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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
From the Publisher Heading into week nine, the Bills sit atop the AFC East with a 5-2 record, thanks in large part to a long-awaited win over the Patriots in week three. The Bills are pacing the AFC with 211 points, despite having played one less game than many teams. A big reason for the Bill’s success this year has been Fred Jackson. With six touchdowns and 721 yards, Jackson has already exceeded last year’s TD total (five). He is rushing for over 100 yards per game and, what’s perhaps the most impressive stat of all, he is averaging almost 5.5 yards per carry. Not bad for a 30-year-old undrafted player out of Division III Coe College. After Ryan Fitzpatrick’s six-year $59 million extension, the team has made no secret that wrapping up Jackson in the next priority. Speaking of undrafted players, Buffalo’s own Naaman Roosevelt has been quietly having a successful sophomore season. Roosevelt caught his first professional
touchdown pass in week six against the Giants and has improved in almost every statistical category from last season. Working out with Fitz during the lockout in Gilbert, Ariz. has already started to pay dividends and when you speak to his teammates, you get the sense that things are only going to continue going up for the young receiver. With the Bills setting the tone for what should be an impressive season, the Sabres have also responded with a good start. Although all the offseason news was focused on the big-name free agents the Sabres acquired, the critics, as well as other teams, should have been concentrating on the players the Sabres already had in their system. Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville have both gotten off to a hot start, ranking as the third and sixth highest scorers in the league so far. Combined, their stats are even more impressive: 13 goals and 16 assists in 10 games. A large reason for their
success has been the man in the middle: Luke Adam. Having been called up for 19 games last season as an injury replacement, it looks like Luke won’t be traveling to Rochester anytime soon. Not only has the rookie center contributed three goals and six assists to a first line that is firing on all cylinders, but he is a large forward among a team of smaller than average forwards and a big center on a team that has been weak down the middle since the lockout. What could be more exciting than the Bills and Sabres at the tops of their division? How about a Sports & Leisure Magazine exclusive interview with Bob Rich. Associate editor Jeffrey Levine reviews Mr. Rich’s new book, “The Right Angle: Tales from a Sporting Life,” and discusses everything from the Bisons, Bills and Sabres to polo ponies, Team Handball and fishing in the most beautiful places in the world.
Sports & Leisure Magazine 469 Virginia Street, Buffalo, New York 14202 Tel.: (716) 876-2738, Fax: (716) 874-8289 Email to: publisher@sportsandleisuremag.com Check us out on the web at www.sportsandleisuremag.com & www.hugesportz.com
Publisher & Editor Marian Giallombardo Associate Editor Jeffrey Levine Feature Writers Paul Adamo, Robert Caico, Rick Davenport, Mike Dyer, Mike Fox, Shirley Giallombardo, Ivan the Impaler, Ed Kilgore, Joe Kirchmyer, Shawn Krest (Buffalo Managing Editor), George Kuhn, Jeffrey Levine, Adam McGill, Brian Michalek, Ron Montesano, Len Mytko, Gary Reeves, Charles Roberts, Dave Sully, John Williams, Rick Zurak (golf editor) Chief Photographer Jeff Barnes Staff Photographers Ryan Bartholomew, Bob Conlon, Nick LoVerde, Joe Valenti, Mike Majewski, Holly Malinowski Cover photos Fred Jackson by Joe Valenti, Luke Adam by Jeff Barnes Advisory Board: Phil Haberstro, Adam Lingner, Denny Lynch Contributing Writers Bob Conlon,Craig Gusmann, Holly Malinowski, Amanda O’Leary, Bob Plezia, Dave Ricci, Kyle Soppe, Bob Timkey, Matthew Young Layout & Cover Scott Appleby, Graphic artist Liz Seivert Copy Editors and Office Assistants Len Mytko, Justin Vernold, John Williams Please send your letters, questions, and comments to: Sports & Leisure Magazine, 469 Virginia Street, Buffalo, NY 14202 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 2011 Sports & Leisure Inc. Facebook: Sports and Leisure Magazine and Hugesportz.com
November 2011
November 2011
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
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Determination leads the way for Bills’ Jackson By Charles Roberts Turning 30 years old is generally the beginning of the end when it comes to the career of a National Football League running back. Not so for Fred Jackson of the Buffalo Bills. Jackson, who turns 31 in February, has emerged as one of the most productive running backs—if not players—in the NFL. He runs with power and strength, but flashes agility and balance. He’s the best receiving threat the team has had at the position since Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas. As if that’s not enough, he is also a terrific blocker. While most running backs hope to rekindle their 20s after hitting the big 3-0, Jackson seems to be getting better. Unlike most elite running backs, however, he spent his 20s trying to make a name for himself in Iowa— playing college ball at Division III Coe College and later for the Sioux City Bandits of the former United Indoor Football league. His road from small-town Iowa to the bright lights of the NFL didn’t come without previous success. In college, Jackson was a two-time conference MVP and an AllAmerican sprinter. In 2005, he was named co-MVP of the UIF after producing 1,770
yards and an astounding 41 touchdowns. “You’d like to get him involved a little bit more and let him carry the ball,” Bills head coach Chan Gailey said. “We split him out and we’re trying to get him involved in the pass game, too, because we’ve got some matchup issues for them defensively when he’s split out as well. We’d like to use him a little bit more and create a little better balance than we’ve had.” Gailey isn’t the first coach looking to get Jackson involved in the passing game, however. In fact, before his 2005 season in Sioux City, Jackson reportedly had an offer to switch to wide receiver by joining the larger Arena Football League. He instead opted to stay in the smaller, lesserknown UIF, working tirelessly at honing his running back skills. “I love to play football, period,” Jackson said. “But I always wanted to play running back in the NFL and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m representing Division III. I want all guys in D-III to know they have a chance if they want to work for it.” And work Jackson has. After going undrafted in 2003, Jackson had just one team look at him—the Green Bay Packers. The Bills tabbed
named general Willis McGahee manager in in the first 2006. round that year. Jackson was Determined assigned to the to make an NFL practice squad roster, Jackson that year, makspent 2006— ing the active mid-March roster in 2007. until lateFive years later, May—playing he continues for the Rhein proving people Fire of the forwrong—outmer NFL working two Europe. But it first-round runwas another ning backs since Coe College strapping up the alumnus, in chinstrap for the part, who Bills—and is afforded him widely considthe opportunity. ered an early “That is the MVP candidate. No. 1 reason I’m “Yeah, Freddy in Buffalo, just been holding us because I knew down, man,” coach [Marv] Bills wide receivLevy,” Jackson er Stevie said. “Him Johnson said. being an alumni “Just the fire that of Coe College, he has and you I had the opporlook in his eyes tunity to meet when he’s in the him when I was huddle. OK, this a sophomore. dude’s ready to When I was Photo by Joe Valenti work let’s bring doing my workLike a fine wine, Fred Jackson seems to get better it with him; he’s outs and playwith age. not the only guy ing in that out here let’s indoor league work with this dude… This for two years, he said, ‘If I strings to get Jackson an is our brother, and he’s out ever get a chance, I’ll get you opportunity with the Rhein there holding it down for us, a workout, whether it’s with Fire, he called him a few for real.” me or another team in the months later to extend an Jackson, who said he was league.’” invitation to try out for the just 5-foot-8 and 145 pounds Levy not only pulled a few Bills—just a week after being
when playing high school football in Arlington, Texas, continues growing in size and strength. Now standing 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, his next growth-spurt is likely to be financially. The Bills recently gave quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick a six-year, $59 million deal. Jackson, who has a year remaining on his current contract, and Johnson are reportedly next on the Bills’ list of players to lock up long-term. “We’ll do the same with them as we’ve done this time [with Fitzpatrick],” Bills general manager Buddy Nix said. “When it’s done, we’ll talk about it.” Not only is Jackson a fanfavorite—chants of “Freddie, Freddie, Freddie” sound through the air during gamedays at Ralph Wilson Stadium—he clearly has the full support of his teammates. Fullback Corey McIntyre regularly wears a Tshirt with Jackson’s name and number on it, with the phrase “Reppin’ D3 Nation” on the back. “I’m just continuously trying to work harder, get better, get stronger,” Jackson said. “It’s an attitude that’s got me where I am today and it’s something I plan to carry with me the rest of my career.”
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November 2011
Luke Adam makes his mark By George Kuhn Having earned a roster spot in training camp, rookie Luke Adam started the season centering the top line with wingers Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville. The results have been impressive. While Adam has posted 3-6-9 in 10 games, his linemates are doing even better with Vanek ranking second and Pomminville third overall in NHL scoring. While Adam has certainly benefitted from playing with the veteran wingers, neither of them has ever ranked so high in overall scoring, so it would seem that they are also benefitting from playing with their rookie center. Last season Adam played 19 games for the Sabres as an injury replacement, scoring three goals and one assist for four points. He played primarily in the American Hockey League, scoring 29 goals and 33 assists for 62 points in only 57 games and took home rookie of the year honors. Even so, a promotion to the NHL was not a given. Many AHL scoring stars never transition successfully to the NHL. But Luke never doubted his ability to make the jump. “I don’t know if I would’ve thought I would end up center-
ing the top line,” Adam said. “I trained hard all summer long. My goal ever since the end of last season has been to make this team. I came into training camp with the full expectation to make this team. That’s what I set out to do. And now I’ve been given the opportunity to play with Van and Poms and its been going pretty well. I don’t think I could’ve drawn it up any better than that.” The NHL is a step up from the AHL as Adam explains. “The biggest difference is quickness. Not so much skating quickness, obviously there is more of an up-tempo pace. Mentally it’s a much quicker game up here, it’s the time and space is taken away so quickly here. When I have the puck I have only a split second to make that play and if I don’t make the play then that opportunity is gone. Mentally and physically it’s a lot quicker game and you’ve got to grow accustomed to it.” At 6-foot-2, 203 pounds, Luke is a large forward among a group of Sabres forwards many of whom are undersized. He accumulated 257 penalty minutes in 236 games as a junior, so clearly Luke is no shrinking violet and knows how to handle
that I need to work on. I’m still himself physically. But with only young and I’m trying to learn two penalty minutes this season from my mistakes.” in 10 games, he is obviously Being a new player and a concentrating on playing a wellfresh face, have the local fans rounded game and not overemrecognized him around town? phasizing the physical play. “I’m “Not so much at the start but a a big forward and I try to use my little bit more and more now,” size and strength down low to Adam said. “That’s nice to get create opportunities,” Luke the support from the fans who explained. “I try to find empty recognize you in public. spots in the offensive zone to Obviously we have great fans use my shot and get open so that here.” my linemates can find me. I There is a tradition among want to bring that physical game Sabres fans who embraced Don also but I’m not going to go runLuce in the 1970s by chanting ning around looking for that big “Luuuuuce,” then Stu Barnes huge hit. I’m going to be hard with “Stuuuuu” and now Paul nosed and win the battles in the Gaustad with “Gooooooose.” defensive end too. It’s so imporLuke Adam would seem to be tant in the NHL to play hard in the heir apparent and next in your own end.” line. If he continues to put up Luke potted his first four points it would seem to be NHL points last season during a inevitable that the fans will variety of call ups and playing embrace him with chants of with a variety of players over 19 “Luuuuuke.” games. Could he have duplicat“I hope so,” Adam said, ed this season’s success by play“that’s pretty neat when the fans ing on the top line last year? “I make that kind of gesture. I don’t know about that, he said, hope I can pop a few goals at “I feel I grew so much as a playhome and keep this going.” er last season in Portland and learned a lot from coach Dineen and coach Weinrich. It’s been good so far but I can still improve. You can never be too good and there’s still lots of areas By Ed Kilgore
Photo by Jeff Barnes
After playing 19 games last season as an injury replacement, center Luke Adam has earned his spot on the Sabres’ top line, and his linemates couldn’t be happier.
