Leading off today: Two sexual assault charges were dismissed Monday against a Hudson Falls track coach who is accused of victimizing one of his players, bringing to seven the number of counts dropped since the start of the trial,
The Post-Star reported.
Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan found the description of Kason M. O’Neil's alleged actions did not meet the definition of third-degree criminal sexual act specified in the indictment. Last week, McKeighan threw out five counts -- three felony criminal sex act charges, two misdemeanor sexual abuse counts -- of the 21-count indictment.
The prosecution rested its case today following the testimony of a former Hudson Falls runner who said the alleged victim was in O’Neil’s car alone with the coach the day of a meet in 2006. O’Neil's teen accuser has said he fondled her and she fondled him during a ride to a practice; O’Neil, 26, has said the girl was not alone with him.
O’Neil faces counts of second- and third-degree rape, criminal sexual act and third-degree sexual abuse.
Got milk money? Mexico High's varsity football team will receive $2,000 after being named a Body by Milk MVP team, The Post-Standard reported.
Two checks, $1,000 from Adidas for new gear and $1,000 for the athletic program, will be presented tomorrow. Mexico is one of 25 recipient schools across the country cited for "refueling with chocolate milk after practices and games," the paper said.
Mexico's application for the award was submitted by grounds crew employee Brian Clark. AD Randy Barnes said he will leave it up to the football coaches how the money is spent.
Close call for Hilton player: The Democrat and Chronicle told the story of Alicia Bonanza over the weekend, and the Hilton junior soccer defender is clearly lucky to be alive.
Bonanza, 16, collapsed Sept. 2 during a game against Penfield as she suffered what doctors later identified as a heart attack. She was treated immediately on the scene by Hilton athletic trainer Carrie Rejewski and then an ambulance crew that transported her to Strong Memorial Hospital.
A hospital exam determined Bonanza suffers from Long QT Syndrome, a hereditary condition that can cause fast, erratic heartbeats. Bonanza was discharged last week after a defibrillator was installed above her heart, and tests showed her mother and younger sister also have Long QT Syndrome.
"The glass is half-full because I could have died," she told the paper, "but I guess there’s other plans for me.”
Sportsmanship front and center: Utica-area football teams are being graded on sportsmanship this fall by game officials as part of the inaugural sportsmanship award program operated by the Mohawk Valley Chapter of Certified Football Officials.
