BECKY AHART HEADING TO HALL OF FAME

 

                               Ahart Going Into Hall of Fame.

                                                                             

  

  ROSCOE--Roscoe Central School's varsity girls basketball coach Becky Ahart is going into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame.
  The Basketball Coaches Association of New York (BCANY) will induct Becky on Sunday, March 15 at 10 a.m. with a brunch in the Heritage Hall of the Glens Falls Civic Center..
  With her induction she joins her legendary husband "Coach" Fred Ahart who for 46-years has served as  boys basketball coach at Roscoe and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
  Last January Fred received one of the highest honors given a coach when the Roscoe Central School named it gym the "Coach" Fred Ahart Gymnasium.
  Becky goes into the Hall of Fame in the Class of 2015 with Walter Bachman, Jerico HS (Section 8), Randy Begeal, Wells HS (Section 7), Dave Gaylord, Remsen HS (Section 3), Doug Loffler, Lisbon HS (Section 10), Jane Morris, Cardinal Spellman HS (CHSAA), Frank Romeo, Comsewogue HS (Section XI) Suffolk C.C., Buddy Wieklinski, Syracuse Christian Brothers Academy (Section 3) and Susan Zawacki who has been a contributor to the sport as organizer and director of summer recreation programs who also started the women's basketball program at Hamilton College. 

  "I'm greatly honored as I have had a great group of kids over the years that have been fun to work with," said Becky of her high honor.
  Coach Ahart has been at the helm of girls basketball a total of 29 years including 24-years as varsity girls coach (22 at Roscoe, from 2010-2011 co-head coach Livingston Manor/Roscoe and from 2013-2014 at Downsville/Roscoe.)
  The 29-year coaching career includes 5-years as head JV girls coach (3-years when Roscoe was unable to field a varsity team).
  She has helped compile a varsity record of 271-209 for a winning average of .604.
  Becky's coaching record includes 4 Section IX Class D titles (1990, 2000, 2002 and 2003), 5 league/division titles (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2011), 17 sectional tournaments (16 section IX, 1 section IX and participated in 9 section IX tournament championship games in 1988, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2011 and 2012.
  During the 1989-90 season Roscoe completed an 18-4 record and won the section IX Class D championship. In 1999-2000 Roscoe was undefeated Western-Sullivan league champions and compiled an overall record of 21-2. They also took home the Section IX Class D championship.
  With a winning record of 15-7 Roscoe was the OCIAA Division V champions in 2000-2001. In 2001-2002 they were the OCIAA Division V undefeated champions and the Class D Section IX champions. The 2002-2003 season brought home a 18-4 record and the OCIAA Division V championship and the Section IX Class D championship. In 2010-2011 the combined team of Livingston Manor/Roscoe were the OCIAA Division VI undefeated champions.
  Becky's teams were 73-17 in four years from the 1999-2000 season through the 2003-2004 season winning the Western Sullivan league or OCIAA Division V title each year and played in the Section IX Class D title game all four years winning three titles.
  A highlight of Coach Ahart's  career was when she had the pleasure of coaching all four of her daughters and her oldest granddaughter during their careers and in many people's opinion her success in working with and identifying with high school girls is greatly due to her experience gained from raising four daughters.
  Hall of Fame honors come with many contributions made to the sport of basketball and Becky Ahart has a list of outstanding contributions.
  They include:
  1. A long time BCANY member and supporter.
  2. A member of the Section IX committee since 1996 specializing  being in charge of the awards table set up at Section IX championship games and being responsible for the  Class D girls entries and tournament structure.
  3. She has been the head coach and organized several AAU girls basketball teams including the Caskill Mountain AAU team, the Sulivan Shooters, The Sullivan Sting,  and in this role she not only worked with Roscoe players but has helped develop  and has earned the respect of players from other schools in the area.
  4. She has coached at numerous basketball camps including Soddy and Tom Mirabito's Golden Valley Basketball Camp with Coach Phil Gordon and at the West Chester University of Pennsylvania Basketball Camp  with current South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley and Coach Lisa Boyer.
  5. She also organized and operated a basketball clinic at Roscoe Central School with Coach Staley and Coach Boyer.
  6. She organized and coached girls teams for many years in the Sullivan County Community College and Liberty Summer basketball leagues.
  7. Her assistant coaches have gone on to coaching careers including Chris Russo, Greg Semenetz and Jackie Trotti.
  8. She served many years as the Roscoe Boys Varsity and JV basketball scorekeeper.
  9. Becky has planned and organized 3 on 3 basketball tournaments at Roscoe Central School.
 10. She has helped organize Coaches Vs. Cancer tournaments and other fund raisers, coached modified girls teams in 2007-2008 when no other coach was available and worked with modified teams and Saturday Youth Program teams to help develop the girls basketball program at Roscoe Central School.
  Becky in addition to basketball has also coached softball, soccer, cross country and cheer-leading at Roscoe Central School.
  Honors and awards presented to her over the years include the 1990 Cable 6 Girls Baskerball Coach of the Year, the 2001 BCANY Secion IX Coach of the Year, the 2011 BCANY Section IX Class D girls Coach of the Year, the Western Sullivan League service award and the OCIAA Jim Ross Service Award.
  An informal reception will follow Becky's induction ceremony at Dango's Irish Sports Bar, 156 Maple St. Glens Falls.
  Tickets for the induction ceremony are $25 adult, $12 for ages 6-11 and no charge for ages 5 and under. Checks should be made out to BCANY and sent to Fred Ahart, Roscoe Central School, PO Box 429, Roscoe, NY 12776. Deadline for tickets is March 8.
 
 
 

FORK COMING TO RAILRIDERS GAMES

                                                                                                                                  

What The FORK Coming to RailRiders Games

NEPA Culinary Icon Sets Up Shop at PNC Field

Moosic, Pa. – If you needed yet another reason to attend a game, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) will gladly oblige. The team has welcomed regional sensation What The FORK to PNC Field as a food vendor for the 2015 season.

