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Batavia HS

BHS upperclassmen view mock DWI accident

By Press Release

Press release:

On Tuesday, members of the City of Batavia Police Department, alongside members of the City of Batavia Fire Department, Town of Batavia Fire Department, Mercy EMS, Mercy Flight, the Genesee County Coroner, H.E. Turner's Funeral Services and the Genesee County DA's Office conducted a mock DWI fatal accident simulation for juniors and seniors of the Batavia City School District to raise awareness regarding the consequences of impaired driving. 

Members of the BCSD drama club played the roles of victims, the "drunken driver," and the distraught parent in the scenario.

The demonstration showed the very real consequences of impaired driving, including the extraction and treatment of "victims" by the Fire Departments and Mercy EMS, and the landing of a Mercy Flight helicopter to transport a seriously injured patient. 

The simulation also showed the processing and "arrest" of the suspected drunken driver by City Police Officers along with documentation, collection of evidence and photographs of the scene by members of the Police Department's Detective Bureau. 

The Genesee County Coroner was on hand to demonstrate the role of the Coroner's Office, and H.E. Turner's Funeral Services was on hand to remove the "deceased." 

Students also heard from District Attorney Kevin Finnell on the legal consequences of the decision to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle while impaired.

The Department wishes to thank the Batavia City School District for hosting this event. We also want to recognize the work of Officer Connor Borchert, School Resource Officer for the Batavia High School, in coordinating the simulation and all departments involved.

Batavia High celebrates six seniors continuing academic and athletic pursuits after graduation

By Howard B. Owens
bhs signing day 2024
Photo by Howard Owens.

Batavia High School recognized six of its student-athlete seniors Wednesday who will continue both their academic and athletic careers at colleges and universities.

Cole Grazioplene is heading to Brockport State College, where he will play D-III baseball. His parents are Andrea and Jeffery Grazioplene.

Owen Halpin will attend St. John Fisher University and play D-III soccer. He is also receiving a presidential scholarship.  His parents are Graham and Jill Halpin.

Giana Mruczek will attend Keuka College where she will play D-III softball. She is also receiving a partial academic scholarship. Her parents are Brian and Erika Mruczek.

Casper Steward, a NYS champion in wrestling, is heading to West Point where he will wrestle in D-I. He is receiving a full athletic scholarship. His parents are Rick and Katie Stewart.

Anna Varland will attend Robers Wesleyan University, where she will play D-II soccer. She is receiving athletic and academic scholarships. Her parents are Nate and Julie Varland.

Noah Whitcombe is signing with Niagara University where he will play hockey. He is receiving an academic scholarship.  His parents are Jeff and Shannon Whitcombe.

bhs signing day 2024
Cole Grazioplene
Photo by Howard Owens.
bhs signing day 2024
Owen Halpin. 
Photo by Howard Owens.
bhs signing day 2024
Giana Mruczek
Photo by Howard Owens.
bhs signing day 2024
Casper Stewart
Photo by Howard Owens.
bhs signing day 2024
Anna Varland
Photo by Howard Owens.
bhs signing day 2024
Noah Whitcombe
Photo by Howard Owens.

Batavia Girls Flag Football ends its undefeated season with loss to Greece Athena in sectional final

By Steve Ognibene
Batavia and Greece Athena fight for an endzone pass in the section V girls flag-football final at Monroe Community College.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia and Greece Athena fight for an endzone pass in the section V girls flag-football final at Monroe Community College.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia lost to Greece Athena 13-0 Tuesday evening at Monroe Community College in the Class B1 Girls Flag Football Section V final.  

The Trojans scored in each half, which was enough to win their first sectional flag football title in the second season for high school sports.

Athena, 13-1, overcame the only loss during the regular season to Batavia, which finished 13-1. 

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia out swings Canandaigua in opening innings to win 20-5

By Steve Ognibene
Excited Batavia bench, bringing in two runs early in first inning that carried the momentum to victory.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Excited Batavia bench, bringing in two runs early in first inning that carried the momentum to victory.  Photo by Steve Ognibene

The Batavia Blue Devils hammered Canandaigua on Friday, pounding out 20 runs in the first four innings, securing a 20-5 win.

Jakob Hutchins tossed evening innings, giving up seven hits, walking two and recording nine Ks.  

