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Articles by Patrick Kotnik
BDSRA Foundation Hires Dr. Ineka Whiteman as Head of Research & Medical Affairs
June 19, 2023 | Press Release GAHANNA, Ohio – The Batten Disease Support, Research, & Advocacy (BDSRA) Foundation is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Ineka Whiteman, who will serve as the Head of Research & Medical Affairs. In this role, Dr. Whiteman will oversee the Foundation’s research investment and grant process for all Batten disease CLN types, to ensure the organization fosters and supports the best possible research into Batten disease in the United States and internationally.
Statement from Global Batten Disease Organizations on CLN7 Research
Statement from Global Batten Disease Organizations on CLN7 Research Dear families, As some of you have already heard, last week Neurogene Inc. made the difficult decision to discontinue its CLN7 Batten disease program, including the CLN7 portion of the natural history study. We are disappointed by this development and understand this news will be deeply upsetting for many.
BDSRA Foundation supports reauthorization of SBIR and STTR
BDSRA Foundation supports reauthorization of SBIR and STTR The Batten Disease Support, Research, and Advocacy Foundation offers its support for the reauthorization of Ohio’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs before the current funding expires on September 30th.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you
From the moment I accepted my job as a sports reporter at The Bradford Era last July, I knew Bradford was a special place. I was blown away by the amount of people who sent me messages welcoming me in the area and to let them know if I ever needed anything. That support continued when my girlfriend and I moved to the Twin Tiers later on.
Brezenski quiets ECC’s offense to help DCC capture district title
DUBOIS — Prior to the season starting, Elk County Catholic coach James Slay said this would be a season of learning on the fly for his team. The Crusaders returned just one starter from their 2019 squad that won the district championship, but that didn’t stop ECC from making an underdog run in the postseason District 9 Class A Tournament, upsetting No. 3 Clarion and No. 2 Otto-Eldred.
Jays’ Manoah is latest WVU to NY connection
Throughout my time at West Virginia University, I was told on numerous occasions that the Mountain State connection runs deep wherever you go. That’s something I was a bit naive about. While I knew the WVU alumni base is strong throughout the country, I just thought it’d be rare to run into any West Virginia fans and/or alumni anywhere I went. Part of the reason for that is I never really saw WVU as the big school some perceive it as.
Five-run 6th lifts DCC past Smethport in quarterfinals
SMETHPORT — Following Tuesday’s loss to DuBois Central Catholic during the District 9 Class A quarterfinals, Smethport coach Colby Austin’s message to the team was clear. “Remember this feeling because we'll be here again,” Austin recalled telling his team.
Bienkowski, Port A staff thrilled to coach in Frank Varischetti All-Star game
PORT ALLEGANY — This year’s Father’s Day will be nothing short of a dream come true for Port Allegany’s football coaches. Head coach Justin Bienkowski will be spending that morning with his family and then going to do what he loves most — coaching football. Bienkowski was selected to be the head coach of the North team in this year’s Frank Varischetti All-Star game in Brockway, which will take place on Friday, June 25. The squad’s first practice will be Father’s Day on June 20.
Howard reflects on 50-year basketball officiating career
SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa. — On March 4, Bill Howard prepared to officiate a basketball game like he had done many times before … except this one had a different feel. The game between the Bradford and Northern Potter girls would be the final one for Howard in his 50-year officiating career. But what Howard didn’t know was that there was a pregame ceremony planned to honor him.
Port A’s Garzel set to begin next chapter at Mount Aloysius
PORT ALLEGANY — The moment Mount Aloysius women’s basketball coach Brian Giesler took Bree Garzel to the press box in the gym where her jersey was laid out and told her he’d support her no matter what decision she made, Garzel knew where she wanted her next chapter to be.
Howard reflects on 50-year basketball officiating career
On March 4, Bill Howard prepared to officiate a basketball game like he had done many, many times before...except this one had a different feel. The game between Bradford and Northern Potter girls would be the final one for Howard in a 50-year career of basketball officiating. But what Howard didn’t know was that there was a pregame ceremony planned to honor him.
