Click here or on the ad above to reach the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development website

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Click here or on the ad above to reach a Chamber of Commerce website.

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Do you want to make a difference in Schuyler County? Join SCCUDD today!ti

See website here.

Did you know that kids whose parents disapprove of underage alcohol and substance abuse are less likely to regularly use alcohol or drugs? Please talk to youth early and often about the dangers of underage alcohol and drug use so they can develop into happy, healthy adults.

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Watkins Glen
Family Dentistry
and Implant Center

703 S. Decatur St.
Watkins Glen
(607) 535-4666

Accepting new patients

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Mechanics Club

Serving the youth of our area since 1932. Click here for details.

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We are open:
Tuesday-Friday 8-8
Saturday 8-2

Simply Your Best

Hair - Skin - Nails. JoAnna Sindone's salon at 4588 Route 224, west of Odessa, offers a variety of services:

Phone: 607-594-2811.

To reach the Simply Your Best website, click here.

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Mechanics Club - Serving the youth of our area since 1932 - click here for details.

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Dealer/collector looking to buy groups of pre-1970 paper memorabilia: cards, magazines, posters, programs etc. Call Charlie Haeffner at 742-2772.

To reach the Watkins Glen School District website, click here. 

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Click on the ad below, and go to the H.L. Stephens website

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To go to Jim Guild's
Famous Brands website, click on the drawing above or here.

Click on the ad below for more information.

Click on the ad below to reach the NY Connects website.

Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo eyes the ball just before kicking it into the Edison net.

Watkins Glen girls blank Edison, 6-0

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 5, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 10-1 Saturday with a 6-0 victory over Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Skye Honrath scored two goals for the Lake Hawks, while Ava Kelly, Jennifer Gublo, Rachel Vickio and Emma Lewis had one apiece. Kelly also had two assists, and Gublo one. Emma Cady made two saves in goal for Watkins.

"The girls played great today," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Hopefully we can keep our momentum heading into three very challenging games on the road this next week to finish out the regular season."

Those games will be played at Lansing, Elmira Notre Dame and Bath Haverling.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath (40) keeps her eyes on the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly, right, moves in on the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Maddie Tuttle, right, battles for the ball.

Watkins Glen's Isabella Bellavigna (18) directs the ball toward the Edison net, but it was grabbed by the Spartans' goalkeeper.

O-M's Maddie Raymond (right) sends a shot on goal. This one was stopped by the Tioga keeper, but Raymond scored later.

Odessa-Montour girls defeat Tioga, 4-2

ODESSA, Oct. 5, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 5-8 Saturday with a 4-2 victory over Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The victory -- highlighted by two Leah Antes goals -- was O-M's third in a row.

The Grizzlies -- after a scoreless first half -- registered the game's first goal at 30:30 when Antes knocked in a rebound. Tioga tied it at 28:50, but O-M went up 2-1 at 28:00 on a goal by Aspyn Skinner.

Tioga tied the game again at 9:45 before Antes scored her second goal at 7:20 off a through pass from Maddie Raymond. The final goal came when Raymond sent a blast into the Tioga net from the right at 1:14.

Vanessa Wood registered seven saves in goal for the Grizzlies.

"This was an amazing team effort today," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "Every single player gave it their all and showed up today. We kept our composure and communicated well even when they tied it up. Our backs played tough today, and Paisley (Jeziorski) and Evvie (Zinger) help control the middle of the field and played some great balls to our forwards. We won three out of four games this week playing four games in six days, and never let up.

"Now we get ready for next week and Senior Night at home on Wednesday."

Photo in text: O-M's Aspyn Skinner reacts as her shot finds the back of the Tioga net.

Left: O-M goalkeeper Vanessa Wood. Right: The Grizzlies' Leah Antes (6) reacts as her shot finds the Tioga net. She scored two goals.

Odessa-Montour's Paisley Jeziorski sends the ball flying upfield.

The Watkins Glen cross country runners. From left, Isaac Hendrickson, Nolan Reynolds, Andrew Champion, Dominic Gublo, Elliot Hendrickson, Ben Debolt-Smith, Zach Brusso, Dominic Lewis, Ben Henry, Hunter Depue, Piper Smith, Kambrie Thorpe, Tubtim Pryiaphant, and Kathryn Planty. (Photo provided)

XC: Watkins competes at CV invitational

BINGHAMTON, Oct. 5, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross country team, along with the boys and girls modified squads, competed Saturday at the 56th annual McDaniel Baxter Invitational at Chenango Valley High School. Nineteen schools participated.

The Lake Hawks' Isaac Hendrickson led the boys varsity on the 4K course with a time of 15:17, good for 17th place among 110 runners. Next for Watkins was Andrew Champion in 78th place, followed by Benjamin Henry (82nd), Dominic Lewis (88th), Zach Brusso (96th), and Nolan Reynolds (106th).

Hendrickson earned a top honors t-shirt for placing in the top 20.

Boys Modified: Watkins' Benjamin Debolt-Smith finished 59th on the 2K course among 109 runners in 8:40, while Elliot Hendrickson was 64th in 8:50.

Girls Modified: Kathryn Planty was 27th out of 79 runners in 9:06, while Kambrie Thorpe was 41st, Piper Smith 71st, and Tubtim Pryiaphant 73rd.

Next up: The Lake Hawks travel to Newark Valley for the IAC divisional meet Tuesday.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Isaac Hendrickson (Photo provided)

To reach the H.L. Stephens website, click here.

O-M's Jed Lynch, center, moves the ball through traffic. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Odessa-Montour boys top Tioga, 9-1

TIOGA CENTER, Oct. 4, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team improved to 8-3-1 Friday with a 9-1 victory over Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Tioga athletic field.

Riley Yaw scored three goals and Ethan Nolan two for the Grizzlies while Dev Patel, Connor Foggie, Benson Patterson and Max Sgrecci had one apiece. Jed Lynch registered five assists, while Lucas Hoffman, Patrick Croft and Nolan had one each.

James Halpin and Breyden Seamon split goal duties, with Halpin registering three saves, and Seamon four.

"This was an all-around team win," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "Everyone contributed in different ways. Our passes and touches were the key to the opportunities we created, and I loved what I saw. It brings great momentum into a big game Wednesday against Newark Valley at home at 5 p.m."

Photo in text: O-M's Riley Yaw sends a shot that found the Tioga net for one of his three goals. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Left: O-M's Patrick Croft, left, battles for possession of the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Ethan Nolan meets the ball. (Photos by Gail Sgrecci)

Storm gridders fall to Waverly, 62-0

WAVERLY, Oct. 4, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team's record slipped to 1-3 Friday night with a 62-0 loss to Waverly in a Section IV, Class C, Division V road game.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, fell behind the defending Class C state champions 42-0 in the first quarter. The score was 56-0 at halftime.

The Storm managed just 21 yards through the air, and 42 yards rushing.

The WG/OM squad returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 12 with the WGHS Homecoming. The game on Watkins' Alumni Field against Lansing will start at 7 p.m.

Watkins Glen's Xanthe Tappan (11) battles a Newark Valley player at the net.

Volleyball: Watkins Glen loses to NV, 3-1

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 4, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision Friday to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 17-25, 28-26, 23-25 and 9-25. "It was a close match and exciting to watch," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt.

Individual statistics for the Lake Hawks included the following:

Ellery Thaete: 6 service points, 1 ace, 2 kills, 6 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 9 service points, 2 aces, 1 kill, 10 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 6 service points, 3 aces, 3 kills, 15 digs.
Leighann Landers: 4 service points, 1 ace, 9 digs.
Grace Coston: 1 service point, 7 kills, 4 digs.
Kyra Yaw: 1 kill, 2 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 7 service points, 1 ace, 8 kills, 11 digs.  

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Jocelyn Sisana, left, volleys as teammates Grace Coston (17) and Ellery Thaete (10) watch.

Watkins Glen's Kaylee Yaw, left, and Leighann Landers in action against Newark Valley.

The Storm's Elizabeth Fitzwater dives at start of second leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Storm swimmers rally to top SC, 93-77

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 3, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team rallied from a mid-meet deficit to defeat Southern Cayuga 93-77 Thursday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

"This was a great meet for our program and for these young ladies," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose squad is composed of WGHS and Odessa-Montour athletes. "They had to rally in the second half of the meet after being down at the diving break by 34-28.

"The butterfly crew of Emily Melveney, Rowen Stegner and Riley Brooks set the tone for the Storm team in the second half of the meet. After their 1, 3, 4 finish, the momentum returned to our side and our girls rolled with it.

"I couldn't be happier with our girls' grit and determination today. We had amazing performances from our 7th graders all the way up through our seniors."

First-place finishes were posted by the Storm swimmers in the following:

200 Free: 1st, Kendra Fish, 2:11.41.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 2:30.08.
50 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 25.83.
100 Fly: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:04.05.
500 Free: 1st, Kendra Fish, 6:00.16.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, Paige Ells, Cara Reynolds, Claire Lewis, 1:56.44.
100 Back: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:06.26.
400 Free Relay: 1st, Emily Melveney, Makenzie Fish, Cara Reynolds, Kendra Fish, 3:59.15.

Second-place finishes were posted for the Storm by the 200 Medley Relay team of Kendra Fish, Lizzi Fitzwater, Makenzie Fish and Emily Melveney; and by Cara Reynolds in the 200 IM and 100 Free, Lexi Emerson in the 500 Free, Aubrey Klemann in the 100 Back, and Lizzi Fitzwater in the 100 Breaststroke.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Emily Melveney checks her time after winning the 50 Free.
Bottom: The Storm's three seniors were honored in a pre-meet Senior Night ceremony. From left: Riley Brooks, Kendra Fish and Cara Reynolds.

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath (40) takes aim on the SVEC net. This shot was stopped by the goalkeeper, but Honrath had a goal and an assist in the game.

Watkins Glen girls blank SVEC, 5-0

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 3, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 9-1 Thursday night by defeating Spencer-Van Etten/Candor 5-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Ava Kelly and Olivia King each scored two goals for the Lake Hawks, while Skye Honrath scored off a crossing pass by Kelly. Kelly, Honrath and Natalie VanSkiver each earned one assist, while Olivia Van Skiver earned two. Goalkeeper Emma Cady registered two saves.

"I thought we played another very strong game," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We moved the ball incredibly well to start the game tonight. I like how much better we have been with our passing the last couple of games. Defensively, we have been terrific. The back line continues to make big plays.

"Ava Kelly and Skye Honrath were really strong once again up front, and Olivia King played a great game all over the field! With four games to go, we have some tough competition, so hopefully we can continue to improve and close out the season playing well."

Photos in text:

Top: Natalee Oliver clears the ball from in front of the Watkins goal.
Bottom: The four seniors on Watkins Glen's team were honored in a pre-game Senior Night ceremony. From left: Molly O'Connell-Campbell, Olivia VanSkiver, Jennifer Gublo, and Skye Honrath.

Watkins' Ava Kelly sends a shot toward the SVEC net. She had two goals and one assist.

Left: A long shot by Watkins Glen's Olivia King gets past the SVEC keeper for the Lake Hawks' first goal. Right: King (left) is congratulated by teammate Jennifer Gublo.

Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver sends a corner kick on its way. She had two assists.

Left: O-M's Avery Spaccio, center, and McKenzie Landon, right, battle a Newfield player for the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Ella Kramer moves the ball upfield.

Odessa-Montour girls blank Newfield, 1-0

ODESSA, Oct. 3, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 4-8 Thursday night with a 1-0 victory over Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The lone goal was by McKenzie Landon, assisted by Leah Antes. Vanessa Wood registered 15 saves in goal for the Grizzlies.

"A win is a win," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We definitely had some heavy legs tonight on our third game in four days with one or no subs, but the girls kept at it and continued to try and communicate and work through tough situations throughout the game.

"We have a recovery day tomorrow before we play Tioga" at home at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Photo in text: O-M's Paisley Jeziorski sends a free kick flying toward the Newfield net.

Volleyball: Watkins falls to Edison, 3-0

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Oct. 3, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Thursday to Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Edison gym.

Game scores were 7-25, 17-25 and 21-25. Individual statistics for Watkins included:

Ellery Thaete: 1 service point, 3 kills, 6 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 2 service points, 2 aces, 7 assists, 10 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 1 kill, 1 assist, 5 digs.
Grace Coston: 3 service points, 1 kill, 1 dig.
Kyra Yaw: 1 kill, 3 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 4 kills, 4 digs.

Volleyball: O-M loses to Groton, 3-0

ODESSA, Oct. 3, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Thursday to Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 12-25, 15-25 and 15-25. Individual statistics for O-M included:

Olivia Rivera: 4 service points, 5 digs
Sidney Pike: 8 service points, 3 aces, 2 digs, 2 assists 
Cassie Allen: 3 digs, 2 assists, 1 block
Alex Campbell: 2 service points, 2 digs, 2 kills
Maya Moser: 1 service point, 2 digs, 2 kills

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost 3-0 to Groton.

Left: O-M's Patrick Croft sends a free kick on its way. Right: The Croft shot finds the Newfield net, just under the crossbar.

Odessa-Montour boys blank Newfield, 4-0

ODESSA, Oct. 2, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team improved to 7-3-1 Wednesday night with a 4-0 victory over Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Riley Yaw registered the Grizzlies' first goal off a shot from the right at 9:20 of the first half. The other three goals came after intermission -- on a blast by Connor Foggie that found the lower left corner of the Newfield net; on a long free kick by Patrick Croft that curled in under the crossbar; and by Yaw again. That last goal, at 7:17, came when Yaw poked in a rebound from in close and in a crowd near the left goal post.

Ethan Nolan earned an assist on the Foggie goal. O-M goalkeeper James Halpin made four saves in recording the shutout.

"We didn't play a great first half," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "We were kind of lax and slow, but we were able to put one in before halftime. But in the second half, we came out like the Grizzlies I know. We played team ball, played through the middle, created our passing and scoring opportunities.

"The defense stepped up and played a great game together -- to me, our best of the year. I'm very proud of this team, and we will now prepare for Tioga on Friday." That contest will be played at Tioga starting at 5 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Riley Yaw (2) battles for the ball. He scored two goals.
Bottom: Four of the many student spectators on hand for the game.

Left: O-M's Connor Foggie (12) sends a shot toward the Newfield net. This one was stopped, but Foggie scored a goal later in the game. Right: The Grizzlies' Ethan Nolan.

Left: O-M's Brycen Skinner, right, battles a Newfield player for the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Drew Parmenter sends the ball flying upfield.

Watkins Glen boys fall to SVEC, 6-1

SPENCER, Oct. 2, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 3-8-1 Wednesday with a 6-1 loss to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The Lake Hawks scored their only goal in the first half on a Liam Smith cross that was headed in by Jude Santos. The team was down 2-1 at intermission and "was playing great," said Coach Brad Smith. "I did not really have much to say to them at halftime. They were energetic and focused; it was great to be a part of. Unfortunately, the second half was a different story" as SVEC pulled away with four goals.

