Ram cagers have new coach

Photo by Mike Wertman – New Roy-Hart Coach Joe Pawlak meets here with the veteran members of the Rams squad. In front are Nelson Andrade and Sam White. In back are Bailey Hudson, Aaron Metz, Andy Xapsos and Coach Pawlak.

With new Coach Joe Pawlak at the helm the Roy-Hart cagers are prepping for the December 9 non league season opener at Oakfield-Alabama.

“I feel very blessed and lucky to have this position. The school and community have been very supportive,” said Pawlak, an Albion native, who has been an assistant coach at Medaille College. He takes over the Roy-Hart position following the retirement of long-time Rams Coach Mark Rydza.

The Rams return a good nucleus including seniors Nelson Andrade, Sam White (6-3), Bailey Hudson, Aaron Metz and junior Andy Xapsos.

The Roy-Hart lineup also includes senior James DiLorenzo along with juniors Ben Maynard, Zach Srock, Austin Dodge, Justin Heschke (6-3) and Chris Anderson (6-10).

“We’ve got some good experience,” said Pawlak. “We’re putting in an new system but everyone is working hard and we’ve got good chemistry and team work.”

Roy-Hart’s key losses to graduation include Alex Stoddard, who earned first team Niagara-Orleans All-League honors, and DaRon Woods, who was an honorable mention pick.

Roy-Hart, which went 8-6 in N-O action last year, will open the league campaign at CSAT on December 18.

Roy-Hart’s Schedule

Dec. 9 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 7 p.m.
Dec. 11 – at Tonawanda, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 16 – Tonawanda, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 – at CSAT, 6 p.m.
Dec. 23 – Alden, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 – Albion, 6 p.m.
Jan. 9 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 13 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 16 – Newfane, 6 p.m.
Jan. 20 – Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 23 – Barker, 6 p.m.
Jan. 26 – at Niagara-Wheatfield, 7 p.m.
Jan. 27 – CSAT, 6 p.m.
Feb. 3 – at Albion, 7 p.m.
Feb. 6 – Medina, 6 p.m.
Feb. 10 – Akron, 6 p.m.
Feb. 13 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 17 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Feb. 19 – at Barker, 6 p.m.