SUNY Cobleskill Women's Basketball Ranked Sixth in NEAC Opening Coaches Poll

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s basketball team will open the 2016-17 season ranked sixth overall among 14 teams in the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) pre-season Coaches Poll. The Fighting Tigers are coming off a 2015-16 season that saw them post a 9-16 overall mark including a 7-11 record in conference play.

According to second-year head coach Katherine Kollar the Fighting Tigers will be heading into the new season with different expectations and objectives given the veteran nature of the roster.
“With our experience our expectations are much higher this year with our overall goal being to make the league play-offs. I am very excited for our seniors who worked very hard last year and during the off-season to justify a move from thirteenth in last year’s pre-season poll to sixth this year which is a very big jump. But as I told our team after the rankings came out, you can enjoy this for ten seconds then it’s time to go back to work because there’s still much left to do for us to achieve our goals.”
This season the Fighting Tigers will be depending heavily several returning letter winners led by three-time All-NEAC Team selection senior forward Shelby Preston, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, who averaged 13.8 points per game and was among the nation’s leading rebounders for the third consecutive season at 14.5 per game while shooting 43.3 percent from the field and 64.3 percent from the free throw line.

Joining Anderson among the returners will be senior guard/forward Ashley Creighton, Niskayuna, N.Y., Catholic Central High School/Schenectady Community College, who averaged 11.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game and senior guard Shiann Coons, Albany, N.Y., Bishop Maginn High School/Schenectady Community College, who averaged 10.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

Among the new recruits, fans can look for freshman combination guard Addy Lawson, Milford, N.Y., Milford High School, an aggressive player with strong ball handling skills and freshman point guard Erica Cabrera, Middletown, N.Y., John S. Burke Catholic High School, an excellent defender to make immediate impacts.

The Fighting Tigers will open the season on Tuesday November 15th when they host the Trailblazers of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA at the Iorio Gymnasium with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Fighting Tiger Western Equestrian Makes Showing at Morrisville State College IHSA Shows

 The SUNY Cobleskill western equestrian team continued their impressive start to the season by bringing once again bringing home a first place finish and a second place finish in a field of five teams from the third and fourth Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone 2 Region 3 shows of the season hosted by Morrisville State College. The Fighting Tigers posted a score of 32 points in the first show to take the top spot in the field then were beaten by the host Mustangs of Morrisville State College 29-20 in the second show.

Cobleskill junior Morgan O’Sullivan, Killingworth, Conn., Haddam-Killingworth High School, earned High Point Rider honors in both shows by winning the Open Reigning Division and taking third overall in the Open Western Horsemanship Division in the first show then coming back to take the Open Western Horsemanship Division in the second show to go with a sixth place finish in the Open Reigning Horsemanship Division.

Junior Amanda Stevens, Chenango Forks, N.Y., Chenango Forks High School, also posted IHSA Regional qualifying efforts in Intermediate Western Horsemanship at the competition for the Fighting Tigers.

The Fighting Tigers will next be in action on Saturday December 3rd when they return to Morrisville State College for a pair of IHSA Zone 2 Region 3 shows beginning at 9:00 a.m.

Senator Seward Column: Freeze Out High Energy Bills

Even though winter is still a few weeks away, the first chilly signs are being felt and a few snowflakes have been spotted in the air.  Skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, ice fishing and other winter recreational activities await here in upstate New York.

Unfortunately, the cold temperatures lead to an indoor activity none of us are too fond of - paying the heating and electric bills.  The good news is that there are steps you can take to help lower your energy costs.

Some of the tips I am including in this column have been detailed in the past.  Many are common sense, while others are new.  I am hopeful that by utilizing some or all of the tactics you will be able to better manage your energy use and keep winter bills in check.

One of the simplest cost saving measures is to lower the thermostat.  For every one degree you set back your thermostat, you can save one to three percent on your annual heating bill.   By installing a programmable thermostat you can adjust your home’s temperature based on your family’s schedule.  Dropping the temperature at night, during the day when you are at work and your children are at school, or any other time when you leave the house for more than two hours can provide real savings.  It takes less energy to warm a cool house than to maintain a higher temperature all day and night.