Offensively: 

  • Cole Grazioplene, 4-5,  4 runs, 2 stolen bases, 3 RBIs
  • Dane Dombrowski, 3-6 4 runs, a triple, 3 RBIs
  • Mekhi Fortes 1-3, 2 walks, 2 RBIs, stolen base
  • Jameson Motyka, 4-5, HR, 5 RBIs 2 runs, 2 stolen bases
  • Sam Pies, 3-4, 3 runs, double, stolen base
  • Carter Mullen, 1-4, double, 2 RBIs

To view or purchase photos, click here.

 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Blue Devils prevail in 'Strikeout Cancer' game against Greece

By Staff Writer
batavia softball pink game

Wearing pink uniform T-shirts, the Batavia Blue Devils "Struck Out" on Friday to raise $1,900 for Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The softball team also beat Greece 8-2.

Giana Mruczek had Greece's hitters striking out plenty of times, recording nine whiffs and giving up only four hits.

Offensively:

  • Hannah Carney, 2-3, 2 RBIs
  • Sophia Minuto, 1-2, 2 RBIs
  • Libby Grazioplene, doubled
  • Drew Stevens, 1-2 
  • Kyleigh Kabel had a 2 RBI double 

Submitted photos.

batavia softball pink game

Batavia slams Pittsford-Sutherland on way to 10-4 win on the road

By Staff Writer
Cole Grazioplene hits a three run RBI in the third ignites Devils towards win.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Cole Grazioplene hits a three-run RBI double.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia piled on the runs against Pittsford-Sutherland on Monday behind a strong outing by pitcher Bronx Bucholz for a 10-4 win.

Bucholz notched a complete-game victory, going evening innings, giving up only four hits and whiffing five batters.

The Blue Devils were two 2-0 after two winnings.  In the third, Evan Alexander doubled, followed by walk to Maggio Bucholze. Carter Mullen laid down a bunt and beat out the throw to load the bases. Col Grazioplene cleared the bases with a double. Dane Dombrowski followed with an RBI single, giving Batavia a 4-2 lead.

Pittsford-Sutherland tied the game in the fourth inning. 

In the seventh, Grazioplene reached on a single. Ryan Fazio singled. Then Dombrowski singles to load the bases. Mekhi Fortes, in the clean-up spot, did just that with a grand slam over the leftfield fence.  

Jameson Motkyka also hit a bomb on the next pitch.

Stats:

  • Mekhi Fortes  2-3, RBI Single, grand slam, five RBIs
  • Cole Grazioplene 3-4 ,double, two RBIs two Runs scored
  • Dane Dombrowski 3-4, RBI, run scored
  • Evan Alexander 2-4, two doubles
  • Jameson Motyka 1-4, HR
The Blue Devils are now 2-4 (2-1 in league play). They play Sutherland again at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Dwyer Stadium.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene
Photos by Steve Ognibene

Mr. Batavia 2024: 'Every person did phenomenally' says winner Elijah Abdella

By Joanne Beck
Elijah Abdella wins the 11th Annual Mr. Batavia competetion
Elijah Abdella wins the 11th Annual Mr. Batavia competition Friday at Batavia High School.
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Probably the best Mr. Batavia in its 11th year history.

That’s how contestant Harry Southall described this year’s contest, which featured 13 young men on stage Friday evening at Batavia High School.  After Southall came in as first runner-up, he was elated to have been part of such a team effort even though each individual was competing for the number one spot.

“I mean, it was just electric,” Southall said. “We all did amazing. I knew it was gonna be close, all of us did really good. But I was really excited. When I heard my name, it was an awesome feeling.”

He spoke about the backstage bond that he and the dozen others forged, including Mr. Batavia himself, Elijah Abdella. The contest appeared to be “a complete toss-up” until that very moment when his name was called, Abdella said.

“I was very surprised. Every single person in Mr. Batavia this year did phenomenally,” Abdella said. “It definitely had a lot of ups and downs. In the beginning, I was actually very confident. And then in the week going into the show, I was very nervous because some parts of my lip sync and my talent just weren't working properly, and I was very stressed. But I'm very glad that they they worked during the show.

“There's so many guys in here that I just would not have ever spoken to if we didn't do Mr. Batavia together,” he said. “And there are so many connections that we've made by doing this that will last a very long time.”

Southall agreed that he would likely remain friends with the entire group “for years to come.”

