On July 1, 2010 New Hartford's Minor League Gold Division All Star's defeated Marcy-Deerfield, 16-8 to win the tournament hosted by Mt. Carmel / East Utica Little League.  The double elimination format featured teams from Clinton, East Utica, New York Mills, Whitestown, Sauquoit, West Utica and South Utica.

New Hartford finished with a 4-1 record and included an extra innings victory as well as a walk-off win on a steal of home.  The team featured strong defense, excellent pitching and timely hitting.

2010 Mt. Carmel Tournamet Champs-New Hartford

Team members were Jack Angelucci, Steve Burgess, Matt Chiffy, Ricky Falvo, Garrett Jones, Joe Kelly, Nick Lemire, Bill Locke, Joe Luscomb, Frank Mondi, Matt Nerber, Frank Policelli and Angelo Singisgalli.  They were managed by Vito Singisgalli, with Mark Angelucci, Dennis Jones and Joe Kelly as coaches.

MHTS is proud to salute local athletes from all across the Mohawk Valley. If you know of anyone who excels, at any leve,l be sure to drop us a line and we will feature them in our Hometown Happenings column.

To have your favorite athlete or team featured just drop us a line and a digital photo and we'll do the rest.

Send an e-mail to fredmiller@myhometownsports.net.



The latest Hometown Happenings come to us from a proud father, Paul Ziarko, who would like to spread the news about the Sherrill Cardinals baseball team. The Sherrill Cardinals recently won the well acclaimed 12U Syracuse Sports Zone Academy Invitational Tournament held at DeLutis Baseball Complex in Rome,N.Y.

The team also competed in the Eastern New York Travel Baseball league this year against teams from Albany, Syracuse and Utica.

Their league leading record of 12-2 earned them first place in the Gold Division for the 12u.

The team is preparing for the 12U Buffalo Wing Summer Bash Tournament and Cooperstown Dreams Park tournament in August. The team is comprised of ball players from Vernon Verona Sherrill, Camden and New Hampshire.

2010 Sports Zone Tourney Champs-Sherrill Cardinals

Team members are:

Front row:

Christian Tiffin (asst.), Davey Moffett, Justin DeWolfe, John Bickom, Donald Coffin, Wyatt Hasty (asst.);

Back row:

Steve Davis (Asst. Coach), Ryan McNamara, Betty Alsheimer (Asst. Coach), Matt Nell, Andrew Houde, Julian Moffett, Mike Brown, Nicholas Melchiore, Ben Ziarko, Robbie Moffett (Head Coach), Tim Beal(asst.), Todd Cutrie (Performance Advisor)

MHTS is proud to salute local athletes from all across the Mohawk Valley. If you know of anyone who excels, at any leve,l be sure to drop us a line and we will feature them in our Hometown Happenings column.

To have your favorite athlete or team featured just drop us a line and a digital photo and we'll do the rest.

Send an e-mail to fredmiller@myhometownsports.net.



The latest MHTS Hometown Happenings come to us from Rome. Last weekend the Junior Spirit girls 12U softball team took part in and won the 2010 Pirate Pillage Softball Tournament held at Wankel Field in Utica.The girls came back strong from an early loss and brought home the hardware. If you have a Hometown Happening to share just drop us a line and we'll do the rest.

ROME JUNIOR SPIRIT WINS 2010 PIRATE PILLAGE12-U SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

Submitted by: Rich Viti

More than just the hot weather cooled down on Sunday afternoon thanks to a little Spirit!

Just 24 hours earlier the humidity in the air was an oppressive 70% and the Junior Spirit 12 and under girls fast pitch softball team was hammered in a 15-run rule shortened game by the Mohawk Valley Lady Pirates 19-1 at Wankel Field in Utica.

But just like the weather, Sunday's championship game between the same two teams would be a different story thanks in part to the gutsy pitching performance of 12 year old Peyton Cole, timely hitting, and one great defensive gem after another as the Rome Jr. Spirit girls upset the powerful Mohawk Valley Lady Pirates 9-8 in 8 innings.

