'The Science of Sports' exhibit opens

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Have you ever thought about the mathematics of angles when shooting a puck, or why a spinning football is more difficult to catch? You can now do that, and a whole lot more, at the Buffalo Museum of Science.

"This is a very exciting and provocative exhibit for the area. I want to welcome you to the opening of the Science of Sports Exhibit," said Mark Mortensen, President and CEO of the Buffalo Museum of Science, Friday as he greeted guests and partner representatives at the ribbon cutting. 'The Science of Sports Exhibit' opens to the public on Saturday and runs through January 6, 2013.

Dr. John Marzo from UB Orthopedics asked, "How does a pitcher throw a baseball 95 miles per hour? How does a 165-pound woman lift 300-pounds of weights?"

According to Ted Black, Buffalo Sabres President, "If you haven't been down here, shame on you, get your butt off the couch and get down here. If your kids are into athletics, and that probably describes 99.9% of us, there's something for you here."

Pardon the pun, the exhibit sports a computerized rapid hands hockey training system and a racing exhibit where you can time yourself. You can try to throw the perfect pass. There's also the slap shot simulator. The sponsors spared no expense.

"But it's every bit of an $100,000 piece of machinery that's in there, it's very precise," added Black.

So far, the reviews are two thumbs up and tons of fun.

"Oh, for sure, for sure, my daughter really enjoys the interactive activities here and you can tell she really enjoys the golf," said Kristy Rohr-Wynn, a museum visitor from Guelph, Ontario.

"It's really cool. Just bringing you back and forth and different points," added Max Tell from Orchard Park about the Rapid Hands demonstration.

Or maybe there's another reason for all of this.

"Selfishly, I hope somebody develops, that we find somebody that can shoot 100 miles-per-hour. We'll sign them up," Black beamed.

In conjunction with the exhibit, UB Orthopedics is planning a seminar for all local school athletic directors and coaches in order to educate them on the signs of concussion.