The 11th annual Mr. Batavia packed in a big crowd for another well-attended, exciting competition, event Chairwoman Lisa Robinson said. This year's competition surpassed the fundraising total of $5,000, bringing the 11-year total to more than $42,000, Robinson said. 

The 13 contestants competed in various categories from talent and lip sync to dance, swimsuit and tux. Each one represented a different charity, and the first place winner, Elijah Abdella, will receive 50 percent of the proceeds to donate to his selected charity, Genesee Cancer Assistance.

Brian Calderon, who said he was feeling nervous in the week leading up to Friday, came in second runner-up.

“I was pacing back and forth backstage, but after getting it done, it feels like such an accomplishment to me and just a big, big obstacle to overcome in my high school career,” Calderon said. “Some of these guys, I haven't really known that well beforehand, but now I've known them like they're my friends for five years. We've all gotten close as a group and it's been really a joy.” 

Southall and Calderon will each receive 25 percent of the proceeds for their charities, the Batavia VA and Suicide Prevention of Genesee County, respectively. 

Other contestants and their charities were:

  • Ryan Cox – Habitat for Humanity and Uconnect Care
  • Owen Halpin – The Michael Napoleone Foundation
  • Orion Lama – The American Heart Association, Buffalo
  • Eli Michalak – The Ricky Palermo Foundation
  • Ryan Plath – The Batavia City Schools Foundation
  • Parris Price – The Salvation Army
  • Emmanual Richardson – Go Art!
  • Patrick Suozzi – The Red Cross
  • Brock Warren – Crossroads House
  • Peyton Woeller – Genesee County Mental Health

Judges were Trevor Sherwood, Quentin Branciforte, Cameron Hardy, Dominick Brown and Carly Morgan.

Steve Ognibene contributed to this article.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

Left to right is 1st runner up Harry Southall, Elijah Abdella, winner of the event, Brian Calderon 2nd runner up.  photo by Steve Ognibene
Left to right is 1st runner up Harry Southall, Elijah Abdella, winner of the event, Brian Calderon 2nd runner up.
Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene
 Photo by Steve Ognibene

 

Batavia's varsity softball players mentor young players in Saturday morning clinic

By Howard B. Owens
stingers softball camp with blue devils

The young players who are learning the game as members of the Batavia Stingers, so Batavia High School's varsity softball team members coaching the Stingers players is good for both teams, said Rob Kersch.

Kersch is Batavia's varsity softball coach.

The Blue Devils hosted a clinic for Stingers players in the auxiliary gym at the high school on Saturday.

"I wanted to make sure our kids are giving back to the community," Kersch said. "They were all little softball players, you know, like they're teaching and coaching right now. I wanted to give back, and they're excited about it, too. They want to get involved with these kids. The other thing is, you're looking at future Batavia Blue Devils. We want to foster some a relationship with them, and help build them up, so when they come up to us, they will be much better players."

Saturday's clinic was all about hitting. Clinics scheduled for April 7 and April 21 will concentrate on fielding and base running.

Current Stingers Board President Michelle Gillard said, "This is a great opportunity for our young athletes to learn and be mentored by older players."

Matt Landers, one of the co-founders of the Stingers, helped facilitate the clinic and said he thinks there is demand for the Stingers program to grow in Batavia, but more parents need to get involved, especially as coaches.

"I think that we definitely have a need in the community and more interest in the community," Landers said. "We're thrilled to be able to do this, again to keep this program going. But we know we can get bigger and have more more kids play ball, but it all comes down to having more coaches."

Photos by Howard Owens.

stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils
stingers softball camp with blue devils

Casper Stewart becomes Batavia's first state champion in wrestling

By Staff Writer
casper stewart wresting

Casper Stewart did something on Saturday that nobody else in Batavia High School history has ever done before -- win a state championship.

He was crowned the Division II 145-pound champ after beating Kieran Cullen (Greenville, Section II) 4-2 in the finals.

His path to victory included a preliminary win over Turner Sochia (Gouverneur, Section X), a quarterfinals win over Colton Havens (Canisteo-Greenwood, Section V), and a semifinal win over Riley Monica (South Jefferson, Section III).

He finishes the season with a 52-3 record and a career record of 279-20. He was a six-time state qualifier, finishing third in 2020, 4th in 2022, and third in 2023.

His 279 wins is fourth all-time in career wins in New York State, and his 202 career pins rank him first all-time in the state and #4 nationally.

He is committed to wresting at Army West Point, a Division I program.

