October-November 2014
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
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‘Clemson Connection’ adds FIREPOWER for the Bills By Charles Roberts C.J. Spiller couldn’t help but wonder how dangerous the Clemson Tigers’ offense would have been if it featured both he and Sammy Watkins as teammates. At least those were among his thoughts after a Week 2 victory over the visiting Miami Dolphins where he and Watkins, the Bills’ firstround pick in May’s NFL draft, were the two most electrifying players on the field. Spiller, a first-round pick out of Clemson in 2010, blazed down the right sideline for a 102-yard kickoff return in response to the lone Dolphins touchdown. Watkins, who also played his college ball at Clemson, capped the next drive with a 12-yard touchdown catch. The touchdown reception – setup by a 47-yard run by Spiller – was the first of Watkins’ professional career. Including the touchdown, Watkins’ hauled in eight receptions for 117 yards and was targeted 11 times.
“You mean the Clemson connection?” Spiller said, asked about Clemson’s showing that day.
Photo by Jeff Barnes
Clemson products Sammy Watkins & C.J. Spiller provide a spark for the Bills in the season’s first quarter. “Yeah, I mean that’s what we do! It was good, pretty much hit them with 28, hit them with 14.” The breakout performance was good enough to earn Watkins NFL Rookie of the Week Honors. Spiller,
meanwhile, was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. “I guess they just didn’t have an answer for us,” Spiller said.“I was thinking what it could’ve been if we would have played together
Bills’ offseason additions making BIG IMPACT in early going By Charles Roberts Credit the Buffalo Bills’ front office with this much: Through the first quarter of the season many of the offseason additions they acquired are making key contributions. Veteran cornerback Corey Graham – a Buffalo native and Turner Carroll graduate – and running back/special teamer Anthony Dixon have each had a hand in leading the Bills to wins in two of the first four games. Dixon has contributed by way of special teams and spot play at running back. Dixon even picked up a career-first, stuffing a punt from the right foot of the Dolphins’ Brandon Fields in the first quarter of the Bills’ second consecutive win. Graham made a key interception in the Week 1 victory on the road against the Chicago Bears and recorded a team-high three passes defended a week later in a win over the Miami Dolphins. Add in the fact that Week 2 was Graham’s first time playing as a Bill at Ralph Wilson Stadium, and it was more than enough to put a smile on his face. “Yeah it was beyond,”
Graham said, beaming, asked if returning to Buffalo was everything he expected it to be. “
“It was beyond what I expected, the fans were so amazing Photo by Mike Majewski today, and I felt the Offseason addition Anthony Dixon has energy the whole been a key contributor for the Bills. day while we were “That’s how we’re going to have to win, by playing out there... They never let up. It was unbelievable; I never in a million years dreamed that it would be that special.” Although Graham has seen significant playing time – even starting Week 2 in place of an ailing Leodis McKelvin – he’s still listed as a backup, with third-year pro Stephon Gilmore also ahead of him on the depth chart. “Like I said before, we feel fortunate we have three starters back there,” Bills head coach Doug Marrone said of his cornerbacks. Dixon, meanwhile, also picked up 60 yards on five rushing attempts against the Bears. But moving forward, his role will likely have a heavy emphasis on special teams.
well on all three phrases,” Marrone said after the win against the Dolphins, a game in which special teams played a big role. “Special teams, really for the last two weeks, have done a heck of a job. We had a blocked punt; we had a fumble recovery. They’ve done a nice job the last two weeks.” Wide receiver Mike Williams, a Buffalo native who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also made his mark in the season’s first quarter. Williams burned the Houston Texans’ secondary for an 80-yard touchdown in Week 4. The scoring play was his first as a Bill and the longest of his career.
in college. It was great. I’m very happy for Sammy to get his first touchdown today. He had an unbelievable game. You can start to see DBs respect him as a young player. That’s what we need; we need him to continue to make plays like that along with the other receivers. It was a very special day for him to get his first touchdown. That’s one of many.” Bills head coach Doug Marrone got exactly what he was looking for when he asked Spiller, who hadn’t returned kickoffs since his rookie season, to take on an additional role. And the touchdown was hardly a surprise to his teammates. “It was crazy,” Watkins said of Spiller’s kickoff return touchdown.“That’s what everybody expected and it was like, ‘He’s going to run it back this time.’ I look up and see him running down the sideline, making that big play. I think that’s what sparked the game, and I think that’s what we need: special teams, and everyone coming together as a collective group.” Despite not returning a kickoff since 2010, Spiller
said he had no issues taking on the extra task. “Pretty much the coaches came up to me and asked me if I was to do it would I feel comfortable, and I told them I’d be fine,” Spiller explained.“It was something that I’ve done my whole life and hadn’t done in a while. My rookie season was the last time that I’d done it. I felt very comfortable, just having to get back into the groove of catching it, making great decisions. It’s pretty much just trusting your eyes, and when you see it, just try to hit it 100 miles per hour. There’s really no magic about being a kick returner. You
C.J. Spiller
have to be patient, but as soon as you see it you’ve got to go full speed.” For Marrone, it all boils down to finding ways to get the ball in the hands of Spiller, who shares time at running back with veteran Fred Jackson. “It’s just like I told you guys early on with the touches and C.J. being an explosive player. That’s the type of stuff we’re looking for,” Marrone said.“I think he’s very dangerous back there. We were able to get a returnable ball and you see what he can do.”‘Clemson Connection’ adds firepower for the Bills.
Photo by Joe Valenti
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October-November 2014
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
FROM THE PUBLISHER A lot can happen in four weeks and nothing illustrates this better than the start of the Buffalo Bills’ season. After a hard-fought road win in Week One at Solider Field, the boys in blue returned home to Ralph Wilson Stadium to squish the fish, cheer on a cancer free Jim Kelly and get a good first in-person look at Sammy Watkins. The wide receiver from Clemson was taken No. 4 overall in this year’s draft after the Bills traded up to nab him. In addition to Watkins’ first career touchdown, Clemson fans back in South Carolina had another reason to cheer as former Tiger CJ Spiller returned a kickoff an astounding 102 yards for a highlight reel touchdown. On top of all that, the game came just days after it was made known that Terry Pegula, the owner of the Sabres, had succeeded in the bidding process and will be
able to buy the team. Even with two losses following the 2-0 start the Bills have showed a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. Free agent WR Mike Williams hauled in his longest touchdown ever and first as a member of the Bills and veteran cornerback Corey Graham made a key interception in Week One against the Bears. Plus, fans probably don’t mind that he’s a WNY native and Turner-Carroll High School graduate. With all the excitement on the football field, we should pause to acknowledge that baseball is winding down and hockey is starting to heat up. As the Sabres move from training camp to pre-season to being on the cusp of the regular season, fans are eager to see some meaningful games played at the First Niagara Center. Although many are
predicting the Sabres to finish among the bottom of the league, the team has a bevy of savvy veterans brought in as well as young picks looking to stick around or improve with the big club. Sam Reinhart, this year’s top pick, has impressed at camp and is seriously being considered for a stint with the big club despite still being in his teens. Others have been equally impressive and may be given a chance to see if they can stick around. In addition to our athletes on the field and on the ice, WNY powerlifting athlete Kevin Krauss shares his unforgettable experience at the Gay Games this past August in Cleveland. Kevin, along with his friends Chris and Adam¾known as the Steeldogs¾brought home plenty of hardware. Lastly, don’t forget to head outdoors and enjoy the fall!
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Associate Editor Jeffrey Levine Feature Writers Paul Adamo, Robert Caico, Rick Davenport, Mike Dyer, 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, John Williams, Mark Zarbo, Rick Zurak (golf editor) Chief Photographer Jeff Barnes Staff Photographers Nick LoVerde, Joe Valenti, Mike Majewski, Holly Malinowski Cover photos C.J. Spiller & Sammy Watkins by Jeff Barnes; Rasmus Ristolainen by Bill Wippert/Buffalo Sabres Advisory Board Phil Haberstro, Adam Lingner, Denny Lynch Contributing Writers Kevin Bonk, Todd Etshman, Jack Godzuk, Mark Harzynski Sr., Kevin Krauss, Holly Malinowski, Bob Plezia 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 2014 Sports & Leisure Inc.Facebook: Sports and Leisure Magazine and Hugesportz.com
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October-November 2014
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
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New-look: Sabres under construction By George Kuhn General Tim Murray and the Sabres made a big splash on July 1, the opening day for signing free agents, by acquiring a solid group of veteran players to augment the team’s young prospects. Here is a look at these new players and what to expect from them. The biggest name signed was Rochester native Brian Gionta. The “Rochester Rocket” brings a winner’s pedigree to Buffalo, most recently as the captain of the Montreal Canadians coming off their impressive 2014 playoff run. He won the Stanley Cup with New Jersey in 2003 and set the Devils’ record for most goals in a season with 48 in 20052006. Gionta is one of only three Devils players to score over 40 goals in a season. Gionta is a skilled scoring forward who plays fearlessly. He is the second shortest player in the NHL to former Sabre Nathan Gerbe but has succeeded because of his tenacious
competitiveness and his “go to the net” knack for scoring goals. At age 33, Gionta’s goal-scoring numbers have been in decline (eight, 14 and 18 over the last three seasons after 29 four years ago) but 15 goals this season would be welcome. His combination of skill, attitude and defensive responsibility will provide a tremendous resource for the young Sabres to emulate. Only July 1 defenseman Josh Gorges was acquired from Montreal for a draft pick. An undrafted free agent, Gorges signed with San Jose and began his NHL career in 2005. While he is not a physical player, Gorges has earned his reputation as a savvy puckmoving defenseman with good offensive abilities. Don Cherry fans should note that Gorges earned praise from Grapes for his strong play during Montreal’s extensive playoff run in 2010 when Cherry stated that he should be the Canadiens next captain. The Sabres organization took a lot of heat from the national media last season for their poor
on-ice play and their off-ice drama in the front office. But it was a major public relations triumph when scoring winger Matt Moulson and fourth line forward Cody McCormick chose to return to Buffalo as free agents after they were traded in tandem to Minnesota last season. Proving that good players don’t always get drafted in the first round, Moulson was drafted in the ninth round, 263rd overall, by Pittsburgh in 2005 yet has been a top goal scorer in the NHL. Since 2010, only 12 players have scored more goals than him. Moulson cited his comfort level in the community and shared values with coach Ted Nolan as the most important reasons for his return. He also sees a bright future ahead and wants to be part of that. While he is not a great skater or physical player he is the
Young Sabres inspire hope By George Kuhn With an influx of veteran players, the Sabres have built some depth, especially on defense, which affords them the necessary time to patiently develop their young prospects. Here is a look at the top young talent that should make the Sabres a strong playoff team within the next few years. Zemgus Girgensons just completed his rookie NHL season and wowed fans with his playing style and effort. Coach Ted Nolan held him out as an example to his teammates of how to play the game of hockey. At 6-foot-2 he looks big and plays big. He takes the body and takes control on the ice. He competes hard and his enthusiasm is infectious among fans. Girgensons will look to grow from his eight goal rookie campaign. His best offensive year was only 24 goals in 49 games in the tier II USHL junior league,
a goal every other game. For comparison purposes, Thomas Vanek scored 65 goals in 73 games over two seasons in that league, almost a goal per game. Based on that comparison, Girgenons’ goal scoring upside may be limited to about 15 goals (half of Vaneks’ usual production) at the NHL level. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see him score 20-25 goals consistently. Right now he is the face of the future for this franchise. Rasmus Ristolanien is a smooth skating puck rusher
with good size at 6-foot-4 and 219-pounds. He is a wellrounded defenseman who can play physical, is good defensively and can produce offense. He has the skill package to be a dominating player but rarely has played to that level. The challenge to the Sabres coaching staff is to get him there. If they succeed, Ristolanien will anchor the Sabres defense corps for years to come but he may not even start the season in Buffalo considering all the veteran D-men signed over the summer. But make no mistake, Rasmus is the future No.1 defenseman on the Sabres. As the second selection in the 2014 amateur draft, Sam Reinhart has the spotlight shining on him. A superbly skilled player, the question is: at age 18 is he ready for the NHL or should he go
real deal as a goal scorer and is a legitimate first line player. A little known fact, his sister Shannon played college hockey in WNY for Niagara University. With a career high of only eight goals in 2012-13, some may overlook Cody McCormick’s importance for the new look Sabres. But his value goes beyond his veteran presence and good checking ability. Last year’s third and fourth lines couldn’t score goals to save their lives. A few eight goals scorers on these lines in a tightchecking, low-scoring league can turn games around with their contributions. Andrej Meszaros was signed as a free agent defenseman. In his rookie season of 2005-06, he paired with Zdeno Chara on the Ottawa blueline and posted a plus 39, the third highest plus/minus in the NHL. He won the Barry Ashbee trophy as Philadelphia’s best defenseman in 2012-13. The Flyers traded him to Boston last season where he was frequently a healthy scratch from the lineup. He has posted good offensive numbers in his career and can be a solid alla r o u n d
defender when playing well. He is a good offensive player. While he has the size (6foot-2 223-pounds) to play physical he frequently does not. He is in Buffalo on a one-year contract that slots him in as a depth player to hold the fort while the young prospects mature. GM Tim Murray is familiar with him from their time together in Ottawa. Andre Benoit was undrafted by an NHL team and spent eight years toiling in the minor leagues before becoming a full time NHLer with
back to juniors? The minor leagues are not an option for Canadian major junior aged players because of the NHL’s agreement that requires underage juniors like him to be returned to their junior team if they are not playing in the NHL. Generally, if a junior player has dominated at his level, he won’t improve by staying at that level. He needs to move up to a better league where he can get accustomed to playing against bigger, stronger players. Just like a high school student going to college after they graduate, the only place for Reinhart to move is forward. To send him back to junior would stunt his development. It would be better to keep Reinhart in the NHL and play him in a limited role while he adjusts
to NHL level competition. And he will need some time to make those
Ottawa midway through the 201213 season. He played for Colorado last season putting up decent offensive numbers with seven goals and 28
adjustments. He has absorbed some punishing body checks from opponents and teammates alike. He will continue to be targeted by the opposition and needs to learn to play in that environment. His body is slight and he must build up his strength to be able to compete physically against men and he won’t learn how to do that in junior. His skating isn’t great but he should become a first line forward. Last season’s rookie of the year, Nathan MacKinnon, had a rough start but finished
points. He will fill a role as a decent puck moving D-man but lacks size to battle large opposing forwards. He is another depth defenseman from Tim Murray’s days in Ottawa. The hockey community has taken note that with these new players coming to the Sabres, the organization isn’t quite the trainwreck they appeared to be some months ago. While these are solid additions remember that last year’s team had Ryan Miller in goal and still floundered. And the last wave of veteran defensemen brought in to the rescue—Christian Ehrhoff, Robyn Regehr, Henrik Tallinder—were inadequate. So expectations should be low but the Sabres are clearly on the move back to respectability. One more year with an enviable first or second overall draft pick and season tickets will soon become a family heirloom again.
