Port Byron Central School District

Located in the Village of Port Byron, Town of Mentz, County of Cayuga and State of New York.

The Port Byron Central School District includes A.A. Gates Elementary School and Dana L. West Jr. Senior High School both schools are connected through a series of hallways.

The complex, which includes athletic fields, is located on the east side of the Village of Port Byron.

Port Byron has played in many leagues over the years such as the Tri-County League and the Onondaga High School League (OHSL) Southern Division. Today, the Panthers play in the Section 3 Patriot League.

The Panthers have had many winning seasons. The following is a partial list of note worthy outstanding performances:

FOOTBALL

Port Byron was a powerhouse in football throughout the career of legndary coach [http://www.section4football.com/nystatecoachwins.html Gino Alberici] , a 32 year veteran at the school, who retired in 1993. Alberici began his career on the 1953 undefeated football team at Auburn High School and was named to the All-American football team that same year. He was a Social Studies Teacher, soccer, football and basketball coach at Port Byron during his 32 year run. During which time his teams won a total of 13 league titles. Alberici's retirement was a big loss to the District. The Panthers are big in spirit and currently rebuilding.

BASEBALL

1977 produced an undefeated season (12-0) in the Onondaga High School League (OHSL) Southern Division. They also took a 1st place finish over all schools in all of Onondaga County and placed 7 out of 11 players on the All-Star Team that season.

TENNIS

The 1980 Tennis Team won their 1st Championship League Title in the OHSL Southern Division.

TRACK

The 1980 Track Team enjoyed being co-champions of the OHSL Southern Division with several athletes being Class "C" champions in their events.

MUSIC

Port Byron's School Alma mater was composed by Mr. Elvin Freeman, who had a distrinquishing career. He was a member of the military band at West Point, a member of the John Philip Sousa Band as well as being an instructor of the Syracuse University Band. Freeman also was a composer and for Port Byronites, his most important work will always be his "Hail to Port Byron". The band was active in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) performing level 1 and 2 in the festivals. Today only grade level 6 students are eligible for NYSSMA participation in All State. Port Byron has been represented at this level for All State Choir, Wind Ensemble and Concert Band by a select group of students.

Music at Port Byron experienced monumental growth from 1975 to 1979 under the direction of Jonathan Bowen. Students participated in NYSSMA solo competitions in record numbers. The marching band (by audition) was selected to march down Main Street U.S.A., [http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/index?bhcp=1 Disney Land] , Florida. The group at this time consisted of 96 members between the band and colorguard. They also competed in the Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands as well as others events across New York State.

The Port Byron Marching Band holds a unique record that is likely never to be repeated. On October 21, 1977 (by invitation) the Marching Panther’s provided the half time show on Weedsport's field for the '77 OHSL play off's for the title that year.

Port Byron Central School has produced many Music Educators as well as professionals in a variety of vocations.

RIVAL

The main athletic rival is Weedsport.

MASCOT

The school mascot is a Panther. The colors are maroon and white.

Alma mater is "Hail to Port Byron" composed by Elvin Freeman.

Famous alumni

*Mel Hall
*Mark Jindrak

Notable Port Byronites

[http://www.mohistory.org/content/LibraryAndResearch/DownloadFiles/GuideL_R.pdf Frances Eugene Nipher (1847-1926) Physicist]

[http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/people/brigham_young.html Brigham Young]

External links

* [http://portbyron.cnyric.org/] Official school website
* [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=43.040924,-76.618588&spn=0.005771,0.011888&om=1] Google Map location
* [http://www.nyssma.org NYS School Music Association]