The Odessa The File: Sports of Schuyler County

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Baseball: Storm JV falls to Waverly

WATKINS GLEN, March 29, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm junior varsity baseball team opened its season with a loss Wednesday, falling to Waverly 13-3 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Watkins Glen High School baseball field.

Waverly scored at least two runs in every inning of the five-inning contest. Games are terminated at that point if the lead is 10 or more runs.

"We only allowed six hits, but giving up 10 walks hurt us," said Storm Coach RC Holmes, whose squad is a combined team of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School student athletes. "I think there was a little first-game jitters. Brad Cantineri did a great job hustling behind the plate. We are young, but we will build on the positives from this game."

Holmes added that his team's 7th graders contributed. "Nicolai Holmes had two hits, Blake Thomas had a single that scored two, and Isaak Willett allowed no earned runs while pitching the final inning," he said.

Nolan sets Triple Jump mark; O-M wins

NEWFIELD, March 28, 2023 -- Odessa-Montour High School senior Hannah Nolan set a school record in the Triple Jump Tuesday as the Grizzlies defeated Newfield 73-44 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference track meet on the Newfield athletic field.

Nolan -- who posted two individual wins (the Triple Jump and the 400 Hurdles) and two in relays -- leaped 34'11", surpassing the old mark of 33' 8 1/2" set by Michelle Melanson. O-M teammate Tori Brewster posted three individual wins (the 100, 200 and Long Jump) and one in a relay. Also winning twice individually: Evvie Zinger in the 1500 and 800 (and twice in relays).

"I was incredibly pleased with the effort and performance of the O-M girls on a cold, windy first meet of the year," said O-M Coach Burton Brewster.

4x800: 1st Paisley Jeziorski, Jackie Mace, Evvie Zinger, Olivia Barr
100 Hurdles: 2nd Sarah Strobel 22.2
100: 1st Tori Brewster 12.7; 3rd Maggie Pentz 13.7
1500: 1st Evvie Zinger 6:03; 2nd Olivia Barr 6:19
4x100: 1st Maggie Pentz, Hannah Nolan, Katie Adams, Tori Brewster 55.4
400: 1st Paisley Jeziorski 1:12.4; 2nd Katie Adams 1:12.9
400 Hurdles: 1st Hannah Nolan 1:15.5; 2nd Makenzi Landon 1:30.3
800: 1st Evvie Zinger 2:57.3; 2nd Jackie Mace 3:23
200: 1st Tori Brewster 28.2; 3rd Maggie Pentz 30.8
3000: 2nd Sarah Strobel 16.07; 3rd Vanessa Wood 16.23
4x400: 1st Katie Adams, Hannah Nolan, Paisley Jeziorski, Evvie Zinger 5:03.4
Long Jump: 1st Tori Brewster 16'
Triple Jump: 1st Hannah Nolan 34'11"
Shot Put: 1st Sarah Barr 20' 9.5"
Discus: 3rd Sarah Barr 54' 1"

O-M boys track team tops Newfield

NEWFIELD, March 28, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity track team opened its season with a victory Tuesday, defeating Newfield 85-46 in an Interscholasatic Athletic Conference meet on the Newfield athletic field.

"We had some great performances by newcomers and veterans alike," said O-M Coach Skip Strobel. "There were a lot of surprises and very good results for the first meet on a cold March day."

The meet included Watkins Glen, but since the Senecas are in a different division, their team score did not count. The O-M individual results were against everyone, including Watkins Glen.

3200 Relay: 1st Ben Campbell, Lucas Barr, Max Sgrecci and Zach Wyre
110 Hurdles: 1st Gabe Williams; 3rd Benson Patterson
1600: 1st Ben Campbell
400: 1st Mark Waterman; 3rd Jed Lynch
400 Hurdles: 1st Orrey Benjamin; 2nd Benson Patterson; 3rd Gabe Williams
800: 2nd David Patterson; 3rd Ben Campbell
200: 3rd Max Seles
3200: 2nd Zach Wyre; 3rd Lucas Barr
Long Jump: 1st David Patterson; 3rd Benson Patterson
Triple Jump: 1st David Patterson; 3rd Benson Patterson
Discus: 2nd Brody Williams; 3rd Aiden Summers
Shot Put: 1st Aiden Summers; 2nd Braiden Ventra; 3rd Brody Williams
High Jump: 1st David Patterson; 3rd Max Sgrecci

Watkins Glen's Nick Ritter, center, tries to work around the Notre Dame defense for a shot on goal in second-half action.

Watkins lacrosse team falls to Notre Dame

WATKINS GLEN, March 28, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity lacrosse team dropped a 19-2 decision Tuesday to Elmira Notre Dame in a season opener on the WGHS Alumni Field.

The Senecas, who opened with a pair of scrimmages last week, trailed 14-1 at halftime. The two Watkins goals were scored by Nick D'Alleva.

"The score doesn't show it," said a Watkins assistant coach, "but there was a lot of improvement from student-athletes who are brand new to the game of lacrosse."

The Senecas return to action Friday at home against Dryden.

Photo at right: Watkins' Nick D'Alleva (6) prepares to shoot. He scored on the play.

Watkins tennis team edges Union Springs

UNION SPRINGS, March 28, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity tennis team opened the season with a victory Tuesday, defeating Union Springs 3-2 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet on the Union Springs tennis courts.

1st Singles: Jason Murphy won 6-0-, 6-3.
2nd Singles: Levi Murphy lost 2-6, 3-6.
3rd Singles: Andre Wixson lost 1-6, 1-6.
1st Doubles: Katrina Ricca/Max Ricca won 6-0, 6-2.
2nd Doubles: Maddy Bryerton/Isaiah Rudy won 6-1, 6-1.

The Senecas return to action Thursday in a non-league meet at Lansing.

Watkins Glen softball team falls to Edison

WATKINS GLEN, March 28, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity softball team opened its season on a losing note Tuesday, dropping a 28-0 decision to Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the WGHS softball field.

The game, ended after five innings under the so-called "mercy rule" that terminates games at that point if one team leads by 12 or more runs, saw the Spartans no-hit the Senecas, allowing just a walk to Lois Hosley.

"I saw a lot of good things this afternoon," said Watkins Glen Coach Ralph Diliberto. "The pitchers (Amy Field and Emily Melveney) were throwing strikes at a decent velocity, and defensively we came up with some fabulous plays. All of the ladies' heads were up. We will make some adjustments and get back at it tomorrow."

The Senecas return to action Thursday at home against Tioga.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Amy Field prepares to deliver a pitch.

Left: Watkins Glen shortstop Brenna Pierce throws out an Edison batter at first base. Right: An Edison fly to right eludes the outreached glove of Watkins' Isabella Llewellyn.

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OM/WG's Hoffman competes at Nationals

Special to The Odessa File

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., March 26, 2023 -- Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen High School wrestler Lucas Hoffman traveled to Virginia Beach, Virginia last weekend to compete in the National High School Wrestling Championships at 113 pounds.

Hoffman, wrestling in the Freshmen Division, finished with a 2-2 record and was eliminated in the consolation bracket of 32, out of 128 total wrestlers.

Friday morning Hoffman was beaten by Stone Staton of Alabama 11-6. Saturday morning, he wrestled the remainder of his matches within an hour of each other. First he registered two victories -- against Nikito Hansell of Pennsylvania by fall in the second period and David Dight of Virginia by 2-1 decision -- before dropping a 7-5 decision to Tyler Barnes of Ohio to be eliminated.

Photo in text: Hoffman is signaled the winner in a Saturday morning bout. (Provided)

The Even-Numbered Team: From left, Phil Smith (Class of 2012), Owen Mann (2004), Matt Kautz (2012), Luke Brown (2012), Curtis Harris (2018) and Sage Garrison (2017). Garrison, from an odd-numbered class, was placed on the even-numbered team to equalize the numbers on each squad at six. Kristy Wood (2000) arrived late to join the Evens.

Odd-numbered team wins Alumni hoops

ODESSA, March 25, 2023 -- More than a dozen blasts from the Odessa-Montour High School basketball past gathered Friday evening at the school gym for an Alumni Game -- a resurrection of a previously annual event short-circuited by the pandemic.

The game, which separated the players by odd-numbered and even-numbered graduation years, saw the team wearing white jerseys (from odd-numbered years) prevail over the maroons (evens) by a narrow 64-61.

The event, the first since 2019, was organized by O-M Athletic Manager Greg Gavich, assisted by 2005 graduate Sally (Wilcox) Homolka. The game served as a fund-raiser for the O-M basketball programs.

Participants ranged from the Class of 1999 (Brian Colunio) to 2018 (Curtis Harris).

Photo in text: A battle under the board involved (from left) Jocelyn Garrison (2011), Matt Kautz (2012) and John Blaha (2009).

The odd-numbered team, in white jerseys. From left: Sally (Wilcox) Homolka (Class of 2005), John Blaha (2009), Jocelyn Garrison (2017), Lucas Mann, Brian Colunio (1999) and Matt Thomason (2007). Also on hand: Tiffany VanZile (2001).

From left: Leah Johnson, MJ Carro, Mia Carro and Karina Lapierre. (Photo provided)

Gators excel at 14 & Under Championship

WEBSTER, March 24, 2023 -- The Glen Gators Swim Team participated in the 2023 Niagara District 14 & Under Championship held at the Webster Aquatic Center from March 17-19.

"Our team of 10," said Coach Jason Westervelt, "had an amazing meet including finalists, personal bests, and event champions. Our 10 and under swimmers earned a Niagara District championship title in the Mixed 200 Medley Relay!"

The Niagara District is comprised of teams from Syracuse, Binghamton, Rochester and Buffalo. "And everything in between," said Westervelt. "It is a highly competitive meet, one of the highest levels of competition this age group is offered in the state. To win an event or even place in the top 10 is a major accomplishment."

Top 10 finishers: MJ Carro, Mia Carro, Genevieve Carro, Karina Lapierre, Jake Signor, Madison Meissner, Maria Kuksenkova, and Makenzie Fish.

Top 20 finisher: Leah Johnson.

Event Champions: Makenzie Fish, Madison Meissner, Jake Signor, and Hudson Westervelt.

Left: The 200 Medley Relay winning team of Madison Meissner (front), Hudson Westervelt (squatting), Makenzie Fish and Jake Signor (back). Right: From left: Karina Lapierre, Maria Kuksenkova, MJ Carro, Genevieve Carro (front right) and Mia Carro (back right). (Photos provided)

Some of the 140-plus runners at the start of the Spud Run on the WGHS track.

Spud Run draws 140 racers; VanScoyk 1st

WATKINS GLEN, March 17, 2023 -- The threatening rain held off Friday as the annual Spud Run -- a celebration of St. Patrick's Day -- attracted more than 140 runners on the grounds of the Watkins Glen School District.

The race, on 3/17, began at 3:17 p.m. and followed a 1.7-mile course around the Alumni Field track and then around the school and back.

The first to finish was junior Johnny VanScoyk, a distance runner on the track team, in a time of 9:46. Second was another distance runner, Isaac Hendrickson, in 9:52. The first female to finish was freshman Maddie Tuttle, recent Section IV racewalking champion, who ran Friday's course in 11:52, finishing 12th overall.

The weather before the Spud Run had been periodically wet, and the clouds were still spitting droplets minutes before the race. After that, the rain stopped and the sun appeared on and off. No rain was falling during the race.

Afterward, everyone adjourned into the school, near the concession stand, where bowls of potatoes and corn chowder were provided, along with Gatorade. Each runner -- from the very young to a handful of faculty members -- turned in his or her placement number, which had been distributed as each racer crossed the finish line. Those cards were then placed on a board, neatly showing the order of finish

Prizes like T-shirts, cabbages and Lucky Charm cereal were distributed to the boys and girls who finished first in their respective grades.

Photo in text: Maddie Tuttle and Johnny VanScoyk flash W for Winners signs. Tuttle was the first female finisher, while VanScoyk was first overall.

Left: Race workers apply name cards to a chart showing the order of finish. Right: Emcee for the race, and suitably attired in green, was Watkins Glen teacher Trevor Holland.

Nolan, Vickio: Sect. 4 Honorable Mentions

SCHUYLER COUNTY, March 17, 2023 -- Basketball standouts Hannah Nolan of Odessa-Montour High School and Rachel Vickio of Watkins Glen High School have been named Honorable Mention in the Section IV Basketball All-Stars announced by the Basketball Coaches Asssociation of New York (BCANY).

Nolan, a senior, and Vickio, a freshman, were Odessa File First Team picks on the website's recent Winter All-Sports All-Star list.

Player awards for the Section IV team are voted on by the BCANY.

Participating Gators, front from left: Georgia Michel, Alice Clapp, Sibby Lowe and Faye Mooney. Back from left: Kendra Fish, Thalia Marquez, Anna Lowe, Ryan Dean, James Fedele and Alannah Klemann. (Photo provided)

Gators do well at Niagara District meet

BUFFALO, March 16, 2023 -- The Glen Gators Swim Team participated in the 2023 Niagara District Open Championship held at Erie Community College, Buffalo, NY from March 10-12.

"Our team of 10 qualifiers represented Gators well with personal bests and both individual/relay finalists," said Coach Jason Westervelt.

Participants included: Kendra Fish, Georgia Michel, Alice Clapp, Ryan Dean, James Fedele, Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Thalia Marquez, Sibby Lowe, and Anna Lowe.

This weekend the Gators' younger qualifiers will head to the Webster Aquatic Center in Webster, NY, where they will compete in the 2023 Niagara District 14 & Under Championships.

Tuttle betters school Mile Racewalk mark

Places 30th in elite racewalking field
at New Balance Nationals in Boston

BOSTON, March 12, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School freshman Madison Tuttle improved on her own WGHS One Mile Racewalk record Sunday morning while finishing 30th in an elite field competing at that distance at the New Balance Nationals.

Tuttle, who this season earned a Section IV title in the 1500 Meter Racewalk, posted a time Sunday of 9:04.98, breaking the WGHS record of 9:38.66 she set in January at a meet at Cornell University -- the first One Mile racewalk by a WGHS athlete. She competed Sunday unattached among 41 racewalkers.

She qualified for the New Balance meet on Feb. 10 at the Section IV Championships.

Photo: Watkins Glen's Maddie Tuttle (right) at the New Balance meet. (Photo provided)

Nolan, Lewis honored by hoop officials

ODESSA, March 7, 2023 -- Odessa-Montour High School senior basketball players Hannah Nolan and Daniel Lewis have been selected for the Elmira Basketball Officials sportsmanship award.

They will each receive a scholarship and plaque at the officials' banquet in April.

"Congratulations to them both for this prestigious honor," said O-M Athletic Manager Greg Gavich. "This award only goes to two athletes in their entire coverage area, so it’s a great honor for both."

The Vedder-Scott & Zinger team, which recorded a 3-1-1 record.

O-M Grade 3-4 Basketball: Final Week

ODESSA, March 4, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition Saturday in the Odessa-Montour Grade 3-4 Basketball's fifth and final week of play.

Vedder-Scott and Zinger 27, Parmenter's 13
Vedder, Scott, and Zinger (3-1-1): Olin Kramer 13 points, Seth Janke 9, Ezra Bisha 2 points, Emily Mahaney 2 points, Levi Mann 1 point
Parmenter's (1-4): Blake Sangrapkarn 5 points, Henry Stephens 3 points, Jaxson Pound 2 points, Kenley Crout 2 points, Aubrey Henderson 1 point

Watkins Supply 28, Cookie's Construction 6
Watkins Supply (3-1-1): Owen Dupay 17 points, Kendra Smith 6 points, Aaron Crout 2 points, Gabe Gunning 2 points, Alexandria Snow 1 point
Cookie's Construction (2-3): Brantley Webster 2 points, Zuri Garrison 2 points, Leah Stigers 1 point, Gabriel Faulk 1 point

Greg Gavich, who oversees the Grade 3-4 Basketball, thanked the sponsors for their help in making the program possible.

Photo in text: The Parmenter's team, which had a 1-4 record. (Photo provided)

The Watkins Supply team, which finished the program with a 3-1-1 record.

The Cookie's Construction team, which registered a 2-3 record.

WG's Tuttle, Yontz are our
Schuyler Winter Sports MVPs

**Pair tops Odessa File list of County All-Sport**s All-Stars

SCHUYLER COUNTY, March 2, 2023 -- The case could be made for MVP status for just about every member of The Odessa File's All-Sports All-Star First Team listed below. One or more of them could also rightfully claim Outstanding Athlete or Greatest Impact or Sterling Leadership awards, if they were being presented here.

But two athletes stood out, for different reasons, for The Odessa File Schuyler Winter Sports MVP Award -- which goes to Watkins Glen High School freshman racewalker Madison Tuttle, and WGHS senior basketball player Jacob Yontz.

Maddie Tuttle: One of the more compelling local sports stories this winter was the ascension of the Watkins Glen High School freshman from an ACL injury sustained last spring that sidelined her from playing soccer this fall. But it did not stop her from something else: racewalking this winter. She wasn't cleared to run, but walking fast? That was within her physical capabilities.

Starting basically from scratch, she exhibited a certain flair for that particular event -- the 1500 Meter Racewalk-- and continually improved throughout the season, finally knocking 20 seconds off her previous best to beat the school record and win the Section IV championship.

She did this on a team -- the WGHS indoor track squad -- that exhibited a noticeable enthusiasm throughout the campaign, even though its numbers were so limited that its team score at any meet could not seriously compete. She was emblematic of their can-do spirit.

She accomplished what most of us would not even attempt, given the limitations imposed by her injury. And in achieving not just success, but a sectional championship, she has represented all of us who dare to dream.

Jacob Yontz: He led the WGHS boys varsity basketball team -- a team that was not expected to top .500 -- to the Section IV, Class C semifinal, and in the closing quarter of that game (when his team had gone stone cold on offense) he produced the only points it could muster down the stretch.

It was a symbolic close to a season in which the Senecas succeeded more often than not under his leadership -- with him always looking to assist on a basket and, failing that, driving through traffic to the hoop himself; or intimidating the opposition on defense, swatting aside numerous shots -- more than 50 in all.

Through the regular season, he averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds per game, along with 7 assists, 2 steals and 2-and-a-half blocks. He posted 10 double doubles, and twice had triple doubles. He had individual highs along the way of 29 points in one game, 17 rebounds in another, and 17 assists once. He also had highs of 8 blocks and 6 steals.

In the postseason's two games, he totaled 30 points, 18 rebounds, 12 assists and 4 blocks.

The numbers are impressive, but it went beyond that. With his height -- above that of any teammate -- he oversaw the battlefield like a general, looking for the open man, for the lane inside, for the fast-break opportunities.

Yontz had an outstanding All-Star soccer season in the fall, but bettered that with this performance. This time around, he has earned, along with Maddie Tuttle, The Odessa File Winter Sports MVP Award.

Photos in text: Racewalker Maddie Tuttle and basketball's Jacob Yontz.

Schuyler All Sports Winter All-Stars

First Team

Maddie Tuttle -- WG Track - MVP
Jacob Yontz -- WG Basketball - MVP
Joseph Sutterby -- WG Basketball
Hannah Nolan -- OM Basketball
Gina Gavich -- OM Basketball
Rachel Vickio -- WG Basketball
Jenna Solomon -- WG Basketball
Liam Smith -- Storm Swimming
Ryan Dean -- Storm Swimming
Lucas Hoffman -- Storm Wrestling
Tyler Malnoske -- OM Basketball
Dominick Elliott -- OM bowling

Second Team

Jon Spencer -- Storm Swimming
Vincent Ocasio -- Storm Swimming
Ben Campbell -- Storm Swimming
Caleb Reynolds -- Storm Swimming
Jed Lynch -- Storm Wrestling
Mark Waterman -- Storm Wrestling
Brandon Davis -- Storm Wrestling
Dana Guild -- Storm Wrestling
Ryan Willett -- WG Basketball
Christopher Simiele -- WG Basketball
Carly Arnold -- WG Basketball
Brianna Hatch -- WG Basketball
Keyonna Garrison -- OM Basketball
Reagan Reese -- OM Basketball
Tori Brewster -- OM Basketball
Johnny VanScoyk -- WG Track
Mykel Cody -- WG bowling
Brett Cullen-Pike -- WG bowling
Aubrey Kellogg -- WG bowling
Ava Cowan -- WG bowling
Benson Patterson -- OM bowling
Austin Hoyt -- OM bowling
Daniel Lewis -- OM Basketball
Brad Gillis -- OM Basketball

Third Team

Skylar Lagramada -- WG Track
Zach Rounds -- OM bowling
Sarah Barr -- OM bowling
Sam Caslin -- WG Basketball
David Kelly -- WG Basketball
Alex Holmes -- WG Basketball
Olivia King -- WG Basketball
Molly Coolican -- WG Basketball
Addie Coolican -- WG Basketball
Maggie Pentz -- OM Basketball
Jackie Mace -- Storm Wrestling
Aiden Summers -- Storm Wrestling
Tristan Harrington -- Storm Wrestling
Gabe Williams -- Storm Wrestling
Riley Yaw -- Storm Wrestling
Maisie Robertson -- WG bowling
Alyiah Clink-Bentley -- WG bowling
Katie Cook -- WG bowling
Corbin Groves -- WG bowling
Nick DeLong -- Storm Swimming
Alex Walters -- Storm Swimming
Logan DeBolt -- Storm Swimming
Andre Wixson -- Storm Swimming
Ben Heichel -- OM Basketball
Brady Cannon -- OM Basketball
David Patterson -- OM Basketball

Gators excel at Championship Qualifier

Special to
The Odessa File

WEBSTER, March 2, 2023 -- The Glen Gators Swim Team participated in the 2023 Niagara District Championship Qualifier held at the Webster Aquatic Center in Webster, NY from February 24 to 26.

Gators had a total of 29 athletes compete with numerous personal best, top 16, top 8, event champion, and gold qualifying performances.

Event Champions: Karina Lapierre and Mia Carro

Top 8 finishers: Karina Lapierre, Kendra Fish, Genevieve Carro, Alex Walters, Mia Carro, MJ Carro, Georgia Michel, Jake Signor, Alice Clapp, Caralyn Warner, Evan Clarkson, Lily Hall, Ryan Dean, Madison Meissner, James Fedele, Alannah Klemann, Aubrey Klemann, and Emily Melveney.

Top 16 finishers: Dillan Allyn-Nobles, Leah Johnson, Lydia Schubmehl, Juliana Varner, Rowen Stegner, Eliza VanNess.

The team continues to train and with many Niagara District Gold Championship Qualifiers. Later this month, these gold qualifiers will represent Gators at championship meets across New York State.

Photo in text: Gators at the District Championship Qualifier. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen's Ryan Willett is sandwiched by Tioga players as they fight for a rebound.