Submitted photos.

casper stewart wresting
casper stewart wresting
casper stewart wresting
casper stewart wresting

Batavia Girls win 18th indoor track sectional title back-to-back, Boys finished third

By Steve Ognibene
Batavia Girls won their 18th Indoor Track sectional title at Nazareth College.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Girls won their 18th Indoor Track sectional title at Nazareth College.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

The Batavia Girls Track and Field Team won its 18th sectional title in Class A2 on Sunday at Nazareth College.

The boys' team came in 3rd.

The girls' team finished with 161 points, 40 points ahead of the second-place Pittsford Mendon. 

Individual results:

  • Maddi Smith - 1st place 55 Hurdles
  • Campbell Riley - 1st place 1000m, 1st place 1500m
  • Ava Wierda - 1st place Weight Throw, 1st place Shot Put
  • Ella Shamp - 1st place Long Jump, 1st Place High Jump
  • Ava Anderson - 2nd place 55 Hurdles, 4th Place Long Jump
  • Miah Jones - 6th place 55 Hurdles
  • Jadyn Boyce - 4th place 600m
  • Izzy Scott - 4th place 1500m
  • Karizama Wescott - 4th place 300m, 3rd place Triple Jump
  • Ella Radley - 6th place 300m, 6th place Long Jump
  • Libby Grazioplene - 3rd place Shot Put
  • Jaimin McDonald - 5th place Shot put, 4th place Weight Throw
  • Drew Stevens - 3rd place Weight Throw
  • Sophia Moore - 6th place Weight Throw
  • Isabella Walsh - 2nd place High Jump
  • London Graham - 4th place High Jump
  • 4x800 Relay - 1st place Jenna Higgins, Helaina Staley, Izzy Scott, Campbell Riley
  • 4x400 Relay - 1st place Ava Anderson, Kylee Brennan, Jadyn Boyce, Karizma Wescott
  • 4x200 Relay - 2nd place Kylee Brennan, Ella Radley, Maddi Smith, Ella Shamp

The girls won 9 out of 17 events on the day.

Batavia is the smallest school of 17 teams in the A2 classification.  The 18 titles for Batavia have come over the past 22 years.

The boys team picked up 85.5 points, good enough for 3rd place. University Prep won sectionals with 98.5 points.  

Boys results:

  • Sheldon Siverling - 1st place Shot Put, 1st place Weight Throw
  • Cole Grazioplene - 1st place 600m, 5th place 300m
  • Cooper Konieczny - 1st place Pole Vault
  • Mekhi Fortes - 2nd place Shot Put, 5th place Weight Throw
  • Karvel Martino - 3rd place Shot Put
  • Cameron Garofalo - 3rd place 1000m, 5th place 1600m
  • Parris Price - 4th place 300m
  • Josh Budzinack - 5th place Pole Vault
  • Grant Gahagan - 5th place High Jump
  • 4x800 Relay - 4th place Jamari Irvin, Nate Kinsey, E'Nhazje Carter, Donavin Solis
  • 4x400 Relay - 3rd place Trevor Tryon, Grant Gahagan, Cameron Garofalo, Parris Price
  • 4x200 Relay - 5th place Trevor Tryon, Emmanuel Richardson, Lakoda Mruczek, Cole Grazioplene

Coach Nicholas Burk said Batavia's teams continue to excel because the athletes understand what it takes to be competitive in every meet.

"The kids need to commit," Burk said. "The kids need to recognize that this is a process, and you continue to improve. It gets more and more difficult for kids with all the distractions they have in life. So, kids have to commit; they have to enjoy this feeling of wanting to win again. I don't mean to necessarily sound overconfident, but we're going to be in the midst of it. Our kids are gonna give effort, and they're gonna work their tails off, so we're in a position where we're a top two, top three team, and we're gonna get after it, and you know, we're gonna build that confidence to try to win."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Mady Smith won the 55m hurdles.  Smith also took 2nd place in her 4x200m relay team.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Mady Smith won the 55m hurdles.  Smith also took 2nd place in her 4x200m relay team.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Campbell Riley won both the 1000 and 1500m race and also with her teammates in the 4x800m relay.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Campbell Riley won both the 1000 and 1500m race and also with her teammates in the 4x800m relay.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Sheldon Silverling took first place in both the shotput and weight throw.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Sheldon Silverling took first place in both the shot put and weight throw.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Cole Grazioplene won the 600 m race.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Cole Grazioplene won the 600 m race.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ella Shamp won the Long Jump and High Jump.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ella Shamp won the Long Jump and High Jump.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Girls 4x400 Relay team took first place, left to right pictured - Karizma Wescott, Kylee Brennan, Jadyn Boyce, Ava Anderson  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Girls 4x400 Relay team took first place, left to right pictured - Karizma Wescott, Kylee Brennan, Jadyn Boyce, Ava Anderson  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ava Wierda won the girls weight throw.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ava Wierda won the girls weight throw.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Girls celebrate their teams 18th sectional indoor track title over the last 22 years.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Girls celebrate their teams 18th sectional indoor track title over the last 22 years.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia Girls dominate Geneva on Senior Night, even out win-loss record

