Previous Sports Pages
Fredricks Twins Sign for Div. I Swimming - December 2015
Grace & Lexi Fredricks
Twins Grace and Lexi Fredricks signed letters of intent with Central Connecticut State University on November 17th. Dad Joe Fredricks sent a link to a story by Dave Ricci of the Town of Tonawanda Sun, see story. Congratulations ladies!!!Islanders Win Columbus Day Championship - October 2015
Islanders *
1st row: Bryce Scheeler, Nick Shotwell, Jacob Peters, Daniel Dy, *Dominic Tagliarino, Zachary Buchman, Jacob Strusa, Shane Scheeler.
2nd row-: *Coach Phinney, Thomas Messer, Johnathan Lang, Andrew Borek, Dominick Pulli, *Nicholas Phinney, *Parker Morrow, Mathew Carden, Chase Collins, *Coach Tagliarino, Coach Scheeler 3rd row-Luke Werth, Ryan Frazier, Brennan Bailey, Nick Miller.
The Clarence/Lockport Express 15U team is 2 for 2 in tournaments this year with a Championship win on Columbus Day. The team earned their way into the Niagara Falls Columbus Day Championship game at Hyde Park with scores of 6-3, 5-2, & 8-1. The team captured the Championship title with an 8-2 win over the Arctic Foxes, a 16U team from PA. Islanders Win Fall Classic Championship - October 2015
Islanders *
Front Row-*Coach Phinney, Bryce Scheeler, *Dominic Tagliarino, Daniel Dy, *Parker Morrow, Nick Shotwell, Jacob Peters, Dominick Pulli, Jacob Strusa, Nick Miller.
Back Row-Ryan Frazier, Zack Buchman, Shane Scheeler, *Coach Tagliarino, Brennan Bailey, *Nick Phinney, Andrew Borek, Tom Messer, Mathew Carden, Luke Werth, Johnathan Lang, Chase Collins, Coach Buchman, Coach Scheeler.
The Clarence/Lockport Express 15U team won the Midget Division in the Fall Classic Hockey Tournament in Rochester on Sunday. The team earned their way into the championship game with a semi game win 5-2 against the Onondaga Thunder 16U. The team ended the tournament with an exciting shootout win in the championship game against the Hamburg Hawks 16U team.Jeremy Figler Playing Pro Soccer in Sweden - August 2015
From left: Jeremy Figler, Evan Greenbaum, Sterling Hancock and Ray Deleon
Grand Island native Jeremy Figler recently signed a professional contract to play soccer in Sweden for Sävsjö FF. An article in the local newspaper Vetlanda-Posten reported "Sävsjö has not had a fun season thus far, but now it's going to be change. The coaches are replaced, and four new acquisitions come in-all four from the United States." Jeremy was on a six game European exhibition tour with Bridges FC out of Wheaton, Illinois when the contract offer was presented.16U Travel Softball Tryouts - July 2015
The Grand Island Vipers are holding tryouts for its 2016 16U Travel Softball Team on August 5th and August 13th at Veterans Park on Grand Island, Diamond #10. Registration and warm-ups begin at 6:00 p.m. both nights.We are seeking players interested in competitive softball to play league games, 3 local WNY tournaments and 1 National Tournament out of New York State. The team begins practicing once a week in mid-November with off-island hitting (last year at Sandlot Academy) through February. We will also schedule scrimmages in January/February. For more information, please feel free contact either of the coaches David Mingoia, dmingoia@roadrunner.com, 696-2402 or Bill Stanley, billbeth4@roadrunner.com, 512-3518. See www.eteamz.com/grandislandvipers.
Grand Island Vipers 14U Softball - July 2015
Team Photo
MVP Megan Stanley with dad Bill Stanley.
Written by Coach Bill Stanley.
