Sports

Batavia Downs Gaming congratulates Thurman Thomas on his jersey retirement

By Billie Owens
Oct 29, 2018, 12:28pm

Press release:

Leaders from Batavia Downs Gaming offer their congratulations to Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas on his very special #34 jersey retirement tonight at New Era Field in Buffalo.

“It has been and is a pleasure working with Thurman at Batavia Downs Gaming, he is not only a work colleague but has become a good friend,” said Henry F. Wojtaszek, president/CEO of Batavia Downs Gaming WROTB. “Along with our entire Batavia Downs family, I want to congratulate Thurman and his family on this well-deserved accomplishment.”

Thurman Thomas has been associated with Batavia Downs as its Ambassador since 2012. He helped design the 34 Rush Sports Bar that is named after the Hall of Famer and opened in 2013.

“What really makes this relationship special is Thurman’s wife, Patti Thomas, enjoyed many times at the Downs as a child as her family has been involved in (horse) racing since the 1970s,” said Michael Nolan, chief operation officer of Batavia Downs Gaming WROTB. “Since his football days Thurman has become a great friend and there is nobody more deserving of this great recognition.”

Thomas is widely considered to be the Buffalo Bills' greatest running back, having finished his career as the team's all-time leading rusher, an honor he still holds. Throughout his 12 years with Buffalo, Thomas rushed for 11,938 and 65 touchdowns.

The Buffalo Bills play the New England Patriots at 8:15 p.m.

Perry bowlers strike for four 700 series in Thursday Night League

By Mike Pettinella
Oct 29, 2018, 11:44am

The pins were flying at Perry Bowling Center last Thursday night as four bowlers -- including a husband and wife -- registered 700 series in the Thursday Night League.

Vincent Mack led the way with a 278 opening game en route to a 761 series, while Jason Hurlburt had 723 and his wife, Diane, 711, each with three solid games. Brady Weber started with 266 and finished with a 727 series.

Elsewhere around the Genesee Region:

-- Rich Wagner strung 10 in a row in a middle game 289 and finished with 761 while James Townsend recorded his first 700 series as an adult USBC member (704) in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday Night League at Mancuso Bowling Center;

-- Matt Balduf finsihed with 268 for a 732 series in the Le Roy Moose League at Legion Lanes;

-- Jason Nickerson rolled a 280 game and 714 series in the Sneezy's Monday Night League at Oak Orchard Bowl.

Click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page for more high scores from last week, and watch for Mike Pettinella's Pin Points column this Thursday.

Batavia Ramparts team travels to Jamestown, comes home with 7-2 win

By Howard B. Owens
Oct 29, 2018, 11:36am

Batavia Ramparts Squirt III travel team traveled to Jamestown yesterday and picked up a 7-2 win.

Goals:

#15 Will Stevens, assisted by #26 Luke Staley
#26 Luke Staley, assisted by #15 Will Stevens
#16 Preston Viele, unassisted
#15 Will Stevens, assisted by #88 Coleman Hiczewski
#16 Preston Viele, unassisted
#15 Will Stevens, unassisted (Hat Trick)
#88 Coleman Hiczewski, assisted by #15 Will Stevens

Photos and info submitted by Teresa Pfendler.

OA-Elba wins eight-man football sectional championship

By Howard B. Owens
Oct 28, 2018, 9:04pm

Photos and write up provided by Mike Cintorino, OA-Elba head coach:

The OAE Football team defeated the CG Finney/Northstar Falcons 55-2 on Saturday night at St. John Fisher College to win the first ever Section V 8-Man Football Championship.

OAE wasted no time, scoring on the first play from scrimmage with a 60-yard run by sophomore Ty Mott, his first of two scores on the night on his way to 160 rushing on only seven carries. Colton Dillon continued his dominance, with 4 rushing touchdowns, all in the first half, on his way to 132 yards rushing on just seven carries. Sophomore Jayden Hughes also had a big night with 104 yards rushing on just four carries, including an 82-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Ty Kropelin added the other score for the OAE Football team who remains undefeated for the season and are ranked #4 in New York State.