Photos by Jeff Barnes From Left to Right: Josh Gorges, Matt Moulson, and Brian Gionta Photos below Left to Right: Zemgus Girgensons, Sam Reinhart, by Jeff Barnes. Rasmus Ristolanien by Bill Wippert/ Buffalo Sabres
strong and was a dominating player by seasons end. Expect a similar trajectory for Reinhart as long as he does as much as he can with limited minutes and builds upon the additional playing time he’s given. The most intriguing prospect is Nikita Zadorov. A unique combination of size, toughness, shooting and skating ability he stands 6-foot-5 tall and tips the scales at 221-pounds at age 19. His wide wingspan can make life miserable for attacking opponents. But his talents are raw and need refinement, specifically how to use his size and physical presence effectively in the NHL He also is prone to lapses in his attention. So he will head back to junior and maybe a stint in Rochester next season. But his potential is huge and an NHL job seems a certainty once he begins to realize his potential. He should become a solid No.2 defenseman.
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Steeldogs go to Gay Games 9 By Kevin Krauss About 18 months ago, one of my best friends, Chris Johnson, had an idea to compete at the Gay Games in Cleveland, Ohio in Aug. of 2014. I was immediately interested, as I had heard of the event years prior but never had the privilege of going. I thought it would be fun. So we asked our third musketeer; Adam Cummings, if he wanted to compete, and he agreed. So now all the “Steeldogs” were planning on going. Although we normally compete in the WABDL (World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters) and the Games were sanctioned by USPA (United States Powerlifting Association) we thought that even if it was a little different it would be a great chance to try another federation. We never realized this would become one of the best experiences of our life. The City of Cleveland did an amazing job putting on such a large event. While we were driving into downtown, there were billboards welcoming people in all languages and businesses throughout the city all displayed rainbow flags in support of the Gay Games, showing we were accepted and welcomed without judgment. At the hotel we were greeted with big smiles and the staff not only welcomed us but thanked us for coming to Cleveland and wished us the best of luck in our competition. At registration there was a big banner that read “POWERLIFTING” hung
Photo Courtesy Kevin Krauss
Steeldogs at Gay Games 9 Closing Ceremonies with medals. Left to right: Chris Johnson, Kevin Krauss, Adam Cummings. above our booth and we received star treatment with welcome kits, participant medals and answers for all the questions we asked. The next morning we got up early so we could weigh and, walking into the room, we started sizing up every person in the joint. We chatted lightly with people making small talk, never knowing that most of these people will become dear friends after this is all said and done. We left the weigh-in feeling good about the competition, knowing we would be able to hold our own. The Powerlifting meet was the next day, so we took it easy, after eating a big meal to fill our starving bellies. On Aug. 9, the Opening Ceremony for the 2014 Gay Games kicked off at Quicken Loans Arena (home of the Cleveland Cavs basketball team). It offered a star-studded line-up of entertainment, featuring singer, dancer, and radio host Lance Bass, Broadway actress Andrea McArdle and the legendary Pointer Sisters. Alex
Newell, best known for his role on Fox’s “Glee,” sang two songs. Olympic champion and LGBT advocate Greg Louganis made a special appearance at the Opening Ceremony. Even the President of the United States of America participated with a huge welcome via the jumbotron. We walked in the athlete march where each country was grouped together. The US was divided by state and we walked in representing New York State with other gay athlete from all over the Empire State. It was incredible to see a whole arena packed with audience members screaming and cheering, plus we got to see ourselves on the jumbotron. We drove out to the meet the next day bright and early, arriving at The Old School Iron Gym in Brook Park, Ohio at 8:30 am. It was an extremely long day with over 60 male and female competitors ranging in age from 22 to 71. There was even a grandmother competing with her grandchildren in the audience. There was also Deb Grant, a cancer survivor, who was no less inspiring. She was celebrating her third anniversary being in remission from breast cancer and all of her friends were there in black and pink T-shirts with “Lifting for Love” written on them. It was an extremely long day, and very hot in the back of the gym, but everybody there had smiles on their faces. Competitors were cheering each other on. This is something you don’t see a lot in
normal powerlifting meets. Usually, people are eyeballing each other, staring down, trying to intimidate, but it wasn’t like that here; they encouraged each other. I remember hearing someone at the end of the night say they didn’t win a medal, but they broke their own record twice, and they felt like they still won. That is what it is about, personal victories. I wish more people thought his way, achieving the small goals in life. We started off with Squatting, and each of us did very well. We all broke state records, Adam and I for New York, and Chris for Washington. Next was bench, and again we did very well, setting new state records. We started deadlifting around 8pm, if that tells you how long a day it was. We took state records for that category also. We were extremely happy so far; nine state records for team Steeldogs. Now for the medals, Adam took one gold; Chris took two gold and Best Lifter Award; and I took a gold and silver. Not Bad, eh? The Games were going on all week and you could go watch any of the sports for free, except figure skating and bodybuilding. It was fun to go watch the other athletes compete in their sports. The closing ceremonies were in an area of the city called the mall. An outdoor arena, this is where the athletes walked one final time showing off either gold, silver or bronze medals. There was a big festival going on. It was also the time where the City of Cleveland handed the torch to Paris, the site of Gay Games City 10. After the torch passed to the new city,
Fantasy football: Waiver wire pickups By Leonard J. Mytko As injuries start to mount and offenses adapt to change on the fly the waiver wire becomes a hot spot for fantasy football owners everywhere. They’ll be scurrying and scrambling around for short and long-term fixes at the most critical positions. Some owners will even need to ask themselves if they should go and get some insurance for their starting quarterback, backfield or receiving corps. With that said, let’s hope we at Sports & Leisure Magazine can answer some of those questions by taking a look around at the
best options that may still be available on the waiver wire in mostly deep leagues but shallow ones as well. Good luck!
Branden Oliver RB, Chargers With injuries to Ryan Matthews and Danny Woodhead, the undrafted rookie out of the University at Buffalo now has an even better chance of getting the ball more in San Diego’s offense behind Donald Brown. Although you won’t want to rush and add the 23-year-old just yet, do keep an eye on how the Chargers utilize him going forward. In
four years in Buffalo, he rushed for more than 4,000 yards with 33 touchdowns and added 75 receptions. Let’s pull for him at least, though.
Chandler Catanzaro K, Cardinals If there was such a thing as a sleeper kicker heading into this year, the rookie out of Clemson could turn out being that one. He’s nine-fornine on field goals through three games and is right up there in points (30) with Justin Tucker, Steven Hauschka and Adam Vinatieri who were all ranked considerably higher on draft
days.
Allen Robinson WR, Jaguars Quietly stepping into a larger role in Jacksonville’s offense over the last couple weeks and leading the team
Photo by Mike Majewski
If you want to add Larry Donnell to your fantasy team, now is the time to do so.
October-November 2014 they had the Russian athletes come to the stage and talk on how they had the best time of their life competing and being who they are without fear. In Russia, it is illegal to be gay, and they were going back unsure of what would happen to them for coming to the USA to compete. The Gay Games were conceived in 1980 by Dr. Tom Waddell as a “vehicle of change.” For over a quarter century, the Gay Games have built an international legacy of changing cultural, social and political attitudes towards LGBT people across the globe, while at the same time empowering tens of thousands with the transforming benefits of sports competition. In 1981, gay athletes were a hidden and
Chris’s final squat attempt to break his own state record.
and Australia/New Zealand. In addition to 9,000 participants from around the world, 20,000 additional guests, performers, spectators and volunteers were present. The number of participants in the Gay Games is comparable to the number of athletes in the Summer Olympics. This year’s games hosted 35 sports and culture events. Sports were as varied as softball, track and field, soccer and swimming to rodeo, bowling, volleyball and rowing. Culture competitions included choral and band performances. Previously, the Gay Games were hosted in San Francisco (1982, 1986); Vancouver, British Colombia (1990); New York City (1994); Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Photo Courtesy Kevin Krauss
marginalized community within the greater marginalized and beleaguered LGBT community. Being gay and being an athlete was an either-or proposition: be a jock or be a queer. All of that changed when the athletes marched into Kezar Stadium in 1982. The event draws participants from all over the world, particularly North America, Western Europe,
(1998); Sydney, Australia (2002); Chicago (2006); and Cologne, Germany (2010).
in receptions (17) and targets (26) is the former Penn State standout of a year ago. And with new starting quarterback Blake Bortles taking over, he might be a sneaky addition to any fantasy roster out there. Especially since it appears the Jags will be in comeback mode and chucking the ball a lot.
could even be used as a valuable trade chip when interest picks up for him closer to his return. In any event, it’s a win-win for any would-be owner. The main thing is to not let the best receiver in last season’s fantasy sit on the wire and go unclaimed.
Josh Gordon WR, Browns
So in Josh Gordon’s absence, this former Cowboy is showing signs of making a little bit of a fantasy comeback in Cleveland. He’s put up a touchdown in two consecutive games and has 14 catches for 115 yards on the season so far.
He’ll take up a roster space and ride the bench for now, but as long as his off-field issues come to a halt he’ll be handy for the playoff push and postseason run that starts in Week 14. So if you’re a savvy owner and happened to find him on your league’s waiver wire, he
The Gay Games are not for only gay people, it’s for everyone, no matter who you are. As for the Steeldogs, now we’re training for WA B D L Wo r l d Championships, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Nov. 18-23. Wish us luck and GO STEELDOGS!!!
Miles Austin WR, Browns
continued on page 10
Celebrate Fall: Family friendly events guide Community Sports Report Some of us are missing summer. No need to fret because fall in our region is stupendous. From viewing of the changing of the leaves to haunted houses to fall festivals, there is something for everyone. Fall Festivals celebrate the harvest of blessings we enjoy in our community at this time of year. Many festivals offer seasonal foods and baked goods. At this time of year, apples are in season and what a good reason to pick up a homemade apple pie.
