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Skaneateles Football

State Champions!

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Winter 2018 PUBLISHERS Rob Bennett Rob@SportsXpress.com 315-401-7065 CONTRIBUTORS Ale ’n’ Angus Pub, Dave Meluni, Dreams

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SportsXpress Congratulates SU's Justyn Knight on his NCAA Champtionship Welcome to Syracuse SportsXpress' Winter 2017 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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sportsfiles

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

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Develop your soccer skills with Syracuse Fusion Roosevelt Bouie: Floating to rebound Every day is game day at the Wildcat!

The First Tee of Syracuse Play pickleball at the JCC Wildcats 12U revels in Cooperstown experience

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

04 | Proof of the Community Sport Lifestyle

fromthesidelines

Fans, parents and sports groups share their opinions and experiences.

05 | Do you "hit" your golf balls or "compress" them?

sports@school Highlighting all school sports and athletes.

08 | Gridiron Kings of Skaneateles

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Profiling community sports in words and photographs.

14 | Clay Panthers win State Classic Championship

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Proof of the Power of the Community Sport Lifestyle Publisher's Note by Rob Bennett This fall, I was lucky enough to be front and center for Skaneateles’ run to the Class C New York State Football Championship. It was an unbelievable accomplishment for a tough, devoted group of special young men and an extremely talented coaching staff.

But, as all who are involved with sports know, this run did not begin on August 14th, the first day of practice.

This Championship run began a decade ago, when a group of dedicated parents decided to help turn around a struggling program with dreams of one day watching their sons “Win at the Dome.”

This Championship was the result of many things including Mike Wamp, Julia Wamp, Shawn Comer, Joe Goethe, John Logan, and countless others starting a youth football program in hopes of providing a strong football foundation which kids would carry over into their high school years. It included Tim Green helping to bring in Joe Sindoni and his phenomenal coaching staff including Tim Lee, Tim Brown and Nick Commisso to maximize the talents of the players at the varsity level. It also involved the District’s Administration, Board of Education, Superintendent Ken Slentz, Athletic Directors Mike Major and Steve Musso, and High School Principal Greg Santoro providing the support necessary to allow success. But, most importantly, it included the Skaneateles Community embracing these kids and supporting them all the way through Championship run, culminated by Senior Captains T.J. Greenfield, Jacob Nesbitt, Jon Ricklefs and Scotty Oshner raising the State Championship Plaque in front of thousands of members of the “SKANEATELES FOOTBALL FAMILY” at

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the Dome.

The Skaneateles Football State Championship epitomizes that if you work hard, reach for the stars and go ALL IN, at times, dreams can come true. It again demonstrates that very few things in Coach Mike Wamp with son Nick Wamp this world bring people together like local sport activities.

While mainstream media continues us all through the POWER OF THE to focus on negatives, seemingly in COMMUNITY SPORT LIFESTYLE. an effort to divide us, SportsXpress will always stay positive to connect

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fromthesidelines

Do you “hit” your golf balls or “compress” them?

Article and photo by Perry Noun David Leadbetter has been one of the best golf instructors in the country for as many years as I can remember.

This November, he received the PGA of America “Best Teacher of the Year” award. When I first heard about this, I was almost shocked because I couldn’t believe he had not received this award twenty years ago. After all, he has taught so many world class golfers in history, including Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Ernie Els, Lydia Ko and Michelle Wie. After all, he built and currently manages 30 golf academies around the world.

After all, he has been teaching for over

50 years and has written eight highly acclaimed golf instruction books.

Leadbetter says, “Anytime you’ve got a 7, 8, or 9 iron in your hands for your approach shot, you’ve got a real opportunity to knock it close.”

He also says, “If you want to hit it the desired trajectory, yardage and direction — and get it to spin when it lands so it holds the green — you need to hit down on it and ‘compress’ the ball.”

Mr. Leadbetter believes there are four steps to “get the best out of your short irons.”