Peyton Cole pitched all eight innings and held the Lady Pirates to 8 runs over 8 innings, a far cry from the 19 runs in 4 innings just 24 hours earlier; she had 6 strikeouts and only 3 walks.

Along with celebrating the big tourney win this weekend Peyton will also celebrate her 13th birthday on Tuesday. Happy birthday Peyton!

If the Lady Pirates did manage to reach first base, Cole's battery mate Allison Lockwood would keep them from reaching second as she threw out 3 Lady Pirates attempting to steal throughout the game.

Emily Beach had 2 hits and 2 RBI's along with Jen Tasco, Alex Kimmel, and Lockwood with 2 hits each leading the offense for the Rome team.

Just goes to show, no matter how big the task..... A little spirit and a lot of guts can go a long way!

2010 Pirate Pillage Tourney 12U Champs Rome Junior Spirit

 














Left to right:
Front Row: Olivia Deraway, Jenn Tasco, Allison Lockwood, Peyotn Cole,Jessica Livesey, Kasey Simpson,Mercedez Birine.
Back Row: Alex Guiliano, Equipment Manager: Joe Guiliano, Coach Alex Kimmel, Juliana Piemonte, Emily Reilly, Annika Guiliano, Emily Beach, Coach: Micheal Deraway.



Seems there is a storm brewing in the local baseball ranks. A proud parent sent us an e-mail about the Red Storm Baseball Team that recently won a 15U PONY League Section Tournament. The team with players from  Vernon Verona Sherrill
 and Oneida now has a chance to play in a tournament with teams from all across the country.

Read all about it and go Red Storm.

Front row- Mark Iseneker, Josh Albro, Cody Sullivan, Jesse Whitmeyer, and Bud Bowers.

Back Row- Coach Lloyd Quick, Jordan Koons, Mitch Cavanagh, Collin Laguzza, James Flagler, Dalton Cousin, Josh Webb, and Coach Bill Iseneker.
 

July 2010, Sherrill NY

The Storm 15U Travel Baseball Team comprised of players from Vernon, Verona, Sherrill, Oneida and Camden are the ENYTB (Eastern N.Y. Travel Ball) League Champions. The team also participated in an Albany tournament to determine who would represent the league in a state competition in Trenton New Jersey.

The Storm baseball team won the tournament and is going to Trenton on July 30^th to represent the ENYTB league and compete with other ENYTB teams from other parts of the country.

The Storm players are very excited to have earned this title and want to represent Central New York well. Storm baseball is a group of dedicated baseball players and parents who believe that hard work and community support is the root of their success.

In order to maintain that hierarchy of expectation, Storm baseball is looking for any donations or sponsors that could assist with their drive and determination to walk away winners.

If you are interested in supporting Storm Baseball please call 315-363-3468 or email lwebb27@gmail.com.

Got word this weekend that several members of the Rome Free Academy girls varsity Field Hockey team had a great weekend of action as they won a tournament held in Camden. Not only did the girls win, they went a perfect 7-0 to bring home the crown.

Congratulations to the team and good luck at RFA next season. If you know of a  Hometown Happening just send us a short note and a photo and we'll do the rest.

RFA Varsity Field Hockey players participated in the Camden tournament this weekend (7-17-7-18).  The girls went 7-0 defeating all of their opponents; Camden A, Morrsville Eaton, Holland Patent, Camden B,  and Baldwinsville.  Great Job Girls !!

Back Row:  Delaney Hughes, Autumn Swavely, Alexia Sanzone, Elizabeth Silver.

MHTS is proud to salute local athletes from all across the Mohawk Valley. If you know of anyone who excels at any level be sure to drop us a line and we will feature them in our Hometown Happenings column.

To have your favorite athlete featured just drop us a line and a digital photo and we'll do the rest.

Send an e-mail to fredmiller@myhometownsports.net.



A proud and excited coach, Jerry Albanese, sent us an e-mail to let us know about the latest Hometown Happenings. His team went out and won a New York State title on Sunday. Here is the message: Hi Everyone.The Utica Sluggers are Champs again! Back to Back Titles!!!!! The Utica Sluggers, 16U Girls Fastpitch Softball Team defended their New York State Eastern Regional ASA Tournament Championship at Kost Field, in Rome this weekend.