Don’t blame Toronto for Bills apathy Right up front, a Bills “home game” in Toronto, no matter how many years the marriage lasts, will never be even close to the atmosphere of a Bills true home game at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park. It isn’t Toronto’s fault though; the Bills are not “their” team at all, no matter who promotes what in that regard. Not only that, the tickets are double or triple what they are in Orchard Park, which means many of the “fans” in the Rogers Centre are there because they were given “freebies” by one corporation or another. To be fair though, the Bills dominating 23-0 win over the disheartened Washington Redskins at the Rogers Centre was the first time football fans up the QEW have seen a decent product coming from Western New York. Why WOULD fans up north cheer for the Bills? The atmosphere for the game against the Skins, as we’ve mentioned, was not at all like a game at the Ralph, but this time it wasn’t like a pre-season or neutral site game either. In other words, while Bills fans used to watching their home games in Orchard Park may never like the arrangement, it is something they will be able to live with IF the Bills are a decent football team. They are now a decent football team, and just how decent we’ll find out in the next several weeks, but no matter how things turn out,
it’s pretty obvious the Bills, as a franchise, have turned the corner. First and foremost, they now have their “franchise” quarterback, and I don’t hear anybody, either around Buffalo or nationally, having a negative reaction to Ryan Fitzpatrick’s $59 million extension that will pay him an average of over $10 million per season. That being said, the Bills owe it to themselves and their future by continuing to look closely at the draft for the future at that all important position, and one look at the Indianapolis Colts tells you a team should never put all the eggs in the same basket, no matter how satisfied they are with their No.1 guy. There’s a lot to like about Fitz, who’ll turn 29 soon, but the real thing that should be pointed out about Fitz, and the reason GM Buddy Nix was able to convince Ralph Wilson the bearded one is Buffalo’s franchise QB, is that Fitz has the mental and physical toughness required to play the game’s most important position. A leader’s words don’t mean much if the leader doesn’t “walk the walk,” but Fitzparick might be not only the smartest guy on the team but the toughest. In that Redskins game in Toronto, Fitz took a huge shot to the ribs from former Bills LB London Fletcher in the second quarter, and didn’t miss a snap. When Fitz shows he’s hurting, that means something because he virtually never shows it when he’s feeling pain, and there’s
not a QB alive that doesn’t feel pain at some point during any game. This isn’t to say Fitzpatrick is Jim Kelly, but then again, he doesn’t have to be to get the Bills to the playoffs and beyond. It’s much easier to build around a quarterback once you’ve made the commitment, and the Bills are doing just that. Doing the rebuilding that GM Buddy Nix and coach Chan Gailey are doing is the right way; through the draft, with a good eye for free agent talent that can improve the overall 53-man roster. Paying huge amounts for big-name free agents just hasn’t proven to be that effective in the NFL, and the hapless Redskins are a great example of that. We’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth mentioning again; Gaily is the best head coach the Bills have hired since the Marv Levy days, and Nix and his scouting staff are a huge upgrade over the previous crews going back the past decade or so. Which gets us back to the Toronto thing, and why I feel the relationship should continue after the current deal expires next year. While playing a game in Toronto may not be what the players or fans want in future seasons, I remain firmly convinced that the arrangement is far more beneficial to the Bills’ long range hopes of keeping their team in Buffalo, and if the Bills continue to play good football, we’ll see the love from Toronto continue to grow, and the long term tradeoff will be well worth it.
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Fantasy football: Get ‘em while you can By Leonard J. Mytko
leagues. a strong running game Carson Palmer, Raiders before the pass anyway so Every fantasy owner Don’t tell your fellow unless the matchup is knows the importance of owners, but Palmer could right, the 30-year-old having a good quarterbe on the verge of becomBeck is, at best, a desperback. Quarterback is the ing a pretty good fantasy ate bye-week fill-in. glamour position, and quarterback again. He’s Shaun Hill, Lions this season is no different armed and with both ready to Aaron Rodgers prove all and Drew t h e Brees leading doubters the pack in a wrong and passing-friendhas an ly era. Fantasyexciting wise, identifygroup of ing those quary o u n g terbacks who g a m e have the pieces breaking in place for a receivers to big year goes a work with long way in and push the success of the ball one’s team. It’s down the also just as field. Add imperative to in a bighave a strong play rushbackup quaring attack terback in case led by your starter D a r r e n b e c o m e s McFadden injured or his and Palmer stats turn sour could be for a stretch. your team’s The potential s a v i o r is everywhere. down the So let’s see if stretch. any of these Tim Tebow, new signal Photo by Mike Majewski Broncos callers could H i s be of some New Raiders QB Carson Palmer could help lead your fantasy team to a late push this year. sparkling help for your play at the team. Take a end of last season gave Starter Matthew look: some indication that more Stafford has played in just Christian Ponder, fantasy success could be 20 of 39 regular-season Vikings just around the corner. games in his two plus With the Vikings fading And even if trying to put years and considering he’s fast from playoff conup big passing numbers now walking wounded, tention and the fact that with a surrounding cast the veteran Hill is a super Donovan McNabb’s best that’s lacking now, to say solid replacement for him days are clearly behind the least, will be quite and well worth a roster him, Minnesota decided challenging for him, he’s spot. So stay ready to pull the plug on still worth adding based because his passing numMcNabb and let their upon his abilities in the bers would probably be first-round pick out of red zone. Another latevery similar to Stafford’s if Florida State try and fix season resurgence is a real he happened to play reguthis team’s passing probpossibility here. larly. And if you go and lems. And sure, it’s Vince Young, Eagles get Hill off the waiver unlikely this move will Michael Vick has wire now, you’re almost translate to the 23-yearplayed 16 regular-season certain to not have to old becoming a viable fangames only once in his fight off other owners for tasy option this early on, eight-year career. He’s him. but we’ve seen rookies already getting banged up Jake Locker, Titans Cam Newton and Andy behind a suspect offensive Opportunity keeps getDalton unexpectedly turn line and it’s only a questing that much closer for into productive point protion of when Young is Tennessee’s quarterback ducers in fantasy football going to have to step in of the future with every right away. and maybe start a few loss so it wouldn’t be at all John Beck, Redskins games. Plus with good surprising if Locker is He’s getting a chance to starting fantasy quarterstarting sometime soon. be the Washington starter, backs so hard to come by And, of course, it’s unlikereplacing a benched Rex and all that talent on ly he would get the Titans Grossman in Week 6, but offense around him, into the playoffs or even you’ll likely find more Young is still worth a take your fantasy team consistent quarterbacks bench spot should that there just yet, but he’s cerwith better potential elsetime come. tainly a top talent to where. Also, Mike watch in all dynasty Shanahan’s offenses stress
naaman roosevelt
SIGNING IN-STORE! 12/3, 3-5pm
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Bills’ Roosevelt runs past the critics By Charles Roberts There’s something about Buffalo Bills wide receiver Naaman Roosevelt—an indescribable charm—that has a handful of his teammates smiling. Maybe it’s the atypical progression to the NFL; not many play high school, college and pro football in the same city. It could be that he has one of those contagious laughs. Whatever the case, even the coaching staff can’t get enough of the guy. They’ve released him twice in as many years, but can’t seem to send him home for good. “He’s a guy that first of all, he always makes you smile,” Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick said. “Just looking at the kid makes you smile, I don’t know.” The fact that Roosevelt runs disciplined routes and has sure-thing hands would probably make any quarterback smile. It also couldn’t hurt that he was among the group of players participating in a quasi-minicamp at Fitzpatrick’s house in Gilbert, Ariz., during the lockout. Fitzpatrick’s cheerful expressions dimmed momentarily, however. “He’s a guy I love throwing to,” Fitzpatrick said. “In the beginning of the year when he wasn’t on the squad… I was real heartbroken. But now he’s back, healthy and playing. And he’s done a great job and he’ll continue to do a good job.” When Bills No. 2 receiver Donald Jones went down with an ankle injury Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Roosevelt was back on Western New York’s grandest stage—thrust into the most meaningful situation of his two-year NFL career. Five weeks prior, his future seemed bleak. “This game is a crazy business,” Roosevelt said. “So I was definitely prepared for this moment.” Prepared may have been an understatement. Roosevelt reeled in five receptions— a personal best as a pro—including a critical 20-yarder in the late stages of the Bills’ 31-24 win over the favored-Eagles. “Naaman just came through and did a couple great things for us,” Bills head coach Chan Gailey said. “That was big.” Maybe, just maybe, the smile Roosevelt elicits is a matter of him defying odds. Coming out of college, several scouts questioned his lack of speed. During a Week 6 matchup with the New York Giants, Roosevelt blazed a 60-yard trail to the end zone en route to his first NFL touchdown. “I think he has gamespeed and I think he has good vision,” Fitzpatrick said. “If you look at his past few catches, his run after the catch is really good.