2. Lean in...

1. Shift left...

He wants us to practice this downward strike by laying a golf tee on the ground a few inches behind the ball on our target line. Our goal is to swing so that we avoid hitting the tee. When we can consistently do this, we will compress the ball with spin and watch it hit the green near the flag and stop.

At impact he wants the grip end of our club to be leaning toward the target — about over our front foot. Just like pre-setting our weight forward, we should lean the handle slightly forward to better prepare for the hit.

3. Cover up...

Another way to make sure we are not “hanging” on our back foot at impact is to make sure our shirt buttons are over the ball at impact.

4. Groove it...

He wants us to put more weight on our front foot at address to avoid the tendency of favoring our back foot when we swing. He recommends we have about 60 percent of our weight supported by our front leg.

My thoughts...

Putting 60 percent of our weight on the front foot at address is not a popular concept with most teaching professionals. Just ask them. This sounds a lot like the “Stack and Tilt” system of the golf swing developed

by Andy Plummer and Mike Bennett.

Google them. I must admit, during one of my “trial and error” practice sessions about two months ago, I ended up with most of my weight on my front foot at address by accident, just before I started my backswing. It works! I am now consciously trying to put my weight forward at address. The sound of the club compressing the ball is exhilarating. I haven’t tried the tee-onthe-ground thing yet, but I intend to give it a shot the next time I am at the range.

Unless you clearly understand the fundamentals of the “Single Plane” swing, “Two Plane” swing, and the “Stack and Tilt” concept, please seek the knowledge and experience of a PGA Golf Professional before you experiment with anything you hear or read — even in this column. If you want to impress, compress!

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sportsfiles

Develop your soccer skills with Syracuse Fusion Article and photos

by Syracuse Fusion Soccer The Syracuse Fusion Soccer Club is dedicated to developing the soccer skills of athletes in the Central New York 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.

Fusion operates out of a 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 Fusion staff offices. Fusion currently has 18 teams ranging from U7 through U18 Boys and Girls. Within each age group we have various levels of ability.

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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. There is a spot in this organization for everyone!

Our Dan Kincaid was named the 2016 New York West Girls Competitive Coach of the Year, nominated for his outstanding work with the U18 Pyxis team. He coached and mentored that group since they were U12 and developed them into one of the top teams for their age group in NYW. Each year he has continuously pushed this group of talented young ladies to be better as they have progressed through local leagues, state level leagues, and finally onto regional level leagues last year, as well as competing and winning many tournament titles along the way.

Coach Dan is a players’ coach who truly cares and puts time into getting to know each of his players. That, along with his knowledge of the game, has made Dan a very successful coach and mentor. As those girls have gone off to college, Dan will devote his time with the U16/17 Velocity and U13 Helix

group in the coming years.

Contact us today by email at SyracuseFusionSoccer@gmail.com or on the web at www.syracusefusion soccerclub.com.

sportsfiles

Roosevelt Bouie: Floating to rebound Article and photos by David Brickman, owner of Bodymind Float Center At seven feet tall, Roosevelt Bouie is a gentle giant — if you meet him off the court. He speaks quietly, and he laughs a lot. “When you get used to feeling good, you want to feel good all the time. I live a clean life. I don’t drink; I don’t smoke; I take care of myself.

I’ve tried everything. The thing that impressed me the most was floating.”

Bouie led the Syracuse Orangemen to four NCAA tournaments and played in Italy’s top professional league where he was a five-time all-star player.

“I was very methodical with my fitness during my playing career. I had my own stationary bike, stair climber, whirlpool, ultrasound, heating lamps. I took really good care of myself. I would stretch for a half hour before and after practice.

“Once I hurt my back when my chiropractor was on tour with the Italian national soccer team. Athletes will do whatever it takes to feel better. I knew someone who had a float tank. I had nothing to lose, so I gave it a try. I got in the tank and closed the door. Five minutes later I was asleep. I remember dreaming in technicolor. I woke and wondered what position my body

was in, something athletes generally know at all times.

I imagined I was lying with my legs together and my arms at my sides.