When the diamond dust settled the Sluggers had defended their title and won their second straight New York State Championship.

This year, the Sluggers, were seeded second out of 18 team field that competed in Rome this weekend.

Here is the path the Sluggers took to the title:

At 12:00 noon against the 16 seed, Waring Track Heat, (Albany, NY)

Sweet Sixteen
Alyssa Balfe was 4 for 4, with 3 RBIs lead the hit attack for the Sluggers.  Katrina Jones, earned win, giving up 5 hits, and striking out 5.
                             1 2 3 4 5 R  H  E
Sluggers                  2 1 7 4 3 17 18 2
Warning Track Heat   2 0 0 0 0 2  5  4
WP: Katrina Jones
LP: K. Miller
2B: Sluggers, Kate Connelly, Alyssa Balfe, Tierney Buckley, Delaney Buckley (2)
3B: Sluggers, Connelly, Balfe
    Heat, L. Simmons

At 2:00 pm against the Oswego Pride, the 8th seed.
Elite Eight
Sluggers' Nicolina LaBalle, 2 run triple in the bottom of the 4th, tied the game up, and scored on Tierney Buckley single to give the Sluggers the lead.  Stephanie Siriano earned the victory, striking out 7, walked 1 and gave up 6 hits.  

                 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H  E
Pride          3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 6  3
Sluggers     0 0 1 4 1 3 x 9 12 2
WP: Stephanie Siriano
LP: M. Koltada
2B: Tierney Buckley, Stephanie Siriano
3B: Sluggers, Alyssa Balfe, Delaney Buckley, Nicolina Labella

At 4:15 pm against the Attack Extreme (Glens Falls, NY)
Semi Final each team 3rd game of the day. 
Sluggers' Siriano and Balfe lead the Sluggers hit attack with 3 hits apiece, as the Sluggers played small ball against tired Attack Extreme.    
                1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H  E
Sluggers     0 3 1 0 3 0 2 9 17 2
Attack        0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 5  2
WP: Brittany Pogoda
LP: Amy Enny
2B: Delaney Buckley, Stephanie Siriano

Championship Game
At 6:15 pm against the #4 seed, Rochester Lady Lions. A rematch from the pool bracket play, the Lady Lions were looking poised as they lead three different times. 

It was not until the bottom of the sixth, when the Sluggers rallied.  With one out, Sluggers' Jordan Mitchell's 2 run double, put the Sluggers ahead for good with 4 to 3 lead. Katrina Jones, pitched the Utica to the victory with a 4 hit, 1 walk, 4 strike out performance.  It was her second win of the day.  
  
                    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H  E
Lady Lions      0 1 1 0 1 0 2 3 6  0
Sluggers         0 1 1 0 0 3 x 5 11 1
WP: Katrina Jones
LP: Zimmerman
2B: Sluggers, Jordan Mitchell, Alyssa Balfe
    Lady Lions, S. Tallman

It was an exciting day.  Please let everyone know what the Utica Sluggers' girls did that is hard to achieve.  Back to Back titles.
 
Team members are:
Tierney Buckley (2nd Title)
Delaney Buckley (2nd Title)
Alyssa Haddad, (2nd Title)
Alyssa Balfe
Stephanie Siriano
Nicolina LaBella (2nd Title)
Kate Connelly (2nd Title)
Cara Mootz (2nd Title)
Jordan Mitchell
Bianca Pavia
Brittany Pogoda (2nd Title)
Katrina Jones (2nd Title)
Jordan Diperna (2nd Title)
Marianna Maliani

Head Coach Jerry Albanese
Assistant Coaches, Dave Scarlino and Dave Haddad

The latest Hometown Happenings come from the Cal Ripken Baseball League in Rome. The Minor and Major Division playoffs just wrapped up and champs have been crowned. Congratulations to Pediatric Associates for their Minor League Division Crown. Varflex won the Major Division and wrapped up a great post season run.

