Flash forward: Women’s soccer here to stay in Western New York By Jeffrey Levine In 2004, Abby Wambach struck gold. As a member of the US Women’s National Soccer Team, the Rochester native came up big on the world’s largest stage, putting in a header against Brazil during extra time to secure a 2-1 goldmedal victory for the American side. Then, four years later in Beijing, Carli Lloyd followed up being named U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year by scoring the game-winning gold-medal goal in overtime. Four years after that, Lloyd struck lighting in London again by scoring two goals against Japan, and giving the Americans their third gold medal in as many Olympics. With all of their championship pedigree, Wambach and Lloyd should fit in just fine with their new team, the Western New York Flash. Formed in 2008, the Flash played their inaugural season in the United Soccer Leagues-W, avenging a championship loss with an undefeated season in their second year. In 2010, the Flash won their second consecutive championship after their move to Women’s Professional Soccer. Despite the high level of play— each team was matched with three national team players—and growing national audience, the league folded. The next year, the remaining WPS teams competed in the Women’s Premier Soccer
League Elite, where the Flash once again brought home another banner to Sahlen Sports Park. The winners of back-to-back-to-back championships, the Flash are looking for their two newest members to help the team contend for a fourpeat as they begin play in the newly formed National Women’s Soccer League. “For a young league it’s been vitally important that the faces of women’s soccer are playing, especially with the national team being extremely successful over the years” Flash head coach Aaron Lines explained. “The US Federation has allocated close to all the [national] players to the eight teams. We were only given two while all the other teams were given three, but we were given two fabulous footballers in Abby and Carli.” What the Flash missed in the national player allocation in quantity, they have certain made up for in quality, even with Lloyd sidelined at the start of the season with a fracture in her left shoulder. “Carli’s someone that leads on field and when she’s back that will add to our arsenal,” Wambach said. “There are a lot of great players on this team and we’re going through the same learning process that other teams are going through. We’ve had some growing pains but when [Lloyd’s] back well be able to keep possession and get some more goals. She’ll help us keep our midfield in shape and
give us more opportunities.” “The interesting and challenging part is to try and learn what the different players have to offer and expose those strengths as we move forward in the season,” Wambach added. For Lloyd, the toughest challenge will be to sit on the sidelines knowing that every day spent rehabbing her shoulder is another day she is not contributing to her team. “Whenever you’ve been on top for a couple years, whether WPS or W-League, there’s a lot riding on you, a lot of pressure. For me, I thrive under pressure,” Lloyd explained. “I’m 100 percent determined to come in and show everyone that I can not only do well and succeed nationally but I can come in and help my team on league. That’s the pressure I put on myself.” Although having Lloyd out is a less than ideal situation, coach Lines is taking the long-term, wide-angle approach to assembling an entire team instead of just a grouping of talented players. “It’s not about two players,” Lines said. “They’ll certainly contribute largely but it’s about the squad. Most players that are playing well contribute. Ultimately, you don’t get it done without everyone contributing in some way shape or form.” For coach Lines, those contributions extend far beyond the scope of individual matches.
“I love coaching kids. It’s vitally important that young kids have role models,” Lines explained. “In no other sport can you get right up close with the best in the world at what they do. [The players] are within reach, you can touch them after the game.” While many of the Flash players stay late after games to sign autographs and conduct youth clinics, perhaps no one has a stronger connection with Western New York than Wambach. “There’s nothing like playing with a team that is from the city you grew up in,” Wambach said. “Being able to play in front of family and friends and people who have followed my career since being in high school is really special and rare. Not many people get to play in their hometown at a pro level. I’m excited for the opportunity to get people excited about soccer and grow the sport in the U.S.” When it comes to the Western New York region and its fans, Lloyd shared the same sentiment as her teammate: “One of the reasons I came to the Flash was the fan base. The fans up here are diehards and I think that we need to start packing the stadium even more. We want this league to stick around and everyone needs to do their part. I hope we get even more fans out there for the next game. Fans shape the league.”
May/June 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
NFL draft trivia By Mike Fox
After having to endure another excruciating lockout, Sabres fans began this shortened season with high hopes for the team only to see them once again dashed as the Sabres just failed to qualify for the post-season once again. Gone are long-time head coach Lindy Ruff, center Derek Roy and former captain Jason Pominville, with Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miler constantly the topic of trade discussion. Although the Sabres may have lost some of their top talent, GM Darcy Regier and interim turned head coach Ron Rolston will have plenty of evaluating to do this offseason and decisions to make. Aside from prospects Johan Larsson and Matt Hackett, the Sabres have been stockpiling draft picks and may be looking to move up into the top three this year. Speaking of the draft, the Bills recently made team history by taking a quarter-
back with their first pick in the draft. With 10 quarterbacks starting for the Bills since Jim Kelly retired in 1996, the Bills are banking on E.J. Manuel to become their franchise player of the future. The strong-armed quarterback from Florida State has shown brilliance in the air, as well as with his feet, and only time will tell if Buffalo got a steal by moving back to take him with the 16th overall pick. The Bills also parlayed their dropback into additional picks, nabbing wide receivers Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin as well as linebacker Kiko Alonso in the second and third rounds. As football is getting ready to start, baseball is already a month plus into the season. While the Bisons and Red Wings sit at opposite ends of the International League North standings, there are still plenty of games left to play. The same can also be said
of the WNY Flash who currently sit in the middle of the standings in the National Women Soccer League standings. With Abby Wambach leading the way, the Flash should get a major boost when her US National teammate Carli Lloyd returns to the lineup. Our own Ed Kilgore said goodbye to TV as he welcomes a new chapter in his life. Ed opens up about some of his fond memories as a TV anchor as well as other personal experiences. The first time I met Ed was in the Bills locker room during the Flutie-Johnson era. Understandably I was nervous, as it was my first time in a locker room as a reporter. I wasn’t sure where to stand or where to look. Ed talked with me and made me feel welcome and I was honored to talk with a local TV icon. The Sports & Leisure Family wishes Ed all the best on his new journey!
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Publisher & Editor Marian Giallombardo Associate Editor Jeffrey Levine Feature Writers Paul Adamo, Robert Caico, Rick Davenport, Mike Dyer, Mike Fox, Ivan the Impaler, Ed Kilgore, Joe Kirchmyer, George Kuhn, Jeffrey Levine, Sloan Martin, 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 E.J. Manuel by Jeff Barnes Advisory Board Phil Haberstro, Adam Lingner, Denny Lynch Contributing Writers Oren D. Barris, Kevin Bonk, Pam Borges, Todd Etshman, Brian Funk, Brian Mazurowski Layout & Cover Scott Appleby, Graphic artist Liz Seivert Copy Editors and Office Assistants Len Mytko, Justin Vernold, John Williams Please send your letters, questions, and comments to: Sports & Leisure Magazine, 192 Louvaine Dr, Buffalo, NY 14223 or e-mail publisher@sportsandleisuremag.com. Please include your name, address and phone number or your letter can’t be published. All letters and responses become the property of Sports & Leisure Magazine, they may be printed, and are subject to editing. Sports & Leisure Magazine is circulated throughout Western New York and Southern Ontario. All rights and trademarks reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher is strictly prohibited. ©1997 2013 Sports & Leisure Inc.Facebook: Sports and Leisure Magazine and Hugesportz.com
The 2013 NFL Draft came and went, and if you’re a Bills fan, you have one burning question: Will E.J. Manuel be the Buffalo’s future franchise quarterback? That answer has yet to be determined, but these 10 answers are already in the books. 1. Over the past 15 drafts, how many nonquarterbacks have been selected No.1 overall? a. 3 b. 5 c. 7 d. 9 2. Who holds the record for most seasons Photo by Joe Valenti played by a No.1-overall Remember when the Bills were pick without being criticized for drafting CJ Spiller 9th selected to a Pro Bowl? overall in the 2010 Draft? a. Jeff George b. Vinny Testaverde how many times has a quarc. Steve Bartkowski terback been selected No.2 d. Jim Plunkett overall? 3. Since the AFL-NFL a. 4 merger, what is the only colb. 6 lege to be the alma mater of c. 9 two consecutive No.1-overd. 12 all picks? 6. The Buffalo Bills a. Oklahoma picked C.J. Spiller No.9 b. Auburn overall in 2010, and Marcell c. Notre Dame Dareus No.3 overall in d. USC 2011. Prior to that, when 4. Only two No.1-overall was the last time the Bills picks have appeared in 11 drafted in the top 10 overall Pro Bowls in their careers; for two consecutive years? Peyton Manning and who? a. 1969 and 1970 a. Bruce Smith b. 1978 and 1979 b. John Elway c. 1981 and 1982 c. Irving Fryar d. 1994 and 1995 d. Tom Cousineau 7. How many punters in 5. Over the past 25 drafts,
NFL history have been selected in the first round of their respective drafts? a. 2 b. 3 c. 4 d. 5 8. Over the past 25 years, how many kickers have been selected higher than Round 3 of their respective drafts? a. 3 b. 4 c. 5 d. 6 9. Who was the most recent wide receiver to be drafted No.1 overall? a. Calvin Johnson b. Charles Rogers c. Keyshawn Johnson d. Johnny Jones 10. Lastly, to help the aforementioned Bills fans keep the faith: Tom Brady has led New England to five Super Bowls since being drafted in 2000. In what round did the Pats select Brady? a. Fourth b. Fifth c. Sixth d. Seventh Answers 1.a Jake Long, Mario Williams, Courtney Brown 2.d 15 seasons 3.d Ron Yary, OJ Simpson 4.a 5.a Rick Mirer, Donovan McNabb, Ryan Leaf, RG3 6.b Terry Miller in ’78, Tom Cousineau and Jerry Butler in ’79. 7.a Ray Guy, Russell Erxleben 8.b Janikowski, Lohmiller, Hanson, Nugent 9.c Others were all No.2-overall picks
From the Publisher
May/June 2013
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May/June 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
For the first time in franchise history Bills take a quarterback with top pick By Charles Roberts Less than 24 hours after being selected No. 16 overall by the Buffalo Bills, quarterback E.J. Manuel was greeted at One Bills Drive by Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. Manuel, the Bills hope, is the longawaited “franchise quarterback” the team has sought since Kelly’s retirement, following the 1996 season. “I met Mr. Kelly two years ago,” Manuel, a product of Florida State University, explained. “Florida State recruited his nephew, Chad. So that first
Photo by Jeff Barnes
time, I was star-struck to meet him. To be here and join this fraternity of quarterbacks here for the Buffalo Bills, to meet him, get his cell phone number and stay in contact with him means a lot–[and] the fact that he has reached out. C.J. Spiller has reached out. Stevie Johnson has already reached out. Talked to those guys and they are very excited about me joining the team.” Aside from meeting Kelly a couple years ago, Manuel has a deep-rooted connection with another Hall of Fame player from the Bills’ Super Bowl era: Bruce Smith is his godfather and remains in close contact. “I met Bruce when I was a kid, a small kid,” Manuel said. “I remember looking up, staring at him. I think he was still playing at the time. He looks like he is still in football shape now, but the fact that I am playing for the team he had such a great legacy with means a lot to me. Bruce has been very pivotal in my process going from high school to college and now from college to the pros.” Smith also had nothing but encouraging things to say to his godson about his adopted hometown. “Well, he said this is a great town,” Emanuel recalled. “He said the fans love their football team and when they are winning this is the best place to be. Best place to be in the world. Obviously this team and this franchise, the fans all want this to be back on the positive note. Bruce just said go in there and learn. Just continue to work hard like I have always done.” Without even playing a down yet, Manuel already carved his name into the team’s record book; he’s the only quarterback in franchise history to be taken with its first pick. Unlike the Bills’ only other first-round quarterbacks—Kelly and J.P. Losman— Manuel was the team’s lone pick on the first day of the draft. Kelly and Losman were taken behind tight end Tony Hunter and wide receiver Lee Evans respectively. The early years for Kelly and Losman were shaky. Kelly infamously bolted for the USFL for three years, while Losman suffered through injuries and inconsistent play. “I expect to come in and compete,” Manuel, who before the draft referred to himself as the best quarterback in the selec-
Photo Courtesy FSU
EJ Manuel hopes to fill the longstanding void left by former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly, a Hall of Famer, who is pictured at right.
tion pool, explained. “I expect to come in and learn. To me, the biggest thing is to come in and earn the respect of my teammates. I think the best way to do that is not do a lot of talking; just come in and try to learn as fast as possible.” The knocks on the guy Manuel is potentially replacing, Ryan Fitzpatrick, centered largely on his lack of arm strength and prototypical NFL size. Such is not the case with Manuel, who, at nearly 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, should have a towering presence in the huddle. “Well, I have said this before, I think you need to be able to play in the wind and the cold,” Buddy Nix, general manager for the Bills, said. “He has got huge hands. He is really strong. As far as arm strength, he might depend on that a little too much. He may need some refining as far as some touch and stuff. As far as arm strength, there is no question. He is a huge man.” Despite being the focal point of the draft, Manuel is expected to compete for the starting job with Kevin Kolb and Tarvaris Jackson, with a decision likely coming late this summer. “Absolutely,” Bills head coach Doug Marrone said when asked if it’s an open competition at quarterback. “Every player that we are taking, no matter how we take them, is in competition. At that position, I have already said that and it still remains the same. He is now thrown into the mix of competition.”
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Bills address need through the draft By Charles Roberts IAAF World The Bills used the pick Championships, the 2011 acquired from the Rams to In order to select West World University Games take Oregon product Kiko Virginia wide receiver and the 2008 IAAF Tavon Austin, the World Junior St. Louis Rams Championships—but moved up in the is determined to do first round of the the same on the footNFL Draft, trading ball field. the No. 16 overall “I’m a football guy pick for the eighth, that just happens to which originally run track,” Goodwin belonged to the said. Defusing the Buffalo Bills. The notion that he’s a Bills, in turn, also ‘track guy playing received the Rams’ football, Goodwin second-round pick, continued, “…but I No. 46 overall. don’t think if I was As a result, the strictly a track guy Bills, already holdtrying to play football ing selection No. that I would’ve been 41, were able to drafted, especially in add two potential this round with the impact players numbers that I have. early on the draft’s Obviously somebody second day. thought enough to The Bills first invest in me because tabbed University they saw me as a footof Southern ball player.” California wide Bills General receiver Robert Manager Buddy Nix Woods who at sixwas fairly transparent feet even and 200Photo courtesy UT Athletics Photography before the draft, statpounds caught 112 The second receiver taken by the Bills in ing that he was interpasses for 1,292 the draft, Marquise Goodwin has Olympic ested in adding a franyards and 15 pedigree and a blazingly fast 4.2 40 to back it up. chise quarterback and touchdowns as a getting help at wide sophomore in receiver. He did just that. Alonso, a 6-foot-3, 2382011, en route to being “I told you earlier that we pound linebacker, who is named a Biletnikoff finalist. were going to try to get one expected to lineup inside. Woods, referred to by and might take two After sitting out the entire many draft pundits as the receivers,” Nix said, refer2010 season rehabilitating a most NFL-ready wide encing pre-draft comments. knee injury and starting the receiver, said he’s already “I think picking up the 2011 campaign suspended developed a bit of chemistry other two picks gave us a for an alcohol-related issue, with first-round selection chance to take the best guys Alonso’s on-the-field E.J. Manuel. on the board and these were accomplishments include “It’s kind of funny, the most explosive playbeing named the 2012 Rose because when he got drafted makers on the board.” Bowl Defensive Player of to the Bills, I gave him a “[With] Robert Woods, the Game. shout out,” Woods said. “It obviously we wanted to get “I feel like I can play any was one of those things an outside receiver,” Nix spot in that [the Bills’] syswhere I’ve seen him on added. “We also wanted to tem,” Alonso said. “I am trips. I went to Dallas for get another linebacker. We really excited to come out kind of like an all-star skills got one [in Alonso] we there, just compete and play challenge. We’ve built a think can play MIK; he’s hard.” relationship and now we interchangeable. He’s a big The Bills added a bit of can grow it even more. I guy, can run, he can cover. Olympic firepower to the look forward to the opporThen Marquise Goodwin; roster in the third round, tunity to play with him. He he’s a world-class athlete. selecting Texas wide receivcomes from a winning proActually one of the things in er Marquise Goodwin, who gram and hopefully we can the report that jumps out at has been clocked at less do great things at the next you, a guy his size, he’s a than 4.2 in the 40-yard level.” tenacious blocker. He’s a dash. The 5-foot-8, 183As for his on-the-field tough guy. He’s a football pound Goodwin made a assets, Woods said he prides player first. He’s had all that name for himself on the himself in running crisp success in track, but I think track— representing the routes, catching the ball when you see him play, I United States as a long clean in his hands and availthink you’ll realize he’s a jumper in the 2012 ing himself on third-down football player.” Olympic Games, the 2011 situations.