The defense once again held strong holding the Falcons out of the endzone, with their only points coming on a safety late in the game. Sophomores Ty Mott and Peyton Yasses each had 15 tackles while Nick Munger, Jayden Hughes, and Nick Wissinger all had interceptions. Gage Dieterle had four tackles for a loss including two sacks on the night. The OAE team had six total sacks total and forced four turnovers on the cold rainy night.

Maalik Thomas led the way for the Falcons with 186 yards on 29 carries.

The Weedsport Warriors will face off against Altmar-Parish-Williamstown in the Section III Championship game next Saturday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. OAE will now face off against the winner of that game for the first ever Upstate New York Championship game on Saturday, Nov. 12th, at 12 p.m. at Pittsford Sutherland High School.

Lucky McTrucky, In Runaway Bay N dead-heat at Batavia

By Billie Owens
Oct 28, 2018, 1:25pm

Photo of the dead-heat tie win for top pacers Lucky McTrucky and driver Drew Monti and In Runaway Bay N and driver Kevin Cummings, both posting a time of 1:56.3 in Saturday's Open Handicap. They came in only a head in front of Dark Horse with reinsman Ray Fisher Jr.

By TIm Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Big moves and strong drives couldn’t separate the top two pacers in Western New York this week as Lucky McTrucky and In Runaway Bay N hit the wire at the same time in the $11,000 Open Handicap pacing feature at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Oct. 27).

It took a quarter of a mile but Lucky McTrucky (Drew Monti) finally got to the front and settled in for the mile. The outer flow came early at the three-eighths bringing Upfront Countryboy (Billy Davis Jr.) and In Runaway Bay N (Kevin Cummings) one-two at the half. Cummings swung In Runaway Bay N three-wide as soon as they hit the backstretch and set his sights on the leader.

By the three-quarters In Runaway Bay N took the front on the outside by a neck over Lucky McTrucky and he appeared to be going right by in the last turn. But Monti worked Lucky McTrucky hard and he responded by getting back the lead and had a clear length advantage at the top of the stretch. Cummings got after In Runaway Bay N with right-handed urging and he again drew even with Lucky McTrucky.

They paced together all the way to the wire and the camera could not separate them under the light where they finished in a dead heat in 1:56.3, only a head in front of Dark Horse (Ray Fisher Jr.) who brushed up the pylons late.

It was the 10th win of the year for Lucky McTrucky ($3.30) who is owned by Tessa Roland and the seventh win of the year for In Runaway Bay N ($5.60) who is owned by Mark Jakubik.

Billy Davis Jr. led all drivers on Saturday scoring three wins on the night.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 31) with post time for the first race at 5 p.m.

Alexander rolls over Perry/Mt. Morris to advance to Class D championship game

By Howard B. Owens
Oct 28, 2018, 12:36pm

A 325-yard ground game helped Alexander dominate Perry/Mt. Morris in the Class D semifinal playoff game played at Cal-Mum on Saturday, leading to a 45-8 victory.

Chris McClinic rushed 19 times for 108 yards and three TDs. Terrez Smith added another 142 yards and two TDs on 10 carries. Hayden Walton gained 66 yards on nine attempts. Dylan Busch was 3-8 passing for 66 yards and a touchdown. He was intercepted twice.

Alexander's first score came on its second possession in the first quarter when Busch hit Ty Woods over the middle for a 37-yard TD.

Perry scored on a Cameron Petrie 62-yard kickoff return.

In the top photo, Smith breaks free for a 76-yard touchdown run (scoring on the second photo).

On defense, Jake Jasen had six tackles. J.J. Goodenbury and Ty Woods had five tackles each. Ty Woods forced a fumble and had an interception. Nick Kramer and Nello Paolucci each contributed a sack.

