Leading off today: Former participants Stephen Gionta and Abby Wambach will be honorary members of the Empire State Games Board of Governors, organizers announced Thursday in Rochester as they presented an update on the revival of the statewide amateur sports festival.
Michael G. Carey, son of the late Gov. Hugh Carey -- who launched the original Empire State Games program -- attended the press conference confirming that the Empire State Sports Foundation will run the 33rd Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid next Feb. 7-10 and the Summer Games from July 24-28 in Rochester.
The private foundation took over the ESG program after state government dropped NYS Parks Department oversight after the 2010 event in Buffalo.
Gionta, who plays for the NHL's New Jersey Devils, and Wambach, the high-scoring forward on the U.S. Women's National Soccer team, are both from the ROchester area.
"I am so excited for the return of the Empire State Games," Wambach said in a statement released by the foundation. "My memories from the Games are still vivid as I relished competing against the best athletes in New York. I encourage everyone to join me in celebrating the Empire State Games so we can give another generation of young athletes an opportunity to play, a reason to train hard, and a chance to dream big."
The foundation recently unveiled a website containing additional details about the ESG.
Syracuse recruit injured: Brighton senior linebacker and running back Devan Carter, who has already committed to play at Syracuse University, is out for the rest of the season after breaking his left leg, the Democrat and Chronicle reported.
Carter, who'd scored 12 TDs in five games, cracked the fibula at the end of a long run during the Barons' game vs. Irondequoit.
“It’s not going to affect him long-term,’’ Brighton coach Stephen Lian said. “Obviously, it’s going to run out of time for us."
Coming this weekend: The Week 6 schedule of games for football teams ranked by the New York State Sportswriters Association can be found here. The weekly list of computer-generated games of the week from MaxPreps includes a rare crossover between Section 6 and Monsignor Martin Association teams -- No. 7 St. Joseph's (5-0) vs. Lockport (4-1).
Speaking of MaxPreps, they gave a shoutout to Baldwinsville running back Tyler Rouse on their weekly compilation of top performances. In running 30 times for 351 yards and five TDs to beat Auburn 56-12, Rouse pushed his five-game total this fall to a state-best 1,569 yards.
My math might be off by a meter or two, but Rouse stands at 5,439 yards for his career. With another 402 yards, be moves into the state's all-time top 10 for rushing yards. He's 1,189 yards -- certainly within reach if the Bees reach the state tourney -- from the No, 4 spot behind
