Diary of a Mad Sportswriter

My snowy ride to the NYSPHSAA wrestling championships

2011-02-25T22:18:00.000-05:00

It was a snowy Friday morning, but duty called and so did the New York State Public High School Wrestling Association state championships at the Times Union Center in Albany.

My trusted steed, 2001 Ford Focus and four studded snow tires once again held true to get me to my appointed assignment.

Some times it was slow, some times it was a stop and some times it was looking at others in the snow on the side of the road.

Here's a look at my trip in.

Locals power Sage College netters to national spots

2011-02-23T09:21:00.001-05:00

The Sage Colleges men's volleyball team continues to rank among the national leaders in several statistical categories. With the release of the second NCAA Division III Men's Volleyball Statistics for the 2011 season, Gator rookie libero Matt Bynon (Burnt Hills, NY/Burnt Hills) is second on the national Division III leader with his 3.74 digs per set average. He has played in 34 sets and has 127 digs on the young season.
Junior Spencer Hilland (Slingerlands, NY/Bethlehem) ranks eighth in the nation with his 3.97 kills per set average. Hilland leads the team with his 135 kills in 34 sets played, while also ranking 10th in blocks nationally as well. He has 35 total blocks, good enough for a 1.03 blocks per set average.
Sophomore setter
Kyle Ray (Horseheads, NY/Horseheads) is also among the national leaders as he has 303 setting assists, good enough for an 8.91 per set average which is 17th best in the country. Ray has five kills with a team-leading 12 service aces and 39 digs. In his young career, Ray has already eclipsed the 300 career dig plateau as he has 318 thus far in 116 sets played.
As a team, Sage is also among the national statistical leaders for Division III. Sage ranks sixth with their 2.29 blocks per set average as they have a combined 129 blocks. The Gators sport a team hitting percentage of .190, which is 22nd best. They also rank 23rd with their 9.62 setting assists per set and 25th with 9.24 digs per set. Sage checks in at the No. 27 spot with their 10.24 kills per set average and 28th in win percentage (.444).
Sage returns to action on February 23 hosting Ramapo College in a non-conference match in the Kahl Center. First serve is set for 7 p.m.

-- Courtesy Sage College Sports Information Dept.
Stan Hudy
(518) 365-9640

Sage women's hoops fall to Farmingdale, 69-50

2011-02-19T17:33:00.002-05:00

Gators prepare for first-ever Skyline post-season trip.

Farmingdale, NY---The Sage Colleges women's basketball team travelled to Farmingdale State College for the 2010-2011 regular-season finale. The Farmingdale State College Rams tallied the win, 69-50 over Sage in Skyline Conference women's basketball action. Farmingdale State improves to 18-7 overall and 14-4 in the league, while Sage is now 10-13 overall and went 9-9 in the conference. While the 2011 Skyline Conference women's basketball tournament field will be announced this evening for the six-team field, some seeds have already been clinched, including a No. 5 seed for the Sage Gators, a program first for Sage.

The Gators will face No. 4 seeded SUNY-Old Westbury on Tuesday, February 22 in the quarterfinals of the league in a 7 p.m. road contest.

Farmingdale State held a 26-23 edge at the half after finishing the first stanza on a 15-2 run to erase a 21-11 Sage lead.

In the second, the Gators would go tie the action at 29-29 in the first two minutes of play and would see a tie 33-33, but it would be all Farmingdale for the rest of the game. With 8:39 left to play, the Rams went ahead by 11 and would not let the lead slip as they went on for the victory.

Farmingdale State's Keona Jones and Dominique Cunningham finished with 12 points each for the Rams, while Lushanta Savadel hauled down 12 rebounds in the win.

For the Gators, freshman forward

Chelsea Martin (Davenport, NY/Jefferson Central) paced the team with 14 points and five rebounds, while sophomore

Kara Hackett's (Peru, NY/Peru Central) tallied 10 points with five rebounds. Junior forward

Kelsey Frament (Waterford, NY/Catholic Central) added a team-best six rebounds with seven points.

- Courtesy Sage Sports Information Dept.

UAlbany women's indoor track&field defend America East title

2011-02-19T17:30:00.002-05:00

Boston, Mass. – University at Albany's Brianne Bellon (Saratoga Springs) and Kathryn Fanning, a pair of freshman, powered UAlbany to a successful defense of its title on Saturday at the America East Conference Women's Indoor Track & Field Championships. The two-day event was held at Boston University's Track and Tennis Center. The Great Danes scored 206.5 points, the second-highest total recorded at the conference indoor meet.
     Bellon and Fanning each picked up individual championships and led the 4x800-meter relay to victory. Bellon, who received the meet's most outstanding rookie award, became the first UAlbany athlete in league history to win the 800-meters by running 2:12.31, her best time of the season and the third-fastest in school annals. Fanning won the 1,000-meter run in 2:53.10, the fourth-best mark in UAlbany history. She is the first Great Dane to finish first in the race since 2007. Bellon and Fanning were joined on the winning relay by Jessica Panos and Jonelle White. The group better the ECAC-qualifying standard by nearly 20 seconds in reaching the finish line in 9:05.67.
     Kadine Johnson, who won the weight throw on the first day, was second in shot put with a toss of 45-feet, 3-inches. Alli Rogers was edged out at the finish in the 400-meter dash, as she and the winner were both clocked in 56.69 seconds. Sandy Antenor (triple jump) and Jessica Hunter (500-meters) also recorded second-place showings. Antenor went over 40 feet for the third time this winter with a mark of 40-08.75. Hunter, who ran an ECAC-qualifying time of 1:15.26, also led the 4x400-meter relay to a winning performance. Brittany Eveleth (Watervliet H.S.), Nyree Richardson, Tierra Chavis and Hunter were clocked in 3:51.88.
     -- Courtesy UAlbany Sports Information Dept.

UAlbany wins 6th America East Indoor Track&Field title

2011-02-19T17:28:00.002-05:00

Boston, Mass. – University at Albany's Kareem Morris (Albany H.S.) led a group of four individuals who won conference titles on the second day of competition at the America East Conference Men's Indoor Track & Field Championships, held at Boston University's Track and Tennis Center on Saturday afternoon. The Great Danes captured their sixth consecutive indoor championship with 184 points. Binghamton (157) and Boston University (141) were second and third, respectively, in the standings.
     Morris, a freshman, became the first UAlbany athlete to win the 200-meter dash in four years by sprinting a career-best 21.74 seconds and placed fourth in the 60-dash. Morris, who bettered his IC4A standard with the performance, was also second in the long jump on the first day with a leap of 22-feet, 11.75-inches. He received the Coaches Award for scoring the most points at the meet.
     Peter Rowell (Scotia-Glenville) ran 1:03.40, his top time of the season, to win the 500-meter dash after the junior finished seventh in this event at the conference meet one year ago. Rowell also anchored the third-place 4x400-meter relay to a season-best 3:14.80, earning a place among the IC4A qualifiers. Nick Santos (Colonie Central) was first in the 800-meter run as he hit the tape in 1:50.96, the fifth-fastest time in program history. Tristan Akong claimed the 60-meter dash crown with a time of 6.88 seconds. UAlbany had six individual champions overall, as Wilfredo de Jesus Elias (weight throw) and Fred Casimo (long jump) recorded victories on Friday.
     In addition, Paul Lagno broke his own school record in the 3,000-meters. His time of 8:18.00 was good enough for fourth place. Greg Kiley (Saratoga Springs), who ran the lead-off leg on the winning distance medley relay the previous day, took second in the 1,000-meters. He ran 2:25.83 to qualify for the IC4A meet.
- Courtesy UAlbany Sports Information Dept.

NYSSWA: Girls basketball rankings Jan. 16

2011-01-19T20:31:00.000-05:00

Shenendehowa and Fort Ann remain as the highest ranked girls basketball teams from Section II in the latest New York State Sportswriters Poll released Jan. 16 at No. 4. Argyle and Cohoes are ranked No. 8 in Class C and B respectively. Fort Ann resides in the top five in Class D at No. 4 with Scotia-Glenville holding the No. 7 in Class A. Locals are listed in bold.

- Ranking courtesy of the NYSSWA.

Class AA

1 Brooklyn Nazareth-CHSAA 12-2
2 Christ The King-CHSAA 8-3
3 Murry Bergtraum-PSAL 10-3
4 Shenendehowa-2 9-0
5 Lockport-6 8-0
6 Jamestown-6 10-0
7 Sachem East-11 7-0
8 Mary Louis-CHSAA 9-2
9 Cicero-North Syracuse-3 9-1
10 Shaker-2 10-1
11 Monroe-Woodbury-9 8-0
12 Penfield-5 10-0
13 Binghamton-4 12-0
14 South Shore-PSAL 11-3
15 Northport-11 9-0
16 Carmel-1 10-1
17 St. Anthony's-CHSAA 10-1
18 Ossining-1 11-2
19 St. Peter’s-CHSAA 8-4
20 Irondequoit-5 8-2
21. Baldwin-8 8-1
22 Warwick-9 9-1
23 Horseheads-4 9-2
24. Farmingdale-8 8-1
25. (tie) Gates Chili-5 8-2
25. (tie) Utica Proctor-3 7-2
25. (tie) St. John the Baptist-CHSAA 9-3

Class A
1 Grand Island-6 8-0
2 Pittsford Mendon-5 11-0
3 Peekskill-1 11-1
4 Buffalo Sacred Heart-CHSAA 11-1
5 Malone-10 9-0
6 Nichols-AIS 6-2
7 Scotia-Glenville-2 11-0
8 Albertus Magnus-1 11-0
9 Elwood John Glenn-11 11-0
10 Pearl River-1 11-1
11 Whitesboro-3 10-0
12 Red Hook-9 9-1
13 Holy Names-2 10-1
14 Harborfields-11 8-3
15 Rochester East-5 8-0
16 Mohonasen-2 7-4
17 Kings Park-11 8-3
18. Wallkill-9 7-1
19 Marlboro-9 7-2
20 (tie) Pioneer-6 9-1
20 (tie) Pittsford Sutherland-5 7-2

Class B
1 Irvington-1 11-1
2 Oneonta-4 11-0
3 Lancaster St. Mary's-CHSAA 11-2
4 South Jefferson-3 7-0
5 Aquinas-5 11-2
6 Briarcliff-1 8-3
7 Maple Hill-2 11-0
8 Cohoes-2 9-2
9 Center Moriches-11 9-2
10. Cazenovia-3 9-0
11 Salmon River-10 10-0
12 Utica Notre Dame-3 6-1
13 Northeastern Clinton-7 9-1
14 Jordan-Elbridge-3 7-1
15 Watkins Glen-4 10-2
16 Hoosic Valley-2 10-1
17 Elmira Notre Dame-4 7-3
18 Lansing-4 8-1
19 Wilson-6 8-1
20 (tie) Wellsville-5 9-2
20 (tie) Ausable Valley-7 8-2

Class C
1 Gananda-5 12-0
2 Tioga-4 10-1
3 Harpursville-4 10-1
4 Immaculata-AIS 11-5
5 Keshequa-5 10-0
6 Marion-5 7-2
7 Staten Island Academy-AIS 11-3
8 Argyle-2 7-1
9 Red Jacket-5 8-1
10 Tri-Valley-9 8-0
11 Haldane-1 7-3
12 Pierson/Bridgehampton-11 4-3
13. Portville-6 6-0
14. (tie) Fabius-Pompey-3 10-0
15 Waterville-3 7-3
16 Voorheesville-2 5-4
17 Bishop Kearney-5 9-3
18 Canajoharie-2 7-0
19. Moravia-4 9-0
20 (tie) Brushton-Moira-10 8-3
20 (tie) Walton-4 8-1

Class D
1 Coleman Catholic-9 8-0
2 Batavia Notre Dame-5 10-0
3 Copenhagen-3 10-0
4 Fort Ann-2 6-1
5 Hermon-DeKalb-10 10-1
6 Hammondsport-5 9-0
7 South Kortright-4 8-1
8 Clymer-6 5-3
9 Hamilton-3 5-2
10 New York Mills-3 6-3
11 Jasper-Troupsburg-5 9-2
12 Davenport-4 9-1
13 Hartford-2 6-1
14 Lisbon-10 9-3
15 Sackets Harbor-3 7-3
16 Jefferson-4 8-1
17 Hammond-10 7-4
18 Heatly-2 7-2
19 Pine Valley-6 7-2
20 Elba-5 8-2

NYSSWA: Hockey rankings Jan. 16

2011-01-19T20:03:00.000-05:00

There weren't any changes for Section II in the state hockey rankings released Jan. 16 by the New York State Sportswriter Association. Saratoga Springs remains the top local in the large school division at No. 5 and Shenendehowa is No. 7. In the small school division, Queesnbury remains at the top at No. 2.
Capital District High School Hockey League schools in bold.

- Rankings courtesy of the NYSSWA.

Division I

1. Suffern-1 11-0-1
2. Williamsville North-6 10-0-1
3. West Genesee-3 8-2-2
4. Gates Chili-5 10-0-2
5. Saratoga-2 10-2-0
6. Mamaroneck-1 9-3-0
7. Shenendehowa-2 8-3-1
8. Pittsford-5 9-3-2
9. Fairport-5 9-2-1
10. Massena-10 8-6-0

Division II
1. Cazenovia-3 13-0-0
2. Queensbury-2 9-1-2
3. St. Lawrence-10 10-1-0
4. Salmon River-10 7-2-1
5. Clinton-3 9-1-0
6. West Seneca East-6 6-0-1
7. Skaneateles-3 6-2-1
8. Pelham-1 4-6-1
9. Rye-1 7-2-1
10. Churchville-Chili-5 11-2-2

NYSSWA: Wrestling rankings Jan. 16

2011-01-19T19:50:00.001-05:00

Shenendehowa remains atop the New York State Sportswriters Association wrestling rankings for Jan. 16 based on dual-meet records. Longwood from Section IX captured the Eastern States Classic wrestling event with Shenendehowa finishing second.
Section II schools are listed in bold.
- Rankings courtesy of the NYSSWA

Large schools

1. Shenendehowa-2 15-0
2. Longwood-11 6-0
3. St. Anthony’s-CHSAA 12-1
4. Wantagh-8 11-1
5. Spencerport-5 10-1
6. John Glenn-11 8-2
7. Brentwood-11 21-3
8. Queensbury-2 14-0
9. Penfield-5 20-1
10. Hauppauge-11 8-1
11. Fairport-5 11-2
12. Indian River-3 12-0
13. Columbia-2 18-0
14. Pittsford-5 16-2
15. Fox Lane-1 7-0
16. Sachem East-11 6-2
17. Kings Park-11 4-1
18. Sayville-11 7-6
19. Brighton-5 16-0
20. Minisink Valley-9 16-3
21. William Floyd-11 8-1
22. MacArthur-8 12-5
23. Mahopac-1 13-2
24. Fulton-3 11-4
25. Connetquot-11 9-2
tie Monroe Woodbury-9 15-3
tie Huntington-11 3-0
tie Massapapequa-8 7-3

Small schools
1. Fredonia-6 22-0
tie Palmyra-Macedon-5 4-0
3. Peru-7 17-1
4. Bayport-Blue Point-11 13-2
5. Midlakes-5 19-3
6. Warsaw-5 20-2
7. Bain.-Guilford/Afton-4 5-0
8. Greene-4 8-1
9. Phoenix-3 6-3
10. Holley-5 26-4
11. Hudson Falls-2 16-2
12. Holland Patent-3 19-0
13. Beekmantown-7 14-5
14. Duanesburg-2 10-4
15. South Jefferson-3 15-4
16. Norwich-4 6-1
17. Letchworth-5 9-3
18. Chenango Valley-4 16-3
19. Canastota-3 8-1
20. Gouverneur-10 8-4
21. Mattituk-Greenport-11 7-4
22. Royalton Hartland-6 12-1
23. Newark Valley-4 6-1
24. Corinth-2 12-2
25. Lewiston-Porter-6 15-3
tie General Brown-3 17-4
tie Port Jefferson-11 5-4
tie Sandy Creek-3 14-6

Honorable Mention (combined):

1- Brewster, John Jay Cross River.
2- Ballston Spa, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Colonie, Granville, Hoosick Falls, Ravena, Salem, Tamarac.
3- Adirondack, Beaver River, Central Square, Chittenango, Cicero-North Syracuse, Hannibal, Illion, Sherburne-Earlville, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill.
4- Chenango Forks, Elmira, Johnson City, Owego, Tioga, Union-Endicott, Vestal, Waverly, Windsor.
5- Brockport, Canisteo-Greenwood, Geneseo, Rush-Henrietta, South Seneca, Wayne.
6- Cheektowaga, Clarence, Eden, Iroquois, Kenmore West, Lancaster, Newfane, Niagara Falls, Niagara-Wheatfield.
7- Northern Adirondack, Saranac.
8- Bellmore JFK, Carle Place, Levittown Division, East Meadow, Farmingdale, Freeport, Garden City, Island Trees, Jericho, Levittown, Locust Valley, Long Beach, Oyster Bay, Plainedge, Uniondale.
9- Red Hook, Saugerties, Warwick Valley.
10- Massena.
11- Babylon, Center Moriches, Commack, Comsewogue, East Islip, Eastport-South Manor, Islip, Mount Sinai, Newfield, Rocky Point, Sachem North, Smithtown West, Ward Mellville, Westhampton.
C- Chaminade, Kellenberg, St. Joseph’s Collegiate.

H.S. Skiing: Shenendehowa Invitational results

2011-01-18T21:22:00.000-05:00

Shen girls giant slalom results

Shenendehowa Invy girls giant slalom results

Shenendehowa Invy girls slalom results
Shenendehowa Invy girls slalom results

Shenendehowa Invitational boys giant slalom results
Shenendehowa Invitational boys giant slalom results

Shenendehowa Invitational boys slalom results
Shenendehowa Invitational boys slalom results

H.S. Wrestling: Eastern States Classic results

2011-01-17T19:14:00.001-05:00

Shenendehowa wrestler Max Miller captured the 125-pound title at the Eastern States Classic in Loch Sheldrake this weekend. Teammate Tony Fusco was second at 189 pounds and Duanesburg heavyweight Nick Gwiazdowski captured the 215-pound title. Listed below are the round-by-round finishes of the Section II place-finishers:

96-pounds
(Ravena) Jerome Gladney dec. No. 14 Jamie Dunn (Mepham), 4-3
Gladney lost by pinfall No. 3 Anthony Donofrio (Longwood), :45
-- out bracket – Gladney dec. Travis Mortagh (Cornwall), 12-2
-- out bracket – No. 6 Blaise Benderoth (North Rockland) pinned Gladney, 4:45, sixth-place title.

103-pounds
(Amsterdam) No. 4 Brandon Lapi tech fall. Zack Baker (Mahopac), 17-2.
Lapi dec. Jakob Restrepo (Longwood), 8-3
Lapi lost dec. No. 5 John Aslanian (Edgemont), 5-2
-- out bracket – Lapi dec. No. 10 Tyler Wood (Queensbury), 11-2.
-- out bracket – Lapi pinned No. 9 Alex DelaCruz (Ossining), 4:55.
-- out bracket – Lapi dec. No. 7 Aaron Paddak (Warsaw), 5-2
-- 3rd place match – Lapi lost dec. No. 2 Mike Parise (Brewster), 3-1, fourth-place title.

119-pounds
(Hudson Falls) No. 5 Noah Valastro def. Jon Conklin (UE), 16-2.
Valastro dec. Justin Seim (Hackley), no score.
Valastro dec. No. 4 Tom Page (Eden), 3-2.
Valastro lost by pinfall No. 8 Shane Connolly (Warwick Valley), 5:10.
-- out bracket – lost dec. Oral Allen (Long Beach), 6-4, sixth-place finisher.

125-pounds
(Shenendehowa) No. 3 Max Miller pinned Steve Assano (Wayne), 1:58.
Miller pinned Nick Gallo (Schalmont), 1:26.
Miller dec. No. 6 Pete Grippi (Fox Lane), 9-3.
Miller dec. No. 2 Casey Price (Longwood), 2-1, semifinal.
Miller dec. No. 1 Andy Lyman (Ravena), 2-1, championship.

(Ravena) No. 1 Andy Lyman dec. Spencer Franklin (Sherburne-Earlville), 11-3
Lyman dec. No. 16 Nick Cegelski (Penfield), 3-1.
Lyman dec. No. 8 Maverick Passaro (Eastport), 2-1 (quarterfinal).
Lyman dec. No. 4 Brendan Goldup (LaSalle), 7-3 (semifinal)
Lyman lost dec. to No. 3 Max Miller (Shenendehowa), 2-1, second-place title.

(LaSalle) Brendan Goldup pinned Nick Pesko (Sayville), 2:35.
Goldup pinned Jon Parilla (Middletown), :58.
Goldup dec. Tim McCann (Monsignor Farrell), 5-2.
Goldup pinned No. 5 Jake Sreidnicki (Mahopac), 5:21.
Goldup lost dec. No. 1 Andy Lyman (Ravena), 4-3.
-- out bracket – Goldup dec. Nick Mauriello (Hauppauge), 4-3.
-- out bracket – Goldup pinned No. 5 Jake Sreidnicki (Mahopac), :51, fifth-place finisher.

135-pounds
(LaSalle) No. 5 Jon Clemente pinned Paul Hartnett (Monsignor Farrell), 3:47.
Clemente pinned No. 12 Ken Manson (John Glenn), 3:51.
Clemente lost dec. No. 4 Patrick Hogan (Peru), 3-2.
-- out bracket – Clemente dec. A.J. Rue (Ravena), 11-4.
-- out bracket – Celmente dec. No. 8 Mark Swertfager (John Jay), 2-0.
-- out bracket – Clemente lost No. 3 Lance Compton (Attica), 4-0.
-- out bracket – Clemente dec. Patrick Hogan (Peru), 3-1, fifth-place finisher.

