Grand Island New York Sports Page

Grand Island Sports News Page Jan.-June 2009

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Runner Chris Carter - 2009
   See "7/3/09 Niagara Gazette Story by Nate Beutel.

Brett Kern - 2009
   See "7/4/09 Niagara Gazette Story by Nate Beutel.

Carter Wins Jamie LaBarbara Run for Education - June 2009

Connor Middle School Teacher James Labarbera & Chris Carter.
   The Jamie LaBarbara Run for Education is named in honor of Jamie LaBarbera (daughter of Connor Middle School Teacher, James Labarbera). Jamie was an avid runner who passed away in a tragic automobile accident on September 26, 2003 and the race raises funds for education in her memory. The race took place on Saturday, June 13th. Mr. LaBarbera is shown above with race winner Chris Carter (GIHS Class of 2008) in front of the Jamie LaBarbera Memorial Tree at Connor Middle School. It was quite an honor for Chris to not only win the race but to break a 13-year course record by running a 15:42. The race was important to Chris since he attended Veronica Connor Middle School.

Vipers 14U - A Father's Day To Remember - June 2009

Coaches are Kelly Alcorn (top left), Arnie Nelson Joe Amsdille
Click photo for larger view
   Our Own Grand Island Vipers 14U travel team battled strong competition over this past Father’s day weekend and came away with Cayuga’s 2009 Silver championship. GI started the weekend with two close losses to very good teams. Friday evening GI lost to the WYN Sting 6-4 and early Sunday GI lost a real tight one the eventual Gold Tournament Champion Amherst Lightning 4-2.
   However, the girls hit their stride and started rolling over teams during the single elimination portion of the tournament, scoring wins over the Cayuga Gamblers, the North Buffalo Wildcats and finally the Syracuse Crush.
    Grand Island’s bullpen is deep with talented pitchers and we used them all this past weekend. Rosie Russell shut down the Cayuga Gamblers offense with 5 strong innings of pitching. Meggie White faced off with North Buffalo’s ace and showed her impressive array of pitches, coming out on top 6-2. Finally, the championship game, our ace Ciara Alcorn had the Crush on their collective heels. GI’s backstop, Ashley Colan, called a perfect game from behind the plate and Ciara put in a wonderful performance, using every trick she had, keeping the Crush off balance for 5 strong innings of pitching. GI’s coaching staff decided we needed to change up pitching styles going into the 5th and Rosie “the hammer” Russell came in to finish off the Crush in GI’s 7-6 win for the championship.
    GI’s outfield was on fire this weekend. The outfield, led by Melissa Gibson in left field, played flawlessly. Melissa held outfield hits to singles, using a cannon for an arm and her quick feet. She had many, many flyouts caught, keeping the other teams off the bases and making it easy for the pitchers to just concentrate on the batter. Without the exceptional play of Melissa in left there is no way GI would have won, she is a difference maker. Lexi Kalinowski played right field for GI and utilized her speed and athleticism, never allowing anything past her. She also covered up for every throw to first or second. She’s a natural out there in right. Perhaps the best play for the weekend came from GI’s center fielder, Cassie Oursler. With the championship game still in question, Cassie made a magnificent diving catch in short left field. She came up spitting grass and dirt with the ball securely tucked into the folds of her glove which sealed GI’s win.
    One of the most impressive things over the weekend was GI’s infield, which had a total of two errors. Ashley Colan stopped everything behind the plate and called perfect pitches over and over. She had 9 pickoffs on steal attempts and 4 tag outs at home throughout the tournament. GI’s infield let nothing through. Courtney Collignon’s play at first base was topnotch, Gi is lucky to have a girl playing first base with her talent. Many outs were made because of the way Courtney stretched for the ball barely edging out the runners over the weekend. Annie Corrao, GI’s team captain and all world third baseman, was solid over the weekend. She played like her hair was on fire. She’s also a very good leader and to a coach that is invaluable. Jessica Amsdill, AKA the Mole, GI’s second baseman, showed why she plays there. Jessy over the weekend, let nothing by. The area between first and second was her domain. She had a stellar outing. Julia Kelly, What can I say, she played like she was born with a glove in her hand. And the proof of that was when every other coach over the weekend heaped praise on this kid, did she let it go to her head, no way not Julia. She is the perfect example of team player, as was obvious by her actions after she received the second of the two MVP medals for outstanding play over the weekend. Julia took it upon herself to give one of her medals to her fellow teammate. It was a very telling act and I’m proud to have a kid on the team with that kind of moral compass. My daughter is blessed to be able to grow up with this group for girls.
   And last but not least, GI’s newest member, Sarah Nelson. Sarah pounded out the hits this past weekend. Whenever GI needed a clutch hit, Sarah was standing at the front of the line. Over the weekend Sarah batted near 600. And to top that off, when she was at bat with players in scoring position, she was nearly perfect! GI is lucky to have found a girl who fits right into our program and is such a talented softball player and nice young lady.
    GO Vipers!

