Skip to main content

oakfield-alabama

Dragons hand Hornets first loss of the season

By Howard B. Owens

oapembroke2022-34.jpg

Pembroke and Oakfield-Alabama had a shootout on Friday and the Dragons pulled out a big win over the Hornets, the defending Division C2 champions, 65-59.

It was the first loss of the season for the Hornets after opening the year 3-0.

Scoring by quarter:

O-A: 17 15 14 13
Pembroke:  14 14 24 13

Scoring for Pembroke:

  • Cayden Pfalzer, 23 points
  • Tyson Totten, 15 points
  • Chase Guzdek, 15 points

 

Scoring for O-A:

  • Kyle Porter, 23 points
  • Noah Currier, 8 points
  • Aiden Warner & Brayden Smith, 7 points

​Pembroke is now 2-1.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

oapembroke2022-26.jpg

oapembroke2022-27.jpg

oapembroke2022-20.jpg

oapembroke2022-11.jpg

O-A beats Attica 63-49

By Howard B. Owens

oadec152022-21_websize.jpg

The Oakfield-Alabama Hornets beat Attica in Boys Basketball on Wednesday night, 63-49.

For O-A, Noah Currier scored 18 points, Kyle Porter, 14 (hitting four three-pointers), and Colton Yasses, 11.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

oadec152022-25_websize.jpg

oadec152022-17_websize.jpg

Hornets top Trojans 56-39

By Howard B. Owens

oaalex2022-17.jpg

Oakfield-Alabama beat Alexander at home on Wednesday night in Boys Basketball, 56-39.

Kyle Porter scored 19 points for the Hornets, Brenden Wescott, 10, and Noah Currier, seven.

For the Trojans, T. Woods scored nine and D. Pohl, eight.

Photos by Kristin Smith.

oaalex2022-14.jpg

oaalex2022-11.jpg

oaalex2022-12.jpg

oaalex2022-30.jpg

O-A cheerleaders looking to lift holiday spirits of veterans at NYS Vets Home

By Howard B. Owens

oaholidaydecotrations2022.jpg

The Oakfield-Alabama Hornets Cheerleaders are collecting holiday decorations to donate to veterans staying at the New York State Veterans Home in Batavia.

They are accepting donations for any decor as well as holiday craft supplies so that veterans can decorate their rooms, doors, and bulletin boards for the holidays. 

The cheerleaders are also collecting holiday cards written to veterans.

There are donation boxes at the high school or contact cheerleading coach Kate Engle at kengle_cheer@outlook.com.

Submitted photo.

 

Randolph beats OAE in Far West championship game

By Howard B. Owens

oaefarwest-1.jpg

A great football season for the Oakfield-Alabama/Elba team came to an end on Monday when the Aggies lost to Randolph in the Far West Regional Championship for Class D, 42-26.

Noah Currier, Connor Scott, Bodie Hyde all scored touchdowns and Kyle Porter had a 26-yard fumble recovery for a TD, but it wasn't enough to overcome a big game for Randolph's Xander Hind, who gained 276 yards on 48 carries.  He scored five touchdowns.

Currier had 16 carries for 166 yards.

Brayden Smith led the defense with 17 tackles.   Hyde had 12 Tackles, and Aiden Warner had 13 tackles.

"Hats off to Randolph," said Aggies' Head Coach Tyler Winter. "They were a physical football team that played a style we struggled with tonight.  They stayed ahead of the chains, and we couldn't get anything rolling on either side of the ball.  I wish them the best of luck the rest of the way.  My heart hurts for these seniors that have given so much to this program.  But they're walking out the door with no regrets and a heck of a football resume.  I couldn't be more proud of them.  For the underclassmen, the quest for the three-peat is coming soon."

Photos by Kristin Smith.

oaefarwest-6.jpg

oaefarwest-5.jpg

oaefarwest-3.jpg

 

Aggies win 35-7 over Alexander to capture Section V Class D title

By Howard B. Owens

untitledoae-19.jpg

Neither team expected the outcome they got Saturday in the sectional title game for Class D in Brockport, a lopsided win for Oakfield-Alabama/Elba over Alexander 35-7.