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
May/June 2013
Sabres suffer another non playoff year, must retool By George Kuhn
Season in review With another disappointing non-playoff season behind them, the Buffalo Sabres organization has finally faced the reality that their team just isn’t good enough to earn a playoff spot, let alone compete for the Stanley Cup. When the lockout shortened 2012 season got underway, it was clear that the so called “Big Four” of Thomas Vanek, Ryan Miller, Jason Pominville and Tyler Myers would have a huge impact on the Sabres season. Only one of them performed at the level necessary for the team to be successful. Thomas Vanek validated his status as one of the league’s elite goal scorers with 20-21-41 totals goals in an injury shortened 36 games, a .53 gpg rate that puts him fifth best in the league. Projected over a full 82 game schedule he would tie his career best 43 goals and a career high 87 points. Vanek is at the peak of his career. He should rank third among all NHL wingers, only scoring leader RW Martin St. Louis and goal scoring leader LW Alex Ovechkin could be considered as having a better performance in 2013 than LW Vanek. Ryan Miller played strong five on five and in shootouts but his play while shorthand-
Photo by Joe Valenti
How much longer in Buffalo for our WNY icon? ed and with the man advantage caused much discontent among the Sabres faithful. His poor play during the Rangers game on April 19, surrendering four goals on 14 shots including two in 20 seconds, and his reaction to the home fans booing him left some speculating that this will be his last season in Buffalo. While Miller played well in most games he has not been capable of stealing wins for the team and has fallen far from his perch as the NHL’s Vezina Trophy winner in
2009-10. Miller (32) is no longer considered one of the games elite goalies and it may be a stretch to include him in the top 20. His physical skills and commitment to perfecting his craft are exemplary. But his loss of focus following the Lucic incident last year and the Rangers game reveal the mental side lags a little behind his physical skills. Former captain Jason Pominville’s numbers slipped from his point per game pace last season to 34 points in 47 games and he was traded to
Minnesota for draft picks and prospects. His trade reflected the fact that at ages 29, 30 and 32 respectively, Vanek, Pommer and Miller have reached the peak of their abilities and yet the team just isn’t very good. The idea of competing for a Stanley Cup anytime soon seems like a fantasy. It’s no wonder that local company offered free furniture if the Sabres won the cup a few seasons ago. They must have felt certain they’d never have to pay off on that bet. And then there’s Tyler Myers. His lack of commitment to physical conditioning led to an abysmal start to this season. Myers poor start cost him his confidence and once that’s gone it can be hard to get it back, although he did manage to elevate his game to mediocre by seasons end. Myers needs to reexamine his commitment to his career. For the $5.5 million annual salary he gets paid he can dedicate his offseason to getting into the best possible shape. The Sabres and strength and conditioning coach Doug McKenney need to monitor their investment closely. Other defensemen from the 2008 draft year have excelled with Erik Karlsson (15th) winning a Norris Trophy, Drew Doughty (second) leading his team to the 2013 Stanley Cup and Zach Bogosian (third), Alex Pietrangelo (fourth), and Michael Del Zotto (20th) all
progressing upward to become outstanding NHL defensemen while Myers (12th) has regressed.
What’s Next For Fans of the Blue and Gold? Failure is the mother of invention. So it will be in Buffalo where the dismantling of the Sabres has already begun. Core players Paul Gaustad, Derek Roy, and Pominville along with Jordan Leopold and Robyn Regehr have been dealt for prospects and draft picks. As a result, the Sabres have four picks in the first two rounds of the 2013 entry draft, with two in the first and two in the second. This follows last year’s two first round picks of Mikael Grigorenko (12th) and Zemgus Girgensons (14th). Four first rounders in two years sounds like a pretty good way to bring some new high end talent into your prospect pool. But all the talented 19 and 20-year-old hockey players in the world will be hard pressed to win without a mixture of veteran leadership and ability (see Oilers, Edmonton). Vanek and Miller are under contract for another year and would help ease the transition of the new players into the NHL. But the prospect of losing either or both of them
after next season with no value back would be a tremendous loss. Those moves may hinge on what the marketplace offers for them in the offseason. The talented Grigorenko has shown little or no progress while exhibiting some youthful laziness. The gritty Girgensons has improved substantially during his teenaged rookie pro season in Rochester. He notched three postseason goals for the Amerks in a three-game sweep by Toronto in the AHL playoffs after going only 6-11-17 in 61 regular season games. He projects as a solid skilled physical penalty-killing third line center. Sabres GM Darcy Regier is reportedly trying to trade up in the first round. The top three players in the upcoming draft are projected to be legitimate franchise players. Recent drafts show that elite talent can be had with late picks although having one of the top three picks this year improves the odds of landing an impact player to a virtual certainty. All the young prospects will sound great when you read about them on draft day. Drafted at age 18, they may take three to five years to make an impact at the First Niagara Center. It could be a painful transition period for the fans.
May/June 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Collecting Memories
Newest Topps baseball set is hit with fans It’s the best looking Topps baseball set in 30 years. Readers of this column aren’t accustomed to hearing me praise recent Topps baseball cards. But the 2013 First Series, which reached Western New York stores in early spring, will go down as one of my favorites. I believe it is Topps’ best since the 1983 set that included rookie cards of Wade Boggs, R y n e Sandberg and Tony G w y n n besides the second-year card of Cal Ripken Jr. “Good stuff,” is what Paul of Dave and Adam’s Card World in North Tonawanda said of the 330card set. “People seem to like it.” In Buffalo, store owner Paul of Seventh Inning Stretch is a little less enthusiastic. “I’m not crazy about it,” Paul explained. “It’s a little hum-drum.....but OK.” The set is strong with regular cards for Derek Jeter, Ryan Braun, Justin Verlander, CC Sabathia, Buster Posey, Alex Rodriguez, and Jose Reyes as well as new standouts Mike Trout and Bryce Harper. Rookie cards for Mike Olt and Jurickson Profar could be valuable cards in a few years. The cards are very clean with a lot of white space and colorful photos. The backs are well laid out and the numbers are big and easy to read. Card No. 7 does not exist as Topps retired it to honor
the late Mickey Mantle. Card No. 331 is new Blue Jays standout Jose Reyes, who has been injured since April. New Yankee Kevin Youkilis appears smiling as he scores a run for the White Sox in a late 2012 game. You’ll like the excitement in card No. 27 as Mike Trout dives back to first base. Trout just missed out on MVP last year after batting .326 with 30 homers and 49 stolen bases. You all know I still consider the 1952 Topps set as the best ever made for baseball. I also favor 1953-56 Topps and 1950-53 Bowman. The Topps Series II cards
are scheduled to appear in late June and will include more stars like David Wright, Robinson Cano, Albert Pujols, Jose Bautista and Miguel Cabrera. Here are the key players included in Topps Series I: Bryce Harper 1; Derek Jeter 2; Ryan Howard 6; Ryan Braun 8; Yu Darvish 11; Joey Votto 19; Clayton Kershaw 22; Mark Teixeira 25; Mike Trout 27; Prince Fielder 28; Felix Hernandez 34; Justin Verlander 35; Jered Weaver 36; RA Dickey 43; CC Sabathia 52; Tim Lincecum 55; Ryan Zimmerman 80; Mike Olt (RC) 87; Evan Longoria 103; Joe Mauer 107; Giancarlo Stanton 127; Buster Posey 128; Jimmy Rollins 206; Matt Holliday 207; Alex Rodriguez 213; Curtis Granderson 214; Jason Heyward 222; Adrian Gonzalez 228; Matt Kemp 242; Jurickson Profar (RC) 286; Aaron Hill 302; Jose Reyes 331.
with Mike Dyer Yankees: Derek Jeter 2; Mark Teixeira 25; CC Sabathia 52; Ivan Nova 147; Alex Rodriguez 213; Curtis Granderson 214; Derek Lowe 226; David Robertson 230; Melky Mesa (RC) 231; Russell Martin 282; Hiroki Kuroda 318; Andruw Jones 326. Mets: Lucas Duda 21; RA Dickey 43; Jon Rauch 60; Kirk Nieuwenhuis 108; Ike Davis 129; Bobby Parnell 139; Jason Bay 144; Dillon Gee 156; Jonathan Niese 250; Jeurys Familia 271; Daniel Murphy 300. Topps Heritage On card No. 41, New York Yankees superstar Derek Jeter is shown walking alongside Anaheim standout Mike Trout. It is one of the most popular cards in the 2013 T o p p s Heritage baseball set. Designed to resemble the beautiful 1964 Topps set, this Heritage set is a 500-card combo that is popular f r o m Rochester to Buffalo. Best cards in the set could be No. 100 Robinson Cano, 188 Matt Harvey, and 190 Derek Jeter. Upcoming Shows The local sports card show schedule ended in early May. The next Cheektowaga show is slated for September at the Leonard VFW Post on Walden Avenue. More than 700 paying customers attended the big memorabilia show in April at the Hearthstone Manor in Depew. It was a big hit. Mike Dyer, a retired sports writer now living in Cheektowaga, wrote about great baseball stars like Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Reggie Jackson, Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan. Dyer has voted for the Baseball Hall of Fame since 1983. You can reach Dyer by sending email to mikedyer59@yahoo.com.
