Western New York is filled with sports enthusiasts. Not a day goes by without hours of commentary about the Bills, Sabres and Bisons, their trials, tribulations and never-ending quest for glory. You want glory? Well, let me tell you a story.

A wonderful opportunity opened up for me a few years ago while pursuing my master’s degree in physical education and administration from Canisius College. You see, I am a physical education and health teacher and I coach JV baseball and basketball teams at area high schools. This led to my being chosen as one of the coaches of the Scholastic Baseball team for the Empire State Games.

As a fourth-year coach, working with coaches Bob Kowal, Tim Smith and Jerry Slawek, I have the opportunity to develop 18 of the best athletes in Section V and Section VI to help them accomplish their dream of making it to the next level of competition.

The Empire Games are scheduled to come to Buffalo in July 2010. These games in the previous years have provided the venue for our area amateur athletes to compete at a very high level. If you want dedication, great work ethic and success, look no further than the Empire Games.

In one summer, I have had the opportunity to coach Kyle Hoppy (Orchard Park), who was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 28th round; Jason Radwan (Lake Shore), who was awarded a scholarship to play baseball at St. Bonaventure; Kevin Whitehead and Scott Whitehead (Kenmore East); Jordan Cave (Cheektowaga Central); and Frank Polino (Canisius), who will attend and play for Canisius College on scholarship. Another great athlete, Brian Dupra (Greece-Athena), plays for Notre Dame University. Of the 18 players on the 2008 team, 10 players are on scholarship at Division I schools—and that is just baseball!

Hundreds who compete in a variety of sports offered in scholastic go on to play at Division I schools, and this is just one region. These are the young people who bring us glory. They reflect what is best about our terrific high school athletic programs and the various community athletic associations that work hard with young committed athletes, male and female, who love competition and the pride it brings.

Athletes who get the opportunity to represent their region do so with dedication and enthusiasm, and are proud to wear their region’s colors. I’m not saying that every athlete receives a full scholarship to a big-name school, but they get a chance to showcase their talents and skills. And trust me, coaches remember that last-second buzzer-beater shot made in a scholastic girls basketball game or that game-winning save in a close baseball game.

We must come together to ensure that the Empire Games go on. We need sponsorships from the community right now. We need volunteers and sports lovers across Western New York to write, call and support the efforts of the Empire Games Commission.

We lost a great leader this summer with the death of Lou Reuter, a true advocate for the Western Region. Lou loved the Games and loved being there among the athletes. He represented the best of our Western New York Region and we should honor him next summer by carrying out his legacy of promoting the fine young athletes who strive to excel.

The Games provide an important showcase of their talents, and these young men and women do not deserve an economic roadblock to pursuing their dreams.