"I don't think we were (expecting a lopsided win) either," said OAE Head Coach Tyler Winter. "You know, both teams being undefeated, both teams dominating each game that they've played up to this point. We weren't sure what to expect. The only thing that we knew going into (the game) is that one of us was going to get punched in the mouth early, and both teams were going to be uncomfortable."

The Aggies scored first and that seemed to set the tone of the game.

Trojans' Head Coach gave a frank assessment of his team's performance.

"We just kind of got behind early and never could dig out from it," Sawyer said. "Too many mistakes. We had a couple of bad snaps, and Oakfield-Alabama/Elba was opportunistic on penalties. We just couldn't keep our offense on the field. Defensively we need to tackle better if you're gonna tackle these Oakfield Alabama/Elba boys. So, just not a good day for us today."

Senior running back Noah Currier was the game's MVP.  He rushed 22 times for 156 yards and three touchdowns.  

Bodie Hyde also made all-team. He had 23 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. 

Adding to the scoring was Connor Scott, who dashed into the endzone to close out OAEs scoring in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard run.

On defense, Hyde had eight tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble. Brayden Smith had nine tackles and a sack. T.J. Andrews had nine tackles. Kyle Porter had four tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception.  Aiden Warner had eight tackles.

The Aggies held Alexander to 105 yards rushing and 14 yards passing.

For the Trojans, Tyler Marino led the team in rushing with 15 carries for 67 yards and a TD. 

OAE Held Alexander to 105 yards rushing and only 14 yards passing.  

Tyler Marino led the Trojans in rushing with 15 carries - 67 yards and 1 TD.  Woods was 2-7 passing for 14 yards and 1 int.

Defensively Kaden Lyons and Mason Bump led the Trojans with eight tackles each.

Coming out of half-time, Winter said he and his coaches felt they had set the pace in the first half and, with some adjustments, take over the game over the final two quarters.

"We thought in the second half, we could play with tempo a little bit, that we could just really put the exclamation point on this game and run away with it," 

The Aggies were up 14-0 at the half and scored three more touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters.

Currier wasn't surprised by the win.

"We knew coming into this game against Alexander, they're a tough team," Currier said. "They're physical. They're fast. But we knew we were better. We just had to come out and execute, do everything perfect. And we did. I think we did."

He thinks his team has something special that helped it deliver a big blow to the Trojans.

"We're bringing the heat every day in practice, every time we're in the game," Currier said. "I'll tell you why. We just have the energy. I mean everyone, not only me, but all 11 on each side of the ball, bring the energy. I think that's what makes us who we are."

Hyde said he was also confident coming into the game, especially coming off of last year's title win.

"You go back to back to the amount of success we had last year, we know what it takes to get back here and have success," Hyde said. "We put in a ton of work over the offseason with whether that's in the weight room, whether that's seven on sevens or 11 on 11 scrimmages in the middle of June at Batavia. We were working all offseason and we knew the work we put in would make us able to get back to this spot and become successful again."

Smith also pointed to weight room work as a key to the team's success.

"We were lifting all summer," Smith said. "My D line, they're strong, they're big, they're fast. They make a new line of scrimmage for us. We can free flow to the ball and we can meet them in the hall and we can take them back and get some TFLs (tackles for losses)."

Winter said all that off-season preparation pays off in the postseason.

"Once November rolls around, we know that that we're going to play our style and our type of game and finish the opponent," Winter said.

Next up for OAE is last year's far-west opponent, Randolf. Hyde, for one, thinks his team is ready.

"I think we can go a long way. I know, obviously, this is really good right now," Hyde said. "We're gonna celebrate this for the next few days, but Monday, it's back to work. We play a really good Randolph team that we know pretty well. We played them last year. They know us, so it's gonna be huge to get back to work and stay locked in to see how far we really can go with this team."

