Fellow Timon ‘00 alum and West Seneca native, Evan Maloney, now branch manager at Evans Bank Lancaster location gets $1,000 to sponsor the Bishop Timon Football Program.
Maloney, who is a friend of Charlie & Paul, found out what little funding the Timon football program received in comparison to the Catholic big-wigs Canisius and St. Joe’s. (upward of $80,000 each school compared to Timon’s $11,000, which includes paying the coaches).
Although Timon football has not been a championship team in several years, it’s good to know people still have faith and give support back to where they came from. That is the nature of a true Buffalonian.
Maloney heard of Comerford and Fitzpatrick taking the reins and immediately jumped on board. Evan, a former Timon athlete and Nazareth College basketball player, knows a good athletic program stems from dedicated coaches.
“I know for a fact that Charlie and Fitz will take this program where it needs to be. They’ve got that South Buffalo competitive drive that will carry this team for the long haul.”
Evans Bank has donated $1,000 to the Timon football program in hopes that it’s use for upgraded equipment and/or tournament expenses can give the two new coaches an unexpected quick breath of relief, while the calm before the storm of what is high school football begins.
For more local news and sports, go to www.metrowny.com.
Showing posts with label buffalo news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buffalo news. Show all posts
Monday, September 12, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
New attitude for West Seneca West football team.
By: Jennifer Orr
“We can expect a hardworking, physical team,” coach Joe Cantafio said of his varsity players that make up this year’s West Seneca West Indians Football roster.
There were equal parts optimism and anticipation as he spoke of the teenage players that have gone through painstaking training while most of their friends were at the beach this summer.
The WSW Indians have victory on the team’s collective mind, which is only natural when considering the extensive practicing that governed the group over recent months. Between daily work out and training sessions, attending a team camp out of Depew High School, and bringing in two coaches from Sienna Heights University in Michigan, it’s safe to say that the players work as a unit – and a collaborative one at that.
“I think we have great team chemistry and a young, enthusiastic team that is very unselfish,” Cantafio explained. “There’s a great ‘team first’ attitude.”
Cantafio emphasized the unity that surrounds this year’s varsity football team, adding that each player is an important link in the chain that is the West Seneca West football team.
However, all teams do have their star players – which is only natural in the world of sports. And among the leading Indians on this year’s football roster are captains Steve Koepnick and Pat Braunscheidel. Koepnick, an offensive guard and linebacker, and Braunscheidel, a fullback and linebacker, will be guiding their teammates through the season with one objective: victory as a team effort.
Other key players include Andy Huegel, running back and linebacker; Steve Riggs, quarterback and linebacker; Matt Wheelock, tight end and defensive end; and Tyler Perna, receiver and corner back.
As for the opening game, which took place on Saturday at the Syracuse Carrier Dome against Eastern Syracuse Menoa, enthusiasm was in the air. Between the anticipation surrounding the start of a new season and the naming of WSW graduate Dennis Hartman, ’76, as honorary captain, things seem bright for the Indians.
“We’re excited and honored to be representing Section 6 in Western New York at the Carrier Classic,” Cantafio concluded.
“We can expect a hardworking, physical team,” coach Joe Cantafio said of his varsity players that make up this year’s West Seneca West Indians Football roster.
There were equal parts optimism and anticipation as he spoke of the teenage players that have gone through painstaking training while most of their friends were at the beach this summer.
The WSW Indians have victory on the team’s collective mind, which is only natural when considering the extensive practicing that governed the group over recent months. Between daily work out and training sessions, attending a team camp out of Depew High School, and bringing in two coaches from Sienna Heights University in Michigan, it’s safe to say that the players work as a unit – and a collaborative one at that.
“I think we have great team chemistry and a young, enthusiastic team that is very unselfish,” Cantafio explained. “There’s a great ‘team first’ attitude.”
Cantafio emphasized the unity that surrounds this year’s varsity football team, adding that each player is an important link in the chain that is the West Seneca West football team.
However, all teams do have their star players – which is only natural in the world of sports. And among the leading Indians on this year’s football roster are captains Steve Koepnick and Pat Braunscheidel. Koepnick, an offensive guard and linebacker, and Braunscheidel, a fullback and linebacker, will be guiding their teammates through the season with one objective: victory as a team effort.
Other key players include Andy Huegel, running back and linebacker; Steve Riggs, quarterback and linebacker; Matt Wheelock, tight end and defensive end; and Tyler Perna, receiver and corner back.
As for the opening game, which took place on Saturday at the Syracuse Carrier Dome against Eastern Syracuse Menoa, enthusiasm was in the air. Between the anticipation surrounding the start of a new season and the naming of WSW graduate Dennis Hartman, ’76, as honorary captain, things seem bright for the Indians.
“We’re excited and honored to be representing Section 6 in Western New York at the Carrier Classic,” Cantafio concluded.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Camp confidential: Kenmore East High School
By: by Dave Ricci, Metro Source
It’s pretty simple really.