Watkins Glen boys fall in semifinal, 60-46

DRYDEN, Feb. 28, 2023 -- After the Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team had eliminated a 13-point deficit late in the third quarter of their Section IV, Class C semifinal against Tioga Tuesday night, hopes had risen.

"When we tied it, I thought 'We're going to win this thing,'" said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Then ... stone cold."

The tying basket with 42 seconds left in the third quarter capped a comeback from a 38-25 deficit to a 39-39 deadlock. It had brought to life the large contingent of Watkins fans on hand at Tompkins Cortland Community College. But just as suddenly, the scoring spigot closed, and Watkins Glen went on to a 60-46 loss.

Tioga scored 25 seconds after the tying basket to retake the lead 41-39 entering the fourth quarter, and then pulled away quickly. Watkins couldn't find the bottom of the net -- Jacob Yontz scored its only pair of succeeding baskets, and all 7 of his team's fourth quarter-points. Tioga outscored the Senecas 19-7 in the final period, advancing to Saturday's title game.

Yontz led Watkins (11-9) with 17 points, while Joe Sutterby registered 12 points, Ryan Willett 10, and Christopher Simiele 7. The team converted 5 of 8 free throws.

Yontz led in rebounds with 7, while Sutterby and David Kelly grabbed 4 apiece and Willett 3. Yontz led in assists with 5, and Simiele in steals with 4.

Tioga (15-7) was led by Evan Sickler's 18 points, with 14 each from Ethan Perry and Valentino Rossi. The Tigers sank 13 of 18 free throws.

"Congratulations to Tioga," said Coach Morse. "They are very talented and well coached and they played a great game tonight.

"We started off playing pretty well against a very big, physical team. Rebounding was a challenge tonight, but we battled on the boards throughout. The second quarter was rough as we got in foul trouble and put them on the line often to go into the half down ten. I thought our third quarter comeback was terrific and I thought we had an opportunity to surge ahead, but we went cold there for a stretch and could never get back to the lead. You always want to win, and even though we fell short, it was still a good game and we were right in it. If it has to end, I’m happy we made it as far as we did.

"I couldn’t be prouder of this team and the effort they gave this season. Not too many people saw them going to the sectional semifinals and competing the way they did tonight. These boys approached every day with a positive attitude, effort, and a great sense of humor. Every member of the team brought so much to the table and made us better. The graduating seniors will be greatly missed as they brought a wealth of experience and talent. I’m sure they will go on to do great things and, I hope, continue to play the game. I think our younger players have a very bright future as well and I know everyone will be back at it before too long.

"I can’t thank Coach Scott and Coach Fazzary enough for the wealth of knowledge they shared with me this season. It is truly appreciated. I’d also like to acknowledge all the time and effort Coach Diliberto put in training and supporting the boys. He is simply incredible and we are grateful for his help."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Joe Sutterby drives to the basket.
Middle: The Senecas' Jacob Yontz blocks a Tioga shot.
Bottom: Watkins Christopher Simiele attempts a shot in traffic.

Left: Watkins' Jacob Yontz, left, and Joe Sutterby battle Tioga's Valentino Rossi for a rebound. Right: The Senecas' Sam Caslin sends a shot on its way.

Left: Watkins Glen's Christopher Simiele drives toward the basket. Right: The Senecas' Alex Holmes goes up for a shot.

Watkins Glen's David Kelly, left, and Ryan Willett send shots on their way.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz shoots over Tioga's Gavin Fisher. Right: Watkins Glen freshmen Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons, left, and Maddie Tuttle were among the many fans.

Left: Watkins Glen's Quacey Wilt breaks upcourt with the ball. Right: The Senecas' Joe Sutterby put up a reverse layup.

O-M girls fall to Worcester in sectionals

WORCESTER, NY, Feb. 25, 2023 -- The season ended Saturday night for the Odessa-Montour girls varsity basketball team when it dropped a 48-16 decision to Worcester in a quarterfinal game of the Section IV, Class D Tournament.

Worcester, the No. 4 seed, advanced to the semifinals with a 19-2 record. O-M, the No. 5 seed, finished with a 13-10 record.

Hannah Nolan scored 11 of the Odessa-Montour points. Gina Gavich scored 3, and Reagan Reese had 2.

"Nothing went right for us tonight," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We couldn't buy a shot or a break, and we played a pretty good team.

"This game in no way defines who we are as a team or anything that we accomplished. I am so proud to have coached this group of girls who really battled for each other, and for the basketball community too when you think about it. Thirteen wins and a division title are nothing to sneeze at."

WGHS runners finish strong at Qualifier

ITHACA, Feb. 25, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity indoor track team's season ended Saturday with a couple of personal bests from the team's three participants in the Section IV State Qualifier at Cornell University's Barton Hall.

Two of the three competed in the 1600 Meter Run -- where Johnny VanScoyk finished 13th in 5:01.57, and Isaac Hendrickson set a personal record with a time of 5:08.44 while finishing 18th.

Skylar Lagramada set a PR in the 300 Meter Dash with a time of 39.66 while finishing in 14th place.

"It was a nice ending to the season," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "I'm proud of these boys and the continuous hard work they put in to achieve their goals. They're a pleasure to coach. I'm looking forward to the spring season starting in two weeks."

Photo in text: From left: Isaac Hendrickson, Johnny VanScoyk and Skylar Lagramada at the State Qualifier. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen's Joe Sutterby makes a move toward the basket in first-half action.

Watkins boys top Union Springs, 55-38

Advance to Section IV, Class C semifinal Tuesday at SUNY Cortland

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 24, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the Section IV, Class C Tournament Friday night by defeating Union Springs, 55-38, in a quarterfinal battle in the WGHS Field House.

The Senecas (the No. 4 seed and 11-8) will play at Tompkins Cortland Community College at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28 against No. 8 seed Tioga, a 50-37 winner Friday night over top-seeded Delaware Academy (Delhi).

Watkins Glen had four players in double figures Friday: Jacob Yontz with 13 points, Ryan Willett with 11, Christopher Simiele with 11, and Joe Sutterby with 10. Other points came from Sam Caslin (6), Alex Holmes (2), and David Kelly (2). The team converted 10 of 18 free throws.

Yontz led in rebounds with 11, while Sutterby grabbed 10, Willett 6, and Simiele 4. Yontz led in assists with 7, and he and Sutterby each blocked 3 shots.

The Senecas took control early, rolling to a 17-9 first-quarter lead. They were up 29-23 at halftime, and 42-34 enering the fourth period. Union Springs pulled within four points at 42-38, but didn't score again. A 3-pointer by Watkins' Caslin with 3:50 remaining triggered a final 13-0 push by the Senecas.

"I was very proud of the boys tonight," said Watkins Glen coach Scott Morse. " We hadn’t played a game since the beginning of the month, and I was definitely concerned about us coming out sluggish tonight. We had a great week of practice, though, and showed up ready to compete.

"In sectional play, every game is a battle, and tonight was no exception. Right out of the jump, I loved our intensity and defensive communication. Union Springs is an excellent shooting team and can score in bunches if you don’t play them tight. We had a game plan coming in and the boys did a phenomenal job executing defensively. We were able to defend the three-point line well and rotated to help when we got beat.

"Chris Simiele drew two big charging calls and Yontz and Sutterby protected the rim very well tonight. Ryan Willett had an important defensive assignment and did a terrific job there as well. Offensively, we moved the ball and spread the scoring. It was a nice team win, for sure. The next game will be a tough one, so we need to get right back to work in the morning."

Photos in text: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz goes high for a shot; and the Senecas' Sam Caslin saves a loose ball by passing to teammate Joe Sutterby.

Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes controls the ball in action under the Senecas' net.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin shoots from the corner. Right: The Senecas' Ryan Willett grabs the ball as he battles a Union Springs player for possession.

Left: Watkins Glen's David Kelly shoots. Right: The Senecas' Christopher Simiele goes up for a shot. He was fouled on the play.

Watkins Glen girls fall to Sidney, 64-59

SIDNEY, Feb. 23, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's season came to an end Thursday evening with a 64-59 road loss to Sidney in the opening round of the Section IV, Class C Tournament.

The game saw the No. 9-seeded Senecas leading in the fourth quarter of a close game before Sidney (the 8th seed) rallied down the stretch to advance to a meeting Saturday at No. 1 seed and unbeaten Union Springs.

The Senecas (10-10) were led by Rachel Vickio's 22 points, while Jenna Solomon scored 13, Brianna Hatch 9, Carly Arnold 6, Olivia King 6, and Molly Coolican 3. The team was 13 for 24 from the foul line.

King led in rebounds with 8, while Solomon grabbed 6, Vickio 4, and Coolican 4. Vickio and Solomon each had 3 steals, and Arnold 2. Vickio also blocked 2 shots, while Hatch and King blocked 1 each.

Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan, left, prepares to shoot over an HTC defender.

O-M holds off HTC in Section IV opener

ODESSA, Feb. 23, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team turned back a resilient Hunter-Tannersville Central School 40-33 Thursday evening in the opening round of the Section IV, Class D Tournament.

The victory moves the fifth-seeded Grizzlies into the tournament's second round on the road at 6 p.m. Saturday against the the No. 4 seed, Worcester (18-2), which defeated No. 13 Schenevus, 52-28.

The Grizzlies, now 13-8, were led by Hannah Nolan's triple double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 11 steals, and Gina Gavich's 15 points, 3 steals and 3 assists. Other points came from Tori Brewster (8, with 5 steals and 3 assists) and Reagan Reese (1, with 14 rebounds, including 12 off the offensive board).

Nolan's steal total put her over 300 for her career, a school record. Gavich's 3-point total, 72, is "the highest number in the post-Collins (Stefanie) era in a single season," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich.

Hunter-Tannersville (the No. 12 seed and now 9-7) was led by Hedda Flynn's 17 points

O-M came out cold, hitting just 2 of 18 shots in the first quarter, both by Nolan, and trailing 6-4. But it found its groove in the second period, led by three 3-pointers from Gavich on the way to a 21-13 halftime lead.

The Grizzlies built their lead to 16 points in the third period before HTC went on a run to close to within five points, 33-28, with five minutes to play. The two teams traded baskets for the next few minutes before HTC pulled within four points, 37-33, with 42 seconds remaining. But a free throw by Reese and a basket on a breakaway by Brewster closed out the scoring.

"It's a sectional game and you just survive and advance and that's what we did," said Coach Gavich. " The middle two quarters we played very well, then we did what we had to at the end to hang on.

"Gina hitting that 3 that crawled up the rim in the 2nd quarter seemed to get the lid off the basket and give us some momentum that we carried through most of the 3rd quarter.

"We have practice tomorrow, and that's all that matters."

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Gina Gavich sends a shot on its way.
Bottom: O-M Coach Greg Gavich greets Reagan Reese as she comes off the court after the game.

Left: O-M's Maggie Pentz shoots from the side. Right: The Grizzlies' Tori Brewster drives to the basket. She was fouled on the play.

Left: O-M's Brooklynn Thompson looks to pass the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Reagan Reese shoots a free throw in the game's closing minute.

Glen Gators win So. Tier Winter Title

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 20, 2023 -- The Glen Gators Swim Team recently captured the 2023 Southern Tier Swim League Winter Title in a meet held in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Gators amassed 2121.5 points, with the CPP River Hawks second with 2067, Chemung Sailfish third (1086), Union Aquatic Club fourth (1017.5), Waverly Area Aquatics Club fifth (581), Chenango Valley Swim Club sixth (316), Lansing Water Cats seventh (280), Unattached eighth (124), and Ithaca Aquatics Club ninth (51).

"It was a highly competitive meet and true team effort," said a Glen Gators spokesperson. "Swimmers competed in their respective age groups over two sessions. Over the past several days, points were tallied, with the Glen Gators coming out on top.

"We had personal improvement, multiple event winners, and consistent top 16 finishes. The team continues to train and is looking forward to the remainder of the season."

The Gators also had multiple Niagara District Silver and Gold Qualifiers who will represent their team at several upcoming meets held throughout New York State.

The Southern Tier Swim League includes teams from throughout the Southern Tier of New York and the Finger Lakes. Gators is a USA Swimming sanctioned competitive swim club based out of Watkins Glen High School.

Photo in text: At the Winter meet. (Photo provided)

The Storm's Ryan Dean dives at start of the 200 Individual Medley, which he won.

Storm swimmers finish 2nd at Sectionals

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 18, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team placed second behind Chenango Forks Saturday at the Section IV, Class C Championships in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

Forks finished with 517 points, followed by the Storm (419), Lansing (382), Southern Cayuga (195), Dryden (184), Greene (133), and Susquehanna Valley (30).

Liam Smith led the Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- with victories in the 200 Free, 500 Free and 200 Medley Relay. Ryan Dean, also on that Medley Relay squad with Jon Spencer and Vinnie Ocasio, added a win in the 200 Individual Medley, holding off Lansing's Nicholas Hwang, 2:15.69 to 2:15.70.

Beyond that, the Storm got second-place finishes in the 100 Free (Ocasio), 200 Free Relay (Nick DeLong, Alex Walters, Caleb Reynolds and Ben Campbell), the 100 Back (Dean), 100 Breaststroke (Spencer), and 400 Free Relay (Ocasio, Dean, Spencer and Smith); and thirds in the 50 Free (Ocasio), 100 Fly (Spencer), and 500 Free (Reynolds).

Other podiium finishes included a 4th by Reynolds in the 200 Free; a 4th by Campbell and a 6th by Walters in the 50 Free; a 7th by DeLong in the 100 Free; a 7th by Andre Wixson in the 500 Free; a 5th by DeLong and a 6th by Walters in the 100 Back; and a 7th by Logan DeBolt in the 100 Breaststroke.

"We gave everything we had and fell a little short of STAC's Chenango Forks," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "The boys left it all in the pool today. I am very proud of all their performances and their ability to get up and swim fast when we needed a fast swim."

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Caleb Reynolds competes in the 200 Freestyle. He finished 4th.
Bottom: WG/OM's Ben Campbell competes in the 100 Breaststroke. He placed 3rd.

Left: The Storm's Ryan Dean on the podium after winning the 200 Individual Medley.
Right: WG/OM's Vinnie Ocasio dives at start of the 50 Free, where he placed 3rd.

The Storm's Jon Spencer on the way to 3rd place in the 100 Yard Butterfly.

The Storm's Liam Smith dives at start of the third leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

O-M boys place 6th at bowling Sectional

VESTAL, Feb. 18, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team finished in sixth place Saturday at the Section IV, Class D tournament at Midway Lanes in Vestal.

Unadilla Valley took first place with a 3142 total. O-M amassed a pinfall of 2524. Benson Patterson led the team with a 580 series that concluded with a 222 game. Dom Elliott posted a 567, Zach Rounds a 552, and Austin Hoyt a 499 that included a 202.

Class C: The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity bowling team finished 9th among 12 teams in the Section IV, Class C tournament at Midway Lanes in Vestal. Waverly took the team title with a pinfall of 2,914, with Sidney second at 2883. Watkins Glen totaled 2419.

Brett Cullen-Pike led the Senecas with a 602 series that included a 244 game. Corbin Groves posted a 549 series with a 234 game, while Mykel Cody rolled a 482.

Photo in text: The O-M boys varsity bowling team. Bottom from left, Benson Patterson and Alex Campbell. Top from left, seniors Dom Elliott, Zach Rounds and Austin Hoyt. (Photo provided)

O-M Grade 3-4 Basketball: Week 4

ODESSA, Feb. 18, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the Odessa-Montour Grade 3-4 Basketball in its fourth week of play.

Watkins Supply 17, Vedder, Scott, and Zinger 9
Watkins Supply (2-1-1): Owen Dupay 6 points, Optimus Turner 6 points, Kendra Smith 5 points
Vedder, Scott, and Zinger (2-1-1): Seth Janke 4 points, Levi Mann 2 points, Karlee Kastenhuber 2 points, Matt Acey 1 point

Parmenter's 43, Cookie's Construction 18
Parmenter's (1-3): Blake Sangrapkarn 16 points, Henry Stephens 13 points, Jaxson Pound 10 points, Kenley Crout 2 points, Carter Crandall 2 points
Cookie's (2-2): Gabriel Faulk 9 points, Leah Stigers 5 points, Brantley Webster 2 points, Kendrix Cook 2 points.

Watkins girls place 4th at Sectionals

VESTAL, Feb. 17, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team -- led by Aubrey Kellogg's 554 series -- finished in fourth place Friday in the Section IV, Class C tournament held at Midway Lanes.

Windsor was in first place with a 2711 total, followed by Union Springs/Port Byron (2687), Waverly (2508) and Watkins Glen (2440). Trailing behind them were Greene/Oxford, Sidney, Chenango Valley, Newark Valley, Susquehanna Valley, Lansing and Chenango Forks.

Kellogg posted a three-game set of 183-160-211 in fashioning her 554. Ava Cowan was next for the Ladies of the Lake with a 529, while Maisie Robertson posted a 481, Katie Cook a 465, and Alyiah Clink-Bentley a 411.

Coach Ward Brower praised his team for adjusting to an oil pattern on the lanes that was different from what it was used to "without being able to physically practice on it before the tournament. I'm real proud of how we performed today. We finished the season strong."

The top two teams advanced to a State Qualifier, set for next weekend at the Valley Bowling Center in Waverly.

Section IV, Class D tournament: Odessa-Montour finished 7th in a 10-team field at Midway Lanes, rolling a 1636 total led by senior Sarah Barr's 432. Unadilla Valley was first with a 2642.

Photo in text: The Watkins Glen team and coaches. (Photo provided)

Yontz earns 1st Team berth on IAC All-Stars

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 17, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School senior Jacob Yontz has been named an Interscholastic Athletic Conference Large School South Division 1st Team All-Star by division coaches.

Yount averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists per game in leading Watkins Glen to a 10-8 regular-season record.

Other 1st Team selections were Waverly's Joey Tomasso (the MVP) and Jake VanHouten, Notre Dame's Jeremiah Parker, and Newark Valley's Dan Truesdail.

Yontz teammate Joseph Sutterby -- who averaged 11 points and 7 rebounds per game -- was a 2nd Team selection.

"It is well deserved," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse of his players' selection. "I'm very proud of both of them."

Photo in text: Jacob Yontz (File photo)

Hoop sectional seedings, schedules set

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Feb. 16, 2023 -- The seedings for the Section IV basketball tournaments were unveiled Thursday. Among them:

Class C Boys Tournament: No. 4 seed Watkins Glen (10-8) drew a first-round bye, and will host the winner of a Feb. 21 game between No. 5 Elmira Notre Dame (10-10) and No. 12 Union Springs (9-11) at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24.

Class C Girls Tournament: No. 9 seed Watkins Glen (10-9) will travel to play No. 8 Sidney (14-6) at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22. The winner will advance to play unbeaten No. 1 seed Union Springs at Union Springs on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Class D Girls Tournament: No. 5 seed Odessa-Montour (12-9) will host No. 12 Hunter-Tannersville (9-6) at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22. The winner will play either No. 4 Worcester (17-2) or No. 13 Schenevus (11-8) on Saturday, Feb. 25, the site to be determined by who has the higher seeding. (Tickets for the O-M game are $6.25 and will be available at GoFan.com. The QR code will be provided by the Section IV office.)

Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan sends a pass toward a teammate near the basket, but the ball was kicked out of bounds by Union Springs.

Union Springs tops O-M for IAC crown

DRYDEN, Feb. 16, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team ran into a buzzsaw called Union Springs Thursday night in the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small Schools Championship game at Tompkins Cortland Community College

The unbeaten and state No. 1-ranked Wolves -- a team with a stifling, opportunisitc defense and a fast-break offense that registers easy buckets off of bounce passes inside with regularity -- scored 21 straight points for a 23-2 second-quarter lead and never looked back, winning the title by a 67-24 margin.

Union Springs, led by Payton Gilbert's 18 points and a lot of steals, rolled to a 15-2 first-quarter edge, a 36-8 halftime advantage, and a 54-15 lead entering the fourth period. The only O-M points in the first half came from Gina Gavich on two buckets and three free throws.

O-M's Hannah Nolan, who got three first-period fouls but none after that, led the Grizzlies with 11 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Gavich scored 10 points, and Brooklynn Thompson 3. Reagan Reese grabbed 5 rebounds.

Union Springs, said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, "might be the best team in Section IV, regardless of classification." (Union Springs is a Class C school.) "They really came to play defensively tonight and took us completely out of our stuff.

"It was a great accomplishment for us just to get to this game, and no one can take that away from us. Now it's time to get ready to make a run in sectionals. We have played some good gritty basketball to get to where we are, and that can carry you a long way."

The No. 5 seeded Odessa-Montour (12-9) will host No. 12 Hunter-Tannersville (9-6) at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22 in the first round of the Section IV, Class D Tournament.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Gina Gavich, seeking to pass the ball, looks around a Union Springs defender.
Bottom: Grizzlies Coach Greg Gavich and his bench players keep an eye on the action.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Tori Brewster is fouled as she drives toward the basket.
Right: The Grizzlies' Maggie Pentz passes the ball.

From left: Three Odessa-Montour shots, by Brooklynn Thompson, Reagan Reese and Hannah Nolan.

The Storm's Liam Smith (foreground) dives at start of the 200 Free. He placed first.

Storm swimmers excel in Sectional Prelims, setting up a 'competitive' finals on Saturday

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 15, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team posted several first- and second-place finishes Wednesday at the Section IV, Class C Prelims to set up what Coach Jason Westervelt called "a very competitive and fast meet" at Saturday's finals.

The finals will begin at 10 a.m. in the Watkins Glen High School pool, site of Wednesday's Prelims. Competing teams include the Storm (a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour athletes), Chenango Forks, Lansing, Southern Cayuga, Dryden, Greene, and Susquehanna Valley.

"The boys swam outstanding tonight," said Westervelt. "Chenango Forks raised the bar significantly in this meet and our boys answered with lifetime best swims and consistently moving up in the rankings to make the finals a very competitive and fast meet."

The Storm posted No. 1 seeds in four races: the 200 Free (Liam Smith in 1:54.20), the 200 Individual Medley (Ryan Dean in 2:14.74), the 500 Free (Smith in 5:19.48), and the 400 Free Relay (Smith, Dean, Vinnie Ocasio and Jon Spencer in 3:31.33).

No. 2 seeds were secured with runnerup finishes in the 200 Medley Relay (Nick DeLong, Ben Campbell, Caleb Reynolds and Alex Walters), the 100 Fly (Jon Spencer), the 100 Free (Vinnie Ocasio), the 100 Back (Ryan Dean) and the 100 Breaststroke (Campbell).

Other top-eight placements -- securing a spot in Saturday's championship finals heat -- included a 4th by Caleb Reynolds in the 200 Free; a 3rd, 5th and 6th by Vinnie Ocasio, Ben Campbell and Alex Walters in the 50 Free; a 7th by Nick DeLong in the 100 Free; a 3rd by Reynolds and an 8th by Andre Wixson in the 500 Free; a 5th and 6th by DeLong and Walters in the 100 Back; and an 8th by Logan DeBolt in the 100 Breaststroke.

