Today's forecast: Partly sunny with a high near 76

STAFF REPORTS

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The National Weather Service calls for partly sunny skies today with a high near 76 and a low around 62.

Thursday, there's a chance of showers with a high near 80 and an overnight low around 70. Friday: Occasional showers and possibly a thunderstorm with a high near 78 and a low around 66. Saturday will be partly sunny with a high near 77 and a low around 63.

Sunday looks to be mostly sunny with a high near 80 and a low around 64. Monday will be sunny with a high near 82 and a low around 67. Tuesday, there's a chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 84.

BALABAN: Maybe all of us are hypocrites?

Most of us know the phrases that deal with opinions and assumptions. Opinions are like our rears; everyone has one and they all stink. And to assume is to, well, you know.

We are roughly three-quarters of a year post-election, and people's opinions and assumptions are becoming more and more blurred with the actual - not "fake" - news of the day. Among the loudest and most recognizable of these are from celebrities, many of whom are sports figures.

If anyone has been on any social media platform and seen such comments from professional athletes or the people who cover them, then the odds are quite good that the idiotic comment, "Stick to sports!" has been seen or heard. It's far too common a refrain from a public that would rather bury its collective head in the sand. And it is said to athletes and reporters alike.

Admittedly, I follow politics and the goings on in D.C. about as often as I look at the sun. When issues that interest me do arise I do my best to educate myself before taking a side. Normally, I fall somewhere in the middle. I'm not an extremist on either side, for to be one would remove the possibility of rational discourse. Those who fall on an extreme side both annoy and sadden me, as I question how and why they became that way.

Meanwhile, as Americans, we all have the right to our opinion, and here's one that should at least be considered: If a high-profile athlete (basically, any one in any of the four major sports) wants equality and no hate, then what does it mean if none of the four major sports have any openly gay players at the highest level?

America is "woke" in 2017, is it not? (Did I use the word right? I hope so. Half the buzzwords in the news today make my head hurt.) I find it a statistical impossibility that none of the more than 3,500 professional athletes in the four major sports are homosexual. The four leagues condemn hate speech and even suspend players for using slurs of any phobic nature.

However, a brief discussion with a few friends of mine led to the following conclusion: if an athlete were to come out, his career would be over. We need to ask why?

Look at the athletes who have come out and the impact they have had. Jason Collins and Michael Sam were hailed as heroes by many, but I feel their impact was quickly forgotten. Collins played in a few NBA games after coming out, with few but diehard fans remembering what kind of impact he had on their result. Sam was actually drafted after coming out, but failed to play a regular season game in the NFL and wound up playing in the Canadian league.

One NFL general manager suggested prior to the 2014 draft that Sam's stock would drop because he had made his sexuality public. Meanwhile, I'd put up even odds that if that same GM had a chance to sign an all-star linebacker charged with domestic abuse, he'd do so in a heartbeat. That makes zero sense because chances are any of us who had a criminal history who applied to work at just about any fast food place would be turned away. So by that logic, your local burger joint is more selective than, say, the Dallas Cowboys.

I guess what I'm ultimately wondering is, why all the mixed messages?

Who and what do we want to be as a people?

Our military historically has been made up of some of the bravest souls to ever walk this earth. And the men and women who constitute it protect our rights. They may disagree with what you have to say, but they will defend to the death your right to say it.

But again, where is the line drawn?

Non-violent protests, if they lead to conversations about how to better society, should be welcome. Non-violent protests in which the lead protester does not participate in change should be rightfully criticized. Yes, I'm referring to currently unemployed NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who infamously took a knee during the National Anthem all of last football season to protest...something. His message was lost on many when he decided to deify Fidel Castro while in Miami. He had a point in his original protest in that there are some bad apples in law enforcement.

You know what, though? There are bad apples in every job. Every. Job.

There are those in the media who will craft stories around certain narratives and lead the public to believe Point A when in actuality the story is really about Number 22 and the end result should be questioning Point C. It's a misdirect, and far too many in the mainstream media are guilty of it. The blessing of 24-hour news is that we are able to see stories as they unfold, but the curse of that is we (viewers, readers, reporters on the scene, anchors in the newsrooms, etc.) fall victim to believing what is first reported, when in reality the facts of the story may change multiple times before the real truth comes out. And by then it is too late.