As odd as it might sound, Alexander's season is not over.  There are eleven sections in New York High School Athletics, so to ensure there are 12 teams available for the final brackets, the second-place teams from one section get to play a state tournament quarter-final.  This year, it is Section V's turn to send second-place teams to the quarter-finals. Alexander will represent Section V Class D in Albany next week.

That puts Coach Sawyer in a challenging position -- getting his team ready for another big game after a big defeat in a sectional title game.

"I hope this bothers our kids, it should you know, but on Monday, Monday is the start of a new week and we need to come back and fix a few things and move forward," Sawyer said. "We could sit here and be upset about this loss and waste the next opportunity, which is right here in front of us. I mean, we've got a game in six days and, yes, it's our first loss of the season so these guys haven't had this taste, you know what I mean? And but we'll come back strong and put a game plan together and go try to win out east."

Winter said going into the game, he knew could be in Sawyer's position so he has some advice for the Alexander squad.

"It's funny you say that because that's a perspective that we had to take a look at -- how does a coach pick their team up off the ground after a loss in the sectional files and say, 'Hey, we got to play,'" Winters said. "If their teams is built anything similar to our team, we love each other. We have a lot of fun. So although today might be really tough, and probably tomorrow as well, by the time Monday rolls around, let's say we're at least fortunate that we get to play another game. And if so, maybe they can even use us in the future as a potential motivator. I mean, they might see us again, and I'm sure that they want a different storyline to go with that."

Top four photos by Kristin Smith.  Top photo, game MVP Noah Currier.

untitledoae-9.jpg

Brodie Hyde.

untitledoae-11.jpg

untitledoae-4.jpg

Photos below by Philip Casper.

dsc_6038trojans.jpg

Tyler Marino scores Alexander's lone touchdown in the fourth quarter.

dsc_6070trojans.jpg

Alexander's all-team winner, Connor Thompson.

wfi_0561trojans.jpg

wfi_0627trojans.jpg

wfi_0810trojans.jpg

wfi_0729trojans.jpg

Trent Wood.

Alexander is gearing up for big game against Oakfield-Alabama/Elba

By Howard B. Owens

img_3634alexander.jpg

There is a big game coming, and the sports boosters in Alexander are ready.

They spent Monday evening decorating the village with banners and gold and green ribbons.

Predictions for the Class D Section V football championship between cross-county rivals Alexander and Oakfield-Alabama/Elba?

"They (Alexander) will be there to play," said Jamie Schultz, in a tone that suggested, "they will bring it."  

Both the Trojans and Aggies are undefeated in 2022 and both dominated all of their opponents. The sectional will be the biggest challenge each team has faced all season.

"I think this is an anticipated game that, again, everyone's been waiting for," said Lisa Lyons. "This is the showdown of the county right now."

The game is at noon Saturday at SUNY Brockport.

OAE gets Senior Night win 48-13

By Howard B. Owens

oaeseniornight-224_websize.jpg

The Oakfield-Alabama Aggies remain undefeated on the 2022 season after swamping Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen 48-13 on Friday night.

It was senior night for the Aggies.

  • Noah Currier had Carries, 131 yards, three Rushing TDs, a 32-yard reception TD, and 60-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.
  • Bodie Hyde, five carries, 121 yards, one TD, 2-4 passing, 59 Yards, two passing TDs, and on defense, eight tackles and a fumble recovery.
  • Connor Scott, two carries, 43 yards, 5 Tackles, and a fumble recovery.
  • Brayden Smith, 10 tackles
  • Aiden Warner, 10 tackles
  • TJ Andrews , nine tackles

"It's nice to get a win against a tough opponent like CMBB, but the story tonight was about how we need to continue to work towards cleaning up a few things if we are going to accomplish the goals we want to accomplish," said Head Coach Tyler Winter. "Luckily, true progress is not always linear.  We will enjoy the win tonight and look to our next opponent as an opportunity to take steps in the right direction for our team's journey."

