Blogs > Extra Points

Thoughts, news and notes from the sports staff of The Saratogian newspaper, located in historic Saratoga Springs, New York. The gang in the corner office on Lake Avenue give you the post-game wrap-ups, news and notes from the games we cover and opinions about the sports we read about every day.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Siena's Paolini selected to World Port Tournament

Siena College second baseman Dan Paolini, who enjoyed perhaps the most productive offensive season in program history in 2009, has been selected to participate with Team USA in the World Port Tournament (WPT) July 2-12 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

According to its website, the WPT is a highly ranked international baseball tournament, which has been organized by the "Stichting Rotterdam Baseball" for over 20 years. The WPT is one of the most important international baseball tournaments and one of the characteristic events on the the sports calendar of the City of Rotterdam.

The WPT is organized bi-annually, in cooperation with the "Haarlemse Honkbal Week", which takes place in the ‘even' years. One exception was made in 2005, when the tournament was not held due to the Baseball World Championships, which took place in our country during the summer.

After four years of absence the World Port Tournament returned in 2007 successfully back on the international sports calendar, more than 65.000 people came to Rotterdam to see the best participations field ever.

The participating countries in 2009 include the Dutch national team, USA, Cuba, Chinese Taiwan and Japan.

The 12th edition of the WPT will take place from July 2-12 in the "Neptunus Family Stadium" in Rotterdam. During the Tournament’s 11 days, 21 matches will be played, with two matches on every day except for the final Sunday. Matches will be played in the afternoon and evening.

Paolini was a Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American, the ECAC and MAAC Rookie of the Year and a Second Team All-Northeast pick by the American Baseball Coaches’ Association. His .430 batting average was tops on the Northeast, second among all freshmen nationally and ninth in all of Division I.

He collected a school-record 86 hits in just 50 games and his 53 RBI were one shy of the single-season Siena record.

Labels: ,

Saturday, June 27, 2009

New York Giants training camp schedule at UAlbany

The New York football Giants will begin training at the University at Albany Campus on Monday, Aug. 3 and will conclude Aug. 25.

The defending NFC East Division champs will practice 17 days with eight double sessions. The Giants will not practice on the days following pre-season games and the day before a contest the team will hold a jog-through session.

Once again the Giants will hold evening practices with the first set for Thursday, Aug. 6 at 6:05 p.m. all part of a double-session. The other evening practices will be held Aug. 8, 10, 12, 14 and 20. Training camp will open with morning and afternoon practices on Aug. 3 and 4.

Training camp all-session parking passes will be available at the UAlbany athletic merchandise store in the SEFCU Arena lobby beginning July 13 for $15. The daily parking fee is $5.

For more information on Giants camp visit these two web-sites www.giants.com or www.ualbanysports.com.

Here is a look at the 2009 New York Giants training camp schedule:
Aug. 3, Mon – 8:35 – 10:35 a.m. 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Aug. 4, Tues. – 8:35 – 10:35 a.m. 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Aug. 6, Thurs. – 8:35 – 10:35 a.m. 6:05 – 8:05 p.m.
Aug. 7, Fri. – 2:35 to 4:35 p.m.
Aug. 8, Sat. – 8:35 – 10:35 a.m. 6:05 – 8:05 p.m.
Aug. 9, Sun. – 2:35 – 4:35 p.m.
Aug. 10, Mon. – 8:35 – 10:35 a.m. 6:05 – 8:05 p.m.
Aug. 12, Wed. – 8:35 – 10:35 a.m. 6:05 – 8:05 p.m.
Aug. 13, Thurs. – 2:35 to 4:35 p.m.
Aug. 14, Fri. – 8:35 – 10:35 a.m. 6:05 – 8:05 p.m.
Aug. 15, Sat. – 2:35 – 4:35 p.m.
Aug. 16, Sun. – 10 – 11:30 a.m. (jog-through)
Aug. 17, Mon. – Preseason game vs. Carolina, 8:15 p.m.
Aug. 19, Wed. – 2:35 – 4:35 p.m.
Aug. 20, Thurs. – 9:10 – 10:10 a.m. (jog-through) 6:05 – 8:05 p.m.
Aug. 21, Fri. – 10:25 to 11:25 a.m. (jog-through)
Aug. 22, Sat. – Preseason game at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Aug. 24, Mon. – 2:35 – 4:35 p.m.
Aug. 25, Tues. – 8:35 – 10:35 a.m. Last day of camp

Labels:

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

New York State softball awards announced - Arceneaux's take two

The small town of Mechanicville has another reason to celebrate as sophomore pitcher Anna Arceneaux repeated as a New York State Public High School Athletic Association Player of the Year and was joined by her father, Don Arceneaux, was named Coach of the Year.