"The boys did not give up," said Coach Smith. "They played hard for 80 minutes. There was great sportsmanship shown on the field by both teams. It was just a joyful game to be a part of."

Odessa-Montour's Leah Antes sends a shot on its way. It found the Edison net for a goal.

Odessa-Montour girls blank TAE, 5-0

ODESSA, Oct. 1, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 3-8 Tuesday night with a 5-0 victory over Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Paisley Jeziorski scored two goals for the Grizzlies, while Leah Antes, Aspyn Skinner and Avery Spaccio scored one apiece. McKenzie Landon and Evvie Zinger each had an assist. Vanessa Wood was strong in goal, registering six saves.

"It was a great team win," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "These girls are tough and played with great energy tonight even with having no subs and playing back to back. We moved the ball well, especially in the second half, and spread the scoring out well, with Avery scoring her first varsity goal.

"Vanessa Wood made some great saves in goal for her first full game in there and did well to lead our backs and keep us organized. We’ll get ready to carry this energy and momentum into our next game on Thursday."

That game will be played at home against Newfield at 7 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Avery Spaccio, left, reacts after scoring a second-half goal.
Bottom: The Edison goalkeeper stops a shot by O-M's Evvie Zinger (21).

Odessa-Montour's Paisley Jeziorski shoots. She scored two goals in the game.

Left: O-M's Aspyn Skinner moves the ball upfield. Right: The Grizzlies' Ella Kramer.

O-M goalkeeper Vanessa Wood (yellow jersey) and teammate Olivia Barr (3) react as the ball rolls loose in front of the net.

Watkins Glen boys lose to Union Springs

UNION SPRINGS, Oct. 1, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 3-7-1 Tuesday night with a 5-0 loss to Union Springs/Port Byron in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

"The boys played hard," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith, but "we struggled to put one in the net." Jack Hayden registered seven saves in goal for the Lake Hawks.

O-M's Janne Anderson, left, and Lexi Strobel in modified race. (Photos by Gail Sgrecci)

XC: O-M varsity falls, modified girls win

TRUMANSBURG, Oct. 1, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity cross country teams fell to Trumansburg Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road meet, but the O-M girls modified team won.

Despite the varsity setbacks, O-M Coach Skip Strobel said his athletes "ran absolutely amazing. Almost every kid improved their time from when we ran there three weeks ago."

Modified boys: Parker Emery placed 8th and improved his time by 15 seconds.

Modified girls: O-M finished its regular season with a 10-0 record, defeating Trumansburg 21-34. Lexi Strobel, Janne Anderson and Hannah Jantzen finished 1-2-3 in the girls race while Karlee Fay and Bailey Landon finished a strong 7th and 8th, respectively.

Varsity girls: O-M, led by Jackie Mace's 7th place finish, lost to Trumansburg 15-49. "We had several girls massively improve their times from three weeks ago," said Coach Strobel.

Varsity boys: O-M was in a tight battle with Trumansburg, falling 23-32. The Blue Raiders grabbed the top two places while O-M's Jaden Bailor placed third. O-M also had a 5th place by Tyler Malnoske, 6th by Russell Morse, 8th by Issac Hough and 10th by Lucas Barr. Caleb Malnoske and Phillip Coleman rounded out the Grizzlies' top 7 with 12th and 13th places as O-M finished the regular season 13-2 -- both losses coming at the hands of Trumansburg.

Next up: The small school division championship race at Groton next Tuesday. Strobel said Southern Cayuga appears to be the team favorite for the boys.

Photo in text: Start of the boys varsity race at Trumansburg. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Watkins Glen's Dominic Gublo, left, and Isaac Hendrickson in Tuesday's race.

XC: Watkins Glen boys 3rd in tight race

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 1, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross country team placed third among four schools Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet at the Watkins Glen State Park.

Southern Cayuga won the team title with 47 points, while Edison had 48 and Watkins Glen 50. Elmira Notre Dame totaled 73.

Watkins Glen was led by Isaac Hendrickson's 4th place finish in 21:05 on the 3.1-mile course. Dominic Gublo was 6th in 21:42, Andrew Champion 12th in 23:49, Zach Brusso 13th in 23:57, and Ben Henry 15th in 24:33.

Modified Girls: Watkins had four runners, and thus an incomplete team. But Kathryn Planty placed 1st on the 1.5-mile course in 12:06, with Kambrie Thorpe 7th in 15:48, Piper Smith 11th in 18:52, and Tubtim Pryiaphant 13th in 19:26.

Modified Boys: Watkins had two runners, with Ben Debolt-Smith placing 3rd in 11:33.81 and Elliot Hendrikson 4th in 11:55.66.

Photo in text: Members of the Watkins Glen boys varsity at the start of their race.

From left: Watkins Glen modified runners Ben Debolt-Smith, Elliot Hendrickson and Kathryn Planty in Tuesday's race.

Volleyball: Watkins Glen falls to Dryden

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 1, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision Tuesday to Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 7-25, 14-25, 25-23 and 10-25. Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included:

Ellery Thaete: 5 service points, 1 ace, 3 kills, 4 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 8 service points, 2 kills, 11 assists.
Jocelyn Sisana: 2 kills, 9 digs.
Leighann Landers: 6 service points, 1 ace, 7 digs.
Grace Coston: 3 service points, 1 ace, 4 kills, 4 digs.
Kyra Yaw: 1 kill.
Kaylee Yaw: 2 service points, 3 kills, 3 digs.

Volleyball: Odessa falls to Newfield

ODESSA, Oct. 1, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Tuesday to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 10-25, 11-25 and 8-25. Individual statistics for O-M included:

Maya Moser: 2 service points, 2 digs,  4 kills, 1 block.
Olivia Rivera: 2 service points.
Sidney Pike: 2 service points, 1 dig, 2 assists.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Marathon

MARATHON, Sept. 30, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 2-8 Monday with a 3-2 loss to Marathon in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Marathon athletic field.

Paisley Jeziorski scored both of O-M's goals, with Leah Antes assisting on each one. Brooklynn Thompson registered 10 saves in goal for the Grizzlies.

"We tried to stage our comeback tonight and ran out of time," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We're a young team and we’re learning, but still are trying to work through finding a way to start a game how we finish it. We have a quick turnaround with hosting Edison tomorrow at home."

Local runners compete at McQuaid meet

ROCHESTER, Sept. 28, 2024 -- Cross country runners from Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High Schools competed Saturday in the large McQuaid Invitational in Rochester -- an event with hundreds of student athletes in various large and small school races.

"We posted some solid times and had a great day on some tired legs from dancing the night away," said O-M Coach Skip Strobel, referring to his school's Homecoming festivities the day before.

Girls Modified Small School: "The highlight of the day," said Strobel, "was two O-M girls medaling in the Small Schools Modified race." They were the coach's daughter, Lexi Strobel (pictured at right), who was 6th among 267 runners in a 1.6-mile race in 10:24, and Janne Anderson, 11th in 10:33.2. Also competing for O-M were Karlee Fay (13:46.1) and Bailey Landon (13:47).

Kambrie Thorpe led Watkins girls in the Modified race with a 71st-place finish in 12:03.1, while Kathryn Planty posted a 12:49.4, Tubtim Pryiaphant an 18:26.3, and Piper Smith a 19:14.9.

Boys Modified Small School: O-M had one runner, Parker Emery, 213th among 349 runners in the 1.6-mile race (12:19.2), while WGHS had two: Elliot Hendrickson, 177th in 11:40.3, and Benjamin Debolt-Smith (11:44).

Girls Varsity Small Schools: O-M had four runners in the 3-mile race, with Jackie Mace leading them with a 27:43, placing her in the bottom half of the 341-runner field ahead of teammates Susie Collier (28:29.3), Sarah Strobel (29:02.6) and Cassidy Moat (29:30.9).

Boys Varsity Small Schools: O-M placed 32nd and Watkins Glen 41st among 56 complete teams (those with a minimum of five runners). Isaac Hendrickson of WGHS led the Schuyler runners by placing 93rd among 440 runners in the 3-mile race in 18:20.3, with teammate Dominic Gublo finishing in 19:49.7, Dominic Lewis in 20:33.6, Benjamin Henry in 21:00.7, Andrew Champion in 21:25.5, Zach Brusso in 22:22, and Marcus Delong in 24:07.6. O-M's Jaden Bailor led the Grizzlies by placing 131st in 18:49.9, with teammate Russell Morse finishing in 19:13.8, Tyler Malnoske in 19:15.8, Lucas Barr in 20:02.8, Issac Hough in 20:16.1, Caleb Malnoske in 20:24.9, and Philip Coleman in 20:48.6.

"Our young team did very," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "We had lots of personal bests."

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Lexi Strobel (File photo)
Middle: WGHS's girls modified runners. From left: Piper Smith, Kathryn Planty, Kambrie Thorpe, Tubtim Pryiaphant. (Photo provided)
Bottom: WGHS's boys varsity team. From left front: Ben Henry, Marcus Delong, Isaac Hendrickson, Zach Brusso, Andrew Champion. From left back: Nolan Reynolds, Dominic Gublo, Dominic Lewis. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath, right, scores a goal off of an Olivia King corner kick.

Glen girls top Union Springs/Port Byron as Honrath sets a new county goal mark

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 27, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team got three goals Friday evening from senior Skye Honrath -- bringing her career total to a Schuyler County record 87 -- as the Lake Hawks defeated Union Springs/Port Byron 5-0 in a game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Honrath, who early this season passed Hannah Morse's school record of 73 goals, on Friday scored her 15th, 16th and 17th of this campaign to pass Odessa-Montour alum Hannah Nolan's school-record mark of 86 goals. Nolan, who graduated in 2023, scored 19, 15, 25 and a school-record 27 goals in her four varsity years, including a shortened nine-game schedule in the pandemic year. Honrath scored 11 goals as a freshman, then 26 and a school record-tying 33 last year.

The Lake Hawks, now 8-1, also got goals from Olivia King, on a long blast to the top right corner of the USPB net, and Ava Kelly on a beautifully placed ball in the lower right corner. King also had an assist, while Kelly had two. Gillian D'Alleva and Michaela Wheaton also had an assist apiece. Emma Cady registered 8 saves in goal, including one on a USPB breakaway.

"The girls played a terrific game against a good Union Springs/Port Byron team," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "I thought we came out strong and kind of dropped our energy level the second twenty minutes. We talked about it at halftime, and I loved the passing and ball movement in the second half.

"Our forward combination of Skye Honrath and Ava Kelly had another stellar performance tonight. Michaela Wheaton really stepped up tonight and was all over the field making an impact on the game, as well. Olivia King makes things happen as she gets more comfortable in the midfield. I love the work she is putting in and it shows in games.

"I’m impressed every game with our defense and goalkeeping in the back. They have been so strong all season and don’t always get the recognition they deserve. In all, a really nice game all around for us and I’m excited for some big games coming down the stretch."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen senior Skye Honrath with her coach, Scott Morse.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Jennifer Gublo sends a crossing pass in front of the USPB net.

Left: Watkins Glen's Maddie Tuttle. Right: The Lake Hawks' Michaela Wheaton.

Left: Watkins Glen goalkeeper Emma Cady, right, moves out from the net to prevent a USPB breakaway goal. Right: The Lake Hawks' Natalee Oliver.

Watkins Glen's Jude Santos, second from left, sends a shot into the back of O-M's net for the Lake Hawks' first goal.

O-M boys top Glen 8-4 at Homecoming

ODESSA, Sept. 27, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team got three goals each from Riley Yaw and Ethan Nolan en route to an 8-4 victory Friday night over Watkins Glen in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference contest that served as O-M's Homecoming centerpiece.

The game replaced a football game against Oxford that was canceled when Oxford announced it didn't have enough eligible players to field a team.

The victory lifted Odessa-Montour's season mark to 6-3-1, while Watkins Glen's record slipped to 3-6-1.

Sarah Strobel was announced at halftime as the Homecoming Queen, and Brody Williams as the Homecoming King. Other members of the Court included Queen candidates Cassie Allen, Maggie Pentz, Maya Moser and Molly Rafferty. The King candidates included Lucas Barr, Connor Fiala, Michael Hines and Jed Lynch. Last year's King and Queen, David Patterson and Hannah Barr -- now college students -- were on hand to crown the winners.

O-M took the lead early in the game -- a rematch of a 4-4 tie earlier this season. Nolan scored at 37:26, assisted by Yaw, before Yaw scored at 34:05. Patrick Croft and Connor Foggie added goals at 13:24 and 11:27 to give Odessa a 4-0 lead before Watkins got goals from Jude Santos at 3:52 and Michael Purpura at 2:38 to enter halftime down 4-2.

O-M made it 5-2 on a penalty-kick goal by Yaw at 39:31 of the second half, and Nolan made it 6-2 at 33:46. Watkins responded with two goals by Liam Smith, at 30:26 and 22:27, to close the gap once again to two scores, 6-4. But Odessa pulled away on a Yaw goal at 8:51 and a Nolan goal at 2:29.

"What a game," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "We came out hot ... but we kinda got relaxed and let Watkins get back into it. But we once again came out quick in the second half with a goal on a penalty kick. Watkins has a quick front line, but my boys stepped up and played team soccer. They were executing passes, communicating and shutting down Watkins' attempts to secure the win. This is a great win for the guys."

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Patrick Croft sends a free kick flying. The ball carried into the Watkins Glen net for the Grizzlie's third goal.
Bottom: Homecoming King Brody Williams and Queen Sarah Strobel.

Left: O-M's Connor Foggie celebrates after scoring the Grizzlies' fourth goal. Right: This shot by Watkins Glen's Liam Smith was stopped by O-M goalkeeper James Halpin. But Smith scored two other times.

Left: O-M's Riley Yaw, right, sends a shot toward the Watkins goal for his first of three goals in the game. Right: Watkins' Levi Murphy, left, moves to clear the ball from in front of the Lake Hawks' net as goalkeeper Jack Hayden watches.

O-M's Ethan Nolan maneuvers the ball in front of the Watkins net as Brady Bockelkamp, left, goalkeeper Jack Hayden and Sam Hohle, right, defend. Nolan lofted a shot over Hayden's head, but it was knocked clear of the goal by another defender, Logan DeBolt.

The O-M Homecoming Court poses just before an afternoon parade that started in front of the school, complete with floats. (The senior class won the float competition.) From left: Maya Moser, Michael Hines, Sarah Strobel (later named Queen), Lucas Barr, Molly Rafferty, Jed Lynch, Brody Williams (later named King), Maggie Pentz, Connor Fiala and Cassie Allen.

The Schuyler Storm's Elizabeth Fitzwater glides underwater at the start of a relay race.

Storm swimmers coast past Whitney Pt.

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 26, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team cruised to victory Thursday over a small-roster Whitney Point squad, 81-24, in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- got victories in the following events:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Rowen Stegner, Willow Deragon, Makenzie Fish, Eliza Van Ness, 2:26.72.
200 Free: 1st, Elizabeth Fitzwater, 2:45.17.
50 Free: 1st, Claire Lewis, 31.30.
100 Fly: 1st, Cara Reynolds, 1:08.64.
500 Free: 1st, Elizabeth Fitzwater, 7:28.32.