By Howard B. Owens
Left to right in black t-shirts are Julia clark, Anna Varland, Isabella Walsh and Julia Preston were honored on senior night.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Left to right in black t-shirts are Julia Clark, Anna Varland, Isabella Walsh, and Julia Preston were honored on senior night.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

On Senior night, one win-shy of a .500 season, Batavia came out strong against Geneva and came away with a 59-19 win.

The game began with a 6-4 early in the first quarter lead for the Blue Devils but trailed at the end of the quarter 11-8.

With a strong second half, Batavia turned out the light on Geneva, going into the half with a 33-12 lead, and the game was never close again.

After a couple of consecutive seasons where wins were hard to come by, Coach John McCulley sees progress in a 10-10 season and a group of young players developing winning habits and gaining experience.

"The season started out pretty good," McCulley said. "We had a light schedule. We started out with a bunch of girls that hadn't played at the varsity level. The senior girls that I had, that's what made it so special throughout the season. The senior girls I had were a huge help for me, as far as the right attitude, and teaching the young girls the right way to handle things. And so the season went pretty well. We had our ups and downs but as far as I'm concerned, from last year to this year, leaps and bounds. We've learned a lot, everything, every game, we progressively got better."

There are nine freshmen in the program, between varsity and JV and McCulley believes they have high ceilings.

"The freshmen are going to be phenomenal for me," McCulley said. "And I got Jamie (Macdonald) coming back another year that she just took leaps and bounds towards the end of the year. I think she's going to accept this role as a leader and just be a powerhouse next year."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Anna Varland shooting from the paint.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Anna Varland shooting from the paint.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Isabella Walsh getting through Geneva defenders.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Isabella Walsh getting through Geneva defenders.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karizma Wescott going for three points.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karizma Wescott going for three points.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jamin Macdonald going to the hoop on a fast break.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jamin Macdonald going to the hoop on a fast break.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Photos: Batavia High School hosts annual winterguard competition

By Howard B. Owens
batavia winterguard

Batavia High School hosted a winterguard competition, as it does annually, on Saturday.

Winterguard is the indoor version of color guard, and the teams are judged on the effectiveness of their program, including colors and props selected for the performance, on dance technique, equipment used, and the speed and efficiency of setting up for their performance and removing their set after the performance.

Photos are of Batavia's cadet team. The varsity squad performed later in the evening.

Photos by Howard Owens.

batavia winterguard
batavia winterguard
batavia winterguard
batavia winterguard

Blue Devils score 90 in ninth win of season

By Staff Writer
Justin Smith shooting from the paint, Smith had 24 points in the win over Odyssey.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Justin Smith shooting from the paint. He had 24 points in the win over Odyssey.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

The Blue Devils scored a season-high 90 points on Friday, beating Greece Odyssey 90-68 for Batavia's ninth win against seven losses.

Carter Mullen scored 25 points, Justin Smith, 24, Aiden Bellavia, 15, and Brady Mazur, 10.

Also in Boys Basketball:

On Friday, Le Roy beat Geneseo 51-44. Merritt Holly scored 24 points and had 18 rebounds. Matthew Hockey, 12 points. Adam Woodworth, eight points and five rebounds.

On Thursday, Pembroke topped Lyndonville 79-27.  Tyson Totten scored 23 points.

In Girls Basketball:

On Saturday, Pembroke over Medina, 61-33. Elle Peterson had a double-double, 10 points and 10 rebounds. Peton Liss and Jayden Hootman each scored 16 points Taylor Bischoff and Ashlyn Robinson combined for 27 rebounds.