It is also vital that you do everything you can to keep out the cold.  A quick inspection of your home may reveal areas where heat, and in turn, cash, are simply leaking out.  Check for insulation in your attic, walls, ceilings and floors, and install more if needed.  Inexpensive weather-stripping around doors and windows can also go a long way in blocking cold drafts.  You should also replace any cracked windows and use easy to install storm window kits to keep out breezes.  Finally, close your curtains at night to keep warm air inside.

Keeping your furnace or boiler in tip-top working order is also key.  You should have your furnace checked and cleaned annually by your heating contractor.  To keep it running efficiently, check your filters and replace them as needed and insulate ducts or pipes that run through unheated spaces.

There are also a number of steps you can take to help conserve energy.  When you are upgrading your appliances you should look for those that carry the ENERGY STAR® label to assure you are purchasing the most energy efficient products on the market.  If your furnace is over ten years old you may want to replace it with an ENERGY STAR® approved unit to save up to thirty percent in energy costs.

Additional energy saving tips are available on-line at a special website created by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), www.nyserda.ny.gov.   The site includes plenty of useful information on cutting your energy costs, community outreach programs, and information on how to receive a home energy assessment.

Even after implementing energy conservation measures many New Yorkers still find themselves struggling to pay their heating bills.  For some people, help is available.  The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a federally funded program administered by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) that provides financial assistance to eligible households to help pay for their home heating costs.

Last winter approximately 1.5 million households statewide received HEAP benefits.  The regular benefit for the upcoming heating season ranges from $350 to $575 depending on household income and type heating.  There are several benefit add-ons which are also available.  Some households could also qualify for an additional emergency benefit which will be offered starting on January 3, 2017.  To find out if you may be eligible for HEAP benefits, use the on-line pre-screening tool at www.mybenefits.ny.gov or contact your local social services office.

Fighting Tigers Tip-Off Season With Victory at Home

COBLESKILL - The SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tigers women's basketball team roared into the 2016-17 season on Tuesday night, beating the favored MCLA Trailblazers 66-60 in non-conference Division III play at home. 

Freshman Addy Lawson
played a pivotal role on
Tuesday, scoring 20 points
in her collegiate debut.

Led by an impressive breakout 20 point debut by Freshman guard Addy Lawson, the Fighting Tigers squeezed out the victory just hours after placing sixth in the North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) pre-season Coaches Poll.

Buoyed by an improved 9-16 record last year and the return of several starters, hopes are high for the women's squad heading into Katherine Kollar's second-year as head coach.

Hopes that remain high following Tuesday's promising tip-off to the new season, in which the Fighting Tigers struggled early on to gain the upper-hand against the Trailblazers before coming out on top. 

Trailing 18-6 with under four minutes to go in the first quarter, SUNY Cobleskill clawed their way into a 23-18 lead midway through the second quarter on the efforts of Lawson, who scored 11 of  the Fighting Tigers 17 points over the eight minute run.

Tied at 28 each at the half, the Fighting Tigers were able to gain the lead early in the third quarter and maintained it throughout the remainder of the contest. 

Senior guard Ashley Creighton and Freshman forward Shaliyah Graham largely carried the squad in the second half, with Graham scoring key baskets late in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. Team Captain Shelby Preston scored 7 points and earned 11 rebounds overall. 

The Trailblazers were led by Senior guards Courtney McLaughlin and Ashley Clawson, who scored 20 and 13 points respectively in MCLA's defeat.

SUNY Cobleskill be on the road next, competing in the 2016 Hunter College Tip-Off Tournament this weekend. They return home to face the Southern Vermont Mountaineers on Tuesday, November 22nd at 7:00 p.m. 

Senator Seward, Community Partners to Announce Collaborative Effort to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse

State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) will be in Otsego County, noon on TUESDAY, November 15th, at the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown. Senator Seward, a member of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction, will be joined by officials from LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions, Bassett Healthcare Network, and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals to unveil a collaborative initiative to help dispose of unused prescription medication.