140-pounds
(LaSalle) No. 3 Connor Sutton pinned Mark Rothstein (Edgemont), 4:13.
Sutton pinned Colton McKenny (Middletown), 3:24.
Sutton dec. No. 14 Camilo Rodriguez (Curtis), 8-1.
Sutton lost dec. No. 6 Adam Lepkowsky (Happauge), 4-1.
-- out bracket – Sutton pinned Brett Sauschuck (Port Jervis), 1:52.
-- out bracket – Sutton dec. No. 9 Mark Paccione (Mepham), 8-1.
-- out bracket – Sutton dec. No. 12 Brian Conrad (MacArthur), 2-0.
-- out bracket – Sutton dec. No. 2 Jimmy Carucci (Shenendehowa), 3-1, third-place finisher.

(Shenendehowa) No. 2 Jimmy Carucci dec. Brett Sauschuck (Port Jervis), 1:52.
Carucci dec. No. 15 Dan Dickman (Greene), 10-7.
Carucci dec. No. 7 Mike Caputo (North Rockland), 9-6.
Carucci lost dec. No. 6 Adam Lepkowsky (Happauge), 5-3.
-- out bracket – dec. Joe Francolino (Monsignor Farrell), 3-2.
-- out bracket – Carucci lost dec. No. 3 Connor Sutton (LaSalle), 3-1, fourth-place finisher.

145-pounds
(Hudson Falls) No. 5 Aaron Dudley pinned Jay Frisher (Walkill), 1:49
Dudley pinned No. 12 Dale White (John Jay), 3:29.
Dudley lost. Dec. No. 9 Matt Ross (Rocky Point), 6-5.
-- out bracket – Dudley dec. No. 6 Troy Seymour (Peru), 3-1.
-- out bracket – Dudley pinned No. 10 Julio Gonzalez (Middletown), 2:42.
-- out bracket – Dudley lost dec. No. 3 Nicky Hall (Longwood), 4-1.
-- out bracket – Dudley dec. Matt Ross (Rocky Point), 8-2, fifth-place finisher.

152-pounds
(Watervliet) No. 2 Brian Walsh pinned John Gradson (Middletown), :30.
Walsh dec. Keith Longdon (Penfield), 8-0.
Walsh dec. No. 15 Ryan Bedross (Warwick Valley), 6-3.
Walsh dec. No 10 Ricky Renck (Longwood), 5-2.
Walsh lost dec. No. 6 Vin Grella (Beacon), 13-5.
-- out bracket – lost dec. Frank Affronti (Wayne), 7-2.
-- out bracket – dec. Adam DeJesus (Long Beach), fifth-place finisher.

171-pounds
(Colonie) No. 5 Joe Shell pinned Randy Wilson (Port Jervis), 2:12.
Shell pinned No. 12 Jeff Matrazzo (Burnt Hills), 4:57.
Shell lost dec. No. 4 Zach Zupan (Canastota), 13-6.
-- out bracket – dec. No. 8 Dylan Seybolt (Longwood), 11-6.
-- out bracket – dec. Chanse Menendez (Hauppauge), 8-4.
-- out bracket – lost consolation No. 4 Zach Zupan (Canastota), 5-3, third-place finisher.

(Queensbury) No. 7 Matt Lashway pinned Jared Strong (Glens Falls), 1:03
Lashway dec. No. 10 Tyler Spires (Tioga), 8-0.
Lashway lost dec. No. 2 Chase Mendez, 7-4.
-- out bracket – pinned Dallas Mesick (Duanesburg), 3:42.
-- out bracket – lost dec. No. 6 Sean Prell (Warwick Valley), 9-3.
-- out bracket – lost by pinfall No. 8 Dylan Seybolt (Longwood), 2:56, seventh-place finisher.

189-pounds
(Shenendehowa) No. 3 Tony Fusco tech. fall Wyatt Gilchrist (John Jay), 20-5.
Fusco tech. fall No. 14 Mike Patterson (Farmingham), 22-5.
Fusco dec. No. 6 Joe Cummings (Nyack), 6-5.
Fusco dec. No. 2 Kurt Shear (Greene), 5-3.
Fusco lost dec. No. 4 Joe Giaramita (John Glenn), 3-1, second-place finisher.

(Whitehall) No. 1 Zachary Diekel pinned Robert Reyes (Sayville), 1:36.
Diekel pinned No. 16 Nick Talcott (Tioga), 1:31.
Diekel pinned No. 9 Reggie Williams (Johnson City), 3:47.
Diekel lost dec. No. 4 Joe Giarmita (John Glenn), 3-2.
-- out bracket – dec. No. 6 Joe Cummings (Nyack), 7-2.
-- out bracket – lost dec. No. 11 Joe Gaynor (Pine Bush), 11-8, six-place finisher.

215-pounds
(Duanesburg) No. 1 Nick Gwiazdowski pinned Eugonio Garcia (Framingham), 2:17
Gwiazdowski pinned Bryan Antohoff (Shoreham), 1:48.
Gwiazdowski pinned No. 8 Anthony Paratone (Nanuet), 3:24.
Gwiazdowski pinned No. 4 Lucas Myer (John Jay), 2:57.
Gwiazdowski pinned No. 2 Jake Barnhart (Penfield), 2:45, 215-pound championship.

285-pounds
(Hudson Falls) No. 4 Luke Albrecht pinned Mike Frey (Monroe Woodbury), 1:34.
Albrecht pinned No. 13 Branden Jones (PAL MAC), 1:13.
Albrecht dec. No. 5 Seth Stauble (Kingston), 5-1.
Albrecht lost dec. Kacee Saure (Holly Central), 3-2.
-- out bracket – dec. No. 6 Cole Lampman (Shenendehowa), 3-1.
-- out bracket – dec. Seth Stauble (Kingston), 3-2, third-place finish.

(Shenendehowa) No. 6 Cole Lampman pinned No. 7 Brandon Giminiani (Colonie), 1:01.
Lampman pinned No. 11 Max Kinder (Fordham Prep), 4:51.
Lampman lost dec. No. 3 Malcolm Allen (New Rochelle), 3-2.
-- out bracket – dec. Alberto Biasicucci (Burnt Hills), 3-1.
-- out bracket – pinned. Branden Jones (PAL MAC), :44.
-- out bracket – lost dec. Luke Albrecht (Hudson Falls), 3-1.
-- out bracket – defeated Malcolm Allen (New Rochelle), fifth-place finisher.

Full team results and brackets courtesy of www.matburn.com, follow link below:
Eastern States Classic results

H.S. Track: Locals shine at Molloy Stanner Games this weekend

2011-01-16T21:56:00.000-05:00

Sophomore Boys 1600 Meter Sprint Medley Relay
6	Colonie	4:01.17
29	Colonie	4:23.17

Sophomore Girls 1600 Meter Sprint Medley Relay
18	Schuylerville	5:15.10

Invitational Girls 3000 Meter Run
10	Morgan Wojtusik	10 Albany Academy	10:47.3

Varsity Girls 1000 MeterRun
3	Kaleigh Higgins	11 Niskayuna	03:00.3
17	Rachel Keller	11 Colonie	03:12.2
31	Katie Woodworth	12 Colonie	03:18.7
34	Emily Dewald	9 Niskayuna	03:19.3

Varsity Boys 1000 Meter Run
16	Niall Williams	11 Niskayuna	02:40.5
17	Tyler Bay	12 Archbishop Molloy	02:41.0
19	Jon Holmes	10 Colonie	02:41.1
23	Mike Sherry	12 Colonie	02:42.3
57	Will Kellogg	11 Colonie	02:54.4
67	Dominick Brion	10 Niskayuna	02:56.2
75	Jamey Wagner	Niskayuna	02:58.7

Varsity Girls 1600 Meter Run
8	Samantha Watson	12 Schuylerville	05:27.4
14	Felicia Sciortino	10 Niskayuna	05:32.8
21	Shannon Trant	11 Niskayuna	05:35.0
22	Maggie Hensel	11 Niskayuna	05:35.6
61	Suzie Hanehan	7 Schuylerville	05:58.6

Varsity Boys 1600 Meter Run
9	Marshall Pagano	12 Niskayuna	04:32.7
19	Ethan Hausamann	11 Shaker	04:38.0
47	Tucker Hampson	11 Schuylerville	04:47.9
66	Tommy Hausman	11 Colonie	04:52.6
74	Joey Geurds	12 Colonie	04:54.3
82	Matt Williams	12 Niskayuna	04:57.1

Varsity Girls 300 Meter Dash
1	Kyle Plante	11 Colonie	39.31

Varsity Girls 600 Meter Run

21	Kirsten Kaminski	8 Colonie	01:43.6
26	Kozubal Justine	10 Schuylerville	01:45.5
39	Anka Parzych	10 Niskayuna	01:48.1
73	Nicole Dipiazza	10 Colonie	01:54.9
88	Caroline Burns	11 Niskayuna	01:59.9
106	Victoria Pinto	8 Schuylerville	02:11.0

Varsity Boys 600 Meter Run
1	Giancarlo Sainato	11 Colonie	01:23.0
8	James Fox	12 Colonie	01:25.0
34	Kris Pieper	11 Schuylerville	01:29.4
45	Eric Eoff	Niskayuna	01:30.4

Varsity Boys 4x400 Meter Relay
9	Colonie	3:36.53
19	Schuylerville	3:50.07
23	Colonie	3:52.69

Varsity Girls 4x400 Meter Relay
7	Niskayuna	4:18.43
10	Colonie	4:23.28
23	Schuylerville	4:47.73

Varsity Girls 4x200 Meter Relay
4	Colonie	1:49.41
11	Colonie	1:52.87
16	Niskayuna	1:54.06

Sophomore Girls 55 Meter Dash
15	Alexa Angerami	10 Niskayuna	8.59

Freshmen Boys 55 Meter Dash
7	Rehan Afzal	11 Shaker	7.39
9	Deven Kohler	Shaker	7.49
13	Brandon Ng	9 Colonie	7.57
20	Brian Gunthoro	Shaker	7.66
22	Ryan Daley	9 Colonie	7.69
23	Jack Fallon-Underwood	9 Shaker	7.71
28	Ben Taylor	9 Colonie	7.87

Sophomore Boys 55 Meter Dash
2	Jayson Gayle	10 Colonie	7.03
8	Nick Powers	10 Colonie	7.23
11	Tubokeyi Akangbou	10 Shaker	7.28
11	Austin Drescher	10 Shaker	7.28
15	Tyler Oppolt	Shaker	7.35
16	Nicholas Holloman	10 Colonie	7.37
21	Alex Linder	10 Colonie	7.45
22	Paul Lee	10 Shaker	7.47
26	Ryan Griffer	Shaker	7.55

Varsity Boys 55 Meter Hurdles
6	Kevin Kim	Albany Academy	8.31

Sophomore Boys 55 Meter Hurdles
4	Tubokeyi Akangbou	10 Shaker	8.99

Freshmen	55 meter hurdles
2	Jim-micha David	9 Shaker	10.3
3	Joshua Wygel	12 Shaker	10.75
5	Nasco	Shaker	11.03
7	Rashad Abelumanli	Shaker	11.09
8	Shane Beauchamp	9 Shaker	11.19
12	Max Comer	8 Schuylerville	12.21

Freshmen Girls 55 Meter Hurdles
27	Christina Rotchford	11 Schuylerville	12.3
29	Rainey Cerqua	8 Schuylerville	17.33

Varsity Boys Invitational Shot Put
3	Carlos Mendez	12 Shaker	49-8.5

Varsity Boys Pole Vault
7	Justin Bopp	10 Colonie	8-Dec

Freshmen Boys Pole Vault
4	Jack Fallon-underwood	9 Shaker	10-Aug

Varsity Girls Pole Vault
6	Kara Snyder	9 Colonie	Aug-00

Varsity Girls Long Jump
1	Clarissa Ricks	Academy of the Holy Names	17-6.75
12	Alison Xu	10 Niskayuna	16-3.5
19	Sarah Palmer	12 Schuylerville	15-11
30	Jaimee Walters	11 Colonie	15-6.5
65	Dani Harris	11 Albany Academy	11-Nov

Varsity Girls Long Jump
1	Clarissa Ricks	Academy of the Holy Names	17-6.75

Varsity Boys Triple Jump
3	Franklin Abban	11 Shaker	46-1.5
25	Matt Leonardo	12 Colonie	39-2.5
27	Justice Ramsay	11 Shaker	39-1
31	Patrick Schroeder	12 Colonie	38-9
32	Dahne Duffy	11 Niskayuna	38-6.5
37	Jayson Gayle	10 Colonie	38-1
41	David Haller	11 Shaker	37-8
50	Austin Drescher	10 Shaker	36-3
52	Keegen Rodino	10 Shaker	35-10
57	Brian Guntharp	Shaker	35-5
64	Jim-micha David	9 Shaker	34-6

Varsity Girls Triple Jump
28	Raqu Cunningham	12 Colonie	31-1.5

Varsity Boys Long Jump
3	Franklin Abban	11 Shaker	21-2.5
4	Justice Ramsay	11 Shaker	20-6.5
12	Austin Drescher	10 Shaker	19-3.5
15	Andy Nguyen	Colonie	19-0
22	Chris Lemelin	9 Niskayuna	18-5.5
31	Jeremy Hoffman	11 Colonie	17-9.5
35	Ken Omiya	11 Niskayuna	17-6
42	Dahne Duffy	11 Niskayuna	17-2.5
46	Keegen Rodino	10 Shaker	16-3
47	Jim-micha David	9 Shaker	16-3

Varsity Boys High Jump
11	Sterling Green	10 Shaker	5-9
19	David Haller	11 Shaker	5-6
25	James Wagner	11 Niskayuna	5-6
26	Steven Hanna	11 Niskayuna	5-6

Varsity Girls High Jump
1	Sarah Palmer	12 Schuylerville	5-6
19	Hampson Hailey	9 Schuylerville	4-8
21	Kaleigh Higgins	11 Niskayuna	4-8
30	Elory Smith	10 Albany Academy	4-6

Varsity Boys Shot Put
9	Nick Bernard	10 Colonie	43-8.5

Varsity Boys 4x200 Meter Relay
5	Colonie	1:34.46
14	Colonie	1:37.14

NYSPHSAA boys basketball semifinal and finals tickets on sale

2011-01-16T16:57:00.000-05:00

GLENS FALLS – Tickets for the 34th annual New York State Public High School Athletic Association boys basketball state tournament March 18 to 20 t the Glens Falls Civic Center are on sale.

Tickets can be purchased at the Glens Falls Civic Center box office or by phone at (518) 798-0202, purchased through all Ticketmaster locations, on-line at www.ticketmaster.com or calling 800-745-3000.

Tickets are also on sale at all Price Chopper locations statewide.

Tickets for each session are $10 or an all-sessions ticket is available for $50.

Here is the schedule for the state semifinals and finals:

            Friday, March 18
Class D semifinals    10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
Class C semifinals     1:30 and 5 p.m.
Class B semifinals    6:45 and 8:30 p.m.
           Saturday, March 18
Class A semifinals    9 and 10:45 a.m.
Class AA semifinals    12:30 and 2:15 p.m.
Class D championship    5:30 p.m.
Class C championship    7:15 p.m.
Class B championship    9 p.m.
          Sunday, March 19
Class A championship    1 p.m.
Class AA championship    2:45 p.m.

TWC Sports to broadcast five AHL Phantoms and Devils contests

2011-01-15T19:54:00.001-05:00

Time Warner Cable Sports announced that it would broadcast five Albany Devils and Adirondack Phantom contests over the next tthree months, including two "Time Warner Cup" contests when the Capital Region rivals face each other.

The local cable channel will also be broadcasting the 2011 AHL All-Star Skills Competition and the AHL All-Star Classic on Jan. 31.

Dates announced are:
Sunday, Jan. 16 4 p.m. Adirondack Phantoms at Syracuse Crunch

Sunday, Jan. 30 3 p.m. AHL All‐Star Skills Competition on Ch. 1

Monday, Jan. 31 7 p.m. AHL All‐Star Classic
Friday, Feb. 18 7:30 p.m. Connecticut Whale at Adirondack Phantoms

Saturday, Feb. 19 7 p.m. Albany Devils at Binghamton Senators

Sunday, Feb. 20 4 p.m. Adirondack Phantoms at Albany Devils (Time Warner Cup contest)
Tuesday, March 1 7 p.m. Albany Devils at Binghamton Senators

Sunday, March 13 4 p.m. Syracuse Crunch at Albany Devils

Friday, April 1 7:30 p.m. Albany Devils at Adirondack Phantoms (Time Warner Cup contest)

Siena women's hoops host 11th annual Pink Zone game Feb. 25

2011-01-15T19:16:00.000-05:00

Siena women’s basketball will hold its 11th annual Pink Zone Game presented by M&T Bank on Friday, Feb. 25 when the Saints host Marist at 7 p.m. in the Alumni Recreation Center. Since 2001, Siena has dedicated one home game every season to Breast Cancer Awareness with proceeds going toward Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer (CRAAB!).

Last year’s Pink Zone Game was the most successful one yet, raising a record $15,000 for CRAAB! This year, the Saints hope to continue to grow the event and set a new record, surpassing last year’s total.

“We are excited to celebrate our 11th annual Pink Zone Game,” said head coach Gina Castelli. “This is a great opportunity for the entire Capital District to ‘team up’ and assist us in making this bigger and better than last year. Everyone benefits: CRAAB!, Siena Basketball and the entire community by giving back.”

Siena players will once again wear custom made pink uniforms and all fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game in an attempt to “Pink Out” the ARC.

Prior to the game, a special reception will be held at 5 p.m. for Pink Zone Honorary Committee members. The reception includes food and beverage and a special meet and greet with Siena players and coaches. Cost to join the committee is $50 which includes a ticket to the game, with proceeds benefitting CRAAB!

The first 500 fans through the door will receive a complimentary pink foam paw. CRAAB! will have tables and displays set up around the gym with vital information on the fight against breast cancer and there will also be a silent auction and raffle items.

Immediately preceding tip-off, local breast cancer survivors will be escorted onto the court by members of the team and recognized for their courageous battles.

At halftime, the Patricia Brown Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to three area youths who created bookmarks that promote healthy choices and lifelong habits. The winners of the Kid’s Battle Back contest will receive scholarships to the 2011 Siena Summer Sports Camp of their choice. Youth aged 8-13 may enter by creating a bookmark promoting healthy choices that lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

Additionally, Siena is currently accepting sponsorships from interested companies. Sponsorship levels include the Slam Dunk Sponsorship ($1,000 or more), 3-Pointer Sponsorship ($500) and Lay-up Sponsorship ($250). Additional sponsorship information and forms can be found at http://www.sienasaints.com/pinkzone

Groups of 10 or more who wish to attend the game should contact Marketing Manager and Siena Athletics Pink Zone Coordinator Laura Menty for more details. She can be reached at lmenty@siena.edu or (518) 782-6769 and can also field any additional questions related to the Honorary Committee, Kid’s Battle Back Initiative and sponsorship opportunities.

For more information on the 2011 Pink Zone Game and how you can get involved which includes downloadable forms for the Honorary Committee, Sponsorship information and Kid’s Battle Back Contest, please visit the Official Pink Zone page at http://www.sienasaints.com/pinkzone

-- Courtesy Siena College Athletic Communications Office

Skidmore names Lacey Largeteau women's soccer coach

2011-01-15T18:53:00.000-05:00

Skidmore College has named Lacey Largeteau head women’s soccer coach. Largeteau has been an assistant coach at Williams College for the past three seasons.

“We are thrilled to have Lacey Largeteau join the Skidmore family as she brings with her the experience of achieving the highest standards academically and athletically,” said Gail Cummings-Danson, Skidmore athletics director. “We are proud to have Lacey lead our women’s soccer program. She will be an asset to our women’s soccer team and brings with her a strong background in Division III women’s soccer with a history of contributing to winning programs.”

At Williams, Largeteau worked with all aspects of the nationally ranked program. The Ephs played in NCAA Division III tournaments all three years she was on the staff and won three straight New England Small College Athletic Association championships. The 2008 team advanced to the NCAA Division III semifinals.

“I am beyond thrilled at the opportunity to work with the Thoroughbred women's soccer team,” Largeteau said. “This is a tremendous program with a lot of history and potential to accomplish great things. I cannot thank Gail Cummings-Danson and the athletic department enough for giving me the chance to be a part of the rich soccer tradition here at Skidmore.”

Prior to Williams, Largeteau served as an assistant at the University of the South: Sewanee from 2006-2008.

Largeteau spent a year as a volunteer coach at her alma mater Ithaca College in 2003 where she played from 2001-2004. She earned a B.S.

In addition to her collegiate experience, Largeteau received her NSCAA National Diploma in 2007.

Largeteau earned a B.S. in health and physical education (K-12) from Ithaca College in 2005 and obtained a Master’s degree in exercise and sport science with a concentration in pedagogy from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2006.

By the numbers - Celebrate SABR Day Jan. 29

2011-01-15T18:36:00.000-05:00

If you think you are a baseball fan than you have to be a member of SABR!

The Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) will be gathering at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on January 29 as part of SABR Day.

The organization will host more than 30 events across North America and Europe. SABR Day is a chance for fans to celebrate all things baseball just weeks before pitchers and catchers report. All Hall of Fame members are invited to attend SABR Day events in their area. A complete list of events is available at www.sabr.org.

Locally, the SABR chapter is in Cooperstown, the Cliff Kachline Chapter, will host the gathering at the Hall of Fame beginning at 10 a.m. on Jan. 29. Among the planned activities will be an interactive videoconference with members of the San Francisco chapter, who will be meeting at AT&T Park.