On Thursday, Notre Dame beat Alexander 41-36. The Irish are now 10-5. Sofia Falleti scored 15 points and had nine rebounds. Nina Bartz had 12 points and six rebounds. Hayden Bezon scored 13 points for Alexander.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Carter Mullen shooting for three, Mullen had 25 points in the win over Odyssey.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Carter Mullen shooting for three. Mullen had 25 points in the win over Odyssey.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Estavon Lovett on a fast break.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Estavon Lovett on a fast break.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Aiden Bellavia driving to the hoop.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Aiden Bellavia driving to the hoop.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Brady Mazur setting up the offense.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Brady Mazur setting up the offense.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Tony Rivera going for the lay up.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Tony Rivera going for the layup.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia High's Rock Band class proves its chops and popularity with Thursday evening concert

By Howard B. Owens
Some members of first block rock band, jam out tunes for parents and families.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Some members of First Block Rock Band perform for parents and families.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Music teacher Dan Grillo thinks maybe, as much as it pains him to say it, rock 'n' roll music is a dying art form.

That isn't apparent from the way students at Batavia High School have embraced his elective class, Rock Band.

In the nine years since he started the program, the course has grown from one class with a handful of boys who typically didn't own their own instruments to two packed classes with many students bringing in their guitars. 

"(That first year) we had three of the same exact guitars, three of the exact same basses, and we actually started with an electric drum set," Grillo said. "Now, as you know, we have our own nice acoustic drum set."

The program has encouraged many kids to get their own guitars, Grillo said, "which is really good."  Another sign of growth -- he doesn't have to sing all the songs any more.

"We started on one song and just kind of worked that song for a while, but none of the boys wanted to sing," Grillo said. "I had to sing it. I had to sing pretty much everything that year."

There are 25 members in three bands.

Rock band class in high school music departments is still kind of a rare thing in the area, Grillo said, so he isn't sure the program will ever grow to the point where -- like for other music genres at the high school level -- there are competitions and festivals.

"It's still kind of a niche thing," he said.

The most telling way things have changed is the engagement of the students.

"As I mentioned in our concert tonight, a lot of the students are suggesting and writing up songs for us," Grillo said. "This is not all just my contributions in terms of -- I thought of a good song, I thought it would be good for the kids, and I gave it to them. A lot of these were songs that the students championed. And that means a lot that they're that invested that they want a say in the music that we're playing and performing."

The students pitching their own favorite songs evolved out of, well, students pitching their own favorite songs and Grillo deciding to students owning their ideas.

"I would have students come to me every day, and they're like, 'You know what song we should do? You know what song we should do? You know what song we should do?' And I got sick of hearing it," Grillo said. "I finally said, 'Look, if you want to do a song, you write it up. I'm not going to write it up. I don't have that kind of time.' Okay, it takes a good half hour to write these songs up (as guitar tablature) because you got to make sure the lyrics and the chords and all that stuff is right, that they're in the right place, that they work. So it does take some work to write up those songs. So the fact that the students are doing some homework is also pretty telling."

The program is popular all over campus, Grillo said. The rock bands occasionally play lunchtime concerts in the auditorium and they're well attended.

"Everybody likes it," Grillo said. "It's not just students that come in. It's faculty and support staff. It's pretty popular with everybody in the building. So we get a lot of support. We're always being asked to do different gigs. We've been asked to perform at open houses; we've been asked to perform like we did the wrestling match this year and last year, we did a wrestling match. ... So it's very popular even though, like I said, rock is kind of a dying style. I used to do barber shop and that's even more so a dying style."

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Steve Ognibene conducted the interview for this story.

Addison Glynn and Faith Guiste on vocals.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Addison Glynn and Faith Guiste on vocals.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ben Stone, guitar  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ben Stone, guitar  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Left to right, Evan Kimball, Isaiah Benway-Snyder and Elijah Abdella on guitar  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Left to right, Evan Kimball, Isaiah Benway-Snyder and Elijah Abdella on guitar  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ethan Bradley, guitar  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ethan Bradley, guitar  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Gavynn Trippany, drums  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Gavynn Trippany, drums  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Tommy Gaylord, bass guitar  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Tommy Gaylord, bass guitar  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Rock Band, music director, Mr. Daniel Grillo  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Rock Band music director, Mr. Daniel Grillo  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia and Notre Dame meet in Hoops for Hope Tournament at GCC

By Howard B. Owens
batavia notre dame hoops for hope

Batavia and Notre Dame faced off against each other in both Girls and Boys Basketball in support of a good cause at Genesee Community College.

