News & notes

 Thursday's opening round of the NFL draft, despite no local players getting drafted, did have a decided 518 flavor after all.

The Make-a-Wish Foundation of Northeastern NY arranged for Kyle Stickles, 13, of Ghent, to attend the 1st night of the draft with his family, and have him represent the Jets and announce their first round pick, taken with the 15th selection (part of the Aaron Rodgers trade earlier this week). Will McDonald IV, a linebacker from Iowa State was the pick, and Stickles, as they say, brought the energy.

Now, that's worth missing a day of school for. Stickles was diagnosed with bone cancer three years ago, and he made the most of his television appearance, airing locally on WTEN, along with ESPN (simulcast) and NFL Network.

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Meteorologist Chicken Little has done it again.

Due to a forecast of inclement weather, starting later tonight, UAlbany has moved Sunday's game vs. Wagner to Bruno Stadium, turning tonight's single game into a doubleheader, starting at 3:30 pm. You can say that Troy fans were owed a game after UAlbany moved a previously scheduled game at The Joe to their campus field last month for the same reason.

If you can't make it to Bruno Stadium, both games will be streamed live on America East's streaming service, which is free. However, the Great Danes could use a few extra fans in the bleachers after playing to crickets two weeks ago.

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It's safe to say a loss to Ballston Spa 9 days ago was Troy High softball's wake-up call.

After a 3-1 win over Cohoes last weekend, the Lady Horses have pounded their next three opponents into the ground. Glens Falls became the latest mercy rule victim on Thursday, as Troy extended its winning streak to four in a row in a 13-1 romp. Olivia DeCitise was back in the circle, and checked Glens Falls on 3 hits, while scoring 2 runs, and driving in 2 more herself. Katie Pryor locked the door with a grand slam as part of a 5 run 4th inning that put the game away. Troy (10-3 overall, 5-3 Suburban Council) visits Guilderland today, and then travels to Shenendehowa (weather permitting) on Monday. The Plainswomen will send their sophomore ace, Breanna Hayes, into the circle, likely vs. DeCitise. The remaining Troy schedule after that:

May 3: Columbia.

May 5: @ Niskayuna.

May 8: @ Schuylerville.

May 10: Bethlehem.

May 12: Senior Day vs. Guilderland.

Troy baseball, winners of 3 of their last 4, will play the 2nd half of a home & home vs. Guilderland today. They'll have their Senior Day May 10 vs. Bethlehem.