Family, season's doubt helped Chambers rise to the occasion
COUDERSPORT, Pa. — Like many high school student-athletes across the country, Sarah Chambers didn’t know when her last basketball game could be this season. A year ago, the COVID-19 pandemic brought Coudersport’s run to the PIAA Elite 8 to an early end and season shutdowns, delays or even cancellations loomed over teams this year if there were any outbreaks within teams and schools.
Final PA, NY Corporate Cup rosters announced
OLEAN, N.Y. — Both the boys’ and girls’ final rosters for the annual New York/Pennsylvania Corporate Cup Soccer Showcase have been announced. The fifth annual Corporate Cup Showcase is set to take place on July 25 at Bradner Stadium in Olean, N.Y. The girls will play at 5 p.m. followed by the boys at 8 p.m. This event pits high school Pennsylvania and New York soccer players against each other and showcases the top players from the two states. Grades 9-12 are also represented in this showcase.
DuBois uses 11-run 4th to rout Bradford 17-6
Fresh off its comeback road victory against Brockway, the Bradford baseball team took a step back Thursday in a 17-6, five-inning loss to DuBois at Pitt-Bradford. Bradford was in striking distance and trailed 4-1 before the Beavers (3-1) unleashed an 11-run fourth inning to put the game out of reach. Overall, DuBois racked up 14 hits and held Bradford to six, while the Owls (1-2) committed three errors.
Crossing the finish line: OV officially debuts new track
SHINGLEHOUSE, Pa. — When the ceremonial ribbon was cut prior to the first track and field meet at Oswayo Valley’s new surface on Tuesday, Bruce Kemp and the rest of the Shinglehouse community couldn’t help but feel gratitude. OV’s home-opener against Port Allegany was the culmination of a long and grueling process that began in 2007 and ended with the small District 9 community coming together to accomplish something that, at one time, seemed far-fetched.
Crossing the finish line: Oswayo Valley officially debuts new track
SHINGLEHOUSE — When the ceremonial ribbon was cut prior to the first track and field meet at Oswayo Valley’s new surface on Tuesday, Bruce Kemp and the rest of the Shinglehouse community couldn’t help but feel gratitude. OV’s home-opener against Port Allegany was the culmination of a long and grueling process that began in 2007 and ended with the small District 9 community coming together to accomplish something that, at one time, seemed far-fetched.
Port A wrestling thriving under Greenman’s leadership
PORT ALLEGANY — Wrestling has always been a huge part of B.J. Greenman’s life. The Port Allegany coach graduated from the school in 2004 and went on to wrestle at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Over the course of his life, wrestling has brought him his closest friends, and the impact Greenman’s high school and college coaches had on him made Greenman want to give back to the community that gave him his start in the sport.
Local basketball coaches shift focus to offseason
With the 2020-21 high school basketball season now over in the Keystone State, coaches have turned their attention to the offseason. The offseason is, of course, a time for teams to not only get stronger and faster but also work on basketball activity such as shooting and ball-handling. It’s a critical time for players to improve on any weaknesses they have and keep building upon their strengths.
Back-to-back 6-run innings lead Brookville past Bradford
It wasn’t the start the Bradford baseball team was hoping for, but coach Eric Haynoski still saw some positives and plenty of things for the team to improve on. After taking a 5-2 lead against Brookville during the Owls’ season opener Tuesday at Pitt-Bradford, Bradford surrendered back-to-back six-run innings en route to a 14-6 defeat. “We broke down there fundamentally. We didn’t make strong plays fundamentally ... it was obvious,” Haynoski said. “We gave up a lot of runs that way.
IU9 Wrestling League all-stars unveiled
Port Allegany’s historic wrestling season was put on display once again with this year’s IU9 Wrestling League all-star list. Six Port wrestlers in Chase Weimer, Braedon Johnson, Isaiah Caden, Taro Tanaka, Derek Kallenborn and Justin Young were named all-stars, while coach B.J. Greenman took home Coach of the Year honors. A school-record three wrestlers from Port Allegany won district titles this year, while seven competed at regionals.
Bradford baseball emphasizing competition, fundamentals ahead of season
Spring sports are just around the corner and the competition is heating up on the Bradford baseball team. Like all spring teams, the Owls are both excited and grateful to be back on the diamond after last year’s season was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but when it comes to it, they’re just ready to get back to action.