WHAT:  Collaborative effort to encourage proper disposal of unused prescription medications

WHEN:  Tue, Nov 15, Noon

WHERE:  60 Lake St., Cooperstown; Otesaga Hotel, Abner Doubleday Room (downstairs)

WHO: NYS Senator James Seward, Julie Dostal, Executive Director of LEAF; Dr. Vance Brown, President & CEO, Bassett Healthcare Network; Rhonda Sciarra, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, and a young woman from who will share her story of prescription drug abuse/misuse.

WHY:  Every 14 minutes, an American dies from an unintentional drug overdose. Seven out of 10 people who abuse prescription drugs get them from friends or family members. Help combat the opioid epidemic and abuse of prescription medications through proper disposal.

Cuomo Vows to Defeat Trump in Fundraising Letter

Governor Andrew Cuomo is drawing a line in the sand following the election of President-Elect Donald Trump. Cuomo was an early backer of Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

The Governor sent a letter the Saturday after the election as a simultaneous column in the NY Daily News, for fundraising, and on Facebook to make a plea to anyone in the state that may feel let down by the results of the election last week.

"So let me be absolutely clear: If anyone feels that they are under attack, I want them to know that the state of New York – the state that has the Statue of Liberty in its harbor – is their refuge.

Whether you are gay or straight, Muslim or Christian, rich or poor, black or white or brown, we respect all people in the state of New York."

This follows Cuomo's initial reaction following the election. On Wednesday, November 9th the Governor reported having a good conversation with the President-Elect. While Cuomo said that he disagreed with much of Trump's agenda, ultimately he would bring in a knowledge of cities, especially New York, "I think Donald Trump being from New York is a bonus not just for this state, but for other states also," Cuomo said.

In 2009, Trump donated $25,000 toward Cuomo's successful bid for the Governor's mansion. In 2006, Trump donated $26,000 toward his also successful campaign for state Attorney General.

The Governor is expected to mount a campaign for President in 2020.

Cuomo finished his Facebook message, "We are New York, and we will stand up for you. And on that, I will never compromise. Count on it."

Fighting Tiger Women's Swimming and Diving Swept by William Smith College and Cazenovia

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s swimming & diving team suffered a pair of defeats on Saturday afternoon in a double dual meet hosted by William Smith College. The Fighting Tigers fell to host Herons of William Smith by a 141-56 and to the Wildcats of Cazenovia 124.5 to 78.5. With the losses the Fighting Tigers fall to 0-5 on the year versus head-to-head competition.

Sophomore Emily Sugrue, Long Island City, N.Y. , The Renaissance Charter School, was the team’s top individual performer on the afternoon with a pair of second place finishes. Sugrue took second in the 100-yard freestyle in a time of 59.65 and the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 2:13.31.
Cobleskill will next be in action at the Diamond City Invite hosted by Kings College in Wilkes Barre, Pa. on Saturday November 19th and Sunday November 20th beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

SUNY Cobleskill Men's Soccer Drops 3-0 Decision to Alfred University in ECAC Tournament Opening Round

The SUNY Cobleskill men’s soccer team ended their season on Saturday evening falling into the host Saxons of Alfred University in the opening round of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Men’s Soccer Tournament by a 3-0 margin. With the loss the Fighting Tigers conclude the season with a 9-8-2 overall mark while the Saxons improve to 9-7-2 overall on the campaign.

The host Saxons scored twice in the first half to effectively put the contest in the win column outshooting Cobleskill 19-to-7 on the afternoon while holding a 10-to-2 advantage in corner kicks. 

Sophomore goalkeeper Tanner Puff, Wallkill, N.Y., Wallkill High School, recorded six saves on the afternoon in defeat for the Orange & Black. 