“We’re always looking for ways to enhance the ballpark experience,” said team president/GM Rob Crain. “The biggest and best food truck in the area? That sounds just about right to me.”

The NEPA traveling food icon has established a cult following in the area. It has also received national recognition as one of the top food trucks in America per the ABC television program Live with Kelly & Michael.

“I’m thrilled about extending our brand into this amazing ballpark” said What The FORK founder Mario Bevilacqua. “I’m looking forward to the partnership with the RailRiders and being able to enhance the already fantastic experience PNC Field has to offer.”

The menu will rotate each series with one notable exception. What The FORK’s signature pulled pork tacos will be available for every home game. What The FORK will be stationed on the first-base side of the stadium at the corner where the PNC Field bleachers meet section 10.

“We are very excited to be teaming up with What The FORK,” said Richard Kloss, general manager of the team’s concessionaire, Legends. “They are an established name in our community, and their brand is synonymous with great food.  What The FORK will be a great addition for our fans.”

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

LPGA TELEVISION SCHEDULE

LPGA, Golf Channel and NBC Announce 2015 LPGA Tournament Television Schedule

Robust Schedule, Higher Ratings Lead to Most Televised Hours in LPGA History

Golf Channel Coverage Kicks Off Wednesday at Coates Golf Championship

Nearly 400 Hours of Tournament Coverage on Golf Channel and NBC Combined

NBC to Air Two LPGA Majors in 2015: Evian Championship and KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Judy Rankin Continues as Golf Channel Lead Analyst for LPGA Coverage, Reaching a New Multi-Year Agreement

DAYTONA BEACH/ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 27, 2015 – With a 2015 tournament schedule that features 34 events around the world highlighted by exciting enhancements with two majors, the ANA Inspiration and the inaugural KPMG Women’s Championship, and the return of the biennial Solheim Cup, the LPGA Tour is riding a wave of momentum as the 2015 season kicks off this week.  Following a 2014 season that saw an 18 percent increase in viewership of North American events on Golf Channel and NBC, the momentum continues with the unveiling of Golf Channel and NBC’s 2015 LPGA television schedule, featuring nearly 400 hours of coverage, the most televised hours in LPGA history.

Golf Channel kicks off its 2015 LPGA tournament coverage Wednesday at the season-opening Coates Golf Championship Presented by R&L Carriers, taking place at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club in Ocala, Fla.  Live coverage will kick off Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. ET, and will continue on Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. ET.  Friday’s coverage will air in prime time from 8-10 p.m. ET and conclude on Saturday from 3-5 p.m. ET.

“Golf Channel’s increased television coverage will give fans the opportunity to follow what promises to be an exciting 2015 LPGA season,” said LPGA Sr. VP of Television & New Media Brian Carroll. “Our strong relationship with Golf Channel has provided us the opportunity to showcase the LPGA through live telecasts, increases in telecast hours and personality features across many different programs.”

Golf Channel’s coverage consists of 31 official LPGA tournaments in 2015, including the 2015 Solheim Cup.  Hall-of-Famer Judy Rankin, who recently signed a multi-year contract extension with Golf Channel, will return as lead analyst, joining one of three play-by-play hosts that includes Terry Gannon, Whit Watson and LPGA mainstay Tom Abbott, who  will serve as a hole announcer when not calling play by play.  Major Champion Karen Stupples will rotate with Rankin as lead analyst in 2015 and also will report from the course.  Joining Stupples on the course-reporting team will be Jerry Foltz and Kay Cockerill.  Curt Byrum, Jim Gallagher, Jr. and Jane Crafter also will join for Golf Channel’s LPGA broadcast team at select events in 2015.

Highlights of Golf Channel’s 2015 television schedule include:

•              A 10 percent increase in hours of tournament coverage over 2014, totaling more than 390 hours for the 2015 season.

•              Golf Channel will provide complete live coverage of the 2015 Solheim Cup in Germany (Sept. 18-20), totaling nearly 30 hours of event coverage.

•              Golf Channel and NBC will provide robust tournament coverage of three LPGA Major Championships: the ANA Inspiration (Apr. 2-5), the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (June. 11-14), and the Evian           Championship (Sept. 10-13), combining for nearly 50 hours of Golf Channel coverage.  Final round coverage of the Evian Championship and weekend coverage of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship also will air on NBC in 2015.

•              Golf Channel will provide live coverage for all U.S. tournaments in 2015

•              Expanded Morning Drive news coverage in 2015, including on-site coverage from Media Day at select tournaments, including the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, Meijer LPGA Classic and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.

About the LPGA

The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 members representing 30 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com,www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

About Golf Channel

Golf Channel is a multimedia, golf entertainment and services company based in Orlando, Fla. Golf Channel, co-founded by Arnold Palmer in 1995 and now part of the NBC Sports Group, is available in more than 120 million homes in 83 countries and 12 languages around the world. Exclusive partnerships with the world’s top tours allow Golf Channel to feature more live golf coverage than all other networks combined, as well as a programming schedule distinguished by golf’s highest-quality news, instruction and original programming.  Golf Channel’s digital platforms, headed by GolfChannel.com, are the leading golf destinations on the Internet, delivering unmatched coverage of the world of golf. Fans are able to enjoy 24/7 live streaming of Golf Channel content through Golf Live Extra and select programming is simulcast via SiriusXM’s PGA TOUR Radio. In addition, Golf Channel connects the world to golf through a wide array of digital services including Golf Channel Mobile; GolfNow, the world’s largest online booking platform;GolfAdvisor.com, a golf course ratings and review portal; the interactive Golf Channel Academy instructional app; and the Golf Channel Am Tour, the world’s largest amateur golf tour.

 

BOMBARD NAMED TO IL HALL

Bombard Named to IL Hall of Fame

Red Barons Legend Gets Call to the Hall

Moosic, Pa. – The International League announced today that former Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Charlotte manager Marc Bombard will be inducted into the circuit's Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2015. He will be joined by 1980 IL MVP Marshall Brant, and former Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester general manager Don Labbruzzo. The three men were elected by a vote of living IL Hall of Famers, longtime executives, broadcasters, and members of the media.