To my surprise, I discovered I was spread out and totally relaxed. I arched my back and, to my amazement, my entire spine cracked, from my neck to my lower back. It was the most incredible thing. When I got out of the tank the pain was gone and I was totally rejuvenated. It changed my whole outlook.”

Bouie still vividly recalls the demands of playing professionally.

“During a game, you work your muscles to the extreme. Afterwards you have to detox. We’d have a day and a half off. Then we’d practice just to break a sweat and get rid of some of the toxins. If I could have floated, it would have relieved me of all the toxins, all the stiffness. I wouldn’t have lost that day and a half. I could have done that in one hour in a float tank!”

Bouie is convinced that floatation therapy is a boon to the serious athlete.

“It would definitely be beneficial to players. Once I tried a float tank, I wanted to have one in my house so I

could use it every day. When I was hurt, I would go into a game feeling like I was wearing a heavy suit.” He laughs, “After floating, I felt like, ‘You better stay out of my way!' Being an athlete, you want to feel the best you can every day, all day-and you strive to do that. I know that if an athlete tries floating, they’re going to like it. If I had known about floating during my career, I would have played four or five more years.”

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sports@school

Gridiron Kings of Skaneateles

Article by Phil Blackwell, photos by Joe Goethe Speak of Skaneateles, and a quaint, beautiful village on a lake springs to mind, beautiful and busy in all seasons, whether relaxing on boats in the summer or recalling Charles Dickens during December’s holiday festivities. High school sports matters, too, though it’s usually hockey or lacrosse or soccer that takes first priority in this village, for good reason, given all the championships those Lakers teams have won. Football? Sure, it provided a mild entertainment on fall Friday evenings, but other than a pair of Section III titles two decades apart, it was nothing to brag about.

Until 2017, that is.

Indifference and disinterest was replaced by a football fever stoked by a proven group of coaches led by Joe Sindoni, and executed to near-perfection by record-setting quarterback Patrick Hackler and a talented supporting cast, and the end result was a state Class C championship, secured November 24 at the Carrier Dome when Skaneateles defeated Section II’s Holy Trinity with a large and loud group of Lakers locals cheering them on. In some ways, this was a dream deferred from earlier in the decade, when a brighter spotlight on the Skaneateles brought glory — and pain.

Sindoni was an assistant on coach Tim Green’s 2011 Lakers team that tore

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through an undefeated season, only to get thrown out of the sectional Class C playoffs for the use of alleged ineligible players. A year later, Sindoni took over as head coach, and Skaneateles did win a sectional title, just the second in program history, but didn’t go far in the state tournament, pounced on by powerhouse Chenango Forks.

When Sindoni returned to start his second head coaching stint at Skaneateles in 2015, it was in Class B, struggling with low participation numbers and getting overwhelmed by most of its opposition. By the end of 2016, injuries and other issues left the Lakers with less than 20 healthy players.

Then the enrollment numbers changed again, and for 2017, Skaneateles was back in Class C, just as enthusiasm for football was rekindled. Nearly 40 players would man the roster by season’s end.

More importantly, the key players on offense had gelled into a lethal unit.

Hackler, who had shown plenty of promise under center as a sophomore in 2016, had three top-flight receivers, senior Cross Bianchi, junior Nate Wellington, and sophomore Nick Wamp, who were equally capable of producing big plays. And if defenders spread out, running back Areh Boni could pile up yards, or, failing that, Hackler could use his speed to dart out of the pocket and make everyone chase him. Anchoring it all was a tremendous offensive line.

T.J. Greenfield, returned from an injury that sidelined him for all of 2016,

anchored one tackle spot and 6-foot-7 Scott Oschner anchored the other, with Jon Ricklefs, Nate Squires and Jimmy Liberatore working between them.

The first game of this championship season was designed for a grand occasion, though it wasn't for Skaneateles. Jordan-Elbridge was christening a new turf field at John Howes Stadium, but the Lakers spoiled the occasion with 28 first quarter points and a 59–13 romp that hinted at the glory ahead.