The Grand Island Vipers won the 14U softball tournament in Watertown this past weekend playing against teams from New York and Canada. The girls got off to a rocky start in pool play on Friday and Saturday, winning one game in pool and losing two tough ones. When Sunday came, the Vipers knew they had a tough road ahead of them, needing to win four games to win it all. Game one on Sunday was an easy 16-3 win, after that the day became exciting. Game two tested the Vipers as they found themselves successfully scoring on two suicide squeeze plays. One to tie the game and one to win the game.The third game was also an easy task for the Vipers as they had hot bats and seemed to score at will, getting themselves into the championship game against a team from Victor, NY. The championship game was a close back and forth battle that ended with an amazing relay, when a ball that was hit into the outfield and ended with a put out at third to win the game. This group of young ladies played through a lot of adversity this season with injuries and tougher competition than they have seen in the past to win two tournaments this year and I think I can speak on behalf of the other coaches when I say that the ladies are truly amazing.
2015 Gus Macker - July 2015
Click for larger view.
The Gus Macker has been officially approved to take place on Grand Island August 29-30th. No new conditions were added at Monday's board meeting and tournament organizers are full steam ahead. Registrations are open until August 17th and are in high demand! Teams are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. The 2015 Gus Macker on Grand Island will focus on a family oriented two day festival that welcomes all ages. All Grand Island businesses are encouraged to participate at the tournament by showcasing their services at the Town Commons all weekend. To reserve your spot please call Corey McGowan at 716-341-1040. To register your team visit www.macker.com.Shane Bennett - July 2015
Shane Bennett
Island native Shane Bennett has most recently played hockey for the Halton Ravens, a Canadian Junior ice hockey team based in Burlington, Ontario. He and teammate Spencer Gourlay are now headed to the NCAA this fall to play for Cortland University Red Dragon's hockey team. Both players were forwards for the Ravens and posted 108 points each for the season. Bennett joined the team mid season and despite playing only 30 games, was the league's MVP and had most points per game in the league.NY Inferno 2016 Softball Tryouts - July 2015
The NY Inferno 2016 Softball Tryouts will take place at the Southside Little League, 121 Starlite Ave., Cheektowaga, NY 14227 on the following dates.Monday Aug.10th - 14u dob 01-02, 16u dob 99-00 at 5:30
Tuesday Aug. 11th - 12u dob 03-04, 18u dob 98-97 at 5:30
Wednesday Aug.12th -14u dob 01-02, 16u dob 99-00 at 5:30
Thursday Aug.13th - 12u dob 03-04, 18u dob 99-00 at 5:30
Friday Aug.14th - 14u dob 01-02, 16u dob 99-00 at 5:30
Saturday Aug.15th - 12u dob 03-04 at 8:30, 14u dob 01-02 at 10:00, 16u dob 99-00, 18u dob 98-97 at 12:00
. Sunday Aug 16 - 12u dob 03-04 at 8:30, 14u dob 01-01 at 10:00, 16u dob 99-00, 18u dob 98-97 at 12:00.
Call Coach Chuck Righetti at 716-316-0517 or email chuckragsone@aol.com with any questions. Website.
GI Vipers Win "Battle of the Fort" - June 2015
Front row from left: Marissa Hovey, Hallie Mingoia, Alyssa Ruminski, Allyson Schoener, Jenna Tavano, Chloe McQuestion.
Back row from left: Jenn Hinaman, Bailey Huber, Grace Federico, Izzy Bataglia, Jess Faso, Megan Stanley.
Click photo for larger view.
The GI Vipers 14U softball team won the gold division at the Lewiston Battle of the Fort Tournament held last weekend. The girls lost a tough game Friday, but came back Saturday and won both of their games to give them the #1 seed in the gold division elimination round Sunday.On Sunday the Vipers where more than ready to finish the task at hand as they defeated a team from Qakville, Ontario, 7-1 to get themselves into the championship against a Rochester team. In the championship game the Vipers kept their strong defense and bats going as they won 11-1 and were able to win and bring home the championship trophy.
Notable performances by Allyson Schoener, Bailey Huber, Jenn Hinaman, and Jess Faso who hit .500 or better, including triples by Jess Faso and Jenn Hinaman and a homerun by Jess Faso. Marissa Hovey hit over .400, and Hallie Mingoia, Chloe McQuestion, Megan Stanley, Jenna Tavano, Grace Federico, and Alyssa Ruminski hit .300 or better. Defensively these girls where tough not allowing runners to get a hit or even score. On the mound, Megan Stanley was solid, especially on Sunday allowing no earned runs in both games.