Pumpkin patches and farms Great Pumpkin Farm Fall Festival is in Clarence and runs until October 31. There you will find many family friendly events including hayrides and costume contests. www. greatpumpkinfarm.com Pumpkiville in Ellicottville features a corn maize, pedal karts, BBQ pit and an ice cream factory. Come and check out their 120 year old cider press where they press this year’s crop of New York State’s apples. www.pumpkinville.com Stokoe Farms Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Fest in Scottsville runs through October 26. Lots to do there such as a corn maze, zip lining, wagon rides, various sports activities and much more. www.stokoefarms.com
Fall Festivals
Letchworth Arts & Crafts Show: Oct 11 – 13. Over 300 arts & crafts vendors, food vendors and live entertainment and located at Highbanks Recreation Area, Letchworth State Park. http://artswyco.org. 40th Annual Ball’s Falls Thanksgiving Festival, Niagara Falls Canada. Friday, Oct. 10th to Monday, Oct. 13th, 9 am to 5 pm, featuring over 130 selected artisans displaying and selling their creative wares such as pottery, paintings, jewelry, lawn ornaments and clothing. You can also enjoy the incredible beauty of this 19th Century hamlet, set amid the majestic Niagara Escarpment and Twenty Valley eco-system. The event is a major fundraiser for the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA). www.niagarafallstourism.com.
Ellicottville Fall Festival (Oct 11 and 12) has grown to be one of our region’s more popular festivals. Ellicottville’s oldest and largest Festival takes place when the foliage of the surrounding hills are ablaze with color. Tens of thousands of festival goers make for a lively weekend of unique foods, an art and craft show, carnival rides, live entertainment and much more. www.ellicottvilleny.com HARBORCENTER Fall Festival is October 11-13. This 3-day festival offers plenty of family-friendly fun, with many free events for children, carnival rides and games, a bounce house, hay maze, pumpkin patch, appearances by Sabretooth and Sabres alumni, & live music and much more. The festival ends on Monday with an outdoor Sabres bigscreen viewing party for the afternoon game against Anaheim followed by fireworks. www.canalsidebuffalo.com
Swain Fall Festival: Swain will be hosting their annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18. In addition to their mountain biking, disc golf, and grand opening of their Shop, the resort has added a 32-mile bike race, a 4 & 8-mile foot race, beer tasting, a bounce house for the kids. www.swain.com
Fall Fest at Peek’n Peak (Chautauqua County): Two weekends! Oct 10-12 and Oct 18-19. Craft Show, farmers market, pumpkin cannon, children’s crafts and activities, entertainment, ski lift rides, petting zoo, snow sports equipment swap, horse-drawn rides, pony rides, and more. www.pknpk.com/fallfest for details. Lewiston’s Marble Orchard Ghost Walks showcase Lewiston’s rough and tumble frontier past as well as its gloriously ghostfilled present. They are part of Haunted History Trail of NYS. During the 1 1/2 hour walk, the Marble Orchard Players will take you back in time as they share ghost stories, myths and tales of tragedy, crime, mayhem and murder, the grim and ghastly deeds of Lewiston’s best...and worst. Runs through Oct 25. www.artcouncil.org
Manor is 1/4 mile of terror! www.nightmaremanor.com House of Horrors and Haunted Catacombs Hell House and Killer Theater and their six haunted houses will surely scare the pants off of you! www.houseofhorrorsbuffalo. com.
Haunt Manor (Niagara Falls Canada): One of the largest attractions of its kind in Canada. Located at Campark Resort are three legendary Haunts on one Location on a real Historically Haunted site from 1812. Hollywood special FX, movie quality make-up, masks & costumes combine to make the best Haunt in Canada. www.niagarafallstourism.com
Apple and Fruit Picking At Blackman Homestead Farm (Niagara County) you can pick apples and pears through November
2. In addition to offering more than fifteen varieties of apples to pick, they have fresh pressed cider, pumpkins, squash, grape juice, specialty fruit butters, applesauce, and other locally produced agricultural products. Barnyard animals and a straw climbing area are also available for children to enjoy. www. blackmanhomesteadfarm. com Smith’s Orchard Cider Mill (Pendleton): on weekends, pick some apples, look at the Cider Mill and take home some of the best Fresh Pressed cider. www.smithsorchard.com Becker Farms in Gasport offers many types of fruits and veggies. Established in 1894 – they must be doing something right! They have a bakery with pies, jam, cakes, fudge and many more tempting treats! www.beckerfarms.com
Haunted Houses
Experience your worst fears at our regions haunted houses. Zombies, Vampires and Ghouls might scare you to death! Nightmare Manor in Rochester is located at Southtown Plaza and runs on select days through October 31. New for this year is The UnDead Zone. Nightmare
Cummings nearing driving milestone By Mark Patrick Harzynski Sr.
Each year, Kevin Cummings splits his time between Hamburg and Batavia, or, more accurately, between Buffalo Raceway and Batavia Downs respectively. Cummings has been racing since 1989 as a driver and in that span has won four driving titles. Three were at Buffalo Raceway, with back-to-back titles in 2004 and 2005, followed by another in 2008 and the fourth at Batavia Downs in 2009. Currently, Cummings is having a stellar year and is leading all drivers in all categories as of this writing. With 325 starts at Batavia Downs, Kevin has 78 wins, 64 second place and 43 thirds to his name while
also leading in purse money won with over $347.000.00. He is also just 115 wins away from 3,000 lifetime career driving wins. When asked about his success, Cummings pointed to several factors, from having a lot of drives – over 100 each month since the season started – to being put on some of the best mounts by the top trainers such as John Mungillo, Alex Guiliani, Christopher Naedele, Angelo Nappo and Kirk Desmond. He also credits his dad, John Cummings Sr., a longtime driver and trainer, for not only his racing success but getting him started in racing as well. Cummings is still very close with his dad and says that he continues to
Kevin Cummings at Batavia Downs.
inspire him and encourages him to do his very best. In addition to his father, Cummings has strong support team at home from his lovely wife Rhonda and their four beautiful daughters Kristy, Kara,
Photo Mark Harzynski Sr.
Kandice and Kaci. When asked what his all-time most memorable moment was in racing Cummings didn’t hesitate before saying “Winning the 2006 Kane Memorial Pace.” Named after Robert J.
Kane, the chairman at the time of the sale of Batavia Downs from Genesee Monroe Racing, the Kane Pace is held every year and is always one of the highlights of the racing season. In 2006 Cummings not only won the Pace but set a track record at the time with a mile in 152.1 with Michael Scores. Michael Scores, a homebred with the Compton stable, had over 275 starts and set track records at Batavia Downs as well as Buffalo Raceway and Tioga Downs as well. When asked about his all-time favorite horse to drive, Cummings smiled and responded “Arm and a Leg.” Trained by Cummings’ father, Arm and a Leg was a multiple Open Pace winner at both Batavia Downs and Buffalo Raceway with career
SPECIAL FALL PULLOUT 2014
money earnings of over $70, 000. Although it is mathematically possible for Cummings to get the 115 wins he needs to eclipse 3,000 lifetime driving wins before Batavia ends its season Dec. 6 it’s more likely we’ll see him roll over 3,000 when Buffalo Raceway starts in 2015. Regardless of when it occurs, it’s clear that there is a lot of good racing in store for Kevin Cummings as well as all the fans of Western New York who will get to watch him on his trek to 3,000 and beyond.
Fall in love with the View in the Enchanted Mountains, Cattaraugus County New York Community Sports Report Autumn is here. Probably the most treasured aspect of fall is the bright, vibrant colors that paint the hillsides. You may not know it, but Cattaraugus County has some of the most beautiful places to take in the colors as you enjoy the last warm days before the long winter. To help you on your quest for fall peeping, here are the must see Fall Foliage Destinations! View the colors by car as you drive the country highways and byways through the Old Order Amish community on New
hazy days of autumn as you make stops to the different Amish owned shops. Fill up on the delicious baked goods, buy a handmade quilt and stock up on wonderful gifts all before going home and gearing up for the upcoming colder season. Not sure where to go? Call 1-800-331-0543 or visit AmishTrail.com. Rock City Park will lead you on hiking trails through gigantic rock formations left over from the glacial period and over the falling leaves of the trees surrounding these rocks. Experience the
Allegany State Park. York’s Amish Trail. You will come upon Amish buggies that go a comfortable speed of 10 mph; don’t be in a hurry, slow down and appreciate the golden days of the year. Relax in the lazy,
view from the tree tops as you make your way to the trail via a route on the top of one of those large rocks. Relax on the double swing, pose for photos under the arbor or hold hands with Big
Foot. View the neat extras in the gift shop, as you are educated on different types of rocks and how they come into fruition. Rock
grand view, drive up to the second portion of the park, the Rohr Hill Site, to see the giant sculptures stand as tall as the trees or hunt for the
The red, orange, yellow, and green colored trees will take your breath away! enthusiasts will have the chance to view, purchase and learn about rare and common rocks from around the world at the annual Rock City Park Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show during Columbus Day Weekend. Search through the crisp fall leaves at Griffis Sculpture Park to find sculptures popping up all over the place. Explore the Mill Valley Site, walking through the woods to then come upon a field full of steel sculptures seemingly placed perfectly along the edge of the forest, the pond and in the field. For a more
snake in the lower portion of the woods there. Take a break next to, or in, one of the sculptures that are warmed by the autumn sun. For a spectacular view while you eat, head over to Bear Mountain in Salamanca. Enjoy the nice weather while it’s still here with some delicious food outside on the beautiful Deck, also known as “The Ledge.” Once you’re there you will see why it rightfully owns that nickname. Just outside of Allegany State Park, enjoy a bite to eat or some of the live entertainment at nighttime.
Just driving along Route 86 to get to Bear Mountain (you will see the huge sign on the hillside) will offer up lovely viewing experiences. There is a reason the area is called the Enchanted Mountains. You are sure to know why after traveling this route with forever views of trees and a feeling that can’t be beat. And last but not least is Allegany State Park. Fall is one of the most popular times at the Park and the campsites are buzzing with families looking to hike, swim, bike and enjoy a warm campfire. If you plan on camping, plan ahead as families have made this an annual tradition. Or come for the day to get some fall
fishing in, take the horse out for the last time or climb Thunder Rocks and the Stone Tower. The sights at this Historic NYS Park can be breathtaking anytime, but they are especially awesome in full color. The friendliness of the staff and the wildlife educational opportunities will make your stay even more pleasurable. So fall whole-heartedly into autumn in the Enchanted Mountains of Western New York. To view more information on any of these fall foliage destinations, visit EnchantedMountains. com. For a FREE Activities Guide call 1-800-331-0543.
Hold BigFoot’s hand at Rock City Park. All Photos Courtesy Cattaraugus County Dept. of Economic Development
H av e y o u G e o c a
cHed?
You can use Your Phone or GPs Device to Geocache alonG nY's amish trail.
Naturally Yours To En j o y!