Those who finished in 9th through 16th places will race in consolation finals on Saturday.

Westervelt listed the Storm's Wednesday highlights, swimmer by swimmer.

Liam Smith - lifetime bests in the 200 Free and 500 Free - #1 seed in both
Ryan Dean - lifetime bests in the 200 IM and 100 Backstroke
Jon Spencer - lifetime bests in the 100 Fly and 100 Breaststroke
Alex Walters - lifetime bests in the 50 Free and 100 Back
Caleb Reynolds - lifetime best in the 500 Free
Kyler Eriksen - Lifetime bests in the 200 IM and 100 Fly
Enric Lin - Lifetime bests in the 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke
Andre Wixson - Lifetime bests in the 100 Fly and 500 Free
Nick DeLong - Lifetime best in the 100 Free
Carson Thaete - Lifetime bests in the 200 Free and 100 Free
Vinnie Ocasio - Lifetime best in the 100 Free

Photo in text:

Top: The Storm's Ryan Dean (foreground) leads in the 200 IM. He finished first.
Middle: The Storm's Liam Smith gives a fist pump after placing first in the 200 Free.
Bottom: WG/OM's Logan DeBolt competes in the 200 IM. He finished ninth.

The Storm's Alex Walters competes in the 50 Free, where he finished 6th.

WG/OM's Vinnie Ocasio en route to a second-place finish in the 100 Free.

The Storm's Carson Thaete glides to the surface after diving at start of the 100 Free. He finished 10th.

The Storm's Jon Spencer on the way to second place in the 100 Butterfly.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Maggie Pentz at the free-throw line. Right: The Grizzlies' Reagan Reese puts up a shot in traffic.

O-M girls top S-VE, win division title

ODESSA, Feb. 14, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team captured the Interscholastic Athletic Conference South Small School Division championship Tuesday night in a tie-breaker playoff with Spencer-Van Etten, 37-27 in the O-M gym.

With the victory, the Grizzlies advance to the overall IAC Small Schools title game Thursday night against 19-0 Union Springs at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Game time is 6 p.m. Tickets are purchased via Go Pro electronically.

The tiebreaker Tuesday was needed because both O-M and S-VE finished 7-6 in the IAC. The Grizzlies are now 12-8 overall, while S-VE is 8-11.

Hannah Nolan led O-M with 15 points, 16 rebounds and 4 steals. Other points came from Gina Gavich (10), Tori Brewster (9, with 6 steals), Reagan Reese (2, with 10 rebounds), and Maggie Pentz (1, with 6 rebounds). The team converted 20 of 40 free throws.

S-VE was led by Abigail Bunce's 12 points. The Panthers sank 7 of 12 free throws.

The contest was a low-scoring 9-7 (Odessa leading) at halftime before the Grizzlies' offense kicked in. O-M outscored the Panthers 16-9 in the third period to take control, entering the fourth quarter ahead 25-16.

"A rock fight is the best way to describe this one," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "When you play a team three times you know the tendencies. We did make a little defensive adjustment tonight and it paid off. But it was all guts and getting a couple of shots to fall in that third quarter.

"I'm so proud of this group of girls to pull this game out. It was entirely played at S-VE's style, but we still managed to grind our way to a great win."

Union Springs -- the Grizzlies' opponent Thursday night -- "is obviously an outstanding team," said Gavich. "But we've earned our way to be there and I couldn't be prouder."

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Gina Gavich is fouled as she drives to the basket.
Bottom: The O-M team poses with fans after the game.

Left: O-M's Hannah Nolan rises above S-VE defenders for a shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Tori Brewster is fouled as she shoots a layup.

O-M's Nolan named the division MVP

ODESSA, Feb. 14, 2023 -- Odessa-Montour High School basketball standout Hannah Nolan has been named MVP of the Interscholastic Athletic Conference South Small School Division All-Star team announced Tuesday.

Joining Nolan on the First Team were O-M's Gina Gavich along with Newfield's Aaliyah McCoy, Spencer Van-Etten's Abby Bunce, Tioga's Reese Howey and Candor's Nicola Soper.

Two O-M players -- Keyonna Garrison, sidelined at midseason by a stroke, and Reagan Reese, were named to the All-Star Second Team. Earning Honorable Mention was O-M's Tori Brewster.

South Large School Division: Newark Valley earned three First Team slots, led by MVP Makana "Cha" Gardner. Other NV honorees were Hayley Beebe and Jasmine Graham. Also named to the First Team: Waverly's Kennedy Westbrook, Edison's Payton Littlefield and Notre Dame's Shannon Maloney.

Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio earned a spot on the Second Team, while teammate Jenna Solomon was an Honorable Mention.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan.

The Schuyler Storm team poses after winning the IAC Swimming Championship.

Storm swimmers win IAC championship

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 11, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team captured its first Interscholastic Athletic Conference swimming Championship since 2011 Saturday, surging to victory over four other schools in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm -- a combined team of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- amassed 467 points to outscore runnerup Lansing (420). They were followed by Dryden (250), Waverly (248) and Southern Cayuga (227).

"The boys swam very well today," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "We are looking forward to a very competitive Sectional meet." That starts with Prelims on Wednesday, and the meet itself on Saturday, both in the WGHS pool.

The Storm didn't get its first victory Saturday until the seventh race, a 500 Freestyle won by Liam Smith in 5:21.91.

But that, combined with victories by Ryan Dean in the 100 Back and Jon Spencer in the 100 Breaststroke that followed -- and a number of top-three finishes -- proved enough.

In fact, the Storm went 1-2-3 in the Backstroke (Dean, Nick DeLong and Alex Walters), amassing 53 points, and 1-2-4 in the Breaststroke (Spencer, Ben Campbell and Logan DeBolt), good for 52 points.

They also had second-place finishes in the 200 Medley Relay (Dean, Spencer, Smith and Campbell), the 200 Free (Dean), the 200 Individual Medley (Smith), the 50 Free (Vinnie Ocasio), and the 200 Free Relay (Spencer, Campbell, Caleb Reynolds and Ocasio).

They placed third in the 200 Free (Reynolds), 50 Free (Campbell), 100 Fly (Spencer), 100 Free (Ocasio), 500 Free (Reynolds), and 400 Free Relay (Ocasio, DeLong, Smith and Dean).

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm placed 1-2-3 in the 100 Back. From left: Alex Walters (third), Ryan Dean (first) and Nick DeLong (second).
Bottom: WG/OM's Ryan Dean on the way to victory in the 100 Backstroke.

The Storm's Jon Spencer on the way to victory in the 100 Breaststroke.

Left: The Storm's Liam Smith on the way to second place in the 200 IM.
Right: WG/OM's Caleb Reynolds en route to third place in the 500 Free.

From left: the Storm's Jon Spencer, Ben Campbell and Logan DeBolt after finishing first, second and fourth, respectively, in the 100 Breaststroke.

The Schuyler Storm's Jackie Mace (dark hair) has the advantage in a match at Sectionals. (Photo by Tim Birney)

Mace 4th in Section IV girls championships

BINGHAMTON, Feb. 11, 2023 -- Schuyler Storm wrestler Jackie Mace placed 4th at 120 pounds Saturday in the Section IV Girls Championships at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.

Mace started the tournament with a 6-3 win over Isabella Silvestri of Chenango Forks to advance to the semifinals against Melodie Sutton of Marathon (the eventual champion), where she lost by fall. In the wrestle backs, Mace defeated Kaitlin Wheeler of Horseheads 3-2 in triple overtime to advance to the third-place match against Sam LaMorte of Dryden. Mace lost 3-2 to place 4th and become the first female wrestler from Odessa-Montour to place in the Sectional Wrestling Tournament.

On the boys' side of the competition, wrestlers competing for the Storm -- a combined squad of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- included the following:

-- Lucas Hoffman at 120 pounds, who was eliminated after going 1-2;
-- Jed Lynch at 160 pounds, also eliminated after going 1-2; and
-- Aiden Summers at 285 pounds, eliminated with an 0-2 record.

Photos in text:

Top: The Schuyler Storm's Jackie Mace with her coaches, Dan Batchelder, left, and Bill Lindsley. (Photo provided)

Bottom: The Schuyler Storm's Aiden Summers battles at 285 pounds at Sectionals. (Photo by Tim Birney)

Competing for the Storm at Sectionals were Lucas Hoffman (left in photo at left) and Jed Lynch (left in photo at right). (Photos by Tim Birney)

Glen girls 3rd; O-M's Elliott rolls a 279

WAVERLY, Feb. 11, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team finished third among 10 teams Saturday at the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Championship at the Valley Bowling Center.

Waverly took the team title with a 2850 total, with Union Springs/Port Byron second at 2658. Watkins Glen totaled 2533, followed by Candor (2358), Tioiga (2266), Groton (2250), Newark Valley (2081), Notre Dame (1904), Lansing (1832), and Odessa-Montour (1615).

On the boys' side of the tournament, Newark Valley was first among 11 schools with a 3162 total, with Odessa-Montour 8th (2631) and Watkins Glen 9th (2419).

Girls: Watkins Glen's Maisie Robertson rolled a 595 series with games of 214 and 222 to lead the Senecas. That was the fourth best series in the tourney, good for a medal. Alyiah Clink Bentley added a 514 (the 13th best series, earning her a ribbon), Katie Cook a 499, Aubrey Kellogg a 462, and Ava Cowan a 460. Sarah Barr led O-M with a 430.

Boys: Odessa-Montour's Dom Elliott posted the 11th highest series of the day -- a 625 highlighted by a 279 in his final game. He finished that game with 10 straight strikes. Teammate Benson Patterson posted a 566 that included a 201, Zach Rounds rolled a 560 that included a 207, while Austin Hoyt registered a 507. Watkins Glen was led by Brett Cullen-Pike's 553, while Corbin Groves posted a 538, Mykel Cody a 508, and Max Ricca a 403.

Photo in text: O-M's Dom Elliott rolled a 625 series that included a 279 game. (Photo provided)

O-M Grade 3-4 Basketball: Week 3

ODESSA, Feb. 11, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the Odessa-Montour Grade 3-4 Basketball in its third week of play.

Vedder, Scott, and Zinger 42, Parmenter Automotive 19
Vedder, Scott, and Zinger (2-0-1): Olin Kramer 25 points, Seth Janke 15 points, Emily Mahaney 2 points.
Parmenters (0-3): Blake Sangrapkarn 10 points, Kenley Crout 6 points, Stanley Graffin 2 points, Carter Crandall 1 point.

Cookie's Construction 25, Watkins Supply 14
Cookie's (2-1): Ori Kramer 12 points, Zuri Garrison 7 points, Leah Stigers 6 points.
Watkins Supply (1-1-1): Owen Dupay 8 points, Kendra Smith 4 points, Gabe Gunning 1 point, Optimus Turner 1 point.

Captain Bill's team, winner of the 5th-6th Grade league and tournament championships.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: The
Walter 'Red' Matthews Memorial Playoffs

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 11, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the final week of play in this year's Watkins Glen Youth Basketball at the Field House -- the Walter "Red" Matthews Memorial Playoffs to determine league and tourney champions.

3rd-4th Grade Results:

Famous Brands 8, Curly's 4
Famous Brands - Zane Cross 4, Derrick Westervelt 2, Axel Cross 2.
Curly's - Kingston Tomlinson 2, Gavin Green 2.

Sporting Goods 13, Maguire's 5
Sporting Goods - Zion Tomlinson 10, Cameron Gee 2, Luke Hicks 1.
Maguire's - Ryker Blencowe 2, Kenzie VanScoyk 2, Landon Bianco 1.

Championship Game:

Sporting Goods 24, Famous Brands 17
Sporting Goods - Zion Tomlinson 18, Callum McKeon 2, Waylon Gee 2, Leah Asperschlager 2.
Famous Brands - Garrett Bubb 6, Derrick Westervelt 5, Zane Cross 2, Sarah Murphy 2, Axel Cross 2.

League Champions: Famous Brands
Play-Off Champions: Watkins Sporting Goods

5th-6th Grade Results:

Championship Game:

Capt. Bill's 28, Watkins Glen Supply 16
Capt. Bill's - Lucas Schubmehl 10, Joshua Daugherty 10, Ian Smith 6, and Lucus VanSkiver 2.
Watkins Glen Supply - Cooper Lagramada 8, Broghan Fuller Bianco 4, Micah Pierce 2, Dominic Bradley 2.

League Champions and Play-Off Champions: Capt. Bill's

Photos in text:

Top: The Watkins Sporting Goods team, which won the 3rd-4th Grade tournament title.
Bottom: The Famous Brands team, which was the 3rd-4th Grade league champion.

Left: Maddie Tuttle on the way to a school record and win in the 1500 Meter Racewalk. Right: Johnny VanScoyk with his ribbon for 6th place at 1600 Meters. (Photos provided)

Tuttle 1st at Sectional with school record

ITHACA, Feb. 10, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School freshman Maddie Tuttle placed first among Division 2 competitors in the 1500 Meter Racewalk Friday at the Section IV Track and Field Championships at Ithaca College -- with a new school record.

Tuttle, who has been steadily reducing her time in the race since taking it up at the start of this season, posted a personal best of 8:24.46, 20 seconds faster than her previous best of 8:44.78, set Jan. 28 at the Section IV Classic at Cornell. The old school record was 8:26.63, set by Laura Flood in 2010.

Her time Friday -- more than 32 seconds faster than the runnerup -- qualified Tuttle for the New Balance nationals to be held in Boston on March 12th. Qualifiers had to run an 8:40 or better.

Also making a podium appearance Friday was Watkins Glen's Johnny VanScoyk, who posted a time of 4:54.86 while placing 6th in the 1600 Meter Run. Teammate Isaac Hendrickson finished 12th in that race in 5:12.81.

Other Watkins finishes: Skylar Lagramada was 9th in the 300 Meters with a personal record (PR) of 40.03, and 12th in the 55 Meter Dash in 7.26; Henry Smith was 12th in the 600 Meter Run with a PR of 1:44.09 and 27th in the 300 with a PR of 44.61; and Shea Young was 12th in the Shot Put with a throw of 31' 5.25".

The State Qualifier will be held at Cornell University on Feb. 25. Coach Kelly Sterner said it won't be known until this week who qualifies for that meet -- although Tuttle said she will be out of town and unable to compete there.

Photo in text: Maddie Tuttle gets a hug from her coach, Kelly Sterner, after setting the school record in the 1500 Meter Racewalk. (Photo provided)

Odessa-Montour girls top Lansing, 60-54

LANSING, Feb. 9, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by Gina Gavich's career-high 29 points, including seven second-half 3-pointers -- defeated Lansing 60-54 Thursday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Lansing gym.

"What a shootout," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "Lansing played a fantastic game tonight and we were able to answer back every time they seemed to knock us down. Gina (who also had 4 assists) was unconscious in that second half and we seemingly needed every single one of those." Lansing countered with eight 3-pointers in the game.

Hannah Nolan scored 14 points for the Grizzlies (now 11-8) , grabbed 11 rebounds, and registered 6 steals and 6 assists. Reagan Reese added 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Tori Brewster scored 7 points and had 5 assists.

O-M, down 27-22 at halftime, went on an 8-0 run to start the third quarter to take a 30-27 lead. The Grizzlies were up 55-47 with 2:42 left on Gavich's seventh 3-pointer, but Lansing went on a 7-0 run to cut the Odessa lead to one.

Reese scored on a feed from Nolan with 1:02 left to put O-M up by three points, and after the Grizzlies recorded a stop, Brewster and Reese went 3-for-4 from the line to seal the victory.

"It was a hard-fought win in a tight game," said Coach Gavich, "which we really needed heading into next week." The Grizzlies host Spencer-Van Etten Tuesday in a playoff to determine the champion of the IAC Small School South Division.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Lansing, 41-35, to finish the season 3-12. Evvie Zinger led the Grizzlies with 19 points, while Leah Antes scored 12.

Photo in text: O-M's Gina Gavich (File photo)

Watkins Glen's Olivia King passes the ball to teammate Addie Coolican, bottom right corner, who scored a moment later.

Watkins Glen girls lose to Edison, 38-29

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 9, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team closed the regular season with a loss Thursday night, dropping a 38-29 decision to Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

The Senecas (10-9 and heading to sectionals) trailed 6-5 after one quarter, were tied 15-15 at halftime, and were behind 24-23 entering the fourth quarter. The Spartans then outscored them 14-6 down the stretch.

Jenna Solomon and Brianna Hatch led Watkins Glen in scoring with 8 points each, while Addie Coolican scored 5 points, Olivia King 4, Rachel Vickio 3, and Carly Arnold 1. The team converted 7 of 10 free throws.

Solomon led in rebounds with 10, while Hatch grabbed 8, Molly Coolican 4, Arnold 3, and King and Addie Coolican 2 each. Solomon also registered 3 blocks while Hatch had 2, and King and Vickio 1 each.

Edison was led by Gianna McGee's 16 points. Sharpshooter Payton Littlefield was held to 2 points in the first half and 9 overall.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen closed its season with a 37-28 victory. The Senecas (13-6) were led in scoring by Michaela Wheaton's 17 points. Other points came from Olivia VanSkiver (7), Natalee Oliver (6), Emma Cady (5), and Grace Roney (2).

*****

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Jenna Solomon goes up for a shot in second-half action.
Bottom: The Senecas' Addie Coolican drives to the basket through traffic.

Left: The two seniors on the Watkins Glen squad -- Carly Arnold (left) and Jenna Solomon -- were honored in a pre-game Senior Night ceremony. Right: The Senecas' Brianna Hatch scores the first basket of the game.

Left: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio launches a shot. Right: The Senecas' Carly Arnold shoots from long range.

And in the JV game:

From left: Watkins Glen's Emma Cady, Emma Lewis and Michaela Wheaton.

Left: Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver drives to the basket between two Edison defenders. Right: The Senecas' Olivia VanSkiver, right, looks to pass the ball.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Candor

CANDOR, Feb. 9, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team closed its season on a losing note Thursday night, dropping a 67-34 decision to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Candor led 21-10 after one quarter, 47-18 at halftime, and 57-26 entering the fourth quarter.

Tyler Malnoske led the Grizzlies (5-14) with 14 points, while Brady Cannon scored 6 points, Gunner Herrmann 3, Ben Heichel 3, David Patterson 3, Brad Gillis 2, Max Seles 2, and Daniel Lewis 1. The team sank 6 of 10 free throws.

Candor was led by Jadon Heidl and Lucas Heidl, each of whom scored 17 points. The team converted 6 of 16 free throws.

"Candor is a good team, " said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner. "We couldn't make a basket in the second half. They had a military appreciation night, and the energy in the gym was loud and exciting, and we weren't used to that. But it was good for the guys to experience that.

"It was a good season," she added. "We improved a lot since last year. I'm excited for the guys who are returning next year. We have some work to do in the off season."

Junior Varsity: Candor defeated O-M, 57-36.

O-M girls win, setting up tie-breaker

ODESSA, Feb. 7, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team defeated Candor 50-30 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym -- setting up a tie-breaker at Odessa next Tuesday against Spencer-Van Etten to determine the IAC South Small School Division champion.

The winner of that game, which will start at 6 p.m., will play No.1 state-ranked Union Springs on Thursday, Feb. 16 at Tompkins Cortland Community College for the overall conference Small School title.

O-M, now 10-8 (and 7-6 in IAC play), was led by Hannah Nolan's 21 points, 8 rebounds and 7 steals. Tori Brewster added 11 points and 6 steals while Gina Gavich scored 8 points (with 7 assists), Reagan Reese 6 points (with 10 rebounds), and Brooklynn Thompson 4 points.

Odessa-Montour led 17-7 after one quarter, 30-10 at halftime, and 39-21 entering the fourth quarter.

"We played a real solid first half, moved the ball well and took good shots," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We were a little sluggish in the third quarter, but picked it up in the first half of the fourth."

Both the varsity and O-M junior varsity teams will finish regular-season play at Lansing on Thursday.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Candor 35-33. Leah Antes led the Grizzlies with 17 points, while Evvie Zinger scored 13 points, Olivia Barr 3, and Vanessa Wood 2.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan drives to the hoop.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Reagan Reese takes aim at the basket.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Tori Brewster drives toward the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Gina Gavich shoots.

And in the JV game:

Left:O-M's Leah Antes shoots. Center: The Grizzlies' Vanessa Wood moves the ball. Right: Odessa-Montour's Evvie Zinger launches a shot. (All 3 photos by Gail Sgrecci)

Watkins Glen boys lose to NV, 57-48

NEWARK VALLEY, Feb. 7, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team closed its regular-season schedule with a loss Tuesday night, dropping a 57-48 decision to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

"It was a tough game down there tonight, but we fought back and played hard to make a run late," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Now we have to regroup and focus on sectionals. We know the areas we need to improve, so we will get to work and be ready."

The Senecas (10-8) were led by Jacob Yontz's 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists. Other points came from Joseph Sutterby (9, with 6 rebounds), Alex Holmes (5, with 3 rebounds and 2 assists), Sam Caslin (5), Ryan Willett (4), Christopher Simiele (3, with 2 assists), and David Kelly (1). Quacey Wilt led in steals with 3.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Newark Valley, 68-49. Brady Bockelkamp led the Senecas with 20 points, while Jude Santos scored 10, Jaydon Scholtisek 9, Lucas Hoffman 6, and Bryce Bockelkamp 4.

Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold, left, fires a bounce pass in first-half action.

Watkins girls fall to Newark Valley, 41-33

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 7, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 10-8 Tuesday night when the Senecas dropped a 41-33 decision to unbeaten Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Newark Valley (18-0) broke in front 12-0 on the way to a 14-6 first quarter. The Cardinals led 25-12 at halftime and 35-22 entering the fourth quarter. Watkins outscored them 11-6 in the fourth quarter, but could not catch up.

Rachel Vickio led the Senecas with 13 points, while Jenna Solomon scored 8 points, Addie Coolican 4, Brianna Hatch 4, and Olivia King 4. The team sank 3 of 6 free throws.

Solomon led the team in rebounds with 11, while King grabbed 6, Hatch and Vickio 5 each, Carly Arnold 3, and Addie Coolican 3. Solomon also led in steals (4) and blocks (2).

Newark Valley was led by Makana Gardner's 21 points. The team sank 2 of 4 free throws.

The Senecas return to action Thursday night at home against Edison. The seniors on the team, Carly Arnold and Jenna Solomon, will be honored in a Senior Night ceremony.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen (12-6) lost to Newark Valley, 34-29. The Senecas led 20-10 early in the second quarter, but then didn't score again until the fourth period while NV surged ahead 26-20 after three quarters. Michaela Wheaton led Watkins with 10 points, while Olivia VanSkiver and Emma Cady scored 8 apiece, and Natalee Oliver scored 3.

