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May/June 2015
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Jack Eichel poised to become cornerstone of Sabres rebuild By George Kuhn The draft lottery drama ended on April 17 as the Buffalo Sabres were awarded the second pick in the upcoming NHL Entry draft on June 26-27 at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. As the last place team in the NHL, the Sabres had the best odds of winning the first pick in the lottery at 20 percent, with an 80 percent chance of picking second. So essentially the team that tanked for two seasons in the so-called “McDavid” sweepstakes was really tanking for Jack Eichel, the second ranked player to Connor McDavid, who they were four times as likely to draft. Regardless of this logic, the Sabres brass were clearly disappointed in the lottery results, with Sabres President Ted Black wisely refusing to comment immediately following the proceedings. Sabres GM Tim Murray was less reluctant, although he stated that he came to the draft fully expecting to pick second. His later comments, however, belied his true intent: “Anytime you can get one versus two in any walk of life, you’re going to want one. But we came up here with an expectation we’d probably be picking number two and we’re going to deal with it. There’s no issue there.” Murray further expressed his disappointment with the draft lottery saying that the worst team should get the first pick. This, of course, is contrary to league policy that’s designed to minimize the incentive for teams to purposefully finish in last place to enhance their
draft position. Murray’s objection to this established procedure seemed to reveal his true feelings. And why shouldn’t he feel this way? While both players are described as generational talents, McDavid looks to be the superior talent and looms as the new “Face of the NHL” while Jack Eichel will likely “only” become a great player. McDavid has been described as combining the best elements of the greatest players in NHL history: “He skates like Bobby Orr, handles the puck like Mario Lemieux and sees the ice like Wayne Gretzky,” former Sabre Dale Hawerchuk said. Although being a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame should give him the credentials to talk about McDavid, Hawerchuk has also had a better look at the center than most as coach of the Barrie Colts who squared off against McDavid’s Erie Otters many times in the OHL. If this was any other draft over the last decade Eichel would likely be the No. 1 pick. He is described as a franchise player who passes like Adam Oates and shoots like Alex Ovechkin. His style has been compared to a speedier version of Ryan Getzlaf. Eichel was born in North Chelmsford, Mass. and yes, that’s Bruins territory. Having been compared to each other relentlessly for the last two years, it’s interesting to note that Eichel and McDavid first played against one another in the CanAm pee wee tournament in Detroit, with Eichel on the Boston
Mission and McDavid on York Simcoe. In the end, McDavid scored a hat-trick to put his team over the top. Eichel’s development was uncharacteristic for a New England player. Instead of the traditional route playing prep school hockey, he chose the Canadian model of junior hockey, which develops players by pitting talented youngsters against older stronger competition. At age 13 and standing 5-foot-9, 155-pounds, Eichel began playing for the Boston Jr. Bruins against players as old as 18 and 19 and scored a respectable 15 goals and 36 points in 40 games. In his second season he arrived as a major prospect scoring 39 goals and 86 points in 36 games. With a late year birth date of Oct. 26, Eichel defies the normal convention where late year players suffer stunted development because they are always competing against players in their age group who by virtue of being born earlier in the calendar year are more developed physically. This is a significant advantage when young children at age five and six are organized into age groups for youth sports, with some children being 15-20 percent older than the younger participants. Eichel then moved on to USA Hockey’s hothouse development program in Ann Arbor where he played for the U17 and U18 teams. These teams played against older players where they would be challenged physically. In his second season he tallied 87 points in 53 games, the fourth highest total in program history
Photo Courtesy of Rich Gagnon/BU Athletics
While his Boston Terriers fell just short of winning the Frozen Four, Hobey Backer Award Winner Jack Eichel has little left to prove in college hockey. behind Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel and Andy Hilbert. Eichel’s record is more impressive considering that the US team now plays in the USHL, a tier I league playing much tougher competition than Kane and Kessel faced when the team played in the tier II NAHL. “While the US NTDP has produced numerous elite prospects in recent years, Eichel could be a true NHL superstar, and the best prospect to come out of that program to date,” one scout said of Eichel. “He looks the part of the future top line center that the Americans have lacked to pair with their top level wingers in the last two Olympics.” In other words, getting over Connor McDavid won’t be so hard. To begin with, Edmonton winning the lottery means
that McDavid won’t end up with another Eastern Conference team where they’d have to face him more often and match up in the playoffs. In the far reaches of western Canada, McDavid will become almost a forgotten man in Buffalo. The Sabres rarely play the Oilers and Sabres fans aren’t likely to stay up past 11 p.m. to watch live Oilers games. The only way McDavid would meet the Sabres in the playoffs would be in the Stanley Cup finals when the Western Conference and Eastern Conference champions meet. The likelihood of the Sabres and Oilers meeting in the finals anytime soon is minimal. So for the Sabres having McDavid play in Edmonton rather than Toronto or New Jersey is good fortune. The big losers in the
draft lottery were Connor McDavid and the NHL. The stoic look on McDavid’s face upon realizing that Edmonton would no doubt be calling his name on draft day did little to hide his feelings. And the looks on the faces of NHL Commissioner Gary Betman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly were described in media outlets as “Horrific.” On the bright side for the NHL, the results of this years draft lottery have put to rest any notion that the league somehow “fixes” the results. The last thing the NHL wants is for their next superstar to be playing for Edmonton where the team has been locked in despair for years for a variety of reasons. Furthermore, the new face of the league playing in Canada will do little if anything to enhance the NHL’s growth in the U.S. The NHL’s broadcast partner, NBC, will reap minimal benefit from showing McDavid on its marquee Sunday afternoon games or its weeknight cable games. Edmonton’s home games do not generate a U.S. TV rating and are on too late at night for east coasters. Compare that to the league’s current poster boy Sidney Crosby who plays in the fan and ratings friendly Eastern time zone and is a regular feature on the game of the week, not to mention the Winter Classic.
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In Florida State the Bills trust By Charles Roberts After selecting three players from the same school – Florida State – with only six picks in this year’s NFL Draft, members of the Buffalo Bills front office couldn’t help but join in on the jokes. “Well, shortly after the Pegulas bought the team, they came to me and said: ‘Doug: we spent $1.4 billion on this, so we’re going to have to cut somewhere, and there’s the scouting department.’ And they said: ‘You can go to two schools… and Penn State’s the other one,’” Bills general manager Doug Whaley joked, referring to Bills owner Terry Pegula’s alma mater, Penn State. “No. They (Florida State) lost one game in two years,” he continued. “There’s talent there. It just happens that we picked a lot of it and deservedly so. That doesn’t mean that’s the only place we scouted, but it just happens to fall that way.” Lacking a first-round selection, the Bills kicked things off in the second round (50th overall) by snagging Florida State cornerback Ronald Darby,
May/June 2015
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Photo Courtesy of Buffalo Bills
Introducing cornerback Ronald Darby (center), the newest member of the Buffalo Bills. Team owner Terry Pegula (second from right) and head coach Rex Ryan (right) are all smiles. who is known for his presscoverage skills and speed. The 5-foot-11, 193-pound Darby ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.38 seconds and recorded a 41 1/2-inch vertical jump. During his three years with the program, Darby played in 42 games (23 starts). He was named ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2012 and was part of a Florida State team that accumulated three ACC titles and a victory in the national championship
game in the 2013-14 season. “I’m going to bring – of course – speed,” Darby said. “That’s one thing, but I’m going to be someone who just go out there, and just compete and make sure my receiver don’t score on me, don’t make huge plays. Someone that’s going to be out there to get turnovers and like you say, be up on the ball and press and if I have to be off, play off. I know how to play off, so I’m just going to be that player.” The Bills added John
Miller, a guard out of Louisville, in the third round (81st overall). At 6-foot-2 and 303-pounds, some NFL scouts believe he doesn’t have the ideal height for the position, but Whaley thinks what he lacks in size, he makes up for in tenacity. “He’s the type of offensive lineman (offensive coordinator) Greg Roman and (head coach) Rex Ryan are looking for: tough, aggressive maulers that bring attitude,” Whaley said of Miller. “And this guy’s a heavy handed guy. One of the knocks is he’s only 6-foot-2 1/2 and the average starting guard is 6-foot-3 1/2. …We’re excited about him. The thing we’re most excited about is the attitude that he brings to the game and again, if you look at what’s happening in the division – Ndamukong Suh, Leonard Williams, Mo Wilkerson – we’re going to have to get tougher up front, and that’s what he brings to the table.” The Bills went back to Florida State for running back Karlos Williams in the fifth round (155th overall). Williams has a checkered past, but he has never been formally charged, and Whaley says the team did its homework. Nevertheless, Williams faces an uphill
battle making the roster with a backfield that includes the high-profile LeSean McCoy and veterans Fred Jackson, Bryce Brown and Anthony Dixon. “Big, physical back – downhill all the way,” Bills director of player personnel Jim Monos said. “He’s not a real nifty guy. He’s straight ahead; he’s physical. He used to play linebacker (and) safety coming out of high school, (and has been a) special-teams guy. We’re excited.” Next up was linebacker Tony Steward, who the Bills snatched from Clemson in the sixth round (188th overall). Steward has suffered two torn ACLs, but that’s not to say he hasn’t been productive; he led Clemson with 13 quarterback pressures in 2014. It’s also worth noting that he was collegiate roommates with Ryan’s son, Seth, so there is certainly a degree of familiarity between the coach and incoming player. The Bills made it officially every other selection from Florida State when they added tight end Nick O’Leary in the sixth round (194th overall). O’Leary won the 2014 John Mackey Award – given annually to the national’s
top tight end – but teams seemed to be consumed by his lack of measureable qualities at just 6-foot-3, 247-pounds and average speed. Regardless, the surehanded O’Leary hauled in 114 receptions for 1,591 yards and 18 touchdowns during his career at Florida State, making him the program’s all-time leader at the position. Rounding out this year’s draft for the Bills was Dezmin Lewis, a wide receiver from Central Arkansas, who was selected in the seventh round (234th overall). The 6-foot-4, 212-pound Lewis will have a hard time landing on the 53man roster, but he could be tucked away on the practice squad. “He gives us a dimension of size in that wide receiver room, and we don’t have that,” Whaley said of Lewis. There are no certainties in the tough business that is the NFL. But with three former Florida State Seminoles players already on the roster – quarterback EJ Manuel, long-snapper Garrison Sanborn and linebacker Nigel Bradham – it’s safe to conclude that school spirit is on the rise at One Bills Drive.
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May/June 2015
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Quarterback competition, new players Marpet moving from the Finger Lakes highlight Bills voluntary minicamp to Tampa Community Sports Report
By Charles Roberts Bills head coach Rex Ryan isn’t one to mince words and he made it pretty clear that the team’s quarterback competition – a three-man race, barring a trade or a complete 180 from Jeff Tuel, fourth on the depth chart – was in full swing during the team’s late-April minicamp sessions. First-year Bills quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor are battling it out with former first-rounder EJ Manuel. Each quarterback brings a different skill set to the table. “I’m excited about the competition. I really am,” Ryan said of his quarterbacks. “All the guys – and you can throw Tuel in there, but I’m being realistic. The three top guys, in my opinion. ...Is it a perfect situation? No. I’m not saying it is, but I feel good that we have three. We’ll see about the options as it goes forward, but I think by the time it ended there, it’ll be a clear guy who’ll be a number one guy, but that’s in an ideal world. But you have three guys, in my opinion, who can be NFL quarterbacks.” For Manuel, who began the last two seasons as the starter, the competition got underway well before minicamp. “I thought it started when we all got back two weeks ago or three weeks ago,” Manuel said of the competition. “Even in the film room and trying to grasp the offense because it’s like a race to see who knows it the best. Obviously you want to know it just like coach (Greg) Roman does.”
Entering his 11th NFL season, Cassel, like many of the offseason additions, took part in the voluntary minicamp sessions to build chemistry with his new teammates, especially the wide receivers. “It differs from one guy to the next,” Photo by Joe Valenti Cassel said of the process The slate has been wiped clean for thirdof getting year Bills quarterback EJ Manuel, who will c o m f o r t a b l e compete for the starting role. with a receiver. “I think it is just repetition throws and helping this and building a rapport, team.” understanding how a guy The minicamp sessions likes to come out of a break also provided a first look at or the different mannerism the team’s new high-profile he might have. It definitely look on offense, including takes a little bit of time, and running back LeSean right now these are great McCoy, wide receiver camps for us to be able to get Percy Harvin and tight end on the same page with these Charles Clay. guys.” “We threw the ball more Third-year Bills wide today than we’re probably receiver Robert Woods – going to in two games or a University of Southern so…three games because California product, like you don’t have the pads Cassel – got a sneak-peek on so, but it was…it’s at the veteran quarterback interesting,” Ryan said of prior to returning to his first impression of Clay. Western New York. “Guys look pretty good “It has been pretty good,” to me running around in Woods said, asked of his shorts, but I think the true rapport with Cassel. “We indication’s going to be trained a little bit in L.A., when we put those pads on.” so we connected a bit. (And The Bills will host then you) come out here, additional minicamp connect and do the same sessions for rookies this thing in rotation with the month, and the full team quarterbacks. It is a big will hit the field for training rotation, so we are seeing camp in mid-to-late July. every quarterback. He is out here making some strong
Photo Courtesy of Paul Hokanson
Following in the footsteps of Khalil Mack (2014, 5th overall), Steven Means (2013, 147th), Josh Thomas (2011, 143rd) and James Starks (2010, 193th), among others, Kristjan Sokoli was the most recent player from UB to be selected in the NFL draft when the Seattle Seahawks took him in the sixth round, 214th overall. After a stellar senior season in which he started all 11 games, the team captain had 32 tackles, including three for a loss. Early indications are that the Seahwaks plan to convert Sokoli from a defensive tackle to a guard and after an outstanding pro-day, not to mention a 6-foot-5 frame at 300-pounds, every indication is that the he has the abilities and desire to succeed at the next level.
It didn’t take long for Hobart standout Ali Marpet to hear his name at the NFL draft. Taken in the second round, 61st overall, by the Buccaneers, the AllAmerican offensive lineman finds himself in a great situation with a building Tampa team very motivated to protect their newest quarterback, No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston. Conveniently, Marpet is coming off a season in which he didn’t allow a sack and was the cornerstone of one of the most effective offensive lines not just in Division III but in the nation. Despite his many accolades – being named to the AFCA and D3football. com All-America first teams, earning a spot on the AP Little All-America second team, three-time first team All-Liberty League selection, becoming the first offensive lineman to honored as one of the 2014 Liberty League Offensive Players of the Year – some critics questioned whether Marpet would be able to stand his own against stouter competition. He definitively answered any questions at the Reese’s
Photo Courtesy of Ken Debolt/Hobart and William Smith
Just by being drafted in the second round, Ali Marpet (#55) made history as the highest selection by a DIII player. Senior Bowl as he helped the North Squad rush for 186 yards in a 34-13 win. Marpet also showed off his versatility by playing guard, tackle and center, more than holding his own against NFL caliber defenses. Then a month later Marpet put up eye-popping numbers at the NFL combine, posting the fastest 40 time among lineman at 4.98 along with placing second in the threecone drill and shuttle run, and hoisting an impressive 30 reps at 225 pounds for the bench press, tied for fifth among linemen. Originally project as a third round pick, Marpet being taken in the second makes him the highest selection from a DIII school,
surpassing Chris Warren (Ferrum College) who was selected 90th by the Seattle Seahawks in 1990. Marpet is also the first offensive lineman from DIII taken in the draft since 1996 when Ethan Brooks (Williams College) was tabbed by the Atlanta Falcons in the seventh round. Although Albion cornerback Chris Greenwood was the last DIII player taken in the draft (2012, 148th overall), there are several notable active DIII alumni on current rosters including wide receiver Pierre Garcon (University of Mount Union) and a name that should be familiar to Bills fans, running back Fred Jackson (Coe College).
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
FROM THE PUBLISHER One day we may look back at Spring 2015 as the moment when the trajectory of professional sports in Western New York was set on a new course. Two months before the NFL draft in Chicago, the Bills made the biggest headlines of the offseason by acquiring running back LeSean McCoy from the Eagles in exchanged for linebacker Kiko Alonso, shuffling draft picks to get quarterback Matt Cassel from the Vikings, dumping tight end Scott Chandler to pick up his replacement in Charles Clay, and signing wide receiver Percy Harvin, guard Richie Incognito and quarterback Tyrod Taylor among others. After all those moves, the Bills had to wait patiently for the second day of the draft when they selected speedy cornerback Ronald Darby out of Florida State 50th overall. Two other Seminoles would
soon follow, with running back Karlos Williams (144th overall) and tight end Nick O’Leary (194th). The Bills rounded out the class with guard John Miller (81st) of Louisville and linebacker Tony Steward (188th) from Clemson. We’ll introduce you to the new recruits and show you what coach Ryan will be working with next season. Sabres fans also had the future in mind as everyone tuned in to see how the balls would fall in the NHL draft lottery. Although the Sabres had the best chance at receiving the No.1 pick, the Edmonton Oilers won the lottery and what everyone in the sport unanimously believes will be once-ina-lifetime talent Connor McDavid. While there is cause to be disappointed, the Sabres at No. 2 are poised to pick another generational talent in Jack Eichel. In any other draft Eichel would be a
clear No. 1 choice and we’ll go through all the reasons that Sabres fans should be very excited about a very young and talented core. Although ice hockey finished for the Sabres and Amerks, there was plenty of excitement at the HarborCenter as Team USA took the gold against the Canadians in the IPC Sledge Hockey World Championships. I think it is safe to say that we are done with winter! FINALY we can enjoy the outdoors without freezing. Be sure to check out this editions’ annual golf directory. In addition to the interesting articles, many of our advertisers feature money-saving coupons. And with the favorable USDCAD exchange rate, now is a good time to check out the Canadian courses too! Enjoy the sunshine and we will see you in July with our Summer edition.
