Sports

French trotter Bioness wins Schroeder at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens
Oct 7, 2018, 3:12pm

Photo: Bioness takes the lead, driven by Kevin Cummings.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

International trotting came to Batavia Downs on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 6) as the French-bred Bioness shipped in and captured the $15,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot.

The Downs annual signature invitational trot is named for the longtime Western New York trainer/driver Brian Schroeder whose specialty was breaking and racing diagonal-gaited Standardbreds. Schroeder passed away on Oct. 11, 2007 after a lengthy illness.

Schroeder conditioned and raced some of the best trotters of his era at Batavia Downs as well as on the Grand circuit. Aside from all the races he won in western New York, Schroeder’s career highlights included competing in the 1993 Hambletonian with Collier St Joey and finishing second with Financial Paige in the Breeders Crown 3-year-old filly trot at Woodbine in 1995.

Leaving from post eight, Bioness (Kevin Cummings) made his way to the top and settled in past the quarter in :28.1. With no opposition Cummings backed the next panel down to :29.4 and looked confident on the point. As the race made its way into the third turn, Southern Palms (Shawn McDonough) pulled first-up from fifth and started the rim trek in a slow, methodical fashion.

When the group hit the three-quarters Bioness had opened up a two length lead while Southern Palms made his way to second, but still with much work to do. At the top of the lane Bioness looked home free, but McDonough was working his horse hard and getting favorable results. Southern Palms came flying down the lane while Bioness really needed the line. With both drivers in full swing, Bioness hung on by a head to win in 1:57.

"The plan was to go to the front from the start and when I got there he felt fine the whole mile. He was game holding that other horse off at the wire but he was all in at that point," said Cummings after the race.

Bioness ($5) scored his fourth win in 14 starts this year and the purse pushed his earnings to $101,688 for 2018. Northfork Racing Stable owns Bioness who is trained by Chris Oakes. The winner was greeted in the Purple Haze winner’s circle by many friends and family of Brian Schroeder.

Bioness (Sam Bourbon-Quiradelle D’hilly) was purchased and imported this spring through the French-American Trotting Club (FATC) program developed by the Standardbred Owners Association of New York. The 7-year-old gelding competed in three legs of the FATC series at Yonkers in August before winning the $120,000 final, going the mile and one-half in 2:58.

After having a three-week sabbatical, Bioness qualified at Mohegan Sun Pocono in 1:54.3 before shipping to Batavia for this engagement.

Alexander stays perfect on 2018 with 26-6 over Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens
Oct 6, 2018, 5:35pm

Terrez Smith (top photo) carried the ball 20 times for 208 yards adn four touchdowns to help lead Alexander (6-0) to a 26-6 win over Notre Dame.

Dylan Busch was 3-6 passing and Jake Jasen had 23 tackles.

For Notre Dame (3-2), Jed Reece scored on a 40-yard run in the second quarter.

Alexander's Chris McClinic was injured on the Trojans' first possession and did not return to the game.

In other Friday night games:

Batavia beat Wellsville 61-7. Ray Leach carried the ball five times for 147 yards and four touchdowns. Alex Rood had five carries for 103 yards and two TDs. Ethan Biscaro, two rushes for 77 yards and a TD. Biscaro was 6-7 passing for 117 yards and three TDs. Andrew Frances had three receptions for 33 yards and TD. Taiyo Iburi Bethel had a 22-yard TD reception and Leach had a 58-yard TD reception. Rood had six tackles.

Le Roy beat Haverling 27-8. Jake Hill and Reece Tresco connected on four touchdown receptions.

Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen fell to Livonia, 33-20.

York/Pavilion beat Geneseo 48-8.

Pembroke lost to Canisteo-Greenwood, 48-14.

In eight-man football, Oakfield-Alabama/Elba beat GC Finney/Northstar 68-22. Ty Mott rushed for 150 yards on eight carries. OA-E is now 4-0 on the season.

To purchase keepsake prints of game photos, click here.

Tickets on sale for OACS Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2018 dinner and induction ceremony, deadline is Oct. 13

By Billie Owens
Oct 5, 2018, 5:39pm

Press release:

The OACS Alumni Hall of Fame Committee will be honoring the Alumni Hall of Fame Class of 2018 during an Alumni Hall of Fame weekend scheduled for Oct. 19th-20th.

This year's honorees are: Mark Boyce ('76), David Reed ('97), and Brett Willmott ('91).