Last year Anna Arceneaux earned the honors at the Class C level, this year she led her Red Raider squad to its first-ever Class B state title and added another honor.

Also honored from the Capital Region softball squads were:

Class AA
  • Jenna Servidone, Columbia, pitcher, second team
  • Amanda Ferro, Shenendehowa, pitcher/center fielder, fourth team
  • Casey Madden, Saratoga, second base, fourth team
  • Caitlyn Schultze, Queensbury, catcher, fourth team
  • Mary Beth Dombrowski, Bethlehem, shortstop, fifth team
  • Shannon Dougherty, Columbia, catcher, sixth team

    Class A
  • Erin Glikes, Lansingburgh, pitcher, second team
  • Leanne Merchant, Burnt Hills, catcher, second team
  • Alexa Toole, South Glens Falls, shortstop, third team
  • Sarah Cipperly, Lansingburgh, shortstop, third team
  • Megan Volz, Lansingburgh, catcher, fourth team
  • Maddy Wheeler, South Glens Falls, pitcher, fourth team
  • Alli Pullen, Ichabod Crane, shortstop, fifth team

    Class B
  • Anna Arceneaux, Mechanicville, pitcher/second base, Player of the Year
  • Alysa Russell, Mechanicville, third base/shortstop, first team
  • Shannon McBride, Mechanicville, shortstop/pitcher, second team
  • Kelsey Hines, Mechanicville, third base/second base, third team
  • Aleshia Link, Taconic Hills, pitcher, third team
  • Bridgette Palmer, Schuylerville, first base, fourth team
  • Abby Maiello, Mechanicville, centerfielder, fifth team

    Class C
  • Rachel Quackenbush, Hoosick Falls, pitcher, first team
  • Colby Hochmuth, Duanesburg, pitcher, second team
  • Katelyn Callahan, Lake George, pitcher, second team
  • Aly Sanders, Duanesburg, shortstop, third team
  • Jenna Priore, Hoosick Falls, shortstop, third team
  • Samantha Anderson, Hoosic Valley, fourth team
  • Katie Carenger, Waterford, centerfield, fourth team

    Class D
  • Carissa Phillips, Germantown, pitcher, first team
  • Suzy Wright, Germantown, second base, second team
  • Jackie Petteys, Hartford, pitcher, second team
  • Taylor David, Fort Ann, second base, third team

    Labels: ,

  • Saturday, June 20, 2009

    2009 Mayor's Cup championship games live!

    Catch the updates, hits, runs along with the rain from West Side Rec with the Saratogian's exclusive coverage of the 2009 Mayor's Cup championship games.

    Labels: ,

    Friday, June 19, 2009

    Mayors Cup teams announced...almost

    Mother Nature may not be a Mayor's Cup fan afterall...

    As of 5:30 p.m. Friday night the Mayo'r Cup championship majors contest will have Saratoga American's New Country facing off against the Saratoga National Lions. The Saratoga Nationals will be represented by U-Store-It and will face the to be determined the Saratoga American champion whose game is being played tonight.

    There is still time to vote for who you think will win both games on Saturday (weather permitting)...vote at Saratogian.com

    Labels: ,

    'Ace' Johns national finalist for Starfish Award

    Saratoga Springs varsity tennis coach Rich 'Ace' Johns is one of 10 finalists for the 2009 United States Tennis Association Starfish Award. The award honors coaches who implement a "no-cut" policy for their high school tennis team.

    "Rich Johns has made a difference in the lives of all his players and their communities, and that is the true essence of a No-Cut coach," USTA Director of Recreational Coaches and Programs, Kirk Anderson said. "He has the heart and determination that it takes to not only be a No-Cut coach, but to be one of the 10 coaches chosen from a pool of over 2,850 for the Starfish Award."