Photo by Joe Valenti
Hometown pride: Naaman Roosevelt makes the most of his opportunity with the Bills. Sometimes it’s not about being the fastest guy. Sometimes it’s about being crafty running with the ball. He’s got a knack for catching it and getting north and south. The times he’s made catches he’s done a good job with that and it was good seeing him get into the end zone for the first time.” “I’m definitely not a track guy,” Roosevelt said. “When it’s game-speed I can definitely do that.” While the critics might have been silenced after he crossed the goal line for the first time, one person who’s been a part of promoting Roosevelt over the years was in a position to join in the celebration. Jim McCoy, a photographer for The Buffalo News, was kneeling in the back of the end zone and became the recipient of a Roosevelt high-five. “He worked at St. Joe’s, so I knew him for a little bit,” Roosevelt said chuckling. “So it was funny.” Making headlines in Buffalo for a big play or two is hardly unfamiliar territory; it’s practically been a way of life for nearly a decade. From his high school days at St. Joe’s to snagging 104 receptions in 2008 at the University at Buffalo, Roosevelt knows a thing or two about the region’s football landscape and vice versa. As one of three undrafted receivers added to the roster last year, Roosevelt totaled nine receptions for 139 yards, including a fourcatch, 74-yard effort late in the season against the New England Patriots. The other
receivers added post-draft are Jones and David Nelson, who is familiar with the process of replacing a starter. “That’s what I told him… I was like, ‘That’s how we do things.’ Roscoe [Parrish] went down, I had to step up,” Nelson said. “Donald went down, Naaman had to step up.” “Naaman steps up,” wide receiver Stevie Johnson, a seventh-round draft pick in 2008, said. “Naaman came in and we didn’t miss a beat. He did his thing and it just shows the type of guys we have on our team.” Roosevelt is hardly a household name. But he’s by no means alone in that respect. The Bills’ core is rounded out with players just like Roosevelt—overlooked and under-respected. “The game’s not too big for him,” Fitzpatrick, a seventh-round pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2005, said. “He just goes out there and plays. He doesn’t know any better, just like the rest of them.” For the 23-year-old Roosevelt, it’s yet another opportunity to shine while traveling down a familiar road. This time around, however, the only radar gun he has to worry about is the one patrolling the highway; the scout clocking 40-yard dash times has other NFL hopefuls to target. “That motivates me when people say I’m not fast enough or big enough to do something, Roosevelt explained. “It definitely motivates me.”
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Child’s play should stay child’s play By Gary Reeves In the past I wrote a column about problem parents. The column in question made references about parents verbally and, in some cases, physically attacking other parents, referees and even coaches. Since it’s the beginning of the hockey season I would like to submit this column for the benefit of all Minor Hockey Parents. In this column I would like to offer some helpful hints to parents who, in some cases, may be creating a harmful barrier to the sport their child enjoys without realizing it. We all love our kids and will support them in any way we can. However, personal involvement sometimes crosses that fine line and enters into what could be considered the danger zone. One suggestion I have is to allow your child to play their sport “in their eyes” and not yours. Kids are not infallible. They’re going to make mistakes during a game, so what! Some parents become so upset because their child doesn’t play up to “their expectations.” The poor kid gets nothing but instant replays all the way home in the car. You can’t fool kids. They can sense your pent up frustrations just by the sound of your voice. So what have you achieved?
Your kid “clams up,” becomes silent and the frustration grows. Instead of telling the kid how badly he or she played the moment they leave the dressing room, try asking them, “Well, how did you do, did you have fun?”. Let them tell you how the game personally went for them. They know whether they played a good game or a bad game. Then let it go. Somewhere down the line after the heat of the game, ask your son or daughter what they think went wrong and together come up with suggestions as a remedy. In all probability don’t be too surprised if they don’t approach you first. Give them positive encouragement on some of the good things they did during the game. In this way little or no intimidation is involved and the game still remains fun. One other suggestion is don’t try and embarrass your child during the game. In hockey arenas I’ve often watched overzealous parents loudly shouting their kid’s name, trying to direct their every move on the ice. This is not only embarrassing to any young hockey player, it is also a deterrent for the young players to think for themselves and play the game their way without intimidation. Don’t shout at the referee if your son or daughter is given a
penalty. They know your voice. How embarrassing it must be for young hockey players trying to create their own identity out on the ice. The downside of all this parental pressure could end up in a 10 or 12-year-old dropout because the fun went out of their sport. I’ve been training hockey players for 35 years and can sight numerous testimonials where this has happened. Don’t misconstrue this article to suggest that these parents are not good parents because that simply is not so. If they weren’t good parents they wouldn’t be sacrificing their lives by taking time off work, cancelling meetings, etc. not to mention the monetary cost involved supporting their children. These parents shuffle their kids into “their” schedules in a bond of family togetherness in these very special years of their lives. These are very caring parents. Keep in mind that in most cases the coach will spot the problem area your son or daughter is having and will endeavor to correct the situation. Let the coach do their job; don’t muddy the waters. Above all, don’t take fun away from a kid! I hope this column will be constructive as a tool to a better understanding of parental etiquette and the benefits it will reap. For more information regarding our Pro Skating Hockey Skills Clinics or Individual and Team Clinics, call Gary Reeves at 905.384.0508.
Fantasy hockey By Mike Fox Which hot-starting players should fantasy owners chase right now, and which ones should be avoided? Yeah, good question. While most of us are able to realize that, for example, the Bulin Wall sighting on the plains of Canada will probably prove to be a mirage, other options may not be so obvious. Let’s touch on some of the players that are tempting owners across the fantasy world. L.A.’s Jon Quick is at it again. He came out of the gates sizzling last year en route to his second consecutive 30-plus win season, and this year’s start is borderline ridiculous. Quick has been almost untouchable in the early going, carrying a 1.52 GAA and .947 save percentage after three consecutive shutouts. While obviously his year-end stats won’t continue to look like a stud reliever’s ERA and WHIP, Quick could be on his way to another big year in Tinseltown. He’s entering his prime at age 25, and the
Photo courtesy NHL Media
James Neal is looking like the real deal in the Steel City. Kings added firepower and veteran leadership in the offseason after trading for former Flyer captain Mike Richards, and signing winger Simon Gagne as a free agent. Jonathan Bernier will again steal starts, but Quick will prove to be a top-10 fantasy goalie, maybe even top-five. Tread a bit more lightly with the likes of Colorado’s Semyon Varlamov and Dallas’s Kari Lehtonen. The Avalanche acquired Varlamov and his career 3013-12 record in a trade with
the Caps, and early indications are they plan to ride him hard and often. That would be a better plan were it not for Varlamov’s inability to avoid lower-body injuries—it took him two full seasons to accrue those 30 wins. His supporting cast in the Rockies is nowhere near as strong as the team he left in D.C., so even if he stays healthy, a big “if” indeed, Varlamov should be considered nothing more than a No. 2 fantasy goalie. Lehtonen made 69 appearances with the Stars last year, registering 34 wins for the second time in his career. That would carry more weight if it wasn’t for the fact that the other 34-win season was way back in his sophomore 2006-07 season, as injuries limited him to an average of 35 starts in the three years sandwiched inbetween. Let’s do the math: two healthy seasons, four injury-marred seasons. Proceed at your own risk. At first glance, James Neal looks conspicuously out of place sitting near the top the NHL leader board in goals,
November 2011
No Manning, no Favre, still no attention for Drew Brees By Shawn Krest the ball,” Newton’s teamdowns than Rivers in five of mate, Panthers linebacker the six years, and the one Brett Favre is retired, posJames Anderson, said. “So year he didn’t, they tied. sibly forever this time. he puts himself in that “Drew Brees is an excelPeyton Manning is injured advantage by knowing lent quarterback year in and and appears to be out for where he is going.” year out,” Cam Newton, the the season. Brees led the Saints to a Carolina Panthers top draft Who will be able to step come-from-behind up and fill the void win against the left by those two Panthers, his 18th legendary quarterfourth-quarter backs? Maybe a comeback and guy who’s been 27th game-winthere all along. ning drive. That’s Maybe a guy second-best among like Drew Brees. active quarterBut probably backs, behind Tom not. Brady and Peyton Drew Brees is Manning. the surprising “There’s never answer to a lot of worry, never pantrivia questions. icking,” Saints Highest postsearookie running son completion back Mark Ingram percentage in hissaid. “He always tory? That’s Brees. waits for his Highest in any one opportunity to do season? Also his job. In a situaBrees. Lowest tion like that we career interception always have the percentage? Only utmost confidence quarterback in Drew. He is a besides Dan great guy, a great Marino with a player, and there is 5,000 yard season, no better person to or three straight be on the field with 4,000 yard, 30 than him when touchdown seayou have to come sons? All Brees. from behind.” He’s beaten Brees’ busiManning in a nesslike approach Super Bowl and is toward a fourthriding an NFL quarter deficit record string of 28 would also apply completion games, to the attention and his 35 games deficit he’s battled with a touchdown his whole career. pass is third best in Photo by Joe Valenti “Calm, cool, colhistory. And he’s Drew Brees has a chance to shine with lected,” Brees said. done it by throwPeyton Manning out of the limelight. “We’ve been here ing to guys named many times before. Let’s just pick who is having a recordMarques Colston, Devery go be us. Let’s do what we setting rookie season of his Henderson, and now Jimmy do. Nothing spectacular, own said. Graham. They’re all good just methodical.” Newton is setting the players, but it’s doubtful Cam Newton is the hot league on fire, averaging that Dancing with the Stars rookie. Tim Tebow the hot 299 yards a game passing, has them on speed dial. debate. Eli is the new with 11 touchdowns in his All Brees does is produce, Manning of choice for TV eight starts, and six passes and he’s done it as good as commercials. Aaron of 40 yards or more. He everyone, and better than Rodgers is the Super Bowldeserves all the attention just about all of them. Yet winning quarterback comhe’s getting, but Brees, who’s no one seems to notice. ing into his own. averaging 343 yards a game, He was ushered out the They’ll all fill the void left with 19 touchdowns, and door in San Diego in favor by Favre and Peyton six 40-yard bombs, probaof younger, healthier Philip Manning, at least on studio bly deserves some ink as Rivers. In the six seasons pregame shows. Drew Brees well. since then, Brees has will just keep passing and “What makes him good is thrown for more yards five keep winning. that he can identify covertimes, and had at least 1,000 There’s never been a void ages early, and he has an more than Rivers in three of with Drew Brees around. idea of what is going to be the six years. He’s also open before he even snaps thrown for more touchbut this could be the beginning of a breakout year for the 24-year-old winger. He scored at least 20 goals in each of his first three seasons with the Dallas Stars before moving to Pittsburgh last February in the Alex Goligoski trade. No, he won’t score 60, but Neal also leads the league in shots, and is averaging almost 19 minutes of ice time per game with the Pens, so even a slight regression should still result in the first 30-goal season of his career. At the other end of the spectrum is fellow Penguin Matt Cooke, who has com-
piled a 4-4-8 line over his first 12 games. If you are expecting a 50-point season to follow, you are destined for disappointment, as Cooke’s job description runs more along the lines of Enforcer than Scorer. If your league counts penalty minutes and/or hits, then Cooke will remain a viable starting fantasy option. If not, trade him now. Nothing grabs the attention of fantasy owners more than a fast-starting rookie, especially if that rookie happens to be the No. 1 overall pick from the most recent entry draft. Telephone and
computer lines across the fantasy world are likely buzzing as owners race to acquire Edmonton’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, after it took him only three games to register his first NHL hat trick. If you’re one of those chasing him, remember that he’s only 18 years old, and the NHL game is about more than just scoring. It’s entirely possible the Oilers could still send him back to the minors for seasoning this year, so if you play in fresh-start leagues, pay accordingly in a trade. If you are in a keeper league, then chase away!