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more photos, click here.

oaeseniornight_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight_websize_1.jpg

oaeseniornight-27_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-28_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-46_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-54_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-57_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-66_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-80_websize.jpg

oaeseniornight-2-2_websize.jpg

Aggies top Knights 38-6

By Howard B. Owens

0085_holdingon.jpg

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies scored 38 unanswered points through four quarters on their way to a 38-6 over Le Roy at home on Friday night.

Connor Scott opened the scoring with a 57-yard run at the start of the game to ignite the Aggie's offense.  Brodie Scott completed a pass to Noah Currier for the next score, then hit Connor Scott in the second quarter and scored himself twice in the third.  OAE's final score came early in the fourth quarter when Hyde connected with Kyle Porter on a 51-yard TD reception.

OAE compiled 475 yards in total offense to 188 for the Oatkan Knights.

Hyde completed six of 12 pass attempts for 156 yards and three TDs.  He was intercepted once.

Currier gained 134 yards on 19 runs, Hyde 93 on 16 attempts.

Kyle Porter had two receptions for 70 yards.

On defense, Nate Finta had five tackles.

For the Knights, Adrian Stephens was 5-13 passing for 41 yards. Jackson Fix rushed eight times for 70 yards and a TD. On defense, Tony Piazza had 9.5 tackles.

"A win like this against an opponent like LeRoy is huge for our team," said Aggies Head Coach Tyler Winter. "While the first half still was not the cleanest on our end, the way our guys came out of halftime and kept the pedal down on a good opponent speaks to what we are capable of, both physically and mentally.  They are really taking to our 'process over product' approach, and doing a phenomenal job of taking each opponent as they come.  For them, the next challenge is the biggest one."

Top photo: Le Roy’s Xavien Walker (44) holds on to Connor Scott (22).

Photos by Ed Henry

0077_oae_midfield.jpg

0032_firsttdearly.jpg

OAE’s Connor Scott (22) scores a TD early in the game.

0101_courier-tdcatch.jpg

OAE’s Noah Currier (20) snags a TD catch.

0144_jacktonzi.jpg

Le Roy’s Jack Tonzi grabs a reception in the flats.

0160_pileup.jpg

0237_strollo_run.jpg

Le Roy’s Drew Strollo (34) turns the corner.

0318_actionintheflats.jpg

OAE’s Aiden Warner holds on after an Antonio Martinez collision.

0334_oae_qbpass.jpg

OA-E’s QB Bodie Hyde

0508_tdcelebrate.jpg

OAE’s Angelo Penna (55) and Connor Scott (22) celebrate up top. 

Additional photos below by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

untitled-42_websize.jpg

untitled-50_websize_1.jpg

untitled-73_websize.jpg

untitled-102_websize.jpg

Oakfield-Alabama inducting three new members into its Hall of Fame

By Press Release

Press release:

The OACS Alumni Hall of Fame Committee will be honoring the Class of 2022 during an Alumni Hall of Fame weekend on Oct. 15 at 6 p.m. in the OACS High school Cafeteria.  The 2022 OA HOF Inductees are:

  • Daniel Gilbert - Class of ‘87
  • Dr. Cory Merkel - Class of ‘05
  • Gary Nanni - Class of ‘73

On Saturday, October 15, 2022 there will be a community dinner and ceremony (held in the OACS High School Cafeteria) to induct our newest members.  Doors will open at 5:30pm.  The event will begin at 6:00pm.

Tickets are on sale through Oct. 1 and are available at the following:

  • Oakfield-Alabama Elementary School (7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield  NY 14125)
  • Oakfield-Alabama Middle and High School (7001 Lewiston Road, Oakfield  NY 14125)
  • Oakfield Family Pharmacy (40 Main Street, Oakfield NY 14125)
  • By contacting committee member Liz Conway at: conwayej@frontiernet.net
  • By mailing a check (made payable to “Dollars for Scholars”) to:
    OA Hall of Fame, PO Box 35, Oakfield NY 14125
    Note: Please be sure to add “HOF Tickets” in the memo line of your check and include   your email address so confirmation of your order can be sent. 

