No offseason for Salem By Jeffrey Levine After playing 1,783 minutes for the Western New York Flash last season, there are very few women on the team who deserve more of a break than Angela Salem. The second-year midfielder, however, is doing everything she can to make sure that her offseason is spent doing anything but taking it easy. With days that typically start by lifting weights at Sahlen Sports Park and conclude by coaching at night for the Flash Academy, Salem is more than doing her fair share to make sure that she’s ready for the start of the National Women’s Soccer League season next season. “Right now there aren’t a lot of girls around but I’m still getting training with coaches,” Salem explained. “The main focus is just getting touches on the ball, staying sharp. I’ve been lifting a lot. It’s a part of my game that [head coach] Aaran [Lines] has wanted me to improve since I’m not the biggest person out there. Once it gets closer to the season I’ll focus on more midfield specific training and overall fitness.” Aiding Salem in her offseason training are not only her coaches but also the young students she coaches as an assistant for the U9 girls team at the Flash Academy.
championship has made me more motived. A lot of the same players are coming back for next year. Hopefully we can build off last season and compete for another championship.” Also returning next year is Lines, now entering his “Even though I’m coaching it’s helping me as a sixth year as head coach. “It’s been a lot of fun working with coach Lines [at player as well,” Salem said. “When you’re on the outside it’s different from when you’re actually playing. I the Academy],” Salem explained. “He’s your coach so he’ll be hard on you and find myself correcting some of demand a lot and you don’t necthe girls on their technique essarily get to interact; he’s the and emphasizing how to pass coach, you’re the player. Now I the ball or their movement and get to see his personality more. at the same time know that I We’ve gotten to know one can apply those same things to another as a person outside of my own game. It may be more soccer.” of a detailed movement or “And [at the Academy] he something that I’d do at my can’t yell at me, which is nice,” level but it’s about fixing little Salem added with a laugh after a things to improve even more.” long pause. Salem, a native of Akron, Photo couresty WNY Flash All joking aside, Salem takes Ohio, will soon enter her third Angela Salem has made a huge what she does on the field and at year with the Flash after being impact for the WNY Flash, both on the Academy very seriously. a part of the 2012 WPSL-Elite the pitch and coaching at their “The kids look up to you, it’s Championship team in which youth academy. really inspiring,” Salem said. she clinched the game-winning penalty kick during double overtime and last “It’s great to be that person for younger girls. They’re year’s NWSL team that won the inaugural shield for motivated and they want to be like you as both a socbest club record. Despite an otherwise excellent sea- cer player and a person. To me it’s really important to son, Salem still thinks about the Flash loss in the be here and give back.” For Salem and the Flash, giving back next season championship game to the Portland Thorns. “I think that my mindset right now is that it’s the will mean continuing her work at the Flash Academy offseason and I’m just trying to do everything I can and helping to bring home a fourth championship in do to make myself the best player I can be,” Salem five years. said. “It’s the reason why I’m here. Losing in the
November/December 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
With Manuel on the shelf, Lewis steps up for Bills By Charles Roberts Once he’s healthy, there’s no question that rookie EJ Manuel will resume his role as the Buffalo Bills’ starting quarterback. However, the question remains: Who is his backup? Although the Bills signed veteran Matt Flynn and entered the season with undrafted rookie Jeff Tuel No. 2 on the quarterback depth chart, it would appear that Thaddeus Lewis might be the answer. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Lewis—called up from the practice squad to start Week 5—has a strong arm and is a threat as a runner. In other words, the offense doesn’t change drastically with him under center, especially considering offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has yet to fully open up the playbook, easing Manuel into his first NFL season. “Football is football,” Lewis said of his promotion from the practice squad. “Last year was a great experience, a humbling experience and a childhood dream to start an NFL game, but since I’ve started an NFL game, now it’s time to move on. You know what to do, you know what to expect [and] you know what you have to prepare this week; business as usual.” Lewis, who completed 22 of 32 pass attempts for 204 yards with one touchdown and one interception in his lone NFL start before this season, will remain the Bills’ starter until Manuel is ready to go. Unless, of course, Marrone has a change of heart. “This is the direction we’re going now,” Marrone said of Lewis. “Obviously, I think it’s something you have to look at from week to week and I think that a lot of times the situation is going to dictate what you do next.” To make room for Lewis, the Bills placed rookie kicker Dustin Hopkins on the
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The Legend of Kiko Alonso: Bills’ rookie linebacker becomes an instant sensation By Charles Roberts If Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso needs a reminder of his fame, he could certainly turn to social
Photo by Jeff Barnes
Thad Lewis started the season on the practice squad, but led the Bills to an upset victory in Week 7. season-ending injured reserve list. “I like Thad a lot as a quarterback,” center Eric Wood said. “He can do a lot of things for us. He’s mobile, [has a] great arm [and] good football awareness.” Prior to announcing Lewis as the Week 5 starter, the Bills were actively seeking able bodies at the position. The team worked out veterans Pat White and Dennis Dixon. “We wound up bringing in two quarterbacks for a workout; I think that was well documented,” Marrone said, after giving a thorough explanation of the team’s original plan for the position. “We brought in Pat White and we brought in Dixon; we brought them in for a workout. At the end of the day, we worked them out and we thought after working them out, which was the best available to us at the time, we thought it was best to us to move on and play with Thaddeus. Thaddeus will start.” The Bills did more than just work Dixon out, though; he was later signed to the practice squad. Given his experience, albeit limited, with the Bills, Lewis has
a competitive edge over Dixon and Flynn, who was signed Oct. 14, but remained inactive Week 6 and 7. Through it all, though, Lewis seems to have emerged as a solution to the Bills’ need for a capable backup. There’s no telling exactly which direction the Bills will go next at the position, but winning games on the road—something Lewis did against the favored Miami Dolphins—and maintaining a working knowledge of the offense certainly should bode well if he’s to make his case as the long-term No. 2 quarterback. “It’s all about the individual I think. If I didn’t study for the eight weeks, I would be in the same situation; I wouldn’t know what’s going on,” Lewis said of other NFL quarterbacks who have been rushed into starting roles. “I’m thankful that I didn’t take it for granted, being on practice squad and I took advantage of trying to learn the system as much as I can, so when I got my opportunity, I felt good about it.”
media channels, on which he has become something of a sensation. Twitter “hashtags” such a s #TheLegendOfKikoAlonso and #TheLegendOfKiko have followed an ocean of witty, and hilarious, oneliners on the social-media platform. “Kiko Alonso left Miami and is running back to Buffalo. Plane rides take too l o n g . #TheLegendOfKikoAlonso, ” Twitter user Mike McBride quipped moments after the Bills’ Week 7 victory in Miami. McBride’s tweet is just one of countless floating around the internet; fans, players, media and even the official Buffalo Bills Twitter account (@BuffaloBills) have all joined in on the #LegendOfKikoAlonso fun. The only one who doesn’t seem altogether amused is Alonso, probably because he’s too busy disrupting the opposition’s offense. “It’s ridiculous,” Alonso said—not a hint of humor in his voice—of his popularity on Twitter, during a recent visit to the Jim Rome Show, just one of many national media types who have noticed the rookie from the University of Oregon. Alonso’s stellar play during the first half of the season, of course, is the true origin of his star status. He made a game-saving interception—one of two that afternoon—during a Week 4 meeting with the Baltimore Ravens. “It was great,” Alonso said of the interception, an effort in which he narrowly kept the ball from hitting the playing surface. “It was great to get the interception to clinch the game, but it felt even better when they reviewed it and confirmed it.” “You see a player that’s getting a better feel each week, getting better each week,” Bills coach Doug Marrone said of Alonso. “He’s playing very well, at a high level.” Backed by a league-leading four interceptions, the
Photo by Joe Valenti
Kiko Alonso is more concerned with what’s happening on that field than social-media quips. 6-foot-3, 238-pound Alonso was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month for September. But don’t expect to hear him bragging about it. Alonso’s an actions-speak-louderthan-words kind of guy. “I don’t know. I don’t think much of it,” Alonso said of his accolades. “It’s great, but I know I just have to get a lot better and have a lot more work to do.” During the Week 6 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Alonso made an astounding 22 tackles, the most by any Bills player since Oct. 26, 1997, when linebacker Damien Covington also logged 22. After the game, however, Alonso was nowhere to be found to discuss the effort; talking about individual stats after a loss doesn’t seem like his style. “He’s kind of short, to the point,” Marrone said of Alonso’s man-of-few-words personality. “I try to keep it as direct as possible and try to take any gray out of it. I have had social conversations, and he’s extremely bright from that standpoint. We actually had a conversation one time in the hot tub; we were talking about some financial things, which all of the sudden you’re like, ‘Whoa.’” “The one thing I appreciate from him is he’s just trying to go out there and play,” Marrone continued.