The Storm exhibitioned in a number races, Whitney Point having only a few swimmers. Those races included the 200 Free Relay, where Emily Melveney, Willow Deragon, Aubrey Blauvelt and Riley Brooks finished first; the 100 Breaststroke, where Kendra Fish was first in 1:24.57; and the 400 Free Relay, where Elizabeth Fitzwater, Elliana Bacon, Emily Melveney and Cara Reynolds were first.

Photos in text: The Schuyler Storm's Emily Melveney (top) and Makenzie Fish.

Left: The Storm's Kendra Fish. Right: The Storm's Paige Ells after placing 2nd in the 50.

The Storm's Claire Lewis hits the water on the way to first place in the 50 Yard Freestyle.

O-M volleyball team loses to Moravia

MORAVIA, Sept. 26, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Thursday to Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Moravia gym.

Game scores were 19-25, 22-25 and 15-25. Individual statistics for O-M included:

Maya Moser: 8 service points.
Sidney Pike: 3 service points, 1 assist, 2 digs.
Olivia Rivera: 3 service points.
Kayla White: 4 service points.
Rilke Arrance: 4 service points.

O-M girls fall to Campbell-Savona, 4-3

CAMPBELL, Sept. 26, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 4-3 decision Thursday to Campbell-Savona in a non-league road game.

Leah Antes scored two goals for O-M (now 2-7), while Evvie Zinger had one. Antes, Zinger and Paisley Jeziorski each registered an assist. Brooklynn Thompson made four saves in goal for the Grizzlies, while Vanessa Wood made eight.

"Tonight was a 180 of how our last couple of games have gone," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We came out with great energy and pace to go up early but then relaxed a little too much and let them come back into the game.

"The girls played hard together and we created some great opportunities and scored all three goals assisted, but our defense as a whole was off tonight. We’ll get some much needed rest and get ready for our biggest week yet with four games in six days."

XC: O-M boys varsity, girls modified win

LANSING, Sept. 25, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity cross country team and the school's girls modified squad placed first Wednesday in a six-school Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet.

"Every single boy and girl ran their personal bests," said O-M Coach Skip Strobel.

Varsity Boys: O-M won with 34 points, with Lansing second at 54, followed by Edison (58) and Elmira Notre Dame (107). Moravia and Whitney Point had incomplete teams.

O-M, now 13-1, was led Jaden Bailor's third-place finish (18:57). Russell Morse was 6th (19:56), Tyler Malnoske 7th (20:01), Issac Hough 8th (20:19), and Lucas Barr 10th (20:26) among 39 runners. Phillip Coleman (13th) and Caleb Malnoske (14th) rounded out the top seven.

Girls Modiied: Lexi Strobel took first place in 10:48, with Janne Anderson second (11:14), Hanna Jantzen third (11:32), Karlee Fay 11th (13:00) and Bailey Landon 13th (13:45) as O-M improved to 9-0 by placing first with 30 points. Edison was second (39), followed by Whitney Point (93). Also competing: Moravia and Lansing. The top three O-M girls broke the course record. 

Girls Varsity: O-M placed third among six teams, improving to 7-4. Lansing won, with Edison second. Moravia, Whitney Point and Notre Dame were incomplete. Odessa was led by Jackie Mace (14th place), with Sarah Strobel and Susie Collier tying for 15th. Lilli Garrabrant and Haylee Young rounded out the team's top five.

Boys Modified: Parker Emery, O-M's lone entrant, placed 8th among 15 runners.

Next up: The McQuaid Invitational on Saturday.

Watkins Glen's Xanthe Tappan, left, and Jocelyn Sisana dive in vain for the ball.

Watkins volleyball team falls to Lansing

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 25, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Wednesday to Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 14-25, 19-25 and 16-25. Individual Watkins Glen statistics:

Ellery Thaete: 3 service points, 1 kill, 7 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 4 service points, 2 aces, 1 kill, 12 assists, 1 dig.
Jocelyn Sisana: 1 service point, 6 kills, 7 digs.
Leighann Landers: 6 service points, 2 aces, 10 digs.
Grace Coston: 4 service points, 2 kills, 3 digs.
Kyra Yaw: 1 kill, 1 dig.
Kaylee Yaw: 2 service points, 3 kills, 5 digs.

"Everyone played well," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "We just couldn't find a way to come out on top."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Kyra Yaw (20) volleys.

From left: Watkins Glen's Kaylee Yaw, Leighann Landers and Grace Coston.

Watkins Glen's Jocelyn Sisana, left, and Ellery Thaete volley against Lansing.

Watkins boys 2nd at Dryden XC meet

DRYDEN, Sept. 24, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross country team placed second behind Trumansbug Tuesday in a five-school Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet on the Dryden High School athletic field.

Isaac Hendrickson led the Lake Hawks with a second-place finish in 19:34, while Dominic Gublo was 5th in 21:21, Benjamin Henry 14th in 23:03, Dominic Lewis 15th in 23:17, Andrew Champion 16th in 23:39, Zach Brusso 18th in 24:09, and Marcus Delong 20th in 25:08.

There were 27 runners in the race, won by John Feenan of Trumansburg in 19:20. Runners also competed from Dryden, Candor and Tioga. Trumansburg had six of the top 10 finishers.

Photo in text: From left, Watkins Glen's Dominic Lewis, Zach Brusso, Dominic Gublo. Nolan Reynolds (in back), Isaac Hendrickson, Andrew Champion, Ben Henry, and Marcus Delong. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen's Olivia King, left, sends a free kick toward the Elmira net, but it was stopped by the Elmira goalkeeper, right, who knocked it clear of the goal.

Watkins Glen girls lose to Elmira, 1-0

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 24, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team sustained its first loss of the season Tuesday night, falling to Elmira 1-0 in a non-league game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The loss dropped the Lake Hawks' season mark to 7-1 heading into a game Friday night at home against Union Springs/Port Byron.

The Lake Hawks had several scoring chances, but couldn't convert on a cold, rainy night. Emma Cady was busy in goal for Watkins, registering 10 saves.

"We knew coming into the game it would be a challenge," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "It was definitely a battle and we fought hard to the end but fell short. I appreciate the hustle and effort we had tonight. That was a great learning opportunity and hopefully it will help us as we wind down the season and look to the postseason."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Gillian D'Alleva (6) moves the ball near midfield.

Watkins Glen goalkeeper Emma Cady, right, grabs the ball, deflected by the player at left off of a corner kick.

Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch (28) goes high to head an incoming corner kick in front of the Elmira goal, but the ball didn't make it into the net.

Odessa-Montour's Connor Foggie sends a shot toward the Marathon goal.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Marathon

ODESSA, Sept. 24, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 6-1 decision to Marathon Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The lone goal for the Grizzlies came from Ethan Nolan, assisted by Riley Yaw.

"We played a great game, regardless of the score," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "We had several opportunities to strike early in the game, but just couldn't convert them. Marathon was able to capitalize on a couple of defensive lapses on our end.

"We came out quick in the second half with a goal by Ethan to cut the lead to 3-1. We just couldn't continue the momentum and take advantage of the opportunities we created.

"I'm proud of the boys for fighting and not giving up tonight. We will prepare for our Homecoming game against Watkins Glen Friday at Odessa at 7:30 p.m."

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Riley Yaw, right, moves the ball upfield.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Patrick Croft meets the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Max Sgrecci.

Watkins Glen's Michael Purpura sends a shot on its way. It found the far corner of the Newfield net for the Lake Hawks' second goal -- and Purpura's first of two goals.

Watkins boys rally to beat Newfield, 3-2

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 23, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team, after being held scoreless for 72 minutes, scored three goals in three minutes Monday night to defeat Newfield 3-2 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Lake Hawks, trailing 1-0, broke through with a goal by Aiden Kelly at the 7:27 mark of the second half, and followed that with two goals by Michael Purpura, at 6:30 and 4:40.

Newfield scored off a corner kick with 2.6 seconds left on the clock to trim Watkins Glen's winning margin to one goal. Jack Hayden registered three saves in goal for the Lake Hawks, who are now 3-5-1.

"The team played well, controlling most of the game," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith. "They just struggled to put the ball in the back of the net until the last 10 minutes."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Sam Hohle passes the ball upfield.

Watkins Glen's Brady Bockelkamp (13) stops a Newfield shot on goal in front of Lake Hawks goalkeeper Jack Hayden.

The seniors on the Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team were honored Monday at a Senior Night ceremony. From left: Henry Smith, Liam Smith, Brady Bockelkamp, Salvatore Purpura and Maximus Ricca. (Photo provided)

Watkins girls blank Whitney Point, 8-0

WHITNEY POINT, Sept. 23, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved its record to 7-0 Monday with an 8-0 victory over Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Whitney Point athletic field.

Skye Honrath and Rachel Vickio each scored two goals for the Lake Hawks, while Olivia King, Maddie Tuttle, Brianna Hatch and Natalie VanSkiver scored one apiece. Michaela Wheaton registered two assists, while King, Hatch and Isabella Bellavigna had one each.

Emma Cady posted three saves in goal for the Lake Hawks, while Hatch had one.

"We continued to play well tonight on a long trip to Whitney Point," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Now we have to be ready for a very challenging game against Elmira tomorrow." That game is at 6:30 p.m. on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Groton, 5-1

GROTON, Sept. 23, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 2-6 Monday night with a 5-1 loss to Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The Grizzlies' lone goal was scored by Evvie Zinger, assisted by Aspyn Skinner. Brooklynn Thompson was busy in goal, registering 20 saves.

"We started tonight’s game flat-footed and too passive and dug ourselves in a hole again," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "Groton is a very organized team and they move the ball really well in the midfield. We played a much better second half and were able to connect on some passes and create scoring opportunities, but just couldn’t find that final pass.

"We’ll rework some things before we go on the road again Thursday at Campbell Savona."

Left: Odessa-Montour's Cassie Allen battles at the net. Right: O-M's Kayla White serves.

Volleyball: O-M falls to Union Springs

ODESSA, Sept. 23, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision Monday to Union Springs in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 25-23, 7-25, 27-29 and 13-25. Individual statistics for O-M included:

Maya Moser: 7 service points, 2 aces, 4 digs.
Olivia Rivera: 6 service points, 2 aces.
Sidney Pike: 13 service points, 2 aces.
Kayla White: 7 service points, 2 aces, 1 dig, 1 kill.
Jaden Jarrell: 2 service points, 2 digs.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Union Springs 2-1. Game scores were 25-16, 25-23 and 22-25.

Photos in text:

Top: The O-M mascot was on hand to lend support to the volleyball team.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Rilke Arrance reaches for an incoming Union Springs volley.

Volleyball: Glen falls to Whitney Point

WHITNEY POINT, Sept. 23, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Monday to Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Whitney Point gym.

Game scores were 6-25, 13-25 and 12-25. Individual statistics for Watkins included:

Ellery Thaete: 1 service point, 1 kill, 5 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 2 service points, 2 assists, 4 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 1 service point, 8 digs.
Leighann Landers: 1 service point, 5 digs.
Kyra Yaw: 1 kill, 3 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 1 dig.

O-M's Connor Fiala (7) knocks in a goal after the Groton keeper was caught out of position.

Odessa-Montour boys blank Groton, 7-0

ODESSA, Sept. 21, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team improved to 5-2-1 Saturday by defeating Groton 7-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies took a 4-0 first-half lead on goals by Max Sgrecci, Connor Foggie, Patrick Croft and Ethan Nolan, and added three more after intermission -- by Nolan again and by Dylan Senecal and Connor Fiala. Sgrecci had two assists, while Croft, Benson Patterson and Riley Yaw had one apiece.

Breyden Seamon posted a shotout in goal with five saves.

"We bounced back nicely from Thursday's game," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy, referring to a 10-0 road loss to Southern Cayuga. "We played our game, controlling the midfield with possession and timely passes and communicating throughout the entire field. It was nice to get some guys in to get the first goals of their soccer career." Those were scored by Senecal and Fiala.

"We face Marathon Tuesday at home at 6 for our Homecoming game," he added, "with the school bonfire to follow at 7:30."

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Ethan Nolan scores his second goal of the game after the ball bounced off the hands of the Groton goalkeeper.
Bottom: A quartet of fans at the O-M boys game.

O-M's Patrick Croft, right, sends the ball just inside the right post for a goal.

The Schuyler Storm's Emily Melveney races to a 9th-place finish in the 50 Free.

Shenendehowa wins Glen Invitational

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 21, 2024 -- The annual Girls Invitational at the Glen swim meet concluded Saturday in the Watkins Glen High School pool with Shenendehowa placing first among the 17 competing schools with 411 points, well ahead of runnerup Fairport's 331.

The Schuyler Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, placed 10th with 96 points.

"Today was a very successful finals for all teams," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "There were numerous state qualifiers from all over the state, and some outstanding swims from the Storm. I am very happy where we are right now and excited to see what this group of girls can do at the end of the season."

Top finishers for the Storm were Emily Melveney, 6th in the 100 Fly in 1:04.11; Kendra Fish, 8th in both the 200 Free (2:10.76) and the 100 Back (1:06.02), and the 7th place 200 Free Relay squad of Kendra Fish, Cara Reynolds, Makenzie Fish and Melveney (1:48.81).

Melveney topped the consolation finals field to place 9th overall in the 50 Free; both the 200 Medley Relay and 400 Free Relay teams placed 11th, and Makenzie Fish finished 13th in the 200 Individual Medley.

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Photos in text:

Top: The Schuyler Storm's Makenzie Fish on the way to 13th place in the 200 IM.
Bottom: The Storm's Kendra Fish dives at start of the 200 Free finals.

The Storm's Cara Reynolds swims the backstroke portion of the 200 IM.

O-M's Paisley Jeziorski prepares to shoot, left, and sends the ball into the net as the Southern Cayuga goalkeeper moves in the wrong direction. It was O-M's only goal.

O-M girls fall to Southern Cayuga, 2-1

ODESSA, Sept. 20, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 2-5 Friday night with a 2-1 Interscholastic Athletic Conference loss to Southern Cayuga on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies, who have lost two players to ACL injuries, and who were minus a third player out with a concussion, took the early lead on a Paisley Jeziorski goal at the 32:35 mark of the first half. O-M maintained control until Southern Cayuga scored with 7:06 left before intermission.

SC then took the lead with the eventual game-winner at 36:10 of the second half. After that, O-M had several shots, but they went wide of the net. Brooklynn Thompson registered five saves in goal for the Grizzlies.

"These girls are tough," O-M Coach Sage Garrison said of her team. "The scoreboard might not show it, but they've played three games in five days with no subs or one sub, and yet they played hard for 80 minutes.

"I am beyond proud of their continued effort to hold each other and themselves accountable and work together as a team. We’ll rest this weekend and get ready for a new week."

Photo in text: O-M's Leah Antes, left, fights for possession of the ball.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Olivia Barr, Avery Spaccio and Ella Kramer.

Odessa-Montour's Aspyn Skinner sends a shot toward the Southern Cayuga goal.