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Publisher & Editor Marian Giallombardo Associate Editor Jeffrey Levine Feature Writers Paul Adamo, Robert Caico, Rick Davenport, Mike Fox, Paul Gotham, 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, Todd Etshman, John Williams, Mark Zarbo, Rick Zurak (golf editor) Chief Photographer Jeff Barnes Staff Photographers Nick LoVerde, Joe Valenti, Mike Majewski, Holly Malinowski, Jake French Cover photos Jack Eichel by Rich Gagnon/BU Athletics, Connor McDavid courtesy Erie Otters, Ronald Darby courtesy of Buffalo Bils Advisory Board Phil Haberstro, Adam Lingner, Denny Lynch Contributing Writers Pam Borges, Jared Buyer, CPFT, Justin Dahl, Ryan Esguerra, Jack Godzuk, Mark Harzynski Sr., Holly Malinowski, Joel Marrs Jr, Landin Murphy, Bob Plezia, Sean Stuart, Eric Venator Layout & Cover Alex Getz, Meg Kinsley, NYGMSonline.com Graphic artist Liz Seivert, Shannon O’Hara 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 2015 Sports & Leisure Inc.Facebook: Sports and Leisure Magazine.
May/June 2015
May/June 2015
Fantasy baseball By Mike Fox Fantasy commishes have announced it’s time to Play Ball and many owners are already scrambling to plug lineup holes created by injuries, poor performance or just a loss of faith in their drafted players. Here are some names to consider targeting if you are one of those scramblers.
Catcher
Evan Gattis still carries catcher eligibility in most leagues but has served primarily as a DH since his move to the AL Astros. He struggled mightily in his first few weeks in the new role, but this is a player who has hit 20plus homers in less than 370 at-bats in each of his first two Major League seasons. Gattis won’t have to endure the rigors of catching on a regular basis this year, so if he can establish himself as Houston’s regular DH over whack-orwhiff teammate Chris Carter, he could easily set new career highs in home runs and RBI.
First base
Joey Votto came at a mild discount for the first time in years after hitting only six homers in 62 games of an injury-marred 2014 campaign. He started this year firing on all cylinders, so his acquisition price has likely returned to former levels, but there’s nothing wrong with paying fair market value as long as the player performs as expected. If Votto can stay healthy, he’s money in the bank.
Second base
During his nine years with the Angels, Howie Kendrick established himself
as a good-not-great fantasy 2B, but opportunity could be knocking after his offseason cross-town move. While there’s nothing in his profile that suggests a sudden power surge is forthcoming, the Dodgers have slotted him in the No.4 hole of their everyday lineup, suggesting that the career .293 hitter could eclipse his career mark of 75 RBI that he reached for the second time last season. Also of interest is Toronto rookie Devon Travis.
Third base
S&L gave you the heads-up about Kris Bryant’s imminent arrival in this space last year. Hopefully you paid attention, because unless his current owner has been living in a cave, Bryant’s torrid spring training power exhibition and strong major league debut may have already driven his price through the roof. A few bumps in the road are almost inevitable for rookies, but when you can package power, plate discipline and a strong work ethic, it’s hard not to project success. Add in decent speed, at least by cornerinfielder standards, and you have the makings of, dare I say, the next Mike Trout? I dare.
Shortstop
Boston’s Xander Bogaerts had a forgettable 2014 rookie season despite what every analyst in the world was telling us, but he should be an excellent post-hype target. Still only 22, Bogaerts is clearly more comfortable this year, finally showing the plate discipline that had the scouts drooling during his
minor league days. He won’t help you much in the stolen base department (17 SB, 16 CS in 378 career minor league games), but he should be an asset in batting average and runs scored, not to mention RBI opportunities could be frequent with the revamped Red Sox. If you play in a keeper league, you can also expect an eventual power surge, but that might still be a year or two away.
Outfield
Corey Dickerson isn’t exactly a secret after his .312-24-76 breakout 2014 season, but the best is yet to come. Dickerson is the best Colorado hitter not named Troy, and last year’s stats came in only 436 at-bats. Project those numbers over a full season, and even with mild regression, we’re looking at .300-30-100 potential. The Dodgers traded Matt Kemp to make room for Joc Pederson, and fantasy owners would be wise to follow suit. Pederson had nothing left to prove in the minors after tearing up the AAA Pacific Coast League with a 3030 season and a sparkling .303/.435/.582 slash line. Yes, PCL stats are always notoriously over-inflated, but Pederson has followed up with a .292/.462/.500 slash line over the first three weeks of his Major League debut. Not quite Puig-esque, but not bad. If your fantasy budget requires you to dip a bit deeper in the sleeper pool, Arizona’s late-blooming A.J. Pollock has quietly developed into a legitimate .300 hitter. While his power potential is, to be kind, negligible, if he can continue to earn full-time at-bats with the Snakes, that average could also result in 80 runs and 20 SB.
Play ball! Bisons baseball is back By Joe Kirchmyer After a long and exasperating winter, spring has returned to Western New York and none too soon with the sound of shovel scraping pavement replaced by bat meeting ball. And on April 9, baseball fans in downtown Buffalo heard those two words that make spring’s arrival official: Play ball! Excitement filled CocaCola Field on Opening Day. New Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan was on hand to throw out the first pitch, fans quickly settled into the 3,200 spacious new seats in the ballpark’s lower seating level and a Bisons squad that looks promising on paper stepped onto the field for their first game of the 2015 season. So what’s new in 2015? We’ll get to the new seats later. First, let’s focus on the team. While the coaching staff returns Gary Allenson as manager, Richie Hebner as hitting coach and Randy St. Claire as pitching coach, there are many new faces among the player ranks. Among the most interesting roster additions are first
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Photo by Jake French
New Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan throws out the first pitch on Opening Day. baseman Andy Wilkins, who led the International League with 30 home runs for Charlotte last season; center fielder Ezequiel Carrera, who stole 43 bases for Toledo in 2014; first baseman/designated hitter Chris Colabello, who hit 16 home runs between Rochester and the Minnesota Twins last year after taking home the International League’s Most Valuable Player award in 2013; and outfielder Chris
Dickerson, who was named a 2014 IL All-Star while playing with Indianapolis. Familiar faces returning to the Herd include fan favorites Josh Thole, who will once again work behind the plate; infielders Jonathan Diaz, Ryan Goins and Munenori Kawasaki; and outfielder Brad Glenn. Interesting additions to the pitching staff include veterans Randy Wolf and Jeff Francis, who have combined to win 204 Major League games between them. Wolf has spent time with the Phillies, Dodgers, Padres, Astros, Brewers, Orioles and Marlins, while Francis wore the uniforms of the Rockies, Royals, Red, Athletics and Yankees before signing with the Blue Jays organization. Bisons fans will enjoy watching the Herd from the new lower bowl seating. Installation of the new seats began just days after the conclusion of the 2014 season. The organization installed just over 3,200 new seats in phase one of a multiyear seating project. The new
A short history of baseball in Western New York By Bob Plezia A number of articles about baseball have been found dating back to 1840. From that time to about 1900 the game developed while increasing the number of fans as well as teams and attendance. Teams and leagues came and went around the northeast, but the popularity of the game was constantly growing. As the interest and organization in baseball continued to develop, teams started paying, albeit modestly, their players and fans paid to see games. The nucleus of today’s leagues were the National League, which was formed in 1876, and American League which was formed in 1901. In the 1930s the quality of amateur baseball in Western New York (WNY) was, arguably, at its zenith. There are stories of WNY players being offered to play AAA minor league ball but having to turn down the contract because they had full or part time jobs and couldn’t support their families on the salary offered. Despite the obstacles to playing plenty did and thousands of fans, sometimes close to 10,000, attended games at Cazenovia Park, Delaware Park and other venues. It was the Depression and this was “inexpensive,” great entertainment. Stories of sponsors abound, like the Morz Lumber Company that would send out their trucks on a Sunday to pick up fans on East Side corners and transport them to and from their teams’ games. In 1929 a Buffalo team won their first and only American Legion Tournament, a national contest for boys under 18, and other amateur teams won national tournaments in the 1950s and 1960s. From 1940 until the 1950s, the Municipal Baseball League had some 160 teams divided between AAA/AA, A, B, C and D, with divisions at each level. MUNY games were played all day on Sunday from the afternoon until the early evening. Another large league, the Suburban League, drew teams from as
far away as Wilson to the north, the Pennsylvania border in the south, Batavia to the east and Dunkirk to the west. With amateur baseball in the area at such a high level, five Major League Baseball (MLB) scouts lived in Buffalo, resulting in several signings Warren Spahn (right) and Johnny Sain from WNY. From were so dominant during their time the 1940s to the together on the Braves that a poem 1960s, an average about them, “Pray for Rain,” was of three to five local penned by the editor of the Boston players were in the Majors. Post. Of all the locals to play in the big league, the 1959 to 1997, with numerous most notable is Warren Spahn MLB teams. from South Park High School. Eddie Basinski went He played 21 seasons in the from playing MUNY ball majors, 1942 to 1965, with in Houghton Park directly three years in the service. to playing for the Brooklyn He was on the MLB All Star Dodgers in 1944. team 14 years, was the Cy In addition to Buffalo, Young winner in 1957, and Rochester also had a thriving still has the record for most amateur baseball pipeline. wins in MLB by a lefty at 363. From 1948 to 1961 Johnny Over this period of pitching, Antonelli played in the he averaged a 3.09 earned Majors, mostly for the New run average (ERA), which is York/San Francisco Giants outstanding. He played for and the Milwaukee Braves. He the Boston then Milwaukee was an All Star for five years Braves and was inducted into and was in the service from the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951 to 1952. He had a very 1973. respectable career ERA of Another notable player was 3.34 in 377 games. He pitched Sal “The Barber” Maglie from in the 1954 World Series for Niagara Falls, a nickname he the Giants and notched a W. picked up because of his pitch Derrick May, also from control. He played MLB in Rochester, played outfield 1945 and from 1950 to 1958. from 1990 to 1999 with He was an All Star for the NY several teams. He had a career Giants in 1951 and 1952. He batting average of .271, and pitched for the Giants in the .975 fielding average. Tim 1954 World Series where he Redding began his career won two games and lost one with the Astros and pitched en route to his team winning a total of eight years in the the series. Majors, mostly as a starter, The only current WNY from 2001 to 2009. in the Majors is former UB Irv Noren from Jamestown pitcher Steve Geltz with played outfield 11 seasons in Tampa Bay. MLB from 1950 to 1960, most Rick Albert, another UB notably five years with the grad, has been with the New York Yankees. He was Atlanta Braves as a player, an All Star with the Yanks coach and manager since 1972 in 1954. He played in 1,093 and was their hitting coach games, 488 with the Yanks, in their Gulf Coast League and had a career BA of .276. representative team this year. He appeared in three World Roy Majtyka, from St. Series in 1952, 1953 and 1955. Francis, was a player, coach The Yanks won in 1952 and and manager in the pros from 1953.
American Seating seats are 22 inches in size, an increase of three inches from the models they replaced. Because they are wider than the 3,700 removed in the project, the new official seating capacity at Coca-Cola Field is now 17,600, according to team officials. Oh, there’s one more thing. You may want to come to the ballpark with an appetite and experience some of the new culinary offerings with a local twist, such as The Original Pizza Log, Buffalo Wing Popcorn and some offerings from Buffalo’s own Big Ditch Brewery.
season I like to check out the Toronto Blue Jays website, or, more specifically, their list of the organization’s top 30 prospects from their minor league system. Shockingly, only one of the top 30 organizational prospects started the 2015 season in Buffalo, and that is catcher A.J. Jimenez, rated No. 17 as of Opening Day (April 9). • Here’s the lineup the Bisons opened the season with against Rochester: Ezequiel Carrera, CF; Caleb Gindl, LF; Chris Dickerson, RF; Chris Colabello, DH; Andy Wilkins, 1B; Matt Hague, 3B; Ryan Goins, 2B; Josh Thole, C; and Jonathan Diaz, SS. Rochester took the opener by a final
Extra innings
• At the beginning of the
score of 6-3. • Andrew Albers was the Opening Day starter for the Bisons and took the loss. A native of North Battleford, Canada, the well-traveled pitcher spent last season with the Hanwha Eagles of the Korean Baseball Organization! Prior to that he was a 2013 International League All-Star with Rochester and also pitched for Team Canada in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Joe Kirchmyer is president of West Seneca-based Kirchmyer Media LLC. To contact Joe, please email jkirchmyer@ verizon.net.
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May/June 2015
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
OFF-ICEHOCKEYFITNESS WITHJAREDBYER,CPFT
Fare thee well, Ted Nolan Using the NHL Combine to Evaluate Off-Ice Training
By George Kuhn
done on orders from owner Terry Pegula. Regardless the signing means little. Ted had no NHL job prospects since being fired by the Islanders where he coached from 2006-2008. Buffalo was the only NHL team that would employ him and he was brought on board in a brilliant public relations move that appeased the fan base while the team prepared to “Tank for McDavid.” While Ted Nolan was certainly a fall guy, that doesn’t mean he should have been retained. There really weren’t many positives to be seen in his results. His message of hard work was not reflected by his players of whom Nolan frequently complained weren’t working hard enough. Of his three scoring stars, two of them, Matt Moulson and Cody Hodgson, had their worst offensive production ever. His young defenseman Nikita Zadorov regressed significantly. While young Russian players are often difficult, and Zadorov should probably spend some time in the AHL, he is an NHL talent. Zadorov was frequently suspended or scratched from games for transgressions such as sleeping through his alarm
and missing a team meeting and missing a flight back from the Caribbean during the All Star break. While immaturity of a 19-yearold plays a role here this behavior is also a sign of disrespect toward the team’s authority and does not reflect well on the coach as an authority figure. Nolan had also been unable to get improved play from Hodgson and Mikael Grigorenko. While both of these players appear to be almost uncoachable, the failure to improve their play is not exactly a resume builder for their coach. Furthermore, Nolan and Murray had different visions; Nolan wants to win now while Murray says all the right things but made all the right moves to finish last and draft first. Nolan has had three NHL head coaching jobs and has had difficult relationships with all of his GMs. Butting heads with your boss is career suicide at any job, let alone in professional sports. While some may fault the Sabres for firing Nolan, the organization deserves credit for taking care of him financially with the threeyear contract. So fare thee well, Ted Nolan. Thanks for the memories.
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Photo by Jake French
Ted Nolan’s second stint as Buffalo’s bench boss didn’t end as dramatically as his first, but after two seasons with his team at the bottom of the standings the former Jack Adams award winner was let go.
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Yes, it’s unfair that the Sabres fired Ted Nolan, especially since it’s not entirely his fault that his team finished in last place for two consecutive seasons. Yes, the organization gave him a team designed to fail and fail they did. When his team rode hot goaltending by Jhonas Enroth and went on a 10-game unbeaten streak, GM Tim Murray traded Enroth away. When goalie Michael Neuvirth played like the second coming of Terry Sawchuk, he was traded away. Nolan was rebuffed by management repeatedly when asking for reinforcements from the AHL Rochester Amerks, specifically defenseman Mark Pysyk, sure to be an NHL player next season. It’s no wonder the team finished at the bottom. But regardless of the circumstances, professional sports rewards the winners and dismisses the losers. Lose too often and you find a new career. Many fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with Nolan’s dismissal as if he has been “shafted” by the organization for a second time. These fans embraced Nolan during his first tenure here for creating the self-titled “Hardest Working Team In Hockey.” But Nolan’s dismissal in 2015 is far different from his departure in 1997. Back then, he was essentially shown the door when newly hired GM Darcy Regier opted not to sign him to a one-year contract after he won the coach of the year award. This time the circumstances were not quite so acrimonious. Ted Nolan was Pat LaFontaine’s hire as an interim coach, and the minute LaFontaine resigned that was the end for Nolan in Buffalo. Sabres GM Tim Murray did sign Nolan to a three-year contract as head coach, removing the interim title but this could have been
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With the NHL Combine coming to Buffalo next month, the dream of making it to the next level is at the forefront of the minds of hockey players and parents. Hard work and dedication pay off but sometimes being in the right place at the right time can also be a deciding factor. What can prospects expect at this year’s NHL Combine and what can youth players and parents learn from it? At the Combine, the NHL evaluates body composition and puts players through a series of fitness and performance tests related to the sport of hockey. There is also a medical evaluation and a personal interview. This evaluation process is crucial because it allows coaches to use hard data to compare players to their peers and to project progress over time. While the NFL Combine focuses on performance and impressive feats of strength, the NHL Combine emphases athletic skill to determine how a young player might develop into a team’s system. Just take a look at the physique of a typical NHL and NFL prospect. It’s like comparing boys to grown men.
