Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012: Penfield's Hennessey wins 900th in cross country

   Leading off today: Dave Hennessey, recognized by the National Federation of State High School Associations as the all-time leader in coaching wins for both boys and girls cross country, notched his 900th win overall Wednesday with Penfield's girls victory at Mendon Ponds Park.

   Hennessey began coaching in 1975. “It means I’ve outlasted people,” he told the Democrat and Chronicle.

   Katie Lembo ran the 5K course in a personal-best time of 18:37 to lead the Patriots.

   Oh, how the mighty have fallen: Johnstown, once one of the premier football teams in the state, has ended its varsity season due to a shortage of players.

   "It is a safety issue," district Superintendent Rob DeLilli told The Leader-Herald. "I really would be irresponsible if I strongly advocated moving a ninth- or 10th-grader up to face the quality and size of players in our division. It would be inappropriate. From the student athlete perspective, they want to continue to play, however, we have to step back as adults and say, 'Is putting a 14- or 15-year-old up against potentially a 19-year-old a wise decision at this time?'"

   The Sir Bills fielder 17 players for the start of last week's game against Tamarac but finished with just 13 available. State rules require a minimum of 16 players.

   Glens Falls AS Chip Corlew told The Post-Star he was scrambling for an opponent for this weekend after getting the notification from Johnstown.

   Johnstown twice finished in the top 10 statewide in NYSSWA rankings in the 1970s and ended 1989 ranked No. 1 in Class B, riding the arm of record-setting QB Matt Swedick.

   It's been tough sledding more recently however, with a 20-98 record since 1999 and one winning season since 1996. The Week 4 forfeit leaves the Sir Bills with 28 losses in their last 29 games.

   More football: After being treated to five head-to-head matchups between ranked Class AA teams a week ago, we're seeing a relatively tame Week 4 schedule.

   Among mid-sized schools, Hornell puts its 42-game winning streak on the line against Livonia, which is ranked 14th in Class B. In Class D, it's No. 1 Maple Grove vs. No. 6 Chautauqua Lake.

   The full list of opponents for ranked teams can be seen here.

RoadToSyracuse.com football site

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   National tryouts coming: Forty-six freshmen and sophomores from around the country will be auditioning in Colorado Springs, Colo., Oct. 6-7 as USA Basketball evaluates candidates for age-group national teams.

   It's the first such invitation for all 46, with top performers likely getting a crack at rosters for the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship, 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship and/or 2014 FIBA Americas U18 Championship.

   Twenty-five states will be represented. Somewhat alarmingly, only two players are from New York -- Thomas Bryant of Bishop Kearney in Rochester and Jessie Govan of Manhasset St. Mary's. That's right: None of the invitees are from New York City, which has been losing standouts to schools in other states with increasing frequency. while there are four schools from around the country sending two players apiece.

   Extra points: I missed it last week, but Gladys Loyas of S.S. Seward scored a milestone goal by converting a penalty kick for No. 100 in here career. Loyas is a St. Bonaventure recruit.