The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team triumphed over Midlakes/Red Jacket with a decisive 7-1 victory on Saturday evening at Van Detta Stadium.
This match was part of Batavia's Super Soccer Saturday event, which featured boys and girls JV and Varsity games, an alumni match, and senior recognition.
The standout performance was particularly meaningful as all five senior players—Jeremiah Childs (#15), Will Fulton (#6), Trevor Tryon (#8), Gavynn Trippany (#3), and Matt Wittmeyer (#7)—each scored. Additionally, Troy Hawley (#5) contributed a goal and assists came from Devin Hughes (#20), Trey Tryon (#16), and Troy Hawley (#5).
Batavia Lady Devils Seniors prepare for the third annual PINK night volleyball fundraiser Photo by Steve Ognibene
On Tuesday evening at Batavia High School, the Lady Devils volleyball team held its Third Annual Pink Game to raise funds for Genesee Cancer Assistance.
In total, the even raised $2,300, with more funds expected to come in on Friday.
Dr Kevin Mudd, board president, spoke about the community’s help and appreciation to support this annual fundraiser.
Head coach Jeremy Mettler said, "I am really glad they added this event to the Volleyball program. It was great to see all the teachers, administrators, students, family members and other community members show up in pink. But I want to give a special thank you to all the players' family members who organized and ran the event."
Batavia lost to Honeoye Falls-Lima three sets to one.
Batavia’s stats
Sofia Branche 10 kills 4 Blocks
Violet Lopez 4 aces 22 assists
Lilly Gray 8 kills 18 digs
Mollie Banford 30 digs
Ava Anderson & Karizma Wescott 7 kills 3 aces
The next game is home against Geneva at 6 p.m. on Thursday.
The Batavia Boys Varsity Soccer team beat Greece Odyssey 6-1 on Friday evening at Van Detta Stadium. The decisive victory was highlighted with two goals by Troy Hawley (#5), both assisted by Devin Hughes (#20), one goal by Jaziah Ayala (#20), assisted by Hezekiah Doane (#22), one goal by Rylan Bohn (#24), assisted by Trevor Tryon (#8), one goal by Hezekiah Doane (#22), assisted by Aiden Reimer (#14), and finally, one goal by Trevor Tryon (#8), assisted by his brother, Trey Tryon (#16). Odyssey were limited to one goal thanks to the outstanding effort of Batavia's defensive line of Brandon Currier (#10), Will Fulton (#6), Jeremiah Childs (#15), Teddy Cswaykus (#18), and Brody Ditzel (#9), as well as goalkeepers Harry Mellander and Ben Morton.
Batavia girls tennis lost to Hilton by a score of 4-3. Notable wins for Batavia include Kelsey Kirkwood who had a long three set match coming back to win the third set 6-2 decidedly. Rahmeto Reinhardt and Drew Stevens also represented well, winning at first doubles against a talented Hilton team. This was a very competitive match vs. Hilton all around, and I'm proud of the girls for battling.
Singles
1-Kelsey Kirkwood defeated Sarah Lissow 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
Zailen Griffin runs an opening drive to the endzone and the Blue Devils kept the momentum going through each quarter on Friday evening at VanDetta stadium. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia put together an impressive air and ground game for its home opener on Friday, beating Rochester Prep 46-6.
Zailen Griffing ran for 105 yards and two TDs on 11 attempts. Isaac Varland threw for 106 yards and a TD, going 3-6, while Bronx Bucholz was 2-3 passing for 50 yards and a TD.
Carter Mullin had two receptions for 50 yards and a TD. Grayson Fix had two receptions for 96 yards. Maggio Buchholz had a rushing TD.
On defense, Lakoda Mruczek had seven tackles, and Da'Von Gallo-Williams had four tackles. Maggio Buchholz had six tackles and a tackle. Will Stevens had an interception. Jameson Motyka had two tackles and a sack.
Also in football on Friday,
Alexander beat York/Pavilion 55-0. The Trojans compiled 400 total yards. QB Brody Heckman was 4-4 for 70 yards passing with 3 TDs. RB Ryder Reichert carried 11 times for 167 yards and 2 TDs. WR Kaden Torres had 2 TD Catches for a total of 39 yards. TE/FB Damien Hale added 2 TDs on a run and on a reception. RB Kingston Woods and JR RB Duke Snyder each scored TDs. Defensively Free Safety Duke Snyder had two interceptions for the Trojans, who have defensively posted back-to-back shutouts. Melissa Sawyer added the PATs in the kicking game. Seven different Trojan defenders recorded a QB sack or tackles for loss. The Trojans are 3-0 and will face undefeated Avon on Friday.
