Skip to main content

Batavia HS

Batavia United opens season with 6-1 win on the road

By Howard B. Owens

image0_9.jpeg

Batavia United got its season off to a fast start on Tuesday, scoring three goals in the first period on its way to a 6-1 win over the WFL-Geneva Panthers.

The first goal came at 2:02 on a power play with Jameson Motyka and Brady Johnson feeding  Cooper Hamilton.

Later in the quarter, both Motyka and Ronin Hofmaster would score with assists from Hamilton and Jake Hutchins.

Brady Johnson, Motyka assist, scored in the second period.

Motyka scored on another power play in the third period with assists from Hofmaster and Johnson. 

The Panthers scored their lone goal at 7:34 in the third period and Hofmaster capped off the scoring at 12:06 with an assist from Hutchins.

Goalie Thys Tanner blocked 15 of the 16 shots sent his way.

“All in all, not a bad effort from the squad," said Head Coach Marc Staley. "It’s early in the season, so we are trying to gel as a team and get everybody on the same page. Not sure we have found our identity yet.  We’ve only had 10 practices together due to the storm, and the Thanksgiving holiday. And only two times did we have all of our players on the ice together.   We will learn from this game and get better.  We have a rather large test in front of us this weekend with back-to-back games against Starpoint, and Hamburg, two very strong Section VI teams.  We’re jumping right into the deep end.”

United plays Starpoint at the Northtowne Center in Buffalo on Friday at 5:30pm.  The team faces Hamburg at home at 3 p.m. on Saturday.

Submitted photo.

Blue Devils win Far West Championship in 20-8 win

By Howard B. Owens

untitled_shoot-8045.jpg

The Batavia Blue Devils are the Far West Regional champions after defeating Iroquois 20-8 at Van Detta Stadium on Monday night.

Iroquois scored first with 1:27 remaining in the first quarter, but the Blue Devils went on to score three unanswered touchdowns.

Aiden Anderson scored on a 3-yard run. Ja'vin McFollins scored on a 7-yard run.  And McFollins connected with Carter McFollins on an 83-yard pass with 2:52 left in the fourth quarter.

Ja'vin McFollins was 5-6 passing for 145 yards. Anderson ran for 28 yards on 13 carries. Cole Grazioplene had three receptions for 54 yards.

Photos by Jim Burns.

untitled_shoot-7941.jpg

untitled_shoot-7901.jpg

untitled_shoot-7675.jpg

untitled_shoot-7762.jpg

untitled_shoot-7822.jpg

untitled_shoot-7897.jpg

untitled_shoot-7947.jpg

untitled_shoot-7988.jpg

untitled_shoot-8058.jpg

Batavia defeats Monroe 14-8 with one second left in regulation to claim back-to-back titles

By Steve Ognibene

a76y1294.jpg

Ja'vin McFollins tossed two TD passes, including one in the closing seconds of the game for a come-from-behind victory on Saturday in Brockport to give the Batavia Blue Devils the Section V Class B championship.

Batavia beat Monroe 14-8.

The 19-yard TD pass to Vincent Arroyo left one second on the clock and Julia Petrie kicked her second point-after of the game.

Batavia scored first in first quarter on a McFollins to Cole Grazioplene 38-yard TD pass.

McFollins was 9-16 passing for 172 yards.  He was intercepted once.

Cam McCinic was the leading rusher with 66 yards on 16 attempts.

Grazioplene had three receptions for 85 yards and Arroyo snagged two passes for 58 yards.

Garrett Schmidt led the defense with 13 tackles and Avion Bethel had eight and McClinic six.  Schmidt also forced a fumble and a fumble recovery.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y1298.jpg

a76y1159.jpg

a76y1111.jpg

a76y1331.jpg

a76y1350.jpg

a76y1374.jpg

a76y1404.jpg

a76y1321.jpg

A nod of thanks and appreciation doled out to local veterans Thursday

By Joanne Beck

img_2568veterans.jpg

Several local veterans were honored Thursday morning during a Veterans Day ceremony at Batavia High School. Band Director Jane Haggett, whose father Robert was amongst the recipients, handed out tokens of appreciation for their service.

They were:

U.S. Army

  • Robert Haggett
  • William Hughes
  • Thomas Steffinella
  • Rich Favaloro

U.S. Air Force

  • Dennis Mahoney
  • Matt Lutey

U.S. Marines

  • Colin Dailey, husband of BHS social worker Lindsay
  • John Dwyer
  • Vincent Pontillo
  • John Gombos

U.S. Navy

  • Tom Cecere
  • Harold McJury
  • Rocco Pellegrino

The district also gave a proud shout-out to members of its own school community.

