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Webster inducts Athletic Hall of Fame inaugural class

17 Dec

Webster is a huge sports town.

We have two very successful high school athletic programs, multiple public and youth sports clubs, and high-quality sports facilities like the Webster Athletic Center, Webster Thomas Field House, Lakefront Soccer Club and several lighted stadiums, which draw athletes from all over the region for swimming and diving, softball, hockey, soccer and Special Olympics competitions.

Because of the Webster community’s strong commitment to sports, our programs have produced dozens of respected coaches and athletes who made a lasting impact here and have gone on to accomplish remarkable things.

On Friday, Jan. 2, the achievements of 23 of these men and women will be recognized when the Webster Central School District announces the inaugural class of the Webster Athletic Hall of Fame.

The entire community is invited to join the festivities. They begin with a ceremony at 3:30 p.m. in the Webster Schroeder auditorium, 875 Ridge Road. The celebration then moves that evening to Schroeder gymnasium, where the varsity girls basketball team will play at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the action will pause for the public introduction and honoring of the inaugural Webster Athletic Hall of Fame class. The celebration concludes with the varsity boys basketball game immediately afterward.

These coaches and athletes, representing decades of Webster athletics, will be honored:

  • Kevin Akins, athlete – track, class of 1978;
  • Chris Barnes, coach – girls lacrosse, class of 1984;
  • Brian Bliss, athlete – soccer, class of 1983; 
  • Dave “Boots” Boutillier, athlete – cross country, track and field, class of 1988; 
  • Marc Carlton, athlete – swimming and diving, class of 2000; 
  • Jim Cripps, athlete – basketball, football, track, class of 1961; 
  • Carl Garritano, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2003; 
  • Gregor Gillespie, athlete – wrestling, class of 2005; 
  • William J. “Bill” Guerrera, coach – boys lacrosse, football
  • Colleen C. Kelly, athlete – basketball, soccer, softball, class of 2002; 
  • Patrick J. Kelly II, athlete – basketball,  football, lacrosse, class of 1983; 
  • Brian Kozlowski, athlete – football, class of 1988; 
  • Jim Kruze, coach – cross country, girls soccer, track and field, class of 1967; 
  • Rachel Kruze, athlete – soccer, class of 1999; 
  • Brenna Mason, athlete – soccer, class of 2012; 
  • Linda McCoy, coach – basketball, field hockey, softball; 
  • Bill O’Rourke Jr., coach and athlete – basketball, class of 1968; 
  • Bill O’Rourke Sr., coach – basketball; 
  • Thomas O’Rourke, athlete – basketball, class of 1970; 
  • Emily Resnick, athlete – lacrosse, class of 2015; 
  • Carrie Santore, athlete – gymnastics, class of 2000; 
  • Nina Scalzo, athlete – soccer, class of 2000; and 
  • Joseph Zaccardo, athlete – baseball, football, class of 2005.

The Webster Athletic Hall of Fame celebrates the rich athletic heritage of Webster’s public high schools. It recognizes the exceptional achievements of athletes, coaches, administrators, and community members who have shaped their winning traditions, be they Ridgemen, Lakers, Warriors, Titans, or Lions.

Plans have not yet been finalized for a permanent display of all of the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, so stay tuned for details about that.

Nominations are ongoing. The selection criteria include:

  • The candidate must have excelled in one or more sports while a student at any Webster public high school.
  • Former students must have graduated from Webster at least 10 years ago.
  • Coaches must be retired from the position at which they served, or been actively coaching at a Webster public high school for a minimum of 10 years before being considered for induction.
  • Athlete/coach must have been in good standing while participating on, or coaching an athletic team. and have conducted his or herself in such a way as to reflect honor on the school.

For more information and the nomination form, click here.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 12/17/2025)

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Nina Scalzo Smithson inducted into HS Girls Soccer Hall of Fame

2 Oct

A belated congratulations to Webster Schroeder alumna Nina (Scalzo) Smithson (class of 2000) for her recent induction into the New York High School Girls Soccer Hall of Fame.

As a forward for Webster Schroeder, Nina had a remarkable high school career, leading her team in scoring all four years. She set a school record with 90 goals and 50 assists, a performance that earned her numerous accolades, including being named Greater Rochester Player of the Year in 1998 and Monroe County Division I Player of the Year in 1999. She was a three-time All-Greater Rochester and All-County first-team selection and was named first-team All-State as a junior and senior.

After high school, Nina continued her successful career at Syracuse University, where she became a four-year starter. She ranks fourth all-time at the university in career goals (24) and points (61) and sixth in assists (13). She earned Soccer Buzz All-Regional Honors, becoming the first player from her program to be selected to the first team.

