SportsXpress Syracuse Summer 2017

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Kicking off Summer Inside the Syracuse Housing Authority Softball League

ULA Opening Weekend Find Our Program Guide Inside on Page 8!

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Syracuse

Your Community

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Syracuse Edition

Welcome to Syracuse SportsXpress' Premiere Issue!

We want to make SportsXpress your magazine and www.Syracuse.SportsXpress.com your website, by sending in your comments, story ideas, opinions, articles and photos.

Get in the game with us and be connected with your local community sports!

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Meet the Downings, Auburn New York Ryan Blair from Auburn High School Auburn Lacrosse history Skaneateles Lacrosse stars thank ULA Derek Eccles journey from ULA to UAlbany Oswego Lacrosse History Auburn High School and Everset Field Maps Have a Great Weekend ULA Families!

Register now for the upcoming Greater Skaneateles youth football and cheerleading season Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Switzer’s Historic Run The First Tee of Syracuse - Introducing Golf to Young People Northside Church Upward Basketball finished up its 9th season!

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Entertaining, informative and engaging articles on local athletes, sports and teams.

SHA brings life and laughter back to Skiddy Park The Syracuse Fusion Soccer Club is the perfect place for athletes!

Champions for Life Welcomes you to the ULA Opening Weekend The Auburn Schools welcome ULA! See you at the Kathy Taylor Lacrosse Camps Come PLAY with us at The Wildcat

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Profiling community sports in words and photographs.

09 | Auburn Women's Lacrosse History 22 | Future Auburn Baseball Stars 25 | JD Varsity baseball team concludes another great season

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Our coaches thoughts, recaps and views regarding our sports community.

04 | Publisher's Message 28 | Meet the SportsXpress team

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Sports Connection

Summer 2017

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Information on local athletes and their achievements to date.

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Front cover photo by Syracuse.com

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Syracuse

Welcome to SportsXpress!

SportsXpress or SXP is an integrated multimedia, publishing and event planning company that caters to the local and community sports lifestyle and helps deliver THEIR messaging throughout their communities and beyond.

We are all about the athletes, their teams, coaches, families, volunteers and fans. We publish real life stories and include all ages and skill levels.

We are also a true social media utilizing user-generated content in print and on-line. Our magazine, website and radio/television shows are designed to inform, inspire, educate and entertain, while our social media network allows local sports communities to connect in fresh and innovative ways! This focus and depth of content is unique to SportsXpress.

SXP’s mission is to: •

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Connect the local sports community and businesses together in innovative and mutually beneficial ways; Provide local sports organizations/teams with the

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Your Community

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Sports Connection

Check out our website at Syracuse.SportsXpress.com

Summer 2017 PUBLISHERS Rob Bennett Rob@SportsXpress.com 315-401-7065 GRAPHIC DESIGN Alyssa MacLeod alyssa@sportsxpress.com

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tools, knowledge and service needed to successfully run their programs and promote their activities; and • Deliver information, entertainment and inspiration to community members concerning the sport activities taking place around them.

Today, few other things generate more interest, create more passion, or bring communities together like local sport activities. Why is this the case?

Nelson Mandela said it best:

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.

Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than government in breaking down racial barriers.”

Please help make SportsXpress YOUR magazine and www.Syracuse.

SportsXpress.com YOUR website by sending your stories, press releases and photos to help connect the Syracuse Sports Community! Give us a

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GET IN THE GAME WITH SYRACUSE SPORTSXPRESS – YOUR COMMUNITY SPORTS CONNECTION!

CONTRIBUTORS John Alberrici, Kevin King, Emma Ford, Carly Davis, Hannah Powers, Jeff Pirozzolo, Kathy Taylor, Jordan Bruna, Nanette Rutledge, Melissa Carbonaro Gravius, Syracuse. com, Mike Greenlar, Rebecca Bostwick, Greg Dowining, Leigh Downing, Auburn Girls Lacrosse, Dan Sheehan, Lake House Pub, Ryan Blair, Derrick Eccles, Doc Nelson, Robert Nelson, Cuse. com, Jeff Knittel and the Syracuse SportsXpress team Fort Wayne FRANCHISE Austin EDITIONS Rochester Syracuse Utica FRANCHISE Contact SportsXpress at: INQUIRY 1.877.588.8856 or email Franchise@SportsXpress.com NATIONAL AND 315-401-7065 REGIONAL SALES

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MAILING ADDRESS 235 Harrison St., Suite 404, Syracuse, NY 13202 315-401-7065 or 1-800-577-7195 Editorial Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. Please contact the publisher. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributors are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. SportsXpress is published six times per year. SportsXpress Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for SportsXpress Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However the editors, contributors and SportsXpress Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided.

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SHA brings life and laughter back to Skiddy Park

Article and photo

by SHA softball team

The weather on August 6, 2016 was made for a ballgame. Skiddy Park was perfectly manicured, a large crowd of parents and neighbors filled the sidelines, and the sounds of the DJ’s music delighted the fans and players.

Soon the Red and Blue teams and fans rose for the national anthem, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner threw a strike for the first pitch and with a bellowing voice, Umpire Ron Greene declared “Play Ball!” It was almost the day that did not happen. August 6, 2016 marked a special— and needed— day for the Near Westside neighborhood in Syracuse, NY. It was the revival of the Syracuse Housing Authority’s youth softball league. In addition to long-standing partner Nojaim Brothers Supermarket, Gifford Foundation, Mission Church, the Near Westside Initiative, and the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion at Syracuse University joined forces with Syracuse Housing Authority to bring the softball league back to life. The youth softball league is a piece of larger community health efforts in the neighborhood, focused on resident and family engagement, nutrition, community safety, physical activity, and activation of public spaces, thanks to a grant from the New York State Health Foundation.

The Near Westside neighborhood in Syracuse is rich in history and assets, though it is not without its challenges.

More often than not, the good of the

neighborhood is overshadowed by isolated incidents. In 2016, unfortunate and tragic acts of violence in the neighborhood added to the belief that Skiddy Park was not a safe place for kids and their families.

However, the park needed family friendly activities more than ever.

The youth softball league was an integral part of bringing life and laughter back to Skiddy Park through sport. Youth also learned important life skills: teamwork, respect for others, and the value of hard work. Justin Baratta with Mission Church and coach for the league agrees. “Getting involved in the softball league at Skiddy Park was exciting, but I had no idea the impact it would have. It became clear— this league had little to do with softball, and everything to do with community, mentorship, family, and the kids of the Near Westside.”

On that day of the final game, the Blue team rolled out to a huge lead but the Red team did not quit. They fought back, falling one run short in the final inning. When it was over the crowd rose to their feet and cheered with all they had for both teams, a job well done!

Plans are already underway for this summer’s youth softball league. If you are a resident in the Near Westside of Syracuse and have a child between the ages of 7-12, please call Ken Boyd at Syracuse Housing Authority for more information: 315-470-4254.