“The BHS community is very fortunate to have three veterans on staff. We thank them for their service to our country and for keeping everyone safe," BHS Principal Paul Kesler said. "We would like to call the three gentlemen up to the front of the auditorium to receive a small token of our appreciation."

  • Mr. Greg Ciszak, BHS School Counselor: served his country for 12 years in the 152nd Engineer Company as a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard. He was a horizontal construction engineer. His unit was activated for numerous state emergencies including snow storms, floods, and the September 11th World Trade Center disaster.
  • Christopher Gorton, a Special Education teacher: joined the Army in 1984 and was in active duty from 1984 to 1989. During a portion of his active duty, Mr. Gorton was stationed in Western Germany. He continued to be on inactive duty from 1989 to 1992. Mr. Gorton was twice awarded the Army Achievement Medal and earned a good conduct medal. His unit received its second presidential unit citation award while he was stationed in West Germany. To this day, Mr. Gorton still carries a Challenge coin from President Reagan, the Commander in Chief, that was given out to the unit.
  • BHS Earth Science teacher Christopher Weicher: served in the United States Marine Corps from 1987 to 1991. Mr. Weicher completed two combat deployments during Operation Just Cause in Panama and the Gulf War 1. While serving his country, he received two combat action ribbons, a Presidential Unit Citation, and a Meritorious Unit Citation while serving with the 6th Marine Regiment.

The event included readings from students about what Veterans Day means to them. Adrien Fytros said that veterans are often defined as those who have been in the workforce for an extensive period of time, and those who have served in the military. 

"Those that have served in any branch of the military are easily the least selfish people in our community and should be treated as such. They are those who would put themselves through intense, rough, and enduring training for years to ensure that we can carry on a worry-free life, explore our interests, and pursue our own careers and dreams we’ve sought out," he said. "Veterans Day as a whole is to honor and give a spotlight to these brave and compassionate people that allow us to do everything we’ve desired to do. 

"Veterans Day is a day to honor those who put their family, community, and most of all, their country and its residents before themselves."

Photo: BHS Band Director Jane Haggett hands out tokens of appreciation the district's thanks to veterans during a Veterans Day assembly Thursday at the State Street school in Batavia. Photos by Joanne Beck.

Livonia can't stop Batavia's offense in Class B semifinal

By Howard B. Owens

bhsfootballnov42022.jpg

The Blue Devils put on an offensive show for the home crowd on Friday in a Section V Class B semifinal game, beating rival Livonia 56-14.

Ja'vin McFollins was 8-10 passing for 242 yards and three touchdowns.  Carter McFollins had three of those receptions for 108 yards and a TD, Cole Grazioplene snagged three more for 105 yards and a TD and Cooper Fix had a 21-yard TD reception.

Zay Griffin gained 141 yards on the ground and scored twice on eight carries. Aiden Anderson rushed 15 times for 114 yards and a TD.  Ja'vin McFollins scored once on the ground and Cam McClinic scored once on four carries for 75 yards.

Aavion Bethel led the defense with 14 tackles. Garret Schmidt had 11 tackles and Carter McFollins had eight tackles and an interception.

Photos by Howard Owens

Top photo: Ja'vin McCollins passing to Cole Grazioplene for a 78-yard TD reception in the second quarter.​

bhsfootballnov42022-2.jpg

Carter McFollins with a 53-yard TD reception in the second quarter.

bhsfootballnov42022-3.jpg

bhsfootballnov42022-4.jpg

Aiden Anderson on a 46-yard TD run in the first quarter.

bhsfootballnov42022-5.jpg

bhsfootballnov42022-6.jpg

Cam McClinic on a 56-yard TD run in the first quarter.

bhsfootballnov42022-7.jpg

Aiden Anderson, tackled by Livonia's defense.

bhsfootballnov42022-8.jpg

Julia Petry on a first-quarter kickoff.

bhsfootballnov42022-9.jpg

bhsfootballnov42022-10.jpg

Julia Petry was eight for eight on point after attempts on Friday.

bhsfootballnov42022-11.jpg

bhsfootballnov42022-12.jpg

Blue Devils win first-round playoff game 35-0

By Howard B. Owens

As expected, the Batavia Blue Devils made easy work of Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton in their first-round playoff game at home on Friday night, winning 35-0.