The Society for American Baseball Research is an international, member-driven nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster the research, preservation, and dissemination of the history and record of baseball. SABR has nearly 7,000 members world-wide and was formed in August of 1971 in Cooperstown.

For more information on SABR Day in Cooperstown, visit www.baseballhall.org.

-- Courtesy the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Youth hockey: Clifton Park Bantams takes Pipes Tourney title

2011-01-14T20:29:00.000-05:00

The Clifton Park Youth Hockey Bantam B1 team went undefeated and won its ‘Between the Pipes’ Tournament in early January.

During round robin play, Clifton Park beat two teams from Watertown and one Rochester team to get to the finals where they faced their Northway rival; Adirondack. In the round robin play, Clifton Park’s defense and goal tending were spectacular and only allowed only one goal during the three games.

In the championship game, Clifton Park struck first on a shorthanded goal halfway into the first period , but Adirondack converted the power play to quickly tie the game. The Eagles tallied twice late in the period to go ahead 3-1. The teams traded goals in the second and the score remained 4-2 for much of the period, then Clifton Park’s offense ignited to finish the game with four consecutive goals for an 8-2 final.

Clifton Park skater Liam Cannon had a hat trick (three goals) with Robby West, Lars Pennartz, Tyler Donaldson, Jarrett Pelton, and Ben Robbins each adding a goal. David Mackey played well throughout the tournament allowing a total of only three goals in four games.

Coaches: Head Coach Steve West and Assistant Coach Dan Greene. Back row: Ben Robbins, Lars Pennartz, Adam Mackey, Owen Greene, Philip Poling, Jarrett Pelton, Ryan Smith, Tim Marra. Middle row: Ryan Whimple, Tyler Donaldson, Robby West, Kyle Wlaschin, Liam Cannon, Matt McGarvey, and Chris O’Keefe. Front Row: goalie David Mackey.

Running towards the Millrose Mile

2011-01-14T19:48:00.000-05:00

Shenendehowa’s Lizzie Predmore ran a 5:06.11 mile at the Jan. 13 Millrose Mile qualifier finishing ninth overall. Glastonbury’s Lindsay Crevoiserat won the event in 4:49.53 and is an automatic entry into the Jan. 28 prestigious high school mile event at Madison Square Garden.

In the boys high school qualifying event, Shaker’s Christian Delago was fifth overall with a time of 4:17.68 and teammate Michael Libruk was 14th at 4:23.68.

Warwick Valley’s Tim Luthin punched his ticket to the Millrose Mile with a time of 4:15.37.

H.S. Boys Soccer: Four more years for Middletown's Final Four

2011-01-14T19:17:00.000-05:00

After a successful run of hosting boys soccer finales in Oneonta, the closure of the National Soccer Hall of Fame forced the move of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Final Four was moved downstate to Middletown.

It appears that the move has been well received as the site had it's hosting contract extended another three years, keeping it in Middletown through 2014.

You can read it all in Ken McMillan's story for the Times-Herald Record

NYSSWA Girls Basketball rankings Jan. 9

2011-01-14T19:08:00.000-05:00

In Class AA Shenendehowa remained in the top five at No. 4 followed by Shaker High at No. 10. In Class A Scotia-Glenville leads Section II with a No. 8 ranking while Mohonasen holds on to the No. 13 spot followed by No. 14 Holy Names.

Maple Hills is ranked as the No. 7 team in Class B followed by Cohoes at No. 10 and Watervliet at No. 12. Argyle tops out the top 10 in Class C followed by Voorheesville at No. 11. Canajoharie is in the top 20 with its spot at No. 18.

Three teams from Class D are in the state’s top 20, Fort Ann at No. 4, Hartford at No. 13 and Heatly at No. 18.

- Section II teams are in bold.
-- Listing courtesy of the NYSSWA.

Class AA

1: 12-2 Brooklyn Nazareth-CHSAA
2: 9-2 Murry Bergtraum-PSAL
3: 7-3 Christ The King-CHSAA
4: 7-0 Shenendehowa-2
5: 6-0 Lockport-6
6: 8-0 Jamestown-6
7: 5-0 Sachem East-11
8: 9-2 Mary Louis-CHSAA
9: 7-1 Cicero-North Syracuse-3
10: 8-1 Shaker-2
11: 8-1 Ossining-1
12: 6-0 Monroe-Woodbury-9
13: 8-0 Penfield-5
14: 10-0 Binghamton-4
15: 8-3 South Shore-PSAL
16: 6-0 Northport-11
17: 6-3 St. Peter’s-CHSAA
18: 7-1 Carmel-1
19: 7-1 Irondequoit-5
20: 5-3 Kingston-9
21. 8-1 Baldwin-8
22: 7-1 Warwick-9
23: 8-2 Horseheads-4
24. 8-1 Farmingdale-8
25. 7-2 (tie) Gates Chili-5
25. 4-2 (tie) Utica Proctor-3

Class A

1: 8-0 Grand Island-6
2: 9-0 Pittsford Mendon-5
3: 6-1 Nichols-AIS
4: 10-1 Peekskill-1
5: 8-0 Pearl River-1
6: 8-1 Buffalo Sacred Heart-CHSAA
7: 7-0 Malone-10
8: 8-0 Scotia-Glenville-2
9: 9-0 Albertus Magnus-1
10: 9-0 Elwood John Glenn-11
11: 10-0 Whitesboro-3
12: 7-1 Red Hook-9
13: 6-3 Mohonasen-2
14: 8-1 Holy Names-2
15: 8-0 Rochester East-5
16: 6-3 Harborfields-11
17: 5-2 Marlboro-9
18: 6-1 Tappan Zee-1
19: 9-1 Pioneer-6
20: 5-2 Pittsford Sutherland-5

Class B

1: 9-1 Irvington-1
2: 10-0 Oneonta-4
3: 9-1 Aquinas-5
4: 7-2 Briarcliff-1
5: 8-2 Lancaster St. Mary's-CHSAA
6: 5-0 South Jefferson-3
7: 9-0 Maple Hill-2
8: 6-0 Jordan-Elbridge-3
9: 5-0 Onteora-9
10: 7-2 Cohoes-2
11: 7-2 Center Moriches-11
12: 8-1 Watervliet-2
13: 5-0 Utica Notre Dame-3
14: 8-2 Kings Park-11
15: 8-0 Salmon River-10
16. 6-1 Northeastern Clinton-7
17: 7-2 Elmira Notre Dame-4
18: 8-2 Watkins Glen-4
19. 7-1 Ogdensburg-10
20. 5-1 (tie) Spackenkill-9
20. 7-2 (tie) Cardinal O'Hara-6

Class C

1: 10-0 Gananda-5
2: 9-1 Tioga-4
3: 2-2 Stony Brook-11
4: 8-1 Harpursville-4
5: 6-0 Keshequa-5
6: 8-3 Immaculata-AIS
7: 6-2 Marion-5
8: 9-3 Staten Island Academy-AIS
9: 6-1 Red Jacket-5
10: 6-1 Argyle-2
11: 4-3 Voorheesville-2
12: 6-2 Waterville-3
13: 6-0 Tri-Valley-9
14: 8-2 Bishop Kearney-5
15: 6-3 Haldane-1
16. 6-0 Portville-6
17: 7-2 Madrid-Waddington-10
18: 7-0 Canajoharie-2
19. 5-3 Watertown Immaculate Heart-3
20. 7-0 (tie) Fabius-Pompey-3
20. 8-0 (tie) Moravia-4

Class D

1: 5-0 Coleman Catholic-9
2: 8-0 Batavia Notre Dame-5
3: 8-0 Copenhagen-3
4: 6-1 Fort Ann-2
5: 8-1 Hermon-DeKalb-10
6: 7-0 Hammondsport-5
7: 4-1 Hamilton-3
8: 5-2 New York Mills-3
9: 6-1 South Kortright-4
10: 9-1 Jasper-Troupsburg-5
11: 5-3 Clymer-6
12: 7-1 Davenport-4
13: 6-1 Hartford-2
14: 7-2 Sackets Harbor-3
15: 8-3 Lisbon-10
16: 6-3 Hammond-10
17: 5-1 Jefferson-4
18: 5-2 Heatly-2
19: 8-2 Sherman-6
20: 6-1 Elizabethtown-Lewis-7

NYSSWA Hockey rankings Jan. 9

2011-01-14T18:53:00.000-05:00

The New York State Sportswriter Association ranked two Section II ice hockey teams

in the top 10 of the Division I rankings, Saratoga (10-2-0) at No. 5 and Shenendehowa (6-3-1) at No. 7. Queensbury (9-1-2) is ranked No. 2 in the Division II rankings.
- Rankings courtesy of the NYSSWA.

Division I
1. Suffern-1                  9-0-1
2. Williamsville North-6     10-0-1
3. West Genesee-3             7-2-1
4. Gates Chili-5              8-0-2
5. Saratoga-2                10-2-0
6. Mamaroneck-1               8-3-0
7. Shenendehowa-2             6-3-1
8. Pittsford-5                7-3-2
9. Fairport-5                 7-2-1
10. Massena-10                6-5-0

Division II
1. Cazenovia-3               11-0-0
2. Queensbury-2               9-1-2
3. St. Lawrence-10            7-1-0
4. Salmon River-10            5-2-1
5. Clinton-3                  8-1-0
6. Brockport-5                8-2-1
7. West Seneca East-6         6-0-1
8. Skaneateles-3              5-2-1
9. Pelham-1                   2-6-1
10. (tie) Rye-1               6-1-1
10. (tie) Spencerport-5       6-3-1

NYSSWA Wrestling rankings Jan. 9

2011-01-14T15:26:00.001-05:00

In the January 9 rankings released by the New York State Sportswriters Association,

Shenendehowa remains as the No. 2 school with a perfect dual record of 15-0.

Section II's Queensbury is ranked at No. 8 and Columbia High is currently 12th among

the large schools.

Hudson Falls (16-2) in the highest ranked small school at No. 10 followed by Duanesburg

at No. 14 and Corinth No. 23.

Large school rankings

1.    Shenendehowa-2            15-0  
2.    Longwood-11                6-0  
3.    St. Anthony’s-CHSAA       12-1 
4.    Wantagh-8                 11-1  
5.    Spencerport-5              9-1 
6.    John Glenn-11              6-2 
7.    Brentwood-11              16-3
8.    Queensbury-2              14-0 
9.    Penfield-5                20-1 
10.  Fairport-5                 10-2 
11.  Hauppauge-11                6-1 
12.  Columbia-2                 18-0 
13.  Indian River-3             12-0 
14.  William Floyd-11            8-1 
15.  Pittsford-5                16-1 
16.  Sayville-11                 7-5 
17.  Sachem East-11              4-2 
18.  Mahopac-1                  13-2 
19.  Kings Park-11               3-1 
20.  Minisink Valley-9          16-3 
21.  MacArthur-8                12-5 
22.  Fulton-3                   10-4 
23.  Connetquot-11               4-2 
24.  Fox Lane-1                  7-0 
25.  Brighton-5                  5-0
25.  (tie) Monroe-Woodbury-9    15-3

Small school rankings

1.    Palmyra-Macedon-5          3-0
2.    Fredonia-6                21-0 
3.    Peru-7                    17-1
4.    Bain.-Guilford/Afton-4     4-0
5.    Warsaw-5                  19-2 
6.    Bayport-Blue Point-11     11-1
7.    Greene-4                   7-1 
8.    Phoenix-3                  2-1 
9.    Holley-5                  26-4 
10.   Hudson Falls-2            16-2
11.   Holland Patent-3          18-0 
12.   Beekmantown-7             14-5
13.   General Brown-3           16-3 
14.   Duanesburg-2              10-4 
15.   Midlakes-5                 7-0
16.   Letchworth-5               9-3
17.   Newark Valley-4            6-0
18.   Norwich-4                  4-1 
19.   Canastota-3                6-1
20.   Gouverneur-10              8-4
21.   Royalton-Hartland-6       12-1
22.   Jericho-8                  7-3
23.   Corinth-2                 12-2
24.   Port Jefferson-11          4-3
25.   South Jefferson-3         10-3
25.   (tie) Sandy Creek-3       14-4

Other schools receiving Honorable Mention by section: 
1- Brewster, John Jay Cross River.
2- Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Colonie, Hoosick Falls, Ravena, Salem, 
Tamarac.
3- Adirondack, Beaver River, Central Square, Chittenango, Cicero-
North Syracuse, Hannibal, Illion, Sherburne-Earlville, Vernon-Verona-
Sherrill.
4- Chenango Valley, Chenango Forks, Elmira, Johnson City, Owego, Tioga,
Union-Endicott, Vestal, Waverly, Windsor.
5- Brockport, Canisteo-Greenwood, Rush-Henrietta, South Seneca, Wayne.
6- Clarence, Eden, Iroquois, Kenmore West, Lancaster, Lewiston-Porter, 
Niagara Falls, Niagara-Wheatfield, Royalton-Hartland.
7- Northern Adirondack, Saranac.
8- Carle Place, Levittown Division, East Meadow, Farmingdale, Garden City, 
Island Trees, Levittown, Locust Valley, Long Beach, Massapequa, Oyster Bay, 
Plainedge, Uniondale.
9- Saugerties, Warwick Valley.
10- Massena.
11- Babylon, Center Moriches, East Islip, Eastport-South Manor, Huntington, 
Islip, Mattituk-Greenport, Newfield, Rocky Point, Sachem North, Smithtown 
West, Ward Melville, Westhampton.
CHSAA- Chaminade, Kellenberg, St. Joseph’s Collegiate.

NYSSWA Football Class AA state team All-Stars

2011-01-14T15:06:00.000-05:00

Rush-Henrietta quarterback Ashton Broyld, a 6-foot 3-inch 228-lb senior, was selected as the New York State Sportswriter Association Class AA Player of the Year.
- Section II selections are in bold.
-- Selections are courtesy of the NYSSWA.

First Team Offense

QB    Tyler Heuer    Oceanside-8    6-2    190    Sr.
RB    Jordan Canzeri    Troy-2    5-9    172    Sr.
RB    Jordan Frysinger    Corning-4    6-0    175    Sr.
RB    Sidney Weston    Iona Prep-CHS    5-9    190    Sr.
OE    Devon Cajuste    Holy Cross-CHS    6-4    211    Sr.
OE    Brandon Reddish    Fort Hamilton-PSAL    5-11    182    Sr.
OL    Terrell Brown    Freeport-8    6-2    285    Sr.
OL    Nick Robinson    Baldwinsville-3    6-6    265    Sr.
OL    Josh Skowronski    Monroe-Woodbury-9    5-11    260    Sr.
OL    Ryan Sloan    Bellport-11    6-3    320    Sr.
OL    Marcus Smith    Campus Magnet-PSAL    6-8    350    Sr.
AP    Mike Pellegrino    Connetquot-11    5-9    185    Sr.
PK    Kyle Cazzetta    Minisink Valley-9    5-10    175    Sr.

First Team Defense

DL    Ishaq Williams    Lincoln-PSAL    6-6    230    Sr.
DL    Zach Naja    Smithtown West-11    6-0    200    Jr.
DL    Chris Swanson    Rush-Henrietta-5    6-3    230    Sr.
DL    Donavon Abreu    Campus Magnet-PSAL    5-11    190    Sr.
LB    Jesse Scanna    Sachem North-11    6-0    210    Sr.
LB    Tyler McLees    St. Anthony's-CHS    5-11    225    Sr.
LB    Dominec Principale    Clarence-6    6-5    225    Sr.
LB    Michael Longo    Iona Prep-CHS    6-0    225    Sr.
DB    Jordan Lucas    New Rochelle-1    5-11    171    Sr
DB    Stacey Bedell    William Floyd-11    5-10    165    Jr.
DB    Javonte Mack    Irondequoit-5    5-8    166    Sr.

Second Team Offense

QB    Chad Kelly    St. Joseph's-CHS/6    6-2    205    Jr.
RB    Okoya Anderson    Orchard Park-6    6-0    196    Jr.
RB    Trevor Officer    Monroe-Woodbury-9    5-9    195    Sr.
RB    Tyler Rouse    Baldwinsville-3    5-7    185    So.
OE    Gene Garay    Oceanside-8    5-11    165    Sr.
OE    Alvin Cornelius    Tottenville-PSAL    6-3    180    Jr.
OE    Glenn Gronkowski    Williamsville North-6    6-3    220    Sr.
OL    Jay Yaskanich    Troy-2    6-0    240    Sr.
OL    Tom NeMoyer    Canisius-CHS/6    6-0    240    Sr.
OL    Joshua Koscielniak    Orchard Park-6    6-0    290    Sr.
OL    Matt Biscardi    St. Anthony's-CHS    6-0    280    Jr.
AP    Dale Stewart    Niagara Falls-6    6-0    180    Sr.
PK    Tom O’Riordan    North Rockland-1    5-10    180    Sr.

Second Team Defense

DL    Mikal Myers    Newburgh FA-9    6-3    240    Jr.
DL    Wayne Williams    Lincoln-PSAL    6-6    370    Sr.
DL    Chris Ohnsman    Ballston Spa-2    5-8    200    Sr.
LB    Bubby Manns    New Rochelle-1    5-10    185    Sr.
LB    Michael Andreassi    Sachem North-11    6-0    225    Sr.
LB    Evan Kappatos    Syosset-8    6-0    230    Jr.
LB    Emory Poccia    Irondequoit-5    6-3    214    Sr.
DB    Jhaleel Oswald    Campus Magnet-PSAL    6-0    200    Sr.
DB    Brian Prendergast    Farmingdale-8    5-9    165    Sr.
DB    Nick Hall    St. Joseph's-CHS/6    5-8    179    Sr.
DB    Anthony Bronzo    Fordham Prep-CHS    5-10    175    Sr.

Third Team Offense

QB    Ryan Smith    Guilderland-2    6-2    195    Sr.
QB    Isaiah Barnes    Freeport-8    6-2    170    Jr.
RB    Michael Gelz    Clarence-6    6-0    228    Jr.
RB    Dominic Delucia    Pittsford-5    5-9    200    Jr.
RB    Aaron Morgenstern    Roy C. Ketcham-1    5-11    200    Sr.
OE    Greg Thomson    Christian Bros. Acad.-3    6-4    240    Sr.
OE    Pat Brown    West Genesee-3    5-11    180    Sr.
OL    Michael Arcuri    Clarence-6    6-0    235    Jr.
OL    James Walsh    William Floyd-11    6-2    270    Sr.
OL    Omari Palmer    Longwood-11    6-4    360    Jr.
OL    Matt Moreland    Baldwinsville-3    6-6    295    Sr.
AP    Brandon Griffin    Corning-4    5-7    155    Jr.
PK    Riley Dixon    Christian Bros. Acad.-3    6-4    190    Sr.

Third Team Defense

DL    Kyril Threats    Canisius-CHS/6    6-2    210    Sr.
DL    Johnathon Desir    St. Anthony's-CHS    6-5    300    Sr.
DL    Eric Cooley    Yorktown-1    6-3    245    Jr.
LB    Kyle Geraci    Troy-2    5-11    220    Sr.
LB    Vince Russo    Christian Bros. Acad.-3    6-2    213    Sr.
LB    Tom Joyce    MacArthur-8    5-11    200    Sr.
LB    Willie Jefferson    Riverside-6    5-11    188    Sr.
DB    Tareek Turner    Clarkstown North-1    6-0    165    Sr.
DB    Preshod McCoy    North Babylon-11    5-10    185    Sr.
DB    Travis Eman    Canisius-CHS/6    6-0    190    Sr.
DB    Kevin Hutchinson    East Islip-11    6-0    175    Sr.

Fourth Team Offense

QB    Ryan Spelman    Monroe-Woodbury-9    6-2    205    Jr.
QB    Charlie Raffa    St. Anthony's-CHS    5-11    190    Sr.
RB    Bronson Greene    Shenendehowa-2    6-0    185    Sr.
RB    Dan Montesanti    North Tonawanda-6    6-0    180    Sr.
RB    Dan Olivier    Freeport-8    6-0    215    Sr.
OE    Devon Maio    Rush-Henrietta-5    5-10    175    Sr.
OE    Jeff Williams    Freeport-8    6-2    195    Sr.
OL    Golden Ukonu    North Babylon-11    6-3    365    Sr.
OL    C. Knighton-Ward    Freeport-8    6-0    275    Sr.
OL    Stacy Long    East-5    5-9    247    Sr.
OL    Bruce Johnson    Gates-Chili-5    6-3    265    Sr.
AP    Wilbert Lee    Boys & Girls-PSAL    6-3    215    Sr.
PK    Eric Tyra    Jamestown-6    6-0    190    Sr.

Fourth Team Defense

DL    Brent Strickland    Fayetteville-Manlius-3    6-3    223    Sr.
DL    Anthony Tavarone    William Floyd-11    5-11    290    Sr.
DL    Bryan Rhodes    St. Anthony's-CHS    6-3    230    Jr.
DL    Pierre Salomon    Monroe-Woodbury-9    6-2    230    Sr.
LB    Dominic Bargnesi    St. Joseph's-CHS/6    5-10    200    Sr.
LB    Devin Wofford    Rush-Henrietta-5    5-9    173    Sr.
LB    Victor DiFusco    Mahopac-1    6-0    218    Sr.
LB    Stanley Desir    New Rochelle-1    5-8    195    Sr.
DB    Briele Caples    Irondequoit-5    6-0    173    Sr.
DB    T.J. Foley    Mahopac-1    6-0    185    Sr
DB    Dante Johnson    Bellport-11    6-3    190    Sr.