1-800-331-0543
Get starteD at amishtrail.com/Geotrail
WWW.HUGESPORTZ.COM | SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE | FALL 2014
women’s volleyball day
date
opponent
Tues Sat
September 9 September 13
Sat
September 20
At JAMESTOWN CC 6:00 PM At MOHAWK VALLEY CC POD 9:00 AM vs. HERKIMER CC vs. MOHAWK VALLEY CC vs. FULTON-MONTGOMERY CC At JAMESTOWN CC POD 9:00 AM vs. HUDSON VALLEY CC vs. COLUMBIA-GREENE CC vs. SUNY ADIRONDACK CC MERCYHURST NORTH EAST 6:00 PM NIAGARA CC POD 9:00 AM vs. CORNING CC vs. FINGER LAKES CC vs. MONROE CC At MONROE CC 6:00 PM At JAMESTOWN CC POD 9:00 AM vs. TOMPKINS-CORTLAND CC vs. BROOME CC vs. SUNY DELHI CC ERIE CC 6:00 PM GENESEE CC 6:00 PM At JEFFERSON CC POD 9:00 AM vs. JEFFERSON CC vs. ONONDAGA CC vs. CAYUGA CC WNYAC TOURNAMENT (AT MERCYHURST NE) 9:00AM REG. III DIV. III TOURNAMENT (AT NCCC) 9:00 AM At NJCAA DIV. III TOURNAMENT (AT ROCHESTER, MINN.) TBA
Tues Sat
September 23 September 27
Tues Sat
September 30 October 4
Thurs Tues Sat
October 9 October 14 October 18
Sat Sat - Sun Fri - Sun
October 25 November 1-2 November 14-15
time
No. Name
Pos. Yr. Ht
High School
Hometown
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 13 14 15
OH S S OH/L MB OH/L OH RS/MB OH OH L MB OH/L
Wilson Lewiston-Porter Cheektowaga Wilson Wilson Niagara-Wheatfield Wilson Penn Yan Warsaw St. Mary’s (Lancaster) Starpoint Grand Island Wilson
Wilson, NY Lewiston, NY Cheektowaga, NY Wilson, NY Wilson, NY Niagara Falls, NY Wilson, NY Penn Yan, NY Warsaw, NY Lancaster, NY Lockport, NY Grand Island, NY Wilson, NY
Jordan Glosser Morgan Boss Anniella Cswaykus Allie Bubar Anna Tuttle Leanne Wills Miranda Newman Maren Miles Haley Dumbleton Sydney Rodgers Nicole Cyr Kassie Bennett Alyssa Schlosser
So. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. So. Fr. So. Fr. Fr.
5-8 5-5 4-11 5-6 5-10 5-4 5-8 5-11 5-7 5-7 5-2 6-0 5-5
NCCC THUNDERWOLVES www.niagaracc.suny.edu
NCCC Year in Review The Niagara County Community College athletics program continued to prove it belongs among the elite in Region III with a stellar 2013-14 campaign. The Thunderwolves’ wrestling program brought home its 19th regional title, while several other programs had tremendous success. “I’m extremely proud of the work that our student-athletes and staff put in on the field of play and in the classroom,” athletics director Bob McKeown said. “I believe all of our programs are on the rise and I can’t wait to see what the 2014-15 season has in store for NCCC athletics.”
HEAD COACH: JOE DAIGLER • ASSISTANT COACH: LINDSAY MATIKOSH
Here are the highlights of the 2013-14 athletics year: The wrestling squad’s championship-run was spearheaded by six Region III individual champions - Eric Velez, Marcus Popp, Kevin Strong, Tyler Bruce, Max Antone and El-Shaddai Gilmore-VanHosen. Strong was also named Region III Most Outstanding Wrestler, while coach Keith Maute was chosen as Region III Coach of the Year. Other National Tournament qualifiers for the T-Wolves included Cody Carbery, Chris Nevinger, Shane Currey and Cedrick Stephens. The women’s basketball program, under the direction of Region III Coach of the Year Nate Beutel, won a school-record 25 games, hosted the Region III Tournament for the first time and was ranked as high
as No. 18 in the National Region III Athlete of the Poll. Jaclyn Welch beWeek. Nicholl Martin came just the second was a third team All-ReNCCC player to earn Allgion and All-Conference American honors. Welch pick, while also being was also the Region III named Region III Athlete Player of the Year, a firstof the Week. Jordan team All-Region Glosser was second team selection and a two-time All-Region and first team Region III Athlete of the All-Conference, Haley Week. Kristine Ripson, Dumbleton picked up who earned a scholarthird team All-Conference ship to Division II Post honors and Charlene Athletic Director, Bob McKeown (Conn.) University, was Cinelli was a part of the also a first-team All-Region choice, while Jesse Region III All-Tournament team. DeWaters (second team) and Alba Perez (third team) also were honored. Ripson Women’s soccer took a big step forward, and DeWaters were also named Region III winning five games for first-year coach Kathleen DiPasquale. Kristi DeLabio was a Athlete of the Week twice. second team All-Region and first team AllThe men’s basketball team attained a top-10 Conference performer for the TWolves. ranking in the National Poll on its way to Samantha Costanzo also made first team a 23-win season under coach Bill Beilein. All-Conference, while Paula Pinkert and Eli Jones was a first team All-Region pick Katie Heeks were named to the second and also was named Region III Athlete of team. the Week. EJ Sandoval was named to the second team, while both Jordan Street and Coach Carl Clark’s men’s soccer team is Gjaimeir Stanford were third-team choices. looking to rebound after an injury-plagued season, which included wins over FultonCoach Joe Daigler’s women’s volleyball Montgomery and rival Erie. team had another strong year, notching 23 wins behind the efforts of NCCC Presi- The highly-successful baseball program led dent’s Cup winner Delaney Laper. Laper, by coach Matt Clingersmith won 32 games who broke several school records, was a on its way to another Region III Final Four first-team All-Region and All-Conference berth. Chris Beer had a season for the ages, selection. She was a member of the picking up the following honors: WNYAC Region III All-Tournament team and Senior Male Athlete of the Year, All-American,
Gold Glove Defensive Player of the Year, Region III Player of the Year and first-team All-Region. Beer will attend Division I Arkansas-Pine Bluff along with teammate Russ McGibbon. Pat Quinn, the WNYAC’s Senior Male Academic Athlete of the Year, was also a member of the first team All-Region squad. Joe DeLuca was a Region III All-Tournament choice. The women’s lacrosse program won a school-record four games on the strength of the program’s top two all-time leading scorers - April Maziarz and Lexi Zugay. Maziarz was NCCC’s first-ever first team All-Region choice with both being named first team All-Conference. Brianna Becker and Ripson were second team All-Conference picks. The men’s lacrosse team under the direction of coach Todd Faddoul had four first team All-Conference players in Aric Freischlag, Ian Tomczak, Nick Perilli and Joe Healy. Max Antone, Nick Rossi and Pat Gallagher were second-team players. Coach Erin Stillman’s softball team won only twice, but did have five second team All-Conference selections: Olivia Hermann, Marlee Hilliard, Jordan Beutel, Cinelli and Dumbleton. Will Lawton picked up All-Region honors and qualified for the National Tournament as a member of coach Matt Oleski’s golf team.
READY, SET, KILL: The NCCC women’s volleyball team is loaded with talent and ready to make a run at a regional title this fall. Team members include, from left: Leanne Wills, Morgan Boss, Anna Tuttle, Maren Miles, Kassie Bennett, Haley Dumbleton, Ella Cswaykus, Jordan Glosser, Sydney Rodgers, Miranda Newman, Allie Bubar, Alyssa Schlosser and Nicole Cyr.
Fall Open House
November 6, 2014
facebook.com/AdmissionsNCCC twitter.com/NCCC_Admissions
LEADING THE PACK: Members of the athletic department from Niagara County Community College are ready for the 2014-15 season! Pictured, back row, from left: Nate Beutel, Bob McKeown, Henry Luczak, Matt Oleski, John Grzymala, Matt Clingersmith, Steve Arcadipane, Dan Maigret, Bill Beilein, Todd Faddoul and Eric Knuutila. Front row, from left: Amanda Pucci, Katrina White, Eric Freischlag, Jeff Ziemecki, Carl Clark, Kathleen DiPasquale, Jill Faddoul and Sarah Kirchberger
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NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
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NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
N I A G A R A C O U N T Y C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E AT H L E T I C S • 2 0 1 4 - 1 5 S P O R T S I N S I D E R No. Name
men’s soccer day
date
opponent
time
Sat Sun Wed Sat Sat Wed Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Sun Wed Sat Tues Sat - Sun Thurs - Sun
September 6 September 7 September 10 September 13 September 20 September 24 October 1 October 4 October 8 October 11 October 15 October 18 October 19 October 22 October 25 October 28 November 1-2 November 6-9
BROOME CC SUNY DELHI TOMPKINS-CORTLAND CC At CAYUGA CC At GENESEE CC At ERIE CC ERIE CC At ONONDAGA CC FINGER LAKES CC JAMESTOWN CC CORNING CC At JEFFERSON CC At FULTON-MONTGOMERY CC MONROE CC Reg. III Div. III 1st Round (at higher seed) Reg. III Div. III Quarterfinals (at higher seed) Reg. III Div. III Final Four (at Herkimer CC) NJCAA Div. III Tournament (at TC3)
1:00 PM 12:00PM 4:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 4:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 1:00 PM 4:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM TBA TBA TBA TBA
00 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 25 34
Ryan Holovics Austin Matteson Jeff Calkins Sean Kearns Justin Viengmay Christian Mahoe Grayson Dolata Jordan Calkins Paul Burdukov Jon Poole Russ Quarentello Lloyd Mills Andrew Hendrix Shaun Laper Brandon Grueso Victor Burdukov Maxwell Menyah Trevor McCabe Robert Frazier Jaylen Boswell Ayodedeji Adebayo Bobby McKeown
Pos. Yr. Ht GK GK F/M M M M M D C/M F/M M F M M D CM F D D CM F GK
Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
6-0 6-0 6-1 5-9 5-6 5-9 5-11 6-2 6-4 6-0 5-10 5-11 5-8 5-10 5-9 6-3 5-9 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-11
High School
Hometown
North Tonawanda North Tonawanda Niagara-Wheatfield Lockport Maryvale North Tonawanda North Tonawanda Niagara-Wheatfield Starpoint Albion Lewiston-Porter Shoemaker Paul Moore North Tonawanda Tuscarora Starpoint Niagara Falls North Tonawanda Royalton-Hartland Wheatland-Chili South Park Starpoint
North Tonawanda, NY North Tonawanda, NY Sanborn, NY Lockport, NY Cheektowaga, NY North Tonawanda, NY North Tonawanda, NY Sanborn, NY North Tonawanda, NY Albion, NY Lewiston, NY Killeen, TX Central Square, NY North Tonawanda, NY Leesburg, VA North Tonawanda, NY Tema, Ghana North Tonawanda, NY Gasport, NY Scottsville, NY Ile-oluji, Nigeria Lockport, NY
HEAD COACH: CARL CLARK • ASSISTANT COACH: MATTHEW ALBRECHT • STEVE ARCADIPANE • TED LESH
KICKIN’ IT: The NCCC men’s soccer team hopes to compete for a regional playoff berth this fall. Team members include, from left: assistant coach Steve Arcadipane, Christian Mahoe, Brandon Grueso, Ayodedeji Adebayo, Jon Poole, Robert Frazier, Victor Burdukov, Austin Matteson, Bobby McKeown, Grayson Dolata, Lloyd Mills, Maxwell Menyah, Sean Kerans, Andrew Hendrix, Justin Viengmay and head coach Carl Clark.
NCCC ATHLETICS STAFF DIRECTORY Athletic Director: Bob McKeown
mckeown@niagaracc.suny.edu
Athletic Recruitment Coordinator: Matt Clingersmith mclingersmith@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-614-6271
Men’s Basketball: Bill Beilein
bbeilein@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-946-0689
716-940-3108
Women’s Basketball: Nate Beutel
nbeutel@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-807-7216
moleski@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-818-9482
Athletic Secretary: Katrina White
white@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-614-2520
Co-Ed Golf: Matt Oleski
Athletic Trainer: Henry Luczak
hluczak@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-614-6242
Men’s Lacrosse: Todd Faddoul
tfaddoul@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-609-2555
Compliance/Eligibility Coordinator: Amanda Pucci apucci@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-614-6259
Women’s Lacrosse: Sarah Kirchberger
skirchberger@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-359-5208
Equipment/Uniforms: Bill Beilein
716-946-0689
Men’s Soccer: Carl Clark
cclark@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-308-6218
Events/Scheduling Coordinator: Jill Faddoul jmfaddoul@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-614-6498
Women’s Soccer: Kathleen DiPasquale kdipasquale@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-614-6496
Intramurals & Recreation Supervisor: Matt Oleski moleski@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-818-9482
Softball: Nate Beutel
nbeutel@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-807-7216
Sports Information Director: Nate Beutel nbeutel@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-807-7216
Women’s Volleyball: Joe Daigler
jdaigler@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-870-3054
716-940-3108
Wrestling: Keith Maute
kmaute@niagaracc.suny.edu
716-614-6772
Baseball: Matt Clingersmith
bbeilein@niagaracc.suny.edu
mclingersmith@niagaracc.suny.edu
WWW.NIAGARACC.SUNY.EDU
•
women’s soccer day
date
opponent
time
Sat Sun Wed Sat Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Wed Sat Sun Sat Tues Sat - Sun Thurs - Sun
September 6 September 7 September 10 September 13 September 20 September 24 September 27 October 1 October 4 October 8 October 11 October 15 October 18 October 19 October 25 October 28 November 1-2 November 6-9
BROOME CC 1:00 PM SUNY DELHI 12:00PM TOMPKINS-CORTLAND CC 4:00 PM At CAYUGA CC 1:00 PM At GENESEE CC 1:00 PM At ERIE CC 3:00 PM JAMESTOWN-OLEAN CC 1:00 PM ERIE CC 4:00 PM At Onondaga CC 1:00 PM FINGER LAKES CC 4:00 PM JAMESTOWN CC 1:00 PM CORNING CC 4:00 PM At JEFFERSON CC 1:00 PM At Fulton-Montgomery CC 1:00 PM Reg. III Div. III 1st Round (at higher seed) TBA Reg. III Div. III Quarterfinals (at higher seed) TBA Reg. III Div. III Final Four (at TC3) TBA NJCAA Div. III Tournament (at Ocean County CC) TBA
No. Name
Pos. Yr. Ht
High School
Hometown
00/13 1/18 2 5 6 7 8 9/27 11 19 20
F/GK M/GK M/F M D/M D/M M D/GK D F D
Lockport Lewiston-Porter Niagara-Wheatfield Williamsville East North Tonawanda Lockport Greece Arcadia LeRoy Royalton-Hartland Lewiston-Porter Royalton-Hartland
Lockport, NY Lewiston, NY Niagara Falls, NY Williamsville, NY North Tonawanda, NY Lockport, NY Greece, NY LeRoy, NY Gasport, NY Lewiston, NY Gasport, NY
Tabatha Hollenbeck Rosie Spira Tara Beach Amy Johnston Sarah Schottmiller Gabrielle Rose Victoria Zambuto Courtney Slowe Christina Maynard Taylor James Stephanie Riegle
So. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. So. So. So.