If you how up everyday and work your hardest, good things will happen.
As the Kenmore East Bulldogs enter the new varsity football season they have an optimistic outlook about the road ahead.
“We always have a goal of getting to the (Ralph Wilson) Stadium. Its no different this year,” said
Ken-East head coach Matt Chimera. “We didn’t have a great year last year. We’ve got some kids that have come back who didn’t play last year, and we’ve got some kids that have come out that have never played...I know it’s tough without the experience, but they’re pure athletes so we’ll see what happens.”
Leading the way will be hulking junior lineman Jared Dolan.
“The team is looking good. Hitting hard,” Dolan said during a recent practice. “We’ve got some hard workers out here.”
Also back for the Bulldogs will be senior Tom Comfort (fullback/linebacker), senior Russ Williams (lineman/kicker), senior Rob Ormsby (receiver/defensive back) and Josh Kluge (linebacker).
New faces include Nate Weller, an eleventh grader who is up from junior varsity as well as Jordan Wainwright who had previously played soccer for Ken-East.
Wainwright (running back/receiver/defensive back) is one of several newcomers who, though they may not have much football experience,
they do bring a great attitude, a desire to learn and a level of athleticism that will make the very useful in key skilled positions.
Chimera added that while it would probably be a bit much to expect any of these football newcomers to be the go-to-guy that will tally 400 yards per game, he said this core of new faces have been a very pleasant surprise.
Chimera added that a big plus in his eyes is the fact that the majority of the team has been together all summer lifting, working out together three times a week and taking part in the camp at Buff State.
From within the players also know it’s up to them to deliver when game time comes. Yes, the coaching staff will map out a game plan and prepare the team. But the players know they have to pull their weight and execute on the field.
“You’ve got to play with a lot of heart,” said Dolan. “Play to win. I just want to win, but we’ve got to work hard.”
The Bulldogs also have nearly 40 kids on the JV squad which bodes well for the future as solid players as well as numbers are coming up through the system.
Ken-East will set up shop in Class A North with Sweet Home, Grand Island, Starpoint and McKinley, as well as North Tonawanda and Williamsville North, who have been shifted from AA.
The Bulldogs open the season at home on Sept. 3 against Will-North, 2 p.m. kickoff.
It’s pretty simple really.
If you how up everyday and work your hardest, good things will happen.
As the Kenmore East Bulldogs enter the new varsity football season they have an optimistic outlook about the road ahead.
“We always have a goal of getting to the (Ralph Wilson) Stadium. Its no different this year,” said
Ken-East head coach Matt Chimera. “We didn’t have a great year last year. We’ve got some kids that have come back who didn’t play last year, and we’ve got some kids that have come out that have never played...I know it’s tough without the experience, but they’re pure athletes so we’ll see what happens.”
Leading the way will be hulking junior lineman Jared Dolan.
“The team is looking good. Hitting hard,” Dolan said during a recent practice. “We’ve got some hard workers out here.”
Also back for the Bulldogs will be senior Tom Comfort (fullback/linebacker), senior Russ Williams (lineman/kicker), senior Rob Ormsby (receiver/defensive back) and Josh Kluge (linebacker).
New faces include Nate Weller, an eleventh grader who is up from junior varsity as well as Jordan Wainwright who had previously played soccer for Ken-East.
Wainwright (running back/receiver/defensive back) is one of several newcomers who, though they may not have much football experience,
they do bring a great attitude, a desire to learn and a level of athleticism that will make the very useful in key skilled positions.
Chimera added that while it would probably be a bit much to expect any of these football newcomers to be the go-to-guy that will tally 400 yards per game, he said this core of new faces have been a very pleasant surprise.
Chimera added that a big plus in his eyes is the fact that the majority of the team has been together all summer lifting, working out together three times a week and taking part in the camp at Buff State.
From within the players also know it’s up to them to deliver when game time comes. Yes, the coaching staff will map out a game plan and prepare the team. But the players know they have to pull their weight and execute on the field.
“You’ve got to play with a lot of heart,” said Dolan. “Play to win. I just want to win, but we’ve got to work hard.”
The Bulldogs also have nearly 40 kids on the JV squad which bodes well for the future as solid players as well as numbers are coming up through the system.
Ken-East will set up shop in Class A North with Sweet Home, Grand Island, Starpoint and McKinley, as well as North Tonawanda and Williamsville North, who have been shifted from AA.
The Bulldogs open the season at home on Sept. 3 against Will-North, 2 p.m. kickoff.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Rascal Flatts headlines country caravan
By: Dave Ricci
Not going to lie, I’m pretty mad that I won’t be able to attend this show as it falls opposite a family wedding.
But for those lucky people that are free, Aug. 13, will provide a country caravan as super group Rascal Flatts headlines a show that includes Justin Moore,
Sara Evans and Easton Corbin at Darien Lake.