Fifth Team Offense

QB    Kyle Bayly    Niskayuna-2    6-3    180    Sr.
QB    Zach Lauricella    Clarence-6    5-10    200    Sr
RB    Kevin Wahl    Farmingdale-8    5-10    185    Sr.
RB    Shatiek Lewis    Troy-2    5-8    183    Sr.
RB    Mercer Timmis    Canisius-CHS/6    6-2    200    Jr.
OE    Walkery Mills    Proctor-3    6-2    170    Sr.
OE    Zach Perez    Monroe-Woodbury-9    5-10    170    Sr.
OE    Tino Yevchenitz    Binghamton-4    5-7    165    Sr.
OL    Pelham McClellan    Corning-4    6-0    240    Sr.
OL    Andrew Alvira    Bishop Timon-CHS/6    5-10    225    Sr.
OL    Phil Stark    Clarkstown South-1    6-2    225    Sr.
AP    Travis Houpe    Bellport-11    5-5    180    Sr.
PK    Brandon Diorio    Union-Endicott-4    5-8    165    Jr.

Fifth Team Defense

DL    James Cushman    St. Francis-CHS/6    6-0    195    Sr.
DL    Kameron Tedder    Iona Prep-CHS    6-3    210    Sr.
DL    Gavin Maher    North Rockland-1    6-3    230    Sr.
DL    Louis Calcaterra    Tottenville-PSAL    5-9    200    Sr.
DL    Mark Guarino-Hyde    Webster Schroeder-5    6-0    262    Jr.
LB    Dujuan Heath    Lincoln-PSAL    6-3    210    Sr.
LB    Reggie Robinson    West Babylon-11    6-0    245    Jr.
DB    Trenell Boggans    Corcoran-3    5-11    165    Sr.
DB    Danny Howard    McQuaid-5    6-0    185    Sr.
DB    Matt Casella    Fordham Prep-CHS    5-11    175    Sr.
DB    Mike Burton    Bellport-11    6-0    195    Sr.

Sixth Team Offense

QB    Brandon Barnes    Tottenville-PSAL    6-0    185    So.
QB    Tyler Hamblin    Christian Bros. Acad.-3    6-4    215    Sr
RB    Shevron Bathelmy    Newfield-11    5-10    185    Sr.
RB    Wavell Wint    Campus Magnet-PSAL    5-7    175    Sr.
RB    Gil Mendoza    Tottenville-PSAL    5-10    200    Sr.
OE    Marcus McGill    Gates-Chili-5    6-2    200    Jr.
OE    Bryan Kensil    St. Anthony's-CHS    6-5    195    Sr.
OE    Nick Schuler    Niskayuna-2    6-0    210    Sr.
OL    Deondre Smith    Corcoran-3    6-3    330    Sr.
OL    James Thompson    Sachem North-11    6-0    240    Sr.
OL    Dustin Maguire    Guilderland-2    6-0    295    Sr.
AP    Richard Pete    Proctor-3    6-0    175    Sr.
PK    Jon Martin    Bethlehem-2    6-3    165    Jr.

Sixth Team Defense

DL    Brian Warager    White Plains-1    6-3    250    Sr.
DL    Anthony Caldararo    New Rochelle-1    6-3    200    Sr.
DL    Victor Ochi    Valley Stream Cent.-8    6-2    225    Sr.
DL    Deron Washington    Riverside-6    6-2    220    Sr..
LB    Ron Denig    Newfield-11    5-11    195    Jr.
LB    Chris Hicks    Henninger-3    6-0    180    So.
LB    Justin Liberta    Frontier-6    6-0    200    Sr.
DB    Bruce Parker    Mt. St. Michael-CHS    5-9    145    Jr.
DB    Dalton Crossan    Sachem North-11    5-8    185    Jr.
DB    Paul Leavell    Orchard Park-6    5-10    185    Sr.
DB    Michael Richardson    West Babylon-11    6-0    165    Jr.

NYSSWA Football Class A state team All-Stars

2011-01-14T14:05:00.000-05:00

Section V's Mike Messina a 5-foot 8-inch 175 lb. senior and Tyrell Goodman from Archbishop Stepinac's Catholic High School, a 6-foot 2-inch 207 lb. senior quarterback have been chosen by the New York State Sportswriters Association as Co-Players of the Year for Class A.
Section II selections are in bold.
-- Selection list courtesy of the NYSSWA below:

First Team Offense

QB    Joe Licata    Williamsville South-6    6-2    215    Sr.
RB    Tevion Cappe    Watertown-3    5-10    195    Sr.
RB    Ralph Neasman    Sweet Home-6    5-10    165    Sr.
RB    Steve Almond    Whitesboro-3    5-9    170    Jr.
OE    Chris Bostick    Aquinas-5    5-11    180    Sr.
OE    Phil Stasiak    Williamsville South-6    6-2    185    Sr.
OL    Maxim Ngolla    Nyack-1    6-2    290    Sr.
OL    James Wright    Garden City-8    6-3    235    Sr.
OL    Todd Therrien    Williamsville East-6    6-0    265    Sr.
OL    Joe Magardino    Horace Greeley-1    6-0    245    Sr.
OL    Duke Alvora    Harrison-1    6-0    240    Sr.
AP    Mike Sullivan    Whitesboro-3    5-10    175    Sr.
PK    Ryan Norton    Garden City-8    5-10    160    Jr.

First Team Defense

DL    Donnie Simmons    Arch. Stepinac-CHS    6-3    235    Sr.
DL    Jarron Jones    Aquinas-5    6-7    305    Jr.
DL    Mikal Coleman    Sweet Home-6    5-10    246    Sr.
DL    Mike Kozlakowski    Lynbrook-8    6-3    235    Sr.
LB    Faton Bauta    Poly Prep-AIS    6-3    220    Jr.
LB    Stephen Jahelka    Garden City-8    6-0    205    Sr.
LB    Dylan Wydronkowski    Burnt Hills-BL-2    5-11    215    Jr.
LB    Tanner Knox    Harrison-1    5-8    215    Sr.
DB    Kyle Luchey    Sweet Home-6    5-11    170    Sr.
DB    Thomas DiCarlo    Eastchester-1    6-0    200    Sr.
DB    Evan Nusbaum    Burnt Hills-BL 2    6-0    175    Sr.

Second Team Offense

QB    Ryan Rielly    John Glenn-11    6-0    175    Sr.
RB    Donald Davis    Nyack-1    5-11    220    Sr.
RB    Travis Lock    Lynbrook-8    5-11    175    Sr.
RB    Derelle Hunter    St. John Baptist-CHS    5-9    190    Sr.
OE    Colin Cooper    Geneva-5    6-3    230    Sr.
OE    Joe White    Cornwall-9    6-0    180    Sr.
OE    Abraham Ocasio    Cardinal Hayes-CHS    6-2    180    Sr.
OL    Kyle Kolodinsky    Seaford-8    6-3    255    Sr.
OL    Joe DeLuca    Sayville-11    6-2    250    Sr.
OL    Jon Kunz    Watertown-3    6-3    300    Jr.
OL    Adam Rohl    Wallkill-9    6-5    270    Sr.
AP    Justin Ciero    Horace Greeley-1    6-0    200    Jr.
PK    Pat Toole    Wallkill-9    5-10    160    Sr.

Second Team Defense

DL    Niv Sultan    Hewlett-8    6-4    255    Sr.
DL    Tyre Coleman    Poughkeepsie-1    6-0    239    Sr.
DL    Chris Hercules    Lawrence-8    6-0    220    Jr.
DL    R.J. Zbikowski    Mount Sinai-11    6-3    245    Sr.
LB    Lucas Myer    John Jay (CR)-1    6-0    215    Sr.
LB    John Daddino    Carey-8    6-0    215    Sr.
LB    Marc Pettrone    Aquinas-5    5-10    195    Jr.
LB    T.J. Barnaba    Whitesboro-3    6-0    225    Sr.
DB    Steve Ricciardi    Harrison-1    6-0    190    Sr.
DB    Joe Ortiz    Wallkill-9    5-10    155    Sr.
DB    Anthony Fogarty    Lansingburgh-2    5-9    205    Sr.

Third Team Offense

QB    Terrell Hunt    Christ the King-CHS    6-4    190    Sr.
RB    Thad Zaparzynski    Vestal-4    5-11    175    Sr.
RB    Derrick Peters    Canandaigua-5    6-2    215    Jr.
RB    Isayah Mueller    Harry Truman-PSAL    5-9    160    Sr.
RB    Ryan Fredericks    Lawrence-8    5-8    185    Sr.
OE    Nick Wagner    John Glenn-11    5-10    175    Jr.
OE    Jordan Shay    Southside-4    6-0    165    Sr.
OL    Sean Spath    Bishop Maginn-2    5-7    210    Jr.
OL    Nick Crocetto    Burnt Hills-BL-2    6-3    250    Jr.
OL    Shaun Rogers    Grand Island-6    6-0    210    Sr.
OL    Derrek Dalton    Indian River-3    6-0    228    Jr.
AP    Jordan Johnson    Sweet Home-6    5-11    191    Jr.

Third Team Defense

DL    Austin Taps    Arch. Stepinac-CHS    6-4    225    Jr.
DL    Brian Pickup    Rye-1    6-2    220    Sr.
DL    Anthony Sanders    McKinley-6    6-3    295    Sr.
DL    Jimmy Wagner    Victor-5    6-2    260    Sr.
LB    Trevon Toney    Huntington-11    6-2    220    Jr.
LB    Corey Smith    McKinley-6    6-0    190    Sr.
LB    Brian Byrnes    Arch. Stepinac-CHS    6-0    185    Sr.
LB    Alex Garvira    Islip-11    5-11    190    Sr.
DB    Terrell Brown    Elmira FA-4    5-10    178    Sr.
DB    James Gragnano    Cornwall-9    6-0    175    Sr.
DB    Alex Acompora    Harrison-1    5-10    160    Sr.

Fourth Team Offense

QB    Hime Rraci    John Jay (CR)-1    6-0    170    Sr.
QB    Eric Wellmon    Wallkill-9    5-7    165    Jr.
RB    Tyler Robinson    Starpoint-6    5-9    185    Sr.
RB    Caleb Gilligan-Evans    Arch. Stepinac-CHS    6-0    240    Jr.
RB    Justin Buckley    Seaford-8    5-7    175    Sr.
OE    Dujuan Rutledge    McKinley-6    6-0    175    Sr.
OE    Bob Campese    E.Syracuse-Minoa-3    6-0    160    Jr.
OL    Dominick Guglielmo    Glens Falls-2    6-3    330    Sr.
OL    Phil Guard    Geneva-5    6-0    260    Sr.
OL    Cameron Buglione    Vestal-4    6-4    210    Sr.
OL    Omar Hunter    Christ the King-CHS    6-0    255    Sr.
AP    Jahmahl Pardner    Aquinas-5    5-11    170    Sr.

Fourth Team Defense

DL    Bob Blodgett    Honeoye Falls-Lima-5    6-6    310    Sr.
DL    David Moore    Elmira FA-4    6-5    253    Sr.
DL    Jahsiem Davis    Wallkill-9    5-8    160    Jr.
DL    Clifton Spigner    Harry Truman-PSAL            Sr.
LB    Rob Zorn    Carey-8    5-10    175    Jr.
LB    Anthony Lombardo    Somers-1    6-2    210    Sr.
LB    Marquis Artis    Amherst-6    6-0    180    Sr.
DB    Jordan Greene    South Glens Falls-2    6-5    205    Sr.
DB    Cameron Tucker    Lafayette-6    6-3    185    Sr.
DB    Kevin O'Connell    Williamsville South-6    6-4    200    Sr.
DB    Cory McNamara    Wayne-5    5-9    160    Jr.

Fifth Team Offense

QB    Patrick Burrello    Beach Channel-PSAL    5-11    185    Sr.
QB    Keaton Flint    Burnt Hills-BL-2    5-10    170    Sr.
RB    Zac Linsky    Potsdam-10    5-10    165    Sr.
RB    Donald Thomas    Cardinal Hayes-CHS    5-9    170    Sr.
RB    Brandon Beatty    Burnt Hills-BL 2    6-0    190    Sr.
RB    Tyree Smallwood    Cornwall-9    6-0    190    Sr.
OE    Nick Kellner    Grand Island-6    6-0    175    Sr.
OE    Nick Smith    Maine-Endwell-4    6-2    190    Sr.
OL    T.J. Scammura    Williamsville South-6    5-9    235    Jr.
OL    Luke Zaporowski    Iroquois-6    6-0    220    Sr.
OL    Ryan Pearce    Poly Prep-AIS    6-4    260    Sr.
AP    Arbely Soto    South Bronx-PSAL    5-8    152    Jr.

Fifth Team Defense

DL    Jake Wray    Starpoint-6    6-3    235    Sr.
DL    Al Page    Columbus-PSAL    6-2    295    St.
DL    Korab Muriqi    Roosevelt-1    6-3    270    Sr.
LB    Joe Britton    Greece Arcardia-5    6-0    185    Sr.
LB    Jake Luce    Lansingburgh-2    6-0    215    Sr.
LB    Branden Oliveras    John Adams-PSAL    6-0    200    Sr.
DB    Jeff McDuffie    E. Syracuse-Minoa-3    5-10    165    So.
DB    Tim Oaks    Sweet Home-6    5-11    165    Sr.
DB    Conor Prunty    Lakeland-1    6-2    195    Sr.
DB    Jeff Clack    Arch. Stepinac-CHS    5-9    172    Sr.
DB    Mike Siejak    Iroquois-6    5-10    165    Sr.

NYSSWA Football Class B state team All-Stars

2011-01-14T13:39:00.000-05:00

Section V senior running back/linebacker Sam Stonerock, 5-foot 10-inches and 180 pound back, has been selected by the New York State Sportswriters Association as the Class B Player of the Year.
Section II selections are highlighted in bold.
-- The below list is courtesy of the New York State Sportswriters Association.

First Team Offense

QB Dom Scavo Hornell-5 6-3 210 Jr.

RB Zay Richardson Albany Academy-2 5-8 165 Sr.

RB Donte Colter Roosevelt-8 5-11 190 Sr.

RB Dakota Peel Alden-6 5-10 170 Sr.

OE Tyler Curtis Vernon-Ver.-Sher.-3 6-0 170 Sr.

OE Brendan Connolly Edgemont-1 6-3 190 Sr.
OE Anthony Emmanuele Depew-6 6-0 190 Sr.

OL Dylan Anna Pioneer-6 6-0 225 Sr.

OL Tom Toole Cazenovia-3 6-4 250 Sr.

OL Luke Albrecht Hudson Falls-2 6-2 255 Sr.

OL Kyle Roberts New Paltz-9 6-0 300 Sr.

AP Matt Tralli Croton-Harmon-1 5-10 170 Sr.

PK Sean Seefeldt Newfane-6 6-0 175 Jr.

First Team Defense

DL Spencer Wallach Chenango Valley-4 6-3 250 Sr.

DL Joe Felicia Marcellus-3 6-5 250 Sr.

DL Dalton LaTulipe Schalmont-2 6-0 240 Sr.

DL Mike Kasprzak Depew-6 6-3 270 Sr.

LB John Brezovsky Nanuet-1 6-0 185 Sr.

LB Jacob Price Johnson City-4 5-11 190 Sr.

LB Victor Peoples Burgard-6 6-0 210 Sr.

LB Noah Shepard Cazenovia-3 5-10 170 Sr.

DB Christian Smith Lackawanna-6 5-10 165 Sr.

DB Brad Clark Attica-5 5-8 155 Sr.

DB Dakota Drake Hudson Falls-2 5-9 170 Sr.

Second Team Offense

QB Tyler Stoldt Alden-6 6-2 180 Sr.

QB Jeff Hopsicker Cazenovia-3 5-11 185 Sr.

RB Jimmy Ryan Our Lady of Lourdes-1 5-8 165 Sr.

RB Jaren Ramundo Schalmont-2 6-0 205 Sr.
RB Robert Davis Card. O'Hara-CHS/6 6-0 182 Sr.

RB Joseph Henry Petrides-PSAL 5-8 180 Jr.

OE Troy Robinson Johnson City-4 5-11 170 Sr.

OE Shamari Cheney Burgard-6 5-11 170 Sr.

OL Mike Schiavi Lackawanna-6 5-10 260 Sr.

OL A.J. Wolf Hackley-AIS 6-4 240 Jr.

OL Nick TenEyck Ogdensburg FA.-10 6-4 264 Sr.

AP Stephen Loudon Babylon-11 6-2 210 Sr.

Second Team Defense

DL Alex Walczak Cheektowaga-6 6-0 235 Sr.

DL Liam Ryan Cazenovia-3 6-0 240 Sr.

DL Cody Menge Broadalbin-Perth-2 6-0 278 Sr.

LB Clifton Myles Lackawanna-6 6-0 195 Sr.

LB Zach Wiley Marcellus-3 5-11 205 Sr.

LB Nick Carroll Bath-5 5-11 190 Sr.

LB Josh Wiechelt Depew-6 6-0 220 Sr.

LB Ben Cary Marlboro-9 5-10 185 Sr.

DB Kyle Zittel Eden-6 6-0 170 Sr.

DB Corey Watts Ravena-Coey.-Selk.-2 5-8 174 Sr.

DB Jordan Schwartz Hornell-5 6-2 200 Sr.

Third Team Offense

QB Jared Morrow Ogdensburg FA-10 6-0 180 Sr.

QB Joseph Hoffman Edgemont-1 6-0 185 Sr.

RB Matt DeBiase Westlake-1 5-10 180 Sr.

RB Niiel Walls Adlai Stevenson-PSAL 5-10 180 Sr.

RB Ricky Alfreds Marcellus-3 5-9 190 Sr.

RB Vinnie Bomasuto Dunkirk-6 5-11 175 Sr.

OE Nate Kleinman Fieldston-AIS 5-9 175 Sr.

OE Nathan Nigolian Westhill-3 6-3 185 Sr.

OL John Brennan Croton-Harmon-1 6-2 215 Jr.

OL Devin Clark Ravena-Coey.-Selk.-2 6-0 230 Sr.

OL Josh Scalpia Hornell-5 6-0 255 Sr.

AP Alberto Beltran Schalmont-2 5-9 190 Sr.

Third Team Defense

DL James Merritt Owego-4 6-0 265 Jr.

DL John Schmitt New Paltz-9 6-6 249 Sr.

DL Jackson Frauel E. Roch./Gananda-5 5-10 240 Sr.

LB Mike Berkowitz Albany Academy-2 6-5 215 Sr.

LB Manny Johnson McKee/SI Tech-PSAL 6-0 195 Jr.

LB Tony Lock Pioneer-6 5-11 190 Jr.

LB J.J. Murphy Schalmont-2 5-8 180 Sr.

LB Matt Landis Pelham-1 5-10 190 Jr.

DB Adam Greene Chenango Valley-4 5-8 135 Jr.

DB Cody Kelso East Aurora-6 5-11 170 Sr.

DB Jesse Mainiero Croton-Harmon-1 5-10 185 Jr.

Fourth Team Offense

QB Tyler Mautner Vernon-Ver.-Sher.-3 6-0 195 Sr.

QB Darren Sanders Burgard-6 6-0 175 Sr.

RB Matt Benedict Nichols-CHS/6 6-0 180 Sr.

RB Mike Forte Highland-9 5-10 165 Sr.

RB Sam Stern Rye Country Day-AIS 5-6 155 Jr.

RB Johnny Greacen Cazenovia-3 5-10 195 Sr.

OE Chaz Hayes Marcellus-3 6-2 185 Sr.

OE Conor Mahoney Chenango Valley-4 5-11 155 Sr.

OL Nick Foss Alden-6 5-10 240 Sr.

OL Erik Baker Midlakes-5 5-9 200 Sr.

OL Tyler Shaw Eden-6 6-3 240 Sr.

AP Jahleel Fenelon Lafayette-PSAL 5-11 180 Sr.

Fourth Team Defense

DL Pete Manos Pelham-1 6-2 205 Sr.

DL Mike Paparian Albany Academy-2 6-4 250 Sr.

DL Trevor Hoffman Norwich-4 6-0 195 Sr.

LB Brandon Lyles Card. O'Hara-CHS/6 5-11 185 Sr.

LB Jake Keller Livonia-5 6-0 210 Sr.

LB Nick Calcagni Westlake-1 5-11 175 Sr.

LB Bryce Wooden Oneonta-4 6-2 196 Jr.

LB Noah Gitta Kennedy Catholic-1 5-9 198 Sr.

DB Tayron Bryant Hudson-2 5-11 150 Sr.

DB Andrew Miller Rye Country Day-AIS 5-8 170 Jr.

DB Dylan Everleth Saranac-7 6-0 170 Sr

NYSSWA Class C Football All-Stars

2011-01-14T11:02:00.000-05:00

Bronxville lineman Stephen Shoemaker from Section I, the 6-foot 2-inch, 300-pound senior lineman was selected as the New York State Sportwriters Association Class C Player of the Year. Section II representatives are listed below in bold.
- List courtesy of NYSSWA

First Team Offense

QB Dylan Umbra Sidney-4 6-2 205 Sr.
RB Josh Keyes Chatham-2 6-0 195 Sr.
RB John Mistretta Southwestern-6 5-8 205 Sr.
RB Christian Conway Bronxville-1 5-10 200 Jr.
OE Tyler Buckley Fredonia-6 5-8 165 Sr.
OE Josh Wilce Sidney-4 6-2 210 Sr.
OE Devin Tyler General Brown-3 6-4 220 Sr.
OL Kieran Borcich Bronxville-1 6-5 272 Sr.
OL Jake DuBois Chenango Forks-4 5-11 222 Sr.
OL David Evans Sauquoit Valley-3 6-3 265 Sr.
OL Joe Patrick Westmoreland-3 6-3 240 Sr.
PK Aidan Little Millbrook-9 6-0 170 Sr.
AP Jake Swan Southwestern-6 5-10 160 Jr.

