Rec Sports

Empire State Youth Orchestra breaks ground on new Scotia home

Published

2 months ago

November 26, 2025

Officials toss the ceremonial dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony of Empire State Youth Orchestra’s future home, the Capital Region Youth Music Center on Tuesday in Schenectady. The center is adapting the former St. Joseph’s Parish School.

Lori Van Buren/Times Union

SCOTIA — When Rebecca Calos, executive director of Empire State Youth Orchestra, first toured the former St. Joseph’s Parish School in 2021, she didn’t see a patchy back field or the concrete shell of a gymnasium. She saw picnic tables filled with chattering music students and a rehearsal hall filled with a soaring symphony.

In short, she saw an eight-acre home for ESYO.

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“A sense of place and a sense of home really matters in education,” said Calos, who was determined to find ESYO its own building since she joined in 2013. “Even when I first came to EYSO, I would walk in and out of rehearsals, and it was never a sense of, ‘This is ours.’ And that impacts how you feel when you’re coming in and how you interact with your peers.”

Four years later — and amidst ESYO’s 45th season — ground has finally been broken on an ambitious project that will transform the 20,000-square-foot building into a state-of-the-art Capital Region Youth Music Center. Construction is expected to take a year, putting ESYO students and staff into their new home by Dec. 2, 2026.

Once completed, the center will feature acoustically advanced rehearsal and recording studios, performance venues, a communal kitchen, administrative offices and a high-tech lounge where waiting parents can plug in headphones to listen to their kids’ rehearsals. A room sponsored by Bill and Susan Dake of the Stewart’s Shops family will be designed by ESYO’s youth leaders for planning meetings, leadership workshops and more. ESYO founder Barry Richman will be the chair of this final phase of construction.

Rendering of Capital Region Youth Music Center, Empire State Youth Orchestra's future home on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in Schenectady, N.Y. The center is adapting the former St. Joseph's Parish. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) — Rendering of Capital Region Youth Music Center, Empire State Youth Orchestra’s future home on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in Schenectady, N.Y. The center is adapting the former St. Joseph’s Parish. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union)

Lori Van Buren/Times Union

ESYO purchased the site for $410,000 in 2022. At the time, the project cost was $10 million. But when the team behind the transformation recalculated the cost to address inflation in 2024, it had grown to $12.3 million.

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A mix of private and public funds, including grants through the American Rescue Plan Act and New York State Council of the Arts, has supported the project. An additional $2 million is needed to see the project to completion.

“Yeah, we’re investing a building, we’re investing in space. But really, we’re investing in students,” said Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara, who helped secure $3 million in state funding for the project this past spring. “We’re investing in creativity opportunity.”

Since its founding in 1976, ESYO has grown to 14 performing ensembles and orchestras, plus educational outreach programming, and provides training for over 600 young musicians from across the greater Capital Region annually. The youth orchestra connects its musicians with dedicated instructors, sought-after conductors and contemporary composers, as well as opportunities to perform in lauded venues, including Carnegie Hall, and internationally. The orchestra is currently under the artistic direction of Etienne Abelin.

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“At ESYO, students show up every week. They sit down next to someone form a different school, a different background, a different age and create something beautiful,” Abelin said.

One of ESYO’s centerpiece programs is CHIME, short for Creating Harmony Inspiring Musical Empowerment. Created in 2015, CHIME offers tuition-free after-school music programming — with a pipeline to ESYO’s performance ensembles — to 170 students across the Schenectady City School District. Programming is held at Proctors Theatre and Yates Elementary School.

It was in the cafeteria of the latter that current CHIME student and ESYO musician Mia Montross picked up her first mallet at the age of 6.

“ESYO, especially CHIME, really drives to make music accessible, and that’s something that I’m so passionate about,” Montross said. “With the CHIME program, I haven’t paid a single dollar to be a part of it, to pay for music lessons, none of it. Everything is free for all CHIME students, and it’s just incredible how much the teachers care how much ESYO does for those students to make music accessible to them and to make good music education available.”