Watkins Glen girls blank Trumansburg

TRUMANSBURG, Sept. 20, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 6-0 Friday when it defeated Trumansburg 4-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Tburg athletic field.

Skye Honrath scored her 11th and 12th goals of the season for the Lake Hawks, while Olivia VanSkiver and Jennifer Gublo added a goal apiece. VanSkiver also registered an assist. Emma Cady made six saves in goal.

"I can’t say enough about how proud I am of the team tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Trumansburg is a well-coached, very talented team and came into tonight undefeated on the season. Skye Honrath set the tone for the game early, scoring two quick goals, the second a header in front of the net. Skye and Ava Kelly do a great job keeping the pressure up front and attacking together, with some phenomenal passing.

"Our defense has been really good all season, but tonight they were outstanding. Natalee Oliver, Rachel Vickio, Gillian D’Alleva, Erin Snow and Molly O’Connell-Campbell don’t often get the recognition they deserve, but their defensive efforts, communication and ability to quickly transition our team from defense to offense was incredible tonight. Behind them, Emma Cady was terrific in the goal again tonight, coming up with some terrific saves.

"I loved our ball movement tonight as well. I ask a lot from our midfielders and they were really tough tonight, too. Jennifer Gublo had a series of moves that resulted in one of the nicest goals I’ve seen all year! In all, we played a great team game and it was nice to finally see them really clicking in this game."

The Storm's Cara Reynolds competes in the 200 Yard Individual Medley.

Swim Invitational at the Glen under way

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 20, 2024 -- The annual Invitational at the Glen swim meet -- featuring athletes from well over a dozen schools from around the state -- began with preliminary races Friday in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The meet will conclude on Saturday with consolation finals and finals in the afternoon as the Watkins Glen/Odessa-Montour Storm contend with Southern Cayuga, Lansing, Valley Central, Ithaca, Owego Free Academy, Corning/Painted Post, Dryden, Horseheads, Waverly, Fairport, Elmira Notre Dame, New Paltz, Shenendehowa, and Hilton.

Top prelim finishers for the Storm -- those who qualified for the finals -- were:

Kendra Fish, 8th in the 200 Free in 2:06.47 (down from her seed time of 2:12.37) and 8th in the 100 Back in 1:04.62 (down from her seed time of 1:07.52); Emily Melveney, 8th in the 100 Fly in 1:04.90); and the 200 Free Relay team of Kendra Fish, Cara Reynolds, Makenzie Fish and Emily Melveney, 8th in 1:49.49.

Making the consolation finals (the 9th through 16th places) were the 200 Medley Relay team of Kendra Fish, Lizzi Fitzwater, Cara Reynolds and Aubrey Klemann, 12th in 2:08.37; Makenzie Fish, 13th in the 200 IM in 2:31.74; Emily Melveney, 10th in the 50 Free in 26.08; and the 400 Free Relay team of Emily Melveney, Makenzie Fish, Claire Lewis and Aubrey Klemann, 12th in 4:14.48.

Photos in text:

Top: The Schuyler Storm's Kendra Fish competes in the 200 Medley Relay.
Bottom: Members of the Storm yell encouragement to teammate Makenzie Fish.

Storm gridders fall to Windsor, 61-12

WINDSOR, Sept. 20, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team's record slipped to 0-2 Friday night with a 61-12 loss to Windsor in a Section IV game on the Windsor football field.

Windsor built a 21-0 first-quarter lead and was up 47-6 at halftime and 60-6 after three periods.

Ths Storm, a combined squad of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes, managed two touchdowns -- one on a run by quarterback Christopher Simiele, and the other on a Simiele pass to Daniel Coston.

Simiele led Storm rushers with 71 yards on 10 carries. He completed 5 of 14 passes, including three to Coston.

Noah Wright led the defense in tackles with four, while Quacey Wilt and Mason Dupay registered three apiece.

Odessa-Montour's Olivia Rivera meets an incoming Watkins Glen volley.

Volleyball: Watkins Glen tops O-M, 3-1

ODESSA, Sept. 19, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team posted a 3-1 victory Thursday over intracounty rival Odessa-Montour in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 25-14, 23-25, 25-14 and 25-11.

"Our players played well tonight, with everyone contributing to the win," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "It was exciting to watch the seasoned players be on their game and the newer players rising up and making some spectacular plays."

Individual statistics for Watkins Glen:

Ellery Thaete: 5 service points, 5 aces, 6 kills, 3 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 17 service points, 7 aces, 25 assists, 4 kills, 1 dig.
Jocelyn Sisana: 7 service points, 6 aces, 10 kills, 3 digs.
Leighann Landers: 7 service points, 4 aces, 2 digs.
Grace Coston: 2 service points, 1 ace, 6 kills, 2 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 18 service points, 10 aces, 9 kills, 3 digs.
Lilac Cruz: 2 digs.

Individual statistics for Odessa-Montour:

Maya Moser: 4 service points, 1 ace, 3 kills, 6 digs.
Olivia Rivera: 5 service points, 1 ace, 3 digs.
Jaden Jarrell: 7 service points, 4 aces.
Rilke Arrance: 1 service point, 7 digs.
Cassie Allen: 3 service points, 1 ace, 1 dig.
Alex Campbell: 2 service points.

Junior Varsity: O-M defeated Watkins Glen 2-1. Game scores were 25-23, 19-25 and 25-15.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Grace Coston, right, sends a shot over the net for one of her six kills. Odessa-Montour's Sidney Pike is at left.
Bottom: Watkins Glen's Xanthe Tappan serves. She registered 17 service points.

From left: O-M's Cassie Allen, Watkins' Leighann Landers and O-M's Jaden Jarrell.

Left: Watkins Glen's Kaylee Yaw serves. Right: The Lake Hawks' Ellery Thaete volleys. Teammate Jocelyn Sisana is in the background.

O-M boys fall to Southern Cayuga, 10-0

AURORA, Sept. 19, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 4-2-1 Thursday when the Grizzlies dropped a 10-0 decision to Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

"Southern Cayuga is a tough team and played a great game," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "They executed timely passes for runs and controlled the ball. It's a stepping stone for the guys, but we can't lose focus on the rest of the season. We will regroup and prepare for our home game against Groton Saturday at 11 a.m."

Watkins Glen's Liam Smith sends a free kick on its way. It found the Trumansburg net for the Lake Hawks' only goal of the game.

Watkins Glen boys fall to T-burg, 7-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 19, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 2-5-1 Thursday night when the Lake Hawks dropped a 7-1 decision to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Lake Hawks fell behind 5-0 in the first half before scoring a second-half goal by Liam Smith. Trumansburg answered with the final two goals of the game.

In a hard-fought contest, our team displayed tremendous effort and determination from start to finish," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith. "Despite facing a well-prepared opponent, our boys showed resilience and commitment to the game plan, battling for the entire 80 minutes."

Watkins Glen returns to action Monday night at home against Newfield.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Salvatore Purpura (9) moves the ball upfield.

Watkins Glen's Jack Hayden, center, goes high to knock the ball away from the Lake Hawks' net on an incoming Trumansburg corner kick.

Watkins Glen boys top Whitney Point

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 18, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team improved to 2-4-1 Wednesday night by defeating Whitney Point 6-1 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Michael Purpura and Jude Santos each scored two goals for the Lake Hawks, while Aidan Kelly and Liam Smith had one apiece. Smith also registered two assists, while Purpura had one. Brady Bockelkamp started in goal and registered six saves.

"This was a great team victory," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith. "All the boys played well. Everyone did their jobs today with great intensity, and we are looking forward to playing Trumansburg." That game, at home Thursday (Sept. 19), starts at 6:30 p.m.

Watkins Glen girls blank Edison, 6-0

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Sept. 18, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 5-0 Wednesday with a 6-0 victory over Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Edison athletic field..

Skye Honrath and Olivia King each scored two goals for the Lake Hawks, while Olivia VanSkiver and Molly O'Connell-Campbell scored one apiece. Assists were registered by Honrath, VanSkiver, Ava Kelly, Michaela Wheaton and Natalee Oliver.

"My hats off to the Edison girls for playing hard throughout," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "The IAC can be a challenging league for a first-year soccer program, but Coach Weber is a terrific coach and his team played hard. We moved the ball very well tonight and I liked our communication throughout."

The Lake Hawks return to action Friday at Trumansburg.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Tioga, 4-1

TIOGA CENTER, Sept. 18, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 4-1 decision Wednesday night to Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Tioga athletic field.

The Grizzlies' lone goal came from Leah Antes. Brooklynn Thompson registered nine saves in goal.

"I have to continue to give these girls credit," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison, whose team is now 2-4. "They never stop playing, even when they’re tired. We definitely looked tired at the start after playing on Monday with no subs. We gave up two goals in the first 15 minutes of play before we started to settle into the pace of the ball on the turf and the speed of attack that Tioga had up front. I knew coming into the season they were going to be the team to beat in our division and they showed that tonight. They move the ball extremely well and create dangerous scoring opportunities quickly.

"Our team is still young and we’re learning more about the game and ourselves every day, and I’m pleased to say they give it their all to the final whistle. Aspyn Skinner and Evvie Zinger played really well in the midfield to win the ball back for us and create scoring opportunities, and Ella Kramer continues to make great defensive plays and keep us organized in the back. We’ll rest up as best we can and get ready to play on Friday at home" against Southern Cayuga.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Evvie Zinger (21) battles for possession of the ball.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Leah Antes. She scored O-M's only goal. (Photos by Gail Sgrecci)

Storm swimmers defeat Dryden, 109-70

DRYDEN, Sept. 18, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team posted a 109-70 victory over Dryden Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Dryden pool.

"The girls swam very well tonight," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose squad is composed of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes. "We had a bunch of PR’s (personal records), which sets us up well for the Invitational this weekend" hosted by the Storm in the WGHS pool.

Wins for the Storm were posted as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Kendra Fish, Lizzi Fitzwater, Makenzie Fish, Aubrey Klemann, 2:09.73.
200 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 2:10.06.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Kendra Fish, 2:28.71.
Diving: 1st, Casey Hines, 106.60.
100 Fly: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:07.85.
100 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 59.36.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, Claire Lewis, Willow Deragon, Emily Melveney, 2:00.59.
100 Back: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:06.98.
400 Free Relay: 1st, Emily Melveney, Lexi Emerson, Cara Reynolds, Kendra Fish, 4:18.02.

Second-place finishes were posted for the Storm by Margaret Gublo in Diving, Cara Reynolds in the 100 Fly, Aubrey Klemann in the 100 Free, and Kendra Fish in the 500 Free.

Volleyball: Odessa-Montour falls to S-VE

SPENCER, Sept. 18, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Wednesday to Spencer-Van Etten in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the S-VE gym.

Game scores were 12-25, 15-25 and 20-25.

Maya Moser: 10 service points, 3 kills, 6 digs.
Olivia Rivera: 9 service points.
Rilke Arrance: 2 service points, 2 digs.
Cassie Allen: 2 service points, 1 dig,1 assist, 1 ace.
Kayla White: 3 service points, 2 digs, 3 kills.
Maylynn Hourihan: 1 kill, 1 assist.

Junior Varsity: O-M lost to S-VE, 3-0. Game scores were 6-25, 13-25 and 17-25.

Volleyball: Watkins loses to Tburg, 3-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 18, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision Wednesday to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 14-25, 11-25, 25-19 and 3-25.

"We had good defense tonight with everyone contributing," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "It felt good to take a set on Trumansburg, but we couldn't pull it back together in the fourth set."

Ellery Thaete: 3 service points, 1 kill, 9 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 7 service points, 9 assists, 1 kill, 7 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 1 service point, 1 ace, 2 kills, 9 digs.
Leighann Landers: 2 service points, 2 assists, 1 kill, 9 digs.
Grace Coston: 3 service points, 5 kills, 1 block, 7 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 6 service points, 3 aces, 7 kills, 9 digs.

O-M's Benson Patterson watches as his shot toward the Tioga goal sails over the net.

Odessa-Montour boys blank Tioga, 8-0

ODESSA, Sept. 17, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High school boys varsity soccer team -- led by four Riley Yaw goals -- defeated Tioga 8-0 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Yaw scored the team's first three goals, including two in the opening four minutes, and added one in the second half. The Grizzlies, in building a 7-0 halftime lead, also got goals from Drew Parmenter (a header off a corner kick from Patrick Croft), Lucas Hoffman , Ethan Nolan and Max Sgrecci.

"We played a great game," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "We stuck to the game plan of coming out quick with attacks, and we scored multiple times early on. Our control of pace and tempo is what led to this win. We executed our through balls and runs all the way through the game. The boys deserve this and to enjoy this win, but come tomorrow it's time to shift our focus and prepare for our match-up with Southern Cayuga on Thursday."

That game will be on the road, starting at 4:30 p.m.

Photo in text: O-M''s Riley Yaw sends the ball into the Tioga net for his fourth goal.

Left: O-M's Connor Foggie arrives too late as the Tioga goalkeeper secures a loose ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Drew Parmenter, right, moves the ball upfield.

Odessa-Montour's Lucas Hoffman (6) sends a shot toward the Tioga goal.

Odessa-Montour (left) and Watkins Glen boys varsity runners start their race.

O-M boys, girls win State Park XC meet

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 17, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity cross country teams won the team titles Tuesday at a five-school Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet at the Watkins Glen State Park.

The O-M girls modified team also won, besting two other schools. The meet served as Watkins Glen High School's home meet, and featured Senior Night for WGHS's lone senior and a half-dozen members of the O-M squads.

"I am incredibly proud of my team," said O-M Coach Skip Strobel, whose squads are now 8-1 (boys) and 4-2 (girls). "We ran tough and together. It's a great combination. The camaraderie among the boys and girls from 7th graders to seniors has floored me, to be honest." This is the first year O-M has fielded cross country teams in 23 years. Its next meet is at Lansing on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Boys Varsity: Watkins Glen's Isaac Hendrickson won in a time of 20:04 on the 3.1-mile course, but O-M won the team title with 32 points to Watkins' 59, Edison's 68, and Dryden's 79. Notre Dame fielded an incomplete squad (fewer than five runners).

Russell Morse led O-M by placing 5th in 22:04, and was followed by Jaden Bailor (6th), Tyler Malnoske (7th), Issac Hough (9th), Caleb Malnoske (10th), Phillip Coleman (11th), and Lucas Barr (14th). Besides Hendrickson, Watkins got an 8th-place finish by Dominic Gublo, followed by Liam Knight (16th), Andrew Champion (17th), Benjamin Henry (21st), and Zach Brusso (27th).

Girls Varsity; O-M won with 19 points, while Edison registered 36. Dryden and Notre Dame fielded incomplete teams. Jackie Mace led O-M runners by placing 5th on the 3.1-mile course in 30:26, followed by Sarah Strobel (9th), Cassidy Moat (10th), Susanna Collier (11th), and Lilli Garrabrant (16th).