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The Syracuse Fusion Soccer Club is the perfect place for athletes!

Article and photos by Jeff Knittel Syracuse Fusion Soccer Club is dedicated to developing the soccer skills of athletes in the Central NY area.

Formed in July 2001, our program is the conduit for many athletes to take the next step from recreational soccer to competitive leagues and tournaments. We are associated with the New York State West Youth Soccer Association and US Youth Soccer. Our Organization develops athletes in the game of soccer throughout the year.

The Syracuse Fusion coaching staff is licensed by US Youth Soccer and strives to work with athletes developing their skill sets to play at an extremely high and competitive level within the game.

The Syracuse Fusion Soccer Club is the perfect place for the premier soccer player, recreational soccer player or multi sport athlete. There is a spot in this organization for everyone!

In January 2017 Syracuse Fusion opened their 3,200 square foot training facility located in the upper level of The CNY Family Sports Centre, 7201 Jones Road Syracuse, NY. The facility features a 3v3 field, individual and small group training, a weight lifting area and the

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Fusion staff offices.

Fusion is a year round program.

Players in the younger ages, 6th grade and below will have a season that runs from September-July. Players who participate in their school programs in the fall will begin in late October/early November and play until July. Every member of our organization will play games, have one team training per week and one skills training per week.

Each of our teams will participate in an outdoor fall season (6th grade & below), a winter indoor season, spring indoor season and a summer outdoor season. Based on each individual teams level of experience and ability we will place teams accordingly in leagues. For summer outdoor leagues we will play in either a house league at CNYFSC, a district travel league (around CNY) or in a state wide league called the Thruway League.

Fusion currently has 18 teams ranging from U7-U18 Boys and Girls.

Within each age group we have various levels of ability. Our coaches are trained to manage their pool of players placing them in the best environment to develop their soccer knowledge, team concepts and individual skills.

Our coaches also believe it takes time to develop an athlete. They will make sure every player gets quality instruction at training and significant game experience.

New to Syracuse Fusion is our Fusion Skills School. We will be running these sessions on a year round basis. We are currently running the School for age 6-12 and will be adding additional classes in the near future. Please contact Jeff Knittel at syracusefusionsoccer@gmail.com or visit www.syracusefusionsoccer@ gmail.com for more information.

AFTER HOURS CARE

THE REGION’S FIRST DEDICATED PEDIATRIC URGENT CARE PHYSICIAN ON SITE AT ALL TIMES Upstate Golisano After Hours Care is a walk-in urgent care for patients from birth through age 21.

Pediatric and emergency medicine specialists care for patients who do not require a trip to the ER. We treat a wide range of conditions and illnesses in a setting that reflects the Upstate Golisano standard for excellence. Services include care for simple fractures, minor lacerations, IV rehydration, lab and x-ray.

AFTER HOURS CARE 4900 Broad Road, Syracuse FREE PARKING Hours: Monday - Friday, 4 - 10 PM Saturday and Sunday, Noon - 10 PM

Phone: 315-492-KIDS (5437) www.upstate.edu/afterhours

Exp e r tise • C ompa ss i on • Hope

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Champions for Life Welcomes you to the ULA Opening Weekend

Article and photos by Melissa Carbonaro Gravius, Executive Director Champions for Life, Inc.

You’ve likely heard of Easton Friedel – he is the little boy who, when he was born nearly five years ago, was diagnosed with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare genetic disorder which causes the skin to be so fragile that the slightest friction can cause severe blistering - inside and outside the body. After Easton was born in 2012, he fought, again and again, for his life, through infections, through surgeries, and through unimaginable pain.

Easton and his parents and three older brothers are part of the Champions for Life family – in 2014, they stayed for the first time at the Brian Bisgrove Home of Courage. The BBHC is a log cabin on the grounds of Everest Park where Champions for Life hosts families with children who have threatening illnesses or debilitating medical disorders for three days of peace, tranquility, and quality family time, all at no cost to the family.

Easton and his family have stayed at the Home several times over the years since Easton’s birth, which is always a blessing, allowing them to spend time together, engaging inactivities they would not otherwise be able to enjoy.

Not only have the Friedels stayed with us at the BBHC, Danielle and Jared have participated in the Finger Lakes Mud Run, the 4.5 mile obstacle course race held annually on the last Saturday of September. The Mud Run, which is a major fundraiser for Champions for Life, allows CFL to run the BBHC and other programs for children and families at Everest Park and at the Sports Center.

Easton’s family is one of many who have benefited from the programs of Champions for Life, and, as with all of our families, the Friedels remain dear to our hearts. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve them at the BBHC. It is through memberships and classes at the Sports Center and tournaments

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and clinics at Everest Park, like the U.L.A. Opening Day festivities, that we are able to host families at the BBHC, run a mentor program for children with disabilities, provide scholarships for children who want to participate in athletic programs but are financially unable to do so, run leadership programming in Auburn schools (Lead in Five in the fifth grades and Blueprint II in the junior high school), and support the only wheelchair soccer team (CNY United) in Central New York.

Today, Easton has just graduated from pre-k, and he is headed to kindergarten in the fall. He will turn five in August, is walking and talking, and is doing remarkably well. We hope they will return to the BBHC in the future.

Thank you for being with us here at Everest Park, and at Auburn High School for U.L.A. opening weekend.

It is with your support, through the purchase of this program, through participation in our other events, like our tournaments and clinics at Everest, the Finger Lakes Mud Run on September 30, our gymnastics classes, fitness center, and tennis programming at the Sports Center, that we succeed in our mission.

Enjoy this weekend! We are grateful for your presence, and we hope you enjoy all that Everest Park has to offer.

Good luck to your boys and girls, and have a great time!

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Auburn Women's Lacrosse History

The Auburn Girls Lacrosse program would like to welcome you to the City of Auburn for ULA Opening Weekend.

We have two beautiful sites in Auburn High School and Everest Park and we hope you enjoy both. We are very excited for the opportunity to bring our CNY lacrosse community together for a fun weekend of games, competition and sport. We hope you enjoy Opening Weekend 2017.

History of Women’s Lacrosse St. Leonards School, in St Andrews, Scotland claims to be the first girls’ school to have played lacrosse in 1890.

The first Headmistress, Miss Lumsden, watched a game played in Canada, in 1884, between the Canghuwaya Natives and the Montreal Club team and thought it to be “beautiful and graceful.” As a result, St. Leonards School established a women’s lacrosse team.

As the sport grew in popularity, The Ladies Lacrosse Association, founded in England in 1912 began international matches in 1913. An excerpt from “The Standard” newspaper, dated April 18th 1913, stated, “In the very first international lacrosse match, held at Richmond, Scotland beat Wales

11 goals to 2.” This set the stage for other organizations to add lacrosse at the international level. First, The Scottish Ladies Lacrosse Association, founded in 1920; enjoyed international competition with England and were noted as some of the first official matches. Then Wales and Ireland founded their organizations in 1930.

