: nysphsaa.org
Two girls from Batavka to compete in first Basic Skills Competition at Cornerstone Arena in Lockport
On Saturday, June 13, from 1 to 5 pm, Cornerstone CFCU Arena’s Lockport Skating School will host its first Basic Skills competition, involving competitors from its Figure Skating and Learn to Skate programs, as well as skaters from Western New York, Central New York, and Ontario, Canada. Thirty-one of the 72 competitors train at the Cornerstone CFCU Arena. Spectators are welcome and admission is free.
Among the contestants will be Michelle Dyer and Macy Midla, of Batavia.
The competition will include 37 events beginning with Basic Skills and Hockey Basic Skills, where skaters skate a pre-assigned set of skills based on their most recently completed level, including Snow Plow Sam through level 8. Fourteen compulsory moves events will follow. Competitors in compulsory events also skate a pre-assigned set of moves, though these groups are for more advanced skaters who have moved out of the Learn to Skate program. Finally, eight freestyle events will close the competition. A free program is what fans of figure skating are most used to seeing on television. The programs are set to music and skaters have the entire ice to skate their program. The compulsory and freestyle events include five adult events with 7 adult competitors overall. The youngest Basic Skills competitor is 4 years old.
Saturday’s competition is just the beginning for the expanding Figure Skating and Learn to Skate programs at Cornerstone CFCU Arena.
“We are planning to host multiple events to draw skaters from across the region to Lockport. This event is the first of many,” says Dawn Ahlers, Figure Skating director at Cornerstone CFCU Arena. “I am proud to share the state-of-the-art Cornerstone CFCU Arena with the skating community. We have so much to offer here, including the Skate Ahead training facility which offers off-ice training for both figure skaters and hockey players.”
This summer, Cornerstone CFCU Arena is hosting two week-long kids fun camps (July 20-24 & August 10-14) and 2 week-long figure skating camps (July 13-17 & August 3-7) as well as two Learn to Skate sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings through July and August. More information about these and other programs may be found at www.cornerstoneicearena.com.
Lockport contributors to the event include Tops Markets, McDonald’s, WalMart, Lake Effect Ice Cream, and the Milleville family, as well as many volunteers from the local skating community.
The Cornerstone CFCU Arena features two NHL regulation-size rinks, a pro shop, a performance training center, Skate Ahead, and seating for 630 spectators. The 93,500-square-foot facility at 34 Chestnut St. in Lockport opened its Figure Skating and Learn to Skate programs in October 2014.
Big betting for Belmont at Batavia Downs
Press release:
Representatives from Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB) announced today that wagering at WROTB on Saturday’s Belmont Stakes totaled $1,168,559. American Pharoah captured the first Triple Crown in 37 years. This was down just 6.2 percent from last year’s handle of $1,246,239 while nationwide; handle was down 10.5 percent versus last year. The 2014 race featured three more horses, which increased wagering. Batavia Bets.com, WROTB’s online wagering platform, had handle of over $110,000 for the day, up 28 percent from last year.
“It was great to see a Triple Crown winner. Those watching at Batavia Downs and our Branches were witness to a great horse fulfilling his destiny," said Batavia Downs and WROTB Marketing Director Ryan Hasenauer. "I have no doubt that if this race had more horses, we would have beaten last year’s numbers.”
“Kudos to the connections of American Pharoah, they did a great job with the colt,” said GM of Live Racing and OTB Handicapper Todd Haight. “Hopefully we’ll get to see him race a few more times this year before he heads to the breeding shed to begin his next career. In any event, we can all look forward to seeing his offspring run.”
TV viewing ratings topped a 12.3 rating with a 27 share. It was the first time in back to back years that the Belmont had higher than a 12 rating.
O-A girls softball team wins 12U tournament in Avon
The Oakfield-Alabama Hornets 12U Girls Softball Team took First Place at the Alan Bailey Tournament hosted in Avon at the Driving Park on Saturday.
The Hornets beat Livonia 19-5 in the first game.
They beat Webster 7-6 for the championship.
Jenna Gilbert pitched a half inning shy of two complete games for the Hornets. She was named MVP for the Hornets team. Kodi Beehler and Jordyn Tobolski were recognized as Tournament All-stars.
Photo and info submitted by Marc Johnson.
Photos: Start of 5K to benefit All Babies Cherished
The first runner rounds the corner on Bank Street this morning to start a 5K race benefiting All Babies Cherished.
Muckdogs announce 2015 promo schedule
Press release:
The Batavia Muckdogs, Genesee County’s only professional sports franchise and the Single-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, are excited to announce the release of their promotional schedule for the 2015 season. This year’s schedule will once again feature fireworks, giveaways, special events and daily promotions.
This year’s promotional schedule is jammed pack with more fun than ever. Throughout the 2015 season the Muckdogs will feature seven fireworks shows, eleven giveaway nights, a post-game catch on field with Dad for Father’s Day and the annual post-game helicopter candy drop. This year will also feature a “Turn Back the Clock” game where all tickets are just $5 and hot dogs and soda that night will cost just $1.
