Ben Birnell is a sports reporter for the Rome Sentinel, focusing on local sports in the Rome, New York area. With a background in journalism and a passion for sports, Ben covers a variety of high school and professional sports events, providing in-depth coverage and analysis to readers.
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Rome, New York, United States (Local)
Ben Birnell's coverage is predominantly focused on local sports events, particularly hockey and basketball, including high school sports and the Utica Comets. He also covers specific local events such as the Downtown Classic basketball showcase.
If you have relevant news about these local sports events or insights into teams and players within the Mohawk Valley area, Ben might be interested in your pitches. Additionally, any information related to the Utica Comets would likely catch his attention given their prominence in his articles.
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By: Ben Birnell
of 3 The New York State Sportswriters Association's large school boys basketball all-state selections for the 2023-24 season have been released.
Mohawk Valley Community College student Alvaro Pineda was the top runner Thursday in the Ted Moore 5K at the community college in Utica. New Hartford teen Alex French was the top female participant and third overall. The event is named in honor Theodore “Ted” Moore was an associate mathematics professor at MVCC from 1981 until 1996, when he was killed by a drunken driver while he was out for a morning run. The theme for the event is “None for the Road,” reflecting the MVCC community’s opposition to driving under the influence of alcohol.
Juniors Isibeal and Fiona McMahon each had two goals for the Black Knights, which trailed 6-3 at halftime.
By: Ben Birnell
of 10 ROME – Layla Killino said she had a chip on her shoulder.
By: Ben Birnell
Oriskany and Little Falls baseball teams are trying to remain Section III title winners after claiming championships in spring 2023. Other teams from the Mohawk Valley are looking to be in the mix during the baseball season.
The Whitesboro softball team broke open a Tri-Valley League game Monday against host Oneida with seven runs in the third inning for a 10-0 lead. The Warriors added five more
By: Ben Birnell
After turning in a career season with the Utica Comets, captain Ryan Schmelzer has signed his first NHL contract with the parent New Jersey Devils. It is a two-year deal for the 30-year-old Buffalo native, who has been in the organization since turning pro in 2018. Forward Shane Bowers, who spent most of the season with Utica, was also re-signed by New Jersey.
Registration is open for the Kids Run, which takes place during Boilermaker Road Race weekend in Utica. The event is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, July 13, on the Mohawk Valley Community College campus.
The New York State Public High School Athletic Association is in the first season with girls flag football as varsity sport. Oneida is the lone Section III school from the Utica-Rome area that is participating this spring. Players are excited about the opportunity to play.
By: Ben Birnell
The Thomas R. Proctor baseball team rallied from an early 2-0 deficit and forced extra innings Thursday against Fayetteville-Manlius on Thursday at Murnane Field in Utica. Anthony Marino delivered a two-out RBI single to help the Raiders score a 3-2 victory in the bottom of the 8th inning.
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