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e-mail Teddy Linenfelser.
It was put up or shut up time for Casa D'Italia/Raru.com for it was the Tuesday Night Men's "B" League Championship Game against their bitter rivals Brickoven Pizza/McCarthy. Playing in front of many of their friends and family who came to cheer them on, Casa D'Italia/Raru.com, for only the second time this season, could not get the job done. From the very first pitch, Casa D'Italia came out of the gates tight. On the other hand Brickoven Pizza/McCarthy who struggled for most of the season, had a winning attitude and came out swinging. Casa D'Italia/Raru.com who normally is solid both in the field and at the plate, were neither this day. They committed several crucial errors that cost them a majority of the sixteen runs that McCarthy's team scored. It was a similar story at the plate, in which many players on Casa D'Italia/Raru.com struggled, thus only scoring five runs. No matter how poorly a team plays in the field, scoring only five runs in slow pitch softball spells doom. The 16-5 loss was a definite disappointment. Casa D'Italia/Raru.com has plenty to be proud of this season. A 10-2 overall record is nothing to sneeze at, and is one of the best records in team history. As the saying goes, there is always next year, and Casa D'Italia is already looking forward to another successful season next year. Casa D'Italia/Raru.com would like to thank their sponsors, family and friends for all of their supports this year, and look forward to another unforgettable season next year.
Hearts were heavy and emotions were high for the Tuesday Night Men's "B" League softball playoff game between Casa D'Italia/Raru.com
and Village Inn. On Sunday morning Casa D'Italia/Raru.com learned some bad news, that their long time fan Ed Lenhard, passed away in his home in Florida after battling a long illness. Prior to the start of the game, players on Casa D'Italia/Raru.com inscribed the initials EL on their jersey over their heart to remember Mr. Lenhard. The game got off to a rocky start for Casa D'Italia/Raru.com as they committed several errors which allowed Village Inn to score seven runs. In the bottom half of the inning, Mike Dunlop connected and hammered a homerun into right field that scored two runs. With solid hitting and aggressive base running by Joe Mentor, Mike Cali, Eric Klein and Ryan Dunn, Casa D'Italia/Raru.com pulled within three runs. As the game wore on, Casa D'Italia kept chipping away at Village Inn's lead until it was tied going into the top of the seventh inning. In the top of the seventh inning with Village Inn up to bat, Ryan Case made an inspiring catch that robbed Village Inn of not only runs but hope as well. Village Inn made three quick outs to end their half of the inning. In the bottom half of the inning Joe Mentor got on base with a single. Mike Cali knocked a deep sacrifice fly into left field. Mentor tagged up and hustled to second base where he was forced to slide to guarantee him being safe. On the slide, Mentor pulled his hamstring and was unable to finish the game. The only extra player that Casa D'Italia had was Sean Lenhard. Lenhard strapped up his spikes to pinch run for Mentor. The next batter, Italo Baldassarre tried desperately to hit a deep fly ball to knock Lenhard over to third. The hit wasn't deep enough and Lenhard had to remain at second. With two outs and the game on the line, Eric Klein stepped up to the plate and smoked a shot into left field. As Lenhard neared third, he was waved home. The throw came in from the field but it was not in time. Lenhard crossed the plate and Casa D'Italia/Raru.com won the ball game 13-12. After the game, it was declared that the ball game was dedicated to Mr. Ed Lenhard. The players felt as if he was watching over them this game and gave them some extra inspiration. It is known that if he could have been to the game to cheer on his relatives and friends and share in the post game festivities he would have. Mr. Lenhard you will be missed, and you are in the hearts and minds of everyone that you touched in your lifetime. May god bless you. The Tuesday Night Men's "B" League Championship game is next Tuesday at Kaegebein 3 at 6:15 p.m. The match up consists of two veteran teams in the league, Casa D'Italia and Brickoven Pizza/McCarthy, the winner determines the championship.
For the first time in many weeks, the game time temperature stayed out of the 80's making for a cool evening for softball. The cool temperatures couldn't cool off Casa D'Italia/Raru.com
Tuesday Night Men's "B" League softball team as they remained red hot capturing a 15-10 victory over their rivals Brickoven Pizza/Manzo. The win clinched the division title and guaranteed the team with the top seed in the playoffs. Casa D'Italia/Raru.com struggled in the field early in the game, committing several errors and allowing Manzo's team to score five runs in the first inning all with two outs. Casa D'Italia/Raru.com were able to keep their cool and remain focused. The result of their optimism and drive was a four run inning in the bottom half of the first inning. The brisk Canadian winds blowing in from the North in combination with the extremely hard ground made fielding very difficult for both teams, causing several errors. The Casa D'Italia/Raru.com bats remained consistent, providing runs throughout the game. By the second inning, Casa D'Italia/Raru.com gained the lead and never looked back. Italo Baldassarre hit a homerun, the first of his softball "career." Eric Klein pitched a great game forcing Manzo's team to ground out often. The team welcomed back Joe Mondoux playing in his first game back after he suffered a broken wrist just four weeks ago. Chris Klein, Tim Klein and Ryan Case all had solid games both in the field and at the plate. For the first time in three years Casa D'Italia goes to the playoffs, which begin next Tuesday, and are hoping to continue with their winning ways.
With the clouds blocking the sun's rays for most of the game, accompanied by cooling winds blowing out to right field, and a soft infield as a result of the soaking rains from the night before, the near perfect conditions made for a great softball game at Kaegebein Elementary School. Casa D'Italia/Raru.com
Tuesday Night Men's "B" League softball team captured their sixth victory in a row Tuesday night as they defeated Village Inn/John's Fubar 10-4. The win all but clinched a division championship, which would be the first for the team in over a decade. Casa D'Italia/Raru.com came out of the gates quickly due to a defensive stand forcing their opponents into a three up three down first inning. When it was Casa D'Italia/Raru.com's turn to bat in the bottom of the first inning, they knew they had to strike fast, and they did just that. Chris Hunt started out with a single. The next batter, Mike Dunlop, hit a laser shot down the right field line for a ground rule triple. Joe Mentor drove Dunlop in with a sacrifice fly. After the smoke cleared, Casa D'Italia/Raru.com was up 5-0 after the first inning and they never looked back. Jim Green had a stellar day at the plate going 4-4. Stacey Lenhard pitched another solid game despite the strong winds. Italo Baldassarre, Ryan Dunn and Mike Cali brought their "A" game all having great days both at the plate and in the field. Next week marks the last regular season game for most teams in the Grand Island Adult League Softball. Playoffs start the week of August 11 and will conclude the following week, weather permitting. By: Mike Dunlop,
www.isledegrande.com Revenue, line of credit, payroll, economic
system, and revenue sharing are words that if I were asked what they were
describing, I
would say that they probably had something to do with Wall Street. However
if the words contraction, salary caps, and steroids, were added into the mix,
without a doubt the subject of the query could only be Major League Baseball and
its impending strike. Players and owners are remaining relatively quiet in regards
to a strike date but have mentioned that if the current state of Major League
Baseball, namely its finances, isn't corrected, a player's strike is inevitable. The Casa D'Italia/Raru.com outfield consisting of Ryan Case,
Ryan Dunn, Joey Mentor and Mike Dunlop provided their loyal fans with solid, reliable defense.
The Casa D'Italia/Raru.com bats as mentioned early were once again potent
when the situation warranted them to be. Tim Klein, Italo Baldassarre,
Jim Green and Eric Klein all were able to make clutch hits to aid in the win.
With the much needed win, Casa D'Italia/Raru.com maintained their first place status in the Men's Tuesday Night "B" League Standings.
Heading into the final stretch of regular season play,Casa D'Italia/Raru.com
Tuesday Night Men's "B" League softball team continued with their winning ways capturing a 14-6 victory over Turner's.
With the extremely warm and dry weather that the area has experienced over the past several weeks, the fielders for both squads
had to be cautious because of the very hard and dry ground that would inevitably result in fast paced groundballs. The unfavorable field conditions for both teams proved to be costly for the Turner's squad throughout the game. Casa D'Italia/Raru.com third baseman, Chris Hunt, finding gaps in the Turner's outfield, was able blast two homeruns for his team. Mike Cali, new to the team this year, added a gold glove like performance
making several spectacular plays in the field, including the final three put outs to end the game. Pitcher Stacey Lenhard gave up a monster homerun early in the game, but fought the gusty winds, which wreaked havoc on both pitchers, to bounce back to have another solid outing on the mound.
The win helped Casa D'Italia/Raru.com build momentum and remain atop the standings in the Men's Tuesday Night "B" League Standings. For a complete listing of all Grand Island Adult Softball League Standings click on the following link:
Other Grand Island Pages to Visit: This website is sponsored by
League Secretaries, Send Us Your Scores
League secretaries or any other team volunteer of Island Lanes bowling leagues may submit weekly team scores and league standings to the Grand Island E-News at Isledegrande.com. Reports will be posted almost immediately and will remain on the "Island Lanes" webpage.
Information needed follows:
• Name, phone, email address of person submitting news
• Name of league and date of scores
• High single game - score and name
• High single series - scores and name
• Team high single - team name and score
• Scores over 160 (women) and scores over 200 (men)
• Splits - names
League scores may be emailed to teddy@giecom.net or dropped off at the Grand Island E-News office, 1871 Whitehaven Road.
Grand Island Wrestling Club Registration - 2003
The Grand Island Wrestling Club will hold registration from 6-8 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2003 at the High School upper gym. The Club's season begins December 4th at 6 p.m. Wrestling fee is $35.00 (no checks please) which includes a wrestling t-shirt. For additional information, contact Coach Carney or Coach Johnston at 773-8846.
Niagara Association AAU Cross Country Championships Held On Grand Island - 2003
Monday, Nov. 17, 2003 . . . Winners of the weekend's Niagara Association AAU Cross Country Championships follow:
• Young (16-17) 5K: Krystyna Markut (Depew) 21:14
• Youth (13-14) 4K: Kailey Sullivan (West Seneca) 13:19, Matt Collins (Grand Island) 15:45
• Intermediate (15-16) 5K: Dan Szajta (Alden) 18:32, Leanne Skrabac (West Seneca) 21:49
• Midget (11-12) 3K: Hillary Sullivan (West Seneca) 11:46, Charlie Morone (Churchville) 12:30
• Sub Bantam (8 and under) 3K: Jenna Wallace (Alden) 16:51).
Grand Island Hockey Club To Hold Chinese Auction/Basket Raffle - 2003
The Grand Island Hockey Club will hold a Chinese Auction and Basket Raffle from 7-11 p.m., Friday, November 21, 2003 at the Hyde Park Ice Pavilion in Niagara Falls. Admission is $10 which includes pizza, beverages and music. Over 50 baskets will be raffled, and a silent auction holds a prize of a week's stay in Kissimee, Florida. The $10 donation may be paid at the door. Presale tickets are available from Grand Island Club Hockey Team members.
Snowmobile Trail Permits Available In Park Office - 2003
Snowmobile Trail Permits for Grand Island trails are available between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays at the Beaver Island State Park office, state parks officials announced. Trails will officially open December 15, 2003. The free permits will allow snowmobilers to use more than 12 miles of designated snowmobile trails on parklands on Grand Island between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Applicants must have a valid registration and proof of current insurance. A decal will be issued with the permit, along with the rules, registration and a map showing the location of the trails and parking areas. Further information is available by calling the Beaver Island State Park staff at 773-3271.
Waterfowl Drawing - Duck Blinds - 2003
Beaver Island State Park lottery drawings for blinds continue for hunting days through the first half of waterfowl season until December 2, 2003. Drawings are held each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Island Community Center in Nike Base Park, 3278 Whitehaven Road.
To enter, hunters must show a current New York State small-game hunting license, a signed, current federal duck stamp, a waterfowl-identification course completion form and proof of registration in the free NYS Harvest Information Program (HIP). To register for HIP, call (800) 427-5447.
Duck Draws - Duck Blinds - 2003
Beaver Island State Park will hold drawings at 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from Friday through Nov. 28, 2003 on use of its duck blinds.
To participate in the drawings in the Grand Island Community Center, 3278 Whitehaven Road, hunters must be present and have a valid New York small game hunting license with a signed duck stamp, proof of completion of a waterfowl identification course and proof of registration in the harvest information program.
Grand Island's J.J. Tutwiler Finishes Record-Setting Season - October 2003
J.J. Tutwiler shown during the weekend's
loss to Montclair State and (right) being interviewed after last
year's win over Ithaca College.
Story and Photos By Scott Conroe
CORTLAND – Jerry Tutwiler remembers autumn evenings years ago when he caught a glimpse of his son’s future, although at the time he didn’t think of it that way.
Jerry was head coach of the Kenmore West football team, and his son J.J. was a ball boy and water boy. Sometimes, during timeouts, his players would ask Jerry, “Coach, where’s the water?” Which meant, where was the water boy?
And there the kid would be, off to the side with his cousin.
Throwing a football, of course.
J.J. Tutwiler is now a 6-foot-1, 215-pound senior at SUNY Cortland, starting at quarterback for the third season and serving as a co-captain for the second season. The Grand Island native is finishing a career laden with passing records he was not predicted to own, solid efforts as a punter, some memorable victories, and more recently some rough times with a young team that started out 0-2 and is now 2-3.
As the Red Dragons prepare to face Rowan at home on Oct. 18, their quarterback recently claimed the school record for career touchdown passes (42) and ranks second in career passing yardage with 5,290. But the offense, after two wins, sputtered again on Oct. 4 in a 28-17 loss to Montclair State.
So Tutwiler has things yet to do, before the next phase of his life, when he will become a physical education teacher and coach, as his father was for three decades.
Yelling at him for not fetching water was probably the extent of the problems Jerry and Donna Tutwiler had with the youngest of their three children. J.J. says he was taught from the start never to show off or revel in his athletic accomplishments, which were substantial, all the way through his football, basketball and baseball careers at Grand Island High School. First-team All-Western New York and Division Two Offensive Player of the Year in football, team MVP in basketball, Hall of Fame member: J.J. accepted it all calmly.
“Even now, when he’s home, he doesn’t talk to his friends about what he has done,” Jerry says.
“One of the things I learned from my dad was to be humble, because you wouldn’t get to half the places you do if you didn’t have people around you,” says J.J. “I’ve been blessed to have great players around me.”
Cortland recruited him because of his athletic gifts. Head Coach Dan MacNeill says the staff wasn’t certain Tutwiler would fit their offense, which at the time utilized a West Coast passing offense. MacNeill wasn’t sure Tutwiler was tall enough but wanted his talents at defensive back or receiver if not at quarterback.
Tutwiler, meanwhile, was being recruited as a punter by the University of Buffalo. Division I-A football was tempting, says his father, who played running back for a season and lettered in track at the University of Alabama.
“I asked J.J. if he wanted that, or to have a greater impact for a Division III team,” Jerry says. “I walked on at Alabama. I can say I played for the Crimson Tide. That’s nice. But did J.J. want to do that, or play quarterback? Plus, Cortland had the physical education major.”
As a freshman, J.J. learned the offense and played in five games as backup, passing for 218 yards and one touchdown. Then, as his sophomore year began, the Red Dragons changed to an option offense.
“We were breaking all kinds of passing yardage records but not scoring enough points,” MacNeill says. “Our defense was on the field a lot. We wanted a better running game, so our defense would be less tired and we could be in games in the fourth quarter.”
Tutwiler took over as starter and, while Cortland’s season was disappointing at 5-5, passed for 2,118 yards, fifth best in the program’s history. With several talented receivers to aim for, he set a school record with 21 touchdown passes and another with passing efficiency of 153.66, completing 152 of 252 passes. He was named second-team All-New Jersey Athletic Conference (Cortland plays in the NJAC since the SUNYAC has only three Division III football teams now).
The offense sputtered at first, as the players learned it. They came together after their game was postponed the week of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, turning away from the national tragedy and finding distraction in football.
“I was playing with older guys, some of them four years older than me,” Tutwiler says. “I knew before the first game that I had a lot of growing up to do.”
Among other things that autumn, he led the Red Dragons to a come from behind 32-31 victory over No. 2 Rowan, in the last game at Chugger Davis Field.
“I had a rough start,” Tutwiler says. “I completed maybe one of my first six passes. But we just decided we could do this. At the end we went no-huddle, which surprised Rowan’s defense.”
Tutwiler ended up completing 32 of 50 passes for 431 yards and four touchdowns, as his team retired the old field in style. The completions and passes both rank second in the school record books for one game.
That day, he saw again – as he had before and has since – how important it is for the quarterback to remain poised. “Everyone is looking up to you,” he says. “You’re a leader all the time. You can’t wait for things to get bad before you step up. You try to be steady.”
He says the added role of co-captain the next season, when Cortland moved into its new athletic complex, with artificial turf and a stadium seating 6,500, was not much of a stretch. His team was loaded with veterans and went 9-2, missing an NCAA playoff bid but winning its consolation prize, the ECAC Northwest Championship.
Tutwiler set a school record with 2,378 yards passing. He finished with 15 touchdown passes against just six interceptions. He also punted 50 times for an average of 35.4 yards. In a victory over College of New Jersey, he became the first Red Dragons player to pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in a single game, throwing for 338 yards and running for 118.
The Red Dragons also defeated rival Ithaca, 16-12, in the annual Cortaca Jug game, pulling out a thriller on their home field. They ended with a 30-7 win over Westfield (MA) State in the ECAC game. Tutwiler was named MVP of the game after passing for 189 yards and two TDs and running for another score. He was chosen second-team All-NJAC again at quarterback, and honorable mention at punter.
This season, with a defense that starts new faces everywhere and an offense that has not clicked at times, Tutwiler has been tested more as a leader. He has been called upon more than ever to remain calm even when he throws an interception or Cortland’s drives go nowhere.
“It’s hard to be calm, but I have to keep from getting down,” he says. “The other players get down if I do.”
Tutwiler likes to gamble on the big play, and MacNeill lets him even when the coach cringes at some of what his quarterback attempts to create in the midst of the action.
“J.J. is competitive and will look for the big play,” McNeill says. “He can turn a play that is a lemon into a fruit stand because of his athletic ability."
“The first three seasons, he needed to be a talented quarterback. Now, he has to be a talented quarterback and leader. He has grown a lot. He needs to respond well to his emotions, to be contained. He’s in the limelight. The fans know who he is, the young players know.”
The Red Dragons have four games left. J.J. Tutwiler has passed for 849 yards and six touchdowns, with three interceptions. He stands only 76 yards from the school career passing record of 5,366 yards, set in 1991 by Attica native Dick Puccio.
His father likes to point out that an option offense isn’t designed to let a quarterback throw for 2,000 yards a season, with its balance of rush and pass. Yet J.J. has done that twice.
He would rather be winning.
After the season, two more semesters of school and his student teaching await him. Maybe he will help coach Cortland. He can call upon lessons these seasons have offered about leadership and who he is. This autumn may be the toughest, which means it may yet yield the most to ponder in the years ahead.
The connection will be complete with what he absorbed as a boy, from watching his father’s Kenmore West games. He was the quiet boy in the locker room, hearing what his dad said before and after games. He listened at team banquets and at practice. He saw how his father handled people and strategy.
“I learned not so much about what is good while you’re playing football as what you get out of it afterward,” Tutwiler says. “The biggest thing I remember is, I saw guys come back to see my father and tell him what they had learned from him. They would come to practice and into the locker room after games. I saw that it meant being part of a family.”
Editor's Note: J.J. Tutwiler is a 2000 graduate of Grand Island High School.
Phillips, Porter Race at Ohsweken, Ontario - 9/28/03
By Bill Oldroyd
Grand Island drivers in bold
September 28, 2003 Ohsweken, Ontario. . . The 5th Annual Canadian Sprint Car Championships was a huge success and for the first time in four years, the championship title goes to one of the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) regular competitors. Keith Dempster of Alton, Ont. won a hard fought battle to take home his first Canadian Championship in a spectacular race. This was by far the best sprint car race of the year as the chilled fans sat on the edge of their seats through the entire event. Click for complete Race Results including those of Island residents Tim Phillips and Jim Porter.