Chris Carter Overall Male Top Finisher In Jamie LaBarbera Memorial 5K Run - 2009
   See "6/13/09 Niagara Gazette Story.

Ryan Vertino, Buffalo Wings Roller Hockey Jr All Star - April 2009

   The Buffalo Wings are proud to announce that Ryan Vertino, 18, of Grand Island has been selected to the NHL Jr. All Star team after playing in the NARCH Regional Qualifying Tournament held June 6-7 at the Amherst Pepsi Center. Ryan's hard work and dedication is showing as he was one of the select few to become a member of this prestigious group.
   At each regional event, five players from each division will be selected as the NHL Junior All-Stars. The top scorer, top goaltender, and three players selected by the opposing coaches will make up the 5-player panel.
   Each player will receive an NHL Junior All-Star Polo Shirt and have their picture taken at the event. They will also be required to fill out a bio.
   Shortly after each event, their picture and bio will be featured on NARCh.com and will also have a special place in the NHL.com network recognizing their accomplishments. Ryan’s name is now eligible to win (by random drawing) a trip to the 2010 NHL Winter Classic Hockey Game at a location soon to be announced (possibly Fenway Park in Boston)

Carlin Hartman - 2009
   See "6/2/09 Niagara Gazette Story By Jonah Bronstein.

Village Inn Open Golf Results - May 2009
   Results of the Village Inn Open golf tournament, played Thursday, May 21, 2009 at the Beaver Island Golf Course, follow:
Low Gross - Bill Lee 50
Low Net - Bill Lee 35
Low Team Net - 146
Don Tranter (Capt) - 36
M. Koziol - 36
N. Driscoll - 39
Bill Lee - 5
Other Scores NET
Don Scalise - 35
Dennis Zuchlewski - 35
John MacDonald - 36
Frank Pusatier -36
Dale Boerschig - 37
Wayne Anstett - 37
Ed Moore - 37
John Vogel - 38
Larry Furnia - 38
Chuck Gaiser - 38
Bob Sims - 38
Hank Carroll - 39

Northtowns Thunder Win AIm tournament in Preparation for State Cup - May 2009
Northtowns Thunder U15 Girls Soccer Team
Click link for photos
   The Northtowns Thunder U15 Girls Soccer Team, made up of girls from all around the WNY area, were champions in their age group, winning in convincing fashion over the past weekend (May23-24), at the Amherst Invitational Memorial Tournament (AIM). The AIM tournament is held in Amherst, NY, playing host to over 150 teams from NY, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Canada. It is considered to be the Western New York's most prestigious and most competitive tournament.
   The Thunder was undefeated in their quest for the Championship, beating teams from Greece, NY (4-0), Northern United Heat from PA West (3-0), EUSA Syracuse (3-0) and they beat the host club team, Amherst Flames, in the Finals (4-1). Most impressive for the Thunder, during the weekend march, was the Goals For (13) and Goals Against (1) statistic. This was a very good tune-up tournament for the Thunder, before heading on to the State Championships, to be held over the weekend of May 29-31, 2009, in Cortland NY. The other final four teams that the Thunder will face in the State Championship will be, Buffalo Soccer Academy, EUSA Rochester and Rochester Football Club.
   The Northtowns Thunder U15 Girls Soccer Team includes Grand Island residents, Amanda Cinelli, Katlyn Holt, Liz Kowalik, Jenna Lee and Jodi Lee.