The induction ceremony for the Class of 2025 took place on September 6, at Niskayuna High School in Schenectady. Nina is the first athlete from Webster Central School District to receive this honor.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 10/2/2025)

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Building community, one ride at a time

3 Aug

You may remember that a few weeks ago, I participated in — and blogged about — the Webster Library’s new walking club, which meets every Tuesday afternoon. I had the pleasure during that stroll to reconnect with a fellow fitness advocate, Dave Malecki.

I first got to know Dave about a year ago, when I took part in one of his regular group bike rides through Webster. (I actually wrote a blog about that experience, too, which you can see here.) While we were walking together that Tuesday, Dave reminded me that he’s still organizing regular group bike rides, through the Huggers Ski Club.

Dave’s rides generally roll through West Webster. They’re also scheduled on Tuesdays, beginning at 9:30 a.m., and start at the Webster Public Library. The routes are flat and scenic, typically covering 12 to 15 miles, perfect for intermediate to experienced cyclists. Dave keeps things fresh by planning a new route each week. Recent rides have included stops at Herman’s Farm Market, Lake Ontario, and Whiting Road Nature Preserve.

His mission? To “promote Active Transportation here for Webster residents.”

If Tuesday mornings or West Webster don’t work for you, no worries; there are plenty of other rides throughout the week. You can find the full schedule here.  

Recent attendance at Dave’s West Webster rides have been sparse, and he’d really like to have more participants. So check the schedule, sign up (so he knows you’re coming) and enjoy some biking in this beautiful summer weather.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 8/3/2025)

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Miracle Field’s Heroes Helping Heroes Day returns this weekend

24 Jul

Sometimes really cool events just sneak under my radar. Yesterday, though, I had the great pleasure of chatting for a few minutes with Ron Kampff of Rochester Challenger Miracle Field, who reminded me about what’s happening over there this weekend.

And this is such a cool event that I definitely did not want to miss promoting it.

It’s called Heroes Helping Heroes Day, an annual event that combines baseball, Miracle Field athletes and first responders in a fun and inspirational morning of sports and friendship.

This year’s Heroes Day takes place at Miracle Field, 100 Ridge Rd., Webster, this Saturday July 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local first responders spend the morning at Miracle Field, playing with and against some of our amazing Challenger athletes. In addition to the entertaining baseball games, and the chance to meet some local first responders and get a close-up look at some of their equipment, there’ll be food, the Seneca Park ZooMobile, a dunk tank, obstacle course and lots more.

This is a great morning of safe family fun. There’s no charge, and there’s plenty of parking. To find out more, visit www.rochestermiraclefield.org.

About Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester  

Challenger Miracle Field of Greater Rochester provides people with developmental, physical or intellectual disabilities a barrier free, safe, accessible place to experience the health benefits and joy of play through baseball, other team sports, and adaptive recreational equipment.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/24/2025)

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Thomas vs. Schroeder charity basketball will benefit WHEN

24 Feb

A Thomas vs. Schroeder high school basketball game is always highly competitive and definitely worth watching. But the one happening on Wednesday March 12 should be … well, interesting, and dare I say, a little short on actual basketball talent.

It’s a Charity Basketball Game, scheduled for Wednesday night March 12 at Webster Thomas High School.

The family-friendly event will pit Thomas/OWL staff and faculty against Schroeder/GOAL staff and faculty in a friendly winner-take-all-bragging-rights game. Usually the game includes some super-fun halftime activities featuring competitions between Thomas/OWL students and Schroeder/GOAL students. Concessions will be available.

Suggestion donation for admission is just $5, and this year’s beneficiary is the Webster Health and Education Network (WHEN), a community coalition which promotes healthy, substance-free behaviors and lifestyles in our Webster schools and greater community. Additional donations would also be greatly appreciated.

The game begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12 in the Webster Thomas High School gymnasium, 800 Five Mile Line Rd. Enter on the east side of the building, near the field house.

The schools’ PTSAs host this game every year. I haven’t been to one in a long time, but I do remember actually playing in one when I was working at Webster Thomas many years ago. What I remember most about it, actually (aside from how poorly I played) were the fun costumes and wigs that many of the teachers wore, and how much laughing there was. It was an enjoyable experience both on the court, and for everyone in the stands as well.

So make sure to mark your calendars for this fun night, and come out and support the Webster Health and Education Network in their effort to keep our kids safe and healthy.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 2/24/2025)

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Strege named Athletic Administrator of the Year

25 Nov

The New York State Athletic Administrators Association (NYSAAA) has named Shawn Strege the Chapter 5 Athletic Administrator of the Year.

A 25-year veteran of Webster CSD, Strege is the director of health, physical education and athletics for the Webster Schroeder High School Warriors, a role he’s held since July 2018. Prior to then, he served as an assistant principal and a physical education teacher, all at Schroeder.    