Comprised of lead singer Gary Levox, guitarist Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus on bass Rascal Flatts displays an unequaled blend of harmonies in memorable classics such as “Bless The Broken Road,” “I’m Moving On,” and “What Hurts The Most.”
Hitting town in August, you can also bank on the band playing their warm-weather anthem “Summer Nights.”
The band’s current hit, “Easy,” which features guest vocals from Natasha Bedingfield is quickly climbing the charts.
Very commercially successful, Rascal Flatts has a strong legion fans, many of whom are 20-somethings.
Yet despite all of the sold out shows, awards and top-10 hits, some critics unfairly chastise Rascal Flatts for the way they straddle the fence between pop and county.
Hey guys, guess what. That’s what mainstream country is. Old school country blended with pop and Southern rock.
The fact that the band just comes out, writes and plays from the heart makes the criticism even more mind blowingbecause it isn’t as if Rascal Flatts is attempting to be something they aren’t.
My advice. Rascal Flatts is a very good band. Take them for what they are worth and you won’t be disappointed.
Easton Corbin was part of the Taste of Country concert that took place at Coca-Cola Field on June 3.
Performing his hits “Roll With It” and “A Little More Country Than That,” Corbin easily won a strong round of applause before saying good night.
Watch for Easton to pay tribute to one of his strongest influences when he covers the Kenny Chesney hit “Don’t Happen Twice.”
The act I wanted to see the most is Justin Moore.
Blending country with a rock and roll image Moore has that quirky coolness where girls and guys love him equally.
Moore introduced himself with a string of hits, “Small Town, USA,” “Backwoods,” and “How I Got To Be This Way,” that came off of his self-titled CD.
His current hit “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away” is a winner.
Scoring five No.1’s in her career, Evans was one of the few traditional country artist to emerge out of Nashville in the late 1990s at time when country was feeling the pop/rock influence.
Friday, August 12, 2011
YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s famed Diabetes Prevention Programming offered
The YMCA Buffalo Niagara’s famed Diabetes Prevention Programming (DPP) will be offered at three branches: Delaware, Niagara Falls, and Southtowns Family YMCAs.
This 16-week program is based on research from the National Institutes of Health and the Center for Disease Control. Research has shown that lifestyle modifications that achieve and maintain modest weight loss in adults with pre-diabetes reduced the risk of developing full-blown diabetes by 58 percent.
This program meets in a group setting, where personal lifestyle goals are set with the help of trained coaches. Each hour-long session will cover diet, exercise, and behavior modifications.
The program will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, Aug. 16 to Dec. 6 at the Southtowns Family YMCA, 1620 Southwestern Blvd., West Seneca and the Niagara Falls YMCA, 1317 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, and 9 to 10 a.m., Saturdays, Aug. 20 to Dec. 10 at the Delaware Family YMCA, 2564 Delaware Ave., Buffalo.
A referral from your physician is required, and fees are paid in full for those with BlueCross and BlueShield coverage. Independent Health subscribers will have a $50 co-pay.
For more information, e-mail wellness@ymcabuffaloniagara.org or call 276-5985.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Food Bank of WNY election results 2011
Kevin Cavalieri, chairman of the Food Bank of WNY’s board of directors, has announced the results of the elections which recently took place.
Elected to the 24-member board for a three year term are: Brent Bahnub, First Niagara Bank; Martha Buyer, the Law Offices of Martha Buyer, PLLC; Kevin Darrington, Tops Markets, LLC; Kevin Klotzback, Five Star Bank; Deana Stevenson, Buffalo Public Schools; and Tim Wangler, Wegmans.
Re-elected for a second three year term were Maureen Rasp-Glose, Verizon, and David Tincher, General Mills. Re-elected to the executive committee were: chair, Kevin Cavalieri, M&T Bank; vice chair, Michael Mann, McMahon & Mann Consulting Engineers; treasurer, Tom Berical, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, PC; and secretary, Bill Shephard, Insyte Consulting.
Elected to the 24-member board for a three year term are: Brent Bahnub, First Niagara Bank; Martha Buyer, the Law Offices of Martha Buyer, PLLC; Kevin Darrington, Tops Markets, LLC; Kevin Klotzback, Five Star Bank; Deana Stevenson, Buffalo Public Schools; and Tim Wangler, Wegmans.
Re-elected for a second three year term were Maureen Rasp-Glose, Verizon, and David Tincher, General Mills. Re-elected to the executive committee were: chair, Kevin Cavalieri, M&T Bank; vice chair, Michael Mann, McMahon & Mann Consulting Engineers; treasurer, Tom Berical, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, PC; and secretary, Bill Shephard, Insyte Consulting.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Kenmore West High School high honor roll
The following Kenmore West High School students have earned places on the high honor roll for the fourth marking period.