Rosabelle Sinclair, an alumnus of St Leonards and a former Scottish lacrosse player, was instrumental in establishing the game of lacrosse for women in the United States.

Despite earlier attempts by other enthusiasts, it was not until Rosabelle started a girls’ high school team in 1926, at Bryn Mawr School, in Baltimore, that lacrosse became popular in other nearby schools.

The United States formed their organization, the USWLA, in 1931.

Today, the game has grown drastically.

With more and more participants across the country, lacrosse is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports amongst youth and high school kids. How could it not? The action-filled game that crowns itself as “the fastest game on two feet” has it all. It is high scoring, precision passing, physical defense, intellectual concepts and requires amazing athletic skill. The factor that makes all of this possible, the object that separates lacrosse from all other sports….the stick.

For many, an extension of your body, a trusted friend and an outlet for creativity.

Yes, other sports do include sticks or racquets but none that allows the player to be as creative and skilled as one can with a lacrosse stick. It is a unique aspect of the sport.

Traditionally there have been hot beds of lacrosse scattered throughout the northeast and Canada. These hot beds (Upstate, Long Island, Baltimore, Western Canada and Toronto) generated most of the talent rising up to the college & professional ranks. Each area had its own style of play - Upstate: tough, basic, fundamental; LI: skilled, loud, aggressive; Baltimore: smooth, finesse; Canada: rough, skilled sticks.

Article and photos by Auburn Girls Lacrosse

However, this is no longer the case.

With many players coming from Denver, California, The Carolinas and Florida, lacrosse is spreading and spreading quickly. With participation numbers reaching over 300,000 in 2015 it is the fastest growing sport in the country among high school athletics.

Lacrosse is something that we hold very dear here in Auburn. We are very proud to come from one of those traditional hot beds and proud of our lacrosse history. We enjoy its unique characteristics and cherish the opportunity to teach the game.

In the same spirit of Miss Lumsden and Rosabelle Sinclair, we watch as ambassadors and look on delighted to be part of its growth. We know how it has influenced the lives of so many Auburnians, Central New Yorkers and now those across the country. A sport that changes lives and creates paths.

We are humbled to be a part of it and to be able to host an event that highlights the game we love.

Please have some food, take in the sites and engage in good conversation but most of all enjoy the sport that we all appreciate so much.

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Meet the Downings, Auburn New York Greg Downing Greg began lacrosse in the BULL league when he was in 7th grade. Greg later had to choose between his love for lacrosse and his love for baseball.

Lacrosse, of course won and Greg played for Auburn High School’s varsity team from 2001-2003.

Greg attended Fairfield University where he was a three-time All-American.

In 2005, Greg helped lead the Stags to the Great Western Lacrosse League Championship and was named GWLL Offensive Player of the Year. He was a 1st Team All New England member from 2005-2007, 1st Team All ECAC from 20062007, and 1st Team All GWLL in 2005.

Greg was drafted in the 1st round (6th overall) of the 2007 Major League Lacrosse Collegiate Draft by the Los Angeles Riptide. Greg was also selected

Leigh Downing Leigh, following in her older brother’s footsteps began playing lacrosse for the ULA league when she was in 6th grade.

It didn’t take long for Leigh to develop a passion for the game of lacrosse.

Leigh joined the middle school lacrosse team for 7th and 8th grade, solidifying her love for lacrosse. Leigh played for the Junior Varsity Lacrosse team her freshman year and the Auburn Varsity Lacrosse team her remaining three years of high school (2003-2006). During her senior year Leigh was named team captain by her teammates for her hard work and dedication on and off the field.

Leigh continued her Lacrosse career with

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Article and photos

by Auburn Lacrosse

in the 4th round (43rd overall) in the 2007 National Lacrosse League expansion draft by the Boston Blazers.

As a member of the Los Angeles Riptide, Greg was selected to play in the 2008 MLL All-Star Game, and as a member of the Denver Outlaws he was selected to play in the 2009 MLL All-Star Game. Greg is still currently playing professional lacrosse with the Denver Outlaws of Major League Lacrosse and with the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League. Greg continues to actively participate in Colorado Youth Programs.

Greg is also member of the U.S. Indoor Lacrosse Men’s National Team, participating in the 2011 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in Prague, Czech Republic and in the 2015 World Indoor Lacrosse Championship in Syracuse, New York.

Niagara University where she was named Niagara University’s rookie of the year in 2007, MVP in 2008, and Best Offensive Player in 2009.

Leigh was also a three-year captain for Niagara University for her strong leadership skills. After college, Leigh coached ULA’s 4th and 5th grade team with John Alberici during 2013-2015.

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The Auburn Schools welcome ULA! Welcome, players, coaches, and families! Our district is delighted that the Upstate Lacrosse Association chose to bring this tournament back to Auburn for a second year, and we are looking forward to another great season.

This tournament is one of the biggest lacrosse programs in New York for young players, and it is an excellent opportunity for players throughout Upstate New York to improve their skill set. Not only that, it brings so many

people together and shows them how great the game of lacrosse really is.

While you are here, take some time to visit some of the local attractions and establishments in our community.

Auburn is full of great history, and its parks are truly breathtaking. Thank you for coming, and have fun!

Jeff Pirozzolo Superintendent of Schools Auburn Enlarged City School District

Emilio Booker, ULA referee

See you at the Kathy Taylor Lacrosse Camps We hope your lacrosse season is going well, and you’re enjoying the last couple months of the school year! We are enjoying our season, and would love to see you cheering us on! Our schedule can be found online at: www.lemoynedolphins.com/schedule. aspx?path=wlax Summer vacation is going to be here before you know it, and you know what that means... Summer lacrosse camps!

It would be great to see you at Le Moyne College this summer for one of our two girl’s lacrosse camps. For those of you

who have attended in the past, you know what a fun and lax-filled week it is!

All registration can be done online on our ABC Sports page! The link below will take you to our page, where you can find information regarding our camps, and a link to register. www.abcsportscamps.com/lcdolphins

Kathy Taylor Lacrosse Camps at Le Moyne College are focused on providing young athletes with the opportunity to expand their individual and team game, to compete in an exciting and encouraging learning environment, and to have fun growing and playing the game we all love!

Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. Assistant coach, Cacki Helmer, can be reached by email at helmerc@lemoyne.edu or contact head coach Kathy Taylor directly at 315-415-9309. We hope to see you all at camp!

Evening Camp: June 26-29 for grades K-4, 5-8, Overnight Camp: July 26-29 for grades 7-12

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Ryan Blair from Auburn High School

Ryan was one of the top high school attackmen in the country when he graduated in June 2002 from Auburn High School with more than 300 career points. Numerous honors earned in his prep career included All Section, First Team All-Central New York and High School All American. Even more impressively, Ryan earned “high honor roll” status every marking period of his high school career.

