Skip to main content

Sports

Genesee drops two to Herkimer

By Andrew Crofts

The Genesee Community College softball team dropped both games of a doubleheader to Herkimer College on Saturday afternoon, falling in game one 8-2 and 11-0 in game two (F/5).

The Generals scored a run in the first to take an early lead, but the Cougars tied it in the bottom of the inning after Karisa Schuster led off with a single and scored on an RBI single from Andrea Torres. Bailee Welker sacrificed the run into scoring position.

Dani Wilshire gave GCC the lead in the bottom of the second with a solo home run to make it 2-1.

Genesee combined for just three hits the rest of the way, however, and Herkimer scored twice in the fourth, three times in the fifth and added two in the sixth to win game one.

Shannon Baker gave up eight runs on 15 hits struck out three in the complete-game effort.

Georgie Miller went 2-3 at the plate, Schuster was 1-3 with a run scored and Torres went 1-3 with an RBI.

After GCC went down in order in the first inning of game two, the Generals sent nine players to the plate and scored five times in the bottom of the first to take the early lead.

Herkimer added six runs in the second and shut the Genesee offense down to win game two in five innings.

The Cougars managed just two hits in game two, a double by Wilshire and a single by Torres.

Genesee (14-9) will travel to Cayuga Community College on Sunday to resume a suspended game from Apr. 13, and play a doubleheader against the Spartans beginning at 1 p.m.

Genesee women's lacrosse falls to Onondaga in season finale

By Andrew Crofts

(GCC goalkeeper Katya Oakes (#30 white) challenges an OCC attack on Saturday afternoon)

 

The Genesee Community College women's lacrosse team dropped its season finale to Onondaga Community College on Saturday afternoon, 24-5.

The Lazers tallied the first 10 goals of the game before Kaleigh Murray scored her first of two on the afternoon at the 14:36 mark of the first half.

Mackenzie Wood also scored twice on the afternoon, netting one late in the first half and one at the 4:40 mark of the second. Kaci Asper added a goal as well, scoring with 14:25 to play in the second.

Taylor Miller led GCC with seven ground balls, Wood won 10 draw controls and collected six ground balls and Maddie McDonagh caused two turnovers.

Katya Oakes played all 60-minutes in net and made 14 saves.

Genesee finishes the season 2-6.

Batavia's Jeff Redband named First Team All State by sportswriters

By Howard B. Owens

Blue Devil Jeff Redband has been named to the All-State First Team by the New York State Sportswriters Association.

With 27 points per game, Redband had the second highest PPG average of all the Class A ranked players.

Redband recently signed a letter of intent to attend Daemen College in Buffalo on a basketball scholarship.

Notre Dame's Josh Johnson was named to the fourth team in Class D.

No. 4 Cougars advance to regional semis after win over Monroe

By Andrew Crofts

The No. 4 nationally-ranked GCC men's lacrosse team is headed to the Region III Semifinals after a 22-2 win over Monroe Community College on Wednesday in the quarterfinals.

The Cougars, the No. 2 seed in the regional tournament, saw 14 different players record a point in the game.

Genesee led start to finish in a game that was never in doubt. The Cougars held a 10-1 lead at halftime and scored six goals in the first five minutes of the second half to keep the game out of reach.

Jacob Bomberry led the offense with five goals and two assists for seven points in the game. Cyrus Spruce scored four goals and added an assist, Mitchell Kinney had three goals and an assist, Jimmy Smith added a goal and three assists, Joshua Wester finished with two goals and an assist and Evan Jacob and Brody Jorgenson both scored two goals apiece.

Alex Henry led the defense with four takeaways and he also assisted on a goal. Reed Hnidy collected a team-high seven ground balls and had two takeaways and an assist.

Ray Tague went 8 for 9 on face-offs, Colton Reformat finished 7 for 9 and Mike Caternolo was 6 for 7.

Corey Luty made eight saves in net for Genesee, which advances to the semifinals and will face Dean College on Saturday at Onondaga CC. Face-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. and the winner will receive an automatic bid into the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Tournament. 