America’s Boating Course - 2003
The US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-5 is hosting an America’s Boating Course from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2003 at the Connor Middle School Little Theater, 1100 Ransom Road, Grand Island, NY. Click Isledegrande.com for complete course information.
Phillips, Porter Race at Ohsweken, Ontario - 9/12/03
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island drivers in bold
September 12, 2003 Ohsweken, Ontario. . . The writing on two-year old Teegan Styers’ ‘T’ shirt told the story Friday night at Ohsweken Speedway. “My daddy is the 2003 SOS Champ”. Click for complete Race Results including those of Island residents Tim Phillips and Jim Porter.
Phillips, Porter Race at Ransomville Speedway
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island drivers in bold
September 5,2003 Ransomville, New York. . . Ohsweken, Ontario’s Glenn Styers took one step forward in his quest for the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) championship here at Ransomville Speedway tonight, but in doing so he came very close to taking two steps backward. Click for complete Race Results including those of Island residents Tim Phillips and Jim Porter.
Tennis Champ Steve Kopf Wins Teaching Award - August 2003
Steve Kopf receives Excellence in Teaching Award, wins singles and doubles tournaments and is "most points" winner.
Story and Photos by Bob Kopf
Steve Kopf ended his two-month junior teaching position at the Southampton Tennis Club by winning the prestigious JoAnna Organ Memorial Award for excellence in teaching. The award was presented on Cups Day, the S.T.C.'s season ending tennis tournament held on August 23, 2003. Steve won the Boys Under 18 singles event by defeating Matt Buckley from Waterloo, Ontario. In his next event, Intermediate Mixed Doubles, Steve and Andrea Johnstone defeated Brienne Stairs and Michael Johnstone in straight sets. Steve and Matt Buckley then won the Boys Under 18 doubles event by defeating Matt Warwick and Reid Fenwick. At the annual awards presentation following the tournament Kopf was presented the trophy for most points in the Boys categories by winning all three events that he entered. Steve is the son of Mary and Bob Kopf and will enter his junior year at Grand Island High School next week.
Phillips, Porter Race at Ohsweken Speedway
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island drivers in bold
August 22,2003 Ohsweken, Ontario. . . Ohsweken Speedway owner and sprint car racer Glenn Styers had all the makings of a storybook ending Friday when he had a convincing lead in the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) race at Ohsweken Speedway. Click for complete Race Results including those of Island residents Tim Phillips and Jim Porter.
Michelle Sterner Wins First Round In Bowling Council Classic - 2003
Michelle Sterner of Grand Island defeated Peggy Kuhn in the first round match of the women's division in the Buffalo Area Bowling Council Kickoff Classic Monday, August 18, 2003 at Airport Lanes. Michelle, who bowled a 381-366, was among thirty-two of Western New York's top male and female bowlers who began the new season at Airport Lanes.
Grand Island's Tim Phillips Take 2nd At Merrittville
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island drivers in bold
Thorold, Ontario, August 16, 2003. . . Warren Mahoney of Lefroy, Ontario picked up his second feature win of the season when the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) championship tour visited Merrittville Speedway Saturday night (August 16, 2003). For complete story, including race results of Island residents Tim Phillips and Jim Porter, click Merrittville Speedway.
Southern Ontario Sprints Alters Schedule
Races Fall To Ailing Economy In Province
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
The Southern Ontario Sprints races scheduled for Gasport International
Speedway on August 17, 2003 and August 31, 2003 have been cancelled. All other events
scheduled for Gasport Speedway on those nights will proceed as planned. Peter Turford SOS president commented, "We are never pleased at the thought
of losing a speedway partner, however we completely understand and respect
the position taken by the management of Gasport. The speedway notified us by email and we confirmed by phone
that they felt that at this time that the economics of trying to promote
the SOS races at Gasport did not make sense. This is the first time in the
history of the SOS where a speedway has asked out of a contract over economic issues.”
"Without exception the SOS and its members enjoyed racing at Al and Edith Wagner's fine facility and the club definitely hopes to return to Gasport at some point in the future,” said Turford.
At this point in time the SOS will make no attempt to add races to fill in for the events lost on Aug 17 and 31.
Porter Race At Brighton Speedway
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island names in bold
Brighton, Ontario, August 9, 2003. . .Defending Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) driving champion Keith Dempster drove to a convincing victory Saturday night at Brighton Speedway and with his win he becomes eligible to enter the prestigious Bully Hill Vineyards Classic at Black Rock Speedway in New York State next month. Click for complete Race Results including those of Island resident Jim Porter.
Phillips, Porter Race At Ohsweken Speedway
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island names in bold
Ohsweken Ontario, August 8, 2003. . . They say chassis set up is everything. Or is it? Just ask Mike Lauterborn following Friday night’s Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) points tour win at Ohsweken Speedway and you might get a different answer.
Lauterborn said his car just didn’t feel the same in the last portion of the 20 lap race over Ohsweken’s clay surfaced 3-8th mile oval and when he pulled into the pits following his victory. A post race inspection revealed he was missing a left front shock. Click for complete Race Results including those of Island residents Tim Phillips and Jim Porter.
River Oaks Club Championship - August 3, 2003
Men's Championship Flight
Dan Misko 74-73-147
John Lindner 150
A flight - Bob Suffoletta 156
B flight - Don Miller 165
C flight - Craig Toth 169
D flight - Bill Marrs 177
Senior flight - Dick Kelley 175
Ladies' Championship
Sue Wilson 87-93
Cristin Kessler 181
A flight - Mary Lou Smeadala 190
B flight - Barbara Bonura 217
C flight - Trish Cope 233
Mike Feathers Receives All-American Honors
Grand Island's Mike Feathers, a member of the Western New York Jets Track Club, placed fifth in the young men's decathlon, in the Junior Olympic National Track and Field Championships. Mike, who will be a senior at the high school in the fall, scored a personal record 6,115 points and the win earned him All-American honors. The competition drew approximately 7,300 athletes and concluded Sunday, August 3, 2003 in Miami, Florida.
25th Buffalo Police Chase results Include Islanders
Island runners Bob Merritt and Brenda Rimes won their respective age divisions in the 25th annual Buffalo Police Chase Friday, August 1, 2003. Results follow:
Male winner: Matt Glynn (Buffalo) 15:28. Female winner: Allison Carr 17:45. First policeman: Dan Smaczniak 17:20. First policewoman: Beth Burchill 20:14. men 14-under: Robert Rich (Orchard Park) 21:08; men 15-19: Michael Deren (Blasdell) 15:52; men 20-24: Jeffrey Czyz (Buffalo) 16:15; men 25-29: Michael Heitzenrater (North Tonawanda) 15:36; men 30-34: Kevin Burke 15:57; men 35-39: Joseph Biasillo (Orchard Park) 16:51; men 40-44: Patrick O'Connor (East Aurora) 16:21; Allen Dise (Albion) 17:32; men 45-49: Bob Merritt (Grand Island) 17:03; men 50-54: Jerry Irving (East Aurora) 17:30. men 55-59: Gary Hastings (Burlington, Ont.) 18:41; men 60-64: Larry LaVoire (Welland) 19:28; men 65-69: George Markoff (Buffalo) 20:10; men 70-74: David Willett (Niagara on-the-Lake) 24:00; men 80-plus: Henry Sypniewski (Cheektowaga) 27:46. Women 14-under: Elizabeth Subjeck (Williamsville) 25:38; women 15-19: Tiffany Knarr (East Aurora) 21:38; women 20-24: Andrea Stoos (Alden) 22:08; women 25-29: Melinda Udell (Williamsville) 20:56; women 30-34: Heather Patterson (Williamsville) 20:56; women 35-39: Amy Fakterowitz (Kenmore) 18:38; women 40-44: Karen Murray (Metro Toronto) 23:33; women 45-49: Brenda Rimes (Grand Island) 21:28; women 50-54: Paula DesJardins (Burlington) 20:33; women 55-59: April Hubbard (Newark) 27:50; women 60-69: Gloria Santarpia (East Amherst) 30:07; women 70-plus: Helen Bueme (Lake View) 31:05.
Islanders Win GOLD!
Gold medal winners Jessica Remmes (left) and Corinne Razem
Corinne Razem and Jessica Remmes played key roles in helping their Western Scholastic soccer team win the Gold Medal at last week's Empire State Games, held this year in the Buffalo/Niagara area.
Both Razem and Remmes were 1st Team NFL and 2nd Team All-Western New York players on the Grand Island High School Class A NY State Semifinalist team last year and contributed significantly in winning all four games of Empire's competitions.
Razem directed the defense in her goalkeeper position and made some spectacular saves in recording 3 shutouts. She has played in the Western team in each of the last three years, winning Gold in 2001, and Bronze in 2002.
Remmes, 15, was the youngest player on the team, but started each game at forward. She had two assists and scored two important goals, including a one-time rocket shot off a long volley from the corner in the 6-0 victory over Long Island.
Razem and Remmes joined Courtney MacVie (Kenmore East) and Heidi Griffiths (Clarence) as the only Buffalo-area girls on the Western team. In addition to the victory against Long Island, the team beat Adirondack 2-0, Hudson Valley 3-2, and Central 3-0 in Sunday's Gold Medal game.
Congratulations to Corinne and Jessica- the GI "Dynamic Duo" in your Gold Medal Performance.
Congratulations, Islanders!
Islanders Win Gold, Silver, Bronze Medals At Empire State Games
The 26th annual Empire State Games were held July 23-27 2003 with the following Grand Island residents at the top of the heap.
The Synchronized Swimming team of Kera Sauer (Grand Island), Carrie Roehner (Williamsville) and Nicole Cardinale (Williamsville) won the silver medal with a score of 77.059, three points behind the gold winner. The competition was held Saturday, July 26, 2003 at Sweet Home High School. In the women's open duet finals at Sweet Home High School, Grand Island's Kera Sauer and Amherst's Amanda Stewart scored a 77.594 for the bronze. Kera Sauer (Grand Island) was also on the winning Synchronized Swimming team that scored of 81.787
Grand Island's Corinne Razem, Western goalkeeper, helped her scholastic soccer team to a gold medal on Sunday, July 27, 2003. She won her third medal in three years when her Western team beat Central, 3-0 at the West Seneca Soccer Complex. Corinne's Grand Island teammate Jessica Remmes also won the women's scholastic gold.
Grand Island's David Bentley and Matt Connors of Buffalo had a goal and an assist as their men's scholastic ice hockey team won 3-1 over Hudson Valley. The team plays New York City and Adirondack on Monday, July 28, 2003
The Island was well represented in the Judo competition. Competing in the Men's 146-pound division and winning a silver medal was Marty Grisanti. Grand Island's Marty Rastelli also won a silver in the men's 161-pound division.
Grand Island's Christy Gibney won a Bronze medal in the open women's javelin (103 feet) and Mike Feathers of Grand Island also won a Bronze in the scholastic men's javelin (147 feet). Gary Asbach (Grand Island) placed 4th in the Open Men's Long Jump (22-73/4).
Road race chairman and Grand Island resident Dick Bessel had the honor of taking the officials' oath during the Games' opening ceremonies held at the University at Buffalo Wednesday, July 23, 2003.
The games opened on Thursday, July 24, 2003 and ran through Sunday, July 27th, and were hosted by Buffalo, NY for the fourth time. Buffalo last hosted the events in 1996.
Dick Bessel Takes Part in Empire State Games Ceremonies - July 2003
Road race chairman and Grand Island resident Dick Bessel had the honor of taking the officials' oath during the opening ceremonies for the 26th annual Empire State Games held at the University at Buffalo Wednesday, July 23, 2003. The event was attended by 6,000 athletes and an estimated crowd of 8,000.
The games, opening today (July 24, 2003) and running through Sunday, are being hosted by Buffalo, NY for the fourth time. Buffalo last hosted the events in 1996.
Lotus Owner's Gathering At Holiday Inn
The Holiday Inn Grand Island will be the site of the Lotus Ltd.'s 23rd annual Lotus Owner's Gathering scheduled for Friday, August 15 through Sunday, August 17, 2003 on the grounds of the hotel on East River Road at Whitehaven Road. Lotus Owners from around the world will take part in LOG 23, themed Esprit, which is ceasing production within 12 months. The Esprit is one of the most popular Lotus models and, for the most part, the Lotus model that everyone thinks of when you say "Lotus."
Click for Lotus Owner's Gathering Schedule website or call (716-689-8644) or email Tony Vaccaro at tvacc@lotusowners.com for further information.
Grand Island To Host Empire State Games - July 2003
Island Native, Adam Garlapow To Compete
West River Parkway will be the site of the first and last days of the Cycling competition in this year's 26th annual Empire State Games, which are being held Thursday through Sunday, July 24-27, 2003.
The Individual Time Trials, a 10-mile race against the clock, will go off at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 24 from Bedell Road to past Fix Road and back on the West River Parkway. Ten men and three women comprise each of the teams from the state's six regions for this event. They will be racing individually, to be followed by almost 90 Masters competitors. The Parkway will be closed from Long Road to Bush Road for this purpose from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On Sunday, the Team Time Trail will use both the Parkway and West River Road from Bedell to Bush for a 44-mile men's and 33-mile women's team event. In order to allow access to homes along West River Road, the cyclists will ride the course clockwise, so that cars can use West River Road southbound for access. This will mean left-turns-only, onto and off of West River Road. Pleae regard the road as a one-way from 9 a.m to noon. This will mean entering north of the driveway you wish to access.
One of the athletes on the Western Men's Open Team is Grand Island native, Adam Garlapow. He and his wife, Rosie, will be cheered on by his parents who live along the course. Western team members will be wearing the Blue on White jerseys of the Region 6 competitors.
For further information or to volunteer to help marshall on Sunday, call Larry Reade at 633-7712.
Tim Phillips Races At Ohsweken Track
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island names in bold
Ohsweken Ontario, July 11, 2003. . . Ohsweken Speedway owner Glenn Styres was overwhelmed Friday night following his second consecutive Southern Ontario Sprint (SOS) victory and wasted no time giving credit to his crew chief. Click for complete Race Results.
US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-5
Offers Boating Safely Course
Due to an overwhelming demand for safe boating courses, Flotilla 3-5 will offer the Boating Safely Course on Saturday, July 26, 2003 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at LaSalle Yacht Club, 73 South 68th Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Class size is limited to 40 people. Those interested are urged to register and pay early for guaranteed seating. Topics include Introduction to Boating; Boating Laws; Personal Safety Equipment; Safe Boat Handling; Navigation; Boating Problems; and more.
Everyone operating or planning to operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) in New York State waters, age 31 or younger, is required by the law to complete an 8-hour boating course. By January 1, 2004, anyone operating a PWC will be required to have completed an 8-hour boating course. This course fulfills that requirement.
Cost of course materials is $25 payable to the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. Call Steeg at 632-7353 to register or for more information.
Lunch will be available at the Club and generally range from $6 - $8 per person. There are also other restaurants within a short driving distance or participants may bring their own.
Tim Phillips Has Great Race Day At Merrittville Field
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island names in bold
Thorold, Ontario; June 28, 2003: Rick Wilson’s racing savvy paid dividends Saturday at Merrittville Speedway leaving the balance of the 21-car starting field to literally eat his dust as he dominated the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) 20-lap championship race. Click for complete Race Results.
Brighton Speedway June 7 Results
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island names in bold
Southern Ontario Sprints - Brighton Speedway. Click for complete Race Results.
Niagara Walkers Offers Walking Program On Island
The Niagara Walkers will hold its annual summer fitness walking program in Beaver Island State Park beginning Tuesday, June 10, 2003. The program, open to novice and experienced walkers of all ages, will be held every Tuesday through August 12. Preceding the weekly walks will be guest speakers, who will cover a variety of health topics at 6:30 p.m.
Participants will learn the "heel to toe" technique of racewalking, but, according to organizers, it is not necessary to race to benefit from this cardiovascular, calorie-burning, muscle-toning workout. Parties will be held after the July 8 and Aug. 12 walks. Registration will be held at 5:45 p.m. June 10 at the park's Shelter 4A. The fee is $25 for the entire series. For those under 18 and over 70, the fee is $10. For more information, call Judy Bonafede at 759-8655 or Diane Lawrence at 775-3510.
Southern Ontario Sprints Start Gasport’s 49th season
Islanders Jim Porter and Tim Phillips placed in the opening races last weekend as the Southern Ontario Sprints opened Gasport's 49th season. Click
Southern Ontario Sprints.
Pre-School Sports Program Introduced
Grand Island’s Little Vikes Pre-School Sports Program is specifically designed for boys and girls ages 3 and 4 years old who are too young to register for other sports programs but who want to play on a real team. Click
Little Vikes for full details and registration form.
Rachael Kaplan Scores Well In State Gymnastics Competition - 2003
Rachael Kaplan (left) of Grand Island and Jamie Farrell, teammate from Amherst. Click photo for a larger view.
The Niagara Frontier Gymnastics team from Gleason’s School of Gymnastics competed this weekend in the Level 7 state gymnastics championship competition in Albany. Competitors had to achieve an all-around score of at least 32.5 in a sanctioned invitational gymnastics meet to qualify for the state meet. Rachael Kaplan from Grand Island, competed against 70 girls in the 13-14 age group, scored 8.6 on floor, 8.5 on bars, 8.4 on vault and 8.325 on beam. Rachael's teammate, Jamie Farrell of Amherst, scored 8.75 on bars and beam, 8.725 on floor, and 8.35 on vault giving her an all-around score of 34.575.
Jennifer Rogan Signs National Letter of Intent
Grand Island High School senior Jenny Rogan signed a National Letter of Intent on April 16, 2003 with the
University of Central Florida. Jenny, the daughter of Jeff and
Ilona Rogan, was awarded a full athletic scholarship in the Women’s Track and Field program. A reflection of Jenny’s
accomplishments comes from her hard work, dedication, perserverance, and her love for running. Some of her
major accomplishments date back to 7th grade where she was 4x100 sectional champ and finished 3rd (4x100)
at the State meet in Class B. Overall, Jenny has been an 8x’s Sectional Champion, competed 5x’s at the State
meet, shares the Western New York Record in the 100 meters, competed at the National level in the Junior
Olympics 2000-2002, school record holder of six events and is a member of the Western New York Jets Track Club
since 1999.
Gymnast Jenna Raepple Advances to L8 - April 2003
Jenna Raepple, 9, recently competed for Niagara Gymnastics at the Level 8 Gymnastics State Meet in Long Island, NY. Jenna placed 9th overall with a 36.30. She scored a 9.25 for a 9th place on bars, a 9.225 on beam, 9.15 on floor and 8.675 on vault. Her 9th place finish advances her to the L8 Regionals in Portland, Maine on May 10, 2003. Jenna attends St. Stephen School and is the daughter of Kurt and Cindi Raepple.
Inboard Hydroplane Regatta Race Dates September 2003
Members of the Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Association are announcing their Inboard Hydroplane Regatta Race dates as September 20-21, 2003 at Gratwick Park in North Tonawanda. The Association is looking for people interested in helping on the race. Those interested may call 773-1191, 693-7117 or 773-3295 for further information. The next NFBRA meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2003.
Safe Boating Course At Connor Middle School
A one-day US Coast Guard Auxiliary America’s Boating Course is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Saturday, May 3, 2003 at the Connor Middle School Little Theater. Click for
Safe Boating Course details.
Raepple Takes 2 Golds At Gymnastics States - March 2003
Jamie Raepple, a first year Level 9 gymnast for Niagara Gymnastics, recently competed at the State Championship in Mohegan Lake, NY. Jamie placed first on bars with a score of 9.25, and first on vault with a 9.1. She scored a 9.0 on floor and 8.675 on beam. Her overall score was 36.025 which placed her fifth overall. This score qualified her for the L9 Regionals being held April 5-6, 2003 in Burlington, Massachusetts. Jamie, 12, is a sixth grader at
St. Stephen School and the daughter of Kurt and Cindi Raepple.