Ticket Prices:  $30 for Adults (ages 11 and up), $15 for Children (ages 4-10) and no charge for ages 3 and under.

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; providing incentive for current and future students.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, October 15, 2022!

Daniel Gilbert ‘87:
Dan was a leader, coach, and teacher, on the playing fields, in the classroom, and in the community.

Joining the faculty of his alma mater in 1998, he preached "confidence, not cockiness" in making the Hornets a dynastic force on the baseball diamond.  His teams won 12 Genesee Region League baseball titles, and Section V championships in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2009.  In each of those sectional title years, he was also honored as Section V Coach of the Year.

When Hornet softball needed a coach in 2011, Dan stepped up and led that team to a sectional title, and was honored as Genesee Region Coach of the Year.

Dan amassed a 284-58 record coaching baseball, softball, JV and varsity football, and modified basketball.

At Oakfield, he taught health and physical education, creating and shaping the district's Adaptive PE program for students with special needs.

In the community he coached Little League baseball and youth football.

Dan's memory lives on in his players, students, wife, and children, and in Dan Gilbert Field, the OACS baseball diamond.

Dr. Cory Merkel – Class of ‘05:
Cory is an internationally-recognized figure in brain-inspired computing research.

After earning his PhD in Microsystems Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology where he also earned his Master's and Bachelor's, Cory spent three years at the Air Force Research Lab before joining the RIT faculty in a research and teaching position.

His RIT research lab focuses on "brain applications" - Artificial Intelligence security, improved accessibility for "smart assistants" like Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, etc. for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals; and designing integrated circuits that replicate the functionality and behavior of the human brain.  Cory chairs the Computer Engineering department's Social and Awards committee, which recognizes promising students for their above-and-beyond academic excellence and teaching and other support for the department.  He also teaches courses in the areas of digital integrated circuit design and brain-inspired computing.

He has been involved in a number of outreach programs such as the Project Fibonacci STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) conference, which engages students from middle school through college, in intensive workshops to foster and cultivate interest in STEAM disciplines.

At the time of his induction, Cory held three US patents, published over 50 peer-reviewed research articles, and advised dozens of students on their MS or PhD research.

Cory met his future wife while he was at OACS; they married in 2012.  In his spare time he continues his passion for percussion - he has been in musical groups since he was 12 - and sports, including rank achievement in kung fu and karate.

Gary Nanni – Class of ‘73:
Gary started his working career mowing and doing grounds at Carl Petronio Construction in Albion, where his father worked.  By the time of his retirement, he was president of Allied Builders, the $35 million company Petronio had grown into, with Gary playing a major role in its successes and expansion.

The capping project of his career was the $21 million Richard C. Call Athletic Facility and Student Success Center at Genesee Community College.  The firm's accomplishments, even just in Western NY, are too numerous to cite, but include the tennis courts and other renovations at OACS, the Oakfield Wastewater Treatment Plant, several projects for US Gypsum; plus Western Region Off-Track Betting Casino and Thurman Thomas Sports Bar in Batavia, Roberts Wesleyan's Life Fitness Center, RIT's Imaging Science Center, and at least 14 school districts in Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming, and Monroe Counties.

Under Gary's leadership, in 2002 Allied was ranked #2 in the Rochester Business Alliance/Democrat and Chronicle list of fastest growing companies, and Buffalo Business First's list of Top Ten Private Companies.

OAE crushed Geneseo 70-6

By Howard B. Owens

oaesep2022-18_websize.jpg

The final score was lopsided but it didn't necessarily look like it was going that way early in the game said OAE Head Coach Tyler Winter following the Aggies 70-6 win over the Geneseo Blue Devils.