“That’s all he’s concerned about right now is playing well and being productive. Not to speak for Kiko, but some of that may just be a guard to keep him focused and concentrated on doing what he’s doing because he’s doing extremely well right now. I don’t think he wants to break that. He’s kind of clueless to maybe all the other things that were going on. [Bills vice president of communications] Scott [Berchtold] mentioned about the tweeting and things like that and he was like, ‘I don’t even know what you’re talking about.’ He’s focused.” While it may seem like Alonso doesn’t have much to say, given his lack of public commentary, he’s vocal enough that Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine made him the defensive signal caller. “Obviously he’s communicating with the defense,” Marrone said. “You look at a guy who is a first-year player and you look at what we put on his plate. We put quite a bit on it; he has to do a lot of preparation, probably extra preparation during the week because he is responsible for calling the defense.” As Marrone said, Alonso is focused, quite obviously more on football than social media. In today’s overly connected society, that’s refreshing in and of itself
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FROM THE
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
PUBLISHER
As the NFL season approaches the halfway point, the Bills currently sit at the bottom of the AFC East at 3-5 but very much in the hunt for a wild card berth. With the exception of a Week 8 loss to the Saints and a Week 5 loss to the Browns when starting QB EJ Manuel was injured, the Bills have been in every game they played this season, seeing some last minute heroics against Carolina and Miami as well as some lategame heartbreaks against the Patriots, Jets and Bengals. One constant for the team has been linebacker Kiko Alonso. The second round pick out of Oregon has certainly been making a case for himself as defensive rookie of the year with 66 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and four interceptions. His prowess is reaching so far that a Twitter hash tag, #LegendofKikoAlonso, has
even been making the rounds on social media. Although the Bills expected improved quarterback play over last season, very few would have predicted that it would be coming from Thad Lewis, a journeyman undrafted quarterback now on his fourth team in three seasons. Jumping from the practice squad to starting quarterback, Lewis has played admirably well in his short tenure with the team, narrowly losing to the Bengals and edging the Dolphins. With the Bills starting to pick up steam, the Sabres continue their lethargic start to the season. Needing to shake things up, GM Darcy Regier traded Thomas Vanek for solid winger Matt Moulson plus draft picks. A young Buffalo team continues to get younger and the trade of Vanek has only sought to increase specula-
tion that Ryan Miller could also be moved. With the 2014 Olympics in Sochi looming, there is also talk of the hero of the 2010 US Hockey Team once again getting the start between the pipes. Beyond wins and losses, however, the issue of whether fighting should be allowed in hockey has reach a zenith this season as more and more experts decry the use of goons and staged fights. Starting from protection for The Great One to today’s current tough guy model, this edition investigates the history of fighting in the NHL and dispels the myth that it is a necessary part of the game, or even one that has an impact on the final score. Be sure to pick up our next edition which features our annual Winter directory. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Publisher & Editor Marian Giallombardo Associate Editor Jeffrey Levine Feature Writers Paul Adamo, Robert Caico, Rick Davenport, Mike Dyer, Mike Fox, Ivan the Impaler, Joe Kirchmyer, George Kuhn, Jeffrey Levine, Christopher Fee, Adam McGill, Brian Michalek, Ron Montesano, Len Mytko, Dave Ricci, Charles Roberts, Dave Sully, John Williams, Mark Zarbo, Rick Zurak (golf editor) Chief Photographer Jeff Barnes Staff Photographers Ryan Bartholomew, Bob Conlon, Nick LoVerde, Joe Valenti, Mike Majewski, Holly Malinowski Cover photos Kiko Alanso by Jeff Barnes Advisory Board Phil Haberstro, Adam Lingner, Denny Lynch Contributing Writers Kevin Bonk, Todd Etshman, Jack Godzuk, Arun Morace, Bob Plezia, Brian Mazurowski Layout & Cover Scott Appleby, Graphic artist Liz Seivert Copy Editors and Office Assistants Len Mytko, Justin Vernold, John Williams Please send your letters, questions, and comments to: Sports & Leisure Magazine, 192 Louvaine Dr, Buffalo, NY 14223 or e-mail publisher@sportsandleisuremag.com. Please include your name, address and phone number or your letter can’t be published. All letters and responses become the property of Sports & Leisure Magazine, they may be printed, and are subject to editing. Sports & Leisure Magazine is circulated throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario. All rights and trademarks reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. ©1997 2013 Sports & Leisure Inc.Facebook: Sports and Leisure Magazine and Hugesportz.com
November/December 2013
November/December 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Ryan Miller’s a top candidate for the Olympic Team
Fighting has become irrelevant in hockey
Ryan Miller reached the pinnacle of the hockey world during the 2009-2010 season, winning the Vezina trophy as the NHL’s top goalie and being named MVP of the 2010 Olympic men’s hockey tournament. Miller was the face of Team USA and the primary reason they won the silver medal in Vancouver. Since then, Millers play and goals against numbers have fallen off, climbing from 2.22 GAPG in 2010 to 2.59 in 2011, 2.54 in 2012, 2.81 in 2013 and 3.02 so far in 2013-14. His save percentage has dropped from .929 in 2010 to .916 in 2011, .916 in 2012 and .918 this season. But Miller ranks high among a strong group of U.S. Olympic goalie candidates with the second best save percentage. While Millers GAA is the highest of any NHL goalie candidate, save percentage is the more important statistic. The mediocre numbers posted by the presumed front runner Jonathan Quick open the door for Millers’ possible return to the starting role he enjoyed in 2010.
By George Kuhn Hockey has a long history of tolerating fighting. Some apologists will explain that fighting is a natural outgrowth of hockey’s violent collisions. This rationalization may have had some validity in the days when hockey players fought their own fights. That era began to wane in 1963 when John Ferguson was promoted from the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League to protect Montreal star Jean Beliveau and beat Boston tough guy Ted Green in a fight 12 seconds into his first Photo by Jeff Barnes game. Sabres enforcer John Scott has Ferguson was the been a polarizing figure during his game’s first enforcer but NHL career due to his one-dimenhe was no goon. He sional physical style of play. played on five Stanley tangle to right some perCup champion teams in ceived wrong or to create Montreal. In 1969 he scored energy for their team. The 29 goals, was plus 30 and conventional thinking scored the Stanley Cup-winamong hockey minds was ning goal. He also had over that the winning fighter cre100 penalty minutes in ated momentum for his every season he played in team that would transfer the NHL. Fighting would into the game and on the gradually become almost scoreboard. But as is often the exclusive role of these the case reality has poured a enforcers. cold bucket of water on that To illustrate this transitheory. tion in the game, the great A recent study by Travis Bobby Orr had 35 fights in Yost examined fights from his career from 1966-1977 the 2011-12 season concenin the early years of this trating on enforcer types— transitional period. In comthe 65 players who fought parison, Wayne Gretzky more than three times—for had one fight from 1980 to a total of 177 fights. Players 1999 due largely to having who won these fights saw teammates like enforcers the opposing team score the Dave Semenko and Marty next goal 54 percent of the McSorely who ensured that time. Of particular note was anyone messing with the that Boston’s Milan Lucic, Great One would likely face despised in Buffalo for his swift and certain retribuconcussion-inducing 2011 tion. hit on Ryan Miller, and St. But hockey stands alone Louis’ Chris Stewart won a in its embrace of fighting. combined total of seven Sports like football and “bloodbath fashion” fights rugby feature more violent and their teams never physical collisions than scored the next goal even hockey but do not tolerate once. The author of the fighting. How has fighting study concludes that fightbecome so woven into the ing is “irrelevant to future culture of hockey? performance.” According to a 2011 story The fact that Chicago in the New York Times by won the 2013 Stanley Cup Buffalo area native Jeff Z. with the fewest fighting Klein, the origins of fighting majors of any NHL team in hockey go back to the tends to support that conlate 1800s when teams clusion. Dr. Randy Gregg formed by Montreal-based played for the Edmonton gangs transferred their vioOilers during the Gretzky lent ethnic rivalries from era. In 1986 his Oilers the streets to the ice. Klein defeated the Vancouver explains the musings of Canucks in a three-game hockey researcher Adam playoff series sweep. The Gopnik who describes Oilers amassed 56 wins that hockey among sport as “the season, 119 points and most clannish, most given scored 426 goals, almost a to the brutal tribal rules of full goal per game better insult and retribution.” than the second best team. Before the enforcer era, The Canucks totaled only fights were spontaneous 59 points for the second affairs that settled whatever straight year. matter precipitated them Following their with little or no subsequent inevitable loss to the Oilers, engagements. The rise of Vancouver captain Stan the enforcers saw the creSmyl and goalie Richard ation of the staged fight, Brodeur complained that where designated fighters the Canucks had too many from opposing teams would
By George Kuhn
Photo by Jeff Barnes
Ryan Miller is a top candidate for the 2014 US Olympic hockey team. Save Percentage for USA Olympic goalie hopefuls .930 Craig Anderson, Ottawa .918 Ryan Miller, Buffalo .915 Jimmy Howard, Detroit .915 Corey Schneider, New Jersey .907 Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles .953 John Gibson, Norfolk Admirals, AHL Goals Against Averages 2.14 Corey Schneider, New Jersey 2.53 Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles 2.62 Jimmy Howard, Detroit 2.81 Craig Anderson, Ottawa 3.20 Ryan Miller, Buffalo 1.44 John Gibson, Norfolk Admirals, AHL As of 10/27/13
Vanek vacates, Moulson moves in By Jeffrey Levine On Oct. 27 Sabres general manager Darcy Regier finally pulled the trigger on something that fans in Western New York, not to mention the national media, have been speculating on since the middle of last year’s lockout shortened season; Thomas Vanek was traded. The former fifth overall pick of the 2003 draft was sent to the New York Islanders for perennial 30-goal scorer Matt Moulson, a first round pick in 2014 and a second rounder in 2015. That the trade happened wasn’t surprising, but that it occurred so soon into the young season caught many off guard. With the team mired at 2-10-1 it was clear that a change needed to be made and with the increasing unlikelihood of Vanek, an unrestricted free agent, re-signing with the team after the season, the compensation is more than fair, especially in what may turn out to be a very expensive rental for the Islanders. That Moulson, also an unrestricted free agent, scored two goals in his Sabres’ debut is an auspicious sign that the on-ice production won’t dip as much as some predict. There is also some
sure on the aftermath of the 2006-07 President’s Trophy-winning season. That year, co-captains Chris Drury and Danny Briere both walked in free agency, without any return, after a disappointing loss to the Ottawa Senators in the conference finals. Then, the Edmonton Oilers shocked the hockey world by offering Vanek, then a restricted free agent, an offer sheet worth $50 Photo by Joe Valenti million over seven After being drafted fifth overall by years, along with what the Sabres in 2003, Thomas Vanek’s would have been four tenure in Buffalo ended on Oct. 27 compensatory first with his trade to the Islanders. round selections. Instead of taking the full hope that playing top-line seven days to mull over his minutes with Cody decision, Regier immediHodgson and Tyler Ennis ately matched the offer may convince Moulson, a sheet and secured Vanek’s Mississauga native, to stay services in what would close to home and work on amount to 182 goals over a new contract. If not, the the next six seasons. It was winger may bring back even a move that provided some more picks if his services much-needed firepower are offered at the deadline. from the wing but failed to For Regier, the trade may take the team past the first have been unpleasant but round of the playoffs after one he recognized as necesback-to-back conference sary: “I don’t love where we final appearances. are. I love what we’re doing With the departure of and I believe in the direcVanek, all eyes will turn to tion we’re going.” starting goaltender Ryan In many ways, the Vanek Miller, also an unrestricted trade not only gives the free agent, who may or may Sabres a platform from not end the year in the blue which to continue rebuildand gold. ing the team, but also clo-
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puck carriers and not enough toughness, even though the Oilers had 90 fights and 23.75 penalty minutes per game, as compared to 92 fights and 22.38 penalty minutes per game for Vancouver. Dr. Gregg observed “Fights will occur but they won’t be crucial. Maybe they will dictate momentum for a while but the games will be decided by the skill of the players. Fights don’t score goals.” Of increasing concern in the NFL and NHL is the liability arising from concussion-related injuries due to head contact in collisions. The NFL recently paid out a staggering $886 million USD to settle a lawsuit filed by former players alleging that the league knew about yet failed to disclose to the players the dangerous conditions they faced due to head trauma from playing in the NFL. Both leagues have revamped their rules to reflect these concerns and minimize the risks of head contact to their players. The latest of several medical studies by the Mayo Clinic calls for a complete ban on fighting at all levels of professional and amateur hockey. Substantial evidence exists that serious harm can be caused by repeated hits to the head, although no evidence has yet been cited that links fighting to brain injuries. “My concern is we can’t wait for the data that tells us all the neurons that died with each impact from head trauma before we stop unnecessary fighting. We need to take action now,” Aynsley Smith a Mayo Clinic sports psychologist said. The governing bodies of amateur hockey banned body checking by 11 and 12-year-olds following a previous study by the Mayo Clinic warning of damage to young players from body checking. Eliminating fighting is the goal following the latest research. As the NFL example shows, failure to act to protect players’ health will create financial liability for the league. It’s a mystery why the NHL still permits punches to the head in this litigious environment. The time has come for the NHL to change its policy on fighting to protect its players, and the league, by adopting a more punitive system to penalize fighting, with game misconducts and suspensions for repeat offenders with the goal of eliminating a majority of fighting from the game.