FINAL BOX:

Soccer Game Summary (Final)
SUNY Cobleskill vs Alfred University (Nov 12, 2016 at Alfred, NY)

SUNY Cobleskill (8-9-2) vs. Alfred University (9-7-2) Date: Nov 12, 2016  Attendance: 55 Goals by period       1  2  Tot ------------------------------- SUNY Cobleskill.....  0  0 -  0 Alfred University...  2  1 -  3 SCORING SUMMARY:   1.  26:04 AUMS2016 Graeme Corrigan (Oumar Soumahoro)   2.  35:19 AUMS2016 Oumar Soumahoro (Andy Ricci)   3.  71:25 AUMS2016 Richard Lander (unassisted) Shots: SUNY Cobleskill 7, Alfred University 19 Saves: SUNY Cobleskill 6 (Tanner Puff 6), Alfred University 3 (Chris Gutierrez 2; Brian Larkin-Gero 1)

Fighting Tigers Hunt Seat Competes at Morrisville State IHSA Shows

The SUNY Cobleskill hunt seat equestrian team posted a sixth place finish and a tie for fourth place in the 10 team fields at a pair of Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) Zone 2 Region 3 show hosted by the Mustangs of Morrisville State College at their College Equestrian Center on Saturday November 5^th and Sunday November 6^th.

In Saturday’s show the Fighting Tigers posted three individual victories as freshman Rachel Snyder, Honeoye, N.Y., Honeoye High School, won in novice fences, senior Emilee Klein, Cooperstown, N.Y., Cooperstown High School, won in advanced walk trot canter and sophomore Kristen Daly, Cobleskill, N.Y., Cobleskill-Richmondville High School, won n beginner walk trot canter.

On Sunday’s show Cobleskill received a win in the beginner walk trot canter from sophomore Kate Joslyn, Milford, N.Y., Milford High School.

The Fighting Tigers will next be in action on Saturday November 19^th they travel to Saratoga Springs, N.Y. for an IHSA competition hosted by Skidmore College at the Van Lennep Riding Center beginning at 8:30 a.m.

TEAM RESULTS:

November 5^th Show Results:

Place	Team	Score
1.	Skidmore College	45= High Point
2.	Morrisville State College	44= Reserve High Point
3.	Hartwick College	39
4.	SUNY Oneonta	31
5.	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)	28
6.	SUNY Cobleskill	27
7.	Colgate University	24
8.	University at Albany	21
T-9.	Siena College	18
T-9.	Keuka College	18
11.	Union College	11

November 6^th Show Results:

Place	Team	Score
1.	Morrisville State College	45= High Point
2.	Skidmore College	42= Reserve High Point
3.	Colgate University	32
T-4.	SUNY Cobleskill	31
T-4.	University at Albany	31
T-6.	SUNY Oneonta	29
T-6.	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)	29
8.	Hartwick College	21
9.	Siena College	19
10.	Keuka College	15

SUNY Cobleskill Men's Soccer Receives ECAC Tournament Bid for First Time in Program History

After posting one of the best turnaround seasons in the nation the SUNY Cobleskill men’s soccer team has been selected to compete in the 2016 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Championship Tournament. The Fighting Tigers who finished the season with an 8-8-2 overall record are seeded fourth in the Region 4 bracket of the tournament and will face the number one seeded regional host the Saxons of Alfred University from the Empire 8 Conference who finished the campaign with a 8-7-2 overall mark on Saturday November 12th at 5:00 p.m. at Alfred’s Yunevich Stadium.

After finishing the 2015 campaign with a 0-18 overall mark including a 0-13 mark in North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) action; Cobleskill improved 500 percent under the direction of second year head coach Joseph Machado whose squad will be making, the first ECAC post-season appearance in program history.

Upon learning of his team’s selection to the tournament, Coach Machado was excited about the prospects of continuing the season and his team’s impressive turnaround year.
“I’m proud of what our young men have accomplished this year and being recognized by the ECAC is a testament to all of the hard work we’ve done since the pre-season. We’ve come a long way over the last 14 months and I’m happy that our seniors get to extend their careers while our underclassmen get to experience post-season play for the first time.”