Scoring: 

  • Ja'vin McFollins, 31-yard pass to Vincent Arroyo.
  • McFollins, 63-yard pass to Cole Grazioplene.
  • Aiden Anderson, 57-yard run.
  • McFollins, 32-yard pass to Grazioplene.
  • Anderson, 27-yard run.

Anderson finished with 107 yards on the ground on six carries. McFollins was 8-6 passing for 136 yards.

Garrett Schmidt had seven tackles.

Batavia advances to semifinals in straight sets

By Steve Ognibene

a76y1016.jpg

Eighth-seed Batavia played first-seed School of the Arts Friday in Rochester for a Section V quarterfinal matchup. 

Batavia dominated the game-winning three straight sets 25-12, 25-10, 25-17.

Batavia stats:

  • Olivia Shell, 10 kills 8 digs 5 Aces
  • Ava Anderson, 9 kills 6 Aces
  • Emma Bigsby, 5 kills 7 aces 3 blocks
  • Sophie Fryer, 7 Aces 2 blocks
  • Ella Bromsted, 22 assists 4 aces 2 kills
  • Clara Wood, 2 aces 3 kills

Batavia advances to the semifinal round this Tuesday at Mercy in Rochester against third-seed Waterloo.  Game time 5 p.m.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y0958.jpg

a76y0950.jpg

a76y0936.jpg

a76y1009.jpg

a76y1000.jpg

a76y1017.jpg

BHS volleyball team raises $1,100 for Genesee Cancer Assistance

By Howard B. Owens

img_3528volleyball.jpg

The Batavia High School volleyball team held their first "pink game" this season, raising $1,100 for Genesee Cancer Assistance.

"We just wanted to do this because it's something that stays in Genesee County, and it's really good to just have the money stay here and benefit our community," said team captain Olivia Shell.

Head Coach James Patric said he expects pink games to become annual events to benefit Genesee Cancer Assistance. There will be more advance planning next season, he said, with a goal of raising $3,000 to $3,500.

"It's amazing to have them want to reach out and do this for us," said Nickie Fazio. "This money is going to be so beneficial to our patients. We're just very grateful. And if they want to do this next year, we're more than happy to help them."

img_3522volleyball.jpg

Batavia ends a “hard finish to a fantastic season” vs. Aquinas

By Steve Ognibene

a76y0914.jpg

The Batavia Lady Devils soccer team ended its sectional run Tuesday evening in Brockport against Aquinas in a semi-final matchup with a 3-0 loss. 

Aquinas had 15 shots on goal, Batavia five. 

Julia Petry had 15 saves for Batavia.  Aquinas had 3 corners, with goals scored twice by Emily Silverstein and one by Mya Kotsch.

Batavia finishes the year 11-3-4.

"This team worked for each other and played with their hearts," said Head Coach Roger Hume. "It was a hard finish to a fantastic season.  We congratulate our seniors on a job well done and are looking forward to the future."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y0909.jpg

a76y0859.jpg

a76y0884.jpg

a76y0889.jpg

a76y0880.jpg

a76y0856.jpg

Batavia finishes regular season undefeated vs. Newark on senior day

By Howard B. Owens

a76y0629.jpg

In a season in which no opponent has even come close to beating Batavia, for the fourth time in seven games the Blue Devils held a challenger to fewer than seven points.

This time it was Newark/Marion that Batavia dominated for a convincing 54-6 win.

Scoring: 

  • Ja'vin McFollins 30-yard pass to Aidan Anderson.
  • Cam McClinic, six-yard run.
  • McFollins 6-yard pass to Brendan Burgess.
  • Anderson, 3-yard run.
  • McFollins 15-yard pass to Carter McFollins
  • Anderson, 6-yard run.
  • Newark scores on a kickoff return.
  • Bronx Buchholz 30-yard run.
  • Devan Flanagan, 7-yard run.

McFollins was 10-11 passing for 141 and the three TDs.

Mekhi Fortes gained 67 yards on six carries. McClinic, 54 yards and a TD on six carries. Anderson 34 yards and two TDs on five carries.  Bucholz, 45 yards and a TD on three carries.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y0662.jpg

a76y0672.jpg

a76y0685.jpg

a76y0705.jpg

a76y0746.jpg

a76y0736.jpg

a76y0737.jpg

Batavia boys soccer team wins first-round sectional game

By Howard B. Owens

bataviaboyssocceroct20.jpg

The Batavia Blue Devils boys soccer team won its first-round sectional game in Class B on Tuesday, beating Geneva 2-0.

Batavia came into the game as the #9 seed and Geneva was the #8 seed.