5-6 5-7 5-3 5-5 5-2 5-5 5-4 5-3 5-6 5-5 5-2
HEAD COACH: KATHLEEN DIPASQUALE • ASSISTANT COACH: ALEXA WISEL
HAVIN’ A BALL: The NCCC women’s soccer team is ready to make a run toward a regional playoff berth this fall. Team members include, from left, Sarah Schottmiller, Amy Johnston, Victoria Zambuto, Gabrielle Rose, assistant coach Alexa Wisel, Stephanie Riegle, Rosie Spira, Christina Maynard, head coach Kathleen DiPasquale, Taylor James, Courtney Slowe, Tabatha Hollenbeck and Tara Beach.
Save the Date
Monday, June 29, 2015
NIAGARA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
•
For more information Please contact the Athletic Office at 716-614-2520
THE SMART PLACE TO START
Fall golf in WNY… Here is why you should be playing By Rick Zurak, Golf Editor
Memberships Available Unlimited Annual $275* *cart extra Senior & Military Discounts Available
Hey, you only live once and I want you to live your golf life to its fullest. You can thank me later. In fact, chances are that if you get out one more
being at one the best courses in WNY on a beautiful Fall day. Besides, you may play better than you think with the great conditions
Photo Courtesy Byrncliff
Byrncliff Resort and Conference Center in Varysburg is open year round. Play and stay and enjoy the view! time, you will get out two, three or maybe even four more times. You will find Fall golf to be better than you ever thought. At the time of writing these words of encouragement, WNY was enjoying one of the greatest weeks of weather of the entire year. Temps in the low to mid 70s and plenty of sunshine with very little humidity or wind. That’s what we call San Diego weather. You can’t beat it. Now picture yourself at Ravenwood Golf Course in Victor, a place that has hosted two New York State Amateurs and a number of USGA qualifiers. You may even want to move back a tee box or so to make it more challenging. Your score isn’t the important thing here, it’s
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and beautiful rolling hills. Challenge yourself, it can be very, very fun. If it’s a quick nine you prefer, there’s Gothic Hill in Lockport (try to make it on a Friday and enjoy the great fish fry there), Spruce Ridge in Arcade where the pine trees will still be “ever” green and so will the very green lush fairways. How about 9 at night? The Newfane Pro Am will have the lights on for you. The mosquitoes don’t like the cooler evenings, that’s a plus, but you will enjoy an evening at Newfane with some very challenging par 3 holes. They call Canada the “great white north”, but not quite yet my friends. Fort Erie Golf Club is known
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FREE Cart With 9 Holes of Golf
as an “executive course” because it is mostly par three’s mixed in with a few par fours and any executive could play it on his or her lunch hour. Well, it may take you a big longer to play their 18 holes, but with very few tourists around, it will be all that more enjoyable. Not far away is Beechwood Golf & Country Club. Owner Brian Antonsen is a diehard Notre Dame fan and the Irish are good this Fall. Go out and play his well groomed golf course and then find him in his extremely nice bar area. Talk Notre Dame football and he’s sure to buy you a beer. Last but not least, let’s talk dollars and sense. That’s right sense, because it makes all the sense in the world to play Fall golf around here for the following cents, and/ or dollars, it costs to play. The Links at Ivy Ridge, which I always refer to as the best deal around because it’s a great golf course and typically only $35 after 2:30 during the season. Well now it’s only $30 seven days a week after 1pm and the same goes for weekdays
Photo Courtesy Spruce Ridge
A colorful view from the 9th green at Spruce Ridge Golf Course and Arcade. between 7-9am. Jim Fiske, Don Nicholas and company will treat you like gold regardless or what time you play. Speaking of great guys, Mike Roeder at Ravenwood has his greens fees as high as $75 in the Summer, but as low as $29 for 18 holes in the Fall. Chris Pompa does a great job at Batavia Country Club and he gets crazy during the Fall with 18 holes and cart for a low, low $17 ! Now that’s worth the drive to Batavia. Got an RV, head over to Hickory Ridge Golf and RV Park in Holley and play 18 for $15! These are just a few samples of the great golf at
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phenomenal Fall rates under phenomenal Fall conditions. If I haven’t encouraged you to get out before the snow flies, I’m sorry. But it really doesn’t get any better than right here, right now. Enjoy! Rick Zurak is the producer/ host of the Western New York Golf Report TV Show Tuesdays at 6:30 on Time Warner Ch. 20 in the Buffalo area. He is also Director of the NYS Junior Golf Tour, and owner of Rick Zurak’s Golf Warehouse, Transit and Genesee in Lancaster. Contact Rick at zurakgolf@ roadrunner.com
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So you have put the clubs away for the season and pulled out the bowling ball. Shame on you. What is it about fall golf that you don’t like? Is it the lower green fees? Is it the cooler, much more comfortable temperatures? It is the nicer conditioned golf courses? Maybe it’s the less crowded courses and easier tee times to be had. All of that just sounds awful doesn’t it? Well for the avid golfer, Fall is the best season for all those reasons. And did I mention the Fall foliage that’s to be seen at so many of the treelined golf courses. Oh man, you have not seen a more beautiful golf course when the leaves have changed colors than Bristol Harbour Resort. With Canandaigua Lake as a backdrop, Bristol Harbour’s scenery is second to none. Of course the folks at Byrncliff Resort in Varysburg might have an argument. And then there’s Holiday Valley Resort and Peek N Peak Resort. The ski hills have a little advantage with mountainsides covered in bright red, yellow and orange color schemes that seem to go on forever. It is true that less people play golf in the Fall than in the summer in Western New York. If you are one of those golfers that calls it a season come Labor Day, this article is here to get you to pick up your clubs just one more time. Get yourself to that one course that you had planned to play this year but just never found the time.
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Fantasy baseball By Mike Fox Projecting which baseball prospects will have immediate success in the majors can be more difficult for fantasy owners than finding an NFL player not in the news recently. For every Mike Trout or Jose Fernandez that quickly attains stardom in the majors, there is a host of players like Xander Bogaerts who remind us that there is a vast difference between the minors and The Show. But let’s face it; drafting a stud rookie can be almost as gratifying as a fantasy title. If you’re hoping to catch the next Trout, the following players should already be on your radar screen. Some prospects make us wait a while before their power fully develops, but all
indications are that won’t be a problem for Texas slugger Joey Gallo. His mammoth homer in the 2014 Futures Game earned him MVP honors, but the best is yet to come. The 20-year-old third baseman smacked 42 homers while splitting the season between A+ and AA levels, and has produced a mouth-watering 104 homers in his 1,056 career minor league at-bats. Like most power hitters, his strikeout levels are high, and his career batting average is only .263, so the Rangers might feel he requires more seasoning. However, he’s also carrying a career .373 OBP, and the power is unmistakable, so make sure he’s on your roster when the call-up comes.
The Chicago Cubs opted to leave third baseman Kris Bryant in the minors all year, but that decision certainly wasn’t based on his on-field performance. All he did was lead the minors with 43 home runs, post a slash line of .325/.438/.661, and claim virtually every significant Player of the Year award. The Cubs will control Bryant’s rights for an extra year if they wait until midApril to call him up, but once that hurdle is cleared, he’ll join a growing cast of talented young players being assembled in the Windy City. The Minnesota Twins have not finished higher than fourth in the AL Central Division since 2010. Help is on the way, but Twinkies fans will have to be patient. Miguel Sano appeared to be on the fast-track to the majors before incurring an injury during 2014 spring training that required Tommy John surgery. The 21-year-old Dominican has
John Axford: From Ontario to Canisius to the Major Leagues By Jack Godzuk The journey for John Axford to the Major Leagues started in Ontario, Canada, continued through Notre Dame, and then came back to WNY when he enrolled at Canisius College in Buffalo. The right-handed relief pitcher made it to the majors in 2009 and has been there ever since. He debuted with Milwaukee and eventually supplanted soon-to-be Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman as their closer. John’s 46 saves led the NL in 2011; that and his 1.95 ERA earned him the NL Rolaids Relief Award. His home address has
changed a few times in the last two years. The Brewers traded Axford to St. Louis late last year. He signed with Cleveland to start 2014, but was waived in August and signed with the Pirates, who clinched a playoff spot at press time. He’s pitched in 341 career games (all in relief) with 116 saves, along with 12 post-season games and three saves. The intervention of Canisius baseball coach Mike McCrae came at a critical juncture in Axford’s development, as he was recovering from a shoulder
injury. “Mike first tried to recruit me in high school when he was coaching at the University of Maine... He later went to Niagara, then Canisius,” Axford explained regarding his former coach. “When I finished my four years at ND, I needed a school to play at.” Although Axford hurt his shoulder while pitching for the Irish, and missed pretty much all of his last two years, he had the foresight to make the most of the classroom experience at Notre Dame. He earned his
Former UB star Oliver makes NFL debut for San Diego Chargers By Charles Roberts The Buffalo-branded duffle bag in Branden Oliver’s locker only seemed fitting. It was Oliver, after all, who dashed for more than 4,000 yards from 2009-2013 on his way to becoming the University at Buffalo’s alltime leading rusher. With his collegiate days now in the rearview, he took his first official steps as a professional on Sept. 21, when he made his NFL debut, where else, than in Western New York.
Oliver, a rookie with the San Diego Chargers, picked up 11 yards on three carries and also saw action on the kick-return team in a Week 3 meeting with the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. “It was awesome, man,” Oliver said of the experience. “I just want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to come back here and play ball – the same place I was for the last five years. I had a lot of
friends and family here [today], but even the [Bills] fans were cool because they know me.” It was a big weekend for Oliver, who on Sept. 20 watched several of his former University at Buffalo teammates pound Norfolk State, 36-7. “I got to see those guys play yesterday, and that was great,” Oliver said of his alma mater. “It was awesome that we both won, too.”
Photo Courtesy MLB.com
Xander Bogaerts’ 2014 season served as a reminder that projecting prospects is not an exact science. already begun his rehab, but it would be unfair to expect an immediate return to his 2013 form when he posted a .280-35-103 line for AA New Britain. Twins outfield prospect Byron Buxton’s season
Bachelor’s in Film and Television, even interning at a TV station in South Bend. While later pitching in a summer league in Brantford, Ontario, McCrae noted his improvement and sold John on going to Canisius by showing him some academic programs he could enroll in while finishing his baseball eligibility. Axford signed to play for the Griffins in 2006. McCrae is still the head coach at Canisius, having won the MAAC regular season title last year. “School is important to me. I had my B.A; when he saw me playing in Brantford, he showed me a couple of programs Canisius offered. Luckily it worked out for me” Axford noted, adding that living only 90 minutes away in Port Dover, Ontario, helped.