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Fantasy football: D-E-F-E-N-S-E! By Leonard J. Mytko
Major Wright (FS, CHI) The defensive back position tends to be dominated We thought we’d give our by safeties since they make offensive stalwarts of the ball the most tackles and so it a break this time around and comes as a “major” surprise with more leagues not only to see his name “right” drafting team defenses, but around the top with 53 to individual defensive players, date. Wright also has a couthe most challenging form of ple of forced fantasy footfumbles and ball is now a pair of upon us. interceptions, Now scoring one of which for these was a pickl a r g e r six. leagues tend Terrell Suggs to vary, but (OLB, BAL) the general Y o u rule of wouldn’t thumb is that think one of tackles reign the best allsupreme, around linewhich makes backers in linebackers the league valued most, Photo by Jeff Barnes would be on followed by Cincinnati’s Vontaze Burfict has been making plenty of pace for defensive fantasy noise from the linebacking position this year. career-highs lineman and in both tackthen defenles and sacks in his 11th 11.5 in both 2005 and 2008. sive backs. However, defendyear, but that’s just what’s So at this rate, he’ll shatter ers who accumulate sacks, going for him now. Not only that number and then some. interceptions and forced does he have 53 tackles, Vontaze Burflict (OLB, CIN) fumbles give you good points which is second on the In just his second season as well. So if you were lucky team, but his eight sacks as a starter, he’s consistently enough to get the best of certainly make him a fantasy topping the weekly totals in both sides in your fantasy must-start every week. tackles for the Bengals and leagues this year, here’s a top DeAndre Levy (MLB, DET) could very well be the fronten (in no particular order) Through eight games he’s trunner for the league’s tackthat proved to be worth the been an unsung hero for the le crown when it’s all said draft-day selection. And we’ll Lions and rates among the and done with. Through start with someone we all top dozen fantasy linebackseven games, he’s piled up 85 know making an early case ers so far. He also remains total tackles, which is already for Defensive Rookie of the tied for the league lead with over half the amount he had Year. four interceptions (one of all of last season. Kiko Alonso (MLB, BUF) which went for a touchKarlos Dansby (ILB, ARI) Last year gave us down) and his 58 tackles Although he’ll be 32 in Carolina’s Luke Kuechly as leads Detroit. And there’s no November, this should be the top tackler and this year reason to believe he won’t be the best statistical season of it’s one of our own with some the same productive player Dansby’s career. He’s already gaudy tackle numbers (81). in the second half of the seatallied 71 tackles and his And up to this point, the secson either. defense’s increased dependond-round draft pick out of Robert Quinn (DE, STL) ence on him should push Oregon is bettering the tackBoth Mario Williams him past the 100-tackle ling machine champ of a year (BUF) and Chandler Jones mark for the second year in ago by 25. He’s even showing (NE) rank a little higher a row. It’s also worth noting off some of his ball-hawking among fantasy defensive he’s notched two and a half abilities as well, nabbing four ends at the present moment, sacks, a forced fumble and picks, which is tied for tops but Quinn’s talent insures a an interception in his last in the league so far. bigger projection in the four games as well. Kansas City Chiefs long run. He won’t post big Paul Posluszny (MLB, JAC) As the old adage goes, tackle totals and his sack Since leaving the Bills, defense wins championships. number will be constant, Poz hasn’t missed a game If this is true though, that but his four forced fumbles and just may have turned a will also pertain to fantasy are definitely something to corner at becoming one of titles since their unit looks to watch as the season goes on the best fantasy linebacker be going right back to their because he could eventually options out there now. Take glory days when specialist scoop up one for a score. last year, for instance, when Donte Hall would return Other standouts from this he finished with 139 tackles, touchdowns for the team and year include: Sean Lee two sacks and three interlucky fantasy owners on a (MLB, DAL); Alec Ogletree ceptions. So far this year the fairly regular basis. But this (OLB, STL); Earl Thomas 29-year-old veteran is avertime around, it’s the trio of (S, SEA); Aaron Williams (S, aging almost 10 tackles a Pro Bowlers Justin Houston BUF); Sheldon Richardson game and even returned a (11 sacks), Tamba Hali (nine (DT, NYJ); Tim Jennings Peyton Manning intercepsacks) and Derrick Johnson (CB, CHI); Daryl Smith tion 59 yards for a touch(61 tackles) leading the way (ILB, BAL). down back in Week 6. and performing at an elite level. Robert Mathis (OLB, IND) Just when you thought he’s past his prime Mathis now has 11.5 sacks in seven games in what should turn into a career year for him. In fact, his previous seasonhigh sack total was that same
Five-year-old Kyle Mitchell at practice for Webster Wild Cats (Tiny Mites ) Pop Warner Football Team. This is his first season. There weren’t enough teams for flag football so the 5, 6 and 7 year-olds bumped up to full gear and full field. Webster Wild Cats Tiny Mites placed best, winning several games. Kyle is No. 68 and is a lineman. All of the players are new this year and all of the positions are rotated during training. Kyle had one question, “How can I get the ball so I can make a touchdown?” Kyle performed well in the punt pass and kick competitons. He has a natural throwing arm with a spin on the ball. Kyle is looking foward to a trophy in December at the sports banquet. Kyle attends kindergarden at Discovery Charter School. He is in a leadership class and revieved his first perfect attendance certificate. Props to all of the dedicated voluntreer parent/coaches. Kyle is definitly one to watch for in coming seasons. His family is very proud of him! Photo courtesy Mitchell Family
November/December 2013
Fantasy hockey By Mike Fox
Sidney kid in Pittsburgh. While he might not have Veteran fantasy owners quite the offensive upside can recall a time when the early rounds of drafts were peppered with names like Peter Forsberg, Joe Sakic, Milan Hejduk and Patrick Roy, but the Colorado Avalanche have fallen on lean times over the past half-decade or so. General Manager Greg Sherman has made the most of these troubled times; stockpiling an impressive crop of blue-chip draftees and making a few shrewd trades along the way, and these moves are starting to pay diviPhoto courtesy NHL Images dends. After the first If the Colorado Avalanche break three weeks of the seatheir playoff drought, Semyon son, the Avalanche are Varlamov will be an integral reason riding high, and every why. player on their roster of Duchene, his work ethic is in the black in alone will result in points, plus/minus rating. It might and if your league counts be too soon to project a hits and shots on goal his return to their Cup-winvalue rises dramatically. ning ways, but the followColorado tabbed Nathan ing players are already MacKinnon with the first worth owning in fantasy overall pick in this year’s leagues, and their value is draft, and immediately only going to continue to inserted him on their openrise. ing day roster at the age of Center Matt Duchene has 18 (notice a trend?). It hasbeen taking a regular shift n’t taken MacKinnon long in the NHL since he was 18 to prove he belongs in the years old, and is now a grizNHL, producing seven zled five-year vet at the age points in his first nine of 23. The third overall pick games despite averaging of the 2009 draft has only a shade over 13 minalready posted two 20-goal utes of playing time per seasons, and would have game. The Avs seem conhad another were it not for tent to break him in slowly, last year’s strike-shortened but if he continues to proseason, but the best is yet to duce at this rate he should come. Duchene is decepearn additional power play tively quick and shifty, and time. A 50-point rookie isn’t scared to shoot the campaign should come easpuck. For Duchene, 30-goal ily and 60 or more isn’t out seasons will soon become of the question. the norm. The Avalanche packaged Winger Gabriel their first and second round Landeskog was drafted secpicks of 2012 in a trade ond overall in the 2011 with the Washington Entry Draft, and made his Capitals that yielded talentNHL debut at the age of 18, ed but erratic goaltender scoring 22 goals and 52 Semyon Varlamov. points en route to the 2011Varlamov has shown flashes 12 Calder Trophy as rookie of greatness during his time of the year. The following in Washington and while season, he became the playing internationally, and youngest captain in NHL now he gets to play under history, surpassing that
the tutelage of his new coach, the aforementioned Patrick Roy, who knows a thing or two about stopping pucks and winning Stanley Cups. J.S. Giguere is a rock-solid veteran backup who will get starts for the team, but the starting position belongs to Varlamov as long as he proves himself worthy. He’s been almost unbeatable over the first few weeks of this season, suggesting that Roy may have already begun to harness Varlamov’s talent. Stats worthy of a No.1 fantasy goaltender could be forthcoming, and his trade purchase price might still be reasonable. If you like to gamble, this one has the potential to pay huge dividends, especially in keeper formats. One of the few holdovers over the Rocky Mountain dry spell is center Paul Stastny. Stastny has scored at least 20 goals in five of his seven NHL seasons, and finished with 70+ points in three of those years, but his stock has dropped a bit after he scored only nine goals in 2012-13. He’s still only 27, and the Stastny hockey bloodlines run deep, so there is the potential of a rebound here, especially now that he’s being surrounded with talented players. One of Sherman’s more unheralded moves was the acquisition of P.A. Parenteau from the New York Islanders prior to the start of the 2012-13 season. The late-blooming Parenteau was quietly playing productive hockey alongside John Tavares in Long Island, and then proceeded to produce 43 points in only 48 games during his first season in Denver last year. He’s undervalued in most leagues and could provide an excellent return on your minimal investment if you choose to go shopping.
