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The Seaway Trail Scores Points for Diversity in Spectator Sports
By William E. Paterson

When most of us think about spectator sports, our natural tendency is to focus on the nearest NFL, NHL, NBA, and Major League Baseball teams. Of course, the most recognizable sports icon in the vicinity of the Seaway Trail is the Buffalo Bills football team, whose exceptional resiliency translated into an unprecedented four consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early 1990s. The team's recent resurgence under the charismatic leadership of former Heismen Trophy winner, Doug Flutie, has added new fuel to the area's undying passion for professional football. The Bills' storied tradition is matched by that of the tenacious Buffalo Sabres, who parlayed two-time most valuable player Dominek Hasek's dominant goalie play into an appearance in the 1998 NHL Eastern Conference Finals. To be certain, the appetites of sports fans in this part of New York State are well fed by the exploits of these two exceptional franchises

  But the truth is, the Bills and the Sabres are far from the only shows in town. There is a multitude of amateur, collegiate, minor league, and special event spectator sports that offers fans the infectious energy and heroic feats they long for. Oftentimes, these games and tournaments are well-kept secrets, despite the fact that they can be attended affordably and within a reasonable driving distance. So, even though the names Hasek, Flutie, Kelly, and Levy will always be among the most prominent in our local sports lexicon, don't overlook all of the other opportunities you have to enjoy the excitement of spectator sports when traveling along the Seaway Trail.

Chautauqua County

  There really is nothing like the crack of the bat each spring to bring sports fans out of hibernation. The Jamestown Jammers, a Class A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, treat local fans of America's pastime to NY-Penn League games June through September at Russell Diethrick Park (716-664-0915). That's not your only opportunity to enjoy a day at the ballpark. Jamestown also plays host to the annual Babe Ruth Softball 12 and Under World Series at Bergman Park. Ten girl's softball teams from across the US compete in a hard-fought double elimination tournament for championship bragging rights (716-483-7523).

  If you like your sports to have a little more kick to them, catch the Gerry Rodeo, the largest, oldest consecutively running rodeo east of the Mississippi. For more than 50 years this rodeo has been held in Gerry at the Rodeo grounds on Route 60. Sponsored by the Gerry Volunteer Fire Department each August, the Rodeo is one of the area's most unique events (716-985-4847). Also in August, you can take a straight shot down to Peek 'n Peak Resort in Clymer for the International Bowhunters Organization World Championships. Over 2,000 qualified bowhunters compete in this three-day event each year to determine the champion marksman (716-796-3444).

  For fans of figure skating, the annual Skate Chautauqua event held in Jamestown's Allen Park Arena each August is a real treat. This free event features National, International and Olympic competitors from the US and Canada performing freestyle and in pairs (716-664-6609). And, if football withdrawal sets in after six months, you don't have to wait until September to see the Buffalo Bills. Just take in one of the team's training camp practices at SUNY College at Fredonia in July or early August (716-679-1565).

Erie County

  When fall rolls around, you can yell yourself hoarse as the Bills renew their quest for the Lombardi Trophy. The team routinely packs 80,000 fans into the newly named Ralph Wilson Stadium for its eight NFL home games (716-649-0015). And, just one month after the Bills kickoff each year, the Sabres welcome fans into the state-of-the-art Marine Midland Arena. While you won't find a bad seat in the house, you will find delicious food, plush seats and an eight-sided Jumbotron video scoreboard that make all 41 home games well worth the trip to downtown Buffalo (716-855-4100). As the Bills and Sabres charge toward the playoffs, plenty of other spectator sports are either gearing up or are already underway.

  You don't have to wait for hockey season to enjoy the Marine Midland Arena, as several other local teams also call it their home. The unmistakable Buffalo championship attitude is carried proudly by the Bandits lacrosse team of the NLL. With three world championships since 1992, the Bandits generate an electric atmosphere that even first-time fans can't resist (716-855-4100). From January to March and October to December, the Buffalo Blizzard indoor soccer team fills the Arena with the end-to-end NPSL action (716-855-4400) that has taken the sports world by storm in recent years. The new kid in town for 1999, the Buffalo Destroyers of the Arena Football League, is also set to play at the Arena from May-August (716-881-5676).

  Catch a Buffalo Bisons AAA baseball game at beautiful North AmeriCare Park and you'll swear you're watching the major leagues. Not only does the team serve as a continual pipeline of talent for its parent team, the Cleveland Indians, it's also the reigning International League champion (716-846-2000). If you'd rather be indoors during the summer months, the recently formed Buffalo Wings bring their special brand of major league roller hockey to the Buffalo State College Sports Arena (716-856-0102).