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One great ride By Ed Kilgore
How can 40 years be gone already? It’s just crazy, but on the other hand, I’ve always felt things have a way of working out for the better, and this is one great example of one door closing and another one opening. The TV news business has changed in so many ways since I started my first job in San Antonio, Texas, right out of the University of Missouri Journalism School. It would take a book to cover half of it, from film, to tape, to a different tape, to the current non linear version where all the images are in the computer. On top of that, the Photo courtesy Ed Kilgore explosion of social After over four decades at Channel 2, Ed Kilgore says goodbye to the generations that grew up watching him. media and expansion of media outlets have made the earlier years before that climb. there for the USA upset of look unrecognizable. Now, That climb was a lifethe Soviets in the hockey sports media must monitor changing event. That sucsemifinals, was priceless. hundreds of twitter “tweets” cess inspired me to write a Obviously, the Bills four daily to make sure nothing book, and if you haven’t Super Bowl games, even is being missed. As if ESPN read As I’ve Seen It I hope though they couldn’t win isn’t enough, there are now you’ll check it out at Barnes one, was the highlight of Fox Sports outlets and hunand Noble or online at bufhighlights. Hosting the Jim dreds of local entities like falobooks.com. Proceeds Kelly Show during those MSG that make covering from the book will go years gave me a different sports more competitive toward the Shannon Kilgore up-close perspective as I than ever. educational fund! My woncame to know Jim better I will not miss it one bit, derful wife Deb and I thank and felt his disappointment even though I loved almost you in advance! But that as much as if I’d been the every minute of my 40 years wasn’t all. one to lose each game. at WGRZ-TV. The people? Over a year ago, Terry Super Bowl XXV in Tampa Yeah, they’ll be missed for Pegula quietly asked me was both the best and the sure. Watching Adam about how long I’d like to worst: best because being Benigni grow into the marstay in the TV business and there to see the Bills play in ket’s best, with my Mizzou I really wasn’t sure. Being their first Super Bowl was buddy Jonah Javad bringing cut back to just one show a almost surreal;worst a different style to Buffalo day wasn’t my idea, but no because of the obvious— that isn’t totally catching on biggie because that’s the Scott Norwood missing the yet, but it will in my opinway the business works. potential game winning ion. Scott Levin, Maryalice The veterans all eventually field goal from 47 yards, Demler, Kevin O’Connell make way for the younger wide right. and my close friend John folks and you can either Covering the ‘96 Beard will be missed, mope or stay proactive. Olympics in Atlanta was a although we will still keep Recently, I let Terry know blast, literally. Long days in touch I’m sure. I was ready to move on and with many complications So many wonderful I’m now embarking on a trying to beat the logistics to moments, and in no particcareer I would never have cover our WNY athletes was ular order, doing the interthought possible. My title is challenging, but the bomb missions for Channel 2 for VP of Media Relations for blast at the Centennial the Sabres TV broadcasts East Management Services Olympic Park put a real palfrom 1978-1988 was a terLP, a company owned by lor on the games. The magic rific experience. My first Terry and Kim Pegula that of the first few days was game was at Chicago, and includes ties to the oil and gone and would not return, my very first intermission gas business, a music comdespite some great performguest was Bobby Orr, who pany in Nashville and an ances by our local athletes. was then an assistant GM NFL sports agency in There were some nice with the Blackhawks. Two Atlanta that includes a long personal honors, most nights later in Montreal I list of NFL players. While I which automatically come was interviewing Jean will work with all of them— along if you can manage to Beliveau. Working with the and have little to do with survive long enough, like great Ted Darling and Pat the Sabres other than host a winning our market’s first Hannigan, both gone now, suite during home games— New York Emmy in 1993 was fun yet challenging. my focus will be on the oil and being inducted into the They’d been used to workand gas business. I feel like Buffalo Broadcasters Hall of ing with Rick Azar before I’m in college again, but it’s Fame in 2010. What an Channel 2 grabbed the a great challenge and I’m amazing summer that was. I Sabres rights, and I was the excited about it. organized a group to climb new kid that had to prove To wrap up, as I said on Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa to himself. It took a while. my final broadcast at raise funds for KED, and Spending a lot of time Channel 2 recently, I think nine of the12, including me, getting to know the greatest everybody should make a made the summit at 19,340 coach of any sport, Scotty change every 40 years or so! feet and raised over $40,000 Bowman, remains a highI thank all of you who have for the kids. How tough light. He terrified me at been kind to me over the were the six days it took to times, yet later helped me years, and I will remain a summit? I lost 15 pounds in with several breaking stostaunch Sabres and Bills fan those six days and had ries. no matter what! never reached a point of The 1980 Olympics at beyond total exhaustion Lake Placid, and being right
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Who will be fantasy football’s top rookie in 2013? By Leonard J. Mytko If you’re a fantasy fanatic like me, you can’t wait for another season to start up again. We’re fed so much fantasy news throughout the year that we even go to sleep wondering about the players whose stars appear to be in perfect alignment for a monster year. (Hint, hint: Think C.J. Spiller) But one thing that always remains constant is that with each and every new NFL Draft come fresh new faces for all of us to pick from. And if this year’s rookie class is anywhere near as good as last year’s fantasy landscape, we’re certainly in for another major treat. So without further ado, let’s take an early sneak peek at the players who’ll hopefully make it onto the fantasy stage this fall. E.J. Manuel, QB, Bills If you’re looking for the second coming of Cam Newton to take place in Western New York, Manuel is probably way too raw to produce like Newton did as a rookie. Additionally, Kevin Kolb’s in town now so it’s highly unlikely that Manuel will assert himself as the main man right from the outset anyway. So while his fantasy potential looms extremely large, Manuel is probably best suited in keeper leagues or on reserve for the time being. Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers Even though San Diego is already stacked at wideout, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see California’s alltime leading receiver quickly climb the ladder and make some early fantasy noise with Philip Rivers there. Reason being is their two projected starters (Danario Alexander, Malcolm Floyd) tend to both be injury-prone, which could easily open the door for Allen to step in. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans After letting Kevin Walter go to Tennessee via free agency, Houston needed a new sidekick next to Andre Johnson and hopefully added just that with the former Clemson Tiger in the first round. Hopkins is coming off a spectacular junior year in which he piled up 1,405 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. The sky is the limit for this young wideout, although he will still need to share with Johnson. Tyler Eifert, TE/Giovani Bernard, RB, Bengals There’s a whole lot for fantasy followers of Cincinnati to like here. Eifert’s an immense red-
last two years at Wisconsin he registered a whopping 61 touchdowns (55 rushing scores) and if Willis McGahee gets released, Ball could add some nice fantasy value in an explosive Denver attack. Keep an eye on the progress he makes in training camp. E d d i e Lacy/Johnathan Franklin, RB, Packers Green Bay hasn’t had a good productive fantasy back since Ahman Green but that can be pretty much attributed to Aaron Rodgers and the passing game. This season looks like it may now be time for the switch to something a little more balanced on Photo courtesy USC Sports Information offense. Lacy is Robert Woods may not be at the top of your more of a draft board, but the talented first year ground-churner receiver could put up impressive numbers while Franklin opposite Stevie Johnson. fits the role of a true game-breaker better. zone target and the Bernard Here’s another battle to is a definite home-run hitter monitor heading into trainin both the running and ing camp. passing game. So feel free to Geno Smith, QB, Jets let other owners overpay for The former West Virginia Minnesota’s Kyle Rudolph star may have slid into the and Jacksonville’s Maurice second round for the Jets Jones-Drew come draft day but he still has the best and take Eifert and Bernard chance to start on opening instead. day, even with a whole army Tavon Austin/Stedman full of quarterbacks attendBailey,WR, Rams ing camp. It doesn’t look Another combo worth like New York will do a watching is this great job at running the ball Mountaineer duo. Austin so Smith may be given a lithad 2,910 all-purpose yards tle free reign and may just while Bailey was Geno be a halfway decent, fringeSmith’s main target in their starter based on the passing attack with 114 matchup. The downside, of catches for 1,622 receiving course, is that Smith doesn’t yards and a nation-leading really have any proven 25 touchdown receptions offensive weapons at his last year. And having those disposal other than two on board together now Santonio Holmes. should also give quarterTravis Kelce, TE, Chiefs back Sam Bradford a big At Cincinnati last year, boost to his fantasy numKelce caught 45 balls for bers this year too. 722 yards and eight touchCordarrelle Patterson, WR, downs. Taking into considVikings/Justin Hunter, WR, eration how much new Titans Kansas City quarterback Patterson is definitely the Alex Smith likes to utilize risk/reward fantasy pick the tight end, the very athwhile Hunter has more of letic Kelce has a great the poor man’s A.J. Green to opportunity to move past him. So if you’re looking for Anthony Fasano and Tony nothing but big-time, bigMoeaki during training play ability, go for camp and maybe even earnPatterson. But if you’re ing himself a starting spot. looking for a nice compliOther rookies to keep a mentary receiver to add to fantasy eye on include: your fantasy squad, the Andre Ellington/Stepfan safer choice would be the Taylor, RB, Cardinals; Tyler Vol staying put in his home Wilson, QB, Raiders; Zach base in Tennessee. Ertz, TE, Eagles; Le’Veon Montee Ball, RB, Broncos Bell, RB, Steelers; Aaron In college football, Ball Dobson, WR, Patriots; would have been a fantasy Robert Woods, WR, Bills. football beast. During his
May/June 2013
Fantasy baseball By Mike Fox
unable to land one of the few sure things, When most people your best option might think of signs of spring, be to fill the position they think of robins, peepbased on the particular ers and daffodils, but needs of your team. If sports fans know the first you feel your team battrue sign of spring is when ting average might need the umpire cries “Play a boost, for example, ball!” on Opening Day. David Freese might The second true sign is benefit you more than when you realize you have guys like Pedro Alvarez a gaping hole in your fanor Mark Reynolds tasy lineup. When you (unless you believe find yourself in this Reynolds can sustain inevitable position, here his current .285 batting are a few names that could average, which you produce a lot of bang for a probably shouldn’t). If reasonable price. you need some pop, go Matt Wieters gets no with Alvarez, Reynolds, respect. The Baseball or Cincinnati’s Todd America 2008 Minor Frazier. And keep an League Player of the Year Photo courtesy MLB Pressbox eye on Colorado’s has already put together Matt Wieters already has two seaNolan Arenado. The two consecutive 20-plus sons in the books, and the best is yet Rockies have gotten lithomer seasons, appeared to come. tle production from the in two All-Star Games, and 3B spot over the past two seaDL this year, but durability won two Gold Gloves, but his sons, and Arenado has been hasn’t been a recurring issue career .259 ML batting avertorching Triple-A pitching thus far in his professional age has helped to suppress his thus far this year (16 games, career. He should establish price in many fantasy leagues. .414 batting average, 14 extrahimself as a legitimate top-10 Catchers traditionally take base hits, 21 RBI). 1B this season, and will be longer to develop than other Is Jacoby Ellsbury a power top-five in another year or position players due to their hitter or not? The evidence two. added responsibility of hansuggests the answer is probaWashington’s Danny dling the pitching staff, and bly not. Yes, he smacked 32 Espinosa is not going to sinWieters’ minor league batting home runs in 158 games in glehandedly carry you to a average and OBP were about 2011, but the fact is that seafantasy title, but there’s still a 90 points higher than his son is sandwiched between lot to like. His batting average major league stats, so there is 442 other career major-league will probably never be anystill tantalizing upside here. games in which he has totaled thing more than ordinary, and And when there’s upside to a only 25 homers, including that low average will keep player who already boasts this one lone homer in his first 19 him relegated to the bottom kind of resume, there is the games this year. The good half of the batting lineup, suppotential for something spenews is Ellsbury still has the pressing his RBI totals. Still, cial. potential to be at least a threethere’s something to be said The Atlanta Braves added category fantasy monster. He for a player who is a 20-20 some spark to their batting carries a career .297 batting threat, and when that player lineup in the offseason, which average and .349 OBP, and has carries 20-game dual eligibilican only aid the development stolen at least 39 bases in each ty at 2B and SS, he could of 23-year-old first baseman of his three full seasons, prove to be an important Freddie Freeman. His .259including 70 in 2009, the best piece as the season progress23-94 line in 2012 is rather season total by any active es. pedestrian for a fantasy first player not named Jose Reyes. The talent level is uncharbaseman, but like Wieters, Ellsbury can get on base and acteristically thin at third base Freeman’s stock is still rising, he has speed, so he’ll cross this year, at least on paper, so especially when you consider home plate on a regular basis. many fantasy owners might that his 91 runs scored were If his power returns, that’s just find themselves struggling to tied for second among all first gravy. squeeze production out of the basemen in 2012. Freeman keystone corner. If you were has already made a trip to the
Amer Abdallah takes aim at the world Community Sports Report Lockport’s Amer Abdallah has been ranked in the top 10 light heavyweights in the world by the World Kickboxing Association. At 13-0 Abdallah is currently the United States champion with his next defense on June 8 at the Kenan Arena. With a win in June, Abdallah jumps into the top five and in line for the coveted world title. Abdallah has added world renowned boxing trainer Jeff Mayweather to his coaching team. Mayweather was excited to start with Team Abdallah. “We already have a wonderful relationship outside of the ring and together we will make a great team and continue to add to his already illustrious career” Mayweather stated. Also added to Team Abdallah is “Baby” Joe Mesi.
Photo courtesy Amer Abdallah
Amer Abdallah prepares for his upcoming fight with Jeff Mayweather at the Mayweather Boxing Club in Las Vegas. “He’s paved the way for me and I often call upon him for advice and guidance,” Abdallah said. The team will wrap up camp in Las Vegas before heading back to Lockport, where they will finish training at the Lockport Athletic
& Fitness club and WNY MMA in Buffalo. Mayweather will fly in shortly afterwards to join them for the fight. Tickets for the star-studded event are available at the Lockport Athletic club (716439-5232) or Ticketmaster.com.
PGA Championship is highlight to 2013 WNY golf scene New season provides plenty of changes on the local links By Rick Zurak, Golf Editor The 2013 golf season in Western New York and Southern Ontario started on schedule this year. Most players thought it took “forever” to get here, especially after a record early start last year, but the truth is, we have a six month golf season here. Doesn’t sound very long, but there is something you can do about it...GET OUT and PLAY MORE! Everyone always says, “Yea, I hope to get out more this year.” Well, plan now and make it happen. This article is going to give you a few reasons to play more. I’m going to inform and/or remind you of the great golf we have to offer in the region, tell you about some changes that are going on, as well as some sweet new happenings on the local links. First and foremost is the fact that the greatest players in the world will be coming to our own backyard in August. It’s the 2013 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester August 5-11. This is the third time Oak Hill has hosted the PGA with Jack Nicklaus winning in 1980 and Shaun Micheel in 2003. The good news? There are still tickets available and U.S. military, their spouses and all juniors are free. That’s right, Friday, Saturday and Sunday tickets are gone, but Thursday’s first round tickets are available for $75 and practice rounds for $25-$35 are also available. All juniors 17 and under get in for free all week with a ticketed adult. U.S. military personnel and spouses are also welcomed for free with a valid DOD identification. We’ll see you there. For more info go to pgalinks.com As for playing golf this season, most courses are in tremendous condition right now thanks to a cool, early spring and then warm and sunny conditions
that were great for growing grass. Fran Roach, General Manager at Seneca Hickory Stick in Lewiston, said his course is in as fine a condition as he’s ever seen ANY course. I recommend you get on their email list and take advantage of their specials (as low as $40 including cart, range, coffee and pastry– their most recent special and a
Photo by Ron Montesano
Looking back toward clubhouse from first green at Ravenwood.
Photo by Ron Montesano
Tee shot on the glorious second at Links at Ivy Ridge. very sweet deal). You can thank me later. To me, the best deal in WNY continues to be at The Links at Ivy Ridge in Akron. After 2pm in the spring it’s just $30 for golf and cart and it’s only $35 after 2:30 in the heart of the summer. What? You haven’t played Ivy Ridge? Well, you will be pleasantly surprised at one of the premier courses in Western New York. You get a true links feel most of the way with a bit of parkland golf tossed in. And most of all, you won’t
find a friendlier place to play. The staff there makes it a point to make you feel appreciated from the time you pull up to the bag drop to the time you leave their great 19th hole. Enjoy! There are big doings at one of the other premier courses in the Buffalo area. Ross Cellino, of the famous law duo Cellino and Barnes, purchased Harvest Hill in Orchard Park over the winter and has made an instant impact. The construction of three buildings including a pro shop/club house and
tournament pavilion will boost the facilities of the course considerably. The course is already great, but the new buildings will make it complete. Speaking of new facilities, Byrncliff Resort took a 2800 square foot rental house and turned it into “The Maple Lodge”. It’s a 5 bedroom house perfect for golf or ski groups looking for a stay and play package. You can enjoy the challenging rolling hills of Byrncliff’s 18 hole course and then relax or party hearty in your very own lodge… Sounds like fun to me. As some of you may know, I own a golf store in Lancaster and it is truly a melting pot of what’s happening in golf in WNY. The other day one of my customers told me he was off to Ravenwood in Rochester for the 6th straight year for a golf get away that’s not far away. His group of 20 stays five minutes from the course as part of their “Stay and Play Package.” They play 36 holes a day and have a great time on a great golf course. Ravenwood has hosted a number of USGA Qualfiers and NY State Championships - which speaks to the challenge of the course - but this guy could not “rave” more about the overall continued on page 8
Adjustability, versatility and color drive golf sales By Pam Borges If you’re shopping for a new driver that’s nonadjustable, good luck finding one in this year’s crop! Just about every big equipment company’s drivers are now adjustable. The differences lie in the degree of adjustability. Equipment manufacturers are making clubs with improved adjustability and engineering to optimize launch and reduce spin with the goal of creating the one-size-fits-all driver. One of the newest sensations for 2013 is the infusion of adjustable-loft fairway woods. Golfers can now get the versatility of four fairway woods into their bag while carrying only two physical clubs. Here are some innovative picks for 2013: Game improvement clubs R1 (TaylorMade) The equipment industry’s innovation leader has outdone itself again with the introduction of its new R1 adjustable driver, which boast three levels of adjustability: a loft sleeve that offers 12 settings
between 8-12 degrees; a sole plate that allows for seven club face angle options; and shot-shaping movable sole weights that change the CG to produce higher launch, lower spin and better ener-
Taylormade’s R1 Driver offers more adjustability than any driver in the history of golf. gy transfer. All together that’s a total of 168 different address settings, the most adjustable driver on the market today. Rocketballz Stage 2 The second generation RBZ driver now has an adjustable 12-setting loft sleeve but no face angle adjustment. A larger face, lighter shaft and CG
repositioning has enhanced ball speed and launch over last year’s RBZ. The RBZ Stage 2 fairway woods continue to feature the speed pocket design in the sole, a new thinner stainless steel face plate and a lower CG all designed to increase ball speed. Its Rocketballz-ier motto touts that better players gain up to 10 more yards over last year’s model. AMP CELL (Cobra) The AMP Cell line offers ultimate customization: “Choose your color, pick your shaft, adjust your loft.” Available in four colors for men—blue, red, orange, silver—and three colors for ladies—pastel pink, blue, green. The AMP Cell driver, fairway wood, and hybrid all feature MyFly technology: a six-setting loft and flight adjustment to optimize distance and trajectory; Smartpad technology that delivers a square face at address; and E9 face technology which delivers more accurate and faster ball speeds. G25 (Ping) If you’re partial to the traditional black driver, check out Ping’s new G25 driver. It features a black matte finish crown, titanium alloy body and clubface, but has a larger face than last year’s model,
e s t a lower, deeper CG and is mulmore elongated from face to tilayrear. These design features e r contribute to a higher golf launch, less spin, and more forgiveness, and the high-balance-point shaft aids club speed. It has the same loft adjustment options as Ping’s Anser driver, but is a higher launching, ball higher spinning drivVolvik features the No. 1 color golf ball on Tour. on the er with greater formarket, is giveness. designed 913D2/D3 to reduce sidespin for are offering so many flavors (Titleist) straighter distances. with color preferences not The 913 drivers promise Volvik just geared for ladies anyto deliver more speed, forVolvik’s high performance, more. giveness and distance. vibrant colored balls are Here are a few eye-catchFeaturing a high-speed, touted to be “The No.1 color ing specimens: forged lighter face insert progolf ball on tour.” Explosive Bridgestone vides more ball speed and distance with a soft feel is Bridgestone has made distance across a larger area achieved by the world’s first their most successful disof the face. A new rear patented dual core with a tance performance series weight, lower CG location, soft outer layer/hard inner balls even better. Their 2013 and SureFit Tour adjustable core—the opposite of the e Series golf balls feature a hosel, which can dial-in 16 competition. The dual core new 326-seamless dual-dimloft and lie positions, allow optimizes distance by transple pattern with six percent for improved launch and ferring the power from the larger dimples and 2.5 perreduced spin for longer dishard inner core to the softer cent more surface area covtance. The 913 fairway metouter layer. The softer zircoerage. This design helps als and hybrids share the nium cover is ceramic based, reduce drag and increase lift same new technology as the making it more durable, for better distance. Confused drivers, complete with without sacrificing spin conas to choice? The e5 model adjustable hosel, providing trol. features a two-piece urethe best combination of EVO (oncoregolf.com) thane construction designed speed, forgiveness and disOnCore golf has introfor golfers wanting higher tance. duced the world’s first and ball flight, more distance and Balls and tees only hollow metal core golf great control around the In the category of golf greens. The e6, which balls and tees, variety is the continued on page 3 Bridgestone touts as the softspice of life. Manufacturers
Rothland restores and renovates By Ronald S. Montesano
Something old can be something new, and this theory will be proven in 2013 at Rothland Golf Course in Akron. The 27hole golf complex was purchased by a four-owner consortium and will return to its original structure as a golf property on both sides of Clarence Center Road. The Red, Gold and White nines will again challenge players of all ages and ability levels, while simultaneously providing a complete recreational experience to Western New York’s golfing population. The heart of Rothland is its new ownership group. Mike Lorigo, Josh McHale, Kelly Schultz and Jack Willert joined forces to bring the facility into a new era. The banquet and restaurant facilities were leased by Mike Rizzo of Banchetti by Rizzo’s. Rizzo’s at Rothland, will offer a casual menu featuring salads, panini, bombers and of course Italian specialties including homemade pastas, pizzas, and nightly specials. With a newly enclosed area accommodating up to 300 guests, Rothland is the perfect setting for private parties, company tournaments, weddings and more. Rizzo’s at Rothland will be the perfect venue to kick back and relax after a great round of golf!