First Team Defense

DL Nick Cobb General Brown-3 5-10 210 Sr.
DL Greg Burroughs Fredonia-6 6-0 185 Sr.
DL Pat Langworthy Southwestern-6 5-9 230 Sr.
DL Henry Palermo Bronxville-1 6-5 290 Sr.
LB Quentin Gause Bishop Kearney-5 6-2 210 Sr.
LB Jon Treen Ilion-3 5-11 188 Sr.
LB David Woolley Letchworth-5 6-0 175 Sr.
LB Jordan Sherlock Fredonia-6 6-0 210 Sr.
DB Dillon Mitchell Bronxville-1 6-0 185 Sr.
DB Shane Smith Fredonia-6 5-10 176 Sr.
DB Ryan Owens Letchworth-5 6-4 180 Jr.

Second Team Offense

QB Mike Brewster Hoosick Falls-2 6-0 180 Sr.
QB Jimmy Rauh Southwestern-6 5-9 170 Sr.
RB Jim Miller Chenango Forks-4 5-7 180 Sr.
RB James Magee Pawling-1 Sr.
RB Jimmy Ross Millbrook-9 5-7 165 Sr.
OE Ryan McFee Greenwich-2 6-3 215 Sr.
OE Ian McGrath Chatham-2 5-11 180 Sr.
OE Chris Davis Bishop Ludden-3 6-3 240 Sr.
OL Zach Nykula Fredonia-6 5-10 205 Sr.
OL Elliot Bartsch Bronxville-1 6-3 255 Sr.
OL Jake Currie Southwestern-6 6-0 240 Sr.
PK Ryan Grunseich Bronxville-1 6-3 201 Sr.
AP Alex Ippolito Fredonia-6 5-8 170 Sr.

Second Team Defense

DL Ali Marpet Hastings-1 6-3 250 Sr.
DL Erick Mulready Hoosick Falls-2 6-0 215 Sr.
DL Josh Rose Millbrook-9 6-0 260 Sr.
LB David Tapia Southwestern-6 5-9 180 Sr.
LB Kyle Scordo General Brown-3 5-8 160 Sr.
LB Chris Nevinger Letchworth-5 5-7 160 Jr.
LB Jackson Conway Bronxville-1 5-10 200 Jr.
LB Nick LaLone Cato-Meridian-3 5-11 180 Sr.
DB Chris Holland Grover Cleveland-6 6-0 191 Sr.
DB Tanner Williams Hoosick Falls-2 5-9 165 Jr.
DB Joe Burr Elba/Byron-Bergen-5 5-6 145 Sr.

Third Team Offense

QB Tanner Niles Chatham-2 6-0 205 Sr.
QB Chad Barhydt Holley-5 6-4 200 Sr.
RB Mike Castellano East Rockaway-8 6-0 170 Sr.
RB D.J. Harris Wayland-Cohocton-5 5-8 155 Sr.
RB Ben Haas Salamanca-6 5-10 175 Jr.
OE James Currier Voorheesville-2 6-0 190 Sr.
OE Jon Penna Holley-5 6-2 180 Sr.
OE Andy Kozak Sidney-4 5-9 160 Sr.
OL Cole Siver General Brown-3 6-3 230 Sr.
OL Erik Rhinehart Chenango Forks-4 6-0 260 Sr.
OL Doug Draude East Rockaway-8 6-3 295 Sr.
PK Forrest Morgan Saranac Lake-7 5-11 205 Sr.

Third Team Defense

DL Kadeem Hillman Grover Cleveland-6 6-4 270 Sr.
DL Brian Fortune Saranac Lake-7 6-2 224 Sr.
LB Luke Nethaway Fonda-Fultonville-2 6-3 210 Sr.
LB Ikeem Lyons Grover Cleveland-6 6-0 240 Jr.
LB Darien Bica Dobbs Ferry-1 5-10 170 Jr.
LB Peter DiMilia Tri-Valley-9 6-0 175 Sr.
LB Mark McNeilly Burke Catholic-9 5-11 190 Sr.
LB Zach Zupan Canastota-3 5-10 180 So.
DB Derek Foster Chenango Forks-4 5-9 165 Sr.
DB Austin McDonough Saranac Lake-7 6-1 160 Sr.
DB Casey LaNave Chenango Forks-4 5-8 145 Sr.

NYSSWA Class D Football All-Stars

2011-01-14T10:52:00.000-05:00

Tuckahoe senior running back Jarett Sommer, 5-foot 8-inch 175 pound runner was named as the New York State Sportswriters Association Class D Player of the Year. Section II selections are in bold.
-- The following complete list courtesy of the NYSSWA

QB Gimmie Wilson DeSales-5 5-10 175 Jr.
RB Zach Williams Silver Creek-6 6-0 180 Sr.
RB Christian Howe Walton-4 6-0 173 Sr.
RB Steve Kenny Chautauqua Lake-6 6-3 210 Sr.
RB Dylan Peebles South Lewis-3 6-2 195 Sr.
OE Fred Russ New York Mills-3 6-4 245 Sr.
OE Gage Milliman Maple Grove-6 6-4 180 Sr.
OL Ben Fluent Randolph-6 6-2 220 Sr.
OL Kevin Chen Tuckahoe-1 5-10 240 Sr.
OL Matt Riggi Caledonia-Mumford-5 6-4 250 Sr.
OL Brandon Stoddard Moriah-7 6-3 300 Sr.
AP Matt Best Cambridge-2 5-10 190 Sr.
P/PK Jon Fisher Oakfield-Alabama-5 6-2 215 Sr.

First Team Defense
DL Sam Wright Groton-4 6-0 215 Sr.
DL Trevor Haut Caledonia-Mumford-5 6-2 195 Sr.
DL Jonathan Jubilee Tuckahoe-1 6-4 240 Sr.
LB Rich Welch Avon-5 5-8 175 Sr.
LB Nick Gilbo Moriah-7 6-0 250 Sr.
LB Jack Fletcher Delhi-4 5-11 210 Sr.
LB Cam Baker Chautauqua Lake-6 6-0 180 Sr.
DB Kyle Luce Randolph-6 5-8 145 Sr.
DB Jon Cappetelli Caledonia-Mumford-5 5-6 165 Jr.
DB Jordan Saxton Maple Grove-6 5-10 175 Sr.
DB John Fasano Clyde-Savannah-5 5-8 156 Sr.

Second Team Offense
QB Colt Lowe Portville-6 5-8 150 Jr.
RB Brent Robbins Randolph-6 5-9 180 Jr.
RB Dakota Vandermark Bainbridge-Guilford-4 5-9 160 Sr.
RB Chris Persons Sherman/Ripley-6 6-2 180 Sr.
OE Jermaine Adams Onondaga-3 5-10 177 Sr.
OE Jesse Lybert Cambridge-2 6-0 155 Sr.
OE Evan Buckingham Beaver River-3 6-0 175 Sr.
OL Tim Babcock Sandy Creek-3 6-3 319 Sr.
OL Clark Gregory Frewsburg-6 6-3 245 Sr.
OL Bill Englehardt Cambridge-2 6-2 245 Sr.
OL Dustin DiJulio Walton-4 6-3 271 Jr.
AP James Ognibene Chester-9 5-9 160 Sr.

Second Team Defense
DL Jason Brown Rensselaer-2 5-10 235 Sr.
DL Dan Whiteside Caledonia-Mumford-5 6-2 215 Sr.
DL Jack Neuschaefer Chester-9 6-0 220 Sr.
DL Matt Munson Clyde-Savannah-5 5-11 253 Sr.
LB Chad Rose Candor-4 6-0 215 Sr.
LB Frank Sterlace Silver Creek-6 5-10 170 Sr.
LB Jordan Spehar Portville-6 6-0 210 Sr.
LB Billy Holden Bainbridge-Guilford-4 6-2 230 Jr.
DB Andrew Lanphere Silver Creek-6 5-9 165 Jr.
DB Nick Shiels Walton-4 5-10 141 Jr.
DB Alex Snyder Dolgeville-3 5-10 148 Sr.

Third Team Offense
QB James Stanton Avon-5 5-11 160 Sr.
RB Mason Burch Randolph-6 5-9 165 Jr.
RB Gary Jennings Tuckahoe-1 6-0 215 Sr.
RB Josh Hoagland Whitehall-2 5-1 185 So.
RB Mike Pratt Notre Dame-5 5-9 190 Sr.
OE Andrew Tripicco Seton Catholic-4 6-2 200 Sr.
OE Tyler Hixson Red Jacket-5 6-3 225 Sr.
OE Brandon Fuentes Avon-5 5-8 162 Jr.
OL Micah Scobie Delhi-4 6-0 230 Jr.
OL Sergio Camacho Moriah-7 5-5 215 Sr.
OL Mike Thomas Delhi-4 5-8 235 Sr.

Third Team Defense
DL Matt Tiss Onondaga-3 5-8 188 Sr.
DL Kodi Floyd Tioga-4 6-1 210 Sr.
DL Bob Albro Walton-4 5-9 197 Jr.
LB Phil Sayers Rensselaer-2 5-10 170 Sr.
LB John Nickerson Maple Grove-6 5-11 190 Sr.
LB Jason Feuer Tuckahoe-1 6-0 210 Sr.
LB Seth Frakes Cambridge-2 6-1 190 Sr.
DB John Jimerson Silver Creek-6 5-9 150 Jr.
DB Brad Broncati Tuckahoe-1 5-7 165 Sr.
DB Justin White Fort Edward-2 5-11 170 Sr.
DB Kyle Spinks Dundee-5 5-7 140 Sr.First Team Offense

Track and Field: Section II shines at Dartmouth Relays

2011-01-13T19:27:00.000-05:00

It took some time, but I compiled all the results from the Dartmouth Relays last weekend. Here is a look at the full results for Section II.
Section II results 2011 Dartmouth Relays

Saratoga Sparks tryouts Feb. 12 and 13

2011-01-11T00:27:00.001-05:00

The snow outside makes us all long for summer, so why not thing ahead as tryouts for the Saratoga Sparks girls AAU basketball program at Union College has been announced for Feb. 12 and 13.

The schedule is as follows:
- Fourth-graders 10 a.m.
- Fifth and sixth-graders 11 a.m.
- Seventh and eighth-graders 1 p.m.

Athletes are invited to arrive at the Viniar Athletic Center prior to their designated starting time and pre-register at www.saratogasparks.org.

For more information contact Anthony Mingione at 424-5853 or e-mail tming28@gmail.com.

Old Timer's Day every week - Senior Softball League recruiting

2011-01-11T00:10:00.000-05:00

The Capital District Senior Softball League for players 55-and-over is again looking for players for the 2011 season.

The league plays under a Senior Softball USA format with a 20-game schedule. Players of all skill levels are welcome to participate in this league as it enters its 20th season.

All games are played in Clifton Park at Veteran’s Field from May through August with travel team opportunities available.

Contact Jerry Smith at 877-5961 or 281-8309 or Bill Kloc at 573-2929 or 899-5333.

A Tiger under the Christmas Tree!

2011-01-10T23:55:00.000-05:00

The Clifton Park Tigers girls youth basketball team captured the 2010 St. Mary's Waterford Christmas Tournament.

Pictured front row, left to right: Brooke Walsh, Kirsten O'Sullivan, Carly Domicolo, Kate Ryan, Carly Hildenbrandt and Hannah Lea. Back row: Morgan O'Brien, Tessa Nichols, Molly Dooley, Tomasi Abinyemi, Victoria Pardi, Sydney Quinn and Abbey Shields.

They shoot...they score! Knights of Columbus winners announced

2011-01-10T23:37:00.000-05:00

CLIFTON PARK – The Clifton Park Knights of Columbus presented the local winners of the annual 2010 Soccer Challenge with their awards in early December.

Pictured are: back row, left to right: Madison Krochina, Kelly Quinn, Kristian Gutenmann, Kayla Kretchmar, Nick Crodelle and Kianna Gutenmann. Front row: Zarin Tuten, Ethan Behan, Jag Ammerlaan, Jessica Sgambati, Julia Gauthier.

Clifton Park Squirt A hockey 2nd at Hersey, PA tournament

2011-01-10T23:25:00.000-05:00

The Clifton Park Squirt A Youth Hockey Team traveled to Hershey, PA over Christmas break to attend the Hershey Jr Bears Tournament. The Clifton Park Eagles faced off against teams from Pennsylvania, Delaware and North Carolina while finishing 2nd overall in the tournament.

Front row: John Sassone, Patrick Nagy, Nate Kummu, Dean Cannon, Adam Doescher, Matt Suozzi, Zach Mouzakes,

Back Row: Brendan McAuley, Tom Relyea, Drew Van Heusen, Andrew Clifford, Brennan Alheim, Jake Blinstrub, Caylin Stevens.

Coaches: Allen Kummu, Darren Van Heusen, Daryl Clifford, and Mike Relyea

Ballston Spa adult sports programs this winter

2011-01-10T23:08:00.000-05:00

The Ballston Spa Central School District's Community Education Program is currently offering several adult sports/fitness opportunities during the winter months. Sports programs are held from 8 to 10 p.m.with co-ed indoor soccer and co-ed volleyball held on Mondays, and men’s basketball on Wednesdays. A 10-week session is offered and requires a $30 fee for district residents. Additional opportunities are also offered by the district’s aquatic program at the high school swimming pool.

The popular "Walk About" program also provides an opportunity for those interested in a low impact fitness activity on a safe, indoor walking course. The program continues through April, Monday through Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. when school is in session. The Walk About registration fee is $15 for district residents.

Pre- registration is required and fees are due at the beginning of each course. Those interested may register for courses by mail or in-person at the Office of Community Resources, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the District Office, 70 Malta Avenue.

Additional information regarding any of the courses may be obtained on the district website at http://www.bscsd.org/community.cfm?subpage=2541 or by calling 884-7195 ext. 1329.

Boxing round card girl contest Jan. 20

2011-01-10T22:55:00.000-05:00

I don't know if I can talk my new sports editor (Nicole Russo) into making this a feature, but I'll try.

Pugnatious Promotions and Capital OTB will be hosting a boxing round card girl contest 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20 at the Capital OTB Tele-Theater, 711 Central Avenue in Albany.

Contestants will be judged by a panel including Pugnacious Promotions promoter Lisa Elovich, Feb. 3 fighters Mike Faragon and Zach Smith, former World Champion Tony Marshall, Miss New York Pageant Board member Art Hunzinger, current round card girl Kristin Gauney and others.

The winner will be selected to be the third round card girl as boxing returns to the Empire State Plaza Convention Center on Feb. 3 featuring Faragon (13-0, 6 KOs) versus Brooklyn’s Shamir Reyes (18-7-2, 7 KOs).

For more information, call Pugnacious Promotions at 527-0160 or visit http://www.pugnaciouspromotions.com/

Clifton Park fencer Connor Rounds earns gold

2011-01-10T22:36:00.000-05:00

Connor Rounds, pictured to the far right, a 12-year old fencer from Clifton Park and competing for the Capital District Fencing School out of Schenectady, earned a first-place finish in his age group (Y12) in the men’s saber division at the University of New Hampshire as part of the Super Youth Circuit.

Connor was seeded fifth after the initial rounds heading into direct eliminations. He advanced through three elimination rounds, which included a victory over the No. 6 fencer in the United States, to earn his way into the gold medal round.

In the final round, Connor was victorious by winning two out of three bouts earning him the gold medal. The win places Connor among the top 15 on the national ranking list of the United States Fencing Association (USFA).

Connor is trained by coach L. Mark Dolata, http://www.fencingforall.com/

Play Ball! Clifton Park Baseball opens up on-line registration

2011-01-10T22:05:00.000-05:00

You know it's the beginning of a new year when the spring and summer registrations start to flow in.

Clifton Park Baseball has opened registration for all players ages 5 and up for the 2011 spring baseball season. Players must reside within the Shenendehowa School District boundaries.

CPBL offers opportunities for all recreational, travel and all-star players. On-line registration is available at www.sportssignup.com/cpbl or follow the links on the league website at http://www.cliftonparkbaseballleague.com/.

First Night 2010: Return of the Blue Streaks

2011-01-04T07:28:00.000-05:00

They were all there, sectional. state, national and collegiate champions, running throughout the Skidmore College Campus on a beautiful New Year's Eve night for the 13th annual Saratoga First Night 5k.

I don't know if there were any surprises that Saratoga grad Greg Kelsey and former Blue Streak harrier Nicole Blood won their respective titles, but it wasn't a race for the faint of heart.

Both runners have completed their work in college with Kelsey now joining up with "Teach for America", heading South and Blood finished in December, signed with Nike and is part of their running program. She said she's doing a lot of training and looking to make a decision between indoor and distance.

A lot has been written and way too much has been said about her departure from Saratoga Springs her senior year, but everything was smiles and hugs upon her return on New Year's Eve. Her smile was radiant as she crossed the finish line for her sixth First Night title.

What a great way to start the year.

Who knows what's in store for the event in Saratoga Springs? Race director Jeffrey Allen will be hard pressed to make the night any better, but will he make it bigger?

We'll have to see if it's on his New Year's resolution.

Below is the full, record setting list of finishers 1,021 the best ever for Saratoga and breaks the old mark set by Albany's First Night event, last held the previous year.

First Night 2010 5k race results

Poll: Who will be crowned champions this winter? Take our survey

2010-11-21T18:07:00.000-05:00

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Dear Diary: Another fun-filled, filing Friday

2010-11-19T21:55:00.000-05:00

It was a full plate for my Friday, but it was all worth it. An early stop at The Saratogian, a break for job No. 2 and then back for a full night of posting, copying, pasting, Twittering, Facebooking, etc. So I'm not that hard to find after all...

I was happy to bring back our Sports Talk box and added video to the Community News. I hope it doesn't loose steam. The Shenendehowa boys ice hockey team weighed in on the NHL's new All-Star plan. I think it's a great idea and would like to see interest remain in it at http://bit.ly/9rR53e

It wouldn't be a complete week without honoring our Athletes of the Week. This was another Spartan doubleheader with girls soccer star Bryony Striffler http://bit.ly/d95QUI

Along with punishing running back Brandon Beatty at http://bit.ly/abDkRr

The most fun, but in all seriousness was working with Shenendehowa ice hockey coach Juan de la Rocha about his cuts for this year's squad at http://bit.ly/b74Xpf

Boys basketball coach Tony Dzikas has more options for players who may not be ready for the next step, holding a player back in freshman or JV before committing to varsity, but it's still not easy at http://bit.ly/cq1TyX

I was also on hand to see the young and old (but not too old) staffers and administrators run in the annual Shenendehowa Veterans Day Dash 5k at http://bit.ly/b4BjGQ

The week also had two highs with two Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake baseball players signing letters of intent and eight Shenendehowa athletes signing letters in one of the largest signing ceremonies I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. (A shout to fellow Saratogian James Sherrill for all of his video help).

More on that later next week, but actually earlier as a full Saturday awaits me to put all 10 stories together for an early Thanksgiving deadline.

Dear Diary: A frantic Friday, but a lot to look at in print and on-line

2010-11-05T09:56:00.000-04:00

Dear Diary: Creating and post four videos in four hours made it an early day to kick off the weekend, but I think that it was worth it. The stories and videos are all about winners. Check out the buffet below:

Get a look inside the planning of Shenendehowa’s great football minds as head coach Brent Steuerwald and line coach Mark McQuade as they talk about what it will take to stop Troy High and earn the Plainsmen its 11th Super Bowl title.

Read the story and check out the video at http://bit.ly/dDjZ1Z

Shenendehowa junior linebacker Brandon Miller has speed and finesse on two surfaces, the gridiron and the hardwood. Miller made a key sack last week late against Ballston Spa quarterback Troy Gargulio and followed it up with an ankle tackle on the next play to stall a Scottie drive.

Now he plays in tonight’s Super Bowl against Troy High, hoping to extend his season before he heads into the gym for the Plainsmen.

Meet this week’s male Athlete of the Week in his story and video I posted at http://bit.ly/dkBisR

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake junior center back Nicole Shively is impressive, called up as a freshman for the post-season with the Spartans and has never looked back. Meet this week’s female Athlete of the Week in her story and her video I posted at http://bit.ly/ctClxP

Ballston Spa freshman Addison Walkowiak and senior teammate Nicole Kverek gave Ballston Spa a leg up in the Section II Swimming and Diving championships this weekend with Walkowiak earning a three-peat as the sectional diving champion and Kverek finishing third.

It’s a great accomplishment for Walkowiak at such a young age and a nice send-off for the senior, Kverek.

Check out their story and video I posted at http://bit.ly/daksjI

You can follow more stories with Stan at www.twitter.com/stanhudy or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stanleyhudy

Foul Ball? PSAL announces varsity baseball pitch counts

2010-11-04T23:56:00.000-04:00

Our friends at the New York State Sportswriter Association picked a great story from downstate New York, but will be something to really warm things up during the hot-stove season in the state.

The PSAL has gone ahead and instituted a pitch count for baseball pitchers in New York City. Hurlers throwing the maximum 105 pitches in a game will be required to get four days of rest before throwing in another game, and those throwing 76-90 pitches will need three days of rest. It'll be two mandatory days for 51-75 pitches and one day for a pitcher throwing 26-50 pitches.

This isn't new, Little League Baseball, Inc. has a pitch count system designed to save the young arms and Babe Ruth Basebal League, Inc. utilizes an innings system with mandated rest days.

But should there be one at the high school level?

These are paid professionals (don't start the hate mail here), most are educators and not typecast over zealous parents, but should there be restrictions?

I'm open to thoughts, comments, etc. e-mail me at shudy@saratogian.com.