Highlights of the 2015 Promotional Schedule include:
- Opening Day/Fireworks/Magnet Schedule Giveaway, Friday, June 19th
- Muckdogs Note Pad Giveaway, Saturday, June 20th
- Father’s Day Post-Game Catch on the Field with Dad, Sunday, June 21st
- Kiwanis Club Bike Raffle, Tuesday, June 23rd
- Frisbee Giveaway, Wednesday, July 1st
- Independence Day Celebration Fireworks, Thursday, July 3rd
- Batavia Little League Night, Friday, July 10th
- Personal First Aid Kit Giveaway, Friday, July 24th
- 22-oz. Cup Giveaway, Saturday, July 25th
- Pre-Game Chicken Wing Eating Contest, Tuesday, Aug. 4th
- Irish Night, Sunday, Aug. 9th
- Lions Club Bike Raffle, Monday, Aug. 10th
- Turn Back the Clock Night – ALL Tickets $5, $1 Zweigle’s Hot Dogs and Sodas, Thursday, Aug. 12th
- Town of Le Roy Night, Friday, Aug. 14th
- Team Photo Giveaway, Saturday, Aug. 22nd
- Post-Game Helicopter Candy Drop, Sunday, Aug. 23rd
- Bark in the Park, Sunday, Aug. 30th
Fireworks Nights will be as follows: June 19th, July 3rd, July 10th, July 24th, Aug. 14th, 21st and 28th.
The Muckdogs will once again offer fans a daily menu of money-saving promotions available throughout the season.
The Muckdogs daily promotions lineup is as follows:
Mondays: Muckdog Monday presented by The Daily News: With a coupon from the Saturday edition of The Daily News, fans can purchase buy one get one free General Admission tickets.
Tuesdays: Kids’ Tuesday Night Tickets courtesy of New York’s 529 College Savings Program: The first 50 kids accompanied by an adult receive a free General Admission ticket.
Wednesdays: Family 4-Pack Night: Fans can purchase four General Admission tickets, four hot dogs, four 12-oz. sodas and a 2015 program for just $32, a savings of $19.00.
Thursdays: Kids Eat Free courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurants: The first 100 kids 12 and under receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda and snack item.
Fridays: Post-game fireworks will light up the sky after every Friday night game.
Saturdays: Dollar Draft Saturday presented by Eastown Beverage and Batavia Redemption Center: From 6 to 7 p.m., 12-oz. Bud Light and Genny Light drafts are just $1. Pre-Game Concert Series: Papa and Mama Root will perform oldies rock and roll in the concourse, courtesy of Tim Horton’s of Batavia, Cold Stone Creamery and New Buffalo Impact.
Sundays: Post-Game Run the Bases with Homer presented by Bob Evans Restaurant: Kids have the opportunity to run the bases with Homer after the game and receive a coupon from Bob Evans Restaurant in Batavia. Seniors Eat Free, courtesy of The Williams Law Firm: The first 100 seniors 60 and over receive a voucher for a free hot dog, soda/coffee and a snack item.
For a complete promotional schedule, go to www.muckdogs.com or call the Muckdogs office at (585)343-5454.
The Muckdogs open their 2015 home schedule on Friday, June 19th vs. the Auburn Doubledays at 7:05 p.m.
Muckdogs season tickets, coupon books, group tickets and ticket packages are on sale now. Individual tickets are on sale now.
Muckdogs seek host families for players for 2015 baseball season
Press release:
Would you like to live with the next Ryan Howard or Chase Utley?
The Batavia Muckdogs are again seeking local families to assist in housing players during the 2015 baseball season.
Anyone can help provide lodging for this year's Muckdogs by either providing space or renting a room, apartment, or home. While many host families come back year after year, the team is always looking to add to their list of availabilities for the players.
Host Families play a crucial role in helping young players feel comfortable in a new environment. Many who have hosted players in the past have had incredibly wonderful experiences. However, with players coming and going throughout the season, we have constant needs as far as housing is concerned.
The 2015 season runs from June 19 until Sept. 7 and players typically range from 18-23 years of age.
Anyone in need of more information on becoming a Host Family is invited to contact the Muckdogs’ office at (585) 343-5454 or General Manager Travis Sick at tsick@muckdogs.com. You can also call our housing coordinator Shirley Fanara directly at (585) 356-3411.
The Batavia Muckdogs are the short-season, Class A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and are the last remaining founding member of the New York-Penn League, dating back to 1939. The Batavia Muckdogs are operated by the neighboring Rochester Red Wings.
Location: Dwyer Stadium, 299 Bank St., Batavia, NY 14020
Phone: 585-343-5454; Fax: 585-343-5620
Web site: www.muckdogs.com
Annual Youth Fishing Derby at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge this Saturday
Press release:
"Let’s Go Fishing!" To celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is hosting its 24th Annual Youth Fishing Derby, on Saturday, June 6. The event will be held at Ringneck Overlook, on Oak Orchard Ridge Road. On site registration begins at 7:30 a.m. There is no pre-registration or reservations required. Fishing is from 8 to 11 a.m.