In the five games that followed, no opponent scored more than two touchdowns as the Lakers outscored them by a combined 222–53 margin, locking up the Class C West division in the process. Yet it was a loss that may have convinced Skaneateles of what it could do. Against eventual sectional Class B champion Homer, the Lakers led going into the fourth quarter, only to have the Trojans pull it out. Angry as they were about that 28–21 defeat, the Lakers took both encouragement from the way they stood up to Homer, and a lesson: A championship team finishes strong, no matter what the situation.

Two weeks later, in a tough sectional semifinal against undefeated Canastota, a pattern was established.

Skaneateles would fall behind the Raiders 21–14, but it would make the plays down the stretch and get key defensive stops, too, to win another 28–21 decision. More drama followed after Hackler’s seven-TD effort — five

sports@school

passing, and two runs including a 98-yarder — pushed the Lakers past General Brown 66–27 in the sectional final at the Dome.

The regional game between Skaneateles and defending state champion Newark Valley featured the Lakers rallying from an early 14–0 deficit, and then nearly surrendering a 42–28 lead in the final minutes. Only

when the Lakers' defense (led by Sr. linebacker Jacob Nesbitt) stopped Newark Valley inches short of a winning twopoint conversion did it escape 42–41, only to head right to a state semifinal with Cleveland Hill that turned into the highest-scoring game in the state football tournament’s 25-year history.

By now, Hackler had surpassed CBA great Greg Paulus with a single-season state-record 45 touchdown passes, but he added five more in the first half against Cleveland Hill, and the Lakers still trailed 50–35 at the break, its defense carved up by a lethal Eagles ground attack. What followed was as remarkable as anything that preceded it. Unable to stop anything early, Skaneateles turned around and did not surrender a touchdown in the second half and recovered three Cleveland Hill fumbles. What’s more, Hackler scored on long TD runs of 73, 86 and 54 yards, giving him 356 yards on the ground to go with the 310 passing yards he mostly put up in the first half. Add it all

up, and it was a 63–56 Skaneateles win over Cleveland Hill, the Lakers earning a return trip to the Carrier Dome and a chance, against Holy Trinity in the state final, to achieve the biggest prize of all.

Naturally, the grand finale included some drama. Hackler threw three interceptions, but also threw for three more TD’s to give him 53 for the season and, more importantly, was content to hand off to Boni, who broke tackles all through his 29-carry, 176-yard effort. Once more, the defense came up with timely stops, thwarting a late Holy Trinity comeback and preserving a 28–25 win.

Put together, the Lakers’ three state tournament wins were by a combined 11 points, but that didn’t matter one bit to a happy group of players, coaches and fans in white, blue and gold. Together, they rode back to Skaneateles that night, the team bus receiving an escort into the village by a convoy of fire trucks, sirens wailing. The indifference and mediocrity of the past was gone, forever.

sportsfiles

Every day is game day at the Wildcat!

Article by the Wildcat, pictures by SportsXpress We are a full service, pizza/sports pub that serves only 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.

Catering to the community sports lifestyle, we offer a family friendly atmosphere where our customers can watch their favorite teams on tv or play their own games ranging from darts, corn hole, beach volleyball, trivia, basketball and more.

We hope to have every customer who comes through our doors leave impressed by The Wildcat and excited to come back again. Come hang out, eat and PLAY with us at the Wildcat Pizza

Pub, 3680 Milton Avenue (Hope Depot Plaza), Camillus, NY. Call 315-487-2222 or email Dan@WildcatPizzaPub.com.

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The First Tee of Syracuse The First Tee is an international youth development organization introducing the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. 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.

The First Tee uses golf to teach youth life lessons and leadership skills.

Sessions include a fun, group setting for youth ages 7 to 18 regardless of background or previous experience.

Teaming up with experts in positive youth development, The First Tee helps youth become good golfers and even better people.