For instance, a swastika was painted on a dugout in Wellsville, NY shortly after the election. The picture of it went viral as quickly as one could imagine. You know what didn't go viral though? The story of how the grotesque symbol was gone within hours thanks to a small group of citizens in the small community who showed through their actions how they know right from wrong.

Again, though, the picture of the swastika was all anyone could talk about. Painted by a coward, probably under cover of night. But the do-gooders who painted over it? Forgotten. Or worse yet, largely ignored. Social media erupted in a fury over the first symbol. The actions of the citizens who corrected their community's embarrassment were met with applause equivalent to that of a crowd consisting of a single mouse. You could make a solid case the reaction to the graffiti was underreported because it didn't fit the mainstream media's narrative du jour. I won't argue with you.

The point here is that change starts in our own backyard. All the -isms and -phobias are not inherent. They are taught. They are learned. And we should question those with high profile platforms how they are helping to bring about change on a larger scale.

At the same time, we must be careful to let the pendulum swing so far in either direction that an "all or nothing" mentality develops. I'm reminded of a line in of all things, Pixar's "The Incredibles." The beauty of America is in its diversity. We have people of all races, creeds, and colors. Some of us work harder to be better, meaning that not everyone is excellent, a fact seemingly forgotten. The villain in The Incredibles said, "With everyone super, no one will be."

Howie Balaban is a stay-at-home dad who loves sports and pop culture, aside from their hypocritical tendencies. He is a regular contributor to Niagara's Water Cooler. 

Purple Eagles coast past Escazu, 87-59

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

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SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA – The Purple Eagles dominated Coopeservidores Escazu in the second half en route to a comfortable 87-59 win on Tuesday night. Niagara won both of its games on its Costa Rican tour.  

After a last-second win on Monday night against league leaders ARBA San Ramon, Niagara made sure there were no need for the theatrics tonight. The Purple Eagles outscored Escazu, who is second in the Costa Rican Liga (LBS), 58-29, in the second half. The second unit of Dwayne Pow, Kevin Larkin, Kaleaf Tate, Greg Kuakumensah and Greg King buoyed the Purple Eagles throughout the game.

The quintet was on the court during the game-changing 13-0 run early in the third quarter. During the run, two Escazu players were ejected for language towards the official, and then Larkin converted on six straight free throws to give Niagara 44-33 lead. The Purple Eagles took a 60-44 lead into the fourth quarter.

The lead quickly grew over 20 points as Matt Scott and James Towns added baskets in the rout.


Eagle's Eye On…

• Four Purple Eagles scored in double figures – Matt Scott (15 points), Kevin Larkin (12 points), Dwayne Pow (11 points) and James Towns (10 points).
• Freshman Kaleaf Tate and Dominik Fragala had nine and eight points, respectively.
• Greg King and Dominic Robb each scored six points and combined for 10 rebounds.

Up Next

• Niagara will spend the next few days enjoying Costa Rica before heading back to campus for the beginning of fall semester classes and continue preparations for the season opener on Nov. 10 at St. Bonaventure.

 

Wings win, move into Wild Card lead

STAFF REPORTS

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Stephen Gonsalves earned his first Triple-A win and Matt Hague drove in three runs as the Rochester Red Wings beat the Columbus Clippers 6-2 Tuesday night at Huntington Park.

The win, coupled with Lehigh Valley's loss at Norfolk, means the Red Wings (70-52) are in sole possession of the Wild Card for the first time since early May.

Gonsalves (1-0) surrendered just one run on four hits and two walks with eight strikeouts over 6.0 innings. The left-hander has pitched to a 2.08 ERA (3 ER, 13 IP) in two starts with Rochester since being promoted from Double-A Chattanooga.

The Wings used four hits in the 1st inning, the last a two-out RBI single by Hague to take a 1-0 lead on Clippers (63-59) starter Jarrett Grube (5-7). Hague would deliver another run-scoring hit with two outs in the 3rd to make it 2-0.

