News & notes

 There has been some pushback from fans of RPI football despite the Engineers' 4-0 start.

Mark Singelais, reporting in today's Albany Times-Union, says that parents and fans are upset with the school's current COVID restrictions, prohibiting fans from attending games at East Campus Village Stadium and Houston Field House. For the football fans, it means finding space on a hill above the stadium, where the sightlines are not that great.

Now, we understand that RPI is using caution, trying to protect student-athletes, coaches, et al, but to President Shirley Jackson, having a vaccination card isn't good enough to get Joe Fan through the gates.

Trust me, this will be an ongoing issue all season.

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Speaking of the T-U, the venerable newspaper's parent company, the Hearst Corporation, has decided to end its sponsorship of its namesake arena on South Pearl Street in Albany, meaning that the name change could take effect in time for Siena to begin their basketball season and for the Albany Firewolves lacrosse team, which begins play in December. It's been known as Times-Union Center since 2006, and before that, Pepsi Arena, and, originally, Knickerbocker Arena.

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Shenendehowa grad Ian Anderson pitched into the 7th inning, and led the Atlanta Braves to their 4th straight NL East title, downing Philadelphia on Thursday night. Anderson went 6+, giving up 2 runs on an Andrew McCutcheon homer in the 7th inning. The playoffs begin next week.

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You can say that this week began the soft part of Troy High's women's soccer schedule.

The Lady Horses made it two in a row Thursday, shutting out Schenectady, 5-0. Annabelle Raia had two goals to lead Troy, which has scored 8 goals total in their last two games. Tomorrow, they're on the road at Guilderland as part of a men's & women's soccer doubleheader. 

The Troy men's game vs. Schenectady was not reported, nor was the women's tennis match at Guilderland, originally scheduled for today, but moved to yesterday for unknown reasons. Also, Schenectady defeated Troy in volleyball, 3-1.

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LaSalle track star Getachew "Gitch" Hayes was named the Times-Union's male athlete of the week, competing on the Cadets' cross-country team. It won't surprise us if Hayes eventually hits the road to compete in national events this season.