Defense was stellar all night. Jake Jasen led the Trojans with six tackles. JJ Goodenbury and Ty Woods each had five tackles for the Trojans. Ty Woods forced a fumble and had a big interception on the night. Freshmen linebacker Nick Kramer and SR. DE Nello Paolucci each has QB sacks for the Trojans! Trojans will play the winner of the York /Canisteo game. -- Tim Sawyer

York/Pavilion, the #6 seed, beat Canisteo-Greenwood, the #2 seed, 12-7. Alexander and York/Pavilion will face off for the Class D championship at 7 p.m., Saturday at Alfred State University.

To purchase prints, click here.

Batavia Blue Devils football advances in wet win

By James Burns
Oct 27, 2018, 10:52pm

The trouble with averaging over 40 points per game, with the majority of those points usually coming in the first half, is people get nervous when you lead at half time by only 7 points. Even if you made big stops on defense and move the ball on offense better than the other team.

The buzz at the half, in the stands and with those huddled in the concession area trying to stay dry, was one of worry for the Blue Devils. What did they have to worry about? Absolutely nothing.

Why were the fans worried? Well, at the half there was a little kerfuffle in which both teams stormed the field then stopped short of each other. Then Batavia calmly went off to their own end zone for a quick halftime meeting.

Honeoye Falls-Lima seemed to feel that keeping favored Batavia to only 7 points in the first half was a victory in itself and HF-L celebrated a bit before heading off to the locker room.

To many of the Batavia fans, who expected another trademark Batavia rout by halftime, it seemed HF-L had the momentum and was poised to control the second half. It never happened. Batavia controlled the game as they did in the first half in the second; the difference being they also scored 22 points.

Ethan Biscaro led the team as QB going 4 for 5 with two TDs and a big interception on defense.

Ray Leach wore the HF-L defense down and started the second half with an 84-yard run for a TD that killed any psychological advantage HF-L may have had. Leach had a 175-yard game.

Alex Rood and Taiyo Iburi-Bethel each had receptions for TDs.

Final score Batavia 29, HF-L 0. Batavia moves on in the playoffs to face Wayne.

To see more pictues from the game click here

Lougazi snags third straight feature at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens
Oct 27, 2018, 1:18pm

Photo of Lougazi with driver Ray FIsher Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

There is a new sheriff in town. Lougazi flexed his muscle again to defeat the best local stock and notch his third straight top class victory in the $11,000 Open Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 26).

Despite losing to Lougazi the last two starts, Empire Earl N (Jim Morrill Jr.) went off the post time favorite and went right to the front in the abbreviated field of six. WIth a single file behind, Empire Earl N floated to a :28.2 quarter and looked comfortable doing it. But breaktime was over at the three-eights when Lougazi (Ray FIsher Jr.), who got away last, pulled first-over and started the rim trek toward the leader.

As the race motored up the backstretch, Lougazi drew even with Empire Earl N at the three-quarters and the match race was on. Into the last turn Empire Earl N got a slight advantage as Lougazi sort of hung, while Fisher bided his time and saved his charge for the finish. When they straightened out the two were even again and both drivers were working hard. Heading towards the wire it was clear Lougazi was doing the better work and just edged past Empire Earl N under the light by one-half length in 1:57.

It was the ninth win of the year, third in a row and fourth out of the last five for Lougazi ($5.90), who is owned by Mary Warriner. Ryan Swift trains the winner.

The husband and wife, driver and trainer team of Fisher and Swift also copped the co-feature.

The $8,800 Open II trot saw three lead changes occur by the quarter before Barn Winner (Ray Fisher Jr.) pulled from fourth at the three-eighths, took the lead up the back stretch and then held off a late-charging Jim Dandy (Jim McNeight Jr.) to win by a length in 1:58.1.

It was the third win in 15 starts this year for Barn Winner ($5.30) who is owned by Tanah Merah Farms and the Swift Racing Stable.

As has been the case so many times this meet, the early Pick-5 was not hit on Friday and as a result, there is a $1,839 carry over and a $4,000 guaranteed pool for the early Pick-5 on Saturday night (Oct. 27). That wager will be a part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program with free past performance pages made available through Trackmaster and the USTA. You can download those by clicking the “Handicapping” tab at www.ustrotting.com .

The Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five. There is no consolation payoff, meaning if no one selects all five winners, the entire pool (minus takeout) will be carried over once again.

Post time for the first race at Batavia Downs on Saturday evening is 6 o'clock.

Winners announced for 2018 Run for the ACORNS

By Billie Owens
Oct 26, 2018, 2:50pm

Press release:

The sixth annual “Run for the ACORNS” 10K and 5K Trail Run/Walk was held at the Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany on Sept. 30th. More than 240 participants enjoyed the misty fall morning as they made their way along a course that highlights the beauty of the park.

The course winds along park trails which feature rolling hills, ponds, forests and Black Creek. A dozen environmental education signs inform runners and walkers as they pass by some noteworthy park features.

Said Deputy County Treasurer Kevin Andrews, 5K winner in the male 30-39 age group, “[A]s tough as some of those hills are, I really enjoy that course, it is my favorite course out of the races that I do each year.”

Rochester resident Emma Jones, who won the overall 5K, said, “I’d never been to that park before but it’s definitely worth the drive – it’s beautiful! I can’t wait to go back and check out the nature center. Thanks to you and everyone involved for putting on an awesome event!”

A fire in the fireplace at the park pavilion warmed runners when the race was over as they enjoyed refreshments including yogurt provided by Upstate Milk, juices from Red Jacket, apples from Roanoke Apple Farm and nut butters from Once Again Nut Butter.

Post-race activities included an awards ceremony and a Kids Fun Run where everyone won a ribbon.

Many thanks to the major sponsors of the race - Awards Sponsor: Brothers-All-Natural; Cup Sponsor Eli Fish Brewing Co.; Special Corporate Sponsor AKIMA, and Corporate Sponsors: Tompkins Bank of Castile, Genesee Carquest and Fastenal. Also thanks to all our other sponsors and to the volunteers who helped to make this an amazing event!

Congratulations to all the winners! For more information and full race results visit here.

Next Year’s Run for the ACORNS takes place on Sunday, Oct. 6th.

Winner’s Circle (listed male, female)

10K

1st Place: Chad Minuto, Kimberly Mills

2nd Place: Kenneth Plossl, Rene Hoover

Age Group Winners (listed male, female)

15-19: Rodney Egli

20-29: Jason Harasimowicz, Jess Juliano

30-39: Michael Harasimowicz, Jill Patric

40-49: James Caswell, Kelly Roberts

50-59: Adam Douglas, Carol Vanderberg

60-69: Terry Sweeney, Janice Spiotta

1st Place: Mike Miller, Emma Jones

2nd Place: Jacob Seppe-Schultz, Steph Parmenter

Age Group Winners (listed male, female)

14 and under: Elijah Abdella, Ainsley Kent

15-19: Alex Harper, Kathleen Nolan

20-29: Thomas Demmer, Julianna Parmenter

30-39: Kevin Andrews, Jessica Beal

40-49: Jason Smith, Michelle Abdella

50-59: David Demmer, Wendy Marchese

60-69: Lin Jursted, Mary Young-Murray

Three Batavia Soccer Club teams win league championships

By Billie Owens
Oct 26, 2018, 2:40pm

Submitted photos and press release:

The Batavia Soccer Club is pleased to announce the successful completion of our fall soccer season with three of our teams earning championship titles in the Livingston County Fall Soccer League!

Games were held every Saturday in September and October in Geneseo, York, and Livonia, culminating in a season-ending tournament on Saturday, Oct. 20th.

The Batavia Soccer Club had 110 participants on nine teams enter this very competitive league which is comprised of third- through sixth-grade boys and girls teams from Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Monroe, and Wyoming counties.

Our three championship-winning teams included two teams from the fifth- and sixth-grade girls division and one team from the third- and fourth-grade girls division.

The Batavia Soccer Club has served Genesee County and the surrounding area for more than 40 years. With more than 600 summer program participants in 2018, it is one of the largest and most successful youth sports program in the region.

