In grand fashion, Brighton celebrates its volleyball champions and the first Boys state team sports title in school history

Not quite a ticker tape parade, last evening was still one never seen on South Winton Road in Brighton.

Climbing about a fire truck at Brighton Station # 1, the Brighton High School New York State Division 2 volleyball champions were given a police and fire escort to the High School where the Barons were greeted by about two hundred cheering fans.

The fans were there to show appreciation and to witness sports history. Having defeated Hauppauge-XI in three sets last Saturday at Suffolk Community College in Long Island, the Barons claimed the first ever Boys team sport state title in the long tradition of Brighton athletics. (Both Girls Lacrosse and Alpine Skiing won titles in 2005.)

Standing on the school steps while displaying their title plaque in front of tv cameras made all those weekends of practices and bus rides worth it. And for us in the crowd–many of whom had stopped their cars to spontaneously join the celebration–memorable indeed.

The team is coached by Brad Rosenbaum who you met in At Young Women’s College Prep   I mostly know Brad from the Brighton summer softball pick-up game at Twelve Corners Middle School.  Over the years, his former volleyball players have come back again and again to join their old coach at the game.  Alongside the baseball banter, one senses a warm rapport between Brad and his former players. A rapport on display last night with his current squad as Brad proudly watched his team enjoy their well deserved moment on the steps. On behalf of the Sunday “boys of summer,” congratulations Brad and the Barons.

It has been a good year for Brighton sports. While not in the same grand fashion, this is the second time in six months Brighton has celebrated a champion.Cheering Ernie Clement at the Otter

While Brighton has had its share of athletic successes, over the years Brighton has always balanced sports and academics well.  Having devoted his career to counseling and education, Brad wants–and has seen–his players to have as much success in the classroom (and life) as on the volleyball court.

In the trophy cases in the school lobby–and how many schools can boast this–there are two cases for the awards given the Trapezoid, the school newspaper and to Galaxy, the literary and arts magazine. And a case for the Model United Nations. And trophies for art and writing.  And in the gym are banners for teams recognized as Scholar Athletes. As an alum, I am thrilled by the accomplishment of the Boys volleyball team. And I am also happy to know the Masterminds have a title of their own.

And, speaking of champions, this year marks the 60th Anniversary of Brighton’s 1955 undefeated football team when Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside ruled the gridiron.

And, speaking of champions, lest we not forget, the 1981 Monroe County Chess League Champion Brighton Barons. The yearbooks says “Chess Club.” But we were very much a TEAM.

Note: one of our subscribers, Michael Raff, wrote: Glad to see our “Chess and Strategy” club we started in the early ’70’s survived to become the Chess Club in 1981. Yes, I still have old yearbooks to substantiate this. Our faculty leader was Ray Sherbisnski [sic].  I think it was Sherbinski, but not sure. He was also our faculty leader.

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Below is another Brighton tradition, this the 29th addition of the Turkey Bowl. Every Thanksgiving, BHS alums and others gather for a pre pig out pigskin game.

links (and pics) to other stories about Brighton

Celebrating diversity at Meridian Centre Park

On a Black Lives Matter sign in Brighton

On the 1957 Brighton Town Hall mural with Sandra Frankel 

 

Veteran’s Day at Buckland Park

On a stainless steel American bald eagle at Buckland Park