November/December 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Discover Allegany County Community Sports Report
you with an unexpected treasure. Whatever you are looking for, be it for Christmas and the Holidays, a birthday gift, or just to treat yourself to something special, shopping in Allegany County offers a wonderful variety of things that can serve as reminders of your visit here. But maybe you’re the rugged outdoors type; Allegany County is nationally known for offering some of the
There is something happening in Allegany County every season. Come for a visit and discover scenic driving routes, hiking, skiing, snowmobile trails, enjoy the colorful fall leaves and abundant wildlife. Browse through the many antique shops or visit with your favorite artisan. Get a “taste” of the county at any of the many local dining spots and feel the “warmth” at one of Photo courtesy Allegany County Tourism the inviting bed and breakAllegany County is known for fasts or other local accomsome of the best turkey hunting. modations. The fesFishing” brochure is an tivals and events excellent guide for sportscontinue through men and is available for the winter season to viewing online under the entice you to dis“Things To Do” tab at cover Allegany www.DiscoverAlleganyCoun County for yourty.com. self. If you are looking for a With nationally one-day get-away, visit and internationally Allegany County for any or known institutions all of their seasonal events, of higher learning such as: “Christmas in the within Allegany’s Village of Wellsville” on boundaries, they December 5; “Luminaries offer a diverse culPhoto courtesy Allegany County Tourisn and Living Nativity” in tural experience. A Snowboard enjoying Swain Angelica’s historic Park Allegany County Resort’s Winter Carnival. Circle on December 15; offers a wide variety Swain’s “Family Christmas best whitetail deer and eastof events including music, Week” or their Winter ern wild turkey hunting in drama, dance, as well as speActivities Weekends and the the Northeast. With 46,307 cial exhibits, and much “Winter Carnival.” For more acres of state forest and more. information about these or 2,050 acres of county forest, Perhaps you prefer lookother great events, check out residents as well as visitors ing for antiques or colthe events calendar at will find excellent hunting lectibles. Maybe you want to www.DiscoverAlleganyCounty. territory. The Allegany simply browse through com. County “Hunting and quaint shops that surprise
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
COLLECTINGMEMORIES
WITH
November/December 2013
MIKEDYER
Maddux, Thomas sure to join HOF in 2014 This is about “Mad Dog” and “The Big Hurt.” They are certain to be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014. It’s November and my Hall of Fame ballot has arrived. After a year in which no one was voted into the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America, 2014 figures to be a big year. Both Greg Maddux (Mad Dog) and Frank Thomas (The Big Hurt) are on the ballot for the first time. They should be locks for the July ceremonies in Cooperstown. Maddux, a four-time Cy Young Award winner, won 355 games in his illustrious career. The slender righthander won 20 games twice and had seven other seasons of winning 18 or 19. He had an earned run average of 1.56 in 1993 and 1.63 in 1995. Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Morgan says, “Maddux could put a baseball through a life saver if he was asked to do it.” Author of 35 career shutouts and 109 complete games, Maddux was 19-2 in 1995 and 19-4 two years later. As the only voter in Western New York, I will be very pleased to vote for Maddux this year. Frank Thomas doesn’t need an introduction to greatness. The former first baseman won back-to-back MVP awards in 1993 and 1994 and led the American League in batting with a .347 mark in 1997. Thomas hit .300 or better in his first eight seasons and finished with a .301 career average, 521 home runs, and cracked 40 or more home runs in five different seasons. He always took an anti-drug stance and volunteered to be checked
for PEDs. He’ll be a terrific Hall of Famer. I’ve been voting for the Hall of Fame since 1983 and this is the first time I will ever vote for 10 players, the maximum each voter can put on his ballot. Besides Maddux and Thomas, I am voting for seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens, sevent i m e M V P B a r r y Bonds, catcher Mike Piazza, first basem a n Rafael Palmeiro, t h i r d baseman Edgar Martinez, and outfielders Sammy Sosa, Tim Raines and Larry Walker. That means I can’t add J e f f Bagwell, and firstyear eligibles Tommy Glavine, Jeff Kent or Mike Mussina. I have no intention of boosting the careers of Craig Biggio, Jack Morris, Lee Smith, Alan Trammell, Don Mattingly, Fred McGriff or the overrated Mark McGwire. Others on the ballot include former Buffalo Bison Richie Sexson, J.T. Snow, Sean Casey, Paul Lo Duca, Kenny Rogers, Ray Durham
and Mike Timlin. Naturally, Bonds and Clemens are the most controversial players on the ballot. Clemens posted 354 victories and was MVP as well as a Cy Young winner for the 1986 Boston Red Sox. Bonds finished with a .298 career average and owns the big league records for home runs in a season (73) and career
(762). Both Roger and Barry are tangled up in the steroids era. An ex-New York Met, Piazza had a .308 career average and is considered the best hitting catcher of all time. Only Rickey Henderson ever stole more bases than Tim Raines, who swiped 808. Sammy Sosa smashed 609 home runs and Rafael Palmeiro posted 3,020 hits as well as 569 homers.
Edgar Martinez was a .312 lifetime hitter and Larry Walker posted .313 with 383 homers. The Hall of Fame announcements will be made in January as just under 600 voters from all over the globe vote on the Hall of Fame.
2013 Topps Football: Are you ready for another awful, boring Topps football set? It’s here. But the 2013 set will be known for its rookie cards of Bills quarterback E J Manuel and the Jets first-year signal caller Geno Smith. Here are the top cards in the set: Adrian Peterson (1); Matt Ryan (20); Andrew Luck (50); Jay Cutler (54); Andy Dalton (62); Jairus Byrd (72); Jamaal Charles (75); Michael Vick (76); Ray Rice (80); Tom Brady (100);
C. J. Spiller (125); Geno Smith RC (126); Robert Griffin III (150); J. J. Watt (175); Victor Cruz (182); Fred Jackson (196); Peyton Manning (200); E. J. Manuel RC (215); Philip Rivers (220); T.J. Graham (222); Arian Foster (230); Marquise
Upcoming Sports Card Shows: East Amherst’s Rob Schilling will direct his allday show Nov. 24 at the Hearthstone Manor in Depew. More than 100 sports card and memorabilia dealers will set up tables at the show,
Goodwin RC (239); Calvin Johnson Jr. (250); Matthew Stafford (268); Scott Chandler (279); Russell Wilson (280); Robert Woods RC (281); Tony Romo (284); Aaron Rodgers (300); Ben Roethlisberger (310); Mario Williams (313); Eli Manning (320); Robert Griffin III (338); Buffalo Bills (346); Kiko Alonso RC (363); Alex Smith (367); Cam Newton (390); Drew Brees (400); Eddie Lacy RC (406); Stevie Johnson (436).
which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It’s a good day because the Bills have their bye week. There will be free admission shows Nov. 13 and Dec. 11 at the Leonard Veterans of Foreign Wars Post on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga. Cheektowaga’s Mike Dyer has voted for the Hall of Fame since 1983. He covered Major League Baseball for New York newspapers from 1967 to 1985. Dyer is the author of two sports books and can be found at most area sports card shows.
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
John Cummings Jr. gets Sire Stakes and 2,000 career wins Stakes and then getting win By Brian J. Mazurek 2,000. To say it was quite an early Like a fine wine, October run for driver John Cummings Jr. is getting better Cummings, Jr. would be an with age. His first pari-mutuel understatement. start was On Sept. 28, he back in won the presti1980. It was gious $225,000 his only New York Sires race of the Stakes for twoseason and year-old filly trothe finished ters when he guidthird with ed Market Rally to the purse a neck victory over earnings Maud Blue Chip in being just 1:59.1 at Yonkers $192 at the Raceway. age of 18. In early He then October, Market Photo courtesy Batavia had a span Rally was entered Downs between in the prestigious It’s been a great few 1991 and $500,000 Breeder’s weeks for driver John 1998 where Crown event at Cummings Jr. starts were Pocono Downs It’s been a great few sparse and and qualified for weeks for driver John wins were Cummings Jr. the finals with a hard to fifth place finish come by. He had a combined and then finished third in the 308 starts in that timeframe finals for Cummings Jr. and and won 36 of them. trainer/co-owner Megan Ironically, all 36 victories Wilson and co-owner Johnny came in 1997 when he had Yoder. 259 mounts. It looked like Cummings Jr. then capped 2,000 career victories, howevoff the stretch on Oct. 1 as he er, was going to be just a pipe drove Champaignon to a vicdream. tory in the fourth race at But how things have Batavia Downs which was the changed. Starting in 2000, the 2,000th of his career. He also wins started to pile up for the went over $9 million in career 50-year-old Cummings, Jr., earnings as well that week. who has over 12,500 career “It’s tough to plan miledrives. Since then he has gone stones,” Cummings Jr. said. over the 100-win plateau in “It was quite a few days 10 of the past 13 seasons. In though,” he added about winthe past three seasons alone, ning the division of the Sires
Cummings Jr. has scored 562 wins. “I knew I always had the talent to drive,” Cummings Jr. said, “but I didn’t position myself right. The first 10 to 15 years of my career I got very few starts. I am definitely on top of my game now and in the best shape of my life.” Cummings Jr. also has learned that patience is key. “All horses are real good for a quarter mile. In the past several years, I’ve learned how to be patient and put a horse in position to win. The second half mile is what counts.” This year, he’s already smashed his all-time seasonal mark in earnings with nearly $1.4 million and there’s about three months left on the calendar to add to that total. Cummings Jr.s’ best season previously was in 2012 where he scored 193 victories and earned $1,105,621. Cummings Jr., a resident of Williamsville, N.Y., has 186 victories in 2013 and should easily go over the 200-win barrier for the first time ever. He currently ranks in the top 20 nationally in UDR with a .316. “It’s a big milestone for me, I want to thank all the trainers that stuck with me throughout the years,” John Cummings, Jr. said. “I also want to thank Megan (Wilson), my main trainer for the last ten years. We have been very fortunate together. It’s really a team effort.”
