Ithaca high school swimmer Ryan Nicholson has been an integral part to the Little Red’s success over the last few seasons, and – for good reason – has been dubbed as one of Section IV’s best competitors. 

However, he has now solidified himself as one of the best in the country.

In an email to me from Ithaca head coach Mike Blakely-Armitage, he noted that Nicholson, who is a state champion and state record holder in the 100 yard Butterfly, has been named an All-American in that same event.  The junior has also been honored as an All-American in the 200 Individual Medley, 50 Freestyle and 100 Freestyle.  Let that sink in for a moment.  Four different events.

Ithaca High swimmer Ryan Nicholson was a guest on 1160 ESPN's "BTL" in early March, 2013.

And that’s not all.  He’s part of the 200 yard freestyle relay team that has also earned All-America status.  Joining him on the squad, that won the state title earlier this school year, are Nathan Bach, Francis Schickel and Will Fisher.

But wait…there’s more! 

Four seniors were named Academic All-Americans for maintaining a 3.75 GPA or higher over seven semesters.  They are: Nathan Bach, Avery Bodenstein, Will Fisher, and Nadav Hendel.

The awards keep piling up for the entire IHS crew.  Something tells me this won’t be the last of the hardware that some of these young men receive over the next few years.

A lot to be proud of, Ithaca!

It’s a time of the year that goes mostly unnoticed by the casual sports fans, but yes, there is something big and exciting happening tonight!  The MLB First Year Player Draft!

Okay, okay, I get it.  Most people don’t have that much interest in the event.  It’s not nearly as exciting as the NFL or NBA Drafts.  In fact, I have a feeling most people don’t even know how the latter rounds of the draft works.  Just trust me when I say that it’s fairly monotonous (the teams make their picks in a conference call , reading off ID numbers, and then moving on as quickly as possible…after all, there are 40 rounds).

But as the world waits to see where the top picks will go or what diamonds are hiding in the rough, there are a surprisingly high number of local prospects waiting to hear their names called before the conclusion of the draft on Saturday.    

Let’s take a look and see what some of these players have to offer. 

DYLAN MANWARING – SR, HORSEHEADS HIGH SCHOOL, RHP/IF

If you’re from the area or even if you’re just an avid baseball fan, that last name might sound very familiar.  Dylan’s father, Kirt, was a catcher in the bigs for thirteen seasons spending the bulk of his time with San Francisco, and then suiting up for Houston and Colorado.  After his debut with the Giants in 1987, he would establish himself as one of baseball’s finest – and most underappreciated— catchers, winning a Gold Glove in 1993 with a .998 fielding percentage. 

Dylan’s name has been on the radar for quite some time, but he isn’t just taking the fame his father had and running with it.  He’s making a name for himself because he’s one heck of a ballplayer. 

Manwaring is listed as a pitcher who has great velocity on his fastball, reaching 92MPH on the gun, but can also be used almost anywhere in the infield because of his slick glove.  Not to mention, he has a bat that can hit for both power and contact.

The Blue Raiders senior has been named a second team all-state pick by the New York State Sportswriters Association twice in his career, and has even been named a Rawlings All-American.  Not bad for someone committed to playing ball at Wake Forest.  The decision to play collegiately, though, remains to be seen; assuming that his name is called in the next 48 hours. 

Whether he’s showing off his above-average slider on the mound or driving in runners while at the plate, Manwaring is someone you will definitely want to keep your eye on.  He’s ruled the STAC the last few seasons; let’s see if he can also take the next level by storm.

CHRIS CRUZ – JR, CORNELL UNIVERSITY, OF

Although he missed a chunk of 2013 having played in twenty-one games, the junior saw just enough action to lead the Big Red in homeruns with four until injury shut him down.  In his three seasons with the red and white, he’s batted .245 with 19 career homeruns and 58 RBIs. 

Sure, those numbers aren’t gaudy – especially considering that he’s played in 96 games during his time on the East Hill.  But his sensational sophomore season, when he was a second team All-Ivy selection, is what makes him stand out and potentially a MLB prospect.

Last season he belted 12 homeruns; the biggest one came in the decisive Game 3 of the Ivy League Championship Series, when he hit a two-run walk off blast to give Cornell its first Ivy League title since 1977.  On the big stage of the NCAA Tournament, however, the right-fielder went two-for-nine at the plate, scoring twice but striking out four times.  To some people that might question his ability to produce against quality opponents.

If there’s one thing we’ve seen get better over the years with Cruz, it’s his defense.  In 2012, his fielding percentage climbed to .977, up from the .892 he had his freshman year.  And before injury set in this past season, he was perfect when balls were hit his way.

If he can stay healthy, I think Cruz might make a case next year to be selected in the later rounds.  It might be too risky to take him in 2013. 

TIM LOCASTRO – JR, ITHACA COLLEGE, SS

Yes, Locastro is a Division III baseball player.  No, that DOES NOT mean he’s not good enough to play with the big boys.  So many times, that argument is thrown on the table as a “valid” reason for teams not to draft players at lower levels of college baseball.  It’s an awful mentality.