NYSAAA’s Chapter 5 Athletic Administrator of the Year award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated evidence of devotion and idealism to athletics through NYSAAA.

“Your peers have recognized your hard work, dedication, and professionalism in the promotion of athletics in a positive manner,” Chapter 5 Chair Brian Donohue wrote in a November 19 letter announcing the honor.

Webster Schroeder High School Principal Paul Benz agreed. “Each year Shawn finds ways to make our athletic programs better for our athletes, coaches, supervisors, and spectators. He spreads the good about high school athletics, as is evident with his leadership work with our team captains and schools across the county,” he said. “The Schroeder brand shines because of his creativity and commitment to our student-athletes. We are fortunate to have him as our AD.” 

Strege will receive the award at the Chapter 5 annual Dennis E. Fries Awards banquet to be held in June at the Genesee River Restaurant. He will also be recognized at the Roy O’Neill Awards dinner at the NYSAAA Conference in March.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

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(posted 11/25/2024)

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Biking through West Webster

20 Sep

Life is an new learning adventure every day, as long as you get out there and give life a chance to teach.

I was reminded of that earlier last week when I joined a group of bikers for a 15-mile ride through West Webster. The ride was led by Dave Malecki, a member of the Huggers Ski Club and the Rochester Bicycling Club.

We began at Sandbar Park on Lake Rd., headed west to the outlet bridge, then back down Lake to Vosburg Rd. and into the heart of West Webster. Dave led us through some stunningly beautiful neighborhoods, most of which were new to me, like Inspiration Point, which I’d never seen before. Along the way we happened across a few things that really piqued my interest, like the “Off the Cuff Snack Shack” on Adams Rd., stocked with low-cost homemade treats if anyone needed something on the fly.

We also rode by one of the signs from the old James W. Carnevale Bike Route, a 14.5-mile route through Webster established in 1968. It was renamed in 1977 in honor of James Carnevale’s service as Recreation Commissioner. There are still a few signs in place marking the trail, but they’re in pretty bad shape. (You can read more about that here.)

It was a very enjoyable, pretty easy ride with some good people. Dave leads a similar route, for the Huggers, every Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m. Riders of all abilities are welcome to join the group. And if you can’t make that one, there are plenty of other options; the Rochester Bicycling Club alone publishes a list every year of almost 80 different rides all over the city, with lengths ranging from 9 to 22 miles. Best way to stay in touch with them all is to join meetup.com/RBC-NY.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 9/20/2024)

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First Responders 5K returns to the village next week

23 Aug

One of my favorite 5K races of the year returns to Village of Webster streets next Friday night, and I will definitely be there, as I have for the past several years.

It’s the First Responders 5K, and I especially like this event for a few reasons. First, it’s in the Village of Webster, so I don’t have to travel very far to participate. For that matter, since it begins at the south end of Fireman’s Field, I can walk to the start line from my house. PLUS the course runs right by my house. And a lot of my friends run this race with me, which always makes it more fun.

I also like supporting 5K events that raise money for good causes. The First Responders 5K benefits the First Responders Special Treatment Agency (FRST Agency), which is dedicated to helping first responders and their families deal with mental trauma.

The race is scheduled for Friday Aug. 30 at 6:30 p.m. It will BEGIN AND END at the south side of Fireman’s Field on Sanford St., and take racers through east-side village neighborhoods. Cost is $43, or $19 for active first responders (advance registration required). Each racer will also receive a t-shirt, and food and drink after the race.

My family will once again be setting up our “refreshment” stop on Fuller Ave., with water — and beer — so watch for our signs!

To register for the race, and for more information including a course map, click here . They’re also looking for volunteers, which is an easy gig and nets you a t-shirt, too. You can also find out more about that opportunity on the website.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 8/23/2024)

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Webster BlueFins swim team is all about community

21 Aug

Today I’d like to introduce you all to the Webster BlueFins competitive swim team. I’ve been considering a blog about the BlueFins for a long time; perhaps seeing all the swimming events in the recent Olympics finally motivated me to do that. But having one of the coaches hand me a brochure at the Webster Fireman’s Parade and saying “You should do a blog about us!” also helped.

So, with brochure in hand, I started doing my research and checked out the BlueFins website and Facebook page. Those sites will tell you pretty much everything you’d want to know about the club, like when and where they practice, the age groups, cost of registration and the like. That’s all well and good, but to really get a sense of what this club is all about, you have to go to one of their practices.

So I went down to the Webster Aquatic Center last week to meet head coach Donna Johnson (“Coach DJ”) and check things out for myself. Before heading into the pool, we sat outside for a bit, and Coach gave me some background about the club. But she also gave me a sense of the quality of the young people who swim with the BlueFins. She kept using words like “really great people” and “remarkable individuals” who have fun together and support one other.