Ryan’s stellar lacrosse career continued at the University of North Carolina. As a freshman, he played in all 13 games tying for team lead in assists with 13. Building on the success of his freshman campaign, Ryan finished his sophomore season as NC’s third-leading scorer (34 points) and was second on the team in assists (16). Just as importantly, he was named to the ACC Academic Honor roll that year.

As a junior, this play continued to improve and he earned awards reflecting his success. As the Team’s leader in points (51) and assists (29), he earned a co-winner award as the ACC player of the week and was later named to the ACC All Tournament Team. He was also named to the ACC Academic Hor Roll for the second consecutive season and was named to the Dan’s list in the Spring Semester.

He entered his senior season as one of the nation’s top returning attackmen and a 2006 preseason honorable mention All-America choice by Inside Lacrosse and Face-Off Yearbook.

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Auburn Lacrosse history Auburn has a long and proud lacrosse tradition. Ray VanGiesen, an Auburn High Alumni and an inaugural member of the AHS Athletic Hall of Fame, is widely recognized as the “founding father” of Central New York Lacrosse at the high school level. VanGiesen was a collegiate lacrosse All-American at Hobart in 1932 before going on to found the Fayetteville-Manlius program in 1933.

The Auburn School District’s Lacrosse program was founded in 1972 by Mr. Thomas Butcher.

Since that inaugural season, the Maroons have enjoyed 27 sectional tournament appearances; 9 semi-final appearances (1976, 1995, 2000-2002, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2016), 5 sectional finals appearances (2001, 2008,

2010, 2015, 2016), a league championship (2005) and captured Sectional and Regional Championships and a NYS Final Four Berth in 2001.

The Maroons have had 13 players earn US Lacrosse High School All-American and Academic All-American status. There are also hundreds of alumni who have participated in the game at the Jr. College, Division I, II, and III levels since the program’s inception. These alumni have gone on to earn numerous Collegiate Academic and Athletic All-American Honors, Players of the Year Honors and several JUCO and NCAA National Championships. There are numerous alumni currently coaching or playing lacrosse at the college level.

sportsprofiles

Skaneateles Lacrosse Stars Thank ULA Carly Davis Carly Davis, graduate of Skaneateles High School and University of North Carolina (while at UNC she started on defense for the 2016 National Championship team) “ULA was the start of what turned out to be the greatest opportunity thus far in my life. It allowed me to be introduced to my favorite sport in a competitive and fun way at a very young age.

It instilled in me the values of working hard, the importance of practice, and always being a good teammate. Ultimately, ULA allowed for me to go on to attend my dream school, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill!

Emma Ford “Lacrosse has played a large role in shaping my life over the past decade. The sport has offered me invaluable experience and has taught me the importance of teamwork, hard work and perseverance. Yet, perhaps more importantly, lacrosse has allowed me to form irreplaceable bonds with my various teams over the years—my teammates are some of my closest friends. Also, nothing can compare to the energy and thrill of each game day. ULA offered me all of the things and more from an early age and allowed my love for the sport to grow and strengthen over each passing summer.”

Hannah Powers “ULA is where I first started to play and learn the game of Lacrosse, which has been a huge part of my life since.

Putting on my first ULA pinny was the first of many different jerseys I have worn to lead me to where I am today.

Lacrosse has given me so much more than the game that I am still able to play at the highest level, it has given me friendships with coaches, teammates, and opposing teammates that will last a lifetime.”

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Derek Eccles journey from ULA to UAlbany Article and photos by ULA My name is Derrick Eccles, I grew up in the city of Syracuse and played lacrosse for Valley in the ULA, an experience I shared with four brothers and countless friends.

I began playing sometime around kindergarten, probably back around 1997. I remember having to be poked and prodded my first few practices, but some of my earliest memories are of running around on the grass fields behind Clary Middle School and going to my older brother Casey’s practices.

Those first few reluctant practices have blossomed into a love for the game that still exists today, and a game that has turned out to be one of the most influential forces in shaping the course of my life to this day.

It’s hard to accurately describe the positive experience of growing up playing for your local team, making friends that will last a lifetime, and the beginning of competitive rivalries that carry into high school. All of these are experiences that I found and enjoyed while playing for Valley growing up.

Between my four brothers and I, at least one of us was playing in the ULA every night of the week during the summers, whether it was practice or a game. Once my playing career ended I started to help coach my brothers teams here and there. After that I began working for the ULA doing any odd jobs they had that I could help with. That experience introduced to the hundreds and hundreds of volunteers that help make the ULA the great league that it is.

They showed me that there are so many different ways to give back to the game, and everyone is doing it because of a deep love of the game and wanting to continue to create a positive experience for all the athletes that play in the ULA. I used this experience to help develop a passion for coaching which I still carry with me today. I just finished my first year as the volunteer assistant coach at UAlbany after my playing

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career there ended in 2016, and I plan on continuing down that path as long as I can. As I think about my experience with the ULA all I can do is say thank you to the league, and everyone involved that volunteers their time and contributes to the success of all the players. The ULA established a love for the game in me that ended up taking me to the University at Albany, where I got to play with my brother Sean for one year, and next year I’ll get to coach two of my brothers, Sean and Matt, who will both be playing for UAlbany. Lacrosse has brought me all over the country, introduced me to hundreds and hundreds of amazing people, and given me an experience from the first day I stepped on the field for ULA practice, to now, where I’m currently in Washington

D.C. supporting Connor Fields at the Tewaarton award Ceremony.

It has been an incredibly experience from top to bottom, none of it would’ve been possible without the ULA, an amazing league and organization, and all the great people involved that volunteer their time to make the league the success it is today.

I can not express my gratitude enough to the ULA, my parents, coaches, and all the people from every organization who make this league the great experience that it is for the kids.

I hope that every player involved walks away with the same kind of positive experience that I had. Good luck to all the participants this weekend and enjoy your summer!

sportsfiles

Oswego Lacrosse History Stockwell, Charlie Tyminski and John Zagata. A few more new names from 1997 include Kraig Labbe, Herkimer and Brad McConkey.

Article by Doc Nelson 1993: Pete Barletto talked to me after a men’s league game at the Fort Ontario rink. He wanted to start a field lacrosse league for kids 11 and 12 years old. I told him to count us in.

1994: The Brine Upstate Youth Lacrosse League (BUYLL) was founded.

Charter teams were Oswego, Fulton, Onondaga Nation, Cortland, Central Square, Cazenovia, and two “select” teams from the indoor lacrosse center on Hopkins Road. Our first league meetings were in a bar in Geneva with Joe Taylor, and in John Sardella’s basement.

Our first game was against the Syracuse Red Raiders. We had just returned from a box lacrosse tournament in St. Catharine’s and it took us a while to re-adjust to the field game; we lost that game 19-3. Syracuse had some future stars on their roster: Kevin Daugherty, Brandon Spillet, and Ryan Spillet to name three.

But we had some pretty good players too; here’s who’s who and where they went: Dave DeGroff (St. Lawrence), Ryan DeSantis (Potsdam State), Matt Jones (Towson), Nate Molinari (Hobart) who made the ESG team, Travis Nelson (Fairfield), College All-American Andrea Poor (Limestone) (yes, we were co-ed!)

