Batavia HS

By Head Coach Nicholas Burk:

So far the Batavia indoor track team has had a very competitive season in the Monroe County league this winter.  Both the boy's and girl's teams have had solid performances across the board and are gearing up for the Championship meets in the final month of our season.

On the boys' side, the Blue Devil throwers have once again asserted themselves as a force to be reckoned with.  Currently Batavia has four of the top ten performances in the Shot Put with Senior Austyn Fernandez currently seeded 2nd (43'-7"), Senior Dan Saeva seeded 3rd (42'-0"), Junior Parker Kleinbach seeded 5th (41'-6"), and Senior Abel Hammer seeded 7th (40'-5") in our A2 Sectional classification.  In the Weight Throw Batavia has six athletes with current top ten performances listed.  Senior Luke Geiger is seeded 2nd (49'-9"), Austyn Fernandez is seeded 3rd (49'-2"), Abel Hammer is seeded 4th (48'-8"),  Dan Saeva is seeded 6th (45'-11"), Junior Matthew McWethy is seeded 8th (44'-1"), and Parker Kleinbach is seeded 9th (43'-3") in class A2.  The top 16 in each event will qualify for the Sectional meet later this winter, so the Blue Devils will be well represented in these events.

The Batavia boys are off to a great start in the distance events as well with five athletes currently having Class A2 top ten performances.  Junior Cody Harloff is ranked 5th in the 1600m (4:49.26), 6th in the 600m (1:30.58), and 5th in the 1000m (2:47.05). Junior Nate Canale is ranked 4th in the 1000m (2:46.89), 6th in the 1600m (4:49.26),  and 6th in the 3200m (10:50).  Sophomore Donavin Solis is ranked 5th in the 600m (1:30.34), while Senior Carter Havens is ranked 10th in the 600m (1:32.81) and Junior Dom Grillo is ranked 10th in the 3200m (11:01.65).  Junior Noah Pickard is currently ranked in the top 16 in the 1000m and the 1600m and will contribute in our team's relays this season.  All of our distance athletes have been putting in the work and are committed to success in the final weeks of our season.  They are a tough and competitive bunch and I'm excited for their progress.

The Sprint crew is very young but has had some tremendous performances so far this season.  Junior Fabian Vazquez is having an incredible season to date with the current fastest time in Class A2 in the 55 Hurdles (8.21).  He is also currently seeded 4th in Long Jump (20'-5"), and 8th in the 300m (37.56).  Junior Ifran Armstrong is seeded 4th in the 55 Hurdles (8.77) and Senior Jesse Reinhart is seed 10th in the 55 Hurdles (9.59).  Jesse is having a tremendous season in the High Jump as well, currently seeded first (6'-0") as the defending champion.  Carter Havens is seeded 6th in the Triple Jump (38"-11") and 10th in the Long Jump (18'-11"), and Junior Lucas Crater is currently seeded 8th in the High Jump (5'-8").  In the Pole Vault , Batavia has five athletes currently seeded in top 10 led by Senior Noah Burke in 2nd (10'-6"), Junior Tyler Umlauf in 3rd (10'-6"), Sophomore Owen Halpin in 6th (9'-0"),  Freshman Cooper Konieczny in 8th (8'-6"), and Freshman Trevor Tryon in 10th (8'-0").  Other Sprinters that are contributing and will be vital for our team in relays at our championship meets are Juniors Aidan Anderson and Mekhi Pask-Richardson, and Sophomores Parris Price and Cole Grazioplene.

The Girls Indoor Track team is also having much Success this winter... Our top individuals are spread amongst the different events and we have exhibited significant improvement through the first half of the season.  Freshman Campbell Riley is having a great season and is currently ranked 2nd in the 1000m (3:13.24), 3rd in the 600m (1:43.12), 4th in the 3000m (11:37.73), and 3rd in the 1500m (5:15.67).  These are tremendous results so far and she will be vital to our team's success at the end of the season.