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More than 200 students are currently on a waitlist for the decade-old program. The Capital Region Youth Music Center is key to allowing ESYO to grow CHIME enrollment, meet the growing need and expand to more school districts across Schenectady County, Calos said. The goal is to have the program running at Proctors, Yates and the center.

“I am really excited that we are all here this morning,” beamed Calos, a row of golden shovels glinting behind her awaiting the ceremonial dirt tossing. “I feel like saying, ‘Pinch me, are we dreaming?’ because it’s been a journey, a long journey.”

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Florida demolishes Tennessee basketball – The Daily Beacon

Published

3 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Had the turnover balloons made the trip, Tennessee basketball’s cardio would be at an all-time high.

The Vols traveled to Gainesville, Florida, and walked away with a 91-67 loss to the Gators in flattening fashion.

An 18-turnover effort kept No. 21 Tennessee (11-5, 1-2 SEC) from getting a breath of fresh air. Instead, the consistent giveaway of free possessions remained haunting, as Florida (11-5, 2-1) cashed in for 30 points off turnovers.

Nate Ament led an otherwise abysmal offensive attack with 17 points. Ja’Kobi Gillespie followed with 12 points, but committed four turnovers to just three assists. Bishop Boswell’s six turnovers made it a double-digit turnover effort from Tennessee’s starting backcourt. Boogie Fland went for a career game on the Vols’ defense, tacking on 23 points in Florida’s win.

Sloppy first half in varying fashions

The Vols and Gators put forth opposite first-half outings, but the games complemented each other enough to bring a mere 13-point margin at the break.

For Tennessee, it was turnovers and failure on defensive rebounds that provided struggles. On Florida’s side, missed shots plagued the Gators.

As a team, the Vols committed 12 turnovers across the first 20 minutes. They also allowed Florida to pull in seven boards on the offensive glass. Those blunders paced Tennessee to 20 total shots in the frame, making a measly eight.

Florida took advantage of the extra possessions, chucking up 34 shots in 20 minutes. The Gators scored 18 points off turnovers, helping create a 13-point margin heading to the locker rooms.

Cleaning up the mistakes did not occur during the break. Tennessee moved forward with the trend, committing six more turnovers over the remainder of the game.

15-2 Florida run provides separation before half

Despite struggles maintaining the basketball, Tennessee had remained in the game for the first 16 minutes of the game. And then the tides flipped.

A Boogie Fland stepback jumper marked the start of what became a 15-2 run over the final 3:51 of the first half. He scored 10 of the points all by himself, including a sequence where he drilled a three and then ripped away a steal on the defensive end to sink a layup.

Rick Barnes wanted a timeout to bandage the wound, but the dismay continued seeping. Tennessee’s next shot was blocked, and the ensuing inbounds pass could not get in — forcing a second timeout within 11 seconds of game time. Bishop Boswell turned the ball over out of the timeout.

Florida had been shooting 26% from the floor with 7:42 left. The Gators finished strong, making 8-of-11 shots to bring the total to 41%.

Heading into the break, Tennessee went from a tied 26-all ball game to down 41-28 with lingering turnover problems.

The Vols could not overcome the deficit they dug into, and Florida continued to run away with the game in the second half. The Gators outscored Tennessee 50-39 in the final 20.

Ament flourishes

Not many positives could be pulled away from the demolition on the road, but star freshman Ament at least put forth promise.

Ament scored 17 points on 5-for-11 shooting. He also hauled in four rebounds and an assist, while keeping turnovers limited to two. His four fouls limited him to 27 minutes.

The 17-point outing is the most for the 6-foot-10 wing since he scored 20 against Kansas on Nov. 26. He had been averaging 11 points per game in the seven games between those performances.