After that, the number of BULL/ ULA alumni who went on to play college lacrosse gets a little crazy.

We’ve had about 140 boys go on to play NCAA lacrosse at the Division I, II, and III levels, plus JUCO. We’ve had 4 All-Americans, 4 who made the Empire State Games team from CNY, 24 who have played box lacrosse in a sanctioned league, most of them through the Ontario Lacrosse Association, 3 who have played internationally (one with the Wales National Team, plus globe-trotting Brian Witmer, who writes for Lax All Stars), 2 played in the North-South game, and over 40 have gotten into coaching lacrosse at all levels.

and Jeff Salisbury (Oswego State) who is now coaching in Florida.

1995: We dropped the “Y” and became the Brine Upstate Lacrosse League (BULL). I remember the little gold bulls the kids received as trophies.

Instead of having a playoff format, we went to a Champion’s Day at the end of the season.

I remember our toughest – and best – games were against Auburn and the Onondaga Nation. This was back when every organization sent their best kids and best teams to the BULL.

Here are some more of our players from that team that went on to college lax: Scott Fisher (Jefferson CC), Matt McNamara (Binghamton), Ryan Molinari (Army), Eric Smith (Stevens Tech), College All-American Josh Smith (Stevens Tech) and Rob Williams (Binghamton) who is coaching at Florida Southern University.

I don’t remember when the BULL added a girl’s division – I think it was 1997 – but before that we always had 1-2 girls playing with the boys.

One – Andrea Poor – went on to become an All-American at Limestone.

Her two cousins, Amanda D’Amico and Kayla Nelson, also became AllAmericans. Oswego has had 6 young women make All-American status. Two other alums recently finished playing internationally, one in Australia and the other in England.

Oswego’s Mike O’Neil designed the first website for the BULL. Mike went on to play club lacrosse at Cornell, and is now a professor of computational science and engineering at NYU. Pretty smart guy.

Empire State Games players include Brett McClelland, Nate Molinari and Bay Stoker. For the All-Americans, the players were Amanda D’Amico, Mia Czarnecki, Sam McCarrick, Josh Molinari, Kayla Nelson, Shannon Pagano, John Phillips, Andrea Poor, Josh Smith. Finally, for the North – South game, was John Phillips.

1996: Add to the list of BULL alumni: Andy Aylward (Alfred U.), Ben Miller (Canisius), Jon Reitz (Albany) and Kyle Schaefer (Canisius).

1997: Some interesting names from the referee’s list that summer are Chad Barber, Kevin Couse, Dick Pepper, Nick Rosenfield, Rob Schoeneck, Paul

Syracuse.SportsXpress.com

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Auburn High School Fields Map Fleming Street Throop Ave

Tennis Courts

Field

8

Field

Parking

6

Field Auburn HS

7

Field

4

Field

e Av

Lak

9

e

Field Field

3

5

ke

La

2

Fie

ld

e Av

1

Fie

ld

Parking

= Bench area and coaching box

The ULA would like to thank our 2017 sponsors!

Graph-Tex, Currier Plastics, Giacona Law Offices, Landmark Enterprises, Flaherty Masonry Faynor Investigative Services, Simmonds, Brady & Loi, RJ Jewelers, RG Wright Agency, Inc., Onondaga Community College, Balloons Restaurant, BSN, Auburn Enlarged School District, Champions for Life

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Everest Park Fields Map Marlyn Fanning Field

Site Map

Ron Miller Field

Field 4

Field 6

Field 3

Field 5

FINGER LAKES TOURNAMENTS

Christian Lewis Field

Katie Socci Field

Field 8

Field 10

Field 7

Field 9

+

Parking area 2

Francis Cunningham Sr. Field Parking area 1

Field 2 Pavillion

Life jackets

North Road

Field 1 Brian Bisgrove Home of Courage

Paddle boats

Play area

Barn

Bob Adams Way

Everest Park Entrance

Christopher W. Bruna Investment Consultant, LPL Registered Principal

5109 West Genesee Street, Suite 203, Camillus, NY 13031 Phone: (315) 468-3300, Fax: (315) 468-0207 Email: christopher.bruna@lpl.com

www.roodandbrunafinancialgroup.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, a member of FINRA/SIPC

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sportsfiles

Have a Great Weekend ULA Families!

The LakeHouse Pub is going strong.

We’re busy serving the thirsty and hungry patrons of Skaneateles. We are honored and delighted to be a part of this community and to continue the great hospitality legacy of this location.

We want people to think of us as the go to place for appetizing food, fun live entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere. The support and warm welcome from Skaneateles residents and folks from neighboring towns has been wonderful and we are looking forward to many years ahead. Come enjoy the newest, oldest pub in town!

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The LakeHouse Pub with its handsome interior is well suited to the charm of its surroundings in beautiful Skaneateles Lake. Located in the former Morris’s Grill site, the Pub has the look and feel of a neighborhood establishment with its focal point— a large copper-topped bar. Dennis Coleman, General Manager of Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub and his two local partners Joseph J. Goethe and Michael J. Wamp own the LakeHouse Pub. Dennis Coleman is a third generation publican, with years of experience in running a successful local business. Joe Goethe and Michael Wamp are longtime residents of Skaneateles who understand how important this location is to Skaneateles.Their vision for the next generation of Skaneateles pubs has become a reality. Come enjoy the newest, oldest pub in town!

Syracuse

TM

Your Community

.com

Sports Connection

Sports Teams

Careers

Businesses

Create your own Team News Page

Join our sales team, have fun and make some extra $$

Connect with today’s sports lifestyle market

Be a part of our team and connect even closer to the sports community

$200M+ spent locally per year on recreation

Promote your sport and upcoming events Recognize your sponsors

Get in the Game!

Visit us at www.syracuse.sportsxpress.com

For more information, please contact Rob Bennett at

rob@sportsxpress.com • (315) 401 7065

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sportsfiles

Register now for the upcoming Greater Skaneateles youth football and cheerleading season Article by Nanette Rutledge, photos by Jordan Bruna and Kerry Coyne Our Teams are comprised primarily from players from Skaneateles, Marcellus, Moravia, Auburn. But, anyone who wants to join our program is welcome no matter where you live!

•

Age Groups for Each Team

•

“C” Team Tackle Football – 8-10 year olds entering 3rd & 4th grade.

“B” Team Tackle Football 10-12 year olds entering 5th & 6th grade “Travel Cheer” - 8-12 year olds entering 3rd – 6th grade.

Our Tackle and Cheer teams participate in the Finger Lakes Youth Football & Cheerleading League. This is a well-established football and cheer league with a total of 18 teams, including Jordan-Elbridge, Seneca Falls, Geneva, and Waterloo and extending towards Rochester. See www.flyfcl.com for more information.