The winner of Saturday’s game will face the winner of the day’s 7:00 p.m. game between the number two seeded Nittany Lions of Penn State Altoona from the Allegany Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) who finished the year with an 11-7-1 mark and the number three seeded Nittany Lions of Penn State Harrisburg from the Capital Athletic Conference (CAC) who were 11-8 overall on the campaign in the quarterfinal round which will also take place at Alfred University’s Yunevich Stadium on Sunday November 13th at 2:00 p.m.

In total, 16 teams were selected into this year’s championship tournament and divided into four regional brackets. The winners of each bracket will move on to the semi-finals which will take place on Saturday Nov. 19 at site to be determined by the ECAC with kick-offs at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The tournament’s championship game will then be hosted at the same site on Sunday November 20th beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Iroquois Gas Hosts Hazardous Materials Exercise

First responders from Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties were activated October 8, 2016 to respond to a simulated emergency at the Iroquois Gas Transmission System’s Wright Compressor Station.

The hazardous material (or HAZMAT) full scale exercise simulated a leak of mercaptan during a standard delivery by Chevron Philips. Mercaptan is the distinct and recognizable odorant added to natural gas that makes it easier to detect gas leaks. It is also extremely flammable, and harmful if swallowed or inhaled in high concentrations.

 The goals of the exercise were to validate coordination and communication capabilities for a pipeline incident, and to identify the strengths and weaknesses of emergency response plans. Gallupville Fire Department and the Fulton, Montgomery & Schoharie regional HAZMAT team secured the scene, used appropriate personal protective equipment to suppress the (simulated) fire, and were processed through decontamination procedures. A hotwash discussion followed to discuss strengths and weaknesses, and determine what changes (if any) should be made to policy and/or procedures.

 “More than 70 people gave up their Saturday morning to be a part of this exercise to ensure that if this type of event were to occur in Schoharie County, our first responders would be prepared to respond effectively.” Michael Hartzel, Schoharie County Office of Emergency Services Director said.

“This drill was a great opportunity for Iroquois to train with local emergency officials in responding to an emergency on its pipeline system.” stated Spencer Robinson, Manager of Right-of-Way.

“We thank the many different agencies that collaborated in the planning and execution of this important training exercise.”

Great American Smoke Out Station at SUNY Cobleskill and Emoji Power-wall at Schoharie Central Next Week

 Advancing Tobacco Free Communities in Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties (ATFC-DOS) in collaboration with staff at the Beard Wellness Center is working to build a healthier SUNY Cobleskill college campus where many live, learn, work and play. ATFC-DOS is funded by a grant from the New York State Bureau of Tobacco Control to the Research Foundation of SUNY at SUNY Cobleskill and works on a variety of initiatives to change the community environment to support New York State’s tobacco-free norm.

ATFC-DOS will host two Great American Smoke Out (GASO) stations on campus November 17th from 11 am to 2 pm in Champlin and Prentice dining halls. Every year, on the third Thursday of November, the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smoke Out challenges people to stop using tobacco and provides an opportunity to advocate for tobacco control initiatives. ATFC-DOS wants to encourage students, staff and faculty to “quit like a champion” even if just for a day. At the GASO table there will be information about tobacco issues and a list of cessation resources as well as quit pledge cards and tobacco-free campus pledge cards. If someone signs a quit pledge card, he/she will receive a pen or lanyard, but if someone turns in a pack of cigarettes/cigarillos/cigars/snus/smokeless tobacco in addition to signing a quit pledge card, he/she will earn a t-shirt. So plan to stop by and quit tobacco use. You can do it one day at a time.

Advancing Tobacco-Free Communities/Reality Check is working collaboratively with Schoharie Central School on a Great American Smoke Out (GASO) project with principal Kevin Calacone as the school’s point person. The GASO project highlights the statewide ad campaign Seen Enough Tobacco. A pad of paper emojis will be placed in each homeroom class grades 6-12.  Each student choosing to participate will be asked to write his/her name on a paper emoji so that it reads for example: “Joe has seen enough”. We also encourage students to collect signed emojis from other students and from family, staff and faculty members.  The homeroom collecting the most emojis will earn a pizza party as well as “We’ve Seen Enough” t-shirts. The collected emojis will be assembled into a highly visible power-wall within the school communicating that “We’ve Seen Enough Tobacco” to students, staff and visitors. The school’s GASO power-wall will help combat the large, visually appealing displays of tobacco products that are pervasive in stores and are intended to attract the interest of youth in addition to adult customers. In 2012 the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that tobacco industry marketing causes youth smoking.