Hockey players today are going into the draft at a much Your fall season younger age make it count. and most won’t see NHL icetime for several years. This means that development and personal improvement are the best terms for evaluating a hockey prospect’s physical abilities. It also means that athletic ability and skill are just as important as raw size and strength. That said, hockey players today are getting bigger, stronger and faster so competition is extremely tight. The NHL Combine is an important opportunity for elite players looking to impress coaches and scouts. Jack Eichel and Connor McDavid are household names but players in the rest of the pack need to stand out to get noticed. To do so, youth players should start following the NHL’s model of evaluation, development and off-ice performance. Off-ice training is becoming indispensable for youth athletes by helping distinguish them from their peers. Shift more of your training time to office workouts that enhance
Photo by Jared Byer
depends on off-season prep, hockey-specific skills, especially during the offseason. Evaluate yourself with a series of tests that measure speed, agility, quickness, strength, power, conditioning and flexibility. Set attainable, time-sensitive goals over both the short and long-term. Retest these variables every 30 days to see where you’re progressing and where you need to devote more attention. Hockey players at all levels should train three to four times per week during the off-season. Unfortunately, many players hire personal trainers who use isolation and bodybuilding exercises that have limited positive effects on athletes. A onesize-fits-all approach does not work for athletic training. Find a sport-specific coach who specializes their training around the needs of hockey players. For more information, contact the author, a certified CPFT at skateaheadwny@ gmail.com.
The Changing Times of Local Golf The closing of Westwood, Harris Hill and the passing of Brian Antonsen have changed the landscape of golf in WNY and Southern Ontario, but the game will go on By Rick Zurak, Golf Editor Some people say change is good. Not always. Especially when it comes to golf in this area. We have known for years that the “Tiger Boom” was over and that it was going to take some real work to keep golf going strong. New golf courses seem to be a thing of the past. The good news is, we are fortunate for the building boom of The Links at Ivy Ridge, The Buffalo Tournament Club, Harvest Hill, and Diamond Hawk that all opened in a span of three years. It was an awesome lift for Buffalo area golf. Then came the tremendous Seneca Hickory Stick in Lewiston. Just across the border we were given Grand Niagara, The Legends magnificent courses, Thundering Waters and Royal Niagara. What’s more they are all still here and offer some of the greatest golf experiences in either country that we all need to take advantage of. If you haven’t played any of the aforementioned courses, make it your duty in 2015. And then there is the flip side. Most crushing to me is the passing the Brian Antonsen, owner of Beechwood Golf and
The picturesque 4th hole at Beechwood.
Brian Antonsen (pictured above.) Country Club in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Brian fought a good fight, but his battle with cancer ended late last year. I got to know Brian nearly 25 years ago when I was publishing Niagara Golfer Magazine. We would meet about advertising, but we would also meet about his beloved Notre Dame football team. There was no bigger fan of the Irish than Brian. Oh, he loved golf and offered to have me join him and “the boys” any Thursday afternoon for their weekly game. But the common denominator between Brian Antonsen and Notre Dame was the Irish motto, “Play like a champion today.” You see, Brian played like
Photo Courtesy of Beechwood GC
a champion EVERY day. He was one of the leaders in building the game in this area. He was part of the contingent that started the Niagara Golf Trail with stay and play packages at a number of courses just north of the border including Beechwood, Grand Niagara, Royal Niagara, etc. He was also a leader in promoting and developing the game with the Niagara Junior Tour, headed by his Head CPGA Professional John White. Every Father’s Day there is a qualifier for juniors to play a great Summer schedule of tournaments and it’s held at, where else, Beechwood. The other courses in the Niagara
Canada Region welcome the juniors to develop their game and compete to produce the best young players in the area, many who have gone on to be professionals at many levels. It was Brian and “Whitey” who have been the architects of this tour for many years. Give Whitey all the credit in the world, but if it weren’t for an owner like Brian, allowing his head professional the time to go all over the Niagara Peninsula and work with these kids throughout the Summer, it wouldn’t be the great experience it has been for many years. If you ever met Brian you know he was a great guy with a great personality and witty sense of humor. You know that he is looking down on us and hoping we make that three foot birdie putt at Beechwood, or where ever else we are playing. That’s
the way he was, a positive guy that will positively be missed by many, but never forgotten. Phew…As for the golf courses, Westwood Country Club in Amherst was long known as “The Westwood” to the local Jewish community because it was quite frankly, a Jewish country club. It was a challenging 18-hole layout with a fantastic “castlelike” club house, great pool complex and some great members. In recent years of struggle, Westwood opened its doors to all golfers and that was great because now everyone was experiencing Westwood and its rolling hills, various sized greens, excellent layout, and more. It became a great host to many charity tournaments with great service. My favorite times were at the WGR
ANNUAL GOLF DIRECTORY
Photo Courtesy of Beechwood GC
radio events — which were more of a carnival on a golf course than a tournament. Westwood hosted the party and did it in great fashion. The events were a blast with dunk tanks, phenomenal food from Chester’s Cajun cuisine, Fat Bob’s Bar-B-Q and more. The rum tent, the craft beer tent, I could go on and on and Westwood was a super host. Westwood was also the home of the Williamsville North high school golf team. I had two boys go through the program including my son, R. J., who played four years at North/Westwood and my son Kyle, who experienced two undefeated seasons as North was the number one team in WNY. Their home course…Westwood. After being sold twice, Westwood was supposed to be with us continued on page 8
What’s new in the golfer’s toy box? By Pam Borges
Are you in the market for a new driver, but confused with all the technical jargon? Sole weight positioning varies among drivers; sole weights are placed low forward, center, or in the rear. How does weight positioning shape your shot and how do you know which would best suit your game? Clarification from technical experts from a few major equipment companies helped to differentiate and learn which drivers are best suited for particular golfers.
TaylorMade The R15 is their most technologically advanced driver to date. It features a pair of 12.5-gram sliding weights in the sole track, which is closer to the leading edge than last year’s SLDR, creating a lower, more forward CG, promoting higher launch and lower spin. Splitting the weights between the heel and toe provides max stability; both weights centered produces max distance; sliding both toward heel for max draw, toward toe for max fade… shapes your shot. The adjustable hosel allows a 4-degree loft adjustability to dial in your launch condit ion s. The R15 is lighter than the SLDR, sports a smaller club head shape with white or black crown finish, black face, and a choice of 430cc or 460cc heads. This club is designed for the golfer who likes to tinker with his driver to obtain the most penetrating shot with the lowest spin and would also benefit the golfer who tends to draw/ fade his shot and desires a straighter drive ($429). The nonadjustable AeroBurner, made for speed, has an aerodynamic shape designed with a raised center crown, reduced drop from crown to skirt and hosel fin that reduces swing drag, promoting faster swing speeds. The new red Speed Pocket extends the length of the sole, designed to increase the size of the sweet spot and reduces spin. The AeroBurner has a fi xed hosel and the club’s overall weight is under 300 grams, which further enhances swing speed. This club is suited for midhigh handicappers, seniors, women and beginners with slower swing speeds, who want to boost their swing speed ($299).
Cobra The Fly-Z+ Driver
features ‘FlipZone’ weighting technology. A gold-colored 15-gram weight lets you shift the CG location from the middle to the rear of the sole. The forward CG position creates a penetrating, low-spin flight with more roll, while the rear position launches the ball higher with more spin and carry. The thin, forged titanium club face sports a Speed Channel around the edges, designed to boost ball speed on mis-hits. The 460cc head has eight loft adjustments, plus the SmartPad sole, which maintains a square face angle. There are five color options: white, red, orange, blue and black. This club is geared for scratch golfers to 15 handicappers ($399). The Fly-Z Driver has an updated head shape combined with 14 grams of added back weight (eightgram external plug and six-grams inside head) to create a more forgiving driver compared with the BioCell. Fourteen grams of fi xed back weighting and Speed Channel around the edge of the face combine to increase launch, spin and is more stable on mishits than the Fly-Z + in the back-weight position. Built to suit midhandicappers, it features the same adjustable hosel with eight loft settings, SmartPad sole and color options ($329). The nonadjustable Fly-Z XL has back CG zone weighting, a Speed Channel face and has an offset design that helps chronic slicers. This lightweight club is suited for higherhandicappers, geared particularly for seniors, ladies and beginners with slower-swing speeds, who can benefit from a higher, draw-biased ball flight and increased club speed that delivers more distance ($279).
Tour
Edge
The Exotics E8 Drivers are all about CG location and faster ball speeds. Available in two models—E8 and E8 Beta—both feature an adjustable hosel with eight loft options and an interchangeable X-shaped
sole weight to alter swing weight and ball flight. Each comes with a 7-gram sole weight that can be changed to 5, 10 or 12-grams with purchase of an optional weight kit. The E8 Drivers sport a hyper-titanium face milled with variable thickness which creates a larger sweet spot on off-center hits. Both feature the Power Grid—a corrugated channel (similar to TaylorMade’s Speed Pocket) that increases spring-effect at impact creating a more powerful launch. The differences between the E8 models— E8 Beta has a smaller club head, Power Grid is narrower placing the sole weight higher and closer to the face allowing for a lower trajectory, less spin and increased ball velocity. The E8 Beta model ($399) is geared for low handicapped golfers with faster swing speeds. The more forgiving E8 ($299) produces a higher overall trajectory geared to mid-handicapped players. The Hot Launch Driver features a 460cc titanium four-piece forged club head with variable face thickness technology to improve output on offcenter hits. Internal sole weighting in the rear center of the sole creates an easier launch, greater forgiveness and stability. The adjustable hosel allows four loft options, allowing golfers to maximize their distance through improved launch angles. The Hot Launch Driver offers midhigh handicapped golfers a quality adjustable driver at a tremendous price ($199). Also available is the Hot Launch Draw ($149), a nonadjustable driver with an offset hosel engineered to straighten slices.
PNP
Rake Wedge If you struggle with sand shots or chipping out of thick rough, then the Rake Wedge will help take the mystery out of those difficult short-game shots. The Rake Sand and Lob Wedges, from PNP Golf, have a unique design that help you get the ball up in a controlled and powerful manner. These gamec h a n g i n g wedges feature a patented Dual Bounce Rail design…a sole with a series of rails and channels, which help the wedge drive through sand and rough with less surface area being caught
during t h e strike; thus increasing acceleration. The rails stabilize the club head at impact reducing twisting and turning while improving control and accuracy. Its distinct OnSet Leading Edge enters the hitting area sooner than a standard wedge, creating a higher angle of attack, making it easier to launch the ball in the air with crisp contact from a variety of tough lies…fluffy/wet sand, hard pan, thick/wet rough and tight lies. The undercut cavity back is designed to provide forgiveness on offcenter shots. The 56-degree Rake Sand Wedge, which features a 26-degree rail entry bounce and 10-degree sole bounce is advantageous especially for high handicappers. If you’re one who messes up sand shots because you either take too much sand or not enough, this wedge will take the guess work out of it. The Rake Sand Wedge’s offset rails support an open face, setting up easily at the correct angle, gliding smoothly through sand, creating more acceleration, and popping that ball out of the bunker with a soft landing on the green. Dread no more that short chip shot from thick turf around the green. The 60-degree Rake Lob Wedge, with its square rail design, will easily promote a straight flop shot. The Rake Wedges are available in standard/light head weights, with a choice of stiff/regular stainless steel or uni-flex graphite shafts. www.pnpgolf.com
BioMech AccuLock ACE Putter Most putter designs focus just on mechanics. The ACE is designed from the body-out and features the patented AccuLock Core Putting System, which converges the physiology of the human body with physics in creating an anatomically optimal putter design that triangulates the movement among hands, arms, body to promote a coredriven stroke rather than one controlled with the hands and arms. Every design aspect is based on empirical data, using thousands of
people, to optimize each step of the putting process. The ACE’s forward shaft lean allows the grip to rest against the inner surface of the leading forearm, stabilizing the hands, arms and shoulders, promoting a core-driven stroke and more open stance that improves aim and accuracy. The upright 12 degree lie angle automatically positions you for a consistent setup and stroke, further minimizing the arc in the stroke, creating a flatter, straighter putt. Shaft placement in the back of the putter head allows full view of the alignment aids. The cavity in the center of the putter head acts as a focal point for your dominant eye, aiding consistent alignment. The electric blue hue was chosen for the putter head because that color promotes relaxation and lowers heart rate. The AccuLock ACE, made of top grade milled aluminum, promotes a more natural, consistent set-up position resulting in more efficient putting. It conforms with USGA rules and is presently getting play on the PGA Tour by Heath Slocum and Bo Van Pelt. www.biomechsports.com / products/acculock_ace
DST
Compressor
Clubs
Contrary to the conventional set-up position used by most golfers—hands behind the line of tension and shaft pointing toward belt buckle, the best ball strikers in history start from an address position with hands slightly ahead of the ball, which repl ic ate s their impact position. This set-up simplifies the swing by eliminating unnecessary movements, ensuring optimal impact position. Delayed Strike Technology Compressor Clubs, developed by former tour player Bertie Cordle, enable golfers to locate, train and perfect the optimal impact position. The Compressor Warm-Up Clubs feature a scientifically curved shaft engineered to mirror the shape of a normal shaft in its optimal impact position. The curved shaft combined with its wide, flat sole angle and Hand Position Alignment Marker (white line that runs at an angle down the front of the hosel and along the leading groove on the club
MAY-JUNE 2015 • SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
face), enables you to locate the forward-shaft lean setup position, which replicates the optimal impact position. Practicing with these clubs will develop muscle memory of address position and optimal movement through impact. Available in wedge and 8-iron models, DST Compressor clubs are the first clubs to utilize delayed strike technology to help golfers master optimal impact promoting improvement and consistency for all normal shots…chip, pitch or full shot. www.dstgolf.com
Alphard Duo Cart Are you a walking golfer, tired of the hassle, extra time and energy spent lifting, loading/unloading, your separate push cart and golf bag? Tired of facing the arduous task of setting up the cart then struggle to secure your bag? Tired that they both occupy so much space in your trunk that you can’t fit much else? The Alphard Duo Golf Cart offers a simple solution. By integrating the push cart and golf bag into one unit, it makes it easier to use, takes less time to set up, and is 30% more compact than a traditional separate cart and bag. The Duo Cart’s folded dimension…13”W x 46”H x 18.5”D…is so compact it reduces storage space and easily fits inside a standard travel bag. Set up is three times faster— taking seconds to unlock the main latch, lift the cart via the hydraulic assisted system, fold out handle and you’re ready to go. Some days you decide to ride instead of walk… no problem. The Duo Cart easily converts to a cart bag… just pop off the wheels from the anodized aluminum frame. Another unique and wallet-friendly feature is it’s detachable skin. If you want to change the bag color (9 colors available) or replace a worn bag, just shed the skin and reattach a new one by fastening a few buttons and zippers. continued on page 7
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Amputee golfers chart course in Western New York Peter Fenn served his country in the Vietnam war. When he returned to the states, he began a career as a club professional, culminating in a 16year stint at Bethlehem Management Club (now Brierwood) in Hamburg. Some twenty years after he left BMC, Peter underwent a leg amputation whose cause might have emanated from exposure to Agent Orange during his military service. “While I was at Autumnview in Hamburg for rehabilitation, I opened a drawer and picked up a copy of the National Amputee golf association magazine. It was as though fate had a plan for me. I read the director’s name, called him in New Hampshire and he put me in touch with the Eastern Amputee golf association chair. Our conversation led to a tournament, now in its sixth year in western New York.” That tournament, the Buffalo Amputee Golf Classic, welcomed 66 golfers in its inaugural event at Harvest Hill. Since that first playing, the event has found a home at Brierwood and now hosts 140 golfers each year. In 2014, 22 of the golfers were amputees. Peter Fenn continues, “We are fortunate to have a wonderful presenting sponsor in Welded Tube USA, Inc. They have offered
Photo Courtesy of Photography by Rosner
By Ron Montesano
Peter Fenn (left) and Dave Szpara (right). wonderful support to our tournament. This year, local golf ball company OnCor will sponsor the sixth hole par-three contest.” The Buffalo Amputee Golf Classic currently funds three scholarships for amputees or children of amputees. In addition, the organization supports Camp No Limits (www.nolimitsfoundation. org), a summer opportunity for young people with limb loss, who can spend time with peers with similar injuries, to inject a bit of normalcy into the challenges of daily life. Peter Fenn related, “A woman named Mary Leighton has a ton of acreage up in New England and decided to have kids up to her place. It grew from one camp and four kids ten years ago to eight camps
around USA, with hundreds of kids in attendance. Dave Szpara was fifteen when an accident claimed his right arm at the shoulder and his right leg below the knee. “I was horsing around, probably doing something I shouldn’t have been doing. I was always a big sports guy before the accident, so I decided to get back into them. Golf and bowling were two sports I could manage.” While Szpara turned to well-known area pro Butch Benhatzel to coach him as a bowler, he went it alone when it came to golf. He simply started hitting the ball well, and went from there. His injury did not claim his hand-eye coordination, although Szpara suffered a bit of a setback a few years
back. “I tore a rotator cuff in my shoulder. When you have one arm, that’s a serious injury. I played six times last year and hope to play more in 2015.” S z p a r a credits his ability to play golf to his support structure. His wife and two daughters encourage his sporting exploits and work with him in a family-owned, grass-cutting business. “I never wanted to be the guy who sits at home and says ‘woe is me.’ I am fortunate to have my family.” Szapara recently lost a wager with his younger daughter on who would bowl the first 300. No telling what the next bet will be. Pamela Kaznowski is the Recreation Therapy Supervisor at the Veteran’s Administration Western New York Healthcare System. Her responsibilities include the development of recreational opportunities for disabled veterans. One of the programs she oversees is the sled hockey program, in the news recently as the International Paralympic Committee’s World Championships of Sledge
Hockey returned to Buffalo in 2015. The V.A. partnered with Erie County and the PGA of America in 2013 to offer PGA H.O.P.E. (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) at Grover Cleveland golf course. “The goal of PGA H.O.P.E. is to introduce golf to male and female veterans with disabilities as an activity to assist them in their progress in rehabilitation, along with helping them to assimilate back into their lives and the community. The PGA of America’s support of the United States military dates back to World War I, and continues today with their commitment to veterans with every form of disability, including concussions, mental health, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (“PTSD”), loss of limbs, Traumatic Brain Injuries (“TBI”), and others. The program offers a partnership with VA Healthcare Systems’ Recreation Therapists to address the veteran’s disability, acclimation of the veteran to the sport of golf, and golf instruction, playing opportunities & social events for the participants. Veterans of all abilities, and representing a variety of branches of service and/or eras, have the opportunity to learn the game of golf.” Kaznowski relates the story of one of the Veteran’s Administration
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE • MAY-JUNE 2015
family members, whose participation was critical in the recovery of life elements taken for granted by most: “The golf program provided a joyful time for my husband as well as one particular caregiver, who is over 90 years old and still loving the game, but had no one to play with. The activities brought them together to connect and inspire one another. Friendships were formed which strengthened the desire to get outside and move. These scheduled activities were effective in bringing to the Veterans self-esteem, a respite from the day to day worries of the challenges in growing older and providing hope that there were still good times to be had. There are two ironies between golf and the life of an amputee. In life, feeling sub-par is akin to illness, while in golf, under par is worth celebrating. In golf, a handicap is a positive thing, meant to equalize the playing field. In life, well, it doesn’t work quite the same. Given the chance to speak to a number of disabled golfers on the impact that the game has had on their disability, though, reveals that life’s handicaps can be overcome on certain days by a good round on the golf course. The 2015 Buffalo Amputee Golf Classic will be held June 29th at Brierwood Country Club in Hamburg. For registration information, www.b uf faloa mp uteegolf. com.