We also offer an in-house flag football and cheer program for 5-7 year olds entering K-2nd grade.

Scholarships: The Skaneateles Youth Football & Cheer League provides registration fee scholarships to eligible athletes, who without this financial assistance would not otherwise be able to participate.

Applications for scholarship assistance are available on the SFC website under forms. Highlights of the Skaneateles Football Club and FLYCL league are: •

Safety and putting kids in a position where they can be most successful is the #1 priority;

•

Most games are played Sunday mornings (a few could be on Saturday nights).

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•

•

All officials are registered collegiate, high school or independent officials whose qualifications have been approved of by the league.

Each player is required to play a minimum number of plays each half. This rule is strictly enforced and play sheets are monitored by the other team; There are no weight limits so all interested kids area allowed to play.

Every coach must submit to background checks and be certified. All football coaches are certified through USA Football. Cheerleading coaches are certified through the National Youth Sports Coaching Association. The certifications require participation in a clinic or online program that specializes in various aspects of coaching youth athletics.

Our programs have “A Player Safety Coach” who is responsible for overseeing the organization’s implementation of “Heads Up Football.”

The Player Safety Coach attends clinics with USA Football, ensures all our coaches are properly certified and enforce all safety rules, attends all practices and games and serves as the organization’s expert and point of contact for player health and safety.

Objectives: We give children an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of football and cheerleading with proper adult supervision and adequate equipment in a safe environment.

1. Improve the physical health of our children with training, conditioning, and exercise that emphasizes participation and safety.

2. Enhance the psychological well-being of our children by reinforcing positive self-image, fairness, and participation.

3. Use teamwork, sportsmanship, appropriate behavior, and common decency to guide our children in social skills.

4. Help our children to understand and appreciate the value of personal effort and dedication to team effort.

The SFC Board has been hard at work over the past few months to give each of our players & teams the best possible football & cheer experience for the 2017 season and future. Our priorities are safety and for the kids to have fun while learning the game of football. Visit skaneatelesfootballclub. com to register! We look forward to a fantastic 2017 season!

sportsfiles

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Switzer’s Historic Run Article and photo by Cuse.com On April 17,1967, Syracuse alumnus Kathrine Switzer (‘68 G’72) made her way to the starting line at the Boston Marathon wearing bib #261 and a gray hooded sweatshirt, much like every runner in the event. The difference was she was poised to make history, as the first woman ever to be officially registered for the Boston Marathon. However, when she was recognized as being female, an angered marathon official, Jock Semple, tried to remove her from the race, claiming women were not allowed to participate.

“I don’t think a day passes when I really don’t thank Jock Semple for attacking me in the race,” Switzer told ESPN’s Julie Foudy in an interview to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the historic marathon.

“He not only angered me and frightened me, but he inspired me.”

Switzer finished the marathon, creating international headlines and making a major statement for women in sport.

Since her history-making run, Switzer has devoted her life to creating more opportunities for women, including creating the 261 Fearless, a non-profit with the goal of empowering women around the world through the sport of running.

Switzer went on to win the 1974 New York City Marathon and became Runner’s World magazine’s ‘Runner of the Decade’ in 1976. In the late 1970s, She created and developed the Avon International Running Circuit, directing races in more than 20 countries for more than one million female participants.

She also led the campaign to convince the International Olympic Committee to include the Women’s Marathon in the 1984 Games.

On April 17, 2017, Switzer once again competed in the Boston Marathon, wearing bib #261, which will become the second bib ever retired by the Boston Athletic Association. By her side through the streets of Boston were 120 members of 261 Fearless Inc., a global non-profit organization dedicated to building a community of women runners Switzer founded, as she celebrated the 50th anniversary of her historic run. No one should be surprised that at age 70, she finished the race (her 9th Boston Marathon and 40th overall). Although she walked through water stations, and stopped for pictures and interviews to celebrate the event, Switzer still finished under qualifying time 4:44:31 at an average mile of 10.51.

She has served on the Board of Trustees for the Women’s Sports Foundation and as Special Advisor to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. In addition, she has served as a television analyst for ABC and other networks covering the Olympic Games, national championships, and major American marathons.

“I think the biggest turning point in women’s sports in terms of this incident was the photograph,” Switzer explained to Foudy. “All these years later it is one of the most galvanizing photographs in the women’s rights movement because it moved from running immediately into the social context.”

In 2011, Switzer was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame and was a member of the inaugural class of the Distance Running Hall of Fame in 1998.

Switzer is a true leader in the advancement of women in sports!

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teamprofiles

Future Auburn Baseball Stars Article by Jim Musso, photos by "Dreams Park" Photographers

“top ten” in the roadrunner, while Ryan Birchard earned a top 10 finish in the “King of Swat” homerun derby.

Auburn baseball enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to in the upcoming years!

Last August, the Auburn Legends 50/70 12U baseball team had an outstanding performance in a nationally renowned tournament in Cooperstown, New York.

The tournament hosted by Dreams Park, is extremely competitive with top-notch competition from the U.S. and abroad.

The 50/70 format (pitching mound 50 feet from the plate and bases 70 feet apart) allows 12U players “to lead off” and steal bases, forcing pitchers to pitch from both the “stretch” and “windup.”

Basically, this format allows youth players to play “real baseball” by MLB rules, but on a smaller - age appropriate field. This is much more complicated for players as well as for coaches to implement. Interestingly, many MLB players have attended the Dreams Park tournament including Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, and David Price.

The Legends success continued as the games began. They finished pool play with a perfect 6-0 record (also a program first) and entered the playoffs ranked 8 out of the 104 teams. Their magical run continued with victories in the round of 32, sweet 16 and elite 8 before finally ending up on the short end of an 11-7 score in the semi-finals. Even in their “Final 4” loss, they continued to impress hitting 6 homers to account for their 7 runs. The team they lost to, the Arlington Storm from Virginia, is an elite travel team from a large metropolitan area surrounding Arlington, Virginia.

To measure up to the level of play at this tournament, the Auburn Legends began indoor practices last April and worked tirelessly throughout the summer as they set their sights on Cooperstown.

The players were eager to compete and continue to represent Auburn as favorably as previous Legends have.

Auburn Legends, founded by Rich Valentino (a longtime baseball coach at Moravia High School) and Jim Musso, possess a “ticket” for this annual and highly sought after tournament. This has allowed several Auburn area Little League aged players the opportunity to participate in this high quality, high caliber baseball event.

The 2016 Auburn Legends Team was particularly special and they proved it with an impressive run throughout the week. The tournament began with all 104 teams competing in a skills competition which included a homerun derby, roadrunner (speed around the bases), golden arm, and a team throw.

For the first time in program history, the Legends had two players “place” in the competition with Austin Black finishing

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The Legends’ made history as one of the few New York teams to ever reach Final Four in the Tournament’s 20 year history. The (11 person) team also included two talented female players who were integral to the Legends’ success.

Doray Dilallo, one of the fastest players

on the team, pitched and excelled in the outfield.