A youth program unlike any other The First Tee emphasizes Nine Core Values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy, and good judgment. Through golf and our core values, your kids and teens will learn life skills like: •

Making proper introductions

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Managing emotions

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Resolving conflicts

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Setting up step-by-step goals

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Planning for the future

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Appreciating diversity

Advancing through the program From age 7 through 18, youth progress through different levels by demonstrating The First Tee Nine Core Values, life and golf skills as well as passing an assessment. All participants regardless of age start at the PLAYer level. The pinnacle of The First Tee is completing Ace. •

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PLAYer (required minimum age 7) — Tee up for the first time and learn the game of golf and The First Tee’s Code of Conduct.

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Article and photos by The First Tee

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Par (recommended minimum age 9) — Focus on interpersonal and self-management skills on and off the course.

Tee to be some of the most important mentors I had growing up.” –alumnus

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Birdie (recommended minimum age 11) — Emphasis on setting goals and making them a reality.

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Eagle (recommended minimum age 13) — Learn resilience, conflict resolution, and future planning.

The First Tee coaches are trained to create positive relationships that inspire youth to discover their individual potential. Our programs help young people build confidence, develop respect and appreciate the value of giving back to our community, all while learning the lifelong sport of golf.

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Ace (required minimum age 14 or entering 9th grade) — Put it all together and hone in on setting goals, career education, and giving back to the community.

Ask us about scholarships for financial need.

The power of relationships “I consider my coaches at The First

5050 Jamesville Road Jamesville, New York 13078 (315) 991-8567 thefirstteeofsyracuse@gmail.com

sportsfiles

Play pickleball at the JCC

Article and photos by Will Wallak Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America. What’s pickleball? It’s a racquet sport that is a combination of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s suitable for all ages, all fitness levels, and all skill levels. And, you can now play pickleball at the Sam Pomeranz Jewish Community Center of Syracuse in DeWitt.

This past summer, JCC of Syracuse’s Neulander Family Sports & Fitness Center began offering pickleball play on its two outdoor tennis courts. Now that the winter weather has shut down outdoor pickleball, the JCC recently opened an indoor pickleball court in

Start getting fit in the new Year

its gymnasium. Indoor pickleball court times are Mondays from 7 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 9:15 a.m., Fridays from 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The indoor court may be reserved in 45-minute blocks. Outdoor pickleball play will resume in the spring once the weather permits.

Pickleball paddles and balls are available to use free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Pickleball is free for JCC Fitness members.

The charge for non-members is $5 per person. Court reservations are suggested by calling 315-234-4522. “We are excited to offer pickleball to our members and the community alike,� said Patrick Scott, JCC sports & fitness director. “Pickleball is an exciting, fast-paced game that’s a lot of fun and great exercise, and it’s just starting to become popular in this area. Bringing

pickleball play indoors here at the JCC is very convenient for those who want to continue playing all winter long.�

Pickleball was born more than 50 years ago by some friends in Washington State who didn’t have the right equipment to play badminton.

The game can be played as singles or doubles on a court similar in size to a badminton court with a slightly modified tennis net. Besides the court, the only other equipment required is paddles similar to ping pong paddles and a ball similar to a waffle ball.

Pickleball is easy to learn and has been called “addictive� by those who regularly play. It’s a game of finesse, precision, and thinking, making it a level playing field for all ages to compete against each other.

For more information about pickleball at the JCC Sports & Fitness Center, call 315-234-4522, or email Patrick Scott at pscott@jccsyr.org.

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Wildcats 12U revels in Cooperstown experience

Article and photos by Dave Meluni, photo by Dreams Park The 2017 Camillus Wildcats 12U baseball team had the privilege of playing this past August 18th through the 24th at prestigious Cooperstown Dreams Park. Camillus was one of 104 teams representing 17 different states and Canada.

The Wildcats were made up of 13 players that live in Camillus. They were led by head coach Dave Meluni along with assistant coaches John Bubb and Matt Korzeniewski. The Camillus team went into Cooperstown with a 5–1 record with victories over Syracuse Baseball Club, the Syracuse Spartans, and Cazenovia.

The Wildcats played six pool play games before getting seeded in a single elimination 104 team bracket. Camillus Softball and Baseball Association has supported a Cooperstown team for their kids for the last five years. No team prior to the 2017 team has come home with more than one victory. Camillus played against teams from six different states in their pool play games.