  As for collegiate sports, the University of Buffalo, Buffalo State College, and Canisius College all field men's and women's teams in the major team sports. Of particular interest, the Buffalo area's rich tradition of college basketball lives on through the NCAA Division I University of Buffalo Bulls and Canisius College Golden Griffins. Both teams play from November-March on their home floors as well as at the Marine Midland Arena (888-2BUFFNY).

  As if having seven professional teams weren't enough, Erie County also boasts harness racing from January- July and October-December at Buffalo Raceway (716-649-1280). What's more, the Buffalo area plays host to a full slate of special sporting events for local fans and tourists.

Niagara County

  The area's college basketball frenzy extends to Niagara County, where the Niagara University NCAA Division I Purple Eagles face off against both local rivals and nationally ranked teams. Now you can enjoy every rebound and three-pointer in comfort at the refurbished Gallagher Center, which has been fitted with new bleacher seats and a beautiful parquet floor. Niagara University also boasts the MAAC's 1998 champions in both men's hockey and women's softball, as well as competitive men's baseball and women's basketball teams (716-286-8600).

  Most people don't need much of an excuse to visit picturesque Lewiston, located just outside of Niagara Falls. But the fact that the Niagara Falls Country Club hosts the annual Porter Cup Golf Tournament is enough to land Lewiston on the itinerary of plenty of golf lovers. For four days at the end of July, you can watch some of the leading amateur players in the world hit the links (716-282-1204).

  A little known fact is that Niagara County has the distinction of being the hometown of the man who invented one of the major spectator sports in the world: volleyball. More than one hundred years ago, Lockport native William Morgan created the sport as an alternative to basketball. In mid July, Olcott Beach will be the site of a special volleyball tournament being held in his honor. The 200-team, three-day tournament will feature all levels of competition (800-338-7890).

  Finally, if you're a soccer fan who can't get enough of the Buffalo Blizzard at Marine Midland Arena, you can watch the team practice at Sportsplex, a state-of-the-art athletic facility in North Tonawanda. Fans can call the Blizzard directly for practice dates and times (716-855-4400).

Orleans County

  Although no professional sports teams call Orleans County their home, you'll enjoy your trip through this scenic part of the Seaway Trail on your way to a game or event to the east or west. Many sports enthusiasts who pass through Orleans enjoy a canoe trip at Oak Orchard Canoe and Kayak Experts in Waterport (800-4KAYAKS).

Monroe County

  The Blue Cross Arena in Rochester is the anchor of spectator sports in Monroe County. Highlighting the Arena's lineup is the exciting Rochester Americans hockey club that won the Calder Cup just two seasons ago. If you love hockey, you won't be disappointed by the glass-rattling intensity of the Buffalo Sabres' top affiliate. The `Amerks' are in action each October-April (716-454-5335). Also bringing the Arena to fever pitch on a regular basis is the Rochester Knighthawks lacrosse team that plays its twelve home games there between January and April (716-454-5335).

  Your trip to Rochester's downtown High Falls Entertainment District will bring you to majestic Frontier Field, where the Rochester Red Wings AAA baseball team plays its home games. An affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, the team engages in International League play from April-September (716-454-1001). If the Red Wings happen to be off, chances are good that the Raging Rhinos will be on. Rochester's professional soccer team charges into Frontier Field for a shot at the A-League championship from May-September (716-454-KICK). No matter where the Rochester Aardvarks rugby football team plays, it seems to wind up with the championship. In 1998, the team emerged victorious from both the Lilac Festival and Dead Ants Tournaments (716-251-4427).

  Trying to keep up with all of the collegiate sports on tap in Monroe County would be quite a task. You name the sport and you'll find it played at the highest level by the SUNY Brockport Golden Eagles, Geneseo Knights, Nazareth Golden Flyers, St. John Fisher Cardinals, RIT Tigers, Roberts Wesleyan Raiders, University of Rochester Yellow Jackets, and the teams of Hobart and William Smith Colleges. You can either contact these schools directly or check in with RACA (Rochester Area College Athletics) to find out more about these teams and their schedules (716-395-2218).

  In 1999, Monroe County will once again host a plethora of exhilarating events for fans of all kinds. Among these will be the 31st Annual Lilac City Bowling Tournament (800-36-LILAC), and several amateur and professional golf tournaments. Perhaps the most highly anticipated event is the annual Rochester International, played at Locust Hill Country Club. One of the LPGA Tour's top tournaments, the Rochester International is typically held in May (716-427-7100).