Bowling Tournament At Island Lanes - 2009
   For unofficial final standings of the 67th TONAWANDAS USBC ASSN. CITY CHAMPIONSHIP at Island Lanes, Grand Island see Buffalo News

Mike Mallwitz, 2nd In Major Bowling Tournament - 2009
   Mike Mallwitz of Grand Island took 2nd place and Cheektowaga resident Liz Johnson was the winner of the Greater Buffalo USBC Association's George A. Obenauer Masters championship at AMF Airport Lanes.
See May 18, 2009 article by Milt Northrop in the Buffalo News

Grand Island Soccer Stars Advance to State Cup Finals - May 2009

   The Northtowns Thunder, a U-15 Premier team, with 5 girls from Grand Island (Amanda Cinelli, Katlyn Holt, Liz Kowalik, Jenna Lee and Jodi Lee) have advanced for a second year in a row to the State Cup Championships Final Four. The tournament is to be held in Cortland, NY the weekend dates of May 29-31, 2009.
   The State Cup Championships is the pinnacle for the best teams in the State, to showcase their talents and refined skills. This is the highest level of competition that the state provides. In their play down game, in which the winner advances, the Thunder were matched against Doug Miller Soccer Academy, a team from Rochester, NY, The Thunder solidified their spot, winning convincingly, 7-0. Good Luck this year Girls, we are so proud of you and all the hard work you put in.
   Remember our motto, "Champions are not those that never fail, but those that never quit!" Go Thunder!

Vipers Win Metro 12U Softball Opener - May 2009
   Grand Island Vipers 12U softball team needed a total team effort to beat the Amherst Lightning Gold team 11-10 at a windy and rainy Pepsi Center Field in Amherst, NY on Saturday, May 9, 2009. The Vipers got behind early after a shaky third inning that saw 7 Lightning players reach home as the rain began to pour on this Metro League opening game. The Vipers, who were not to be outdone, came back with vengeance and scattered 6 hits of their own in the top of the fourth, including a double by Natalie Argy and a triple from Christina Alex to tie the game at 7. The Vipers quickly settled the Lightning bats as Kristin Dallavia got in a groove and shut down the Lightning the next three innings including 6 by strikeouts. The Vipers never quit and added 4 more runs led by a double from Jenna Neff who went 3 for 4 on the day and Dallavia's triple which concluded her mastery at the plate in which she went 4 for 4. All in all the Vipers had 14 hits on the night from 9 different players and managed to have 10 different players score a run in this game. Lightning would make it close in the bottom of the 7 scoring two runs to pull within one but the Vipers' defense shut the door and secured the win for the Vipers. Leah Geis played a strong game behind the dish and Jillian Sheehan pitched three strong innings in the rain to help defensively in the game for the Vipers.

Village Inn Open Golf Tournament - May 2009
   The Village Inn Open golf tournament takes place Thursday, May 14, 2009 at the Beaver Island Golf Course on Grand Island.
   In addition to nine holes of afternoon golf, golfers may enjoy a pre-tournament breakfast at 11 a.m. at the Village Inn. A post-tournament get-together with refreshments will follow at approximately 3:30 p.m., also at the Village Inn - good food, beer and pop at $5.
   For more information, contact Edward Moore, 773-3817.

NU Diver Ian O'Rourke - 2009 Athlete Of The Year - 2009
   See "5/3/09 Niagara Gazette Story By Jonah Bronstein.

Jim Figler Completes Boston Marathon - 2009
   Islander Jim Figler (3:30:22) completed the 113th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, 2009. Others finishing from Grand Island are Jonathan Lacki (2:59:33) and Ricco Slaiman (3:29:17). See "marathon" for more information.
See also http://www.bostonmarathon.org/.