This year was different. The Wildcats began play on Sunday August 20th with a victory over the Newtown (PA) Blue Dawgs 8–5. Newtown went on to reach the Elite 8 of the tournament. Camillus then followed up on Sunday with a 22–10 victory over the Darien Blue Sharks of Connecticut.

Monday morning saw a matchup with the Cyclones of East Bay California where the Wildcats fell 7–3. Monday evening, the ‘Cats were back in action against the Bagel Bombers of Milton, DE. The Wildcats fell to the Bombers 16–3. The Bombers advanced to the Sweet 16 of Cooperstown. The Milton, DE kids were also the same team that advanced to the Little League Mid-Atlantic Regionals as Delaware state champions, one tournament championship away from Williamsport and the Little League World Series.

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sportsfiles Tuesday saw the Wildcats bounce back with an 18–9 victory over the Southwick (MA) Rams followed by an afternoon slugfest loss 28–15 to the Harrison Huskies (NY) where a combined 13 home runs were hit, and the Wildcats counted 7 of them.

Harrison finished as the 13th-overall seed, advancing to the round of 32.

Camillus finished pool play with a 3–3 record, good enough to be tied for 44th place; however, with tie-breakers they ended up as the number 58 seed where they would take on the number 89 seeded Easton (MA) Americans.

Camillus came out victorious 14–8. The

runs, and a .425 batting average. They also stole 21 bases and were never thrown out.

The 2017 Camillus Wildcats 12U Cooperstown team made some history Coach Dave Meluni that will be cherished for many years to come.

Wildcats then were one out away from victory over the number 43 seeded Webster Warthogs out of Rochester when they just came up short on a walkoff home run to end their Cooperstown adventure.

Camillus finished the week with four victories and memories for a lifetime.

“We played some very good teams in Cooperstown, our kids were up to the challenge, I am so proud of all of them. I had a blast and can’t wait to come back in 2018,” said head coach Dave Meluni.

The Wildcats finished the week with 27 home runs, 97 hits, 70 RBI’s, 87

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Clay Panthers win State Classic

Article by Rhiannan White and photos

by Clay Panthers On Sunday, November 19, 2017, the Clay Panthers Junior Pee Wee Football Team won the Empire State Classic Championship at Union College.

Amazingly, of the 19 members of Coach Ben White’s winning roster, 15 were new to the program this season. In the first two rounds of the State Tournament, the Panthers took out the Greece Chargers and Carthage Bears by scores of 25–8 and 34–6. Their domination continued in the Championship Game in which they defeated the Westchester Jets 26–6.

But the success on the field was just a part of the Panthers’ amazing experience.

The athletes stayed in a hotel the night before and did many team building activities. They enjoyed a team dinner, a football game in the pool, a movie, and games. Coach White gave a final team pep talk before sending the players off to get a good night's sleep. Players met up in the morning for breakfast and face painting before the game. These players have built amazing friendships that extend beyond the field. It was an outstanding experience that they will remember forever.

The Panthers have worked hard to build a program promoting a strong foundation and love of the sport, while never losing sight of the importance of a focused mentally and a positive attitude.

The Panthers have wonderfully dedicated

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coaches, supportive parents and families, and players that have worked incredibly hard this season. Throughout its winning ways, the team has shown wonderful sportsmanship and respect for each other, their coaches, and their opponents.

The coaching staff has weekly meetings and they work incredibly hard to tailor practices to the needs of the athletes.

Athletes are constantly participating in drills to improve and perfect important skills, watching film of their past games to see their successes and visually understand their weaknesses, and new plays and formations are integrated often, with athletes taking home playbooks to study. The coaches are supportive and foster each individual athlete in finding success in their position.

Congratulations to the Clay Panthers Jr. Pee Wee Football Team, your 2017 Empire State Champions. The Panthers also want you to know they were also very proud of and excited for two other local Pop Warner Teams, Eastwood and Kirk Park that won Championships in their divisions.

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