Batavia girls tennis team celebrates sophmore Eliana Cossitt's deciding match to bring them to victory in Brockport. Photo by Steve Ognibene
It was the battle of the Blue Devils as Batavia took on Brockport late Thursday afternoon in Monroe County tennis action in Brockport.
Batavia took all three singles matches and the first doubles contest to improve to 3-1 on the season. The deciding point came down to the third singles match as Batavia’s Eliana Cossitt won in three sets.
After winning the first set 6-1, Cossitt lost in a second set tiebreak 4-7 to set up a thrilling third set. After falling behind 0-2 to Brockport’s Alex Salcido, Cossitt took control and gave Batavia the point they needed with a brilliant 6-3, third set victory.
Batavia got wins from first singles player Kelsey Kirkwood 6-1, 6-3 and second singles player Ally Debo, who was equally impressive with a 6-2, 6-1 triumph.
The first doubles tandem of Drew Stevens and Rahmeto Reinhardt remained unbeaten on the season, with a 6-3, 6-2 win. Batavia will hit the road again Friday at Penfield.
Information provided by Batavia Head Coach Jim Fazio.
Senior Ava Anderson going for a kill versus Eastridge. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Girls volleyball squad played Eastridge Thursday evening for a close back and forth matchup. In the first set Batavia came back to edge a deficit 26-24.
Eastridge won the next two sets 25-22 and 25-19.
In the fourth Batavia didn’t give up hope and maintained a small lead to win 25-21. In the fifth and deciding set Eastridge scored some points off the serve to keep the game flowing for them to win 15-8.
For Batavia, Sofia Branch had 5 kills and 16 digs, Julia Plath 10 digs, Ava Anderson 21 digs and 4 kills, 7 Aces.
For Eastridge, Josslyn Siembor had 13 kills and Isabella Nelson 22 digs.
Bulldawgs #45 Z. Truesdale scores to win the game for his team late in the fourth quarter Wednesday versus the Blue Devils. Photo by Steve Ognibene
Batavia Bulldawgs edged the Batavia Blue Devils by a score of 31-26 to keep the Bulldawgs' streak going during a game at VanDetta Stadium Wednesday evening in Batavia.
Bulldawgs opened up the first quarter, scoring with seven minutes left on a run by Avari Lee to the endzone, with the extra point no good. Bulldawgs led 6-0. The Devils bounced back minutes later to tie 6-6 by Carter Mullen.
In the second quarter, Bulldawgs quarterback Heath Wilson did a reversal sneak to escape the entire Blue Devils defense with some fancy moves and score, regaining the lead 12-6.
A minute later, Maggio Bucholtz received a pass from brother Bronx to tie it at 12 a piece. However, the extra point was good, and the Blue Devils led at the half 13-12.
In the third quarter, the Bulldawgs bounced back, with Z. Truesdale scoring on a 50-yard touchdown run to give the Bulldawgs an 18-13 lead. Will Stevens got the Devils' lead back seconds later and added another before the end of the third, 26-18.
Although things looked tough, the Bulldawgs scored early in the fourth to come within two points on a score by Josiah Williams, 26-24. Then, on a possession change, the Blue Devils fumbled with under four minutes left to give the Bulldawgs another chance. With a minute and 30 seconds left, Truesdale tallied his second touchdown of the game to win it for the Bulldawgs, 31-26.
Truesdale, Number 45 for the Bulldawgs, was happy about his team's performance.
“They did a good job,” Truesdale said.
Wilson said that his offense did a pretty good job ”getting the ball down there to score for you,” and the defense likewise also came through for the team.
“They did very good,” he said, adding a note about how the future looks for the ‘Dawgs. “It’s looking very good.”
Track and Field Coach Nick Burk and multi-sports star Anna Varland Photo by Howard Owens.
Burk and state wrestling champion Casper Stewart. Photo by Howard Owens.