******

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch fights for a rebound.
Bottom: The Senecas' Rachel Vickio encounters Newark Valley's Makana Gardner on her way to the basket. Vickio was fouled on the play.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jenna Solomon, left, maneuvers through traffic. Right: The Senecas' Molly Coolican shoots from long range.

Left: Watkins Glen's Lillian Ameigh drives toward the basket. Right: The Senecas' Addie Coolican prepares to shoot.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Grace Roney shoots. Right: The Senecas' Michaela Wheaton drives past a Newark Valley defender.

Bowling: Glen girls defeat Waverly, 3-1

WAVERLY, Feb. 7, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team posted a 3-1 victory Tuesday over Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at the Valley Bowling Center. The Watkins boys fell to Waverly 4-0.

Girls: Watkins Glen won the first and third games and total pinfall, 2379-2225. Aubrey Kellogg led the Senecas with a 554 series that included a 232 game. Ava Cowan rolled a 552, Alyiah Clink-Bentley a 431, Katie Cook a 429, and Faith White a 413.

"I'm very proud of the girls today," said Watkins Glen Coach Ward Brower. "They battled and finished strong. Everyone bowled well. Aubrey had a personal best, Ava was solid as usual, Alyiah fought through an injury, Faith stepped up huge, and Katie had three clutch strikes in game three to seal the win. It was a total team effort. And Maisie (Robertson) would have contributed, but she was at a leadership conference in Albany."

Boys: Watkins Glen dropped all three games by a combined 3093-2394. Mykel Cody led the Senecas with a 570 series that included a 211 game, while Corbin Groves posted a 554, and Brett Cullen-Pike a 490.

"The boys team continues to bowl well," said Brower, "but Waverly was outstanding today."

Bowling: Watkins boys, girls post wins

PENN YAN, Feb. 6, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams registered 4-0 victories Monday over Dundee/Bradford in non-league matches at Brock's Bowl and Pizzeria.

Boys: Watkins Glen won all three games by a combined 2380-1579. Mykel Cody led the Senecas with a 601 series that included a high of 236. Corbin Groves posted a 488, Brett Cullen-Pike a 480, and Thomas Goltry-Coots a 409.

Girls: The Senecas won all three games by a combined 2333-1131 over a shorthanded Dundee/Bradford squad. Aubrey Kellogg rolled a 521, while Ava Cowan posted a 515, Katie Cook a 470, and Alyiah Clink-Bentley a 440.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Connor Foggie drives to the hoop. Right: The Grizzlies' Drew Parmenter prepares to shoot.

O-M boys JV team falls to Candor, 48-36

ODESSA, Feb. 6, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys junior varsity basketball team dropped a 48-36 decision Monday night to Candor in a makeup Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies led 13-12 after one period, trailed 21-20 at halftime, and were behind 39-28 entering the fourth quarter.

Drew Parmenter scored 13 points for O-M, while Gavin Lohmeyer scored 11, Connor Foggie 9, and James Halpin 3.

4 Storm wrestlers advance in Sectionals

TIOGA CENTER, Feb. 4, 2023 -- Four members of the Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team finished in the top five of their weight classes Saturday at the Section IV, Division 2 Qualifier "A" held in the Tioga High School gym -- and thus advanced to the Section IV, Division II Championships on Feb. 11 at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.

Tioga led Saturday's field in team scoring with 240.5 points, with Walton-Delaware second at 160. They were followed by Unatego-Unadilla Valley (146), Marathon (139), Oneonta (127), Norwich (124), the Schuyler Storm (96), Lansing (81.5), Chenango Valley (76.5), Owego (74), Dryden (41), Whitney Point (17), and Edison (13).

The Storm -- a combined squad of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- registered one second-place finish: Lucas Hoffman at 118 pounds. He won matches by a technical fall and a fall before losing in the 1st/2nd-place match to Tioga's top-seeded Jayden Duncanson by technical fall, 18-2.

The Storm also had a third-place finisher: Dana Guild at 215 pounds, who went 2-1, winning the 3rd/4th-place match 4-3 over Landon Taylor of Walton-Delaware.

Jed Lynch earned a fifth-place finish at 160 pounds with a 4-1 record, defeating teammate Tristan Harrington in the 5th/6th-place match by technical fall, 19-4. And Aiden Summers earned a fifth-place finish at 285 pounds with a 2-1 record, defeating Nason Renne of Oneonta 4-2 in overtime to advance.

Sixth-place finishes and alternate status were earned by Harrington at 160 pounds and Daniel Coston at 138 pounds.

Meanwhile, Dylan Senecal competed at 126 pounds and was eliminated with an 0-2 record, Brandon Davis competed at 132 and was eliminated with a 1-2 record, Jaymes Forker competed at 145 and was eliminated with a 1-2 record, Gabe Williams competed at 152 and was eliminated with a 1-2 record, Jeremy Miller competed at 172 and was eliminated with an 0-2 record, and Patrick Croft competed at 189 and was eliminated with an 0-2 record.

Jackie Mace will also compete next week in the Section IV Girls Division, after finishing in second place in the Girls Division of the IAC Girls Division two weeks ago.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 6

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 4, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the sixth week of play in this year's Watkins Glen Youth Basketball at the Field House:

3rd-4th Grade Results:

Famous Brands 14, Curly's 6.
Famous Brands - Isidore Gomez-Fitzsimmons 8, Zane Cross 2, Derrick Westervelt 2, Sarah Murphy 2.
Curly's - Kingston Tomlinson 2, Sydney Fields 2, Rex Horrocks 2.

Maguire's 10, Sporting Goods 8.
Maguire's - Henry Titus 4, Landon Bianco 4, Mason Bellavigna 2.
Sporting Goods - Zion Tomlinson 7, Luck Hicks 1.

Standings:
Famous Brands -- 5-1 (League Champion)
Watkins Supply -- 3-3
Maguire's -- 3-3
Curly's Family Restaurant -- 1-5

5th-6th Grade Results:

WG Supply 31, Capt. Bill's 28.
WG Supply - Copper Lagramada 20, Ethan Crane 6, J.P. Tremblay 2, Broghan Fuller Bianco 2, Owen Platon 1.
Capt. Bill's - Joshua Daugherty 11, Lucas Schubmehl 8, Lucus VanSkiver 5, Tavis McKeon 2, Callum Schamel 2.

Standings:
Capt. Bill's -- 3-2 (League Champion)
Watkins Glen Supply -- 2-3

New week is the Walter "Red" Matthews Memorial Play-Offs beginning at 8:30 a.m. for 3rd-4th grades, with 5-6th grades to follow.

O-M Grade 3-4 Basketball: Week 2

ODESSA, Feb. 4, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the Odessa-Montour Grade 3-4 Basketball in its second week of play.

Watkins Supply 23, Parmenter's 18
Watkins Supply (-0-1): Kendra Smith 8 points, Mitchell Blaha 8 points, Owen Dupay 7 points.
Parmenter's (0-2): Blake Sangrapkarn 10 points, Aubrey Henderson 5 points, Jaxson Pound 3 points.

Vedder, Scott, and Zinger 21, Cookie's Construction 10
Vedder, Scott, and Zinger (1-0-1): Seth Janke 13 points, Karlee Kastenhuber 4 points, Emily Mahaney 2 points, Dom Koehler 2 points.
Cookie's Construction (1-1): Zuri Garrison 4 points, Sofia Landon 2 points, Brantley Webster 2 points, Gabe Faulk 1 point, Leah Stigers 1 point.

Left: O-M's Reagan Reese scores two of her 16 points. Right: The Grizzlies' Maggie Pentz tries to maneuver around a Tioga defender.

Odessa-Montour girls top Tioga, 52-30

ODESSA, Feb. 3, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 9-8 overall and 6-6 in its division Friday night when it raced past Tioga 52-30 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

"It was a good win on Senior Night," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, "and pulls us back into a tie in the division" since Spencer-Van Etten (now 6-6) lost to Southern Cayuga Thursday night. "We ran the floor well and found open people well tonight, especially in the middle two quarters."

The Grizzlies led 15-12 after one quarter, 30-15 at halftime, and 44-20 entering the fourth period.

Hannah Nolan led O-M with 21 points, 11 steals and 15 rebounds. Reagan Reese had a career-high 16 points, along with 11 rebounds. Tori Brewster added 7 points and 5 steals, while Gina Gavich had 6 points and 5 assists, and Maggie Pentz scored 2 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.

"It was nice to play at home again," Coach Gavich said. "It's been over two weeks since we had a home game, and having the crowd support was great!"

Junior Varsity: Tioga defeated Odessa-Montour 47-36. Leah Antes led O-M with 15 points, while Evvie Zinger scored 13, Vanessa Wood 6, and Olivia Rivera 2.

Senior Night: The Grizzlies' four seniors were honored in a pregame Senior Night ceremony. They are Hannah Nolan, Tori Brewster, Reagan Reese and Katie Adams.

Photo in text: O-M's Hannah Nolan drives to the basket. She was fouled on the play.

Left: O-M's Gina Gavich takes aim at the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Tori Brewster drives to the hoop for two points.

The seniors on the O-M team were honored in a pregame ceremony. From left: Katie Adams, Tori Brewster, Hannah Nolan and Reagan Reese.

And in the JV game:

Left: O-M's Evvie Zinger takes aim at the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Leah Antes drives toward the hoop.

Left: Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold passes the ball. Right: The Senecas' Rachel Vickio launches a shot from 3-point range.

Watkins girls fall to Waverly, 51-42

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 3, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 10-7 Friday night when the Senecas dropped a 51-42 decision to Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

The two teams tied 10-10 in the first quarter, but Waverly pulled ahead in the second period with a double-digit run that gave it a 29-17 halftime advantage. Watkins Glen pulled within seven at 40-33 entering the fourth quarter, but could get no closer than five points down the stretch.

Brianna Hatch led Watkins Glen scorers with 12 points, while Rachel Vickio registered 10, Jenna Solomon 9, Olivia King 5, Chelsea Parsons 4, and Carly Arnold 2. The team sank 12 of 20 free throws.

Hatch led in rebounds with 10, while King grabbed 7, Arnold 6, and Vickio 5. Both Solomon and Hatch blocked two Waverly shots.

Kennedy Westbrook led Waverly with 25 points. The team was 10-for-19 at the foul line.

Junior Varsity: Waverly defeated Watkins Glen 37-35 in overtime. Natalee Oliver led the Senecas (now 12-5) with 10 points, while Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons scored 7 points, Olivia VanSkiver 7, Emma Cady 4, Michaela Wheaton 3, Emma Lewis 2, and Anna Franzese 2.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch takes the ball to the hoop.
Bottom: Watkins Glen JV players Emma Cady, left, and Emma Lewis, photographed after their game.

Left: Watkins Glen's Addie Coolican cuts between two defenders on her way to the basket. Right: The Senecas' Olivia King sends a shot on its way.

Left: Watkins Glen's Mykel Cody converts a spare. Right: The Senecas' Aubrey Kellogg reacts to a strike.

Bowling: O-M boys, Watkins girls win

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 3, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team defeated Watkins Glen 3-1 while the Watkins girls topped O-M 4-0 Friday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meeting of the intracounty rivals at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: O-M topped Watkins 3-1, winning the first and third games and total pinfall, 2353-2327. Zach Rounds led the Grizzlies with a 528 series, while Dom Elliott rolled a 513, Benson Patterson a 509, and Austin Hoyt a 468.

Watkins Glen was led by Mykel Cody's 534 (including a 202 game). Brett Cullen-Pike registered a 459, Corbin Groves a 456, Thomas Goltry-Coots a 431, and Kamden Miller a 429.

Girls: Watkins Glen won 4-0, taking all three games by a combined 2009-1515. Katie Cook led the Senecas with a 466 series, while Aubrey Kellogg posted a 454, Alyiah Clink-Bentley a 416, and Ava Cowan a 415. Sarah Barr led O-M with a 420.

Senior Night: Watkins Glen's seniors were honored in a pre-match ceremony. They are Thomas Goltry-Coots, Corbin Groves, Alyiah Clink-Bentley and Aubrey Kellogg.

"Senior Night is always special and often emotional," said Watkins Glen Coach Ward Brower. "These young people develop very special bonds, which is the most important thing that sports offer. I am blessed to be part of that."

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Austin Hoyt registers a strike.

The Watkins Glen bowling team's seniors were honored in a pre-match ceremony. From left: Corbin Groves, Thomas Goltry-Coots, Alyiah Clink-Bentley and Aubrey Kellogg.

Storm swimmers defeat Waverly, 99-73

WAVERLY, Feb. 2, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team posted a 99-73 victory Thursday over Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Waverly pool.

Individual wins for the Storm -- a combined team of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- included the following:

200 Individual Medley: Liam Smith, 2:19.35.
500 Freestyle: Liam Smith, 5:36.19.
100 Breaststroke: Jon Spencer, 1:07.93.

The Storm also posted runnerup finishes in seven races, and third-place finishes in all 11 races, giving the squad the overall point advantage despite Waverly's eight race victories.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Waverly, 66-42

WAVERLY, Feb. 2, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 10-7 Thursday night when the Senecas dropped a 66-42 decision to Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Waverly gym.

"We played tough and we were in the game at times throughout," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We got good looks but struggled to score again tonight. I was proud of the team for working hard and never giving up."

Jacob Yontz led Watkins with 19 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Other points came from Joseph Sutterby (8, with 5 rebounds), Ryan Willett (7, with 2 rebounds), Christopher Simiele (6, with 2 assists and 2 steals), and Gavin Smith (2).

Junior Varsity: Waverly defeated Watkins Glen, 63-39. Jaydon Scholtisek led the Senecas with 13 points, while Caleb Bressett scored 11, Jude Santos 9, Brady Bockelkamp 2 (with 5 rebounds), Lucas Hoffman 2, and Nick Ritter 2.

Odessa-Montour boys lose to Tioga

TIOGA CENTER, Feb. 2, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 63-48 decision to Tioga Thursday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Tioga gym.

Tioga led 20-10 after one quarter, 31-25 at halftime, and 48-36 entering the fourth quarter.

Tyler Malnoske led the Grizzlies with 18 points, while Ben Heichel scored 14, Brady Cannon 6, Brad Gillis 4, David Patterson 3, and Daniel Lewis 3. The team converted 5 of 10 free throws.

Tioga was led by Evan Sickler's 24 points. His team sank 8 of 15 free throws.

"We played well," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner. "We just couldn't get a lead on them. Small victories on progress."

Junior Varsity: Tioga defeated Odessa-Montour, 37-30.

Odessa-Montour's Tori Brewster takes aim at the basket. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

O-M girls fall to Spencer-Van Etten, 40-29

SPENCER, Jan. 31, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team dropped a 40-29 decision to Spencer-Van Etten Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game that gave S-VE the division lead.

O-M led 8-5 after one quarter, and 18-11 at halftime. But S-VE hit six 3-pointers in running away with the third quarter, 21-4.

"That was the difference," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, whose team struggled at the foul line, going 5-for-18. "We couldn't buy a shot in he second half, and they made everything, it seemed."

Gina Gavich led the Grizzlies with 13 points on four 3-pointers, and had 3 assists. Hannah Nolan scored 8 points and had 7 rebounds and 6 steals. Reagan Reese scored 4 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Tori Brewster scored 4 points.

O-M, now a game back in the division at 5-6 (8-8 overall), has Tioga and Candor yet to play at home. S-VE, 6-5 in the division (7-8 overall) plays Southern Cayuga and Tioga on the road.

"If tied," said Gavich, "we would host the tie-breaker game. But we have a long way to go to get to that."

Photo in text: O-M's Gina Gavich moves the ball through traffic. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

O-M's Brad Gillis drives between two S-VE defenders on his way to the basket.

Odessa-Montour boys top S-VE, 59-52

ODESSA, Jan. 31, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team posted its fifth victory of the season Tuesday night, defeating Spencer-Van Etten 59-52 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

O-M trailed 17-15 after one quarter, was up 31-30 at halftime, and led 47-46 entering the fourth quarter. The score wasn't consistently close, though. The Grizzlies, down 32-31 early in the third period, scored 10 straight points for a 41-32 lead, only to see the Panthers respond with their own 10-point run for a 42-41 advantage.

No team led by more than three points after that until the final minute, when the Grizzlies pulled away by sinking a half-dozen free throws.

Ben Heichel and Brad Gillis led O-M with 15 points apiece, while Brady Cannon scored 12 points, Tyler Malnoske 7, Daniel Lewis 5, David Patterson 4, and Max Seles 1. The team converted 14 of 25 free throws.

Hunter Herman led S-VE with 19 points. The Panthers sank 5 of 9 free throws.

Senior Night: The two seniors on O-M's squad, Daniel Lewis and Max Seles, were honored in a Senior Night ceremony.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Spencer-Van Etten 36-16. Gavin Lohmeyer led the Grizzlies with 24 points, while Drew Parmenter scored 9 and Connor Foggie 3.

Photo in text: O-M's David Patterson goes up for a shot, which fell short. No foul was called on the play.

Odessa-Montour's Daniel Lewis (left photo) and Ben Heichel go up for shots.

Left: O-M's Brady Cannon drives to the hoop. Right: The two seniors on the O-M team were honored at a Senior Night Ceremony: Daniel Lewis, left, and Max Seles.

Watkins Glen girls top Edison, 45-42

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Jan. 31, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by Rachel Vickio's 20 points -- defeated Edison 45-42 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Edison gym.

The Senecas (now 10-6) led 15-10 after one quarter, 30-21 at halftime, and 40-31 entering the fourth quarter. The team was 6-for 14 from the foul line.

Vickio, who also grabbed 5 rebounds, was joined in the scoring colunn by Olivia King (8 points), Jenna Solomon (4 points, with 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks), Chelsea Parsons (4 points), Addie Coolican (3 points), Lillian Ameigh (3 points), Carly Arnold (2 points, with 6 rebounds and a block), and Brianna Hatch (1 point, with 7 rebounds and a block).

Edison was led by Payton Littlefield's 21 points. The team converted 11 of 15 free throws.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen won, improving to 12-4.

The seven seniors on the WGHS boys varsity basketball team were honored in a pre-game Senior Night ceremony. From left, they are Bryce Cady, Jason Murphy, David Kelly, Adriano Roma Ripol, Joseph Sutterby, Jacob Yontz and Gavin Smith.

Watkins boys race past Edison, 61-24

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 31, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team rolled past Edison 61-24 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Jacob Yontz led the way with 19 points, 8 rebounds 10 assists, 5 steals and a block. Joseph Sutterby added 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Christopher Simiele scored 11 points and blocked a shot.

Other points came from Ryan Willett (6), David Kelly (4), Sam Caslin (2), Alex Holmes (2), Jason Murphy (2), and Thomas Field (2).

Watkins Glen (now 10-6) was up 9-8 after one quarter and 21-10 at halftime -- and pulled away from there for the lopsided win.

The seven seniors on the team were honored in a pregame ceremony. "Senior Night is always emotional," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "so it was nice to see the team get focused and play hard in the win. We've been a little inconsistent throughout the season, so hopefully we will be able to close out the final regular season games and be ready for sectionals."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Edison 45-34. Jude Santos led the Senecas with 13 points, while Caleb Bresett scored 10, Donovan Wratten 7, Bryce Bockelkamp 6, Brady Bockelkamp 5, Jaydon Scholtisek 2, and Nick Ritter 2.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Christopher Simiele drives to the basket.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jason Murphy drives to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Ryan Willett takes aim at the basket.

Left: Watkins' Jacob Yontz sends up a shot. Right: The Senecas' David Kelly shoots.

More Senior Night:

Senior Night ceremonies also honored the seniors on the indoor track team and on the cheerleading squad. Left: Track members Shea Young, left, and Skylar Lagramada. Right: Cheerleaders Andrue Mathews and Haley Tuttle.

O-M's Benson Patterson watches as the pins scatter for a strike in the first game.

Bowling: O-M boys, girls fall to Lansing

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 31, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 3-1 decisions Tuesday to Lansing in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: The Grizzlies won the first game but dropped the second and third games and total pinfall, 2334-2217. Dom Elliott led O-M with a 501 series, while Austin Hoyt posted a 463, Benson Patterson a 461, and Zach Rounds a 416.

Girls: O-M won the third game, but dropped the first two games and total pinfall, 1722-1443. Sarah Barr led the Grizzlies with a 420 series.

Odessa returns to action Friday at Harborside Lanes against Watkins Glen.

Photo in text: The seniors on O-M's varsity bowling teams were honored at a Senior Night ceremony. From left, they are Sarah Barr, Dom Elliott, Austin Hoyt and Zach Rounds.

Bowling: Watkins boys tie Edison, 2-2

SOUTHPORT, Jan. 31, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity bowling team tied Edison 2-2 Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Dixie Lanes highlighted by the first 600 series for the Senecas' Brett Cullen-Pike.

The WGHS girls bowled unopposed, since Edison has no girls team.

Boys: Cullen-Pike rolled a 183-237-231=651 series as the Senecas won the second and third games but lost the first game and total pinfall, 2644-2482. Corbin Groves posted a 564 series for Watkins, while Mykel Cody had a 535.

Girls: Katie Cook rolled a 549 series that included a 206 as the Senecas totaled 2367. Maisie Robertson rolled a 472, Aubrey Kellogg a 467, Ava Cowan a 454, and Alyiah Clink-Bentley a 425.

Tuttle wins Racewalk at Sect. IV Classic

ITHACA, Jan. 28, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School freshman Maddie Tuttle set a personal best in winning the 1500 Meter Racewalk Saturday at the Section IV Classic track meet at Cornell University's Barton Hall.

Tuttle set the pace with a time of 8:44.78, nearly 13 seconds faster than the runnerup in a field of 13 racewalkers. Her previous best had been 8:46.59, set Jan. 14 at a SUNY Cortland meet.

Saturday's meet drew 737 athletes from more than two dozen high schools -- the first time since February 2020 that any Section IV team had competed at Barton.

"There is no better way for a college or university to showcase their facilities than to allow high school athletes the opportunity to compete at them," said WGHS Athletic Director Rod Weeden. "I believe this venue offers one of the fastest tracks in the area." It will be the site on Feb. 25 of the Sectional State Qualifier.

Besides Tuttle, three other members of the Watkins track team set personal records:

--Skylar Lagramada, a 7.20 in the 55 Meter Dash, and a 40.89 in the 300 Meter Run.
--Jack Hayden, a 2:04.08 in the 600 Meter Run.
--Isaac Hendrickson, a 5:10.39 in the 1600 Meter Run.

The highest WGHS finish besides Tuttle was an 8th place by Johnny VanScoyk in the 1600 Meter Run, with a time of 4:54.34. There were 50 runners in that race.

