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Gowanda News /Saturday, February 14, 2015
Cheer for Lindsay game raises funds for scholarships
By Mark Benton
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
The Gowanda Central School gymnasium was full of excitement and color on Thursday, Feb. 5 as the Panthers’ cheerleading squad held their annual “Cheer For Lindsay” game. And there were a variety of events planned around the Gowanda varsity boys basketball contest against CattaraugusLittle Valley. Lindsay Rebmann was a student and cheerleader at Gowanda Central School before she lost her life in an automobile accident in 2004. However, her family and friends have kept Lindsay’s spirit alive by holding several fundraising events throughout the year that have provided scholarships to graduating students in the Gowanda area. “Lindsay had a very magnetic personality, drawing people to her no matter what age, race or stature,” said her mother Sue during halftime of the basketball game. “She loved to plan parties, shopping and eating pizza with her friends, so we have a big party in her honor each year.” And what a party it was. Many of the fans were decked out in aqua colored ‘Cheer For Lindsay’ T-shirts that were sold pre-game as part of the fundraiser. The GCS band under the direction of Mr. Jacob Swanson made a special appearance and played the National Anthem plus the Alma Mater before the opening tip that further excited those in attendance. At halftime, a free throw contest was staged for adults along with a smaller basket for the younger children to shoot at. Everyone that participated received a gift. Damen MacLeod was the winner of
DAVE ECKHARDT
At halftime of the annual “Cheer For Lindsay” game, a free throw contest was staged for adults along with a smaller basket for the younger children to shoot at. (Above) Layla Moon takes her best shot, while (right) LexivFarley akso gets ready to test her luck. the contest and took home the grand prize that was donated locally by Radio Shack. The fundraising activities in Lindsay’s memory have provided financial rewards in the way of scholarships for both cheerleaders and other students as they head off to college. To date, the Lindsay Rebmann Memorial Scholarship Fund has given away 12 scholarships totaling more than $7,500 to graduating cheerleaders and another $6,000 to students that want to study journalism
in college. In addition, St. Joseph Church, in which Lindsay was a member of, presents a scholarship each year to a deserving high school graduate that contributes to parish activities. St. Joseph’s has also planted a tree next to the church in the shadows of the school that Lindsay graduated from along with a memorial plaque that is erected at the entrance of the church sacristy. “It has been very comforting and heart warming to honor her memory with awarding
the many scholarships to graduating seniors in the area,” Sue Rebmann said following the game. “This is in thanks to the many family members, friends and community citizens that contribute to her annual Cheer For Lindsay night.” Everyone that attended the game and participated in the events wore a wide smile on their face. That’s the way Lindsay would have wanted it on this special night that was dedicated in her memory, her mother said.
McKeever adds to his mark Consistency key for SCHS “Wrestling” from page B1
“Hoops” from page B1 Silver Creek then welcomed Randolph, which along with Salamanca had only one league loss this season. The Black Knights again validated their Top 10 Western New York small school ranking by defeating
DAVE ECKHARDT
Gowanda lost just one dual meet against Maple Grove this season. For Gowanda, Lucas McKeever has wrestled very well all season and currently ranks No. 1 in the 160-pound weight class. Against the Timberwolves, he pinned his opponent in 2 minutes, 30 seconds that added to his number one overall win total in Panther wrestling history. Gowanda also received points from David Poff and Josh Balzer by way of pin. Ethan Francis won by a decision, while Mike Liskiewicz, Mickey Mentley and Devon Richter never took to the mat and won by forfeits. The free points turned out to be the difference in the meet between the two southern tier schools. Cattaraugus-Little Valley/
Pine Valley also had several highlights in the match. Senior Alex Kelly recorded a pin of his opponent that gave him 25 for the season. The victory also raised his overall season record to 38-3. He is listed as one of the top wrestlers in the 182-pound weight class in Western New York. Classmate Reggie Goodemote also notched his 22nd win of the season and 13th pin. “Sam Grey started slowly but finished with eight points in the third period for a major decision, and Christian Fadale wrestled well for his fourth win of the season” Brown said. “Caleb Wares and Gowanda’s Chris Hammond went back and forth before
Wares prevailed with a hard fought win.” In the end, however, Gowanda received three forfeits and CattaraugusLittle Valley/Pine Valley two. That proved to be the difference in the final score. Gowanda has lost just one dual meet (Maple Grove) this season and finished second in their division. Both teams will now gear up for the Class D meet at Ripley High School, followed by the Section VI championships on Feb. 14 at East Aurora High School. Look for Gowanda’s McKeever and CattaraugusLittle Valley/Pine Valley’s Kelly to be in the hunt for a sectional championship.