All three inductees have been added to the International League Hall of Fame plaque display. The inductees or their families will be presented with “The Curtain Call” statue during individual enshrinement ceremonies to take place during the coming season. That includes a to-be-announced date for Bombard’s recognition at PNC Field before a 2015 RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) game. The IL Hall of Fame plaque display does not have a permanent home, but rather serves as a traveling testament to the storied legacy of the International League.

Bombard piloted the then-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons to four consecutive playoff appearances from 1999-2002, a run which concluded with a franchise-record 91 wins and honors as the IL Manager of the Year and the Sports Weekly Minor League Manager of the Year. He won 700 games in the IL, including a then-franchise-record 574 victories over eight seasons with SWB from 1997-2004. That record was broken last season by fellow IL Hall of Famer Dave Miley. Bombard, who managed the IL All-Stars in both 2000 and 2003, is the last IL skipper to lead a team to 90 wins in a single season. His 91 wins in 2002 are the equivalent of winning 102 games in a 162-game big league campaign.

“It’s a great honor,” Bombard said of his induction. “It came as a shock. It was the furthest thing from my mind when (IL president) Randy (Mobley) called and let me know the news. It was a great eight years in Scranton, a truly great ride. There were some outstanding players, great front office people and coaches, and of course the fans are outstanding. You looked forward to coming to the park. We had such an atmosphere there. It was such an advantage to play at home. Those were the best eight years in my baseball life.”

The RailRiders open their 2015 season at home on April 9 against the Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

B-METS 2015 FIELD STAFF

B-Mets Announce 2015 Field Staff

BINGHAMTON, NY – The defending Eastern League champion Binghamton Mets are proud to announce that Pedro Lopez will return to the Southern Tier for his fourth season as manager. Lopez, the winningest manager in B-Mets history, will be joined by pitching coach Glenn Abbott and hitting coach Luis Natera. Athletic trainer Deb Iwanow and strength and conditioning coach Dane Inderrieden round out Lopez’s staff.
Lopez guided the 2014 Binghamton Mets to their first Eastern League championship in 20 years. The team fulfilled Lopez’s preseason request of “six more wins” in the playoffs by beating the Portland Sea Dogs in a thrilling five-game Eastern Division Championship Series and sweeping the Richmond Flying Squirrels to earn the franchise’s third Eastern League title.
The 2014 season also saw Lopez move into the top spot among B-Mets managers. The team’s 3-0 victory over the Harrisburg Senators on August 10 was his 226^th win at the helm of the B-Mets, pushing him ahead of John Tamargo, who managed from 1994 to 1996. Lopez currently owns 237 regular season wins in Binghamton.
Lopez has steadily climbed the Mets’ minor league managerial ladder; compiling winning records at each stop leading to Binghamton. His journey began with the Kingsport Mets (Rookie) in 2008, where he guided the club to a 34-32 mark. Under his watch in 2009, the Brooklyn Cyclones (Short Season-A) punched their ticket to the New York-Penn League postseason with a 45-30 record. Lopez kept the success rolling with another trip to the postseason with the Savannah Sand Gnats (Low-A) in 2010. His 2011 St. Lucie Mets (High-A) made it all the way to the Florida State League championship series.
The former catcher logged 13 seasons in the minor leagues as a player after being drafted in the 21^st round by the San Diego Padres in 1988. He reached Triple-A with the Las Vegas Stars before joining the Milwaukee Brewers organization in 1995. Lopez finished his playing career in the Houston Astos’ system in 2000. In 909 career games, he hit .247, clocked 49 home runs and drove in 338 runs.
Abbott returns to the Southern Tier for his fourth year as pitching coach. Prior to his time with the Mets, Abbott was a pitching coach for five years in the San Diego Padres’ system, spent four seasons with the Texas Rangers’ organization and logged 13 years at various levels with the Oakland Athletics. The Arkansas native began his coaching career with the Little Falls Mets in 1985.
After getting drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 8^th round in 1969, Abbott spent 11 seasons in the Major Leagues as a starting pitcher for the A’s (1973-76), Seattle Mariners (1977-83) and Detroit Tigers (1983-84). In 248 career games, the righty made 206 starts, went 62-83, amassed a 4.39 ERA, struck out 484 batters and hurled five shutouts.
As a member of the Athletics in 1975, Abbott was part of the first four-pitcher no-hitter in MLB history. On September 28, he combined with Vida Blue, Paul Linblad, and Rollie Fingers to baffle the Angels on the final day of the regular season.
Natera returns to Binghamton after spending last year in the Majors as assistant hitting coach with the New York Mets. This season will be his 24^th with the Mets organization and eighth in the Southern Tier. He has served as a hitting coach at five different levels during that time, including stints with Buffalo (AAA, 2009), St. Lucie (High-A, 2007), Hagerstown (Low-A, 2005-06), Kingsport (Rookie, 2003-04), and Capital City (Low-A, 1999).
Natera served in his native country as coordinator of the Mets’ Dominican Academy in 2001 and 2002. He managed the Dominican Mets (Rookie) in 2002 and skippered the DSL Mets from 1992-1997.
The former shortstop played in the Mets’ system from 1984 to 1988 and reached as high as Low-A. He lives with wife Maria Elena and their sons Luis Alberto, Jose Luis, and David Luis.
Deb Iwanow will head back to the Southern Tier for her second year as athletic trainer. The Delhi, New York native spent three seasons with the St. Lucie Mets from 2011 to 2013. A graduate of Ithaca College, she served as an assistant athletic trainer at Binghamton University in 2005 and 2006.
Inderrieden joins the B-Mets staff for his first season at Double-A. The Marty, Minnesota native served in the same capacity with the St. Lucie Mets last year. He received his B.S. from St. Cloud State University and attained a master’s degree in Exercise Science from Northern Michigan University. He has also spent time with the Gulf Coast League Mets (2013) and Brooklyn Cyclones (2012).
The Binghamton Mets are set to open their 24^th season on April 9, 2015 in Akron against the RubberDucks. The B-Mets home opener on April 16, 2015, highlighted by a pregame ceremony to celebrate their 2014 championship, is just 77 days away. Season ticket packages and miniplans are on sale. Visit BMETS.COM, stop by the box office or call 723-METS for tickets.
Be sure to follow the B-Mets on Facebook, Twitter and at the team’s official website (www.bmets.com) for more team information. Fans can also stay up to date with all the action on the field by visiting “B-Mets Buzz with Tim Heiman” at bmets.mlblogs.com