Photo by Ron Montesano
The pastoral ambiance of Rothland offers a tranquil setting for golf. Ben Potter of the Banchetti group will manage the golf course on a daily basis. The ownership group welcomes tournaments and outings from 16 to 200 players. Upgrades to equipment will be seen in the $100,000plus purchase of mowers, along with the purchase of a new fleet of golf carts. Gone are the relics from the 1990s, replaced by swift and comfortable contemporary models, complete with windshields and beverage holders. Although Rothland exemplifies the notion of the
walk in the park, those who choose to ride will do so in comfort that borders on luxury. Jeffrey Ferguson was hired as superintendent of the golf course and grounds. A graduate of the respected SUNYDelhi program for superintendents, Ferguson most recently worked at Brookfield Country Club in Clarence, as assistant superintendent. His stated goal is to offer environmentallysound maintenance practices while keeping the course aesthetically attractive and
sensitive to golfers, neighbors and wildlife. Rothland is known for its three diverse nine-hole courses. They are paired for play by the course and daily alignments may be found on the website up to ten days in advance. The Red nine is the longest, tipping at 3,400 yards. It features the widest fairways, ensuring that aficionados of the long ball have ample room to chase their drives. Memorable holes on the red are the sweeping third, a 550-yard par five, the uphill fifth, a
challenging par 3 and the double-dogleg ninth, a 560-yard par five. Across the road from the Red is the White, a 3,200 yard course that winds into the woods, then back out to an interesting finish. The two newest holes on the property are found on the White nine. The 370-yard sixth and 412-yard seventh, both leftward-turning doglegs, were developed in the 2000s and add strategy and structure to the White. One of the area’s “love it or hate it” holes is found on the White. The 500-yard third hole, a 90-degree, doglegright par five, features a tree squarely in the landing zone of your second shot. Successful negotiation leaves a straightforward pitch for birdie. Should you get stuck behind the tree, you’ll find out how good a scrambler you are! The Gold nine completes the tour of Rothland. Although it is the shortest of the three courses, it is easily the most challenging. Situated adjacent to the Red, the Gold features water hazards on six of nine holes. None of the ponds or creeks is unfairly-placed, but each will make you think before executing the next shot. While your round ends with the treacherous ninth, where you might cross water twice from tee to green, your trip from tee one to green nine is etched in your memory long before. The downward-cascading fourth and sixth holes
MAY-JUNE 2013 • SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE • WWW.HUGESPORTZ.COM
take you on runs into natural glades. A new website, www.rothlandsgolf.com, will bring you instantly to photos and course layouts, in preparation for your tour of nine, 18 or all 27 holes. Forms customized to requests for outings, league play and email newsletter subscriptions are accessed easily from the main menu. A centralized calendar of all Rothland events is featured prominently on the site. The driving range will be renovated and will include an all-grass tee deck and new range balls. Social network interaction with Facebook and Twitter updates and feeds will become standard operating procedure. A site blog will develop throughout the year on the Rothland website. It’s almost too easy to make the connection between the roots of each blade of grass and the roots laid down by Rothland at its inception. That image is precisely the one that the new team along Clarence Center Road wants each guest to envision. Rothland is returning to its roots, from each of the 27 holes to customer service to a complete recreational experience. Whether you stop by for a single round, schedule an outing or join a league, Rothland version 2013 will satisfy your expectations. Ron Montesano writes about golf on his website, BuffaloGolfer.Com
Golf sales
thin, leather or mesh uppers. The shoes are accentuated with a and it compactly folds thus the ball. Conventional ball. EVO, a groundbreaking choice of colored stitchup flat to store away in a tees absorb the ball pressure product, claims to outpering and fabric accents. handy carry case. Its creating more friction and form traditional rubber core Vibram FiveFingers shatterproof steel frame unstable base. The front golf balls by promoting a (vibramfivefingers.com) ensures durability and prong provides the ball with straighter shot and greater The innovators of the four-strand knotless a higher launch angle than accuracy. EVO’s unique toe shoe have intropolyester double netnormal. perimeter weighted design duced the ultimate minting ensures no ball will Flex-Head G2 Tees (flexgenerates enhanced rifle imalistic-type golf shoe. penetrate. It comes with head.com) spin, resulting in high MOI, The glove-style shoe a golf mat, chipping tarThis great set of colorprecision flight accuracy and provides superior get attachment and it coded tees is guaranteed for laser straight putting. Not ground feedback, claimhas a handy ball return life not to break. only unique in construction, ing to improve stance feature that kicks the Constructed of high strength this ball is a work of art! and stability. ball back to you. The “unbreakable” polymer for With the idea that art and FiveFingers offers the versatility options allow unsurpassed durability, low golf are both measured by benefits of barefooting it to be used for other resistance “snap-flex” shaft, precise strokes, OnCore golf with the protection of sports—baseball and wide tripod ball seat, conpartnered with artists, who The Rukk net pops-up easily and allows you to practice just about anyan EVA midsole plating soccer. Rukk Net is a toured fluted stake for extra created their unique ball where. protection and cleated great buy and perfect grip, and height disk for logo and packaging. Vibram rubber sole that for golfers who can’t consistent ball height. Firecracker Tee provides superior grip, tracand cart as one Combo unit. arm at a time into the center get to The package conKiwi Golf’s new tion and durability. All This compact unit weighs 18 sleeve and you can now Firecracker tee FiveFingers are spikeless and pounds and can be folded practice hitting the ball with stands tall are available in four models: flat to fit into a trunk or store a one-piece swing. This shirt among Speed XC Lite—lightweight vertically within a 16”x10” forces you to strike the ball t h e mesh upper; Speed XC— space. Its unique rectangular with the turning of your offers water resistancy multishape allows clubs to be body rather than flipping layer laminate upper geared organized in three rows of your hands and keeps for multi-season golfers; five and it contains all the your hands slightly TrekSport—designed with accessory pockets, caddyahead of the ball abrasion resistant, rugged tray and compartments to at impact. It fabric and midsole cushion stash all your necessities. w i l l to endure treks through Included is a unique built-in unpleasant hazards; seat complete with back TrekSport Sandal—a sports pad, which flips up when sandal with FiveFingers not in use. styling that features “winM: Project (footjoy.com) Vibram toe shoes provide superior grip, traction and dows” in the synthetic FJ’s new M: Project golf durability. upper. The Vibram shoe fits like a slipper; it bunch FiveFingers golf shoes are may be their most comfortthe range or sists of six color-coded tee and is said to available in bright and able shoe. It’s lightweight, need to warm-up lengths for all club types. help golfers hit longer and muted colors. ultra-flexible, minimally before playing. These economical tees constraighter drives. The reason Pam Borges, a member of constructed to deliver maxihelp you learn to hit down The Golf Swing Shirt (golfform to USGA rules. this large, hard plastic, threethe Golf Writers Association of mum movement and feel to on the ball. swingshirt.com) Training aids pronged tee is so effective is America and International the ground in order to create Accessories At first glance this swing Rukk Net (rukket.com) because the tripod top keeps Network of Golf, is a Rhode the proper ground force Combo Push Cart (suntrainer looks like a straightThis is one of the best golf the ball very stable during Island-based freelance writer reactions to promote a better mountain.com) jacket. It’s easy to put on practice nets on the market. impact and provides an air and a regular contributor to swing. Available in 10 styles, Combo, a new cart generwith no belts, buckles, and It’s lightweight (14 pounds), pocket for the pancaked ball New England Golf Monthly. five with cleats and five ation designed by Sun straps to attach. Just slip it portable, instantly pops up to expand, taking pressure spikeless with a choice of Mountain, integrates the bag over your shirt, insert one for a quick practice session and friction off the tee and
from page 2
WWW.HUGESPORTZ.COM • SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE •MAY-JUNE 2013
Public Golf Courses in and around Western New York Allegany County (www.discoveralleganycounty.com) Course Allegheny Hills Bolivar Golf Club Serenity Hills (9) Vanderview (9) Waterways (27) Waterway Hills Wellsville
Golf Olmsted. Tee it up and play in the beautiful, Olmsted-designed landscapes of Delaware, Cazenovia, and South Park. For greens fees, details, or to buy Season Passes, visit www.bfloparks.org — or contact Dave Hoover at 716-838-1249 x19 or email dave@bfloparks.org.
