Friday News Brief
Written by WBTA STAFF on August 9, 2024
Byron Bergen Win Statewide Award
The Byron-Bergen Central School district announced that they have been named a 2023-2024 New York State Public High School Athletic Association School of Excellence.
Byron-Bergen is one of 226 schools statewide to earn the prestigious honor. To be eligible 75% of the school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award. For a small rural like Byron-Bergen that doesn’t have the resources available that larger schools have this is quite the accomplishment.
Byron-Bergen Athletic Director Rich Hannon said, “I’m thrilled that our student-athletes again achieved the NYSPHSAA School of Excellence award, These students are as dedicated in the classroom as they are on the field. It’s a tough balance. I’m incredibly proud.”
Batavia Concert Band Gives Out Two Scholarships
During the Batavia Concert Band’s final concert of 2024, they awarded two scholarships to band members and future music educators.
This year’s recipients were John Antsey and Abigail Hoerbelt. The awards were given out by Conductor John Bailey and Board Member Ann Arent. Both John and Abigail were crucial parts of the concert band this year. With the final concert in the books, the Centennial celebration for the band is also concluded.
The Batavia Concert Band announced their next concert will be July 2nd, 2025 at Centennial Park.
Genesee County Spartans are a Big Underdog in Playoff Matchup
This Saturday the Genesee County Spartans will play the undefeated Lockport Wildcats with a trip to the Northeastern Football Alliance championship game on the line.
On the year, the Spartans are 6-2 and both their losses have come at the hands of the Wildcats. On opening day the Spartans lost 16-6 to the Wildcats and then on July 13th they lost 36-14 in a thrashing.
Head Coach Harry Rascoe said, “This is the playoffs; there’s no more offense and defense. We’re going to put our best 11 guys on the field to compete with them. We know they (the Wildcats) are already overlooking us, so we’ll play the underdog.”