Page 9
World Series trivia
By Mike Fox
The World Series has captivated America’s attention since before the days of television and even in these days of satellites and instant replays it still makes one think of simpler times when even the pace of a baseball game seemed hectic. 1. Who was the most recent player to compile at least 12 hits in a World Series? a. Miguel Cabrera b. Buster Posey c. Todd Helton d. Marquis Grissom 2. Who is the only player in the last 10 years to compile at least 22 total bases in a World Series? a. Ryan Howard b. David Ortiz c. Chase Utley d. No one. 3. Only two players have ever recorded 25 total bases in a World Series; Willie Stargell and whom? a. Reggie Jackson b. Hideki Matsui c. Mike Napoli d. Yadier Molina 4. There have been 13 pitchers who have won three games in a single World Series. Who was the most recent? a. Justin Verlander b. Randy Johnson c. Greg Maddux
c. Curt Schilling d. Josh Beckett 7. Only two batters in World Series history have ever had five hits in a game; Paul Molitor and who? a. Kirby Puckett b. Bucky Dent c. Derek Jeter d. Albert Pujols 8. Who is the only player ever to draw 13 bases on balls in a World Series? a. Barry Bonds Photo courtesy New York Yankees, all rights reserved b. Babe Ruth Mariano Rivera finished his career with c. Eddie five World Series rings. Did he ever save all Mathews four wins of a single Series? d. Duke Snider 9. What pitcher holds the record for most d. Cole Hamels strikeouts in a World Series 5. Who is the only closer game, with 17? ever to save all four games of a. Bob Gibson a World Series champib. Whitey Ford onship? c. David Cone a. Rollie Fingers d. Tim Lincecum b. John Wetteland 10. There have been only c. Mariano Rivera 18 grand slams in the histod. Brian Wilson ry of the World Series. Who 6. There have been 11 was the most recent player to occasions in which a pitcher hit one? has amassed 21 or more a. Paul Konerko strikeouts in a World Series. b. Tino Martinez Who is the only pitcher to c. Ryan Howard accomplish the feat since d. David Freese they lowered the mound after the 1968 season? a. Tom Seaver b. Orel Hershiser Answers 1.d 2.c 3.a 4.b 5.b 6.c 7.d 8.a 9.a 10.d
November/December 2013
Page 10
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
New shooting range aims to be the best By Kevin Bonk screen. A shooter’s score is eight 25-yard and eight 50registered when a special yard shooting lanes. Each As you first step into arrow tip hits the screen. are equipped with the Wolcott Guns you immediThe system even allows you Meggett Training system, ately realize you’ve never to play against friends which allows users to conbeen to a gun range like this across the country. trol the movement of their before. Opening its doors A wide range of instructarget with the touch of a earlier this fall, the 21,000 tional courses are offered by keypad. If anyone makes square foot Wolcott Guns, certified instructors for the mistake of crossing the located at 3052 Walden novice Avenue in shooters to Depew, is t h o s e E r i e experiC o u n t y ’s e n c e d only public shooters i n d o o r looking to shooting sharpen range. t h e i r Providing skills. a safe and Utilizing u n i q u e the 52 pershooting son classcomplex is r o o m , the self-prorange coclaimed ed, women goal of only and Wolcott youth only G u n s . courses “ T h e r e ’s are formnothing like Photo courtesy Ken Wolcott i n g . this, our Wolcott Gun’s newly opened state of the art facility has According m a r k e t something for everyone! to Wolcott, analysis women are taking a much shooting line the laser eye went over 50 miles,” owner bigger interest in handling safety system will initiate Ken Wolcott remarks on the firearms. “We’ve had a lot of sirens, turn shooters’ targets complex’s one-of-a-kind women come in and learn out of view and immediatenature. With a $2 million to be safe with firearms… ly dispatch staff members. renovation the facility is the That is the biggest thing; Not only are the floors and first in the area to house you need to know the safety walkways kept free of spent firearm and archery ranges features.” Basic courses are lead but so is the air. The along with sales and service offered to familiarize users newly installed ventilation under one roof. with firearms or work on system provides a 98 perPreviously working out of improving accuracy with cent lead dust free environhis basement for the past handguns and long guns. ment. Panels of acoustical seven years, Wolcott has With the complex’s consound proofing deaden the made the expansion in trolled atmosphere, Wolcott loudest shots and 1-5/16 order to reach a bigger marGuns has been working on inch thick Lexon glass proket. Having been involved bringing competitive shoottects anyone watching from in shooting sports from a ing events to its complex the viewing area. young age, opening the new this winter. The first comArchers will have plenty shooting complex has been petitive archery event is to set their sights on in the his lifelong aspiration; “We slated to be held on Dec. 8, separate archery area. From bought this for the long with more competitions in bag targets to 3-D animal haul,” Wolcott explained. the works. Local shooting targets the 30-yard range “This has always been my clubs and law enforcement will help you to get ready dream to retire doing this.” agencies have also rented for the next hunting season The opening of the new out space to conduct meetor competition. Specialty location, which employs 13 ings and special training. target blockers even allow full and part time staff Wolcott Guns even hopes to crossbow hunters to take members, has not gone host birthday parties and aim on the range. For the unnoticed by the communiyouth events. competitive archer with a ty. The town of Depew welFor more information and fondness for video games, comed Wolcott Guns by all the opportunities Wolcott Wolcott Guns has added the holding a ceremonial ribbon Guns has to offer call Dart 3-D hunting system. cutting this September 716.901.7807 or check out The program takes you on attended by several city and their website www.wolcotthundreds of different hunts county officials. gunsinc.com. using a projector and The complex features
November/December 2013
DOCTARI’SFISHING FORUM
WITH
RICHDAVENPORT
Fantastic fishing for late fall anglers The frost is on the pumpkin again and WNY’s late autumn could reward determined anglers with a bounty of fantastic fishing through the holiday season. With days rapidly shortening and temperatures falling to near-freezing levels, now is the time to plan an excursion to a stream or lake to take advantage of fall’s feed and the last chance for open water pursuits. This time of year also means hunting seasons across NYS are open, and many anglers plying the waters in summer are in the deer woods or hiding in duck blinds, offering lower fishing pressure and a greater feeling of solitude not seen since spring. Trout Great Lakes salmon runs all but run dry by the start of November, but plenty of rainbows and browns show strong presence in tributaries and near shore around creek mouths, on a heavy feed in advance of winter. Eighteenmile creek and Oak Orchard creek show good numbers of browns and rainbows, with egg sacs or salmon skein drifted under a float, or bounced slowly along bottom get top mention, as do egg presentation flies as well as streamers and spey presentations. Piercasters connect using large spoons and shallow to middiving stick baits. Lower Niagara River drifters should see good luck with skein or kwikfish presented on threeway rigs, but remember, lake trout season closed Sept. 30 on all Lake Ontario waters and rivers. Lake Erie streams show strong rainbow trout numbers thanks to heavy rains lifting water levels to allow fish to enter and run up most every significant trout stream. Larger fish now dominate but weather proves tricky in timing your adventures, as any significant rainfall will muddy up most streams fast. Dunkirk Harbor also shows good numbers of trout now showing up, despite the lack of the warm water discharge associated with the now nearly shuttered NRG plant. Anglers still connect with trout off the Harry
Photo by Tim Kernahan
Salmon runs have shown strong on the western Lake Ontario streams, as Rich Davenport shows off here. Probst Memorial fishing platfish, anglers can make quick form, but many do just as well work in filling limit of 50-fish off the City Pier. when finding the right Be certain to consult the schools. Whether on the “Big regulation guides for the Great E” or running small inland Lakes waters you intend to lakes, finding the bigger fish fish, as restrictions concerning may take several reconnaisnight fishing and weighted jig sance runs and a willingness use on some streams may now to relocate to better areas at a moment’s notice. Concentrate be in force. on ledges and waters where a Bass and Musky softer bottom is conducive to NYS black bass and aquatic insect activity for best muskellunge seasons close chances at finding the jumbos. Nov. 30, but some of the best Things to remember fishing for these game fish Starting Nov. 1 all boaters happens during the last two must be securely wearing a months of their seasons. Bass PDF (personal flotation fishing on both lakes, Erie and Ontario, feature hungry fish, device), and this requirement, lots of them, and their move regardless of age, remains in into the shallows to feed on effect on all boats under 21crayfish before this forage feet in length. heads off to winter respite. Nov. 30 is the close of NYS Live crayfish presented near black bass and muskellunge bottom or tube jigs and plastic season. Many waters offer crayfish imitators work catch and release, artificialthroughout the day along only fishing opportunities for rocky jutties near creek black bass throughout the mouths. Try areas off Smoke’s “closed” season months. Creek on Lake Erie, and in Keep a sharp eye on the front of Old Fort Niagara on weather during the late fall Lake Ontario, depths less than season, as a warm day can 20 feet. turn into a cold, windy afterInland waters like noon in a hurry. Dress properChautauqua and Cassadaga ly, and tell someone where you Lakes lure anglers with both are going, and when you plan hungry bass, and large, active to return. musky while the seasons Remember, take a kid fishremain open. Spinnerbaits ing, and give the gift that lasts work for both bass and musky, a lifetime. as do large stick baits and surRich Davenport is co-founder face lures, especially early in of WeLoveOutdoors.com, an the morning and during low avid Outdoorsman and member light cloudy days. With docks of the NYSOWA. His works are all but out of inland waters in also published in NY Outdoor advance of winter’s freeze, News, Walleye.com and the concentrating on weedy bays Buffalo News. Rich is also the running lures just above the Recording Secretary for the Erie decaying vegetation triggers County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Secretary of hungry, large predators into the Western NY Environmental action. Federation, member of the Erie Yellow Perch County Fisheries Advisory Autumn in WNY is known Board and is the Co-Chairman for yellow perch fishing and and Region 9 Rep NYSCC Big large schools of hungry packs Game Committee. Email of ringbacks go on the prerich@weloveoutdoors.org. winter feed moving into shallow waters. Following bait-
November/December 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Bishop Kearney quarterback Tyler Kirton rewrites Section V record book By Paul ‘Mr. NFL’ Adamo Bishop Kearney senior quarterback Tyler Kirton’s high school football career came to a sudden, heartbreaking end on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 25 against Caledonia-Mumford in the Section V Class D sectional semi-finals. A cold, windy, Eastridge High School stadium was the stage for a final three-minute drive as the Red Raider’s trailed 9-6. On the last play of the game, with the clocking running down to zero from the four yard line, Caledonia- Mumford quarterback Kurtis Haut couldn’t find an open receiver. He sprinted for the pylon, stretched the ball over the goal line and scored the winning touchdown. Game over, Caledonia-Mumford wins, final score 12-6, Haut’s leap ending Bishop Kearney’s run for a sectional title, Kirton’s outstanding fouryear career and his assault on many of the Section V passing records. “They were a good team but it hurts to know that we were the better team but the results didn’t show it. I feel that we didn’t lose to them but beat ourselves. The game was cold and windy but it didn’t really have a great effect on our game, just a couple passes I usually complete were carried by the wind but I made adjustments,” Tyler explained after the disappointing loss. The Kings finished 6-2, their best under Kirton and will continue to pursue a sectional