Coaches Play Big Role in Tri-Valley-Roscoe Game

ROSCOE-- Two outstanding Sullivan County varsity girls basketball coaches used their vast technical and professional knowledge last Friday night on how best to coach their players while one team was dominating and running away to an easy victory.
  Tri-Valley  coach Jason Kloss and Roscoe coach Becky Ahart used different approaches in Tri-Valley's 58-18 victory played in the Fred Ahart Gymnasium.
  With the Bears running off to a 21-7 first quarter lead it became very apparent that the young Blue Devils team would face scoring problems from the strong defensive tactics deployed by Tri-Valley.
  When asked what approach she takes with her players in a game like this, Coach Ahart said, "I try to install the desire to keep playing, never give up, don't hang your heads  and learn something new from who they are playing against."
  "If somebody does something good against us that beats us I ask our girls to learn from that experience and to play together as a team as everything comes down to team work and try to improve with every game, "Coach Ahart noted.
  Coach Ahart's young varsity team consists of four freshman, three sophomores, four juniors and three seniors.
   She complimented Tri-Valley as "a very good ball club."
  Bears coach Kloss  learned a lot of his basketball skills and knowledge from Becky's husband and boys varsity coach Fred Ahart who Jason played for as a  Roscoe Central School student.
  Kloss when asked what the benefits of a game like this means to  Tri-Valley said, "our team benefits from a game like this for team dynamics."
  He pointed out "there are a lot of girls on the team who practice as hard as some of the girls that play on any given night and this type of game is an opportunity for them to take the floor
and show how much they have improved and to look at things they need to do better at."
  " A game like this is a benefit for the future of this team in getting those girls minutes this year to help prepare them for next year and a smoother transition" Kloss said.
   The Tri-Valley coach substituted frequently throughout the game giving his bench players valuable playing experience.
    Tri-Valley's strong defense continued throughout the game limiting Roscoe to 5 points in the second quarter and 3 points each in the third and fourth quarters which overall resulted in 46 Blue Devil turnovers.
  The Bears defense and Roscoe's turnovers led to some easy break-away scores putting Tri-Valley out in front at the half 31-12 and at the end of the third quarter 48-15.
  Leading Tri-Valley's balanced scoring was Caroline Martin with 14, Sara Dertinger with 12 and Danielle Shafarsky with 10.
  Roscoe had 5 points each from Alyssa Diaz and Kelsey Kalin.
  Roscoe's record falls to 0-10 while Tri-Valley's even's its record to 5-5, 1-0 in OCIAA Division V
  league play.
  Tri-Valley gets back into league play at home January 29 against Tuxedo.
PHOTOS FROM LAST FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAME


                                                      

 
                                                                                 

 
                                                                           

                                                                              
                                                                                  

                                                                           

                                                                                 

                                                                            

                                                                           
                                                                                     

LADY BEARS WIN BIG GAME

                              

  GRAHAMSVILLE--Trailing by 10 points at halftime the Tri-Valley Lady Bears last Thursday night turned the game into  their favor with a tenacious second half defense and outstanding offense to edge Class B school James I. O'Neill 51-45.
  In  commenting on his teams second half defensive efforts  Tri-Valley coach Jason Closs was quick to say  "our defense was aggressive but not reckless and with some foul issues I commend the girls for still playing aggressive without committing fouls."
  In the first and second quarters Tri-Valley was outscored 17-8 and 9-8 and trailed at halftime 26-16.
  The Bears first half defense had problems stopping O'Neill's high scoring Samiaya Salley's 10 first-half points but limited her to four fourth-quarter scores.
  Good defense transcends into better offense and Bears team captain senior  Caroline Martin noted, "we work on defense a lot and when we started working together on defense we were able to create our offense."
  O'Neill coach Catie Biordi in commenting on the turn of events in the second half noted. "our defense broke down in the third and fourth quarters and the girls on Tri-Valley were going after the ball harder and at the end of the day defense is going to carry you to a win."
  Biodi complimented Tri-Valley in gaining the win and added "five for nineteen from the foul line in the second half also didn't  half us."
  Leading the Lady Bears second half scoring was  Caroline Martin with 10 points in the third quarter and Sandra Alemany's nine points in the final eight minutes of play.
  Tri-Valley outscored O'Neill 18-11 in the third quarter and 17-8 in the fourth quarter.
  The strong Tri-Valley defense led to 31 turnovers by O'Neill. The Bears committed 22 turnovers.
  Coach Closs added that "I just want to commend our bench players for displaying the energy they displayed when they are not in the game which lifted the girls that are in the game."
  When asked what this win does for Tri-Valley in their upcoming league play Closs said, "this gives us a good win against at good team and it will springboard us into our league schedule."
  Caroline Martin led Tri-Valley with 14 points followed by Sandra Alemany with 13. Sara Dertinger had eight points and grabbed nine rebounds.
  Samiaya Salley scored 14 points for O'Neill.
  Tri-Valley's overall record is now 3-5 and 1-0 in OCIAA Division V league play.
  O'Neill's overall record is 5-5 and 2-0 in their OCIAA  division play.