Rome Youth Baseball 2010 Minor League Champs





















Rome Youth Baseball - "Cal Ripen" Minor 60, 2010 League Champions

Team Name: Pediatric Associates

Back Row: Coach Dan McMonagle, Dante Cruz, Joseph Reno, Nathan Kerber,
Brandon Puccio, Coach Ed McMonagle
Middle Row: Coach Matt Yager, Nigel Yates, Ben McMonagle, Brandon Garcia,
Coach Greg Puccio
Front Row: Team Captain's; Dante Cummings, Matthew Yager, Ben Minicozzi

Missing from photo: Jerry Esposito, Joseph Esposito







Rome Youth Baseball 2010 Major League Champs



















 
Rome Youth Baseball - "Cal Ripen" Major 70, 2010 League Tournament Champions

Team Name: Varflex

Back Row: Coach Mark Minicozzi Sr, Nick Johnson, Troy Peters, Tom Scherer,
Dylan Finley, Coach Jerry Switzer Jr
Middle Row: Jake Quackenbush, Joe Ackerman, Aaron DiMezzo, Derek Switzer
Front Row: Andrew Franklin, Mark Minicozzi Jr, Shane Bilicki 

Missing from photo: Isaiah Turner



The latest Hometown Happenings reported to us have to do with this weekend's Rome Lady Rebel Shamrock Shootout girls basketball tourney. Every year teams travel from all across the state to compete in this great event. The Shamrock Shootout grows in stature each and every year. Several local teams did themselves proud this weekend in Rome. Congratulations to tourney organizers on another great event.
 

LOCAL TEAMS SHINE IN SHAMROCK SHOOTOUT

The Rome Lady Rebels hosted the eighth annual Shamrock Shootout Girl's AAU Basketball Tournament this past weekend.

Eleven Champions were crowned in various age divisions . Three Rome teams won Championships.

The 12 year old Rome Lady Rebels coached by Craig Anken won the White Division with a 3-1 record.

The Rome Lady Rebels 14 year old team coached by Chris Steurrys won the Gold Division with a 4-0 record.











 
The Tri Valley Thunder 16 year olds coached by Nick D'Argenio won the Blue Division with a 4-0 record.
 
The Utica Lady Knicks won 4 Division Titles:The 11 yr olds coached by Tim Madden ; The 12's coached by Dennis Brenon; The 13yr olds coached by Mike Doggett and the 16 yr olds coached by Crystal Bass.
 
Other Division Winners were: The Ladies of Catskill Mtn.-14 yr olds Green Division Whipple City Magic - 14 yr olds Gold Division Ontario Storm 15 yr olds-Silver Division Southern Tier NY Flyers-15 yr old- Black Division.

The Tournament field consisted of 53 teams in ten Divisions and 106 games in two days at seven sites around the City.



Tourney title and RFA did the same at the Sally Page Tournament played at Kost Field in Rome. Congratulations to both teams from MHTS. If your team deserves some attention drop us a note and we'll do the rest.


Holland Patent Golden Knights-2010 Tom Maurer Tournament Champions!

















L-R: front row: Lexi Lyon ,Heather Partyka,Sylvia Ross,Korey Bunal back row: Coach Tim Sears,Fallon Reinold,Brittany Lenaghen,Aubree Kotary,Randi Strumpfler,Briana Carmen,Melanie Gerace,Karlene Freiermuth,Coach Kim DeHimer,missing from photo Dani Sandbrook.



The Golden Knights beat Herkimer 5-2 and Adirondack 2-1 to win the event.





2010 Sally Page Champions Rome Free Academy Black Knights!


















Team members:  Allyson Eggan, Alexis Zakala, Melody Gifford, Kaysie Gregory, Amanda Ingham, Nikki Kiefer, Kelly Miller, Danielle Pauba, Jenna Rolf, Halie Schoff, Leigh Shoemaker, Stacie Shoemaker, Courtney Tasco, Hannah Wasco. Coach Jerry Talbot.



RFA beat Fayetteville-Manlius 4-3 and Carthage 16-0 to win the tourney.