November 2011
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Bob Rich: Beyond the Bisons
By Jeffrey Levine Like many boys growing up in the 1940s, Bob Rich can trace his love of sports directly back to one source; opening day with his dad. The only difference is that unlike his peers, not every child is presented with the opportunity to buy the hometown team, make moves to allow that team to flourish, and help to usher in a new era of excitement and prosperity. In his most recent book, “The Right Angle: Tales from a Sporting Life,” Bob shares his story of the Bisons in three short stories, vignettes really, that outline his purchase of the team in 1983 and the shooting of The Natural to the move from Double-A to Triple-A and the initial disappointment of not being selected as a Major League Baseball expansion team after close to a decade of planning. Despite these insightful glimpses into Buffalo sport’s history and colorful stories on some of the team’s most colorful characters, what resonates the most are the impressions of opening day: the anxious anticipation of getting out of school early; the excitement of sitting in the front seat; the knowledge that his dad has taken time out of his busy schedule to be with him and only him; the unspoken understanding of their friendship. Even at 70, you can sense Bob’s undiminished youthful exuberance, the desire for competition, the need to be challenged. He’s not Robert E. Rich, Jr., Chairman of Rich Products Corporation, one of America’s most successful companies. He’s Bob, the guy sitting next to you at a game who strikes up a conversation and puts you instantly at ease. It’s what makes the stories of “The Right Angle” so compelling. As you read you feel like you’re listening to one of your oldest friends tell you a story over a beer and a plate of
roles in both sports, suiting up at quarterback on the field and standing inbetween the pipes on the ice. Although Bob gradually phased out football, he continued to play goalie, first at Wi l l i a m s College and later as an Olympic hopeful, only to be the last one cut from the team before the 1964 games in Innsbruck, Austria. The spirit of competition would Photo courtesy Bob Rich Jr,/Prometheus Books also lead him to capture six City Very few people have done more to shape the last four decades of Western New York squash champisports than Bob Rich. onships, singlehandedly organize Western New York’s first chicken wings. At the same Team Handball squad at the time, and without missing a Empire Games, build a stable beat, Bob can also describe the of polo ponies to play with minutia of politics involved in some of the game’s greatest obtaining the naming rights players and rekindle a longfor Rich Stadium—the first dormant love; fishing. deal of its kind—as only a “Some of my most cherbusinessman can while sumished moments were with ming up the entire turbulent my dad. I had a14-foot boat process with one vivid image; with a five-horsepower a handshake between his dad engine when I was 11 years and Ralph Wilson, Jr. old. It was my pride and joy. It is a rare person who can We would catch bass, perch. move between both of these Days I’ll never forget,” Rich modes, but it’s something that recalled. “Now I’ve had the Bob Rich has been doing it all chance to take all eight of my his life. To him, sports are a grandkids out. I’ve been with foil for business and viceall of them when they caught versa. “One of the areas where their first fish. A little bit of team sports are important is immortality; everyone when you’re building a busiremembers who they caught ness,” Rich explained. “You their first fish with.” coalesce around a common Having fished in some of cause.” the most beautiful places in Admitting that he could the world—Islamorada and never hit a curveball growing the Florida Keys; the historic up, football and hockey were river test in England; São Bob’s team sports of choice in Vicente, Cape Verde—for high school. It should come as some of the largest fish in the no surprise that while attendworld, Bob is no longer in ing Nichols, Bob took on the search of the next big catch most important leadership
or finding trophies. What drives him is something much bigger; hope. It is the promise and potential of meeting a new person, experiencing something for the first time, of finding something that you never knew was there. In an attempt to sum up Buffalonians to out-of-towners, Bob begins the introduction to “The Right Angle” with seven and a half virtues, the first of which is Indomitable Spirit. If you ever needed the definition of Indomitable Spirit, look no farther than the Buffalo Bills whose four consecutive Super Bowl appearances will “never be repeated,” according to Bob. At the same time, the four consecutive loses, while heartbreaking, have not diminished our will to fight, only heightening the desire to finally claim that elusive championship. “I thought long and hard about ordering [the seven and a half virtues of Buffalonians],” Rich explained. “When you go through some of the things that we go through, you need to have Indomitable Spirit— in others words, The Blizzard of ‘77. Now we make jokes
Page 7 about it, but it was a killer storm. For all of us who were there we went through tremendous hardship. That’s one of the guiding things that hold us all together. If you can’t handle the weather or the other issues, up and leave, don’t stay around…. But the people who do stay, you couldn’t shoot them out with a cannon.” With business and leisure activities taking him across the globe, Bob has remained close to Buffalo. One of his latest ventures began with tracing his European roots and ended by sponsoring the Bedlington Terriers, an English Football Club. In June, Bob brought the entire team across the pond to play a friendly against FC Buffalo, spending a week stateside and conducting youth clinics for area players. Not to be outdone, his son Bobby (who had his 15 minutes of fame as Robert Redford’s son in The Natural), recently sponsored the Brisbane Roar, who went undefeated in the Australian Premier League. “My son one-upped me on this one. He made a better deal than I did,” Rich stated, both as a proud father and staunch competitor.
While Bob can joke about his son’s similar sports franchise proclivities—Good Humor, item four on the seven and a half virtues of Buffalonians—it is number six, Caring for the Less Fortunate, which his book put into practice, with all proceeds benefitting the Boys & Girls Club. “My first sports memory was my father taking me to a football game at the Butler Mitchell Boys [& Girls] Club,” Rich explained. “When we launched [“The Right Angle”] at the Boys & Girls Club it was very emotional for me to remember how much my father cared about the organization. He was a longtime member on their board of directors and I became a director under him. My third son, Teddy, became a director as well.” From being a part of the Sabres initial ownership group and revitalizing Bison’s baseball to pioneering the sports landscape and always looking for his next challenge, Bob Rich’s legacy will extend far beyond Buffalo for years to come. He is a consummate businessman, a loving family man and, at heart, a true sportsman.
F
ormer Buffalo Bills fullback Cookie Gilchrist will be inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame on November 9. Joining him in this year’s class is former All-Pro Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Ruben Brown; two time Super Bowl champion Jim Burt (Giants/49ers); Olympic gold medalist Steve Mesler; former Buffalo Sabres broadcaster and player, Jim Lorentz; local baseball legend Don Colpoys; high school and collegiate basketball star Curtis Aiken (Bennett HS/Pitt); major league baseball player Phil Mankowski (Tigers/Mets); professional golfer and award-winning instructor Cindy Miller; the inventor of the sport of volleyball William Morgan; one of the founding fathers of the West Side Rowing Club, Michael Broderick; and legendary distance runner Lewis “Deerfoot” Bennett.