NU Men's Tennis Bows Out in MAAC Semi Finals - April 2009

Grand Island's Steve Kopf
   FLUSHING, N.Y. – The Niagara men’s tennis team’s season ended with a 4-1 loss to the top seeded Fairfield Stags in the MAAC Tournament Semifinal on Saturday afternoon, April 18, 2009. The Purple Eagles lost the doubles point by dropping two of three matches, but the highlight of the tournament for Niagara was an exciting win at 2nd doubles. NU's Steve Kopf (Grand Island, NY) and Joe Heckley (San Jose, Calif.) defeated Fairfield's nationally ranked Division I doubles team of Dan Sauter and Ryan Berthod 9-7.

Cal Kern Featured In Niagara Gazette - 2009
   See "4/16/09 Niagara Gazette story" by Nate Beutel.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted April 16, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Grand Island Rugby Club News - April 2009

click photo for larger view
   Members of the Grand Island Rugby Club played their first match of the season on Sunday, March 29, 2009 against Canandaigua at Lockport Rugby’s home pitch in Lockport, NY. The home team is preparing for their first year as members in the NY State Division II Rugby League. In order to familiarize the new players with the game of rugby, a scrimmage was set up against another new club from Canandaigua, NY. The team plays under the direction of Head Coach, Mr. Ben Frazier.
   The Grand Island players showed a lot of promise as they tackled hard and worked well as a team. Even though Grand Island lost the scrimmage ten points to five, the experience they learned from this first match will be a key to preparing them for their first league match. The Grand Island Rugby Club plays their first home match this Sunday, April 5 at Beaver Island State Park versus the City Honors Rugby Club. Kick off for this Sunday's match is 1 p.m. Spectators are always welcome to cheer the Vikings on to victory.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted April 2, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Soccer Star Mitchell Cancilla To Play In European Tournament - 2009

Mitchell Cancilla - click photo for larger view
   It has been a very exciting soccer year for 14-year-old, Mitchell Cancilla. Most recently, Mitchell was selected to compete in Riccione, Italy from April 23 through May 3. There, he will play in a ten-day European Tournament where he will be one of 18 players selected to represent our U.S. Olympic Development Region I Soccer Team. Soccer has helped Mitchell broaden not only his circle of friends, but it continues to provide many wonderful life experiences. Mitchell has always been very hardworking and dedicated, juggling endless hours of practice, training, and school work. He has also consistently made the Honor Roll at Conner Middle School. Mitchell plans to attend Canisius High School in the fall. Mitchell's family and friends wish him the best of luck in his European Competition.

Hydroplane Races "Thunder on the Niagara" - 2009
   The Hydroplane Races "Thunder on the Niagara" will be held August 29-30 at Gratwick Park this year. There will be the ever-popular 2.5 litre, 5 litre and Grand Prix classes to name a few. Others will be added as they are announced. The Niagara Frontier Boat Racing Asssociation is the hosting club and is looking for crafters and vendors to participate in this event. For further information, call 572-5910. The NFBRA holds their meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the LaSalle Yacht Club on Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls. The next meeting is April 8. Club meetings are open to all intersted in the sport of hydrplane racing.
   Also on the schedule is a hydroplane race in Syracuse June 20-21.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted March 26, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted March 19, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted March 12, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted March 5, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

NU Diver Ian O'Rourke - 2009 ECAC Men's Diver of the Meet Award - 2009
   See "3/1/09 Story.

Islander In Huge Cross Country Ski Race In Wisconsin - 2009

Click photo for larger view
   Would coming in 1855th out of 2032 cross country skiers in a 23 km race make you happy? It certainly did for Henry Kammerer at age 73. He participated in the annual Korte Loppet ski race in Hayward, WI on Feb 21st. This is the ‘short’ version of the 54 km American Birkebeiner ski race held at the same time, which had over 7000 participants. Even among his 70 – 74 age group in the Korte race, he was only 14th (out of 14!), with his time of 3 hrs., 26 min., 32 sec. Henry’s stepson, Paul Loree (Grand Island High School grad in 1985) finished the race in 2 hrs. 11 min., his grandson Brandon Loree, age 15, finished in 2 hrs. flat, and was 20th in his teen age division. Henry credits steady work-outs at the M.O.G., the past year for being able to finish the grueling race over rolling hills with long uphill grinds. No decision yet on whether he will try again next year to improve his time!