Grade 9: Maria Adam, Devin Angevine, Michael Bass, Kendall Bazinet, Lydia Beinhauer, Emma Brown, Mary Burke, Angela Carr, Julia Cascio, Alexander Clark, Brian Cotroneo, Alexus Crispin, Julianna Crouch, Breyanna Davis, Olivia Digesare, Sarah Donato, Katie Dugos, Hannah Eberle, Audrey Filey, Sarah Flessa, Colin Flynn, Adam Fron, Taylor Gartland, Rachel Gehring, Zoe Gionis, James Gugliuzza, Mackenzie Hadaway, Jamie Hager, Benjamin Havey, Charlee Hanneberger, Kaitlyn Hojnowski, Ryan Hussar, David Johnson, Angela Kazmierczak, Adam Kerr, Adam Michael Kerr, Adriana King, Michelle Lang, Jaclyn Lauck, Parker Lee, Miranda Leone, Nicholas Lobrutto, Niko Mancuso, Brianna Mathias, Mariel Matias, Katherine Metzler, Megan Moran, Nicholas Morelli, Michael Nasby, Anna Oberkircher, Samantha O’Connor, Cassandra Panna, Emily Phillips, Emily Piatek, Zarek Plewa, Hannah Post, Matthew Ramey, Madeleine Rapp, Katie Raymond, Faith Reed, Kayla Reed, Jenna Rice, Justin Salazar, Maya Satterwhite, Christine Schake, Samantha Sodaro, Taylor Sorrentino, Katherine Thomas, Zachary Thomas, Jessica Trainor, Samuel Trzaska, Gabrielle Vona, Eric Walborn, Emily Waldron, Thaddeus Wieleba, Katherine Wilson, Alexande Wittenberg, Nicholas Wojnar, and Marymeghan Young.
Grade 10: Renee Abbott, Alexis Ackerman, Joel Acquard, Megan Albert, Marissa Allen, James Benders, Ashley Boice, Eva Boughton, Emily Brucks, Kayla Catalano, Peter Cherico, Alyssa Ciancio, Timothy Covert, Michael Coyne, Thomas Depasquale, Haley Diamond, Carrie Dinardo, Rosalie Dirienzo, Christina Drakeford, Christopher Dymond, James Faso, M. Fiorella-Crandall, Ashley Fries, Joseph Fumerelle, Elizabeth Gallagher, Nicholas Gambini, Lauren Gantz, Lindsay Gantz, Nicholas Gara, Matthew Glosek, Rebecca Gourlay, John Grasso, Amanda Green, Julia Green, Sharon Guarino, Marissa Guszkowski, Kelly Hilbert, Alexandra Himes, Alexis Irwin, Elizabeth Johnson, Samantha Katus, Christina Lekki, Alexander Lutz, Casey Maclead, Chelsea Marino, Logan Marquardt, Laura May, Kaetlin Mcgee, Leah Moretta, Jennifer Morris, Aaron Novickis, Brian Page, Rebecca Pera, Christophe Phillips, Kaitlyn Piatek, Daniel Piersa, Sarah Pray, Hunter Raines, Jacquelyn Sagasta, Alyssa Salatino, Julian Santiago, Johnpaul Scaduto, Aaron Schuman, Nicole Seaman, Kaitlyn Simmons, Nicole Sindoni, Anna Tucker, Anna Uminski, Devon Ward, Alexandra Weber, Brendan Webster, and Joseph Wiktorowski.
Grade 11: Gabriella Alfonso, Benjamin Balderman, Megan Barker, Kelsey Bennett, Sarah Bidwell, Molly Booi, Kari Brown, Olivia Butkowski, William Clark, Carlton Clough, James Coughlin, Jennifer Donato, Courtney Faircloth, Paige Fitzgerald, Liam Flynn, Brenna Gallivan, Emily Gorney, Christopher Haefner, Graham Hamner, Mary Hartrich, Jennie He, Marguerite Hoover, Mary Ieraci, Zachary Janish, Jessica Jolley, Amanda Karaszewski, Brendan Kerr, Simona Kolencikova, Jessica Kuehne, Hannah Larson, Sarah Mador, Kathryn Magee, Kelleen Marek, Alaina Militello, Katherine Miller, Adam Moore, Courtney Nasby, Daniel Norton, Alexis Penepinto, Jenna Panepinto, Elizabet Pellegrino, Deanna Peterangelo, Tyler Pfalzer, Steven Pilat, Heather Prior, Domenic Rao, Lyndsay Raymond, Haley Rice, Matthew Rudin, Lindsey Sagasta, Jonathan Salas, Taylor Santomauro, Zaid Shogan, Jasdip Singh, Taylor Smith, Ryan Teator, Jennifer Turano, Jessica Zawadzki, and Christopher Zwick.