    The USTA will recognize the two national winners at the 39th annual USTA Tennis Teachers Conference on Sept. 1 in New York City. The Starfish Award is in its fifth year of existence and had honored eight winners since 2005.

    Labels:

    Wednesday, June 17, 2009

    New Country is first entry into Mayor's Cup championship game

    Ace sports reporter Ian Pickus was on-site at West Side Rec. for the final result and New Country captured the Saratoga American majors title and will face the Saratoga National league champion 6 p.m. at West Side Rec. in the Mayor's Cup 2009 championship game.

    Can New Country do it? Do you think they can do it? Vote now at the Saratogian's Mayor's Cup '09 poll. Click here.

    As additional league champions are determined we will up date you here and don't forget to stop back Saturday night, 6 p.m. for live blogging and message boards from the Mayor's Cup '09 championship contests.

    Labels: ,

    Boxing returns to Spa City July 31

    New York State Heavyweight Champion Darrel Madison (13-1, 3 KOs), Central Islip, will defend his title against Newburgh’s Nagy Aguilera (13-1, 8 KOs) in one of the feature fights of Pugnacious Promotions’ annual “Night of Future Champions” summer boxing event at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Friday, July 31st.

    The fight will be featured on the annual card showcasing exciting, young boxing prospects during the first weekend of world-class thoroughbred racing at Saratoga Springs’ historic track.

    Also appearing are Guilderland lightweight prospect Mike Faragon (6-0, 2 KOs), Troy heavyweight Shannon Miller (16-4, 9 KOs), Schenectady light welterweight Brian Miller (3-0-3, 1 KO) and, in his pro debut, light heavyweight amateur standout and Shannon’s younger brother, Shawn Miller.

    “I am so happy to host a NYS Heavyweight Championship fight on our annual Saratoga card,” said promoter Lisa Elovich. “The fans will be chomping at the bit to see all of the exciting local prospects, too. This is a card that no one will want to miss!”

    Madison won the title in May 2008 from veteran Zuri Lawrence and has defeated three opponents since, including veteran gatekeepers Jermell Barnes and Dominic Jenkins. His only defeat came in his second fight, a disputed DQ loss to Brooklyn’s Jamel Perry, who couldn’t recover following an unintentional rabbit punch.

    Aguilera has earned a shot at the regional title in his steady ascent to becoming one of the best young heavyweights in New York. His recent wins include Jermell Barnes and Saratoga’s own Gary Wilcox, whom he defeated on last year’s “Night of Future Champions” card in Saratoga. Aguilera’s only loss came in a foul-filled DQ loss to 7-foot Marcellus Brown late last year.

    Tickets and more information are available from Pugnacious Promotions, www.pugnaciouspromotions.com or 518-527-0160. Reserved tickets are $125 for Golden Ringside and $75 for Ringside. General Admission open seats are $40. VIP tables, including dinner catered by Brindisi’s and table service throughout the evening, also are available.

    Labels:

    Chris McCarron to Deliver Hall of Fame Address


    Twenty years after his tearful acceptance speech, jockey Chris McCarron will be the guest speaker at the 2009 Hall of Fame induction ceremony August 14.

    McCarron, 54, was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1989 near the midpoint of an honors-filled 28-year riding career. Among his 7,141 victories are six wins in Triple Crown races and nine wins in the Breeders’ Cup.

    The founder and executive director of the North American Racing Academy in Lexington, Ky., McCarron is the third Hall of Fame member – following John Nerud in 1994 and D. Wayne Lukas in 2004 – to accept an invitation to speak at the ceremony.

    “I’m incredibly flattered and excited about it,” McCarron said. “To be able to stand up in front of a group of esteemed individuals, people who have been involved in the racing industry for decades, as well as the fans who have supported the game for a long period of time, is a true honor.

    “I really feel blessed to be able to share my thoughts and insights about racing and my school and the need for a place for young men and women to train how to take on the tremendous responsibility of riding a Thoroughbred.”

    During his career, McCarron won virtually every major race in North America. His Kentucky Derby victories came on Alysheba in 1987 and Go for Gin in 1994. Five of the Breeders’ Cup wins came in the Classic, including back-to-back victories on Tiznow, who was elected to the Hall of Fame this year.

    When he retired, McCarron was the career leader in purse money earned, $264 million, and ranked sixth in victories.