Photo courtesy Buffalo Bills
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
November 2011
November 2011
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Snowshoeing for fun and fitness By Bob Timkey Snowshoeing is a simple, safe and fun way to enjoy the outdoors during our long Western New York winter months. The activity can be as leisurely as taking a stroll in a park or as vigorous as running a marathon, literally. The right apparel is essential to enjoying your time on snowshoes. You’ll want to lean toward synthetic materials such as nylon that snow without repel water sinking too and allow deeply into perspiration the powder. to evaporate The downside quickly. A of large shoes light pair of is that they’re nylon runcumbersome ning pants and heavy, and windwhich will breaker is a lead to fatigue suitable sooner. If outer layer. you’re after Underneath, speed and wear one or agility, opt for two layers Snowshoeing is a fun way to get some exercise during a smaller depending the long Western New York winter. snowshoe like on the the ones worn weather and by snowshoe marathoners. running. Avoid steel toed or how vigorously you plan to One of the beauties of heavy-duty work boots. exercise. Avoid the tendensnowshoeing is that you can Since you’ll be adding the cy to overdress as you will do it virtually anywhere weight of snowshoes as warm up once you get movthere’s open space and snow. well, you’ll want to avoid ing. If you don’t warm up in Use common sense to avoid weighing your feet down the first 10 minutes, you trespassing on private proptoo much. can easily turn back to add erty or venturing into terSnowshoes come in a an additional layer of insurain that is too demanding variety of styles and sizes. lation. or dangerous. Public parks Most modern snowshoes Other than your exercise are a fine place to start. are constructed of lightattire, you’ll only need a Look for a fairly flat, safe weight aluminum frames pair of snowshoes and comarea to practice. Once you’re and utilize intricate strap fortable footwear. Footwear confident, you can seek systems that allow the shoes choices can vary greatly more hilly terrain and to be quickly and easily depending on personal prefexplore further. Crampons strapped on and tightened erence and your goal. These fitted to the bottom of your over your shoes, even with choices may include hiking snowshoes will provide adegloved hands. Entry level or boots, cross-country ski quate traction to walk up bargain basement snowboots, trail running shoes or rather steep, icy terrain with shoes may include cheap even ordinary running confidence once you’re plastic ratchet-type straps. shoes. Besides comfort, two comfortable moving about These are fine for kids to important things to considin your equipment. This play on but you get what er when choosing footwear feature changes a slippery, you pay for. A step up to a are water resistance and ice-covered walking trail mid-level set of shoes will weight. If you’ll likely be into a winter playground. provide you a much more walking through deep snow, Getting started is as simreliable strap system that a boot will be a better ple as putting one foot in goes on and off more easily choice to keep your feet and front of the other. Simply and stays on. The size of the ankles dry, warm and comgear up and head out. Bring shoe is the next most fortable. On packed snow along a thermos of hot important thing to consider. trails, such as you’re likely cocoa and find a quiet place Larger snowshoes, in the 23 to find in a snowshoe race, to enjoy another of Western inch to 30 inch range, will running shoes or trail shoes New York’s simple pleasallow you to more easily will work fine and give you ures. pass over deep, powdery an advantage over boots for
Page 9
Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County in Western New York Community Sports Report
you! Hike the trails behind the restaurant Come away and see how from that fastthe trees are paced, hurrytapped or scurry life and watch sap relax in the being boiled in Enchanted the old fashMountains of ioned sugar Cattaraugus shanty. County. Here Remember you can particito stop in to pate in a plethosee the Old ra of winter Masters on activities—or Photo courtesy Cattaraugus County display in one not! Whatever Cattaraugus County offers lots of ways to enjoy winter. of the galleries it is you do for at the Regina A. Quick setting of Allegany State relaxation, you can do it here Center for the Arts, located Park. There are plenty of in a serene, peaceful location. on the campus of St. trails for cross-country skiing Enjoy your leisure by spendBonaventure University, the at the Park. Or take your ing an extended amount of center is free and open to the family for a stay in one of the time here; there is a wide public. winterized cabins so you can assortment of fine accommoDon’t forget to take a enjoy the outdoors during dations that will meet every chance at the new Seneca the winter season. need. Allegany Casino located in For a nice getaway any Come to Ellicottville, Salamanca for an exciting time of the year, visit where the winter fun begins. time! Visit the Seneca Sprague’s Maple Farms for an Enjoy the slopes at Holiday Iroquois National Museum experience you will long Valley Resort and HoliMont, for a history of the Seneca remember. Watch as maple they are sure to please all levNation of Indians here in syrup is produced as you els of skiers. Or try tubing at Western New York. make your way into the welHoliday Valley Tubing Co. For a complete listing of fescoming restaurant. Then be There’s also the new mountivals and events, visit prepared for surprises as you tain coaster to try, which is www.EnchantedMountains.inf await your mouth watering open all winter long at o or call for a FREE travel meal; look for a raccoon to Holiday Valley in guide at 800-331-0543. pop its head up out of a Ellicottville. No matter what you bucket, or an owl to hoot Snowmobile on over 400 choose for your relaxation, from its perch and a woodmiles of trails for you to come to the Enchanted pecker tapping on the wall, enjoy. Snowmobile maps can Mountains of Cattaraugus there is even a family of bears be obtained by calling 800County to reconnect! to see. No matter the time of 331-0543. year, an adventure awaits Unwind in the tranquil
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Even at 86, Marv Levy has not written off his fondness for football or Buffalo By Joe Kirchmyer At the age of 86, don’t expect to see Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy patrolling the sidelines again during an NFL game. Then again, Joe Paterno is still coaching the Penn State Nittany Lions at the age of 84. But that doesn’t mean football is completely out of Levy’s blood. Not by a long shot. In fact, Levy recently spent some time in Western New York—he now lives in Chicago— promoting his latest book, Between the Lies. The novel follows two fictional teams, the Los Angeles Leopards and the Portland Pioneers, who are destined to meet in the Super Bowl when the integrity of the
game suddenly comes into question. While Levy himself coached the Buffalo Bills to four Super Bowl appearances, he insists that the cheating scandal detailed in the book is all fiction. “When people read it, they see that the focus is not on cheating,” Levy said. “The focus is really on always playing hard and playing to win. But I do have to keep saying this over and over... it’s fiction!” As a coach, Levy explained that he would often jot down plot lines and scenarios following practices and games, “enough for 50 books,” he said. In fact, he has an idea in mind for another book; ironically, it
has nothing to do with the game of football. Next in line might be a mystery involving double jeopardy, hinted the Coe College graduate, who admits to being “enamored by good writers” since his collegiate days as an English and history major. And back in Western New York, Bills fans are clearly enamored with their team’s former coach and general manager. “It’s always heartwarming to go back to Buffalo,” Levy said of his somewhat frequent visits to Western New York for book-signing events, alumni gatherings and other occasions. “We treasured our years there and you can see why a lot of
Train for balance, train for everything By Christopher Koenig, PT, DPT, MBA
to your regular exercise and training regimen will put you on the If you want to right track. For reaffirm your faith this, I like to add a in all things pheBosu ball, which is nomenal, just try to essentially half a understand the theraball with a flat human body. It is a side to standard vast, complex, exercises. This interconnected sysadds instability of tem that carries you The bosu ball can be used in many ways, your surface, caus24 hours a day especially for balance exercises. ing your body to without you thinkcompensate and ing about it. All you assist all of the processes them. As a result, these have to do is feed it! Take a involved in coordination folks may not be using their simple task like walking and balance. A standard eyes to scan to see what is through a hall and looking exercise, such as a standing around them, and are at a at a picture on a wall while cable row can be made more greater risk to fall. If the you are passing it. Sensory complex by standing on a vestibular organs are nerves in your feet feel the Bosu. To do this, place the involved, such as with ground, and tell your brain Bosu a few feet back from an BPPV, you would have a what is underneath you. adjustable cable, setting it hard time knowing where Receptors in your muscles to about chest height. Grasp your body is in space. I tell your brain where one the bar attached, and stand equate the vestibular organs leg is, and when to advance onto the Bosu with the flat to three different water levthe other. Your cerebellum side down. You’ll have to els, with a bubble moving is functioning to make sure bend your knees a bit to back and forth, all coordithat your core muscles are keep from being pulled fornating with one another. If keeping you upright, your ward off the Bosu by the one is off, it affects the rest, arms are moving in a recipweight. You’ll find it is diffias well as automatic reflexes rocal pattern to help assist cult enough standing on the between your vestibular with shifting your weight ball with the weight pulling organs and your eyes. from one side to the other you forward. When you feel Even without any preso you can step with one stable enough, begin to pull existing issues, there are foot, and lift off the other. the bar in low on your chest ways to train your body, and Not complicated enough slowly, and then fully make your balance more yet? Now as you are looking extend your arms and acute, which will aid you in at the picture on the wall, repeat. This is a great way to any sport. I described the your eyes are fixed on it add static balance and coorcomplex system of balance while your head is moving dination techniques into above, but when you are while you get nearer to the your workout, and you’ll translating it into sport picture. Vestibular organs in also notice that it is very rather than just walking, your ear are assisting your taxing on your core muscles you bring in a variety of eyes to stay fixed, while as well. other systems as well. rotating your head, all the The McGuire Group is Strength, flexibility, coordiwhile keeping you from having a Balance and Fall nation, and balance all work falling by constantly evaluPrevention seminar in together to make your body ating three different planes November at our Harris Hill react the way you need it to. of motion. location, free to the public. This opens up a world of Various ailments can We will be discussing what great training techniques affect any one of these is involved with balance, that are both fun, and processes, interrupting your and how you can decrease intense. balance and in turn the abilrisks of falling and modifyThe best ways to train in ity of your body to automating your home if necessary. the shortest amount of time ically correct for disturFor more information on if your goal is general fitbances. Diabetes can this, you can email Katie ness is to incorporate all decrease sensory input in Leblanc, PT, DPT at klethese components at once. your feet, making it more blanc@mcguiregroup.com. It will tax your nervous sysdifficult to monitor what’s Christopher Koenig is a tem, as well as you strength below you. To accommoDoctor of Physical Therapy, and flexibility, which will date for this, many people and the Administrator of have great carry over to finding themselves walking Rehabilitation for The your sport. Incorporating with their head down, using McGuire Group. Bosu’s, balance boards, thertheir eyes as extra sensory aballs, and uneven surfaces input to see what is below
players—(Jim) Kelly, (Steve) Tasker, Thurman (Thomas)—all decided to make Buffalo their home.” Levy’s recent visit—which centered around some bookrelated activities as well as Phil Hansen earning his place on the Buffalo Bills Wall of Fame during the home opener against the Oakland Raiders—reunited the former coach with many of his players from those four Super Bowl teams. “I still see those guys fairly often and we stay in touch,” Levy said. “It’s always good to see them and we never belabor this game or that game.” “In fact, today’s conversations usually revolve around more typical things such as family matters,” he added. As for the current Buffalo Bills team, Levy praised coach Chan Gailey and credited him and his coaching staff for Buffalo’s outstanding start to the season. “Chan Gailey’s reputation around the league as a coach is very good, and he’s put together a very good staff. But I’m going to do a little bragging here. When I was GM back in 2006-2007, we put heavy focus on Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson. There’s also a lot of good character guys on the team—George Wilson and guys like that.” For background, Fitzpatrick was a late round draft pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2005 and also spent
November 2011 time with the Cincinnati Bengals before eventually landing with the Bills. Jackson, a Coe College graduate like Levy, played
Unlike most Hall of Fame coaches, Marv Levy also has published author on his resume. indoor football and in NFL Europe before Levy brought him to Buffalo in 2006. And, no conversation with Levy would be complete without asking his opinion on the future of the Bills in Buffalo. “When I was with the team, I hardly ever delved into the business aspect of the team,” he said. “I was worried about how to beat zone blitzes and that stuff. But my guess is that the team is going to stay there. Even with playing in
Toronto ... that’s just one game a year and I think that’s more of an appreciation for the people who do come down (from Ontario) to Buffalo for games. I do foresee them staying (in Buffalo).” Levy plans to visit Western New York again in early November, when Buffalo will be taking on the division rival New York Jets. His busy schedule will surely include additional booksigning events and alumni gatherings. “I’ve slowed down a bit, but not a lot,” Levy noted, addressing his hectic-as-ever schedule. “I exercise, walk a lot and break into the occasional trot. I also lift weights three days a week and I like to read about what makes a good diet,” he said with a laugh. “Overall, I do follow a healthy lifestyle.” It’s a lifestyle that has brought him great success among both athletes and authors, and has made him a living legend among Western New York’s football faithful. Joe Kirchmyer is president of West Seneca-based Kirchmyer Media. To comment on this story, send an email to jkirchmyer@verizon.net.