Western New York Trap League scores
Results of the Western New York Trap League, at Springville on Feb. 8 are as follows: Springville 1, 146 Sardinia, 148; Springville 4, 144 Java, 142; Glen Coe 2, 142 Glen Coe 1, 144; Evans, 133 Holland, 143; Lime Lake, 141 Bye, 142; Glen Coe 3, 143 Boston, 139; Ellicottville, 141 Springville 2, 138. Perfect scores of 25 were shot by Matt Darnley, Jim Struck Jr., Clarence Diebold, Jeff Dick, Scott Wolfer, Brian Euscher, Samantha Wagner and Bob Rockwood. Bert Schweigert and Joe Thomas have shot 50 straight.
the Cardinals 58-49. Brooks, Trevon Thompson, Chance Gates and Connor Gates all played important roles in the game that dropped Randolph into second place. “We need everyone to continue to play with
consistency and intensity,” Genco said as his team heads towards their showdown with Salamanca and the postseason Section VI playoffs. “We have the capabilities to be a very good team.”
K & L standings Preston Murphy Tuesday Night
MC Towing Murphy’s Brick Village Wright Brothers Auto Wrench Stems Gems Ive Mar Shop’N Save Bowling cont
Petersons Special K Double C Mike and Rita Wigwams Wings B+E J+D
59 33 56 36 52½ 39½ 51½ 40½ 46½ 45½ 46 46 44½ 47½
HT3G: Wright Brothers HT1G: Wright Brothers HI3G: Men: Kurt Stitzel HI3G: Women: Janet Barton HI1G: Men: Gene Doucette HI1G: Women: Janet Barton
Friday Night Mixed Couples 57 35 HT3G: J+D 51 ½ 40 ½ HT1G B+E 47 ½ 44 ½ HI3G: Men: Jeff Gabel 46 ½ 45 ½ HI3G: Women: Barb Duncan 46 ½ 45 ½ HI1G: Men: Eric Strickfaden 39 ½ 52 ½ HI1G: Women: Barb Duncan 39 53 38 ½ 53 ½
2748 977 610 573 227 214
1129 424 600 544 243 197
K & L top bowlers Men’s High Scores: Mark Miller 202; Kurt Stitzel 204, 203, 203-610; Bill Friedman 205; Dale Rogan 200; Peter Radwanski 214, 211; Dennis Baker 212; Gene Doucette 227; Greg Rogan 214; Gary Lauer 203; Mike Smith 223, 213; Eric Strickfaden 243; Jeff Gabel 232 Women’s High Scores: Janet Barton 181, 214, 178-573; Wendy Graco 179; Barb Duncan 181, 197
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Gowanda News /Saturday, February 14, 2015
Area Sports Report: Panther grapplers advance on the mat Compiled by Mark Benton SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
The Gowanda High varsity wrestling team placed third at the Class D Championships held at Ripley High School on Feb. 7. Sophomore Dave Poff took first place in the 113-pound weight class for the Panthers. Second place winners included seniors Lucas McKeever, Josh Balzer and Dalton Mills. Ethan Francis, Chris Hammond and Charlie Valone finished third, while Devin Richter was fourth. All of these wrestlers qualified for this weekend’s state qualifying meet at East Aurora High School.
At Cattaraugus-Little Valley/ Pine Valley, their wrestling team also fared well at the Class D Championships. Alex Kelly (182 pounds) and Randy Grey (152) each brought home a first place trophy. Other top finishers for the Timberwolves included a second place by Reggie Goodemote in the 195 weight class, while Dylan Rhinehart and Sam Grey were fourth. All four qualified for this weekend’s event at East Aurora.