  PHOTOS OF THURSDAY'S GAME

                                  

                                                                   

                                                                            

                                                                             

                                                                            

TRI-VALLEY BOYS-GIRLS WIN OVER MANOR

TV Boys-Girls Defeat Manor

    Tri-Valley's boys and girls basketball teams recorded wins over Livingston Manor in games played last Thursday in Livingston Manor and Friday in Grahamsville.   
    A young Lady Wildcats team Thursday faced an aggressive Tri-Valley team which from the start took a commanding 10-0 first quarter lead off the eight-point scoring effort of  Bears
point-guard Caroline Martin and coasted to a 45-17 win.
   "They are a very good aggressive defensive team which resulted in a lot of turnovers by our young team," Livingston Manor coach Kevin Clifford said.
   Clifford pointed out that his starting team "consists of two eight graders, two ninth graders one junior and one senior and one of my top scorers is presently injured."
   Tri-Valley continued their pressure defense in the second quarter outscoring the Wildcats 15-4  to take a 25-4 halftime lead off the six point scoring of Danielle Shafarsky, three points from Martin and four points by Katelin Jester.
   The lady Wildcats were outscored in the third quarter 10-1 with Martin adding six more points to her total of 17.
   Tri-Valley coach Jason Closs at the 3:02 mark of the third quarter pulled his starting five noting "I wanted our younger players to get playing time and they executed very well."
  Closs added that this younger group as the game progressed "really got their feet under them at the varsity level in the final 10 minutes of play and let's remember we will be having this group back next year." He praised the young Wildcat team "for hanging in there and battling and not giving up and that in a year or two they will be a good team."
  Livingston Manor outscored Tri-Valley in the fourth quarter 12-10 with Emily Gorr scoring six points.
  Caroline Martin led the Bears scoring with 17 points followed by Danielle Shafarsky with 8. Tri-Valley's record is 2-5 overall and 1-0 in OCIAA league play. 
  Lindsey Ray led the Wildcats with 9 points and Emily Gorr had 6.
  Livingston Manor committed 34 turnovers to Tri-Valley's 22.
  Friday's boys game at Grahamsville produced two interesting first half quarters with the Wildcats outscoring the Bears 16-9 in the first quarter and Tri-Valley outscoring Livingston Manor 10-2 in the second quarter.
  Manor's Terrance Lockhart scored eight of the Wildcats first quarter points and took control with rebounds under the board but in another complete turnaround Tri-Valley outscored Livingston Manor in the final three quarters of play 10-2, 26-7 and 16-9 for a 61-34 win.
  Livingston Manor coach Charlie Hicks said, "they took it to us in the final three-quarters of play and just outplayed us."
  Hicks noted "Tri-Valley is a very good team but I definitely feel that it should not have been a 30-point game."
  Hicks added "that first quarter of play is indicative of how we play but their aggressive  defense and us missing a ton of layups in the paint that we need to finish proved to be our downfall."
  Post game comments by Tri-Valley coach Kyle Humphrey noted "we really clamped up defensively after the first quarter and with Justin Swarthout and Jarred James pushing off this made a huge difference."
  Humphrey praised Livingston Manor saying "they are a very good team and well coached of course and Charlie's an excellent coach  and has kept them in check for years now and he gets the most out of his kids." 
 An aggressive defense by Tri-Valley and taking control of the boards after the first quarter resulted in Tri-Valley boosting their overall record to 4-3, 1-1 in OCIAA Division V play.
  Livingston  Manor is now 4-2 overall and 2-0 in league play.
  The Wildcats committed 27 turnovers to the Bears 14.
  Leading scorer for Tri-Valley was Justin Swarthout with 14 followed by Robert Warden with 11 and Zack Nilsen with 10.
  Matt Janik with 16 led Livingston Manor's scoring followed by Terrance Lockhart with 10.

 

PHOTOS FROM THESE TWO GAMES  

 

 

 

Bowling Highlights Column

Fagan Wins World Championship

                                                        

  "The Majors are where you can separate yourself from everyone else," Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) World Championship winner Mike Fagan declared following his win last Sunday live on ESPN.
   Fagan, who had qualified second in the stepladder finals, defeated top qualifier Wes Malott 252-212 in the title match.
  The win for Fagan was his second major title after winning the United States Bowling Congress Masters in 2012 and is his fifth PBA tour title.
  Fagan, who is originally from Long Island, New York now makes his home in Fort Worth, Texas.
  In commenting about the "Major Tournaments" Fagan said, "these opportunities don't come around too often so you always have to consider yourself fortunate to be in a position to win and to take advantage of the opportunity you worked so hard for."
  "Making it into the PBA Hall of Fame is one of my goals," he continued, "I've thought about my place in the sport and while winning my second major is another step in getting there, it's a big step for sure."
  In the title match, Fagan and Malott traded strikes in the first four frames but then a turning point came when Malott, trying for his 10th Tour title, left the 2-10 split in the fifth which he failed to convert. Fagan had a moment of his own when he left an 8-10 split in the eighth frame but was able to finish strong and hold off Malott for the win.
  The win for Fagan brings him the $50,000 first prize with Malott taking home $25,000.
  The GEICO World Series Of Bowling VI PBA Challenge presented by the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame will air this Sunday, January 18 at 3 p.m. on ESPN.

Ed's Outlook

  We became friends with PBA World Championship winner Mike Fagan many years ago when Fagan was just starting out on the tour and was competing in one of his first tournaments at the former Bowlers Club bowling center in Latham, NY.
  Had the opportunity as a member of the press covering the preliminaries to meet and talk with Mike and later in the day to meet his father who had come up to Latham to watch his son bowl.
  Bowling writers gain a lot of inside information covering the sport and some of the inside information is being able to talk to bowling ball representatives and also my many talks with former pro-shop owner Mike Luongo who had drilled bowling balls for me for some 25 years.
  Fagan was bowling in the final preliminary match to see who would make it into the Sunday television finals and he was struggling as the ball he was using hooked too much.
  He came over to where his cache of bowling balls were sitting and of which I was sitting right in back of these bowling balls. I remember well Mike looking at the balls and trying to figure out what he should use. He looked at me with a puzzled look on his face and I reacted by pointing to one of the balls I was familiar with and one I though he could get to the pocket with.
  He was 35 pins down in the final game when he made the ball change......and what a change it was as he recorded eight strikes in a row to defeat his challenger and make his first TV finals.
  Mike and I and his father enjoyed dinner together that night and a bonding friendship was made.
  I don't get to see Mike very often as there are not any PBA tour stops in New York anymore but when we do see each other we talk about that afternoon in Latham.