Grade 12: Karl Allen, Nathan Anastasia, Andrew Barton, Alanna Blasting, Anna Blatz, Kahle Bostaph, Kyle Brandel, Angela Bufalino, Veronica Burgio, Kevin Caputi, Cara Caserta, Charlotte Clark, Yosef Dorfman, Tessa Drozdowski, Sean Dungan, Jamie Eichinger, Hanna Etu, Christina Farrell, Kelsey Faulise, Alexandria Filey, Brittaney Finley, Lea Finocchi, Avery Fisher, Alexander Fumerelle, Spencer Gates, Martin George, Samantha Geraci, James Goode, William Goode, Anna Gordon, Casey Grass, Emily Gumkowski, Sarah Halpin, Anna Hammerschmidt, Colleen Hannon, Chantel Hari, Laura Hoehn, Marika Jugheli, Alex Keller, Chelsea Kerwin, Thomas Knab, Lee Ann Kostempski, Alyssa Kraft, Emily Gumkowski, Sarah Loranty, Danielle Lucas, James Mazur, Thomas Mitchell, Melissa Murray, Ian Novickis, Kelly Oak, Kaitlyn Powers, Katelyn Rauh, Paige Reitmeier, Matthew Roberts, Christopher Rodman, Catherine Schake, Robert Seaman, Erolind Simnica, Kirsten Smith, Alexander Spatzer, Brendan Stubeusz, Evan Thomas, Michael Walters, Brianna Webster, Melinda Wenrich, Joshua Wilson, Emilie Wuerch, and Matthew Ziolkowski.
Grade 9: Maria Adam, Devin Angevine, Michael Bass, Kendall Bazinet, Lydia Beinhauer, Emma Brown, Mary Burke, Angela Carr, Julia Cascio, Alexander Clark, Brian Cotroneo, Alexus Crispin, Julianna Crouch, Breyanna Davis, Olivia Digesare, Sarah Donato, Katie Dugos, Hannah Eberle, Audrey Filey, Sarah Flessa, Colin Flynn, Adam Fron, Taylor Gartland, Rachel Gehring, Zoe Gionis, James Gugliuzza, Mackenzie Hadaway, Jamie Hager, Benjamin Havey, Charlee Hanneberger, Kaitlyn Hojnowski, Ryan Hussar, David Johnson, Angela Kazmierczak, Adam Kerr, Adam Michael Kerr, Adriana King, Michelle Lang, Jaclyn Lauck, Parker Lee, Miranda Leone, Nicholas Lobrutto, Niko Mancuso, Brianna Mathias, Mariel Matias, Katherine Metzler, Megan Moran, Nicholas Morelli, Michael Nasby, Anna Oberkircher, Samantha O’Connor, Cassandra Panna, Emily Phillips, Emily Piatek, Zarek Plewa, Hannah Post, Matthew Ramey, Madeleine Rapp, Katie Raymond, Faith Reed, Kayla Reed, Jenna Rice, Justin Salazar, Maya Satterwhite, Christine Schake, Samantha Sodaro, Taylor Sorrentino, Katherine Thomas, Zachary Thomas, Jessica Trainor, Samuel Trzaska, Gabrielle Vona, Eric Walborn, Emily Waldron, Thaddeus Wieleba, Katherine Wilson, Alexande Wittenberg, Nicholas Wojnar, and Marymeghan Young.
Grade 10: Renee Abbott, Alexis Ackerman, Joel Acquard, Megan Albert, Marissa Allen, James Benders, Ashley Boice, Eva Boughton, Emily Brucks, Kayla Catalano, Peter Cherico, Alyssa Ciancio, Timothy Covert, Michael Coyne, Thomas Depasquale, Haley Diamond, Carrie Dinardo, Rosalie Dirienzo, Christina Drakeford, Christopher Dymond, James Faso, M. Fiorella-Crandall, Ashley Fries, Joseph Fumerelle, Elizabeth Gallagher, Nicholas Gambini, Lauren Gantz, Lindsay Gantz, Nicholas Gara, Matthew Glosek, Rebecca Gourlay, John Grasso, Amanda Green, Julia Green, Sharon Guarino, Marissa Guszkowski, Kelly Hilbert, Alexandra Himes, Alexis Irwin, Elizabeth Johnson, Samantha Katus, Christina Lekki, Alexander Lutz, Casey Maclead, Chelsea Marino, Logan Marquardt, Laura May, Kaetlin Mcgee, Leah Moretta, Jennifer Morris, Aaron Novickis, Brian Page, Rebecca Pera, Christophe Phillips, Kaitlyn Piatek, Daniel Piersa, Sarah Pray, Hunter Raines, Jacquelyn Sagasta, Alyssa Salatino, Julian Santiago, Johnpaul Scaduto, Aaron Schuman, Nicole Seaman, Kaitlyn Simmons, Nicole Sindoni, Anna Tucker, Anna Uminski, Devon Ward, Alexandra Weber, Brendan Webster, and Joseph Wiktorowski.