Oliver had been inactive for the first two weeks of the NFL season, but when starting running back Ryan Matthews was injured, the Chargers looked to the rookie for added depth at the position. What’s more, Oliver made an in-game jump on the depth chart when Matthews’ backup, Danny Woodhead, also went down with an injury on the Chargers’ first possession in Buffalo. “I told Danny that I am praying for him,” Oliver said. “You never want to see a teammate – or anyone – go down. But I’m always ready when my number is called.” Chargers quarterback
Page 7 was almost as rocky. The consensus No.1 prospect entering 2014 suffered a wrist injury early in the season, and ended the season early after sustaining a concussion. In between, he was only a shadow of the player that dominated during his first year of A-level ball in 2013, when he hit .325 and stole 55 bases as a 19-year-old. His concussion symptoms are gone, and he’s expected to participate in the Arizona Fall League, so we’ll soon have some idea what to expect going forward. The New York Mets 2015 pitching staff will already boast young guns Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom and Zack Wheeler, with Noah Syndergaard to join them soon. The 22-yearold fireballer looks like the complete package, boasting size (6-foot-6, 240-pounds), power, control and an ability to keep the ball in the park. The Mets have shown they’re not shy about promoting pitchers when
Photo by Classy Wolf Media
John Axford pitching for the Pirates at PNC Park against the Cubs. Axford earned his Master’s in Sports Administration at Canisius, reasoning “if I couldn’t fulfill my goal of playing pro baseball, I could fulfill my dreams on the front office side...but now that I’ve played in the majors, I can say that film is my true love and passion.”
Philip Rivers, a five-time Pro Bowler, has been on record praising Oliver throughout training camp. He was no different after Oliver’s first regular-season appearance. “Branden stepped up – who I know you local guys know about him – he got his feet wet today with some carries and had a couple good runs,” Rivers said. “Guys are going to have to step up and we have to stay balanced.” With Woodhead ruled out for the season and Matthews sidelined for at least a month, Oliver, who’s generously listed at 5-foot-8 and a compact 207-pounds, will likely see his number called through-
they are deemed ready, so Syndergaard should make his major-league debut in 2015 if he maintains his current pace of development. Syndergaard is only one of many young pitchers who have a chance to be special in the majors. Washington’s Lucas Giolito dominated in A-ball in 2014, but the Nationals have no immediate need for additional help in the rotation. They’re also traditionally cautious with young pitchers, so his debut likely won’t come until 2016. Dylan Bundy’s season was spent slowly recovering from 2013 Tommy John surgery, but he should soon be a fixture in the Baltimore rotation. Arizona’s Archie Bradley struggled a bit after an early promotion to AAA, but he’s big and talented. The Diamondbacks also have high hopes for University of Nevada alumnus Braden Shipley, whose minor league stats thus far belie his true ability. Watch for him in 2016.
Axford already has a foot in the door of the film industry through his work with the Milwaukee Film Festival. “I’ve been a sponsor of the fest; for last few years they’ve had ‘John Axford Presents.’ This year, it’ll be ‘Dr. Strangelove’, as it’s the film’s 50th Anniversary.” Having grown up in Ontario, of course the Axford needed to address the stereotypical question of whether he had any aspirations of playing hockey. “I wanted to be a hockey player instead of baseball, but I ended up being better at baseball,” Axford explained, noting that Rob Blake, recently inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, was one of his favorites.
Photo by Jeff Barnes
Former UB star Branden Oliver makes his NFL debut against the Bills. out the season. If he can pick up where he left off at the University at Buffalo, the Chargers shouldn’t miss a beat.
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Shooting stars for the fall season
on Sept.22. That’s right, only a 10th grader and already has 100 goals. When it’s all said and done Pezzino will go down as one of the Vikings all-time greats. Might as well clear a spot on the GI Wall of Fame for this kid.
By Dave Ricci The 2014-15 scholastic sports season is in gear and a wide range of sports are dominating the high school landscape. From football and soccer to tennis, field hockey, volleyball, swimming, golf and cross country there truly is something for everyone. Here is Sports & Leisure Magazine’s fall list of players to watch. Some you may know, others might ring unfamiliar, but they all have a story to tell.
Terrell Ford, football, Kenmore West.
This gifted junior hasn’t even come close to reaching his full potential. Ford opened the season with back-to-back games with 300 all-purpose yards. He has an amazing football I.Q., knows the games very well and was the first WNYer to be selected to take part in the U.S. All-American underclassman combine that was held in Texas over New Year’s. Unfortunately, bad weather grounded Ford’s plane and he was unable to attend. He’s already drawn
Julie Milbrand, volleyball, North Tonawanda. This three-year varsity veteran had a summer to remember as Milbrand was part of the Niagara Frontier Volleyball club’s 15-1’s team that won the Girls Junior National championship that was held in Minnesota in June. Emerging as one of the best middle hitters in WNY, Milbrand is a player the Jacks can count on now and for two more seasons.
Photo by Jeff Barnes
Junior Terrell Ford carrying the rock for the Kenmore West Blue Devils. Look for him in the D1 ranks two years from now. serious recruiting offers from several D-I programs.
question best player in all of Section VI Class B.
Hope Balling, soccer, Tonawanda.
Xavier Maye, football, Riverside.
Not sure where to begin when it comes to describing the Lady Warriors freshman scoring machine. Balling has an incredible gift for the game and uncanny scoring touch. She’s helped Tonawanda race to, as of press time, No.2 in small school poll and first place in ECIC IV. Against Eden, Balling fired a bullet from about 35 yards out that clanged inside the crossbar. Tonawandans will be taking about that jaw-dropping shot for years to come. Without
The former Harvard Cup powerhouse has fallen on hard times in recent years, but Maye is helping them slowly turn the tide. The 6-foot-3, 235-pound Maye is an absolute force and nearly impossible to drag down one-on-one. Scored the lone touchdown in Riverside’s 6-0 win over Kenmore East to end the longest losing streak in the team’s history.
Will Boerema, soccer, St. Joe’s. Backstopped the Marauders to the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association playoff title and a trip to states last season. Among the best keepers in the state. Driven to help his team get back to states and win.
Sydney Cerza, soccer, Clarence.
Madisyn Pezzino, soccer, Grand Island.
A returning All-State and All-WNY selection, Cerza is a scoring machine and allaround fundamentally sound
The super sophomore scored her 100th career goal
Meet Charlie Greene, Buffalo’s biggest baseball booster By Joe Kirchmyer Baseball is a magical game. Case in point, the story of Charlie Greene, president of the Buffalo Bisons Booster Club. Charlie’s first exposure to the game came as a boy growing up in the town of Greece, not too far from Rochester. “My dad worked for Eastman Kodak, and they had a softball team for kids,” Greene remembered. “I did it one year and I was one of those kids who played right field and spent more time looking at the clouds than I did catching the ball, and if it was hit my way I didn’t catch it anyway. So that was the end of that, but from then on I was a fan!” Charlie would go on to join the Rochester Red Wings Knothole Gang, a club for young baseball fans. His interest in baseball continued to grow as he became the sports editor of his high school newspaper
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
and later a sports reporter for his college paper. “I’ve continued to be a baseball fan, above all, ever since,” Greene said. “And if you want another piece of interesting information,
back in the 1950s Rochester was going to lose the team when St. Louis wanted to drop it, so it became a community owned team and I still own four shares of stock in the Rochester Red Wings! Of course you don’t make any money because any profit is turned right back into the team.” While the Red Wings helped form Charlie’s love of the game, his romance with baseball reached its peak with the Buffalo Bisons and his role in the founding of the Buffalo Bisons Booster Club. “I was one of the originators, and once again it goes back to the Red Wings,”
Greene explained. “Back in 1984 a group of us went to a Bisons game in Rochester at old Silver Stadium and we noticed they had a booster club that operated the gift shop. On the way home we said, ‘Why can’t we have a booster club in Buffalo?’ So we contacted Mike Billoni, who was general manager at the time, and he contacted (team owner) Bob Rich and the two of them came back to us and said, ‘We were hoping somebody would do this!” We got organized over the winter and 1985 was our first season as the Buffalo Bisons Booster Club.” The successful club currently boasts a membership of nearly 250 baseball-loving fans, and there’s always room for more. “Our primary purpose is to support professional baseball in Buffalo, and the way it starts is with the players’ wives and children,”
player for the defending Class AA champion Red Devils. Leading ECIC Division I in scoring, as of press time, and most likely all season.
Jakob Loucks, football, Canisius. The senior QB is having a tremendous season and has been a big part to the Crusaders opening 3-0, while holding down the No.1 spot in WNY large school poll and a top-50 ranking in the country.
Chris Woodard, football, North Tonawanda.
Two of the best skilled players in the state, Evert and Smiley are equally talented and explosive. Best thing about this Panther duo? No matter what kind of stats they tally, they’re always fast to give thanks and credit to their teammates on the line.
Abbey Lang, cross country, Lockport.
Jordan Evert/Brandon Smiley, football, Sweet Home.
Jeremy Bari, soccer, Niagara-Wheatfield.
To say Bari has a nose for the net is, at best, an understatement. Leads the Niagara Frontier League in scoring and will be a big part of the Falcons game plan as they go into the playoffs.
Will Smith, soccer, Canisius.
churches, a list of churches of various denominations, a list of pediatricians and a list of places to visit and things to do in Western New York on the players’ day off.” For the pleasure of Booster Club members, the group offers a picnic with Bisons players and their families in June, a dinner with the players and their families in Pettibones Grille in July and an end-of-season awards presentation where members vote for their favorite player, favorite pitcher and unsung hero. Other events include general meetings in Pettibones with a visit from a Bisons player, an off-season holiday party in Pettibones and road trips to Rochester and Toronto. In 2014, the Buffalo Bisons Booster Club celebrated its 30th season, which featured some special recognition from Bisons officials, including a huge Photo by Joe Kirchmyer sheet cake observing the After three decades, Bisons Booster anniversary that was Club President Charlie Greene is as presented during the June passionate about his team as when picnic. Some on-field he attended his first game. opportunities also took place during the recently players and their families. concluded season. We also include a list of “The Bisons were reliable babysitters that have exceedingly cooperative,” been secured through local Charlie added. “Our theory is if the wives and children are happy in Buffalo, the players will be happy and that will help them to play better. “As the wives arrive in town we give them seven pages of information including a welcome letter, an explanation of the Booster Club and a schedule of events that we do with the
Was one of three players fighting to earn the job of No.1 goalie. Back-to-back shutout wins over Nichols and Williamsville-North secured Smith’s job for the second half of the season and going forward.
By the time you read this Woodard will have already set the Jacks new all-time mark for passing. Fine football player, but a much better person. Displays the kind of class and modesty that is sometimes lost in today’s “Swag era.”
Among the NFL elite in track and field, Lang is also top notch for the Lions in cross country.
Matt Pawlak, golf, Niagara-Wheatfield. Pawlak, a sophomore who transferred in from St. Joe’s, is off to a flying start. He has earned medals in three of his first seven matches and helped the Falcons fly to a 7-0 start in league.
Tricia Mangan, soccer, Nardin. A key player on the Gators squad that went to states last year, Mangan is also an accomplished Alpine skier.
Greene said of the anniversary season. And now he’s looking forward to season number 31, which opens at Cola-Cola Field in Buffalo on Thursday, April 9, 2015. The Bisons’ opponent, ironically, will be the Rochester Red Wings. To become a member of the Buffalo Bisons Booster Club, just visit Bisons.com and locate the Bisons Booster Club page under the Community heading. The cost is just $15 per person, with discounts for families. Members also receive a small premium gift and discounts to members-only events. During the season, the Bisons Booster Club also operates an informational booth at the entrance to Section 106 in Coca-Cola Field. “We welcome anyone who wants to be a part of it,” Greene said. “There are no requirements other than to support the Bisons!” Buffalo Bisons columnist Joe Kirchmyer is president of West Seneca-based Kirchmyer Media LLC. To contact Joe, please email jkirchmyer@ verizon.net.