Ed Townsend, a PR Consultant to the sport of bowling, writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league scores, tournament information, score a 300 game or 800 series or even bowl your age, call Ed at 845-439-8177, 845-866-0333, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com or fax at 845-205-4474. View this column and our pictures at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook and Twitter.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

   To be able to maximize your bowling game, you need to learn to properly control your bowling ball speed.
  Ball speed is one of the most important factors in being consistent and scoring high.
  Being able to adjust the speed of your ball to match the lane conditions will really give you the edge you need to win games.
  You may arrive at the bowling alley and find your lane is excessively oily so slowing down your lane is really oily is the key to high scoring.
  Likewise, during long tournaments, the lane may become dryer, and throwing the ball with more speed will help overcome this obstacle.
  By controlling the bowling ball speed, you will find yourself at a big advantage over those that don't.
  Mike Luongo is a cerified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, give him a call at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com

Local Scores
(compiled by Ed Townsend

Beechwood Lanes

  Monday Ladies

  Diana Staves 176, 151, Barbara Cady 155, Danielle Meyer 159, Beth Schumacher 178, Dot McCormack 155, Tracy Puerschner 159.

Callicoon Kristal Bowl

Tues. Del Valley Men's

  Sami Markao 180, Rick Weigelt 210, Bob Head 184, Dick Pomes 201, Buddy Romney 194, Bruce Rutledge 187, Rich Winters 202, Erik Burton 245, Mark Yewchuck 188, 215, Gary Maas 200, Bill Meyer 182, Kurt Buddenhagen 189, Mike Sorge 194, Jim Kautz 186, 206, Eugene Fulton 191, 234, 187, 612, Mike Gieger 191, Dave Graham 193, 235, 606, Dean Shattuck 256, Brian Marino 197, Kory Keesler 217, 188, Albert Tyles 182, Tom Bisig 234.

Kiamesha Lanes

 Monday Men's

  Pedro Agapito III a 245, 241, 236, 722, Rudy Belanchia 246, 640, Tom Belgiovene 245, 626, Lloyd Bridges 258, 643, Al Caycho 237, 608, Vinnie Collura 225, 268, 658, Shane Conner 232, 624, Vincent DeGraw 233, Donnie Durland 227, 625, Jody Farquhar 236, 649, John Fischer 256, 617, Kyle Giordino 631, Dave Graham 237, 267, 267, 771, John Hoffmann 243, 245, 233, 721, Todd Houghtaling 236, 611, Jason Jones Sr. 609, Eddie Lake 257, 617, Rick Lake 237, 258, 227, 722, Francisco Martinez 610, Patrick Mulhern 233, Laresko Niifa 243, 620, Jaryl Scott 258, 236, 686, Frank Scuderi 225, 637, Michael Scuderi 278, 234, 650, Keith Smith 639, Josh Strang 244, 675, Rob Sze 633, Michael Travis 249, 225, 679, Charlie Tuttle 234, 232, 661, Jon Wilhelm 233, 277, 233, 743, Larry Whipple 257, 684, Craig Wilhelm 606.

Tues. Mixed Firefighters

  Ed Guthrie 279, 687, Larry Whipple 227, 243, 684, John Hoffmann 227, 246, 677, Shane Cunningham 235, 234, 645, Neil Bell Jr. 257, 622, Rob Keesler 611, Pedro Agapito III a 246, George Kelley 231, Cara Nicholson 183, 214, 567, Mary Lee Williams 180, 193, 183, 556, Wendy Swan 186, 202, 546, Leanne Mangabang 180, 189, 540, Andrea Grossman 207, 535, Kat Cronk 221, 532, Carena Collura 184, 511, Linda Schaefer 192, Joann Ruggiero 198.

Wednesday Men's

  Al Frangipone 619, Paul Durland 243, 640, Donnie Durland 279, 702, Josh Strang 237, 225, 680, Pedro Agapito III a  241, 255, 711, Dave Graham 626, Tom Mitchell 246, 626, Dave Garlinghouse 226, 652, Merrill Conner 602, Carlos Torres 225, 225, 663, Robert Stewart 234, 658, Tom Belgiovene 602, Steve Belgiovene 248, 247, 698, Jon Wilhelm 235, 635, Russell Bivins 240, 229, 692, Tim Minton 236, 236, 666, Larry Whipple 268, 257, 741, Bradley Cottam 238,  Keith Smith 225, Kevin Stackhouse 235, 615, Dennis Matthews 233, Charlie Tuttle 235, 628, Kyle Matthews 246, 245, 640.

Thursday Ladies

  Bonnie Geraine 187, Trasey Barres 215, Connie Beach 182, 200, Liz Stubits 192, Debbie Polin 200, 200, 187, 587, Barbara Merton 204, 185, Monica Lane 195, Shirley Bowens 192, Dottie Collins 180, 228, 184, 592, Lisa Cartwright 180, 183, Ann Sawyer 201, Joan Lake 182.

 


 
 

 
 

Here & There Column

Welcome To Your New Windshield

  Where is technology taking us?
  What once was a sacred place of clarity is about to change.
  The windshield on some new cars will showcase details on the speed your driving, directions and cell phone notifications like text messages and Facebook alerts.
  Is this safe or have car manufacturers completely flipped out?
  Car-makers argue the displays are a safeguard against fumbling with smartphones and other distractions.
  Many safety advocates argue that these so called gadgets actually lead to even more dangerous roads.
  Those who support the windshield bulletin board indicate that they are taking the positive approach and the conclusion that if you're looking straight ahead, instead of down in your lap ....it's safe.
  Diverting drivers' attention from the road ahead does not sound like a good idea....but who am I........only a driver that like's to pay attention to what is in front of me and not reading text mesages and Facebook announcements on my windshield.
  Displays that sprinkle full-color warning signs and animated blips across a driver's windshield are already offered from carmakers like Volvo, Hyundai and BMW and as the technology becomes cheaper and easier to install these installations could become a reality for all even before any definitive study determines their safety on the road.
  We  definitely support modern and advanced technology from  a system that calculates the likelihood of an upcoming crash but need more safety on the road study before buying a vehicle  equipped with a windshield bulletin board.