Columbus was set down in order in each of the first two innings as Gonsalves struck out five batters, including the side in the 2nd. The Clippers got on the board in the 3rd as Michael Martinez doubled, Erik Gonzalez walked and rehabbing Lonnie Chisenhall doubled to cut Rochester's lead to 2-1. The Red Wings caught a break on Chisenhall's as the ball hopped over the centerfield fence for a ground-rule double. Gonsalves stranded both runners in scoring position.

Niko Goodrum wasted little time answering in the 4th, launching a massive home run to right-center on the first pitch of the inning to make it 3-1. Kennys Vargas homered with two outs in the 5th to extend the lead to 4-1.

Gonsalves ended his night in style by striking out the side in the 6th.

Hague's third hit and RBI of the night made it 5-1 in the 7th, though a runner was thrown out at the plate on the play. The Clippers cut their deficit to 5-2 and brought the tying run to the plate in the bottom half against Drew Rucinski but a double play ended the threat. Rochester answered once again the next half inning as J.B. Shuck's RBI double capped the scoring at 6-2.

John Curtiss fired a scoreless 8th and Michael Tonkin tossed a scoreless 9th to preserve the win.

The Red Wings reached their 70th win in game 122, quicker than any Rochester team since the 1997 squad did so in 114 games. The Wings won the Governors' Cup that season.

Indians use two homers to beat Bisons, 8-3

STAFF REPORTS

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The Bisons lost a matchup with Indianapolis on Monday night, 8-3, after surrendering a pair of home runs to the Indians' Gift Ngoepe.

Ngoepe's homers contributed five of the Indians' runs on the night. With Edwin Espinal and Christopher Bostick on base after respective singles, the Indians third baseman belted a shot to left field to score the first three of the night. Ngoepe's second bomb of the night came in the fourth frame towards left field. Jacob Stallings was on second at the time after he drove in a double and made his way to home plate as Idianapolis collected a 6-2 advantage.

Back-to-back doubles brought in an Indians score in the third inning. Austin Meadows batted a line drive to centerfield to reach second followed by a Max Moroff double to right field, plating meadows in the process.

Buffalo's first two runs were setup by a triple. Teoscar Hernandez sent a ball to center field to make it to third in the second inning. Dwight Smith Jr. cleaned up with an RBI single and brought Hernandez home with a line drive to right field. Jon Berti also took a ball to centerfield an inning later to round the base to third. Roemon Fields brought Berti to the plate on the ensuing at bat when he drilled a pitch to centerfield, trimming Buffalo's deficit to two runs.

Gregorio Petit rounded out the Bisons' scoring. The shortstop sent a solo home run to left field to bring Buffalo to a 7-3 disadvantage. The homer was Petit's third of the season.

Luis Santos (L, 3-11) went three innings in a start for the Herd and gave up the first fur Indianapolis runs. The righty had five hits and a pair of strikeouts as well in that time. Jeff Beliveau gave 1.2 innings of relief, allowing three runs in five hits. Mike Bolsinger then came in and dished for 1.1 innings, leaving just a pair of hits to his name. John Stilson, Mike Bolsinger and Chad Girodo each had an inning of scoreless relief to close out the game.

Buffalo continues their three-game series with Indianapolis on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Brett Oberholtzer (4-7, 4.15 ERA) will make a start for the Bisons and the Indians will put Nick Kingham (7-6, 3.70 ERA) on the mound.

BISONS NOTES: Blue Jays catcher Miguel Montero made an MLB rehab start with the Herd after a right groin injury. Montero caught for seven innings and finished 0-3 at the plate…With Roemon Fields' stolen base in the third inning, he's up to 36 on the season just three away from tying Dave Roberts' mark in 2000…Michael Saunders is now up to an eleven game hitting streak…Rowdy Tellez's hit streak of 12 games came to an end tonight after finishing 0-4.

Bisons offer fan guide to Saturday's Superhero Night

STAFF REPORTS

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Superhero Night Edition #3, presented by Niagara County Community College will be held Saturday as the Bisons host the Gwinnett Braves at Coca-Cola Field. We might not be able to outfit everyone with a trusty utility belt, but we arm you with the knowledge you need to get the most out of this fun-filled night at the ballpark!