Girls Modified: Lexi Strobel won on the 1.5-mile course with a time of 10:48, leading O-M to a team total of 29 points. Edison was second with 37, and Watkins Glen third with 59. Janne Anderson was next for O-M in 5th place, while Hannah Jantzen was 7th, Parker Emery 9th, Karlee Fay 19th, and Bailey Landon 22nd. Watkins Glen was led by Kathryn Planty's 10th-place finish (12:16), followed by Kambrie Thorpe (18th), Nicole Perry (28th), Rachel Perry (29th), and Piper Smith (33rd).

Boys Modified: Edison won with the only team score. Dryden, O-M and Watkins Glen had incomplete teams.

Photos in text: Watkins Glen's Isaac Hendrickson after winning the boys varsity race (top); and O-M's Russell Morse, who led the Grizzlies to the boys varsity team victory.

Left: O-M's Susanna Collier, left, and Cassidy Moat compete in the girls varsity race.
Right: Watkins Glen's Kathryn Planty led Watkins Glen in the girls modified race.

Left: O-M's Jackie Mace, left, and Sarah Strobel compete in the girls varsity race.
Right: Odessa-Montour's Lexi Strobel en route to victory in the modified race.

Honored at a Senior Night ceremony preceding the races were cross country runners from both the Odessa-Montour (in maroon) and Watkins Glen High Schools. From left: Lucas Barr, Orrey Benjamin, Tyler Malnoske, Dominic Gublo, Brody Williams, Sarah Strobel and Jackie Mace.

The modified runners, including Watkins Glen (left) and O-M (right), start their race.

Watkins' Ava Kelly (in white, left) sends a shot that found the O-M net for her second goal.

Watkins girls defeat Odessa-Montour, 3-0

ODESSA, Sept. 16, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team posted a 3-0 victory over Odessa-Montour Monday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Goals for Watkins Glen -- all in the first half -- came from Olivia King on a free kick at 35:25, and from Ava Kelly at 33:50 (assisted by King) and 13:12.

But the O-M defense, keyed by goalkeeper Brooklynn Thompson, held the Lake Hawks (now 4-0) scoreless the rest of the way. Thompson registered 15 saves, at least a couple of the spectacular variety. Watkins Glen goalkeeper Emma Cady had three saves.

"I am extremely proud of this team tonight," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison, whose team is now 2-3. "To play against the two-time defending Section IV champs that returned a lot of talented players -- and we had no subs -- these girls worked so hard to the final whistle. We gave up all three goals in the first half, and to shut out a strong attacking team in the second half on tired legs ... I’m very pleased with our effort and focus for 80 minutes.

"We had moments of creating some scoring opportunities but just couldn’t manage to put one away. Even though it’s a loss on paper, I think we have a lot to build off of heading into our next game Wednesday." That game will be played at Tioga.

Added Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse: "In the first of our three road games this week, it was nice to get started with a win. We aren't where we want to be as a team yet, but I know the girls and I will keep working hard to improve."

The Lake Hawks return to action Wednesday at Edison.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M goalkeeper Brooklynn Thompson goes high to block an incoming shot.
Bottom: Watkins Glen goalkeeper Emma Cady stops a shot on goal.

Left: O-M's Evvie Zinger heads the ball. Right: O-M's Paisley Jeziorski sends the ball upfield past Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver (37).

Left: Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo, left, and O-M's Maddie Raymond battle for the ball. Right: O-M's Vanessa Wood (11) and Watkins' Natalie VanSkiver contend for the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath uses her head to move the ball along. Right: Watkins' Rachel Vickio, right, eyes the ball as O-M's Olivia Barr moves it upfield.

Watkins Glen's Olivia King sends a free kick on its way. It found the O-M net for the game's first goal.

Left: O-M's Maya Moser volleys. Right: The Grizzlies' Sidney Pike serves the ball.

O-M volleyball team falls to C-S, 3-1

ODESSA, Sept. 16, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision to Campbell-Savona Monday evening in a non-league match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 24-26, 28-26, 10-25, 23-25. Individual statistics for O-M included the following:

Maya Moser: 12 service points, 2 aces, 1 kill, 5 digs.
Cassie Allen: 9 service points, 8 aces, 1 kill, 2 blocks, 2 digs.
Sidney Pike: 9 service points, 4 aces, 1 kill, 2 digs.
Kayla White: 4 service points, 2 aces, 1 dig.

"We played very well tonight," said O-M Coach Kyle Moser. "We are improving."

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Cassie Allen sends the ball over the net.

Odessa-Montour's Olivia Rivera meets an incoming Campbell-Savona volley.

Watkins volleyball team falls to Tioga

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 16, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Tioga Monday evening in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 11-25, 10-25 and 10-25. Individual statistics for Watkins:

Ellery Thaete: 1 service point, 1 ace, 1 kill, 5 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 5 assists, 2 service points, 6 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 6 service points, 3 aces, 2 kills, 9 digs.
Leighann Landers: 6 digs.
Grace Coston: 3 service points, 8 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 4 service points, 1 ace, 2 kills.

Watkins Glen's Michael Purpura follows through on a shot that found the right corner of the Odessa-Montour net for his second goal of the game.

O-M, Glen boys fight to a 4-4 deadlock

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 14, 2024 -- In the end, it was a tie.

The Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High Schools' boys varsity soccer teams met Saturday morning on WGHS's Alumni Field in what amounted to a rematch of a Union Springs Tournament title game on Sept. 7 that was won by O-M, 5-1.

This time, the two teams battled to a 4-4 tie.

The game -- featuring three goals by Watkins Glen's Michael Purpura and two by O-M's Patrick Croft -- was a close contest all the way. O-M scored the first two goals -- by Liam Smith and Purpura -- at 33:32 and 29:02 of the first half before Odessa responded with goals by Benson Patteron at 26:46, Max Sgrecci at 16:00 and Croft at 11:09 to take a 3-2 lead into intermission.

O-M regained the lead on goals by Purpura at 28:56 and 11:24 of the second half before Croft tied the game 4-4 on a penalty kick to the left corner of the net with 9:51 to play in regulation.

After that, both teams -- drained by the heat and the game's hectic pace -- failed to score again, although a couple of shots just missed the mark. Two overtime periods passed with no change in the score, cementing the tie.

With the deadlock, O-M is now 3-1-1, while Watkins Glen is 1-4-1.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Liam Smith (3) unleashes a shot that found the O-M net for the first goal of the game.
Bottom: A quintet of O-M fans lined the Alumni Field fence.

Left: O-M's Patrick Croft (20) prepares to unload a shot that found the Watkins net at 11:09 of the first half, putting the Grizzlies ahead 3-2. Right: O-M's Ethan Nolan (8) leans into Watkins' Liam Smith (3), allowing Odessa goalkeeper James Halpin to secure the ball.

Odessa-Montour's Max Sgrecci (15) punches the ball into the goal to tie the game 2-2.

O-M's Patrick Croft, right, watches as his penalty kick at 9:51 of the second half eludes diving Watkins goalkeeper Jack Hayden to deadlock the game 4-4.

The Storm's Daniel Coston hauls in a pass (left) from quarterback Christopher Simiele and then crosses the goal line before the ball is dislodged by a Newark Valley defender.

Storm football team opens with 21-13 loss

ODESSA, Sept. 14, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team started its season on a losing note Saturday night, dropping a 21-13 decision to Newark Valley in a Section IV game on Odessa-Montour High School's Charles Martin Field.

The Storm -- a combined squad of O-M and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- never led, falling behind 7-0 at 2:37 of the first quarter on an 18-yard TD run by Newark Valley.

The Storm tied the game in the second quarter on a 21-yard TD pass from quarterback Christopher Simiele to Daniel Coston along the left sideline. But NV scored on a 9-yard TD run with 5:35 remaining before intermission.

Then, at 7:55 of the third quarter, the Cardinals extended their lead to 21-7 on a 10-yard TD run -- a score that held until 1:55 was left in the game. That's when the Storm scored on a 14-yard TD pass from Simiele to Quacey Wilt, who caught the ball at the 5-yard line and surged into the end zone through a couple of defenders. The extra-point kick was blocked.

Simiele completed 10 of 19 passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Nick D'Alleva caught three passes, while Wilt, Gavin Lohmeyer and Kayden Garrabrant caught two apiece and Coston one. Simiele led Storm rushers with 73 yards on nine carries, while Wilt gained 34 yards on four carries, D'Alleva 23 on four carries, and Lohmeyer 19 on four carries. D'Alleva and Lohmeyer led the defense with five tackles each.

Up next: A game at Windsor at 7 p.m. Friday.

Photo in text: The Storm's Quacey Wilt hauls in a TD pass in full stride.

Left: Key Storm performers were QB Christopher Simiele (9) and Nick D'Alleva (6). Right: The Storm's Gavin Lohmeyer sends a punt flying.

Left: The Storm's Kayden Garrabrant prepares to haul in a pass from quarterback Christopher Simiele. Right: The Storm's Balan Ault sends a kick-off on its way.

O-M runners compete at XC invitational

BERGEN, NY, Sept. 14, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity, junior varsity and modified cross-country teams competed among more than two-dozen other schools Saturday at the Byron-Bergen Invitational.

Said O-M Coach Skip Strobel: "Our one modified boy, Parker Emery, ran a personal best and placed in the top half of a field of 100 runners. The modified girls were incomplete as one of the crew fell ill. The four remaining girls did amazing.

"Lexi Strobel was first overall, followed by her teammate Janne Anderson in 2nd, Hannah Jantzen in 5th and Karlee Fay in 10th. The field started with 59 runners.

"The boys varsity took 14th of 31 teams participating. They were led by Russell Morse, Tyler Malnoske, Issac Hough, Phillip Coleman, Caleb Malnoske, Aaron Sutton and Lucas Barr.

"The girls varsity was 10th among 22 teams. They were led by Jackie Mace, Sarah Strobel, Susie Collier, Lilli Garrabrant, and Haylee Young.

"The JV boys were also incomplete today as a combination of injury and personal circumstances left us with four guys. Caleb Collier and Brayden Thompson set personal bests, both breaking 25 minutes for a 5K. Brody Williams and Robert Lee also ran personal bests and already achieved season-long goals set for themselves.

"Next up is a meet at the Watkins Glen State Park Tuesday with host WG, O-M, Dryden, Edison and Elmira Notre Dame. That will also serve as Senior Night for O-M, WG and Edison."

Watkins girls top SVEC; Honrath nets 4

SPENCER, Sept. 13, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by four Skye Honrath goals -- defeated Spencer-Van Etten/Candor 5-1 Friday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the S-VE athletic field.

The win lifted the two-time Section IV champion Lake Hawks' season mark to 3-0 heading into a road game Monday against intracountry rival Odessa-Montour. Game time is 7 p.m.

Olivia VanSkiver scored Watkins Glen's other goal and assisted on three of Honrath's. Jennifer Gublo also had two assists. Emma Cady registered six saves in goal for the Lake Hawks.

"It was another solid effort by the girls today," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "There are still many things we need to work on and continue to improve, but I liked our ball movement, especially in the second half.

"Emma Cady was strong in the goal again today. It's been nice to see her confidence grow every game. Skye Honrath was so good as well, scoring four of our five goals" -- lifting her school-record career goal total to 78, including eight this season.

"Now we have to prepare for a tough week of three road games starting at Odessa-Montour Monday night."

Odessa-Montour girls blank Newfield 3-0

NEWFIELD, Sept. 13, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 2-2 Friday by defeating Newfield 3-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Newfield athletic field.

Paisley Jeziorski led the Grizzlies with two goals, the other coming on an own goal by Newfield. Brooklynn Thompson registered three saves in net for O-M.

"Tonight you could tell we were playing our third game in five days," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison, "and with the heat and the emotion of the overtime loss on Wednesday we came out sluggish. However, we were able to create some chances on goal to help build some confidence and we continued to play organized in the back.

"Paisley scored off a great shot from the top of the 18 with 21 minutes left in the first, and then a Newfield defender deflected a cross into their own net to put us up 2-0. Towards the end of the game we really settled into our attack and had more chances on goal, and Paisley was able to tuck away a great cross from Leah Antes in the box to seal the win.

"We’ve got our first busy week under our belt and we’ll rest and get ready to play another three-game week next week starting with Watkins Glen at home Monday."

Glen XC runners 7th and 5th at OFA

OWEGO, Sept. 13, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School cross country teams -- boys varsity and girls modified -- competed Friday night at Owego Free Academy in the Owego Night Invite, which features runners carrying glow sticks on a flat course that ends with a stadium finish.

Boys Varsity: Watkins Glen placed 7th among 13 Small Schools in a race that mixed 164 Large and Small School runners from more than 20 schools on a 2.5-mile course. Northeast Bradford led the Small Schools with 35 points, with Troy second at 67. Watkins totaled 218. Ithaca won the Large School title.

For Watkins: Isaac Hendrickson was 16th among Small School runners in 14:44, while Liam Knight was 33rd in 16:13.2, Dominic Gublo 47th in 17:11.3, Andrew Champion 59th in 18:03.5, and Benjamin Henry 63rd in 18:28.6.

Girls Modified: Watkins Glen placed fifth among six complete (minimum of five runners) Small School teams, totaling 113 points in a race featuring 75 Small School runners. Troy was first with 27 points, and Edison second with 44.

For Watkins: Kathryn Planty placed 11th on the 1.5-mile course in 13:03, while Kambrie Thorpe was 14th in 13:38, Rachel Perry 24th in 15:29, Nicole Perry 31st in 17:05, and Piper Smith 33rd in 17:19.

Photo in text: Members of the Watkins Glen boys varsity and girls modified cross-country teams at the Owego invitational. (Photo provided)

Liam Smith, left, watches as his shot flies past the SVEC goalie for Watkins' first goal.

Watkins Glen boys lose to SVEC, 5-2

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 12, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 1-4 Thursday night with a 5-2 loss to unbeaten Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

SVEC scored first, at 29:51 of the first half, before Watkins' Liam Smith scored on a blast from the left at 24:19, assisted by Michael Purpura. SVEC regained the lead 2-1 at 15:15 before Smith, again assisted by Purpura, responded with a goal at 14:09. SVEC scored again at 3:10 to enter intermission with a 3-2 advantage.

"In the second half," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith, the Lake Hawks' deficit "fell to 5-2, but they continued to play a fast-paced and energized game. Jack Hayden registered 8 saves in goal, continuing a strong first season as goalie. Aiden Kelly returned in full force, playing a key position at midfield."

The Lake Hawks return to action at home against Odessa-Montour on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Watkins' Michael Purpura, left, sends a free kick toward the SVEC goal. It was deflected by one of the defenders at right and flew over the net.

Odessa-Montour boys top Newfield, 4-1

NEWFIELD, Sept. 12, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team improved its record to 3-1 Thursday with a 4-1 victory over Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Newfield athletic field.

Riley Yaw scored twice for the Grizzlies, while Max Sgrecci (on a penalty kick) and Patrick Croft added one goal apiece. Sgrecci also had two assists, while Connor Foggie had one. James Halpin registered six saves in goal for O-M.

"We played an all-around great game," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "We controlled the pace and tempo for the majority of the game. Our midfield did an excellent job possessing and controlling the ball and distributing to our forwards and mids to create many opportunities. The defense stepped up and played hard against a fast frontline of Newfield players."