BUY ONE 18 hole greens fee ($20) GET ONE 50% OFF Tee times are excepted but walk-ins are always welcome 5076 Southwestern Blvd. Hamburg (near Camp Road)
716-649-6674
www.southshoregolfcourse.com *Valid May 15–June 30, 2015. Monday–Fridays anytime, Sat. & Sun. after 11:00. Can not be used with other coupons or specials. Cart rental is not included.
Finest
The
• •
CIGARS
HUMIDORS LIGHTERS ACCESSORIES
Tinder Box 8212 Transit Road ( North of Maple) , Williamsville, NY 14221 in Lowe’ s Plaza • ( 7 1 6 ) 6 8 9 - 2 9 1 4 www.TinderBoxWilliamsville.com • www.facebook.com/TinderBoxBuffalo
GOLF SALE Rick Zurak's
GOLF WAREHOUSE at Bella Vista
At Transit & Genesee - Open Monday thru Saturday
Great Tournament Prizes! Zgolfstore.com Best Prices Anywhere 716-390-0549
YOUTH GOLF PROGRAMS
LOCKPORT FAMILY YMCA YOUTH SPORTS DEPARTMENT Ph 716.434.8887
Allegany County Course Allegheny Hills Bolivar Golf Club Serenity Hills (9) Vanderview (9) Waterways (27) Wellsville
Location Rushford Boliver Friendship Alfred Belfast Wellsville
Phone 585-437-2163 585-928-1266 585-973-8882 607-587-9727 585-365-2201 585-593-6114
Cattaraugus County (www.EnchantedMountains.com)
Gift Certificates Available •
Public Golf Courses in and around Western New York
www.LockportYMCA.com
Birch Run (9) Cardinal Hills Elkdale Holiday Valley Ischua Valley (9) St. Bonaventure (9 or 18) Turkey Run (9)
Daily/Wknd rate 30/35 inc cart 25/30 inc cart 18/18 inc cart 14.50/14.50 inc cart 25*/30* inc cart 27/27 inc cart
Allegheny Randolph Salamanca Ellicottville Franklinville
716-373-3113 716-358-5409 716-945-5553 716-699-2345 716-676-3630
27*/29* inc cart 28/36 inc cart 49/59 52/64 inc cart 19/20 inc cart
Allegheny Freedom
716-372-7692 716-492-2888
14/16 13/14
716-386-2893
12/14
716-595-3003 716-357-6211 716-679-4571
11/12 58/68 inc cart 20/22 inc cart
716-355-4141
109/109 inc cart
716-355-4141 716-934-2825 716-487-1471
59/59 inc cart 26/32 inc cart 22/24
716-326-4653 716-965-9723
13/15 47/52 inc cart
716-648-4410 716-542-4653 716-631-7139 716-631-7124 716-773-4668 716-662-4311 716-542-4653 716-695-2580
17r;22nr/19r;23nr 36/50 inc cart 13r,23nr/13r,23nr 5r,8nr/5r,8nr 18/22 16/20 15/15 inc cart 16r;25nr/16r;25nr
716-681-4653 716-823-1517 716-592-7636 716-542-2027 716-835-2533 716-651-0700 716-337-2190 716-652-5475 716-688-5454 716-549-4930 716-741-3395 716-836-7398
34/46 inc cart 13r;14nr/15r;17nr 29/29 inc cart 37/42 inc cart 16r;17nr/19r;20nr 49/59 inc cart 30/30 inc cart 20/24 45/55 inc cart 12*/13* 11/12 18/21
CLOSED 716-662-1980 716-537-2345 716-937-4741
45/59 inc cart 35/35 inc cart 30/34 inc cart
716-542-6342
45/55 inc cart
716-689-1421
12r,15nr/12r,15nr
716-496-5016 716-542-4325 716-875-1811 716-609-2004 716-649-6674
11/11 32/37 inc cart 16r;25nr/16r, 25nr 13r;14nr/15r/17nr 30/36 inc cart
Chautauqua County
Bemus Point GC (9) Bemus Point Cassadaga Lakes (9) Cassadaga Chautauqua GC Chautauqua Hillview GC (9) Fredonia Peek’n Peak Upper Course Findlay Lake Peek’n Peak Lower Course Findlay Lake Rose Brook Irving South Hills Jamestown Sugar Hill GC (9 hole, exec.) Westfield Tri-County Forestville
Erie County
18-Mile Creek GC Hamburg Arrowhead Akron Audubon Amherst Audubon Par 3 Amherst Beaver Island Grand Island Bob-O-Links(par-3) Orchard Park Bright Meadows Akron (9 holes) Brighton Tonawanda Buffalo Tournament Club Lancaster Cazenovia (9) Buffalo Concord Crest East Concord Dande Farms Akron Delaware Buffalo Diamond Hawk Cheektowaga Eden Valley Eden Elma Meadows Elma Glen Oak Amherst Grandview (9) Angola Greenwood (9) Clarence Grover Cleveland Buffalo Harris Hill Par 3 (9 holes, par 3) Bowmansville Harvest Hill Orchard Park Holland Hills Holland Kis-n-Greens Alden The Links at Ivy Ridge, Akron www.thelinksativyridge.com Oakwood (9) Amherst Rolling Hills (9 holes, par 3) Chaffee Rothland Akron Sheridan Tonawanda South Park (9) Buffalo South Shore Hamburg www.southshoregolfcourse.com
Fun instructional clinics for first time youth golfers taught by qualified YMCA staff. Class space is limited, Summer Sessions - June & July, call for information.
MAY-JUNE 2015 • SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Genesee County
Course Location Bethany Hills (Exec., par 69) Bethany Batavia CC Batavia www.bataviacc.com Chestnut Hill CC Alden Davis Countryside Meadows Pavilion LeRoy Country Club LeRoy Meadowbrook (9 holes) Batavia Terry Hills Batavia
Livingston County
Phone
Daily/Wknd rate
CLOSED 585-343-7600
27/32 inc cart
585-547-9699
33/43 inc cart
585-584-8390 585-768-7330
24/28 inc cart 24/27 inc cart
585-343-0837 800-825-8633
13/14 inc cart 38/45 inc cart
Brae Burn (9) Caledonia
Dansville Caledonia
585-335-8840 585-538-9956
Conesus Farview Golf Course Lima (Charleston Pines) Lima (Island Oaks) Livingston Old Hickory Triple Creek Sonyea (9 holes) Woodland Hills
Conesus
585-346-2100
18/20 inc cart 29 (mon/tues) inc. cart/lunch 27/33 inc cart
Avon
(585) 226-8210
25*/30* inc cart
Lima
585-624-1490
32/40 inc cart
Lima Geneseo Livonia Nunda Mount Morris Nunda
585-624-1490 585-243-4430 585-346-2450 585-468-2116 585-658-2711 585-468-5010
32/40 inc cart 36/38 inc cart 30/35 inc cart 22/28 inc cart 10/10 inc cart 22/26 inc cart
Spencerport Brockport
585-352-5360 585-638-2266
25/30 inc cart 20*/25* inc cart
Spencerport Scottsville Churchville Brockport Irondequoit Perinton Rochester Fairport Greece
585-352-4720 585-889-9325 585-293-0680 585-392-8080 585-266-0110 585-377-5200 585-424-2920 585-586-1300 585-663-0300
14/14 32/34 inc cart 21/22 inc cart 30/40 inc cart 30/31 inc cart 44/49 inc cart 30/31 inc cart 12/13 36/36 inc cart
Greece Churchville Short Course Perinton Spencerport Henrietta Spencerport Penfield Penfield
CLOSED 585-889-4110 585-889-0739 585-223-7651 585-352-5314 585-334-6196 585-352-4300 585-385-2010 585-385-8550
39/49 inc cart 10/10 CALL 12/12 21/22 inc cart 25*/29* inc cart 43/47 inc cart 43/48 inc cart
Penfield
585-385-2010
14/14
Greece Rochester
585-621-1030 17/17 inc cart CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC
Brockport Spencerport Webster Webster Rush
585-637-2582 585-352-4800 585-265-1920 585-265-1920 585-334-5860
28/28 inc cart 30/38 inc cart 41/49 inc. cart 28/32 inc cart 42*/45* inc cart
Fairport
585-248-4880
14*/17*
Monroe County Braemar Brockport Buttonwood 18 hole (par 3) Chili Churchville Deerfield Durand-Eastman Eagle Vale Genesee Valley Island Valley (9) Lake Shore Latta Lea (Par 3, 9 holes) Mill Creek Mill Creek Perinton Pinewood (9) Riverton( 9) Salmon Creek Shadow Lake Shadow Pines Shadow Lake Executive 9 Shore Acres Executive 9 St. John Fisher (9) Timber Ridge Golf Club, LLC Twin Hills Webster East Webster West Wildwood Woodcliff Golf Course (9)
Niagara County
Deerwood N. Tonawanda www.deerwoodgc.com Gothic Hill (9, exec par 3) Lockport www.gothichillgolf.com Hyde Park (18 holes) Niagara Falls Newfane Pro-Am (9 holes, par 3) Newfane Niagara County Lockport Niagara-Orleans Middleport Oak Run Lockport Seneca Hickory Stick Lewiston Shawnee (9) Wheatfield Willowbrook Lockport
13th Annual Roy E. Sommer Memorial Scholarship Golf Scramble
June 22nd, 2015 • Tan Tara Golf Club • North Tonawanda, NY • 8:00am Registration For more information, including: fees, schedule, events, sponsorship information, and to register, visit
www.niagaracc.suny.edu/athletics/Roy_Sommer.php Or call 716-614-6259
18 holes for
25
716-695-8525
14r;26nr/14;26nr
$
716-438-5477
11/11
M-F 6:30am–9 am and Sat-Sun after 2pm
716-297-2067
17r;20nr/19r;23nr
716-778-8302 716-439-7954 716-735-9000 716-434-8851
10/11 31/35 inc cart 30/34 inc cart 34/36 inc cart
716-754-2424 716-731-5177 716-434-0111
60/70 inc cart 14/14 35/37
includes cart
(reservation through on-line system or automated line at 692-4100)
Twilight rate
5
$
begins at 6 pm (all-you-can-play till dark, walking only) TWILIGHT BEGINS: 5/1 - 5/31, 6 pm 6/1 - 6/30, 6:30 pm 7/1 - season end, 7 pm
- 27 hole public golf course - Banquet facility on site
1818 Sweeney Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120 www.deerwoodgc.com • Ticket office 695-8525
To Schedule an Event: 695-8529 or Email deerwoodgc@gmail.com
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE • MAY-JUNE 2015
Ontario County Course Location Big Oak Geneva Bristol Harbour Cananadaigua Centerpointe Canandaigua Parkview Fairways East Bloomfield www.parkviewgc.com Ravenwood Victor www.ravenwoodgolf.com Reservoir Creek Naples Winged Pheasant (27 holes) Farmington Winding Creek Executive (9) Victor
Phone 315-789-9419 585-396-2200 585-394-0536 585-657-7539
Daily/Wknd rate 26/30 inc cart 59/79 inc cart 33/40 inc cart 30.50/38.50 inc cart
585-924-5100
55/65
585-374-8010
40/45 inc cart
585-289-8846
25/34 inc cart
585-924-0280
8/10
CLOSED 585-638-4653
23/28 inc cart
585-682-3280
22/27 inc cart
585-765-2630
7/8
315-539-8076
26/30 inc cart
Macedon Macedon Walworth
315-986-5888 315-986-4455 315-524-0022
39/49 inc cart 25/32 inc cart 49/60 inc cart
Wolcott Sodus Lyons
315-594-8295 315-483-6777 315-946-6944
29/29 inc cart 50/50 inc cart 36/60 inc cart
Orleans County
Harbour Pointe Waterport Hickory Ridge Holly www.hickoryridgegolfresort.com Ricci Meadows Albion White Birch (Par 3) Lyndonville
2357 Humphrey Rd.
Varysburg, NY 14167
Seneca County Silver Creek
Book a Stay & Play Package! Includes unlimited golf with cart, hotel accommodations, dinner and breakfast.
135
$
as low as +tax, per person (Spring/Fall Rate)
Western New York's Favorite Golf Get-Away!
Ask about the Maple Lodge Guesthouse – private accommodations for up to 12 people overlooking the golf course www.byrncliff.com | Call 585-535-7300 for Reservations.