Check out this special Bisons.com Superhero Night Fan Guide with information on everything from hot dogs to jersey raffles to this year's storyline.

Tickets & Superhero 4-Packs
CLICK HERE for single-game tickets for Saturday's Superhero Night and SAVE $2.00 on every ticket you buy before gameday!

Or, really flex your super-saver muscles by getting the Superhero 4-Pack! How about four tickets, four Sahlen's Hot Dogs and four Coca-Cola Soft Drinks for only $81?!?! PLUS, you get a Bisons' logo superhero cape and shield!

But hurry, and CLICK HERE for your Superhero 4-Pack! They will only be available through Friday, August 18!!

First Pitch/Gates
Make your Spidey-senses note that the Bisons have a special first pitch time of 6:05 p.m. for the start of the game against the Gwinnett Braves. Gates will open 2 hours early (4:00 p.m.) because of all of the additional activities throughout Coca-Cola Field.

If you plan to use ballpark Will Call, it's also not a bad idea to leave a few minutes earlier to avoid longer lines. The Coca-Cola Field Box Office will be open on Saturday starting at noon.

Ballpark Security & Fan Costumes
With increased security and the addition of walkthrough metal detectors in place for all events in 2017(click here for full security measures) please also note the following:

Only official Superhero Alliance members or volunteers are allowed to be in full costume. Fans of all ages with full costumes or props guns will not be allowed into Coca-Cola Field. Children ONLY will be allowed to wear plastic character masks that tie on the head with a rubber band.

Where do I get my cape or shield?
There will be TWO CAPE & SHIELD REDEMPTION CENTERS on the main level of the ballpark, at section 121 on the 3rd base side and near section 122 on the 1st base side. Even if you didn't' buy a Superhero 4-Pack, you can still pick up a Bisons logo cape or shield for $10 each, with proceeds to benefit the Superhero 5K Race that benefits the Mental Health Association and Compeer of Greater Buffalo.

I bought a 4-Pack. Where do I get food?
Avoid lines at the concession stands and use the HOT DOG & SODA STATIONS. You can get your hot dog and Coca-Cola in the concourse area near Sections 104 on the first base side, section 119 on the third base side, or at any of the full service stands where hot dogs are sold. 

If you don't have Hot Dog/Soda Coupons from a ticket package purchase, you can also use these fast-moving stations to pick up these ballpark classics!

Meet the Characters
Over 50 Characters, courtesy of the Superhero Alliance of Western New York, will be appearing throughout the night and will be available for pictures at Section 104. Characters will be available from when gates open at 4:00 p.m. up until the 6th inning. ***Outwit the crowd by heading to the Club Level first as characters will be all over Coca-Cola Field.

Jersey Auction
For the first time the Bisons will be wearing specialized Superhero Jerseys to add an even more excitement to the night. The jersey tops will be autographed by each player as soon as they come off the field after the game. If you missed out on the online auction don't worry, there will be a JERSEY RAFFLE of at least 15 additional GAME WORN and AUTOGRAPHED Superhero jerseys (number is dependent on the number of players on the team that night).

Raffle tickets will be sold with all proceeds to benefit the Superhero 5 K Run. Purchase your raffle tickets (1 for $10 or 3 for $20) near Section 104, or see the Superhero volunteers roaming the ballpark.  

Superhero Storyline
After facing defeat in 2016, the Villains are regrouping and have conjured a plan to trap the Heroes in a distant planet while they can take over the ballpark. Only time will tell if the Heroes can find their way back to Coca-Cola Field in time.

Follow the action between innings on the BisonsTV HD scoreboard beginning in the top of the 5th inning and get ready for an amazing on field battle and fireworks show after the game.

CLICK HERE for more information on Bisons Superhero Night.

Canisius' Blair named preseason All-MAAC, Griffs tabbed 6th

CANISIUS COLLEGE ATHLETICS

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BUFFALO – Canisius College junior midfielder Melvin Blair was named to the Preseason All-MAAC Team and Canisius was picked to finished sixth as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference held its Soccer Preseason Awards Show Tuesday on MAAC.tv.
 
The Preseason All-MAAC Teams and the preseason poll were voted on the league's 11 head coaches.