The latest Hometown Happenings involve the Women's Track and Field team from HCCC. The women went out and won themselves an NCAA Championship. Congratulations from MHTS. If know of a team making news, simply send us a photo and a short write up about their accomplishments. We'll do the rest!

The Herkimer women's track and field team captured their second national championship in Columbia, MD.  They won their first national championship in 2008.  The women edged out rival Mohawk Valley CC  112.5 points to 110 points.  Head coach Sharon Howell was named coach of the meet.

2010 National Champions-HCCC Women's Track & Field Team

As the winter season comes to a close MHTS has some late season news to pass along. Four Youth Hockey teams from the area recently closed out great seasons. Read all about the exploits of these local boys and girls squads with the latest MHTS Hometown Happenings.

If you have some news to share just drop us a line along with a digital photo and we will spread the word.

Don Vetter Spring Shootout Champs

Rome Grizzlie Bantams skate to tourney win to wrap up season!

The Rome Grizzlie Bantam Team ended their season by winning an exciting finals in a shootout 2-1 at The Don Vetter Spring Shootout against Olean. The tournament was held in Canandaigua, N. Y. March 19-21 2010

Don Vetter Tourney Champs-Rome Bantams

Team members include: Jarred Luczak, Justin Losowski,Thomas Harding,Catherine Rood, Dylan Fournier, George Netzband, Immanuel Carter, David Carroll, Cody Kilmartin, Wyatt Eldred, Travis Nagurney, Steven Holzberger, Adam Burris, Michael Bailey, Megan Pritchard, Cal Hughes, Andrew LaSalle, Mark Fanelli, Kyle Crofford.

Coaches: Head Coach:  Shawn Hughes

Assistant Coach:  Adam Burris

Assistant Coach:  Fred Kilmartin

Managers:  Tom and Karen Netzband

Rome Grizzlies Midget Team Wins 2010 Midget Snowbelt Tournament

The Rome Grizzlies Midget Team defeated the Fulton Raiders 6 to 4 in the 2010 New York State Midget Snowbelt Tournament Final. The Rome Team went undefeated winning all 5 of its games to give Rome its FIRST ever Midget Snowbelt Championship.

Rome ended its regular season with a 13 game winning streak. The team was honored Thursday March 11th by Romes Mayor Jim Brown for their accomplishment. Mayor Brown proclaimed the month of March 2010 as Rome Grizzlie month in the city of Rome.The entire team received a City Honors Certificate.

Sean Dunker,Connor Miller. Missing from Tournament: Sebastain Domenico,Jonathon Frankey.



MOHAWK VALLEY COMETS 19U TEAM WRAP UP GREAT SEASON

The Mohawk Valley Comets 19U girl's hockey team, in their first year under the 'Comets' name and with new coaches, went on an unexpected run at the NY 19U Tier II State Tournament March 12-14, representing Central Section as the #2 seed. The Comets, a young team very much in a building year, is made up of players from Clinton, Utica, Whitesboro, Hamilton, Rome and Deerfield. 

In Ogdensburg, the girls lost their opening game Friday night 3-1 to Adirondack, giving up two penalty-kill goals late in the third period. On Saturday, facing elimination, the team upset the heavily favored West Seneca Wings (Buffalo) 4-1, scoring first and keeping the Wings off balance the entire game.

In their second game on Saturday the girls eliminated the defending champion Brewster Bulldogs 5-4 in a thrilling game, led by Clintonian Jennie Willemsen's hat-trick and by stellar goal-tending from Whitesboro's Marissa Hotaling.


















( Photo: Duane Isenberg)

Advancing to the semi-final crossover game Sunday, Clinton faced section rival Ithaca Shooting Stars, a team they had not beaten this year.  Coming out fast again with Lizzie Pape's two goals, the Comets dominated 3-0 to advance to the championship game. 

In the final, league champion Perinton got a quick two goal lead early in the first period and never looked back.  Clinton mounted a rally in the third, scoring once and missing several scoring opportunities, but couldn't come back.  Perinton claimed the championship 6-1 and will represent New York State at the first-ever Tier II Girls National Tournament in Lansing, MI in early April.