Waterloo
Wayne County Blue Heron Hills GC Crooked Pines Greystone Port Bay Golf Course Sodus Bay Heights Wayne Hills
Wyoming County
Archie’s Chip & Putt (11 hole, Par-3) Java 585-457-9505 Byrncliff Resort & Conference Ctr Varysburg 585-535-7300 www.byrncliff.com Ironwood Cowlesville 585-805-0350 Quiet Times (par 62) Attica 585-591-1747 Rolling Acres Pike 585-567-8557 Spruce Ridge GC Arcade 585-492-4122 (9 holes/rate is for 18) www.spruceridgegolfcourse.com
Yates County Lakeside
New York State Jr. Golf Tour
Penn Yan
to Op A e 10 ll K n –1 id 8 s
And Chris Protos Memorial Scholarship Fund Participation ~ Speed of Play ~ Etiquette ~ Competition
Parent-Junior Scramble Series May 17 .......Bristol Harbour Resort June 7........................... Ravenwood June 28 Scholarship Fund Raiser, Batavia CC
July 12............................. Ivy Ridge July 26.............................. Glen Oak August 9...................... Tan Tara CC August 16................... Willowbrook
**Scores are NOT of the utmost importance** Over $35,000 in scholarships have been awarded ~ Ou 20 r 14 Ye 23r ~ ar d
Great Courses, Low Greens Fees Zgolfstore.com • 716-390-0549
Rick Zurak, Director • zurakgolf@roadrunner.com
MAY-JUNE 2015 • SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
315-536-7252
12/12 39/48 inc cart 35/43 inc cart 17.50/17.50 27/29 inc cart 25/25 inc cart
59/68 inc cart
Canada
Course Location Beechwood Niagara Falls www.beechwoodgolf.com Chippawa (9) Niag Falls Eagle Valley GC (Par 63) Niagara Falls Emerald Pines Port Colborne Fort Erie Golf Club Fort Erie www. www.forteriegolf.ca Grand Niagara Resort Niagara Falls Hunters Pointe (formerly LochNess Links) Welland International Stevensville www.niagaragolficc.com Legends on the Niagara (Ussher’s Creek) N. Falls Legends on the Niagara (Battlefield) N. Falls Niagara GC (9) Niag.-on-the-Lake Niagara Falls GC Niagara Falls Oak Hall Par 3 (9) Niag. Falls Oaklands Niagara Falls Peninsula Lakes Fonthill Queenston (9) Queenston Rio Vista (9) Fort Erie Rockway Vineyards St. Catharines Rolling Meadows Niagara Falls Royal Niagara Niag.-on-the-Lake St. David’s (9) Niag.-on-the-Lake Thundering Waters GC Niagara Falls Whirlpool GC Niagara Falls Whiskey Run Port Colborne Willodell Golf Club (formerly Links of Niagara) Niagara Falls
Phone 866-883-3633
Daily/Wknd (Can.$) 45/55 inc cart & tax
905-295-2240
15/15
905-374-2110 CLOSED 905-991-8883
26/26 25/25 inc cart & tax
905-384-4653
95/110 inc cart
905-714-4659 905-382-2000
90/95 inc cart & tax 38/43 inc cart
866-465-3642
75/90 inc cart
866-465-3642 905-468-3424 905-358-5846 905-358-6418 905-295-6643 905-892-8844 905-262-4528 905-871-0921
75/90 inc cart 31/35.50 inc taxes 26.10/26.10 8/8 30/36 89/111.87 cart & tax 14/16 16/20
877-762-5929 905-384-9894 866-ROYAL-18 905-262-4522
57/67 inc cart 44/49 inc cart 70/89.50 inc cart 14/16
905-357-6000 905-356-1140 905-835-6864
69.99/89.99 inc cart 65/80 inc cart 37.50/37.50
800-790-0912
50/60 inc cart
GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB • NIAGARA FALLS, CANADA * TRADITION * CHARACTER * CHALLENGE Est. 1960 - A Favorite for Golfers for 54 Years!
GOLF & RIDE SPECIAL WITH THIS AD
18 Holes with Power Car – Just $30 U.S. Save Even More! $108 U.S. Per Foursome Rates above include taxes. If paying by credit card, you will be charged the Canadian equivalent. Valid weekdays and after 1 P.M. weekends. Minimum one coupon per foursome - not valid for tournaments. Offer valid for U.S. Residents only. Offer expires July 31, 2015.
TEE TIMES 1-866-8TEEOFF (883-3633) 10 minutes from Lewiston & Niagara Falls Bridges 20 minutes from Peace Bridge in Buffalo
Visit us at www.beechwoodgolf.com
GOLF 27 HOLES AT ICC Golf N’ Ride $ 30 MONDAY
Hungry $ THURSDAY 35
Plus Small Bucket
Golf, Cart, Small Bucket, & Hot Dog
2 for 1 $ 50 TUESDAY 24
SUNDAY $ AFTERNOON 25
Includes 18 Holes & Cart
(After 1PM) Golf & Ride
Twilight $ WEDNESDAY 25
Only 10 minutes from Fort Erie!
Begins at Noon, Incl. Cart
Prices are in Canadian Funds. All prices are subject to change & are applicable to taxes. Call for Tee Times and Specials.
2900 College Road, Stevensville • Ontario • 905-382-2000 www.niagaragolficc.com
Due to space constraints, complete pricing information for each golf course could not be printed. Several courses offer season passes, spring and fall rates, senior and youth discounts and variable pricing throughout the day, week and weekend. Weekday fees are listed in front of the slash (/), followed by weekend and holiday rates. Some weekend prices are for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and Holidays, while others are for Saturday and Sunday only. Fees which include carts are denoted by “inc. cart.” An asterisk (*) denotes 2014 prices, as not all golf courses are yet open for the season and/ or could not be reached for their updated pricing information. Resident prices are indicated with an “r,” and most require an ID card. Non-resident prices are indicated by “nr.” Prices for 9-hole courses are for 9 holes only, but some courses offer discounted rates for completing the course twice. All prices for Canadian golf courses are in Canadian funds (Can) and do not include tax unless noted.
S. 20% Uge. Rate!
n Excha
USA VISITORS
2 for 1
GREEN FEES expires: end of 2015 season
Equipment
to larger grips. DUOgolfcart.com.
www.
from page 2
Sun Mountain’s “Reflex” Push Cart
This amazing 19 lb. combo cart sports 14-way full length club dividers, 9 pockets including an insulated cooler pocket, height/angle adjustable handle, as well as attachable umbrella holder and drink holder. The newest addition to the Duo Cart family is the Duo Cart —Evolution. In addition to all of the standard amenities, it has a thermoformed external putter well that caters
“Reflex” is arguably the easiest and lightest cart on the market to fold and unfold. Distinguished by its automatic 3-step, onesecond folding system, you simply fold in handle, release E-Z Latch to fold cart down, release lever and fold down handle bar. Lightweight at 17 lbs, it folds into a small 25”x15”x11” footprint for easy storage and opens into a full-size golf push cart with a wide 4-wheel base for on-course stability. The cart has uniquely designed,
individual handles featuring 180 degrees of adjustability for ergonomic finetuning, as well as height adjustments. The handle accommodates an umbrella mount and parking brake. The “Reflex” sports dual padded accessory trays with ball rack, magnetic lid with score card holder and adjustable beverage holder. Tires are maintenance free and sealed, precision ball bearings ensure easy roll. “Reflex” is available in four color combinations: black, silver, black/lime, and charcoal/red.
Sun Mountain’s“Two-5” Golf Bag “Two-5” golf bag was named such because it
only weights 2.5 lbs… possibly the lightest, fullsize, dual-strap, standbag on the market. The weight savings come from substituting carbon-fiber legs for aluminum, highergrade, lighter plastic for top and base, lightweight fabric/ zipper and simpler dual strap. The bag houses four full-length club dividers, four pockets including a full-length clothing pocket, mesh elasticized pocket for beverage/accessories, and pen holder. Also included is your standard umbrella holder and rain hood. The “Two-5” is projected to be available in June. www. sunmountain.com
905-991-8883 1640 Garrison Road Fort Erie, Ontario L2A 5Y7 www.forteriegolf.ca
The Rain Wedge…A Premier Rain Cover For Clubs: This patented, canopystyle, lightweight cover is made of durable, waterproof, rip-stop nylon. It attaches to your bag in seconds by sliding the two grip clips to the sides of your golf bag and fastening the handle strap. The weighted frontend keeps the cover down during windy conditions and the handle strap guarantees that it won’t blow away. It’s generous size provides clearance to cover your longest clubs. The patented, retractible, flexible rod system allows you to use one hand to flip up the cover while you grab the club you need. You’ll be
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE • MAY-JUNE 2015
amazed how easily it twists into a small, circular shape to store away in its own tiny, nylon bag that fits into your golf bag pocket, ready for the next rainfall. Rain Wedge offers versatility for all golfers, whether you carry, push or drive a cart… this “rain canopy” will ensure your clubs stay dry. www.rainwedge.com.
Local Golf from page 1 through 2015. But last year a soil sample turned up arsenic in the soil and the course was deemed unplayable and CLOSED. Well, my fine feathered friends, I have come to learn that you will find arsenic in many a golf course throughout the world as it was used as a pesticide. From what I have been told, it’s not in the top number of levels of soil, but deep down, without the ability to affect your health. It appears it turned out to be a good excuse for the bulldozers to come in and wipe out the golf course in order for an office and housing complex to be built. What a shame. The town of Amherst had a chance to trade the Westwood land owners for Audubon golf course and receive a much better course, but the town turned down the offer. I don’t know all the circumstances, but it sure would be nice to have Westwood as the Amherst town course. Having played the course over 100 times, I’m here to tell you that the arsenic hasn’t affected me one bit, other than to make me bummed that the course is no longer. Speaking of housing projects, at the corner of Genesee and Harris Hill in Lancaster, there is a new development under way. The problem is, they are bulldozing Harris Hill Golf Center to build it. Another sign of the economy and the value of the properties that host golf courses. Harris Hill had a driving range, practice putting green, a 9-hole par three course that included lights so you could play at night and an ice cream stand. I held many tournaments there for the kids on my New York State Junior Golf Tour. Most of the holes were in the 100140 yard range so we put
together an event using the “Almost” golf ball, a hard foam rubber ball that would go one-third the distance of the a regular golf ball. That way, you would use every club in your bag. And we played at night, under the lights, which was a real treat. The first hole was 100 yards, but a well struck driver (a 240 yard drive with a typical golf ball) would go right on the green with he Almost golf ball. Putting was a little tricky with a lighter ball, but the kids, and their playing partner parents, loved it. The one very challenging hole was the 6th hole. It played around 240 yards with a big pond in the middle of the fairway. No problem. If you hit your Almost golf ball in the water, it floated! And you could use a retriever to get it back. The best part about Harris Hill and its ice cream stand, was the Serowick family. Ron, Camille and R.J. operated the facility and were the nicest people in the world. Ron, unfortunately, lost his battle with cancer a few years ago, but not before leaving lasting memories at his driving range. You see, in the beginning of the season Ron would bring a used car to the range and park it right in the middle of the landing zone, about 120 yards from the hitting mats. The windows were in tact, but not for long. It was the greatest thrill to his a ball and hit that car. Better yet, it was an AMAZING thrill if you were one of the golfers to take out one of the windows of the car. No better feeling when crushing a golf ball than to hear that smashing of glass. High fives around, even from people you never met who were there trying to do the exact same thing, SMASH THAT GLASS.
Now is a great time to head over the border and check out all that the great green north has to offer. The exchange rate makes it possible to check out some of the pricier courses at a discount. Many of the courses are also offering deals for their US friends. Be sure to bring US cash as some of the specials are valid for US cash only. And be sure to bring your passport. We are extremely blessed to have such great golf at great rates in this part of the world. If you have been to Arizona, California, Hawaii or even the Carolinas, you know that. This year is no different. In honor of the closed golf courses and the people that are no longer with us that built this game, it’s up to us to keep our heads down, grip it and rip it. Here are some of the new things we found out when making our annual calls to local courses.
Cattaraugus County St. Bonaventure, Allegheny – This year they have purchased 23 new club carts. Elkdale, Salamanca – New for 2015, they are now taking tee times on their website.
Chautauqua County Hillview, Fredonia – New owners have taken over the course. Rose Brook, Irving – They redid part of their clubhouse and will have their liquor license this season. They also have new partners.
Erie County Audubon, Amherst – Amherst Town courses are under new management. Also, part of the Westwood CC team are now part of the Amherst Audubon team. Olmstead course – They are now offering “Foot Golf”, a cross between soccer and golf.
Overview of the beautiful greens at ICC in Ontario. Diamond Hawk, Cheektowaga – They have widened the playing area by strategically cutting down some of the heather to make the course more forgiving. Eden Valley, Eden – They have many new tee boxes and they are renovating their club house. Buffalo Tournament Club, Lancaster – New fleet of carts and has newly renovated the pro shop. Rolling Hills, Chaffee – They now have three tee boxes, white, gold and red. South Shore, Hamburg – New for 2015! Check out the large variety of exciting specials.
Photo Courtesy of Fort Erie GC
Ontario County
Livingston, Geneseo – Their new superintendent is Steve Bonno. Woodland Hills, Nunda – The clubhouse is getting a full renovation.
Ravenwood, Victor – Ravenwood will be hosting the 2015 AJGA Junior All Stars June 29 - July 3. This event consists of many of the best junior golfers in the Country ages 12 to 15. They have also created a new “Ravenwood Golf Academy” powered by Brian Jacobs Golf, www. brianjacobsgolf.com. The New Academy Team consist of three PGA Professionals including Brian Jacobs, Sean Lalley (former head pro at Mendon) and Mike Labella – all using the Track Man Technology with their teaching programs. Ravenwood will be hosting two USGA Qualifiers this year. The Women’s 18 & Under Championship Qualifier is on June 15 and the Senior Amateur Championship Qualifier on August 31.Ravenwood always has afternoon twilight rates and senior rates. Get the best possible rates by going to RavenwoodGolf.com and see all the golf specials.
Monroe County
Orleans County
Braemar (Spencerport) – They have a new banquet and reception room that will seat up to 100.
Parkview Fairways, East Bloomfield – Come check out Parkview Fairways as the WHOLE course is powered by solar and the golf carts are 75percent electric! Hickory Ridge Golf & RV Resort, Holly – They purchased all new flags for the course and driving range; red in front, white in the middle and blue in the back. A new bar is opening near the putting green this season and it will feature three TVs and will serve pub food.
Genesee County Batavia CC, Batavia – They run a number of holiday specials such as July 4 and Labor Day. Check their website for specials, www.bataviacc.com. LeRoy Country Club, LeRoy – They have made improvements this year including a new drainage system. Chestnut Hill, Alden – They have purchased a fleet of 23 new EZ GO Carts and they have a new barn.
Livingston County
Niagara County:
Fort Erie Golf Course is offering an awesome golf special for US visitors.
Deerwood (N. Tonawanda) – is offering a crazy cheap rate of $5 for walking after 7pm. Oak Run (Lockport) – Has recently purchased half a fleet of new carts. Willowbrook (Lockport) has completely renovated part of their clubhouse.
Niagara Orleans (Middleport) is under new ownership and look for improvements and changes moving forward. Gothic Hill (Lockport) – Early this summer they are adding on a large covered patio which will be great for parties! Hyde Park, Niagara Falls – They have a new greens keeper, Jon McGinn and he has taken the course to a new level of excellence. Niagara County (Lockport) – They have new sand and added some sand traps and have new drainage system.
Wyoming County: Byrncliff (Varysburg): Byrncliff is offering some great deals. Summer Weekday Early Riser Special – Tee off from 6am - 7am, Greens Fee & Cart
Photo Courtesy of ICC
(18holes): $27.00. Summer Weekend Early Riser Special Tee off the back nine from first light to 7am Greens Fee & Cart (9holes): $20.00. Rolling Acres, Pike – Paul Moore is the new owner and Chris May is the new GM. They have renovated the clubhouse. Spruce Ridge GC, Arcade – They are a family owned and family run course. They added new forward and blue tee boxes. Quiet Times (Attica) – This season they will have new red tee box.
CANADA Fort Erie Golf Club – As of July 1 they will have made 2 new holes, hole 1 and 18 as part of their land was sold off for a high school…. And take advantage of the Low US rates – US at 20% US exchange. Hunters Point in Welland has new golf pro/dir of operations, Brody Whetham. ICC, Stevensville – They have a new clubhouse and new carts and they are doing much work on the course too. Oaklands, N. Falls – New superintendant Nick Morocco, he is from the area, but worked in New Brunswick in the past. Rio Vista, Fort Erie – Rob Dunn is now in his second year as owner/operator. He put a lot of improvements into the clubhouse. Completely renovated it with a gas fireplace. There’s also a new firepit and big screen TV on the patio. Willodell Golf Course, Niagara Falls – Offering US specials and be sure to make a tee time reservation. Rick Zurak is the Producer/ Host of the Western New York Golf Report TV Show, Tuesdays at 6:30pm on Time Warner Ch. 20 in the Buffalo area. He is also the Director of the NYS Junior Golf Tour. Go to Zgolfstore.com for more information or email Rick at zurakgolf@roadrunner.com.