    Following his retirement, McCarron was the general manager at Santa Anita Park for nearly two years. He has extensive experience as a television racing commentator, worked as technical advisor and played a role in the movie “Seabiscuit” and founded the school for jockeys. In 1987, McCarron, his wife Judy and comedian Tim Conway co-founded the Donald MacBeth Memorial Jockey Fund, which assists disabled jockeys and their families.

    More can be found on the Racing Hall of Fame's web-site.

    Labels:

    Suburban Council track all-stars announced

    The Suburban Council boys track and field all-stars have were recently released with 23 Saratoga County athletes honored in 19 categories.

    Locals named included – 100-meter dash: Mike Villano, Ballston Spa; 400-meter dash: Brian Campoli, Shenendehowa; Tim Mount, Saratoga; 1,600-meter run: Alex Leuchanka, Shenendehowa; Otis Ubriaco, Burnt Hills; Demetri Goutos, Saratoga; 3,200-meter run: Alex Leuchanka, Shenendehowa; Otis Ubriaco, Burnt Hills; Dan Harris, Shenendehowa; 110-meter hurdles: Stuart Charbonneau, Shenendehowa; 400-meter hurdles: Stuart Charbonneau, Shenendehowa; 3,000-meter steeplechase: Jamie Glover, Shenendehowa; Pentathalon: Colin Mulholland, Saratoga; High jump: Tim Schmitt, Ballston Spa; Pole vault: Chris Cozzens, Shenendehowa; Tim Schmitt, Ballston Spa; Long jump: Alex King, Saratoga; Brian Yingling, Ballston Spa; Triple jump: Josh Cook, Ballston Spa; Shot put: Evan Palmer, Shenendehowa; Tyler Prendergast, Shenendehowa; Discus: Evan Palmer, Shenendehowa; Tyler Prendergast, Shenendehowa. 4x800 –meter relay: Burnt Hills.

    Suburban Council Girls Track & Field All-StarsThe Suburban Council girls track and field all-stars have been announced, and several area schools were well represented.

    Saratoga’s Madalayne Smith was named in several events, including the 100-meter dash, the 100-meter hurdles, and the long jump. Teammate Amanda Borroughs made the list in the 400-meter hurdles, the 200-meter steeplechase, and the 4x800-meter relay. Shen’s Michelle Quimby starred in the 200-meter dash, the triple jump, and the pole vault. Samantha Roecker of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake was the only selection for the 100-meter hurdles.

    100-meter dash: Madalayne Smith, Saratoga Springs; 200-meter dash: Michelle Quimby, Shenendehowa; Jenn Stodgell, Ballston Spa; 800-meter run: Margaret McDonald, Saratoga Springs; Brianne Bellon, Saratoga Springs; Daniks Simonson, Shenendehowa; Demi Feder, Ballston Spa; 1,500-meter run: Samantha Roecker, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake; 3,000-meter run: Keelin Hollowood, Saratoga Springs; Sydney King, Saratoga Springs; Meaghan Gregory, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake; Lizzie Predmore, Shenendehowa; Molly Pezzulo, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake; Alex Burtnick, Shenendehowa; 100-meter hurdles: Madalayne Smith, Saratoga Springs; 400-meter hurdles: Amanda Borroughs, Saratoga Springs; Kendra Adams, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake; 200-meter steeplechase: Amanda Borroughs, Saratoga Springs; Katie Treichel, Saratoga Springs; Kayla Dubois, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake; pentathlon: Kelsey Hanson, Shenendehowa; 4x100-meter relay: Alex Kambourelis, Carrie Mansir, Julie Lowenstein, Jennifer Stodgell, Ballston Spa; 4x800-meter relay: Brianne Bellon, Amanda Borroughs, Cassandra Goutos, Alison Treichel, Saratoga Springs; discus: Haley Franco, Saratoga Springs; Samantha Kosa, Shenendehowa; Amelia Gonzales, Ballston Spa; long jump: Madalayne Smith, Saratoga Springs; triple jump: Michelle Quimby, Shenendehowa; pole vault: Michelle Quimby, Shenendehowa; Maddeson Weekes, Shenendehowa; Kelly Preston, Shenendehowa.

    Labels: ,