"Contrary to the final score, we faced a little bit of adversity early in the game," Winters said. "It was good to see this group respond the way they did.  After our opening score, Geneseo came right back down the field and answered with a score of their own.  We needed to see if we could take one on the chin and not waver.  I'm proud of our guys for keeping their composure and keeping the pedal down for the remainder of the game."

Noah Currier helped lead the way with 132 yards rushing on 11 carries. He scored four touchdowns and also had an interception on defense.

QB Bodie Hyde tossed a 10-yard TD pass and gained 138 yards and scored two touchdowns on seven carries.

Conor Scott scored a touchdown and gained 49 yards on four caries. He had five tackles on defense.

Avery Watterson scored a touchdown on an 11-yard run.

On defense, Austin Pangrazio had seven tackles and a sack.  Brayden Smith had seven tackles as did T.J. Andrews.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more photos, click here.

oaesep2022-95_websize.jpg

oaesep2022-92_websize.jpg

oaesep2022-81_websize.jpg

oaesep2022-60_websize.jpg

oaesep2022-49_websize.jpg

oaesep2022-45_websize.jpg

oaesep2022-24_websize.jpg

OAE Aggies dominate in season opener

By Howard B. Owens

oaeohare-5_websize.jpg

The Oakfield-Alabama/Elba Aggies started off the 2022 season with a convincing win over Cardinal O'Hara, 76-6.

Noah Currie had six carries for 114 yards and four touchdowns.  QB Bodie Hyde carried the ball three times for 78 yards and three TDs. 

Aiden Warner scored on a 66-yard run and on defense had four tackles and an interception that he returned for a 25-yard TD.

Connor Scott returned a kickoff 75 yards for a score and had five tackles and an interception on defense.

Jake Walczak also returned a kickoff 75 yards for a TD.

T.J. Andrews had six tackles and a sack and Brayden Smith had six tackles.

Head Coach Tyler Winter said:  "It's always good to start the season off with a win. It's even better when you can do it with this type of performance.  We had a high level of execution on all three sides of the ball, we came out healthy, and a lot of our guys got to eat today.  We'll take what we can from the film and look to get ready for the next opponent."

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more photos, click here.

oaeohare-9_websize.jpg

oaeohare-13_websize.jpg

oaeohare-29_websize.jpg

oaeohare-30_websize.jpg

oaeohare-16_websize.jpg

oaeohare-2_websize.jpg

Chest bumps and diplomas at O-A's 2022 Commencement Ceremony

By Howard B. Owens

dsc_1070oagrad.jpg

 Marsha Riggi chest bumps Oakfield-Alabama Superintendent John Fisgus during the high school's graduation ceremony on Saturday.  Riggi may have gotten the idea from Gaige Armbrewster, who chest bumped Fisgus when he accepted his diploma. 

Photos by Debra Reilly.

dsc_1001oagrad.jpg

dsc_1023oagrad.jpg

dsc_1076oagrad.jpg

dsc_1086oagrad.jpg

dsc_1198oagrad.jpg

dsc_1283oagrad.jpg

O-A beats Letchworth in Class C crossover game

By Howard B. Owens

oakfield-a-bbjunj2022-12_websize.jpg

The Hornets continued to dominate the area baseball landscape on Thursday with a 14-6 win over Letchworth in a battle of Class C champions to see which team will represent Section V in the regional championship game.

Kyle Porter, Bodie Hyde, and Brayden Smith each picked up three hits.  Hyde had three RBIs and scored three runs. Smith scored three times and drove in a pair of runners. Getting two hits apiece were Colton Yasses, Aiden Warner, and Cooper Colantonio, who also drove in three runs.