Gymnasts Rachael Kaplan, Tara Rogers On Winning Teams - March 2003
The Niagara Frontier Gymnastics team from Gleason’s School of Gymnastics competed this weekend in the Lilac Invitational gymnastics meet held at the ESL Sports Centre at Monroe Community College. For the Level 7 team, Rachael Kaplan of Grand Island placed 8th all around with 35.05. She took 5th on beam with 8.80. Her high score was on floor with 9.15. The team took silver behind Penev’s of Rochester.
For the Level 4 team, Tara Rogers of Grand Island placed 2nd all around with a 36.525. She placed 2nd on beam with 9.10, 4th on floor, 7th on vault, and 9th on bars. The team from Niagara Gymnastics took 1st place.
Quinn Corrao Takes 1st At East Coast Championship - March 2003
Quinn Corrao is being presented his trophy by Master W. Khechen and an assistant. Click photo for a larger view.
Quinn Corrao, 6, recently won 1st place in his 5-6-year-old age
group in the 2002 East Coast Championship, a Tae Kwon Do competition. The annual inner-school tournaments are held by Master Khechen's School of Tae
Kwon Do (Buffalo, Cheektowaga and Orchard Park). Students compete
against each other six times each year, and the student who accumulates the most
combined points in sparring and forms wins the trophy. Quinn competed in
all six tournaments and was unbeaten in forms in every tournament. This year
he is again in the points lead after placing 1st in sparring and forms in
the 1st tournament of the year. He is currently a Red Stripe and has been studying Tae Kwon Do weekly for the past 19 months.
Quinn attends St. Stephen School and is the son of Jamie and Lynda Corrao of East River Road.
Korey Bennett Competes At States - March 2003
Click photo for a larger view.
Level 6 gymnast Korey Bennett competed Saturday, March 22, 2002 at UB Alumni Arena for the Jr. Men's State Championship. Despite a foot injury, he held his own and had a great meet. Bennett is a 3rd grader at Huth Road Elementary school. Korey, the son of Scott & Dorothy Bennett of Stony Point Road, trains at Gleason's School of Gymnastics.
Mother, Son Win Martial Arts Awards - March 2003
Click photo for a larger view.
Tammy Gorman and her son, Jack Gorman traveled to Macedon, New York on Friday, March 14, 2003 to receive their awards from the 2002 IFMA Martial Arts Tournament circuit. Young Jack, who just turned seven and is a first grade student at Charlotte Sidway Elementary, received three awards. He placed 1st Runner-up in 6 & Under Sparring and 1st Runner-up in 6 & Under Male Open Forms. Jack was the Tournament Series Champion for 7 & under Non-Korean Forms. He studies Kung-Fu at the Alpha Omega Martial Arts Academy in Kenmore and is currently a white belt.
Tammy, who received two awards, was the 1st Runner-up in 18+ Black Belt Soft Weapons and the Tournament Series Champion for 18+ Black Belt Female Soft Forms.
Bennett, Cady, Kaplan Qualified For States - March 2003
Korey Bennett, a 3rd grader at Huth Road School, and Level 6 gymnasts is off to state gymnastics competition. Last year Bennett competed at States as a Level 7 gymnasts taking fourth on Rings and placing 9th all – around. He hopes to top that this year. Connor Cady, a 3rd grader at St. Stephen School, will compete as a Level 7 gymnasts. Joshua Kaplan, a 7th grader at Connor Middle School, is a Level 7 gymnasts as well. The boys will represent Niagara Gymnastics of Gleason’s School of Gymnastics at the State competition at University of Buffalo Alumni Arena on March 21—23, 2003.
Safe Boating Course At Connor Middle School- March 2003
Are you new to boating? Do you need to take a boating course to operate your Personal Watercraft (PWC)? Will a boating course reduce your insurance premiums? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this course is for you. The four-week US Coast Guard Auxiliary America’s Boating Course starts on Wednesday, March 5, 2003 at the Connor Middle School Little Theater and runs from 7-9 p.m. Click for complete
Safe Boating Course details.
Islanders Looking Good for Upcoming 2003 Southern Ontario Sprints Season
By Dave Cook, Vice President and Media Officer Southern Ontario Sprints
Tim Phillips (21) Grand Island, New York- 4th 2002 SOS Championship -- Tim had a stellar season in 2001 that saw him earn a third place finish in the championship chase. Along the way he picked up is first career feature victory at Ohsweken Speedway after a race-long battle with Warren Mahoney and Keith Dempster.
2001 was Tim’s first year as a car-owner after previously driving for Bob Mesmer’s three-car squad. Last season Tim had six top five finishes and logged his 54th career SOS start. Before getting involved with SOS Tim enjoyed offshore power boating.
Jim Porter (22) Grand Island, New York-7th 2002 SOS Championship -- Jim has 42 career starts under his belt and has shown great promise. In his rookie year he ran as high as fifth in points before mechanical problems forced him to miss two events. He has competed in 42 career races with the SOS and last year Jim notched eight top 10 finishes.
Isle Third Graders Excell At Gymnastics Competition - February 2003
Connor Cady, a 3rd grader at St. Stephen School and Korey Bennett, a 3rd grader at Huth Road Elementary went to Syracuse on February 17, 2003 to compete at GC2 for Niagara Gymnastics of Gleason’s School of Gymnastics.
Connor, a Level 7 gymnast, did an outstanding job with scores of Floor 9.3 placing 1st; Pommel Horse 8.0; Rings 9.0, placing 4th; Parallel bars 9.2; High bar 8.5; and Vault 9.0, with an All Around of 53.00, placing 5th.
Bennett, a Level 6 gymnast, worked hard to score a 7.9 rings, 8.4 High Bar, 8.0 Parallel bars, 6.6 floor, pommel horse 5.6 and 9.0 on vault with an All Around score of 45.5 placing 5th on Vault. Bennett also traveled to Syracuse where his scores were Rings 7.9, High Bar 8.3, Parallel Bars 7.0, Floor 7.4, Pommel Horse 6.8, Vault 8.85 and an All Around of 46.25. He took 4th on Vault and Placed 9th in All-Around.
Grand Island German Shepherd Competes at the Westminster Dog Show
Blackjack, a Grand Island German Shepherd owned by Islander Gary McDannell, competed at the Westminster Dog Show in Madison Square Garden on February 11, 2003. The Westminster Show is the second oldest show in the United States (The Kentucky Derby is the oldest show, by only a few months). In addition, it is the premier dog show in the United States and possibly the world. It is also referred to as the “Superbowl” of dog shows. In order to compete at the show, a dog must be an American Kennel Club (AKC) Champion of Record. Blackjack, whose AKC registered name is Ch. Alfaro’s Dancer AOM, earned his Canadian Championship when he was 18 months old, and his American Championship at 2 ½ years of age.
In Canada Blackjack was handled by Ms. Donna Conod from London, Ontario. Conod, who is the top German Shepherd handler in Canada, lead Blackjack to three major wins which earned him his Canadian Title.
In the United States Blackjack is handled by James Moses and Conod. Moses is the most famous German Shepherd handler in North America. Moreover, he handles Blackjack’s father Dallas, who is the number one all breed, number one German Shepherd, and the number one herding dog in North America. It was while he was on tour of the U.S. with Moses and Dallas this past summer that he earned his American Title. Moses lead him to two major wins at shows in Roanoke, Virginia. In addition, Blackjack won shows in Marion, Ohio, and Ballston Spa, New York under Moses’ hand (Conod had lead Blackjack to a major win on Easter Sunday last spring at a show at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse, NY).
At the Westminster Show, Blackjack was shown by Conod and competed for Best of Breed with seven other German Shepherds. Amongst those competing where his dad, Dallas, and a step-sister (Ch. Rowland’s Cure for Love). At the end of the competition Dallas was awarded the Best of Breed, but Blackjack and his sister finished right behind their dad. Blackjack was awarded the “Westminster Award of Merit” for his performance, and his sister was presented the “Best of Opposite Sex Award”.
The Westminster Award of Merit is a very prestigious award that is only presented to a few outstanding dogs each year.
Since the Westminster Show McDannell has received many calls from dog breeders that are interested in breeding their German Shepherds to Blackjack (he was bred to the granddaughter of one of the greatest shepherds that ever lived two weeks before the Westminster Show).
Blackjack will be taking a well deserved rest until late summer, when he will go on the road again, competing at shows all over the north east to prepare for the Eukanuba Invitational Dog Show which is held in December of each year.
Dick Bessel To Direct Empire State Games 10K - July 27, 2003
The Empire State Games 10K, a first time event, will be held on July 27, 2003. It will be run in Delaware Park and Forest Lawn and will be held in conjunction with the state games coming to Buffalo this summer. Longtime Grand Island coach and race official Dick Bessel will direct the race, which assures it being a quality event. The 10K will have categories, open and masters for runners over age 30. Anyone can run in the open division, which is free. There will be a standard race charge for the masters, with medals awarded in the various age groups.
American Power Boat Association Honors Isle High Point Winners
Shown front left are Mike Allen and Mark Johnson; (back) Don Warner, Bob Catipovic, Greg Barker, Ken Brodie Sr. and Ken Brodie Jr.
A record number of Grand Island residents and Western New Yorkers were honored for high points in the Inboard Division at the American Power Boat Association Convention held in Detroit.
East River Road resident Bob Catipovic and Don Warner (Cheektowaga) won the United States #1 high point in KRR Class. His boat, "Fission," is driven by Mike Allan from Louisiana.
Greg Barker's "The Rewinder" driven by Mark Johnson of Arlington, New Jersey won the United States #1 in the 2.5 litre class.
Ken Brodie Jr. of Grand Island was the #1 United States winner in the GNH class.
Former Island resident, Ken Brodie Sr., of Dover, Delaware is the owner and driver of "Freedom" that took the national high point in the Grand Prix class.
Drivers Mike Allen and Mark Johnson were inducted into the APBA Hall of Champions. There were 22 inducted this year - from all classes of racing ranging from the J Stock up to the Umlimiteds.
Third Grader Korey Bennett Takes Third In Wrestling
Korey Bennett, a 3rd grader at Huth Road Elementary, represented the Grand Island Wrestling Club in the Iroquois Wrestling Tournament in the 90 pound division on February 2, 2003. Korey, the son of Scott & Dorothy Bennett of Stony Point Road, took third place doing an outstanding job pinning his opponents.
Safe Boating Course - March 2003
The Buffalo Power Squadron will hold it four-lesson safe boating course on four consecutive Thursday evenings at the Buffalo Launch Club, 503 East River Road. The first session starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 6, 2003.
The course meets all the provisions of a new state law that requires all operators of personal watercraft to have participated in such a boating course by January 1, 2004.
Although the course is free and advance registration is not required, there is a small charge to particpants for learning materials.
For further information, call 694-7402 or send an email to seatraining@aol.com.
Matthew Waddington Earns Soccer Honors at SUNY Brockport
Matthew Waddington, a member of the 2001 Grand Island High School graduating class, helped lead the SUNY Brockport Men's Soccer Team to an undefeated SUNYAC league record (9-0). Matthew earned All Conference first team honors coupled with making the all tournament team. He was the highest scoring midfielder in the league as well as the second leading scorer on his team. His eight goals and 10 assists accounted for 26 points. Matthew tallied two goals in the league championship, a 4-2 loss to Cortland, the defending league champions.
Defenseman Mark Zarbo Chosen For All-Star Game
Defenseman Mark Zarbo of Grand Island has been selected to play in an all-star game against the Golden Horseshoe team January 8, 2003 in Stoney Creek, Ont. Selection was by league coaches of the Wheatfield Blades (Empire Junior Hockey League) based on the first half of the season.
Duck Draws 2002
Drawings for Niagara River waterfowl hunting "blinds" located within Beaver Island State Park, along the West River Parkway, on Strawberry and Motor Islands, will be held for the second half of the season, December 27, 2002 to January 7, 2003 at the Grand Island Community Center within Nike Base Park, 3278 Whitehaven Road. Draws will be held each morning, with the first one being on Friday, December 27. Doors open at 5 a.m. and the draw will begin at 5:30 a.m. sharp. No call-ins accepted. To be eligible to participate in the lottery drawings, hunters must present a valid New York State Small Game Hunting License and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. Hunters using state park blinds must also show a Waterfowl ID Course completion form and proof of registration in the NYS Harvest Information Program. A boat is required to be on-site "at the ready" for use in rescue/retrieving as necessary.
Snowmobile Trail Permits Offered - 2002
The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is issuing permits for the use of more than 12 miles of designated snowmobile trails on state parklands on Grand Island. Permits will be issued at the Beaver Island State Park office, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The trails opened Sunday, December 15, 2002.
There is no fee for the permit, but applicants must have a valid registration and proof of insurance for their snowmobiles. State, county and municipal law enforcement agencies will enforce rules on the trails. For information about permits, call 773-3271.
Katie Remus On Winning Fredonia State Soccer Team
Grand Island's Katie Remus, Class of 2001, helped to give Fredonia State a 2-1 win over Vassar in the first round of the New York State Women's Collegiate Athletic Association soccer tournament. Teammate Erin Schurr of Hamburg scored the winning goal with 1:15 left in the game. Katie assisted on both the game-winner and the first goal by Jen Robinson. The Blue Devils (9-7-2) play in the semifinals at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Saturday.
Islanders Take Three Hydroplane Boat Race US #1 Championships
It's official! Greg Barker is the United States #1 High Point champion in the 2.5 Litre class; Ken Brodie II in the GNH class; and Bob Catipovic in the KRR class. The High Point championships were won by the three Island residents after their traveled thousands of miles to boat races throughout the country. Greg Barker and his wife, Liz racked up 11,300 miles this summer, traveling with their "The Rewinder." Was it worth it? You bet!
Duck Draws 2002
Drawings for the Beaver Island State Park area duck blinds will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Nike Base Park, 3278 Whitehaven Road beginning Friday, October 18 through December 4, 2002. Doors open at 6 p.m. and drawings begin at 6:30 p.m. For further information, call 773-3271. Hunters must appear at a drawing - no call-ins accepted - with a current NYSS small game hunting license, Federal Migratory Stamp. Hunters using state park blinds must also show a Waterfowl ID Course completion form and proof of registration in the NYS Harvest Information Program.
Hunter Certification Course 2002
Hunter Certification classes will be held from 6-10 p.m., Wednesday, October 9 and Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at the Grand Island Rod & Gun Club. For information, call 773-3529.
Minor Hockey Team Holds Car Wash
Fred Claus Photo
Team members of the Bud Bakewell Bantam Minor Hockey Team, including Grand Island players, did a great job of washing cars at Tops on Saturday (September 14, 2002). Proceeds will benefit the team.
RANSOMVILLE RESULTS
Billy ‘Zoomer’ Krull of Wheatfield, N.Y.and Mike Woodring of Eden, N.Y. kicked off the final month of racing for the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) when Krull won at Ransomville, New York Friday, September 6, 2002 and Woodring took the nod at Gasport International Speedway in Port Colborne, Ontario Sunday, September 7. For full story and results of Island racers Jim Porter, Tim Phillips and Bob Mesmer, click Ransomville Speedway.
Retired Teachers Golf Outing 2002
Retired Grand Island teacher John Goodfellow organized the first annual retired teachers golf outing on Wednesday, September 4, 2002 at the Nike Base. Twenty golfers played eighteen holes of par 3 golf in a two-man team format. One of the trophies is a log signed by all golfers. The retirees plan on making this an annual first day back to school event.
Kopf Dominates Tennis Tourney
(left) Chris Williams, Kirk Keiswetter (OTA Instructor), Steve Kopf
Steve Kopf won 3 of 4 events at the 46th Annual Southampton Tennis Club Cups Day Tournament. The tournament was played over a two-week period with the finals being played on Saturday, August 24, 2002. Steve won the Boys Under 16 singles event by defeating Chris Williams, a nationally ranked junior from Brazil, 6-3, 6-3. The next event was Boys Under 16 Doubles where he and his partner Matt Buckley of Waterloo, Ontario, defeated Chris Williams and Jordan Fox 6-0, 6-1. Steve and his father, Bob Kopf, won the Father & Son event defeating Bill and Reid Fenwick of St. Catherines in a pro set match 8-2. Steve and his partner Andrea Johnstone (Jacksonville, Florida) lost the Intermediate Mixed Doubles in a three set match to Christine Johnstone and Curtis Johnson. Kopf was also presented the Boys Highest Cups Day Point Total award.
Steve, a sophomore at Grand Island High School, was a Junior Tennis Instructor at the club during July and August 2002 and plans to take the Ontario Tennis Association coaching certification course this winter. Steve has been an active member of the Southampton Tennis Club since 1992 and was this year's Co-President of the Junior Executive.
Gasport International Speedway To Host Southern Ontario Sprints September 8th
By Dave Cook Media Officer
Grand Island residents in bold
August 22,2002. . . Port Colborne’s signature event this past summer was indisputably the visit of the Tall Ships. But on Sunday September 8th, this beautiful Niagara Peninsula city will play host to the winged warriors of the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS), which stand tall in the hearts of open-wheel racing fans in southern Ontario.
According to Peter Turford, president of the SOS, the visit to Port Colborne, Ontario’s Gasport International Speedway was finalized today (Thursday).
“We have not been in negotiations for all that long. Both management of Gasport International Speedway and our club were excited about the possibilities of having an event there this season. It is rare that races are added mid-season, but this is such a natural mix for all involved,” said Peter Turford.
A full program of support races will be held with the SOS having qualifying heat races, a dash for cash and a 20-lap feature.
Gasport International Speedway is a 4-10 mile slightly banked clay oval and is located 3 km. east of Port Colborne on Hwy. 3. Gates open Sunday night at 4:30 p.m. with racing starting at 6:30 p.m.
The SOS will be competing Friday night at Ransomville, N.Y. and will have Saturday free allowing drivers to reorganize if needed.
Following the Gasport International Speedway debut the SOS teams will compete at Ohsweken on Friday, Sept. 13 and then gear up for a double header weekend at Ransomville, N.Y on Sept. 20 and Merrittville, near Thorold, Ontario on Sept. 21.
The season finale, the Canadian Sprint Car Championships will take place on September 28th at Ohsweken Speedway.
Drivers competing in the Southern Ontario Sprints, showing name, hometown and points in the 2002 championship standings. 1. Warren Mahoney, Lefroy, Ontario, 1502; 2. Keith Dempster, Alton, Ontario, 1501; 3. Billy Krull, Wheatfield, N.Y., 1377; 4. Curt Sherwood, Sanborn, N.Y., 1364; 5. Tim Phillips, Grand Island, N.Y., 1363; 6. Dick Mahoney, Newmarket, Ontario, 1357; 7. Rick Wilson, Joyceville, Ontario, 1353; 8. Adam West, Ridgetown, Ontario, 1328; 9. Jim Porter, Grand Island, N.Y., 1227; 10. Glenn Styers, Ohsweken, Ontario, 1186; 11. Charles McCann, London, Ontario, 1120; 12. Bob Mesmer, Grand Island, N.Y.; 1115; 13. John Riegling, Chatham, Ontario; 1039; 14. Paul Ballantyne, Brantford, Ontario; 926; 15. Ken Bayliss, Hamilton, Ontario, 676; 16. Mike Galajda, Delaware, Ontario, 667; 17. Vinnie Christianno Jr., Tonawanda, N.Y., 609; 18. Les MacMillan, Belmont, Ontario, 606; 19. Kyle Wilson, Joyceville, Ontario, 589; 20. Phil Plant, Brantford, Ontario, 506; 21. Dean St. Denis, Windsor, Ontario, 466; 22. Garry Evans, London, Ontario, 449; 23. Ryan Coniam, Burlington, Ontario, 411; 24. Phil Armishaw, Binbrook, Ontario, 314; 25. Mike Lauterborn, Rochester, N.Y., 276; 26. Dave Goetz, Kenmore, N.Y., 232; 27. Erin Crocker, Wilbraham, Mass., 230; 28. Dave McLeod, Kenmore, N.Y., 29 Jim Sweers, Westover, Ontario, 184; 30. Mike Woodring, Eden, N.Y., 161; 31.Joe Arsenault, Binbrook, Ontario, 100.