Morgan Cook, was a power hitter, wellrounded player, and one of the top pitchers.

Statistics from the Legends historic run include 124 hits, 121 runs, 30 HR (every player on the team hit a homerun) and 48 runs against. The Legends 12U Roster include James Musso, Ryan Birchard, Austin Black, Jacob Steinbacher, Ryan Stewart, Doray Dillalo, Pat Herr, Kevin Dolan, Morgan Cook, Jack Pidlypchak and Alex McQueeney. The coaches include Jim Musso, Jeff Dolan and Dave Steinbacher.

We look forward to seeing what this group is able to accomplish this season and in the future!

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sportsfiles

Come PLAY with us at The Wildcat Article and photos by The Wildcat

quality of life in the Central New York.

Welcome to The Wildcat where we only serve delicious and remarkable food. Our goal is to provide our customers with impeccable service by demonstrating warmth, graciousness, efficiency, knowledge, professionalism and integrity in our work.

We are a full service, family friendly, pizza/sports pub catering to the community sports lifestyle with numerous activities ranging from trivia, to darts and beach volleyball to cornhole.

We hope to have every customer who comes through our doors leave impressed by the Wildcat and excited to come back again. We are going to be a giving member of the community and use our restaurant to improve the

Come hang out, eat and PLAY with us at The Wildcat. Contact us at Wildcat Pizza Pub, 3680 Milton Ave (Home Depot Plaza), Camillus, NY 13031.

Call (315) 487-2222 or email Dan@ WildcatPizzaPub.com.

Owners Dan and Heather Thorne are lifelong residents of Camillus. They are devoted parents to their two children Ella and Joey. The family is very active in the local community.

Our company takes pride in delivering reliable limousine service with our friendly and professional staff. In today’s competitive environment we strive to offer the best possible rates with the newest fleet of vehicles. Call or email us today for a quote, you’ll be glad you did!

Weddings | Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties | Wine Tours | Concerts | Sporting Events | School Events | Nights Out | And More!

491 Grant Ave. Auburn, NY 13021 • (315) 730-5931 • www.bigdslimos.com

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teamprofiles

JD Varsity baseball team concludes another great season

Article by Ken Delpha, photo by JD Baseball and Sponsored by Robby T's Pizza

After winning back-to-back Division championships, JD’s season came to an end on the short end of a 4-3 extra-inning decisionin the Sectional Championship Game. The perennial State Championship contender will say goodbye to its seniors with many moving on to play in college: •

Matt Cappelletti - Hamilton

•

Andrew LsClair - Salve Regina

•

Casey Kretsch - Lemoyne

•

Will Havens - Union College

•

Ian Crawford - Undecided

Head Coach Ryan Dera will get a jump start on next season soon, as his summer programs begin as soon as school lets out and will run through September. Coach Dera creates a positive environment involving all team members.

At all times, the JD Baseball program promotes a family atmosphere exemplified by several Varsity players including Matt Cappelletti, Casey Kretsch and Ian Crawford, umpiring in the JDYAA youth baseball league.

Syracuse.SportsXpress.com

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sportsfiles

The First Tee of Syracuse - introducing golf to young people Article and photos by The First Tee

Our mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Through after-school and in-school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference. Our research-proven programs are having a positive impact on participants, their families and their communities.

The First Tee is nonprofit youth development organization introducing

the game of golf and its inherent values to youth. Through after-school and in-school programs, we help shape the lives of young people from all walks of life by reinforcing values like integrity, respect and perseverance through the game of golf. And it’s making a difference. Our research-proven programs are having a positive impact on participants, their families and their communities.

Our Program Objectives •

•

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Enable youth leaders to introduce golf using modified sports and games in ways that fit the ages and abilities of the young people in their care Engage young people in fun, safe activities that promote wellness

and health-enhancing lifestyles.

•

Develop appreciation for the positive values associated with golf through each activity and extend those behaviors to other areas of their lives

Components of the Program The First Tee DRIVE gives youth development professionals and volunteer leaders the tools to get started. Our program is a hole-in-one for any setting, class time, and class size. We provide training, equipment and lesson plans.

Join us today at Butternut Creek Golf Course, 5050 Jamesville Rd. Dewitt NY 13078. For more information, visit www.thefirstteesyracuse.org or call (315) 952-8075.

sportsfiles

Northside Church Upward Basketball finished up its 9th season!

Article by Upward Basketball

This year, the Northside Church Upward Basketball program had 550 kids participating on 55 teams from ages Kindergarten up to 10th grade.

According to Program Coordinator, Kipper Gingrich, the objective is “creating the best sports experience possible for all young athletes, focusing on the 360 Progression where the whole athlete is developed. This includes advancing: •

Physically by learning the fundamentals of basketball;

•

Mentally by learning how to respond to adversity and challenges;

•

Socially by developing by making new friends in the program;

•

Spiritually by learning God’s message for our lives.

All the while, sharing the virtues of Service, Contentment, Hope, and Love.”

The program’s league runs from early December and ends in March. Teams practice once a week and play 10 games thru the course of the season.

5th through 10th graders also compete in a season-ending tournament that adds to the excitement and competition while still focusing on the positive sports experience.

As Northside’s league has grown, they have partnered with the Liverpool and Baldwinsville school districts as well as a the Word Of Life Christian Academy for practice sites for the 55 teams. They are grateful for their partnership with the schools and sincerely appreciate the 163 coaches, 26 referees, and more than 250 volunteers that make Upward Basketball at Northside Church a huge success.

In addition to developing well rounded athletes, this season’s focus was upon serving the local community in a variety of ways. The Upward Basketball Program conducted a drive which collected 190+ boxes to support our troops over seas. Families of the program donated shoe boxes with supplies for our men and women serving our country. They also had a cancer awareness week where they collected supplies for the Golisano Children’s hospital in Syracuse, NY and collected supplies for the local Ronald McDonald House. They concluded their community focus by having a canned food drive for P.E.A.C.E Inc of Baldwinsville where they collected 950+ cans for the food pantry.

upwardcny/tnmn or Instagram at www.instagram.com/upwardcny/ The Northside Church Upward Basketball Camp will be held this July and registration for next season will begin in September!

To learn more about this fantastic organization, please go to www.upwardcny.org and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/

Syracuse.SportsXpress.com

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ourteam

Meet the SportsXpress Team - Roosevelt Bouie Roosevelt (Rosie) possesses a unique knowledge of the sports business world.

While earning a degree in “Speech Communications,” Rosie was an All-American college basketball player at Syracuse University, ultimately resulting in his number (50) being retired by the School.

Following graduation, Rosie was drafted in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks.

But, instead of playing for an NBA expansion team, Rosie opted to play professionally in Europe. During his thirteen (13) year playing career, Rosie was a five-time All-star player in the Italia n Premier League, and won a European Championship.

Literally, Rosie used his

basketball skills to earn a living while traveling the world. He then returned home to Kendall, NY (NW of Rochester) where he lives today.

