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AYB HISTORY
Researched by Brad Tichenor with help from Bill Casey, Russ Miller, Dan Milbrand, and Steve Allen
· Founded in late 70’s, very early 80’s, probably 1979 · Early years averaged around 150 players; parents stood in line at Mill Middle hoping to get one of the coveted spot so their child could play; now, with the ease of on line registration and the expansion of the use of more gyms, AYB is capable of accommodating over 1000 players · 1990 – girls started to play, there were 4 teams with girls of all ages and they played exhibitions against 6th grade boys teams; as of 2008-09 season there was 440 girls with divisions made up of 3rd and 4th graders, 5th and 6th graders, 7th and 8th graders, and one high school division · In the early 90’s the league started to grow although no accurate figures were found · 1994-95 – the first board was formed with Bob Barnhart as president and other board members were Mike Rose, Vince Galleta, Bob Durfee, Paul Duggan, Gary Coscia, Bill Casey, Kris Barnhart, and Pete Babierz.
*1995 – boys summer league started with teams from the town of Amherst participating *1995 – Bill Casey was appointed president of AYB. Under his leadership AYB started to flourish. The boys high school division started; this was for boys who did not make their high school teams; this was started by Bill Casey *It was in the mid 90’s that high school referees were used for all games and parents were asked to keep time and to do the scorebook · 2001 – Russ Miller became president; registration reached an all time high with over 950 participants in the year 2004 *President Miller introduced on line registration in 2002 and he served as its first web master. A year later Rosanne Stolzenburg served as registrar and web master for 5 years and she was followed by Jackie Grano in 2008 in the same capacity. Both of these board members were instrumental in the growth and development of AYB and our current web site · 2004 – AYB stopped with the use of team t-shirts and went to a more up-to-date reversible mesh jersey, using blue/white for the girls and red/white for the boys *During this time we started a relationship with UB basketball as this enabled the participant to attend games for free. Gil Licata, a board member for many years, was instrumental in developing this relationship with UB. He also arranged for AYB teams to play at half time of UB games which led to us playing at Canisius College games and some high school games as exhibition games · 2005 to present: Brad Tichenor was elected president of AYB
*It was during his tenure that he started a partnership with Dick’s Sporting Goods and with other local businesses *Girls high school division started in 2006 under the direction of coordinator Jed Dutweiler and support of Brad Tichenor *2006 – AYB developed its mission statement which was authored by Gil Licata *2006 – AYB changed its logo to a more modern logo and it is still used today *2007 – This was the first year of allowing 3rd graders, both boys and girls, to play *2009 – AYB started advertising on its web site · Facilities: AYB doesn’t own its own facilities so it rents out space at various locations. It started at Mill Middle and Heim Middle along with some games played at Gateway in the beginning years. Currently about 50% of its games are played at the Clearfield Recreation Center with the remaining games being played at Sweethome HS, various Williamsville schools, ECC-North campus, the Jewish Community Center, St Greg’s Church, and First Trinity Church. Games over the years have been played in the Amherst school district and at Central Christian Academy plus Sweethome Middle School. Also, in 2009, practices will be held for the 3/4 divisions at the Amherst Youth Foundation on Sheridan Drive · Board of Directors |