On the evening of Saturday, Oct. 20th, there will be a community dinner and ceremony to induct our newest members. The dinner will be held at the OACS High School cafeteria. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the event begins at 6 o'clock.

Tickets are on sale only through Oct.13th and are available at the high school check-in main entrance, at Santino's Pizza on Drake Street in Oakfield, or by contacting committee member Brandon Brummert through email at bbpennstate10@aol.com. Tickets are $20 each.

The Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding OACS alumni who have achieved distinction in their lives and chosen field after high school through significant contributions to their career, community or through personal achievements.

We hope to see you there!

For bios of this year's honorees, click here.

Lots going on at Batavia Downs

By Billie Owens
Oct 4, 2018, 1:01pm

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

There are many promotions and schedule changes at Batavia Downs over the next nine days and here is a look at the lineup.

This Saturday (Oct. 6) has an early post of 4:45 p.m. and promises a full night of entertainment.

The featured race on the live racing card is the $15,000 Brian Schroeder Memorial Trot, named for the longtime Western New York trainer/driver whose specialty was diagonal-gaited Standardbreds. Schroeder raced some of the best trotters of his era at Batavia Downs and even competed in the 1993 Hambletonian with Collier St. Joey.

Among the entrants of that race is the French-bred trotter Bioness (Sam Bourbon-Quiradelle D’hilly) who was purchased and imported this spring through the French American Trotting Club program developed by the Standardbred Owners Association of New York. Since coming to the U.S. Bioness has won three out of seven starts, taking a mark of 1:54.3 at Mohegan Sun Pocono Downs and has earned $88,970 in the process.

Fans attending the races Saturday can take advantage of the Match Play promotion. Wager a minimum of $25 with a mutuel clerk on any Batavia Downs Gaming live harness race at the same time between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and receive $25 in gaming free-play.

After the races on Saturday, there will be a live tribute concert to the classic film "American Graffiti" in the Paddock Room. Tickets are $10 and seating is on a first-come basis.

Then on Columbus Day Monday (Oct. 8) enjoy Batavia Downs annual matinee racing card with a special 1:15 p.m. post. Purchase a chicken barbecue (provided by the Center Street Smoke House) for $10.95 from noon to 3 p.m. in the clubhouse and receive $10 in gaming free play.

If chicken isn’t your pleasure, there will also be $1 Sahlen’s hot dog, draft beer and soda at the Homestretch Grill and on the apron from noon until after the last race. All live racing programs will also be only $1.

Then there is a schedule change that needs to be noted. There will be no racing on Wednesday (Oct. 10) and Thursday (Oct. 11). Wednesday was cancelled due to a lack of horses and Thursday was simply moved to Saturday (Oct. 13), which was not originally scheduled. Saturday’s post time will be 4:15 p.m.

Friday (Oct. 12) will remain as scheduled with a 6 p.m. post time.

Saturday (Oct. 13) will feature a special Texas Barbecue in the clubhouse with pulled pork and chicken and all the fixings to go along with it for only $16.95. And everyone buying the barbecue will receive $15 in gaming free play. The clubhouse and buffet both open at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information on live racing at Batavia Downs, please log on to www.bataviadownsgaming.com.

Four in a row for Roll With Faith at Batavia

By Billie Owens
Oct 4, 2018, 12:54pm

Photo of Roll With Faith in the lead with driver Kevin Cummings.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

She was perfect in September and has now started October the same way. Roll With Faith has owned the top pacing mares at Batavia Downs of late and proved it once again; winning her fourth consecutive $10,000 Open Handicap distaff feature on Wednesday evening (Oct. 3).

Kevin Cummings sent Roll With Faith to the front of the scratch-shortened field and settled into a comfortable dictatorial position. Stepping off fractions of :29, :58.2 and 1:26.3, Cummings sat confident as Roll With Faith threw in a :28.2 final panel and won easily in 1:55.

It was the 12^th win of the year for Roll With Faith ($3.30) pushing her seasonal earnings to $65,309 for owners Finish Line Investors, Lawrence Willer and John Mungillo, who also conditions the winner.

In the co-featured $8,800 fillies and mares Open II pace, Kaitlyn Rae (Ray Fisher Jr.) won in similar fashion, going gate to wire in domineering fashion. Fisher went :28.1, :57.4 and 1:26.4 before scooting home in :28.4 to pull away by three in 1:55.3.

It was the 10^th win of the year for Kaitlyn Rae ($3.20) who now has put $51,025 in the bank for her owner/trainer Riley Asher-Stalbaum.