Batavia's Jeff Redband makes first team in regional hoops honors

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia's Jeff Redband (file photo from the 2014-15 basketball season) tops the field of Genesee County student-athletes to receive All Genesee Region honors for winter sports, as published today by the Democrat and Chronicle.

Redband was Monroe County Division IV Player of the Year, a Section V Class A2 All-Tournament Team player. He averaged 27 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots per game this season and led Batavia (18-3) to division title. He surpassed 1,000 varsity points, including a  51-point game (a school record) vs. Irondequoit. He made 40 percent of 3-pointers and 88 percent of free throws. Academically, he carries 94 average.

Later today, Redband will sign a letter of intent to attend Daemen College on a basketball scholarship.

Also honored:

  • Nick Egeling, Le Roy, Livingston County Division II, basketball
  • Ryan Cansdale, Pembroke, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Ryan Emery, Oakfield-Alabama, Genesee Region, basketball
  • John Hochmuth, Elba, basketball
  • Josh Johnson, Notre Dame, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Caleb Nellis, Notre Dame, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Hayden Ewell, Pavilion, Livingston County Division III, basketball
  • Tiara Filbert, Batavia, second team, basketball
  • Abbie Kelly, Byron-Bergen, second team, basketball
  • Lindsay Lovett, Byron-Bergen, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Shea Norton, Notre Dame, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Emma Francis, Notre Dame, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Rebecca Krenzer, Notre Dame, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Haley Brown, Elba, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Alex Reigle, Elba, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Kylie Schlagenhau, Oakfield-Alabama, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Sydney Breton, Alexander, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Aralyse Johnson, Pembroke, Genesee Region, basketball
  • Kayla Heimlich, Le Roy, Livingstone County Division II, basketball
  • Madison McCulley, Batavia, Monroe County, basketball
  • Kelsey Milligan, Pavilion, Livingston County Division III, basketball
  • Devon Koepp, Batavia, first team, indoor track
  • Ryan McQuillen, Le Roy, first team, indoor track
  • Nate Richardson, Alexander, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Tom Slenker, Alexander, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Kyle Zimmerman, Alexander, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Ben Vacanti, Alexander, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Brandon Brown, Alexander, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Jake Rada, Byron-Bergen/LeRoy, Genesee Region, swimming
  • John Lee, Notre Dame, Genesee Region, swimming 
  • Chris Lemley, Notre Dame, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Dennis Bleier, Notre Dame, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Nate DiSalvo, Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Ryan Dunlap, Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Trent Stack, Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Corde Smart, Oakfield-Alabama/Elba, Genesee Region, swimming
  • Michaela Austin, Byron-Bergen, Rochester Winter Track League, indoor track
  • Marissa Dispenza, Batavia, Rochester Winter Track League, indoor track
  • Kaylee Cassidy, Batavia, Rochester Winter Track League, indoor track
  • Joe Allegue, Batavia, Monroe County Division III, wrestling
  • Noah Dobbertin, Batavia, Monroe County Division III, wrestling
  • Reese Morrow, Batavia, Monroe County Division III, wrestling
  • Trevor Rittersback, Batavia, Monroe County Division III, wrestling
  • Tristan Aldinger, Alexander, Genesee Region, wrestling
  • Matthew Gaiser, Alexander, Genesee Region, wrestling
  • Dan Khomitch, Byron-Bergen, Genesee Region, wrestling
  • Hunter Taylor, Byron-Bergen, Genesee Region, wrestling
  • Chad Toal, Byron-Bergen, Genesee Region, wrestling
  • Adam Walter, Byron-Bergen, Genesee Region, wrestling
  • Alan White, Byron-Bergen, Genesee Region, wrestling
  • Nick Young, Alexander, Genesee Region, wrestling
  • John Lauricella, Le Roy, Livingston County, wrestling
  • Thatcher Mowry, Le Roy, Livingston County, wrestling
  • Ben Piazza, Le Roy, Livingston County, wrestling
  • Dane Heberlein, Alexander, Division II, Wrestler of the Year*
  • Nick Gaiser, Alexander, first team, wrestling

Notre Dame beats Lyndonville 4-3

By Howard B. Owens

Notre Dame came from behind to beat Lyndonville 4-3 at Dwyer Stadium on Thursday.