Location Rushford Boliver Friendship Alfred Belfast Cuba Wellsville
Phone 585-437-2163 585-928-1266 585-973-8882 607-587-9727 585-365-2201 716-372-9144 585-593-6114
Daily/Wknd rate 25/30 inc cart 25/30 inc cart 18/18 inc cart 14/14 inc cart 24/30 inc cart 30/30 inc cart 27/27 inc cart
Cattaraugus County (www.EnchantedMountains.com) Birch Run (9) Cardinal Hills Elkdale Holiday Valley Ischua Valley (9) St. Bonaventure (9) Turkey Run (9) Water Way Hills
Allegheny Randolph Salamanca Ellicottville Franklinville Allegheny Freedom Hinsdale
716-373-3113 716-358-5409 716-945-5553 716-699-2345 716-676-3630 716-372-7692 716-492-2888 716-372-9144
27/29 inc cart 30/35 inc cart 47/57 50/60 inc cart 19/20 12/15 12/12 30/30 inc cart
716-386-2893
12/14
716-595-3003 716-357-6211 716-679-4571
12/13 57/67 inc cart 18/20 inc cart
716-355-4141
99/119 inc cart
716-355-4141 716-934-2825 716-487-1471
49/59 inc cart 25/30 inc cart 21/23
716-326-4653 716-672-7888 716-965-9723
13/15 10 (unlimited golf) 45*/50* inc cart
716-648-4410 716-542-4653 716-631-7139 716-631-7124 716-773-4668 716-662-4311 716-542-4653 716-695-2580
17r;22nr/19r;23nr 39/55 inc cart 13r,23nr/13r,23nr 5r,8nr/5r,8nr 18/22 14/18 15/15 inc cart 15r;25nr/15r;25nr
716-681-4653 716-825-9811
33/45 inc cart 10/12
716-592-7636 716-542-2027 716-835-2533
29/29 inc cart 37/42 inc cart 13/16
716-651-0700 716-337-2190 716-652-5475 716-688-5454 716-549-4930 716-741-3395 716-836-7398
49/59 inc cart 24/26 inc cart 18/21 44/54 inc cart 12/13 10/12 16/18
716-684-4653 716-662-1980 716-537-2345 716-937-4741
13/13 44/59 inc cart 35/35 inc cart 30/34 inc cart
716-542-6342
45/55 inc cart
716-689-1421
12r,15nr/12r,15nr
716-496-5016 716-542-4325
12/12 29/35 inc cart
716-875-1811 716-825-9504
15r;25nr/15r, 25nr 10/12
716-649-6674
38/46 inc cart
Chautauqua County Bemus Point GC (9) Bemus Point Cassadaga Lakes(9) Cassadaga Chautauqua GC Chautauqua Hillview GC (9) Fredonia Peek’n Peak Upper Course Findlay Lake Peek’n Peak Lower Course Findlay Lake Rose Brook Irving South Hills Jamestown Sugar Hill GC (9 hole, exec.) Westfield The Vinyards (9) Fredonia Tri-County Forestville
Erie County 18-Mile Creek GC Hamburg Arrowhead Akron Audubon Amherst Audubon Par 3 Amherst Beaver Island Grand Island Bob-O-Links(par-3) Orchard Park Bright Meadows Akron (9 holes) Brighton Tonawanda Buffalo Tournament Club Lancaster Cazenovia (9) Buffalo www.bfloparks.org Concord Crest East Concord Dande Farms Akron Delaware Buffalo www.bfloparks.org Diamond Hawk Cheektowaga Eden Valley Eden Elma Meadows Elma Glen Oak Amherst Grandview (9) Angola Greenwood (9) Clarence Grover Cleveland Buffalo Harris Hill Par 3 (9 holes, par 3) Bowmansville Harvest Hill Orchard Park Holland Hills Holland Kis-n-Greens Alden The Links at Ivy Ridge, Akron www.thelinksativyridge.com Oakwood (9) Amherst Rolling Hills (9 holes, par 3) Chaffee Rothland Akron www.rothlandsgolf.com Sheridan Tonawanda South Park (9) Buffalo www.bfloparks.org South Shore Hamburg
Genesee County Course Location Bethany Hills (Exec., par 69) Bethany Batavia CC Batavia www.bataviacc.com Chestnut Hill CC Alden Davis Countryside Meadows Pavilion LeRoy Country Club LeRoy Meadowbrook Batavia Terry Hills Batavia
Phone
Daily/Wknd rate
585-591-2763 585-343-7600
23/23 inc cart 27/32 inc cart
585-547-9699
32/42 inc cart
585-584-8390 585-768-7330 585-343-0837 800-825-8633
23/27 inc cart 24/28 inc cart 11/19 inc cart 38/45 inc cart
Livingston County Brae Burn (9) Caledonia
Dansville Caledonia
585-335-8840 585-538-9956
Conesus Farview Golf Course Lima (Charleston Pines) Lima (Island Oaks) Livingston Old Hickory Triple Creek Woodland Hills
Conesus
585-346-2100
18/20 inc cart 27 (mon/tues) inc. cart/lunch 27/33 inc cart
Avon
(585) 226-8210
25/30 inc cart
Lima
585-624-1490
35/41 inc cart
Lima Geneseo Livonia Nunda Nunda
585-624-1490 585-243-4430 585-346-2450 585-468-2116 585-468-5010
35/41 inc cart 38/40 inc cart 30/35 inc cart 22/28 inc cart 22/26 inc cart
Spencerport Brockport
585-352-5360 585-638-2266
25/30 inc cart 28/33 inc cart
Spencerport Scottsville Churchville Brockport Irondequoit Perinton Rochester Fairport Greece
585-352-4720 585-889-9325 585-293-0680 585-392-8080 585-266-0110 585-377-5200 585-424-2920 585-586-1300 585-663-0300
13/13 32/34 inc cart 21/22 inc cart 28/38 inc cart 30/31 inc cart 43/48 inc cart 30/31 inc cart 12/13 36/36 inc cart
Greece Churchville Short Course Perinton Spencerport Henrietta Spencerport Penfield Penfield
585-663-9440 585-889-4110 585-889-0739 585-223-7651 585-352-5314 585-334-6196 585-352-4300 585-385-2010 585-385-8550
8.75/8.75 39/49 inc cart 10/10 CALL 12/12 21/22 inc cart 23/27 inc cart 42/46 inc cart 42/47 inc cart
Penfield
585-385-2010
12/12
Greece
585-621-1030
10/12
Rush Rochester
585-533-2440 585-385-8458
10/11 10/11
Brockport Spencerport Webster Webster Rush
585-637-2582 585-352-4800 585-265-1920 585-265-1920 585-334-5860
25/25 inc cart 30*/38* inc cart 41/50 inc. cart 26/31 inc cart 42/45 inc cart
Fairport
585-248-4880
11*/13*
Monroe County Braemar Brockport Buttonwood 18 hole (par 3) Chili Churchville Deerfield Durand-Eastman Eagle Vale Genesee Valley Island Valley (9) Lake Shore Latta Lea (Par 3, 9 holes) Mill Creek Mill Creek Perinton Pinewood (9) Riverton( 9) Salmon Creek Shadow Lake Shadow Pines Shadow Lake Executive 9 Shore Acres Executive 9 Southern Meadows (9) St. John Fisher (9) Timber Ridge Golf Club, LLC Twin Hills Webster East Webster West Wildwood Woodcliff Golf Course (9)
Niagara County Course Location Deerwood N. Tonawanda Gothic Hill( 9) Lockport www.gothichillgolf.com Hyde Park (18 holes) Niagara Falls Newfane Pro-Am (9 holes, par 3) Newfane Niagara County Lockport Niagara-Orleans Middleport Oak Run Lockport Seneca Hickory Stick Lewiston Shawnee( 9) Wheatfield Willowbrook Lockport
Phone 716-695-8525 716-438-5477
Daily/Wknd rate 14r;26nr/14;26nr 11/11
716-297-2067
17r;20nr/19r;23nr
716-778-8302 716-439-7954 716-735-9000 716-434-8851
10/11 29/32 inc cart 30/34 inc cart 34/36 inc cart
716-754-2424 716-731-5177 716-434-0111
59/69 inc cart 13/13 35/37
315-789-9419 585-396-2200 585-924-5346 585-657-7539 585-924-5100
26/29 inc cart 59/79 inc cart 28/37 inc cart 30/37 inc cart 55/65
585-374-8010
42/47 inc. cart
585-289-8846
30/36 inc cart
585-924-0280
8/10
585-682-3922 585-638-4653
20*/25* inc cart 25/30 inc cart
585-682-3280
22/25 inc cart
585-765-2630
7/8
315-539-8076
26/30 inc cart
Macedon Macedon Walworth
315-986-5888 315-986-4455 315-524-0022
40/50 inc cart 25/32 inc cart 48/60 inc cart
Wolcott Sodus Lyons
315-594-8295 315-483-6777 315-946-6944
29/29 inc cart 39/49 inc cart 38*/54* inc cart
Ontario County Big Oak Geneva Bristol Harbour Cananadaigua Centerpointe Canandaigua Parkview Fairways East Bloomfield Ravenwood Victor www.ravenwoodgolf.com Reservoir Creek Naples Winged Pheasant (27 holes) Farmington Winding Creek Executive (9) Victor
Orleans County Harbour Pointe Waterport Hickory Ridge Holly www.hickoryridgegolfresort.com Ricci Meadows Albion White Birch (Par 3) Lyndonville
Seneca County Silver Creek
Waterloo
Wayne County Blue Heron Hills GC Crooked Pines Greystone Port Bay Golf Course Sodus Bay Heights Wayne Hills
Wyoming County Course Location Phone Archie’s Chip & Putt (11 hole, Par-3) Java 585-457-9505 Byrncliff Resort & Conference Ctr Varysburg 585-535-7300 www.byrncliff.com Ironwood Cowlesville 585-805-0350 Quiet Times (par 62) Attica 585-591-1747 Rolling Acres Pike 585-567-8557 Spruce Ridge GC Arcade 585-492-4122 (9 holes/rate is for 18) www.spruceridgegolfcourse.com
Daily/Wknd rate 10/10 39/48 inc cart 35/42 inc cart 16.50/16.50 27*/29* inc cart 25/25 inc cart
Yates County Lakeside
Penn Yan
315-536-7252
MAY-JUNE 2013 • SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE • WWW.HUGESPORTZ.COM
60/66 inc cart
Canada Course Location Beechwood Niagara Falls www.beechwoodgolf.com Chippawa (9) Niag Falls Eagle Valley GC (Par 63) Niagara Falls Emerald Pines Port Colborne Fort Erie Golf Club Fort Erie www. www.forteriegolf.ca Grand Niagara Resort Niagara Falls Hunters Pointe (formerly LochNess Links) Welland International Stevensville Legends on the Niagara (Ussher’s Creek) N. Falls Legends on the Niagara (Battlefield) N. Falls Niagara GC (9) Niag.-on-the-Lake Niagara Falls GC Niagara Falls Oak Hall Par 3 (9) Niag. Falls Oaklands Niagara Falls Peninsula Lakes Fonthill Queenston(9) Queenston Rio Vista (9) Fort Erie Rockway St. Catharines Vineyards Rolling Meadows Niagara Falls Royal Niagara Niag.-on-the-Lake St. David’s (9) Niag.-on-the-Lake Thundering Waters GC Niagara Falls Whirlpool GC Niagara Falls Whiskey Run Port Colborne Willowdel Golf Club (formerly Links of Niagara) Niagara Falls
Phone 866-883-3633
Daily/Wknd (Can.$) 49.95/59.95 cart/tax
905-295-2240
15/15
905-374-2110 905-835-2234 905-991-8883
26/26 40/40 cart/taxes 25/25 inc cart
905-384-4653
95/110 inc cart
905-714-4659 905-382-2000
45/49 inc cart 35/40 inc cart
866-465-3642
75/90 inc cart
866-465-3642 905-468-3424 905-358-5846 905-358-6418 905-295-6643 905-892-8844 905-262-4528 905-871-0921 877-762-5929
75/90 inc cart 31/35.50 inc taxes 30/35 5*/5* 28/34 89/111.87 cart & tax 13.25/14.75 15/18 59/65 inc cart
905-384-9894 866-ROYAL-18 905-262-4522
39/44 inc cart & tax 67.50/85 inc cart 13.25/14.75
905-357-6000 905-356-1140 905-835-6864
74.99/89.99 inc cart 65/80 inc cart 37.50/37.50
800-790-0912
50*/60* inc cart
Due to space constraints, complete pricing information for each golf course could not be printed. Several courses offer season passes, spring and fall rates, senior and youth discounts and variable pricing throughout the day, week and weekend. Weekday fees are listed in front of the slash (/), followed by weekend and holiday rates. Some weekend prices are for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and Holidays, while others are for Saturday and Sunday only. Fees which include carts are denoted by “inc. cart.” An asterisk (*) denotes 2012 prices, as not all golf courses are yet open for the season and/or could not be reached for their updated pricing information. Resident prices are indicated with an “r,” and most require an ID card. Nonresident prices are indicated by “nr.” Prices for 9-hole courses are for 9 holes only, but some courses offer discounted rates for completing the course twice. All prices for Canadian golf courses are in Canadian funds (Can) and do not include tax unless noted.
PGA
from page 1
golf experience at Ravenwood. In years past he and his group have also enjoyed the other courses on the “Finger Lakes Golf Trail” (Bristol Harbour Resort, Greystone and Mill Creek), but he loved the experience at Ravenwood. Enough said. Half way between Buffalo and Rochester is Batavia Country Club. I host a scholarship fundraising tournament there for the NYS Junior Golf Tour and invite you to join us June 30. Cost is $100, but you will get your money’s worth with $60 in welcome gifts plus golf, cart, lunch, streak dinner, beverages all day and $3K of prizes on the table. Golf Director Chris Pompa does a great job with tournaments and his course gets better every year. I was there last week to personally see a beautifully renovated club house with a new bar area, state of the art restrooms and more. This after he already re-did the pro shop last year. It’s a great setting and fun course to play and always affordable. If a great night of golf and dinner combo is what you are looking for, I highly recommend Gothic Hill in Lockport. Dave and Ginny Miller put on a great fish fry with steamers also available. Throw in a cold beer
and nine holes in the day, or night (They are now hosting “Glow Golf” events) and their “Nine and Dine” is tough to beat. So what else is happening on the local links? Well here we go around the horn. International Country Club of Niagara, aka ICC, has new owners and is under new management. They are installing a state of the art irrigation system and building a new clubhouse that will open this summer. That change of ownership opened the door at Rio Vista in Fort Erie for my good friend Rob Dunn to take over. Watch for him to head up some great changes there. The sand bunkers and irrigation system are already being improved. Keeping it in Canada, Beechwood has added a 5th tee box in line with the “play it forward” campaign. More trees and grass bunkers are also in the works. This according to the world’s biggest Notre Dame fan, Beechwood Owner Brian Antonsen. Whiskey Run in Port Colbourne is also on the tree planting move adding over 100 blue spruce. They will accompany a new bed and breakfast called the Bootlegger on the property. Also in Port is Emerald Pines which, under new ownership and manage-
ment, are changing “everything, to give the public what it wants.” There is a renovated restaurant and new menu at the only true links course in the area, that being Hunter’s Pointe in Welland. Fort Erie Golf Club Owner Larry Gibson tells me he has gone green adding a fleet of electric carts. And Rockway Glen in St Catharines is now called Rockway Vineyards and they have a new Director of Golf, Bob Allan. In the Rochester area, Timber Ridge in Brockport has added 8 tees and some 600 additional yards with seven new bunkers coming in the Summer. A new irrigation system and new sand can be found at Brockport Country Club. Deerfield in Brockport has new management and is rebuilding bunkers to go along with their new GPS carts. Todd Riolo (formerly at Ravenwood) is the new pro at C a l e d o n i a Country Club. He is featuring pro shop sidewalk sales on Mondays and Tuesdays when his sweet private country club is open to the public. Take advantage of
Caledonia’s MondayTuesday golf and lunch deal. Dan Cordaro is the new Director of Instruction at Eagle Vale which has added a new set of senior tees. Lake Shore Country Club has new carts. Wildwood has added new tee markers for US Kids Golf and has a new club fitting system. Blue Heron Hills has reconstructed their bunkers and will host an AJGA event. LeRoy CC has new tee boxes (and a nice layout). Hickory Ridge in Holly has added more RV sites and increased their golf cart fleet. To the south we go where Peek’n Peak has added GPS to their carts to help you maneuver around their awesome
upper course. The Lodge at Holiday Valley now features McCarty’s Café. The Lodge is 66,000 sq. feet and can accommodate just about any golf outing. Wellsville Country Club has new owners/management, a new chef, menu, golf carts and big renovations happening. Spruce Ridge in Arcade has a new enclosure on their patio. Owners Tim and Laurie Berger expanded the facility and added blue tees on the course as well. Waterways Golf Club in Belfast now has an on site hotel and host outings. The Belfast course also has an Irish Pub. Go figure. Last, but not least, if you are looking for some
entertainment at your course or your tournament this year, I highly recommend Marc Melzer and his Rodney Dangerfield show (see his ad in this section). He performs at full day golf tournament and charity events. He gets no respect but will keep your group laughing. “Hey, let me tell ya, let me tell ya…” He even looks like Rodney, which is a little scary. Rick Zurak is the Host/Producer of the WNY Golf Report TV Show Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on Time Warner Ch. 20 in Buffalo. He is also the Director of The NYS Junior Golf Tour (halfpricegolf.com). Contact Rick at zurakgolf@roadruner.com.
May/June 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Local boxing happenings By Bob Caico The second annual Red and Gold Rumble, an amateur boxing exhibition, was held at the Olean High School gymnasium on April 13. John Elmore, a 1975 OHS graduate and currently an attorney in Buffalo served as the promoter of the event. The Fight of the Night took place in a 132pound battle where Sequin Felton, representing the St. Martin’s Boxing Club of Rochester, scored a decision over William Rivera (Sal’s Boxing Club, Jamestown).The trophy, honoring the Fighter of the Night, went to Chris Donahue of the Elmira Boxing Club after he won a decision over Abraham Manom (Erie’s South Side Fighting Eagles Club). Other results in Olean: Nareen Folks (St. Martin’s) dec Jaylin Johnson (St. Martin’s) Ahmad Abbi (St. Martin’s)rtm Victor Vasquez (Jamestown) Dallas Tindal (St. Martin’s) dec Lanny Williams (Jamestown)
(Alfred) dec Nate Carson (Ithaca)
Callum Bowie (Seneca Nation) dec Nick Ricketts (Salamanca) Dakota Ogdenski (St. Martin) dec Jarod Ryan (St. Catherine’s) Steven Ryan (St. Catherine’s) dec Luis Castro (Jamestown) Bryce Stahlman (Seneca Nation) dec Juan Merrero (Alfred) •••••••
At the Golden Gloves championships held in Buffalo at the Tralf on April 27 there were other nonGolden Glove bouts contested: Marcus Floyd (Buffalo PAL) dec 4-1 Jackson Krebs (Casal’s)
K’Shawn Agee (Casal’s) rsc-3 Luis Alvarado (Baden St.) Dominic Diaz (Westside) dec 5-0 Tyler Cruz (UB Boxing)
Raven Dixon (Erie)dec Derek Brown (Seneca Nation)
Jeffrey Nguyot (Westside) rsc 3 Willim Rivera (Jamestown)
Mudaz Shagan (Erie) dec Jimmy Nye (Seneca Nation)
Jack Grady (Victory Gym) rsc 3 Kevin Diaz (Jamestown)
DeShawn Greer (St. Martin’s) dec Tie Wright (Elmira) Justin Espinal
Photo by Bob Caico
K’Shawn Agee of Casal’s Boxing in Niagara Falls took the gold medal at the 2013 Niagara District Junior Olympic regionals boxing tournament.