Carlee Conway - April 2015
Carlee Conway Wins NJCAA Region XXII MVP
Western NY’s 2014 Co-Player of the Year in Women's Tennis continued her strong play at Marion Military Institute, Marion, AL. Carlee Conway was selected as the Alabama Community College Conference Most Valuable Player for the 2014-15 Women's Tennis season. Conway won the Junior College Region XXII title, going undefeated in regional play, in both singles and doubles. She capped off a perfect spring tennis season in singles going 13-0. Conway is only the second female player from MMI to receive this prestigious award.Conway dismantled Snead State's Rachel Farmer, 6-1, 6-1, at No. 1 singles to win the conference title. In non-conference play, she had wins over Div. II colleges; Huntingdon College, Stillman College, and the University of Mobile. Her doubles partner has been Maria Cespedas of Orlando, Fl. Together they went 12-0 in doubles this spring. The nationally ranked team of Conway and Cespedas' only loss came at the Fall ITA National championships held in October 2014. MMI's coach Charles Wright was quoted as saying "Carlee Conway is undoubtedly one of the most competitive young ladies that I have had the pleasure of coaching at MMI. She usually finds a way to win. In addition to her strong will to win, she is nearly unflappable in the direst of predicaments. Conway is in a league of her own. She is the most versatile female player that has ever played tennis for MMI. She has all the shots." Conway has been ranked at #12 nationally throughout the season in NJCAA Women's singles. Conway has been admitted to the US Naval Academy, Class of 2019 and will be entering the Academy, Fall 2015.
Golfers Wanted for GI Men's Club - April 2015
The Grand Island Men’s Golf Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and is looking for new members. The once a month, 18 hole tournaments are held at Beaver Island. Members will receive a USGA handicap and the ability to play in the WNY pub-links events. For more information contact Paul Krull at 909-4634.Brock Tetreault - April 2015
Brock Tetreault
D’Youville College freshman Brock Tetreault (Grand Island, N.Y.) took home the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Rookie of the Year award after a fantastic debut season for the Spartans. The versatile outside hitter, who earned separate honors as NEAC Player of the Week and NEAC Defensive Player of the Week this season, led the team with 291 kills, which also ranked first in the conference amongst all rookies and third overall. Tetreault also recorded the fourth-most points (335), the seventh-most digs (210) and the 10th most aces (21) in the NEAC to go along with 35 total blocks through 27 matches for the Spartans, which helped him also land on the NEAC All-Conference First Team. The Spartans made it to the NEAC championship game this year. Brock is wrapping up a very successful first year in the Physician Assistant program at DYC.Three Qualify for State Bowling Tournament - April 2015
Nick Rallo, Christina Sutton & Hannah Hiscock
Three Grand Island residents have qualified for the NYS Youth Scholarship Bowling Tournament to be held on Saturday, April 25th in South Glens Falls, NY. They are junior bowlers at Mallwitz's Island Lanes and qualified at the regional finals held on February 28th and March 1st. They are: Nick Rallo is 16 years old, has a 203 average and high game of 300. He started bowling when he was six and is a sophomore at Canisius high school and on their bowling team. Christina Sutton is 16 years old, has a 170 average and a high game of 262. She started bowling when she was seven, is a junior at Grand Island High School and is on their bowling team. Hannah Hiscock is 8 years old, has a 83 average and high game of 180. She started bowling when she was five and is in 2nd grade at Huth Road. Good luck everyone!GI Connor Middle School Students Win Big! - March 2015
6th Grade Force Team: Pictured first row left to right - Logan Sionko, Jackson Jerebko, Connor Schmitt. 2nd row from left - Coach Jim Sionko, Zach Cramer, Sean Brown, Jason Mansell, Will Pieroni, Charlie Carlone, and Dom Fulciniti.
8th Grade Force Team: Pictured first row left to right - Jackson Wurtz, Jakob Jerebko, Cam Sionko, Gianluca Fulciniti. 2nd row from left - Matt Schwertfeger, Will Carlone, Brandon Dunz, and Coach Peter Jerebko.