Inside Hudy's Head - What a week Ahead

2010-10-18T15:18:00.001-04:00

My wife, Reda, often gets caught up in conversations I have with myself when we are traveling, eating dinner of me just muttering to myself. I have tried to explain to her that my brain is like a T1 line, a lot of information flowing, I'm multi-tasking and don't have the speed to converse about all the available options that I am processing to include her into the conversation.

This week though, I may have even outdone myself as my brain and my heart have way too much to accomplish before Father Time, a tight newspaper deadline along with my managing editor looming over me to get this all done.

Here's a quick look inside Hudy's Head for this week...and I do apologize for all the clutter before entering.

We're taking a look at the Southern Saratoga YMCA Barracuda youth swimming program, a program that has been around since 1996 and the program opened up it's 2010-2011 season this weekend.

We'll honor two athletes, male and female for their efforts with our Athlete of the Week segment, a Shen girls volleyball player and plans for Otis Ubriaco at Burnt Hills, one of the top male runners in the country. (Stan Edit - Otis wasn't available, still on a college visit trip. Have to catch him Tuesday before his meet, then to the pool).

Add some finishing touches on the Barracuda story Monday afternoon, with a swing up to Burnt Hills where the Spartans tennis program is in the Class B finals ~~at home~~.(Nope).
Tuesday things heat up in the pool at Niskayuna travels to Shenendehowa for a big meet, can the Silver Warriors upend the Plainsmen in their own pool. If we had the rights, "Smoke on the Water" is a fitting soundtrack for the video from that. (It's layout day/night for me, so hopefully I can get there for the contest)

Looking to add a coaches feature from Sunday's Saratoga National Cross Country Classic 5k with BH-BL's Coach Button and Shen's Rob Cloutier.

Oh ya, football, almost forgot, all three Southern Saratoga teams are in playoff action, Shen on the road at Shaker after a disappointing loss to rival Saratoga, Burnt Hills gets a re-match against Glens Falls and Mechanicville upended the apple cart, with a win in the slop Friday and vaulted into the playoffs as a No. 3 seed. All deserve previews, schedules, etc.

The Section II tennis championships are underway and Jessica Macaluso is a top seed, we want to keep track of her success along with a doubles team from Burnt Hills (forgive me about the names, comes with the clutter).

It's a musical theme day "Love that Muddy Water", we've got 10 teams rowing at the Head of the Charles Regatta this weekend, plus a few college rowers, looking to preview that event and touch base with everyone near and far.

Add in the great news and help from Eddie Johnson at the Southern Saratoga YMCA and the Adult Basketball League, we are getting scores, standings and leaders from him starting this week. Thanks Eddie.

Lauren Carpenter is a goddess and a godsend, stopping by the Nick's Fight to be Healed Soccer Clinic last Friday and getting me photos of the Barracudas for this week.

Did I tell you I need to have this on the press by 5 p.m. Wednesday??

And it's only Monday afternoon...oh crap.. I have to get down to the schools now! Welcome to Hudy's Head enjoy the mess.

P.S. Did I add that there is a demand for the Hudy Head book reveiws to return, I'm thinking of a monthly book review. Cutting it down from 52 books to 12 might be a possibility...maybe between 2 and 3 a.m.??

Football: Section II football playoff schedule

2010-10-18T14:55:00.000-04:00

Here is the Section II football playoff schedule, updated for this week, including crossover contests.

It'll be a full week for the sports staff at The Saratogian as we are all expected to be out Friday night at Saratoga, Ballston Spa and Shaker (vs. Shenendehowa). With some assistance we could also be spotted at Burnt Hills.

There won't be any rest for the wicked as we're back on the road Saturday at Albany Academy (vs. Schuylerville) and at Fonda (vs. Mechanicville).

I'll update the schedule throughout the weekend and as we progress through the playoffs.

Section II football playoff schedule

Saturday...errr...Sunday in the Park was a Classic

2010-10-18T14:45:00.000-04:00

Stealing a line from the band Chicago, Sunday in the Park almost felt like the Fourth of July.

It was bright, warm and a great day for the 10th annual Saratoga National Bank Cross Country Classic, a 5K run on the state championship course at Saratoga State Park.

Albany High and University at Miami graduate Alex Paley got a helping hand on the course when he went astray and still managed to win the men's overall in almost record time. Clifton Park's Michelle Binsfeld won the women's title.

I'm working on a feature about two of the more ~~notorious,~~ notable runners in high school coaches, Chip Button and Rob Cloutier. Button ran the course a few years ago and Cloutier won the event in 2008, now at the helm of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake program (Button) and Shenendehowa (Cloutier) I talked to them both about their fleet feet being on the cross country trails again. They were both gracious enough to enjoy the theme of "Run as I say, Not as I do."

Here's the link from the Cross Country Classic with a video and full results from the event.

The Classic is a great race sponsored by Saratoga National Bank to benefit the Saratoga Center for the Family, nice to see a notable local business reach out to help a program that helps so many.

Next up for most is the Great Pumpkin Challenge, also at Saratoga State Park, but a road race to benefit Rebuilding Saratoga. I'll see you there next week too.

Decision 2010: It's a Blue State after all

2010-10-18T14:31:00.000-04:00

Well the voters voted, but the players played and they decided the outcome of this year's rivalry football contest between Saratoga Springs and Shenendehowa.

The Blue Streaks vaulted themselves into the No. 2 spot in the Class AA playoffs and the Plainsmen fell from atop the Empire Division into the No. 3 spot and are now forced to win two road games if they can look to advance to its first Super Bowl appearance since 2004.

Here is the link from the Saratoga at Shen football game along with the link for the video.

Coach Steuerwald was as quiet as I can remember after the contest, not shell-shocked but definitely disappointed with the outcome, the missed opportunity and already thinking about the next two weeks on the road. The Plainsmen will first face Shaker, who lost to No. 1 Liberty Division champion Troy. If successful on Friday night, Shenendehowa would be on the road on Saturday at Troy. (Yes, I am taking Troy this weekend over CBA).

It looks like Clifton Park Town Supervisor Phil Barrett dodged a bullet, or at least a Blue Streak jersey after Saratoga Springs mayor Scott Johnson didn't take him up on the offer of a jersey wager on the contest. Mayor Johnson didn't want to add any more distractions to his city council meetings so declined the initial wager, but he did add "Phil better be careful for what he wishes for."

Looks like the mayor will at least retain bragging rights for now.

Decision 2010 Shen vs. Saratoga football rivalry contest tonight

2010-10-15T09:38:00.000-04:00

Everyone has weighed-in on tonight's Saratoga at Shenendehowa High School football contest and it is expected to played in near hurricane conditions, but the thunder and the lightning will be on the turf at Steuerwald Stadium.

This is a fierce rivalry and I checked in with both town/city and school officials to find out what they had to say about the Blue State (Saratoga Representatives) said and the Green State (Shenendehowa/Clifton Park) Representatives said.

We divided Saratoga County up in Blue and Green with Ballston Spa as an independent, but all three teams share in tonight's outcome to determine their path in the playoffs.

While it didn't make print, Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett did issue a public challenge to Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson with a friendly wager about the outcome of tonight's contest.

Barrett challenged Johnson that the losing public official would have to wear the opposing school's T-shirt or jersey at an upcoming City Council or Town Board meeting. Mayor Johnson appreciated the idea, but while confident in the Blue Streaks he declined, citing a need for proper decorum at the City Council meetings.

The two are rumored to still be considering a friendly wager, but it has not yet been made public.

Of course both coaches kept things civil in conversations with both Coach Steuerwald and Coach Jones as both are focusing on their squads and what they can control, avoiding any pre-contest controversy.

With weather gear on and Rite in the Rain paper in hand (shameless plug), I'll be on the sidelines, writing and Tweeting, soaking in (pun intended) the entire game.

If you're too weather weary, the contest is going to be broadcast on Time Warner Cable Sports, Channel 3.

H.S. Football: Time Warner releases 2010 coverage schedule

2010-09-02T19:20:00.000-04:00

Time Warner Sports (Ch. 3) tonight announced its schedule of high school football telecasts. Here is your 2010 line-up:

Friday, Sept. 24: Shenendehowa at Schenectady, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 1: Troy at Saratoga, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 8: Viewers Choice, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 15: Saratoga at Shenendehowa, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 22: Section II Quarterfinals, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 29: Section II Semifinals, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 5: Section II Championships, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 6: Section II Championships, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 19: state semifinals, TBA
Saturday, Nov. 20: state semifinals, TBA
Nov. 26-28: NYSPHSAA Championships*, TBD
* Carrier Dome

8-year-old Cal Ripken Baseball Mid-Atlantic Regional gets underway

2010-08-05T23:13:00.000-04:00

Three Capital Region teams are in action this weekend at the 8-year-old Cal Ripken Baseball Mid-Atlantic Regional at the Spring Baseball Complex in Troy.
The Clifton Park Lightning - the Eastern New York State champions, Saratoga Americans - Eastern New York State runner-up and host team - Spring Renegades will take on the best from Maryland to New York in three days of pool play and two days of elimination contests.
This is it for the youngsters, there is no World Series in the Babe Ruth League, Inc. organization at this level.

8-year-old Cal Ripken Mid-Atlantic Regional Tournament bracket

Shenendehowa sports physicals Aug. 9 and 11

2010-08-02T17:25:00.002-04:00

CLIFTON PARK – Fall sports physicals will be held 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday Aug. 9 and Wednesday Aug. 11 in the High School East New Gym.

Physical examinations are required for students participating in interscholastic sports. Proof of physicals must be presented before students may practice. Two options are available for a sports physical, completed at school by the school physician (please download form at www.shenet.org) or by the student’s own doctor with completed private physician sports physical form.

Saratoga Youth Hockey A-level coaches announced

2010-08-02T16:41:00.000-04:00

Saratoga Youth Hockey has announced its A-level coaches for the upcoming season:

Mite A – Scott Swenson

Squirt A – Andy Pemrick

Pee Wee A – Jeff Whiteside

Bantam A – Martin Whitman

Midget 16U (Before) – Jeff Whiteside

Midget 16U (Before) tryouts will be held Monday Aug. 23 from 8 to 9:30 p.m., Thursday Aug. 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and Friday Aug. 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Weibel Avenue Rink.

The 16U before team season will run through September & October and is setup for players who intend to play High School Hockey. Registration information will be available prior to tryouts.

Registration will take place on September 7 and 8 in the Weibel lobby. The registration paperwork will be available on the website in mid-August.

Burnt Hills athletic physicals Aug. 23

2010-08-02T16:34:00.000-04:00

BURNT HILLS – New York State requires all students to have a current physical, each calendar year, to be eligible to participate in a school sport. Your student-athlete can get a physical at the Burnt Hills High School free of charge from noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 23.

Physicals will be offered in the high school nurse’s office for all incoming athletes at the modified, freshman, junior varsity and varsity levels.

Parental permission is required. Either bring a parent the day of the physicals or pick up a physical permission form in the high school main office prior to August 23 for a parent to complete and sign.

Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa hockey meeting Aug. 11

2010-08-02T16:27:00.000-04:00

Hockey players currently enrolled in or entering Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake or Ballston Spa High School are invited to attend an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the Burnt Hill Library located at 2 Lawmar Lane in Burnt Hills.

The combined Burnt Hills/Ballston Spa varsity ice hockey team is primarily funded by booster club fundraising, attending this meeting could assist families in limiting their out-of-pocket expenses.

Attendees will learn about the varsity schedule, tryouts, pre-season conditioning, monetary responsibilities, tournament information and more.

If you are unable to attend the August 11 informational meeting, please email BHBSHOCKEY@gmail.com so that information can be emailed to you.

Saratoga Americans run past Colonie, 6-4, in 10/11 sectionals

2010-08-01T18:47:00.000-04:00

COLONIE — The Saratoga American Little League 10- and 11-year-old squad ran itself out of one inning, but didn’t run out of pitching or batters Sunday afternoon, beating District 13 champions Colonie, 6-4, on the road.

“Even after we ran ourselves out of that first inning we weren’t going to stop,” Saratoga American manager Peter D’Aloia said. “This team was built on base running, pitching and defense and that’s what got us through today.”

The Americans hit the Cook Park Complex in Colonie running, scoring two early runs in the first inning after consecutive singles by Luke Fauler and Nick Kondo. Shane Barringer came up big at the plate with his two-run double to centerfield and Austin Patterson showed that the team was getting into the head of its opponent when he reached on an error by the first baseman.

But Saratoga got a little too greedy as Barringer was picked off on a double steal attempt, tagged out at home and Colonie’s catcher, Taylor Pfaff was quick enough to fire to second base to nab Patterson for the inning-ending double play.

Colonie responded from a disappointing first at-bat where two runners were forced out on sharp defensive plays by the Americans and tied the contest up with the long ball.

Kenny Szesnat led off the top of the second getting hit by a pitch before No. 8 batter Greg Mazzie drilled a two-run home run deep and over the centerfield scoreboard for a 2-2 tie.

The Americans pulled ahead on Colin Bradley’s double to right field followed immediately by Will Navin’s RBI double over second to take a 3-2 lead. Saratoga tired to push the lead again, sending Navin home on Fauler’s double to center, but he too was cut down on the relay throw to home, nabbed at the plate.

The Americans showed their hitting prowess when Alex Hite rebounded from his first inning strikeout and drilled a fastball over the left field wall, plating Patterson who reached on a single through the left side for a 5-2 lead.

“It was a better pitch selection,” Hite said. “Both bad at-bats (two strikeouts on the day) there were high pitches that I swung at. The home run, I had a good pitch and I hit it. I was looking for a fastball.”

Colonie matched-up well with Saratoga, hanging with the Blue Shirts when Josh Paszkowski drove in pinch-hitter Coby Brickner and Greg Mazzie with his one-out double to left field, cutting the lead, 5-4.

The Americans tacked on an insurance run in the fourth after Bradley reached on a single, advanced on a passed ball and came around to score on Kondo’s infield single for the 6-4 lead.

Bradley went 3-for-3 on the day with two runs scored in the No. 7 spot.

“I knew I had to get on base,” Bradley said. “They’re a real good team. I wasn’t nervous coming in, but there was stress because I knew it would be close.”

With the lead in hand, but not guaranteed, D’Aloia again gambled, limiting his pitcher’s pitch counts to keep them available for Tuesday’s sectional crossover and potential championship later in the week.

Kondo was pulled after reaching 35 pitches, going 3 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and two runs. He struck out two and didn’t walk a batter. Navin was inserted for 1 2/3 innings, allowing a hit and two runs. He walked two and struck out one batter.

Barringer, who struggled with his control on Saturday afternoon against Rondout Valley closed out the contest, allowing one runner to reach on a two-out single, but saw him cut down on his late steal attempt.

“I was surprised because I wasn’t throwing as hard as I could, I was just trying to throw strikes,” Barringer said. “They were after my inside-outside fastball. My strikeout came when I jammed them.”

He helped himself mentally with a strong day at the plate, putting the Americans on top early with his two-run double in the first inning.

“I was looking to hit a fastball down the middle,” Barringer said. “I got it into the gap.”

While Saratoga was the aggressor, Colonie took a more conservative approach to its offense, surprising D’Aloia.

“We had heard that they scouted us yesterday,” D’Aloia said. “Alex Hite has a cannon behind the plate and he’s tough to run against.

“Will Messier earned our game ball with his defense,” D’Aloia. “He turned a double play at short yesterday and had two great plays that saved us today. I think they saw that too.”

The Americans secured the No. 1 seed in their pool and will face the No. 2 seed in the opposite pool, 6 p.m. Tuesday at East Side Rec. Their opponent could be any of three opponents, District 12’s Rotterdam, District 14’s Twin Town or District 16 Kinderhook. Elimination games today will determine who will advance to face Saratoga.

Clifton Park Mustangs need extras to beat 8-yr-old Saratoga Americans

2010-08-01T08:35:00.000-04:00

TROY — The Saratoga Americans had to return to the Spring Baseball Complex in Troy to complete some unfinished business Saturday morning, finishing off Spring and almost stealing a contest away from rival Clifton Park in eight innings.

Saratoga (1-1) arrived back at the 8-year-old Cal Ripken Eastern New York State tournament with their bats awake, drilling Spring for five runs in the fifth inning and cruising to an 11-4 win.

Later in the morning the Americans allowed rival the Clifton Park Mustangs to score three runs in the top of the sixth before knotting the contest at five runs apiece with two of the their own in the bottom of the sixth to knot the contest at five apiece. Clifton Park (2-0) scored three runs in the top of the eighth inning on Ben Lavery’s inside-the-park home run, keying the 8-5 win.

After being tied at two-runs Saratoga took a 3-2 lead.

Clifton Park bounced back with three runs of its own and was looking for more after Troy Malcolm was forced out at the plate for the first out of the inning.

Help wasn’t far behind as Brendan Fallon scored after reaching on a single and moving around after Jack Flaherty reached on an infield single and Lavery reached on a fielder’s choice. Ryan Collins drove in Fallon with his RBI single.

Adam McCarville drove in Flaherty with his sacrifice fly that was caught deep in center and Jonathan DeChalus plated Lauer with his RBI single for the 5-3 lead.

With their backs against the wall, Saratoga came back to tie the game with two of its own in the bottom half of the sixth.

The two teams didn’t budge in the seventh inning but the Mustangs rode high in the top of the eighth on the bat and heels of Lavery.

With Malcom and Fallon both reaching on walks, Lavery drilled a one-out drive to deep centerfield plating both of his teammates. With assistant coach Mike Flaherty sending him home the entire way, whipping his arms around in the third base coach’s box, Clifton Park took the 8-5 lead.

The younger Flaherty closed out the win, giving up a single to Chudy before getting the next three batters out.

“He runs the gamut between hot and cold,” Clifton Park manager John Collins said. “He’s one of our starters and hadn’t pitched in two days. Sure enough, he came through.”

The Mustang revival came at the hands of the top of the Clifton Park order, positions that had been almost dormant early in the contest.

“We started to hit, we’ve been in a slump,” Hart said. “We started to get his when we needed them when the chips were down.”

Clifton Park Lightning claim 8-yr-old Cal Ripken Eastern New York State title

2010-08-01T08:26:00.000-04:00

TROY — It was a game for all of the marbles…well sort of.

The Saratoga Americans and Clifton Park Lightning 8-year-old Cal Ripken teams had already earned a berth in next week’s Mid-Atlantic Regional tournament hosted by Spring Baseball so Wednesday night’s game was about seeding and the title of Eastern New York State Champion.

So the two squads did what they have been doing all year…playing like major leaguers.

In a back and forth contest with stellar defense, aggressive base running and a nail-biting save opportunity, Clifton Park was crowned the champion after a 4-3 win over Saratoga.

Both teams stayed with their original game plans, with Saratoga running and Clifton Park showing more arms on the pitcher’s mound than a stadium wave from the crowd.

The Americans were cut down twice early on at third and at second place before finally plating Jacob Young who reached with a one-out walk in the third. He moved over on Lucci Bonacio’s infield single, raced to third after a wild pitch and came home to score on Anthony Sudigala’s grounder back to the pitcher for the early 1-0 lead.

Clifton Park responded with a three run third, keyed on Drew Signor’s centerfield gap triple that rolled to the fence, driving in Christian Echivarria, Joe Meyer and Sean Konarski.

“I thought it was a triple and then it hit the fence and I thought ‘home, home,” Signor said.

He flew around the base paths, but a late decision allowed him to be thrown out at home on a laser from the cut-off man.

“I thought my coach was going to stop me to come back (to third),” Signor said. “I started to slow down and then ran again.”

While Clifton Park made their mark with one swing the of the bat, the Americans continued to chip away at the leaders.

Nate Chudy reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced on a walk to Peter O’Toole walk and Connor Hart fielder’s choice. He cut the lead, 3-2, scoring on a Max Ott grounder that was thrown away by the second baseman.

Clifton Park kept the pressure on when Kellan Kennedy reached on an infield single, stole second and moved to third on Meyer’s grounder back to the mound. Sean Konarski finished his 3-for-3 evening with an RBI double to left field for the eventual game-winner.

“I was just looking to make contact,” Konarski said. “I knew we needed another run. They mercy’d (10-run mercy-rule victory) us the first time we played them and we beat them by one run the other time. We wanted to be the state champion.”

Up, 4-2, the Saratoga Americans remained hungry for a title and a bigger trophy to take home in their final at-bats.

Aidan Holmes reached with a one-out single before Christian Kondo walked and came home on O’Toole’s RBI single just inside the third base line, putting the Americans on the doorstep, 4-3.

Connor Hart walked to load the bases and put the pressure on Clifton Park reliever Kyle Malmberg.

With the count in the batter’s favor, 2-0, he enticed a slow grounder up the first base line that Anthony Cordes snagged and then raced back to the bag for the out and the title.

“I was really relaxed at the beginning with no outs,” Malmberg said. “I walked a couple and with two outs I knew if I walked in the run it would tie it or lose in extra innings.”

Both squads advance to next week’s Mid-Atlantic Regional beginning Aug. 5 at the Spring Baseball Complex, but won’t see each other unless both reach the semifinals Aug. 8.

“They kept us off balance with their pitching and we didn’t have the bats against their battery,” Saratoga American manager Chris Hart said. “We tried to play Saratoga baseball.

“We threw two out at the plate and knew we would make plays and they would make plays,” Hart said. “We had men on third with two outs. We’ll be back in a week.”

It’s been a long season for the Lightning, but has paid off.

“It’s amazing how mature these kids are,” Clifton Park manager Paul Reinisch said. “Two outs and a man on third, throws from the outfield, they throw like high schoolers.”

Free Blue Streak Camp 6 to 8 p.m. July 11, July 18 and July 25

2010-07-07T18:03:00.000-04:00

A free football camp is being offered for all kids ages 5 to 13. Blue Streak Football Camp will be put on by Saratoga Varsity football players and certified Pop Warner coaches July 11, 18 and 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at East Side Rec.