Connor Smith (UB Boxing) rsc 3 Shevan Sheppard (Casal’s)
Alex Dodevet (Victory) Adam Morrell (KC Fitness) rsc 2 Manuel Rivera(Jamestown) ••••••• Nick Casal of Niagara Falls (22-4-1, 17 KOs) is still waiting to get back in the ring after an extended layoff. Rumors persist he is in line to fight highly regarded Thomas Dulorme (18-1, 13 KOs) of Puerto Rico in June. Nick is ready to sign the contract but the Dulorme team is reluctant at this point. Lionell Thompson (13-2) of Buffalo is scheduled to fight in Huntington, N.Y. on May 11 while Buffalo heavyweight Excell Holmes is scheduled for May 24 in Connecticut.
Pat Moran (NWBCC) dec 3-2
2013 New York State Golden Gloves champions decided in Buffalo By Bob Caico The New York State (Buffalo) Golden Gloves tournament wrapped up on April 27 with 11 Open division champions crowned. The final night of competition featured the last three spots for Open championships up for grabs and the team will now travel to Salt Lake City, Utah, to compete in the Golden Glove National Tournament. Tamar Photo by Bob Caico Williams of Albany The 2013 Open division State Golden Gloves champions gather in Boxing won by a 3-2 ring to accept their trophies. decision to take the 108-pound title over (Seneca Nation) 152-pound Luis Vargas Ahmad Abbi of Rochester Syracuse Boxing Duane Williams of Buffalo St. Martin’s. Oscar Peralta of Flare Center’s Bomb Squad 165-pound Jimmy Garcia Rinaldi Boxing in Syracuse previously won the 201+ Syracuse Boxing also won by a 3-2 score to title. win the 132-pound title 178-pound Lawrence King, over Sequan Felton of St. Sub-Novice: ROC Boxing Martin’s. The last title to be 165-pound Tracey 201-pound Ezra Scott decided saw two former McGruger Inspire Boxing (N.Falls) state champions battle it out (St. Martin’s) dec 5-0 201+ Erik Rogers, with Will Madera of Albany Ronny Bulls NWBCC Boxing taking the 5-0 deci(Westide Boxing) sion from Dante Palmer of There were also novice and Previously crowned subLackawanna Boxing. sub-novice state champinovice champions: Brianna Smith of Casal’s ons crowned on April 27. boxing was the only 123-pound Mike Parilla Novice: woman’s Open champion Syracuse Boxing 132-pound Mike Vega and Dennis Romanowski of 132-pound Eric Velez (Casal’s) dec 5-0 the Buffalo NWCC took the Victory Gym Paul Maley Master’s 201+ title in prior (North Tonawanda) (Team Precision, rounds of the tournament. 141-pound Mitch Geles Milton, NY) The State Open team that Victory Gym 152-pound Jeremiah Jones will compete in the Nationals are as follows: 108-pound Tamar Williams Albany Boxing 123-pound D’Andrea Hockerson, St. Martin’s 132-pound Oscar Peralta Rinaldi Boxing 141-pound William Madera Albany Boxing
LOCAL PRO WRESTLING ROLL CALL OF CHAMPIONS By Ivan the Impaler It doesn’ t mean a thing unless you wear championship gold in Our Great Sport... Unless, of course, you’re married to the owner’s daughter. Here’s a list of local title holders. Effective April 25, 2013: NWA New York Rochester/Gates, NY Heavyweight-Mean Marcos No Limits-Ron Falco Tag Team-The McCloud Brothers NWA National Tag Champs Rochester Wrecking Crew (Hellcat & Rob 2 Sweet) Empire State Wrestling N. Tonawanda/Lockport, NY Heavyweight-Jason Phoenix Interstate-Kevin Bennett Tag Team-The Peacock Experience (Calyrisian & Castle) Buffalo Championship Wrestling Buffalo/Cheektowaga, NY Heavyweight-Brian Jennings
Tag Team-Nick Paradise & Troy Buchannan Neo Wrestling Federation Niagara Falls, ON, Canada Heavyweight-Tyson Dux Tag Team-Scotty Turner & Andrew Davis UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS Fri. May 10: ESW-Keenan Center-433 Locust Street, Lockport, NY- 7 p.m. Scheduled to appear: Goldust, Michael Elgin, Hurricane Helms. Sat. May 11: Pro Wrestling Rampage St. John’s Conference & Banquet Center, 1001 Main St E.-Girard, PA 7 p.m. Sat. May 18: NWA NY Eagles Club-Buffalo Road Gates (Rochester), NY-6 p.m. Johnny Kayfabe informs us that the first NWA NY Women’s Champ will be crowned that evening. Sat. June 1: ESW - St. Johnsburg Fire Hall 7165 Ward Road N. Tonawanda, NY-6:30
p.m. Sat. June 8: Kayfabe Dojo Wrestling Pineapple Jack’s 485 Spencerport Road Rochester, NY 2 p.m. (tentative). Sat. June 29: Alpha-1 Wrestling-Club 77 77 King William St.Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 6:30 p.m. Sat. July 13: 2CW Watertown, NY - 6 p.m. Sun. Oct. 6: WWE PPV Over the Limit First Niagara Center Buffalo, NY-7:30 p.m. Playing in a fantasy sports league? Instead of a trophy for the winner, why not a wrestling championship belt? That’s what the TWF Fantasy Football League does, according to Commissioner Joe Szafranski. Team Lis defeated the Redneck Rebels for the title, earning them the belt for a year. No word whether it was of the spinning variety.
Page 9
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Frank “The Tank” Zimmerman. Frank wrassled a wild houndog; although he suffered nasty injuries in the process, The Tank came up with the victory. Frank tells us that when he recovers, he and Buddy
(Rinaldi) dec 3-2 Mark Renza (Sweet Science) 165-pound David Rivera (NWBCC) rtm-2 Eudy Tavarez (Rinaldi) 201-pound Keith Linsay (Inspire) dec 4-1 Bryce Stalman
Delmar (“The Tennessee Strangler”) will continue their quest to subdue the Dreaded Skunk Ape. MASSIVE MEDIA “Wrestlevision Presents No Limits TV”, is from Big Guy Productions. For Suburban Erie County, it’s on TimeWarner Cable. Ch. 20 every Saturday at 4 p.m., with replays Mondays
152-pound Mike Stvens Victory Gym 178-pound Adam Morell KC Fitness (Buffalo) 201-pound Vincent Brown St. Martin’s 201+ Petrit Daka Team Precision
at 11:30 p.m.…On Radio, dig The Pain Clinic! Listen every Saturday at 10 a.m. on WHTK-AM (1280) in Rochester or on-line at w w w. f e e l t h e p a i n . n e t . . . Turnbuckle Talk is also broadcast every Monday night at 7 p.m. on WBNY-FM (91.3) in Buffalo…Finally, Wrestlevision is on the The Twitter. The address, ironically, is @Wrestlevision
Page 10
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
May/June 2013
Doctari’s Fishing Forum
WNY fishing in full swing
Running With “Sole” By Brian Funk Remember when you were a kid and ran barefoot through the yard with the speed of a deer and agility of a rabbit? Donning shoes only slowed you down and restricted your freedom of movement. The air between your toes and grass beneath your feet felt so natural; shoes were never even a consideration. The connection of your soles to the earth transcended modern footwear. “No way, Ma! I don’t want to wear shoes! They slow me down!” It didn’t matter how much dirt or grass stain covered your toes, shoes were bogus! In fact, I remember not needing shoes the entire summer. If the principle didn’t make us wear shoes to school, I think I would have left them in the closet until the first snow. As an adult, that connection of my foot to the terrain is still a very special feeling. Whether in the grass of my backyard or on the warm sands of a Florida beach, there is a heightened awareness of my oneness with the earth when I am walking or running without shoes. That simple lack of synthetic material between my skin and the ground allows for stimulation and greater feedback from my surroundings. This interaction with the terrain, and instantaneous knowledge gained from the feedback, has created a powerful movement in the world of running. Barefoot running was born thousands of years ago out of obvious necessity, but now finds itself in the middle of an active rebirth only 40 years after the dawn of modern running shoes. The minimalistic movement has spurred the creation of shoes designed
with the slightest materials to simulate an experience as close to wearing no shoes as possible, but offering some protection against 21st century environments. Perhaps your attention has been drawn to alien-looking shoes with five toes or “skinny” pieces of mesh sewn together to look like super hero socks. Maybe your first thought was the strangeness of the look, but you may have also wondered, “How are those of any benefit?” Being able to feel the way our bare soles interact with the terrain we are running on helps us learn to run as “gently” as possible. Your body responds to feedback from the earth instead of relying on a heavily cushioned shoe to do the work. “Barefoot,” or minimalistic runners, believe a misconception has been created that padded sneakers are better for your body and feet. They argue that traditional running shoes feature overbuilt rear cushioning that not only hinders but also alters your natural stride. The drop, or tilt of your foot from heel to toe, creates a lack of “ground feel.” In addition, over time our foot conforms to the shape of shoes and our toes no longer spread for a wider base and balance control. Minimalists believe that our bodies have all the technology we need. The muscles and tendons provide natural shock absorption. The skeletal system provides natural motion control. And, the nervous system provides the necessary sensory feedback. “Barefoot” running allows your foot muscles to be more engaged. Your arches react as nature intended, gently flexing and contracting to cushion and absorb shock instead of
allowing the padding of the shoes to accept merciless pounding. The biggest change for the minimalistic runner is the landing toward the middle or front of the foot in contrast to the heel; a dramatic difference that more closely relates to the natural foot strike of early humans. This “gentle” stride also encourages strengthening of leg muscles and a neutral position body alignment. “Barefoot” runners are finding the benefit of better posture and improved balance. They also report less ankle problems, chronic foot injuries, and plantar fasciitis. Because of increased blood flow, there is also evidence of the prevention of varicose veins. As with traditional running shoes, there are many brands and styles to choose from. New Balance, Nike, Merrell, Newton, and Vibram all make minimalistic running shoes that return your foot back to its natural position, and get you moving gently. So the “barefoot” movement pushes on, armed with the belief that less is more and dedicated to the discovery of a healthier, more efficient style of running. As we all search for the best method of running for ourselves individually, we should ultimately rely on what feels best for each of us. As Christopher McDougall writes in his book, Born to Run, “Ultimately, the debate isn’t about bare soles vs. shoes. It’s about learning to run gently. Master that, and you can wear – or not wear – anything you please.” Brian Funk is a LPGA Tour caddy, lover of the outdoors, and currently working on his first book.
April showers bring May flowers, as the saying goes, but this year’s cool, wet April brought more than just May flowers to Western New Yorkers. Area anglers have delighted in the bounty of angling opportunities the increased water levels and slower-climbing water temperatures delivered. Trout runs across WNY show extended tributary opportunities, and lake anglers witness a more normal and predictable pattern for all species currently “open for business.” May 4th marked the statewide opening of walleye, northern pike and tiger muskellunge seasons, not to mention the trophy black bass season on Lake Erie. Trout and Salmon Great Lakes tributaries continue to show good numbers of steelhead and brown trout holding in the still cool streams, a big change from last year’s early warm-up and disappearing act many encountered. Lake Erie streams from Buffalo Creek down to Chautauqua Creek in Barcelona still show good numbers of big trout holding in pools and edge waters. Streamer and minnow or spinner presentations work well for anglers using stealth approaches to these fish-holding areas. Similarly, Lake Ontario streams and the lower Niagara River also show strong numbers of brown, rainbow and lake trout, and with Lake Erie water temperatures just approaching 50 degrees, the cooler waters coming over the falls could prolong this fishery’s quality for a few more weeks beyond what would be considered “normal.” This also bodes well for Lake Ontario trollers, as fish remain accessible in relatively shallow waters. Kings and cohos now showing with browns and rainbows and the occasional whopper lake trout provide great options and opportunities for determined anglers. Spoons and stick baits presented off Dipsey divers or Jet divers set off planer boards worked over depths of less than 100 feet produces armstraining catch rates when
with Rich Davenport
weather permits. Yellow Perch Lake Erie is on fire with yellow perch activity, from Sturgeon Point to Dunkirk Harbor, in relatively shallow depths of 50 feet or less. Emerald shiners still top the offerings, but anglers may need to move around, as schools of pre-spawn game fish scatter perch schools seeking refuge from these predators. Upper Niagara River perch prospecting shows a heavy presence of large yellow perch schooling off the foot of Ontario Street, offering opportunity for both boaters and shore anglers alike. Lake Ontario harbors, too, see an influx of spawning yellow perch, and again, emerald shiners rule the roost for most effective bait. Crappie Chautauqua Lake shows somewhat of a renaissance of the days of old, as large schools of crappie dominate the shallows in both North and South basins. Fish are slowly moving out of the canals and over the emerging weeds off Burtis Bay/Celoron and around the flats off Mayville. Minnow presentations work well, as do Mister Twister jigs presented a few feet below a float. Erie Barge Canal also shows outstanding crappie opportunities in stretches between Niagara Falls Boulevard past Campbell. Concentrate efforts around deadfalls near the deep channel drop. Walleye and Pike With the season opening May 4, walleye and northern pike promise to light up anglers’ smiles as water conditions approach near perfection for the opener. Pike anglers should see a solid start to the season, with weed beds close to normal growth allowing for deeper bait presentations early, moving to a float presentation as May marches on. Some great pike places include Wilson Harbor, Olcott Harbor, Erie Barge Canal, Upper Niagara River and Quaker Lake in Allegany State Park. White spinnerbaits, bucktail spinners and large Rapalas work well this time of year, as does large sucker chubs and golden shiners. Early season walleye angling shows best bite at night, as fish move into shallows to feed.
Chautauqua Lake reports indicate walleye already moving towards weed edges, and Lake Erie walleye numbers in our deeper eastern basin show continued improvement, according to DEC surveys. Stick baits are the best option until water temps climb over 60 degrees. Upcoming Events A few of the many upcoming fishing events across WNY as follows: June 1 – East Aurora Fish & Game Family Fishing Clinic – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Dave Barus at 716-597-4081 for more information. June 8 – Erie County Federation/ NYS DEC Family Fishing Clinic – Tifft Farms – 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Call Dave Barus for more information. June 20 – First Annual MS Society Charity Walleye Tournament, NFTA Small Boat Harbor. For more information contact Maria Batt at 716-6342573 ext.70501. June 22 - Erie County Federation/ NYS DEC Family Fishing Clinic – Chestnut Ridge Park – 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call Dave Barus for more information. June 22-23 – NYS Free Fishing Weekend, no fishing license required to fish these two days! Stand for your Rights! On June 11, many organizations will once again offer bus rides to participate in a March on Albany for our Second Amendment Rights. Interested American Patriots may contact Rich Davenport, rich@weloveoutdoors.org, for information on reserving a seat on the bus. Visit www.scopeny.org for info on all available buses from WNY, and across NYS. Rich Davenport is co-founder of WeLoveOutdoors.com, an avid Outdoorsman and member of the NYSOWA. His works are also published in NY Outdoor News, Walleye.com and the Buffalo News. Rich is also the Recording Secretary for the Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, Secretary of the Western NY Environmental Federation, member of the Erie County Fisheries Advisory Board and is the Co-Chairman and Region 9 Rep NYSCC Big Game Committee. Email rich@weloveoutdoors.org.