Anna Varland and Casper Stewart were honored on Wednesday evening at the Athletes of the Year by the Batavia Coaches Association at Batavia High School's annual Athletic Awards program.
Varland was a standout in soccer, flag football, basketball and softball.
Stewart won the school's first-ever state championship in wrestling and has been accepted into West Point.
Athletic Director Ryan Winchip provided the following list of awards and winners:
Batavia Coaches Assoc. Outstanding Achievement Award: This award is presented to student-athletes who won an individual sectional championship, competed at states as an individual or were an all-greater Rochester selection.
Ava Anderson Indoor Track & Field Sectional Champion; Outdoor Track & Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor
Jadyn Boyce Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion; Outdoor Track and Field State Competitor
Mallory Boyce Outdoor Track and Field State Competitor
Kylee Brennan Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion
Mekhi Fortes All-Greater Rochester - Football
Grant Gahagan Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion
Cameron Garofalo Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion
Cole Grazioplene All-Greater Rochester - Football; Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion
Jenna Higgins Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion
Cooper Konieczny Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champ; Outdoor Track and Field State Competitor
Jameson Motyka All-Greater Rochester - Ice Hockey
Adyson O'Donnell Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor
Parris Price Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion
Ella Radley Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor
Campbell Riley All-Greater Rochester - Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field; Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor
Izzy Scott Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion
Ella Shamp Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion; Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor
Sheldon Siverling All-Greater Rochester - Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field; Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor; Outdoor Track and Field State Champion - Shot put
Madeline Smith Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion; All Greater Rochester - Outdoor Track and Field; Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor
Harrison Southall Swimming and Diving Sectional Champion and State Competitor
Helaina Staley Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion
Casper Stewart Sectional Champion and Wrestling State Champion 145 pound weight class
Jessa Stewart States - Outdoor Track and Field
Nevaeh Thomas States - Outdoor Track and field
Anna Varland Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor
Isaac Varland Outdoor Track and Field State Competitor
Karizma Wescott Indoor Track and Field Sectional Champion; Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor
Ava Wierda Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Sectional Champion and State Competitor
The James Pacino Memorial Scholarship Recognizing a graduating senior from Batavia High School carrying a minimal final average of 85 and who has had successful involvement with the Wrestling program at BHS. ($500 & certificate)
Casper Stewart
Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Track and Community Service: This award recognizes a graduating senior from Batavia High School who has a minimal final average of 85 and has had successful involvement with the track program at BHS. Furthermore, the applicant should be involved in serving their community through projects in school or outside of school. ($300 & certificate)
Donavin Solis
Burk Family Scholarship for Excellence in Football and Community Service This award recognizes a graduating senior from Batavia High School who has a minimal final average of 85 and has had successful involvement with the football program at BHS. Furthermore, the applicant should be involved in serving their community through projects in school or outside of school. ($300 & certificate)
Brock Warren
Thomas Ricci Memorial Scholarship This award is presented to a BHS graduate who, in the estimation of the nominating committee, best exemplifies the attributes of Coach Thomas J. Ricci, Sr., insofar as sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and dedication to excellence in the sports of cross country and track and field. The recipient may not necessarily be the best athlete, but will have worked hard to improve and succeed. The recipient must have a clear goal for the future. ($500 & certificate)
Jadyn Boyce
Daniel VanDetta Memorial Scholarship This award is presented to a BHS graduate participating in football and baseball and exemplifies qualities of dedication, leadership and team spirit ($200 & certificate)
Mekhi Fortes
Outstanding Physical Education Student Award This award is presented to one male and one female student from the senior class who demonstrates 100% effort all of the time, who demonstrates sportsmanship, understands the value of being active, is a leader in their environment and maintains an A average in Physical Education. These students are also active in the community through community service and/or club participation. (Certificate)
Male – Hunter Mileham
Female – Prudence Favaloro
United States Air Force Scholar Athlete This award is presented to one male and one female student who have excelled in both academics and athletics. (Certificate)
Male – Quintin Cummings
Female – Grace Parker
United States Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete: This award is presented to a senior girl and boy who have excelled in both academics and athletics. (Certificate)
Male – Owen Halpin
Female – Julia Preston
United States Navy Outstanding Athlete Award This award is presented to male and female varsity-level athletes who demonstrate honor, courage, and commitment and are positive role models within their peer groups. Award recipients are the most inspirational and demonstrate these values both on and off the athletic field. (Certificate)
Male – Harrison Southall
Female – Giana Mruczek
United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award: This award is given to a male and female 9th-12th grade student-athlete who participates in a varsity sport, are exemplary young citizens and role models for younger students, and best exhibit the personal traits of courage, poise, self-confidence and leadership. They need not be your most outstanding athlete, but one who has exhibited this unique combination of qualities while performing in high school sports.