Asher-Stalbaum also sent her win machine Quicksilvercandy A to the winner’s circle for the 14^th time this year and the 77^th time in her career. Over the last two seasons this mare has won just under half of her lifetime races, bagging 35 wins over that period.

It’s also interesting to note that based on Wednesday’s results, Quicksilvercandy A is tied in fourth for the most 2018 wins in North America and Roll With Faith is currently tied for sixth.

Ray Fisher Jr. got the driving hat trick on Wednesday while Kevin Cummings and Shawn McDonough both scored driving doubles.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Oct. 5) with post time set for 6 p.m.

News & notes from the Genesee Region, Western New York

By Mike Pettinella
Oct 4, 2018, 7:35am

Several Genesee Region bowlers competed on Sunday in the season’s first 60-and-Over Tour event at Brockport Bowl but only one – Batavian Paul Spiotta – advanced out of the three-game qualifying round. Spiotta shook off a 159 start, finishing with 257, to claim the last berth to the second round. Unfortunately, his 165 game wasn’t enough to keep him in contention; he pocketed $50. John Masiello of Kenmore placed first, winning $200. The next tournament in the series directed by Tommy Kress is set for Oct. 28 at Doug Kent’s Rose Bowl Lanes in Newark.

Speaking of tournaments, the Genesee Region USBC had to cancel an Invitational Match Play handicap singles event that was scheduled for last weekend due to a lack of entries. The concept is fine – three-game matches throughout until a winner is determined – but I think the $50 entry fee may have scared bowlers away (especially since it could be a case of “three games and out”). With advance promotion and maybe a $25 entry fee, I believe it could work.

Brockport’s Chris Bardol opened the league season with a 299 game and 814 on Sept. 11 in the G&W Vending League at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen, and, two nights ago, he added another 300 game to his resume en route to a 761 series. Bardol said he’s not sure of the exact count, but estimates that he now has 30 perfect games and 15 800 series. He continues to own and operate The North Pole restaurant on Swan Street on Wednesday through Saturday for dinner.

Also on Tuesday night, Scott Bliss of Batavia just missed perfection – firing 279-299-177—755 in the Antique World Coed League at Mancuso Bowling Center.

While the ownership situation at Scopano’s Lanes is yet to be settled, it’s business as usual at the Oakfield facility. That includes the continuation of a solid Saturday morning youth program, which gets under way on Oct. 13. Director Carrie Monachino said parents of children 4 years of age and up are welcome to sign their kids up from noon to 2 p.m. this Sunday. A pulled pork BBQ fundraiser is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3 at Caryville Inn.

Medina Lanes caught lightning in a bottle last season by hosting the Sunday Rolloffs League and (no surprise) is planning for another two-round campaign in 2018-19. The handicap singles league, where bowlers are placed in divisions according to their averages, will consist of a pair of 10-week slates -- Oct. 7 through Dec. 9 and Jan. 6 through March 10. The league is limited to 30 bowlers. To enter, call Medina Lanes at 318-4474.

Genesee Region USBC President Gary Kuchler and Director John Wood will be attending a USBC Association Leadership Academy session on Oct. 20-21 at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel in Erie, Pa. The USBC paying all costs associated with the seminar, including hotel, mileage and meals. The purpose of the seminars (I was able to attend one in Arlington, Texas a couple years ago) is to assist state and local association leaders in building their organizations and effectively communicating the USBC brand.

The Greater Buffalo USBC will be inducting nine people into its Hall of Fame on Nov. 24 at Samuel’s Grande Manor in Williamsville. The list includes professional bowler Brad Angelo of Lockport in the outstanding ability category. Others slated for induction are Ray Bellet, Holly Parrish, Dave Williamson, Mary Grace Williamson and Ruth Wooliver, outstanding ability, and Mary Chase, Cindy Kosanovich and James Wangler Jr., meritorious service. Tickets are $50 per person and can be secured by calling the association office at 716-668-4222 by Nov. 8.

Tonawanda Bowling Center (which is managed by Mary Chase) is hosting the BL Challenge #18 at 9 a.m. Oct. 13. The scratch singles event attracts the top bowlers in an area well beyond WNY, and offers a guaranteed top prize of $6,000. The entry fee is $240. Side events include the Columbia Doubles at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 and the Turbo 2N1 Marathon at 10 a.m. Oct. 14. For more information, go to www.budlightchallenge.com.