May/June 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Page 11
Sunshine Horses: A standardbred’s retirement haven By Brian Mazurek
pasture time,” Starr said. “They love it.” When the bright S u n s h i n e lights of the harness Horses started in track have been 2001 and Starr, turned off, the roar of who used to train the crowd has a stable at Pocono silenced and the trips Downs, decided to the winner’s circle to set up shop in ended, standardbred Central New York. horses need a place to “I was involved in retire. the retirement of They’ve done their horses before I job and now need to started Sunshine go and enjoy their Horses and decidretirement years; ed on Syracuse their racing days are because in it cenover, but not their trally located in usefulness or the New York. We can enjoyment they give get horses from all people. over from Buffalo This is where and Batavia Sunshine Horses Downs in Western LLC. comes into play. New York, Vernon Most of the retired and Saratoga to standardbreds come the east and to Sunshine Horses Y o n k e r s , because they lacked Monticello and the desire or skill to Tioga from the be successful on the southern part of track. Occasionally the state.” they have just So once the become too old to horses are rerace, or have an trained and set for injury that prohibits a d o p t i o n , further racing. Many Sunshine Horses of the horses are used puts the applito being driven, and cants through a adapt well to light whole application carts and carriages. process. Most of them readily “We make learn to accept a sadPhoto courtesy Sunshine Horses home visits, call dle and rider. Sushine Rio Raider, formerly owned by Howard Ouriel, is in retraining to be a saddle their vets and ferHorses work with horse. She is going to her new adopted home at the end of the month with a riers,” Starr said. each horse to help wonderful lady and will be a riding horse. “If our standards them accept their aren’t met, the new lives, and they horse will come back to us. become more attractive for that second chance. The try their best to match each We take adoptions very seriadoption,” Starr added. “We standardbred is a nice breed one’s unique qualities to the ous. People who adopt also never turn a horse away.” of horse and we try and needs of a potential adopter. must agree not to race it Sunshine Horses in locatretrain them to become safe Sunshine Horses hardly again, sell it or give it away.” ed primarily on the New trail horses. We get them ever refuses a standardbred Thus far, things are workYork State Fairgrounds in out on the trails, teach them racehorse. There’s a misconing out wonderfully as over Syracuse, the home of the how to go on different terception that harness horses 60 horses have found new now closed but historic rain, cross creeks, anything are hard to retrain, but homes after their racing Syracuse Mile. They also we can to give them an Sunshine Horses is changcareers have ended. have two secondary locaalternative in retirement. ing that thinking. But while rehabilitating tions where green pastures We want to show everyone “A lot of horses retire and horses and preparing them await horses as well. that a standardbred is great don’t have a second for adoption is Sunshine “The horses go back and for adoption.” chance,” Kate Starr, director Horses’ main objective, forth from the Fairgrounds “If we can re-train them, of Sunshine Horses, money is always an issue. to the other locations for the horses definitely explained. “We give them
Starr said that anyone dropping off a horse to her sanctuary is asked to make a donation and they request a $500 donation to adopt. “I have very shallow pockets,” Starr said. “We currently have 28 horses and it takes about $300 a month to take care of each one of them with just feeds costs, bedding and hay. But we have a very high standard of care for our horses. They are up to date with their vaccines, Coggins, vet cost and the ferrier. So donations are key for us.” Howard and Michael Ouriel, owners on the Western New York harness racing circuit from Rochester, donated $10,000 to Sunshine Horses. “It definitely was a shot in the arm for us and kind of breathed new life into us,” Starr said. “It by far was the largest donation for us and it will go a long way, trust me. It was definitely a wonderful thing Howard and Michael Ouriel did for us. We’ll take any monetary donation, large or small, but also would accept feed, hay, anything to help us out.” Western New York Harness Horsemen Association President Bruce Tubin said, “We helped facilitate the Ouriel’s generous donation because we appreciate the work that New York based Sunshine Horses performs in caring for retired race horses while they strive to find permanent homes for these wonderful animals. An added bonus is the joy and satisfaction felt by the numerous volunteers, many of whom are returning soldiers, who help prepare them for adoption. Our association is thrilled to support this outstanding charity.” Some items needed include bedding, feed, sawdust, halters, saddles, driving equipment, apples, car-
rots, and sugar cubes. Individual and corporate sponsors are in need to help out. Anything is accepted that will help in keeping the standardbreds going. But while money and supplies are in great need, volunteers to do the work are critical as well. “We have at least 20 volunteers that are very active with us,” Starr said. “We need people morning, noon and night, 365 days a year, but around the holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas, our volunteer corps tends to be gone and a lot of the work is tended by very few.” “Besides the 28 stalls, we need to do feedings, lunch, bed checks, therapeutic activities, grooming, hoof care and other things,” Starr added. “It’s a lot of work but our volunteers are amazing.” Starr and her volunteers put in many hours of loving and caring work. While things are going smooth sometimes things get very touch and go. “I spent some restless nights, whether it’s worrying about volunteers, donations or money,” Starr admitted. “It’s been tough at times but we’ve survived.” To learn more about Sunshine Horses or to donate via PayPal, visit www.nysunshinehorses.org. “Anything helps, large or small,” Starr said. For more information on Sunshine Horses, you can also call Starr at 315-7297016. The horses you see racing throughout the season may have provided you a day, month or year of entertainment, but they may need the services of Sunshine Horses LLC in the future. Let them have a special place to retire, if needed, when their racing days are done.
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
May/June 2013
From players to poutine, everything’s new at Coca-Cola Field By Joe Kirchmyer Sunny and 43 degrees. Nice day for a game, eh? After an eventful off-season that included the announcement of a new parent club—the Toronto Blue Jays—a new coaching staff and, of course, a clubhouse full of new players, it was finally time for the action to return to the field. And the 2013 version of the Buffalo Bisons did not disappoint on April 4, better known as Opening Day, the 26th in downtown Buffalo.
The team’s bats were hot all day in a 12-7 slugfest over the rival Rochester Red Wings in which the teams combined for 30 hits. So what has changed since last season? Oh my, where to begin? Let’s start at the top with the parent club. Out are the New York Mets, in are the Toronto Blue Jays. And with the new relationship comes a new manager, Marty Brown. That name should be familiar to Bisons fans, as Brown returns for his second stint
as Bisons skipper, having led the Bisons from 2003-05 and coaching the team to a Governors’ Cup Championship in 2004. The talent on the field has changed as well and now features an impressive mix of players with MLB experience, some highly touted prospects and even a hometown kid. Looking for veteran leadership? Catcher Josh Thole and left fielder Ryan Langerhans bring plenty. But that’s just the tip of the ice-
Ciara Rosten returns to Maryvale in style By Jeffrey Levine
playing at a much higher level than she On Feb. 5, already is but a New Maryvale’s Ciara York State Catholic Rosten stole the ball, Championship her dribbled up the court freshman year foland was fouled as she lowed by two postleft her feet en route season exits the last to the basket. While two years have made having opposing her more determined defenses try to than ever to push stop—or at least slow herself, work hard down—the 6-foot-1 and bring home one center is nothing last championship new, the basket was a before hopefully signmemorable one for ing with a Division I Rosten since it college program. marked her 1,000th While Rosten’s physipoint. cal tools will serve “It was a good her well at the next accomplishment, level—despite her something I planned self-admission that to do as a freshman,” she was a little tall Rosten recalled of the and clumsy when she moment. “I wanted was younger—it is to hit 1,000 before her drive for the senior year. Once I game that will sustain hit it, it was a good her. release. Now I’m “I look up to pushing to beat the [Houston Rockets all-time scoring power forward] record. 1,000 just Thomas Robinson shows all the hard Photo courtesy Rosten Family because he plays with work I’ve put in.” Ciara Rosten celebrates 1,000 points after a lot of heart. Finishing her juna win over Depew. Basketball’s his life, ior season with 1,119 basketball’s my life,” Rosten “[The triple-double] kind points, Rosten only needs explained. “I’m very pasof shows that I’m a very 16 more to break the allsionate when I play. It’s unselfish player,” Rosten time Maryvale record of something where I can get explained. “If I see an open 1,134 held by Olivia away from everything no pass in my head I want to Gmerek. Considering that matter what’s on my mind. score but I want to give peoRosten finished the season The only thing I think about ple opportunities. It’s not averaging just a shade on the court is basketball.” fun when just one person is under 20 points per game, Off the court, however, scoring all the points. As there is a pretty safe Rosten is quick to credit all long as we’re all scoring it assumption that the questhe people who have helped makes the game more fun.” tion next season will not be her to continue playing and Although opposing teams if or when she breaks the excel at the sport she loves. may not have fun trying to record but rather by how “My mom is my number guard Rosten, she is glad to much. one fan,” Rosten said. be back at Maryvale after While the 1,000 point “Without her and playing modified for the plateau is impressive in its [Maryvale] coach [Tim] Flyers in eighth grade then own right, there’s a lot more Klimtzak and [St. Mary’s] going to St. Mary’s for her to Rosten’s game than just coach [Keith] Junik I freshman and sophomore scoring. On the same night wouldn’t have gotten this seasons. that she pushed past 1,000, far.” “I played with Emily Rosten also recorded a While there’s no telling [Speidel] when I was young triple-double (24 points, 10 just how high Rosten can and we’re on the same AAU assists, 22 rebounds). It was reach, it’s a certainty that team,” Rosten explained. only the second time in the her mom, Diane, will be “We have a good post-guard history of the Maryvale proright there at her side combo. I also played with gram that a girl had recordwatching. the other girls on my team. ed a triple-double. The first “I go to all the games,” It wasn’t easy to adjust but was, you guessed it, by Denise said. “Ciara’s tall and they know my game and I Rosten three weeks earlier smart; she’s been blessed. know them. We’re all playwhen she put up 26 points, It’s wonderful.” ing better.” 21 rebounds and 10 blocks Hard to imagine Rosten against Lake Shore.
berg. According to team officials, the Bisons 25-man Opening Day roster boasted 3,312 games of big league experience! Most likely to see playing time in Toronto very soon? There’s speedy center fielder Anthony Gose, who finished last season with the Blue Jays and has swiped 228 bases over the last five seasons. Gose got the 2013 season off to a flying start by recording three hits and scoring three runs in the season opener. And if you’re looking for the local angle, look no further than second base, which is now manned by 28-yearold Jim Negrych. The Buffalo native played his high school ball at St. Francis before attending the University of Pittsburgh and being selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the sixth round of the 2006 MLB draft. There are also several changes within the ballpark that have a distinctly Canadian flavor—or flavour—such as the addition of Blue Jays Night to the promotional calendar. The July 13 game will include a Jays cap giveaway to the first 3,000 fans through the Swan Street gate. There’s also a new Blue Jays-themed rental suite and no shortage of Blue Jays merchandise in the gift shops, according to Bisons PR Director Brad Bisbing. And speaking of Canadian flavor, don’t forget to ask for
Photo by Jeff Barnes
A beautiful opening day at Coca-Cola Field. an order of poutine—french fries topped with gravy and cheese—the next time you visit a concession stand. This French-Canadian dish is to Quebec what the famous chicken wing is to Buffalo! No matter how many changes occur at the ballpark, success usually boils down to just one thing— having lots of “W’s” in the win column. “It was a great opener for sure,” Bisons GM Mike Buczkowski added, giving hope to a city starved for a winner. •••••••• Around the horn: Buffalo’s Opening Day starting lineup and batting order: Jim Negrych, 2B; Anthony Gose, CF; Moises Sierra, RF; Luis Jimenez, 1B; Andy LaRoche, 3B; Josh Thole, C; Ryan Langerhans, LF; Eugenio Velez, DH; Ryan
Goins, SS. Justin Germano took the hill. Germano, 30, has pitched 93 MLB games with the Padres, Reds, Indians, Red Sox and Cubs. Rounding out the rotation are Ramon Ortiz, Claudio Vargas, Dave Bush and Todd Redmond •••••••• In case you haven’t heard, the Bisons have added a second bobblehead giveaway this season. In addition to the unique and slightly offbeat “Celery” bobblehead day on Saturday, Aug. 3, baseball fans will want to get to the ballpark early on Wednesday, July 24 for the R.A. Dickey bobblehead promotion. Dickey joined the Blue Jays in December after winning the National League Cy Young Award last year with the New York Mets.