Photos in text:

Top: Members of the WGHS Indoor Track team.
Bottom: Racewalk winner Maddie Tuttle. (Photos provided)

O-M Grade 3-4 Basketball: Week 1

ODESSA, Jan. 28, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the Odessa-Montour Grade 3-4 Basketball in its first week of play.

Watkins Supply 21, Vedder, Scott, and Zinger 21 (yes a tie).
Watkins Supply (0-0-1): Kendra Smith 6 points, Mitchell Blaha 4 points, Aaron Crout 4 points, Owen Dupay 2 points, Gabe Gunning 2 points, Emma Levey 2 points, Izaak Mace 1 point.
Vedder, Scott, and Zinger (0-0-1): Olin Kramer 12 points, Seth Janke 5 points, Emily Mahaney 4 points.

Cookie's Construction 27, Parmenter's Automotive 4
Cookie's Construction (1-0): Ori Kramer 16 points, Zuri Garrison 6 points, Blake Sangrapkarn 5 points.
Parmenter's (0-1): Kenley Crout 3 points, Jaxen Campbell 1 point.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 5

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 28, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the fifth week of play in this year's Watkins Glen Youth Basketball at the Field House:

3rd-4th Grade Results:

Sporting Goods 14, Curly's 4.
Sporting Goods - Zion Tomlinson 10, Luke Hicks 2, Callum McKeon 2.
Curly's - Kingston Tomlinson 2, Cole Desrochers 2.

Famous Brands 18, Maguire's 15.
Famous Brands - Isidore Gomez-Fitzsimmons 8, Derrick Westervelt 4, Garrett Bubb 4, Zane Cross 2.
Maguire's - Mason Bellavigna 6, Henry Titus 4, Kenzie VanScoyk 2, Lachland Starcher 2, Ryker Bencowe 1.

Standings:
Famous Brands: 4-1
Watkins Sporting Goods: 3-2
Maguire's: 2-3
Curly's Family Restaurant: 1-4

5th-6th Grade Results:

Capt. Bill's 23, WG Supply 10.
Capt. Bill's - Joshua Daugherty 7, Tavis McKeon 4, Lucas Schubmehl 4, Lucus VanSkiver 4, Callum Schamel 2, Ian Smith 2.
WG Supply - Cooper Lagramada 8, Dominic Bradley 2.

Standings:
Capt. Bill's: 3-1
Watkins Glen Supply: 1-3

Odessa-Montour girls top Newfield, 47-34

NEWFIELD, Jan. 27, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team overcame an early 8-0 deficit to defeat Newfield 47-34 Friday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Newfield gym.

Hannah Nolan led the Grizzlies (now 8-7) with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 8 steals. Tori Brewster scored a season-high 12 points and had 5 steals. Other points came from Gina Gavich (9, on three 3-pointers, with 5 assists), Reagan Reese (6, with 12 rebounds), Maggie Pentz (2), and Evvie Zinger (2).

After that early deficit, O-M rallied to lead 16-14 at the end of one quarter, 32-21 at halftime, and 39-25 entering the fourth period.

"We played solid defense all night and held our own on the boards," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "Reagan and Tori played very strong games for us tonight."

The Grizzlies return to action Tuesday at Spencer-Van Etten.

Junior Varsity: There was no JV game.

Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes passes to teammate Jacob Yontz in first-half action.

Watkins boys fall to Notre Dame, 66-63

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 27, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 9-6 Friday night when the Senecas lost 66-63 to Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

"We didn't play very well tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We struggled on both ends of the floor, but the boys didn't give up and we made a nice run late. Even though we fell short, I liked the effort late to fight back."

The Senecas led early, 9-3, only to see Notre Dame take an 18-14 lead by the end of the first quarter -- a lead that would have been worse if not for a long buzzer-beater by Sam Caslin. The Crusaders stayed ahead throughout the second quarter, reaching intermission ahead 31-26.

Jacob Yontz and Ryan Willett led Watkins in scoring with 22 points each. Yontz also led in rebounds with 16, blocks (3) and steals (3). Other points came from Joseph Sutterby (10, with 10 rebounds), Caslin (6), and Christopher Simiele (3, with 5 assists and 3 steals) .

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen, down 17-0, rallied to defeat Notre Dame 50-43. The Senecas, who gradually gained on the Crusaders, went ahead for the first time, 39-38, with 4:24 left in the game. They then outscored ND 11-5 down the stretch. Jude Santos led the Senecas with 19 points, while Brady Bockelkamp scored 13, Nick Ritter 10, Jaydon Scholtisek 5, and Caleb Bresett 3. The team converted 12 of 18 free throws, while ND sank 6 of 14.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Ryan Willett drives to the basket.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin prepares to launch a three-pointer that went in at the buzzer, ending the first quarter. Right: The Senecas' Joseph Sutterby takes aim.

And in the JV game:

Watkins Glen's Brady Bockelkamp, left, and Caleb Bresett drive to the basket.

Watkins girls lose to Notre Dame, 44-43

SOUTHPORT, Jan. 27, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 9-6 Friday night when the Senecas lost 44-43 to Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Watkins, ahead 8-7 after one quarter but down 21-15 at halftime and 34-25 entering the fourth quarter, rallied late, but came up a point short.

Jenna Solomon led Watkins scorers with 13 points, while Rachel Vickio scored 10, Brianna Hatch 8, Addy Coolican 6, Olivia King 4, and Chelsea Parsons 2. The team converted 6 of 8 free throws.

Solomon and King led in rebounds with 8 each, while Hatch grabbed 7, Carly Arnold 4, and Addy Coolican, Parsons and Vickio 3 apiece.

Shannon Maloney led Notre Dame with 19 points. The Crusaders sank 3 of 6 free throws.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Notre Dame, improving its record to 11-4.

Odessa-Montour's Gunner Herrmann, left, and Brad Gillis shoot.

Odessa boys fall to Newfield, 80-37

ODESSA, Jan. 27, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 4-12 Friday night when the Grizzlies dropped an 80-37 decision to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies trailed 23-6 after one quarter, 38-17 at halftime, and 66-28 entering the fourth period.

Tyler Malnoske led O-M with 10 points, while David Patterson scored 8, Brad Gillis 8, Ben Heichel 7, Daniel Lewis 3, and Brady Cannon 1. The team converted 4 of 8 free throws.

Newfield was led by Jalen Hardison's 15 points. The Trojans sank 4 of 7 free throws.

"Newfield is a great team," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner, who was absent due to back surgery, but live streamed the game from home. JV coach Aaron Thomson filled in for her.

"Coach Thomson did a great job," Gardner said. "Turnovers killed us tonight."

Junior Varsity: O-M lost to Newfield, 37-35. Gavin Lohmeyer led the Grizzlies with 14 points, while Drew Parmenter scored 12, Connor Foggie 5, and Evan Crane 4.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Tyler Malnoske takes aim at the basket.

Left: O-M's Brady Cannon drives to the hoop. Right: The Grizzlies' Daniel Lewis looks for a shot in traffic.

The Schuyler Storm swim team's seniors were honored at a pre-meet ceremony. From left, Nick DeLong, Jon Spencer, Caleb Reynolds and Ben Campbell.

Storm swimmers defeat So. Cayuga

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 27, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team posted an 84-66 victory Friday over Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

On Senior Night, seniors Jon Spencer and Ben Campbell each posted two individual victories, as did teammates Vinnie Ocasio and Ryan Dean.

"It was a great meet for us," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose squad is a combination of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes. "The boys got to swim some events they haven't been in much this season."

Ocasio won the 200 Free (2:03.82) and the 500 Free (5:55.14), while Spencer won the 200 Individual Medley (2:21.52) and the 100 Fly (1:05.55). Campbell finished first in the 50 Free (24.80) and the 100 Breaststroke (1:15.33), while Dean finished first in the 100 Free (53.73) and the 100 Back (1:00.67).

Senior Night: In a ceremony preceding the meet, seniors Ben Campbell, Nick DeLong, Jon Spencer and Caleb Reynolds were honored.

Photo in text: The Storm's Ryan Dean launches at start of the 200 Medley Relay.

The Schuyler Storm's Vinnie Ocasio dives at start of the 200 Free, which he won.

Bowling: Glen boys, girls fall to Waverly

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 27, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams lost matches to Waverly in Interscholastic Athletic Conference action Friday at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: Watkins dropped a 3-1 decision, winning only the second game and losing total pinfall, 2633-2425. Corbin Groves led the Senecas with a 167-204-210=581 series, while Brett Cullen-Pike posted a 529, Mykel Cody a 502, and Max Ricca a 401.

Girls: The Senecas lost 4-0, dropping all three games by a 2428-2142 margin. Alyiah Clink-Bentley led Watkins with a 468 series, while Maisie Robertson registered a 441, Ava Cowan a 427, Aubrey Kellogg a 406, and Katie Cook a 400.

Storm swimmers defeat Elmira, 95-80

ELMIRA, Jan. 26, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity swim team topped Elmira 95-80 Thursday in a non-league meet in the Ernie Davis Academy pool.

The Storm -- a combined team of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- got wins in the following:

200 Medley Relay: Ryan Dean, Logan DeBolt, Caleb Reynolds, Carson Thaete, 2:00.84.
200 Individual Medley: Ryan Dean, 2:20.45.
50 Free: Vincent Ocasio, 23.99.
100 Fly: Ryan Dean, 1:04.43.
500 Free: Liam Smith, 5:30.99.
200 Free Relay: Vincent Ocasio, Ben Campbell, Liam Smith, Jon Spencer, 1:39.60.
100 Back: Nick DeLong, 1:09.30.

Campbell also finished first in the 100 Breaststroke (1:17.46), but was exhibitioned and so did not earn any points. The 400 Free Relay team of Spencer, Smith, Dean and Ocasio also had the fastest time, but was exhibitioned.

Storm wrestlers fall to Chenango Valley

BINGHAMTON, Jan. 26, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team dropped a 35-34 decision to Chenango Valley Thursday night in a non-league meet at Chenango Valley High School.

CV got the victory on tie-breaking criteria -- the most victories by fall -- after the two teams had concluded their matches tied 34-34.

The Storm -- a combined squad of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- gave up forfeits at 102 and 118 pounds, and dropped a 3-2 decision at 110 pounds. OM/WG also lost by falls at 126 and 138 pounds, by a major decision at 132, and by a 6-2 decision at 145.

It picked up forfeit victories by Jaymes Forker at 152, Jeremy Miller at 160 and Jed Lynch at 172 before Patrick Croft posted an 8-0 major decision at 189 and Brody Williams won by fall at 215 pounds. Aidan Summers then won by forfeit at 285 to tie the score at 34-34.

After consulting with the referee, it was determined that Chenango Valley had edged OM/WG in the tie-breaker criteria.

The Storm will return to action on Saturday, February 4th at a Section IV Class Tournament held at Tioga High School.

O-M girls end skid, top Jasper-Troupsburg

GREENWOOD, Jan. 24, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team ended a 7-game losing streak Tuesday night by defeating Jasper-Troupsburg 39-20 in a non-league game in the Greenwood High School gym.

Hannah Nolan led O-M scorers with 14 points while registering 8 rebounds and 7 steals. Other points came from Gina Gavich (12), Reagan Reese (6, with 10 rebounds), Tori Brewster (4), and Brooklynn Thompson (3).

"We really struggled to put the ball in the basket in the first half," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, whose squad (now 7-7) led 7-4 after one quarter and 13-10 at halftime (on Thompson's 3-pointer at the buzzer). "Then we got it going offensively in the second half.

"We played with a lot of intensity on the defensive end all night, and that helped us weather the storm until we got the offense going."

The Grizzlies return to action Friday at Newfield in a key divisional matchup.

Storm wrestlers defeat Dryden, 51-15

DRYDEN, Jan. 24, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team posted a 51-15 victory Tuesday night over Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road meet.

The Storm -- a combined squad of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- started strong with victories by fall from Brody Williams at 215 pounds over Aaron Thompson, by Aidan Summers at 285 pounds over Kaydin Hinkley (in a rematch of the IAC Tournament, where Summers had lost by fall), and by Lucas Hoffman at 110 pounds over Wyatt Curtis.

Riley Yaw lost a competitive bout at 118 pounds by fall to Oscar Brotherton, but OM/WG got back on track with a decision victory from Dylan Senecal over Chris Green at 126 pounds, a win by fall from Brandon Davis at 132 over Paul Best, and a decision win by Balan Ault over Dean Belden.

The Storm's Jaymes Forker lost by decision to Nick Bieber at 145 pounds, and John Swaney lost by fall to Hunter Covington at 189 pounds. Forfeit wins were posted by Gabe Williams at 152, Jed Lynch at 160, and Jeremy Miller at 172.

The Storm returns to action Thursday night at Chenango Valley.

Storm wrestlers place 4th at IAC meet

WAVERLY, Jan. 21, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team finished in 4th place Saturday at the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Championships held at Waverly High School.

Tioga took the team title with 246 points, followed by Waverly (197.5), Newark Valley (195.5), Schuyler Storm (139), Marathon (128), Moravia (77), Spencer-Van Etten/Candor (74), Groton (73.5), Dryden (56), Lansing (50), Edison (46.5) and Whitney Point (13).

Individual performances for the Storm, a combined team of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes, included a second-place finish by Lucas Hoffman at 102 pounds, and by Jackie Mace in the Girls Division at 120 pounds. Hoffman registered two pins by fall to earn a finals appearance, where he dropped a 5-0 decision to NYS place finisher Aidan Shuffelt of Groton. Mace earned second place behind a 9-8 decision over Sam Lamorte of Dryden, while being pinned by champion Melodie Sutton of Marathon. Mace qualified for the Section IV Girls Championships with her runnerup finish.

Other place finishers included Mark Waterman (145 pounds), who was 4-1 and earned third place with a pin in 35 seconds over Titus Callahan of Newark Valley; and Jed Lynch (160 pounds), who earned third place with a fall over teammate Tristan Harrington, who placed fourth.

Fourth-place finishes were also recorded by Brandon Davis at 132 pounds and Gabe Williams at 152 pounds, each finishing 4-1 and unable to wrestle in the 3rd-place match due to the nation's five-bout rule (not able to wrestle in more than five matches in one day).

Riley Yaw finished in sixth place at 118 pounds with a 3-2 record and was also unable to wrestle in the 5th-place match due to the five-bout rule. Jeremy Miller also finished in 6th place at 172 pounds.

Before the finals of the tournament, the Schuyler Storm wrestlers were presented with a plaque for winning the IAC Division II team title this season.

The Storm will return to action Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Dryden.

Photos in text:

Top: The Schuyler Storm's Jackie Mace, left, on the podium after earning 2nd place at 120 pounds in the Girls Division.
Bottom: The Storm's Mark Waterman on the podium after finishing 3rd at 145 pounds, one of several place finishes for the OM/WG boys.

Watkins Glen boys top Addison, 63-42

ADDISON, Jan. 21, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team improved its record to 9-5 Saturday when it defeated Addison 63-42 in a non-league game in the Addison gym.

Jacob Yontz (pictured at right) led the Senecas with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, 6 steals and 4 blocks. Other points came from Joseph Sutterby (14, with 6 rebounds), Ryan Willett (13), Christopher Simiele (9, with 4 assists and 3 steals), Alex Holmes (6, with 2 steals), Sam Caslin (3), and David Kelly (2, with 2 rebounds).

"After a slow start, we played a pretty good game," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "The boys worked hard on defense and rebounded the ball very well in the first half. Jacob Yontz had another triple double. He’s been playing well and finding different ways to help us win. Joe Sutterby and Ryan Willett continue to shoot well and play solid defense. Chris Simiele and Sam Caslin are working really well together as we try some different things down the stretch of the season. With four games left, we hope to continue to work on things and try to finish strong."

Junior Varsity: Addison defeated Watkins Glen, 52-46.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz (File photo)

Left: Odessa-Montour's David Patterson goes up for a shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Gunner Herrmann passes the ball.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Moravia

ODESSA, Jan. 21, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 4-11 Saturday when the Grizzlies dropped a 69-37 decision to state-ranked Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Blue Devils, ranked No. 15 among Class C schools in the latest New York State Sportswriters Association poll, raced out to a 31-10 lead in the first quarter. The lead was 44-17 at halftime, and 61-29 entering the fourth quarter.

"Moravia is a great basketball team," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner after the game, "and we just couldn't finish our shots."

O-M was led in scoring by Daniel Lewis's 13 points. Other points came from Ben Heichel (7), Tyler Malnoske (6), Brad Gillis (4), Gunner Herrmann (3), Brady Cannon (2), and David Patterson (2).

Moravia (12-1) was led by Kyler Proper's 19 points. He was one of four Blue Devils in double figures.

Junior Varsity: Moravia defeated O-M, 47-27. Gavin Lohmeyer led the Grizzlies (now 2-11) with 16 points, while Drew Parmenter scored 6.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Daniel Lewis sends a shot on its way from 3-point range. It went in.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Max Seles takes aim at the basket.

Left: O-M's Brad Gillis puts up a reverse layup. Right: The Grizzlies' Brady Cannon (12) looks for a shot.

And in the JV game:

Left: O-M's Gavin Lohmeyer drives to the basket in traffic. Right: The Grizzlies' Drew Parmenter prepares to shoot.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 4

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 21, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the fourth week of play in this year's Watkins Glen Youth Basketball at the Field House:

3rd-4th Grade Results:

Curly's 6, Maguire's 4 (Exciting overtime game with Kingston Tomlinson hitting the winning basket for the win).
Curly's - Kingston Tomlinson 4, Gavin Green 2.
Maguire's - Lachland Starcher 2, Landon Bianco 2.

Famous Brands 10, Sporting Goods 6
Famous Brands - Isidore Gomez-Fitzsimmons 6, Zane Cross 2, Axel Cross 2.
Sporting Goods - Zion Tomlinson 6.

Standings:
Famous Brands 3-1
Maguire's 2-2
Watkins Sporting Goods 2-2
Curly's Family Restaurant 1-3

5th-6th Grade Results:

Capt. Bill's 27, WG Supply 10
Capt. Bill's - Lucas Schubmehl 12, Ian Smith 6, Joshua Daugherty 5, Lucus VanSkiver 4.
WG Supply - Broghan Fuller Bianco 6, Ethan Crane 2, Cooper Lagramada 2.

Standings:
Capt. Bill's 2-1
Watkins Glen Supply 1-2

Watkins Glen girls fall to Corning, 55-39

CORNING, Jan. 20, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 9-5 Friday night when the Senecas dropped a 55-39 decision to Corning in a non-league road game.

Watkins trailed 16-12 after one quarter, 34-15 at halftime, and 44-26 entering the fourth quarter.

Brianna Hatch and Rachel Vickio led Watkins with 10 points each, while Olivia King scored 6 points, Jenna Solomon 6, Carly Arnold 5, and Chelsea Parsons 2. The team converted 2 of 10 free throws.

King led the team in rebounds with 9, while Hatch grabbed 7.

Corning (10-4) was led by Alyssa Dobson's 20 points, and 15 by Jenna Dinardo. The team converted 7 of 10 free throws.

Left: Watkins Glen's Max Ricca. Right: The Senecas' Katie Cook reacts after registering a strike that helped her to a 199 game.

Bowling: Watkins boys, girls post wins

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 20, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams posted 4-0 victories Friday over Elmira Notre Dame in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: Watkins Glen, led by Brett Cullen-Pike's 528 series, won all three games by a combined 2219-1305 against a Notre Dame team with just three bowlers. Mykel Cody added a 481, Corbin Groves a 448, Kamden Miller a 392, and Max Ricca a 370.

Girls: The Senecas, led by Katie Cook's 497 series, won all three games by a combined 2215-1683. Aubrey Kellogg registered a 457, while Ava Cowan posted a 449, Alyiah Clink-Bentley a 413, and Maisie Robertson a 382.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Mykel Cody watches as his ball scatters the pins.

Odessa-Montour girls lose to Moravia

MORAVIA, Jan. 20, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team sustained its seventh straight loss Friday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 53-36 decision to Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Moravia gym.

The Grizzlies ran out to an early lead, building an 11-2 first-quarter advantage and a 22-8 halftime edge.

"Then ... the state-ranked home team woke up," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We still led 30-28 after three, and at the 6:30 mark they took the lead for good."

Gina Gavich sank six 3-pointers to lead O-M with 18 points, while Hannah Nolan had 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals. Reagan Reese added 2 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Maggie Pentz had 4 rebounds, while Tori Brewster registered 3 steals and 4 assists.

"What a great effort tonight," said Coach Gavich. "To go on the road versus a state-ranked team two nights after the Watkins game and play as tough as we did was a testament to this team's determination. Moravia showed why they are as good as they are in the third quarter."

Moravia, which hit eight 3-pointers (from five different players) in the second half, is now 10-3 overall.

O-M, 6-7 overall, is tied at 4-5 with Spencer-Van Etten in division play.

Photo in text: Players from both the Moravia and Odessa-Montour teams pose in"KG 24" t-shirts donated by someone in support of O-M's Keyonna Garrison (center front), who has been sidelined from basketball by a stroke. Keyonna, whose uniform number is 24, has started rehab. (Photo provided)

Glen tracksters set several PR's at IC meet

ITHACA, Jan. 20, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School indoor track team competed Friday at the Quinney Invitational at Ithaca College's Glazer Arena, setting a number of personal records (PR's) in the process.

The meet, featuring more than 20 high schools from around Section IV, saw Watkins Glen's best finish in the girls' 1500 Meter Racewalk, where Maddie Tuttle was fifth among 21 racers in 9:01.75.

The next highest finish was a 13th in 4:58.42 by Johnny VanScoyk in the 1600 Meter Run. Teammate Isaac Hendrickson was 19th in that same race with a PR of 5:11.74.

Other PRs: Skylar Lagramada, 7.33 in the 55 Meter Dash, and 41.04 in the 300 Meter Dash; Henry Smith, 1:44.17 in the 600 Meter Run, and Jack Hayden, 2:04.21 at 600 Meters.

Bowling: Glen boys top US/PB; girls lose

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 19, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity bowling team -- led by Brett Cullen-Pike's 587 series -- defeated Union Springs/Port Byron 3-1 Thursday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Harborside Lanes.

The Watkins girls lost to US/PB, 3-1.

Boys: Cullen-Pike rolled games of 223-162-202 to lead the Senecas to wins in the first and third games and total pinfall, 2392-2223. Other scores: Mykel Cody 496, Kamden Miller 488, and Corbin Groves 406.

"Brett Cullen-Pike continues to improve," said Watkins Glen Coach Ward Brower. "He doesn't get rattled, and he is only in the 8th grade. Very impressive.

"Kamden Miller," he added, "Is a first-year freshman bowler who also continues to improve. He had his best outing yet."