Photo courtesy Tyler Kirton
Bishop Kearney quarterback Tyler Kirton rolls out and looks downfield as part of his record-breaking senior campaign. title they haven’t won since the 1981 season. Most record-breaking quarterbacks are products of early playing and tutelage in youth football and today’s athlete continues through high school with individual work-out regiments and off season programs. Kirton explains his start in football and development using the same steps. “I started playing football at the age of five playing Pop Warner with the Irondequoit Screamin’ Eagles. In eighth grade I was stuck with the choice of attending Eastridge or Kearney. I selected to come to Kearney because I liked their style of offense with the spread over Eastridge’s wing T style at the time. Also, my mom attended Kearney, which gets you more prepared for college then most
schools around.” “I’ve been a starter for all four years of my football career at BK and team captain junior and senior year,” Kirton explained regarding his commitment and work ethic. “I also play on the basketball team, which won a state title last year. During the off-season, I usually hit the gym on my own or workout with Beyond Athletics and CTC [Changing The Community] and attend New Level Athletic 7v7 tournaments, which helps out during the regular season because you get so used to playing against faster competition from out of state, with big offers and looks causing you to step up your game to compete and getting the ball out of my hands in under four seconds.” Kirton speaks about the game with a knowledge and insight that comes from both exceptional coaching and being a student of the game. At the same time, Kirton loves the game and appreciates his success but humbly knows it’s not an individual sport but a team game. He credits head coach Eddie Long and his father. “Coach Long making me the center focus of the offense doesn’t make me feel any different than any other year; my motto for the year is ‘work hard and stay humble’ because even with my success, I don’t let it get to my head because that’s just not my personality coming into this year. I expected to have a big year with this being my last, coming off of an injury
Stick length can change everything By Mark Zarbo First, I just want to thank my former skating and skills coach Gary Reeves. Gary is one of the best s k a t i n g mechanics and skills coaches in North America. He has helped many players fulfill their dream of playing pro, college and junior hockey. I am grateful that I was able to learn as a player under Gary and now as a coach. His knowledge has been invaluable. For the past three years I have been running hockey camps. One of the most common questions I receive is why does my son and/or daughter stand up so tall when they skate? There are many factors that could be contributing to this but one factor that always seems to play a role is the player’s stick length. Young players stick length should be no taller than their chin when on skates, Adam’s apple is preferable. When players have a stick that is too tall for them it does not allow them to maintain a proper hockey position knee bend. Proper knee bend is the foundation
of everything we do in hockey. For a player with a long stick to get into a proper knee bend they either have to hold their hands up too high to keep their stick blade flat or they will end up having to tilt the blade of their stick so only the heel of the blade is on the ice. The lower a player is able to get to the ice, the more balanced and efficient they are when skating. Having a stick that is too long can force a player to stand up tall, automatically decreasing their stride length, balance and ability to generate power. In regards to shooting, a stick that is too long can have a domino effect on their mechanics. Proper shooting mechanics requires a player to shoot using their legs by transferring their weight. When a player’s stick is too long, it puts them at a mechanical disadvantage. Young players are not physically strong enough to use a long stick because it creates too long of a lever arm. To compensate for this long lever arm and because they are being forced to stand up tall, players end up bending at the waste, putting themselves off balance and using
their arms to shoot. This ability to weight shift and use your legs when shooting is extremely important, especially with more advance shooting skills such as onetimers, shooting in stride and shooting out of a crossover. If players do not learn proper knee bend and how to effectively transfer their weight they will struggle with higher level skills. For older experienced players (Jr, College, Pro) having a longer stick can be beneficial because they have the physical strength, coordination and understanding of how to use a longer stick. Younger players do not and it tends to create bad habits that can be difficult to break. The benefits do not outweigh the cost for younger players. If a young player is relying on a long stick to play then what they really need to work on is their skating and speed. The best players are the best skaters. A long stick should only become a tool for older more experienced players. If you have any questions regarding this article or about training please do not hesitate to contact me at 7 1 6 . 2 0 8 . 3 7 2 4 , MarkZarbo@yahoo.com or v i s i t www.MarkZarboHockey.com.
which limited me junior year, and having such a huge off-season. My career at Kearney has had many ups and downs and I’m proud I finished out my senior year with a great team and give thanks to my dad for being there with me along this journey as a father and a coach. Career wise, I couldn’t accomplish my goal since freshman year of being No. 1 all-time falling one yard short but I tied the record with 6,161 career yards, 65 touchdown passes and 29 interceptions.” Kirton’s career passing numbers place him first, tied for first, or in the top five of many of the game, season, and career all-time Section V passing records. Tyler’s senior campaign statistics were 2,241 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He finished tied with Rush Henrietta’s Ashton Broyld (Syracuse University WR), as the alltime passing yardage leader with 6,161 yards. He also broke the single season touchdown record with the 33 touchdowns this year. There were three games this season that qualify as highlight games: 20-29, 340
Page 11 yards, six touchdowns against CanisteoGreenwood; 30-34, 370 yards, six touchdowns versus Caledonia-Mumford; and 17-31, 370 yards, seven touchdowns at Livonia. The seven touchdowns are tied for second most in a Section V game. He ranks in the top three for number of 300 yard passing games, pass attempts and completions. Having a solid group of pass catching wide receivers and running backs were very important to Tyler’s success. Spreading the ball to a number of different receivers is vital for any passing game. Wide receivers Jo Jo Gause, Ardell Brown, Branden Kellam and Jalen Long all contributed to Bishop Kearney’s big play, spread offense. “Playing in a spread offense to me makes the game more fun and easier than a pro style offense because you can see the field clearer and easier to make pre-snap reads on where you want to go with the ball depending on how the safeties and corners play the wide receivers,” Kirton explained. “Throwing the ball always came natural to me; I’ve been throwing foot-
balls since I was young hearing stories from parents that the first time I ever threw a ball I threw it across the room. My receivers always compete during the game to see who can get the most yards after a catch to help me reach my goal of breaking the all-time record.” Looking at his four great football years and a quality education from Bishop Kearney, Kirton has his priorities in order. He is looking at opportunities to continue playing at the next level in college along with pursuing a degree. “My best memory since playing with BK is the 48-46 win we had this year over Cal-Mum with six seconds left in the game to go on and win on live TV. My four years at Kearney have been a great learning and maturing experience getting me ready to move on to college and going on to most likely a major in business or journalism.” Records are a great individual achievement but in the big picture as someone once said “Records are meant to be broken.” With the help of his family, coaches and high school Tyler Kirton understands this.
Core group guides young Amerks By Todd Etshman The role of teams in the American Hockey League is to develop future players for NHL parent teams. To do that, the AHL developmental rule requires 13 of a team’s 18 skaters (not including goalies) to have limited professional experience and only five with over 260 games of experience can play in the starting lineup. Choosing those five veterans can make a big difference in the win-loss column or, more importantly, in how well the young AHL players develop. The Buffalo Sabres carefully chose four wellrespected successful veteran players for the Amerks in the off-season that include captain Matt Ellis, alternate captain Drew Bagnall, high scoring forward Jamie Tardif and forward Mike Zigomanis. Veteran defenseman Alexander Sulzer joined the group when Buffalo placed him on waivers. As coach Chadd Cassidy explained: “We call them the core of our team because they’re guys we can rely on and with all the experience they have, they’re guys our young players can learn from.” The veterans are counted on for leadership in Rochester but they can still make it back to the NHL if the need arises in Buffalo. A light early season schedule gave the Amerks more time to find line combinations and defensive pairings for the veterans and the young Sabres’ draft picks in Rochester. “Right now we’re in the process of seeing who will play where,” Ellis, who has been an AHL captain several times in his 11 year career, explained. He’s also played 267 games in the NHL.
Photo Rochester Americans
Captain Matt Ellis has provided leadership as well as some scoring for the Amerks. “It’s a little bit different now,” Ellis continued. “Now I am the vet and my game has to be more complete here. I have to give more of a punch to the offense than my role in the NHL required.” It’s a role the captain relishes since he was more of a defensive forward in the NHL. In his younger years, Ellis said he was a lead by example type of captain who let his work ethic and determination do the talking. That’s still the case today but as a 32-year-old veteran on the team he will take guys aside and have a chat with them when necessary. “The vocal part is coming around a bit. I try to be open with all the players so they can come to me with any issues they have,” Ellis said. Alternate captain Drew Bagnall, 30, has been a vocal leader since his college hockey days at St. Lawrence University. The three time AHL all-star defenseman says the key to his game is positioning. “I’m not the best skater so I’ve had to think about the game in a different way where it’s more about where
you place yourself on the ice to make the other team miss or just always be in the way. I think even if you are a great skater, if your positioning is good you are going to be a much better player and that’s what I hope to pass on to the younger guys here.” Early season lopsided losses to defending champion Grand Rapids (Detroit) and Syracuse (Tampa Bay) let the Amerks know they have work to do before the schedule picks up. “Right now we’re caught in between on too many plays where we just need to talk and sort it out,” Bagnall said. “The more team defense we play as a unit of five, the better off our back end will be.” Cassidy described Zigomanis, 32, a former Amerks nemesis with the Toronto Marlies as another hard-working lead by example guy. The Amerks handed the Marlies their first defeat of the young season, 4-1, at Blue Cross Arena. As for Tardif, Cassidy said the 28-year-old forward who scored 30 goals and notched 15 assists for the Providence Bruins last year “has sandpaper to his game. He’s a good all-around player with a great shot and he gets to the hard areas of the ice.” “When you’re an older veteran guy, you can’t be making rookie mistakes,” Bagnall said of the core group that will lead the Amerks through the season and hopefully to the AHL finals. “There is an expectation that we should be able to see plays develop quicker than the younger guys. Our younger guys want to learn. That’s the biggest thing. You can be a great leader but if you don’t have good followers, it doesn’t mean a whole lot.”