Senior Salute: Local basketball coaches praise seniors
The basketball season has officially come to a close for Big 30 Pennsylvania schools, which means the end of the high school basketball careers for the area’s seniors. Below are statements from local hoops coaches from some of the PA Big 30 schools regarding this year’s seniors and the legacies they leave behind. BOYS Bradford: Alex Liners and Gavin Piscitelli Head coach Chuck Bell: “Both were tremendous leaders for us all year long.
Bradford softball eager to get season going
With spring sports competition just under a week away, the message and tone are clear — coaches and players are ready to get back at it. That’s the feeling among the Bradford Lady Owls softball team, which will open its season next Wednesday against Brookville at Pitt-Bradford. The team got just two weeks of its season in (no games) last year before the Covid-19 pandemic shut down spring sports in the Keystone State. “It feels great to get back onto the field,” Bradford coach Amy Stoltz said.
Coudy falls to Bishop Guilfoyle in Elite 8 thriller, 48-47
COUDERSPORT — It was the type of a game you would expect from two teams vying for a berth to the PIAA Final Four after having their postseason runs last year cut short in the quarterfinals due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thrilling back-and-forth action unfolded between the Coudersport Lady Falcons and Bishop Guilfoyle Lady Marauders Saturday afternoon in a tight game from start to finish.
Coudy seeking Final Four berth today against Bishop Guilfoyle
COUDERSPORT — Almost a year to the day, the Coudersport girls basketball team advanced to the Elite 8 for the second year in a row by beating Otto-Eldred for the District 9 Class A title. Yes, the postseason is different this year with only the district champions moving on, leading to fewer PIAA state playoff games. But that shouldn’t take away from this special run the Lady Falcons have been on since last year.
Championship Tuesday: Coudy, O-E, Jburg set to battle for district titles
It’s Championship Tuesday and you know what that means. Today’s the day where three Big 30 teams will not only play for District 9 Class A titles but for more that’s at stake this evening. Due to Covid-19, only district champions will move on to the PIAA state tournament, meaning a team can’t lose in the semifinals or title game and still expect to be in the tournament this year.
Back to Back: Big second half pushes Coudy past O-E for 2nd straight district title
COUDERSPORT — With Coudersport down four and its back against the wall at halftime against Otto-Eldred, all that was guaranteed was one more half of basketball. The Lady Falcons rose to the occasion, turned up their intensity and outscored the Lady Terrors, 25-8, in the second half en route to a 41-28 win and their second straight District 9 Class A title and fourth district championship in the last five years on Tuesday night.
Coudy’s defense stifles Port in Class A semifinals
COUDERSPORT — In the end, Coudersport’s defense was just too much for Port Allegany to overcome. The Lady Falcons stifling defense hasn’t been kind to teams all year long and that was the case again on Saturday when Coudy used yet another tough defensive performance to earn a 42-37 win over the Lady Gators, earning a spot in Tuesday’s District 9 Class A title game for the second year in a row.
District 9 Postseason Basketball Weekend Preview
There’s no Super Saturday in Clarion this year, but that doesn’t take away from the caliber of today’s District 9 playoff games. Three Big 30 teams will play for district titles in the Coudersport, Kane and St. Marys boys, while the Elk Catholic, Otto-Eldred, Port Allegany and Coudy girls will all battle for a spot in the District 9 Class A championship in today’s semifinals. Here’s a brief look at today’s matchups. District 9 Class A Semifinals 3. Elk County Catholic (17-6) at 2.
Sheeler, Heller power O-E to 60-38 quarterfinal win over Union
DUKE CENTER — When Otto-Eldred’s offense gets going, the Lady Terrors are just plain hard to stop, with many players who can knock down jumpers and score inside. As it was in most games this season, that was yet again the case Thursday night as No. 2-seeded O-E rolled past No. 7 Union, 60-38, in a District 9 Class A quarterfinal inside the Terror Dome.
ECC advances to semifinals after 61-48 win over O-E
ST. MARYS — Tournament time can mean many things, but in the end, it’s about surviving and advancing. That’s just what the Elk County Catholic boys basketball team did on Wednesday night in a 61-48 victory over Otto-Eldred in the District 9 Class A quarterfinals. The Crusaders led by as many as 17 points before O-E managed to cut it down to five in the fourth quarter. But ECC was able to pull away late in the fourth behind Mason McAllister’s 10 points. The senior finished with a game-high 24 points.