Race Winners this season: Keith Dempster, Billy Krull, Curt Sherwood, Kyle Wilson, Ryan Coniam, all with one victory each. Rick Wilson, with five wins.
Rookie drivers: Billy Krull, Glenn Styers, Paul Ballantyne, Ken Baylis, Kyle Wilson, Phil Armishaw, Dave Goetz, Jim Sweers and Joe Arsenault.
"The Rewinder" - World Champ
Click photo for larger view. Read story below for Islander Greg Barker's fantastic summer racing season and be sure to visit
Hydroplane Quebec for all the updated statistics.
Greg Barker's "The Rewinder" Wins 2.5 Litre U.I.M. World Championship
Inboard Hydroplane Races - U.I.M. World Championships 2002
Greg Barker of Grand Island, NY, owner of the CS-9 "The Rewinder," won the 2.5 litre stock class during the U.I.M. World Championships held August 16-18, 2002 in Hampton, Virginia. The boat is driven by Mark Johnson of Mt. Arlington, New Jersey.
The Rewinder racing team won the Inboard Nationals in May in Decatur Illinois, the Inboard Eastern Divisionals in July in Cambridge, Maryland and now the UIM Worlds in Hampton this past weekend, giving Greg and Mark a "triple crown." The team is also leading the Hydroplane Super Series in points and is in the top three in National Points for the American Power Boat Association.
In the 2.5 litre class Dan Kanfoush from Niagara Falls, owner and driver of the CS-75 "X-tra Stock" placed 5th at the UIM Worlds. Dan also placed 2nd at the Nationals in Decatur.
The team of Don Warner from Cheektowaga and Bob Catipovic from Grand Island won the KRR Class at the worlds in Hampton with the "Fission." Their driver is Mike Allen from New Orleans, Louisiana. This team placed 2nd in the Nationals in Decatur and 1st at the Eastern Divisionals in Cambridge.
Casa D'Italia/Raru.com Couldn't Get The Job Done
August 21, 2002
By Mike Dunlop, www.isledegrande.com
Casa D'Italia/Raru.com Dedicate Playoff Win To Fallen Friend
August 14, 2002
By Mike Dunlop, www.isledegrande.com
Ninth career win: Southern Ontario Sprints Record Set When Keith Dempster Wins Ohsweken
By Dave Cook Media Officer
Ohsweken, Ontario, Aug. 9, 2002. Keith Dempster of Alton, Ontario established a new Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) feature win record of nine when he flashed across the finish line at Ohsweken Speedway ahead of New York drivers Curt Sherwood of Sanborn, and Tim Phillips of Grand Island.For story, click Speedway.
Casa D'Italia/Raru.com Win Again, Capture Division Title 2002
August 7, 2002
By Mike Dunlop, www.isledegrande.com
Islanders Win At Empire State Games 2002
Grand Island residents did very well in the Empire State Games 2002 in Syracuse, NY. Grand Island's Chris Dziwulski was part of the silver medal winning Men's Open Quad Final in the Rowing Division. Tiffany Gondek was a member of the (Rowing) Women's Open Four Person With Coxswain, winner of a gold medal. Grand Island's Kera Sauer and partner, Kathryn Ulin of Williamsville took a gold in the Women's Open Duet Synchronized swimming Competition. Other Island winners: ATHLETICS - Scholastic Womens - 100m Dash - 3, Jennifer Rogan, WN-Grand Island, 12.54; CYCLING - Open Mens -30 Mile Criterium - 3, Adam Garlapow, WN-Buffalo, 10; DIVING - Open Mens Scholastic Mens - One Meter - 3, Ian O'Rourke (bronze), WN-Grand Island, 446.55.
Also, Soccer: All four of Western's teams played for bronze, and three were winners. Joel Hirschey (East Amherst) and Chuck Diarra (Buffalo) scored, while Matt Haefner (Amherst) made nine saves for the shutout as the men's open team beat Hudson Valley, 4-0. The women's open team medaled for the seventh straight year by beating Hudson Valley, 2-1. Corinne Razem (Grand Island) made 12 saves in the women's scholastic team's 4-1 win over Long Island. Jeremy Jessup made nine saves and fellow Lockport native Matt Stedman had an assist in the men's scholastic team's 2-1 loss to Hudson Valley.
Six In A Row For Casa D'Italia-Raru.com
July 30, 2002
By Mike Dunlop, Isledegrande.com
THE JOYCEVILLE JET DRIVES TO FOURTH WIN OF YEAR
STARTING FROM 19TH SPOT AT OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY
Grand Island's Porter Flips Car
Ohsweken, Ontario, July 26, 2002... Rick Wilson of Joyceville, Ontario took his fourth Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) victory of the season Friday when he charged through the field from his 19th place starting position. For story, click Speedway.
Will A Strike Be The Demise Of Baseball? - 2002
Click Complete Story.
Seventh Victory For Casa D'Italia-Raru.com - 2002
By Mike Dunlop, Isledegrande.com
Tuesday Night Men's "B" League softball team captured their seventh win with a
15-10 victory over Brick Oven Pizza/McCarthy.
After soaking rains hit the area in the early morning, the Grand Island Recreation Department
did a splendid job preparing as many diamonds as possible for Tuesday night's action. The action picked up
very early in the game when Brick Oven Pizza scored three
quick runs in the top of the first inning to take the early lead.
In the bottom of the first inning Casa D'Italia/Raru.com
picked up two runs to keep it close. In the second inning, Brick Oven Pizza
was held scoreless and with that momentum, the flood gates opened and Casa D'Italia/Raru.com's
high powered offense kicked in and they never looked back.
Ten-Year-Olds Win District Championship - 2002
Click photo for larger view.
(front left) Mike Sperrazza, Bobby Ross, Korey Hagen, Joe Fischer, Chris Moody and Mike Larry; (middle) Marvin Pawlowski, Nick Russo, Joel Klock, Jeff Bellanca, Brett Dlugosz, and Chris Gibney; (top) Coaches Kevin Hagen, Mark Bellanca, Chris Gibney and Sam Russo.
Grand Island's 10-year-old All-Star team won the Little League District 1 championship this past weekend (July 20-21, 2002). They beat Mel Ott and Connie Mack of Amherst early in the tournament and then defeated Orchard Park 14-4 to get to the champinship round. In the championship round they lost to Orchard Park in the first game but came back to win the next game 6-3. Jeff Bellanca pitched a three hitter, striking out eleven in the District clinching game and had five extra base hits in the tournament.
Joe Fischer went 4-4 in the final game while batting well throughout the tournament. Joel Klock pitched a complete game victory against Connie Mack and had many timely hits. Bobby Ross was stellar at second base and hit the ball extremely well. Nick Russo continued to have a hot bat while making many stops at third base. Marvin Pawlowski batted .500 for the tournament including two hits in the championship game.
Defensive standouts were Brett Dlugosz at catcher and Mike Sperrazza in centerfield. Korey Hagen, Chris Gibney and Chris Moody made several outstanding defensive plays in the outfield, each with key catches in the late innings of the games. Michael Larry proved valuable as a pinch hitter, hitting a double in the first Orchard Park game.
The ten-year-olds now advance to the NYS Section 1 Tournament in Penfield, NY this weekend.
NASCAR'S #32 "Tide" Visits Tops Market - 2002
Fred Claus Photo
NASCAR'S #32 "Tide" race car was spotted at Tops Market this week by Isledegrande.com photographer Fred Claus. Click NASCAR#32 or "Ricky Craven" for information on the car and its driver, Ricky Craven.
CASA D'ITALIA/RARU.COM REMAIN HOT ON TUESDAY NIGHTS - 2002
ByMike Dunlop, Isledegrande.com
Grand Island Adult League Softball Standings
WILSON CLAN RUNS ONE-TWO IN BRIGHTON CLASH
SON KYLE TAKES CHECKERS WITH DAD CLOSE BEHIND
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island names in bold
Brighton Ontario, July 13, 2002: The expression 'hey dad, can I borrow your
car?' took on a whole new meaning at Brighton Speedway Saturday when the
Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) took its 2002 Tour to the popular eastern
Ontario speedway for the Brighton Automotive sponsored event.
Kyle Wilson, 16, of Joyceville, Ontario, drove to a convincing victory in
only his third ever sprint car race and did so with a car borrowed from his
father Rick Wilson. Kyle is the second Rookie in a row to win an SOS event
there. Rookie Billy Krull of Wheatfield, N.Y. won last month.
Making his victory all the more impressive was the fact that Kyle was in
serious pain as a result of a severe scalding to his arm while enroute to
the track.
"The car overheated and when I was checking it, the rad cap blew. It got
me in my arm. I can tell you, after being treated at the rest stop where it
happened and later two hours in the hospital, my arm is still really bad,"
said Kyle, who decided to go on to the track and just watch his dad. When he arrived, however, he figured he would try the car and started his
qualifying heat seventh. He finished third.
Kyle said it is almost definite that next year he will run a sprint car
program. This year he said he cannot switch mid-season as he is the points
leader in the sportsman series at Brockville Speedway.
Through the luck of the draw for starting positions in the feature, both
Wilsons ended up on the front row with the younger Wilson on pole. At the
start, Kyle took the lead and really was never challenged by his father
Rick.
One caution was called in the 20-lap run when Jim Porter of Grand Island,
N.Y. looped it in turn one. At the restart Kyle once again took the lead and
never looked back. He won easily and probably the only real problem he had
was the pain of his severe burnt arm.
Keith Dempster of Alton, Ontario ran third with Adam West of Ridgetown,
Ontario finishing a creditable fourth. West and Dick Mahoney of Newmarket,
Ontario, ran side by side for a number of laps. Mahoney had a tire go down
on lap 15 and he went wide allowing West to pass. Curt Sherwood of Sanborn,
N.Y. was in the mix for much of the run with West and Mahoney and also got
past the veteran as did Tim Phillips of Grand Island, N.Y.
"My tire went down on me and I just couldn't do anything but watch the
others go past me," said Mahoney following the race.
Series point's leader Warren Mahoney of Lefroy, Ontario managed to finish
eight with an ailing car. He maintains the provisional points lead with Rick
Wilson, Dempster and Sherwood close behind.
Despite three cautions and a late-race red flag Friday's race at Ohsweken
proved to be one of the most competitive of the season. Two cars failed to
finish and only one car was lapped in the 22-car starting field.
Warren Mahoney grabbed the lead over pole sitter Charles McCann of London,
Ontario and held on for the first six tours. Wilson, who started third,
moved past McCann with Rochester, N.Y. driver Mike Lauterborn, Burlington,
Ontario's Ryan Coniam, and Wheatfield, N.Y. driver Billy Krull all passing
McCann by the start of the second tour.
Lauterborn went into the lead on lap six and one lap later Coniam past
Mahoney for second. By this time Keith Dempster had moved into fourth place
as Wilson was quickly peddling backwards.
"Dempster got inside of me to make the pass and I just couldn't do
anything about it. I had gone into the race with the wrong set up and with a
full fuel load I was pushing badly. Also, I had the wrong gear in.
"Once I used up some of the fuel I got rid of the push and could get back
into things. The track was different tonight, I have never seen the bottom
as good here but the top wasn't even there, just nothing," said Wilson.
Coniam moved into the lead at the halfway point following a caution when a
back-marker had spun, but his lead was short-lived. He went high in turn two
loosing grip and was quickly overtaken by Lauterborn and Dempster. Wilson
was in fourth place at this point.
The second of the three cautions came on lap 13 which set the stage for
Wilson to make his move. At the restart Wilson and Coniam both passed
Dempster with Mahoney and Krull running in close quarters behind. The lead
changed in favour of Wilson on lap 14 with Lauterborn, Coniam, Dempster,
Krull, Mahoney, McCann, Mike Galajda of Delaware, Ontario and Dick Mahoney
all running in a pack.
The red flag came out on lap 18 when Paul Ballantyne of Brantford went
over, fortunately escaping injury. However, the face of the race changed.
While the cars were stopped, Lauterborn's crew came onto the track and
checked tire pressures. No work is permitted under red flag and Lauterborn
was placed to the rear of the field at the restart.
With a green-white-checker situation the field moved around with Wilson
setting the restart pace. At the start Wilson immediately moved to the low
side where the track was good and successfully negated any chance for Coniam
or Dempster to get an edge. Wilson went on to take the checkered flag for
his seventh SOS career feature win.
Pit Notes: The Southern Ontario Sprint fans and drivers were pleased to
have Thomas Schmeh, Executive Director of the National Sprint Car Hall of
Fame and Museum, Knoxville, Iowa, in attendance at Brighton Saturday
evening. Thomas is touring tracks in the northeast over the weekend.
Ohsweken-July 12, 2002
Laidlaw Transport Feature: 1. Rick Wilson, Joyceville, Ont.; 2. Ryan
Coniam, Burlington, Ont.; 3. Keith Dempster, Alton, Ont.; 4. Warren Mahoney,
Lefroy, Ont.; 5. Billy Krull, Wheatfield, N.Y.; 6. Mike Gallajda, Deleware,
Ont.; 7. Vinnie Christiano Jr., Tonawanda, N.Y.; 8. Charels McCann, London,
Ont.; 9. Dick Mahoney, Newmarket, Ont:; 10. Dean St. Denis, Windsor, Ont.;
11. Curt Sherwood, Sanborn, N.Y.; 12. Adam West, Ridgetown, Ont.; 13. Tim
Phillips, Grand Island, N.Y.; 14. Mike Lauterborn, Rochester, N.Y.; 15.
Glenn Styers, Ohsweken, Ont.; 16. John Riegling, Chatham, Ont.; 17. Jim
Porter, Grand Island, N.Y.; 18 Garry Evans, London, Ontario; 19. Bob Mesmer,
Grand Island, N.Y.; DNF. Paul Ballantyne, Brantford, Ont.; Phil Plant,
Brantford, Ont.; Jim Sweers, Westover, Ont.; DNS: Les MacMillan, Belmont,
Ont.; Dave Goetz, Tonawanda, N.Y.
Signet Tools Heat One: 1.Wilson; 2. W. Mahoney; 3. McCann; 4.Phillips; 5.
Christiano; 6. Mesmer; 7. Ballantyne; 8. Goetz
Signet Tools Heat Two: 1. Coniam; 2. Lauterborn; 3. Sherwood; 4. St.
Denis; 5. Galajda; 6. Evans; 7. Riegling.
Signet Tools Heat Three: 1. Dempster; 2. Krull; 3. D. Mahoney; 4.
MacMillan; 5. Porter; 6. West; 7. Styers; 8. Sweers; 9. Plant
Dash (rain make-up June 14) 1. Wilson; 2. Dempster; 3. Coniam; 4. W.
Mahoney; 5. Galajda; 6. Phillips
CRH Specialized Transport Dash: 1. Coniam; 2. Wilson; 3. Lauterborn; 4.
Dempster; 5. W.Mahoney; 6. Krull
Brighton-July 13, 2002
Brighton Automotive Feature: 1. Kyle Wilson, Joyceville, Ontario;
2. Rick Wilson; 3.Dempster; 4.West; 5. Sherwood; 6.Phillips; 7. Dick
Mahoney; 8. Warren Mahoney; 9. Porter; 10. Styers; 11. Riegling; 12. McCann;
13. Mesmer; 14. Ken Bayliss, Hamilton, Ontario; DNS. Krull.
Signet Tools Heat One: 1. Sherwood; 2. Dempster; 3. Styers; 4.D. Mahoney;
5. McCann; 6. Phillips; 7. Mesmer
Signet Tools Heat Two: 1. R. Wilson; 2. W. Mahoney; 3. K. Wilson; 4.
Porter; 5. West; 6. Bayliss; 7. Riegling.
RBM Carriers Dash For Cash: 1. R. Wilson; 2. Dempster; 3. Sherwood; 4. W.
Mahoney.
Next Race- July 26, Ohsweken
FIREWORKS NOT RESTRICTED TO THE SKY FRIDAY
AS CURT SHERWOOD NOTCHES RANSOMVILLE WIN - 2002
By Dave Cook, Media Officer
Grand Island names in bold
Ransomville Speedway, July 5: With a gala fireworks display lighting the
sky over Ransomville Speedway over the holiday weekend, it was local driver
Curt Sherwood who lit up the trackside when he drove to his first ever
Southern Ontario Sprints victory.
Sherwood, from nearby Sanborn, N.Y., considers Ransomville his home turf
as he has a long history competing in other classes at this track and it was
this "home track advantage" he figures played a role in his win.
"This is awesome, I have to thank my car owner Mark Christiano, my family,
friends and fans. I am really happy to have taken my first SOS win at my
home track," said Sherwood.
Sherwood, who started eighth in the 15-car field, steadily moved forward
to take the lead on lap 16 of the 20-lap feature when he passed leader
Alton, Ontario driver Keith Dempster on an inside move going through turns
one and two. "Dempster moved up a little and when I saw that I just planted it, thank you Keith, I was gone," he said.
The race was under caution only once when pole sitter Billy Krull of
Wheatfield, N.Y., who held the lead for the first six laps, tangled with a
lapped car ending his night with a badly damaged front end.
At the start Krull opened a big lead over Charles McCann of London,
Ontario, Dempster and defending SOS champion Warren Mahoney of Lefroy,
Ontario. McCann slipped back to fourth by the end of the first lap but the
top three maintained their pace until the caution.
At the restart Dempster grabbed the lead with Mahoney right behind.
Sherwood by this point had moved into third spot and by lap nine was
knocking on Dempster's when he moved past Mahoney.
Tim Phillips of Grand Island, N.Y., who had moved into fourth on lap five,
held on to his position to the end while Adam West of Ridgetown, Ontario,
got past McCann on lap nine to claim fifth spot.
Tenth place starter Mike Galajda of Delaware, Ontario, finished a solid
sixth followed by McCann, Dick Mahoney of Newmarket, Ontario and Tonawanda,
N.Y. driver Vinnie Christiano Jr. Jim Porter of Grand Island, N.Y. finished
10th.
Rounding out the field were Bob Mesmer of Grand Island, N.Y. whose area
business, Mesmer Refrigeration, sponsored the Ransomville event, John
Riegling of Chatham, Ontario, Paul Ballantyne of Brantford, Ontario, Krull
and Glenn Styers of Ohsweken, Ontario.
MESMER REFRIGERATION NIGHT AT RANSOMVILLE
Feature: 1. Curt Sherwood, Sanborn, N.Y.; 2.Keith Dempster, Alton,
Ontario; 3. Warren Mahoney, Lefroy, Ontario; 4. Tim Phillips, Grand
Island, N.Y.; 5. Adam West, Ridgetown, Ontario; 6. Mike Galajda, Delaware,
Ontario; 7. Charles McCann, London, Ontario; 8. Dick. Mahoney, Newmarket,
Ontario; 9. Vinnie Christiano Jr., Tonawanda, N.Y.; 10. Jim Porter, Grand
Island, N.Y.; 11. Bob Mesmer, Grand Island, N.Y.; 12. John Riegling,
Chatham, Ontario; 13. Paul Ballantyne, Brantford, Ontario; 14. Billy
Krull, Wheatfield, N.Y.; 15. Glenn Styers, Ohsweken, Ontario.
Signet Tools Heat One: 1. Dempster, 2. McCann, 3. Phillips, 4. W.
Mahoney, 5. Mesmer, DNF. Riegling, Christiano Jr., Styers.