Grade 11: Gabriella Alfonso, Benjamin Balderman, Megan Barker, Kelsey Bennett, Sarah Bidwell, Molly Booi, Kari Brown, Olivia Butkowski, William Clark, Carlton Clough, James Coughlin, Jennifer Donato, Courtney Faircloth, Paige Fitzgerald, Liam Flynn, Brenna Gallivan, Emily Gorney, Christopher Haefner, Graham Hamner, Mary Hartrich, Jennie He, Marguerite Hoover, Mary Ieraci, Zachary Janish, Jessica Jolley, Amanda Karaszewski, Brendan Kerr, Simona Kolencikova, Jessica Kuehne, Hannah Larson, Sarah Mador, Kathryn Magee, Kelleen Marek, Alaina Militello, Katherine Miller, Adam Moore, Courtney Nasby, Daniel Norton, Alexis Penepinto, Jenna Panepinto, Elizabet Pellegrino, Deanna Peterangelo, Tyler Pfalzer, Steven Pilat, Heather Prior, Domenic Rao, Lyndsay Raymond, Haley Rice, Matthew Rudin, Lindsey Sagasta, Jonathan Salas, Taylor Santomauro, Zaid Shogan, Jasdip Singh, Taylor Smith, Ryan Teator, Jennifer Turano, Jessica Zawadzki, and Christopher Zwick.
Grade 12: Karl Allen, Nathan Anastasia, Andrew Barton, Alanna Blasting, Anna Blatz, Kahle Bostaph, Kyle Brandel, Angela Bufalino, Veronica Burgio, Kevin Caputi, Cara Caserta, Charlotte Clark, Yosef Dorfman, Tessa Drozdowski, Sean Dungan, Jamie Eichinger, Hanna Etu, Christina Farrell, Kelsey Faulise, Alexandria Filey, Brittaney Finley, Lea Finocchi, Avery Fisher, Alexander Fumerelle, Spencer Gates, Martin George, Samantha Geraci, James Goode, William Goode, Anna Gordon, Casey Grass, Emily Gumkowski, Sarah Halpin, Anna Hammerschmidt, Colleen Hannon, Chantel Hari, Laura Hoehn, Marika Jugheli, Alex Keller, Chelsea Kerwin, Thomas Knab, Lee Ann Kostempski, Alyssa Kraft, Emily Gumkowski, Sarah Loranty, Danielle Lucas, James Mazur, Thomas Mitchell, Melissa Murray, Ian Novickis, Kelly Oak, Kaitlyn Powers, Katelyn Rauh, Paige Reitmeier, Matthew Roberts, Christopher Rodman, Catherine Schake, Robert Seaman, Erolind Simnica, Kirsten Smith, Alexander Spatzer, Brendan Stubeusz, Evan Thomas, Michael Walters, Brianna Webster, Melinda Wenrich, Joshua Wilson, Emilie Wuerch, and Matthew Ziolkowski.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Athletes on the job
by Dave Ricci, Metro Source
Though the 2010-11 school year has faded into the history books, all over Western New York hundreds of student-athletes took with them the satisfaction of a job well done, off the playing field, as well as on.
In my 10 years over covering scholastic athletics I never cease to be amazed by those kids that find a way to have it all. The kids who are not only top-tier athletes, but good students who also find time to hold down jobs.
It’s a tricky balancing act that involves good time management as well as a lot of drive. But it’s all worth it in the end.
“It’s really rewarding,” Sarah Pray said with a smile.
“That’s why I originally got a job. Was because I wanted to do the French (student) exchange through our school. And it felt good because I turned over a check for $300 as a deposit and it was all my own money. So I plan on paying for that whole trip by myself. So it’s really rewarding.”
Just finishing her sophomore year at Kenmore-West, where she played volleyball and softball, Pray has been working as a clerk at King’ Condrell’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop in Kenmore since October.
“Honestly, I’ve probably found out that kids that are into sports or have done sports are harder workers,”said Rich King. The owners of King’s Condrell’s, Rich, and his wife Melissa have hired nearly 90 high school students-all but one from Kenmore West - during the 17-years they’ve owned their shop on Delaware Avenue.
King said that the student-athletes that they have employed are a pleasure to have because they enter the job force already having marketable skills like teamwork and how to get along with others. Which is why kids that work at Condrell’s tend to stay for an average of four to five years before moving on.
“They’re more dedicated, I think,” King continued. “They’re more willing to do whatever (we ask).”
While it isn’t always easy to spin the plates of work, school and sports Pray said having and understanding boss like Rich King who can work with your schedule, is huge.
“He’s understands that having a little extra money always helps high school kids,” said Pray.
Pray also said how grateful she is that Rich and Melissa always work with her schedule, even on spur of the moment things.
Pray recalled one scheduling conflict where she had to work the night before traveling to a volleyball tournament in Ohio.
When Rich became aware of the long drive Pray and her family would have ahead if she worked late he simply smiled and told her not to worry. That it was ok to head home and prepare for her trip.
But as King explained, being flexible with the schedules of all of his high school-aged workers is something he and Melissa are very mindful of.