Don’t believe me?  Do yourself a favor and Google the number of D3 baseball players who are playing professional ball.  Better yet, check out the numbers that Ithaca College alum Tucker Healy has posted the last year and a half in the minors.  Exactly (and thus, I will end my rant).

The junior was such a huge component to the Bombers success this season, propelling them to an Empire 8 Championship, a NCAA regional title, and a 3^rd place finish in the College World Series.

This season alone, Locastro led the Bombers in batting average, runs, hits, doubles, triples, homeruns, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, and stolen bases.   He answered the call a number of times in the postseason, coming up with big hits when the team needed them most, but it was his performance in the College World Series specifically that put him over-the-top. 

Much like he had done during the regular season, he hit for average and power (.526, 2HR, 4RBI), and was one of the team’s most patient hitters – he became so lethal, that he started being intentionally walked because his small frame carries so much pop.    

Aside from his freshman season, Locastro has really blossomed as the Bombers best offensive threat.  The one thing that desperately needs improving though is his fielding.  For whatever reason, there are times he simply doesn’t make the best play or decision – which is not ideal for a shortstop.

I’ve heard both the Oakland A’s – the team who drafted Tucker Healy in 2012 – and Toronto Blue Jays are interested in giving the junior a shot.  Locastro should get some actual consideration to be a Major League prospect at some point this weekend, but if a door doesn’t open up this year, there’s definitely next season. 

MATT FORD – SR, HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY, LANSING HIGH SCHOOL, 2B

I’m not quite sure how much he brings to the table considering he missed all of the 2013 season due to injury, but all it took was one breakout year at Hofstra for Matt Ford to get some draft attention.

Actually, his success on the diamond goes a little bit further than that, in high school when he suited up for the Lansing Bobcats.  In his senior year, he was especially good at the plate, batting .607 with three homeruns and 52 RBIs, which helped him earn second team All-State recognition. 

The transition to the D-I level apparently turned out to be fairly easy for Ford, as he was a Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie pick in his first year with the Pride.  His sophomore season was a bit forgettable, but in his junior season, he was one of the nation’s top hitters.  In 53 games, he hit .384 with two homeruns, 48 RBIs and 50 runs scored.  Throw in his 13 doubles, 20 swiped bags and 27 multi-hit games and he solidified himself as one of the best players in the CAA.

Hofstra is not really known as a school that carries Major League caliber prospects, but the program has had two players selected in the last four seasons.   Not to mention, he’s been around top-level baseball all of his life; his father Tom is the associate head coach for Cornell baseball and undoubtedly knows what it takes to play at the next level.

Missing this past season really jeopardizes Ford’s chances of being drafted.  However, if history repeats itself, Lansing High School has a reputation of players suiting up professionally. 

The Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft begins tonight and continues through Saturday, June 8^th.  The above players were found via MLB.com’s Draft Tracker (http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2013/drafttracker.jsp#ft=state&fv=ny).

It’s hard to believe that the high school postseason is here.  It feels like just one month ago, we were preparing for Friday night lights and the cool, crisp weather that comes with it in Central New York.  Now, we’re getting ready to finish the upcoming baseball season and send the kids off on another summer vacation. 

As the season comes to a close and the Section IV playoffs begin today, there are a few interesting storylines that are capturing my attention heading into the final stretch of the season.  Let’s take a quick look at them…

WILL LANSING WIN ANOTHER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP?

The number one question on everyone’s mind…

The answer: I really don’t know.

To be honest, I’m surprised that the Bobcats went nearly the entire regular season unbeaten, especially after losing so many essential players from last year’s state title team.  The Bobcats had a 42 game winning streak – dating back to last season – snapped by Trumansburg on the final day of the regular season; a game that the Blue Raiders won 1-0 in eight innings. 

There are plenty of players back from last year’s team, but there are also many pieces to the puzzle gone, including the state’s player of the year, Sean Streb, and fellow all-state first team selection Benji Parkes.  You can include Kevin Howell, JD McKane and Brandon Swearingen on the list of impact players who aren’t on the team.

Ellington Hopkins, Alex Schutz, and Sam Currie continue to be the driving forces of the Bobcats’ offense (batting .439, .341, and .453 respectively), and the speed at the top of the order is about as good as you’ll find in the IAC.

Pitching has been solid all season long with Currie (6-1, 42.3IP, 16H, 14R, 9ER, 75SO, 20BB, 1.48 ERA, 0.96 WHIP) and Hopkins (3-0, 25.3IP, 10H, 8R, 2ER, 43SO, 6BB, 0.55 ERA, 0.67 WHIP) both putting up some very solid numbers. 

The question is can they sustain some tougher competition down the road?

I feel like they might not be able to, but they’ve proven me wrong most of the season.  They’ve had a number of very close calls throughout the regular season.  They scraped by Marathon in the season opener.  They barely edged a Moravia team that ended the year under .500 and missed the Section IV tournament.  They held on to beat Edison (then #4 in NYS) and Notre Dame in a high school tournament in Elmira.   They’re not putting up double digit runs in most of their games like they did last season.

