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Success story of the year
Orchard Park High School football team takes the state title
This was a grueling single-elimination process, but the boys from OP didn’t choke, and they prevailed.
Sports controversy of the year
A year of Bills insanity
Here’s the short list: T.O., the Lynch and Whitner arrests, games being played in Toronto, the Wall Street Journal calling ours the “worst-behaving fans” in the NFL, and the non-firing of Dick Jauron. We’re not sure what's next, but cannot wait to find out.
Pro team
Bandits
The games are still affordable for the whole family, and the team remains a solid performer.
College sports team
UB Bulls
The Bulls officially turned the corner in 2008: they captured the MAC East title, and played well in a loss to Connecticut in the International Bowl.
High school sports team
Orchard Park lacrosse
Another year, another incredible campaign for coach Gene Tundo’s Quakers, an acknowledged national powerhouse.
Team mascot
Sabretooth
It was another disappointing year for the blue and gold, but the big guy managed to keep the atmosphere fun and hopeful. He may well be the organization’s finest performer.
Amateur athlete, male
Steve Coppola (Olympic crew team)
Coppola—the first alumnus of the West Side Rowing Club to capture an Olympic medal—took home a bronze in Beijing.
Amateur athlete, female
Jenn Stuczynski (Olympic pole vaulter)
This Fredonia native earned a silver at the Beijing Olympics and a hero’s welcome in her hometown.
Pro athlete, male
Dudley Hart (Clarence-based golfer)
Hart has made headlines for his triplets, as well as his return trip to the Masters, where he finished four over.
Coach, male
Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres
Wait—Lindy Ruff?! The Sabres did miss the playoffs, right? It's a sign of the community's respect and admiration for Ruff that he overwhelmingly took this prize in our public poll. He’s the fans’ choice, and it’s good news that he’ll be behind the bench again next season.
Coach, female
Sandra Hollander, Buff State softball
Under Hollander, the Bengals have been a softball powerhouse—she's been named conference coach of the year for two straight seasons, and 2009 has been her most successful yet.
Local sports reporter
Paul Hamilton (WGR#55)
Hamilton is the best sports beat reporter in Buffalo; he covers the Sabres road trips and Bills training camp better than anyone.
Bargain sports tickets
UB football
Your chance to see Division-I football in a classy facility without traveling beyond Amherst.
Annual race
Turkey Trot
www.ymcabuffaloniagara.org/turkeytrot.html
Our Turkey Trot—the oldest and biggest of T-Day races nationwide—may not be the best for serious runners, but it’s definitely the most fun.
Tennis courts
Miller Tennis Center
5959 Sheridan Dr., Williamsville 632-8600
Miller has phenomenal courts, great clinics, is usable year-round, and is reasonably priced—all of which makes it the best bet, especially for a family.
Bocce courts
Hyde Park in Niagara Falls
www.niagarafallsusa.org/parks.cfm
These courts are especially scenic, overlooking a nice body of water in a pretty park. And they’re only a few blocks away from great postgame dining on Pine Avenue.
Location for a pickup basketball game
Delaware Park
www.buffaloolmstedparks.org
The most popular—and crowded—pick-up game spot in Buffalo is still the best.
Place to watch the big game
Pearl Street Grill & Brewery
76 Pearl St., 856-2337 www.pearlstreetgrill.com
This popular downtown hangout has all the best attributes of a sports bar but also the beautiful ambience of a historic building; they’ve perfected the game-time scene.
Coolest offbeat destination in WNY
Former J. N. Adams Tubercular Hospital
Perrysburg, www.abandonedplanet.net/JN_Adam/History/index.html
The fate of this ornate complex is unknown, but while it stands, it’s an incredible place to wander around and take unforgettable photos.
Spot for wildlife sightings
River Lea on Beaver Island State Park
So close, and one of the best bird-watching destinations in the area.
Best spot for wildlife sighting
River Lea: Exotic birding at the tip of Beaver Island |
Leggy birds that winter down south spend lazy summers at lush River Lea on the tip of Beaver Island State Park. About a year ago a few birder acquaintances of mine raved about watching snowy egrets there, and a few other hues of herons, and, quite frankly, I was skeptical.
That’s why, on a searing sunny day last summer, several of us paid a visit to Beaver Island. River Lea is actually the name of a Victorian-era summer home owned by relatives of U.S. president/N.Y. governor/Buffalo mayor Grover Cleveland. The home, full of period furnishings and historical artifacts of Grand Island, is open to the public infrequently. (Call ahead: 773-2677.) There is parking adjacent to the main building, as well as a walkway down to the water where the migratory birds nest along the Niagara River.
The egrets and herons migrate along the southern U.S. coast, reportedly going as far as the West Indies. The walk to the water can be mucky—these birds go for wetlands—so plan on wearing mud-proof footwear. There are a few lovely vantage points to watch the birds from a safe distance without binoculars.
This particular excursion makes for an ideal half-day trip combining charming local lore, unexpected bird sightings, and unusual views of Buffalo to the south. While you’re there, consider a picnic on Beaver Island, as well as a walk along its half-mile beach—it may be a world away from the West Indies, but it’s a lot cheaper.
—Nancy J. Parisi |
Waterway for boating
Lower Niagara River
www.northofthefalls.com
Show off the region’s natural beauty on one of the most famous rivers in the world.
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