Chris Carter, 2nd Out of 384 Runners - 2009

Click photo for larger view
   The Chilly Challenge took place Saturday, February 21 at Canisius High School. Christopher Carter was home for the weekend from Edinboro University and placed 2nd out of a field of 384 runners. The race lived up to its name. It was very cold and windy on Sunday morning. Also running from Grand Island were Jordan Gibson, Rich Gibson, Kelsey Mash and Patty Mash.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted February 26, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Grand Island Vipers Win Championship - Feb. 2009
   The Grand Island Vipers 12 and Under softball team won the Sahlens Indoor Sports Complex Championship in an impressive fashion. The Vipers scored 4 runs in the first inning and never looked back as they beat the Lancaster Heat 9-1 Sunday morning, February 22, securing the championship for the hometown team. The Vipers, behind their ace Kristen Dallavia, pitched a near flawless 5 innings, striking out 14 Heat batters and allowing only 2 runners to reach base safely. The Vipers, who entered the game in second place with a record of 7-1-1, scored 9 runs on 11 hits and were lead offensively by Natalie Argy 3 for 3 and Brittany Little 2 for 2. Vipers Coaches Dean Neff and Tim Edwards would like to thank all the players - Jillian Sheehan, Leah Geis, Jenna Neff, Grace Scherrer, Emily Edwards, Kristy Kalman, Maria Territo, Sydney Myers, Alley Cutting, Argy, Dallavia and Little for all the hours they have spent in the gym this off season as they look to defend the Metro League title for their bigger sisters in the 14 and Under division.
   The Vipers, who will play in the Metro Girls Travel Softball League this summer, play a 13-game schedule against area teams starting in the spring as well as 4 local tournaments and one out of state tournament in Zanesville, Ohio.

Level 8 Gymnastics Team Places 3rd in Rochester - 2009
   The Gleason’s School of Gymnastics competed in the Rochester Classic Meet hosted by Rochester Gymnastics Academy on Saturday, February 14. The level 8 girls gymnasts places 3rd at this very competitive meet. Level 8 team member Brianna Brandon, a 6th grader at Connor Middle School, received high scores on both floor (9.1) and vault (9.05)

NU Diver Ian O'Rourke Champion of Champions - 2009
   See "2/14/08 Niagara Gazette story".

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted February 19, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted February 12, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Grand Island Vipers 12U Team Takes Two - Feb. 2009
    Grand Island Vipers 12 and Under travel softball continued their winning ways by beating Lancaster White 14-2 and the District 5 Dazzlers 14-5. In the first game the Vipers exploded for 16 hits led by Brittney Little, Jenna Neff and Alley Cutting who combined to go 9 for 9 at the plate. Jillian Sheehan and Kristy Kalman each added a pair of hits in this game as the Vipers batted an impressive .727 for the game. Kristen Dallavia, Sheehan, Grace Scherrer and Cutting combined on a four hitter, striking out 7 Heat batters.
   In the second game Neff continued her hitting steak as she went 3 for 3 at the plate as the Vipers pounded out 16 hits for a .696 at the plate. Joining Neff for the hit parade were Leah Geis 3 for 3, Dallavia, Kalman and Scherrer who each added a pair hits in the game. Emily Edwards who was the target of some errant pitches scored 3 runs for the Vipers along with Natalie Argy who plated 2 runs herself. Defensively the Vipers were led by Sheehan and Dallavia who pitched another gem, allowing only 2 hits and striking out 7 Dazzlers batters. The Vipers are currently in second place in the Sahlens Winter League, two games remain on the schedule, the Orchard Park Darlings and the first place Lancaster Heat.