Top photo: CJ Souzzi is out at home trying to score the team's fifth run after Larry Infantino had crossed the plate a moment before on Peter Madafferi's double.

Here's Coach Mike Rapone's game summary:

Tyler Prospero pitched six strong, scoreless innings to pick up the win in relief of starter Casey Midwick who left with tightness in his pitching arm as ND rallied to win 4-3. Prospero's line was 6 innings, 2 hits, 0 runs, 6K and no walks. Lyndonville's had a 3-run first on a Brandon Schoolcraft RBI double and Eric Nease's 2-run triple. The Irish responded with two first inning runs on Mike Falitico's RBI groundout and Michael Muehlig's 2-out RBI single. They tied it in the fifth when Cal Tygart tripled to deep center and scored on another Mike Falitico RBI groundout. The winning run was scored by Larry Infantino, who walked, moved to second on CJ Suozzi's single and scored on Peter Madafferi's RBI double.

Genesee blanks Mohawk Valley; sets school record in win

By Andrew Crofts

The No. 4 Genesee Community College men's lacrosse team extended its shutout streak to two games in a row, blanking visiting Mohawk Valley Community College on Thursday afternoon, 32-0.

Brian Thielman earned a shutout win at Niagara County CC on Tuesday and made five saves in net on Thursday to extend the streak to eight consecutive quarters.

Jacob Bomberry scored seven goals and had three assists, Lukas Baildon added five goals and two assists and Colin Brillian had three goals.

Joshua Wester finished with six ground balls and three takeaways and also added a goal to lead the midfield.

Mike Caternolo was a perfect 11 for 11 on face-offs and Ray Tague went 9 for 13.

The 32 goals set a new school record for most goals in a single game.

Genesee (5-3) will return to action on Apr. 12 on the road at Jefferson Community College. The game will be played at General Brown Turf Field and face-off is scheduled for 3 p.m.

 

 

No. 4 Cougars fall to No. 1 Onondaga 16-8

By Andrew Crofts

(GCC's Reed Hnidy (#12 white) challenges an OCC attack on Saturday afternoon)

 

The No. 4 Cougars lost a 16-8 decision to visiting No. 1 Onondaga Community College on Saturday afternoon, falling to 3-3 on the season.

OCC scored the first five goals of the game before Genesee responded. Brody Jorgenson and Reed Hnidy scored back-to-back goals to end the first quarter and cut the Lazers' lead down to three.

Jimmy Smith scored five minutes into the second quarter to get GCC to within two at 5-3, but OCC ended the half with two straight tallies and led 7-3 at the break.

The Lazers extended their lead to 10-3 early on in the second half before Cyrus Spruce scored his first of two goals in the game at the 12:12 mark of the third and John Jimerson followed with a goal at the 8:27 mark to cut the OCC lead down to five.

Onondaga held a 12-6 lead going into the fourth and outscored Genesee 4-2 in the final period to earn the win. Jacob Bomberry and Spruce tallied the two goals for GCC in the final quarter.

Bomberry led the offense with two goals and two assists and Mitchell Kinneyadded two assists.

Hnidy finished with a goal, seven ground balls and four takeaways. 

Brian Thielman made 15 saves in net.

Genesee will return to action on the road on Tuesday at Niagara County Community College. Face-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.

Batavia Muckdogs 'Hit the Books' with summer reading program

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs today announced the start of their reading program, designed to promote reading amongst the youth of the local communities. Along with the help of NY's 529 College Savings Program, 2015 will mark the third year of the “HIT THE BOOKS with the Batavia Muckdogs” reading program. 