And he knows that going that extra mile for them pays of with a better working environment for everyone. King also stresses to his workers that family and school and the two things they should always hold first in their hearts and minds.
“We always work around their school schedules,” King said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re into sports or not. We want them to (get) educated and move on.”
Johnny Alessandra, who just graduated from Kenmore-East, has balanced a job as a driver at Jacobi’s on Kenmore Ave. during the year while also competing for the Bulldogs varsity football, basketball and track teams.
“My dad (John) knew I’d be able to do it,” said Alessandra. “He wanted me to get a job and make some money. He still gives me some money whenever I need it, he wanted me make some of my own money. And it does help you to mature, too.”
Like Pray, Alessandra said that balancing school, work and sports not only gave him a sense of satisfaction of making his own money.
He also acquired a greater appreciation for a dollar and doesn’t waste his money on needless purchases.
Does the grind ever get to be a bit much? Sure. Are there plenty of late night homework and study sessions after a game or a shift at work? Absolutely. But in the end knowing you can clear those hurdles and do it all well is all part of the satisfaction.
“Yeah you have those days,” Pray said with a big smile. “There’s days where I’ve been up til three in the morning studying after work. But Rich really emphasizes how important school work is and he gave me off before my exams.
There are those days where I wish I didn’t have a sport after school. I wish I could just go home do my home work and go to sleep.”
Alessandra agreed with Pray that sometimes it’s tough. But those tough times and lessons learned better prepare you for life and gives you the confidence to know that you can handle anything that comes along.
“I’m going to be playing football at Buff State,” said Alessandra. “I’m not going to have any day to work but Sunday, that’s going to be my only day. I’m going to have to work all day Sunday and find a way to get my home work in. But I know I can do it because I did it in high school for a year.”
Though the 2010-11 school year has faded into the history books, all over Western New York hundreds of student-athletes took with them the satisfaction of a job well done, off the playing field, as well as on.
In my 10 years over covering scholastic athletics I never cease to be amazed by those kids that find a way to have it all. The kids who are not only top-tier athletes, but good students who also find time to hold down jobs.
It’s a tricky balancing act that involves good time management as well as a lot of drive. But it’s all worth it in the end.
“It’s really rewarding,” Sarah Pray said with a smile.
“That’s why I originally got a job. Was because I wanted to do the French (student) exchange through our school. And it felt good because I turned over a check for $300 as a deposit and it was all my own money. So I plan on paying for that whole trip by myself. So it’s really rewarding.”
Just finishing her sophomore year at Kenmore-West, where she played volleyball and softball, Pray has been working as a clerk at King’ Condrell’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop in Kenmore since October.
“Honestly, I’ve probably found out that kids that are into sports or have done sports are harder workers,”said Rich King. The owners of King’s Condrell’s, Rich, and his wife Melissa have hired nearly 90 high school students-all but one from Kenmore West - during the 17-years they’ve owned their shop on Delaware Avenue.
King said that the student-athletes that they have employed are a pleasure to have because they enter the job force already having marketable skills like teamwork and how to get along with others. Which is why kids that work at Condrell’s tend to stay for an average of four to five years before moving on.
“They’re more dedicated, I think,” King continued. “They’re more willing to do whatever (we ask).”
While it isn’t always easy to spin the plates of work, school and sports Pray said having and understanding boss like Rich King who can work with your schedule, is huge.
“He’s understands that having a little extra money always helps high school kids,” said Pray.
Pray also said how grateful she is that Rich and Melissa always work with her schedule, even on spur of the moment things.
Pray recalled one scheduling conflict where she had to work the night before traveling to a volleyball tournament in Ohio.
When Rich became aware of the long drive Pray and her family would have ahead if she worked late he simply smiled and told her not to worry. That it was ok to head home and prepare for her trip.
But as King explained, being flexible with the schedules of all of his high school-aged workers is something he and Melissa are very mindful of.
And he knows that going that extra mile for them pays of with a better working environment for everyone. King also stresses to his workers that family and school and the two things they should always hold first in their hearts and minds.
“We always work around their school schedules,” King said. “It doesn’t matter if they’re into sports or not. We want them to (get) educated and move on.”
Johnny Alessandra, who just graduated from Kenmore-East, has balanced a job as a driver at Jacobi’s on Kenmore Ave. during the year while also competing for the Bulldogs varsity football, basketball and track teams.
“My dad (John) knew I’d be able to do it,” said Alessandra. “He wanted me to get a job and make some money. He still gives me some money whenever I need it, he wanted me make some of my own money. And it does help you to mature, too.”
Like Pray, Alessandra said that balancing school, work and sports not only gave him a sense of satisfaction of making his own money.
He also acquired a greater appreciation for a dollar and doesn’t waste his money on needless purchases.
Does the grind ever get to be a bit much? Sure. Are there plenty of late night homework and study sessions after a game or a shift at work? Absolutely. But in the end knowing you can clear those hurdles and do it all well is all part of the satisfaction.