It’s not too late for USBC-certified bowlers age 50 and over to enter the NYS Open Senior Championships – a doubles, singles and six-game combine handicap tournament – on Oct. 13-14, 20-21 at Sunset Bowl in Waterloo. Squad times are 12:30 and 3 p.m. on Oct. 13-14 and 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Oct. 20-21. For an entry form and more information, go to www.bowlny.com.

Local tournaments in the near future include the Camp Rainbow 3-person no-tap event at Medina Lanes on Oct. 13 and the Gladys Ford Senior Women’s tourney on Nov. 3-4 at Letchworth Pines in Portageville.

The Professional Bowlers Association emailed my Hall of Fame ballot a couple weeks ago and I am glad to report that both of my selections – Patrick Allen of Elmwood Park, N.J., and Mike Koivuniemi of Finland – received enough votes to ensure their induction on Jan. 5 at the International Bowling Campus in Arlington, Texas, as part of the PBA Hall of Fame Classic tournament. The finals of this event, the first on the 2019 Go Bowling! PBA season, will be televised live at 11 a.m. Jan. 6 on FS1 (Fox Sports 1). Allen is a 13-time PBA title winner and was the Chris Schenkel Player of the Year in 2004-05, while Koivuniemi has 14 PBA tournament wins, including the PBA Tournament of Champions in 2011 – where he claimed a $250,000 first prize.

Notre Dame announces honorees for Nov. 3 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction

By Billie Owens
Oct 3, 2018, 4:03pm

Press release:

Notre Dame High School is proud to announce that its 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Induction will be held on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Notre Dame High School.

This fall’s program will begin with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by a dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the alumni student-athlete, contributor and coaching recognition portion of the program to follow at 7 p.m. induction program.

Inductees to be honored on Nov. 3, 2018 will include:

John Francis ‘66
Mike Callahan ’67
John Stisser ‘80
Sue [Burns] Keefe ‘81
Kathy Dwyer ‘90
Members of the fall 1973 ND Smith League Co-Champion Football Team
Rick Mancuso ’76 – Coach Inductee
Joe ’68 and Patty [Jurewicz] ’69 Flynn – Supporter Inductees

Tickets for this annual event will be $40/person and will be available through the Notre Dame Advancement Office. Phone is [585] 343-2783, ext. 106.

Please contact ND Advancement Coordinator Emily Patrick for more info by calling [585] 343-2783, ext. 106, or by e-mailing Emily.Patrick@ndhsbatavia.com

Get your own piece of Van Detta Stadium with any monetary donation to BCSD Foundation on Oct. 13

By Billie Owens
Oct 3, 2018, 3:15pm

Press release:

Capture a piece of the historical Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field while supporting the Batavia City School District Foundation Inc. on Oct. 13.

From 9 a.m. to noon that Saturday, the Batavia community is invited to own a piece of the historic ground of Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field by making a monetary donation to the Batavia City School District Foundation Inc. Any monetary donation to the foundation will be accepted.

All present and former staff, students, athletes, spectators, and members of the Batavia community (including Notre Dame alumni), are encouraged to participate in this event!

It will take place just prior to the groundbreaking for renovations included in the Batavia City School District’s 2020 Vision Capital Improvement Project (https://www.bataviacsd.org/Domain/437).

Members of the BCSD Foundation Inc. will be on hand at the Union Street entrance to collect donations from those entering the stadium, located at 120 Richmond Ave. This event gives people the opportunity to not only support the foundation, but to have a part of the City of Batavia’s athletic history.

We encourage your participation and look forward to you stopping by the Daniel A. Van Detta Stadium at Woodward Field on Saturday, Oct. 13. Shovels will be available for your use.

For more information about the event, please contact Julia Rogers at foundation@bataviacsd.org. For further information on the BCSD Foundation Inc. please check out www.bataviacsd.org/Page/7364.

Parents of car-accident victim seek donations and goods for memorial benefit to fund Oakfield sports

By Billie Owens
Oct 3, 2018, 12:59pm

From Lori Manzella:

My son, Tommy Manzella, passed away in a bad car accident in March. As a way to honor his memory, we are having a Chinese Auction to raise money for Oakfield-Alabama High School sports, which he was very passionate about.

My husband and I are asking if you or your company if you would like to make a donation or donate a basket. All proceeds will be going to Oakfield sports -- baseball, basketball and football.

The inaugural Thomas Manzella Memorial Benefit is scheduled to take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, at Oakfield Fire Hall. It is located at 20 Albert St. in Oakfield.

As his mom, I want everyone to continue to love him. Tommy was always at school every free time he had. He was a kid who loved helping other kids and pushing them to the best they can be.