ANNUAL GOLF DIRECTORY
May/June 2015
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Patchwork Amerks miss playoffs By Todd Etshman When the Buffalo Sabres returned their AHL affiliate to Rochester in 2011, the Amerks became part of what team officials called “Sabres University.” Ideally, however, the university wasn’t expected to have 50 students in the classroom, a situation that affected the Amerks overall performance and saw them miss the playoffs in the 2014-15 season. Many of the students weren’t ready for higher education just quite yet and belonged in the ECHL. At the other end of the grading scale, players such as Mark Pysyk and Johan Larsson are expected to graduate to the NHL next season. “I couldn’t have been more proud of Mark (Pysyk),” head coach Chadd Cassidy said. “When he’s not in the lineup it’s a lot harder to get out of our zone for everybody. He and Larson take a lot of pride in their game. I’m looking forward
to seeing them play in the NHL.” Sewing names on the back of jerseys kept Amerks equipment manager Ben Laing and area seamstresses busy all season long. Captain Drew Bagnall had an injury-plagued year that kept him out of the lineup several times. Each time he returned to the lineup, he had a host of new names to learn. “It’s hard to build chemistry with so many new guys in the lineup,” Cassidy said in an understated fashion. As assistant coach Chris Taylor noted, it’s normal to break in a new player or two in the development-conscious AHL but “with 11 new guys it gets kind of dicey.” Toward the end of the season, nine out of the top 10 scorers were either in Buffalo or injured. That situation meant others had to step up and three notables that did were
wingers Dan Catenacci, Tim Schaller and defenseman Jerome Leduc, the only player to play in all 76 games. “I was happy those guys had the opportunity to excel at this level,” Cassidy said. With many players developing rapidly, the rookie of the year award was split between 2012 second round draft pick, defenseman Jake McCabe, and goaltender Andrey Makarov. Chad Ruhwedel was voted the team MVP by his fellow players. As captain Bagnall said of the defenseman “(Ruhwedel) is my polar opposite; a great skater who moves the puck well.” Despite the result the coaching staff stands by the season’s body of work. “We did the best job we could,” Cassidy explained. “Our staff worked real hard with the players and did a good job with development.” ECHL players weren’t the
Photo Courtesy of Bryan Bennett, RIT Athletics
After clinching an Atlantic Hockey Championship and helping to lead Cinderella in the Frozen Four, RIT captain Matt Garbowsky didn’t need directions to Blue Cross Arena when the Amerks signed him after his decorated college career came to an end. only ones assimilated into the lineup. At season’s end, the Sabres top pick in the 2014 draft, Sam Reinhart, joined the team after his junior career ended as well as some amateurs. Fans at Blue Cross Arena may have noticed former RIT captain and leading scorer Matt Garbowsky in the red, white and blue after leading the Tigers to an Atlantic Hockey Conference title, NCAA Frozen Four berth and memorable upset of top-
seeded Minnesota State. “It’s obviously a step up from junior,” Reinhart who notched three assists in his three games with the Amerks said. “Everyone is faster and stronger. It’s hard to force yourself to play the way you need to play in the NHL and AHL when you’re in junior. I’m excited about September. I’ll be ready for it.” “He showed us a lot to be excited about,” Cassidy said. “He makes smart plays and
does a great job of finding guys entering the offensive zone.” Cassidy is honest about everyone he coaches whether they’re an amateur or the second player chosen in the 2014 NHL draft. “(Reinhart) still has to adjust to the quickness the game is played with at this level. He has to get used to playing down low in his own zone.” Despite starting the season 6-2, the Amerks quickly regressed and were struggling in the AHL even before their core players were called up to Buffalo. “Even with a full roster, we lacked sandpaper,” Cassidy said. “We had skill players but we needed gritty players to win one goal games.” Cassidy said he wanted to stay and continue coaching what he called, “a storied franchise in a great city.” Just how good a job Sabres general manager Tim Murray thought the Amerks staff did remained to be seen. At press time Murray had yet to affirm Cassidy’s and the coaching staff’s status for next season.
Photo Courtesy of by Scott Walstrom/NIU Media Services Photo by Meg Kinsley/NYGMSonline.com
The Hanson Brothers came to Buffalo May 2 and played in an exhibition game at the 31st annual Greater Buffalo Senior Hockey Invitational. The event was held at the Northtown Center and is sponsored by Performax Hockey. The hockey players doubled as actors for the 1977 movie “Slap Shot” with Paul Newman. In real life, they are Steve Carlson, Jeff Carlson and Dave Hanson. In addition to creating hockey lore, the three have had accomplished careers at the pro level, including appearing in a substantial number of games in the NHL.
After stunning top-seeded Northern Illinois in the MAC Tournament semifinals and coming from behind in dramatic fashion to beat Binghamton in the Championship, the Buffalo Bulls are headed to Columbus for their first ever NCAA tournament appearance where they will face the 12th ranked Buckeyes. It was truly a team effort with five Bulls tallying 15 or more singles victories, led by MAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player Pablo Alvarez with 26, then Damien David (21), Jonathan Hannestad (20), Sergio Arevalillo (18) and Sebastian Ionescu (15). If the Bulls win, they’ll face either Vanderbilt or Notre Dame in the second round.
Photo by Jake French
Photo by Bryan Bennett, Courtesy of RIT Athletics
Fans at the HarborCenter had a lot to cheer about on May 3rd as the U.S. Sled Hockey Team took gold on home ice for the first time at the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championship. The red, white and blue were in a tight scoreless contest with Team Canada until the third period. Team USA netted two goals less than five minutes apart, including an assist by Buffalo’s own Adam Page, to go up 2-0 and with 22 seconds left on the clock,an empty netter gave goalie Steven Cash the 3-0 shutout. It was an impressive follow-up to Team USA’s last major tournament where they took gold at the Winter Paralympic Games in Sochi.
Congratulations to RIT for another exciting NCAA Tournament run. Tied at 1-1 with just over five left on the clock, the Tigers played giant-slayer as they took the lead and downed overall No. 1 seed Minnesota State with a contested goal by Josh Mitchell. The dramatic win echoed RIT’s only other appearance at the Dance in 2010 when they slipped by No.1 seed Denver en route to winning the east regional and earning a Frozen Four appearance. Although captain Matt Garbowsky, a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award, will be donning an Amerks sweater next year there’s still a lot to look forward to for the second year at the Gene Polisseni Center.
Page 10
By Leonard J. Mytko the ball around and line-up in spread sets, there’s bound to be a breakthrough eventually. So let’s try to identify six of these soon-to-be first-year players with a good chance of enjoying fantasy success in their initial NFL season and, in turn, create some new fantasy-owner geniuses.
Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders
Cooper is just what this offense needs and Oakland is the perfect landing spot for him to be a good option for fantasy owners right away. And taking into consideration that no wideout had more than 700 receiving yards for them last season or even a 1,000yard receiver since way back
in 2005 with Randy Moss, the opportunity for Cooper to offer immediate fantasy production in Oakland sure presents itself. At Alabama, he set Crimson Tide singleseason records in 2014 with 124 catches for 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns.
Clive Walford, TE, Raiders
If adding Cooper wasn’t enough, the Silver and Black may have found a huge (6-foot4, 252-pound) pass-catching tight end for their promising young quarterback as well. And even though rookie tight ends can be a crapshoot, Walford has the ability to bring TE1 upside in his rookie season. As a four-year starter for the Miami Hurricanes, he accumulated 1,753 yards and 14 touchdowns on 121 catches in a system that was strictly run heavy.
Todd Gurley, RB, Rams
Given the fact that Gurley’s the first running back to be selected in the first round
since 2012, expectations will also run a little higher across fantasy draft day boards come August. He’s the best pure running back prospect since Adrian Peterson and had it not been for his torn ACL back in November, Gurley’s arguably the clear-cut No. 1 prospect in the whole draft. So with that said, his fantasy impact is anyone’s guess in St. Louis now, but the Georgia product could very easily fit in as a solid RB2 or a flex play if he’s back to form.
Photo by JC Ridley/Courtesy of Miami Athletics
Fantasy football: First-year splashes We’ve all heard the warnings over the years; it’s too difficult to trust rookies during fantasy drafts. But the success stories continue to come in as evidenced by last year’s draft class. Three rookie wideouts surpassed 1,000 receiving yards and Buffalo’s Sammy Watkins nearly made it a quartet falling just 18 yards short. In fact, the crop of rookies, especially with the wideouts, could go down as being one of the best draft classes ever. Regarding statistics, the same couldn’t be said for rookies at other positions last year (mainly QB, RB, TE), but given the way NFL teams frequently sling
May/June 2015
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jaguars
Without a main catalyst for their running attack, Yeldon will get every chance to be a 1,000-yard back in Jacksonville sooner rather than later. At Alabama he ran for 3,322 yards and 37 scores in his three-year career there. And playing in an offense that will be predicated on the running game this upcoming year should suit the 6-foot-1, 226-pound back just fine.
The former Hurricane could be the most NFL-ready tight end to have a fantasy impact in 2015.
The roses are on Baffert and American Pharoah By Mark Patrick Harzynski Sr. When the dust finally cleared at Churchill Downs, American Pharoah stood beaming, roses around his neck, the 2015 Kentucky Derby Champion. Of course, trainer Bob Baffert was pretty pleased as well. With the first leg of racing’s Triple Crown complete, that leaves two more to go; the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico (Baltimore, MD) on May 16 and the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park (Elmont, N.Y.) on June 6. It’s a grueling schedule of three Grade I stakes races in five weeks, which partly explains why the last triple crown winner was almost four decades ago. In addition to the tough schedule of the Triple Crown races, the horses have a tough journey just to make it to the Derby. From Sept. 2014 until April 15, races are held
throughout the country top horses in the sport from Aqueduct in New for a long time. Baffert, York to Santa Santa Anita who actually started in California. A complex his career as a jockey, system that tiers points is quickly realized he then used to determine didn’t have the body who can enter the race for racing so instead of and start the quest for the trying to keep his weight crown. at 108-112 pounds he American Pharoah, switched to training son of Pioneer of The quarter horses. Then, Nile, is owned by in 1991, he switched Ahmed Zayat and was to Thoroughbreds, ridden to victory by finishing the season by Victor Espinoza. This earning his first Breeders marks Espinoza’s third Cup with a win by Thirty Kentucky Derby win and Slews. second in a row after he In 2009, Baffert found the winner’s circle inducted into Photo by Skip Dickstien was with California Chrome Kentucky Derby winner American Pharoah. the U.S. Racing Hall last year of Fame as well as In addition to American had a top finish, dating back the Lone Star Park Hall of to 2002 when Silver Charm Pharoah, Baffert trained Fame. His contributions won the Derby. Dortmund, another pre-Derby and accomplishments are favorite. Sired by Big Brown, a Prior to his impressive numerous, including four Derby finish, Baffert has been former Derby and Preakness Kentucky Derby wins, five out of the limelight recently winner, Dortmund finished at the Preakness, once at third at this year’s race. It’s but he’s been training and Belmont, 10 Breeders Cups, been a while since Baffert last involved with some of the two Dubai World Cups,
Open waters usher in spring fishing By Rich Davenport Spring has finally arrived in WNY, and although area waters still show cooler water temperatures on the heels of a wicked cold winter, area anglers can now seek various species with standard tackle. Walleye, northern pike and Lake Erie bass seasons opened on May 2, while inland muskellunge season now start the last Saturday in May, a change that went into effect April 1, along with a larger inland minimum size of 40 inches.
Trout and Salmon
Great Lakes feeder streams show good numbers of running trout, delayed by the ice and cold earlier in March/ April, which could prolong the runs and fish in the streams through Memorial Day, water levels permitting. Minnow presentations early and late in the day work well, as do night crawlers
and small egg baits worked through the holes and runs in streams from Chautauqua Creek near Barcelona right to Buffalo Creek in West Seneca. A change in trout stocking has added Cayuga Creek to the list of stocked waters, upstream from the Central Avenue bridge near Como Park, which will increase angling opportunity in this county park. Lake Trout have shown incredible numbers and feistiness on Lake Ontario for anglers fishing over 50 feet of water from Wilson to Oak Orchard. Rainbows and browns also move near shore, with tactics being flat lining stick baits off planer boards to get lures well away from the boats. Salmon spring feeding should begin in another few weeks, with spoons and stickbaits topping the list of must use baits. Lake trout abundance in Lake Erie is on the rise, and anglers can now
find these large salmonids across most waters of the Eastern Lake Erie Basin, also holding in the 50-60 foot depths. Minnows and spoons work best.
Yellow Perch and Crappie
The crappie bite on Chautauqua Lake since ice out has been hot, with fish taking up feeding positions near shore and in the myriad of canals and small harbors feeding heavily on minnows. As May wears on, expect fish to school heavily over emerging vegetation, preying upon minnows swimming just above the weeds. Erie Barge Canal crappie settle into the fallen timbers located over deeper waters in good numbers to make a great morning or afternoon trip with plenty of excitement. Lake Erie yellow perch scatter with the winds, but when schools can set up, action can be non-stop off Cattaraugus Creek and
Photo by Mike Rinallo
Jalen Strong, WR, Texans Adios Andre Johnson, make room for Jalen Strong, the former Arizona State standout. And pairing Strong up with DeAndre Hopkins could one day be a match made in fantasy heaven. The
Walleye As
the
seasons
open,
Bryce Petty, QB, Jets
This one’s a total long shot right now, but with Ohio State’s speedy Devin Smith on board as well, New York could have the makings of some big-play fantasy potential in the works. Take Smith’s 121 career catches into 2,503 yard and 30 touchdowns and combine it with Petty’s NFLquality arm strength and this team’s offense and overall fantasy value could be on the rise.
Others with a chance to shine early on include: DeVante
Parker, WR, Dolphins; Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers; Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Titans; Ameer Abdullah, RB, Lions.
multiple Eclipse Awards and a stagger four consecutive years of outstanding trainer by earnings from 1998-2001. Baffert has trained some of the sport’s greatest horses including War Emblem, Silver Charm, Real Quiet, Pioneer of the Nile and Bodemeister named after Baffert’s son Bode. Bodemeister ran in the 2012 the Kentucky Derby where he just missed out on the roses with a second place finish. It’s quite a resume but Baffert is not just enjoying his work with world-class horse but life in general. Several years ago Baffert suffered a major heart attack and it not only humbled him but made him more understanding, compassionate and appreciative of what matters most, mainly his family and the people who love. Baffert, even before the Derby started, spoke with humility and gratefulness in his voice: “The Lord has a plan for me,” Baffert said. “I may not have seen the Derby
winner’s circle in awhile, but this whole experience is more fulfilling and gratifying for me. Whether we get the roses or not, I’m just happy to be here and doing what I’m doing with the people I love.” Fortunately for Baffert, American Pharoah did get the job done in the Derby so they’ll next set their sites on the Preakness. If you don’t want to wait for Pimlico, you can watch and wager every day leading up to The Preakness, as well as all year long on thoroughbred and harness racing all over North America, via simulcast at Batavia Downs (http:// www.bataviadownsgaming. com/) and Western New York OTB (http://www.westernotb. com/) branches. Batavia Downs is also hosting Preakness festivities, promotions and giveaways, with live live harness racing action late July thru Early December. First opened in 1945, the Downs is celebrating their 75th anniversary this season.
anglers can expect postspawn walleye to be in shallow waters with best activity during low light periods and at night. Slow trolling a stick bait over 7-15 feet of water along the shoreline of Chautauqua Lake and off Woodlawn beach on Lake Erie could deliver impressive catches, as walleye numbers on Chautauqua and the Eastern Lake Erie Basin continue to rise.
Kate White, 716-998-4497. June 27: Teach-Me-To-Fish Family Fishing Day, Chestnut Ridge Park Lake, Route 240, Orchard Park, NY, FREE lunch, free rods/reels, open to public, info: Dave Barus: 716597-4081. June 27/28: Family Fishing Weekend, 7am – 4pm, Upper Niagara River, Blackrock Canal Park - foot of Ontario St., Buffalo, NY, open to public, FREE, info: George Johnson, 716-818-3410. Remember, take a kid fishing, and give the gift that lasts a lifetime! Rich Davenport is co-founder of WeLoveOutdoors.com, an avid Outdoorsman and member of the NYSOWA. His works are also published in NY Outdoor News, Walleye.com and the Buffalo News. Rich is also the Recording Secretary for the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Secretary of the Western NY Environmental Federation, member of the Erie County Fisheries Advisory Board and is the Co-Chairman and Region 9 Rep NYSCC Big Game Committee. Email rich@ weloveoutdoors.org.
Noteworthy Events
June 6: Teach-Me-To-Fish Rich Davenport shows off this Lake Trout caught off the for kids and parents, East Evangola State Park on Lake Erie. Aurora Fish & Game, Luther Evangola State Park. Anglers may have to move about before finally locating active schools. Emerald shiners work best, and area bait shops have these must-have minnows in stock right now. Perch also begin to move into the upper Niagara River off Ontario Street out front of Riverside Park, but anglers should be aware the free launch is closed as improvements to the ramp and parking lot continue.
only question is Houston’s unsettled quarterback situation and how that’ll sort itself out, but take our word that he’ll have some good fillin PPR value on this year’s draft boards.
Road., East Aurora, NY, FREE lunch, free rods/reels, 10am – 2pm, open to public, info: Dave Smyczynski, 716-3649082. June 13: Teach-Me-ToFish for families, Tifft Nature Preserve, Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo, NY, FREE lunch, free rods/reels, 9:30am-1pm, open to public, Info: Dave Barus: 716-597-4081. June 20: Niawanda Park - Kids Fish Derby, Upper Niagara River, Tonawanda, 8am registration start, fishing 9am-Noon, free, info: John &
NCCC THUNDERWOLVES www.niagaracc.suny.edu
# Name
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
Mike Colosi Tom Stoklosa Mike Keller Brad Wroblewski Lucas Schaefer Tyler Dardzinski Ryan Sattz Tom Prospero Brett Helmbrecht John Lamanna Brooks McKeown Charles Edwards Kyle Bell Levi Moon Ryan Bender Matt Keating Joe DeLuca
# Name
1 2 3 4 6 7 10 12 13 14 15 16 18
Olivia Herman Emily Whitman Haley Dumbleton Jordan Beutel Allyson Weber Anna Dickens Megan Opala Michelle Maloney Marlee Hilliard Brittany Little Connie Jo Sawatis Marissa Ruffolo Morgan Bedford
Yr. Pos.
Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. So. So. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. So.
2B/SS 3B 2B OF/P P P 1B SS C P OF OF P 1B/C 3B P C/1B
Yr. Pos.
So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
OF OF SS UTIL P/2B P/OF OF/3B C/1B P/OF C/OF P/UTIL P/1B 3B
en s B se
Hometown
Niagara Falls, NY Hamburg, NY Clarence, NY Lockport, NY Depew, NY Rochester, NY Pickering, Ont. Batavia, NY Depew, NY Toronto, Ont. Lockport, NY Ithaca, NY Brockport, NY Red Deer, Alb. Batavia, NY Elma, NY Syracuse, NY
# Name
18 20 22 23 24 25 29 30 31 32 33 34 36 40 44
Travis Owens Alex Kubera Ryan Wayne Jake Collins Marty Smith Jr. Drew Borowski Caleb Kish Travis Tomlinson Rhett Feser Andrew Krawkowski Mike Markelonis Brandon Rivera Mike Lane David Battel Evan Harof
Yr. Pos.
Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr.
SS P OF P 1B OF/P P P P P/3B P P P OF P
Hometown
Bowmanville, Ont. Dunkirk, NY East Amherst, NY Chester, NY Rochester, NY Warsaw, NY Niagara Falls, NY Dundas, Ont. Unity, Sask. Lackawanna, NY Niagara Falls, NY Monroe, NY Lockport, NY Buffalo, NY Clarence, NY
Head Coach: Matt Clingersmith Assistant Coaches: Vinny Cuviello, John Grzymala, Jeff Ziemecki
o en s o t
Hometown
Albion, NY Lockport, NY Warsaw. NY Newfane, NY Warsaw, NY Ovid, NY Cheektowaga, NY Buffalo, NY Niagara Falls, NY Grand Island, NY Cattaraugus Res., NY Head Coach: Nate Beutel Niagara Falls, NY Newfane, NY Assistant Coaches: Kelly Bourque, Dan Maigret, Taylor Schultz
CONNECT WITH THE THUNDERWOLVES ONLINE:
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Page 12
May/June 2015
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Local boxing happenings
Ring 44 remembers boxers from the past
By Bob Caico
By Bob Caico
Lavisas “Red” Williams of Rochester gave his hometown fans an impressive six round win at the Main Street Armory on April 18. The professional card was promoted by Pretty Girl Promotions and Williams was the co-main event. Red’s opponent was Santiago Bustos (7-6-1) of Spain and he was no easy pickings. Williams used his superior speed and boxing ability to thwart any attempt by Bustos to smother and rough up the slick southpaw. Williams, who fights in the super featherweight division, raised his record to 7-0-1 with three knockouts. The lone draw was in his second fight only eight days after his pro debut and he gained eight pounds to weigh 143. Lavisas looks to be a real prospect and if he stays in shape and takes the game seriously Rochester just may see another champion in their mist. •••• The Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y. gets back in the boxing business after a seven-year hiatus. On June 26 the casino will host a professional boxing card featuring local talent. NABA super welterweight belt holder Dennis Hogan (210-1, 7 KOs) of Australia
Ring 44, a member of the International Veteran Boxers Association, began in 1962 with Jimmy Harkins as president. The goal of the organization was to help, remember and honor the rich boxing history of Buffalo and Western New York, which they did for many years, including a museum in City Hall that was run by Ed Cudney. After a brief hiatus, President Dan Muscato, among others, resurrected the organization in 1996 and they have held a Hall of Fame Induction dinner every year since. When Cudney passed away, the museum was lost and old photos and memorabilia were hidden away for years by the Police Athletic League. After the officers of Ring 44 received permission from the PAL to access the archives, they then needed a place to showcase the proud boxing history of Buffalo. Thanks to the Karpele Museum on North and Summer Streeet in Buffalo, Ring 44 now has a place to show the public that the boxers in the area will never be forgotten. Currently, the organization has photos of the six world champions and their Hall of Fame plaques on display. They also have photos of amateur and professional fighters of all races on showcase and
Photo by Bob Caico
Lavisas “Red” Williams (right) of Rochester has the skills to go far in the professional fight game. puts the belt on the line against Kenny Abril (14-7-1, 7 KOs) of Rochester in the 10-round main event. In an eight-round contest Tony Luis (19-3) of Cornwall, Ontario goes up against Guillermo Sanchez (1515-1) of Buffalo. The most intriguing fight scheduled is the return (hopefully) of Niagara Falls welterweight Nick Casal (22-4-1). The 29-year-old Casal has tried a few times to get a fight in the last three years with no success for various reasons. This time it’s hoped he can get his career on track as he faces Winston Mathis (75-1) who now fights out of Rochester. A couple local fighters will make their pro debut as Hoshuan Sambolin of Rochester takes on Jack Grady (0-1) of Buffalo and Daniel Dejesus of Buffalo takes on Jeremy Graves (0-
3) of Niagara Falls. •••• The 2015 NYS Golden Gloves championships finished up on April 25. The Niagara Region open champions were familiar names who have multiple State titles to their credit. Lawrence King (178 pounds), Sequan Felton (132 pounds) and Wilmont Wood (165 pounds) all from Rochester took home open division trophies and will travel to Las Vegas for a chance at National Golden Glove titles. •••• Willie Monroe, Jr. of Rochester has a chance at history as he challenges the middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin in California on May 16. The Golovkin (32-0, 29 KOs)Monroe (19-1, 6 KOs) bout will be shown on HBO.
them. Relatives of Thomas McCarthy asked about their relative who fought in the 1900s and were supplied a career record for them. Ring 44 also gets to learn new information on former boxers too. The family of Dick Lillis supplied photos and newspaper articles from 1952 that renewed interest in the former amateur champ. Lillis was the 1952 novice Buffalo Golden Glove champion. After stopping his first two opponents in the preliminary rounds he faced Tommy Donovan in the welterweight (147 pound) finals. Donovan was trained by his brother the great Jackie Donovan of south Buffalo and the showdown with the Riverside youth was much anticipated. Donovan out boxed Lillis in the first two rounds but in the third Lillis nailed Donovan and dropped him twice forcing referee Tony Schoell to call a halt to the bout. Stories like this are important no matter how famous the fighter was and that is the mission of Ring 44. If you need or have any information on boxers from the area please email wsbuf@ aol.com and Ring 44 will make sure the community remembers.
Riverside product Dick Lillis won the 1952 Buffalo Golden Gloves with three staright knockouts. that display will be changed quarterly to allow all former boxers their due. Although towards the smaller side, the new location has proved to be an inspiration to families who either didn’t know their ancestors took up the sport or to shed additional light on their careers. The son of former amateur Stephan Burke asked if they had any information on his father. Ring 44 historians were able to find three news articles about his dad from 1926 and he was thrilled to see
Becoming the best You, You can be By Landin Murphy as though I had a disability,” Putnam explained Valenta, a bodybuilding champion, holder of five natural professional bodybuilding cards and owner of Maximum Fitness in Rochester, approaches fitness as both a competitor and trainer. “The weights are a tool,” Chuck elaborated. “Our bodies are designed to respond. I didn’t treat her differently than anybody else. Everyone’s body is different so we worked together to overcome any limitations.” Originally Putnam had to tie her “good” arm behind her back in order to focus more on her troublesome right side. This meant each of her workouts took longer and required more intensive concentration as she formed the muscle mind connection with her body. Months of pushing herself and working with Chuck have paid tremendous dividends. Putnam has reduced her body fat percentage and put on a significant amount of muscle mass to the point where she can jump on one foot and do lunges without falling over.
Putnam’s change has been so dramatic that she’s shocked when she looks back at old pictures of herself. “I can’t even believe that’s me,” she exclaimed. “I can’t wait to keep moving forward. Everyone starts somewhere and if I can do it anyone can!” Like Putnam, Kari Alger also had some physical limitations to overcome. Diagnosed with Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the body’s muscles and includes a series of other troublesome symptoms, Alger wanted to improve her health. Told by various health professionals to stay away from the gym because it might worsen her condition, Alger found the complete opposite to be true, recalling, “For me it was just getting into a fitness program that changed my life.” In the gym she tried a few different personal trainers before settling in with Mark Foley. “What some of the other people had me doing just wasn’t working,” Alger recalled. “They urged me to eat around 1,300 calories, but that wasn’t nearly enough.” The fact that
Photo by Ken Krug
The path to physical fitness is difficult even under the best of circumstances but achieving this goal was even more admirable for two local women who had to overcome even greater obstacles than most. Michelle Putnam was born with Cerebral Palsy resulting in right-sided Hemiparesis, a condition that causes weakness on a particular side of the body, which she likens to being similar to a stroke. Despite this complication, Putnam consciously decided to make a change in her life. One day she came to this realization while finishing a meal at McDonalds as she resolved that enough was enough. “When I decided to change, I wanted to push beyond what people told me I was capable of,” Putnam explained. “I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, too.” Putnam’s first step was finding a trainer but she recalled that, “because of my condition some trainers flat out wouldn’t take me on. They didn’t know what to do or how to approach my situation.” Then Putnam found Chuck Valente. “He was great. He didn’t treat me
Fitness Athletes Kari Alger (left) and Michelle Putnam (right). Alger’s condition attacks her body’s muscle and the reality that she has a naturally high metabolism meant she had to eat significantly more than was being suggested. Now she consumes nearly double the previously advised caloric intake, just to maintain her bodyweight. “There is no one size fits all,” Foley agreed. “No system works for everybody.” Foley is a local bodybuilding champion, founder of Sinister Fitness and a fitness aficionado with natural pro status to his name. When it comes to finding the perfect balance in any health regimen he urges, “You really have to
find out what works for an individual. Try to figure out what their strong suits are and go with those.” As Alger and Foley worked together, she made steady progress. Together they found that not only did her gains in the gym improve her physique but her health as well. “Previously, I was taking medications for my health condition and had to visit my doctor on a regular basis. Now I only have to go to the doctor one or two times a year, for a check up,” Kari proudly explained. Those are some extraordinary and inspiring results. “This was the best thing I could have ever
done,” Alger continued. “It’s actually fun. It’s a great part of my life at this point.” Although their challenges were different, Putnam stressed the importance of competition and setting goals to stretch your preconceived boundaries, a point which Alger emphatically agrees. Regardless of whether you’re dealing with a complex medical situation or just want to get into better shape, fitness and eating right will help and don’t give up. No battle is ever won by quitting so set goals, push yourself and remember that we all have obstacles that we can overcome. You can contact Chuck Valente at maxfittrainer@ gmail.com and Mark Foley at mark@sinisterphysique. com.If you want a challenge, the WNBF Mr. & Mrs. Super Natural Fitness Championship is Sept. 12 at Maryvale High School. For more information visit www. northernstatessupernatural. com. Landin Murphy is recovering from a life threatening brain and spinal cord injury. During the process of recuperation he was told he would never fully heal but refused to take no for an answer. Since then he has taken up bodybuilding in an effort to improve his health. In this way bodybuilding has helped save his life.
May/June 2015
When push leads to pushback: the case of Roman Reigns By Ivan the Impaler In pro wrestling, it’s a bit of a misnomer to say the fans ultimately decide which wrestlers get pushed to main event status. Yes, fan reactions can determine who is launched to superstardom, but the reality is that promoters usually start the ball rolling by pre-selecting their own golden child. If the public goes along, it’s (usually) free sailing for the chosen one. But there are always roadblocks. Injuries, personal issues, and instances where talent, while good, is not “good enough.” And sometimes, The People push back. As in rejecting the nominee. We’ve coined this phenomenon FPS- Failed Push Syndrome. When WWE, or any other major federation, anoints a wrestler as the Next Big Thing, what happens when the fans don’t care for him? The most recent case study is Roman Reigns. Reigns came out of NXT as part of the Shield (along with Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose). The menacing and muscular Reigns was the last person eliminated in the 2014 Royal Rumble by winner Dave Batista, who himself faced a pushback from the crowd. Reigns, ostensibly a heel, was cheered; some felt an anti-Batista sentiment contributed to that. By mid/late summer of 2014, many sensed that Reigns (now a babyface) was being groomed to be a maineventer at WrestleMania 31 in 2015. But in the fall, a Series of Unfortunate Events befell Roman. He underwent emergency hernia surgery and missed about two months. Upon returning, the adulation had waned considerably, with noticeable undercurrents of booing.
When Reigns won the 2015 WWE Royal Rumble in January, the fans turned against him, with boos outweighing the cheers. Even a helping hand from the Rock didn’t boost Roman’s image. While Reigns wasn’t treated as a heel, he received Cena Treatment (ie., kids and women cheered him, while older males loudly voiced displeasure.) At WrestleMania, he challenged Brock Lesnar for the WWE title. The majority of the crowd favored Lesnar, but neither man came out with the championship, as Seth Rollins cashed in his “Money in the Bank” title shot during the match to win the belt when he pinned Reigns. So what led to Roman not winning the title? Few outside of WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Conn. have an answer, but we’re still free to speculate. a) Daniel Bryan was on the disabled list from May until January. Most feel that Bryan was the fan’s choice to star at WrestleMania. When Bryan returned, many apparently made their choice, and it wasn’t Reigns. b) Brock Lesnar was booed by the average WWE fan well into 2014. But a string of dominant performances against John Cena, along with the antics of his advisor, Paul Heyman, won Lesnar over to a large percentage of the crowds. Plus, Brock agreed to a contract extension just a week before WrestleMania, which may have affected the company’s decision-making. c) Reigns’ speaking skills were uninspiring. Lesnar didn’t have to speak because Heyman did his talking for him. Attempt by writers to “improve” Reigns promos using terms like “sufferin’ succotash” and “donkey dung” momentarily sent
wrasslin’ back to the 80s. (The concept wasn’t Reigns’ idea; many attributed it to a guy named Vince). d) Fans often object to being force-fed anyone. It happened in 2014 with Batista. History repeated itself, although the sell-off on Reigns was still surprising given his popularity in mid2014 This Reporter got some expert opinions on the subject, as a pair of former WCW & WWF champions visited an exposition in Niagara Falls, Canada, just a week before WrestleMania 31. First, we asked Kevin Nash what happens when wrestlers get a push before they’re ready. “You mean someone like me?” he replied, laughing. But seriously, Kevin.... Nash recalled that “in the ‘94 Royal Rumble, I threw all the guys out. Everybody was doing what they’re doing.... but as soon as they anoint you, then everybody goes ‘... oh’. Everybody wants the guy that’s working his way up; once they feel you’re anointed for that spot, then they turn on you....Roman is a great guy. I think that in time, if he does get the push and they do go with him, he’s more than capable of handling that spot. He’s a super guy; I hope he goes over as champion at WrestleMania.” Bret Hart addressed the question as well. ”When I and Lex Luger (were cowinners) in the ‘94 Royal Rumble, fans had to take a side,” said Hart. “I (went) with it and (gave) the fans what they wanted. Roman Reigns is a great wrestler; he’s got a lot of potential. I just think that maybe he hasn’t quite earned it enough from the fan’s side.” After surveying some followers of Our Great Sport,
that he was in the marquee match at WM, or a failure in that he had no main event staying power after that? Sid Vicious: A debate similar to the Miz regarding the FPS issue. He was a maineventer, won heavyweight titles in USWA, WCW and WWF, yet some feel he could’ve been more dominant as a champion. Were expectations too high to begin with, and is that his fault? (On his Twitter feed, he recently said “Bad gimmicks? Hey, it wasn’t Photo Courtesy WWE my idea to blink my eyes Roman Reigns had a title shot at uncontrollably in ‘95.”) WrestleMania - will he get one Lex Luger: A case somewhat next year? similar to Sid. Had the look we’ve come up with some and physique in WCW, names who were past victims where he got to the upper tier of FPS...or maybe not. very quickly (too quickly, in Giant Gonzales: The the view of some). Brought Argentinean basketball in by Vince to WWF to be player stood 7-foot-6. He the heir apparent to Hulk debuted in WCW as El Hogan (remember the World Gigante and had some titles Bodybuilding Federation?), matches vs. Ric Flair. Vince Lex bodyslammed Yokozuna McMahon brought Gonzales on the USS Intrepid but never into WWF and packaged won a title in WWF. A lack him in a ridiculous bodysuit of mic skills hurt and he was to “enhance” his physique. never thought of as a great In both feds, fans ultimately worker. Always near the top, didn’t care because he but didn’t stay at the top; couldn’t wrestle...and that still, he made a lot of money. suit looked really silly. Sin Cara, 1.0 (Luis Urive): WWE Rocky Maivia: When he first held a press conference with came to the WWF, he was Jim Ross to introduce the a spiked-haired babyface. young Mexican high-flyer, Always smiling and eager to rare for an acquisition. But please, the fans crapped on he had trouble adapting to him. He turned heel, joined the WWE style, or any style, the Nation of Domination for that matter, which wasn’t and usurped Ron Simmons as a lucha-type spotfest. He’s it’s leader. The trash talking back in Mexico with AAA. started, the People’s Elbow Hey Kids: the name is still began dropping and he used in WWE, but it ain’t the became The Rock. Wrestling same Mystico-erious guy. was never the same. He’s the So, is it too early to pull best exhibit for sticking with the plug on Roman Reigns someone despite an initial as a WWE main-eventer? To setback. paraphrase Steve Austin: “ The Miz: A case study in Why, heck no, son.” Roman debating whether a push has the size and skill set failed or succeeded. Some sought after in a potential recent history: Miz won the champion. He has no known main event of WrestleMania personal issues. He seems 27 in 2011. Tell that to people to have reclaimed some of who only watched WWE in the fan support he lost over the last 2 years and it would the last six months. Maybe boggle their minds. But it was just too soon for him. look at it another way: since Nothing says he can’t be joining WWE in 2006, he champ within the next year. won 13 titles (including tag This case of FPS may belts.) So, was he a success in only require time and more
In 1927, “News of the World,” England’s largest newspaper, sponsored the first international dart competition. The success of the tournament led to the formation of the National Darts Association in 1954, which established and oversaw the rules of the game. In 1973 the British Darts Organization (BDO) formed the first significant competitive league.