“Yeah you have those days,” Pray said with a big smile. “There’s days where I’ve been up til three in the morning studying after work. But Rich really emphasizes how important school work is and he gave me off before my exams.
There are those days where I wish I didn’t have a sport after school. I wish I could just go home do my home work and go to sleep.”
Alessandra agreed with Pray that sometimes it’s tough. But those tough times and lessons learned better prepare you for life and gives you the confidence to know that you can handle anything that comes along.
“I’m going to be playing football at Buff State,” said Alessandra. “I’m not going to have any day to work but Sunday, that’s going to be my only day. I’m going to have to work all day Sunday and find a way to get my home work in. But I know I can do it because I did it in high school for a year.”
Monday, June 6, 2011
Karate: the art of the fight at Presti Karate Centers of Niagara Falls
Presti Karate Centers of Niagara Falls installed state-of-the-art mats, known as zebra mats, which are recognized in the martial arts community as the mats to have.
Presti spent more than $11,000 to have this specialized flooring; this matted room will have three sparring rings.
Over the next two months, Presti’s locations in Niagara Falls and Lewiston will be going through minor changes. They are preparing for installing zebra mats in all Presti centers.
Presti Karate centers have been in business for 41 years. The owner and master instructor, John Presti, is recognized as one of the highest ranked black belts in the nation.
His schools have met the strict guidelines of Grand Master Churck Norris.
For more information, stop into Presti Karate Center at 2809 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls or call 285-9242.
Presti spent more than $11,000 to have this specialized flooring; this matted room will have three sparring rings.
Over the next two months, Presti’s locations in Niagara Falls and Lewiston will be going through minor changes. They are preparing for installing zebra mats in all Presti centers.
Presti Karate centers have been in business for 41 years. The owner and master instructor, John Presti, is recognized as one of the highest ranked black belts in the nation.
His schools have met the strict guidelines of Grand Master Churck Norris.
For more information, stop into Presti Karate Center at 2809 Pine Ave., Niagara Falls or call 285-9242.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Cleveland Hill’s Kim Rohe Keeping the standards high
Today's Buffalo News brought to you by Metrowny.com
By: Mike Pidanick, Metro Source
After winning ECIC Division IV Pitcher of the Year honors as a sophomore, Cleveland Hill’s Kim Rohe certainly feels the pressure to keep the standard high this year. and she’s been able to do just that.
“It is a lot of pressure; I get nervous about it sometimes,” she said. “But it’s going well, my teammates really help me.”
Rohe has enjoyed another stellar season, both pitching and hitting the softball.
“She’s throwing the ball real well,” Cleveland Hill coach Dave Hehr said. “She’s good; she’s doing real well for us. And she can hit the ball, too.
Indeed, Rohe has continued to improve as a junior and that’s bad news for the opposing teams.
She’s led the Eagles to a 9-3 record in ECIC-IV play. She uses an assortment of effective pitches to keep the opposition wondering what’s coming next.
“curve and changeups and my fastball mostly, that’s what I like to use, she said. “Sometimes screweballs, too. Whatever it takes, I guess.”
The young Eagles got off to a slow start offensively, but things have really picked up lately.
“We’re really starting to hit the ball,” Rohe said. “We were having a hard time in the beginning of the season, but now we’re really getting it. It just stinks that the season’s almost over, now.”
Almost over, but not quite. The Eagles have high hopes for the postseason after reaching the Section VI semifinals a season ago.
“We want to do well in the playoffs,” Rohe said.
“We have a good team, we think we can do it.”
By: Mike Pidanick, Metro Source
After winning ECIC Division IV Pitcher of the Year honors as a sophomore, Cleveland Hill’s Kim Rohe certainly feels the pressure to keep the standard high this year. and she’s been able to do just that.
“It is a lot of pressure; I get nervous about it sometimes,” she said. “But it’s going well, my teammates really help me.”
Rohe has enjoyed another stellar season, both pitching and hitting the softball.
“She’s throwing the ball real well,” Cleveland Hill coach Dave Hehr said. “She’s good; she’s doing real well for us. And she can hit the ball, too.
Indeed, Rohe has continued to improve as a junior and that’s bad news for the opposing teams.
She’s led the Eagles to a 9-3 record in ECIC-IV play. She uses an assortment of effective pitches to keep the opposition wondering what’s coming next.
“curve and changeups and my fastball mostly, that’s what I like to use, she said. “Sometimes screweballs, too. Whatever it takes, I guess.”
The young Eagles got off to a slow start offensively, but things have really picked up lately.
“We’re really starting to hit the ball,” Rohe said. “We were having a hard time in the beginning of the season, but now we’re really getting it. It just stinks that the season’s almost over, now.”
Almost over, but not quite. The Eagles have high hopes for the postseason after reaching the Section VI semifinals a season ago.
“We want to do well in the playoffs,” Rohe said.
“We have a good team, we think we can do it.”
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