Wayne County

  If golf is your passion, you may want to check out Wayne Hills Country Club's championship golf course in Lyons, which serves as the site of three New York State Amateur events held throughout the summer (315-923-7795). Fishing enthusiasts look forward to the area's many derbies, including an annual Trout and Salmon Derby held in May (315-527-6510).

Cayuga County

  The NY-Penn League's heavy presence in the counties that comprise the Seaway Trail allows local and visiting fans to find a baseball game on just about any warm summer's night. A visit to Falcon Park to watch the Auburn Doubledays play is an affordable and entertaining way to cap off a scenic drive. An affiliate of the Houston Astros, the Doubledays play at home from June-September (315-255-2489). Cayuga County is also the site of Moravia Downs, located on the VFW Fairgrounds. Families flock to the track to enjoy pony cart races featuring Shetlands and Standard Breds on Saturday evenings throughout the summer (315-497-3044).

Oswego County

  The Oswego area's commitment to the sport of hockey is embodied by the success of its annual Power Play International Minor Hockey Tournament. Each February, youth teams from Canada, Russia and the U.S. compete at Oswego's three hockey rinks: Romney Field House, Crisafulli Ice Rink, and Cullinan Ice Rink (315-343-7681).

Jefferson County

  The Can Am International Speedway in LaFargeville thrills autoracing enthusiasts on Saturdays (with go-kart races on Fridays) from April through September (315-658-4431), as does the Evans Mills Speedway.

St. Lawrence County

  Without a doubt, collegiate sports rule the roost in St. Lawrence County. You can now help the Clarkson University Golden Knights hockey team christen its new arena and take in the tough ice action that helped the team reach the ECAC tournament finals last year. Clarkson also fields top-notch soccer, basketball, and baseball teams during their sports' respective seasons ( 315-268-7750). Over in Canton, the St. Lawrence University Saints play football and hockey throughout the fall, field a championship equestrian team, and boast the 1997-98 College Athletic Association Division III champion men's basketball squad, which plays from November though February (315-229-5884).

  The Bears of SUNY Potsdam welcome fans to their multi-facility athletic complex, Maxcy Hall, for a variety of sports, including hockey, baseball, lacrosse, volleyball, and soccer. The competitive play of Potsdam's division champion men's basketball team has packed the bleachers over the last few seasons (315-267-2000). The county's other SUNY school has plenty to brag about as well. SUNY Canton not only fields basketball, soccer, hockey, and lacrosse teams, but its football team is coached by former Buffalo Bills head coach, Lou Saban (315-386-7396).

  Finally, there's the fan-favorite Remington Rodeo held in Ogdensburg each year. The event, named for former resident Frederic Remington, affords both local fans and tourists a rare opportunity to see a professional rodeo (315-393-3620). u

Right on Track!

The Seaway Trail is a lap ahead of the national surge in popularity of the sport of autoracing. Opportunities to enjoy autoracing events abound, such as those that follow. Please call ahead to confirm days, times, directions, special events and admission prices.

Erie County

  Lancaster Speedway and Dragway offers NHRA drag and stock car racing: Fri and Sat nights, April-Sept (716-759-6818).

Niagara County

  Ransomville Speedway hosts modified and stock car races as well as demolition derbies: Friday nights, May-Sept (716-791-3602).

Cayuga County

  Niles Frozen Ocean Motocross Park in Auburn offers motocross and kart racing: April-Oct (315-784-5466).

  Cayuga County Fair Speedway has sanctioned DIRT modified and IMCA modified races: Sunday evenings, April-Sept (315-834-6606).

Oswego County

  Oswego Speedway has limited supermodified, supermodified, and midget racing: Saturday evenings, May-Sept (315-342-0646).

  Fulton Speedway offers small block modified, sportsman, street stock, and pure stock races at its NASCAR clay track: Saturday evenings, April-Sept (315-593-6531).

  Brewerton Speedway offers DIRT modifieds, four-cylinder superstock, IMCA modifieds, and dwarf cars: Fridays, April-Sept (315-668-6906).

  Moto Masters Park in Mexico hosts motocross races “down in the sand:” Various dates throughout the year (315-963-4999).

Jefferson County

  Can Am International Speedway in LaFargeville is open Saturdays (with go-kart races on Fridays) April-Sept (315-658-4431).

  Evan Mills Speedway: April-Sept. (315-629-7223).