The Grizzlies return to action at 11 a.m. Saturday at Watkins Glen.

The Storm's Emily Melveney on the way to victory in the 100 Yard Butterfly.

Storm swimmers open with win over ND

ODESSA, Sept. 12, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team opened its season Thursday with a 50-35 victory over Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Odessa-Montour High School pool.

The Storm, a combined squad of O-M and Watkins Glen High School athletes, won each event until exhibitioning in the last three. Firsts were posted as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Makenzie Fish, Elizabeth Fitzwater, Emily Melveney, Eliza Van Ness, 2:12.48.
200 Free: 1st, Kendra Fish, 2:12.37.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 2:32.04.
50 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 26.13.
100 Fly: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:06.30.
100 Free: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, 1:03.63.
500 Free: 1st, Kendra Fish, 6:00.30.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Kendra Fish, Claire Lewis, Eliza Van Ness, Aubrey Klemann, 2:03.22.

Second-place finishes were posted for the Storm by Cara Reynolds in the 200 Free and 100 Fly, Aubrey Klemann in the 200 IM, and the quartet of Emily Melveney, Makenzie Fish, Wendy Coleman and Reynolds in the 200 Free Relay.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Makenzie Fish on the way to winning the 200 Yard IM.
Bottom: Cara Reynolds en route to second place in the 100 Yard Butterfly.

The Schuyler Storm's Elliana Bacon dives at start of the 200 Yard Freestyle.

WG/OM's Kendra Fish en route to victory in the 200 Yard Freestyle.

The Storm's Aubrey Klemann on the way to second place in the 200 IM. She also won the 100 Yard Freestyle.

O-M volleyball team falls to Candor, 3-0

ODESSA, Sept. 12, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Candor Thursday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scsores were 10-25, 7-25 and 11-25. Individual statistics for O-M:

Sidney Pike: 1 ace, 1 assist, 1 dig, 4 service points.
Maya Moser: 2 kills, 2 digs, 2 service points.
Kayla White: 3 aces, 1 dig, 3 service points.
Maylynn Hourihan: 1 assist, 1 dig.
Jaden Jarrell: 1 kill.
Cassie Allen: 1 dig.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour fell to Candor 3-0.

Photo in text: The seniors on the O-M varsity volleyball squad. From left: Maylynn Hourihan, Aliyiah Thornton, Kathleen Benway, Kayla White, Cassie Allen and Maya Moser.

O-M girls lose to Newark Valley in OT

NEWARK VALLEY, Sept 11, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to Newark Valley Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the NV athletic field.

The Grizzlies (1-2) took a 1-0 lead with 6:35 left in the second half on Leah Antes' fourth goal of the season. But Newark Valley tied the game with 48 seconds left in regulation, and added the game winner in the first two minutes of overtime.

Brooklynn Thompson registered 14 saves in goal for O-M.

"This one stings for sure," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We came out playing much more organized in the back, but could not seem to get the ball out of our own half and continued to sustain numerous NV attacks. Brooklynn played outstanding in goal; she kept us in the game, making some really great saves.

"In the second half we started to move the ball a lot better and create more scoring opportunities. Leah was able to put away a nice shot toward the end of the half, but our focus let down a little and we gave up the game-tying goal with only 48 seconds left. I think it was a big momentum shift, and when overtime began we missed some 50/50 balls and they were able to put one away.

"We’ll learn from this. There were lots of positives to build off of." The Grizzlies return to action Friday at Newfield.

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath, right, sends a shot toward the Notre Dame net. She scored twice in the game, setting a new school career goals record.

Watkins Glen girls edge Notre Dame 2-1
in second overtime; Honrath sets mark

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 11, 2024 -- It was a game that seemed to have the intensity of a postseason contest. Maybe it's because the two teams, Watkins Glen and Elmira Notre Dame, have a serious rivalry going. Throw in the fact that it went to two overtime periods hefore Watkins won 2-1, and you had an instant classic.

The game, on WGHS's Alumni Field, drew a fairly large and vociferous crowd that reacted to the physical play before them and the near-misses the home team (now 2-0) kept racking up in the first half and most of the second. An added layer of drama was this: Watkins Glen's senior leader, Skye Honrath, was -- upon entering the game -- within one goal of equalling alum Hannah Morse's school career record of 73 goals. Morse, now an assistant on the team's soccer coaching staff led by her father, Scott, shares the school's single-season goal mark of 33 with Honrath.

With 3:56 left in regulation, Honrath managed to turn goal-ward around a Notre Dame defender and unleash a shot that found the right corner of the net to tie the school goal record of 73 and give the Lake Hawks a 1-0 lead. "I was so excited that I jumped," she said, and suffered a leg cramp upon landing -- a setback that had her falling to the ground, clutching her right calf. Teammates rushing toward her to celebrate realized quickly that she was hurt, and the initial thought was of a knee injury. But after she was helped off the field -- and Notre Dame tied the game with 4.7 seconds left on a breakaway that led to a clear shot from the right that eluded goalkeeper Emma Cady -- Honrath managed to return for overtime.

Neither team scored in the first of two possible 10-minute overtime periods. And then, in the second extra period, with 2:14 remaining before a tie would be called, Honrath struck again, driving a shot from the right that found the left side of the Crusaders' net for her fourth goal of the young season and record-setting 74th of her career -- triggering an onfield victory celebration by the Lake Hawks. Among those on the field was Coach Morse, who handed Honrath a ball --- designated the game ball emblematic of remarkable achievement. After exiting the field, Honrath said the record hadn't been of concern to her. What mattered was the victory ... icing on the cake of game that she said "I love to play."

"It’s always a challenge playing Elmira Notre Dame in soccer," said Coach Morse afterward. " They are a talented and well coached team. The game was certainly exciting, but we made it a bit too exciting by allowing that goal with under 10 seconds in the game. I couldn’t be prouder of the team for coming back in overtime to get that win. It would have been easy for them to get down on themselves, but they picked their heads up, came together and got the win.

"The girls played well overall in what proved to be a pretty physical game. I like that they kept their composure and just kept working. Our defensive backs had a tough task keeping track of the Notre Dame speedy forwards, but they did a really nice job. I was also really pleased with the work Emma Cady did in goal tonight (with seven saves). She had a very solid game for a young player and stepped up big when we needed her in overtime.

"Skye Honrath," he added, "had another incredible performance tonight and, with her second goal of the game, set the new career goals record for Watkins Glen girls soccer, scoring her 74th goal! She is so talented, and it is such a pleasure to watch her play every day. What I find more impressive, though, is that she is so humble and team oriented. She accomplished an amazing record but was quick to deflect the attention, saying she only cares about the team getting that win. An incredible player, but a wonderful person and teammate as well."

Photos in text: From top: Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse and Skye Honrath, holding the game ball, exit the field after the game; The Lake Hawks' Ava Kelly shoots; Rachel Vickio sends the ball upfield; and Natalee Oliver beats a Notre Dame player to the ball.

Left: Watkins' Erin Snow (20) contends for the ball. Right: Gillian D'Alleva (6) passes.

Left: Watkins' Maddie Tuttle moves the ball upfield. Right: The Lake Hawks' Michaela Wheaton's approach to the ball is obstructed.

The ball squirts loose after Watkins goalkeeper Emma Cady, left, and Notre Dame's Mckenna Keough get tangled up in front of the Lake Hawks' net. The ball was cleared away fron the goal by WG defender Rachel Vickio.

O-M boys fall to Newark Valley in 2 OTs

NEWARK VALLEY, Sept. 10, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 2-1 Tuesday evening when the Grizzlies dropped a 3-2 decision to Newark Valley in a double-overtime road game.

Goals for O-M were registered by Ethan Nolan and Connor Foggie, while Nolan and Lucas Hoffman each had an assist.

"It was a tough, physical game," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "The guys played hard and fought to the end. We dug ourselves a hole at the beginning, but never gave up. A loss like this stings, but it's a steppingstone for us to prepare for our game at Newfield Thursday at 4:30."

Members of the O-M girls varsity cross country team take off at the start of the race.

Trumansburg cross country meet serves
as coming-out party for Odessa-Montour

Grizzlies field boys, girls XC teams for 1st time in years

TRUMANSBURG, Sept. 10, 2024 -- A new era in Odessa-Montour High school cross country took its first competitive steps Tuesday at a six-school Intersholastic Athletic Conference meet at Trumansburg High School.

The course, on the athletic field outside the school stadium and along trails in the adjoining woods, saw O-M girls modified and varsity teams competing as well as a boys varsity team -- more than two decades (23 years, actually) after the school had dropped the sport.

This resurgence, led by Coach Skip Strobel, was largely the brainchild and handiwork of 8th grader Lexi Strobel, one of Skip's daughters, who ran solo last year and recruited enough interested student athletes to resurrect the sport at team levels this year. Among the varsity runners is her sister Sarah, a senior.

Lexi showed her competitive mettle Tuesday by placing first in the girls modified race, 20 seconds ahead of the runner-up.

"It was a great day for Odessa-Montour cross country," said Coach Strobel. "I couldn't be prouder and more excited for how the team did today."

He added: "The modified team took first place!" Beyond that, the varsity girls team placed third among four teams, while the varsity boys took second among six teams.

While Lexi Strobel placed first in the modified girls race, "not far behind," said Coach Strobel, "were Janne Anderson in third and Hannah Jantzen in fourth." The team scored 27 points, well ahead of Trumansburg's 42 and Watkins Glen's 51.

The O-M varsity girls were led by top 20 finishes by Jackie Mace (12th), Sarah Strobel (13th), Susie Collier (18th) and Cassidy Moat (20th). "Lilli Garrabrant and Haylee Young," the coach added, "proved vital to post our first team score of the year." Tburg won the race with 26 points, while Lansing had 31 and O-M 84. Marathon started with the requisite five runners needed for a team score, but one of its runners didn't finish.

The O-M varsity boys were led to their second-place finish by sophomores Jaden Bailor and Russell Morse finishing 7th and 8th, respectively. Despite a fall in the final 400 meters, Tyler Malnoske finished 11th. Issac Hough (15th) and Lucas Barr (18th) rounded out the scoring.

Trumansburg won the boys varsity race with 37 points, while O-M had 52, Lansing 66, Watkins Glen 92, and Groton 109. Marathon had an incomplete team.

Watkins Glen: The Lake Hawks fielded a boys varsity team (4th place) and a girls modified team (3rd place).

Isaac Hendrickson led the Watkins boys varsity with a 6th place finish, with Liam Knight 19th, Dominic Gublo 21st, Andrew Champion 26th and Benjamin Henry 34th.

Kathryn Planty led the Watkins girls modified team with a 9th place finish, while Kambrie Thorpe was 13th, Rachel Perry 15th, Nicole Perry 16th, and Piper Smith 22nd.

Photos in text:

From top: O-M's Lexi Strobel (center front) at start of modified race that she won; O-M varsity runner Jaden Bailor; and Watkins varsity runner Liam Knight.

Left: Watkins Glen's Isaac Hendrickson crosses the finish line. Right: Watkins modified runner Kambrie Thorpe.

From left: O-M varsity runners Lucas Barr and Jackie Mace, and Watkins Glen modified runner Kathryn Planty.

Watkins boys lose to Notre Dame, 7-0

SOUTHPORT, Sept. 10, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 1-3 Tuesday night when the Lake Hawks dropped a 7-0 decision to Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Crusaders' athletic field.

"Due to multiple injuries," Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith said of his squad, "the team played without any subs, and had key players Gabe Majors and Henry Smith step in and play defense. I am so proud of how the boys played in a tough game, under tough circumstances."

Jack Hayden registered 13 saves in goal for the Lake Hawks.

"We look forward to playing our first home game on Thursday, against SVE/Candor," said Coach Smith. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

O-M volleyball team falls to Groton, 3-1

GROTON, Sept. 10, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team opened its season with a 3-1 loss Tuesday to Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Groton gym.

Game scores were 13-25, 21-25, 25-23 and 17-25. Individual statistics for O-M included the following:

Maya Moser: 4 aces, 2 kills, 3 digs, 16 service points
Sidney Pike: 2 aces, 1 dig, 15 service points
Rilke Arrance: 1 kill, 3 digs, 8 service points
Olivia Rivera: 4 digs, 4 service points

Glen volleyball team falls to Edison, 3-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 10, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision Tuesday to Elmira Heights Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House gym.

Game scores were 20-25, 8-25, 25-19, 15-25. Individual statistics for Watkins Glen:

Xanthe Tappan: 14 assists, 1 kill, 8 digs, 9 service points.
Jocelyn Sisana: 6 kills, 16 digs, 3 service points.
Leighann Landers: 2 aces, 7 digs, 6 service points.
Grace Coston: 4 aces, 8 kills, 8 digs, 5 service points.
Kyra Yaw: 2 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 6 kills, 8 digs, 5 service points.
Leah Teed: 6 assists, 3 digs, 4 service points.

"Our players fought hard and stepped up while we are facing some illnesses and injuries," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "It was a great match-up and we are improving each game."

O-M goalkeeper Brooklynn Thompson makes a diving save in the first half.

O-M girls fall to SVEC in shortened game

ODESSA, Sept. 9, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 1-1 Monday night with a 2-0 home loss to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game stopped with 36:34 left in the second half due to threatening weather.

SVEC controlled most of the play, unleashing a dozen shots on O-M goalkeeper Brooklynn Thompson in the first half and three more on her successor, Vanessa Wood, after the halftime intermission. Then officials suspended play -- and ultimately ended it -- as the evening's recurrent rain showed signs of intensifying into a thunderstorm.

Thompson, kept repeatedly busy in the first half, registered 10 saves as SVEC built a 2-0 lead on goals at 22:24 and 7:53. Wood, in her short time in goal, had three saves.

"We had a slower start tonight and weren’t controlling the ball as much as we did last week," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We started the game early hoping to get it in with the weather, but having to call the game less than four minutes into the second half ended our chance to try and come back.

"We created some nice chances offensively but need to be better organized with our backs and our defensive pressure on the field. We’ll regroup and get ready to play our first divisional game Wednesday." That contest will be at Newark Valley.

Photo in text: O-M second-half goalkeeper Vanessa Wood knocks a shot by Spencer-Van Etten/Candor (coming in from the left) away from the goal.

Left: O-M's Maddie Raymond (13) battles an opposing player for control of the ball.
Right: The Grizzlies' Paisley Jeziorski (15) passes the ball upfield.

Left: O-M's Olivia Barr prepares to send the ball flying. Right: The Grizzlies' Evvie Zinger (21) maneuvers the ball away from the O-M goal.

Odessa-Montour boys top Watkins Glen, 5-1, in soccer tournament title game

UNION SPRINGS, Sept. 7, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team improved to 2-0 Saturday night with a 5-1 victory over Watkins Glen in the championship game of the Curfari Tournament at Union Springs High School.

Riley Yaw and Patrick Croft each scored two goals for O-M, while Ethan Nolan scored one. Max Sgrecci had two assists, while Nolan and Breyden Seamon each had one.