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Ken East’s Reardon gives back By Dave Ricci Jessie Reardon knows her life has been changed, but she still can’t believe how much she has impacted the lives of others. Reardon, a Kenmore East senior, is wrapping up her final season of varsity with the Lady Bulldogs volleyball team. As one of the team’s co-captains Reardon set the proper examples of hard work and dedication every single day. But it’s what Reardon did away from the volleyball court that truly makes her standout. Reardon, 17, traveled to Juarez, Mexico where she worked with the Harvest Hands Ministries to help impoverished children. Harvest Hands Ministries, a faith-based group, was started by Reardon’s aunt and uncle, Terry and Gary Mathewson, both of whom have been encouraging Jessie to make this journey for years. “They’ve always been asking me to come down ever since I was little,” Reardon said. “But one, I was waiting until I got more mature, because it’s not something a young kid should do. And I was really terrified of the bugs. That was a huge thing! And cost was definitely a big factor. Last year I just had the overwhelming feeling that I had to go. I just had to go.” Jessie and her mother, Barbara Reardon, made arrangements to join with a team from Wyoming on site. Having lived a sheltered, suburban life, Reardon was stunned by the things she saw firsthand in the colonial areas where families lived. “Every house you went to had a tragic story. Every single house you went to,” Reardon said. “The ladies just clung to me and my mom and they just cried and cried and cried. We gave them money for food or medical purposes and it’s just really rewarding knowing, oh my gosh, I’m making an impact on somebody’s life. Even if it’s just talking to somebody. One lady just hugged my mom and she cried because her son died. Her daughter died. All this stuff it’s just horrible. When my mom and I came back, I don’t want to say it was depression, but when we came back, we’re so greedy here. They had nothing but they were so willing to give you something and they were so happy (even though) they had absolutely nothing.” Reardon and her team brought food and other necessities but perhaps the most important thing they brought was themselves and the message that people cared enough to help. Meeting children who come from homes that are, by American standards, at best ‘broken,” one of the things that touched Reardon the deepest was how quickly she bonded with the small children. “The kids go there (to the compound) Monday through
Photo courtesy Jessie Reardon
Jessie Reardon (center) on-site in Juarez, Mexico. Friday and on the weekends they go home,” Reardon said. “Or if they don’t have a home they go to a church or they just go somewhere...They’ll either stay there because their families can’t support them or they do not want them. When they’re there they want affection. The first day we walked in there they just ran up and gave us hugs. Two kids I definitely connected with. One, her name is Yamileth, she’s 12-years old and a little boy-Jose.” As she spoke of these two special little ones who touched her life Reardon couldn’t help but smile. “Jose did not leave my side the whole time I was there,” she said. “Every time we came into the compound he hung onto me the whole time. He just wanted affection and I don’t know if he didn’t get that at home. He would put his face up to mine all the time. It’s just sad knowing that they don’t have that. Talking about it, I get a little emotional. When I had to say goodbye we had a bonfire the last night and he did not want to let go. And it’s sad because you don’t know what’s going to happen when you leave them. They’re in such good control under Harvest Hands supervision and at the children’s compound-but when they go back to their homes on the weekends what happens to them? You don’t know. They may not have that affection and it’s sad but also it’s humbling to know that I did give him that affection.” Reardon said Yamileth clung to her as a younger sister would to a big sister when looking for guidance and someone to connect with. “We just bonded and when I came back I wrote her a letter and sent her a cross necklace,” said Reardon whose uncle Gary delivered the necklace to Yamileth. “I got a letter from her maybe a month later just saying how
she was really grateful and she drew some really nice drawings.” Along with that letter Jessie was given a pink teddy bear from another little girl. But, with a smile, Reardon said her uncle is keeping the bear until she comes to pick it up herself on another visit. Seeing firsthand how Americans can take for granted things like having enough to ear or the chance to get a quality education Reardon was stunned when she found out kids in that area of Mexico were not allowed to go to school unless they brought their own lunches. In spite of all this poverty, Reardon said she was amazed by the undying human spirit she saw from so many people. Whether it was the playfulness of the children when they were having their pictures taken or the way a woman named Clara was bravely battling cancer with virtually no proper medical care or information. While Reardon feels they were able to do some good she is also haunted by the feelings of it not being enough. After having met and grown so close to so many people in such a short amount of time Reardon is also troubled by the unknown of how they are all doing from day-to-day. “It’s humbling to know you are doing really good work but at the same time you don’t want to leave,” Reardon who is process of planning her next trip in either January or April of 2014, explained. While she has a burning desire to go back as soon as possible to lend more help, Reardon knows the people she met in Mexico have given her the gift of appreciating all that life has given her. “My mindset is a lot different,” she said. “I think about it on a daily basis. I think about those kids every day.”
November/December 2013
2013 collegiate cross country shining stars By Adam McGill The 2013 collegiate cross country season is coming to an end and several athletes have stood out. To help you recognize the faces in the crowd, here are some of the biggest cross country stars in the WNY area this season. Zach Ahart, University at Buffalo Ahart has anchored Buffalo down the stretch. He recorded the top time in the 8K (25:44) at the UB Stampede Invite earlier this season and it has given the senior distance star tons of confidence. Including the race in Amherst, Ahart has now been the men’s top finisher in three straight races. Mikelle Cala, Canisius College Cala (Derby, N.Y.) has been on a career pace this season. She was the team’s top finisher in the 5K at the Little Three Cross Country Meet (fourth) and in the 5K at the Canisius College Alumni Classic (fourth). The senior is making the most of her last season on Main Street and will be someone to watch in the final races of the 2013 season. Chrissy Clarkin, University at Buffalo Clarkin (Highland Mills, N.Y.) has led the way for the Bulls in nearly every race this year. The junior finished second in the Harry Lang Invitational, first in the UB Stampede Invitational, and
Photo by Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
Senior Zach Ahart has been Buffalo’s top finisher in three straight races. 23rd in the Princeton Invite. Each race she was the team’s top finisher and she has only cemented her legacy at UB more. Bumkoth Jiak, Buffalo State The Syracuse native has been in front of the pack for the Bengals all season. Bumkoth finished 16th at the Daniel Walker Invitational, seventh in the Penn State Behrend Invitational, and 94th in the Inter-Regional Rumble last month that had a field of 283 runners. The sophomore has been the team’s top finisher in every single race this season and he has a very bright future ahead of him.
Julia Smith, Buffalo State Smith (Orchard Park, N.Y.) has carried the team over the last couple weeks. The junior has been Buffalo State’s top finisher in three straight races and the five-foot-four sparkplug has quickly matured into the leader of this squad. Cooper Roach, Canisius College Roach (Honeoye Falls, N.Y.) topped the entire field at the Canisius College Alumni Classic with a time of 26:10.1. The sophomore finished with a mile pace of 5:16 and it was his first victory of the season. He now has four top-10 finishes in the last four races and has carried the Golden Griffins down the stretch. Tyler Van Leeuwen, Niagara University Van Leeuwen has burst onto the scene this year. The Ontario native has led his team in two races, including a sixth place finish (16:29.5) at the Little Three Championship to open the season. The freshman is on pace to have a great career with the Purple Eagles and Van Leeuwen is a name to get familiar with sooner rather than later. Kim Vona, Nigara University Vona (Angola, N.Y.) has had a record-breaking season with the Purple Eagles. The senior set a school record in the 6K (21:56) at the Paul Short Run earlier this month and has continuously been the team’s top-finisher. This may be her last time around the track for the Purple Eagles, but she is giving everything she has in her final season.
November/December 2013
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Local boxing happenings By Bob Caico The last of several amateur contests were held on Oct. 19 at the Flare Center in Buffalo. Eleven bouts were held and a fight of the night was awarded. That bout featured a threeround decision by Ben Serrano of Buffalo Westside over Geovanni Diaz of Dunkirk. 88 lb Kam’ron Overton (St. Martin’s) dec 2-1 Kalem Buie (St.Catherine’s) 120 lb Elson Dejesus (Dinkirk) rsc Hector Vasquez (Jamestown) 90 lb Niasheen Williams (St. Martin’s) dec 3-0 Jared Ryan (St. Catherine’s) 125 lb Ben Serrano (Westside) dec 3-0 Geovanni Diaz (Dunkirk) 135 lb Jerome Gashindi (Bflo PAL) rsc-1 Musa Mberua 9St. Martin’s) 115 lb Edwin Hernandez dec 3-0 Selshawn Greer (St. Martin’s) 165 lb Tim Akeulou (UB) dec 3-0 Jonathon Bayron (St. Martin’s) 180 lb Vincent Brown (Rochester) dec 3-0 Ahmed McIntyre(Westside) 156 lbTracy McGruder (St. Martin’s) dec 2-1 Mike Christopher (UB) 201+Jim Levits (Sweet Science) dec 3-0 Cordell Thompson (Flare) Charles Garner dec 3-0 Alex Colon (Dunkirk) •••••••• West Side Boxing Club from Buffalo hosted an amateur card at the Matthew Glab Post in Lackawanna on Oct. 5. Thirteen bouts featured clubs from Rochester St. Martin’s, Toronto, Casal’s, St. John’s, UB, Thunder Boxing, Victory and Buffalo PAL. Fight of the Night was awarded to Jake Ventry and Carlos Carresquello for their back and forth fight. Jackson Krebs-Anthony Diaz and Jeffery Ngayot- Sequan Felton tilts also had fight of the night quality action. 85lb Tobias Smothers (St. John’s) dec 2-1 Bobby Bruno (Casal’s) 125 lb Alex Castellano (Victory) dec 3-0 Ben Samano (Westside) 145 lb Mitch Geles (Victory) rsc-2