The Hoops for Hope Tournament benefited the Michael Napoleone Memorial Foundation.

The Notre Dame girls won the first game 29-24. For the Irish, Sofia Falleti scored eight points and had five rebounds. Emma Sisson scored seven points and had 17 rebounds. For the Blue Devils, Isabella Walsh scored 15 points.

In the nightcap, Batavia beat Notre Dame 53-49. Carter Mullen led the Blue Devils with 17 points. Casey Mazur scored 12 points and Gavin White and Justin Smith each scored eight. For the Irish, Jaden Sherwood scored 20 points.

Photos by Pete Welker.

batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
batavia notre dame hoops for hope
Submitted photo.

Photo: Fog at BHS

By Howard B. Owens
fog at batavia high
Dense fog rolled into Batavia this afternoon, including the campus of Batavia High School.
Photo by Jason Smith.

Photos: Batavia Ski Team mounts strong effort at Swain

By Steve Ognibene
Batavia Ski Team ready for race day at Swain.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ski Team ready for race day at Swain.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

The Batavia Ski Team competed in a double race (two runs of giant slalom and one run of slalom) on Saturday on Wheels Run at Swain.

It was a bitterly cold day with sweeping winds and snow later in the afternoon. Recent snowmaking on the headwall left the top of the course with 'golf ball'-like snowballs in parts of the race hill. This can make the terrain choppy.

The morning giant slalom landed Lily Wagner in 14th place and Abby Bestine in 20th. Freshman Nolan Radley was the top boys finisher at 20th, Ethan Bradley at 25th, and Gunnar Pietrzykowski at 35th. Ben Stone crashed in his first run but had a second run good enough for 16th.

The afternoon Slalom netted senior Ben Stone a monster 7th-place run. Ethan Bradley was 21st, Nolan Radley was 29th, and Gunnar Pietrzykowski was 35th. For the girls, Lily Wagner was 15th, and Abby Bestine was 18th.

The ski team will next be in action on Wednesday, Jan. 24 at Swain.

Information provided by Coach Matthew Holman, Batavia Ski Team

To view the race results, click here.

To view or purchase photos, click here.
Girls Varsity, Lily Wagner  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Girls Varsity, Lily Wagner  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Girls Varsity, Abby Bestine  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Girls Varsity, Abby Bestine  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Boys Varsity, Ben Stone  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Boys Varsity, Ben Stone  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Boys Varsity, Ethan Bradley  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Boys Varsity, Ethan Bradley  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Boys Varsity, Nolan Radley  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Boys Varsity, Nolan Radley  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Boys Varsity, Gunnar Pietrzykowski  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Boys Varsity, Gunnar Pietrzykowski  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Modified Class, Emersyn Mager  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Modified Class, Emersyn Mager  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Modified Class, Lucas DeVay  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Modified Class, Lucas DeVay  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia-Notre Dame United 'exorcises demon,' defeats Victor Blue Devils 4-2

By Howard B. Owens
Sam Pies scored off the faceoff early in the third period to give the United a 3-1 lead.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Sam Pies scored off the faceoff early in the third period to give the United a 3-1 lead.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

The past few seasons, it's been a struggle for Batavia-Notre Dame United against Victor, pernnially one of the toughest teams to beat in New York.

"They're one of the best-coached teams that we played against all season," said United's head coach, Marc Staley. "So it's a very emotional game, always with them. And I think for our kids, especially tonight, we probably were more emotional than we should have been. Just because it is Victor. It's sort of a mental block, you know, that we had to get over that hump. They've beaten us now five times in a row, combined score of 25 to four. So, for us to be able to turn it around tonight with a 4-2 win, it's sort of like exorcising the demon a little bit."

The Victor Blue Devils opened the scoring at the David M. McCarthy Memorial Arena with a goal in the first period, but United -- starting with a Sam Pies to Jameson Motyka to Brady Johnson goal a minute later -- went on an unanswered three-goal run to put them up 3-1 entering the final period.

"We went down by one, so we had to get one back," Johnson said. "We had to get pucks on the net. We knew that shots win games. So, every shot is a goal-scoring opportunity. So that's just what we're looking to do."