Ice-time
Special thanks to Tom Maloney and Kevin Regan for volunteering their time and assisting the Gowanda
Recreation Department with the removal of snow from the ice rink at St. John Park. The prolonged cold snap has provided one of the best surfaces at the rink since ice skating returned to St. John Park in 2006. A reminder for everyone to stay off of the ice surface unless a recreation employee is on duty. The rink is open most weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Call the ICE-LINE at 532-3431 for updates on the schedule.
Graduate
Emma Weyand, a 2014 Gowanda Central School graduate is playing basketball at North Country Community College this winter. Her team
was ranked No. 1 in the junior college rankings before dropping to ninth after a few recent losses. Weyand scored 21 points last weekend in a game against Hudson Valley. Len Strauss, a 1967 GCS graduate now residing in nearby Plattsburgh, N.Y., has been following Weyand’s team this winter and reported the news.
Top-rollers
Both the boys and girls bowling teams at Gowanda Central School finished in the lower half of the standings during the recent county roll-offs. However, they have their sights set on improving their ranking at this week’s Section VI championship match that
will be held at the Airport Lanes. The girls won their conference this past winter, while the boys placed second. Jarred Krajewski rolled the top game for the boys team with a 213. Malyssa Farley rolled a high game of 204 and Chelsey Wielkie had a three game set of 570 to lead the girls squad.
Banquet
The 13th Annual Cattaraugus County Sports “Hall of Fame” Banquet will be held on Saturday, March 28 at the Little Valley Legion beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s class of inductees will be announced in next week’s edition of the
Gowanda News.
Skiing
The Gowanda “Learn to Ski” program at Holiday Valley has three weeks remaining plus a bonus day in March. The annual Hot Dog roast will take place on Sunday, March 1.
Co-ed hoops
The Gowanda Recreation co-ed basketball program for students in grades four through six will conclude on Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Academy Place. The program which provides instruction by certified coaches and organized games is held from 5:30-7 p.m.
Girls high school hockey continues Walking on water to catch big winter fish to graw at state tournament By Mike Haim
By Forrest Fisher
Less than a week after Katy Perry performed her “female empowerment” songs at the Super Bowl, Western New York experienced its own form of “girl power” on the feature rink at HarborCenter. Buffalo’s newest hockey venue hosted the fifth annual state high school girls ice hockey championship tournament last weekend. A local flair was even more evident as the Kenmore Devil Dogs, comprised of students from both Kenmore East and Kenmore West, won their semi-final game against Alexandria Bay from Section III to qualify for the championship game against Massena from Section X. Kenmore may have lost the final by a 3-0 score, but every other aspect of the weekend was a victory for not only the team, but also for a Section VI program in only its fifth year. The section, one of only four in the state to offer girls hockey, is the only one located west of the Syracuse area. It is also the newest, making Kenmore’s appearance in the final game incredibly significant. It was especially sweet for the section’s organizers, which started to explore a framework for interscholastic girls hockey about 10 years ago. Among the group who had a vision for the sport in the area was Rick Hopkins, who coaches the Williamsville district team and is sectional chairman. For Hopkins, seeing a state championship tournament being held locally much less with a local team in the final game - was quite gratifying. ”It was a long arduous project, but we were able to convince seven school
Winter sporting enthusiasts in WNY have endured (enjoyed?) multiple consecutive weeks of a chilly arctic air blast this year and that has made recreation that depends on cold and snow the best in many years. Ice fishing activities in WNY lakes and ponds have been successful for hardy anglers and numerous good catches of fish have been reported throughout our region. One popular ice fishing destination for veteran Erie County ice anglers has always been the Bay of Quinte, in nearby Ontario, where big perch and walleyes are the target. Fishing in 19 feet of water near Big Bay near “Wager’s” on Big Island, Lake Erie Charter Captain Bob Rustowicz has been fooling some hefty walleyes. With several fish over eight