For the Comets, it was a thrilling end to the season, and left the players eager to go at it again next year! 

On offense Clinton was led by Jennie Willemsen (7 goals , 3 assists); Caitlyn Moccaldi and Lizzie Pape (2 goals, 2 assists each); Brooke Sullivan (2 goals, 1 assist); Kira Isenberg (1 goal, 4 assists); and Rachel Moccaldi and Ariana Gaeta (1 assist each).  

Kate Balsamico, Rachel Moccaldi and Brooke Sullivan provided the defense.  Other tournament players included Brittany Blocher, Laura Fontana, Ashley Johnson, Sheridan Seward, Kelsey Sullivan and Meredith Suwek.  The team is coached by Bill Balsamico, Randy Naylor and Rich Suwek. 


 
UTICA COYOTES

Congratulations to the Utica Coyotes on the completion of their first year. The Team consists of 2000 birth year players. The Coyotes finished the season with a record of 22-16-7. Please check our site often for next season’s try-out dates at the Coyotes website. We look forward to another great season.




















Players - Keegan Steele, Brandon Webb, Jackson Phillips,Nick Tornatore,Bryce Gnatek, Andy Hadasz, Connor Gnatek, Shane Murphy,Jacob Mucitelli,Dylan Infantino,Hunter Mazur and Frank Mondi...Head Coach, Ken Blum, Assistant Coach, Mike Murphy, Manager, Dave Infantino



The latest news e-mailed to My Hometown Sports has to do with RFA boys basketball. A trio of players was honored at a recent banquet held in Rome. Head Coach Nick Medicis wanted to make sure than Black Knight fans got to hear the good news.

If you have a Hometown Happening just drop us a line and we'll spread the word.


















VARSITY BASKETBALL STANDOUTS - Rome Free Academy varsity basketball players were recognized by their coach, Nick Medicis, at their March 7 end-of-season banquet. 

Award winners included, pictured from left: Jerry Howard, Outstanding Offensive Player; Dylan Gratch, Coach's Award; and Most Improved Player; Lloyd Parkmond. Eric Williams (not pictured) received the Outstanding Defensive Player Award.



The Herkimer County Community College men's basketball team won the Region III championship Sunday. The Generals beat Mohawk Valley Community College in double overtime by a score of 82-72. Akeem Ellis was named tournament MVP as he led the Generals with 21 points and 9 rebounds.

Cliff Brown chipped in 18 points and was named to the all-tournament team.

The win advances the Generals to the NJCAA Division III National Championship at SUNY Delhi. Their first round game will take place on Thursday, March 11th at 8:00 pm as they will face District 2 winner Joliet College of Illinois. The win was Herkimer's 31st of the season.

 

MHTS has the latest Hometown Happenings. This time we salute a local youth soccer team representing The Copper City Soccer Club. A proud Coach, Joe Entelisano, wanted to spread the word about his teams accomplishments. The boys recently won a tournament held at the Rising Stars Sports Complex in Westmoreland.

Congratulations to the team from MHTS!

Rising Stars U12 Indoor Soccer Championship held Saturday Jan. 16^th.  

The Copper City Soccer Club U12 team won the Championship over the Rhino’s of New Hartford 4-3 in OT. Jared Smaldon scored the game-winner off a rebounded shot by Zach Gleasman 17 minutes into the sudden-death over time period.

Three Generals soccer players received their All-American awards at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American banquet in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, January 16^th. 

Seniors James Taber (Liverpool, NY) Kariym Balthazar (Brooklyn, NY) and freshman Ted Cribley (Sheffield, England) received their award in front of record breaking attendance for the luncheon. 

"What a great day for Herkimer soccer."  Said coach Pepe Aragon.  "To walk across the stage and receive their certificate in front of 1400 people is an unforgettable experience for my guys."  "I am so proud and happy for James, Kariym, Ted and their families."







Heard about the latest Hometown Happenings from a proud Field Hockey mom. The 2009 Lady Black Knights were honored at a banquet held on January 10th. Awards were handed out to several members of the team and ranged from unsung hero, Nikki Kieffer to MVP Kaysie Gregory. If you have some hometown news to spread, just drop us a line and we'll do the rest.