A native of Frome, Jamaica, Blair ranked second on the Canisius roster last season with eight points on two goals and four assists. He scored the game-winning goal in Canisius' 2-1 win over Monmouth, and his 2.65 shots per game ranked 10th best in the MAAC.
 
An NSCAA All Northeast Region Second Team and All-MAAC First Team selection, Blair became the first Canisius midfielder to earn All-MAAC First-Team accolades since former Griff Gavin Falconer was recognized by the league's coaches in 2012.
 
Quinnipiac was picked to repeat as regular season champions while 2016 MAAC champion Rider was tabbed second. Monmonth (95) was slotted third, followed by Siena (88), Fairfield (63) and Canisius (61). Marist (60), Iona (48), Manhattan (39), Niagara (29) and Saint Peter's (20) completed the poll.  
 
Canisius kicks off the 2017 season Aug. 25 at Stony Brook. The Griffs' home opener is slated for Aug. 31 against Robert Morris.
 
The 2017 MAAC Men's Soccer Championship has a new format in 2017, beginning on Sunday, Nov. 5, with the third and fourth seeded teams hosting the fifth and sixth seeded teams. The semifinals take place on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the site of the first and second seeded teams. The 2017 MAAC Men's Soccer Championship Game is held at the highest remaining seed on Sunday, Nov. 12.

Coaches Poll:
1. Quinnipiac – 113 (7)
2. Rider – 110 (3)
3. Monmouth – 95
4. Siena – 88 (1)
5. Fairfield – 63
6.  Canisius – 61
7. Marist – 60
8. Iona – 48
9. Manhattan – 39
10. Niagara – 29
11. Saint Peter's – 20
 
Preseason All-MAAC Team (listed alphabetically, by school):
Forward:
Eamon Whelan, Quinnipiac
Jose Aguinaga, Rider
Clement Bourrett, Rider
Elliot Otmani, Rider
 
Midfield:
Melvin Blair, Canisius
Simon Lund Jorgensen, Marist
Colin Stripling, Monmouth
James Doig, Quinnpiac
 
Back:
Angus Hastings, Fairfield
Jeppe Haehre, Quinnipiac
Connor McCoy, Quinnipiac
Milorad Sobot, Siena
 
Goalkeeper:
Chrysostomos Iakovidis, Quinnipiac
 
Preseason POY:
Jose Aguinaga, Rider

Gretta Dry earns preseason All-MAAC honors, Griffs picked 6th

CANISIUS COLLEGE ATHLETICS

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The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announced Tuesday night that Canisius sophomore forward Gretta Dry has been named to the Preseason All-MAAC Team, as part of the league's 2017 Preseason Awards Show, which aired lived on MAAC.tv. The Preseason All-MAAC teams were voted on by the league's 11 head coaches.

Canisius' top returning scorer from a season ago, Dry earned All-MAAC Rookie Team honors after she scored eight goals to go with four assists for a team-high 20 points. The Lockport, N.Y., native posted multiple points in four different games and she closed out her rookie season as the MAAC's leader with four game-winning goals. Dry played in 17 games for the Golden Griffins last year, earning 14 starting assignments.

Dry is the lone Canisius representative on the 2017 Preseason All-MAAC Team, where she is joined by four players each from Monmouth and Siena, two from Rider and one from Marist and Quinnipiac, respectively. Monmouth redshirt forward Madie Gibson was chosen as the 2017 MAAC Preseason Player of the Year.

As a team, Canisius was picked to finish sixth in the 2017 MAAC Preseason Coaches Poll. Monmouth, the MAAC's defending champion, was picked to win the league's crown with 120 points and 10 first-place votes. Quinnipiac was tabbed to finish second with 101 votes and one first-place nod, while Rider (96), Siena (95) and Marist (71) took spots three through five. Canisius (57) was picked sixth, followed by Manhattan (53), Fairfield (51) and Niagara (26). Iona (25) and Saint Peter's (11) rounded out the 11-team field.

The Griffs are set to officially open the 37th season in school history Friday, Aug. 18th home versus Youngstown State. That game will be broadcast live on ESPN3, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.