Dr. Tim Osberg - 2009
   Dr. Tim Osberg of Grand Island has been featured in the Buffalo News (23 Years Of Running). See February 8, 2009 article by Budd Bailey - Osberg/Buffalo News

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted February 5, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Jessica Coughlin - 2009
   Jessica Coughlin won the Western NY Queens Bowling Tournament Sunday, February 2, 2009 at Thruway Lanes. See Jessica Coughlin/Buffalo News

Endres' Collegiate Swim Career Ends February 14th - 2009

Jill Endres - Click photo for larger view
    Jill Endres (GIHS 2005) will be ending her swimming career while participating in the UAA swim championships at The University of Chicago February 12-14, 2009. Jill, a senior at University of Rochester, is completing her fourth and final year as a member of the U of R Women's swimming and diving team. Jill, the captain of the Yellow Jackets for the 08 - 09 season, swims freestyle and breast stroke. She is a long time member of the Grand Island Piranhas swim club.

Carlee Conway Makes It Four In A Row In Tennis - 2009
   Carlee Conway of Grand Island earned a berth in the finals for the fourth time in a row in a USTA Junior Tennis Tournament. Carlee began competing at the Girls 14 level in the Fall of 2008 and was initially ranked #849 in the Eastern region. Since then, her string of making the finals in four straight and winning one of them has moved her into the top 100 in the East. All of this within a few short months when February’s list is published. The weekend of January 10th-11th saw her compete in the USTA New Year Challenge tournament in Pittsford, NY. Carlee’s first match was against Ashlee Lattner from the Eastern Pennsylvania region. Carlee won in straight sets; 6-1, 6-1. Her second match was against lefty Zoe Chodak from Rochester, NY who is nationally ranked as a Girls 12 player. In a very competitive match, Carlee prevailed squeaking out a victory in a third set tie-breaker 6-3, 2-6, 10-8. Both players were hitting shots for winners but Carlee’s kick-out first serve allowed her to approach the net and win points with her serve and volley strategy. In her appearance in the finals, Carlee faced Avery Levine from Westchester County area of NY who was the number one seed and currently ranked #80 in the East. Carlee won the first set 4-6 but lost the next two in very close fashion. The final scores were; 4-6, 7-6, 10-2. Carlee had difficulty with shot placement in the finals, hitting shots just wide or hitting the tape with her approach shots.
   The January 30-Feb. 1st weekend saw her compete in the L1 Winter Classic Championships which draws better players with the increase of available ranking points. Carlee started play Friday evening against the #2 seed, Julia Guignard from the Watertown area of New York. Both players were hitting hard ground strokes from the baseline. Julia had an especially good back-hand. Carlee won in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 by using a mix of deep shots and then softer, shorter shots, pulling Guignard to the net unwillingly. Saturday afternoon’s opponent was Haley Roth from Honeoye Falls, NY. Haley was very consistent with her ground strokes in the first two sets, winning the first set 6-4. Many points were won at the net, as both players came to the net and hit volleys for winners. Haley was leading the second set 5-4 and game score at 40-15 with two match points when Carlee finally reversed the score of the game by winning in deuce. Carlee went on to win the second set 7-5 and the deciding third set 6-3. She closed out the match by hitting a service ace and then a hard approach shot that went untouched. It was a terrific comeback and very entertaining tennis to watch.
   She earned a spot in the finals against Claire Minnoe of Auburn, NY who was the #1 seed and ranked at #44 in the East. The tall lefty possesses a very good first serve and extremely consistent ground strokes. Although a year younger and 10 inches shorter, Carlee gave Claire a very tough match. The match featured numerous rallies of 10-15 hits from the baseline and some of the hardest hit balls Carlee had faced in her career. Carlee’s backhand gave Minneo trouble at times. But Minnoe won in straight sets; 6-2, 6-2.
   Carlee’s next tournament is the McEnroe Doubles tournament being held the weekend of Feb. 21-22, 2009 at the Village Glen tennis Center in Williamsville. She will have Meghan Diogardi from Hornell, NY as her partner. Winners advance to NYC for the finals in May.
   A seventh grader at St. Stephen School, Carlee is the daughter of Margaret and Brendan Conway.