Our Throwers are led by Senior Emma Radka who is currently seeded 1st in the Shot Put (31'-0") and 6th in the Weight Throw (27'-9").  Not to be outdone, Freshman Zenallah Simmons is ranked 2nd in the Weight Throw (31'-3") and 6th in the Shot Put (27'-3").  The Girls and Boys Blue Devils throwers are amongst Section V's best every season under Coach Dan Geiger.  They will have ample opportunities to score in our big meets!

Other Girl runners who have top results are Freshman Nicole Doeringer who's seeded 7th in the 600m (1:48.85), and 6th in the 1000m (3:20.17).  Junior Abby Moore is seeded 7th in the 55 Hurdles and Izzy Scott is seeded 6th in the 3000m (11:51.17).  Also, Kayleigh Mayeu is currently seeded 5th in the 1500m Racewalk (8:55.30).

In the field events, Sophomore Isabella Walsh is ranked 4th in High Jump (4'-11") and 8th in Triple Jump (29'-1").  8th Grader Ella Shamp is ranked 9th in the High Jump (4'-7").  Senior, Gavin Konieczny is the defending Sectional Champion in the pole vault and is looking to repeat this season while currently ranked 2nd in our class for Sectionals (8'-6") and is also ranked 10th in Triple Jump (28'-4"). Junior, Sydney Konieczny is ranked 6th in Triple Jump (29'-7").

Additional girls who will contribute this season in our relays are Seniors Makayla Andalora, Noelia Ventura,  Olivia Hussar, and Doreace Higgins, Sophomore Jadyn Boyce, Freshman Leigh LeFevre, and 7th grader Mallory Boyce.  Our girls team has shown quality effort each day in practice and has been improving all season long.  They will be very competitive in our championship meets to close out this winter season.

The 2021/22 Blue Devil Indoor Track team is a very strong and balanced group and have shown the ability to compete with any team in the Section.  Coming up on the schedule in the next few weeks are the Monroe County Championships on January 29th and The Sectional Championships on February 19th.  All updated results can be found at: http://www.yentiming.com/

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Photos by Steve Ognibene

The Blue Devils hung tough with Livonia through 32 minutes of basketball on Wednesday evening but came up a bit short in a 52-49 loss.

Batavia is now 3-8 on the season and Livonia is 5-7.

Carter McFollins scored 22 points for Batavia.

Also in boys basketball on Wednesday: 

• Elba beat Kendall, 62-51
• Pembroke lost to Wheatland-Chili, 51-48
• Oakfield beat Lyndonville, 79-50

In girls basketball, Pavilion beat Le Roy 54-37.

The Lady Lancers hit 70 percent of their shots in the first half of Monday's game against Batavia propelling Elba to a 54-31 win.

Dakota Brinkman, who dropped three three-point buckets, scored 13 points for Elba, while Laci Sewar and Kennedy Augello scored nine each. Adrianna Long scored eight and Sydney Reilly scored seven.

Brinkman also had seven rebounds.

For Batavia, Jaylene Dersham scored 10 points.

The Batavia Blue Devils overcame a first-half doldrums that left them trailing Greece Athena 34-21 to score 42 points in the second half, tying the score and sending the game into a double-overtime when Javin McFollins hit a three-pointer as the clock on regulation time expired.

McFollins finished the night with 18 points, hitting five three-pointers, including two in OT.

Carter McFollins also scored 18 points, Tanner Mountain scored 12, and Cam McClinic scored 10.

For Athena, Connor Osier scored 27 points. 

Press release:

On Saturday, December 11, 2021, Batavia High School’s roof sustained damage due to severe weather that passed through Genesee County. 

On Sunday, December 12, the building was inspected, and it was determined that there was no structural damage and it was safe for students and staff to return.  

During the inspection, it was determined that the roof of the Batavia High School auditorium sustained damage, including the dampers that bring in outside air to that part of the building. Per regulations from the State Education Department, to be able to use the auditorium, we must be able to draw in outside air.