October-November 2014
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
THE COLLECTINGMEMORIES
WITH
It’s time to recall Bills’ greatness 50 years ago By Mike Dyer The Buffalo Bills were just warming up 50 years ago when they beat the San Diego Chargers, 20-7, for the American Football League Championship. That was Dec. 26, 1964, just four years after the birth of the AFL. Former Bills’ head coach Lou Saban remembered those days fondly. I spoke with him in 1982 when he was president of the New York Yankees. “We had a very close team,” Saban told me.” They were unselfish. Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica were challenges to each other...but they were friends.” At the time the Bills were fortunate to have a 6-foot-4, 240pound running back named Cookie Gilchrist who was to become Buffalo’s first bigtime rusher. “Cookie was a devastating back,” Saban said. “He was so strong. He was a temperamental guy who forced things to happen.” “We had great offensive linemen. We had solid people in Stew Barber (tackle from Penn State) and Ernie Warlick (a refugee from the Canadian Football League),” Saban added. “All of the players were perfectionists. They played as a team. There were no jealousies.” When they opened the 1964 season, the Bills were a confident team. There was a lot of hope for a team that included Ray Abruzzese, Glenn Bass, Wray Carlton, Elbert Dubenion, Charley Ferguson, Pete Gogolak, Ron McDole, Kemp, Lamonica and Gilchrist. That season more than 30,000 fans showed up for the Bills’
MIKEDYER
season opener where they throttled the Kansas City Chiefs, 34-17. Kemp fired three TD passes, two of
which were hauled in by Bass. A nine-game winning streak propelled the Bills into first place. But the Boston Patriots snapped the string of successes with a 36-28 decision in Orchard Park, including five touchdown passes from Babe Parilli. In the AFL title game against the Chargers, Buffalo rushed for 219 yards. Gilchrist amassed 122 yards, including a 39-yard touchdown dash, and Kemp completed 10 of his 20 passes while also running for another TD. The Bills prevailed 20-7 for the first of their two AFL championship titles, shutting out the Chargers the following year 23-0. Gogolak was No. 1 in points for the Bills in 1964 with 102. Dubenion had a team-best 10 touchdowns and George Byrd paced the defense with seven interceptions.
Page 9 2014 Topps Football Set Through the years I have written how much I enjoy the Bowman football sets of the 1950s and the Topps sets from the 60s and 70s. I have enjoyed the cards for Jimmy Brown, Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Jack Kemp, Frank Gifford and Otto Graham. Now think of the worst football set you have seen. Maybe the 1990 Fleer or the 1992 Upper Deck. Think even worse than those sets. Now you have it, the 2014 Topps set. It is dark, ugly and not worth collecting. There are no close-ups, no fun cards. It seems each card is pictured from 100 yards away and in a fog. I rate this set F. Here are the top cards in the set: Matthew Stafford (5); Victor Cruz (22); Jay Cutler (31); Russell Wilson (32); Peyton Manning (37); EJ Manuel (44); Cam Newton (45); Adrian Peterson (51); Tom Brady (52); Drew Brees (53); JJ Watt (67); Andrew Luck (69); Le’Veon Bell (78); Brandon Marshall (83); CJ Spiller (85); LeSean McCoy (121); Michael Vick (123); Colin Kaepernick (141); Reggie Bush (156); Aaron Rodgers (172); Peyton Manning (174); Eli Manning (179); Jamaal Charles (181); Calvin Johnson (201); Philip Rivers (211); Ray Rice (244); Robert Griffin III (247); Marshawn Lynch (255); Rob Gronkowski (258); Ben Roethlisberger (264); Tony Romo (274); Chris Johnson (277); Andy Dalton (278); Jadeveon Clowney RC (356); Khalil Mack RC (373); Johnny Manziel RC (429); Sammy Watkins RC (434). Here are the Buffalo Bills: EJ Manuel (44); Mario Williams (75); C.J. Spiller (85); Bills Team Card (110); Scott Chandler (143); Mike Williams (261); Fred Jackson (265); Kiko Alonso (270); Sammy Watkins RC (434). Mike Dyer, who lives in Cheektowaga, has been a sports card collector since 1948. He is a retired sports writer and book author. You can email him at mikedyer59@yahoo.com.
2014 local collegiate football shining stars By Adam McGill As the temperature dips, it’s starting to feel more and more like football weather. The 2014 collegiate football season is already nearing its midway point and some players are starting to stand out from the rest of the pack. To help you spot the local talent, here are some of the shining stars to keep a close eye on this fall.
Norfolk State. Taylor is 5-foot-10, stands as a tough 207 pounds and runs downfield with authority. He is almost impossible to bring down once he gets rumbling and the junior is without a doubt Buffalo’s best offensive weapon. Taylor will continue to tote the rock for the Bulls.
RB Anthone Taylor, University of Buffalo
Hughes has had some jaw-dropping plays on the outside for Buffalo. The wideout has four touchdown receptions on the year, including an electric 92-yard bomb against Norfolk State. He has become the team’s
Taylor ripped off 132 yards in the season opener against Duquesne and scored two touchdowns. He added another 100-yard performance (116 yards) against
most dangerous deep threat and will consistently help the offense stretch the field. Hughes is worth watching any time he is on the field.
DB Adam Redden, University of Buffalo
WR Devon Hughes, University of Buffalo
Photo by Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
Anthone Taylor is a hardnosed running back that brings toughness to the Buffalo Bulls offense.
Redden (Amherst, N.Y.) has been a star on defense for Buffalo this season. The defensive back has registered two sacks and five tackles for loss through the first four games of the 2014 season. He is the leader of the secondary and will continue to have an influence in the game week after week.
LB Jason Vranic, Erie Community College
Vranic has shockingly registered three sacks through the first three games, including five tackles for a loss. He also recovered two fumbles and was constantly around the football. Vranic is the number one playmaker for this ECC defense, so make sure to look for No.47 whenever watching the Kats.
RB Roman West, Erie Community College The running back has been the key to the team’s offense this season. After the first three games, the back was leading the team in rushing attempts (29), rushing yards (57), receiving
yards (92), and receiving touchdowns (2). He will be a major part of this offense moving forward and will be a threat anytime he has the ball in his hands.
DB Debray Williams, Erie Community College Williams has been all over the field for the Kats this season. He picked off two passes throughout he first three contests of the 2014 season. He also added seven tackles and broke up one pass. Williams has proven to be a real ball-hawk and he will disrupt plenty of passes this year for the Kats.
Sat, Oct. 11, 2014 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
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For dealer or show information call: Rob Schilling (716) 432-7388 or email: robschilling@verizon.net Spring Show is March 29, 2015 at the Grapevine Banquet Hall (Formerly Hearthstone Manor)
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
The Wyatt Family: Dealing In Souls Whilst Kicking Some Butt By Ivan the Impaler Pro Wrestling has seen it’s share of bizarre characters over the years who flirt with the concept that they are not just bad people, but truly evil. At times, we’ve seen this manifest itself in folks like The Undertaker, Kane and Mankind. Going back a few years, some recall Kevin Sullivan, aka “The
dictions while maintaining that he is an everyman, Bray Wyatt is a character rarely seen in pro wrestling. Admittedly, Kevin Sullivan came up with some doozies in his time:
at the tag belts. However, their primary focus is gathering a flock and breaking down those perceived as “heroes’ to WWE fans, whether they be John Cena, Daniel Bryan or Chris Jericho.
that introspective he can tell? And if he could, would he really tell us what he thinks? Or is he just plain loco, in a well-spoken way?
“They took me to the thirteenth step of the thirteenth pyramid; it was there they offered me the
“There ain’t no such thing as a hero. You’ve become addicted to the illusion of what a hero is...”
The Wyatt Family seems content to cause chaos, confusion and consternation. Despite the dark side of his philosophy, The Family is certainly garnering at least as many cheers as boos amongst the crowds (which may speak volumes about the WWE Universe).
- Bray (all further quotes are his unless otherwise noted)
THEIR PRESENT Some say Bray sends, at the very least, contradictory messages to his followers.
“People are sheep...They can’t lead themselves, they need to be led...” And he warns of the dangers society faces today…
“It’s time for the masses to wake up... wake up ... WAKE UP and look at this Photo Courtesy Classy Wolf Media lie they’ve been living in... Luke Harper, Bray Wyatt and Eric Rowan up to no good (Last year the world is deteriorating in Buffalo). between their toes and they Taskmaster.” do nothing about it...” cosmic cookie” At times, the implication is “...My mother told me: - Kevin Sullivan that he’s here to liberate The But what has WWE told us Son, it’s not my fault. It’s the people, and Sheep...er, about the Wyatts? Do they not your fault...You’re just lead them to better times. know something about their plain evil.” background we don’t know? “I will never turn my - Kevin Sullivan, sometime in Or rather, is there something the 1990s back on you...And maybe WWE doesn’t want us to the answers you seek have But a Strange Wind blew know? through the wrestling world been slapping you in the two years ago. The Wyatt face...And maybe I, the Family first made its mark in eater of Worlds, Bray Spring of 2012 when they Wyatt, have been the “You were the one...they bulldozed through WWE answer all along...” chose you...Long before you NXT. So, Bray is looking out were ever in existence.”
THEIR PAST
The Family consists of “patriarch” Bray Wyatt, along with his non-biological “sons,” Luke Harper and Eric Rowan. It’s not clear whether their mission in WWE is to win matches, titles, or simply beat the snot out of people. In fact, they may answer to a loftier calling, or perhaps more sinister, depending on which side of the moral chalk line you stand.
“People like me get down on their hands and knees; they whisper these little lies & secrets in their ears...But I have a secret of my own!” - Bray Wyatt
“Do not stray!” - Luke Harper
“Run...” - Eric Rowan For relative newcomers to the business, they made quite an impact early on. Others, however, suggest they made an impact long before that. But not just on the wrestling world: Rather, on the world itself.
“I’m not afraid of their wars. I created war!” - Bray Spewing apocalyptic pre-
- Sister Abigail, to Bray Wyatt Wrestling folks know that Bray was once known as Husky Harris. Eric Rowan sightings were made previously in the wilds of Minnesota. While WWE television audiences were only told that Luke Harper was a truck driver from Rochester, NY, Fans of our Great Sport in this region are familiar with the ringwork of a the man they knew only as Brodie Lee, prior to being re-christened by Bray. Brodie would drive his Big Rig up and down the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90 to non-parochials), winning titles, delivering boots to faces and sending opponents through the ring with his spinning choke slam. True, when they were in NXT, the WWE developmental territory, Rowan and Harper won the Tag Team Championship under Bray’s guidance. And since their ascension last summer into WWE, Bray battled for the world title while Harper and Rowan had shots
for your interests? Well, if your best interests are his as well, then sure...we guess so. Nobody ever said the Wyatts lacked for self-confidence. However, some words imply that confidence transcended into arrogance somewhere along the line. Then, from arrogance to meglomaniacism.
“If you look up to me, I’m your friend. If you look down on me, I’m your enemy. And if you look right into my eyes, I’m a god.” So how does he want fans to react to him? Should he be deemed a prophet, madman, messiah or simply a salesman peddling fear to intimated opponents and WWE officials? Or, is he simply delusional? Well, if the last quote didn’t help you decide, perhaps this will:
“I’ve come to remake this world in my own image... The image of Wyatt...and then, you’ll see me for what I really am: a god.” But what does Bray Wyatt really think he is? Is he
THEIR FUTURE
“Parents- I need you to stop lyin’ to your children and telling them monsters aren’t real.. Monsters ARE real!” But what of the future? Do they have another path they want to go down? The key may rest not so much with Bray, but with Luke and Eric. So far, we’ve heard little from those two, other than some stern admonitions...
“Send us someone...just don’t send anyone you want back” - Eric Rowan and Luke Harper Are they totally wedded to Bray’s cause (whatever it may
FANTASY
be)? Or do they have their own agendas? In pro wrestling, we’ve seen brothers and sisters double-cross each other; what would happen if Monster turns on Monster? Bray doesn’t seem concerned with that possibility. His main focus, it seems, is gaining power. Whether that power is measured by success in the wrestling ring or by gathering followers through illusory promises (or fear) hasn’t become clear yet. Either way, they simply want followers. And, in another self-description of who they are, one of their earliest (and simplest) pleas may be the most basic:
“Follow the Buzzards...”
UPCOMING EVENTS Fri. Oct. 3 - WWE - Ricoh Coliseum - Toronto, ON, Canada - 7:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 4 - ESW - Frontier Fire Hall, 2175 Liberty Drive - Niagara Falls, NY - 6 p.m. Scheduled to appear: former ROH Champion Adam Cole Sat. Oct. 11 - Kayfabe Dojo Wrestling - Pineapple Jack’s , Spencerport Road Rochester, NY - 4 p.m.