Senate Candidate Jermaine Bagnall-Graham Post Election Statement

"Last night was truly a special night for me and my family. Though I did not win, I am proud of the campaign that I was able to run in only six months. I was an unknown going against the establishment, but was able to run a campaign that was clean, honest and honorable. I was able to wake up this morning and feel proud of what I have accomplished. I have met some wonderful people during these past six months. The residents of the 51st Senate District are truly amazing.

I want to congratulate Senator Seward on his victory! I was able to speak to him last night and we had a very nice conversation. With all of the attack ads on television and in the papers, we were both pleased with the civility of our particular contest. I also want to thank the people of the 51st Senate District for coming out and voting. Democracy was witnessed last night. Moving forward, I will take time to reflect on what I did and how to improve. I will also focus on family and community.

This is Senator Seward's victory, but he knows that there is someone watching his every vote and every move. If I decide to run again, I will be better prepared and will have more time to reach out to voters and let them get to know about me and what I bring to the table. I am thankful for all the support I have received during this election cycle. I have always maintained that if it ain't broke, don't fix it! The people have spoken and it was determined that the 51st District does not need fixing. When it does, I will be there to answer the challenge.” said Jermaine Bagnall-Graham, Democratic Candidate for New York’s 51st State Senate District.

Trump Takes Presidency after Winning Pennsylvania

Donald Trump has secured over 270 electoral votes to win the Presidency tonight. After polling that showed former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton leading by about 3% nationally, the popular vote will be very close.

However, the electoral college has swung decisively in Trump's favor. The Republican nominee has won almost every rust belt state, including Wisconsin, Ohio, and now Pennsylvania. The 20 electoral votes from that state have placed Trump with at least 275. Trump has  2,756,689 votes compared to Clinton's 2,685,252. Trump has 48.85% and Clinton has 47.58%.

More results, including from Minnesota, Nevada, and New Hampshire are still outstanding. However, there is no path left for Hillary Clinton to take the White House.

Teachout Concedes in Congressional Race

Democratic candidate for Congress Zephyr Teachout called Republican candidate John Faso to concede tonight after a hard fought race.

Faso said he took a call from @ZephyrTeachout in concession. Thanked his campaign aides.

— Jimmy Vielkind (@JimmyVielkind) November 9, 2016

Rep. Chris Gibson is introducing Faso. Led a round of applause for Zephyr Teachout. #ny19

— Jimmy Vielkind (@JimmyVielkind) November 9, 2016

Seward Issues Statement About Victory

Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) was overwhelmingly re-elected today to a 16th term as state senator.
Senator Seward addressed an excited crowd at campaign HQ in Oneonta saying, “I am thrilled and humbled with the victory and look forward to continuing the strong partnerships I have developed with the people of the 51st Senate District ensuring our needs, our views, and our values are well represented in Albany.”

After thanking his family and supporters, Seward cited several recent victories in Albany along with his future goals.

“I first ran for state senator because I wanted to serve the public and help the people who call this area home – I am still driven by those sentiments. This past year alone, I helped advance a landmark middle class income tax cut, record aid for our local schools, new resources for our upstate roads and bridges, and vital measures to address the crushing heroin epidemic.

“Advancing broad-based economic development incentives that will attract new businesses and strengthen those already loyal to New York, solidifying a more equitable school aid distribution formula with a focus on foundation aid reforms, continuing to revamp our state regulatory system by eliminating costly mandates and unneeded regulations on our local governments and small businesses, helping young people and their families afford the cost of college, restoring the public’s trust in government, and delivering sustained property tax relief for our middle-class homeowners are just a few items that top my agenda for 2016-17,” Seward concluded.