Registration for the 2019 season will begin in December. Please visit our website at www.bataviasoccerclub.com.

Roll With Faith back to winnings ways at Batavia

By Billie Owens
Oct 25, 2018, 12:50pm

Photo of Roll With Faith with driver Kevin Cummings.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

After hitting the board in her last two starts, Roll With Faith got back to the top of her game winning the $10,400 fillies and mares Open Handicap pace at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (Oct. 24).

The two-scratch race was down to five starters when Roll With Faith (Kevin Cummings) got away second off the gate behind A Crafty Lady (Drew Monti) who then took the girls to the half in :57.1. There, Badlands Delight (Shawn McDonough) was moving first over, but not fast enough for Kaitlyn Rae (Ray Fisher Jr.) who swung three-deep in front of the stands and drew alongside A Crafty Lady as they worked their way up the backside.

As they passed the three-quarters in 1:25.3, A Crafty Lady packed it in and Kaitlyn Rae took the lead spot on the pylons. But with no time for even a breath, Roll With Faith was out and at her and the two paced in sync around the last turn. The team pacing ended as the tandem was split up heading down the lane because Roll With Faith simply opened up and cruised away to a wrapped-up four-length win in 1:54.2.

It was the 13^th win of the season for Roll With Faith ($2.70) who has now earned $74,232 for owners Finish Line Investors, Larry Willer and John Mungillo, who also trains the mare.

In the $8,800 Open II for distaff participants, Drinkin N Dancin (Ray Fisher Jr.) went gate to wire in 1:56.4 and registered her sixth win of the year for owners Rocco Stebbins and David Crumb. Joe Skowyra trains the winner.

Kevin Cummings had three winners on the night to lead all other drivers on Tuesday. He now has 80 wins for the session and draws to within three wins of the current leader Drew Monti with 83. Monti had one win on Wednesday.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (Oct. 26) with post time set for 6 o'clock. When it does there will be a $493 carry over in the early Pick-5 wager and a guaranteed $1,500 pool for that bet. The early Pick-5 is a 50-cent base wager that begins in race one and runs through race five.

Three Batavia Bulldawg teams to play Saturday in NOFA Championship Games

By Billie Owens
Oct 23, 2018, 3:45pm

Press release:

The Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football and Cheer program is excited to announce that three Bulldawg teams have made it to the Niagara Orleans Football Association (NOFA) 2018 Championship Games. Games will be played this Saturday, Oct. 27, at Veterans Memorial Baseball Park in Medina.

The Bulldawgs Mini Division (8-9 year olds) finished its regular season undefeated with a record of 9-0. This past Saturday they defeated the #4 seeded Tri Town Trojans 19-0 in the playoff round to advance to the championship.

The Mini Bulldawgs are the #1 seed with a 10-0 record and will face the #2 seed Newfane with a record of 9-1.

The Bulldawgs are coached by Head Coach Jed Davis, assisted by Frank Gioia, Scott Lazarony, and Bobby Darch. The Mini game will kick off at 11 a.m.

The JV Bulldawgs (10-11 year olds) finished with an impressive 7-2 regular season record to earn the #4 seed in the playoffs.

After successfully beating the #1 ranked Albion Purple Eagles this past Saturday with a 20-6 win, they will face the Holly Hawks who are ranked #3 with a 9-1 record entering the championship round.

The JV Bulldawgs are coached by Head Coach Brian Mruczek, assisted by Aaron Fix, Justin Smith, Kenny Griffin, and Al White. The JV championship game will kick off at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Also finishing with an undefeated regular season of 9-0 the Varsity Bulldawgs entered into the playoff contest as the #1 seed against the #4 Albion Purple Eagles. Playing through the cold and rain this past Saturday, the Bulldawgs capped off a 34-0 win against Albion to make it to the Championship Game against the #2 seed Tri Town Trojans.