Yet somehow, some way, they’re still finding ways to win.  In my opinion, a lot of it is the intimidation factor.  They’re still one of New York’s elite baseball teams and that alone could scare an opponent before the teams even set foot on a field.

Do the Bobcats have the chance to win a Section IV title?  Yes.  A regional title?  I don’t see why not.  Another state title?  It’s too hard to tell at this point – but I think they are more vulnerable than last season.

HOW DEEP OF A RUN DOES TRUMANSBURG MAKE IN THE SECTION IV PLAYOFFS?

The Blue Raiders (seeded 5^th in the tournament) are the lone blemish to what would have been another perfect regular season for Lansing.  When I heard that they beat the Bobcats 1-0 in eight innings, I thought that it was a huge confidence booster.  It shows that they can beat anyone in this area.

I could very well see T-Burg make an appearance in the semifinals.  The Achilles heel, and I’m sure Head Coach Scott Voorhees would agree, is the lack of pitching depth on this roster.

Junior lefty Cam Lueder has been sensational this season, with a 7-1 record.  In sixty innings of work, he’s struck out 92 batters, but his walk total is up to 31 heading into the team’s opening round game against Unadilla Valley (1.98 ERA).  However, it seems as if the team only shows its confidence when they know that the southpaw has the game ball.  To give you an idea about the team’s lack of pitching, the Blue Raiders’ number two pitcher, Mitch Swartwood, has a record of 2-3 with an ERA of 4.36. 

What really helps T-Burg out are the bats, although they’ve taken a significant drop in production since the midway point of the regular season.  Colin Fellows can hit for power and average (.333, 2HR, 21RBI, .685 SLG).  Alex Shippy and Cam Lueder are also threats to get on base often and score runs. 

This team is young – only one senior on the roster, Sam Houseworth – but they have the ability to make a nice run in Sectionals; if not this year, most certainly next year.  The upside?  The win against the state’s (then) number one team certainly adds a boatload of confidence.

THE END OF AN ERA AT EDISON…

This is the final hurrah for Coach Mike Bennett, who has guided the Spartans to IAC and Section IV dominance for more than a decade, as he will end his career on the diamond and try to transition his success to a football program that desperately needs it.  Bennett has produced some top caliber teams that are always in contention to win a Class C championship.  They fell short of winning the sectional crown last season to Lansing, but could they take the cake one last time as a final send off?

This team has lost a lot of talent from last year, most notably the middle infield of Tyler Ungerland and Jared Cosgrove.  I’m sure they would also love to have the arm of Kyle Michaud back, too.

Nonetheless, the road might be a little tougher for the Spartans to make it back to the championship game.  The regular season was very telling and showed the true colors of this team, as they even had a difficult time trying to win its division in the IAC Small School South.  I don’t see it happening.

So there you have it.  Three storylines that I’m paying extra close attention to as the Section IV tournament begins tomorrow.  If there’s one thing I know when it comes to this tournament it’s the old, familiar line: “expect the unexpected.” 

Here are the IAC Softball All-Stars for the 2013 season.

(via Steve Frye, Candor Softball head coach & IAC Softball Coordinator)

IAC SMALL LARGE SCHOOL NORTH

IAC SMALL SCHOOL NORTH

IAC LARGE SCHOOL SOUTH

IAC SMALL SCHOOL SOUTH

Here are the IAC Baseball All-Stars for the 2013 season.

(via Kyle McDuffee, Waverly Baseball head coach & IAC Baseball Coordinator)

IAC LARGE SCHOOL NORTH

IAC SMALL SCHOOL NORTH

We live in area where Division I athletics reign supreme. 

If it’s not news about Cornell hockey, lacrosse, or wrestling you’re looking for, then you’re likely searching for a box score of the Syracuse basketball or football game from last night.  And what’s wrong with that?  Well…nothing is. 

But now is the time for Division III athletics to take center stage and steal the spotlight…even for just a few moments.  Aside from a few parents, students, faculty and local community members, teams at this lower level of college athletics usually get the least amount of support.  The Division III athlete is often called, “someone who’s a slight upgrade from your best high school athlete.”  

Of course, you have your success stories of many Division III athletes who have gone on to have successful, professional careers – but those stories are for another time and place. 

There is some news, however, that I feel has gone unnoticed over the last day or two – and in my opinion, is rightfully deserving of some attention and praise.

Last weekend, SUNY Cortland teams competed in six different conference tournaments and championships – and last week, SUNY Cortland won all six SUNYAC team championships.

Did you get that?

There are six sports sponsored by the league during the spring season; Red Dragon teams were the best in every single one of them. 

This is the first time in league history that a school has swept the competition – winning titles in baseball, softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field.

The championships, national rankings, and success stories speak for themselves and need no explanation.  I also don’t have the time to go through each team and note their many accomplishments because there are too many. 

No matter what school you root for, or what division of college athletics you pay attention to, step back for a second and reflect on this astounding accomplishment.  It’s one that’s worthy of all of our attention.

Congratulations, SUNY Cortland.  You’ve made history and you deserve all the praise in the world.