When I finally went inside, I saw what she meant.

The pool was alive with activity, 18 lanes filled with swimmers of all ages, repeatedly propelling themselves from one side to the other and back again. I saw smiles … LOTS of smiles. I saw kids laughing and chatting with their friends as they did their warm-up laps. One group of young swimmers was having a blast playing water polo.

Those are the kinds of things you don’t see online or in a brochure; the joy of not just being part of a team, but being part of a community.

  • Young Pups and Sharks play water polo
  • Swimmers from the Performance and Seniors groups
  • Coach Emily Nicastro with Rashmit Saini and Ella Khan
  • Charlotte Smith
  • Coach Emily Nicastro with Emjay Mykins

The Webster BlueFins is a competitive swim team for children and young adults from age 7 to college age. Right now there are 209 members, split into six different age groups. Most are from Webster, but the team also draws swimmers from as far away as Honeoye Falls and Mexico (east of Oswego). Practice is held four to six days a week, depending on the age of the child. Swimmers are encouraged to participate in local, regional and national-level meets, which average about two per month during the 11-month season.

Established more than 50 years ago, the team has always focused as much on the swimmers’ character as on the swimmers’ training. It’s driven by a mission to “inspire and motivate our swimmers to become champions in and out of the water,” focusing on core values of inclusion, accountability, leadership, teamwork and perseverance. And you realize they’re sincere in those goals when you see that nowhere on the website or in the brochure is the emphasis placed on competition and winning. Instead, this is what you’ll read:

Our aim is to provide a competitive environment in which children experience the joy of self-improvement, physical conditioning, discipline, and being part of a team. Particularly with the younger age groups, the emphasis is not on winning, but rather on self-improvement.

Coach DJ is also committed to taking that focus on personal growth even further, encouraging her team members to go out into the Webster community and give back by working with charitable organizations. She’s even found a way to help build leadership skills.

She said,

I put it in the hands of a couple of the older kids this year to see what we could do to give back to the community. The kids are really into it. Maybe I’m biased, but swimmers in general are really great people. We’re dealing with 209 remarkable individuals. There’s not a day that I don’t look forward to coming here because of who these kids are. … So I’m 100% confident that once we unleash that, it’s going to take off.

Interested in checking out the team for yourself? Registration is now open for a FREE two-week trial program, running Sept. 16 to 26. The tryout is open to swimmers of all levels who want to experience competitive swimming. For more information, visit the BlueFins website.

You can also find the Webster BlueFins on Instagram and Facebook.

By the way, I have to share this photo, which I took at the 2010 Fireman’s Parade. I didn’t even know what I had gotten until I was looking at the photos later. It kind of sums up everything I said about how this is a fun-loving group of kids and coaches.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 8/21/2024)

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Get your tickets now for Webster Community Night at the Red Wings

3 Jul

If you haven’t gotten your fill of Rochester Red Wings games this season, here’s a good opportunity to do so, at a great price.

On Friday Aug. 16, the Webster Recreation Center will be partnering with the Red Wings to host a Webster Community Night. The focus will be on our community that evening; Supervisor Tim Flaherty will be throwing out the first pitch, and Webster-based musician Sarah De Vallière is singing the national anthem.

The game starts at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are only $10; you can use the QR code on the flyer, or click here.

The Wings will be in the middle of a home stand with their cross-state rivals, the Syracuse Mets, and they’re doing really well this year, so this should be an exciting game to watch. And what a great way to spend an evening with the family.

Several businesses and community groups already have signed up as sponsors for the evening, and will have promotional tables set up with giveaways, including Webster Golf Club, Webster Public Library, Wellness 360 Physical Therapy, Kittelberger Florist & Gifts, Diamond Collision and fairlife. If your business is interested in joining them, email Gunnar Hausknecht at ghausknecht@redwingsbaseball.com or call (585) 454-1001 ext. 3024

Speaking of Sarah De Vallière, this very popular local musician will be performing a free concert at the Webster Arboretum on Thursday Aug. 22 as part of the Webster Recreation Center’s Music at the Arb series.

These concerts are held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Arboretum’s gazebo, with plenty of room for music lovers to relax in chairs or on blankets, with a cooler at their side filled with drinks and snacks. There’s no charge, and there’s plenty of parking.

BUT BEFORE THAT, the next Music at the Arb concert is scheduled for Thursday July 18, featuring Doctor’s Orders, an acoustic folk and pop duo playing a variety of songs from the Beatles to John Prine, and pretty much everything in between.

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email me  at missyblog@gmail.com. “Like” this blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram and Threads (@missyblog)

You can also get email notifications every time I post a new blog by using the “Subscribe” link on the right side of this page (or all the way at the bottom of the page if you’re on your phone).

(posted 7/3/2024)

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