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.