"We started out slow, a little flat-footed," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy, "and Watkins took advantage with an early goal. But the boys tightened up their touches and started to play the game the way we know how to.

"I have to give a big shout-out to the defense for sticking with a quick Watkins front attack and to James Halpin, who played an excellent game in goal, making a penalty-kick save and multiple diving stops to maintain our lead."

Added Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith: "The WG boys started the game strong with a Liam Smith goal that was assisted by Michael Purpura. A great defensive play by the Odessa goalie stopped a penalty kick early in the game, which sparked the Odessa players.

"Odessa played a great game; they were disciplined and played hard. I'm proud of how our defense played, with Logan Debolt, Levi Murphy, Brady Bockelkamp, and Sam Hohle leading the team, and Jack Hayden registering 15 saves in goal. This is the first tournament the WG boys have been to in a while, and it was great to be part of a championship game."

The Grizzlies had advanced to the finale Thursday with a 7-2 semifinal win over Moravia, while Watkins Glen had defeated host Union Springs 3-2.

Watkins volleyball team 3rd in pool play
at annual Campbell-Savona tournament

CAMPBELL, Sept. 7, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team placed third in pool play Saturday with a 4-4 record at the 18th Annual Campbell-Savona Varsity Volleyball Tournament.

The top two teams from each pool advanced to the semifinals. Addison, Hammondsport, Bath and Arkport-Canaseraga were in Pool B with Watkins Glen. In Pool A were Campbell-Savona, Dundee, Canisteo-Greenwood, Avoca-Prattsurgh and Wellsville.

"I was proud of our play today," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "We had some amazing saves, hustle, and teamwork. Jocelyn Sisana was selected by opposing coaches to the All Tournament team in recognition of her outstanding play."

Watkins Glen statistics:

Ellery Thaete: 13 service points, 3 aces, 3 kills, 8 assists, 9 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 10 service points, 2 aces, 12 assists, 5 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 10 service points, 7 aces, 9 kills, 20 digs.
Leighann Landers: 6 service points, 2 aces, 15 digs.
Grace Coston: 10 service points, 3 aces, 2 kills, 11 digs.
Kyra Yaw: 3 kills.
Kaylee Yaw: 23 service points, 9 aces, 6 kills, 4 digs.

Photos in text:

Top: The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team poses at the Campbell-Savona tournament.
Bottom: All-Tournament team selection Jocelyn Sisana. (Photos provided)

Watkins Glen boys edge Union Springs

UNION SPRINGS, Sept. 5, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team evened its record at 1-1 Thursday night with a 3-2 victory over Union Springs in the opening round of the Curfari Tournament at Union Springs High School.

The Lake Hawks will play for the tourney title at 8 p.m. Saturday at the same site against Odessa-Montour, which defeated Moravia 7-2 in the other semifinal.

Goals for Watkins came from Liam Smith, Michael Purpura and Jude Santos, with Smith assisting on the Santos score. Jack Hayden played goal for the Lake Hawks and registered 10 saves. "This was Jack's first time starting in goal," said first-year Coach Brad Smith, "and he rose to the challenge.

"It was a crazy game," the coach added. "We started off very strong and we had another key player (Caleb Bresett) injured. The game was back and forth for the first half with Union Springs scoring to even it up two seconds before halftime.

"We scored early in the second half and held them off the rest of the game with the boys playing great defense. The entire team stepped up and did what they needed. I could not believe the intensity and effort by all of our players, and I will never forget this first win with the boys as their coach."

Odessa-Montour boys open with 7-2 win

UNION SPRINGS, Sept. 5, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team opened its season Thursday with a 7-2 victory over Moravia in the first round of the Curfari Tournament at Union Springs High School.

Max Sgrecci led the Grizzlies with three goals, while Patrick Croft scored two and Lucas Hoffman and Riley Yaw one apiece. Assists came from Ethan Nolan (two), and from Sgrecci, Yaw, Croft and Moe Zinger (one each). James Halpin registered seven saves in goal for O-M.

"The boys," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy, "played great for their first game of the year. After having a rough couple of years, starting the season with a win brings great momentum moving forward. We have a couple of things to fine tune and clean up in preparation for the championship game Saturday at 8 p.m. I'm proud of how the boys played and executed."

The championship game will be against Watkins Glen, which defeated Union Springs 3-2 in the other semifinal.

Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo, right, scores a first-half goal after picking off a clearing pass from the Dryden player to her left. Teammate Brianna Hatch is second from left.

Watkins Glen girls defeat Dryden, 8-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 4, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team opened the season with an 8-1 victory Wednesday night against Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Lake Hawks -- two-time Section IV, Class C champion and playing in Class B this season -- fell behind 1-0 in the first two minutes when the defense left a Dryden player free to take an unchallenged shot that found the Watkins net. But Watkins responded with first-half goals by Ava Kelly, Jennifer Gublo and Skye Honrath, and pulled away with a five-goal second half.

Honrath finished with two goals, leaving her at 72 in her career, one short of Hannah Morse's school record of 73. Kelly also had two goals, while Gublo, Brianna Hatch, Olivia VanSkiver and Maddie Tuttle each scored one. Michaela Wheaton registered two assists, while Kelly, Gublo and Emma Lewis had one apiece. Emma Cady notched five saves in goal for the Lake Hawks.

"With only seven practices and no scrimmages this season," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "it was unclear where we are were at as a team entering our first game. It took us a while to get going, but I saw steady improvement throughout.

"I thought our defense did a really great job tonight. Offensively, I liked our ball movement throughout and once we finally scored, we played much looser and looked good. There are still many things we need to work on with many very talented teams coming up, but I was pleased with how the team played tonight."

Photo in text: Watkns Glen's Skye Honrath sends a shot toward the Dryden goal.

Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton, left photo, and Natalee Oliver move the ball.

Left: O-M's Avery Spaccio (1) moves the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Leah Antes sends a shot toward the Moravia net. She scored three goals.

O-M girls open with 7-0 win; Antes nets 3

ODESSA, Sept. 4, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team opened its season with a 7-0 victory Wednesday night over Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Leah Antes led the Grizzlies with three goals -- two in the first half and one 14 minutes into the second half that extended the O-M lead to 3-0. Teammates took over the scoring after that -- Aspyn Skinner at 10:18, Evvie Zinger at 9:06, and Paisley Jeziorski at 1:00 and again with 17 seconds remaining. McKenzie Landon registered an assist.

Brooklynn Thompson posted nine saves in goal for the Grizzlies.

"It was a good win to start the season," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We have a lot of positives to take away from tonight and also learned what things we need to work on and fine tune before we play again on Monday" at home against Spencer-Van Etten/Candor. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photo in text: O-M's Aspyn Skinner, left, fires a shot for a second-half goal that entered the net just inside the left goalpost.

Left: O-M's Paisley Jeziorski (15) is congratulated after scoring a goal. Right: The Grizzlies' Vanessa Wood inbounds the ball.

Watkins volleyball team falls to S. Seneca

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 4, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High school varsity volleyball team opened its season with a 3-0 non-league loss to South Seneca Wednesday evening in the WGHS Field House gym. Game scores were 19-25, 10-25 and 9-25.

Individual statistics for the Lake Hawks included:

Kaylee Yaw: 5 kills.
Jocelyn Sisana: 4 service points, 1 ace, 3 kills, 7 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 12 assists, 3 service points.
Grace Coston: 3 kills, 2 service points.
Ellery Thaete: 4 kills, 5 digs.
Leighann Landers: 6 digs, 3 service points.
Kyra Yaw: 2 digs.

"This non-league match gave us a good opportunity to see areas in need of improvement," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "I am proud of this inexperienced group of players for working so hard and being so coachable, as well as our few returning upper classmen for showing their leadership and skills."

Photo in text: The WGHS varsity volleyball team's two seniors, Kyra Yaw (left) and Jocelyn Sisana.

Watkins Glen boys fall in opener, 9-4

DRYDEN, Sept. 3, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team dropped its season opener Tuesday night, falling to Dryden 9-4 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Dryden High School athletic field.

Scoring for the Lake Hawks were Michael Purpura, Liam Smith, Jude Santos and Caleb Bresett. Smith also had an assist.

Bresett registered eight saves in goal for Watkins Glen, while Jack Hayden had one.

"The Lake Hawks played well," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith, "losing a key player in the first half due to injury. Dryden was a good test for the boys as a first game and a great effort was made by all."

Watkins Glen returns to action Thursday night in a tournament at Union Springs.

NASCAR returns to WGI in August 2025

Special to The Odessa File

WATKIN GLEN, Aug. 29, 2024 -- Watkins Glen International will once again help set up the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs field with a summer race weekend to help close out the regular season, the track announced as NASCAR released the 2025 schedule for all three national series.

The return to an August race weekend in 2025 follows a 2024 schedule that put WGI's NASCAR race on September 15, as part of the playoffs.

The Go Bowling at The Glen 2025 race weekend, set for Aug. 8-10, will provide drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series with one of their final opportunities to win a race to earn a spot in the 2025 NASCAR Playoffs -- as it's the third-to-last race of the regular season for both series.

Fans will have even more action to take in next year at the iconic road course as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series joins the lineup alongside the Cup Series and Xfinity Series. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series last raced on the historic road course in 2021 in a race won by Austin Hill. Previously, the Truck Series took on the twists and turns of The Glen from 1996-2000.

“Watkins Glen International is a challenging and prestigious road course that provides the perfect backdrop for setting up championship opportunities,” said Dawn Burlew, President of Watkins Glen International. “In only a couple weeks, fans will get to see Playoff action here for the first time, while next year they’ll get to cheer on their favorite drivers as they once again battle it out for a berth in the Playoffs. We’re so proud WGI is playing such an instrumental role in NASCAR’s championship over these two seasons.”

Below are the dates of the 2025 NASCAR races at Watkins Glen International:

• Friday, Aug. 8 -- NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race
• Saturday, Aug. 9 -- NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission Foods 200
• Sunday, Aug. 10 -- NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen

Schuyler Storm Swim Coach Jason Westervelt addresses his team during practice.

Storm entering season with a young roster

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 27, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team is young this year -- 22 competitors who include just three seniors and six 7th graders. But Coach Jason Westervelt is optimistic.

"It's going well," he said at the team's second day of practice Tuesday morning. While the Storm has some experienced and successful swimmers (Emily Melveney posted four first-place finishes in last year's Section IV, Class C Tournament, while Aubrey Klemann and Kendra Fish had two each), he pointed out the obvious. "We're young." he said as the team heads into its 2024 season opener next week in search, ultimately, of an eighth straight sectional title.

Down the hallway in the Watkins Glen High School Field House gym, the school's volleyball hopefuls were being put through the paces by Coach Krysti Westervelt (pictured above). There were more than 20 girls on hand, prompting Superintendent Kai D'Alleva, passing through the gym, to comment that he hadn't seen such a large turnout for volleyball tryouts "in years."

O-M Cross Country coach Skip Strobel addresses the boys and girls teams.

Fall sports in action, including XC at OM

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Aug. 26, 2024 -- Odessa-Montour High School had not fielded a cross country team for 23 years -- until Monday morning.

That's when a 15-member boys varsity team, a five-member girls varsity team, and a handful of modified athletes gathered on the track alongside O-M's Charles Martin Field for the first day of cross-country practice.

Among them was modified runner Lexi Strobel, an eighth grader who last year petitioned to run cross country solo, in the absence of a team -- and then, through sheer determination, found and recruited all of these boys and girls to compete on teams against other schools this fall.

This was, from an historical standpoint, the most important of all of the practices ongoing Monday as area fall sports athletes (save for football players, who opened a week earlier) participated in the first day of official preparation for a season that is fast approaching.

"I'm excited," said O-M Cross Country Coach Skip Strobel -- father of Lexi and of Sarah, a senior on the team. "I couldn't sleep last night; I was up at 4:30."

Lexi echoed her father. "I'm excited; I was up by 6 a.m.," said the girl as responsble as anyone for this cross county resurrection -- for which she lobbied the School Board and earned its approval. On hand Monday was her mother, Lauren, who was a cross country runner back in the day. She graduated in 1994.

Most of the team members are inexperienced at competitive running, although at least a couple of the boys are track team veterans. But Strobel was undaunted. "They'll learn," he said -- learn not only how to run such long distances competitively, but learn that such a challenge creates "a family atmosphere" as the team members bond.

*****

Down the hill the same morning, the Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity soccer teams were practicing on Alumni Field, the boys on the south end and the girls on the north.

The boys were undergoing their paces under the watchful eye of Brad Smith, their new coach who succeeded Jessica Purpura after she led the Lake Hawks to a winning season last year. Manning the goal was Jack Hayden, who Smith -- father of team member Liam Smith -- said they were trying out at that demanding position. Caleb Bresett was the goalkeeper last year, but a couple of his teammates said Bresett brings some talents that they hoped to employ elsewhere on the field this year.

The girls' coach, Scott Morse, enters the upcoming season as head of a two-time Section IV championship squad. The Hawks lost all-Star goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh to graduation, and is now turning to sophomore Emma Cady as her successor. The team also lost the strong leg of graduate Sasha Honrath, but still has her sister Skye, who last year tied the school's single-season goal-scoring record (33) and is nearing the career mark (73) set by Hannah Morse a half-dozen years ago.

Also back: speedy sharpshooter Ava Kelly and defensive All-Star Natalee Oliver, to name two of several athletes who played effective roles in the past two championships.

*****

Monday also saw the start of practices for the seven-time Section IV champion girls swim team -- the Schuyler Storm, with athletes from both O-M and WGHS. The team lost longtime standouts Alannah Klemann and Thalia Marquez to graduation, but still has a strong lineup led by junior Emily Melveney. Beyond that, practice began for the two schools' volleyball teams, O-M's boys and girls soccer teams, and for the WGHS boys varsity cross country team. Its coach, Kelly Stermer, said the season ahead looked promising. And like her O-M counterpart Skip Strobel, she summed up everything in two words.

"I'm excited," she said.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M cross country's Sarah Strobel, left, a senior, and sister Lexi, an 8th grader.
Middle: WGHS boys varsity soccer coach Brad Smith.
Bottom: WGHS girls soccer standout Skye Honrath, a senior.

Left: Jack Hayden was in goal Monday for the WGHS boys soccer team. Right: WGHS girls varsity soccer coach Scott Morse yells some instructions.

WGHS girls varsity goalkeeper Emma Cady corrals the ball after stopping a shot.

Coming soon: The HS football season

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Aug. 19, 2024 -- It will soon be upon us: the 2024 high school football season.

Our local gridiron squad, the Schuyler Storm -- a combined team of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- kicked off official preparations with the first day of practice on Monday, Aug. 19 on the WGHS Alumni Field.

As in the past, the Coach is Trevor Holland. He is being aided by Assistant Coach Josh Cole and Volunteers Michael Lohmeyer and Brian Bockelkamp.