Girls: Watkins Glen won the second game, but dropped the other two and total pinfall, 2338-2205. Aubrey Kellogg led the Senecas with a 162-152-203=517. Alyiah Clink-Bentley posted a 439, Ava Cowan 437, Maisie Robertson 418, and Katie Cook 394.

"Aubrey is a leader on this team," said Coach Brower. "She bowled well today."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Brett Cullen-Pike in action Thursday.

Bowling: Odessa-Montour boys fall, 4-0

SOUTHPORT, Jan. 19, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team dropped a 4-0 decision Thursday to Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Dixie Lanes. There was no girls match, since Edison has no girls team.

O-M lost all three games by a combined 2430-2214. Dom Elliott led the Grizzlies with a 515 series, while Benson Patterson rolled a 478, Zach Rounds 475, and Austin Hoyt 456.

O-M returns to action on Tuesday, Jan. 31, at home against Lansing on Senior Night. The Grizzlies' four seniors -- Elliott, Hoyt, Rounds and Sarah Barr -- will be honored.

Storm swimmers tie Lansing, 91-91

LANSING, Jan. 19, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team tied Lansing 91-91 Thursday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Lansing pool.

The Storm, a combined team of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes, got wins in the following:

200 Medley Relay: Ryan Dean, Jon Spencer, Caleb Reynolds, Vinnie Ocasio, 1:52.00.
200 Individual Medley: Liam Smith, 2:16.15.
50 Freestyle: Vinnie Ocasio, 24.26.
100 Freestyle: Vinnie Ocasio, 53.54.
500 Freestyle: Liam Smith, 5:32.10.
200 Free Relay: Jon Spencer, Ryan Dean, Liam Smith, Vinnie Ocasio, 1:39.10.
100 Breaststroke: Jon Spencer, 1:10.70.

Coach Jason Westervelt said that the Storm was "down two key swimmers, " but "rallied behind impressive performances" from Smith, Spencer, Ocasio and Dean, "along with gutsy performances by Ben Campbell, Caleb Reynolds, Alex Walters, Nick DeLong, and Andre Wixson."

Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio takes aim from the corner. She scored 15 points.

Watkins Glen girls turn back O-M, 47-30

ODESSA, Jan. 18, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved its record to 9-4 Wednesday night by defeating Odessa-Montour 47-30 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Senecas, after a 5-5 first quarter, built an 18-12 first-half advantage and expanded that to 28-14 in the third quarter before O-M scored eight straight points to pull within a half-dozen at 28-22. The Grizzlies (now 6-6) entered the fourth period down 31-22.

Odessa pulled within five points, 31-26, following a Reagan Reese basket with about five minutes left in the fourth quarter, but then, in the words of O-M Coach Greg Gavich, the Grizzlies "kind of ran out of gas." Watkins went on a 12-0 run that boosted its lead to 43-26 with 2:26 left to play.

Rachel Vickio led Watkins in scoring with 15 points, while Jenna Solomon registered 11 points, Molly Coolican 9, Olivia King 4, Chelsea Parsons 3, Carly Arnold 2, Brianna Hatch 2, and Addy Coolican 1. The team converted 4 of 8 free throws.

Solomon led the team in rebounds with 8, while Hatch and King grabbed 4 apiece, and Parsons 3.

Hannah Nolan led O-M with 11 points, while Gina Gavich scored 10, Reagan Reese 4, Tori Brewster 3, and Maggie Pentz 2. Nolan grabbed 9 rebounds, Reese 8, and Pentz 6. The team converted 5 of 13 free throws.

"The final score was not at all indicative of the competitiveness of this game," said Coach Gavich. "My girls played their butts off tonight and gave a much bigger team a battle, and I couldn't be prouder of their effort."

The Grizzlies return to action Friday at Moravia. Gavich said his team still leads its division and will "head back into divisional play after Moravia. There's a lot left to play for."

The Watkins girls (varsity only) will play Friday night at Corning-Painted Post.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen pulled away from Odessa-Montour in the second half for a 35-22 victory. Emma Cady led the Senecas with 14 points, while Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons scored 8, Michaela Wheaton 4, Olivia Van Skiver 4, Grace Roney 4, and Natalee Oliver 1. Evvie Zinger led O-M with 14 points, while Leah Antes scored 8.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Hannah Nolan, center, and Watkins Glen's Jenna Solomon, left, and Olivia King fight for a rebound.
Middle: Watkins Glen's Molly Coolican, left, drives toward the basket as O-M's Brooklynn Thompson closes in.
Bottom: Watkins' Olivia King looks to pass to teammate Jenna Solomon.

Odessa-Montour's Tori Brewster sends a shot on its way in traffic.

Left: O-M's Gina Gavich shoots. Right: O-M's Reagan Reese, foreground, and Watkins Glen's Jenna Solomon fight for possession of the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Chelsea Parsons takes the ball to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Carly Arnold drives to the basket.

Odessa-Montour's Maggie Pentz, left photo, and teammate Hannah Nolan shoot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Addy Coolican drives toward the basket. Right: The Senecas' Brianna Hatch scores after grabbing a rebound off an errant free throw.

And in the JV game:

O-M's Evvie Zinger, left, and Watkins Glen's Emma Cady. They each scored 14 points.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver shoots. Right: O-M's Leah Antes moves the ball as Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton defends.

Left: O-M's Vanessa Wood shoots. Right: Watkins Glen's Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons puts up a shot for two points.

Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver, left, defends as O-M's Olivia Barr attempts a shot.

Storm wrestlers defeat SVEC, 42-28

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 18, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team posted a 42-28 victory Wednesday night over Spencer-Van Eten/Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School Field House.

The Storm, a combined team of WGHS and Odessa-Montour athletes, improved to 16-5 with the win.

OM/WG got a win by fall from Dylan Senecal over Taya Beach at 126 pounds while also posting decision victories from Dana Guild over Anthony Speer, 4-2, at 215 pounds and Lucas Hoffman over Rodney Vaow, 11-7, at 110 pounds.

SVEC posted wins by fall from Kamren Westbrook over Brandon Davis at 132 pounds, Shane Neal over Balan Ault at 138 pounds, and Kaleb Soto over Riley Yaw at 118 pounds, while earning a Major Decision at 172 pounds with John Johnston beating Tristan Harrington 14-1.

Forfeits were earned for OM/WG by Mark Waterman at 145 pounds, Gabe Williams at 152, Jed Lynch at 160, John Swaney at 189, and Aidan Summers at 285. SVEC won by forfeit at 102 pounds.

The Storm returns to action Saturday at the IAC Championships in Waverly. Wrestling will begin at 9 a.m.

Photo in text: Action at Wednesday night's wrestling meet. (Photo provided)

Bowling: Odessa-Montour boys split 2-2

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 18, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team split 2-2 with Edison Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Harborside Lanes.

The Grizzlies won the first and third games while dropping the second game and total pinfall, 2464-2416. Austin Hoyt led O-M with a 204-190-222=616 series. Benson Patterson added a 535, Zach Rounds a 498, and Dom Elliott a 448.

Girls: O-M won by forfeit when Edison failed to field a team. Sarah Barr led the Grizzlies with a 415 series.

Bowling: Glen boys, girls fall to Waverly

WAVERLY, Jan. 17, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches to Waverly Tuesday at the Valley Bowling Center.

Boys: Watkins Glen fell 4-0, dropping all three games by a combined 3187-2488. Mykel Cody led the Senecas with a 169-201-212=582 series, while Brett Cullen-Pike posted a 529, Corbin Groves a 528, and Thomas Goltry-Coots a 416.

Girls: The Senecas lost 3-1, dropping the first and third games and barely losing total pinfall, 2447-2434. Katie Cook led Watkins with a 531 series that included a 223 game, while Maisie Robertson rolled a 517, Aubrey Kellogg a 488, Alyiah Clink-Bentley a 461, and Ava Cowan a 437.

"The girls' match literally came down to one or two shots in games one and three," said Watkins Glen Coach Ward Brower. "We could have just as easily won the match. It was a heartbreaker."

Left: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes drives past traffic to the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Daniel Lewis shoots.

Watkins Glen boys defeat O-M, 62-46

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 17, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team improved its record to 8-5 Tuesday night when it defeated Odessa-Montour 62-46 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Watkins got double-digit scoring from five different players. Ryan Willett led the way with 20 points, while Alex Holmes and Joe Sutterby scored 11 each and Sam Caslin and Jacob Yontz 10 apiece. The team converted 5 of 14 free throws.

Yontz and Holmes led in rebounds with 10 each, while Sutterby grabbed 9. Yontz had 6 assists, while Willett had 4.

O-M (now 4-10) was led in scoring by Tyler Malnoske and Brad Gillis, each of whom scored 11 points. Other points came from Daniel Lewis (7), Brady Cannon (5), Ben Heichel (4), Gunner Herrmann (3), Lance Reese (3), and David Patterson (2). The team sank 9 of 11 free throws.

The game was tight in the early going, with O-M leading 13-12 after one quarter. But Watkins pulled away with a 20-8 second period that gave it a 32-21 halftime lead, and a 25-11 third period that gave it a 57-32 lead entering the fourth quarter.

"We couldn't finish any shots in the second period, when we hit a drought," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner. "We just couldn't get the momentum going offensively. That's what killed us."

"It’s always a difficult game playing Odessa-Montour," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "The boys all play together in various sports and the coaches are friends and colleagues. Coach Gardner and I have coached together in AAU over the years as well, with some of these same kids. I root for them every game except this one.

"The first half was a bit sloppy for us, but we settled down in the second half and played much better defense. O-M is a very good shooting team and if they get hot, it can be a tough night. Defensively, we were better contesting those shots that they hurt us with in the first half.

"I thought we moved the ball much better as the game progressed as well, and that opened up better shot opportunities for us. I like where our team is at right now, as different guys step up different nights, making it a total team effort. Now we will get back to practice and try to finish the season strong."

Note: The O-M girls JV and varsity host Watkins Glen Wednesday night.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen posted its third victory of the season by defeating Odessa-Montour (now 2-10) by a score of 46-25. Jtude Santos led the Senecas with 13 points and 5 rebounds, while Jayden Scholtisek scored 9 points and had 5 rebounds, and Caleb Bresett added 8 points. Gavin Lohmeyer led O-M with 10 points, while Drew Parmenter scored 6 points and Connor Foggie 5.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz goes to the hoop as O-M's Max Seles defends.
Second: The Senecas' Ryan Willett takes aim at the basket.
Bottom: O-M's Brady Cannon, left, goes high for a shot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin launches a long-range jump shot. Right: O-M's Tyler Malnoske prepares to shoot over Watkins defenders.

Left: Watkins Glen's Joe Sutterby takes the ball to the basket. Right: O-M's Brad Gillis drives to the hoop.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Jude Santos shoots from long distance. Right: O-M's Drew Parmenter goes up for a shot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Bryce Bockelkamp shoots. Right: O-M's Connor Foggie sends a free throw on its way.

Glen tracksters set Racewalk, 60m marks

ITHACA, Jan. 17, 2023 -- Three members of the Watkins Glen High School indoor track team set school records Sunday at a Finger Lakes Running Club meet at Cornell's Barton Hall.

Freshman Maddie Tuttle posted a time of 9:38.6 in the One Mile Racewalk to establish a new Girls record, while Johnny VanScoyk, in his first-ever Racewalk, posted a time of 10:59.21 for a Boys mark. The school has 1500 Meter Racewalk records, but these are the first at One Mile. Tuttle has been competing in the 1500 in other meets this season, and is within range of the school mark at that distance.

Skylar Lagramada, meanwhile, broke an existing school mark by running a 7.70 at 60 Meters. The old mark, set by Collin Gaylord in the 2019-2020 season, was 8.2 seconds.

Photo: From left, racewalkers Maddie Tuttle and Johnny VanScoyk, and sprinter Skylar Lagramada at Finger Lakes Running Club meet. (Photo provided)

Track: Watkins Glen sets several PR's

CORTLAND, Jan. 14, 2023 -- Members of the Watkins Glen High School indoor track team set a number of personal records (PR's) Saturday at the Winter Classic at SUNY Cortland.

The 15-team meet saw the Senecas -- limited in numbers -- place 12th, led by freshman Maddie Tuttle's victory in the 1500 Meter Racewalk.

Tuttle posted a personal best of 8:46.59, almost a dozen seconds below her previous best, an 8:58.26 set last weekend. The runnerup was more than 50 seconds behind her.

Johnny VanScoyk had the next highest finish for the Senecas -- 3rd place in the 1600 Meter Run in 4:59.04. That wasn't a PR, but teammate Isaac Hendrickson did set one in the same race, placing 5th in 5:15.85.

Kyren Young set two PR's -- one in the 55 Meter Dash, where he was 6th in 7.23, and the other in the 300 Meter Dash, where he was 6th in 40.79.

Other PR's were set by Henry Smith and Jack Hayden in the 600 Meter Run, and by Smith in the Shot Put.

Photos in text:

Left: Watkins Glen's Johnny VanScoyk, left, and Isaac Hendrickson. (Photos provided)
Bottom: The Senecas' Maddie Tuttle on the way to victory in the 1500 Meter Racewalk.

WGHS alum Erika Rhodes sends the ball on its way, left, and turns after leaving two pins.

WGHS alumni bowlers take to the lanes

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 14, 2023 -- Some familiar names and faces were on hand Saturday at Harborside Lanes for the 1st Annual Watkins Glen Alumni Bowling Tournament.

The tourney, said Watkins Glen High School bowling coach Ward Brower, "was formed as a way for old friends to get together, feel a sense of community, and help raise money for the (WGHS) bowling team that means so much to all of us. And of course to have fun bowling!"

The doubles tournament, a three-game competition, was organized by various alums and by Harborside Lanes. Each bowler wore a name tag with his or her years on the high school bowling team.

The teams finished as follows:

-- Christian Thompson (2000-06) and Natasha Evans (2002-2006) -- 987
-- Brent Miller (2007-2009) and Mack Secord (2003-2009) -- 974
-- Kendra Cornish (2017-2018) and H. Nathaniel Rose (2015-2019) -- 929
-- Kyle Cornish (1997-2000) and Hayley Cornish (2017-2019) -- 899 (Father/Daughter)
-- RJ Richtmyer (1998-2001) and Ashley (Evans) Richtmyer (2002-2006) 892 (Husband and wife)
-- Krystal Delong (2009-2011) and Kylie Carrigan (2010-2011) -- 796
-- Mike Cook (2020-2021) and McKenzie Kellogg (2017-2020) -- 638 (Cousins)
-- Erika Rhodes (2010-2014) had no partnerr-- 435

"It was a great turnout for the first year," said Brower. "There were many alumni who said they would have been here had they known about it sooner, so we feel this tournament will continue to grow in the coming years.

"Thank you to Inner Peace Floats, Reisinger's Summer Fruit, Jennifer Kellogg, and Mary Coykendall for donating raffle prizes.

"And thank you to Charlie Haeffner of The Odessa File for being such a huge part of the Watkins Glen Bowling program for so many years. Without you not too many people other than those on the team and their parents would even know we were here."

Photos in text:

Top: Christian Thompson, who bowled for WGHS from 2000-2006, finished in first place Saturday with teammate Natasha Evans (2002-2006).
Middle: Brent Miller, who bowled for WGHS from 2007-2009.
Bottom: Ashley (Evans) Richtmyer, left (2002-2006), with daughter Aurora, and Hayley Cornish (2017-2019) with daughter Evelynn.

Left: Mack Secord, who bowled for WGHS from 2003-2009. Right: H. Nathaniel Rose, who bowled for WGHS from 2015-2019.

Lynch 5th, Mace 6th at Bradshaw meet

Special to The Odessa File

CANANDAIGUA, Jan. 14, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team traveled to Canandaigua for the annual Robert Bradshaw Invitational this past Friday and Saturday, competing against many of the top teams in Section Five. Two of the Storm's wrestlers placed in the top six.

Jed Lynch, competing in the 160-pound weight class, led the squad, making it to the semifinals with two pins before losing two matches to make it to the fifth- and sixth-place match -- where he came from behind 8-0 to pin Timothy Vos of Williamson-Marion-Sodus in the third period and claim fifth place.

Jackie Mace, competing at 120 pounds of the Girl's Wrestling Division, also earned a podium finish of sixth place with a pin of Izzy Hurlbut of Chautaqua Lake-Westfield-Panama to earn a spot in the fifth- and sixth-place match, where she dropped an 8-2 decision to Madison Szymanowski, also of Chautaqua Lake-Westfield-Panama.

Other competing Storm wrestlers -- athletes from the Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High Schools -- included Brandon Davis at 132 pounds (0-2), Balan Ault at 138 pounds (1-2), Lucas Barr at 138 pounds (0-2), Mark Waterman at 145 pounds (2-2), Gabe Williams at 152 pounds (0-2), Tristan Harrington at 160 pounds (1-2), Brody Williams at 215 pounds (1-2), Dana Guild at 215 pounds (0-2), and Aidan Summers at 285 pounds (0-2).

The Schuyler Storm returns to action Wednesday against Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in the WGHS Field House at 6 p.m.

Photos in text: Jed Lynch, left, and Jackie Mace on the podium. (Photos provided)

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 3

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 14, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the third week of play in this year's Watkins Glen Youth Basketball at the Field House:

3rd-4th Grade Results:

Famous Brands 22, Curly's 10
Famous Brands: Isidore Gomez Fitzsimmons 8, Garrett Bubb 6, Zane Cross 4, Axel Cross 4.
Curly's: Catherine Caslin 6, Kingston Tomlinson 4.

Sporting Goods 10, Maguire's 4
Sporting Goods: Zion Tomlinson 6, Luke Hicks 4
Maguire's: Landon Bianco 4.

Standings:

Maguire's 2-1
Watkins Sporting Goods 2-1
Famous Brands 2-1
Curly's Family Restaurant 0-3

5th-6th Grade Results:

Capt. Bill's 22, WG Supply 14
Capt. Bill's: Lucas Schubmehl 6, Joshua Daughaerty 6, Callum Schamel 4, Ian Smith 2, Lucus VanSkiver 2, Aubrey Blauvelt 2.
WG Supply: Ethan Crane 6, Cooper Lagramada 6, Aubree Rudy 2.

Standings:

Watkins Glen Supply 1-1
Famous Brands 1-1

Odessa-Montour's Tori Brewster drives to the basket. She was fouled on the play.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Marathon

Keyonna Garrison, recovering from a stroke, pays a visit to the game

ODESSA, Jan. 13, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team -- with stricken teammate Keyonna Garrison watching from the bench -- dropped a 59-48 decision Friday night to Marathon in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

Keyonna, a junior who suffered a stroke on Jan. 5 and was released from the hospital Tuesday, lifted the spirits of everyone with her appearance. She made it around the gym with the aid of a walker as she battles some left-side deficits that physical therapy will address starting Monday. Her parents, Frank and Polly, said the prognosis is for a full recovery.

When asked if she had had any idea so many people loved her -- the outpouring of donations, prayers and news coverage has been extensive -- Keyonna, in a raspy voice, said this: "I had no clue."

"It was so great to have Keyonna at the game and see the community rally around her," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, who addressed the crowd before tipoff, thanking everyone for the support they've shown through donations and well-wishes, and telling Keyonna: "We love you."

That support, he said afterward, "has been so touching. I just wanted so badly for us to get a win tonight, but I guess Marathon didn't get the memo."

O-M, ahead early, was trailing 14-9 by the end of the first quarter, 26-21 at halftime, and 40-31 entering the fourth quarter.

Gina Gavich hit three free throws to close to within 44-42 in the fourth period, but Marathon "just couldn't miss," said Gavich. From that point on the visitors outscored O-M 15-6.

Hannah Nolan led Odessa with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals. Gavich had 15 points (including four 3-pointers), Reagan Reese 8 points and 7 rebounds, and Tori Brewster 6 points.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour led by nine points at halftime, but Marathon pulled ahead in the second half, handing the Grizzlies a 40-27 defeat. Olivia Barr led Odessa with 12 points, while Evvie Zinger scored 10, Leah Antes 3, and McKenzie Landon 2.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Hannah Nolan drives around a Marathon defender.
Bottom: Keyonna Garrison, right, poses in the stands with her sister Autumn.

Odessa-Montour's Gina Gavich, left, and Reagan Reese take aim at the basket.

Keyonna Garrison, lower right, posed with teammates in the stands durng the JV game.

And in the JV game:

Left: O-M's Olivia Barr shoots from the corner. Right: Odessa's Evvie Zinger shoots.

O-M boys lose to Marathon, 68-33

MARATHON, Jan. 13, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 4-9 Friday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 68-33 decision to Marathon in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

"We just couldn't make lay-ups tonight," said Odessa-Montour Coach Kristine Gardner. "That really killed us offensively."

Individual statistics were not available.

Watkins boys race past Tburg, 70-39

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 13, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team -- led by David Kelly's 21 points and Jacob Yontz's triple double -- defeated Trumansburg 70-39 Friday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House. With the victory, the Senecas improved to 7-5.

Five Senecas scored in double figures, with Kelly leading the way. He scored 19 of his points after intermission, and drained his last three shots -- each a 3-pointer -- from the corner. Other points came from Christopher Simiele (14, including four 3-pointers), Joe Sutterby (12), Yontz (11), Ryan Willett (10), and Alex Holmes (2).

Yontz led in rebounds (12), assists (17) and blocked shots (2). Sutterby had 7 rebounds, Holmes 5, and Kelly 3. Kelly and Simiele led in steals with 3 apiece, while Yontz had 2. Simiele dished out 6 assists, and Willett 3.

Mason VanGordon led Trumansburg with 20 points.

Watkins Glen led 19-9 after one quarter, 36-18 at halftime, and 59-26 entering the fourth quarter.

"The boys played a terrific game tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We came in with a very clear idea of what we wanted to do and executed really well. David Kelly had an outstanding game attacking the basket and hitting shots. Jacob Yontz had a triple double and was terrific on both ends of the floor. We have stuggled at times this year, but tonight everyone was on their game and I'm very proud of the effort the boys put forth."

Junior Varsity: Trumansburg defeated Watkins Glen 52-41. Caleb Bresett led the Senecas with 10 points, and had 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Jude Santos added 9 points and 8 rebounds, Jaydon Scholtisek 7 points and 4 assists, Brady Bockelkamp 6 points, and Bryce Bockelkamp 4 points.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's David Kelly takes aim from the corner. He sank the shot for three of his 21 points.

Left: Watkins Glen's Gavin Smith prepares to shoot from the corner. Right: The Senecas' Alex Holmes drives to the basket.

Watkins girls defeat Trumansburg, 63-22

TRUMANSBURG, Jan. 13, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 8-4 Friday night with a 63-22 victory over Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Chelsea Parsons led the Senecas with 15 points, while Addy Coolican scored 11 points, Molly Coolican 9, Brianna Hatch 8, Olivia King 8, Jenna Solomon 8, Carly Arnold 2, and Rachel Vickio 2.