As part of this program, the Muckdogs have provided various schools and libraries across local counties with customized bookmarks. On the back of these bookmarks, children can have a parent, guardian, teacher, or librarian initial each time they complete a book. When a child completes 10 books, they can redeem the bookmark at the Dwyer Stadium box office for a FREE TICKET to any Sunday --Thursday Batavia Muckdogs game! In addition to the free ticket, the child will also receive a prize courtesy of NYs 529 College Savings Program. If a child reads 20 books, they will be entered into a drawing to win a backpack with school supplies, provided by NY's 529 College Savings Program; along with the opportunity to throw out a first pitch at a Muckdogs game.

In addition to the many participating schools, bookmarks will be made available to children at the following local libraries:

·         Richmond Memorial Library (Batavia)

·         Lee-Whedon Memorial Library (Medina)

·         Byron-Bergen Public Library

·         Haxton Memorial Library (Oakfield)

·         Hoag Library (Albion)

·         Pavilion Public Library

·         Corfu Free Library

·         Woodward Memorial Library (Le Roy)

·         Holley Community Free Library

Any questions about the reading program, bookmarks, or redeeming for tickets can be answered by Mike Ewing, at 585-343-5454, ext. 1005.

Photos: Muckdogs Boosters annual Hot Stove Dinner

By Howard B. Owens

The Batavia Muckdogs Boosters held their annual Hot Stove Dinner Saturday night at Sacred Heart.

Club President Brian Paris gave a state-of-baseball-and-the-Muckdogs speech and talked about his trip recently to the Negro Leagues Hall of Fame in Kansas City.

The trip, he said, had him reflecting on the major transition baseball went through in the 1950s as Negro League stars and rising stars were finally admitted into Major League Baseball, and the transition facing baseball now as it tries to appeal to younger generations.

The way to ensure continued interest in the game is to bring children to baseball games. As an act of symbolism he surprised his son Zach with a gift from the Negro Museum, a jacket, that he said represented both baseball's past and its future by honoring its past in a memorable way.  

Bill Kauffman discussed Bill Dougherty's book about the history of baseball in Batavia.

Previously: Batavia's rich baseball history recalled in new book by Bill Dougherty

Hal Mitchell, representing the boosters and local Vietnam vets, along with Paris for the Muckdogs board, made donations to the PTSD program for women at the VA Hospital. Accepting the donations was Caryn DiLandro, the program manager.

Todd Jantzi, owner of Bontrager's Auctions, conducted the live auction.

Batavia Bulldawgs announce registration for 2015 season

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The board of directors and coaching staff of the Batavia Bulldawgs Youth Football & Cheer program are excited to announce the open registration dates for their upcoming 5th season. We look forward to welcoming new and returning athletes to the Bulldawg family.

Registration will be held on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Batavia City Centre (east entrance, near Sunny’s Restaurant). Boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 14, attending Batavia area schools (that are not affiliated with another NOFA team) are eligible to participate, with no weight restrictions. All athletes will be placed in developmentally age appropriate divisions based on the following league age rules:

Football divisions (NO WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS):
Beginner (ages 6-7; must be 6 by 12/1, can’t turn 8 prior to 12/1)
Mini (ages 8-9; must be 8 by 12/1, can’t turn 10 prior to 12/1)
JV (ages 10-11; must be 10 by 12/1, can’t turn 12 prior to 12/1)
Varsity (ages 12-13; must be 12 by 12/1, can’t turn 14 prior to 12/1)

Cheer divisions:
Beginner (ages 6-7; must be 6 by 12/1)
Mini (ages 8-9; must be 8 by 12/1)
JV (ages 10-11; must be 10 by 12/1)
Varsity (ages 12-14; must be 12 by 12/1, can’t turn 15 prior to 12/1)

Football and cheer registration fees can be accepted via credit/debit card, check or cash and includes:

- high-quality, annually certified safety equipment
- full game day uniforms
- practice uniforms
- dri-fit T-shirt
- accident & liability insurance
- Cheerzone competition
- end of season banquet
- participation trophy
- possible playoffs for mini squad thru varsity based on record of wins/losses

**A multi-athlete family discount is available as well as payment plan options. Scholarships are also available for those who apply based on eligibility. A minimum of $50 is required at time of registration.