Signet Tools Heat Two: 1. Sherwood, 2. Krull, 3. West, 4. Porter, DNF.
Galajda, Ballantyne, D. Mahoney
National Vacuum Tim Phillips Racing Dash for Cash: 1. Dempster, 2. Krull,
3. McCann, 4. Sherwood.
Southern Ontario Sprints at Ohsweken July 12 and Brighton July 13
Youth Soccer Tournament
GI Rapids on the ropes
Wildcard team splits two games
By Bill Wolcott - Sunday Staff
The Rapids lost to favored Maryland 2-1 Saturday morning at Lewiston-Porter High School, but collided with Connecticut in a wide-open matinee and posted a 4-2 victory. GI plays Virginia at 11:30 a.m. today (Sun., June 30).
"It feels great," said Dan Panaro, an aggressive goalie who played at Kenmore West. "As a wildcard team, you're not expected to do that well."
Matt Waddington, a 6-foot-3 midfielder, was the outstanding player offensively and defensively for the Rapids. The Grand Island native had a goal, two assists and a header save.
Waddington put GI in front with a 25-yard drive in the first period and helped set up goals by Scott MacLean and Neil Walsh. Sam Semwangu scored on his own rebound off a penalty kick to give GI a 4-1 lead.
The Rapids also controlled much of the secnd game, but took more risks. The wildcard team thought it needed to win by four goals in order to stay in the hunt for a semifinal berth.
"It was bigger field," Waddington said. "We spread out the field and moved the ball around pretty quickly."
With GI leading 2-0, Connecticut challenged. Panaro came out of the net and the ball was kicked over his head. Waddington, using his head, bumped it out of danger.
"The guy was just about to head it in," Waddington said. "I came across and hit him and hit the ball out. Our keeper is pretty aggressive at times. You've got to slide in behind him and help him out."
Panaro likes to play aggressively behind GI's three-deep alignment and often comes well out of the net to race an offender to the ball. On one occasion, Panaro and a forward came together at the same time, leaving both players sprawled and shaken on the field.
Panaro took the blame for the morning loss against Maryland. "We pretty much controlled the play, except that I messed up," he said. "It was an easy ball and I dropped it and a kid headed it in. It wsaa very disappointing. We'll come out tomorrow, play hard and see what happens.
Eric Wiseman set up Walsh for GI's first-game goal against the Baltimore Stars.
Jr. Vikings Entertain At HSBC Arena
This set of photos is through the courtesy of Patrick Kelly, Public Relations Coordinator for the Grand Island Jr. Vikings. Click each for a larger view. The Vikings entertained the
crowd on Friday June 28, 2002 during half time of the Buffalo Detroyers and Arizona Rattlers
Arena Football game at HSBC Arena. The local footballl players will be appearing in the 4th of July Parade 2002.
Mike Schopp Teams Up With WGR-AM's Chuck Dickerson - 2002
Click Mike Schopp for complete story
Catherine Mellon - Verizon Academic All-American - 2002
St. Bonaventure Senior Catherine Mellon (Grand Island) has been named to the Verizon Academic All-America University Division At-Large Second team. For the complete story, click "Buffalo News."
Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) Report - June 2002
Click SOS for complete story.
Island's Jim Dunlop Retires
For the complete story on the retirement of former Grand Island resident Jim Dunlop, click "Buffalo News."
Catherine Mellon - Student-Athlete of the Year - 2002
St. Bonaventure Senior Catherine Mellon (Grand Island) was named Student-Athlete of the Year in women's lacrosse and four others from St. Bonaventure were named to the Atlantic-10 Academic All-Conference teams for spring sports. Sophomore Laura Spaulding joins Mellon on the women's lacrosse team. Junior pitcher Kyle Johnson (Albion) and senior second baseman Mike Sedor were named in baseball. Sophomore Jeff Tracy was named to the golf squad.
Village Inn Golf Classic Results - June 6, 2002
Due to inclement weather, the rain date golf outing took place on June 6, 2002 at Beaver Island Golf Course with 23 eager golfers participating. Refreshments were served by hostess "Sheri" at the the Village Inn Restaurant after this successful event.
The professional golfer, John Zahner came in at 5 over par with a 41. However, the big winner was Ed Weiser with a gross of 56 and a net of 36 using the Callaway system of determining everyone's handicap. The best team effort was produced by Denny Dahl, Dick Crawford, John Dickinson and Ross Kaiser with a team Callaway net of 38.
All participants gross and net scores follow:
Ed Weiser (56) (36), Dan Lynch (61) (37), John Zahner (41) (37), Denny Dahl (44) (37), Frank Marinell (57) (37), Mike Carr (49) (38), Ed Burns (57) (38), Ross Kaiser (45) (38), Dick Crawford (47) (38), Chuck Gaiser (54) (38), Dale Boerschig (49) (39), John Dickinson (47) (39), Wayne Anstett (48) (39), Bob Savoy (48) (39), B. Morissy (51) (39), Peter Figliotti (52) (39), Bill Winterfield (54) (39), Jim Roy (51) (40), Don Scalise (52) (40), Steve Patterson (68) (40), Jack Burns (65) (40), Hank Carroll (55) (41), George Minton (76) (42).
"Thanks guys for your participation. Spread the word and let's have a bigger turnout on Thursday, September 12, 2002 as we help celebrate Grand Island's Sesquicentennial Year."
Hank Carroll
Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) 2002 Championship
Click "Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) 2002 Championship Tour " for complete story.
Island Boat Racers Victorious at Inboard Hydroplane Nationals - 2002
Click "Nationals" for complete story.
Nick Bergman, Rookie of the Year - 2002
Grand Island's Nick Bergman, a freshman on the St. John Fisher baseball team, has been named the Empire 8 Conference's Rookie Of The Year. For the complete story click "Buffalo News."
Michelle Sterner Bowls In Competition - 2002
Jody Ellis, a former Erie CC bowler from South Africa, was fifth in the WIBC Queens Tournament in Wauwatosa, Wis. Ellis' 3,274 total pins were 184 fewer than leader Leanne Barrette. Michelle Sterner of Grand Island was 33rd with 3,082 pins and Cindy Coburn-Carroll of Williamsville 36th at 3,067. The top 64 bowlers advanced to match play, which continues today.
Southern Ontario Sprints - 2002 - T. Phillips, J. Porter, B. Mesmer
Click Southern Ontario Sprints for latest racing news.
Bennett And Gerfin Compete at States - 2002
Gymnasts David Gerfin and Korey Bennett
Islanders Korey Bennett and David Gerfin of Niagara Gymnastics Level 7 boys team from Gleason’s Gymnastics competed in Syracuse March 23, 2002 at the New York State Championship.
Bennett was outstanding in his division, placing 10th out of 45 competitors with an all-around 53.85 He also took 3rd place on rings with 9.45, Vault 8.8 placing 12th, Floor 9.1 placing 13th, Parallel bars 9.1 placing 22, High bar 8.5 placing 14th and Pommel horse 8.9 placing 10th.
David Gerfin had a great meet as well in his division placing 22nd out of 40 competitors with an all-around score of 53.2. Gerfin placed 20th on floor with 8.9, Pommel Horse 30th with 8.4, Rings 12th with 9.4 Vault 27th with 8.7, Parallel bars 37th with 8.8 and High bar 11th with 9.0.
Diver Ian O'Rourke Takes 6th In State Competition Field of 37 - 2002
Grand Island residents can be mighty proud of 12-year-old diver Ian O'Rourke, who competed in the State swimming championship meet over this past weekend. Ian was one of 37 divers from across New York State who qualified for the "11 dive" meet with three elimination rounds. In 2nd place after the first five
dives and 3rd in the next round, Ian managed a 6th place for all of New York State after the final 11 dives, and is believed to be not only the youngest diver to make it to States, but also to place. Ian is the son of Ann and Jim O'Rourke and a seventh grader at Connor Middle School.
Diver Ian O'Rourke Qualifies for State Competition - 2002
Ian O'Rourke, son of Ann and Jim O'Rourke, qualified for the New York State Swimming Championship in the diving competition during Saturday's (Feb. 23, 2002) Section VI swim championships held before an estimated audience of 500 at Clarence High School. Ian began swimming in the Connor Middle School intramurals, caught the eye of various coaches, was asked to swim for the junior varsity swim team and then dive for Grand Island High School's Varsity Swim Team. The Connor Middle School 12-year-old seventh grader was the youngest athlete to qualify for states from Section VI. State officials are checking to see if Ian will be the youngest to compete in the state meet to be held March 1-2 in Buffalo.
Local Gymnasts Compete at Greater Buffalo Challenge - 2002
Niagara Gymnastics level 7 boys team from Gleason’s Gymnastics competed at the Greater Buffalo Challenge in Amherst. Korey Bennett, a 2nd grader at Huth Rd Elementary School, placed 2nd all-around with 52.1. He scored his highest event on floor with a 9.2. David Gerfin, a 3rd grader at Huth Rd Elementary, had an all-around score of 52.7 placing 6th. His highest event score was on Rings with a 9.5. Both boys will compete in States in Syracuse March 23, 2002.
Bowling For The Cure - 2002
Fred Claus Photo
Pictured are some of the participants in the Breast Cancer "Bowl For The Cure"
fund raiser. They are (front) Tuesday Night Sharpshooters League Secretary Kim Cesario (Noco Express Team) and Mandy Maloney (Johns Pizza); (standing) sisters Dolly Dilliot and Jean Tickner, both members of the Noco
Express team.
February is "Bowl for the Cure" month and the ladies of the Tuesday Night Sharpshooters League at Mallwitz Island
Lanes were
more than happy to take part in the fundraiser held nationally by the Woman's
International Bowling Congress, along with the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Local participation Tuesday night, February 19, 2002, was through a
"Penny Per Pin" deal. For every pin the women knocked down during their February league nights, they would receive a point. At the end of the night
those points were turned into pennies, determining what the individual's
donation to the cause would be.
The Women's International Bowling Congress in 2001 raised
nationally a total of $805,000.00 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The
goal for the 2002 campaign is over $1 million. Web sites with further information are www.bowlforthecure.com
Local Boys Compete In Syracuse
Qualify For State Gymnastic Meet
Korey Bennett and David Gerfin traveled to Syracuse February 3, 2002 despite the storm to compete in the Coaches Classic. Both boys did a great job representing the Niagara Team. Bennett taking 7th all-around with a score of 52.5, event scores of Rings 9.3 (placing 5th) Vault 8.2, Floor 8.5, Parallel bars 9.3, Pommel horse 8.7 (placing 4th) and High bar 8.5.
David Gerfin had an all-around score of 51.8 with event scores of Rings 9.5 (placing 2nd), Vault 8.5, Floor 7.9, Parallel bars 9.2, Pommel horse 7.8 and High bar 8.9 (placing 5th). They will travel to Syracuse for the Polar Bear Invitational on February 16.
Both boys have qualified for the State meet in Syracuse in March.
Korey is the son of Scott & Dorothy Bennett of Stony Point Road and David's parents are Marc and Cheryl Gerfin, also of Stony Point Road.
Viking Bowling Results Dec. 13-20, 2001
The following are December 2001 results of the Grand Island High School Bowling Team.
...December 13, 2001 Vikings - Ken-West
Milsher Lanes proved to be a tough challenge for our Viking keglers in
their 2-5 loss to Ken West. Adam Rivers had the high game of 262 and high
series of 576. Andy Moran threw a 200-571.
The Lady Vikings lost close games and total by only 7 pins. Jackie
Siefert led the girls with a 541 and Catie Remmes added a 510 in the 2-5
defeat.
...December 18, 2001 Vikings - Niagara Wheatfield
Despite Jon McGinn's 257-628, Mike Steckelberg's 243-605 and Adam
Rivers' 232-610, the boys lost a heart-breaker at home 3-4 to the Falcons. The Viking's record is at 1-3.
Our Lady Vikes were tied in games but lost the match on total pins.
Meghan Casey was high with a 182-511, Catie Remmes 192-499, Krista Moran
174-498, Chrissy Mayes 177-487 and Jackie Siefert 160-486.
...December 20, 2001 Vikings - Ken-East
Victory at last! The Lady Vikes, led by powerhouse Chrissy Ray's
217-570, (LOVE THAT NEW BALL, CHRISSY!), dominated in their 1st win of the
season 5-2 over the Ken-East Bulldogs. Catie Remmes added a 180-504, Meghan
Casey, a 184-490 and Chrissy Mayes a 205-489.
Newcomer Geoff Crossley excited the crowd with an awesome 280-682 to
lead the boys to a decisive 6-1 win. Mike Steckelberg tossed a 217-636 and
Tim Marble ,a 253-606 for the young Viking team!
Next up: The Festival of Lights tournament, December 27th at Beverly
Lanes...Good Luck to our teams and Happy Holidays to all!
Island Cheerleading Team Victorious - 2001
Jr. Vikings 95# league cheerleaders: (left front) Stephanie Cleveland, Coach Brittany Ingalsbe, Victoria Cacciatore, Chelsey Fairbairn, Danielle McGuire; (2nd row) Ashley Capitano, Stephanie Hunt, Amanda Hackoney, Rebecca Hamett, Arlene Wunsch, Briana Setzer, Taylor Hobba; (top) Chantele Moore, Dana Grace Bush and standing is Assistant Coach Kelly Edwards.
Briana Setzer won the Top Cheerleader award out of nearly 200 cheerleaders in her division in competition November 30-December 1, 2001 in Ontario, Canada. She was a part of the cheerleading teams, sponsored by the Junior Vikings Football organization, that participated in the Festival of Lights contest. Grand Island's Jr. Vikings team coached by Brittany Ingalsbe and Assistant Coach Kelly Edwards, placed 1st in the Cheer-n-Chant division and first in the Dance-n-Pom competition. The girls also won 1st place in the Cheer Routine.
Overall during the two-day event, the local cheerleaders placed 1st against all teams in the Tiny Tot Division.
This was the first time a Grand Island Jr. Vikings, 95 pound league team won two first places.
Viking Bowling Results
The Vikes started the 2001-2002 season by giving new coach Gary Jackson his first victory in his first match with an astounding 5-2 win over N. Tonawanda on Tuesday, December 4, 2001 at Island Lanes. Senior Adam Rivers pounded out a personal best 225-259-231-715 series to lead the boys, followed by Junior Andrew Moran, (227-234-238-699), Sophomores Jon McGinn, (234-229-215-678), Tim Marble,
> (231-246-666), Mike Steckelberg, (234-580), and newcomer, Freshman Tom
Cope, (217-212-244-673), for an amazing 4011 total pin count! N. Tonawanda's Eric Spahr (247-679), led his team's 3693 effort.
The Lady Vikes captured one game thanks to rookie Chrissy Ray's 192 score! The 8th grader just got a new ball and can she deliver it! Shannon Barr added a 161. The girls showed promise and poise in this, their first match, and are continuing to improve! Watch this space...you'll be seeing their victories recorded soon!
In the latest match, Tuesday, December 11th, Freshman Tom Cope tossed a worthy 246-649 series with Andy Moran adding a 627, Mike Steckelberg a 610, and Jon McGinn a 604 in a hard-fought 3-4 loss to the always-tough Lockport Lions at Allie Brandt Lanes. The Vikes record is 1-1. For the Lady Vikes, Chrissy Ray continues to impress with another 190 game, and Jackie Siefert had a 503. Though the Ladies lost 1-6 to the near-perrenial champion Lady Lions, the girls showed improvement and promise and poise in the defeat.
Next match: Thursday, Dec. 14th at Mil-Sher Lanes.
Grand Niagara Mites Win Festival of Lights - 2001
Grand Niagara teammates with Grand Island players in bold are (front) Lorne Shotwell and Jonathan Anderson; (2nd row) Derek Stein, Max Hyland, Tommy Hanna, Charlie Stein, Mike Boyd and Vince Perricelli; (3rd row) Luke Nearhoof, Robert Schiffhauer, Anthony Russell, Joe Grozio, Mike Richbart, Dominic Colangelo, Andrew Stein; (top) Coach Mike Beauchamp, Head Coach Earl Richbart, Coach Rick Stein and Bob Schiffhauer.
Click photo for a larger view
By Grand Niagara Team Manager Mike Beauchamp
Grand Niagara BAC/Sevenson Mite Tier 2 defeated 4 opponents by a combined score of 26-3 on their way to becoming the first Grand Island team to win the prestigious Festival of Lights Hockey Tournament in several years. The tournament, held at Niagara University's Dwyer Arena, featured elite teams from Michigan, Ohio, Ontario and New York. Grand Niagara was victorious over Mt. Clements, Michgan 6-2, cheektowaga, NY 8-0 and Mentor, Ohio 9-0 before defeating Farmington Hills, Michigan 3-1 in the championship game on Sunday, November 25, 2001.
The Stingy defense was anchored by Mike Boyd, Andrew Stein, Robert Schiffhauer and Vince Perricelli. Goaltenders Jonathan Anderson and Lorne Shotwell had 2 shutouts. Mike Richbart led all scorers with 8 goals and 3 assists. Smoken Joe Grozio had 3 goals and 3 assists while Tommy Hanna and Charlie Stein each had 2 goals and 4 assists. Max Hyland had 2 goals and 3 assists; Derek Stein, 1 goal and 4 assists; Luke Nearhoof and Anthony Russell, 2 goals and 2 assists; Dominic Colangelo, 2 goals and 1 assist; and Robert Schiffhauer, 1 goal and 1 assist.
Lady Vikings Varsity Soccer
Mercy 2 - Grand Island 0 - 2001
By Coach Peter Prozik
Both teams (GI and Mercy) were undefeated 22-0. This is the first time that the girls soccer team played in a regional soccer game. In the first half, Mercy dominated the play but Valerie Gasbarro was sensational in goal. She stopped many shots from close range to keep the score at 0-0 at the half. The Lady Vikings picked the play in the second half, but Mercy counter attacked with 2 quick goals. Grand Island never gave up and played very hard for the rest of the game but couldn't score. The final score was 2-0. It was a great season for the Lady Vikings, winning the N.F.L. League championship and the Section 6 Class A Sectionals. I want to thank the whole team for the great season, but especially the seniors, Kaitlin Certo, Stephanie Goris, Kate Mitchell and Co-Captains Krisina Kurpiewski, Robyn Kania and Valerie Gasbarro for an outstanding soccer career at Grand Island. They will be missed. Special thanks to Peter Kuehne (boys varsity soccer coach), Cal Kern (goalie instructor) and David Bowman (girls jv soccer coach) for all their help during the season, especially during the sectionals, and to all the parents for their support who made this season very special and memorable.
Molly Hyland Captures Gold Medal
Ten-year-old Molly Hyland beat out swimmers in her 9-10-year-old age group in the Bishop Newman Catholic Diocese Championship Swim Meet held Saturday, November 10, 2001. The St. Stephen School 5th grade honor student won gold medals in the 50 free with a time of 31.15 and the 100 free (1:12.34) in the meet that drew 236 swimmers from 21 schools.
Molly, who also helped her relay teams to a 5th and 6th overall finish, brings the first ever gold medals to St. Stephen and will be the top seed in the Sunday, November 18 All-Star competition at U.B. She is the daughter of Island residents Kathy "Beauchamp" Hyland and Bill Hyland.
Vikings End Season With Loss to Iroquois - 2001
Senior class members of the football team and senior
cheerleading squad and their parents were introduced
on the Masters Field.
Click photo for a larger view
The Grand Island Vikings ended their season Saturday at Masters Field with a loss to Iroquois, 14-3, in a Class A semifinal game. Iroquois scored on their first play after running 75 yards for the touchdown and forced four Grand Island turnovers to win the game. This was the Vikings first loss at home this season. In the last six games, the defense allowed only 19 points. Grand Island won the Class A North division and finished 7-2 overall. Congratulations Vikings on a great season!