Yasses picked up the win, tossing  6 1/3 innings, giving up five earned runs (of six) and striking out eight.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

oakfield-a-bbjunj2022-118_websize.jpg

oakfield-a-bbjunj2022-76_websize.jpg

oakfield-a-bbjunj2022-48_websize.jpg

oakfield-a-bbjunj2022-27_websize.jpg

oakfield-a-bbjunj202216_websize.jpg

Hornets claim Section V title with 8-7 win over Notre Dame

By Howard B. Owens

oa-secvchamps2022-68_websize.jpg

Oakfield-Alabama was able to hold off Notre Dame in an 8-7 battle to win the Class C Section V title in baseball on Tuesday.

Bodie Hyde was 2-3 with a walk and two runs scored for the Hornets. David Schnaufer knocked in three runs on one hit and Brayden Smith scored twice while collecting one hit and one walk.

For Notre Dame, Bryceton Berry was 3-3 with three RBIs and a run scored. Gavin Schrader had two hits and scored three times. Cody Henry was 2-3 with two RBIs. 

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more photos, click here.

oa-secvchamps2022_websize.jpg

oa-secvchamps2022-16_websize.jpg

oa-secvchamps2022-13_websize.jpg

oa-secvchamps2022-22_websize.jpg

oa-secvchamps2022-63_websize.jpg

oa-secvchamps2022-87_websize.jpg

oa-secvchamps2022-105_websize.jpg

oa-secvchamps2022-149_websize.jpg

O-A and Notre Dame to face off in sectional final after Hornets win over Warsaw

By Howard B. Owens

oabaseballmay294_websize.jpg

Brayden Smith's five RBIs and home run keyed Oakfield-Alabama's semi-final Section V playoff win over Warsaw on Saturday, helping the Hornets to a 16-8 win.

Smith had four hits and scored twice.

Bodie Hyde had three hits, an RBI and scored three times. Cooper Colantino had two hits, an RBI and scored twice. David Schnaufer was 2-2 with two walks and scored twice. 

The winning pitcher was Kyle porter. He gave up three hits, three runs and struck out 10 over 5 2/3 innings.

Notre Dame and O-A will play for the sectional crown in Class C on Tuesday.

Photos by Kristin Smith.  For more, click here.

oabaseballmay2936_websize.jpg

oabaseballmay2925_websize.jpg

oabaseballmay2913_websize.jpg

Lancers win 4th sectional golf title in the last six years

By Howard B. Owens

ancersgolfchamps-44_websize.jpg

Article submitted by Mike Cintorino.

It has been quite the run for the Elba/Oakfield-Alabama Lancers Golf Team. 

On Thursday, at a blustery Livingston Country Club in Geneseo, the Lancers earned their 4th Section V Class C Boys Golf Championship in the last 6 seasons. 

The day started with a semi-final match against the top-seeded Gananda Blue Panthers.  The Lancers were led in that match by their stalwarts, CJ Gottler and Brayden Smith who shot 39 and 45 respectively on the par-36 front nine. 

Gananda's Carter Lathrop fired a 47, but behind solid efforts from the Lancers' Jake Walczak and Aiden Warner, they were able to defeat the Blue Panthers 194 to 234 in the first of two Class C semi-final matches. 

In the second semi-final, the Byron Bergen Bees had a nail-biter against the Geneseo Blue Devils that came down to the final pairing of the match. 

Ryan Muscarella, Brendan Pimm, and David Brumstead all fired 50's on the front nine, all lower than the top four golfers for the Blue Devils. 

The medalist of the match would come from the third pairing with a Geneseo golfer (name not submitted) who shot the low round of the match with a 48. 

However, the steady and consistent rounds of the Bees allowed them to edge out the Blue Devils 202-207.  

For the second consecutive season, the Byron Bergen Bees matched up with the Elba/Oakfield-Alabama Lancers in the Section V Class C Boys Golf Finals. 

Last year the Lancers defeated the Bees 172-199 at Caledonia Country Club.  This year, the conditions, specifically the wind blowing over 20b mph at times, proved for much tougher conditions on a difficult Livingston Country Club back nine. 

Although the conditions were different, the results were similar as the Lancers defeated the Bees by a score of 189-206. 