In the second period, the game got intense with shots on goal from both sides. United overcame back-to-back penalties but then went on the powerplay with two minutes left. Brady Johnson scored his second goal of the game in the high slot from a pass by Joe DiRisio to take a 2-1 lead after two periods of play.

In the third period, United was deep in Victor’s zone, taking a faceoff.  Sam Pies took a quick wrist shot off the faceoff draw and got shot past goalie Nate McBride.

Victor pulled back within a point in the third on a power play that Staley characterized as an undisciplined penalty, an example of letting emotions ride a little high.

"We know there is a very fine line between being a state top-ranked team and being just a good team," Staley said. "You have to stay out of the box. You have to be disciplined. You have to control your emotions. And you have to play through, weather the storm. You got to play through those tough moments, and we didn't do that as well tonight. I think we let them hang around. It ended up being a lot closer than I think it should have."

United added a bit of padding to their near the end of the game to seal the victory with a goal by Jameson Motyka.

"I think we felt like we were in control of the game," Staley said. "Most of the game, we outshot them. I thought we had time of possession on them. I think they're one of the best teams that we've played so far this year."

Pies said he thought United's defensive play was key.

"We needed to be on the defensive side of the puck at all times and couldn't take no chances with the defense," Pies said. "Pinching had to be 100 percent. They couldn't have any odd-man rushes. We had to get pucks out when we needed to, and good thing we did that, and we got the win."

Steve Ognibene contributed to the reporting of this story. To view or purchase photos, click here

Jameson Motyka in Victor's red zone, looking to score.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jameson Motyka in Victor's red zone, looking to score.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Brady Johnson and teammates celebrate his second goal of the game.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Brady Johnson and teammates celebrate his second goal of the game.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov on the doorstep of Victor's goalie.  United outshot Victor 39-32  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Ivan Milovidov is on the doorstep of Victor's goalie.  United outshot Victor 39-32  
Photo by Steve Ognibene.
Jake Hutchins coming down the side boards with teammate.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jake Hutchins coming down the side boards with teammates.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Bench timeout by United.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Bench timeout by United.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia falls to Eastridge in Girls Basketball, 64-40

By Staff Writer
Isabella Walsh trying for possession of ball.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Isabella Walsh fights for possession.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Eastridge proved a tough opponent for the Batavia Blue Devils on Saturday afternoon, taking the game 64-40.

Jamin Macdonald scored 12 points, Isabella Walsh, 10, and Karizwa Wescott, nine.

Liv Green scored 19 for Eastridge.

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Jaimin Macdonald led the blue devils with 12 points.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Jaimin Macdonald led the Blue Devils with 12 points.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Violet Lopez shooting from three point range.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Violet Lopez is shooting from three-point range.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karizma Wescott driving to the hoop.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Karizma Wescott driving to the hoop.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene
Leilah Manual looking for the rebound.  Photo by Steve Ognibene
Leilah Manual looking for the rebound.  
Photo by Steve Ognibene

Batavia's Alpine Ski Team has good showing at first meet of season despite warm conditions

By Staff Writer
alpine ski team
Abby Bestine, Lily Wagner, and Quinn Woeller.
Submitted photo.

Story by Coach Matt Holman:

It was windy and snowy for the first race of the 2024 ski season on Wheels Run. 

The warm daytime temperatures left the race course softer than ideal conditions would provide. After the modified field had completed its first run, the course had been worn with ruts and large snow piles for the racers to navigate.

The Batavia Alpine Ski team fared well, with a third-place finish for the boy's team and a 4th place finish for the girl's team.

Leading the way for the team was a ninth-place finish for senior Ben Stone. Ethan Bradley (12th grade) was 15th, Gunnar Pietrzykowski (9th Grade) was 18th. Freshman Nolan Radly had a first run time good enough for 16th place but was unable to finish his second run.

Lily Wagner (12th grade) finished 11th for the girls. Quinn Woeller (12th grade) and Abby Bestine (11th grade) had good first runs (15th and 17th, respectively) but were unable to finish their 2nd.

"This first race sets the stage for a good season," Holman said. "The young skiers have learned some things tonight that you can't outside of an actual ski race, and I believe these teams will only get better as the season goes on."

alpine ski team
Ethan Bradley, Nolan Radley, and Ben Stone.
Submitted photo.
alpine ski team
Lily Wagner.
Submitted photo.
alpine ski team
Ben Stone.
Submitted photo.


 

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