The 51st senate district is made up of all or parts of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Otsego, Schoharie, Tompkins and Ulster counties.

Faso Declares Victory in Congressional Race

John Faso has declared victory in the NY-19 Congressional race. Zephyr Teachout's campaign has not made any moves, either conceding or declaring victory.

BREAKING: @JohnFasoNy is declaring victory in #ny19, his spokesman says.

— Jimmy Vielkind (@JimmyVielkind) November 9, 2016

With 51% of the vote in, Faso leads with 52.4%, Teachout has 47.6%. Faso won almost 65% in Schoharie County.

Trump Wins Schoharie County

Donald Trump has won Schoharie County with a wider margin than past winning candidates in. With all towns in except for Richmondville, Conesville, and Esperance, Trump is currently winning 63.6% to Hillary Clinton's 29.7%. Gary Johnson has 3.7 and Jill Stein 1.9%. Trump has 6,800 votes so far and Clinton 3,176. In 2012 Mitt Romney won 6,849 votes and 57.3% and President Barack Obama 40.7% with 4,862 votes.

Trump won Middleburgh 955-414. Cobleskill was 1048 Trump, 810 for Clinton, 83 for Gary Johnson, and 53 for Jill Stein. Clinton lost all 14 towns reported, including traditionally Democratic Sharon and Wright. There Trump won 455-208 and 477-236 respectively.

In Schoharie County, Faso Beats Teachout

There is still a lot of information still coming in from outside of the county, but within it, Republican John Faso decisively beat Zephyr Teachout. By a 65.1% to 34.8% margin, Faso won. Teachout made a major play for the County, with a strong showing in lawn signs and events. However, it was not enough to overcome the Republican advantage in the area.

More will come in about the overall race.

SUNY Cobleskill Fighting Tiger Recap 11/7/16

The SUNY Cobleskill women’s cross country team posted a team score of 114 points to finish in fourth place in a field of 16 teams at the 2016 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Cross Country Championships hosted by the ECAC at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome in Milton, N.Y. on Saturday. Fighting Tiger senior Taylor Tommell, Guilderland, N.Y., Guilderland High School, was the team’s top finisher placing fourth overall in the 100-runner field by completing the 6000-meter course in a time of 25:04.9 to earn All-ECAC Team honors.

The Fighting Tiger men’s team posted a team total of 163 points to finish in fourth place in a field of 19 teams at the 2016 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Cross Country Championships hosted by the ECAC at the Hudson Valley Sports Dome in Milton, N.Y. on Saturday. Junior Anthony Bouchard, Wantagh, N.Y., Wantagh High School, was the team’s top finisher at the event placing ninth overall in a field of 113 runners by covering the 8000-meter course in a time of 27:40.5 to earn All-ECAC Team honors.

Sophomore Mick Fryer, Ravena, N.Y., Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School, led the Fighting Tiger men’s swimming & diving team to a 138-60 home win over the Gryphons of Sarah Lawrence College on Saturday at the Bouck Hall Natatorium. Fryer won the 200-yard individual medley in a time of 2:21.23 and the 200-yard breaststroke in a time of 2:36.61 as Cobleskill improved to 1-2 overall versus head-to-head on the season.

The women’s swimming & diving team dropped a 125-71 decision to the Gryphons of Sarah Lawrence College on Saturday to fall to 0-3 overall versus head-to-head competition on the season. Junior Danielle Hoyt, Wolcott, N.Y., North Rose-Wolcott High School was the team's top individual performer at the meet posting the Fighting Tigers only individual event win by taking the 200-yard individual medley in a time of 2:40.82 while finishing second overall in the 200-yard butterfly in a time of 2:54.85 and the 200-yard breaststroke in a time of 2:50.68.

UPCOMING HOME EVENTS:

Men’s & Women’s Swimming & Diving vs. Elms College 1/17                                                          
Women’s Basketball vs. MCLA 11/15, Southern Vermont College 11/22, Keuka College 12/4    
Men’s Basketball vs. SUNY Polytechnic Institute 11/30, Keuka College 12/4, Wells College 12/5