Lady Vikes Are Soccer Champs - 2001
Members of the Lady Vikings Championship Soccer Team are (kneeling left) Kristina Kurpiewski, Kate Mitchell, Jamie Dougherty, Cortney Bota, Corinne Razem, Amy Stewart, Stephanie Nardozzi, Tina Coates, Kimberly Walker, Robyn Kania; (
standing) Valerie Gasbarro, Kaitlin Certo, Coach Peter Prozik, Sarah Hilliard, Lauren Nedwick, Jenna Podlucky, Katie Loiselle, Stephanie Goris, Jessica Remmes, Savannah Stolzenburg, Jenn Rogan, Ryanne Clingersmith, Christina Breier, Jessica Skelly, JV Coach Dave Bowman
Lady Vikes Win Semi-Final at Grand Island
The Lady Vikings defeated the Kenmore East Bulldogs 3-0 October 31, 2001 in a section VI Class A Girls Soccer Semi-final on their home field. Grand Island had defeated Bulldogs twice during the regular season. However, the Lady Vikings knew that this was going to be a tough game. Cortney Bota opened the scoring with a shot from 20 yards out that beat the Ken East goalie. Grand Island controlled the play for the rest of the first half but the score at half time was still 1-0. In the second half, Jamie Dougherty increased the lead to 2-0 on a penalty kick after Jenn Rogan was hauled down in the penalty area. Jamie scored again late in the game to give Grand Island a 3-0 win. Valerie Gasbarro had the shut out in goal with the help of the defense led by Jessica Skelly, Kaitlin Certo and Kate Mitchell. Robyn Kania did a great job marking Ken East's leading scorer, Cheryl Williams. It was a great team effort.
Lady Vikes Win Final
The undefeated Lady Vikings (21-0) advanced to the finals of the Class A Girls Soccer against Clarence at Clarence on November 3, 2001. The team had a fast start as Savannah Stolzenburg headed the ball into the net on a corner kick by Jamie Dougherty. Two minutes later, speedy Jenn Rogan beat three Clarence players down the left wing and left-footed the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead. In the second half, the Clarence Red Devils came on strong and drew within one goal with 30 minutes left in the game. Grand Island defense stood tall and Corinne Razem had a strong game in net. She came out on every possible opportunity to stop Clarence's offense. Jessica Skelly, always very steady on defense, with Kate Mitchell, Robyn Kania, Kaitlin Certo and Amy Stewart, stopped the Clarence offense from penetrating Grand Island's penalty area. Cortney Bota and Kim Walker did a great job in the midfield. So far this season, the undefeated Lady Vikings have scored 115 goals and have had only eight scored against them. The most goals scored against them in a game was two. Out of the 22 games played, they had 15 shut outs. After three consecutive trips to the sectionals, the team made GIHS history by being the first Grand Island girls soccer team to win a Section VI Championship. Congratulations to all the girls for winning the Class A Girls Soccer Championship!
The Lady Vikings will play Section V Champs Mercy High School, 7 p.m., Friday, November 9, 2001 at Honeyoe Falls-Lima High School.
Vikings Eye Playoffs After A 13-0 Shutout Over Lake Shore - 2001
Homecoming court (left) Rachel Fraser, Matt Leuppie, Homecoming King and Queen Ryan Homa and Michelle Cammarano, Lauren Spacone, Michelle DelZoppo, Jamie Holmes, Emily Zimdahl, Anthony Brindisi, Jon Steele and Shannon Ellson.
Grand Island High School cheerleaders, 2001-2002
Mike Blocho running in for the TD that put the Vikings on top 13 to 0.
Fred Claus photo
The Grand Island Varsity Vikings beat Lake Shore 13-0 on Masters Field during the homecoming game Saturday, October 27, 2001. Pat McCarthy had 14 tackles and two interceptions as the Vikings shut out the Eagles. Jeff Bull scored on a 9-yard run to give Grand Island a 7-0 lead at half time. Terry Benton scored in the third quarter on a 1-yard run. QB Mick Gallagher passed for 107 yards. The Vikings, who have dedicated their 2001 season to the memory of Coach Gene Masters, will enter the playoffs with a 2 p.m. game against Iroquois at Masters Field.
GIHS Athletic Dept.
Establishes Masters Memorial Scholarship - 2001
Most alumni of Grand Island High School recognize and revere the name
"Coach" Masters. He was, in the minds of many, the best coach in the area. His induction into the Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 was confirmation of that fact.
Legendary as a sports figure and a colorful member of the Grand Island community, "Coach" was known in a variety of circles and was a very friendly face around school. Needless to say, the community was saddened
by his passing on October 8. Since then former players, friends and
neighbors have recalled their favorite memories of the man everyone
knew as "Coach" because he personified the best aspects of sportsmanship and competitive fair play.
In honor of Coach Masters, who as of 1999 led the Vikings to 218 wins and was a Grand Island High School icon, the Athletic Department has established the Coach Gene Masters Memorial Scholarship Fund. Those interested in helping to
honor "Coach" Masters may contribute to this fund by sending their
donation to: The Coach Gene Masters Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Grand Island High School Athletic Department, 1100 Ransom Rd., Grand Island 14072. Coach Masters will forever be remembered by the Vikings each time they take the field at Masters' Stadium and through this new, yearly scholarship that will help a worthwhile senior follow his dreams and aspirations.
Bike Racers Brave High Winds, Cold Weather
Fred Claus photo
Racers from the US and Canada all got together Sunday, October 7, 2001 on Grand Island for
the Grand Island bike race. Both pro and amateur bike racers
braved the high winds and the cold weather on the 4.2 mile course, 5 and 10
lap races. In an effort not to disrupt the community, the race officials set
up a course map starting at the corner of
Love and West River roads, heading east and going to Alt Blvd. Races then
continued down Alt to Fix Road, and took Fix back to West River Road.
The race was coordinated by the Buffalo Triathlon Series, who are also
responsible for the triathlon that has been held yearly at Beaver Island
State Park. Race coordinator Zoran Smajic had also mentioned that his group
is trying to put together a multi-sport race that will be held here on the
Island in conjunction with next year's Grand Island Sesquicentennial.
Vikings Victorious Over Lew-Port
The Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football team played Lewiston-Porter at home on Masters Field Saturday, September 29, 2001 and won the game with a final score of 44-7. Mike Feathers, a sophomore, kicked a school record 45-yard field goal and the Vikings forced three fumbles to win. Quaterback Mike Gallagher threw three TD passes, two to Feathers, and was 5 of 11 for 137 yards. Vikings LB Terry Benton had 10 tackles. The Vikings will travel to Williamsville South for a 2 p.m. game Saturday, October 6, 2001.
Professional Bicycling on Grand Island
A race that "is drawing a few hundred professional, elite, and amateur cyclists," will take place on the weekend of October 6-7, 2001 at the south end of Grand Island according to Zoran Smajic, Vice President-Buffalo Triathlon Series.
The course will be designed in a way that will "minimize any inconvenience to the local community, while at the same time showing the extreme beauty of the island," according to Smajic. Riders will race in a six-mile loop in several events from 36 to 84 miles in length.
For more information call 862-0840 or click DuTriSports
VIKINGS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
VARSITY VIKINGS
9/15/01 NIAGARA WHEATFIELD AT HOME 2PM
9/22/01 AT SWEET HOME 2PM
9/29/01 LEW PORT AT HOME 2PM
10/6/01 AT WILLIAMSVILLE SOUTH 2PM
10/12/01 AT WILLIAMSVILLE EAST 7PM
10/20/01 PIONEER AT HOME 2PM
10/27/01 LAKE SHORE AT HOME 2PM
JUNIOR VARSITY
9/15/01 AT NIAGARA WHEATFIELD 10AM
9/17/01 AT LOCKPORT 4:30PM
9/22/01 SWEET HOME AT HOME 10AM
9/29/01 AT LEWPORT 10AM
10/5/01 WILLIAMSVILLE SOUTH AT HOME 10AM
10/13/01 WILLIAMSVILLE EAST AT HOME 10AM
10/20/01 AT PIONEER 10AM
New Champion Wears VSM Abrasives
Crown After Tense Points Battle Goes to the Wire
By Dave Cook
(Sept. 7, 2001)
Warren Mahoney was crowned Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) Champion while sitting on the sidelines Friday at Ransomville Speedway. And he owes his title to efforts made by his father in a fierce battle to the wire with last year’s champion, Alton, Ontario’s Keith Dempster.
Going into Friday’s VSM Abrasives 2001 Tour finale, Warren Mahoney of Lefroy, Ontario, just simply needed to finish 17th or better if Dempster won the race. In fact, Dempster had all but conceded his title hopes prior to the race by congratulating the young Mahoney. But after the third tour of the slightly banked Ransomville Speedway and watching Mahoney being pushed to the pits, Dempster was back in the hunt.
The race didn’t get off to a good start. There were three cautions for spinning cars and a red flag stopping the race when Mike Galajda of Delaware, Ontario flipped before the first two laps could be completed.
As the 19-car field readied for the restart for lap three, Warren Mahoney became the second driver out as he sat motionless. He could not keep his car locked in gear. He was now scored in 18th place. His points rival Dempster was positioned in fourth with 17 laps remaining.
At the drop of the green the elder Mahoney, of Newmarket, Ontario, grabbed the lead with Mike Lauderborn of Rochester, N.Y. inches behind followed by Curt Sherwood of Sanborn, N.Y., Dempster, Tim Phillips of Grand Island, N.Y.,Charles McCann of London, Ontario and John Riegling of Chatham, Ontario all running in close quarters.
Lauderborn, Mahoney, Sherwood and Dempster pulled slightly ahead of the rest of the pack and on lap 13 the leader came up on lapped traffic.He touched wheels with Jim Porter of Grand Island, N.Y. and spun.
At the restart, Mahoney, Sherwood and Dempster set a torrid pace. On lap 15 Dempster got past Sherwood and it became a five-lap shootout with the championship title at stake.
Mahoney was very much aware of the mathematics of his son’s quest for the title but he didn’t know it was Dempster on his tail.
“I was counting cars. I knew that Warren was the second driver out and all I could do was go for it. I didn’t know it was Keith on my tail,” said an exhausted but elated Dick Mahoney in the winner’s circle.
The victory marks the first time in the club’s history that a father and son have both won feature races and interestingly, both Mahoney’s have won at Ransomville. It is most poetic that Dick Mahoney’s first win played such a decisive role in his son’s championship .”I dedicate my win to the memory of a good friend, the late Rick Sykes,” he said. Rick Sykes was the starter for the Can Am Midget Club who was fatally injured a number of years back in a highway accident.
Warren Mahoney celebrated with a bottle of champagne and was surrounded by several well wishers. “ I am happy but you know, I really didn’t want it to end up this way,” he said, “ I really wanted to win this on the track.”
Other celebrations were going on pit side as Curt Sherwood nipped past Adam West of Ridgetown, Ontario to lock up the Rookie of the Year Award. West had led the points for that title all year but was edged by a scant eight points as a result of Sherwood’s third place finish.
Finishing fourth was Tim Phillips of Grand Island, N.Y. while Riegling and Lauderborn and Shawn Felt of Clayton, N.Y. placed fifth, sixth and seventh respectively.
Rounding out the top 10 were McCann, Dean St. Denis of Windsor, Ontario, and Jim Porter of Grand Island, N.Y.
Two races remain for the Southern Ontario Sprints. Both are slated for Ohsweken Speedway and are non-points races. The first is Friday (September 14th) while the finale to the season is the Third Annual Canadian Sprint Car Championships on Saturday, September 29th.
Results at: Ransomville Speedway, N.Y.-Sept. 7,2001
VSM Abrasives Feature Race-20 Laps: 1.Name of driver, car number: 1.Dick Mahoney (79), Newmarket, Ontario; 2. Keith Dempster (5) Alton, Ontario; 3. Curt Sherwood (02x) Sanborn, N.Y.; 4. Tim Phillips (21) Grand Island, N.Y.; 5. John Riegling (1a) Chatham, Ontario; 6. Mike Lauderborn (90) Rochester, N.Y.; 7. Shawn Felt (54) Clayton, N.Y.; 8. Charles McCann (17) London, Ontario; 9. Dean St. Denis (64) Windsor, Ontario; 10. Jim Porter (22) Grand Island, N.Y. 11. Mark Chrsitiano (02) Tonawanda, N.Y.; 12. Bob Mesmer (20) Grand Island, N.Y. 13. Adam West (30) Ridgetown, Ontario; 14. Vic De Vries (20v) Kitchener, Ontario; 15. Bruce Waddell (89) Canfield, Ontario; 16. Paul Balantyne (27b) Brantford, Ontario: 17. Phil Plant (99) Brantford, Ontario; 18. Warren Mahoney (25) Lefroy, Ontario; 19. Mike Galajda (2) Delaware, Ontario; DNS-Vinnie Chrsitiano Jr. (2jr)
Indianapolis Racing Northern Lights Series-Road To Indy Dash-5 laps-1. D.Mahoney; 2. Riegling; 3. Felt; 4. Phillips; 5. McCann; 6. Sherwood
Signet Tools Heat One- 8 laps-1. McCann; 2. Phillips; 3. M.Chrsitiano; 4.Porter; 5. St. Denis; 6. V.Christiano Jr.
Signet Tools Heat Two-8 laps- 1.Sherwood; 2. Riegling; 3. Dempster; 4. Mesmer; 5. W.Mahoney; 6. Galajda
Signet Tools Heat Three-8 laps-1. Felt; 2. D.Mahoney; 3. Lauderborn; 4. West; 5. De Vries; 6. Plant; 7. Ballantyne
Extreme Raceware Contingency Awards- D. Mahoney, Dempster, Sherwood, Porter, Galajda
Fram Sure Grip Award-Adam West and Keith Dempster
VSM ABRASIVES 2001 CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR
Points standings as of Sept. 7,2001
Pts. eligibility
1. Warren Mahoney (25) Lefroy, Ontario 2013; 2. Keith Dempster (5) Alton, Ontario 2005; 3. Tim Phillips (21) Grand Island, N.Y. 1856; 4. John Riegling (1a) Chatham, Ontario 1791; 5. Dick Mahoney (79) Newmarket, Ontario 1780 6. Charles McCann (17) London, Ontario 1717; 7. Mike Galajda (2) Delaware, Ontario 1667; 8. Bob Mesmer (20) Grand Island, N.Y. 1594; 9. Curt Sherwood (02x) Sanborn, N.Y. 1554; 10. Adam West (30) Ridgetown, Ontario 1546; 11. Jim Porter (22) Grand Island, N.Y. 1461; 12. Vinnie Christiano Jr.(12jr) Tonawanda, N.Y. 894; 13. Bruce Waddell (89) Canfield, Ontario 885; 14. Mark Christiano (02) Tonawanda, N.Y. 868; 15. Rick Wilson (27c) Joyceville, Ontario 800
Point fund eligibility- competitors must have participated in 50% of the events
16. Shawn Felt (54) Clayton, N.Y. 760; 17. Ryan Coniam (6) Burlington, Ontario 592; 18. Dean St. Denis (64) Windsor, Ontario 294; 19. Ryan Hunsinger (r2) Caledonia, Ontario 269; 20. Les MacMillan (77m)Belmont, Ontario 250; 21. Paul Ballantyne (27b) Brantford, Ontario 215; 22. Phil Plant (99) Brantford, Ontario 207; 23. Jon Banas (45) Burford, Ontario 180; 24. George Ely (90) Jordan,N.Y. 172; 25. Jerry Whitney (2w) Fenton, Michigan 146; 26. Mike Lauderborn (90) Rochester, N.Y. 145; 27. Dave MacLeod (32) Kenmore, N.Y. 127; 28. Brad Knab (38) Delevan, N.Y. 123;
29. Vic DeVries (20v) Kitchener, Ontario 112; 30. Danny Johnston (20s) Phelps, N.Y. 104; 31. Peter J. Ucci (99u) Lancaster, N.Y. 60
Indy Racing Northern Lights Series Road to Indy Dash
1. Warren Mahoney (25) Lefroy, Ontario 505; 2. Keith Dempster (5) Alton, Ontario 490; 3.Dick Mahoney (79) Newmarket, Ontario 315; 4. Tim Phillips (21) Grand Island, N.Y. 255; 5. Curt Sherwood (02x) Grand Island, N.Y. 220; 6. Shawn Felt (54) Clayton, N.Y. 195; 7. Rick Wilson (27c) 175; 8. John Riegling (1a) Chatham, Ontario 145; 8. Ryan Coniam (6) Burlington, Ontario 115; 9. Jim Porter (22) Grand Island, N.Y. 95; 10. Mike Galajda Delaware, Ontario 85; 11. George Ely (90) Jordan, N.Y. 60; 12. Ryan Hunsinger Caledonia, Ontario 50; 13. Jerry Whitney Fenton, Michigan 50; 14. Vinnie Christiano Jr. (2jr) Tonawanda, N.Y. 45; 15. Charles McCann (17) London, Ontario 40
Point fund eligibility- competitors must have participated in 50% of the events
Antique & Classic Boat Show
The Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, September 8, 2001 at the Buffalo Launch Club grounds, 503 East River Road, Grand Island, NY. Due to last year's success, on Friday night Buffalo Launch Club members will host a pit party and reunion billed as a "Race Boat Reunion of Speed Boat Racers."
An interesting part of the BLC promotion of the raceboat reunion follows: "If your grandfather or your father was a powerboat racing man, it is a cinch that he raced at the Buffalo Launch Club in his racing days. The club, founded in 1903, is the oldest powerboat club in the country and has held some of the finest regattas every put together."
The notice goes on to say that, "Here you'll find good fellowship and hospitality like nothing you have experienced in years. The pits are directly in front of the clubhouse and the clubhouse and its facilities are at your complete disposal of the drivers and their entourage."
Attendees at Saturday's show will witness the runabouts, cruisers and raceboats running in the Niagara River throughout the day. The boat show is free and open to the public. There is a parking fee.
Galajda Shines Under Full Moon At Brighton
By Dave Cook
(Sept. 1,2001)
A full moon over Brighton, Ontario Speedway was blamed for what was described as a wild finish in the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) VSM Abrasives 2001 Tour, and Delaware, Ontario’s Mike Galajda was beaming brighter than the moon itself after taking the checkered flag Saturday night.
“I couldn’t believe the finish. I am really excited for the whole crew tonight. We have worked so hard all season and it finally came together. We changed everything on this car this year. We have struggled so much,” said the Delaware,Ontario driver.
“Its unfortunate that Al Patrick isn’t here tonight to enjoy this moment,” said Galajda, in reference to Patrick, who is aged 73 and is co-engine builder with BH & P for the McDonnell Ford Sprinter.
The entire evening had its ‘full moon moments’ but none more so than what took place in the last hundred feet of the 20 lap feature. Keith Dempster of Alton, Ontario led the event from the start and fought off strong challenges from Dick Mahoney of Newmarket, Ontario for the first five laps and then for the remainder of the event by Warren Mahoney of Alton, Ontario. For a number of laps Dempster and Mahoney were running side-by-side.
Coming out of turn four, heading for the checkered flag, Mahoney did a 360 degree spin and kept going, however, Dempster, who at that point was 20 feet ahead of the younger Mahoney, also spun at the exact same time. However, he ended up stalled and that ended his day. Meanwhile, Galajda, who had been running third, flashed past the starter’s stand for the win. He was followed by Shawn Felt of Clayton, N.Y., Mahoney, who had recovered and Curt Sherwood of Sanborn, N.Y.
The elder Mahoney, who had won the Indy Racing Northern Lights Series Dash earlier in the evening serving notice that he was going to be right on his game plan for the feature, also ran alongside Dempster for the opening laps. However, Mahoney lost much ground when he performed a 360-degree spin and continued. The younger Mahoney then moved into second to pressure the leader and stayed there until the last lap drama played out.