Bowing Highlights Column

 "Little Lefty" Is Back
                     

     Seventy three year-old Monticello bowler John Hoffmann might have been questioning himself during the past two years if he had lost his ability to master another 300 game but his true professionalism was evident December 17 when he recorded his 29th career perfect game during league play in the Wednesday Men's league at Kiamesha Lanes.
    John had every reason to question his bowling prowess because in December of 2012 he suffered a severe hearth attack and underwent quadruple by-pass surgery and didn't return to bowling until the start of the summer-fall 2013 bowling season.
    "The surgery resulted to doctors removing veins from one of my legs which now forces me to sit instead of standing between shots, " Hoffmann noted.
     John pointed out that he has recently  been scoring higher single games and series as a result of a new a new bowling ball he recently purchased  and which was drilled by Josh Strang at Josh's Pro Shop at Kiamesha Lanes. 
     "The new Storm Marvel Pearl really hooks at the end and forces me to speed the ball up but at least I'm not leaving 7-pins like I use to," Hoffmann said.
      This 300 game was bowled on lanes 5 and 6 with the Deckertown Garage team and team mates Gene Smith, Keith Smith and Kevein Stackhouse. He started the night out with a low scoring first bame, added a 226 in the second game and the 300 in the third game for a 694 series.
    And to top off the 300 game two nights later on February 17 in the Friday Mixed league he smashed the maples for an 817 series off single games of 289, 269, 259.
    The 300 game was rolled on lanes 9 & 10 using a Storm Marvel bowling ball. The same ball scored the 817 on lanes 5 & 6. In the 817 series Hoffmann had the first 10 strikes in the first game before leaving the 7 pin. With the February 15 perfect game Hoffman added a 258 and a 233 for a 791 series.
    John presently bowls in two other leagues, the Monday Men's and the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league with an average of 208. Prior to his by-pass surgery he commanded a 223 average. His last 300 game was in December of 2012.  
    Hoffmann recorded his first 300 game on July 23, 1991 in the Essex County New Jersey Association in the 420 DBLS. SMT league at Eagle Rock Lanes.
    Hoffmann is a well-known technical bowler and  Mike Luongo, now a Sales Advisor and Special Events Assistant for the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company,  noted  to this columnist that "John has a real nice game."
    John won the high average bowler honors with a 229 in the Tri-County NY USBC Association for the 2006-07 season. He bowled professionally from 1990 to 1993 in the Northeast Regional Professional Bowlers Association where he got his "Little Lefty" nickname from former PBA Tour Bowler Tommy Delutz Jr.
    Hoffmann was also the 2007 Tri-County NY USBC Champion and is also a New Jersey State Senior Champion.
    USBC and former ABC records have Hoffmann with one 298, four 299 games and ten 800 plus series.
    Six years ago he became a certified USBC coach and is considered an excellent teacher of the game.
    Hoffmann has been bowling for some 58 years, is single, retired and lives in the South Woods Road area of the Town of Thompson.
                    Ed' Outlook

   Ronnie Russel's Chameleon 300 game on TV several weeks ago has become a bit hit on YouTube. If you missed seeing this event you can view it on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02imeWV-30A.
  The 2015 season will mark PBA Hall of Famer Johnny Petraglia's 50-year anniversary of competitive involvement with the Professional Bowlers Association, including 14 titles won in 763 Tour events, another nine titles in 86 PBA Regionals and eight titles won in 117 PBA50 Tour events.
  A great crowd pleaser and a true gentleman, we've had the pleasure of sitting down with John to enjoy some great Italian food at several Brunswick ball demonstration events.
  He is the only player in PBA history to win national PBA titles in six different decades, is still active, and will celebrate his 67th birthday on March 3. 

 Haugen Jr. Wins
 And Then Proposes

                                     

  Michael Haugen Jr.'s girl friend Phuong Truong got the surprise of her life following Haugen's winning the PBA Scorpion Championship last Sunday afternoon on ESPN when Michael dropped to his knees and proposed to her.
  Of course the girl of his dreams accepted and with tears of joy helped her fiancee celebrate his 213-206 victory over Sweden's Martin Larsen.
  The 47 year-old 16-year PBA tour veteran now has four titles.
  "I was told I could only (propose on air) if I won because you don't want to take anything away from the tournament winner," Haugen Jr. said.
  The final PBA Tour title event of PBA WSOB VI will be the live ESPN stepladder finals of the PBA World Championship Sunday, January 11 at 1 p.m.
  Bowlers competing in this event include top qualifier Wes Malott, Mike Fagan, Ronnie Russell, Todd Book and Stuart Williams. Winner gets $50,000. Book is the only finalist who will be trying for his first PBA Tour title.

  Ed Townsend, a PR Consultant to the sport of bowling, writes and compiles the information for this column. If you have league scores, tournament information, bowl a 300 game of 800 series, or even bowl your age, call Ed at 845-439-8177, 845-866-0333, email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com, fax at 845-705-4474. View this column at http://bght.blogspot.com We are also on Facebook and Twitter.

 Bowling Tip
 By Mike Luongo

  Putting your body in the proper stance prior to delivering the ball always makes its much easier to repeat one good shot after another.
  Bowlers must execute and repeat good shots by establishing your body correctly and also by using the laws of physics.
  The purpose of a good stance is to eliminate all unnecessary movements during the approach and to reduce tension.
  I remind bowlers that to help reduce tension in the upper body that you should rest your forearms against the body.
  Let's remember this and use these four steps for setting posture.
  First bowlers should set the feet toward your break point on the lanes. Then set your head tilted over the ball. Next set your posterior (this is your balance point) as  you are swinging a heavy object. Then set the ball position as noted above.
  You are now in position to start a smooth approach. Maintain your body position and let the ball swing under your shoulder.
  Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro Shop Operator, Master Instructor, USBC Silver Level Coach and an Advisor-Special Events Assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. Have a question, call his at 435-720-7939 or email at mikel@stormbowling.com

Local Scores
(compiled by Ed Townsend)

Beechwood Lanes
                                                   
Monday Ladies

  Beth Schumacher 159,  Dot McCormack 153, Janet Bertholf 161, Lois Erdman 183, Nicole Hubert 214.