O-E rolls past Sheffield 82-63, will face ECC in quarterfinals
DUKE CENTER — With an 0-7 record and its back against the wall in late January, the Otto-Eldred boys basketball team didn’t give up hope and knew it could make a run. Over a month later, the Terrors are a completely different team that’s clicking on all cylinders as they buy into first-year coach Steve Bell’s system. That was on display once again on Monday night when O-E rolled past Sheffield, 82-63, in a District 9 Class A first round matchup inside the Terror Dome.
Coudy routs Bradford, 62-33, in regular season finale
With star player Hayden Keck missing his third straight game with a shoulder injury, Coudersport coach Scott Easton looked to his three other seniors to step up in Keck’s absence. Derek Easton, Dalton Keglovits and Brandt Kightlinger did just that again on Friday night during Coudy’s 62-33 rout of Bradford at the Owls’ Nest in what was the regular season finale for both teams.
Lady Owls hold on for 40-32 Senior Night win over NoPo
The 2020-21 season may not have gone the way the Bradford girls basketball team wanted it to, but there’s been no questioning their effort and fight all season. That was the case once again during the team’s Senior Night and regular season finale Thursday night against Northern Potter at the Owls’ Nest.
District 9 basketball tournament brackets released
The District 9 postseason basketball tournament brackets have been unveiled and the action is set to begin next week. All tipoff times listed for pre-round and quarterfinal matchups are 7 p.m and the higher seeds are hosts. Starting on the boys side in 1A, Elk County Catholic has secured the top seed with an 18-3 regular-season record. The Crusaders will play the winner of a pre-round matchup between No. 8-seeded Otto-Eldred and No. 9 Sheffield.
Bradford turns up defense in 50-32 victory over Austin
Throughout most of this season, there’s been no stopping Austin’s Jackson Glover. The senior has been a scoring machine for the Panthers, scoring his 1,000th point earlier in the year and recording a game-high 26 points in a loss to Coudersport on Tuesday. But it was Bradford’s defense that wouldn’t be denied on Wednesday night as the Owls buckled down and held Glover to 13 points in a 50-32 win at the Owls’ Nest.
Kane QB Smith headed to Alfred
KANE — Another Big 30 football player will be making his way to Alfred in a few months to join the Saxons football program. Kane’s Zuke Smith made it official this past Saturday by signing with Alfred to continue his academic and football careers. Smith, who plans to major in mechanical engineering, played quarterback for the Wolves and threw for a total of 1,833 yards and 19 touchdowns with 15 interceptions during his junior and senior seasons.
Stelene, Watts too much for Owls in 56-40 loss to Jburg
In the end, Bradford had no answer for Johnsonburg’s dynamic duo of Cam Stelene and Gabe Watts. The pair combined for 40 of Jburg’s 56 points on Monday night in a 56-40 road win for the Rams (12-4) at the Owls’ Nest. Stelene scored a game-high 26 points while Watts had 14. Jburg led the entire game and often by double-digits, but the Owls (7-9) were able to trim their deficit and cut it down to single digits a couple of times during the second half.
Kane’s Carson Whiteman looking forward to next chapter at Gannon
KANE — Relief is something Kane’s Carson Whiteman has been feeling as he’s seeing his hard work beginning to pay off. This past Saturday was an example of that when Whiteman, a star for the Kane basketball and baseball teams, signed his national letter of intent to play baseball at Gannon University, a Division II school in Erie. Prior to the 2020 college baseball season that was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gannon had over 30 games during the 2016, 2018 and 2019 seasons.
Bradford lineman, Big 30 All-Star Hughes to continue career at Alfred
It took just a brief text message for Bradford two-way lineman and Big 30 All-Star Ryan Hughes to unveil where he’ll be spending the next four years in the classroom and on the gridiron. He committed to Alfred by sending a text message to program head coach Bob Rankl, saying that he was ready. A phone call between the two soon followed. Hughes officially committed on Feb. 12 and it was announced via Twitter on Feb. 14. For the Bradford star, the decision came with a feeling of relief.