By lap six the elder Mahoney encountered problems when he was hit by the spinning car of Tim Phillips of Grand Island, N.Y. Mahoney’s steering and locating arms were badly damaged causing him to veer out of control, taking Charles McCann of London, Ontario with him. McCann, however, went off the racing surface and flipped badly damaging his racer.
At the half way point the race order behind Dempster and Mahoney was Galajda, Felt, Sherwood, and Adam West of Ridgetown, Ontario. West is the Rookie Points leader while Sherwood trails within striking distance of West for that title.
The remaining 10 laps were wheel-to-wheel action with Dempster and Mahoney keeping the packed Brighton crowd on the edge of their seats. On lap 15 Mahoney took the lead down the backstretch, but just as that happened, a back marker spun to bring out the caution. Dempster took his position back for the restart.
VSM Abrasives Feature Race-20 Laps: 1.Mike Galajda (2), Delaware, Ontario; 2. Shawn Felt (54), Clayton, N.Y.; 3. Warren Mahoney (25), Lefroy, Ontario; 4. Curt Sherwood (02x), Sanborn, N.Y.; 5. Adam West (30), Ridgetown, Ontario; 6. Tim Phillips (21), Grand Island, N.Y.; 7. Jim Porter (22), Grand Island, N.Y.; 8. Bob Mesmer (20), Grand Island, N.Y.; 9. Mark Christiano (02), Tonawanda, N.Y.; 10. Bruce Waddell (89), Canfield, Ontario; 11. Keith Dempster (5), Alton, Ontario; 12. John Riegling (1a), Chatham, Ontario; 13. Dick Mahoney (79), Newmarket, Ontario; 14. Charles McCann, London, Ontario; 15. Phil Plant (99) Brantford, Ontario; 16. Paul Ballantyne (27b), Brantford, Ontario.
Indianapolis Racing Northern Lights Series-Road To Indy Dash
5 Laps: 1. Dick Mahoney; 2. Dempster; 3. Phillips; 4. Felt; 5. Sherwood; 6. Galajda
Signet Tools Heat One- 8 Laps- 1. Galajda; 2. Sherwood; 3.McCann; 4. *Dean St. Denis (64), Windsor, Ontario; 5. West; 6. *Riegling.
Signet Tools Heat Two-8 Laps- 1. Phillips; 2. D. Mahoney; 3. W. Mahoney; 4. Porter; 5. Waddell; 6. Christiano
Signet Tools Heat Three- 8 Laps- 1. Dempster; 2. Felt; 3. Mesmer; 4. Ballantyne; dns- Plant;
Extreme Raceware Contingency Awards- Galajda, Felt, W. Mahoney, Waddell, McCann, Plant, Ballantyne.
Brighton Speedway Season’s Attendance Bonus- Dempster; W. Mahoney; D. Mahoney; Phillips; Riegling; Gallajda; McCann; Mesmer; West; Porter
Brighton Speedway Crowd Donations to Robbie McMullen Trust Fund $800.00
Fram Sure Grip Award: -Galajda
VSM ABRASIVES 2001 CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR POINTS STANDINGS Pts. eligibility:1.Warren Mahoney (25) Lefroy, Ontario 1909;
2. Keith Dempster (5) Alton, Ontario 1840; 3. Tim Phillips (21) Grand Island, N.Y. 1704; 4. John Riegling (1a) Chatham, Ontario 1640;
5. Dick Mahoney (79) Newmarket, Ontario 1609; 6. Charles McCann (17) London, Ontario 1580; 7.Mike Galajda (2) Delaware, Ontario 1566; 8. Bob Mesmer (20) Grand Island, N.Y. 1477; 9. Adam West (30) Ridgetown, Ontario 1441; 10.Curt Sherwood (02x) Sanborn, N.Y. 1392; 11. Jim Porter (22) Grand Island, N.Y. 1337
INDY RACING NORTHERN LIGHTS SERIES -
ROAD TO INDY DASH
1. Warren Mahoney (25 Lefroy, Ontario 505; 2. Keith Dempster (5) Alton, Ontario 490; 3. Dick Mahoney (79) Newmarket, Ontario 255; 4. Tim Phillips (21) Grand Island, N.Y. 205; 5. Curt Sherwood (02x) Grand Island, N.Y. 185; 6.Rick Wilson (27c) Joyceville, Ontario 175;
7. Shawn Felt (54) Clayton, N.Y. 145; 8. Ryan Coniam (6) Burlington, Ontario 115; 9. Jim Porter (22) Grand Island, N.Y. 95; 10. John Riegling (1a) Chatham, Ontario 90
SOS notes: Drivers Dick Mahoney, Warren Mahoney and Curt Sherwood have entered the 3rd. Annual Bully Hill Vineyards Fall Sprint Nationals at Black Rock Speedway in Dundee, N.Y. Saturday. The drivers will compete in the final VSM Abrasives 2001 Championship Tour event at Ransomville Speedway Friday night and then travel to the Watkins Glen area facility for the Saturday night event. More than 40 drivers have pre-registered for the fall classic, which pays $3,000 to win.
Brighton Speedway fans are to be congratulated for their generosity in digging deep into their pockets Saturday night. A handful of drivers accepted donations from the fans who filled the driver’s helmets with bills in aid of Can Am Midget racer Robbie McMullen who was paralyzed recently as a result of a race crash.
Sprint Car Results
Merrittville - Thorold, Ontario, ( Aug. 18, 2001). . .VSM Abrasives Feature Race-20 Laps: 1. Rick Wilson, Joyceville, Ont.; 2.Ryan Coniam, Burlington, Ont.; 3. Tim Phillips, Grand Island, N.Y.; 4. Curt Sherwood, Sanborn, N.Y.; 5. Keith Dempster, Alton, Ont..; 6. John Riegling, Chatham, Ont.; 7. Dick Mahoney, Newmarket, Ont.; 8. Mike Galajda, Delaware, Ont.; 9. Dave MacLeod, Kenmore, N.Y.; 10. Brad Knab, Delevan, N.Y.; 11. Charles McCann, London,Ont.; 12. Adam West, Ridgetown, Ont.; 13. Jim Porter, Grand Island, N.Y.; 14. Bruce Waddell, Canfield, Ont.; 15. Vinnie Christiano Jr., Tonawanda, N.Y.; 16. Mark Christiano, Tonawanda, N.Y.; 17. Bob Mesmer, Grand Island, N.Y.; 18. Dean St. Denis, Windsor Ont.; 19. Warren Mahoney, Lefroy, Ont.; DNS- Jon Banas, Burford, Ont.; Peter J. Ucci, Lancaster, N.Y.
Indianapolis Racing Northern Lights Series: Road To Indy Dash:
1. Coniam; 2. Wilson; 3. Sherwood; 4.W. Mahoney
Signet Tools Heat One - 10 Laps -1. Wilson; 2. Sherwood; 3. Dempster; 4. Riegling; 5. Mesmer; 6. MacLeod; 7. Waddell; 8. M. Christiano; 9. Porter; 10 St. Denis
Signet Tools Heat Two -10 Laps-1. Coniam; 2. W. Mahoney; 3. Phillips; 4. Galajda; 5.Knab; 6. D. Mahoney; 7. West; 8.McCann; 9. Banas: dns Peter J. Ucci
Extreme Raceware Contingency Awards- Wilson, Coniam, Phillips, Knab, W. Mahoney
Fram Sure Grip Award - Curt Sherwood
VSM Abrasives 2001 Tour Championship Standings:
(1) W. Mahoney 1747; (2) Dempster 1712; (3) Phillips 1578; (4) Riegling 1525; (5) D. Mahoney 1492; (6) McCann 1466; (7) Galajda 1394; (8) Mesmer 1346; (9) West 1293; (02x) Sherwood 1236; (22) Porter 1198; (12) V. Christiano Jr. 827; (13) Wilson 800; (14) Waddell 660; (15) M. Christiano 621; (16) Coniam 592; (17) Shawn Felt 457 ; (18) Ryan Hunsinger 269; (19) MacMillan 250; (20) Banas 180; (21) George Ely 172; (22) Jerry Whitney 146; (23) MacLeod 127; (24) Knab 123; (25) Danny Johnson 104; (26) St. Denis 96; (27) Ucci 60
IRNLS Road To Indy Dash Championship: (1) W.Mahoney 505; (2) Dempster 435; (3) Phillips 205; (4) D. Mahoney 195; (5) Wilson 175; (6) Sherwood 145; (7) Coniam 115; (8) Shawn Felt 100; (9) Porter 95; (10) Riegling 90; (11) Ely 60; (12) Galajda 50; (13) Hunsinger 50; (14) Whitney 50; (15) V. Christiano Jr. 45
GI 9-year-olds Win Two More Tournaments - 2001
Shown front left are CJ Gilson, Mike Sperrazza, Christopher Moody, Joey Fischer, Korey Hagen and Marvin Pawlowski; (middle) Christopher Gibney, Bobby Rutland, Joel Klock, Nick Russo, Jeffrey Bellanca, Jason Caldwell and Brett Dlugosz; (top) Coaches Chris Gibney, Mark Bellanca and Sam Russo.
Grand Island Little League's nine-year-old All-Star team won its final two tournaments making it victorious in all three of the tournaments it entered. They went undefeated in the Grand Island tourney winning the championship against North Tonawanda in the last inning when Nick Russo hit in Joey Fischer with the winning run. The Nines then went to the North Tonawanda Tournament and had to win three straight games on Sunday. They defeated North Tonawanda and then beat Orchard Park twice in a row to win the championship. Jeff Bellanca pitched a no hit, 14 strikeout, shutout against rival North Tonawanda, and also had a grand slam home run against Connie Mack of Amherst in addition to several great defensive plays at shortstop.
Joel Klock was the winning pitcher in two games against NT in the GI tournament including the championship game and batted .674 for all the tournaments.
Nick Russo started the GI tournament with twelve straight hits and made an amazing stop on a bad hop grounder in the championship game in NT. Joey Fischer had several clutch hits including going 4 for 5 in the championship game against OP and scoring the winning run in the first two tournaments.
Marvin Pawlowski went 4 for 5 with a home run and a double in a big win against NT. Brett Dlugosz was outstanding defensively at catcher throwing out three runners at second base in the championship game. He also caught all three games on Sunday. Christopher Moody hit over .600 in All-Star play and had many timely hits including a two run single in a closely contested 4-0 win against NT. Christopher Gibney went 3 for 4 in the championship game against Orchard Park.
Korey Hagen had an on base percentage over .500 and hit a triple against Mel Ott of Amherst. Mike Sperrazza was a defensive standout in centerfield and was outstanding on the basepaths including scoring five runs in a game against Connie Mack. Jason Caldwell, Bobby Rutland and CJ Gilson also provided outstanding play throughout the tournaments. The nine-year-old All-Stars finished their season with a 13-1 record.
Islanders Keep up At Southern Ontario Sprints
Alton, Ontario driver Warren Mahoney tied for the most career wins in the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) when he won Friday (August 3, 2001) at Ohsweken Speedway, but it was a short-lived record as Keith Dempster won at Brighton the next night to move into the most wins column.
Grand Island, N.Y. driver Bob Mesmer also entered the record book when he celebrated his 50th start in an SOS sanctioned event. He joins John Riegling of Chatham, Ontario who just recently became the first driver to record that number of starts.
Grand Island's Tim Phillips placed 5th and Bob Mesmer was 10th in Friday's VSM Abrasives Feature Race-20 Laps:
Saturday at Brighton, Phillips was 10th and Mesmer, 11th.
In the Indianapolis Racing Northern Lights Series: Road To Indy Dash:
Friday, Phillips, 4th; Saturday, Phillips, 1st.
Signet Tools Heat One- 10 Laps: Friday, Phillips, 2nd Mesmer, 5th
Signet Tools Heat One- 10 Laps: Saturday, Mesmer, 4th.
Extreme Raceware Contingency Awards: Saturday- Phillips.
VSM Abrasives 2001 Tour Championship Standings:
(3) Phillips 1418; (8) Mesmer 1240; (10) Jim Porter 1088;
IRNLS Road To Indy Dash Championship: (3) Phillips 205; (7) Porter 95.
Next Race: Saturday, August 18th., Merrittville Speedway, Thorold, Ontario
Grand Island "United" 10-U Travel Soccer Team Wins Wilson Tournament
Grand Island's 10-U Travel Soccer Team, “United”, took 1st place, going undefeated in their 10-U Division of the Wilson Youth Soccer Tournament this past weekend (July 7-8, 2001). The “United” played solid to beat the undefeated Akron Aces 6-3 in Game 1, with Thomas Meka scoring 5 goals. Alex Hultgren also scored. Assisting on the goals were Jared Billica, Ryan Vertino, Shaun Winter, Joey Fischer, Kolby Banker and Ben Certo. Mike Kelly, DJ DeMarco, Alex Neutz and Evan Tsemblis were instrumental in moving the ball down the field. In Game 2, the “United” beat the Amherst Cyclones 3-2. Thomas Meka put in 2 goals with Jared Billica also scoring. Mike Kelly assisted on Meka’s first goal. For the championship game, the “United” defeated the Amherst Hawks 4-1. Amherst struck first. Then Shaun Winter had 2 goals, with Jared Billica and Ryan Vertino guaranteeing the win. Assists were by Vertino, DJ DeMarco and Thomas Meka. Kurt Makowski was strong in goal. The team is coached by Ray Billica and Cheek Certo.
Tim Phillips Takes Ohsweken Thriller
Notches First-Ever Win With SOS Sprints
By Dave Cook
Ohsweken (July 6): The VSM Abrasives 2001 Tour at Ohsweken Speedway Friday night was scripted for a Hollywood movie; and Grand Island, New York, driver Tim Phillips took a last-minute lead role.
While Phillips took a sweet first-ever victory with the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS), much of the capacity Ohsweken crowd may have been thinking about the return of Alton, Ontario’s Keith Dempster, following a horrific crash last week that left him unable to walk for three days. The crowd could also have been thinking about how great it would be for Chatham’s John Riegling to win. He was making his 50th SOS start.
How about series points' leader Warren Mahoney of Lefroy, Ontario, starting seventh, spinning on lap 3 and being forced to go to the rear for the restart? Then he worked his way through the field to take the lead on lap 14. Warren’s father, Dick, who is long overdue for a win, started sixth, quickly moved up to third, spun, went to the pits for a quick repair, and didn’t make it out for the restart. Luck was on his side, however--the restart was aborted, and Dick got into the race, saving his lap. He had to go to the rear and then charged his way through the field, eventually finishing fourth.
Let's not forget rookie sensation Curt Sherwood of Sanborn, NY, who was running a very strong third for the first half and had second place almost in his grasp until his entire brake caliper system somehow ended up on the outside of turn two, leaving him with no brakes.
Phillips said after his victory that he really didn’t think he was going to catch Mahoney. “My car was running better and better, and I knew I was really hooked up; but I honestly didn’t think I was going to catch Warren,” he said.
Phillips took the lead with two laps to go, taking the flying Mahoney on the high side of turn two.
“He was way up there,” said Mahoney. “I know I couldn’t get any lower on the track unless I was going to bet hitting the light poles. I figured I had it locked up, but Tim just blew right past me,” said Warren.
The race was filled with excitement with almost every lap. Dempster qualified to start on the front row alongside Bob Mesmer of Grand Island, N.Y. After Dempster’s bad weekend at Ransomville, the front row start made him feel a little less in pain.
He immediately took the lead with Mesmer; Phillips; Charles McCann of London, Ontario; John Riegling of Chatham, Ontario; Dick Mahoney of Newmarket, Ontario; and his son Warren all in pursuit.
Warren Mahoney was on the move and by the second tour was in fourth place. However, both he and McCann got together, bringing out the first caution. Both cars made the restart. Dempster again grabbed the lead at the green with Phillips and Dick Mahoney following. On the ninth tour, both Phillips and the elder Mahoney were in a real fight. At this point, Mahoney spun and had to pit. At the green Dempster again took the lead, but Riegling lost it in turn four to bring out another caution. This gave Mahoney the lap back for the restart.
At the half point of the race, Dempster was in charge with Phillips, Warren Mahoney, and Sherwood in very close quarters.
Yet more drama unfolded when the final caution was brought out. John Riegling spun between turns three and four. He was on the high side of the track but could not get his racer turned to the direction of the traffic flow. He ended up driving it against the track direction and back to turn three. With traffic bearing down quickly, the starter flew the yellow. At the restart, Dempster again took the lead; but it was very short-lived this time, as Warren Mahoney pulled down on the inside of Dempster, bringing Phillips with him and relegating Dempster to the third spot.
With two laps to go, Phillips took to the high side of turn two with Mahoney running tight to the inside lane. Phillips then passed the leader to go on for the win.
Dempster came home third. The elder Mahoney was fourth, with McCann - fifth, Sherwood - sixth, and Mike Galajda of Deleware, Ontario, making his best effort this year and finishing seventh.
Rounding out the field were Mesmer, Jim Porter of Grand Island, NY, and Riegling - tenth. Not running at the finish were rookie points' leader Adam West of Ridgetown, Ontario, and Mark Christiano of Tonawanda, NY.
Results:
VSM Abrasives 2001 Tour Feature: 1. Tim Phillips, 20, Grand Island, N.Y.; 2. Warren Mahoney, 25, Lefroy, Ontario; 3. Keith Dempster, 5, Alton, Ontario; 4. Dick Mahoney, 79, Newmarket, Ontario; 5. Charles McCann, 17, London, Ontario; 6. Curt Sherwood, 02x, Sanborn, N.Y.; 7. Mike Galajda, 2, Deleware, Ontario; 8. Bob Mesmer, 20, Grand Island, N.Y.; 9. Jim Porter, 22, Grand Island, N.Y.; 10. John Riegling, 1a, Chatham, Ontario; 11.Adam West, 30, Ridgetown,. Ontario; 12. Mark Christiano, 02, Tonawanda, N.Y.
Signet Tools Heat One: 1. Warren Mahoney, 2. Dick Mahoney, 3. McCann, 4. Galajda, 5. West.
Signet Tools Heat Two: 1. Riegling, 2. Dempster, 3. Phillips, 4. Porter, 5. Mesmer, 6. Christiano.
IRNLS Road To Indy Dash For Cash: 1. Warren Mahoney, 2. Dempster, 3. Dick Mahoney, 4. Riegling.
Extreme Racewear Bonus Winners: Phillips, Warren Mahoney, Dempster, Riegling, Christiano.
VSM Abrasives 2001 Championship Standings: 1. Warren Mahoney, Lefroy, Ontario, 995 pts; 2. Keith Dempster, Alton, Ontario, 881 pts; 3. Tim Phillips, Grand Island, N.Y., 871 pts; 4. John Riegling, Chatham, Ontario, 811 pts; 5. Charles McCann, London, Ontario, 780 pts; 6. Jim Porter, Grand Island, N.Y., 779 pts; 7. Bob Mesmer, Grand Island, N.Y., 753 pts; 8. Dick Mahoney, Newmarket, Ontario, 717 pts; 9. Adam West, Ridgetown, Ontario, 701 pts; 10. Mike Galajda, Deleware, Ontario, 686 pts; 11. Rick Wilson, Joyceville, Ontario, 628 pts; 12. Curt Sherwood, Sanborn, N.Y., 511 pts; 13. Vinnie Christiano, Jr., Tonawanda, N.Y., 441 pts; 14. Ryan Coniam, Burlington, Ontario, 425 pts; Bruce Waddell, Canfield, Ontario, 332 pts; 15. Shawn Felt, Clay, N.Y., 296 pts; 16. Mark Christiano, Tonawanda, N.Y., 276 pts; 17. Ryan Hunsinger, Caledonia, Ont.; 18. George Ely, Jordon, N.Y., 172 pts; 19. Jerry Whitney, Fenton, Michigan, 146 pts; 20. Danny Johnson, Phelps, N.Y., 104 pts.
