NYSSWA: New York State Sportswriters Association

NYSSWA rankings are updated weekly.
See the latest plus the earlier weeks'
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Leading off today: Allegations of steroid use and improper socializing with students caused Monsignor Farrell High to dismiss JV basketball coach Dan Melious, the deposed coach alleged Thursday.

The dispute got a full airing when Melious and attorney Jonathan Behrins held a press conference. Though a school spokesman said it made no allegations and the dismissal was the result of the coach's inability to get along with a colleague, Behrins said the conflict stems from what he referred to as "the movie incident."

According to Behrins, Melious was accused at a March 12 meeting by Principal Msgr. John Paddack and varsity coach Bob Besignano of attending a movie with a boy from the school three days earlier. Melious alleges Besignano also accused him of playing video games and going to dinner with the boy and also of using steroids.

"Although the Farrell brass denied that anything scandalous was meant by the accusation . . . the implication is an offensive one, and one that would effectively end Dan's career as a coach, if not a teacher, as well," Behrins said in his statement.

The school denies such statements were made. Melious has not filed a lawsuit but said he plans to do so if he is not reinstated. Farrell's administration denied making any accusations against Melious in an exclusive interview yesterday afternoon with The Advance.

All-state softball: The players of the year come from five deifferent sections on the 2007 all-state girls softball team selected by an affiliate organization of the New York State Sportswriters Association.

The New York State Sportswriters And Coaches Organization For Girls Sports picks, recognized by the

NYSSWA as its all-star team, were formally released this week. The players of the year are:

Class AA: Melissa Donnelly, Long Beach (Section 8).
Class A: Julie Pacino, Tappen Zee (1).
Class B: Beckah Wiggins, Susquehanna Valley (4).
Class C: Jen Mineau, Hoosic Valley (2).
Class D: Alyssa Brognano, Chapel Field (9).

The selections for coach of the year are:

Class AA: Carmine Verdi, Long Beach (8).
Class A: Laurie Ciuffetelli, South Glens Falls (2).
Class B: Karen Bidwell, Susquehanna Valley (4).
Class C: Jim Seeley, Hoosic Valley (2).
Class D: Al Minckler, Heuvelton (10).

Bob Rich Sr. honored: All High Stadium, the main football venue for Buffalo's public schools, has been renamed in honor of philanthropist Robert E. Rich Sr.

The stadium behind Bennett High School will now be called Robert Rich Sr. All High Stadium as a result of a unanimous vote of the Buffalo Board of Education.

Extra points: The teen at the wheel during a Tuesday crash that killed her and four other recent Fairport graduates only had a junior driver's license, according to state records. The license made it illegal for Bailey Goodman, 17, to be driving after 9 p.m. or to be carrying so many young passengers, authorities said. However, her family said Goodman had passed a driver education course that allowed her to drive at night. . . Running back NyQuan McGirt, who rushed for 10 TDs for Catholic Central last fall, has transferred to Lansingburgh for his senior year, The Times Union in Albany reported.

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9/6/24: Lawsuit takes aim at N.C.'s NIL ban

9/5/24: New York's Week 0 football intrigue