November 2011
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Aracache Hanover shatters record at Batavia Downs By Matthew Young talent of Aracache Hanover’s spot in second to go around stature. The Kane Memorial Silent Swing on the far turn. The 2011 Kane Memorial is an exception and the Silent Swing and Kramer at Batavia Downs Race crowd in attendance could not keep up, and ultiTrack was won in record responded in like form. The mately tired to finish in time earlier this October. on-track betThe race’s ninth ting handle annual edition for this race saw Aracache was up a total Hanover win of 42 percent with a time of from last 1:51 1/5th secyear’s Kane onds on Oct. 8 Memorial. for the one-mile The total hanrace. The previdle for the ous record for day was up 30 aged pacers was percent. set in 2008 by H a i g h t Kenneth J. in a Photo by Paul White believes that time of 1:52 flat. Aracache Hanover lowering the Batavia Downs this is A r a c a c h e track record in the 2011 Robert J. Kane Memorial because of the Hanover paid with Trevor Henry in the ulky. good weather $3.30 for winand the large ning wagers. increase in talent that this third for a show. Second The race developed perrace has attracted. place went to Power Of A fectly for Aracache Hanover The horse’s performance Moment driven by Jack and driver Trevor Henry. is all the more impressive Flanigen. Silent Swing, driven by Brad because his regular driver Aracache Hanover has Kramer, led most of the race was not at the helm. Doug recorded winnings of over while Henry and Aracache McNair was not able to race $1,035,000 for owners sat in second. The splits on this day, so Trevor Henry William L. Switala and posted by Silent Swing were stepped in and helped James M. Martin of blazing fast; 26 2/5th for the secure the win. “I thought Clarence Center, N.Y. two furlong split and 54 Trevor drove a great race,” Despite the fact that his 1/5th seconds for the half Haight commented. “He sat owners are from the area, mile. Despite such fast in the two-hole until almost this was Aracache’s first race splits, Silent Swing could the top of the stretch and at Batavia Downs. Todd not pull away from the talwhen he got clear, Aracache Haight, General Manager of ented field. Right before the Hanover exploded with Live Racing at Batavia three-quarter mile marker, pace. We don’t get to see Downs, commented that Windfall Blue Chip chalhim much here at the this is because the purses at lenged the two leaders, and Downs because he does Batavia Downs are usually Henry seized this opportunot large enough to attract nity to break out from his continued on page 15
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Collecting Memories Collectors have fun on a special ‘Trade Night’
with Mike Dyer
It was back in the mid1970s that Pittaway got started in sports collectibles. Besides Buffalo Sabres contests, Pittaway can be found at hockey matches by the Rochester Tonawanda’s Jim Lyons Americans of the American has baseball cards dating Hockey League or back to 1933 but admits he’s R o c h e s t e r always trying to Institute of improve on his Technology in vast hockey card NCAA competicollection. tion. Lockport’s Ed Pittaway’s allFink, a longtime time hockey sports card dealer hero? “That has in Cheektowaga, to be Gilbert shows up to Perreault,” he socialize “and talk answered. to the guys.” For And why not? Steve Paladino of A National Clarence, the Hockey League game plan calls Hall of Famer, for more Ted Perreault owns Williams cards most of the and some Rocky Sabres’ all-time Colavito cards. records. Perreault These veteran Photo courtesy Center Ice Sports Cards once scored seven card collectors are Patrons enjoy a night of trading and refreshpoints in a game typical of the ments during Trade Night at Center Ice Sports and was the NHL’s sports collectors Cards . Rookie of the Year who show up in 1970-71. ple in here grows and once a month on Trade There were more than 25 grows. We’ve had thousands Night at Center Ice Sports sports collectors who of dollars in cards swapped Cards in Tonawanda. They showed up for the October here in the two years.” eat the free pizza and enjoy Trade Night. They sipped Sports cards aren’t the the atmosphere at Center their sodas, bit into pizza only items to be traded. Ice, located at 1592 Niagara and exchanged items at a You’ll find yearbooks, plate Falls Blvd. brisk pace. I even saw a rare sets, vintage sports games Store owner Al Pittaway, 1955 Topps Willie Mays and McFarlane sports stat48-year-old father of two, card change hands. ues available. “In time I’d started the Trade Night two The quick winning start like to have the largest years ago and October’s by the Sabres has helped McFarlane collection in the show marked 27 consecuBuffalo area,” Pittaway said. tive months the special twohour get together took place. The 28th straight Trade Night will take place Nov. 17. “We get people into the store,” Pittaway, a Rochester native and longtime hockey fan, explained. “Each month the number of peo-
continued on page 15
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Between the pipes with Cody Campbell
ECC: Excellent college coaching By Kyle Soppe opmental haven. Pinkard joined “Where there’s ECC teammate a will, there’s a Ricks at Wingate, way.” and has made an C l i c h é ? immediate impact. Maybe. But there He has nine catchis simply no es through four other way to games, more than describe the any college scout approach of would have preplayers on the dicted when he was Erie Community a high school senCollege football ior three short team. As a proyears ago. gram with limitHowever, his talent ed recruiting has been on display resources and the most while on only a two year special teams. For stay for most of his efforts against its players, ECC Brevard college on has overcome Sept. 24, Pinkard many obstacles was awarded “SAC to produce a preSpecial Teams mier breeding Player of the Week ground for Award.” The ECC Division I athPhoto courtesy ECC Athletics grad not only letes. Although After just one season at ECC, Ellie Hyppolite has returned a kickoff this doesn’t brought his imposing presence to Florida A&M. the length of the always lead to field for a TD, he extreme success also returned a punt 49 yards interception. Saleh, who in terms of wins and losses late in the game to set up the only spent one year at ECC (they have started slow this go-ahead touchdown. He before heading to Morehead year with a 2-4 mark), the compiled 204 all-purpose State, clearly benefited from track record of player develyards and served as his time in Buffalo. A native opment is unquestioned. Superman on this day. In his of Kissimmee, Fla., Saleh The ECC coaching staff, led two years at ECC, he had came to ECC to hone his by Dennis Greene, has nearly 400 receiving yards skills. He is learning from excelled at preparing their and a team high three TDs. watching right now, but will student-athletes for football Coach Greene attributes the likely get an opportunity on at the next level; serving as success of ECC graduates at a defensive unit that has another step for talented the next level to the work struggled in 2011 (36.4 high school players to take ethic they developed while at points allowed per game). on their way of fulfilling a the junior college: “We work His build (5-foot-9, 190 lifelong dream. them that hard so that when pounds) gives Saleh the abilGreene’s mindset is a simthey leave here, that’s all they ity to be physical with ple one: “You have them for know and everything else receivers at the line of scrimtwo years. They don’t know seems easy and they’re ready mage, something many of football. They’re just coming for the next step,” Greene his teammates cannot do. out of high school where explained. Hyppolite, who has the size they think they know footCoach Greene insisted to succeed at this level, saw ball. They’re the guys who that he is no different than limited action in Florida were the man there and they any other junior college A&M’s season opener, and come here and you have to coach and refuses to take the recorded his first Division I explain the game, teach credit for his player’s tackle. He also spent only them, and just when you got achievements. He views himone year at ECC, but he them right where you want self as more of a mentor than imposed his will, registering them, they’re gone.” a football coach, allowing six tackles (two behind the The class of 2010 was him to teach his players life line of scrimmage) per game. exceptionally talented, with lessons, which translate to Ricks has transformed from seven players currently in football successes. “Last a versatile member of ECC Football Champion year, we had a lot of talent. to full-time linebacker at Subdivision (FCS) programs. We have to teach them how Wingate. He led the 2010 Winning games is great, but to grow up, how to play the Kats in tackles (65) and ECC has made it clear: the game, how to be graceful loscaught nine passes when lingoal is to give players a ers as well as winners. Our ing up as a WR. He has made chance to extend their playjob is to make them adults an appearance in six of ing careers. and send them to the next Wingate’s first seven games, Of the seven former ECC level because, if we don’t totaling seven tackles, two of players, five are on the train them, the four-year which were behind the line defensive side of the ball: schools won’t take them. of scrimmage. Destry Berry; Rashad Payne; That’s why the job is so hard, The success of ECC gradMohammed Saleh; Ellie so frustrating: but yet so uates, however, is not limitHyppolite; and Malcolm rewarding because you see ed to the defensive side of Ricks. Berry was able to take them go on. It’s what we do, the ball. It is not uncommon the experience he gained, that’s what a junior college for undersized high school and not only make the New coach does. He has three talents to be overlooked by Mexico Lobos roster, but to hats: recruiter, retain them big time programs, and ECC start their season opener. and send them on. I just like benefited greatly from this The cornerback made five seeing the kids move on and trend. At 5-foot-9, utility tackles and added a pass be successful.” man Zedric Joseph stands break up in a 14-10 loss to The ability to step back two inches taller than wide Colorado State. Through six and look at the “big picture” receiver Ben Pinkard. games this season, Berry has is a quality that Greene clearJoseph, a first team all conmade 28 tackles, including a ly embodies, and drives his ference RB in 2010 (team career high of 11 on Oct. 15 success. high 4.9 yards per carry), is a at Nevada. Payne, who When asked if he was surmember of the University of earned second team Allprised by how many of his Maine this season. The high Northeast Football former players appeared on a school track star has yet to Conference in 2010, is a DI roster this year, Greene see any action this season, reserve cornerback at gave a simple answer. “They but his atheism would indiBethune-Cookman. He is did what they’re supposed to cate the potential for that to viewed as an athletic playdo; take care of business, get change. Maine is a nationally maker that has the ability to their degree and get a chance ranked team (12) that has break the game open with to move on and play.” faith in the ECC program, one play. He scored twice in solidifying ECC as a develhis two years at ECC via
November 2011
By Kyle Soppe
remember, but it was the folimprove them.” lowing game that will hold a Campbell clearly expected Cody Campbell and his special spot in the net-minto perform at a high level Purple Eagle teammates der’s heart. this season, but his performcome into the 2011-12 seaThe Purple Eagles headed ance on Oct. 8 was perfecson with optimism and southwest on Oct. 14 to tion; literally promise as a “tight knit” core square off against Air Force. In just his 10th career is joined by talented newA dreaded flight comers. Wins for most, but for figure to come Campbell, it was at a premium, a trip home. For as they the past four opened with years, he has two nationally been all over the ranked teams U.S. playing the in Michigan sport he loves and Union without the peoand two diffiple he loves cult road being able to games against follow. Though RIT and Air he hasn’t lived Force, but the with his family Purple Eagles since his sophoare up for a more year in challenge. high school, Campbell, Campbell the team’s acknowledged starting that he wouldn’t goalie, joined be where he is the squad in today without the second his family’s love semester of and support. “It last year as a was nice to see freshman. He smiling faces in had an immePhoto by Mike Majewski the crowd. diate impact, Niagara’s Cody Campbell earned Atlantic Hockey’s co[Family and starting nine goaltender of the week honors the hard way; stopping friends] have of the 12 all 30 shots to play RIT to a scoreless tie. been behind me games he the whole way.” Air Force start, Campbell shut out the appeared in last season, and defeated Niagara in an overRIT Tigers in a defensive bathas stepped into the primary time thriller, 3-2, dropping tle that resulted in a 0-0 tie. role as a sophomore. I sat the Purple Eagles at the time The performance earned the down with the Colorado to 0-1-1. Purple Eagle “Atlantic Springs product to discuss Don’t fret NU hockey fans; Hockey Association’s Cothe early season as well as the record isn’t indicative of Goaltender of the Week” the forecast for this year’s the potential of this year’s honors. Despite a career Purple Eagles. team. “We aren’t going to be high 30 saves, Campbell Campbell was born and outworked. Ever.” Campbell credited his defense for his raised in Colorado, but has emphatically stated. “With “special night.” been on the road since he the talent we have, the goals “The defense was great,” turned 16. He made hockey will come. And when they the sports management stops in North Dakota and do, we have a chance to do major explained. “From Iowa before landing a spot special things.” penalty killing to blocking on Niagara’s roster in the From a personal standshots to limiting second winter of 2011. He was given point, Campbell wants one chances, they played great an opportunity to play right simple thing; to play hockey and put me in a position to away and gained “valuable as long as he physically can. succeed.” experience.” With a save “Obviously the ultimate goal If you think that the shut percentage of .895 against is the NHL. But more than out has gone to his head, just Division 1 competition, anything, I just want to keep ask Campbell about his daily Campbell was able to develplaying hockey. I am a big preparation. “I treat every op the confidence it takes to believer in living in the presday, game or practice, the be successful. “It was good ent, and enjoying it. I am same. You can’t expect to to get my feet wet,” focused on Niagara hockey come out and succeed on Campbell explained. “The and my [sport’s managegame day without a solid experience prepared me to ment] degree for now. The week of practice.” step up and be ‘the guy’ this future will take care of Statistically speaking, this season. I was able to identify itself.” is a game he will truly some weakness, and work to
November 2011
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Women’s collegiate tennis finishes first set By Adam McGill The first half of the collegiate women’s tennis season concluded at the end of October, and it came with some impressive accolades. Five local students took the trip to regionals in Connecticut, and the girls gave WNY a strong showing in the 128-player field. Niagara University Niagara has one of the youngest squads in the nation, with six freshmen, and one junior on the roster. They had a promising first half of the year, and the team had the honor of sending several players to Yale to compete, but they unfortunately came home empty-handed. Their two entrants suffered a tough loss in the ITA/USTA Northeast Regionals to round out the Purple Eagles’ fall schedule. The only non-freshman on the squad this year was junior Hilary Hansen, and she was easily the team’s ace. She earned the number one seed in her side of the round of 128, but fell to the ninth seeded Misia Krasowski from Brown University. Hansen lost in straight sets 6-4 and 6-4. She had one of the best first half’s in school history by finishing 5-2. She also won the Flight A Title at the Niagara Invitational, and took runner up in the Bison Quad at Bucknell. She will come back extra motivated after the loss, and will be a dangerous opponent this winter.