Kyle Bennett (Thunder) 150 lb Anthony Woodruff (Westside) dec 3-0 Cody Thompson (Toronto) 115 lb Keith Torres (Casal’s) dec 2-1 DeShawn Greer (RSM) 102 lb Jackson Krebs (Casals) dec 2-1 Anthony Diaz (PAL) 155lb Quenton McKnight (RSM) rsc-1 Mike Periso (UB) 125 lb Jake Ventry (Thunder) dec 2-1 Carlos Carrasquello (Westside) 70 lb Joe Krebs (Casal’s) dec 3-0 Ja’den Ruth (RSM) 170 lb Tim Accedoin (UB) dec 3-0 Jonathan Bayron (RSM) 150 lb Zsolt Daranyi (Toronto) rsc-3 Brian Montes (Westside) 160 lb Mike Christopher (UB) dec 2-1 Tracy McGruder (RSM) 132 lb Sequan Felton (RSM) dec 2-1 Jeffrey Ngayot (Westside) •••••••• Victory MMA held an amateur boxing card at the Sportsplex in North Tonawanda on Sept. 28. 85 lbGerard Ryan (St. Catherine’s) dec 3-0 Kamron Overton (RSM) 60 lbJoe Krebs (Casal’s) dec 2-1 Ja’den Ruth (RSM) 136 lb K’Shawn Agee (Casal’s) dec 3-0 Dan Ryan (St. Catherine’s) 132 lb Dan O’Toole (RSM) dec 3-0 Justin Wright (West Side) 106 lb Steve Ryan (St. Catherine’s) rsc-2 Greg O’Neil (RSM) 201 lb Vincent Brown (Rochester) dec 3-0 Rehan Cyer (Buffalo PAL) 148 lb Michael Christopher (UB) dec 2-1 Anthony Woodruff (Westside) 118 lb Keith Gordon (Casal’s) dec 2-1 Edwin Hernandez (PAL) 102 lb Jackson Krebs (Casal’s) rsc-3 Anthony Diaz (Westside) 201+ Jessie Plotner (Victory) dec 2-1 Nolan Smith (Casal’s) 201+ Jimmie Levins (Sweet Science) dec 2-1
Paul Jackson (Victory) 132 lb Dante Palmer (Lackawanna) dec 2-1 Sequan Felton (RSM) 133 lb Valerie Aspaas (Victory) dec 3-0 Chloe Greeley (Rochester) 165 lb Jonathon Bayron (RSM) dec 2-1 John Nuchereno (Victory) •••••••• U-Prep Charter School in Rochester was the venue for an amateur show on Sept. 14. 60 lb Angel Guzman (Baden ) dec 2-1 Ja’den Ruth (RSM) 95 lb Parjat Dhaliwal (Brampton) dec 3-0 Lamar Allen (Buffalo PAL) 90 lb Niasheen Williams (RSM) dec3-0 Navraj Sran (Brampton) 140 lb Sam Rodriguez (ROC) dec 2-1 Alex Colon (Buffalo PAL) 141 lb Mahbi Abbi (Brampton) dec 2-1 Vinnie DeNerio (Elmira) 102 lb Steve Ryan (St. Catherine’s) dec 3-0 Paris Davis (RSM) 85 lb Gerard Ryan (St. Catherine’s) rsc Kam’Ron Overton (RSM) 141 lb Anthony Wooduff (West Side) dec 3-0 Usial Hernandez (Geneva) 95 lbKyle Powell (St. Catherine’s) dec 2-1 Anthony Diaz (Buffalo PAL) 156 lb Tracy McGruder (RSM) dec 2-1 Mark Renzi (Sweet Science) 116 lb Delshawn Greer (RSM) dec Mike Gardon (ROC) 201 lb Rehan Cyer (Buffalo PAL) dec 2-1 Vincent Brown (Rochester) 130 lb Kieshawn Stone (RSM) dec Justin Wright (West Side) 201+ Anthony Castillo (Buffalo PAL) rsc-1 Joe Rosado (Albion) 140 lb Jeremie Geshindi (Buffalo PAL) rsc-1 Nick Pratt (Albion) 160 lb Quenton McKnight (RSM) dec Keith Suarez (Buffalo) •••••••• Upcoming cards: Nov. 16 at Casal’s Boxing Club in Niagara Falls and Nov. 23 at the Tralf in downtown Buffalo.
November/December 2013
WWE Battleground PPV
The Night the Power Went out in Buffalo… and when it came back on, Big Show punched everybody’s lights out wrestling match. The Rhodes channeling his inner Eric half-brothers are accompanied Bischoff, announces that By Ivan the Impaler to the ring by daddy Dusty, a power will be restored in A Hardcore Rules match. former NWA champion. “three minutes.” Four Title matches. A ‘Win or Rollins & Reigns are the tag Yer fired’ match. A brief power Match to Fill the Vacant team champs (though the belts outage just minutes before the WWE Undisputed Title: are not in play here) and are main event. It could all mean Daniel Bryan battles Randy joined by Dean Ambrose; the only one thing: The epicenter Orton to a No Contest/Double of the Pro Wrestling Countout: The power Galaxy was First couple of Triple H & Niagara Center in Stephanie felt Randy Buffalo on Sunday Orton was the more marOct. 6 for the WWE ketable champion. In Battleground PPV. weeks prior, they kept Here’s your semiordering the seven-foot detailed review of the Big Show to interfere evening, along with with/hurt Bryan and his things you won’t find allies. And if refused to do on the “dirt sheets” so? Big Show, who has a (insider term): Photo by Joe Bradt mortgage to pay off and is near-bankruptcy, would Cody Rhodes, Dusty Rhodes and Goldust PRE-PPV: be fired. (And who says celebrate their win in Buffalo. D o l p h this is a soap opera for Ziggler defeats Damien three are known as “The men?) Sandow - Sandow, channeling Shield” and have one of the After over 20 minutes of his inner Lanny Poffo, referred coolest entrances in pro action, Bryan caught Orton to the fans as “slack-jawed wrestling. in the Yes Lock submission, mouth-breathers.” We guess Goldust wrestled the match The rogue Maddox ordered Big he had part of that right. of his life in This Reporter’s Show to the ring. Show pulled Regardless, Ziggler won and opinion. He seemed ten years the referee out before Orton injured Sandow’s knee in the younger physically, and even could tap and slugged him. He process, putting to rest any performed a corkscrew moonthen went into the ring and chance of Sandow cashing in sault which was new to my took out Bryan. When Maddox his Money-in-the-Bank chameyes. Time turned back 30 sent ref Scott Armstrong to the pionship shot later that years when Dusty hit the bionring to count Orton’s pin evening. ic elbow on Dean Ambrose. attempt, Show surprised all by The Rhodes family wins, and WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT KO’ing Armstrong. Orton, the Unemployment rate edged TITLE MATCH who thought Show was on the slightly downwards. (Extreme rules): take, got in the big man’s face. We find out that evil corpoAlberto Del Rio (c) wins by Bad move. rate figureheads Triple H and submission over Rob Van Show’s huge right fist sent Stephanie McMahon have left Dam: Extreme Rules: use of Orton to sleep. The vacancy the building, leaving almostforeign objects is not only remains vacant! Big Show was competent GM Brad Maddox legal, but encouraged. On no longer a lackey for ANYto run the show. What could paper, this stipulation favors BODY! possibly go wrong? RVD given his ECW backAn exciting finish for sure, ground, but a few chairs, trash Bray Wyatt beats but still no Undisputed cans and buckets later, Del Rio Kofi Kingston: Champion. No need to successfully defends the title If the Shield doesn’t have the worry; there was another paywith an armbar through a coolest entrance in wrestling, per-view three weeks later in twisted chair. Van Dam is now then the Wyatts win the title. Miami that would certainly on “hiatus” from WWE. Bray’s ramblings have been resolve the issue…unless the described as everything from power went out in Dade TAG TEAM MATCH: populist to apocalyptic. Think County on Oct. 27. Jack Swagger and Antonio “Cape Fear” meets “My Name Cesaro (We The People) defeat UPCOMING EVENTS is Earl,” only without any The Great Khali and Santino Sat. Nov. 2- Pro Wrestling comic overtones. Bray was Marella: We the People, manRampage - 1001 E. Main St. accompanied by his “sons,” aged by Zeb Coulter, detest - St. John’s Center- Girard Eric Rowan and Luke Harperanything deemed Un(Erie), PA- 7 p.m. the latter bears a strong resemAmerican. Cesaro, though a blance to an angry truck driver native of Switzerland, passes Sat. Nov. 16 - UPW - Eagles who used to haunt highways the test because he came here Club, 1200 Buffalo Rd. along These Here Parts. through legal channels. Khali Gates (Rochester), NY - 6 You never know what the (from India) and Marella (from p.m. Wyatts will bring to the table. Italy via Canada) are accompaSat. Nov. 30 - ESW - Keenan Today, Bray walks halfway nied to the ring by the verticalacross the ring on all foursly-challenged Hornswoggle Center Arena - Lockport, upside down. He wins, then (Ireland). Cesaro grabs the NY - 7 p.m. Rowan and Harper have Kofi seven-foot Khali by the ankles Sat. Dec. 7 - Neo Pro for dessert. and spins him around ten Wrestling- Niagara Falls times with the Whirlybird/Big CM Punk beats Ryback: Sportsplex - Niagara Falls, Swing, sending Khali flying Ryback has been accused of ONT, Canada- 7 p.m. into the corner. Probably the bullying others, but as he most impressive athletic feat Sat. Dec. 14- Kayfabe Dojo explained here in AN EXCLUof the evening! Wrestling - Pineapple Jack’s, SIVE last issue, he’s giving peo485 Spencerport Rd. ple The Opportunity to Show INTERCONTINENTAL Rochester, NY - 4 p.m. Courage (and we applaud him TITLE: for that.) Punk’s former manCurtis Axel (c) beats RMon. Dec. 30 - WWE ager and mentor, Paul Truth by pinfall: Axel is the (house show- NOT teleHeyman, tries to use son of the late Curt “Mr. vised) - Ricoh Coliseum a Singapore cane, but the vigiPerfect” Hennig and managed Toronto, ONT, Canada lant referee stops this. With the by the soulless Paul Heyman. 7:30 p.m. ref distracted, Punk channels DIVAS TITLE: Sat. Jan. 11, 2014 - WWE his inner Ric Flair and delivers A.J. Lee (c) pins Brie Bella: a well-placed mule kick to the (not televised) - First A.J. Lee is amongst the minornether regions of Ryback, leadNiagara Center - Buffalo, ity of women on the roster ing to the rollup pinfall. NY - 7:30 p.m. who can actually wrestle. Soon afterwards, in the midCody Rhodes & Goldust Sat. Jan. 25 - ROH - David dle of a taped promo, the beat Seth Rollins & Roman Lawrence Convention power evaporates. Usually, a Reigns - Cody and Goldust Center- Pittsburgh, PA power outage in FNC get their jobs back while 7:30 p.m. only occurs when the Sabres pappy Dusty Rhodes gets to have a man-advantage. After a Sun. Jan. 26 - WWE Royal keep his administrative posifew anxious moments, while Rumble PPV - CONSOL tion. Rather than resorting to the wrestling world wonders Energy Center- Pittsburgh, litigation, WWE takes the what the heck happened to PA - 7:30 p.m. cost-effective path and settles Buffalo, GM Brad Maddox, all labor disputes through a
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