Tri Town has a record of 9-1 with their only loss being against the Bulldawgs in regular season play. The Varsity Bulldawgs are coached by Head Coach John Marucci, assisted by Jerry Smith, Eddie Woods, Michael Almekinder, Chez Rolle, along with junior coaches Evan Cummings and Kaiden Marucci. The Varsity Championship game is scheduled to kick off at 3 p.m.

The Bulldawgs would like to invite any and all of the Batavia community to come out and support these amazing young athletes on their championship quest. Come join the CheerDawg cheerleaders as they lead the Bulldawg fans and supporters in the stands.

Games times again are 11 a.m. (Mini), 1 p.m. (JV), and 3 p.m. (Varsity) this Saturday at "Medina Vets Park," located at 335 W. Oak Orchard St., Medina.

Sputore, Pursel post perfect games at Mancuso Bowling Center

By Mike Pettinella
Oct 22, 2018, 3:04pm

Mancuso Bowling Center manager Mike Sputore rolled lhis first United States Bowling Congress-certified 300 game on Sunday morning (Oct. 21) and he had the additional thrill of being able to accomplish the milestone while bowling with his son.

Sputore reached perfection in the second game on lanes 17-18 of the T.F. Brown's Adult-Child League, minutes after getting some friendly ribbing from his 12-year-old son, Benjamin.

"Ben had just rolled the last five strikes in the first game for 172, and he said, 'Dad, I'm going to get a 300 game before you,'" Sputore said, noting that he responded that Ben probably was right.

However, in the second game, Mike found the line and put 12 strikes together.

"The first two balls in the 10th frame were right there," he said. "The last one, I pulled a bit, and it sat in the oil (and into the pocket)."

Mike started with a 258 but tailed off after the 300, finishing at 165 for a 723 series.

Mancuso's also was the site of another 300 game earlier in the week -- Batavian Jim Pursel's perfect game in a 743 series in the Toyota of Batavia 5-Man League on Thursday night.

On Tuesday, T.J. Czworka shot 297 in the Antique World Coed League, and on Monday, Alex Morris registered 299--753 in the Mancuso Real Estate/No Finer Diner League.

At Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, Dave Emler had a 297 game and 748 series in the Tuesday G&W Vending League.

For a list of scores from around the Genesee Region last week, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of this page.

Pembroke student, blind since birth, joins cross-country team

By Virginia Kropf
Oct 22, 2018, 12:41pm

Anneka Pray’s story is one which gives her school principal Nathan Work goosebumps.

Anneka, 12, is a seventh-grade student at Pembroke Junior-Senior High School. What makes her stand out is she has been blind since birth with a condition called microcornea, yet wanted to participate in school sports.

“We’ve never had a student like this in the past,” Work said. “She’s led the pack in transitioning to seventh grade.”

“Anneka advocates well for herself,” said Chelsea Hale, the vision teacher at Pembroke. “She wants to be as independent as possible.”

When Anneka announced she wanted to participate in sports, she initially thought she would like to do soccer. When her mom told her she probably couldn’t do that, Anneka said she thought she’d like cross-country.

The school reached out to Camp Abilities at Brockport State College to learn how they could help Anneka.

It turned out Anneka’s math teacher Peggy Haney is blind in her right eye, but also enjoys running. She agreed to be Anneka’s guide runner.

Before this year, Anneka said math was her least favorite subject, but now it is her favorite.

Haney said her blindness means her perception is off. It took her a week to adjust to running with another person. She had started running two years ago, but had never done cross-country.

“Our common thread is we were both born with our condition and neither is fixable,” Haney said.

Anneka runs a modified cross-country and is coached by Toby Beahan.

“I received word over the summer Anneka was coming to high school,” Beahan said. “I was told she was interested in cross-country and I wanted to set things up to accommodate her. The trails can be a challenge, but once everything was in place, the most exciting things happened. It was awesome. The best part for me is shouting when Anneka is nearing the finish line. All the other kids and coaches are yelling and cheering her on, too.”

Anneka and Haney were among the competitors in Pembroke’s Home Invitational a week ago.