Also making the trip to New Haven for the Purple Eagles was freshman Maria Ortiz, who lost to Rhode Island’s Tristany Leikem in
Photo by Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
Marta Stoyanova, leader of the lady Bulls, won her first match of ITA/USTA Northeast Regionals only to lose in the second round. singles action 6-3, 6-2. Ortiz also was involved in doubles action with fellow freshman Ashley Ta in the tournament. The duo competed strong, but lost to Columbia’s Nicole Bartnik and Crystal Leung, 8-1, in a hard-to-watch finale. NU returns to the court for their spring season on Feb. 10, hosting a match against Colgate beginning at 5 p.m. The team has a young core of players moving forward, and will only get better as they mature together.
University at Buffalo The Bulls also were fortunate enough to be able to send two of their players to the ITA/USTA Northeast Regionals at Yale to participate. Like Niagara, however, their two entrants came home with similar results. Marta Stoyanova was one of only two local players to make it past the first round and into the field of 64. Stoyanova won her opening match against Prerana Appineni from Stony Brook 6-3 and 7-6. However, the Bulgarian lost her second match to Penn’s Augustina Sol Eskenazi, 6-2 and 7-5, in two very high paced matches. She is the leader of this Bulls’ team and will carry the program through the second half of the season. Buffalo also sent transfer student Tanvi Shah to regionals, and the underclassman received a first round bye with a 4-3 overall record. However, Shah suffered a tough loss in the second round to Cornell’s Abby Liu in straight defeats, 6-0 and 64. Shah has played strong so far in her first year, and will be critical for the Bulls’ in their second half push. Buffalo reopens women’s tennis for their spring schedule with a Jan. 29 game versus the Syracuse Orange. The team will practice often during the break, and will come back eager to resume play.
East High Football: Sandra Nesbitt at the Helm of the JV Panthers By Brian Michalek At East High School in Buffalo, Sandra Nesbitt is just like any other coach: hard working; dedicated to her student’s success; inspirational. What is surprising, however, is her choice of sport; football. As the JV coach of the Panthers, coach Nesbitt is not only teaching skills to help her players excel on the field but also in life. No one embodies the life of football more than Nesbitt. Not only is she a teacher of the game, she is also a player, competing in the Women’s Football League. Even before her appointment at East High, Nesbitt had a great love for the game. “I started playing football when I was about 32 or 33,” Nesbitt explained. “It’s been a passion for me since I was young. I played twohand touch football with my brothers and sisters. I’ve been doing this for a long time.” Nesbitt’s time in the WFL has taken her many places, and given her many experiences. “I’ve played for a few
teams,” Nesbitt said. “I’ve played for the Empire State Roar out of Rochester. I also played three years for the
Photo courtesy Sandra Nesbitt
What Coach Sandra Nesbitt had learned as a player on the gridiron, she teaches as JV Football Coach at East High School. New York Nemesis, and last season I played for a team in Erie, Pa. called the Erie Illusion. I got drafted this year and I will be playing for a team in Connecticut. Our season doesn’t start until May or June. Our first practice starts in October. I’m injured, but I am still
getting ready to play.” A teacher as well as a student, Nesbitt has made the most of her WFL time. “With the last three years I have been playing I have learned a whole lot,” Nesbitt said. “Knowing the positions and great players has helped me with coaching.” Coach Nesbitt not only uses her experiences on the gridiron to teach football to her players, but also tries to teach her players life skills “I emphasize to my players about being men,” Nesbitt said. “That doesn’t mean necessarily mean be rough and tough, but rather, being responsible and respectful for what you do. It’s part of learning different aspect of football. Learn the part of life, not just football, but life itself.” Not only is Nesbitt reaching goals and completing dreams she set for herself, she is teaching football fundamentals and life skills to students that will hopefully send them on the right path in life.
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Doctari’s Fishing Forum
with Rich Davenport
Last call for fall, but ice will be nice The fall harvest is underway, and while many take to the woods in pursuit of game both big and small, lakes and streams still hold excitement for the hearty, as the last of the open water fishing requires bundling up and braving volatile weather to get on some hot fishing action. Winter is right around the corner, which means the ice isn’t far behind. Trout and Salmon Great Lakes feeder streams benefitted from the wet October and flow levels have trout running in both Lake Erie and Ontario tributaries. Salmon still show in some Lake Ontario streams, but the bulk of the run is done, giving way to steelhead and brown trout activity. Fly casters presenting egg patterns work pools and riffles to draw strikes from hungry prespawn browns and ‘bows alike. Popular spots like Burt Dam require early arrivals to get a spot, but action can be non-stop at times. Lake Erie tributaries now show good fish, especially Cattaraugus Creek from the mouth to Gowanda, but runs in recent years have not been what they were. Nonetheless, fish are now entering the streams and this is the time of year rainbow and browns show their strongest, offering some incredible action with hard-charging runs and acrobatic leaps. Drifters working egg sacs under a float also do very well with the bite typically sustained throughout the day. Best times are still early and late in the day, but action around noon offers rewards for the not-so-early risers. Yellow Perch Lake Erie ringbacks still delight hearty anglers willing to brave colder winds on the water, with emerald shiners being the must-have bait to put fish in the box. Depth range for these popular pan fish extends from 45 to 71 feet in water typically west of
Photo by Rich Davenport
WNY Boy Scouts put the finishing touches on the new fishing platform at the commissioner’s lake in Chestnut Ridge Park. The lake is once again open for public fishing! Sturgeon Point. When conditions permit, a good outing can result in fast limits when working minnows tight to bottom. Chautauqua Lake perch continue to amaze, and recent DEC trawling survey show the lake is loaded with yellow perch, which could start negatively impacting overall size of fish in a few short years. However, anglers fishing both basins, shallow or deep, find sizeable fish and lots of them for the frying pan. Certified minnows work well, but do not overlook a grub, wax worm or night crawler segment as well. Ice Watch It’s that time of year again when hard water enthusiasts watch the weather and inventory their ice fishing gear in preparation for the winter fun ahead. With forecasters predicting a colder than normal winter, perhaps this is the season you, too, will try your luck on the ice? Holiday season is fast approaching, and now is a good time to make that wish list. Many area tackle shops and sporting goods stores now have on display the new shanties for the 2012 season, as well as rods, reels, augers, fish finders and underwater cameras, plus essentials such as waterproof boots and extreme weather outerwear. Legacy 11 Columbus Day weekend 2011 marked the largest community service project ever to happen in Western New York. Dubbed “Legacy 11” by the Greater Niagara Frontier Council (WNY Boy Scouts of America), over 1,100 scouts, from tiger cubs to eagle scouts, descended upon our
local parks (county, city and state) to voluntarily upgrade and beautify facilities and amenities for all in our community. One of the biggest components of this project was the re-opening of the Commissioner’s Lake at Chestnut Ridge Park, and the construction of a brand new, 15 by 75 foot fishing pier, made with the help of Safari Club International volunteers. This project, two years in the making, resulted in many, many improvements to our public parks, expanding the usage potentials of these treasures immensely. Fishing at the Commissioner’s Lake is limited to the pier only, as to help keep the berm erosion that encapsulates this manmade lake to a minimum, and anglers are to practice catch and release fishing. No ice fishing will be permitted, so anglers have a limited time to see this new opportunity this year, but come spring, the lake will be ready to rock for kids of all ages (and their parents, too)! Remember, take a kid fishing, and give the gift that lasts a lifetime. Rich Davenport is co-founder of WeLoveOutdoors.com, an avid Outdoorsman and member of the NYSOWA. His works are also published in NY Outdoor News, Walleye.com and the Buffalo News. Rich is also the Recording Secretary for the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Secretary of the Western NY Environmental Federation, member of the Erie County Fisheries Advisory Board and is the Co-Chairman and Region 9 Rep NYSCC Big Game Committee. Email rich@weloveoutdoors.com.