Saratoga Pop Warner will also be holding registration during the camps. For more information, please contact Matt Riker at matthew.riker@gmail.com

“Real Million Dollar Baby” Shea in feature fight July 30 in Saratoga

2010-07-07T17:35:00.000-04:00

World-ranked female featherweight Maureen Shea (14-2, 8 KOs) will face rugged veteran Liliana Martinez (8-10, 4 KOs) in a six-round feature fight with regional title implications July 30th at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

The fight, sanctioned by the NABF for a regional 126-lb title, will be featured on Pugnacious Promotions annual "Night of Future Champions" summer fight card during the beginning of racing at the historic Saratoga thoroughbred horse track. Doors to this year’s boxing event will open earlier to showcase some of the area’s best amateur boxers in preliminary bouts supporting the pro fight card.

Shea, 29, first gained notoriety as Hillary Swank’s training partner as the Oscar-winning actress prepared for her role in Clint Eastwood’s “Million Dollar Baby” with trainer Hector Roca at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn. Swank not only trained and sparred regularly with Shea, but attended the Bronx native’s amateur bouts in the New York area. A NY fight attraction since that time, Shea is now world-ranked by three championship sanctioning bodies. In her last fight at the Paradise Theater in the Bronx, she defeated overmatched Norma Faris (3-2, 1 KO), Puerto Rico, by third-round TKO.

Martinez, 26, is a native of Dominican Republic and a 10-year veteran of the ring. She has faced a number of world-class women – including world champion Alesia Graf (24-1, 9 KOs), top-ranked Jenna Shiver (11-4, 2 KOs) and Dominican prospect Katy Penelope Hernandez (12-0, 8 KOs) – and challenged Magdelena Dahlen (10-2, 3 KOs) for a European title in November, 2009.

"I am so pleased to finally have Maureen on our card," said Lisa Elovich. “Her reputation precedes her as the ‘real million dollar baby.’ She’s a great addition to our card featuring young local prospects.”

Guilderland lightweight prospect Mike Faragon (11-0, 5 KOs) will face RI’s Eddie Soto (12-1, 4 KOs) in the eight-round main event. Also appearing on the card are Troy light heavyweight and former All-American Shawn Miller (2-1, 1 KO), Delmar lightweight Zach Smith (3-1) and other fighters to be announced. Amateur boxers include Saratoga Springs junior Mike Barcia and super heavyweight Josh Dulmer, plus the rematch of the region’s amateur welterweight bout of the year between Albany’s Amir Iman and Troy’s Ray Velez.

Tickets and VIP tables, including dinner by Brindisi's Restaurant and table service throughout the evening, are available from Pugnacious Promotions at 518-527-0160 or www.pugnaciouspromotions.com.

Too hot for sports? School's out so you decide

2010-07-06T07:18:00.000-04:00

Students both young and old rejoice when the final bell has rung on their school year. They are free from the direction of faceless tones shuffling them from one room, one assignment to another. They are free to sleep and play, indoors and out, but is it the best thing?

The Capital Region will be in a depths of a heat wave by the end of today, Tuesday, July 6 and athletes are in danger. A heat wave is official when temperatures reach 90 degrees three consecutive days.

When school is in session the New York State Public High School Athletic Association has issued competition guidelines for its athletes as when practices need to be monitored or at times, even cancelled.

According to the NYSPHSAA heat advisory, updated as early at May 27, (see below) states that when the heat index or "real feel" temperature according to www.accuweather.com reaches 96 degrees practices and competitions are halted. A "real feel" of 91 to 95 requires scheduled water breaks every 15 minutes and equal rest periods for time practicing/competing.

That will be put to the test Tuesday and Wednesday as the "real feel" temperature is forecast to reach as high as 105 degrees today and 101 on Wednesday as the Coopers Cave Tournament gets into full swing and summer camps return to their high points after the July 4th holiday.

For Tuesday, according to www.accuweather.com as of 7 a.m. this morning the 9 a.m. "real feel" is 94 amping up to 96 at 10 a.m. 99 at 11 a.m. with a 3-hour peak of 105 from noon to 2 p.m. and a slight decrease to 104 at 3 p.m. A little more humane? of 99 at 4 p.m., dropping to 96 at 5 p.m. and 93 at 6 p.m.

Wednesday provides a small break, but may force another break in activities.
9 a.m. is out of the danger zone at a "real feel" of 95 before creeping to 96 at 10 a.m., 98 at 11 a.m. and a three-digit peak of 101 and 100 from noon to 2 p.m. It dips back to 99 at 3 p.m. 96 at 4 p.m. and out of danger at 5 p.m. with a "real feel" of 90.

NYSPHSAA Heat Index guidelines

In a season where rain is considered a four-letter word for the boys and girls of summer, it appears that "heat" is another team to be added to our coaches, officials and parents watch-list.

If you are out, enjoy, stay in the shade, stay hydrated and keep an eye on your athletes on and off the field so they can stay in the game.

Cooper's Cave Tournament starts today, July 6

2010-07-06T06:46:00.001-04:00

The 6th annual "Burdell Bailey" Coopers Cave Tournament gets underway today with 19 teams from across the Mid-Atlantic Region competeing at the U19 American Legion level.

Here is my story in today's Saratogian.

2010 Coopers Cave Tournament divisions

Red DivisionPost 233 Tri-County, New York

Hoxie Cleaners, Rhode Island

S.D. Ireland, Vermont

Post 150 Kingston, New York

Westbrook, Maine

Post 168 Morris J. Edwards, New Jersey

White Division Saratoga Stampede

Post 141 Trumbell, Connecticut

Post 232 Helmuth-Ingalls, New York

Colchester Cannons, Vermont

Post 72 Saugerties, New York

Post 735 West Seneca, New York

Blue DivisionPost 1080 Shrub Oak, New York

Post 64 Wicomico, Maryland

Post 20 Clinton County, New York

Post 323 Granville, New York

Anaconda Indians, New York

Post 184 Hudson Post, New York

Coopers Cave Tournament

Pool play schedule

Tuesday, July 6

Moreau Rec ParkMorris J. Edwards 4, S.D. Ireland 3

Tri-County 10, S.D. Ireland 5

Veterans Memorial ParkColchester Cannons 12, Granville 5

Anaconda Indians 13, Granville 3

East Side Rec.Saratoga Stampede 10, Halmuth-Ingalls 0

Wednesday, July 7

East Field, Glens FallsNoon Kingston vs. Morris J. Edwards

3 p.m. Shrub Oak vs. Colchester Cannons

6 p.m. Hudson vs. Shrub Oak

Moreau Rec Park3 p.m. Kingston vs. Hoxie Cleaners

6 p.m. Tri-County vs. Hoxie Cleaners

Veterans Memorial Park3 p.m. Saugerties vs. Colchester Cannons

5:30 p.m. Granville vs. Wicomico, MD

8 p.m. Wicomico, MD vs. Anaconda Indians

East Side Rec9 a.m. Morris J. Edwards vs. Westbrook, ME

Noon Helmuth-Ingalls vs. Trumbell, CT

3 p.m. Tumbell, CT vs. West Seneca

5:30 p.m. Helmuth-Ingalls vs. West Seneca

8 p.m. Saratoga Stampede vs. Colchester Cannons

Thursday, July 8

East Field9 a.m. Hudson vs. Colchester Cannons

Noon Colchester Cannons vs. Wicomico, MD

3 p.m. Tri-County vs. Morris J. Edwards

6 p.m. Kingston vs. Tri-County

Moreau Rec3 p.m. Shrub Oak vs. Granville

6 p.m. Hudson vs. Anaconda Indians

Veterans Memorial Park3 p.m. S.D. Ireland vs. Westbrook, ME

5:30 p.m. Helmuth-Ingalls vs. Colchester Cannons

8 p.m. Trumbell, CT vs. Colchester Cannons

East Side Rec9 a.m Hoxie Cleanders, RI vs. Westbrook, ME

Noon Hoxie Cleaners, RI vs. S.D. Ireland, VT

3 p.m. Saugerties vs. West Seneca

5:30 p.m. Saratoga Stampede vs. Saugerties

8 p.m. Saratoga Stampede vs. West Seneca

Friday, July 9

East Field9 a.m. Colchester Cannons vs. Anaconda Indians

Noon Tri-County vs. Westbook, Maine

3 p.m. Hoxie Cleaners, RI vs. Morris J. Edwards

6 p.m. Morris J. Edwards vs. Kingston

Moreau Rec9 a.m. Kingston vs. Westbrook, Maine

Noon Colchester Cannons vs. West Seneca

3 p.m. Hudson vs. Wicomico, MD

6 p.m. Hudson vs. Granville

East Side Rec9 a.m. Shrub Oak vs. Wicomico, MD

Noon Saugerties vs. Helmuth-Ingalls

3 p.m. Shrub Oak vs. Anaconda Indians

5:30 p.m. Trumbell, CT vs. Saugerties

8 p.m. Saratoga Stampede vs. Trumbell, CT

NY Giants parking passes/training camp schedule

2010-07-06T00:30:00.001-04:00

University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced today that New York Giants’ summer training camp all-session parking passes will be available to the public, beginning Tuesday, July 13, at the UAlbany Athletic Ticket Office.

An all-session parking pass is $15.00. The daily parking fee is $5.00. Dutch Quad Lot is the primary public parking facility. The UAlbany athletic ticket office, located in the Physical Education Building’s south lobby, will be open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information, call 518-442-4683. The training camp schedule can be accessed through www.giants.com or www.ualbanysports.com.

The New York Giants and UAlbany recently announced an agreement to hold training camp this summer. The arrangement also includes a two-year option to have the Giants train on the UAlbany campus through 2012.

The Giants have trained on the UAlbany campus, just 2-1/2 hours north of the New Meadowlands Stadium, since 1996. In the 14 years that the Giants have trained at UAlbany, the preseason camp has averaged more than 33,000 fans per summer. The camp attendance mark of 46,960 was established last year.

2010 New York Giants Training Camp Schedule
August 1, SundayPractice: 3:15-5:15 p.m.

August 2, Monday Practice No. 1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice No. 2: 3:15-5:15 p.m.

August 3, TuesdayPractice No. 1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice No. 2: 3:15-5:15 p.m.

August 4, WednesdayNo Practice

August 5, ThursdayPractice No. 1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice No. 2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 6, FridayPractice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 7, SaturdayPractice No. 1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice No. 2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 8, SundayNo Practice

August 9, MondayPractice No. 1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice No. 2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 10, TuesdayPractice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 11, WednesdayPractice No. 1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice No. 2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 12, ThursdayPractice: 10:30-11:30 a.m. (Jog-Thru)

August 13, FridayPractice No. 1: 8:35-10:35 a.m.
Practice No. 2: 6:05-8:05 p.m.

August 14, SaturdayPractice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 15, SundayPractice: 10:00-11:30 a.m. (Jog-Thru)

August 16, MondayNFL Preseason Game @ New York Jets, 8:00 p.m. (ESPN)

August 17, TuesdayNo Practice

August 18, WednesdayPractice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 19, ThursdayPractice: 2:35-4:35 p.m.

August 20, FridayPractice: 10:30-11:45 a.m. (Jog-Thru)
Camp Ends

August 21, SaturdayNFL Preseason Game vs. Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m.

NY Elite Soccer tryouts for girls July 13, boys July 15

2010-07-06T00:28:00.002-04:00

New York Elite FC is holding tryouts for the 2010-11 soccer season. NYEFC is a Premier and Elite Soccer Club accepting talented players, U10-U23, from throughout the Capital District.

The NYEFC coaching staff is comprised of the most accomplished coaches and trainers in the area, under the direction of Miles Joseph.

Tryouts for Girls will be held on 7/13 and Boys on 7/15 at the Clifton Commons, Clifton Park. For more information and to register for tryouts, please visit www.nyelitefc.com

Live coverage: SRAA national high school rowing championships Day 2

2010-05-29T09:01:00.000-04:00

SRAA

National Championships Day 2

Live coverage: Scholastic Rowing national championship regatta Day One

2010-05-28T05:17:00.000-04:00

Scholastic

Rowing Nationals Day One

Dear Diary: Rowing wrap wrapped up with some help from my friends

2010-05-27T09:10:00.000-04:00

Dear diary: They say it takes a village, but last night it just took a ~~little~~ lot of help from my friends to complete the 4-page rowing wrap around today's sports section for The Saratogian.

It included 125 headshots of every Saratoga County competitor, courtesy of photographer extrordinaire Erica Miller who posed, took, formatted and uploaded each and everyone of the photos.

The four-page section included stories from sports editor Andrew Bernstein who also laid out pages 1 and 4 and a history piece from Paul Post.

That would be enough, but when you tack on it was Community News layout night, Nicole Russo was an angel, patiently waiting for yet another story from me about our fresh faced local rowing coaches. I was late getting it to her, but was officially a day early for The Saratogian.

Then as the clock started to speed up towards a new day, Emily Donahue offered up some help, moving from reporter to copy desk for the night and put together my kids photo page for the Community News.

Then there is the boss. Barbara Lombardo ducked out for some quick dinner with the family and then came back to put the finishing touches on the section. She re-proofed the stories and added a few fine tune-ups to the section, things that get the usual "Awww, leave it" by those of us looking at the same thing for a few hours, she plucked out to really make it shine.

It's a labor of love, but I think it'll be well received and all before an oar even dips into Fish Creek, so the heavy lifting continues to more help from 20 Lake Avenue.

Web editor Steve Shoemaker is pushing the limits on a salaried employees hours, working with me this weekend with live video, blogging, tweeting and chats. He'll be there for data entry, the bride, Reda, will be on hand to handle the chats and me, well I plan to be everywhere probably trying to do everything.

We have a video show scheduled for this evening on UStream and will post on The Saratogian web-site, follow-up again Friday and Saturday night, so tune in at http://www.saratogian.com/.

Now I have to get one more story done or else I owe our publisher a coffee...probably from a small cafe in Brazil if he wins this bet...

Dine in and help Shen Crew May 17 to 19

2010-05-12T21:32:00.000-04:00

Shenendehowa Crew is having a fundraising to assist with costs the rowers incur during its week-long competition at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, May 17 to the 19, The Getaway Restaurant located in Clifton Park Center will donate a portion of your dinner tab to Shenendehowa Crew.

No flyer is necessary and the fundraiser is available all day, just mention Shen Crew when seated or ordering.

Any questions may be directed to Susan Miranda at sjmir@aol.com.

NYS Rowing schedule changed/planned out

2010-05-08T13:11:00.000-04:00

Here is the official schedule update...

Until the weather forces the boats off the water...

1 - Heats will be completed
2 - The boys freshman eight will be run Saturday
3 - Semifinals will be started as planned on Saturday's schedule, go as far as can
4 - Sunday racing will start at 9 a.m. not 7:30 a.m.
5 - The order will be the same as the time trials without freshman/novice 8 races.

If ALL semifinals cannot be completed, the finals will be based on TIME TRIALS (only) no mix and match.

The "Wind Event" is scheduled to arrive after 2 p.m.through 6 a.m. Sunday, the coaches agreed to start later, guarantee friendlier weather conditions and not have to sit and wait.

Go to http://www.saratogian.com/ for CoverItLive coverage with a live video feed from the finish line.

Live webcast: Saratoga boys lacrosse at Shenendehowa, 7 p.m. April 30

2010-04-29T23:18:00.000-04:00

<a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&task=viewaltcast&altcast_code=62aff8a9c5" >Saratoga boys lacrosse at Shenendehowa</a>

ARCA race sponsorships available for Double H Ranch June 5

2010-04-29T23:03:00.000-04:00

On June 5, 2010, Ed Pompa of Ballston Spa will once again Race for the Ranch in the ARCA race at Pocono Speedway.

For the past 3 years Ed has participated in the race proudly displaying the Double H Ranch logo on the hood of his car. Over the past several years Ed and his wife, Nancy, have raised funds and awareness through this program to help send children dealing with a life-threatening illness to camp.

All programs at the Double H Ranch are free of charge. Ed has designed sponsorship levels for others to support the Double H while advertising their own corporation or business. The cost for the camp to host one child for a week is $1,800.

Ed will once again offer sponsors the opportunity to have their name and company logo featured on his race car, with possible TV exposure live on race day on Speed TV. Make a donation to the Double H Ranch of $100 or more before May 15^th indicating “Racing for the Ranch” and your name, your company name, or your company logo will be featured on Ed’s car.

100% OF YOUR DONATION GOES TO THE DOUBLE H RANCH

Several sponsorship levels are available based on a $1,800 camper sponsorship.

(All information must be submitted by May 15, 2010.)

-for up to 1/3 camper sponsorship, names will be put on the trunklid.

- for 1/3 to 1/2 camper sponsorship, names or logos will be put on the ‘B’ posts.

-for 1/2 to 1 camper sponsorship, names or logos will be put on doors, ahead of rear tires.

-for 1-2 camper sponsorships, names or logos will be put on the ‘C’ posts.

-for 2-3 camper sponsorships, names or logos will be put on lower rear fenders.

-for 3-4 camper sponsorships, names or logos will be put on the hood, and company will be listed in race press releases as co-sponsor of the car. Includes 2 race tickets.

-for 4+ camper sponsorships, names or logos will be put on rear fenders, and company will be listed in press releases as primary sponsor of the car. Includes 2 race tickets plus 2 pit/paddock passes to the ARCA race.

Donate today at www.doublehranch.org or by check to the Double H Ranch, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 1378, Williston, VT 05495. Please indicate in Comments section online and by check “Racing for the Ranch”. For questions and additional information please contact Ed Pompa at (518) 857-3928, or by e-mail at bedrock5@nycap.rr.com

Let Saturday be a Crappie fishing tournament day

2010-04-29T22:50:00.000-04:00

The first annual Adirondack Crappie Tournament sponsored by the Adirondack Bass Club will be held 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 1 on Saratoga Lake, coming out of the South Shore Marina, 113 Route 9P.

The cost is $50 per boat and there is a 10 fish limit per boat, live bait is permitted.

Payout with 50 boats participating is $480 for first, $350 for second, $280 for third, $210 for fourth, $165 for fifth, $125 for sixth, $90 for seventh and $50 for eighth.

Registration and launch will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

For the more daring, the 10th annual Michael D. Ciccolella Memorial Pike Tournament will be held May 23 out of the South Shore Marina on Saratoga Lake.

Entry fee is $100 per boat for a two-man team. $5 from each entry will be donated to the Red Cross in the name of Michael D. Ciccolella. There is also an optional $10 lunker pool with 100 percent payback.

Fishing will be held 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a three-fish limit per boat with any combination of Pike, Pickerel and Walleye. Live bait is permitted.

Expected payout with 50 boats registered is $1100 for first, $800 for second, $640 for third, $480 for fourth, $380 for fifth, $280 for sixth, $200 for seventh and $120 for eighth.

For more information, contact Joel Marcotte at 654-7210, Scott Franck at 632-5232 or visit their website at www.adirondackbassclub.com.

Extra Innings headlined by local talent at summer camps

2010-04-29T22:10:00.000-04:00

Extra Innings in Saratoga features former college and professional coaches at their upcoming Summer Camp programs.

Fastpitch Softball camps are headed by Oneonta’s Michelle Norwich; Skidmore pitching coach Jackie Hall; Castleton’s Laura Rodgers, along with former Shen standout and current Syracuse pitcher, Angie Sagnelli, among others.

The Baseball camps are headed by former Cortland SUNY/AC player of the year, Coach Michael Hubbs, with former professional players, Will Groff (Cardinals) and Jimmy Dougher (Blue Jays), along side Castleton’s Oliver Aldrich, and SUNY Albany’s Chris Hackett, among others.

Camps include play at Extra Innings and DoubleDay Park in Ballston Spa for June 28th – July 2nd, July 5th – July 9th, and August 9th – 13th. Enroll in the Rookie Camp Ages 6-9; Advanced Youth Camp 9-12; and Senior Division/Big League Camp Ages 13-15.

The camps will provide instruction in all areas of the game. Extra Innings invites you to the only camp in the area offering a 20-hour camp with your choice of specialized instruction in Catching, Infield, or Pitching.

Junior EXPRESS announces Summer Indoor Baseball
Extra Innings – Saratoga announces its instructional Summer Indoor Baseball programs. Both the T-Ball Division Ages 4-6 and the Rookie Division Ages 6-9 will meet twice weekly throughout the summer. All players receive instruction every week with games, and skill contests every Friday. All aspects of the game including hitting, throwing, catching, fielding, and base running are taught.

Extra Innings announces Summer Pitching Clinics
Both Fastpitch and Baseball summer pitching clinics are now registering at Extra Innings. Fastpitch clinics are every Wednesday from 4:30 – 6:00pm beginning May 5th and continuing throughout the summer with instruction focusing on speed and control. Summer. Baseball pitching clinics will begin July 12th and with a 12 session program that meets on Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:00 – 7:30. Ages 9-15 are welcome in both programs.

8th annual Mad Dog Mania College Showcase June 26 and 27

2010-04-29T22:02:00.000-04:00

NY Elite FC will host the 8th Annual Mad Dog Mania College Showcase Tournament, which will take place in 2010 on June 26th and 27th at Gavin Park in Wilton.

Some of next year’s most talented high school junior and senior soccer players will take part in this event. With ninety boys and girls soccer teams expected to participate, the tournament will host approximately 1400 athletes during the weekend.

Over 100 college coaches attended this event in 2009. Many of these coaches have reported that this Showcase is a wonderful resource for identifying potential student athletes.

The event also receives outstanding reviews from participating teams and their coaches. After last year’s tournament, Coach Bernie Quinn (Syracuse Fusion) wrote, “The facilities were top-notch - great fields in great condition and the organization at the event was flawless”.