“She does fantastic,” Haney said. “She sprints and she passes people. She is going faster and faster.”

Anneka has a sister in eighth grade and a brother who is a senior. She would like to go to college and find a way to help people like her be able to see.

“Anneka is inspiring to everybody with all the ideas she wants to do,” Hale said. “One thing about Anneka, once she sets her mind to something, she sees it through.”

Her teachers said Anneka is a good student who works hard.

“I’ve been in education going on 16 years and I’ve never encountered anyone like Anneka,” Work said. “She is a very special little girl. I don’t think it gets any better than this.”

Photos: BHS 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees

By Howard B. Owens
Oct 21, 2018, 11:00pm

Batavia High School inducted its 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame honorees during a dinner at Terry Hills on Saturday evening.

Pictured above are, front row from left Coleen Tooley Oleski, Gerry Carmichael, Michelle Smith Jones, and back row from left Steve Frieday, Jon Santratello, and Rich Anderson. Below, the 1994-1995 Blue Devils hockey team.

Previously: Batavia Blue Devils Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner is next Saturday

Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament is Nov. 3 at Le Roy HS

By Billie Owens
Oct 21, 2018, 4:15pm

Press release:

The sixth annual Traditional Martial Arts Association Tournament will be held at the Le Roy High School Gym Saturday, Nov. 3rd, with eliminations starting at 10 a.m.

The Tournament will consist of Sparring (point fighting), Individual Kata (forms), Team Kata, Weapons Kata, and Self Defense.

Tournament organizers are Soke William Cavalier (Livonia Tatsu Do School), Hanshi Dick Borrell (Borrell’s Karate Academy Batavia), and Renshi Fred Merica (Le Roy Karate & Self Defense Center/ Main Street Fitness). All three have been close associates and tournament/clinic organizers for the past 40 years.

Ages of competitors will start as young as 4 years old with no age limit. We have had competitors in the past well into their 70s. Divisions are broken down by skill level and age.

Spectators are welcome at $5 each and students at $4 each.

The high school is located at 9300 South Street Road, Le Roy.

To see a flier go to www.tatsudo.com and click the link at left of page “November 2018 TMAA Tournament - Download Flyer” or call 585-414-3181.

There will also be a breaking demonstration at noon. They break everything from boards, bricks, coconuts, and Louisville Sluggers with their shins.

Anyone interested to help be a scorekeeper please calls 585-414-3181 for more information, minimum 15 years old, no experience needed.

Kevin Cummings wins five, both features at Batavia

By Billie Owens
Oct 21, 2018, 1:10pm

Photo of in Runaway Bay N in the lead with driver Kevin Cummings.

By TIm Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Kevin Cummings was red hot at Batavia Downs scoring wins in both features with In Runaway Bay and Nesh Cruiser along with three other victories to take five of the 10 races on the card. Cummings, who is currently the second leading dash driver of the meet, made a strong bid to retake the top spot after his performance on Saturday night (Oct. 20). .

In the $11,000 Open Handicap pace, Dark Horse (Ray Fisher Jr.) left hard and seated In Runaway Bay N (Kevin Cummings) who also tried for the front early. After everyone took a seat the race went to the half in :56 flat. At that point Barry Hanover (Shawn McDonough) started the outer flow and Rock To Glory (Drew Monti) followed that move.

As the race progressed to the three-quarters, Rock To Glory deserted his fading cover and tipped three-deep trying to get to Dark Horse. Almost out of that last bend, Barry Hanover finally packed it in and In Runaway Bay N nudged his way off the pylons between Dark Horse and Rock To Glory. As the top three argued toward the wire, In Runaway Bay N put away Dark Horse and held off a fast closing Rock To Glory to win by a half-length in 1:54.4.

In Runaway Bay N ($8.70) scored his sixth win of 2018 and eclipsed the half-century mark in earnings, now boasting $53,550 this year for owner Mark Jakubik.