Sat. Oct, 11 - Pro Wrestling Rampage - Saga Club, 3828 Washington Ave. Erie, PA - 7 p.m. Sun. Oct. 26- Smash! Wrestling Canlan Sportsplex- 3360 Wolfedale Road, Mississauga, ON, Canada - 3 p.m. Mon Nov. 3- WWE Raw First Niagara Center - Buffalo, NY - 7:30 p.m. Tue. Nov. 4 - WWE Smackdown - Times Union Center - Albany, NY - 7 p.m. Sat. Nov. 8 - UPW - Eagle’s Club, 1200 Buffalo Road Gates (Rochester), NY - 6 p.m. Sat. Nov. 22 - ESW Keenan Center Arena - 433 Locust Street, Lockport, NY 7 p.m. Sun. Dec. 28 - WWE Consol Energy Center Pittsburgh, PA - 7 p.m.
BREAKING NEWS: Hours before this issue went to press, Bray Wyatt said Luke Harper is “fixed” and has been “set free”. Luke added that he’s been “pieced together”....The implications are unclear, but No Good can come of this.
from page 6
Larry Donnell TE, Giants Unless you have Julius Thomas or Jimmy Graham, it’s basically a bonus whenever your tight end produces and does so consistently. That’s why if New York’s Larry Donnell is still available in your league you should consider picking him up. Through three weeks, the 6-foot-6, 266-pound target is Big Blue’s leading receiver with 25 catches for 236 yards and four scores (three of which came on prime-time television against Washington in Week 4).
Travis Kelce TE, Chiefs Another tight end whose fantasy value could be on the rise with more and more playing time is the second-year pass catcher out of
Cincinnati from a year ago. Last year he underwent knee surgery forcing him to miss the entire season so as long as he stays healthy, the potential to become KC’s every-down tight end is there. And he’s got 18 receptions for 259 yards and two end-zone visits to date.
Teddy Bridgewater QB, Vikings It’s Teddy Time in Minnesota and if you’re QB-needy and looking for an option, the former Louisville star has the potential to provide good value as a backup. He’s definitely worth a speculative roster spot at the very least and even more so without a running game to support him. Plus he gets a stretch of teams with suspect secondaries coming up as well.
San Diego Chargers Defense/Special Teams Seattle and San Francisco get all the attention, but San Diego’s unit is a clear top 10. It’s ranked No. 9 in the league against the run, allowing just two touchdowns on the ground and they’ve given up fewer points than both the Seahawks and 49ers. Against the Bills in Week 3, they sacked EJ Manuel three times and made him commit a safety in the end zone too. Others to watch: Alfred Blue, RB, Texans; Jordan Matthews, WR, Eagles; Isaiah Crowell, RB, Browns; Josh Hill, TE, Saints; C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos; Lorenzo Taliaferro, RB, Ravens; Owen Daniels, TE, Ravens; John Brown, WR, Cardinals.
October-November 2014
Page 11
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Butch Rolle: From football to philanthropy
Local boxing happenings
By Holly Malinowski
By Bob Caico cy where guys flip-flopped teams; guys stayed there. Every one there could have been a starter on another team because we had so much depth at every position. I was glad to be a part of it. The four straight Super Bowls will not happen again, and being a part of it is a special thing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We’re a group of guys who were close and we are a brotherhood. We just had fun. You win, and you’re going to have fun.” Now that his playing days are behind him, Butch has put his advanced college degree to good use. Last year, he incorporated the Butch Rolle Caring for Kids Foundation in Miami whose mission and vision is to help transform the lives of at-risk children and teens by focusing on community-based fundraisers and working with those who desire to make a difference for generations to come. “It became the right time to start the program in the Miami area,” Rolle explained. “Our charities include the Covenant House for kids in distress and AMI Kids (kids with legal problems). We’re slowly trying to get it going. I’m a Buffalo guy, but living here in Miami I feel like I’m the enemy here. But at the end of the day we’re just one big family here to help the kids. Most of my volunteer help and support comes from former Dolphins players. We all have the one goal to help the kids. We pick a charity
we’d like to help. The kids are getting a chance to have a better life. Being from the area, as an ex-athlete it makes me feel good to help my home city. When I was growing up I had people doing for me, and I think it’s the best thing for me to do. I enjoy it. There’s so much negative stuff going on in the NFL right now with all the domestic violence and different things. I think it’s given the NFL a kind of black eye. The NFL has their hands tied, and I’m trying to make sure this doesn’t happen again.” Last year, the Foundation hosted three events that included music, bowling and golf. Along with Robin West, the vice president of the Foundation, Rolle is looking to create annual events as well as increase participation in the Foundation and, subsequently, the size of events. As he expounded, “I’m trying to get more hands involved who are dedicated.” In addition to the work he’s doing at his eponymous Foundation, Rolle also coaches youth football at Summerset Academy in Mirimar, Florida. He created a scholarship there to assist students because, as he put it, “I want to be part of something to make a difference.” As if his Foundation work and coaching were not enough to keep him busy, Rolle also actively engages in the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness Men’s Athletic Physique
TRIVIA QUIZ By Mike Fox 1. Who holds the NFL record for most points scored in a season, with 186? a. Jim Brown b. LaDainian Tomlinson c. Mark Moseley d. Stephen Gostkowski 2. Who is the only player ever to amass 200 receiving yards in two consecutive games? a. Flipper Anderson b. Calvin Johnson c. Tim Brown d. Josh Gordon 3. Who is the only running back ever to have at least 300 rushing attempts in six consecutive seasons? a. Marshawn Lynch b. Adrian Peterson c. Eddie George d. Edgerrin James
4. Only two players have ever recorded 14.5 or more sacks in three consecutive seasons: Reggie White and who? a. Jared Allen b. Julius Peppers c. DeMarcus Ware d. Dwight Freeney 5. Peyton Manning set the all-time record for passing yards in a season in 2013, with 5,477. Who was the first QB to pass for 5,000 yards in a season? a. Dan Fouts b. Dan Marino c. Tommy Brady d. Drew Brees 6. Who is the only player ever to record at least 2,000 yards from scrimmage in four consecutive seasons? a. Thurman Thomas
Photo by Mike Majewski
Marshawn Lynch leads all running backs in carries over the past three seasons. b. Emmitt Smith c. Jerry Rice d. Marshall Faulk 7. Who is the only tight end ever to catch 18 passes in one game? a. Jason Witten b. Antonio Gates c. Tony Gonzalez d. Rob Gronkowski 8. Who is the only player ever to lead the league in sacks for three consecutive seasons?
Category (professional level). “This makes me a pro twice in one lifetime,” Rolle explained. “I got into this to motivate myself and others, and compete at an athletic level which I enjoy doing. There are shows throughout the year, and right now I’m in training. I was injured last year playing basketball and was off for about seven months. Everything is fine now and I started competing again. It was something I wanted to try, and ended up being good at it. It’s giving me a chance to be an athlete at a different level without being beat and pushed around. It’s a matter of how I train and diet. It’s not as extreme as bodybuilding but more of a fit look. I’m trying to be a positive role model for the kids too. It’s a fun time and keeps me active.” For more information or to become involved in Butch Rolle’s Caring for Kids Foundation visit butchrollefoundation.org.
Jay Johnson of JKL Championship Promotions held his third professional boxing card of 2014 in Liverpool, N.Y. on Sept. 11. The boxers on his cards have been mostly from the Syracuse area but there has been plenty of room for fighters from Geneva, Rochester and Buffalo areas. Diana Rodriguez served as matchmaker and did a nice job of making a very competitive and exciting card. Middlewight Martez Potter of Syracuse has been the main attraction on all three promotions and he hasn’t disappointed the hometown fans. Potter raised his record to 6-0 when he won a unanimous over Antonio Fernandez of Brocton, Mass.
of Amsterdam, N.Y. did enough to gain his first career victory (1-4) over debuting Paul DeLong of Geneva. Santiago (234-pounds) outlasted his bigger foe (296-pounds) and scored a unanimous fourround decision. In a battle of undefeated lightweights Brandon Williams (6-0-1) of Rochester won a unanimous four-round decision over Joe Gbolo (3-1-2) of Albany. Williams used his suburb boxing skills and speed to thwart off the charging Gbolo. Williams suffered a cut over his eye that seemed to give him some concern but his ability to move in and out and score as he pleased earned him the deserved decision.
Photo by Bob Newman
Brandon Williams (right) of Rochester remained unbeaten in Syracuse on Sept. 11.
Photo Courtesy of Butch Rolle and Caring for Kids Foundation
Butch Rolle poses with former teammate and Hall of Famer Jim Kelly.
a. Bruce Smith b. Michael Strahan c. Kevin Greene d. No one has ever done it 9. Seven running backs have scored four rushing touchdowns in one half of a game, most recently Doug Martin. Who is the only Buffalo Bill ever to achieve the feat? a. O.J. Simpson b. Roland Hooks c. Marshawn Lynch d. Joe Cribbs 10. Who holds the record for most passing yards in his first NFL game, with 422? a. Peyton Manning b. Andrew Luck c. Robert Griffin III d. Cam Newton
Answers 1. b 2. d 3. c 4. a 5. b 6. d 7. a 8. d 9. b 10. d
Not many former NFLers go on to complete a Master’s Degree in Business, but then again Donald Rolle is far from ordinary. Better-known around Western New York as Butch, the tight end played his college ball at Michigan State before being selected by the Bills in the seventh round of the 1986 draft. During his tenure in Orchard Park, Butch only had 15 catches, but amazingly ten of them—in a row!— were for touchdowns. Butch then headed to Arizona where he finished his career with two seasons as a member of the Cardinals. Although Butch grew up and currently lives in Miami, his football allegiance is still to the Queen City. “I was fortunate to be at the (Bills) home opener and I’m glad they beat Miami,” Rolle explained. “Being in Miami, I’m surrounded by these Dolphin fans all week long and all I heard was how Miami was going to take care of the Bills. When that game was over I was so happy and could not wait to get back home. All week long I was throwing it in their face. It was a good and pleasant feeling.” “In my opinion, the Bills have the best fans in the league,” Rolle added. “When I played, it was a dynasty team. Andre (Reed) just went into the Hall of Fame, Thurman (Thomas), Jim (Kelly), (coach) Marv (Levy) is there. We didn’t have the free agen-
Geneva was well represented as Aleem “Hammer” Whitfield improved to 6-0 with his sixth stoppage over Eric George of Niagara Falls. Tony Brinson of Geneva (3-1-3) fought an exciting draw with Donovan Scott (0-1-1) of Patterson, NJ. Lightweight Usiel Hernandez of Geneva won his pro debut over Tyrell White of the Bronx who also was making his pro debut by four-round unanimous decision. The best fight of the night belonged to Joe Shell of Geneva and Dante Palmer of Buffalo. Palmer (0-1) scored a knockdown in round one but Shell shook it off and composed himself to out box Palmer in the next round. The third and fourth rounds were thrilling as both boxers had their moments. Palmer’s left jab and hooks doing the damage for him while Shell’s crisper combinations were his best offence. The judges ruled that Shell’s (2-2) boxing was enough to gain a majority decision in the fourround lightweight match. In a battle of heavyweights—and we mean heavyweights—Ray Santiago
On Aug. 23, a nine bout amateur card was sponsored by Pretty Girl Promotions at the Armory in Rochester, a few hours before their professional show at the same venue. Clubs from Buffalo, Rochester and Utica participated: Zarie Dejesus (St. Martin’s) tko 2 Juel Jones (Bernard Boxing) Jaquavion Watson (Bernard’s) dec 3-0 Angel Gonzalas (Future) Romeo Gaines (Murry) dec 2-1 DeShawn Ruffin (St. Martin’s) Mike Adams (Bernard’s) dec 3-0 Jaden Ruth (St. Martin’s) Melson Modji (Buffalo Westside) tko 2 Jesus Miranda (Fight Factory) Tracey McGruder (St. Martin’s) dec 3-0 Lane Thatcher (Fight Factory) Hoshaw Sambolin (Fight Factory) dec 3-0 Akmed Aliyev (NWBCC) Sequan Felton (St. Martin’s) dec 3-0 Travis Winters (Bernard’s)
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