King led in rebounds with 7, while Solomon grabbed 6, Hatch 5, and Parsons 4. Vickio led in steals with 4, while Molly Coolican and Parsons had 3 apiece, and Solomon 2.

Watkins Glen led 21-3 after one quarter, 36-5 at halftime, and 47-9 entering the fourth period.

Junior Varsity: There was no JV game.

Storm swimmers fall to Corning, 94-80

CORNING, Jan. 13, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team dropped a 94-80 decision Friday to Corning in a non-league meet in the Corning pool.

Highlights for the Storm -- a combined team of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- included victories by Vinnie Ocasio in the 50 Free (24.32) and 100 Free (54.41), and by the Medley Relay squad of Ryan Dean, Jon Spencer, Liam Smith and Ocasio (1:50.3). Spencer also won the 100 Breaststroke (1:09.01).

Second-place finishes were posted by Smith in the 200 Free and 500 Free, by Dean in the 100 Back, by Ben Campbell in the 100 Breaststroke, and by the 200 Free Relay squad of Spencer, Dean, Smith and Ocasio.

Bowling: Glen boys, girls fall to US/PB

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 13, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams lost Friday to Union Springs/Port Byron in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: Watkins Glen fell 3-1, dropping the first two games and total pinfall, 2300-2131. Mykel Cody led the Senecas with a 505 series, while Brett Cullen-Pike posted a 462 and Corbin Groves a 452.

Girls: Watkins lost 4-0, dropping all three games by a combined 2402-2020. Ava Cowan led the Senecas with a 454 series, while Aubrey Kellogg rolled a 427, Maisie Robertson 396, Alyiah Clink-Bentley 372, and Katie Cook 371.

Bowling: O-M boys, girls fall to SVEC

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 12, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Thursday to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: O-M lost all three games by a combined 2304-2073. Dom Elliott led the Grizzlies with a 463 series, while Austin Hoyt and Benson Patterson each rolled a 447.

Girls: The Grizzlies dropped all three games by a combined 2047-1381. Sarah Barr led Odessa with a 452 series.

O-M returns to action Wednesday at home against Edison.

Bowling: Glen boys, girls top Notre Dame

SOUTHPORT, Jan. 12, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams posted 4-0 victories Thursday over Elmira Notre Dame in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Dixie Lanes.

Boys: Watkins Glen won all three games by a combined 2250-1216 over a Crusader team with only three bowlers. Mykel Cody led the Senecas with a 530 series,while Corbin Groves registered a 519 and Brett Cullen-Pike a 484.

Girls: The Senecas won all three games by a combined 2110-1406 over a Crusader team with four bowlers. Ava Cowen led Watkins with a 532 series that included a 211 game. Aubrey Kellogg rolled a 434, and Katie Cook a 422.

Watkins Glen Christopher Simiele sends a pass around an Addison defender. The pass went to Joe Sutterby, who scored on the play.

Watkins boys run past Addison, 66-42

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 11, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team -- led by Joe Sutterby's 24 points -- defeated Addison 66-42 Wednesday night in a non-league make-up basketball game in the WGHS Field House.

The Senecas (6-5) raced in front 18-7 in the first quarter, led 35-25 at halftime, and were up 47-32 entering the fourth period. They then outscored the Knights (4-5) down the stretch, 19-10.

Scoring in addition to Sutterby were Ryan Willett (12 points), Christopher Simiele (10), Jacob Yontz (6), Sam Caslin (6), Alex Holmes (3), David Kelly (3), and Thomas Field (2).

Yontz led the team in assists with 13, while Simiele had 6. Yontz led in rebounds with 10, while Sutterby and Holmes grabbed 6 apiece. Yontz also led in blocks with 7.

"Tonight was a good win for us," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "It’s always tricky on back-to-back games, especially after having a rough game at Candor last night, but I thought we settled in and did a good job of keeping our energy up.

"We ran our offense better tonight and everyone worked hard. Joe and Jacob connected often tonight to fuel the offense, and Chris, Sam, Ryan and David all shot well from the three-point line. We are better when we move the ball, and we did that well tonight."

The game was a makeup from Dec. 19, when a weld on a basketball rim broke -- discovered after the junior varsity contest had concluded. So only the varsity teams competed Wednesday night.

The Senecas will return to action Friday night at home against Trumansburg.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Joe Sutterby goes up for two of his 24 points.

Left: Watkins Glen's Ryan Willett drives through traffic to the basket. Right: The Senecas' Sam Caslin unleashes a shot.

Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes, left, and Jacob Yontz take aim at the basket.

Storm wrestlers clinch division, 48-28

LANSING, Jan. 11, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team clinched the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Division II title Wednesday night when it defeated Lansing High School 48-28 in a meet in the Lansing gym.

The Storm, a combined team of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen high school athletes, improved to 15-5 with the victory.

OM/WG won at 160 pounds with Tristan Harrington pinning Colin Larratt, and at 118 pounds with Riley Yaw pinning Troy Moody -- both in the first period.

Forfeits were earned at 172 pounds by Jed Lynch, 215 pounds by Dana Guild, 285 pounds by Aidan Summers, 126 pounds by Dylan Senecal, 132 pounds by Brandon Davis, and 138 pounds by Balan Ault.

OM/WG gave up forfeits at 102 pounds and 110 pounds. Competitive matches were lost at 145 pounds (Mark Waterman by a 15-0 technical fall to 2022 NYS Qualifier Owen Emmick), at 152 pounds (Gabe Williams by a 17-2 technical fall to 2022 NYS Qualifier Anthony McMillen), and at 189 pounds (Jeremy Miller by fall to Logan Kohlenberg).

The Storm returns to action Friday and Saturday at the Robert Bradshaw Invitational held in Canandaigua.

Bowling: O-M boys top Groton; girls lose

GROTON, Jan. 10, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team defeated Groton 3-1 Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road match. The Odessa girls fell to Groton 4-0.

Boys: Benson Patterson led the Grizzlies with a 546 series as they won the first and second games and total pinfall, 2364-2225. Dom Elliott added a 536 and Austin Hoyt a 493.

Girls: O-M, with just four bowlers, dropped all four games by a combined 2064-1147. Sarah Barr led the Grizzlies with a 451 series.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Thursday at home against Candor.

Storm swimmers defeat Dryden, 96-54

DRYDEN, Jan. 10, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team posted a 96-54 victory Tuesday over Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Dryden pool.

"It was a meet where we tried moving some kids around to get experience in different events," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose squad is a combination of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes. "We were pleasantly surprised by the versatility of these boys."

Among the highlights were the following:

-- Liam Smith won the 100 Fly and 200 IM.
-- Jon Spencer won the 200 Free and 100 Fly.
-- Ryan Dean won the 100 Free and swam a PR in the 100 Breaststroke.
-- Ben Campbell swam a PR in the 500 Free.
-- Alex Walters and Nick DeLong swam sub minute in the 100 Freestyle.

"Our younger athletes are really making improvements which will have a huge impact at the Sectional and IAC Championships," said Westervelt, pointing to:

-- Logan DeBolt swimming consistently and scoring in every meet.
-- Andre Wixson using his club experience to swim in some of the tougher events.
-- Kyler Eriksen improving his butterfly every meet.
-- Enric Lin making huge improvements in all his events.

"Carson Thaete," he added, "has a huge impact on this team. He swam the 200 IM for the first time ever along with the 27.57 in the anchor leg of the 200 Free Relay, beating his previous best by half a second.

"And Jeremiah Desrochers has a great 6 and 11 dive list for the Storm and will be a huge help in our Championship meets to come."

Bowling: Glen boys fall to NV; girls win

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 10, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team defeated Newark Valley 4-0 Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Harborside Lanes. The WGHS boys lost to NV, 4-0.

Girls: The Senecas won all three games by a combined 2044-1725. Katie Cook led the way with a 454 series, while Aubrey Kellogg posted a 437, Ava Cowan 396, Alyiah Clink-Bentley 388, and Maisie Robertson 369.

Boys: Watkins Glen lost all three games by a combined 2519-2205. Brett Cullen-Pike led the Senecas with a 490 series, while Mykel Cody rolled a 482, Corbin Groves a 476, and Thomas Goltry-Coots a 399.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Mykel Cody reacts to a 7-10 split.

Watkins Glen's Jenna Solomon drives past two Candor defenders on her way to the basket.

Watkins girls race past Candor, 61-12

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 10, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 7-4 Tuesday night by defeating Candor 61-12 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Rachel Vickio and Brianna Hatch led the Senecas in scoring with 15 points and 14 points, respectively. Other points came from Jenna Solomon (9), Molly Coolican (9), Olivia King (6), Carly Arnold (3), Addy Coolican (3), and Chelsea Parsons (2). The team sank 1 out of 5 free throws.

Hatch led in rebounds with 10, while King grabbed 6, Parsons 5, Arnold 4, and Solomon 3. Solomon led in steals with 6, while Parsons, Hatch and Arnold had 3 apiece. Arnold led in assists with 6, while King had 4.

The Senecas broke in front 18-0 on the way to a 24-4 first quarter. They led 33-10 at halftime, and 51-10 entering the fourth quarter.

They return to action Friday night at Trumansburg.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen improved to 9-4 with a 40-20 victory over Candor. The Senecas, who (just as the varsity did later) broke in front 18-0, led 18-1 after one period, 24-12 at halftime, and 38-17 after three quarters.

Natalee Oliver led the Senecas with 13 points. Other points came from Olivia VanSkiver (10), Michaela Wheaton (7), Emma Cady (6), and Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons (4).

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch looks for shot in traffic.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia King (21) shoots. Right: The Senecas' Chelsea Parsons prepares to shoot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold shoots. Right: The Senecas' Addy Coolican races past a Candor defender on her way to the basket.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver drives to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Emma Lewis maneuvers around a Candor defender.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Edison

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Jan. 10, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 6-4 Tuesday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 54-34 decision to Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

O-M trailed 15-5 after one quarter, 28-19 at halftime and 41-25 after three periods.

Gina Gavich led the Grizzlies with 14 points, including four 3-pointers. Hannah Nolan added 6 points (and 8 rebounds), Tori Brewser 6 points, Reagan Reese 4 points (and 7 rebounds), Maggie Pentz 2 points, and Brooklynn Thompson 2 points.

Payton Littlefield led Edison (now 4-4) with 33 points.

"The second quarter was pretty solid," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We'll try to build on that and get ready for the next one Friday" -- home against Marathon.

"A big thank you," Gavich added, "to Edison and their girls basketball program for their fund-raiser and message of support for Keyonna tonight." The Grizzlies' Keyonna Garrison suffered a stroke last week and was hospitalized in Rochester -- but according to Gavich was discharged from the hospital Tuesday night and is now home.

Junior Varsity: Edison defeated Odessa-Montour.

Odessa-Montou's Ben Heichel, left, and David Patterson drive to the basket.

Odessa-Montour boys top Edison, 50-32

ODESSA, Jan. 10, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team -- led by Tyler Malnoske's 18 points -- defeated Edison 50-32 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies led 15-4 after one quarter, 28-14 at halftime, and 34-24 entering the fourth quarter. They outscored the Spartans 16-8 down the stretch.

Scoring in addition to Malnoske (who sank four 3-pointers) were Brad Gillis (8 points), Ben Heichel (8), David Patterson (6), Brady Cannon (5), Daniel Lewis (4), and Gunner Herrmann (1). The team converted 3 of 6 free throws.

George Smith led Edison with 10 points. The team sank 8 of 17 free throws.

"We came out ready to play tonight," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner. "It's big for us because we have three tough games coming up: Marathon, Watkins Glen and Moravia. We needed that confidence boost."

The Grizzlies (now 4-8) return to action Friday night against Marathon on the road.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Edison 34-24. Drew Parmenter led the Grizzlies with 13 points, while Connor Foggie scored 11, Gavin Lohmeyer 8, and James Halpin 2.

Photo in text: O-M's Tyler Malnoske sends a shot on its way.

Left: O-M's Daniel Lewis takes aim. Right: The Grizzlies' Brady Cannon maneuvers around an Edison defender.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Candor, 62-32

CANDOR, Jan. 10, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 5-5 Tuesday night when the Senecas dropped a 62-32 decision to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Candor gym.

"We played well at times," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "and made a couple of runs where we got back in it, but just struggled to score tonight to keep it close."

Jacob Yontz led the Senecas with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Other points came from Christopher Simiele (8), David Kelly (4), Joseph Sutterby (2, with 6 rebounds), Ryan Willett (2), Alex Holmes (2), Jason Murphy (2) and Thomas Field (2).

The Senecas return to action Wednesday at home against Addison in a makeup game.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Candor 54-45. Caleb Bressett led the Senecas with 15 points, while Jaydon Scholtisek scored 11, Jude Santos 11, Brady Bockelkamp 5, and Isaiah Rudy 3.

Tuttle wins close racewalk with new PR

CORTLAND, Jan. 7, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School freshman Maddie Tuttle set a new personal record in winning a hotly contested 1500 Meter Racewalk Saturday at the 607 Invitational held at SUNY Cortland.

Tuttle dropped 16 seconds from her previous meet in setting a new PR of 8:58.26 in edging Waverly junior Haylie Davenport, who finished in 8:59.60. They were well ahead of the other competitors in the race.

The meet, with more than a dozen schools participating, saw WGHS junior Johnny VanScoyk place 3rd in the 1600 Meter Run in 5:03.27. Also grabbing a 3rd-place finish was Kyren Young in the 55 Meter Dash, in 7.31. Teammate Skylar Lagramada was right behind him in 4th place in 7.36.

Young also placed 5th in the 300 Meter Dash in 41.79, with Lagramada 8th in 42.69. Senior Ross Pentz was 7th in the Shot Put with a throw of 35' 5.25". Teammate Shea Young was 10th at 30' 11.25".

Sophomore Henry Smith was 9th in the 600 Meter Run in 1:45.52, while 8th grader Isaac Hendrickson was 13th in the 1000 Meter Run in 3:12.28.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Maddie Tuttle on the way to victory in the 1500 Meter Racewalk. (Photo provided)

The Storm's Mark Waterman, top, on the way to win over a TAE wrestler at 145 pounds.

Schuyler Storm wrestlers win OM Duals

ODESSA, Jan. 7, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team took first place Saturday in the annual OM Dual Meet Tournament at Odessa-Montour High School, finishing 5-0 on the day.

The Storm, a combined team of O-M and Watkins Glen High School athletes, posted victories over Dundee-Bradford 67-0, Thomas Edison 66-3, South Seneca 60-18, Horseheads 42-30, and Whitney Point 60-12.

Each weight class had an award for Most Outstanding Wrestler. For OM/WG, such awards were presented to:

-- Lucas Hoffman, who went 5-0 at 110 pounds;
-- Mark Waterman, who was 5-0 at 145 pounds;
-- Tristan Harrington, who was 5-0 at 160 pounds;
-- Jeremy Miller, who was 5-0 at 189 pounds;
-- Dana Guild, who was 5-0 at 215 pounds; and
-- Aidan Summers, who was 5-0 at 285 pounds.

Also having strong showings for the Schuyler Storm were Riley Yaw at 118 pounds (4-1), Brandon Davis at 132 pounds (4-1), Gabe Williams at 152 pounds (4-1), Jed Lynch at 172 pounds (4-1), Dylan Senecal at 126 pounds (3-2), Patrick Croft at 189 pounds (2-0), and Daniel Coston and Balan Ault at 138 pounds (2-1).

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Balan Ault, right, on the way to victory by a pin against Edison.
Bottom: WG/OM's Tristan Harrington, right, battles an Edison opponent at 160 pounds. Harrington won by a pin.

The Schuyler Storm's Gabe Williams, top, nears victory against Edison at 152 pounds.

The Storms's Daniel Coston (in maroon) nears victory over an Edison opponent.

The Schuyler Storm wrestlers pose after winning the OM Duals. (Photo provided)

The Schuyler Storm's Ryan Dean competes in the 200 Yard Individual Medley.

Watkins boys 7th at Glen Invitational

Shenendehowa 1st in fast meet featuring pool records, state qualifiers

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 7, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm swim team placed 7th Saturday out of 11 teams in a Glen Invitational in the Watkins Glen High School pool that was "the fastest meet Watkins has hosted in recent memory," according to Storm Coach Jason Westervelt.

The Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- "had a great finals," said Westervelt, "placing 1st among C schools.

"The 200 Freestyle Relay and Vinnie Ocasio swam in the finals of a very competitive swim meet. The Relay placed 3rd and Vinnie swam to two top-8 finishes, in the 50 Free and 100 Free."

Shenendehowa won the meet with 484 points, with Horseheads second at 357.5. They were followed by Fairport, Corning, Chenango Valley, Ithaca, WG/OM (129 points), Lansing, Marcus Whitman, Southern Cayuga and Susquehanna Valley.

State Qualifying times were reached in numerous events, and pool records were set in the 200 Individual Medley, 50 Yard Freestyle, Diving, and the 100 Yard Breaststroke.

"For these boys to swim in the consolation or finals heat at a meet this competitive is a confidence builder going into our championship season," said Westervelt. "I am very proud of these young men and their accomplishments so far this season."

Among top finishes for The Storm were:

50 Free: Vinnie Ocasio, 5th in 23.82.
100 Free: Vinnie Ocasio, 8th in 53.88.
200 Free Relay: Vinnie Ocasio, Ryan Dean, Liam Smith, Jon Spencer, 3rd in 1:37.77.
200 Free: Liam Smith, 14th in 2:00.47.
200 IM: Ryan Dean, 15th in 2:21.97.
100 Fly: Ryan Dean, 14th in 1:03.75.
500 Free: Liam Smith, 9th in 5:28.00.
100 Back: Nick DeLong, 16th in 1:09.61.

Photos in text:

Top: WG/OM's Vinnie Ocasio hits the water at start of the 50 Free.
Middle: The Storm's Caleb Reynolds competes in the 500 Free.
Bottom: WG/OM's Nick DeLong dives at start of the 50 Free.

The Schuyler Storm's Andre Wixson competes in the 100 Yard Butterfly.

WG/OM's Jon Spencer competes in the 100 Yard Freestyle. He placed 14th.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 2

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 7, 2023 -- The following were the results of competition in the second week of play in this year's Watkins Glen Youth Basketball at the Field House:

3rd-4th Grade Results:

Maguire's 18, Curly's 8
Maguire's: Henry Titus 6, Mason Bellavigna 4, Landon Bianco 4, Ryker Blencowe 2, Hope Hoyles 2.
Curly's: Gavin Green 2, Sydney Fields 2, Rex Horrocks 2, Catherine Caslin 2.

Famous Brands 18, Sporting Goods 10
Famous Brands: Isidore Gomez Fitzsimmons 10, Derrick Westervelt 4, Zane Cross 2, Sarah Murphy 2.
Sporting Goods: Zion Tomlinson 6, Luke Hicks 2, Waylon Gee 2.

Standings:
Maguire's 2-0
Famous Brands 1-1
Watkins Sporting Goods 1-1
Curly's Family Restaurant 0-2

5th-6th Grade Results:

Watkins Glen Supply 42, Capt. Bill's 20
Watkins Glen Supply: Cooper Lagramada 22, Ethan Crane 10, Joshua Daugherty 6, Broghan Fuller Bianco 2, Micah Pierce 2.
Capt. Bill's: Ian Smith 6, Lucas Schubmehl 4, Callum Schamel 4, Lucas Van Skiver 4, Tavis McKeon 2.

Standings:
Watkins Glen Supply 1-0
Captain Bill's 0-1

Finals set for Glen swim invitational

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 6, 2023 -- Lineups for Saturday's finals were set Friday on the first day of the Invitational in the Glen boys swim meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

"We had some very good swims from our younger athletes," said Jason Westervelt, coach of the Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes. "We also had some guys make the finals in a very fast meet."

Saturday's finals begin with diving at 10 a.m. Swimming starts at 2 p.m. There will be finals for the top eight prelim finishers in each race, with consolation finals for those placing 9th through 16th. There are 11 schools competing.

Watkins Glen earned spots in the top-eight finals in the following:

50 Free: Vincent Ocasio, 4th in 23.63.
100 Free: Vincent Ocasio, 7th in 52.89.
200 Free Relay: 4th in 1:36.94 (Vincent Ocasio, Ryan Dean, Liam Smith, Jon Spencer).

In other races, WG/OM qualified for the consolation finals as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 10th in 1:57.09 (Nick DeLong, Ben Campbell, Caleb Reynolds and Alex Walters).
200 Free: Liam Smith, 11th in 1:58.53.
200 Individual Medley: Ryan Dean, 14th in 2:20.06.
100 Fly: Ryan Dean, 13th in 1:03.17.
100 Free: Jon Spencer, 10th in 53.81.
500 Free: Liam Smith, 9th in 5:27.50.
400 Free Relay: 9th in 3:41.19 (Vincent Ocasio, Ryan Dean, Liam Smith, Jon Spencer).

Photos in text:

Top: WG/OM's Liam Smith competes in the 200 Free during prelims.
Bottom: WG/OM's Vincent Ocasio, foreground, dives at start of the 50 Free.

WG/OM's Ryan Dean races in the 200 Yard Individual Medley during prelims.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Groton

GROTON, Jan. 6, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 6-3 Friday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 38-21 decision to Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The Grizzlies, down 14-13 at halftime, failed to score in the third quarter and entered the fourth behind 27-13.

"We really struggled to get into any kind of a flow on offense," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, "and just didn't play well in any facet of the game at all."

O-M was led in scoring by Gina Gavich's 9 points. Hannah Nolan added 8 points, Tori Brewster 2, and Reagan Reese 2. The team converted 6 of 20 free throws.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Groton, 31-15.

Left: O-M's Lance Reese looks for a shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Daniel Lewis shoots.

Odessa boys lose to Groton, 68-50

ODESSA, Jan. 6, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 68-50 decision Friday night to Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

Groton raced out to a 25-9 first-quarter lead, and was up 40-20 at halftime and 54-32 entering the fourth quarter.

The Grizzlies, now 3-8, were led in scoring by David Patterson's 14 points. Other points came from Brady Cannon (11), Gunner Herrmann (10), Daniel Lewis (6), Ben Heichel (4), Brad Gillis (3), and Lance Reese (2). The team converted 1 of 5 free throws.

Groton was led by Mason Slade's 22 points. The team sank 10 of 14 free throws.

"Having Tyler go down in the first half really hurt us," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner, referring to Tyler Malnoske, who hit his head on the floor after a hard foul, and was kept out the rest of the game. He had averaged 20 points over the past three games.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Groton, 35-27. Drew Parmenter led the Grizzlies with 17 points, while Gavin Lohmeyer scored 6, Connor Foggie 2, and James Halpin 2.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's David Patterson goes up for a shot.