He spent his school breaks helping out and even after he graduated college he was at school, practicing with the kids.

It has been a very hard, long six months without him. We decided to continue to do what Tommy would be doing, which is helping kids achieve their goals in sports.

Thank you for your consideration.

(For the obituary of Thomas John "Tommy" Manzella, click here.)

Lefties lead the way with 700 series in Mancuso Bowling Center league

By Mike Pettinella
Oct 2, 2018, 9:40am

Several bowlers cracked the 700 mark in league bowling action around the Genesee Region last week -- including four left-handers who led the way in the Toyota of Batavia Thursday night league at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

Southpaws Rich Wagner (289--787), Brian Green (276--733), Jason Gallo (258--719) and Tom Baker (257--717) topped the list of high scores in the 14-team, five-person league.

Others hitting the 700 mark were Curtis Foss and Robbie Hanks at Oak Orchard Bowl in Albion, and Caycee Landers, Jeff Parton and Frank Jarkiewicz at Rose Garden Bowl in Bergen.

For the list of high rollers, click on the Pin Points tab at the top of the home page.

Lady Trojans will battle the Elba Hornets in volleyball Oct. 10 for breast cancer charity

By Billie Owens
Oct 1, 2018, 4:14pm

Photo: Alexander High School JV and Varsity Volleyball players are looking forward to an Oct.10th fundraiser game to benefit Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Alexander Volleyball Booster Club is hosting its seventh annual fundraising game on Wednesday, Oct. 10, when the Lady Trojans take on the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Hornets.

The fun begins at 5 p.m. with the JV game, followed by the Varsity game at 6:30 p.m. Alexander Central School is located at 3314 Buffalo St. in Alexander.

The event features theme baskets, a pizza and bake sale and a serving contest for a chance to win prizes donated by area businesses and volleyball families.

Fundraiser co-chairs Colette Yax and Laura Marzolf announce the charity selected to receive proceeds from the 2018 event is the Breast Cancer Network of Western New York.

“This is an organization that supports, educates and advocates for people with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors,” Marzolf said.

“A breast cancer diagnosis is devastating for an individual and their loved ones,” Yax said. “We are happy to support an organization committed to helping people through this difficult time.”

In addition to the theme baskets and serving contests, co-chair Marzolf said a special prize is being raffled off at the event.

“We have a Sabres ticket package for two 200–level seats, including a parking pass for the October 30th game against the Calgary Flames,” Marzoff said.

Community members wishing to donate to the Alexander event may contact Colette Yax at 716-400-3628 or Laura Marzolf at 585-322-3748.

Millionaire Lucan Hanover jogs in Batavia feature

By Billie Owens
Sep 30, 2018, 1:11pm

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

Lucan Hanover (John Cummings Jr.) made it three in a row at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 29) after winning the $10,500 Open handicap pace in impressive style.

As was the case the past two weeks, Cummings put Lucan Hanover on the point right off the gate and was never headed from there. Posting fast fractions of :27.3, :56.3 and 1:24.2, Lucan Hanover turned for home and paced away with a two-length margin of victory in 1:52.2.

"Lucan did it all himself; he's all class," said Cummings after the race.

It was the 35th lifetime win for Lucan Hanover ($9.70) who now has over $1.14 million on his card. He is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable, Jack Rice and Pine Hill Racing LTD and is trained by Maria Rice.

In the $9,000 Open II pace, Heaven Rocks (Drew Monti) got a perfect two-hole trip behind China Dream (John Cummings Jr.) from the start of the race until the top of the stretch when the leader bore out and Heaven Rocks shot through the void to win in 1:54.1, which was a new seasonal mark.

Owned by Tessa Roland and trained by JD Perrin, Heaven Rocks ($12) registered his sixth win of the year.

The Downs leading driver Drew Monti and trainer JD Perrin teamed up for a Grand Slam on Saturday. Besides Heaven Rocks, the tag-team of Monti and Perrin also shuttled across Four Diamond (1:55.3, $5.70), Hands Off Frank (1:55.2, $2.40) and Hardts Or Bettor (1:54.2, $3.60).

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Wednesday (Oct. 3) at 5 p.m.

Batavia remains undefeated with 49-6 win over Attica on Van Detta celebration evening

By Steve Ognibene
Sep 29, 2018, 12:52pm

Van Detta Stadium -- home for football, track and field, soccer and other sporting events -- has shared many memories in the last 90 years in Batavia.