Goals were scored by Alex Bartz, assisted by Owen Halpin, and by Quintin Cummings, unassisted.

Submitted photo.

Next up: #1 seeded Hornell at Hornell on Saturday. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

Batavia beats Eastridge in straight sets

By Steve Ognibene

a76y0445.jpg

The Batavia Blue Devils girls volleyball team beat Eastridge for the second time this season Tuesday evening, with scores of 25-11, 25-22, 25-23.

Olivia Shell led the Devils with nine kills, seven digs, and four aces.

Ella Bromsted had two kills, 18 assists, and three aces. 

Clara Wood had two kills, six digs, and two aces.

Emma Bigsby had four kills, four digs and two aces.

Ava Anderson had six kills, seven digs and four aces. 

"This team has taken the necessary steps to improve overall as a program and has been competitive all year," said Coach James Patric. "Our seniors and returning players set the goals for the team at the start of the season to compete for a Class B sectional championship.  We have been playing well in our recent games and have been peaking at the right time heading into sectionals.

The Blue Devils play their final regular season game tonight at home against HFL. Game time is 6:30 p.m. The game includes a first-ever teacher appreciation night.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y0327.jpg

a76y0422.jpg

a76y0385.jpg

a76y0349.jpg

a76y0446.jpg

Batavia beats Class B rival HFL 35-20

By Howard B. Owens

a76y9821.jpg

After a 35-20 win on the road against Honeoye Falls-Lima on Friday night, the Batavia Blue Devils, at 7-0, are a lock on first place in the Class B division of Section V football for 2022.

Late in the first quarter, HFL pulled within a touchdown of Batavia but the Blue Devils tacked on one last score at the close of the game on a 43-yard pass from Ja'vin McFollins to Cole Grazioplene.

The scoring started with McFollins dashing into the end zone on a 3-yard run. Batavia scored again on a McFollins pass of 64 yards to Vincent Arroyo, and then Aiden Anderson scored on a 2-yard run late in the second quarter for 21 unanswered posts at the half for the Blue Devils.

HFL scored twice in the third quarter, then Batavia increased its lead on a short run by Aiden Anderson.

McFollins was 6-8 passing or 95 yards and two TDs. Anderson rushed for 124 yards and two TDs on 29 carries. Grazioplene caught three passes, including the TD, for 61 yards.

Avion Bethel had seven tackles to lead the Batavia defense.

HFL is now 5-2 on the season.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y9758.jpg

a76y9856.jpg

a76y9844.jpg

a76y9863.jpg

a76y9917.jpg

a76y9929.jpg

a76y9833.jpg

a76y9871.jpg

a76y9938.jpg

Batavia wins on the road 41-20

By Howard B. Owens

From the start, the Batavia Blue Devils easily handled another opponent, cruising to a 41-20 win over Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton on Friday night.

Carter McFollins opened the scoring with a 90-yard kickoff return.

Batavia scored again on the first quarter on a 19-yard pass from Ja'vin McFollins to Cole Grazioplene.

In the second quarter,  Aiden Anderson on runs of 3 yards and 8 yards. 

In the second half, Mekhi Fortes scored on an 8-yard run, and Zay Griffin scored on a 65-yard run.

Wayland scored three times in the second-half.

For Batavia, Julia Petry connected on five of six point-after attempts.

For the game, Anderson ran for 109 yards on 14 attempts and Griffin 82 yards on three attempts.

Ja'vin McFollins was 7-11 passing for 121 yards.

Carter McFollins had two receptions for 55 yards.

On defense, Garret Schmidt had 10 tackles.

Three BHS students awarded academic honors by national organization

By Press Release
jackpickardbhs2022.jpg
laurenreimerbhs2022.jpg
Jack Pickard Lauren Reimer Nathan Canale

Press release:

Three Batavia City School District students have earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These National Recognition Programs grant underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications and connect students with universities across the country to stand out during the admissions process. Only 62,000 students across the country have received this recognition.

  • Jack Pickard, Senior: National Rural and Small Town Award
  • Lauren Reimer, Senior: National Rural and Small Town Award
  • Nathan Canale, Senior: National Rural and Small Town Award

“We couldn’t be more proud of Jack, Lauren, and Nathan for receiving this tremendous honor,” said Superintendent Jason Smith. “Their hard work throughout their time at BCSD has certainly paid off. I know this recognition will help bolster their college applications and make them truly stand out.”

“Bravo to these three exceptional BHS students,” said to Batavia High School Principal Paul Kesler. “Jack, Lauren, and Nathan exemplify the values and work ethic that we strive for at BHS, and we congratulate them on this wonderful achievement.” 