Coaches's Poll:
1. Monmouth - 120 (10)
2. Quinnipiac - 101 (1)
3. Rider - 96
4. Siena - 95
5. Marist - 71
6. Canisius 57
7. Manhattan - 53
8. Fairfield - 51
9. Niagara - 46
10. Iona - 25
11. Saint Peter's - 11

Forward:
Gretta Dry – Canisius
Erica Modena – Manhattan
Camille Bowen – Marist
Madie Gibson – Monmouth
Ellie Smith – Rider

Midfield:
Rachelle Ross – Monmouth
Nadya Gill – Quinnipiac
Michele Tremblay – Siena
Madison Vasquez – Siena

Back:
Gabriella Cuevas – Monmouth
Meghan McCabe – Rider
Amanda Holtzman – Siena
Hanna Longendyke – Siena

Goalkeeper:
Amanda Knaub – Monmouth

Preseason Player of the Year
Madie Gibson – Monmouth

NU men's soccer selected 10th In 2017 preseason coaches' poll

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

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EDISON, N.J. – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announced the results of the 2017 men's soccer preseason coaches' poll during the annual Men's and Women's Soccer Preseason Soccer Awards show on Tuesday. The Purple Eagles men's soccer team received 29 votes and was ranked tenth in the preseason poll.
 
Niagara finished eighth in the MAAC last season with a 3-6-1 conference record (4-11-2 overall), including wins over conference regular-season champion Quinnipiac, Fairfield, and Manhattan. Captains Joel Gerberichand Konrad Zydowicz will lead the Purple Eagles this season. Niagara also returns their top two scorers from a year ago, Mackenzie Roach and Mbongeni Tshuma. Bill Boyle enters his second season as head coach of the Purple Eagles and welcomes 14 newcomers to the roster, including four transfers.
 
The Purple Eagles start the 2017 campaign with seven straight road games, opening on Friday, Aug. 25 at Lipscomb University at 8 p.m. The team's home opener comes on Wednesday, Sept. 20 with a 7 p.m. kick against the St. Bonaventure Bonnies.
 
Stay connected with the Purple Eagles through social media. Follow Niagara Athletics on Twitter @NUPurpleEagles and for men's soccer updates, follow @NiagaraSoccer. Check in with the Purple Eagles on Facebook.com/PurpleEagles and on Instagram @NUPurpleEagles.
 
Preseason Coaches' Poll

1.	Quinnipiac (7)	113
2.	Rider (3)	110
3.	Monmouth	95
4.	Siena (1)	88
5.	Fairfield	63
6.	Canisius	61
7.	Marist	60
8.	Iona	48
9.	Manhattan	39
10.	Niagara	29
11.	Saint Peter's	20

 
Preseason All-MAAC Team (listed alphabetically by school)

Forward:
Eamon Whelan, Quinnipiac
Jose Aguinaga, Rider
Clement Bourret, Rider
Elliot Otmani, Rider

Midfield:
Melvin Blair, Canisius
Simon Lund Jorgenson, Marist
Colin Stripling, Monmouth
James Doig, Quinnipiac

Back:
Angus Hastings, Fairfield
Jeppe Haehre, Quinnipiac
Connor McCoy, Quinnipiac
Milorad Sobot, Siena

Goalkeeper:
Chrysostomos Iakovidis, Quinnipiac

Preseason Player of the Year: Jose Aguinaga, Rider 

NU women's soccer selected 9th in preseason poll

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

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EDISON, N.J. – The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) announced its women's soccer preseason coaches' poll on Tuesday. Niagara received 46 points as the ninth place selection.

Monmouth, the 2016 MAAC Championship winner and four-time defending regular season champions, were selected as the preseason favorite, receiving 120 points.

Niagara returns 19 players from last year's squad which went 5-10-1 and finished eighth in the MAAC.

The Purple Eagles kick off their season on Friday, Aug. 18 at Michigan State at 3:00 p.m.
 