Outstanding Midfielder- Kayla Smith

BACK ROW

Coach's Award- Meghan McCormick

Most Improved Player- Kelsey Cacciatori

Outstanding Defense- Alexis Zakala

Outstanding Attack- Stacie Skidmore

Team's High Average- Liz Silver

Hardest Worker Award- Alexa Sanzone

Other Outstanding Awards:

NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete-

Nikki Kieffer, Kelsey Cacciatori, Kaysie Gregory, Angela McLean, Liz Silver, Autumn Swavely, Kayla Smith, Delaney Hughes, Meghan McCormick, Kelsey Nobis, Alexa Sanzone, Stacie Skidmore, Alexis Zakala, Cassie Seifert.

1st Team CNYCL- Kaysie Gregory, Nikki Kieffer, Stacie Skidmore, Kayla Smith

2nd Team CNYCL- Danielle Famolaro, Meghan McCormick, Cassie Seifert, Alexis Zakala

Honorable Mentions- Kelsey Caciatori, Delaney Hughes

The 24th Annual Leatherstocking Gymnastics Meet, sponsored by the Valley Gymnastics Booster Club, wrapped up today at the Utica Memorial Auditorium  after bringing together more then 640 New York State gymnasts from across the state to compete. Some of the best competition in the state took place in front of large excited crowds .

The gymnasts competed at various levels, from beginning competition Level 4 to the highly skilled Level 10’s.

The gymnasts, ranging in ages from 6-18 years old, were divided into skill levels at specific times and competed on the balance beam, uneven bars, floor exercise and vault throughout the meet which wrapped up today.

Big day on day one for Valley Gymnastics!

Team Competition: Level 9/10-Valley Gymnastics-Third Place
Team Competiton: Level 7-Valley Gymnastics-First Place
Team Competiton: Level 8-Valley Gymnastics-Second Place

Joan Allaire- Level 7- First place All-Around age 11-12
Mairead Murray- Level 8- First place All- Around  age group 15+
Kaija Aploks-Level 9-Second Place-Senior-All-Around
Nina Falerno-Third-Senior All-Around
Meghan Pflieger- Level 10- First place All- Junior All-Around
Myriah Turner-Third-Junior-All-Around

Day Two-Valley Gynmastics Highlights:

Team Competition: Valley Gymnastics-Third Place 

Rebekah Hanson- Level 5-Second place Junior All-Around  
Jenna Zakala -Level 5-Third Place
Taylor Bushey- Level 4- Second Place-Junior All-Around 
Marissa Burke- Level 3- First Place
Christina Malinowski- Level 3-Second Place
Kristen Bratge -Level 3- Third Place 


























( Alexa Brisson level 8 age 14 in action on Saturday at Leatherstocking meet.)

The auditorium is split down the middle and two separate meets are going on simultaneously. So during each session time there are about 150 gymnasts on the floor competing.

Valley Gymnastics, the local training center, has 60 local gymnasts involved from the entry level to advanced levels. Valley Gymnastics advanced team includes Meghan Pflieger from Holland Patent, who took 2^nd place all- around last May at the Junior Olympic National Competition in Mississippi, she is competing this year as a Level 10.

( Lauren DeMichiel flies high at the Aud.)

WHAT: The 24st Annual Leatherstocking Gymnastics Meet

WHO: Over 640 Athletes including 60 local Gymnasts

WHEN: January 16 & 17

WHERE: Utica Memorial Auditorium, Utica New York

TIME: 8am- 8p.m. Saturday and 9am-3pm Sunday

The team is comprised of 20 cheerleaders from Syracuse to Albany, including Deanna Mezza of Rome.

 

Other CNY Storm teams also competed at the event: Junior Level 2, 1^st place, Senior Coed Level 3, 1^st place, and their Senior Coed Level 4 also won 1^st place.

The teams train at CNY Cheer Company, Inc., 196 Hiawatha Place, Syracuse and will continue to compete on the local, regional, and national level January through April.  For more information on the teams’ season and cheerleading training,  please visit