On Monday, December 13, all Batavia City Schools were open, and a roofing company began work to weatherproof the BHS roof and determine long-term repair requirements.

Therefore, the BHS auditorium will remain closed until we have determined what resources will be needed to restore the auditorium to code in order to be used by students, staff, and the community.

The rest of Batavia High School is operational for students and staff.  

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we will provide additional information as soon as it becomes available. 

Photos: Reader-submitted photos.

Performances of the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by the BHS Drama Club will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday and Sunday (7 p.m. and 2 p.m.) with Friday's postponed performance being moved to 7 p.m., Sunday. Tickets for all three shows are still available here. 

Previously: BHS Drama Club presents Sherlock Holmes play

The BHS Drama Club presents three performances this weekend of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

The play is a mystery adapted by Jon Jory.

Performances are at 7 p.m., Friday, 7 p.m., Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Tickets are $9 in advance or $10 at the door. For advance tickets visit  https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/58348 (advance sales close one hour before the event).

The play is presented in the round on the stage of the Batavia HS auditorium.

The Blue Devils offense once again proved too much for an opposing defense as Batavia beat Wilson Magnet at home on Friday 42-20.

Cam McClinic scored two touchdowns on six carries for 42 yards. Jesse Reinhart rushed for a touchdown and toss one while going 5-6 passing.

Javin McFollins had a TD reception on two catches for 32 yards. Vincent Arroyo caught a 46-yard TD pass and Aiden Anderson caught a 25-yard TD pass.

On defense, Kaden Marucci had eight tackles. 

Other Friday games:

Alexander 10 over Cal-Mum/Byron-Bergen, 10-0.  Brayden Woods carried the ball 20 times for 51 yards.  Nick Kramer had 11 carries for 77 yards and a TD.  He was also 4-6 passing for 25 yards.  The Trojans finish the regular season 7-1.

Oakfield-Alabama beat Geneseo/Mount Morris, 58-14.

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Photos by Steve Ognibene

The Blue Devils suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of #1 ranked Honeoye Falls Lima, 27 to 26.

Batavia is now 5-1 and HFL is 6-0. Both are in Class B in Section V and could meet again in the post-season.

Jesse Reinhart was 14-10 passing for 123 yards and a TD.  He also ran for 68 yards on eight carries.

Aidan Anderson gained 162 yards on 12 carries and scored twice. 

Javin McFollins had three receptions for 91 yards and a TD.  Carter McFollins gained 31 yards on five catches.

Kaden Marucci had 13 tackles and an interception. Vincent Arroyo had eight tackles, Matt McWethhy, seven, and Javin McFollins, seven along with a fumble recovery.

Photos by Steve Ognibene

To view or purchase photos, click here.

Press release:

This Friday, October 8th, the Batavia Football players, Boosters and Community Schools will join together in a Hygiene and Food Drive at VanDetta Stadium prior to the BHS football game.  The Batavia Blue Devils play Honeoye-Falls Lima at 7 pm.   Help support your community by bringing donations for the Family and Community Engagement Center’s Community Closet! Any non-perishable food or hygiene item donation enters you to win four season passes to Six Flags Darien Lake- good for the remainder of this season to enjoy Fright Fest and Magic of Lights: A festive holiday light extravaganza!

Then on Saturday, October 16, the Batavia Bulldawgs and Community Schools will be hosting another Hygiene and Food Drive at VanDetta during their games at 1, 3, 5 and 7 pm.  

At both events, we will be collecting items at the main entrance to the stadium.    All items collected will be distributed locally as needed.

Pictured with District Social Worker Julie Wasilewski are BHS Football players Abel Hammer, Aidan Anderson, and Carter Wasilewski

In their fourth game of the season, The Batavia Blue Devils once again proved a dominating team on offense and defense beating Pal-Mac 55-0.

Jesse  Reinhart was 6-6 passing for 157 yards and three touchdowns. 