Preseason Coaches' Poll:

1. Monmouth – 120 (10)
2. Quinnipiac – 101 (1)
3. Rider – 96
4. Siena – 95
5. Marist – 71
6. Canisius – 57
7. Manhattan – 53
8. Fairfield – 51
9. Niagara – 46
10. Iona – 25
11. Saint Peter's – 11

 
Preseason All-MAAC Team:
Gretta Dry – Forward - Canisius
Erica Modena – Forward - Manhattan
Camille Bowen – Forward - Marist
Madie Gibson – Forward - Monmouth
Ellie Smith – Forward - Rider
Rachelle Ross – Midfield - Monmouth
Nadya Gill – Midfield - Quinnipiac
Michele Tremblay – Midfield - Siena
Madison Vasquez – Midfield - Siena
Gabriella Cuevas – Back - Monmouth
Meghan McCabe – Back - Rider
Amanda Holtzman – Back - Siena
Hanna Longendyke – Back - Siena
Amanda Knaub – Goalkeeper – Monmouth
 
Preseason Player of the Year
Madie Gibson – Monmouth

Editorial: Major scandal at the Erie County Water Authority

AMHERST TIMES

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The three Commissioners in the Water Authority paid $134,000 to outside lawyers even though they already had 4 lawyers on staff.  One might wonder why the ECWA needed these three outside lawyers.  These lawyers were given good old patronage jobs which probably helped pay off their college loans or or perhaps pay for their new jaguar. Who knows?

The three Commissioners know but they won't respond to FOIL requests.  These three are the ones who run the ECWA.  They are called "Commissioners" and were put in power because they did favors for major party Chairmen and are abusing the power they have in many different and illegal ways.

None of these men are qualified to run the Water Authority, but then again there aren't any actual qualifications to be a Commissioner.

Jerry Schad, Chairman of the Amherst Democratic Committee, is one of these Commissioners appointed by Jeremy Zellner, Democratic Chair of Erie County, to this patronage position.

Jerry was the person who gave money to candidates from the PAC which was under investigation.  Dennis Ward, before he came a judge, attended an Amherst Democratic meeting.  Scad is the Chairman of that group.  Ward said he was investigating the illegal money given to candidates from PAC.  I asked Mr. Ward if any of our candidates received any of this money.  He replied, "Most likely."  It turned that out some candidates did receive money.

The Commissioners would place people they knew into regular jobs which the public never had a chance to apply for.  If any of these leeches on the ECWA was removed the new person would put them in jobs to keep their loyalty.  A prime example was when Mark Poloncarz made up a job for his friend which paid over a $100,000 dollars.  Patronage jobs are the most sicking weapon the leaders of political parties have to get undying loyalty.  This also goes for the lawyers who were paid $134,000.  Now the citizens know who the high rollers are in our Water Authority.

Our best best is to have these Commissioners removed and have a test administered to individuals who want to run our Water Authority.

Give your Governor a call and complain.

-- James Tricoli is editor of Amherst Times

Originally published on Amherst Times. Republished with permission.

Wings fly back Monday for promotion-packed week

STAFF REPORTS

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With just 11 home games remaining in the 2017 season, the Red Wings return to Frontier Field to open a 7-game homestand on Monday night with major playoff implications on the line! The homestand highlights include FIVE giveaways, an appearance from Mr. Belding and Thomas the Tank Engine, Family Campout Night and two fireworks shows!

Tickets to any game can be purchased at the Red Wings Ticket Office, over the phone at (585) 423-WING (9464) during normal business hours or around-the-clock at RedWingsBaseball.com. 

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

MONDAY, AUGUST 21 (7:05 PM) vs. SWB RAILRIDERS (Yankees)

SPIKES SOLAR ECLIPSE T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY - In honor of the solar eclipse on Monday, we'll be giving away 1,000 of these shirts courtesy of Frontier Communications.

KIDS EAT FREE - The first 500 kids 12 & under will receive a voucher good for a FREE hot dog, soda and snack item thanks to our friends at Basch & Nickerson LLP.

FOOD SPECIAL - BBQ Riblet Dinner at Black Angus for $9.

SEASON SEAT HOLDERS: This is the second-to-last redemption day.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22 (7:05 PM) vs. SWB RAILRIDERS (Yankees)

FRONTIER FIELD MAGNET GIVEAWAY - The first 2,500 fans will get a Frontier Field magnet courtesy of Food Link!