The Batavia Blue Devils won their first game against Medina 31-0 on this day in 1928. Batavia faced Attica last night for its Homecoming game and won 49-6. The stadium, field, and track will get a complete makeover starting in the next couple weeks as construction will begin and be completed by August 2019.

Batavia game highlights: Ray Leach scored four touchdowns on 13 carries for 280 yards. Ethan Biscaro was seven for eight, passing 137 yards. Taiyo Iburi-Bethel had three catches for 79 yards. Josh Barber had 11 tackles.

Homecoming classes were announced at halftime. The 2019 Senior Class won Spirit Week with back-to-back consecutive Homecoming year wins. Senior Kristin Gloskowski was named Queen and Griffin Dellapenna was named King. Moments after being announced, Griffin then passed his crown hat to classmate Thomas Ognibene during the royalty announcements.

The Batavia Varsity cheerleaders performed their routine followed by the pep band; then fans and alumni took to Woodward Field to honor its legacy. Carlyle M Johnson, 91, played football for Batavia High School and is pictured below with alumni.

Some history was read by announcer Paul Spiotta: “In 1927, the site of this field was given to Batavia City School District by Ernest L. Woodward and his wife, founder of Jell-O in Le Roy, through a friendship of Andrew J. McWaine, of Batavia. who was the publisher and owner of the Batavia Daily News.

"On Sept. 29 1928, the first Batavia football game was played and Batavia defeated Medina 31-1. In 1938, the current stadium was built. In 1974, the current stadium was named in honor of a special man, teacher, patriot, coach and friend, for the complete development of young people, a humanitarian who has left his mark on many men, Daniel A. Van Detta."

To view or purchase photos go here: https://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/p403809773

BZ Glide goes back-to-back in Batavia top trot

By Billie Owens
Sep 29, 2018, 10:52am

Photo of BZ Glide with driver Mike Caprio.

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

BZ Glide waved bye-bye to the field as he passed them all going from worst to first in the $10,500 Open Handicap trotting feature at Batavia Downs on Friday afternoon (Sept. 28).

BZ Glide (Mike Caprio) got away last off the gate while Chelseas Chance (Billy Davis Jr.) smoked early fractions of :27 and :57. At that station, Southern Palms (Kevin Cummings) pulled first up with Call My Broker (Drew Monti) on his back and they tried to advance on the leader past the five eighths. But Southern Palms bid failed and Call My Broker was forced to go wide around him.

At that point BZ Glide was locked in tight last behind horses fanning three deep at the three-quarters and things were looking bleak. But as the race progressed through the turn, Southern Palms finally faded to last allowing BZ Glide a spot to get off the pegs. Then a good five lengths off the leader and forced to tip three-wide himself, Caprio unleashed BZ Glide and with a couple of rocks and a couple of knocks the big horse responded heartily and rolled by everyone to win in 1:57.

It was the second straight top-class trot victory at Batavia Downs for BZ Glide ($5.20) who now has seven wins on the year and $56,343 earned for owner Caprio stable LLC and trainer Alana Caprio.

In the $8,000 Open II trot, Bold Dresser (Shawn McDonough) was never headed going gate to wire in 1:58.3 to score his fifth victory of the year. Harry Wortzman owns Bold Dresser ($3.70) who is trained by his driver, Shawn McDonough.

Drew Monti led all drivers on the night with three wins while Shawn McDonough and Ray Fisher Jr. each garnered a pair.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Saturday night (Sept. 29) with post time at 6 o'clock.

Alexander wins for Homecoming crowd

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 29, 2018, 10:52am

The Alexander Trojans, now 5-0, kept their perfect season going Friday night with a 36-14 win over Bishop Timon on Homecoming night.

Dylan Busch was 3-5, 68 yards passing with two TDs. Chris McClinic ran for 202 yards on 17 carries and two TDs. He also had three receptions for 68 yards and two TDs. Terrez Smith had eight carries for 84 yards and a TD. Tyrone Woods had five tackles and an interception.

Also Friday night:

York/Pavilion beat Cuba-Rushford 44-14
Letchworth/Warsaw beat Le Roy 35-7
Caledonia Mumford/Byron-Bergen beat Avon 20-14

Photos by Rick Franclemont. Click here for more photos from the game.

Emmitt Smith, former and current Buffalo football players to appear at Downs' sports collectors' expo

By Billie Owens
Sep 28, 2018, 1:22pm

Press release:

Batavia Downs has announced the lineup for the upcoming Legends and Stars collectors' expo to be held on Oct. 27^th and 28^th.