The season schedule will be as follows:

Saturday, Sept. 14: against Newark Valley on O-M's Charles Martin Field, 6 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20: at Windsor, on Windsor Multi-Purpose Field, 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27 (Homecoming): against Oxford, at O-M, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 4: at Waverly, in Veteran's Memorial Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 12: against Lansing, on WGHS's Alumni Field, 7 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 18: at Dryden, Dryden High School Stadium, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26 (Senior Night): against Whitney Point, at WGHS, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 1: at Spencer-Van Etten HS against SVE/Candor, 7 p.m.

Members of the United Southern Tier Aquatics at the Junior Olympics. (Photo provided)

16 from Gators compete at Jr. Olympics

Special to The Odessa File

GREENSBORO, NC, Aug. 1, 2024 -- Sixteen members of the Glen Gators Swim Team represented United Southern Tier Aquatics at the 2024 AAU Junior Olympics July 24th-28th. Swimmers qualified and competed at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (GAC), a premier competition facility located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

USTA had great success as a team and individually with event champions, top 8 finishers, and personal best times. Full results are available on the GAC website.

United Southern Tier Aquatics brought over 50 athletes to the meet, including athletes from the Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Central region of New York; in addition to the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania.

Glen Gators competitors included: Makenzie Fish, Hudson Westervelt, Malina Butler, Genevieve Carro, MJ Carro, Mia Carro, Lily Hall, Aubrey Klemann, Karina Lapierre, Anna Lowe, Sibby Lowe, Emily Melveney, Georgia Michel, Ali Mosher, Carson Thaete, and Thomas Vedder.

“The kids had an outstanding meet," said Jason Westervelt, Glen Gators Swim Team head coach. "To have so many athletes make the podium at the largest and most competitive AAU Jr. Olympics in the history of the meet is a credit to their hard work and dedication.”

Photo in text: From left, United Southern Tier Aquatics swimmers Juniper Mattison, Sienna Catalino, Vivianne Talaber, Hudson Westervelt, Logan Taylor, and Makenzie Fish. (Photo provided)

O-M/WG set Summer Wrestling Camp

Soccer players gathered behind B.C. Cate for the extreme-training seminar. (Provided)

Soccer Club earns extreme-training seminar

Special to The Odessa File

MONTOUR FALLS, June 23, 2024 -- The Odessa Soccer Club, along with the Soaring Capitals girls team, took part Saturday in an Edge11 Academy extreme-training seminar on the soccer fields behind the B.C. Cate Elementary School.

Both the Odessa Soccer Club and the Soaring Capitals were gifted this event after each team won its respected bracket at a recent tournament at Finger Lakes College.

Coach, professional soccer player and Edge11 Academy founder David Wright put on a 90-minute extreme-training session with the two teams. Along with concentrating on foot work, speed, deceleration, body position and goalie work, Wright talked about what to do when training.

Attendees from the Odessa Soccer Club were Emmrich Koehler, Moe Zinger, Evvie Zinger, Brycen Skinner, Connor Foggie, Riley Yaw and Patrick Croft, along with coaches Ken May and Patrick Croft.

Thomas Field crosses the stage after being named winner of the Sportsmanship Award.

Dub G Awards: Vickio, Holmes named WGHS Female, Male Athletes of Year

WATKINS GLEN, June 22, 2024 -- Sophomore Rachel Vickio and senior Alex Holmes were named the Watkins Glen High School Female and Male Athletes of the Year Saturday at the annual Dub G Athletic Awards Ceremony in the WGHS Auditorium.

The awards were announced and presented at an hour-and-a-half ceremony that also saw winners named in Coach of the Year, Leadership, Sportsmanship, Unsung Hero and other categories.

Vickio was an All-Star in three sports -- on a Section IV championship soccer team, on the basketball team, and as a league champion discus thrower in track. Holmes was also a three-sport All-Star standout -- on the school's football, basketball and baseball teams.

A special presentation preceded the regular program, with Assemblyman Phil Palmesano awarding sophomore Madison Tuttle State Legislature Proclamations and Resolutions in honor of her racewalking achievements. Those achievements included the One Mile Racewalk championship at the Adidas Indoor Nationals in March at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. She earned All-American status there, as well as earlier at the New Balance Nationals in Boston.

Once the Dub G program began, winners included:

Rookies of The Year: Softball player Paige Ells, and swimmer Grayson Robertson.
Best Championship Performances: Skye Honrath (soccer); Maddie Tuttle (racewalking)
Leadership Award: Johnny VanScoyk (cross country and track)
Best Upset: Schuyler Storm football win over Susquehanna Valley
Sportsmanship Award: Thomas Field
Excellence in Education: Sam Hohle
Record Breaking Performance: Kyren Young (track)
Comeback Athlete: Michael Purpura
Outstanding Individual Performance: Sasha Honrath (soccer)
Coach of the Year Award: Jason Westervelt (girls and boys swimming)
Team of the Year Award: Section IV champion boys varsity swim team
Unsung Hero Award: Kaiden Karius (wrestling)
Lifetime Achievement Award: Retiring Athletic Director Rod Weeden

Photos in text:

Top: Athlete of the Year winners Rachel Vickio and Alex Holmes.
Middle: Madison Tuttle poses with her Legislature awards, flanked by Athletic Director Rod Weeden, left, and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.
Bottom: Rookie of the Year honoree Grayson Robertson with presenter Ralph Diliberto.

From left: Coach of the Year Jason Westervelt; Best Championship Performance honoree Skye Honrath, and Comeback Athlete Michael Purpura.

From left: Outstanding Individual Performance winner Sasha Honrath; Record Breaking Performance honoree Kyren Young; and Unsung Hero Award winner Kaiden Karius.

Retiring Athletic Director Rod Weeden was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony included a slide show of photos (which he was watching, left) and a scarf, goggle and hat suggesting that his driving was so fast that he really should have been a pilot.

O-M names Gillis, Gavich its 2023-24 Athletes of the Year at Sports Banquet

ODESSA, June 11, 2024 -- Seniors Brad Gillis and Gina Gavich were named recipients of Odessa-Montour High School's annual Harold Lynch Male and Female Athletes of the Year Awards Tuesday at O-M's 57th annual Sports Awards Night.

The evening started with dinner in the school cafeteria, and then moved to the auditorium for the presentation of awards by coaches in each of the year's sports.

Gillis was also the MVP on the combined O-M /Watkins Glen High School football team (the Schuyler Storm), as well as Player of the Year on the boys basketball team and recipient of a Coach's Award for his .350 hitting and outstanding pitching during the Storm baseball season. He plans to play football at Alfred University.

Gavich also received a Coach's Award for her performance on the girls' soccer team, the Player of the Year Award on the girls basketball team, and a Coach's Award for her play on the girls golf team. She plans to play basketball at Elmira College.

Receiving the prestigious Charles Martin Memorial Sportsmanship Awards were David Patterson and Hannah Barr, each of whom competed in soccer, basketball and track & field. They are also the senior class valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

The Jim Anagnost Memorial Award was presented to Gunner Herrmann, while Section IV Character Counts Awards were presented to Gavin Lohmeyer and Riley Brooks.

Among team honors presented by the coaches were:

Girls Track & Field: Outstanding Track Athlete, Paisley Jeziorski; Outstanding Field Athletes, Maggie Pentz and Leah Antes; and Coach's Award, Evvie Zinger.

Boys Track & Field: Most Valuable Track Athlete, Jed Lynch; Rookie of the Year, Jaden Bailor; Coach's Award, Brody Williams; and Outstanding Field Athlete and overall team MVP, David Patterson.

Girls Soccer: Defensive Player of the Year, Maggie Pentz; and Offensive Player of the Year, Paisley Jeziorski.

Boys Soccer: Mike Davis Award for commitment to the sport, Patrick Croft; Most Outstanding Defensive, David Patterson; and Most Outstanding Offensive, Lucas Hoffman.

Volleyball: Most Valuable Player, Maya Mosher; Leadership Award, Cassie Allen; and Most Improved, Rilke Arrance.

Boys Bowling: Top Average, Breyden Seamon; and Most Improved, Noel Hauber.

Girls Bowling: Top Average, Anabelle Crippen; and Most Improved, Kali Turner.

Cheerleading: Leon B. Williams Jr. Award, Casey Hines; and Most Improved, August Halstead.

Baseball: Roberto Clemente Award, Ben Heichel; Gold Glove Award, Gavin Lohmeyer; Captain's Award, Connor Foggie; and Coach's Award, Brad Gillis.

Girls Basketball: Most Outstanding, Leah Antes; Player of the Year, Gina Gavich; and Coach's Award, Keyonna Garrison.

Girls Golf: Player of the Year, Carly Thomas; Coach's Awards, Riley Brooks and Gina Gavich.

Boys Golf: Rookie of the Year, Patrick Croft.

Wrestling: Most Outstanding Wrestler, Lucas Hoffman; Most Improved, Patrick Croft; and Rookie of the Year, Jared Watson.

Football: Russell Crainey Award for guts and heart, Brady Cannon; O-M Football Award, Aiden Summers; and MVP, Brad Gillis.

Softball: Most Improved, Sidney Pike; Offensive Player of the Year, Lauren Signor; and Coach's Award, Brooklynn Thompson.

Girls Swimming: Leadership Award, Riley Brooks; and Breakout Performer of the Year, Casey Hines.

Boys Swimming: Leadership Award, Alex Walters; Most Improved, Scott Pennypacker; and Breakout Performer of the Year, Kyler Eriksen.

Boys Basketball: Coach's Award, Ben Heichel; MVP, Tyler Malnoske; and Player of the Year, Brad Gillis.

Photos in text:

Top: Seniors Brad Gillis and Gina Gavich, winners of the Harold Lynch Athletes of the Year honors.
Middle: Hannah Barr and David Patterson, recipients of the Charles Martin Memorial Sportsmanship Awards.
Bottom: Gunner Herrmann, winner of the annual Jim Anagnost Memorial Award.

Vickio: Odessa File WGHS Athlete of Year

WATKINS GLEN, June 2, 2024 -- Watkins Glen High School sophomore Rachel Vickio has been named by The Odessa File as its Athlete of the Year at Watkins Glen High School.

The award was sponsored by the E.C. Cooper Inc. Insurance Agency in Watkins Glen, which has sponsored the award for years.

Vickio was a First Team All-Star in three sports -- as a midfielder on the Section IV, Class C champion WGHS soccer team; as the top scorer on the school's basketball team, which went 17-4 and reached the Section IV, Class C final; and as the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Discus champion for the WGHS track-and-field squad.

Photo in text: Rachel Vickio is congratulated by Odessa File editor and publisher Charlie Haeffner upon receiving this website's WGHS Athlete of the Year Award, sponsored by the E.C. Cooper Insurance Agency. (Photo by Jon Haeffner)

Paige Ells is our Spring MVP

SCHUYLER COUNTY, June 1, 2024 -- It’s been an entertaining high school spring sports season in Schuyler County. Perhaps first and foremost, we saw a resurgence after many years of the Watkins Glen High School softball team -- a process started last year when Odessa-Montour sent a handful of players Watkins' way. The same thing happened this year, but the difference in won-lost success (a losing record in 2023 and a 10-6 mark in 2024) from one year to the next was the arrival on the varsity of a WGHS 8th grade pitcher.

Her name is Paige Ells, and she brought not only a talented arm to the team, but a very active bat. The Lake Hawks had some pretty good hitters, but she topped them all, finishing the regular season with a .525 batting average and a team-leading 16 RBIs. And this was on top of a 9-3 record on the mound, an ERA of 2.15, a total of 119 strikeouts, and a fielding average of .971.

It's not like she's a big, overpowering, physically imposing presence. Not at all. But she brings some power to her pitches that is enhanced by a wickedly good changeup that makes the fast stuff seem faster. And her ball movement and placement are, on her sharpest days, very difficult for batters to touch.

This is not to say that she alone was the heart and soul of the team. With hitters like Lauren Signor (.432), Olivia King (.395), Brenna Pierce (.380) and Amy Field (.304), the team generated its fair share of offense. And the defense improved as the season carried into the postseason and the team posted its first sectional tournament victory in many years.

But she was the fulcrum, the center of an efficient show that worked well with various contributing elements. She proved, through both her pitching and her hitting, to be the most valuable of those valuable elements.

Accordingly, because of that leading role, and because of the clear impact she brought to the softball field, she has earned The Odessa File's 2024 Schuyler Spring MVP Award.

Photo in text: Paige Ells delivers a pitch.

*****

Outstanding Individual Achievement: Odessa-Montour High School senior David Patterson had a stellar track season as his team rolled to a division title. Patterson built quite a record this spring, including the title of Section IV, Class D Triple Jump Champion. That achievement was buttressed by sectional second-place finishes in the 110 Meter Hurdles and the Long Jump.

That all came after he won the IAC Pentathlon -- a rigorous competition involving the 110 Meter Hurdles, the Shot Put, the High Jump, the Long Jump and the 1500 Meter Run -- and before he finished second in the Pentathlon at the Section IV State Qualifier at Union-Endicott.

Schuyler Spring All-Sports All-Stars

First Team
Paige Ells -- WG Softball -- MVP
Lauren Signor -- WG Softball
Olivia King -- WG Softball
Brenna Pierce -- WG Softball
David Patterson -- OM Track & Field
Brody Williams -- OM Track & Field
Jed Lynch -- OM Track & Field
Rachel Vickio -- WG Track & Field
Kyren Young -- WG Track & Field
Natalee Oliver -- WG Track & Field
Johnny VanScoyk -- WG Track & Field
Ben Heichel -- Schuyler Storm Baseball
Brady Cannon -- Schuyler Storm Baseball
Alex Holmes -- Schuyler Storm Baseball
Brad Gillis -- Schuyler Storm Baseball
Nick D'Alleva -- WG Lacrosse
Andre Wixson -- WG Tennis

Second Team
Amy Field -- WG Softball
Brianna Hatch -- WG Softball
Gavin Lohmeyer -- Schuyler Storm Baseball
Emily Melveney -- WG Golf
Nick Ritter -- WG Lacrosse
Christopher Simiele -- WG Lacrosse
Sam Hohle -- WG Lacrosse
Max Ricca -- WG Tennis
Logan DeBolt -- WG Tennis
Enric Lin -- WG Tennis
Maggie Pentz -- OM Track & Field
Leah Antes -- OM Track & Field
Ava Kelly -- WG Track & Field
Quacey Wilt -- WG Track & Field
Isaac Hendrickson -- WG Track & Field

Third Team
Andrew Coston -- Schuyler Storm Baseball
Nolan Reynolds -- WG Tennis
Ryan Baudendistle -- WG Tennis
Aidan Kelly -- WG Track & Field
Jack Hayden -- WG Track & Field
Connor Fiala -- OM Track & Field
Lucas Barr -- OM Track & Field
Max Sgrecci -- OM Track & Field
Benson Patterson -- OM Track & Field
Ella Kramer -- OM Track & Field
Paisley Jeziorski -- OM Track & Field
Rilke Arrance -- OM Track & Field
Evvie Zinger -- OM Track & Field
Jackie Mace -- OM Track & Field
Olivia Barr -- OM Track & Field
McKenzie Landon -- OM Track & Field

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