FAN 4-PACK - Get four reserved seat tickets, four hot dogs, four 12-oz. drinks, and a yearbook for $36 ($40 when ordered the day of the game).

FOOD SPECIAL - Sweet Potato Fries at Batter Up for $5

SEASON SEAT HOLDERS: This is the LAST redemption day.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23 (7:05 PM) vs. SWB RAILRIDERS (Yankees)

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT WITH MR. BELDING - Come out and meet your favorite high school principal from the hit show "Saved By The Bell!" Mr. Belding will sign autographs from 6:00-6:40 and again from 7:15-8 pm courtesy of Alfred State. The first 1,500 kids will also receive a Jose Berrios 3-Hole Pencil Pouch presented by Alfred State and Pigtails & Crewcuts.

DONATE SCHOOL SUPPLIES - As part of Back-to-School Night, bring new, unused school supplies to Guest Services on Monday and be entered for a chance to win a Red Wings prize pack which includes 4 premium tickets, a team signed baseball and the chance to throw out a first pitch! All of the supplies will be donated to the Rochester City School District!

$1 WEDNESDAY - Every Wednesday enjoy $1 hot dogs, cracker jacks, peanuts and chips courtesy of Zweigle's, Democrat & Chronicle and DiPaolo Baking Company.

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 24 (1:35 PM) vs. SWB RAILRIDERS (Yankees)

FINAL WEEKDAY MATINEE OF THE SEASON!

COLLEGE DAY- Every Thursday students with a valid college ID can purchase a $10 reserved ticket which INCLUDES $5 Diamond Dollars that can be used for food or merchandise. We'll have tailgate games, Wing Pong and Cornhole, set up by the 10th Inning Bar.

FOOD SPECIAL - Spikes Boneless Wings at Batter Up for $7.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 (7:05 PM) vs. BUFFALO BISONS (Blue Jays)

Note: Gates open at 5:30 

FAMILY CAMPOUT NIGHT - Any fan with a ticket to the game on Friday, August 25 can CAMPOUT under the stars at Frontier Field that night presented by Meyer's RV Superstores and Dunkin' Donuts! Following the game we will be showing the movie "Little Big League" on the videoboards. In the morning, Dunkin' Donuts will be here with FREE coffee and donuts for all those who camped out!

In an effort to keep track of how many fans we'll have sleeping over on August 25, please use promo code: CAMPOUT (all caps) when purchasing tickets online if you plan on staying over. To order tickets over the phone, please call Mike Ewing at (585) 454-1001 EXT. 3036.

POST-GAME FIREWORKS - Presented by Local Toyota Dealers

FOOD SPECIAL - Fish Fry at Batter Up for $9.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 26 (6:05 PM) vs. BUFFALO BISONS (Blue Jays)

SPORTS CARDS/COLLECTIBLES SHOW WITH WWE HALL OF FAMER IVAN PUTSKI - Putski will sign from 5-5:45 p.m., and again from 6:15-7:00 p.m. presented by CollectorFest Monthly. There will be a $15 fee for autographs, and photos of and with Putski will also be available for purchase.

POST-GAME FIREWORKS - Presented by ESL Federal Credit Union

TEAM CARD SET UPDATE GIVEAWAY - The first 1,000 fans will get this card set update with all of the top prospects and players to come though Rochester in 2017 courtesy of CollectorFest Monthly.

FOOD SPECIAL - Beef 'N Cheddar Calzone at Mama Mittsy's for $7.50.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 27 (1:35 PM) vs. BUFFALO BISONS (Blue Jays)

THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE APPEARANCE - Everyone's favorite train rolls back into town and will be available for photos all game long with fans.

TEAM PHOTO GIVEAWAY - The first 5,000 fans will receive a 2017 Red Wings Team Photo courtesy of Hillside!

KIDS RUN THE BASES - All kids 12 and under will have the chance to run the bases with Spikes & Mittsy following each Sunday home game courtesy of the Burger Bar at Wegmans Pittsford.
 
YOUTH FOR CHRIST SHOE DONATION - Youth For Christ and Re-Run Shoes are sponsoring a shoe drive at all Sunday home games in 2017. Please consider donating your gently-used athletic shoes, including cleats.

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