NU Diver Ian O'Rourke - 2009
   Niagara Gazette - Jan. 29, 2009 . . . Niagara University sophomore Ian O’Rourke was named the MAAC and ECAC Diver of the Week recently. The Grand Island graduate won four events in a pair of meets this past weekend. He is currently undefeated in dual meets this season.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted January 29, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Grand Island Vipers 12U Keep Rolling - Jan. 2009
    Vipers 12 and Under Girls Softball Team scored 5 runs on 10 hits to come from behind to tie the Orchard Park Starz 5-5 at the Sahlens Sports Park in Elma. Vipers were led offensively by Brittany Little, 3 for 3, and Leah Geis, 2 for 2. GI scored 5 runs in the 4th led by hits from Grace Scherrer, Jillian Sheehan, Natalie Argy, Alley Cutting and Jenna Neff. Defensively, Neff and Sheehan combined on a the 2-hitter, as they struck out 11 Starz batters. In the second game of this double header, Sheehan continued her domininace on the mound striking out 7 batters, allowing only 5 hits and holding the Starz to 5 hits. Cutting pitched a scoreless 5th inning, striking out two to secure the 6-4 victory. Sheehan, Argy and Emily Edwards each had timely hits leading the Vipers offensively in this game. Vipers are now 3-1-1 in League Play.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted January 22, 2009
To correct the spelling of names, email to teddy@giecom.net listing the date of the report.

Niagara U Diver Ian O’Rourke, Breaks School Record - Jan. 2009
   This story was posted in the January 17, 2009 edition of the Buffalo News
The Niagara men had no trouble beating Canisius, 145-90, as sophomore diver Ian O’Rourke (Grand Island) broke his own school records in the 3-meter and 1-meter events in qualifying for the NCAA Zone meet. He amassed a six-dive score of 350.4 in the 3-meter and 347.93 in the 1-meter.

Digati Brothers Roll 300 Games
Joe Torregrossa Wins 1st Place Trophies - Jan. 2009
    Brandon Digati, shot his first 300 Monday night, January 12, 2009 on the A-Best Roofing league at Mallwitz's Island Lanes. His brother, Mike Digati Jr., shot his first 300 the same night at Tonawanda Bowling Center! This past Sunday, January 11th, Island Lanes hosted the Tonawanda Youth Doubles Tournament. Island winners included Joe Torregrossa and Kevin Salonek who came in first place in their division, while Jordan Jelks and Tanner Griffin came in third. Christina Sutton and Elizabeth McClean came in first place in their division. Later that same day, Joe Torregrossa and Sean Mattrey, who previously qualified in the BPA Winter Tournament at Broadway Sports Center, bowled in the finals, with Joe Torregrossa finishing first in the Junior Boy Division. Two first place trophies for Joe on the same day!
   Elizabeth McClean of Grand Island made the finals at Broadway Sports Center and also won her division (Senior Girl Handicap). Elizabeth won a $500 college scholarship.

Grand Island Vipers Cools the Heat - Jan. 2009
    Grand Island Vipers 12 and Under Softball team posted an impressive victory by beating the previously unbeaten Lancaster Heat 11-3 at the Sahlens Indoor Sports Complex in Elma, NY. The Vipers strong pitching staff of Kristen Dallavia, Jillian Sheehan and Alley Cutting combined to allow only 1 hit and striking out 8 Heat batters in four innings of play. Offensively the Vipers plated 11 runs on 10 hits, Dallavia and Sheehan both had two hits a piece, Cutting, Jenna Neff, Leah Geis, Emily Edwards, Natalie Argy and Maria Territo each added one hit. Defensively Kristy Kalman, Neff and Geis made several strong plays in the field to secure the win for the Vipers who evened their record at 1-1.

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted January 15, 2009

Island Lanes Results 2009
   See Bowling Results submitted January 8, 2009

Island Lanes Results 2008
   See Bowling Results submitted January 1, 2009

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