Jameson Richardson carried the ball three times for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

Cam McClinic gain 79 yards on seven carries and Aidan Anderson scored a TD and ran for 68 yards on eight carries.

Javin McFollins caught two TD passes and Vincent Arroyo and Cole Grazioplene each had a TD grab.

Kaden Marucci had 12 tackles, Garratt Schmidt, seven, and Abel Hammer, six.

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Photos by Steve Ognibene

Aidan Anderson and Jesse Reinhart led the Blue Devil's offense in a shutout win over Bishop-Kearney in Batavia's season opener at home.

The final score, 41-0.

Anderson rushed for 130 yards on seven carries and scored two touchdowns.  He also had an interception return for a touchdown.  

Reinhart was 7-13 passing for 84 yards and two TDs.  Cole Grazioplena caught a 15-yarder and Carter McFollins grabbed a seven-yard TD pass.

Kaden Marucci and Vincent Arroyo each had four tackles.  Marucci and Anderson (who had two interceptions) each had a fumble recovery.

Also on Friday night: 

LeRoy 21, Caledonia-Mumford 6. Drew Stroller carried the ball 16 times for 93 yards and a TD. Jack Tonzt scored a TD on six carries for 17 yards. Adam Risewick caught three passes for 33 yards.  John Panepento was 5-9 passing for 45 yards.  Tyler Strollo had seven tackles.

Alexander 7, Bolivar-Richburg 0. Head Coach Tim Sawyer described the game as a battle. "Old school football."  Nick Kramer scored the only TD of the game on a 2 yard run up the middle near the beginning of the 2nd quarter.  Eric Cline nailed the PAT. Kramer had a fumble recovery and 4 tackles and Sophomore CB Tyler Marino recovered a fumble late to seal the Trojan victory.  DE Gavin Smith Crandall had 5 tackles for the Trojans.  Jr. DE Cole Dean had 2 Sacks and two tackles while Clayton Bezon had 1 sack and 5 tackles. Brayden Woods led the Trojans in rushing with 30 yards on 11 carries

Story: Notre Dame Fighting Irish blank host York/Pavilion, 15-0, behind junior quarterback Jimmy Fanara

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Photos by Steve Ognibene

The Batavia Bulldawgs and the Batavia Blue Devils joined together once again on Tuesday night for the annual (after a skipped season) Blue Devil Experience Night at Van Detta Stadium in Batavia.

Photos by Alecia Kaus/Video News Service

Press release:

The Batavia High School Class of 1965 will gather for their 55 Plus 1 Reunion on August 27-28. The highlight of the celebration will be dinner on Saturday, August 28 at Terry Hills Golf Club. with a 4 p.m. Social Hour followed by a 6 p.m. dinner. Any classmate who has not made reservations should do so by sending a check for $45 ($25 for just the Social Hour) to BHS Class of 65 c/o Steve Hawley, 50 Main St., Batavia, NY 14020.

On Friday, August 27 classmates are invited to meet at 6 p.m. at TF Browns, where a Party Room will be open to the Class of 1965 to order from the menu. A cash bar will be available. Those planning to attend
are asked to notify Bill Hyatt at hyhat@hotmail.com. Since 1992, the BHS Class of 1965 has annually awarded a scholarship, the Freedom Award, to a graduating senior from Batavia High School. To date, the group has donated nearly $40,000.

Batavia High School celebrated their 139^th annual graduation commencement yesterday for the first time at the newly rebuilt Van Detta Stadium that was completed in the fall of 2019 and were welcomed by Principal Paul D. Kesler.

"The Star-Spangled Banner" was sung by seniors Ariana deSa eFrias, Laura Lepkowski, Kathryn Fitzpatrick and Kayla Stone.

Superintendent of Schools Anibal Soler's opening remarks highlighted the challenging, ever-changing school year in which students were able to participate in sports, musicals, and many activities for seniors like prom and Summerfest. They returned to school five days a week in the last quarter of the academic year to see their friends in person or through Google Meet.