IRNLS Road To Indy Dash For Cash: 1. Warren Mahoney, 230 pts; 2. Dempster, 220 pts; 3. Wilson, 120 pts; 4. (tie) Sherwood, Dick Mahoney, 95 pts; 6. Riegling, 90 pts; 7. Ely, 60 pts; 8.(tie) Coniam, Phillips, 55 pts; 10. (tie) Felt, Whitney, Hunsinger, Porter, 50 pts; 14. Vinnie Christiano, Jr., 45 pts.
Next Race: July 14 at Brighton Speedway (Bully Hill Qualifier)
Island Racers Fare Well At Ransomville
Complete Ransomville Speedway Results - June 29, 2001
By Dave Cook
An old used right-rear tire mounted on a 20 year old chassis combined with 44 years of racing savvy was all that George Ely needed to score an impressive victory when the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) moved its VSM Abrasives 2001 Tour to Ransomville, Speedway in upstate New York Friday night.
The 63-year-old Jordan, N.Y. driver was fresh from his win in the tough Empire Super Sprints (ESS) series last weekend where he moved past Ryan Coniam of Burlington, Ontario to post his first ever ESS victory. For a while, it looked as if it was going to be another Ely-Coniam duel as Ely qualified eighth and Coniam 14th in the 17-car starting field and both were seemingly on a mission before a packed Ransomville crowd.
But the highly anticipated duel between the pair never came. As the green flag dropped Coniam and Mike Galajda of Deleware, Ontario tangled sending the Burlington ace end over end three times. Fortunately, both Galajda and Coniam walked away from their mangled sprint cars.
Following the race Ely said he was very happy having been so successful two weeks in a row.
“The car worked like a dream here tonight and I have to thank my friends for helping me with the set up. The chassis is about 20 years old but obviously is still very good,” he said. Ely had to purchase a club-spec tire in order to pass technical inspection and was fortunate in having Warren Mahoney of Lefroy, Ontario offer him an old used tire.
At the restart of the race pole sitter Bob Mesmer, whose business Mesmer Refrigeration was also the sponsor of the Ransomville event, took the lead for the first two tours of the slightly banked half-mile clay oval with Curt Sherwood of Sanborn, N.Y., and Mesmer's second team car, driven by Jim Porter of Grand Island, N.Y., was close behind.
Mesmer's lead evaporated by lap two when Sherwood got past and held the lead until lap 10 of the 20-lap run. The action behind Sherwood was fast and furious with Ely having moved past Mesmer by lap four to take over second place. Mahoney, who started10th had now charged up the field to move in behind Ely.
Just as the half distance flags were shown, a caution was brought out when a back-marker spun in turn four. At the restart Ely moved past Sherwood and one lap later Mahoney passed the Grand Island driver as well.
While most of the action was up front, the spectators were watching with amazement as Rick Wilson was slicing his way through the field and on lap 13 took over third place. Wilson, whose nickname is the Joyceville Jet, started the event in last place and made gains with every lap.
John Riegling of Chatham, Ontario spun on lap 15 bringing out the second caution and set a stage for a three-way, five-lap sprint to the flag between Ely, Mahoney and Wilson.
While the action seemed to be up front at this point of the race, Mesmer, Tim Phillips of Grand Island, N.Y and DIRT Super Star Danny Johnson of Phelps, N.Y. were staging their own three-way battle for sixth position. However, Johnson, who is the local track favorite, pulled off with an overheating problem.
At the restart on lap15 it was obvious that Ely could not be caught. However, Wilson was knocking hard on Mahoney’s door for second place and actually moved along side of Mahoney going into turn three.
“Boy did that wake me up. I decided to get with the program,” said Mahoney, “ I could hear him coming and I kept low on the track. If he was going to go past me I was going to make him do it the long way around,” he said.
Mahoney was driving with visible damage to his 25 square foot wing overhead. The lower side panel was buckled and almost separated totally from the main core.
“I don’t know how it happened, I don’t think I hit anyone. I think it was just a failure on the part of the structure. I don’t think it really caused any handling problems as the car didn’t seem to change at all during the race,” he said.
Mahoney finished second, Wilson third with Phillips, Sherwood, Mesmer, Dick Mahoney of Newmarket, Ontario, Vinnie Christiano Jr. of Tonawanda, N.Y., Charles McCann of London, Ontario and Porter rounding out the top 10 finishers.
Adam West of Ridgetown, Ontario finished in 11th position and maintains his lead in the rookie standings. Classified as non-finishers were Reigling, Johnson, Ryan Hunsinger of Caledonia, Ontario, Galajda, Coniam and Mark Christiano of Tonawanda, N.Y.
Hunsinger and Ely both won their respective heat races. In the second heat of the evening Alton, Ontario driver Keith Dempster was injured when he slammed into Ryan Coniam’s stationary car. Coniam had spun in turn four causing the field to scramble. Dempster, however, had no place to go and hit Coniam. He was transported back to the pit area by ambulance, examined and then released. Dempster’s crew decided to have him examined at a hospital enroute home where he was diagnosed as suffering severe bruising to the hip.
VSM Abrasives Feature Race-20 Laps: 1. George Ely (90) Jordan, N.Y.; 2. Warren Mahoney (25), Lefroy, Ontario; 3. Rick Wilson (27), Joyceville, Ontario; 4. Tim Phillips (21), Grand Island, N.Y.; 5. Curt Sherwood (02X), Sanborn, N.Y.; 6. Bob Mesmer (20), Grand Island, N.Y.; 7. Dick Mahoney (79), Newmarket, Ontario; 8. Vinnie Christiano Jr. (2jr), Tonawanda, N.Y.; 9. Charles McCann (17), London, Ontario; 10. Jim Porter (21), Grand Island, N.Y.; 11. Adam West (30), Ridgetown, Ontario; 12. John Riegling (1a), Chatham, Ontario; 13. Danny Johnson (20s), Phelps, N.Y.; 14. Ryan Hunsinger (r2), Caledonia, Ontario; 15. Mike Galajda (2), Deleware, Ontario; 16. Ryan Coniam (6), Burlington, Ontario; 17. Mark Christiano (02), Tonawanda, N.Y.
Indianapolis Racing Northern Lights Series
ROAD TO INDY DASH – 4 laps 1. Ely; 2. Phillips; 3. Hunsinger; 4.Sherwood.
Signet Tools Heat One- 10 Laps 1. Hunsinger; 2.Sherwood; 3.Porter; 4. McCann; 5.Riegling; 6.Galajda; 7. Dean St. Dennis (20s) Windsor, Ontario; 8. West.
Signet Tools Heat Two-10 Laps: 1. Ely; 2. Phillips; 3. Dick Mahoney; 4. Mesmer; 5. Warren Mahoney; 6. Christiano Jr.; 7. Keith Dempster (5), Alton, Ontario; 8. Coniam
VSM Abrasive 2001 Championship Tour Standings
1.Warren Mahoney, 828pts; 2. Dempster, 720 pts; 3. Phillips, 701 pts; 4. Riegling, 684 pts; 5.Porter, 650 pts; 6. McCann, 630 pts; 7. Wilson, 628 pts; 8. Mesmer, 620 pts; 9.West, 583 pts; 10. Dick Mahoney, 561 pts; 11. Galajda, 547 pts; 12.Christiano Jr., 441 pts; 13. Conian, 425 pts; 14. Sherwood, 376 pts; 15. Bruce Waddell, Canfield, Ontario, 332 Pts. 16. Shawn Felt, Clayton, N.Y., 296 pts; 17. Hunsinger, 269 pts; 18.Ely, 172 pts; 19.Christiano, 161 pts; 20.Jerry Whitney, Fenton, Michigan, 146 pts; 21. Dean St. Denis, 66 pts; 22. Johnson, 44 pts.
IRNLS Road To Indy Dash For Cash Championship
1. Warren Mahoney, 170 pts; 2. Keith Dempster, 165 pts; 3.Mike Wilson, 120 pts; 4.Curt Sherwood, 95 pts; 5. George Ely, 60 pts; 6. (tie) Tim Phillips, 55 pts; Warren Coniam, 55 pts; 8. (tie) Jim Porter, Shawn Felt, Ryan Hunsinger, Jerry Whitney, John Riegling 50 pts; 13. (tie) Dick Mahoney, Mark Christiano, 45 pts.
Awards: Extreme Bonus Awards to: George Ely, Warren Mahoney, Rick Wilson, Jim Porter and Mark Christiano.
Hydroplane Race Results
Hydroplane Races took place Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24, 2001 at Gratwick Riverside Park. For sports reporter Jennifer Iannone's complete report click
Buffalo News.
Niagara Walkers - 2001
More than 100 people from throughout Western New York assemble in Beaver Island State Park every Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. to participate in the Niagara Walkers Summer Series. For the past six years, Niagara Walkers has sponsored the event. It has become a healthy tradition for participants. One hundred and fifty-three people signed up so far this year, according to Group Representative Dave Lawrence.
Walkers are timed each week over a 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) course, so members can assess their progress over time. Before nearly every walk, a guest speaker gives valuable lessons to the participants. Qualified speakers present varying topics, including proper footwear, Tai Chi, nutrition, and sports medicine.
Next Tuesday, June 18, will be the third week of the summer series. Some of the group's expert race walkers will give advice on how to walk more efficiently. Dr. Ron Santasiero will speak to the group on "Anti-Aging Lifestyles" before the July 10 walk.
Occasionally, massage therapists will give walkers a mini-massage (for a nominal fee) after their trek. During the season, the group also has a potluck dinner, which is probably their favorite event.
Walking is considered by many experts, including author Dr. Andrew Weil, to be the best form of exercise. It is weight bearing, preventing osteoporosis, and it is aerobic. Walking doesn't strain ligaments and is low-impact, compared to running or jogging.
Women outnumber men in the organization by at least 4 to 1, possibly due to the fact that men may be more self-conscious about how they look when walking.
The event is structured for every level of fitness, so everyone from Olympic hopeful to complete beginner can participate. Walkers have the option of going any distance from 1 mile to 3.1 miles, and there is almost always someone on the course to encourage. A water station is provided for thirsty hikers.
Persons interested in participating are invited to sign up near the sledding hill in Beaver Island on June 19 until August 14 (except July 3) from 6:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Grand Islanders Rich Dommer, John Stickl Star in College Lacrosse - 2001
Adelphi senior Rich Dommer and sophomore John Stickl starred in the college Final Four Lacrosse festivities at Rutgers University over Memorial Day weekend. Through their efforts, Adelphi is the National Champion, capturing the Division II crown.
For the complete Buffalo News report on Dommer and Stickl, both Grand Island High School graduates, click Buffalo News.
Swim Scoreboard Is Drive Goal - 2001
A fundraiser is in the works to purchase a new scoreboard for the Grand Island High School Boys and Girls Swim Team. The current one-strip scoreboard is 20 years old and outdated; the goal is to add five additional strips to keep times of swimmers in each lane.
Swim Team members and their families are asking businesses of Grand Island to help them accomplish their goal of raising $10,000. There are four levels of sponsorship: Bronze, $1.00 to $100 contributions; Silver, $101 to $250; Gold, $251-$500; Platinum, over $500. For business donations, "A plaque with the name of your business will be displayed at the high school pool," a spokesman for the fundraiser said this week.
All contributions would be gratefully appreciated. For more information, call Anne Blonski at 773-2910.
GBTC Grand Island 1/2 Marathon 2001
They're Off!
Islander Jim Dunlop, 2nd Place.
Dunlop and his dad, Dr. Jim Dunlop - just for fun!
(Barbi Lare photos)
The Greater Buffalo Track Club Grand Island
1/2 Marathon 2001 took place April 21, beginning at the Knights of Columbus
Hall on Whitehaven Road. Former Grand Island resident Jim Dunlop, 31, took a
2nd place overall with a time of 1:12:41.0 behind first place finisher David
Okeeffe, 42, (1:10:09.0) of Orchard Park, NY. Michael Heitzenrater, 22, of
Lockport placed third with a time of 1:14:57.0.
Also running from Grand Island were JP Kennedy, 37, 20th
place overall and 1st in the 25-39-yr. division; Scott Aladeen, 40, 41st
overall, and 6th in 40-44-yr. division; Jim Masiello, 38, 44th overall, 5th
for 35-39 yrs.; Dennis Clark, 43, 97th overall; Michael Breier, 47, 110th
overall; Annalea Masiello, 40, 176th overall; Eric Boron, 43, 178th overall;
John Bell, 55, 183rd overall; Don Simon, 52, 190th overall; Mark Forell, 48,
212th overall; Karen Milovich, 40, 228th overall; Catherine Grana, 45, 233rd
overall; Kathy Demarco, 40, 240th overall; Ken Pelletier, 37, 252nd overall;
Kate Parkkari, 43, 258th overall; and Joseph Gadawski, 37, 268th overall.
The Islanders made a good showing with competition numbering nearly 280
runners.
Sophomore Soccer Star Honored - 2001
Coach Paul Prozik, Jamie Dougherty and High School Athletic Director Jon Roth.
Sophomore Jamie Dougherty began playing soccer with the Grand Island Recreation Department when she was five years old. It was then that she developed her soccer skills, but more important, her love of the game.
In 8th grade she became a varsity starter on the forward line. During her three years on the varsity team she scored nine goals as an 8th grader; 20 as a freshman, and 35 as a sophomore.
She was an important part of the team's success this year, which finished in first place (19-0-2) in the Niagara Frontier League (NFL) and as co-champion in section VI, Class B.
Jamie's greatest asset is that she's a team player first. She was the leading scorer in the NFL and was selected by its coaches for the First Team NFLs, First Team All Western New York, and Third Team All-State. She is the first Grand Island soccer player to have achieved such accomplishments in her first three years of varsity soccer.
Cross Country Skiing on Grand Island - 2001
Tom Gilmore of Baseline Road (left) and Bill O'Connor are shown skiing Beaver Island Park.
By William O'Connor
From watching the Olympics, this reporter concluded earlier in his
life that cross-country skiing was pure drudgery and pain. After all, the Olympic skiers had
frozen drool attached to their beards, and they were panting and huffing in apparent pain.
I had the wrong impression. For many people including myself, cross-
county skiing can be a marvelous way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
Unlike downhill skiing which gives participants a long, cold,
expensive uphill ride, followed by a quick thrilling trip down in a designated slope, cross-
country gives people an inexpensive chance to go over a nearly unlimited terrain. Cross-
country skiers develop a rhythm when going on level ground that is almost musical. The
constant, even, physical exertion keeps skiers warm (even hot) to the point that they unzip
their jackets and take off their hats and gloves even on the coldest days. The sun or moon
sparkles in the snow. The feeling from the exercise and nature's beauty is euphoria. Creeks
and wetlands, impassable other times of year, become easy trails through the woods.
Skiers tend to set a pace that is comfortable for themselves, and trips lasting hours are
often enjoyed even by beginners.
Grand Island's level terrain and abundant green space is ideal for
novice or intermediate skiers. Beaver Island State Park at the south end of Grand Island
has marked trails which start at the golf course restaurant parking lot and cover miles of
varied terrain. Buckhorn State Park at the north end has unmarked but well defined
broken trails. Late in winter, wetlands in Buckhorn freeze completely, allowing people to
visit the park more completely and easily than they could at any other time during the year.
The Nike Base Town Park on Whitehaven Rd. near West River Rd. offers a varied terrain
over Six Mile Creek. Snowmobiles are not permitted in any of these parks. Skiers do not
fear for their safety and are not effected by the noise and air pollution from the machines.
Many skiers prefer trails in the parks for that reason.
Other people are not bothered by the sleds. They prefer the
convenience of being able to just strap on their skis and go. There are many unofficial
trails on the island. Bike paths, stream beds, power lines, foot paths, and deer trails are
explored by Islanders throughout the winter.
Readers interested in cross-country skiing for the first time should
probably stick to trails that are already "broken." When going in a group, the strongest
skier should break the trail. Skis spread out a person's body weight, but using creek beds
for trails should be done with great care and should not be attempted when skiing alone.
Cross Country ski packages may be purchased for $150 - $300. Rentals cost less than $20
per day at Eastern Mountain Sports on Niagara Falls Boulevard in Tonawanda, the
Campus Wheel Works on Elmwood Ave. near Buffalo State College, and other outlets in
Western New York. Enjoy!
Little League Registration - 2001
Grand Island Little League registration will be held at the Grand Island Memorial Library 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 3 and on Saturday, February 17. Registration deadline is March 3.
Village Inn Golf Classic - 2000
Our final outing in Y2K of this classic event held November 6 contained a very serious error which needs to be corrected in that one participant's score was not included.
Ross Kaiser turned in a gross score of (42) resulting in a net Callaway score of (38).
This was a serious omission since it was his best effort this season and although this error was inadvertent due to a dimpled or pregnant printer, the net result was that all cards were not counted and this could result in a constitutional crisis.
Perhaps, next year the Village Inn Golf Classic Club will require a new president.
A special meeting will be held at the Village Inn Restaurant on Monday, December 18 at the hour of 12:00 o'clock (noon) at which time we hope to resolve this matter. Your presence is requested as absentee ballots will not be accepted.
Snowmobile permits - 2000
Snowmobilers will be allowed to use over 12 miles of designated and signed snowmobile trails on parklands on Grand Island by permit only. The permits, which allow the sport between the hours of 10 a.m. and 9 p.m ., are available through the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, in the Beaver Island State Park office between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. There is no fee but applicants must have a valid registration and proof of insurance.
Little League All Stars have successful season - 2000
The Grand Island Little League 12-year-old All Stars completed a successful tournament season that saw them finish with 1st and 2nd place finishes in four tournaments to go with their 10-5 record.
After two disappointing losses in the Williamsport Tournament, the team rebounded to a second place finish in the Paul Arnold Tournament at Connie Mack, losing 4-2 to Mel Ott in the final game.
Grand Island got revenge in its own Grand Island Tournament by defeating Mel Ott twice, including a 2-0 victory in the final game to win the championship. The All Star season came to a close in the North Tonawanda Classic Tournament. Grand Island was knocked out by a familiar foe, Mel Ott in an exciting 8-7 loss.
All Star team members are (left front) Dave Sipos, Eric Hajnos, Rob Utz, Matt Guidotti; (top) Andrew Marrs, Jeff Krahel, Luke Deluca, Derek Moody, Ryan Breier, John Sukmanowski, Matt Winkle.
The Grand Island Varsity Vikings Football Team has much to cheer about after recently winning first place in Division II of Section VI Federation. Photos of the cheerleaders and homecoming king and queen Anthony Massaro and Rochelle Colosi were taken at the October 14 game when the team won its seventh straight win, 30-12, over Sweethome. The Vikings lost Saturday's game to Pioneer, 34-0. (Photos by Barbi Lare).
Snowmobile Club membership party, and safety course - 2000
The Grand Island Snowmobile Club will hold a membership kick-off party from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, November 4 at LoVerde's West River Bar and Grill, 2339 West River Road. Snowmobile Club members invite everyone interested in joining to come out and enjoy a pig roast, plenty of food and a 50/50 drawing at no charge. A cash bar will be available. Children under 18 are invited from 4-6 p.m. with parental supervision.
A Youth Safety Course, required by state law, will be offered by the club November 7-8 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in the Grand Island Moose Lodge, 2524 Grand Island Blvd. Geared to children ages 10-16, the two-day course will teach proper operation of a snowmobile, respect for the property of others and care of your snowmobile. There is no charge for the course and food and beverage will be provided. For further information about the course or the Grand Island Snowmobile Club, call Mike Finn at 775-1607.
Island surfer wins at Eastern Surfing competition - 2000
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Robert Christopher of Bush Road was among a large number of competitors in the Wyldewood Surf Club/Eastern Surfing Association-Great Lakes Surf Contest held September 17 at Wyldewood Beach, Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada.
Robert won first in Boys Shortboard, 13-14 years, first place in Boys Longboard, 13-14 years, and 2nd place in Boys Bodyboard, 13-14 years.
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