Eligible students have a GPA of 3.5 or higher and have excelled on the PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10, or earned a score of 3 or higher on two or more AP Exams. Award categories include: National African American Recognition Program, National Hispanic Recognition Program, National Indigenous Recognition Program, and National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program.

Students are invited to apply during their sophomore or junior year and, after determining eligibility, will be awarded at the beginning of the next school year. Students will receive their awards in time to include them on their college and scholarship applications. 

Batavia HS honors new Hall of Fame inductees for 2022

By Howard B. Owens

bhshalloffame2022.jpg

Batavia High School honored some of its outstanding Blue Devils of athletic seasons past at the Athletic Department's annual Hall of Fame induction dinner, held this year at Batavia Downs.

Inducted were:

  • Benjamin Martino (1959): Football, Wrestling
  • Paul Blossom (1968): Football, Swimming, Track & Field
  • Richard Saunders (1971):Athlete: Swimming, Football, Baseball, Bowling; Coach: Swimming, Wrestling, Baseball
  • Sandy (Samiec) Reeg (1979): Tennis
  • Kristie (DuRei) DeFreze (2005): Gymnastics, Cheerleading, Track & Field
  • Michael Chmielowiec (2005): Basketball
  • Boys Basketball Team (2005): State Semi-Finalist
  • Jermaine Henderson (2006): Football, Track & Field

Photos by Howard Owens.  Top photo: Sandy (Semiec) Reeg, Rick Saunders, back, Michael Chmielowiec, front Benny Martino, Kritstie (DeRei) DeFreze, Jermaine Henderson, Paul Blossom.

bhshalloffame2022-2.jpg

The 2005 Boys basketball team: Dan Kines, Justin Williams, Adam Brasky, Michael Chmielowiec, Kevin Saunders, Ballard Maye, Jon Tretter, Buddy Brasky.

Batavia run away 42-0 victory over Pal-Mac on homecoming night

By Steve Ognibene

a76y8982.jpg

The Blue Devils scored six unanswered touchdowns on their way to a 42-0 rout of Pal-Mac at home on Friday night.

Vincent Arroyo scored three times and Cam McClinic, twice --  Arroyo on receptions of 12 and 58 yards and a 79-yard kickoff return and McClinic on runs of seven and three yards.

QB Javin McFollins was 7-11 passing for 134 yards, two TDs and one interception.

McClinic rushed 14 times for 92 yards. Arroyo had three receptions for 86 yards.

On defense, Garrett Schmidt had 11 tackles, Meki Fortes, six, and Cooper Fix and Carrier McFollins, five each, with both Fix and McFollins snagging pickoffs.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

a76y8991.jpg

a76y9034.jpg

a76y9038.jpg

a76y9045.jpg

a76y9066.jpg

a76y9111.jpg

a76y9091.jpg

Members of the 2022 batavia Athletic Hall of Fame Class will be inducted tonight and was recognized at halftime

a76y9090.jpg

The Senior Class of 2023 won the Homecoming Spirit stick award

BHS boys soccer shutout by Greece Olympia, 2-0

By Press Release

Game report from Coach Graham Halpin:

Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer lost a close game to Greece Olympia, 2-0, at VanDetta stadium last night. There was no score in the game until well into the second half when Olympia scored on a lucky breakaway followed soon after with a PK. The Batavia players played hard all game in the rainy conditions and had some good opportunities but were unable to score. 

Boys varsity soccer gives up late goals to fall to HFL 5-3

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer lost 5-3 at HFL on Friday night.

Batavia was ahead 2-1 for most of the game but gave up late goals.

Owen Halpin (#2) had 2 goals (PK and an assist by Alex Bartz #15) and Andrew Childs (#22) had one goal (assisted by Dima Havens (#18)). Goalkeeper Jack Pickard (#16) had another outstanding performance with 13 saves. 

Submitted by Coach Graham Halpin

Blue Devils top Bishop Kearny 49-20

By Howard B. Owens

Javin McFolins completed nine of 11 pass attempts for 206 yards and two TDs to lead Batavia to a 49-20 win over Bishop Kearney on Saturday afternoon.

McFollins also gained 43 yards on the ground on four attempts and scored a touchdown.

Aavion Bethel ran nine times for 41 yards and a TD and Cam McClinic gained 43 yards on five carries.

Vincent Arroyo caught four passes for 107 yards and a TD.  

On defense, Cooper Fix had seven tackles.

Authentically Local