D
uring his ten year career with the Bills, No. 67 Kent Hull was always there for Jim Kelly. The big center was a constant on the K-gun offense and was elected to three pro-bowls as well as the Bill’s 50th Anniversary all-time team for his outstanding play. Beyond the field, Hull was a respected member of the team; a downto-earth farmboy from Mississippi who kept his teammates —even a star quarterback —grounded. He will not just be missed by Western New York, but by the whole professional football community. Photo courtesy Buffalo Bills
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Upcoming pro wrestling and MMA events
Local boxing happenings
By Bob Caico Nick Casal of Niagara Falls (22-4-1, 17 KOs) scored a third-round TKO over Michael Anderson (11-1-1) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Oct. 15. Casal had Anderson down twice before the referee mercifully called a halt in the scheduled six-round welterweight bout. •••••••• Light heavyweight Lionell Thompson of Buffalo improved to 10-0 when he won a unanimous six-round decision over Abdullah Ramadan (15-11) in Mississauga, Ontario on Oct. 22. Lionell is now promoted by Hennessy Sports who are based in Ontario and in England. Lionell’s next fight will be in Manchester, United Kingdom on Nov. 12. •••••••• Speaking of Hennessy Sports, Ross “The Boss” Thompson who recently announced his retirement from the ring will be one of their lead trainers for the organization in Ontario. Ross trains Lionell Thompson and Columbian Samuel Vargas (8-0-1) who resides in Mississauga. •••••••• Lightweight Guillermo Sanchez (13-3-1) looks to get his career back on track when he battles Mark Davis
By Ivan the Impaler
Joey Giambra (left) the then 10th ranked middleweight of the world throws a hard left to the jaw against Sammy Walker of Massachusetts in the eighth round of their main event at the Aud. (15-0, 5 KOs) in Cleveland for the WBC USNBC super featherweight title on Nov. 12. •••••••• Ray Casal will hold Fight Night II at Casal’s Boxing Club at 1767 Maryland Ave. in Niagara Falls on Saturday Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Mike Glavin of Niagara Falls goes up against Jeffery Ngayot of the Buffalo PAL in the main event. •••••••• At Singer’s gym: 55 years ago this month (November 27, 1956) Joey Giambra (47-4-1) defeated Sammy Walker (46-46-6) by 10round unanimous decision
in the Memorial Auditorium main event. In other bouts that evening Bobby Scanlon improved to 21-0-1 with an eight decision over Harvey Charles. Stan Fitzgerald (4-0) defeated Lee Bohles (37-18) in six rounds. Richie Todaro and Rocky Fumerelle both won fourround decisions in their professional debuts. Giambra, Scanlon, Fitzgerald, Bohles and Fumerelle are all in the Buffalo Boxing Hall of Fame and the latter three still attend Ring 44 monthly meetings. Tom Lippes was the promoter of the show.
NFL trivia Fitz, Fred and the rest of the Bills seem intent on making a playoff push this season, so we’ll continue to keep the football vibes coming, with another foray into the NFL record archives. 1. Who is the only player with two career games of 270 or more yards from scrimmage? a. Corey Dillon b. Flipper Anderson c. Jamal Lewis d. Marshall Faulk 2. Josh Cribbs holds the career Photo by Mike Majewski record for most kick returns for touchDevin Hester is the career leader in punt return touchdowns, with 11. downs, with eight. Is he also No. 1 in kick return TD’s? Who ranks second all-time, with seven? a. Otto Graham a. Devin Hester b. Peyton Manning b. Dante Hall c. Dan Marino c. Brian Mitchell d. Dan Fouts d. Leon Washington 5. Only two players have 3. Who was the last playhad two career games with er to lead the league in 15 or more receptions, sacks for two consecutive Brandon Marshall and years? whom? a. Jared Allen a. Marvin Harrison b. DeMarcus Ware b. Andre Reed c. Reggie White c. Wes Welker d. Kevin Greene d. Jimmy Smith 4. Who is the only quar6. Who is the only active terback ever to lead the player ever to have two league in passing yards for games in the same season four consecutive years?
with four rushing touchdowns? a. Adrian Peterson b. DeAngelo Williams c. LaDainian Tomlinson d. Clinton Portis 7. Which of these quarterbacks has never passed for 500 or more yards in a single game? a. Matt Schaub b. Tom Brady c. Ben Roethlisberger d. Drew Brees 8. Neil Rackers holds the record for most field goals in a season with 40. Which active kicker is tied for second all-time, with 39? a. David Akers b. Adam Vinatieri c. Olindo Mare d. Nate Kaeding 9. Who is the only quarterback ever to be sacked nine times in one game? a. Aaron Rodgers b. Ryan Fitzpatrick c. Matt Hasselbeck d. Jay Cutler 10. Wes Welker is the only player ever to record three seasons with at least 110 receptions. Who is the only other active player to reach the 110 mark twice? a. Roddy White b. Hines Ward c. Brandon Marshall d. No other active player has done it more than once. Answers 1. a 2. d 3. c 4. d 5. c 6. b 7. a 8. c 9. d 10. d
By Mike Fox
Don’t have any incentive to write anything else this month … Jon “Bonez” Jones will defend the UFC Light Heavyweight Title against Lyoto Machida in Toronto on Dec. 10 ...Wrestling fans should check out Ring of Honor TV, now on Fox 29 at 11 p.m. on Sunday nights … WWE returns to town for a house show on Dec. 29; rumor is that Booker T may be back in the ring by then. In an upcoming issue: The Hardy Boyz learn about North Carolina drug laws. Saturday, Nov. 12 - ESW St. Johnsburg Fire Hall, Ward Rd. - N. Tonawanda,
November 2011 N.Y. - 6 p.m. Satuday, Nov. 12 - UFC on FOX 29 TV - Anaheim, Calif. -Cain Velasquez vs. Junior Dos Santos for the UFC Heavyweight Title; Ben Henderson vs. Clay Guida - 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17 - CWI - Rapids Theatre, Niagara Falls, N.Y. - 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 - NWA NY - Eagles Club, 1200 Buffalo Road - Rochester, N.Y. - 6 p.m. … The NWA North American Tag Team titles will be on the line. Saturday, Dec. 10 - UFC PPV- Air Canada Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada 5 p.m. Bonez Jones vs. Lyoto Machida. Thursday, Dec. 29 WWE (Smackdown) House Show - First Niagara Center - Buffalo, N.Y. - 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29 - TNA Impact - Times Union Center, Albany, N.Y. - 7:30 p.m. TELEVISION The Hippest Wrestling Program in WNY is Wrestlevision Presents No Limits TV. Catch the action,
manufactured by Big Guy Productions on the following stations: In Rochester at 3 p.m. Sundays on My18 (WBGTTV). (Replays late Wednesday/Early Thursday at 2:30 a.m., as well as late Saturday/early Sunday at 2 p.m.). For Suburban Erie County, it’s on Time-Warner Cable Channel 20 every Saturday at 4 p.m., with replays Mondays at 11:30 p.m. In Elmira/Corning, stay glued to WYDC-TV (Big Fox) at 1:30 a.m. late Saturday/early Sunday. Or, watch WJKP-TV (Channel 39) Sundays at 4 p.m. Note- Wrestlevision is now on that Twitter thing. RADIO Listen to The Pain Clinic every Saturday at 10 a.m. on WHTK-AM (1280) in Rochester. Cashman Rich Jones has weekly prize giveaways worth thousands of dollars. You can also listen online at www.feelthepain.net
November 2011
Collecting
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
pointed out he was once a batboy for the Boston Red Sox and set up at Fenway Park. “I collect all sports but I like baseball the most,” he said. “I have many autographed jerseys and I’m trying to finish the 1959 Fleer Ted Williams set.” His first cards were purchased in 1956 when the gum packs sold for only a nickel. Paladino is retired from the U.S. Air. “Age doesn’t matter to those who show up here every month,” he concluded. A hockey collector, Tonawanda’s Jim Lyons concentrates on his Sabres card collection. A Bryant & Stratton College graduate, Lyons is proudest of his 1933 Goudey Billy Herman card. Ed Fink savors football the most. His favorite player was Thurman Thomas but
from page 11
hockey collectors in Western New York. “My e-mail list is growing daily,” Pittaway explained. “Collectors can contact me by calling 716.957.3742 or sending email to apitta2861@aol.com.” The sports card traders ranged in age from teenagers to collectors in their 80s. They passed sports cards for Willie McCovey, Michael Jordan and Marcel Dionne and sat at long, wooden desks to prepare for trades. Steve Paladino, a former U.S. Air Force sergeant, looked around the well-lit store. “We all have a common bond,” he said. “We come from different backgrounds but we share an interest in sports.” The Clarence resident
Batavia Downs most of his driving in Canada but he’s a very capable reinsman.” Currently trained by Gregg McNair, Aracache Hanover was purchased for $37,000 at Hanover Farms. Based upon recent races and workouts, co-owner Switala was convinced that his horse would be successful going into the Kane. “We anticipated him to break that record,” Switala said. As Aracache ends his career as a 4-year-old, Switala plans on
from page 11 seeing what he can do as a 5year-old. “We’ll definitely race him as a 5- year-old… We’re going to keep him racing this year and take each race step by step.” When his career does come to an end, Aracache’s connections have tentative plans already laid out. “We’d like to see [Aracache] become a stud, and help get his name out,” Switala said. With his record, this shouldn’t be too hard. For 2011, the horse has
Jim Kelly and Andre Reed are a close second and third. “Outside of the Bills, I admired Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders the most,” Fink said, “It’s a shame Sanders retired before beating Walter Payton’s career rushing record.” Fink also sells sports collectibles at the weekend Flea Market shows in Cheektowaga. Upcoming events Next area shows are slated for Nov. 9 and Dec. 14 at the Leonard VFW Post on Walden Avenue in Cheektowaga. Shows, with free admission, begin at 5 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. Cheektowaga’s Mike Dyer, who also sets up at area sports card shows, began collecting in 1948. A retired sports writer and book author, he can be reached at mikedyer59@yahoo.com. raced consistently in the top three places. Aracache recently faced his toughest challenge of his career when he ran in the $500,000 Breeders’ Crown Open Pace mile on Oct. 29 at Woodbine Park in Ontario, Canada. In the 11 horse field, he had a morning line of 15-1, but went on to finish seventh overall with 20-1 odds. Despite his seventh place finish, Aracache ran a personal record of 1:49 4/5, a time that was over 2 seconds faster than his Kane Memorial record.
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