May/June 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Kayla Gray goes to NCAA Division 1 Championships Community Sports Report Tonawanda resident and University of New Hampshire gymnast Kayla Gray qualified for the 2013 National Collegiate Women’s G y m n a s t i c s Championships. At the April 6th Morgantown Regional hosted by West Virginia University, Gray tied for fifth on the beam with a score of 9.825 and also took 13th overall with a combined score of 38.825. Gray, a sophomore from Tonawanda, was the East Atlantic Gymnastics League individual champion on balance beam with a mark of 9.875 at the EAGL Championship that was held March 23 at the University of North Carolina. As the titlist— UNH’s first on beam since 2006— Gray earned a spot on the EAGL AllTournament First Team on beam. She also earned a spot on the First Team in the all-around competition, where she tied for second overall with an aggregate score of 39.150. Gray earned Second Team on Photo courtesy Kevin Gray both uneven bars Former WNY standout Kayla Gray competing on the balance beam for (with a score of the University of New Hampshire. 9.750 that tied for 14th place) and floor exercise, exercise, her top mark of finishes with a winning where she tied for ninth at 9.925 was the aforemenmark of 9.925 on the floor 9.800. At the EAGL bantioned winning mark at exercise at Penn State quet on the eve of the Penn State. (March 9) and the top allchampionship, the sophoLast year as a freshman, around score of 39.275 at more garnered All-EAGL Gray earned a spot on the the UNH Invitational First Team on balance EAGL All-Tournament against Yale, Brown and beam and Second Team on First Team on balance Towson on March 2. floor exercise for her excelbeam (second place) and Gray was the top ‘Cat lent marks throughout the Second Team on floor exeronce on uneven bars on 2013 season. It was also cise (16th place). She was Feb. 24 at West Virginia announced that she was named to the All-EAGL (9.800; tie-fifth place overnamed to the EAGL AllFirst Team on beam for her all), three times on floor, Academic Team for the secbody of work through the including the aforemenond consecutive year. year and was also named to tioned meet at PSU, and Gray’s win on beam the EAGL All-Academic three times in the allmarked the ninth time in Team. around. 12 meets this season—and Prior to earning her Gray recorded career fifth consecutive week— Division 1 scholarship to highs in all four events as that she was the top ‘Cat the University of New well as the all-around this on that apparatus; she Hampshire, Gray trained at season. She tallied a perclaimed first place overall Gleason’s Gymnastics in sonal best of 9.725 on seven times, including the North Tonawanda, where vault at West Virginia. One last four meets of 2013. she was coached by Larry week later at the UNH She recorded a season- and and Carol Goldsmith. Gray Invitational, Kayla estabcareer-high 9.950 March continues to train at lished career highs in both 15 at Kent State. Gleason’s during her off the all-around and uneven Other than beam, Gray season. bars (9.850). On the floor captured two first-place
Page 13
Fantastic Flynn has rookie year to remember By Mazurowski
Brian
a different game in college… and then it’s a It was a whirldifferent game wind week for Brian up in the NHL,” Flynn. The rookie Flynn, who forward ended his scored 11 first season in the points in 26 National Hockey games with League on Friday, Buffalo during April 26th, scoring a the shortened goal in the Buffalo NHL season, Sabres 2-1 victory said. “As a playover the New York er you have to Islanders. For most constantly of the Sabres, that adapt to the difnight was the end of ferent changes their season. That and that’s part was not the case for of being a proFlynn, who joined fessional.” the Rochester When Flynn Americans to play in rejoined the the team’s first Americans for round playoff series the playoffs, the against Toronto the team was excitnext day. Flynn then ed to have him completed his weekPhoto by Micheline Veluvolu/Rochester Americans back. “They’re end with another Brian Flynn led all Sabres rookies with 6 goals in 2013. great players,” game in Toronto on Americans goalSunday, April 28. tender Matt Hackett said Flynn said. “I had to play a “It’s nice to get a day off about Flynn and defensecouple extra years of hockand recharge the battery, man Mark Pysyk. “To see ey and then finally went to but… I’m excited to be here them out there flying Maine for four years and and compete” Flynn said around is great for us.” kind of grinded it out after playing three games in Flynn’s return to Rochester there.” three nights on two differdidn’t work out as well as he His play at Maine earned ent teams. It may have been wanted. The Americans lost him an entry-level contract the perfect way to wrap up a their opening round playoff with the Sabres at age 23 wild rookie year. series to the Toronto but with the NHL on hiatus Flynn grew up in Marlies. But the end of a because of a lockout, Flynn Lynnfield, Mass., a small wild year gives Flynn a started the 2012-13 season town that has at one time chance to look back. with the Amerks. “You can’t been called home by hockey “Maybe after the year I really set all these expectalegends like “Ace” Bailey think whenever we’re done tions (for your year). and Phil Esposito. “I grew here I’ll maybe sit down for There’s a lot of stuff changup in a small town, I think a little bit and look back and ing, there’s a lockout to start 11,000 people,” Flynn enjoy some of the moments. the year. A lot of different explained. “I grew up Obviously, finally having faces in here that started the always playing hockey, played a game in the NHL year, so it’s pretty unprethat’s what I always wanted was awesome. For me right dictable but I just try to to do my whole life.” now, I’m just trying to focus work as hard as I can and Flynn’s love for the game on where I am right now just improve” Flynn said. would eventually lead him and how I can just keep getDuring his time with the to play at the University of ting better” Flynn said. “I Americans, Flynn scored 32 Maine, where he scored know next year I want to be points in 45 games, earning over a point per game in playing in Buffalo. I learned him a call up to the Buffalo each of his last three years. a lot, realized what it takes Sabres. “There are different paths, to be a consistent pro. It “You know, I think obviously. It wasn’t an easy should help me out a lot throughout the course of road; it wasn’t even an easy going in to the summer.” the year I improved a lot. It’s road to get to college,”
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SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
May/June 2013
Introduction to kayaking
By Oren D. Barris Are you one of these individuals? “I want to start kayaking but I just don’t know where to begin.” Or “I’ve been looking around at our local stores and I just don’t know what to buy or if I’m buying the right kayak.” Or “I’m looking for a means of exercise and thought kayaking would work for me.” The introduction of kayaking to anyone of any age group opens up a new world of wonder and enjoyment. Go out and explore the many creeks, lakes and streams. Your weeklong vacation is only a kayak adventure away. Your camera is ready to take pictures of the many animals seen on the water and along the banks, the amazing flowers and trees. It all sounds appealing, so how do you get started? Do your research. Ask yourself “Where do I want to go with this activity.” Do I want to paddle in a creek, the canal or only a calm lake? How do I meet other kayakers and join them for some adventures? Just like the automobile manufacturer and their many makes and models, the kayak industry offers many makes, models and sizes. Kayaks can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a Photo courtesy Oren Barris few thousand. Don’t get caught in the Enjoying all that nature has to offer is only a paddle away! “I want to buy a beginner kayak.” Don’t buy a kayak that felt good when you enough to endure hours of paddling. Your padsat in it on the store floor or you tested the dling strokes with your paddle should be kayak on the water in a small pond for a few effortless. minutes. If you can’t paddle a kayak for at least Next you need to think about your life jack30-45 minutes before you buy it, then don’t et (PFD-personal float device). Like a kayak a buy it. PFD is not made to fit everyone or each kayak. Your ultimate end goal is “when you slide Did you know there are woman specific PFDs? into your kayak you and the kayak are one.” You want arm, lower back and neck freedom. A This seems like an impossible task, but it realPFD must be comfortable, fit snuggly to the ly is not! What you want to learn and need to body and allow you to take paddle strokes know is: how long is the kayak; how it tracks; without your arms rubbing across straps or the what features does it offer; what waterways will jacket. When you are paddling you want to this kayak handle well in; and what waterways remember the trip, not how you spent your will it not handle well in. time adjusting or pulling at your PFD. Don’t get caught up in “I want a cup holder” Many individuals will take a lesson before or “I like my legs to hang out of the boat.” You purchasing a kayak. Self-taught kayakers do don’t want to limit your paddling skills or abilwell and can get from point A to B satisfactoriity to explore the many waterways and/or tribly. But they may tire easily, find they struggle in utaries because you don’t have the right kayak the wind or long distances, find their wrist and or have the skill. Remember, like a car, a kayak hand hurts and eventually just stop the activiis an investment, except your kayak will last ty. Take a lesson before you develop bad habits. longer than your car. Ask the important quesLearn how to index your paddle, how to padtion, how many years will I get out of this dle in a straight line and different braces. kayak? A novice paddler can become a proficient You want to be able to test a kayak for some paddler in a short period of time. This can be time. Many individuals test a kayak for several achieved with a lesson and the right kayak. hours, while others test the kayak for an entire Your initial research and time truly does pay off season. At Paths Peaks & Paddles in in the long run. There is no stopping your Tonawanda both opportunities are offered. adventures and memories when you are comPaths Peaks & Paddles also lets you test on fortable, have the proper skills and equipment. local creeks and lakes. Oren is the owner of Paths Peaks & Paddles, You have now narrowed down what kayak Inc. located at 1000 Ellicott Creek Road, you think you want; what do you do next? Tonawanda. Stop by and pay them a visit for all Your next important purchase is the paddle. of your kayaking needs or visit www.pathsYou don’t want to paddle an hour and have peakspaddles.com. your arms feel tired and fatigued because the paddle is heavy. A paddle should be light
Photo John Whitney
Palmer’s Pond State Forest, located in northeast Allegany County.
More than just a walk in the park By Kevin Bonk As the forests and streams burst back to life, so does Western New York’s passion for enjoying the outdoors. There are plenty of interesting and exciting adventures to find in any number of local state parks and hiking trails. From the Great Lakes and thunderous Niagara Falls to the winding streams and hardwood forests of the southern tier, natural beauty can be found everywhere. For any nature enthusiast getting out on a hiking trail and enjoying the new season is a must. If you felt like winter was a little too long, get the warmer months started right by lacing up your boots and exploring your own backyard. An international destination for tourism, Niagara Falls draws large crowds year round to take in its roaring beauty. Don’t let the tourists fool you; some of the most stunning views can be found a little further north down the Lower Niagara River at the Whirlpool State Park. Located off the Robert Moses Parkway, the Whirlpool State Park overlooks some spectacular views of the naturally forming Whirlpool, Class 5 rapids and steep rock faces of the Niagara Gorge. For those hikers looking to stretch their legs, head a little further north to Devil’s Hole State Park. Take the 300 steps descending into the gorge and admire the Devil’s Hole rapids at eye level. Tread carefully here, the steps are precarious and small rockslides are common. Walking south along the river, the trail is easy to follow and well marked. Climb a second set of steps at the border of the two parks to continue on the trail for a view of the Whirlpool on the upper rim of the trail. If you complete this trail pat yourself on the back because you just hiked 2.5 miles! If tranquil waters are more to your liking, the Chautauqua Gorge State Forest is a perfect destination. Located only two miles southwest from Mayville in Chautauqua County, the 538acre forest provides many opportunities for scenic and wildlife viewing. For those
looking to get their feet wet, head all the way to the end of the main park road. From the parking area it is only a short 1/4 mile hike to the stream. Swimming holes and small waterfalls can be found all along the gorge. Be careful when traversing the slippery shale rock of the gorge; take your time, opportunities to see fossils in the rocks are abundant. If you want to see the gorge from above backtrack along the main road to a short 1/2 mile loop trail. The trail provides two overlook points into the gorge. Humans aren’t the only creatures who break their winter hibernation this time of year. Wildlife blooms back to life at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Situated halfway between Buffalo and Rochester, the refuge is home to 266 species of birds, plus an abundance of mammals, reptiles and fish. Wildlife viewing is perfect this time of year as migratory waterfowl returns from the south. Two pairs of bald eagles reside in the refuge and can be best spotted at the Cayuga Overlook off Route 77 on the western edge of the refuge. To thoroughly enjoy the natural environment, walk the easy 1.3 mile loop Swallow Hollow Trail located on the eastern edge of the refuge. The gravel and boardwalk paths wind through a diverse ecosystem of plant life and animals. Listen to frogs and see waterfowl as you pass through the marshland and be on the lookout for deer and woodpeckers in the hardwood forest. For an ultimate escape from civilization look no further than Palmer’s Pond State Forest. Located in northeast Allegany County, the forest provides a remote setting hard to find in today’s world. With 12 miles of hiking trails, one can spend the day exploring the vast forests of pine, spruce, and various hardwoods. Its secluded location provides a perfect setting for viewing animals as large as deer, to various species of birds. The forest is split in half by Interstate-86. For those driving through admiring the remote nature of the area, head to the southern
section of the forest and stop at Palmer’s Pond for a picnic. The small pond is spring fed and has several unique small islands dotting its surface. For those looking to view the forest up close head to the northern section of the forest. Two five-mile loop trails can be accessed by the same parking lot off of Miller Road. For more information on the forest and directions contact the NYS DEC website. For those looking for more than a walk in the park look no further than Bear CavesMount Seneca Trail in Cattaraugus County. Located in the southern section of Alleghany State Park, the trail provides the opportunity to climb and explore many unique rock formations and caves. Most visitors prefer to start at the western trailhead making their way up Mount Seneca through a forest of maple, oak and hemlock trees. Ferns and various wildflowers coat the forest floor as you reach the summit of 2,106 feet. Follow the mossy rocks and trickling brooks down the hill as they give way to larger boulder formations. As you near the end of the trail the forest opens to a large field of boulders, whose fractured rock creates multiple cave openings. Don’t worry about the trail name, the caves are not home to black bears. Make sure to bring along a flashlight and explore some of the narrow cave passageways. The trail is four miles one way and can be either backtracked to reach your car or take a short walk west along the road. The park also allows for great scenic and wildlife viewing from your car or the 17 other hiking trails throughout the Alleghany State Park. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman or just a casual observer of Western New York’s natural beauty, these local wonders have something for everyone. Just remember to stay safe and use common sense on the trails. Take a friend or the whole family and enjoy these outdoor treasures. Remember, discovering these local trails is much more than a walk in the park!
May/June 2013
SPORTS & LEISURE MAGAZINE
Page 15
Highland Games are just a stone’s throw away Community Sports Report Highland games are events held throughout the year in Scotland and other countries as a way of celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture and heritage, especially that of the Scottish Highlands. Certain aspects of the games are so well known as to have become emblematic of Scotland, such as the bagpipes, the kilt, and the heavy events, especially the caber toss. While centered on competitions in piping and drumming, dancing, and Scottish heavy athletics, the games also include entertainment and exhibits related to other aspects of Scottish and Gaelic culture. Our region boasts a number of regional Scottish Games and Celtic Festivals. Ithaca Scottish Games & Celtic Festival The sixth annual Ithaca Scottish Games & Celtic Festival is coming Saturday and Sunday June 29-30 at Stewart Park located on beautiful Cayuga “loch.” Enjoy live music headlined by Scotland’s award winning tribal pipe & drum band Albannach, Celtic crafts and foods, a bustling refreshment tent serving beer and wine from the Finger Lakes region, clan tents and plenty of activities for the kids including the clan scavenger
hunt. The festival will host competitions in both adult and youth Scottish Heavy Athletics, showcasing the ever-popular caber toss. There will be demonstrations in sheep shearing, kilt making, spinning & weaving and historical reenactments of “waulking” the tweed. Enjoy the sights and sounds of bagpipe band competitions, Irish and Scottish dance, as well as the massing of the bands for opening and closing ceremonies on each day! Admission for the Festival is just $15 a day for adults, $8 for students and seniors and kids 12 and under are free. You can also buy a weekend pass for $25 at the gate…or get discounted advance tickets at the downtown ticket center in Center Ithaca. For a complete schedule of events go to: IthacaScottishGames.com Celtic Festival comes to Allegany County The first annual Celtic Festival will arrive in the “Beautiful Mountains” of Allegany County in Belmont, NY on June 1. The gates will open at 9:30AM with the events starting at 10:00Am; closing will be around 10:00PM. Proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warriors’ Project. The festival will entertain spectators with the traditional Highland Athletic events,
Photo courtesy Ithaca Scottish Games
Enjoy the sights and sounds of traditional Bagpipe bands at the regional Celtic Festivals. comprising a total of seven games for both men and women: stone throw, weight throw, weight for height, sheaf for height, hammer throw and the caber toss. A caber toss is a traditional Scottish athletic event practiced at Scottish Highland games involving the tossing of a nearly 20-foot-long pole weighing between 120 and 175 pounds. The event will be hosted by the Buffalo Heavies Kilted Throwing Club which has members from all over the U.S. and Canada. Also, a group from the local chapter of the
Society for Creative Anachronism will demonstrate the use of medieval weaponry while adorned in the traditional dress of the times. There will also be simulated events for kids to partake in throughout the day. The trophies for the sporting events have been donated by the Belmont Rotary
Club, the Belmont Betterment Association, and the Belmont American Legion. Each donor will present their trophies to the winners the day of the event. There will be a Clan Row present at the event to assist people in learning about clan names and how they have changed over the
centuries. They can also assist people who want to learn about their own Celtic ancestry. Donations can be made to the Allegany County Celtic Festival at 7070 Gleason Hill Road South – 6, Belfast, NY 14711. In addition to the athletic events, there will be several craft and food vendors. There will also be a libations tent – what would a Celtic festival be without one! Of course, there will be Guinness, Killians Irish Red, and other equally good beers and wines for those of age to experience. Out of Jamestown, NY the 96th Highlanders Pipe Band will be performing. There will also be Irish Step Dancers. The headliner band will be a Celtic rock band called Stone Row who will perform in the evening after the closing ceremony. More information on the Allegany County Celtic Festival can be found online on Facebook. Inquiries can be made at alleganycountyceltic@gmail.com or by calling (585) 365-2152.