Islanders in italic.
Connor Middle School students 8th grader Cam Sionko and 6th graders Zach Cramer and Logan Sionko concluded their 2014-2015 travel basketball season with tournament titles! Their teams won the 2015 Buffalo Storm "Brian Dux" AAU Tournament. Cam Sionko plays for the 8th grade Elite Force team. Zach Cramer and Logan Sionko play for the 6th grade Elite Force team. The two teams are sponsored by NBA player Jonas Jerebko, nephew of Peter Jerebko, who coaches the 8th grade Force team. The 6th grade Force team is coached by Grand Island resident Jim Sionko. The boys on the teams are from different areas of Western New York.Jeff Bellanca, Athlete of the Week - March 2015
Jeff Bellanca
Island native Jeff Bellanca was named Gannon University Athlete of the Week for March 23, 2015. He is a graduate of St. Joe's and is a senior catcher for the Pennsylvania team. Bellanca hit .429 (6-14) for the Gannon baseball team during a four-game series against California (Pa.) last weekend. The redshirt senior catcher produced a .786 slugging percentage with 11 total bases. He opened the series with a 3-for-3 showing with two runs, two RBIs and one double in game one. Bellanca tied the game at one with a sacrifice fly in the first inning. Leading 5-3, he tripled over the centerfielder’s head with one out and scored one batter later. Bellanca extended Gannon’s lead to 8-6 with an RBI single in the fifth. He ripped a career-high three hits for the second time during a three-game span. In addition, Bellanca generated three hits in a game for the sixth time during his four-year career. He finished Saturday’s first game 2-for-4 with one run, two RBIs and one home run. Bellanca drilled a two-run home run in the first inning for a 2-0 lead. It was the first home run of his career. Bellanca recorded his fifth multiple-hit game of the season, tying him for second on the team. He had a career-high two RBIs for the third time this season and eighth time during his career.Brian Bielec, State Champ - March 2015
Brian Bielec
Ten year-old, Huth Road fifth grader Brian Bielec won the New York Wrestling Association of Youths (NYWAY) State Championship on March 13, 2015 in Ithaca, NY. Brian wrestled in the Division III 80lb weight class. He took first place at Far West Regionals for Section VI in Jamestown on March 8, 2015. He then took first place overall from the 10 regions in New York State at Ithaca College. Brian wrestles for Niagara Falls Power Cats Wrestling Club. He also competes nationally on the NY State national duel team as well as Buffalo Wrestling Club national duel team. Brian strives for perfection in every sport. While he excels in wrestling, he shares the same love and passion for football and baseball.Lindsay Proctor - March 2015
Lindsay Proctor is center of bottom row.
The Niagara Frontier Girls Volleyball 16 Open team competed in the Capital Hill Volleyball Classic Tournament in Washington, D.C. in February. The girls went undefeated to claim 1st place, posting a 20-1 set record after beating Metro American in finals 21-25, 25-11, 15-12. Grand Island resident and GIHS sophomore Lindsay Proctor is a a libero on the team and was named Defensive Player of the Tournament for her oustanding performance.Island Runners Race Chilly Challenge - February 2015
Genna Baldassare
From left: Kim Kalman, Lisa Hammond, Kirsti Hunt & Sue Marston.
A group of Island runners braved the cold temperatures on Sunday, February 22nd to run the 5k Chilly Challenge. The race started and ended at Canisius High School. Coming in first in the female 15-19 group, Genna Baldassarre had a time of 23:27. An older group of gals, "The Gumps" placed 1st in the Open Girls team category. The Gumps are comprised of Kim Kalman, Lisa Hammond, Kirsti Hunt, Sue Marston and Tara Caldwell. The busy, working moms formed their team in July 2014 in a haphazard chance of fate. They are five girls who run for fun and have become great friends as a result. They all have different goals and paces, but in the end, are a team in spirit and friendship and are committed to running one race a month as a group.Jeremy Figler, Trialist with NY Cosmos - February 2015