Former Dallas football player, three time Super Bowl champion, NFL Hall of Famer, and all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith will appear on Sunday. Also appearing Sunday will be former Buffalo football players including: Bruce Smith, Andre Reed, Marv Levy, Darryl Talley, Billy Shaw, Kurt Shultz, Antowain Smith, Mark Maddox and John Davis.

“We are extremely pleased to be welcoming back the Legends and Stars Collectors Expo,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president at Batavia Downs. “Bringing athletes of the past and present to Batavia Downs so that people can meet their sports heroes is something we and our customers look forward to each year.”

Current Buffalo football player Kelvin Benjamin will appear on Saturday as will former Buffalo hockey stars Matthew Barnaby and Pat Lafontaine.

“Legends and Stars are pleased to be returning to Batavia Downs for our Fall Sports Expo,” said Legends and Stars staff member Chris Sabatello. “With a robust lineup of autograph guests and sold-out Paddock Room filled with high quality sports memorabilia dealers, we expect this show to be a first-class experience for fans and collectors alike.”

Rounding out the show’s football stars include Ken Anderson, former Cincinnati Bengal, Mark Duper and Mark Clayton, former Miami Dolphin standouts and former Patriots teammates Irving Fryar and Steve Grogan -- all on Saturday.

Baseball fans may seek out Yankees great Ron Guidry, White Sox standout Jack McDowell and former Pirate Andy Van Slyke, all appearing on Saturday.

Appearing both days is actor Dwier Brown, who cinema fans may recognize as John Kinsella from the movie "Field of Dreams."

The show takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Cost is $8 for admission (Kids 12 and under are free) and all attendees 18 years of age or older receive $7 in Free Play. Each paid admission includes one free autograph to a designated guest.

Specific information on which athletes are appearing on what days, the times they will be appearing and cost of signatures can be found at legendsandstars.net

About Batavia Downs/WROTB

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia, NY. WROTB owns and operates 29 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a Standardbred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated more than $215 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.

Schedule of events at Van Detta Stadium tonight

By Steve Ognibene
Sep 28, 2018, 11:32am

Press release:

Tonight at Van Detta Stadium, Batavia will play Attica in the last football game before construction starts next week on the new stadium.

List of scheduled events:

7 p.m. -- Football senior players will be recognized.
At halftime, Homecoming winners will be announced.
The Batavia High School Varsity cheerleaders will perform.
The pep band will play to lead alumni on the field.
Announcer Paul Spiotta will read a speech from the school district.

Machin Marley circled the wagons in Batavia feature

By Billie Owens
Sep 27, 2018, 1:55pm

By Tim Bojarski, for Batavia Downs

When the going got tough, Machin Marley got going and won the $9,000 Open Handicap pace for fillies and mares at Batavia Downs on Wednesday evening (Sept. 26).

Machin Marley (Drew Monti) hit the pylons last while Little Joke (Billy Davis Jr.) fired off the wings to take the early lead. But Little Joke would soon submit to a takeover coup by Sportsmuffler (John Cummings Jr.) who came hard midway up the backstretch. The field stayed in single file past the half in a tepid :30 second quarter before Kaitlyn Rae (Ray Fisher Jr.) pulled first over at the five-eighths.

The top two tangled to the three-quarters in 1:26.1 with neither getting an advantage. Then in the turn, Badlands Delight (Kevin Cummings) tipped three-deep and Machin Marley went four-wide from last and had almost five lengths to make up. With the whole field racing literally side-by-side in the lane, Machin Marley flew down the center of the track and collared them all at the wire to win in 1:55.2.

It was the sixth win in 30 starts this year for Machin Marley ($15.20) who now has earned $39,381 for owners Thatsideofthefence and John Mungillo, who also does the training.

In the $8,000 Open II pace for fillies and mares, Aritzia Hanover (Billy Davis Jr.) got away mid-pack before pulling first-over to out-muscle Rockin Kasbah (Kevin Cummings) through the second lap and win by a length in 1:57.1. Aritzia Hanover ($4.40) is owned by Vogel & Wags Nags Stable and Pine Hill Racing. Maria Rice trains the winner.

Drew Monti and Billy Davis Jr. both had driving triples on Wednesday. Monti is the current dash driving leader for the meet with 64 wins. Davis is third with 48 wins behind Kevin Cummings who sits in second with 60.

Racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Sept. 28) with post time set for 6 p.m.