pounds, Rustowicz has been fooling the monsters on gold-color Sidewinder spoons tipped with a minnow and simply working a vertical jigging motion. Several trophy fish in the 12 to 14 pound range are taken from the Bay of Quinte every year. Rustowicz says that when Lake Erie firms up more solid off Sturgeon Point, he plans to fish our New York waters for walleye and perch. Closer to home at Chautauqua Lake, anglers fishing the lower end of the lake off Grass Island, right in front of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, have been catching yellow perch and crappie on jigs tipped with salted minnows in six to eight feet of water depth. At center lake areas off Mission Meadows, Rich Davenport has been fishing with friends
OUTDOOR COLUMNIST
SPORTS COLUMNIST
JEFFREY T. BARNES
The Kenmore Devil Dogs celebrate a goal. The team is comprised of student-athletes from both Kenmore East and Kenmore West. districts that girls varsity ice hockey would be a good thing,” Hopkins said. “Five years after having the first puck drop, we’ve grown in numbers of girls playing and the talent level has grown along with it. “We were thrilled when the other leagues in the state asked us to host the state tournament. And it was a big thrill for the other qualifiers, who came out of the North Country from small communities, and their eyes were wide open - kind of like someone from Buffalo going to New York City for the first time.” In fact, the Massena team ended up staying at the same hotel as the Dallas Stars, who were in town for a game against the Buffalo Sabres. The high school squad got to meet some members of the Stars, including Erik Cole, who grew up in Oswego
and worked one summer in Massena. It all made for a memorable two-day tourney, and proved that the idea of having girls playing varsity ice hockey at the high school level really does make sense. Hopkins admitted the organizing group needed to overcome doubts about the level of play from some district administrators. “You don’t question someone’s ability to play a trumpet if they want to go out for the band,” Hopkins said. “But once the league started, any doubters or naysayers could see the level of play and the amount of interest and excitement that girls hockey generates.” In addition to Kenmore and Williamsville, the section has four “combined district” competitors: Orchard ParkFrontier, Lancaster-Iroquois,
Amherst-Sweet Home, and West Seneca-Hamburg. All play in a federation league which also has a Monsignor Martin team composed of players from various Catholic schools. Kenmore forward Ana Orzechowski, a key player in the Devil Dogs’ four straight sectional championships, will even go on to play Division I collegiate hockey at RPI. Many other players from the area already play at Division III colleges, so there is already a developmental success story in the making. “Girls should have every opportunity that the boys have,” said Kenmore coach Jeff Orlowski. “We’ve come a long way in five years. We’re glad to be the pioneers.”
in 50-54 feet of water to catch perch in the 9-10 inch range and walleye to seven pounds. On the Mayville end of the lake near Mayville Town Park, perch, crappie and walleye are falling to tipped jigged as well, except anglers are working the weed bed edges there in 11-13 feet of water. In the Buffalo Small Boat Harbor, anglers working over six to eight feet of water with 12 – 15 inches of ice thickness have continued to catch smaller perch and sunfish, with some smelt and occasional northern pike as well. Mousie grubs fished on tiny titanium head jigs with extra sharp hooks are reported best offerings for the panfish, with tip-ups presenting mid-depth chubs the best for the northern pike. To cope with the cold weather, the one thing that anglers need this year is a sure way to keep their exposed hands warm when fishing. Most anglers use the portable and disposable hand warmer packs that we buy in local stores for a dollar or two. These last for 6-12 hours, but then they are finished putting out heat and must be disposed of. This year, a new device made by Swyper’s Company offers another hand-warmer option with rechargeable heat that offers 113 degree of heat for seven hours. The device is small, about ½ inch thick by 1-1/2 inch wide by about 3 inches long, and is protected by an aluminum shell casing with dual face heating on both sides, it’s water resistant too. It comes with a clip to attach to your zipper jacket or other loop in your outdoor clothing and is the perfect new device for hiking, skiing, fishing and all forms of winter outdoor activities. Tight lines to all.