"The first senior class in our lifetimes to go the entire school year in a pandemic, take your resilience, your perseverance and your determination from this past year and go make a difference in this world," Solar said. "The sky is truly the limit. Congratulations to the Class of 2021!"

Commencement guest speaker and social studies teacher Timothy J. Stevens then gave his message to the graduates. He has three words for the Class of 2021 -- perseverance, resiliency and grit.

Focusing on grit, Stevens emphasized how this senior class showed up the beginning of the school year in person or through remote learning. They refused to accept that school sports might be cancelled along with other activities, and continued to sharpen their skills academically, staying committed inside and outside school.

"That's the lesson in grit that you learned and modeled for all of us this past year," Stevens said, as he shared his personal story and challenged the Class of 2021 to continue to have daily gratitude and show grit going forward and in years to come.

Valedictorian Kameron N. Kuszlyk (co-mayor) who participated in many student body government clubs, addressed the Class of 2021 by noting takeaways from the last four years of challenges and hindrances.

"The last year and a half -- we would not let it defeat us and perseverance would prevail and lessons (would be) learned," Kameron said. "As a community of students in a pandemic we found new ways to deal with the new school system, connecting and supporting each other through to the end. I see leaders, adventurers and friends who are willing to push themselves to achieve greatness.

"Thank you to all parents, administrators, teachers and coaches who devoted their time to our development as scholars, athletes, artists and musicians."

Salutatorian and Mr. Batavia 2021 Faraz Idrees, spoke to the senior class about being a student from eighth grade to their senior year and how many challenges and obstacles were overturned. He highlighted activities that the class was able to participate in, traditions toward the last few months of school before graduating.

"We all started off at different locations with a different means of reaching our final destination," Faraz said. "Some may have had more bumps and bruises along the way but in the end, we were able to reach the same destination."

To view the complete photo album, click here.

Photos by Steve Ognibene Photography.

Principal Paul D. Kesler

Singers Ariana deSa eFrias, Laura Lepkowski

Singers Kathryn Fitzpatrick, Kayla Stone

Superintendent of Schools Anibal Soler 

Commencement Guest Speaker Timothy J. Stevens

Valedictorian Kameron N. Kuszlyk (co-mayor)

Salutatorian and Mr. Batavia 2021, Faraz Idrees

Three Batavia High School student-athletes have signed letters of intent to continue both their studies and their sports careers in college.

Stone Siverling, above, will play basketball at Alfred State College. Pictured with him are: Jason Siverling, Holly Siverling, Coach Tim Stevens, Coach Buddy Brasky, Sawyer Silverling, Sheldon Silverling, and Morgan Murray.

Rebekah Daniszewski, center, will compete at Seton Hill University in track and field. Pictured are Paul Daniszewski, Douglas Daniszewski, Wendy Daniszewski, and Coach Dan Geiger.

Tyler Kleinbach, second from left, will swim at Genesee Community College. Pictured, David Kleinbach, Desire Kleinbach, and coaches Eric Geitner and Frank Dibacco.

Batavia's graduating seniors were feted with a parade, led by City fire, through the city on Saturday.

Photos by Eileen Ognibene.

There will likely be a traditional graduation ceremony for the seniors of Batavia High School but it will comply with the state's COVID-19 guidelines, according to Superintendent Anibal Soler.

The plans for the ceremony are in development in cooperation with students and families, Soler said.

The June 26 ceremony will be held at Van Detta Stadium and each graduate will be allowed four guests. Because of state guidelines for events attended by more than 200 people, attendees will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.

Students and families that opt out of the requirements will be able to participate in what Soler called a "micro-ceremony."  

"Every student will get their moment of getting their diploma," Soler told the school board on Monday evening.

Plans are also being finalized for a senior prom with attendance limited to less than 200 people and held outdoors. Under state guidelines, that event won't require proof of vaccination or a negative test.