nicknames like “Snakebite,” “The Power” and “Mighty Mike.” The matches have entrances like that of boxing with music, scantily clad ladies to walk the players into the match and thousands of people in the stands. Professional players battle it out in Premier League play and dozens of huge tournaments around the world for tens of millions of dollars. Phil Taylor, who is widely recognized as the best player of all time, has won 16 world championships, including eight in a row from 1995 to 2002. The fact that he was a steelworker form a downtrodden town who rose to the premier level of the sport just shows that anyone can play the game. Stories like Taylor’s have inspired a new generation of players all over the world to try their hand at the game. These new players hope that with a little luck, practice and experience that they can
Undiscovered glory In Western New York By Sean Stuart There is a sport played right here in Western New York with history so rich that it dates back to before the Middle Ages. The sport is also something that people of average athletic ability are making millions of dollars a year playing. Darts, in both steel tip and soft tip form, is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Dating back to at least the reign of King Henry the Eight, who is said to have received a richly ornamented set of darts, the Pilgrims imported the sport to North America. Perhaps that history explains why the roots of the largest steel tip
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league in America is located in Boston. In and around the turn of the century, darts was considered a game of chance and was outlawed in drinking establishments until someone challenged the ruling. This gentleman set up a dartboard in the court and threw three darts into the 20 segment. He challenged the court officials to try it out and not one of them could match such accuracy and they deemed the game was not a game of chance but one of skill. This event propelled the game’s popularity and has been a mainstay of bars everywhere since.
In 1993, the world’s top 32 players and members of the BDO wanted more control, money and advancement of the sport. They got what they asked for by forming what would become Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), which is the premier darts organization in the world today. Darts in the professional arena is an epic show of colorful characters with
experience to cure the patient. As long as he isn’t wrestling Daniel Bryan.
UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, May 9- UPW Eagle’s Club, 1200 Buffalo Road - Rochester (Gates), NY - 6 p.m. Sunday, May 10 - Victory Commonwealth Wrestling Lee’s Palace, Bloor St. West - Toronto, Ontario, Canada – 4 p.m. Friday, May15 and Saturday, May 16 - ROH Ted Reeve Arena - Toronto, Ontario, Canada - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16- ESW Frontier Volunteer Fire Co. 2176 Liberty Drive, - Niagara Falls, N.Y. - 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16 - NXT - Albany, NY (details TBA) 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 16 - Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction Banquet - Holiday Inn, 308 N. Comrie Ave. -Johnstown, NY – see www. PWHF.org for details. Saturday, May 23 - NEO Wrestling Federation Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - 7:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31 - Crossfire Wrestling Merriton Community Center, 7 Park Ave. -St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada Sat. June 6 - Kayfabe Dojo Wrestling - Pineapple Jack’s, Spencerport Road - Gates, NY - 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 11 - NXT - Pittsburgh, Pa. - (details to be announced) - 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16 - WWE Smackdown - First Niagara Center - Buffalo, NY - 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11 - Global Force Wrestling - Classic Park, Eastlake, Ohio - Time TBA
MASSIVE MEDIA Be sure to watch the Big Schmozz webcast on RocSportsNetwork.com or youtube... Follow @Wrestlevision on that Twitter thing...Thanks to Le Grande Giuseppe, Man Mountain Maz, Dan from Lake View and El Hilo dos Schulz for their help. become stars as well. In Western New York, players from the Buffalo Area Dart League, Genesee Valley Darts Association and the brand new Buffalo Niagara Dart League play for the fun, challenging and competitive nature of the sport. Many of them, however, will travel and play in tournaments across the country and in Canada with prize pools of $20,000 or more. Across the globe, there are 15 million casual darters in the United States shooting in their local bars and pubs, with thousands playing right here in Western New York! Is it possible that the next Phil Taylor is right here in our own backyard? Could it be you? Sean Stuart is the owner of Platinumdarts.com and cofounder of the Buffalo Niagara Dart league that begins play in September. For more information, email sean@ platinumdarts.com.
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How to prepare for an adventure race event By Justin W. Dahl Thankfully spring is upon us and while it’s nice that the trees are budding and the snow is gone, the best part of this time is that race season has begun. After a harsh winter many of us are looking to lose that hibernation layer and get outside and enjoy the fresh air. A great option for this is to sign up for one of the many local adventure race events. This adds an element of fun and excitement that we can share with our friends, coworkers and family. After looking through the myriad of races online it is easy to get overwhelmed with the multitude of choices, including advanced races such as the Tough Mudder, Spartan, a triathlon or a marathon. These types of races can be very demanding and take a level of dedication that we may not have the time for. This is no reason to throw in the towel. There are also many shorter events including 5Ks, trail runs, paddle racing, biking, shorter obstacle courses and adventure races. In the Buffalo area alone there are some great choices throughout the year that you may not be aware of. There is the traditional Finn McCool, an obstacle race at Cazenovia Park in Buffalo that you can train for in a short amount of time, and the Ride for Roswell, a popular biking fundraiser. The Buffalo Paddle-Bike-Run
on how to paddle while enjoying Buffalo’s rich history. Proper preparation is important. To begin, you will want to manage your time before the race so that you can have three to five days in your schedule in which to spend an hour Photo by Justin Dahl exercising. This is Get in shape while enjoying our regions’ often where we lack scenic waterfront. proper preparation. “I don’t have time” is by far the in July, is a newly organized most used excuse. All of us race this year that begins from can make time to walk around Silo City where you’ll work as the block or spend a half hour a team to complete a short exercising. paddle via kayak, canoe or Now that you have stand up paddleboard (rentals scheduled time you’ll want to are available), followed by create a workout schedule this a casual bike ride around is diverse and varies between Buffalo’s Outer Harbor and cardio and strength training Botanical Gardens, and to prevent injury. Below is a finishing with a trail walk/ suggested schedule: run through 100-year-old Monday: Walk one mile. grain silos. These are just a Tuesday: Jog to the park few of a multitude of races and do 10 burpees, 10 squat offering differing challenges thrusts, 10 push ups, and 10 that can be found online. mountain climbers. Now that you have decided Wednesday: Have a protein to start training for a race let shake for breakfast and enjoy the training begin. To start a day off. You may be a bit you want to pick a training sore but the protein shake regimen that is suited to will help. your abilities and your race Thursday: Start your longer experience. There are many distance cardio training, resources online that can walk which will vary by skill level. you through this process. A three-mile jog or a 10Remember to practice the mile bike is a good start. If activities that your event you can’t jog that far at this includes. For example if there point, that’s ok, walk instead. is kayaking in your event rent Completing the distances a kayak at Canalside through becomes more important that Buffalo Harbor Kayak or even the speed at which you do it. book one of their history tours Speed will come. in which you can get pointers
Friday: Continue your strength training. Saturday: Take the day off. Sunday: This is the day you should push yourself and plan something fun. Often 5Ks are held on Sunday mornings and after you complete your first you’ll be hooked. Most people don’t realize how much fun and camaraderie there is and all events finish with some sort of celebration. This is a
time to reward yourself and meet some new friends in the process. Now that you know what to do, the only thing left is to get out and start moving. You’ll feel and look better and have more energy than you ever imagined. For the beginner, many races can look intimidating but know that you are not alone; everyday someone new decides to make a change and sign up for a race. Signing up also strengthens your commitment to proving to yourself what you can do. Additionally, finding a friend
or loved one to sign up with you is also a great way to stay motivated and on track. The season is upon us. Let’s get out and enjoy every moment we can with friends and family and, in the process, get healthier and happier with an active lifestyle. Looking forward to our time together. Justin W. Dahl is an avid cyclist, paddler and athlete and is also the race director of Buffalo Paddle-Bike-Run at Silo City. For more information go to www.Buffalopaddlebikerun. com.
Canoes – Kayaks Sales and Rental New & Used Try before you Buy! DEMO DAY S
May 16-17 • 10-3pm Try before you bu y!
On water access WNY’s Only Canoe & Kayak Livery • Instructions/Lessons • Paddling & Outdoor Apparel • Repair Service • Backpacking & Camping Gear • Licensed NY State Guides 1000 Ellicott Creek Rd, Tonawanda •3 /4 mile West of Niagara Falls Blvd. • 716-213-0350
Event Calendar Online at: www.PathsPeaksPaddles.com
Help make our parks and beaches tobacco free! • Cigarette litter is poisonous, putting children, pets and wildlife at risk • Secondhand smoke exposure is hazardous to your health, even outdoors
May/June 2015
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
The third annual Celtic Festival comes to Allegany County Community Sports Report
96th Highland Pipe and Drums, Inc. out of Jamestown, NY. The third annual Celtic demonstrations; a true hit Festival will be held in last year! the “Beautiful Mountains” Several different Scottish of Allegany County in clans will be present at Belmont, N.Y., situated in the Clan Row to assist people in southwest corner of the state, learning about clan names on June 6. Gates open at and how they have changed 9:30a.m. with the festivities over the centuries. They can starting at 10a.m. The day also assist people who want will conclude around 8 p.m. to learn about their own with proceeds benefitting the Celtic ancestry. Wounded Warrior Project Several donations have and local veterans. been made to the Allegany The festival will County Celtic Festival and entertain spectators with there’s hope that even more the traditional Highland will be generously given. Athletic Events, comprising Charles Joyce of Otis Easter a total of seven games for Service in Andover, N.Y. is both men and women: stone this year’s largest sponsor/ throw; weight throw; weight donor and other donors for height; sheaf for height; include the Angelica and hammer throw; and the Belfast Lions Clubs, the caber toss. A caber toss is a Canaseraga, Wellsville and traditional Scottish athletic Canisteo American Legions, event practiced at Scottish as well as several restaurants Highland games involving and businesses. Donations the tossing of a nearly can be made to the Allegany 20-foot-long pole weighing County Celtic Festival, Inc. between 120 and 175 pounds. at 7070 Gleason Hill Road The event will be hosted South – 6, Belfast, N.Y. 14711. by Strong N Far, with Matt In addition to the athletic Hand, a resident of Belmont, events, there will be several serving as athletic director. craft and food vendors selling Also, a group from the everything from woodlocal chapter of the Society grilled pizza to authentic for Creative Anachronism Celtic foods. While at the will demonstrate the use of festival come visit the Irish medieval weaponry while Pub and have a Guinness, adorned in the traditional Killian’s Irish Red, Black and dress of the times. Kids Tan, or any other equally will have opportunities to good beer and wine. Be sure get involved with simulated to come with proper ID as it events throughout the day. will be checked. Returning this year will be The entertainment is sure Judy Gregg from Lewiston, to please everyone. The 96th with her dog agility Highlanders Pipes & Drums,
Ithaca Celtic Festival expanding Community Sports Report The Ithaca Celtic Festival is an annual event held at beautiful Stewart Park in Ithaca, N.Y., the third weekend of June. The Festival will launch its eighth year with new and exciting events added to its traditional schedule. The Ithaca Celtic Festival is presented by the History Center in Tompkins County and made possible, in part, by a grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program. The festival will commence on Saturday June 13, at 8 a.m. with competitions in bagpiping, drumming, and Scottish heavy athletics. Unfolding throughout the day is a full lineup of musical entertainment and many cultural activities including sheep-shearing, wool-spinning and kiltmaking demonstrations, clan booths, Celtic foods and crafts, non-stop activities for children, Irish step-dancing, Gaelic language instruction, Scottish highland dancing and historical demonstrations. The festival will open and close the day with all of the bagpipe bands playing in unison. Opening and closing each day is the massing of the bands where everyone — Inc., out of Jamestown, will be performing along with Irish Step Dancers from Katie Duggan’s Dance School of Olean, and a more contemporary dance routine performed by dancers from the Genesee Dance Theatre of Houghton. Other Celtic Bands performing are: Everheart; Step In Time; Poor Ould Goat; Steel Clover; Tom Keefer & Celtic Cross; Section 31; and Nick & Inzinna, a local duo. In addition to the bands, there will also be a harpist, Mary Lester, playing her soothing melodic pieces and discussing the history of the harp. More information can be found on Facebook. Inquiries can be made at alleganycountyceltic@gmail. com or 585.365.2152.
Photo by Dave Burbank
Check out the world-class competitors at this years annual Ithaca Celtic Festival. the festival including raffles. participants, competitors For more information, visit and spectators — come oasisadaptivesports.com. together as one. With Headlining the music stage hundreds of bagpipers and are the very talented bands drummers playing in unison of the Finger Lakes Region. on the field, Amazing Grace One can hear performances never sounded so powerful. by Traonach, The Grady Massing of the bands is the Girls, Doolin O’Dey and official start of the festival Music in Motion as well as even though competitions fun dance groups such as the in bagpipe band, solo and Ruddy Martian. The Finger Scottish Heavy Athletics start Lakes region also boasts an much earlier in the day. Solo abundance of wineries and competitions will be held breweries. Enjoy wine from along the shores of Cayuga MacGregor Vinyards, or a Lake and the Scottish Heavy beer on tap from Bacchus Athletics will occupy two Brewery in the refreshment fields throughout the day. tent located near the music The world-class stage. Have kids? The Ithaca competitors of the Buffalo Celtic Festival has made Heavies will also be present educating and entertaining with 40 athletes. They’ll the next generation a top be throwing this year in priority. This year there support of OASIS ADAPTIVE will also be a youth Scottish SPORTS, a company that Heavy Athletics workshop creates custom prosthetics as well as kids vs. the for veteran athletes. There pros tug-o-war. There are will be several opportunities also games, arts & crafts, to donate to their cause at
races, parachute play, face painting, Irish Step-dance classes and the ever-popular clan scavenger hunt. Music classes have also been added to the schedule each day from Miss Angie of Music in Motion. There will also be Irish story time with Dierdre McCarthy. Enjoy demonstrations on how to make kilts, dye wool or shear sheep! Find out your family roots at one of the clan tents or try your first haggis puff! There are many cultural demonstrations at the festival that are open for you to try. After last year’s success, the exciting historical textile presentation entitled “WAUKING THE TWEED” will return, and you can try your hand at a round or two of “fulling” cloth. The spinner’s guild will be reenacting the waulking (fulling) of a 10-yard length of hand woven herringbone tweed accompanied by the singing of traditional work songs sung in Scottish Gaelic. Audience participation is most welcome and instruction will be provided. Demonstrations of this nature are a rarity in the United States and you won’t want to miss it. Ticket are just $15 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and free for kids five and under. Discount presale tickets are available on www.IthacaCelticFestival. com until June 27. If you would like to volunteer, please e-mail the festival at info@ ithacacelticfestival.com.
THE HISTORY CENTER IN TOMPKINS COUNTY PRESENTS THE 8TH ANNUAL
ITHACA CELTIC FESTIVAL JUNE 13TH, 2015 8AM – 8PM S T E W A R T PA R K
3RD ANNUAL ALLEGANY COUNTY CELTIC FESTIVAL Saturday, June 6, 2015 ~ 9AM to 10PM South Street, Belmont, NY
For More Info. & Tickets: www.alleganycountyceltic.com Facebook.com/alleganycountyceltic E-mail: alleganycountyceltic@gmail.com Phone: (585) 365-2152
Craft & Food Vendors Libations Tent Motorcycle Show Dog Agility Demonstrations
Traditional Highland Games Pipe Bands & Celtic Music Dancers Clan Row
*Proceeds to Benefit the Wounded Warrior Project*
ITHACACELTICFESTIVAL.COM THIS FESTIVAL WAS MADE POSSIBLE, IN PART, BY A GRANT FROM THE TOMPKINS COUNTY TOURISM PROGRAM – THANK YOU!