The event is free and open to youths 17 years old and under, with no experience necessary. If this is your first time, some fishing gear will be available to borrow. Certificates will be awarded for the first-, second- and third-place participants in three age categories: 7 years and under; 8-12; and 13-17 years. Derby rules are available on our Web site: http://www.fws.gov/refuge/iroquois or by calling 585/948-5445. Participants and helpers must comply with New York State license requirements.
This event is one of the many ways the Refuge offers to connect people with nature. Connecting People with Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation is a national priority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the mission of “working to ensure that all Americans have enjoyable and meaningful experiences in the out-of-doors and develop strong life-long connections with the natural world.” The Youth Fishing Derby is sponsored by the Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Inc., a nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to support the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.
Iroquois NWR is located midway between Buffalo and Rochester, and is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
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.
NY-Penn League Charitable Foundation announces 2015 Scholarship Contest, deadline is June 26
Press release:
The Class-A Short-Season New York-Penn League and its member clubs are proud to announce that the league's philanthropic arm, the NYPL Charitable Foundation, will once again award over $10,000 in scholarships this summer to deserving high school graduates from the league's 14 markets.
Now in its seventh year, the 2015 NYPL Scholarship Contest is open to any graduating senior from a public or private high school within the league's footprint. Any student who has been accepted at a two or four-year college or university, vocational school, or technical education institution is eligible. Applicants will be judged based on academic performance, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and the impact their local NYPL club and Minor League Baseball have had on their lives.
The scholarship contest will consist of two stages -- a local round and a divisional round. In the local stage, students will apply directly to their local NYPL team, with one applicant chosen by each of the 14 teams to advance to the divisional/final round. The 14 finalists will then be separated by the division of the team they represent. The winning application from each of the NYPL's three divisions (McNamara, Pinckney and Stedler) will receive the top prize of a $2,500 scholarship. All other finalists will receive a $250 book award.
The deadline to submit applications to the nearest NYPL team is June 26.
“The New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation and our 14 member clubs are pleased to have the opportunity to assist outstanding high school seniors within our league’s footprint for the sixth consecutive season,” said Ben J. Hayes, president of the New York-Penn League. “This program will again recognize those seniors who not only meet and exceed traditional scholarship criteria, but demonstrate the positive community impact and lifelong memories fostered by their local NYPL clubs throughout the year.”
High school seniors interested in entering the 2015 Scholarship Contest can obtain the official application from their local NYPL club, or by visiting the league's official Web site, New York-Penn League.com.
Each club's winner, including the three $2,500 scholarship recipients, will be selected in late July and honored at a game in August.
The New York-Penn League and its 14 member clubs created the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, in 2003. The mission of the Foundation is to provide focus and support for the collective and individual charitable and community efforts of the New York-Penn League, its clubs, and their staff.
Batavia girls win Section V championship
Brockport State College hosted the section V Class B track championships this weekend and both Batavia teams walked away with new records, team bests and trophies.
The Batavia girls came in first place with a total of 87 points. Team photo above is with all of Batavia High School track coaches.
Highlights:
Pentathlon -- fourth -- Nicole Maltese Nicole Maltese 2109.00 points
100 Meter Hurdles -- first -- Marissa Dispenza 15.78
3200 Meter Relay -- third -- Zickl, Canale, Bromley, Cassidy, (Nichols, Wingate) 10:11.99
100 Meter -- third -- Kiaya Franklin 12.86
400 Meter -- second -- Kiaya Franklin 59.29; third -- Marissa Dispenza 1:00.66
400 Meter Relay -- fourth -- Cohen, Dinehart, Canale, Zickl,( Denise, Ross) 51.51
400 Meter Hurdles -- third -- Marissa Dispenza 1:09.00
800 Meter -- second -- Sophia Dinehart 2:30.65
200 Meter -- second -- Kiaya Franklin 26.34
1600 Meter Relay -- second -- Dispenza, Dinehart, Canale, Franklin, (Freeman, Pitcher) 4:17.32
The Batavia boys finished in second place for Section V. Both teams will send students to the state qualifier in Caledonia Mumford this Friday.
Results can be seen at http://live.yentiming.com/#/results/meet/217
Jim Kelly tournament under way at Terry Hills
The annual Jim Kelly Celebrity Golf Classic is underway at Terry Hills today. The entire Buffalo Bills team attended the morning's events, which included for the players a long-drive contest and a football throwing contest.
Above, head coach Rex Ryan wallops one during the long-drive contest.
Jim Kelly on the anniversary of the Bills' Super Bowl run and the prospect for the Rex Ryan era.
Jim Kelly on Rex Ryan.
Jim Kelly on tournament fun.
Jim Kelly on continuing the tournament.
Players react to a teammate's errant tee shot during the long-drive contest.
A player reacts to his own errant tee shot.
Players participate in the football throwing target contest.
Actor Dennis Haskins (TV show "Saved by the Bell") with Kathy Leffel. Leffel lives on Clinton Street Road and has for years on tournament day invited her friends over and served brownies from under a tent in her back yard to any celebrity golfers who stopped by. Most years, all the big stars do, such as Dan Marino and Jim Kelly himself. Leffel has sold the condo and will be moving, so this is probably the last year of the brownie party.