Lady Crusaders breeze by Bradford, 49-34
After Bradford jumped out to a 6-0 lead over Elk County Catholic on Thursday night, ECC head coach Ken Pistner called a timeout to get his team to refocus. Following the timeout, the Lady Crusaders went on to outscore Bradford, 10-2, to end the first quarter and 19-5 in the second quarter en route to a 49-34 victory over the Lady Owls at the Owls’ Nest.
Bradford’s Chloe Shaw excited to continue soccer career at Houghton
Close distance to home, soccer and the preferred area of study. Those were the three biggest things on Chloe Shaw’s checklist when it came to picking a college to attend and she found all three in Houghton College. That’s where Shaw will spend the next four years furthering her academic and athletic careers, competing on the soccer field for the Highlanders. “Everything kind of came together and it was the right fit,” Shaw said. “I just really liked the campus and I liked what they had to offer.
6 girls basketball players to watch as regular season winds down
We’re entering the final stretch of the 2021 basketball regular season. Teams have played to varying degrees so far, but several players have stood out throughout the season. Here are some players to keep your eye on with the regular season winding down and the postseason on the horizon. Katie Sheeler, Otto-Eldred As a sophomore, Katie Sheeler has exploded onto the scene for the Lady Terrors, leading the squad with 16.5 points per game.
Terrorizing defense: O-E’s late-season surge continues with 50-33 win over Smethport
DUKE CENTER — If there was any indication of whether the Otto-Eldred boys basketball team has bought into head coach Steve Bell’s system, the answer was put on display Friday night against Smethport. After a thrilling classic between the two teams back on Jan. 26 ended with the Hubbers earning a 49-47 overtime victory, Friday night’s contest was a different story.
Lady Terrors cruise past Bradford, 52-38
DUKE CENTER — After suffering just its second loss of the season to Elk Catholic Saturday, Otto-Eldred bounced back the way it needed to Tuesday night inside the Terror Dome. For the sixth time this season, the Lady Terrors surpassed 50 points and used their size in the paint to their advantage in a 52-38 home victory over Bradford to improve to 12-2 on the year.
Sestina living out lifelong dream with Long Island Nets
Editor's Note: This is the third and final edition of a three-story series detailing Emporium native Nate Sestina’s basketball journey from Cameron County High School to the NBA G-League’s Long Island Nets. Once the COVID-19 pandemic brought Nate Sestina’s final collegiate season at Kentucky to an abrupt end, the former Cameron County star began preparations for the NBA Draft. For about a month, Sestina said he went searching for an agent to sign with and represent him.
Lady Owls end skid with thrilling 42-39 win over Smethport
Following Tuesday night’s road loss to Kane, Bradford coach Bob Hannon said he was looking for more complete, all-around contributions from the Lady Owls. With a quick turnaround, Bradford gave Hannon what he was looking for during Wednesday night’s thrilling 42-39 victory over Smethport at the Owls’ nest, snapping its three-game losing skid.
Lady Wolves pull away from Bradford, 39-31, on Senior Night
KANE — A back-and-forth contest between two teams with two-game losing streaks ended with Kane earning a 39-31 victory over Bradford on its Senior Night. Prior to Tuesday night’s game, Kane (3-2) recognized its five seniors in Madi Koza, Emma Ely, Rainee Wright, Audri Marconi and Sarri Swanson. Tuesday’s first half saw a lot of thrilling, back-and-forth action with seven different lead changes.
Season at Kentucky changed Sestina’s outlook on basketball, life
Editor's Note: This is the second edition of a three-story series detailing Emporium native Nate Sestina’s basketball journey from Cameron County High School to the NBA G-League’s Long Island Nets. Following Nate Sestina’s four-year career at Bucknell, he knew he needed to continue to grow and develop to achieve his lifelong dreams of playing basketball professionally.
Sestina makes next jump to Nets' G-League team
(Editor’s Note: This is the first of a three-part series detailing Emporium native Nate Sestina’s basketball journey from Cameron County High School to the NBA G-League’s Long Island Nets.) There have been many ups and downs through Nate Sestina’s basketball career, but they have all led to the Emporium native living out his dream as a professional basketball player. Sestina is a member of the Long Island Nets, the G-League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets.
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