CJ Gottler once again medaled in the finals with a round of 41 while teammate Brayden Smith and Byron Bergen's Ryan Muscarella fired a round of 47.  The Lancer's Jake Walczak (46) and Kaden Cusmano (55) rounded out the scoring for the Lancers as they successfully defended their Class C title.  

The win was the Lancers' 4th Section V Golf Title in the last 6 seasons (2016, 2017, 2021, 2022 - there was no season in 2020). 

In 2018 the Lancers finished 2nd. 

With the win, the Lancers end the season 13-3 overall while the Bees fall to 12-3. 

This was a fantastic season for the Lancers as for the second consecutive year they swept both the team title and individual title (CJ Gottler in 2021 and Brayden Smith in 2022) in Section V Class C Boys Golf. 

This group of young men (and women) have grinded all season to live up to the legacy set for them by previous teams. 

For Elba/OA Senior, CJ Gottler, he finished his 6th year as a varsity golfer as a 3-time team and 2-time individual Section V Champion, along with back-to-back Genesee Region League Player of the Year honors.  Gottler's leadership on and off the course will be sorely missed, and his personality and ability to make not just teammates, but competitors laugh during a round of golf.  

Reader-submitted photos.

lancersgolfchamps-3_websize.jpg

ancersgolfchamps-6_websize.jpg

ancersgolfchamps-37_websize.jpg

ancersgolfchamps-38_websize.jpg

ancersgolfchamps-27_websize.jpg

Oakfield-Alabama puts 21 runs on the scoreboard in Class C playoff game

By Howard B. Owens

oasemi2022-5_websize.jpg

The Hornets went into their Class C sectional quarterfinals game against Cuba-Rushford today with their hitting shoes on.

The final score in their favor was 21-1.

Oakfield-Alabama knocked out 19 hits in the lopsided victory.

Aiden Warner had four hits and scored three times. Brayden Smith knocked in five runs on three hits and scored three times.  Kyle Porter also collected three hits along wth two RBIs and two runs scored.

Notching two hits each were Bodie Hyde, Cooper Colantonio, Gaige Armbrewster, and David Schnaufer.

Porter picked up the win.  He threw for 3 1/3 innings giving up one unearned run, no hits, walking four and striking out eight.

O-A plays Warsaw next.

In other sectional baseball games:

  • Norte Dame beat York 4-0 to advance in Class C.
  • Alexander lost to Letchworth 6-1 in Class C.
  • Batavia beat Geneva 16-2 in Class B.

Photos by Kristin Smith. For more, click here.

oasemi2022-22_websize.jpg

oasemi2022-12_websize.jpg

oasemi2022-11_websize.jpg

oasemi2022-6_websize.jpg

Batavia Downs donates $2K from vendor event to Oakfield-Alabama Little League

By Press Release

20220523_093521.jpg

Press release:

Western Region Off-Track Betting (WROTB) / Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek presented representatives from the Oakfield Alabama Little League with a check for $2,000.  The funds will help maintain the baseball fields and will help keep registration fees low for families.

The Shopping for Mom Craft and Gift Showcase, held at Batavia Downs on May 1st, was organized by Ted Hanes and Mary Bucceri, Group Sales Manager at Batavia Downs.  100% of collected vendor fees and accepted donations by attendees totaled $2,000. 

“In these tough economic times, we are blessed with the ability to raise awareness and funds through our events,” said Wojtaszek. “Organizations like the Oakfield Alabama Little League support children being active and growing their social skills as they interact with each other.  We are pleased to help alleviate the financial burden on parents by partnering with this worthy organization.”

“The funds will be used to maintain the grounds and help OALL keep registration fees low, “ said Normand Fluet, Oakfield Alabama Little League Supporter.  “As the cost of things like uniforms, equipment for the kids, dirt, clay and paint (to name a few) continue to increase, contributions like this allow us to limit how much more we have to ask parents for to continue the program!”

Photo by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service.

Authentically Local