The Bulldawgs eagerly anticipate the summertime announcement of our 2015 game schedule with locally affiliated NOFA teams in the surrounding areas of Attica, Alexander, Pembroke, Oakfield/Elba, Akron, Alden, Albion, Medina, Roy-Hart & Newfane.

All contests will take place on Saturdays from late August through October. Every player will get the opportunity to participate in every game, where we never keep track of individual player statistics, only player participation and team records. USA Football certified coaches, using the Heads-Up Football philosophy to reduce the risk of injury, will coach our athletes. In addition, certified coaches will help to train our current cheer squads toward continued great success in the 2015 Cheerzone competition.

About Batavia Bulldawgs

Batavia Bulldawgs Football and Cheer is a family-oriented volunteer, nonprofit organization affiliated with the Niagara Orleans Football Association, established in 1999. Since our inception in 2011, we have been committed to providing a high-quality youth football program where we are dedicated to the instruction of football, the philosophy of teamwork, the development of sportsmanship and competition in a safe and respectful environment, while promoting personal responsibility and offering participants an opportunity to enjoy all that is best about youth sports.

Contact

An informational meeting will be held this Wednesday March 25th at 6:30 p.m. in the Batavia Middle School auditorium. Board members and coaches will be available to answer any questions and discuss the upcoming season.

A small number of volunteer football and cheer coaching positions are currently available to interested adults. To learn more about this opportunity, or to answer and questions, please contact

Barry Warner, League Commissioner
585-217-1213
bataviabulldawgsfootball@gmail.com

Sabres capture 2015 Men's League Championship

By Howard B. Owens

The Buffalo Sabres have yet to win a Stanley Cup, but the Batavia Sabres can now enjoy some championship swag after capturing the Genesee County title this morning at Falleti Ice Arena in a 4-1 win over the Wild.

MVP Rich Pearson

Team Captain Mike Koch

To purchase prints, click here.

Photos: 3rd Annual Collin Crane hockey tournament

By Howard B. Owens

Photos by Jim Burns.

The Batavia Ramparts held their 3rd annual Collin Crane Memorial Hockey Tournament this morning at Falleti Ice Arena, with all proceeds benefiting the Collin Crane Memorial Scholarship fund.

Collin was an avid hockey player who died in an auto accident in December of 2012.

The event included three hockey games, an open skate, pizza, hotdogs and drinks along with prizes, an auction and raffle.

Jeff Redband preparing for next level of basketball and academic career

By Howard B. Owens

When I stopped into the Y's gymnasium this morning for a little basketball practice, I found Jeff Redband there.

The Batavia Blue Devil's standout was working on his own game but took some time to give me a few pointers on my own shooting stroke. While we chatted, Tanner came into the gym and asked Jeff to sign one of his kicks. 

Redband is planning on attending Daemen College, in Buffalo, next year on a basketball scholarship. Redband scored 1,024 points with the Blue Devils in a little over two seasons (a 26.2 point-per-game average this season) and helped the team to a pair of sectional title games and hit the game winning buzzer beater in 2013 that sent Batavia to a state title game. The Daemen Wildcats finished this season with 21 wins and captured the USCAA Division I basketball title. Daemen is a Division II provisional member of the NCAA and the East Coast Conference. 

Photos: Basketball benefit at Byron Bergen School

By Steve Ognibene

Tonight at Byron-Bergen School faculty and staff played basketball against the New York State Troopers from Troop A for a benefit. All of the proceeds will go to the USO, to honor Byron-Bergen students who have served or are now serving in the military.