Three inductees selected for 2018 OACS Alumni Hall of Fame

By Billie Owens
Sep 25, 2018, 3:13pm

The Oakfield-Alabama Central School Alumni Hall of Fame has three new inductees this year: Mark Boyce ('76), David Reed ('97), and Brett Willmott ('91). They will be feted at an awards dinner later this year.

Here are their then-and-now pictures, provided by OACS, and biographies, written by former English teacher and football Coach Bill Bostwick.

Mark Boyce -- Class of '76

Life at the forefront of development in the digital business world highlights Mark Boyce’s selection to the Hall.

While earning a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University, Mark found time to participate in the all-male a cappella group the Colgate 13, singing the National Anthem at Super Bowl XIII and performing at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics.

Earning his MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Mark began his career by helping to start the Personal Computing Division at IBM.

This was followed by formulating strategy that helped Anixter International become a global leader in Network and Security Solutions, Electrical and Electronic Solutions, and Utility Power Solutions.

Following his time at Anixter, Mark founded his own Internet company, shepherding yesmail.com’s successful IPO and acquisition.

He currently serves as president and CEO of Scribe Inc., a leading healthcare solution provider.

In this position, Mark helps Scribe assist more than 50,000 healthcare professionals navigate the difficult world of health care records.

In addition to his business duties, Mark serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees at Dean College in Franklin, Mass., and works behind the scenes to aid multiple charities.

Mark’s life and career exemplify the OACS motto, "Learn Today for Tomorrow."

David Reed -- Class of '97

A life of serving others has provided David Reed’s path to the Hall of Fame.

A master's degree graduate of SUNY College at Fredonia, Dave began his teaching career at Lincoln Charter School in Lincolnton, N.C., in 2005.

In 2012 he moved on to Kings Mountain Intermediate School.

Despite his youth, Dave garnered the local Teacher of the Year Award in 2014, following that up with earning that distinction in 2016 for the entire county.

This opened the door to attendance at the highly selective Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.

Dave also initiated the nationally recognized All-Pro Dads program in Kings Mountain, taking the enrollment from 30 participants in its first year to more than 200.

Dave also gives to his community by participating in the Carolina Panthers’ Black and Blue Crew entertainment squad and the Charlotte Hornets’ Swarm Squad.

Dave embodies the motto, "I touch the future, I teach."

Brett Willmott -- Class of '91

Speed, strength and endurance are the linchpins of Brett Willmott’s run to the Hall.

Brett graduated from SUNY College at Plattsburgh where he participated in cross-country and track, captaining the latter squad in his senior campaign.

He began his college coaching career at his alma mater in 1996, serving as assistant cross-country and track coach and mentoring the1998 NCAA Division III hurdles champion.

During his three-year tenure, Plattsburgh athletes set a total of 48 school records while garnering multiple conference championships.

Brett became head cross-country/track and field/strength and conditioning coach at SUNY College at New Paltz in 1999.

During his four-year stint at New Paltz Brett coached multiple SUNYAC champions, 14 SUNYAC All-Academic selections and eight Academic All-Americas.

His success continued after returning to Plattsburgh in the same position in 2003. At this time he added strength and conditioning duties with the U.S. Olympic Skeleton team based in Lake Placid.

The year 2007 saw a move to Division I University of Vermont with continued individual and team success.

Brett has recently undertaken the enhancement of cross-country and track at SUNY College at Oneonta.

These achievements have been augmented by multiple instances of community outreach in the form of strength and conditioning clinics for young people.

Brett’s life reflects the values of service and education fostered during his years at OACS.

Marlins extend affiliate agreement with Muckdogs for two years

By Howard B. Owens
Sep 25, 2018, 10:25am

Press release:

The Batavia Muckdogs and Miami Marlins have announced a two-year extension to their Player Development Contract (PDC). The previous agreement expired following the 2018 season. With this affiliation extension, Miami Marlins Prospects will continue their development in Batavia through the 2020 season.

“After an improved season on the field, we are excited for the future of the Miami Marlins and are looking forward to continuing our relationship with the extension of our Player Development Contract for the next two seasons,” said Batavia’s Dave Chase. “As we continue our affiliation with the Marlins, we’re focused on further enhancing the ballpark and creating a first-class experience for Marlins prospects and our loyal fans."

The Miami Marlins and Batavia Muckdogs original affiliation agreement began in the 2013 season. In the six seasons since arriving in Batavia, there have been 12 former Muckdogs to make their Major League debut.

“This extension allows our future Major Leaguers to continue their development in Batavia against top-level competition in the New York-Penn League,” said Miami Marlins Director of Player Development Dick Scott.

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