Following his return home, Rosie’s professional life has continued to revolve around sports. He has worked in numerous roles including radio and television announcing and running basketball camps and clinics. For several years, he worked for the Buffalo Stampede semi-professional basketball team where he wore many “hats” including, but not limited to, Coach, General Manager, and Director of Sales and Marketing. Rosie has maintained close ties to European professional teams, coaches and agents.

Through his company “Bouie Basketball” and the camps, clinics and events they run, Rosie helps connect U.S. based basketball to professional playing opportunities overseas.

Very recently, Rosie led a Rochester based groups efforts to bring an NBA developmental league team to Rochester.

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ourteam

Meet the SportsXpress Team - James Mungro James had five productive seasons as a member of the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League. Highlights included scoring multiple touchdowns, in one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history when the Colts erased a 35-14 deficit in the last four minutes of an eventual 38-35 overtime win.

The next season, he caught two of Peyton Manning’s record breaking 49 touchdown passes, including the record-tying 48th against San Diego.

His professional career was culminated with a Super Bowl ring won in Super Bowl XLI against the Chicago Bears.

Tony Dungy quoted, “He did a lot for us, he was our third back and a very good runner. He was a guy who could go in and play tailback and win games for us. He was our starting fullback in short-yardage and goal-line situations and he was a very good special team’s player.” As a student athlete, Mungro

was a four-year letterman at Syracuse University. He had his best year as a senior, running for 1,170 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 2,984 rushing yards and 29 rushing touchdowns were both second all-time at Syracuse. Mungro was named Music City Bowl MVP with 162 yards (including a career-long 86yard burst) and two touchdowns versus Kentucky. He was also selected as the Insight.Com Bowl Offensive Player of the Game, for totaling 112 yards in a victory over Kansas State. He graduated from the Syracuse University, School of Education with a degree in Selected Studies in Education.

high school football career he set 48 team records and was a three-time team MVP. He was both Parade and Street & Smith’s All-American performer, Pennsylvania Big School Player-ofthe-Year as a junior, and his final two seasons. He set the Pennsylvania state record after amassing 8,432 rushing yards and 9,513 all-purpose yards during his career. In 2016, James was inducted into the Pennsylvania State Hall of Fame.

Prior to attending Syracuse University, Mungro attended East Stroudsburg South High School where he played a number sports. He was a competitive wrestler, avid baseball player and valued member of track & field teams. Most notably, during his

Syracuse.SportsXpress.com

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ourteam

Meet the SportsXpress Team - Lawrence Moten Lawrence Moten has recently moved back to Syracuse, New York (his second hometown) and is excited about getting involved with the Community sports scene. Moten attended Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C. and the New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire before playing his college ball at Syracuse University. Playing as a guard/forward, he is the career scoring leader for that school with 2,334 points (surpassing Derek Coleman) and is the Men’s Big East Conference’s alltime leading scorer with 1,405 points,[1] ahead of Troy Bell (BC – 1,388 pts), Terry Dehere (SHU – 1,320 pts), and Chris Mullin (SJU – 1,290 pts). Moten averaged 19.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 2.4

apg over his four-year collegiate career – scoring in double figures in 118 of 121 games. He is the only player to score 500 or more points in four consecutive seasons in Syracuse history and was the first player since Hall of Famer Dave Bing to lead Syracuse in scoring for three straight seasons.

Lawrence’s trademark knee high white socks and smooth style wherein he seemingly always played within the flow of he game earned him the moniker “Poetry in Moten” and helped make him one of the most beloved players in SU basketball’s storied history. As a Freshman, he was the Big East Rookie of the Year, earning 3rd Team Big East Honors and helping Syracuse win the Big East Championship. He was a 3 time 1st Team Big East selection putting him in very rare company. The Year (1992); First Team all Big East 1993-1995.

Moten was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 2nd round (36th overall pick) of the 1995 NBA draft. He played for the Grizzlies for two seasons from 1995–1997 and for the Washington Wizards during the 1997–98 season.

After his NBA career, he played in the CBA and ABA, and in Spain and Venezuela. Lawrence later became the vice president of player development for the Maryland Nighthawks of the ABA. He was the head coach of the Rochester Razorsharks in 2014 and led them to their 4th PBL title. In 2016, Lawrence served as an assistant coach at Gallaudet University while working as a physical education teacher.

He was selected by the Vancouver Grizzlies in the 2nd round (36th overall pick) of the 1995 NBA draft. He played for the Grizzlies for two seasons from 1995–1997 and for the Washington Wizards during the 1997–98 season.

After his NBA career, he played in the CBA and ABA, and in Spain and Venezuela.[3] Moten later became the vice president of player development for the Maryland Nighthawks.

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ourteam

Meet the SportsXpress Team - Dale Shackleford Dale Shackleford was a highly gifted player for the Utica Notre Dame “Jugglers” basketball team. Recruited by more than 200 schools, “Shack” decided to attend nearby Syracuse where he was a rare four-year starter including being the first freshman to start for Coach Roy Danforth. He also started at all five positions at one point or another in his career, including center, notwithstanding his 6’6” frame.

After graduation, Shack was drafted in the 6th round of the NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns but failed to make the team. Not letting that deter him, Shack played professionally in Chile and Italy, before finding his next “home” in England. Shack’s professional career blossomed in the British Basketball league where he played for 10 years, and was a player-coach the last 3 seasons. He was one of the all-time

great players in the league, with the highest career rebound per game average when he retired.

Shack has settled back into Utica where he was inducted into the Utica Hall of Fame in 2004. Serving as an ambassador for both Syracuse University and the City of Utica, he is well connected with both the Sports and Business Conununities in Central New York. He attends as many sporting events as his schedule allows, served as an assistant coach at Herkimer

Community College, does radio and television broadcasting, and works with young basketball players in camps and clinics throughout Central New York. Shack donates countless hours as a motivational speaker stressing core values of hard work and responsibility and assisting with numerous charities and events. At all times, he has his finger on the pulse of the CNY Sport Community lifestyle.

Meet the SportsXpress Team - Perry Noun

Perry Noun is the undisputed “Voice” of the Central New York Golf scene. He is a member of the Golf Writers Association of America and authors golf related content in the Eagle Newspapers and

the CNY Golfer which he serves as the co-publisher. A master at all media, he hosts a radio show “Tee Time with the Pronoun” also serves as co-host of television show “Mark and the Pronoun.” In addition to being an extremely talented golfer, (New York State Super Senior Amateur Champion - Post Standard Senior Amateur Champion) he is an exceptional all-around athlete. He was a Small School All American at Ithaca College IN BOTH football and baseball before spending five years in the Chicago Cubs organization as a professional baseball player. Other honors include being a member of the Ithaca College

Sports Hall of Fame, Edison Club Golf Hall of Fame. We are proud to have the “Pronoun” serve as a Sports Ambassador with Sports Xpress.

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