Eden-North Collins Little Cagers-final week
Girls Grades 4-6 MERIDIA CREDIT UNION, 22 - KAZOO BOUTIQUE, 20 Meridia Credit Union played a great game. Both teams fought hard for the last few seconds but Meridia held onto the win despite a late basket by Abby Mroz with 6 seconds left to make it a 22-20. Points for Meridia scored by Lillian McCallum, Allison Banko, and Jessica Souder. Kazoo Boutique scoring by Cianna Tobia, Kristen Schmitz, Abby Mroz, Erin Hoelscher, and Ashlei Spina. TIMBERBUILT, 14 THREE STAR FAMILY RESTAURANT, 28 Three Star Restaurant trying out plays with a new point guard, allowed them to make 14 baskets for a 28 point total. Points for Timberbuilt came from Ashley Blasz (10
pts.), Michelle Barnack, and Mackenzie Jaworski. Three Star scoring was by Hailey Jasinski, Maggie Zittel, Allyson Solomon, Brooke Woodard (14 pts.), Amanda Solomon, and Cecelia Karpinski.
Boys, Grades 4-6 CAMPBELL & SHELTON, 28 - EDEN COLLISION- 20 Eden Collision had the lead at the half by 4. but, Campbell and Shelton came back and with 7 minutes left, Austin Sroda tied it at 20. Additional points came from Joshua Dibble, Chase Davies, Austin Sroda, Liam Clark, Quinn Harrington, and Michael Teoro (12 pts.) to take the win. Points for Eden Collision scored by Ryan Stefan, Gavin Phillips, Eli Noecker, Brody Klawinski, and Jacob Basinski (10 pts.). MIKE WEBER GREEN-
HOUSES, 34 - COMMUNITY BANK N.A, 35 The score was 15-15 with 2:10 left before the half, but Weber Greenhouses pulled ahead 19-17. With a score of 27-29 (Community Bank) and 7 minutes left, Mason Browning tied it up again. It came down to the last 5 minutes with a score of 31-31. Hunter Petit sinks his foul shot to take the lead 32-31, but Community Bank comes back with 2 more. With a minute left, Alex Weber scores a basket and Mike Weber Greenhouses trails by one. Community Bank’s defense held on for the win. PCommunity Bank scoring by Cole Herman, Dominic Fricano, Michael Preischel, high scorer Jacob Souder (12 pts.), and Ciro Sroda (11pts including a 3 pointer and 2 foul shots). Points for Weber Green-
houses Taesyn Slating, Cerik Slating, Alex Weber, Mason Browning, Hunter Petit, Derek Overhoff, and Charlie Roberts. COMMUNITY BANK, N.A., 24 - WENTLAND MONUMENTS, 24 For the first half, most of the baskets were scored by Community Bank until the last 5 minutes when Zachary Jaworski sunk 4 of five baskets scored in the half. With the help of Danny Almasi, they made the score 10-12 for the half (trailing by 1 basket). With three minutes left in the game, Danny Almasi allows Wentland Monuments to take a 4 point lead with a score of 24-20 over Community Bank. But, Community Bank sinks another basket to make it 2224, and with just four seconds on the clock, Ciro Sroda sunk a game-changing basket to end
the last game of the season in a tie! Both teams played a great game and teamwork pulled them through to the end. Points for Community Bank, N.A. scored by Cole Herman, John Ondus, Dominic Fricano, Michael Preischel, Ciro Sroda (12 pts.), and John Preischel. Great offensive work by Michael Reisch and solid defense by John Preischel. Points for Wentland Monuments scored by Peyton Koszelak, Danny Almasi, Austin Timblin, and Zachary Jaworski (12 pts.). Co-Ed League Grades 2-3 AMERICAN WIRE TIRE, 12 - MCALLISTER PLUMBING, HEATING AND COOLING, 5 American Wire Tire fought through McAllister Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling’s strong
defense for the first half, but executed plays to pull ahead in the second. With Gabe Gullo making spectacular passes to his teammates Brayden Timblin, Caden Brenner, and Joseph Battleson, and a solid defense beside them. Points for McAllister scored by Leyton Roberts and Seth Davies. ••• We thank everyone involved in this program who made this league what it has become. Special thanks to every coach, parent or supporter, staff, sponsor, and coordinator of the Little Cagers Basketball program. You have all made the baseline of this league a recipe of sportsmanship, community, and camaraderie, and it has surely worked its way to the court! The Boys and Girls Club of Eden