Many supporters from families of the school including law enforcement came out to support the event. The NY State Troopers were a bit too strong tonight and beat the faculty 52-39. However it was all for fun and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

Ramparts place three teams in state championship matches

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Ramparts have placed all three of their Tier III Travel hockey teams in the New York State Championship ship tournament being held March 13th-15th in Amherst. This is a historical event for the 36-year-old organization.

Batavia’s PeeWee (12U), Bantam (14U) and Midget (16U) teams have all qualified as the first seeds for this event. PeeWee coach Jeff Bower, Bantam coach Mike Reich, and Midget coach Marc Staley have worked their teams hard this season and given their teams the tools they needed to succeed.

The Midget and Bantam teams finished their seasons in first place in League play with records of 12-1-1 for Midget, and Bantam 19-1-1. Although the PeeWee’s finished 3rd in League play with a record of 11-4-1 they qualified first for the state tournament by losing only one of their qualifying games.

The Ramparts Hockey organization has only two state titles since its inception, and has never placed three teams in the tournament, let alone three first seeds. Coaches, parents and the Batavia Ramparts organization are proud of their tremendous accomplishments. Thanks also to our team sponsors, Reed Eye Associates -- PeeWee III, Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep -- Bantam III, and Logo It -- Midget III.

The Road to Great Success

By Rhonda Pangrazio

Photo taken by Dale Hutchins

Viewed from left to right

Back Row: Pat Fedus, Head Coach Jeff Bower, Brian Freiday

Middle Row: Dominic Peracciny, Colin Dodge, Katie Carmichael, Jedidiah Reese, Max Hutchins, Derek Fedus, Alex Totten, Levi Grimm

Front Row: Sean Pies, Connor Peterson, Chase Pangrazio, Joshua Barber, Drew Bower, Matt Freiday, Zachary Geitner

 

The Reed Eye Associates’ Batavia Ramparts Pee Wee III team, led by headcoach Jeff Bower, has earned great success this hockey season.  Recently, the team’s “Road to Success” took them to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  The Pittsburgh weekend started with a victory over the Exton Kings where forward, Alex Totten, lit up the scoreboard.  He netted the opening shot and followed that with two more goals later in the game, adding a hat trick to his already impressive season.  Forward, Jedidiah Reese added two goals with forward and Captain, Max Hutchins, adding a point to the 6-3 victory over the Kings.

The Reed Eye Associates’ Pee Wee III team battled, but came up short in their second game versus the York Devils with a final score of 4-3.  Max Hutchins, Sean Pies, and Levi Grimm scored in the third game versus the Capital City Vipers to give the Ramparts a 3-2 win.  The Ramparts faced the Shaker Heights Red Raiders in the fourth game which also ended in a victory with a final score of 3-1.  Colin Dodge, Max Hutchins, and Alex Totten netted these goals for Batavia.  With points on the board, a powerful defense, and exceptional goaltending by Joshua Barber, the Reed Eye Associates’ Pee Wee III team entered the Championship game where they faced the York Kings.  In a well-played, hard fought game, the Ramparts lost 3-1, completing the three day tournament with a strong second place finish. 

After returning home from Pittsburgh, the Reed Eye Associates’ Pee Wee III team faced Geneseo where they posted another victory with a final score of 9-1.  Last Saturday, the Pee Wee III team faced the Buffalo Stars, skating to another win.

The Reed Eye Associates’ Pee Wee III 2014-2015 season has been successful and the team plans to keep it this way.  Carrying an impressive season record of 25-10-1, the next stop in the team’s “Road to Great Success” takes them to Amherst, NY this weekend.  The Pee Wee III team, ranked in the top position, will face the best eight teams in New York State in hopes of capturing the New York State Championship title.

Pair of BHS athletes have strong showing in state track championships

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and information submitted by a reader:

Two Batavia High School athletes competed in the state indoor track championships this weekend. Devon Koepp (pictured) finished sixth in the weight throw with a distance of 58' 8" (He is the Section V record holder at 60' 5.") and Kaylee Cassidy finished sixth in the 1,600 medley.

Authentically Local