Male – Noah Whitcombe
Female –Lily Jo Wagner
Varsity Club Award: This award is in recognition of Batavia High School senior athletes who have demonstrated a high level of athletic proficiency, sportsmanship and dedication. Please hold your applause until all recipients have been called. (Certificate)
Ethan Bradley, Josh Budzinack, Brian Calderon, Ryan Cox, Julia Clark, Dane Dombrowski, Caleb Henning, Aleeza Idrees, Orion Lama, Tymothey Murrell, Ryan Plath, Parris Price, Emmanuel Richardson, Anna Stevens, Quinn Woeller
The Maddy Bartz Memorial Cheer Scholarship This award is given to a graduating Varsity Cheerleader who best represents a passion for cheerleading and an exemplary care and dedication to fellow teammates. ($500 & plaque)
Sophia Antonucci
Jason “Joy-a” Gioia Memorial Scholarship This award is given in memory of Jason Gioia. The recipient has been active and shown dedication to school activities and the community. ($500 & certificate)
Cole Grazioplene
Dr. Pierce Sportsmanship Award This award is presented to a deserving male and female senior student athlete who in the opinion of coaches best exemplifies the true spirit of good sportsmanship in competition. (plaque)
Male–Patrick Suozzi
Female – Sophia Moore
Batavia Coaches Assoc. Scholar-Athlete Award: This award is presented to a senior boy and girl who has a 90 or above cumulative average, participates in one or more sports and who values outstanding achievement in academics and athletics. (plaque)
Male - Nick Martinucci
Female – Aleeza Idrees
Batavia Lions Club Athletic Award This award is presented to a deserving senior who has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability, citizenship and scholastic ability – (certificate)
Isabella Walsh
Project Play WNY Multisport Athletic Award This award is given to a male and female senior who has demonstrated a commitment to their teams through a willingness to help, teach and assist their teammates and coaches and served as a positive and relatable role model through positive sportsmanship and great attitude on and off the court or field. Succeeded in the classroom by maintaining academic eligibility throughout their high school career. Made a positive difference to the lives of youth at their school or in the wider community. Showed resilience and determination during challenging situations. (Certificate)
Male – Ben Stone
Female – Kaelee Kelso
1947 Club Athletics Award This award is presented to a deserving male and female senior demonstrating outstanding participation, effort and ability in interscholastic athletics. (plaques)
Male – Cole Grazioplene
Female - Ella Radley
Awards of Excellence: Presented to seniors who have participated in a sport for the Fall, Winter and Spring sports seasons during the course of their senior school year. Plaque
Jadyn Boyce, Brian Calderon, Ryan Cox, Mekhi Fortes, Cole Grazioplene, Caleb Henning, Aleeza Idrees, Kaelee Kelso, Nicholas Martinucci, Sophia Moore, Tymothey Murrell, Ryan Plath, Julia Preston, Parris Price, Ella Radley, Emmanuel Richardson, Donavin Solis, Benjamin Stone, Patrick Suozzi, Anna Varland, Isabella Walsh, Brock Warren, Noah Whitcombe
Batavia Coaches Association Athlete of the Year To a senior girl and boy for outstanding leadership, sportsmanship and athletic performance. (Plaque and $50 from Coaches Association)
Male – Casper Stewart
Female – Anna Varland
Aleeza Idrees, Scholar-Athlete of the Year Photo by Howard Owens.
Isabella Walsh, Lions Club Award Photo by Howard Owens.
Cole Grazioplene, "47" Club Outstanding Athlete Photo by Howard Owens.
Ella Radley, "47" Club Outstanding AThlete Photo by Howard Owens.
Ryan Cox Photo by Howard Owens.
Tymothey Murrell, who was just accepted into the wrestling program at SUNY Cortland. Photo by Howard Owens.
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 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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
