NY Giants Players In Town for Fundraiser

The game was a lopsided affair, won by the Schenectady High School Staff but the real winners were the kids who participate in the athletics programs at SHS!  I got a chance to play on the side of the NY Giants but the real thrill for me was to sit on the bench with guys like Stephen Baker and talk about how "we need to get the ball in the paint" or "next year we'll come back in better shape and avenge this loss!"

For some video from the game, check out the story posted on the YNN website

Pictures from the game are coming soon...

Rowdy Returns to the Ice Tonight!

For those hockey fans who have missed seeing their lovable River Rat Rowdy on the ice this year, listen up!  According to their website, the Tri-City ValleyCats (Rowdy's new home) will be participating in a "ValleyCats Mascots on Ice" skit during the 2nd intermission of the RPI game tonight at the Houston Field House.  Other mascots schedules to appear include: SouthPaw, Mayors Tutunjian, Jennings and Stratton, and RPI Puckman.

Rowdy at a River Rats game last season

RPI (15-6-3), who is currently ranked 10th in the Nation, will skate against Brown University tonight at 7pm.  Tickets can be purchased at the RPI box office.

The ValleyCats will have their NY Penn League Championship Trophy on display all night!  Have a great weekend!

Here is some video from the game!

"Jimmer": One Name Says It All

You know you've arrived on the national scene when you can be referred to by your first name only!  Jimmer has done just that!  The Glens Falls Native went off again last night, scoring 43 as the Cougars of BYU (20-1, 6-0)  handed San Diego State (20-1, 5-1) their first loss of the season in 71-58 contest.  Jimmer's 43 points included a 9 minute scoreless stretch in the 2nd half (what could have been???).  This loss by the Aztecs leaves Ohio State as the only undefeated team in the country.

Jimmer Fredette got knocked down against San Diego State Wednesday night en route to knocking down 43 points. (Associated Press)

With BYU trailing by one at the break, the Cougars went on a 16-8 run with just over 4 minutes remaining in the game to take a 62-50 lead, which Jimmer sealed by hitting 7 of 7 free throws down the stretch.  Jimmer finished 14-23 from the field and 10-11 from the line.

Expect big things out of Jimmer for the remainder of the season and hopefully a prosperous March!  If he continues playing the way he has to start the season, look for Jimmer to become a lottery pick in this year's NBA Draft!

For more about Jimmer's big night, see Mark McGuire's blog in the Times Union or the AP story in the NY Times.

UMass Men's Basketball Team Makes Unexpected Stop In Albany

According to ESPN.com, the UMass Men's basketball team was forced into an emergency landing in Albany on Tuesday evening when the their flight to Western NY was interrupted by smoke in the cockpit.  UMass was headed to Olean, NY to take on St. Bonaventure Wednesday night.

According to Andy Katz with ESPN.com:

 "I was sitting in the first row seat and I smelled something strange," said UMass coach Derek Kellogg by phone from Albany's airport. "The pilot came on about 10 minutes into the flight and said they were having problems and we had to make an emergency landing in Albany and that there was smoke in the cockpit. There was a strange odor. I tried to make sure the guys were calm and the crew did a good job of keeping everyone calm." Kellogg said the descent was normal, but there was definitely concern from the people on the plane. He said there was nervousness, but "Thank God, we landed safely." "When we landed and saw 10-15 fire trucks your first thought is that this was much more serious than you thought," Kellogg said.

Almost 10 years ago to the day (January 27, 2001) a plane carrying players and media from Oklahoma State went down killing all 10 passengers. Luckily this flight was able to land without incident, just a little inconvenience, as UMass did not wind up getting to Olean until well after midnight.

BWW in Clifton Park Under Water

For you sports fans in the Clifton Park area, it may be a few days before you can get in to BWW to watch your games.  I was in there last night as a pipe burst in the wall and half the dining room became flooded.  The Fire Department showed up, as did a Quick Response clean up service.  They had to close early to figure out the problem (and to turn off the water).  Below are a few pictures we were able to snap while eating.

 

 

Siena Drops Another MAAC Game: To Rider This Time

Siena fell to Rider last night at the Times Union Center in Albany by a final score of 68-60.  Siena had beaten Rider in their first matchup this year down in New Jersey but this was not the case last night.  Siena's Ryan Rossiter scored a game high 26 points and pulled down 15 rebounds for yet another double-double performance.


”The frustration I have is, I feel bad for Ryan Rossiter,” Buonaguro concluded. “That’s who I feel bad for. The way he plays for 39 minutes, he deserves better and that’s what I’m most upset about. Not the loss, the frustration for Ryan Rossiter, who’s a great player. Not a good player. A great player.”

(Siena's Ryan Rossite (22), defends Rider's Justin Robinson near the end of the second half of Siena's 68-60 loss to Rider on Monday night at Times Union Center in Albany. ( Philip Kamrass / Times Union ))

(Siena's Ryan Rossiter is defended by Rider's Danny Stewart, left, and Jonathon Thompson, right, during the second half of Siena's 68-60 loss at Times Union Center in Albany on Monday night. ( Philip Kamrass / Times Union ))

(Siena head coach Mitch Buonaguro saw his team lose 68-60 to Rider on Monday night at Times Union Center in Albany. ( Philip Kamrass / Times Union ))

More pictures from Monday night's loss can be found here on the Times Union website.

Ron Darling Visits Amsterdam

Former NY Met pitcher and current SNY commentator for the NY Mets, Ron Darling, made a visit to Amsterdam, NY this past weekend.  Darling was in town to speak at the Amsterdam Mohawk's annual winter hot stove event Saturday night.  Before the dinner, Darling was kind enough to stop into the new hot sports restaurant, Recovery Sports Grill.  Darling signed autographs for kids and adults and even taught one lucky fan how to throw his devastating circle change!  More photos from the event can be seen by checking out the Recovery Sports Grill facebook page.

(Baseball and Ron Darling photos waiting to be signed)

(Left: Ron Darling, Right: John Palmeri)

(Father and son with Ron Darling after receiving autographs)

(Lucky young fan learning to throw the circle change!)

Recovery Sports Grill to host fundraiser basketball game with former NY Giant Super Bowl Champs from '86 and '90!

(From Left to Right: Schenectady AD Steven Boynton, Former NY Giant LB Byron Hunt, Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton, BBL Hospitality SID John Palmeri)

According to their press release, Recovery Sports Grill will be sponsoring a basketball game between former NY Giant players (Stephen Baker, Byron Hunt, Curtis McGriff, Lee Rouson, Perry Williams and Billy Taylor) and Schenectady High School staff/faculty.  The game is to benefit the Schenectady High School Athletic Program.  The game is set to tip off at 1pm on Saturday January 29, 2011 at 1pm at the Pat Riley Center at Schenectady High School.  Tickets are on sale for $5 and $10 for children and adults respectively.  Tickets can be purchased online by visiting www.nygiantsvsshsallstars.eventbrite.com or at the gate the day of the game.