In the $9,900 Open II pace, Nesh Cruiser (Kevin Cummings) tripped out behind Bugatti (Jim Morrill Jr.) to the head of the stretch before pulling out and going by to win by a nose in 1:54.4 for his eighth win of the year. Trainer RIchard Roth owns with Randy Roth and Robert Roth.

Besides those two wins, Cummings also scored with Cotton Eyed Joe (1:57.2, $6.40), Terlingua (1:56.4, $8) and Keystone Keen (1:56.4, $6.10) to round out the five-bagger.

Not to be outdone, the Downs leading driver Drew Monti also scored four wins on Saturday night as well. So after the last race ended, Monti is still on top with 82 wins for the meet with Cummings sitting right behind with 77.

The early Pick-5 that was part of the USTA Strategic Wagering program with a $7,000 guaranteed pool produced an instant jackpot payoff $5,350.50 for a $1 ticket on the combination of 7-4-3-2-3.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday afternoon with post time set for 5 o'clock.

York/Pavilion shuts down Notre Dame to advance in Class D

By Howard B. Owens
Oct 20, 2018, 9:57pm

In the rain, on a muddy track, Notre Dame's offense was unable to find its groove Saturday afternoon and slowly watched its Class D quarterfinal playoff game against York/Pavilion slip away.

The Fighting Irish lost 18-0.

At this time, no stats are available.

To purchase prints as keepsakes, click here.

$7,000 guaranteed Pick-5 Saturday at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens
Oct 20, 2018, 2:04pm

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Batavia, NY--- As a result of no one selecting a winning combination in the early Pick-5 at Batavia Downs on Friday night (Oct. 19), there will be a $7,000 guaranteed early Pick-5 pool when racing resumes at 6 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 20) at the oldest lighted harness track in America.

Saturday’s guarantee is part of the USTA’s Strategic Wagering Program which offers free program pages for those five races under the “Handicapping” tab at www.ustrotting.com . You can access the program pages directly by clicking here. (https://www.trackmaster.com/freeContent/usta/freeContentFiles/hpl/btv1020x.pdf )

Lougazi posts career best in Batavia feature trot

By Billie Owens
Oct 20, 2018, 2:02pm

Lougazi with driver Ray Fisher Jr.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

In what turned out to be a very exciting horse race, Lougazi proved to be best once again in winning the $11,000 Open Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday evening (Oct. 19).

Lougazi (Ray Fisher Jr.) got away last by quite a few lengths off the gate when BZ Glide blasted to the front and posted an extremely fast :27.2 quarter. Positions remained unchanged past that post when Fisher came first-over at the three-eighths pole with Lougazi and motored up the outer rim.

Incrementally gaining ground around turn-two and up the backstretch, Lougazi drew even with BZ Glide by the three-quarters and the two dueled from there. Trotting in step around the last turn and into the lane, Lougazi finally got a step away from BZ Glide. But Empire Earl N (Jim Morrill Jr.) who was drafting third pulled three wide and was launched for the finish. Lougazi dug in and held him off as well and hit the wire first by a head in 1:56.3, which was a new lifetime mark.

It was the second win in a row and fourth out of the last six for Lougazi ($11.80) who is owned by Mary Warriner and trained by Ryan Swift.

In the $8,800 Open II trot, Edom Up Blue Boy (Jim Morrill Jr.) rode a two-hole trip to the half behind Lutetium (Ron Beback Jr.) before pulling to take the lead by the five-eighths, open up by three lengths and eventually win by four in 1:58. Edom Up Blue Boy ($6.40) is owned and trained by Rock Vinci.

With only two favorites winning all night, there was a plethora of profound payoffs in most of the races on Friday. But the one wager that did not get hit was the early Pick-5 and as a result, there is a $2,900 carry over pool for the early Pick-5 on Saturday (Oct. 20). That bet will be a part of the USTA Strategic Wagering Program with a $7,000 guaranteed pool and free program pages that will be available tomorrow on the USTA website under the handicapping tab.

Post time for Saturday evening will be 6 o'clock.

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