 Callicoon Kristal Bowl

 Mon. Hortonville Ladies

  Mardette Wilcox 184, 173, 213, 570, Virginia Connel 179, Opal Hocker 168, DeeDee Schrader 163, Barbara Pingel 162, Judy Mohn 169, 167, 190, 526, Dawn Roemer 189,  Maureen Schlott 157, Joyce Brooks 153, Joann Bowers 158, 161, Charlene Meola 151, Sue Naughton 152, 150, 152, Lillian Zieres 176, 167, Linda Millis 153, 156, Eleanor Glassel 158, 162, Debbie Loughrey 152.

Tues. Del. Valley Men's

  Bruce Rutledge 197, Dick Pomes 200, Erik Burton 203, Mark Yewchuck 182, Johnny Nober 180, Jeff Neidert 190, Jonathan Heinle 203, Corey Hornicek 193, Troy Paruki 180, Mike Sorge 198, Jim Kautz 205, Eugene Fulton 186, 181, Mike Gieger 190, Chris Berner 182, Bob Cady 209, 232, 601, Dave Graham 234, 225, 623,  Brian Marino 187, Mark Schriber 205, Kory Keesler 190, 248, 608, Albert Tyles 184, Wally Warren 190, Jackie Brockner 184.

Kiamesha Lanes

Monday Men's

  Chris Stevens 234, 607, Patrick Mulhern 246, 606, Eddie Lake 258, 665, Rick Lake 247, 661, Jaryl Scott 276, 235, 717, Paul Durland 279, 645, Vinney Collura 245, 624, Donnie Durland 259, 246, 671, Rudy Belanchia 258, 675, John Fischer 254, 637, Jon Wilhelm 234, 641, Lloyd Bridges 649, George Baggatta 246, 624, Kenny Atkins 242, Larry Whipple 227, 234, 677, Mike Mulligan 245, 605, Shane Conner 225, 637, Dan Ricco 255, 628, Josh Strang 267, 706, Jason Jones Jr. 235, 619, Laresko Niifa 279, 226, 722, Kevin Stackhouse 225, 254, 233, 712, Ronald Totten 226, 602, Vinny Scuderi 232, Walt Edwards 231, 664, Michael Scuderi 268, 652, Frank Scuderi 248, Michael Travis 237, 608, Gary North 232, 622, Charley Tuttle 233, 648, Keith Smith 245, 231, 671, Dave Graham 279, 682, Jody Farquhar 649, Al Caycho 619.

 Tues. Mixed Firefighters

  Mary Lee Williams 215, 225, 189, 629, Andrea Grossman 203, 191, 188, 582, Joan Lake 202, 550,  Linda Schaefer 216, 531, Christie Graham 202, 523, Wendy Swan 184, 181, 517, Karen Martin 227, 517, Cara Nicholson 213, 500, Kat Cronk 186, Pedro Agapito III a 250, 239, 713, Eddie Walsh 237, 248, 701, Kevin Stackhouse 226, 227, 242, 695, Charlie Tuttle 241, 680, Russ Keesler 238, 227, 668, John Hoffmann 238, 234, 667, Jaryl Scott 227, 653, Shane Cunningham 245, 628, Robert Nicholson 237, 625, Larry Whipple 225, 612, Peter Nastasi 237, 608.

Wednesday Men's

  Mark Carman Jr. 607, Russell Bivins 231, 635, John Fischer 268, 226, 708, Jon Wilhelm 617, Vinnie Collura 653, Larry Hicks 233, Carlos Torres 639, Chris Parken 258, 655, Charlie Tuttle 226, Kyle Matthews 243, 661, Gene Smith 246, 255, 722, Keith Smith 227, 646, Kevin Stackhouse 255, 225, 683, Tom Mitchell 268, 264, 692, Dave Garlinghouse 247, 667, Merrill Conner 269, 685, Tom Palmer 244, 236, 661, Al Frangipone 236, 238, 643, Donald Durland 238, 640, Tim Minton 257, 624.


                                                                          

                                                                                                   

                                                                           

Here & There Column

 Tap Water Vs. Bottled Water

  As I toted two 36-bottle containers of water from the grocery store to my car and then of course from the car to inside my house I stopped and said to myself there has to be a better and cheaper way of drinking what use to be a free glass of water.
  The free glass of water mostly likely came in the restaurant or diner with waitresses looking at you when you requested water to drink and then additionally asked for a twist of lemon in the water.
  I remember well my parents advising me that when we go our for dinner always ask for water because it was free.
  Well we still get water out of the faucet but the bottled water industry has taken over when it comes to drinking water.
  The world spends over $100 billion on bottled water a year. Those who came up with the brilliant idea to sell something we got for free in some places are now living the high life as the popularity now has more than half of Americans drinking it.
  Some interesting facts about bottled water are that global consumption goes up 10 percent each year, Amercia is now drinking more bottled water than milk or beer (go figure that one out), tap water costs around one tenth of a cent per gallon while bottled water is 0.90 cents a gallon (that makes tap water 560 times less expensive than bottled water), to manufacture demand, beverage companies declared war on tap water through advertising, half of bottled water is derived from tap water, tap-water (which is EPA regulated, undergoes testing for e. coli) and is required to provide its source and produce quality reports in scientific testing, bottled water was found to be no safer than tap water, fear of tap water is part of the reason for the bottled water surge, in taste tests tap water consistently ranks at or about the level of bottled water, of the 30 billion plastic water bottles sold in the United States only 12 percent were recycled.
  Makes one think doesn't it? And on top of it all remember you are paying 5 cents deposit on each bottle of water you buy.
  Some people and restaurants are getting behind tap water and quickly realizing the cost of bottled water on their wallet.
  Where's your next glass of water coming from?