For more information, visit the organizer's website at www.maddogmania.com.

Ballston Lake's Marge Rajczewski wins USAT Duathlon National title

2010-04-29T21:53:00.000-04:00

Marge Rajczewski of Ballston Lake captured the women’s 70-74 age group national title Sunday at USA Triathlon’s 2010 Duathlon Age Group National Championship. Rajczewski covered the course in 2:27:40 en route to the age group victory.

In addition to earning a national title, Rajczewski qualified to represent Team USA at the 2010 ITU Duathlon World Championships September 3-5 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Sunday’s race was a part of USAT’s 2010 National Duathlon Festival, which featured a record field of nearly 1,800 competitors over two days of racing in scenic downtown Richmond.

Duathlons are run-bike-run events, and Sunday’s Age Group National Championship was contested on a 5k-38k-5k course.

CCRC 5k run/walk/bbq May 15th

2010-04-29T21:33:00.000-04:00

The fourth annual CCRC 5k Run/ Walk/ BBQ and 1k Kids' Run will be held on Saturday, May 15th at 3 p.m. at Christ Community Reformed Church, 1010 Rte. 146, Clifton Park. Day of registration begins at 1 p.m.

The flat, fast course winds through a quiet development on roads and bike paths, around the Clifton Commons park, and back to the church.

Awards will be given to the top two males and females, and everyone else will be eligible for raffle awards regardless of place. The 1 k Kids' Run will start at 4 p.m. All kids' finishers will receive an award.

Giffy's BBQ will be providing the complete meal. Entry fee for adults is $25 including the race, t-shirt (for the first 100), and BBQ dinner. $15 covers the Kids' Run with T-shirt and meal. There is a maximun family rate of $80.

Proceeds go to benefit Captain Youth and Family Services. For more information or to register on line visit cccrc-cpny.org or call 518 371-7654.

Dear diary: Another day, a new website (re-launched) and more work

2010-04-29T20:00:00.000-04:00

Dear diary,
Important memo: Prepare for more work...the day ends in 'Y'

Today is a great day as the Community News website www.cnweekly.com is re-launched with a new look, a new platform but most importantly with a lot more attention being paid to it in the offices at 20 Lake Avenue.

For a long time we used a platform called Zwire, it was basic, it was older and I tried to fill it for both the news and sports sections as much as I could. Meanwhile, properties across the company, starting with the daily paper were getting the new and improved platform. It made sense and I waited patiently, but then the other weeklies started getting the new platform. Then I started to stew...

Well, here it is here.

It's similar across out company, but is brighter, more interactive and of course, more work.

The Community News editor, Donna Bell has blog on the front page, much to her chagrin and so does our managing editor Barbara Lombardo. As for my blog ...well, I'm in the sports section. My wife did remind me that I don't have to be the center of attention on every web page in both papers and it stems from my being an only child...Great, to be married to a psychologist is really paying off.

I had a simple response...."Well, Reda, sometimes a blog is just a blog." Ya, she didn't think it was funny either.

So a new day, new stuff like MyCapture, added to Twitter and Facebook duties, daily video mandates become a part of my day, but the Barbara Lombardo did remind the staff of The Saratogian that if it happens in Southern Saratoga County, then it needs to go on the www.cnweekly.com website immediately. So check back often as a whole lot more hands have been called on deck for our reader and that can only be a good thing.

Thanks for reading in the past and in the future.

Dear diary: Wild web broadcast weekend success

2010-04-29T19:41:00.000-04:00

Dear diary,
Well the "soft opening" of our first-ever live web-broadcast from the shores of Fish Creek were a total success. I spent the weekend testing out CoverItLive combined with UStream, offering a live internet feed of the finish line during the Saratoga Invitational Regatta.

After a successful five-hour test in the newsroom watching people type, we decided to give it a go.

With little fanfare or publication it went off without a hitch and the views began to grow slowly. After three hours of uninterrupted success, I sent out an e-mail blast to the invited coaches courtesy of Chris Chase from the Saratoga Rowing Association. With help from Steve Shoemaker telecommuting over the weekend with web help on The Saratogian web-site things began to gain momentum on Sunday.

We had kudos from a set of grandparents in Vero Beach, Florida and a huge thank you from a woman who wrote "My mother has never seen my son row because she cannot walk...she just did." That just sent me over my chair. I was grateful for her kind comments and it can only propel me to do even more.

We had "good jobs" from the gang at 20 Lake Avenue and the boss, publisher Mike O'Sullivan was truly impressed with the work, something hard to do. If he's happy, then we're ALL happy.

Out of the 18 hours broadcast over the weekend, we were only down for 13 minutes total on Sunday when I lost the video connection. A few on/offs and re-embed and I was back on the air.

Another accomplishment was integrating the results out of the timing system, into my laptop and spitting out an almost newspaper-ready file. In 15 minutes I had 53 race results ready to send to the office, previously it was all hand typed (not by me, Reda usually got that task) beginning at 9 a.m. for the duration. Wendy Stein came through with the file and now I'm ready for every weekend of rowing.

I did learn a lot. People near the camera don't like a live microphone for 18 hours, but it kept the timing tent clicking, so I'll take it. We do want to improve the overall audio and timing of information on CoverItLive to keep our watchers more informed.

Next up is going to be a live stream of Friday's (April 30) boys lacrosse contest between the Shenendehowa boys lacrosse team and Saratoga at 7 p.m. I'll be up in the booth and Reda will be my sound person on the ground (live mic coaches, so be mindful) through www.saratogian.com and www.cnweekly.com. Look for taped quarters from the event and post-game interviews too.

See you and hear you 7 p.m. Friday via CoverItLive and UStream.

Horse racing panel event April 25 at Racing and Hall of Fame

2010-04-23T23:31:00.000-04:00

Capital Region handicappers and racing analysts Nick Kling, Seth Merrow and Jeanne Wood will be featured in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame’s annual Countdown to the Triple Crown program at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 25.

The popular program in the Museum’s Hall of Fame Gallery includes video highlights from important prep races and audience-driven discussions with the panel.

Admission is free and each person attending will receive a complimentary issue of the Triple Crown past performances issue published by Daily Racing Form, a complimentary copy of the Thoroughbred Times’ Triple Crown Preview issue and a complimentary copy of the most recent edition of the Blood-Horse.

The 136th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 1. The 135th Preakness is scheduled for Saturday, May 15. The final leg of the Triple Crown series, the 142nd Belmont Stakes, will be run on Saturday, June 5.

Kling has been the Thoroughbred columnist and handicapper for The Record newspaper in Troy since 1998. Prior to that he held the same position with the Amsterdam Recorder. He has been the co-host of Capital OTB’s Trackfacts since 1992. In addition, he has written for The Saratogian, Post Time USA, Horseplayer Magazine and Wizard Productions.

Merrow is the founder and publisher of Equidaily.com, recently called “the single best source of horse racing news on the Internet” in an article listing Web sites of interest to racing fans. Merrow is a regular contributor to Capital OTB-TV as an analyst and handicapper. He also appears weekly on Sirius Satellite Radio’s “At the Races with Steve Byk.”

Wood began working with and riding horses as a child. An employee of Capital OTB since 1998, Wood has more than 25 years of experience with horses. She has hosted numerous handicapping seminars and has previously served on the National Museum of Racing’s Countdown to the Triple Crown panel.

Brien Bouyea, the Museum’s communications officer, will be the host of the program. Video of the key prep races is being provided by Capital OTB.

Check our the museum's website at www.racingmuseum.org

No Pulitzer, but an award just as special

2010-04-12T22:38:00.000-04:00

Another year, another non-call from the Pulitzer Prize committee for me, but my night was just as rewarding.

I was invited to the 2010 Shenendehowa wrestling program's annual banquet as their guest of honor and was awarded the 2010 Media Award. It is without a doubt the largest award I have ever received (this being the second from a local organization, both that I will cherish forever).

It states: "Shenendehowa Wrestling Proudly Acknowledges the Media Coverage of Mr. Stan Hudy of the Saratogian. Thank You for your constant coverage of Shenendehowa Wrestling."

While I was one of the honorees on the night, I was the one left speechless as my award was preceeded by the senior's speeches. Each senior wrestler and their one female manager, took time at the microphone speaking from notes, notecards, their iPhone, but all from the heart.

For 45 minutes you could hear a pin drop as these athletes who have dedicated their lives, not just a season, to a sport where there are no excuses. The scale doesn't lie and no one else is responsible if you are pinned or out-pointed. They spoke of the moments that they felt the most fear, the moments that made them proud and thanked the men and women who have stood by their side through the years.

I spoke briefly in a quick thank you about their dedication to the sport that I most admire. The level of committment is incredible and they should all be commended for their efforts.

For me, I was truly honored to receive their 2010 media award, but what a night it was to hear these young people speak so eloquently about the people, almost all educators, about the impact they had on their lives. I was the one honored to be there, fortunate to hear them speak, grateful to be paid to see them wrestle and truly humbled by being honored by my own Pulitzer Monday night...the 2010 Shenendehowa Wrestling Media Award.

Thank you one and all.
Stan.

Hudy Head book review: The Big Field

2010-04-12T22:24:00.000-04:00

Daily News syndicated columnist and accomplished author Mike Lupica continues to hit his stride with “The Big Field” delighting young readers with another stellar account of youth baseball ideal for fans young and old.

“The Big Field” was released prior to this year’s young reader’s best seller “The Batboy” but remains timeless as the reader follows 14-year-old baseball player Keith Hutchinson as he looks to find himself during his summer baseball season.

“Hutch” as he is called has always been comfortable at shortstop, that is his position, but he makes way for the latest phenom to grace the field with his Boynton Beach Post 226 Cardinal squad, Darryl Williams. Hutch makes the move to second base voluntarily, even referencing New York Yankee acquisition Alex Rodriguez’s move to third base, honoring the skills of his new captain and teammate, Derek Jeter at short.

There are similarities between Hutch and Jeter, both are great players, both want the ball hit to them in key situations and both are captains of their teams.

The second situation causes the first rift between Hutch and Williams, one not being pleased with the team voting, but things escalate.

Hutch ends up being upended during practice due to a late flip by Williams and the two have words. Things spill over into a quick tackling drill between the two at a practice and one of the players earns a night off during the regional playoffs.

Throughout the story both players have challenges with their fathers. Hutch fails to find a way to communicate with his father, former top baseball player, Carl Hutchinson, but is not comparison to Williams’ living without a father figure in his life.

The goal of the Post 226 American Legion team is to advance to the Florida regional championship and play at Roger Dean Stadium, in Jupiter, Fla. the spring home of the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. While the field measures the same as the Boynton Beach team’s home field, it is the waterfalls, bleachers and televised broadcast of the American Legion regional that makes it a goal for the players.

Hutch spends much of the book attempting to make peace with Williams so that the top two hitters and stars on the squad can focus on winning a championship. Any sort of peace comes at a slow pace as the squad grinds its way through its playoff baseball schedule.

Lupica allows the book to move quickly, using play-by-play to advance the storyline when needed and then pausing like a seventh-inning stretch as the book reaches its climax.

“The Big Field” has lessons for all of its young readers as the drama for the Cardinals and its two stars unfolds.

Hutch learns to appreciate the father that he has and the work that he puts in to help his son succeed while Williams learns to appreciate his teammate. Readers are taken on a roller coaster ride of wins and losses, hits and errors all in the name of learning how to deal with life’s obstacles.

Lupica hits another home run in his young reader series, offering lessons in life on and away from the diamond in “The Big Field.”

4 Hudy Heads out of 5

Five Saratoga County girls hoops players named to All-State teams

2010-04-08T21:37:00.000-04:00

Averill Park standout Katie Duma and her coach, Sean Organ were named player and coach of the year by the New York State Sportswriters Association in Class A to lead the Capital Region honorees.

Saratoga County had five players earn New York State honors:

Shenendehowa sophomore Emily Weber was named a Class AA fourth team selection.
Shenendehowa senior Allie Setter was named a Class AA fifth team selection.
Shenendehowa senior Marissa Ray was named a Class AA ninth team selection.

In Class C Saratogian and Community News Player of the Year sophomore Dani DeGregory from *Greenwich was named to the third-team all-star selections.
Senior Abby Hanehan from Stillwater was a fourth-team selection.
Senior Jackie Sorensen from Waterford-Halfmoon was a seventh-team selection.

To view the entire list click NYSSWA Girls All-State team.

Saratoga Pop Warner spring golf outing May 14

2010-04-05T21:20:00.000-04:00

The Saratoga Pop Warner program will host its 2-person scramble at Saratoga Lake Golf Club beginning at noon, Friday, May 14.

The $85 entry fee includes 18 holes of golf with a cart, a light lunch along with contests, prizes and giveaways.

For more information, contact Matt Riker at matthew.riker@gmail.com, Kay Cairns at kcairns3@nycap.rr.com or Dave Karcher at davekdesign@aol.com.

Here is the entry form for the golf outing, including sponsorsship opportunities with the Saratoga Pop Warner program.

Pop Warner Golf Outing_Registration

It's also never too early to register for Pop Warner, that registration form is also attatched.

Saratoga's got a new skipper...Dean Bailey

2010-04-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

Well, spring has officially sprung with the baseball and softball players have finally been freed from their gymnasium purgatory with the blessing of Mother Nature and along with unblemished records for all the Saratoga Springs varsity baseball squad has a new head coach, Dean Bailey.

I caught up with Bailey prior to the Blue Streaks scrimmage against Lake George Thursday afternoon.
in a quick video and you can read the full story in today's Saratogian.

Bailey has been with the school district and the baseball program for the past nine years and brings a lot of positive energy and enthusiasm to the program. He will be joined by former head coach, Rich Lofink, who stepped down to spend more time with his family, but applied for the assistant position to remain close to the program.

A win-win for everyone.

No April Fool's Saratoga Lake Golf Club open for season

2010-04-02T08:13:00.000-04:00

Duffers couldn't be any happier to see the calender change yesterday as finally for April 1 it wasn't about practical jokes, it was about practical swings on a real golf course.

Saratoga Lake Golf Club opened on April 1 and to celebrate the course is offering it's "Buck-a-Hole" rates from Monday through Thursday for the next two weeks.

For those who are mathematically challenged regarding their wallet and golf score "No, I think that was a four", here are the rates:
18 holes of golf: Monday through Thursday, $18. Friday through Sunday, $26.
Golf with cart: Monday through Thursday, $32. Friday through Sunday, $40.

9 holes of golf: Monday through Thursday, $9. Friday through Sunday, $15.
Golf with cart: Monday through Thursday, $17. Friday through Sunday, $23.

Book your tee time now, especially with some of the greatest weather to hit the northeast in April for some time at 581-6616.

If your favorite course is open, just let me know and I'll more than happy to give them a post as we look to help make 2010 "The Year of the Duffer." (unofficially of course.)

Girls lacrosse "Play Day" a success

2010-03-29T20:36:00.000-04:00

It was a cold day, but worth it for all of the teams that competed in the 2010 girls lacrosse play day at RPI Sunday.

Ballston Spa, Sarataoga and Shenendehowa topped the local talent with other Suburban Council teams competing in 25 minute running time scrimmages along with other locals squads and out-of-towners Pearl River and Mt. Anthony.

Check out the video here: http://tiny.cc/v5dbs

Saratoga Phillies alums enjoying MLB Success

2010-03-26T20:56:00.000-04:00

Michael Fiers (Saratoga ’07-’08), making his Major League Baseball spring training debut for the Milwaukee Brewers, struck out the side in order on Monday afternoon (Mar. 15) in a game with the Cleveland Indians. Fiers began spring training in Milwaukee’s minor league camp however he was added to the Brewers spring training roster prior to the game with Cleveland.

The 2007 New York Collegiate Baseball League Pitcher of the Year entered the contest for Milwaukee in the top of the eighth inning, wearing number 97 with no name plate on the back of his jersey. Fiers retired three-straight Cleveland hitters on strikes. He was the only Milwaukee pitcher in the game to not allow a base runner.

The Pompano Beach, Fla., native was a 22nd round pick (676th overall) of the Brewers in the 2009 Major League Baseball draft after a standout senior year at Nova Southeastern University. He led NCAA Division II with an NSU school record 145 strikeouts and he was a third-team All-American.

Fiers began his professional career last June with Helena of the Pioneer League. By the beginning of September the former Saratoga Phillie was pitching for Class A-Advanced Brevard County of the Florida State League. Through three levels, Fiers went 2-0 with 11 saves and a 1.33 ERA. He struck out 59 and walked only five in 40.2 innings.

The current Brewer was a two-time all star in the New York Collegiate Baseball League with the Saratoga Phillies. Fiers twice led the 14-team summer circuit in strikeouts with 68 in 2007 and 76 in 2008. He combined to win seven games over two seasons and posted a 5-1 record with a 1.99 ERA in his Pitcher of the Year campaign.

One inning after Mike Fiers made his Brew Crew debut, Donnie Webb (Saratoga ’06-’07) rapped a pinch-hit single for Cleveland off of Milwaukee relief John Halama. Webb would eventually come around to score as the Tribe rallied for a pair of runs in the top of the ninth. Webb, a 10th round draft pick of the Indians in 2008, was assigned to the Major League team on Mar. 13 after starting the spring in the Tribe’s minor league camp. Webb debuted for the Indians that same day and pinch hit in a game with the Texas Rangers. The next afternoon, Webb collected a pinch-hit single against San Diego.

The Stillwater, Okla., began his professional career in 2008 with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers of the New York-Penn League. After spending most of the 2009 campaign with Class-A Lake County of the South Atlantic League, Webb was a called up to Triple-A Columbus. He hit .367 and drove in seven runs for the Clippers in just six games.

Like Fiers, Webb was a two-year member of the Saratoga Phillies. The former Oklahoma State outfielder was selected first team All-NYCBL in 2007 and he played in two NYCBL All-Star Games. Webb was a starting outfielder for the 2006 NYCBL champion Phillies, batting .278 with 19 RBI in 44 games. During his second season in Saratoga, Webb hit .329, drove in 22 runs and stole 15 bases.

Last year, Casper Wells (Saratoga ’05) become the first former member of the Saratoga Phillies to reach Major League Baseball when he was added to the 40-man roster of the Detroit Tigers. Wells is currently taking part in his second Major League Spring Training. Wells is at Detroit Tigers camp for the second year in a row. After a breakout 2008, injuries hindered Wells in 2009 though he put together solid numbers in the Arizona Fall League this past October. The Schenectady, N.Y., native spent all of last season with the Double-A Erie Seawolves after rising from Low Single-A to Double-A in 2008.

Darin Mastroianni (Saratoga ’06) was placed on Toronto’s roster for a Thursday afternoon date with Baltimore. Mastroianni replaced Vernon Wells in center field and was retired in his only plate appearance. The Blue Jays selected the Mount Kisco, N.Y., native in the 16th round of the 2007 draft out of the University of Southern Indiana. Mastroianni split the 2009 season between Hi-A Dunedin of the Florida State League and Double-A New Hampshire of the Eastern League. He totaled 70 stolen bases between two levels and drove in 51 runs to earn an invitation to the prestigious Arizona Fall League. Mastroianni was chosen first team All-NYCBL in 2006 after leading the Saratoga Phillies to the league championship. He batted a team-high .348, drove in 25 runs, stole 17 bases and led the team with eight triples.

-- Courtesy Keith Rogers, co-owner Oneonta Outlaws (Saratoga Phillies)

Whooping cough warning from NYSPHSAA ice hockey championships March 12-14

2010-03-26T19:26:00.000-04:00

A late e-mail arrived regarding a confirmed case of whooping cough (pertussis) at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association ice hockey championships at the Utica Memorial Auditorium last weekend.

No details have been released if the person was an attendee, official or employee of the facility, but the release does state two specific days, March 12-13 of the event.

Here is the link to the story and release from the New York State Department of Health here.

Hockey champions night with the Phantoms April 2

2010-03-26T13:05:00.000-04:00

The Adirondack Phantom will be honoring two local high school ice hockey teams that advanced to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association title games at 7:30 on April 2 when the Phantoms face the Syracuse Crunch.

The Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks (Division I) and Queensbury Spartans (Division 2) squads will be honored during the first intermission out on the ice in front of fans and friends.

For players on the squad, a "champions" discount will be available for $13 for adults and $11 for children, both include the $1 arena fee.

Contact Dawn Price at 480-3355 for tickets.

Saratoga Pop Warner cheer teams need a home

2010-03-25T22:52:00.002-04:00

The Saratoga Pop Warner cheer teams need a home to practice their craft.

I received a request from the organization's president, Matthew Riker, asking for help.

He wrote that the squads are looking for an available facility that is well-lit with open space, similar to a warehouse or a large storage garage or facility. They could probably utilize a conference or banquet room with high ceilings.

Obviously as a 501c3 organization they are hoping someone might be able to donate the space for practices or rent it at an agreeable, inexpensive, "for the kids" type of rate.

If anyone has any ideas, feel free to e-mail me at shudy@saratogian.com and I will be happy to pass it along.

Section II Football Hall of Fame created, looking for nominees

2010-03-25T21:38:00.000-04:00

The Capital District Chapter of the National Football Foundation is going to start a Section II Football Hall of Fame this year.

In order to make sure the committee has a solid list to choose from, they would like your input on who you think should be in the Hall of Fame. As we all know there have been and still are many great coaches, players and officials that have come through the Section the past 90 or so years and it would be interesting to see what names come up from various positions and schools.

As you also know, not everyone can make it the first year but a solid list of former players would be very beneficial. The committee has set a policy that only players that have played before the 2000 season will be considered.

So, who do you think should go in and why?

The section will post a nomination form on its web-site shortly at http://www.section2football.com/