Tennessee will have the chance to rebound on Jan. 13 when it faces Texas A&M at Food City Center

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Photos: Fort Lewis College women’s and men’s basketball take on Westminster University

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Both Skyhawks teams were victorious on Saturday afternoon

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College finger rolls the ball over Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Ashten Martinez of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Massal Diouf of Fort Lewis College blocks a Westminster University shot on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Cassius Carmichael of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College passes the ball while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Jaxon Smith of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College drives to the basket while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Lauren Zuniga, left, Fort Lewis College women’s baseketball head coach, and assistant coach Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw are all smiles with player Claudia Palacio Gámez after winning the game against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Stewart Erhart of Fort Lewis College splits the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a 3-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Claudia Palacio Gámez of Fort Lewis College fights off the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Josie Davis of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Trey Curry of Fort Lewis College takes away a passing lane while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College goes for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray, left, and Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College fights for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College comes off the floor during the Westminster University game on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

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City to unveil sports park master plan

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FAIRBORN — The community is invited to attend a community presentation on Fairborn’s Sport Park Master Plan. The event will be held at the Fairborn High School Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 18, at 3 p.m.

According to the city, the plan outlines proposed improvements to the Fairborn Wee Hawks Football and Fairborn Little League fields at Ernie Apt. Park. The city’s goal is to create a modern, much-needed athletic facility for local youth.

Park planners say that during the presentation, you’ll be able to see the proposed layout and upgrades, learn how the improvements will benefit young athletes and families, and ask questions.

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The wildest hockey brawl of the year was at an AHL intermission youth game

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, won a game 3-2 on Saturday, breaking a tie in the third period while short-handed. That’s not what fans were buzzing about from the game on social media.

Between periods at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a standard mites game became very un-standard when a bizarre brawl broke out between the two youth teams.

Countless haymakers were thrown with tiny gloved fists. Multiple kids charged full-speed into the fray. At least one kid punched a teammate. The crowd, or at least the louder fans in the stands, was loving it. There are no officials in sight. Which is unfortunate, because at least one kid can be seen dangerously trying to kick an opponent with his skates.

The spectacle peaks at the 47-second mark when a goalie charges in and completely lays out an opponent who was grappling with his teammate.

What’s that? You want another angle?

Details are admittedly sparse here. We don’t know if any of those kids sustained an injury on the ice, or what even caused the brawl aside from youthful aggression. We’re just talking about something you don’t expect to see at a youth hockey game.

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PEM hosts area athletes in wrestling invitational

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

PLAINVIEW, Minn. (KTTC) – Wrestlers filled the gym at Plainview-Elgin-Millville high school for the 2026 PEM Wrestling Invitational.

Eight schools took the mat: LARP (Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson), Pine Island, FCLMC (Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/Mabel-Canton), Lake City, WWC (Winona/Winona Cotter), La Crosse Logan/Cent., Cochrane-Fountain City, and the host school PEM.

The Bulldogs came out on top at home, leading the way with 206.5 points. LARP finished in second with 201.0 points. The team results are as follows:

PEM – 206.5
LARP – 201.0
Pine Island – 192.0
Eau Claire North – 111.0
FCLMC – 96.0
Cochrane-Fountain City – 70.5
Lake City – 47.5
WWC – 47.5
La Crosse Logan/Cent. – 39.0

An individual champion was crowned in each weight class. Those champions are as follows:

107 – Mason Zabel, PEM

114 – Owen Zabel, PEM

121 – Reid Ihrke, PEM

127 – Christian Zibrowski, LARP

133 – Michael Alexander, LARP

139 – Owen Lange, LARP

145 – Jag Foster, Pine Island

152 – Aiden Graner, PEM

160 – Ben Grabau, Pine Island

172 – Calvin Arentz, La Crosse Logan/Cent.

189 – Kane Larson, FCLMC

215 – Logan Peterson, PEM

285 – Chase Drazkowski, LARP

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Native Youth Olympics preparations under way | Sports

Published

9 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Ketchikan athletes had the gym to themselves on Friday as they warmed up for the Native Youth Olympics kick-off scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium at Kayhi.