Watkins boys top Whitney Point, 79-49

WHITNEY POINT, Jan. 6, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team improved to 5-4 Friday night when it defeated Whitney Point 79-49 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Joseph Sutterby scored 24 points and Ryan Willett 23 points to lead the Watkins attack. Other points came from Sam Caslin (8), Gavin Smith (6), Jacob Yontz (5), Christopher Simiele (5), Alex Holmes (4), Thomas Field (2), and David Kelly (2).

Yontz led in rebounds with 10, in assists with 12, and in blocks with 4. Sutterby registered 9 rebounds. The team notched 7 steals -- with five different players having at least one.

"I thought we brought more intensity to the game tonight than we have in recent games," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Offensively we passed the ball well and found players in great positions to score.

"We've struggled scoring over the last couple of games, so it was nice to see the offense work efficiently and effectively tonight. Even though we have struggled at times this season, it's nice to see the team come together, support one another and play team basketball."

Left: Watkins Glen's Jenna Solomon drives to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Olivia King prepares to pass the ball.

Watkins girls race past Whitney Point

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 6, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 6-4 Friday night with a 42-14 victory over Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

The Senecas, who built a 14-7 first quarter lead, didn't allow another Whitney Point basket until the fourth quarter. Watkins led 29-7 at halftime, and 42-7 entering the fourth quarter.

Jenna Solomon led the Senecas in points with 8, while Addy Coolican scored 7, Carly Arnold 6, Chelsea Parsons 6, Rachel Vickio 4, Olivia King 4, Brianna Hatch 4, and Molly Coolican 3. The team converted 4 of 5 free throws.

Solomon, Parsons and Hatch each grabbed 4 rebounds, while Molly Coolican grabbed 3, King 2, and Arnold 2. Parsons led in steals with 4, while King had 2. Arnold led in assists with 4, while Solomon had 3.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen fell to Whitney Point 34-23 as the visitors outscored the Senecas 12-0 in the fourth quarter. Watkins, now 8-4, was led in scoring by Michaela Wheaton, who had 11 points. Olivia VanSkiver added 8 points, and Emma Cady 4.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold, foreground, prepares to pass the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Molly Coolican moves the ball between two Whitney Point defenders. Right: The Senecas' Chelsea Parsons shoots.

And in the JV game:

From left: Watkins Glen's Emma Cady, Michaela Wheaton and Olivia VanSkiver shoot.

Bowling: Watkins boys, girls both win

ITHACA, Jan. 6, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams posted victories Friday over Lansing in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at the Helen Newman Bowling Lanes at Cornell University.

The Watkins girls won 4-0, while the Glen boys prevailed 3-1.

"It was a good way to end the week for both teams," said Watkins Glen Coach Ward Brower.

Girls: Alyiah Clink-Bentley led the Senecas with a 487 series as Watkins won all three games by a combined 2288-1643. Aubrey Kellogg added a 470 series, Maisie Robertson 459, Katie Cook 440, and Ava Cowan 432.

"Everyone bowled well, having at least one really good game," said Coach Brower. "The girls are developing healthy competition with each other while still being supportive and great teammates to one another.

"Alyiah has been working with a new ball the last couple of matches," he added. "She switched back to her old ball after the first game today and bowled great. She was much more comfortable."

Boys: The Senecas won the first and second games and total pinfall, 2384-2321. Mykel Cody led Watkins with a 591 series that included a 243 game. Brett Cullen-Pike posted a 578 with 203 and 215 games, and Corbin Groves rolled a 525 that included a 211.

"Brett had another solid performance," said Brower, "and it was good to see Mykel and Corbin have breakout days today. The boys team got better today."

Bowling: O-M boys top Groton; girls fall

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 6, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team defeated Groton 4-0 Friday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Harborside Lanes. The O-M girls lost to Groton, 4-0.

Boys: Austin Hoyt led the Grizzlies with a 561 series (including a 234 game) as the team won all three games by a 2372-1796 margin. Dom Elliott added a 541, and Zach Rounds a 468.

Girls: O-M lost all three games by a combined 1893-1502. Sarah Barr led the Grizzlies with a 390 series.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Tuesday at Groton.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Zach Rounds converts a spare.

Bowling: WG girls top Lansing, boys lose

ITHACA, Jan. 5, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team defeated Lansing 4-0 Thursday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at the Helen Newman Bowling Lanes at Cornell University. The WGHS boys team fell to Lansing 4-0.

Ava Cowan led the Senecas with a 162-193-203=558 series as they won all three games by a combined 2224-1711. Maisie Robertson rolled a 420, Alyiah Clink-Bentley 410, Aubrey Kellogg 408, and Katie Cook 393.

"Ava has become a student of the game and continues to improve," said Watkins Glen Coach Ward Brower. "She is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the IAC."

Boys: Watkins Glen lost all three games by a combined 2461-2250. Mykel Cody led the Senecas with a 553 series that included 202 and 203 games. Brett Cullen-Pike rolled a 515, and Corbin Groves a 482.

Bowling: O-M boys top Tioga; girls lose

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 5, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team posted a 3-1 victory Thursday over Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Harborside Lanes. The O-M girls fell to Tioga 4-0.

Boys: O-M won two games and total pinfall, 2182-2120. Dom Elliott led the Grizzlies with a 503 series, while Benson Patterson rolled a 494 and Austin Hoyt a 444.

Girls: Odessa dropped all three games by a combined 2046-1348. Sarah Barr led the Grizzlies with a 366 series.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Friday at home against Groton.

Photo in text: O-M's Benson Patterson watches as his ball clips the 3 pin before sending it over to knock down the 7 in a tough split conversion.

Watkins Glen bowlers fall to USPB

AUBURN, Jan. 4, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Wednesday to Union Springs/Port Byron in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Starlite Lanes.

Girls: The Senecas lost all three games by a combined score of 2358-2008. Ava Cowan led Watkins with a 479 series, while Maisie Robertson rolled a 407, Alyiah Clink-Bentley 381, Katie Cook 368, and Aubrey Kellogg 363.

Boys: Watkins dropped all three games by a combined 2284-2116. Corbin Groves led the Senecas with a 473 series, while Brett Cullen-Pike posted a 468, Mykel Cody 440, Marcus Delong 372, and Thomas Goltry-Coots 363.

The Storm's Lucas Hoffman, right, battles Groton's Aidan Shufelt at 110 pounds.

Storm wrestlers defeat Groton, 54-21

ODESSA, Jan. 4, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team defeated an outnumbered Groton 54-21 Wednesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Odessa-Montour High School gym.

The Storm, a combined team of O-M and Watkins Glen High School athletes, lost each of the meet's three competitive matches, but picked up forfeit victories in nine weight classes: 118, 126, 132, 138, 145, 152, 160, 189 and 215. Groton had just four wrestlers, to the Storm's roster of 20-plus.

In competitive matches, the Storm's Lucas Hoffman fell 5-0 to Groton's Aidan Shufelt at 110 pounds; Tristan Harrington was pinned in the second period by Groton's Isaac Allen at 172 pounds; and Aiden Summers was pinned in 5:42 by Groton's Donovan Mitchell at 285 pounds.

Senior Night: The Storm's five seniors were honored in a Senior Night ceremony preceding the wrestling. The honorees: Gabe Williams, Jeremy Miller, Brandon Davis, Tristan Harrington and Mark Waterman.

Photo in text: The Storm's Aiden Summers, left, in the 285-pound match.

Schuyler Storm wrestlers honored at Senior Night included, from left, Tristan Harrington, Gabe Williams, Jeremy Miller, Mark Waterman and Brandon Davis.

Storm swimmers top S. Cayuga, 48-36

AURORA, Jan. 3, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team posted a 48-36 victory Tuesday over Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Southern Cayuga pool.

The Storm, a combined team of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes, finished one-two in several races: the 200 Medley Relay, the 200 Free, the 200 Individual Medley, the 50 Free, the 100 Free and the 500 Free. It exhibitioned (swam without seeking points) in the final four races.

Individual first places went to:

200 Free: Liam Smith, 2:02.00
200 IM: Ryan Dean, 2:22.58
50 Free: Jon Spencer, 24.59
100 Fly: Caleb Reynolds, 1:11.98
100 Free: Jon Spencer, 55.42
500 Free: Ryan Dean, 5:40.38

"The boys really swam well in their off events today," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "Our younger swimmers, Carson Thaete, Andre Wixson, Kyler Eriksen, Enric Lin and Logan DeBolt, all scored for the Storm and swam very well in higher pressure situations than they were accustomed to."

The Storm squad returns to action when it hosts an 11-team invitational Friday and Saturday at WGHS.

Odessa-Montour's Keyonna Garrison (left) and Gina Gavich take aim at the basket.

O-M girls' comeback falls short, 46-43

ODESSA, Jan. 3, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team rallied from a 9-point halftime deficit to take the lead in the third quarter before falling behind again en route to a 46-43 loss Tuesday night to Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies were down 12-5 after one quarter and 23-14 at halftime before taking the lead 30-28 in the third quarter. But Southern Cayuga (4-2) regained the lead and kept it, leading by 8 points, 45-37, with 2:39 to play. The Grizzlies rallied again, pulling within 3 points at 45-42 and again at the final 46-43.

O-M (now 6-2) was "flat coming out and dug too big of a hole for ourselves," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We rallied in the third, but then a few mental lapses on defense were really costly and they went on a 9-0 run We got it back within 3, but just couldn't get it over the finish line."

O-M had three players score in double figures: Hannah Nolan (13 points, with 6 rebounds and 4 steals), Keyonna Garrison (13 points), and Gina Gavich (12 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, and 4 assists). Reagan Reese added 4 points and 7 rebounds, while Tori Brewster had 1 point.

O-M returns to action Friday at Groton.

Photos in text: O-M's Hannah Nolan drives to the basket in heavy traffic.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Reagan Reese prepares to shoot. Right: The Grizzlies' Tori Brewster sends a shot on its way.

O-M boys fall to Southern Cayuga, 75-53

AURORA, Jan. 3, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 3-7 Tuesday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 75-53 decision to Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

"It was a tough game on the road coming from winter break," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner. "We couldn't get to the foul line the first half."

O-M fell behind 15-10 after one quarter, and trailed 35-21 at halftime and 55-33 entering the fourth quarter.

Tyler Malnoske led the Grizzlies with 21 points, while Daniel Lewis scored 13, Brad Gillis 8, Brady Cannon 6, Ben Heichel 3, and David Patterson 2. The team converted 7 of 11 free throws.

They return to action Friday night at home against Groton.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Southern Cayuga, 40-26.

Watkins Glen's Olivia King drives to the basket for two of her 10 points.

Watkins Glen girls defeat Lansing, 49-33

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 3, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved its record to 5-4 Tuesday night with a 49-33 victory over Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Jenna Solomon led Watkins with 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and an assist. Olivia King also reached double figures, scoring 10 points with 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

Other points came from Carly Arnold (9, with 2 steals, 2 assists and a rebound), Chelsea Parsons (8, with 3 steals and 2 rebounds), Brianna Hatch (2, with 4 rebounds and a steal), and Molly Coolican (2, with 3 steals and a rebound). Addy Coolican registered 2 steals and 2 rebounds. The team converted 6 of 14 free throws

Watkins Glen led 15-7 after one quarter, 21-16 at halftime, and 33-28 entering the fourth period. It outscored the Bobcats 16-5 down the stretch.

The Senecas return to action Friday at home against Whitney Point.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen improved to 8-3 by defeating Lansing 33-23. Michaela Wheaton led the Senecas with 16 points, while Emma Cady scored 9, Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons 6, and Natalee Oliver 2.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Jenna Solomon is fouled as she drives to the hoop.

Left: Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold shoots. Right: The Senecas' Chelsea Parsons heads toward the basket in heavy traffic.

Left: Watkins Glen's Addy Coolican drives to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Molly Coolican prepares to shoot.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton on the way to two of her 16 points. Right: The Senecas' Olivia VanSkiver sends a shot on its way.

Left: Watkins Glen's Emma Cady drives to the hoop for two points. Right: The Senecas' Natalee Oliver prepares to shoot.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Lansing, 71-49

LANSING, Jan. 3, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 4-4 Tuesday night when the Senecas dropped a 71-49 decision to Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Lansing gym.

"We played well at times throughout the game," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We made a run and tied the game before the half playing decent defense and playing aggressively. The third quarter proved to be rough as Lansing made a run and we were never able to get back in it.

"There were some positive things to take away from the game and we'll continue to try to get better."

Jacob Yontz led the Senecas with 25 points, and registered 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists and a steal.

Other points came from Ryan Willett (9, with 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists), Joseph Sutterby (8, with 7 rebounds, 1 steal and an assist), Christopher Simiele (3, with 1 rebound, 2 assists and a steal), David Kelly (3, with 2 rebounds and an assist), and Adriano Roma Ripol (1). Alex Holmes registered 2 rebounds, 1 block and a steal.

The Senecas return to action Friday night at Whitney Point.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Lansing, 48-21. Jaydon Scholtisek led the Senecas with 11 points, while Brady Bockelkamp scored 6, Jude Santos 2, and Lucas Hoffman 2.

O-M boys win Addison tournament title

ADDISON, Dec. 30, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour boys varsity basketball team -- led by Tyler Malnoske's 18 points -- defeated Cowanesque Valley 52-45 Friday night to win the Addison Holiday Tournament championship.

The Grizzlies (now 3-6) led 11-8 after one quarter and 29-24 at halftime. Cowanesque Valley took the lead 38-36 entering the fourth quarter, but O-M outscored CV 16-7 down the stretch, with Malnoske registering 9 of his game-high 18 points in that period.

Also scoring for O-M were Brad Gillis (10 points), Brady Cannon (9), Daniel Lewis (7), Ben Heichel (6), and David Patterson (2). The team converted 8 of 14 free throws.

CV was led by Jordan Vaargenson's 14 points, and 13 by Cayden Moon. The team sank 8 of 17 free throws.

"When things got rocky," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner, "we kept pushing through adversity. They played their hearts out! I'm proud of them -- of how far they have come."

Malnoske was named the tourney MVP, while Gillis was named to the All-Star squad.

Photo in text: The O-M squad poses after winning the Addison tournament. (Provided)

Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz drives to the basket for two of his 16 points.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Newfield, 75-37, in Holiday Tourney final at the Field House

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 30, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team fell far behind early on the way to a 75-37 loss Friday night to Newfield in the championship game of the Holiday Tournament at the WGHS Field House.

Newfield, capitalizing on repeated Watkins turnovers and an effective fast-break offense, built a 32-10 lead in the first period. It was up 41-24 at halftime, and 54-29 entering the fourth quarter.

Jacob Yontz led Watkins (now 4-3) with 16 points. Others points came from Sam Caslin (7), Christopher Simiele (4), Joe Sutterby (3), Gavin Smith (3), Ryan Willett (2), and Alex Holmes (2). The team converted 10 of 18 free throws.

Yontz led the Senecas in rebounds with 8, while Sutterby grabbed 5. Yontz also led in blocks (3), assists (4) and steals (3).

Newfield -- the defending Class C state champion -- was led by Zach Taylor's 18 points, and 14 by Jalen Hardison. The Trojans sank 2 of 4 free throws.

Newfield's Austin Jenney, who scored 11 points in the finale, was named tournament MVP, while teammate Hardison was named part of the All-Star squad. Watkins Glen had two All-Star selections: Yontz and Sutterby (who had scored 20 in Watkins's semifinal win over Windsor).

"We ran into an incredibly talented Newfield team tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We will just have to get back to work and learn from that one."

Consolation Game: Candor defeated Windsor, 56-45.

*******

Junior Varsity Consolation Game: Watkins Glen defeated Newfield, 44-38.

The Senecas (2-6) were led by Jude Santos, who scored 18 points. Other points came from Caleb Brisett (10), Brady Bockelkamp (6), Lucas Hoffman (5), Donovan Wratten (3), and Bryce Bockelkamp (2). The team converted 11 of 23 free throws.

Watkins was down 12-11 after one period, but ahead 27-17 at halftime and 34-30 entering the fourth quarter. It then outscored Newfield 10-8 down the stretch, with half of those points coming on free throws.

Windsor defeated Candor in the JV title game.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Joe Sutterby prepares to shoot.
Middle: The Senecas' Christopher Simiele goes up for a shot in traffic.
Bottom: In the JV game, Watkins' Caleb Brisett drives past a Newfield defender.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin drives around a Newfield defender. Right: The Senecas' Alex Holmes is fouled as he goes up for a shot.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Jude Santos shoots. Right: The Senecas' Brady Bockelkamp sends a free throw on its way.

O-M boys top C-S, reach Addison finals

ADDISON, Dec. 29, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team topped Campbell-Savona 62-53 Thursday night in the opening round of the Addison Holiday Tournament, sending the Grizzlies to Friday's final.

"That's a huge win for us," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner, whose team is now 2-6.
"It wasn't pretty, but we got the job done." Their opponent in the final will be Cowanesque Valley. Tipoff is set for 7:15 p.m.

O-M built a 23-15 first-quarter lead, and was ahead 44-29 at halftime. Campbell-Savona trimmed the Grizzlies' lead to two points, 50-48, by the end of the third quarter, but O-M rallied with a 12-5 fourth quarter to secure the win.

Tyler Malnoske led the Grizzlies with 21 points, including three 3-pointers. Brad Gillis and Daniel Lewis each scored 12 points, while Ben Heichel and David Patterson scored 6 each, Gunner Herrmann 3, and Brady Cannon 2. The team converted 7 of 14 free throws.

Campbell-Savona was led by Lucas Feldman's 16 points, and 12 by Jackson Kibler, who hit four 3-pointers. The team converted 6 of 15 free throws.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz takes the ball to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Christopher Simiele sends a shot on its way.

Watkins boys top Windsor, reach final

Will face defending state champion Newfield, which defeated Candor

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 29, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team, led by Joe Sutterby's 20 points and 17 by Jacob Yontz, defeated Windsor 64-49 Thursday night in the opening round of the Boys Holiday Tournament at the WGHS Field House, putting the Senecas into Friday night's final.

The victory advances them to a 7:30 p.m. contest against the defending Class C State champion Newfield Trojans, who defeated Candor 58-43 in Thursday's other semifinal. Newfield was led by Austin Jenney's 22 points, and 18 by Jalen Hardison.

Watkins Glen, 4-2, trailed 15-13 after one quarter, but was ahead 29-22 at halftime and 46-30 entering the fourth quarter.

In addition to Sutterby and Yontz, the team got points from Ryan Willett (12), Christopher Simiele (7), Alex Holmes (4), Jason Murphy (2), Sam Caslin (1), and Gavin Smith (1). The Senecas sank 9 of 13 free throws.

Rebound leaders included Yontz (8), Sutterby (8), Willett (7) and David Kelly (5). Yontz led in assists (8) and steals (3).

Windsor, a Class B school (to Watkins' C), was led by Dylan Decker's 16 points. The Black Knights converted 13 of 20 free throws.

"It was a total team effort tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "The boys have worked very hard to continue to improve and come together as a team, and I was very proud of the effort tonight. I loved our ball movement and energy on the boards.

"I thought our defense improved as the game progressed and we took good shots throughout. Now we have to get back at it here tomorrow against an incredibly talented Newfield team."

Friday's varsity consolation game, Windsor against Candor, is scheduled for a 6 p.m. tipoff.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen fell to Windsor in the semifinals Thursday afternoon, 53-33. Jude Santos led the Senecas with 13 points, while Caleb Bresett scored 6 points, Brady Bockelkamp 4, Levi Murphy 3, Lucas Hoffman 3, Donovan Wratten 2, and Isaiah Rudy 2.

The Senecas will play Newfield (which lost to Candor 51-27 Thursday) in the consolation game at 3 p.m. Friday. Candor will play Windsor for the JV title at 4:30 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Joe Sutterby drives to the hoop.
Middle: The Senecas' Sam Caslin dribbles past a Windsor defender.
Bottom: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes goes up for a shot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Ryan Willett (5) is fouled as he attempts a shot. Right: The Senecas' David Kelly III sends a shot on its way.

And in the JV game:

From left: Watkins Glen's Jude Santos is fouled, Donovan Wratten passes the ball, and Caleb Bresett shoots.

Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold drives past an S-VE defender. Teammate Olivia King is in the background.

Watkins girls roll to tourney title, 44-6

Glen junior varsity falls in championship game to S-VE, 31-30

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 28, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team cruised to the championship of the Melissa B. Wilson Memorial Tournament Wednesday night, overwhelming Spencer-Van Etten in the title game, 44-6, in the WGHS Field House.

The Senecas (4-4) , led by tourney MVP Rachel Vickio, raced out to a 13-2 first-quarter lead, were up 27-4 at halftime, and led 36-4 entering the fourth quarter.

Vickio, who had 16 points in the tourney opener, scored 17 against S-VE. She also registered 6 steals and 2 assists.

Other points came from Molly Coolican (8, with 3 rebounds), Olivia King (6, with 2 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists), Jenna Solomon (4, with 2 rebounds, 2 blocks and an assist), Carly Arnold (3, with 5 steals, 2 rebounds and 2 assists), Addy Coolican (2, with 5 steals, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a block), Chelsea Parsons (2, with 2 rebounds and a steal), and Brianna Hatch (2, with 5 rebounds and a steal). The team converted 6 of 9 free throws.

Joining Vickio on the All-Tournament team were Aubrie Kastenhuber of S-VE, Chloe Scott of South Seneca, and Karissa Champion of Campbell-Savona.

South Seneca defeated Campbell-Savona 42-25 in the varsity consolation game that preceded the title contest.

******

Junior Varsity: S-VE 31, Watkins Glen 30

The Watkins Glen junior varsity overcame an early 11-0 deficit in the JV championship game, fighting back to within four points of Spencer-Van Etten, 17-13, at halftime and then going ahead 28-22 late in the third period.

Spencer-Van Etten tied the game with 3:42 to go before Watkins edged ahead 29-28 on a Michaela Wheaton free throw with 1:44 remaining. The Panthers responded with a 3-pointer at the 1:34 mark to go ahead 31-29. The Senecas got a free throw from Olivia VanSkiver to cut the deficit to one, 31-30, with 44.3 seconds left, but didn't score again.

Wheaton led the Senecas (now 6-2) with 12 points, while Emma Cady scored 8 points, Natalee Oliver 5, Grace Roney 2, Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons 2, and VanSkiver 1. The team converted 6 of 16 free throws.

S-VE was led by Katelyn Klym's 13 points. The Panthers converted 2 of 10 free throws.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio drives to the basket for two points.
Bottom: The Senecas' Addy Coolican prepares to shoot.

Note: Melissa Wilson was a member of the WGHS basketball team in the mid 1990s. She died in an auto accident in 1996, and this tournament was started in her memory in 1998. It has been held almost every year since.

Left: Watkins Glen's Chelsea Parsons, right, passes the ball. Right: The Senecas' Brianna Hatch shoots.

Left: Watkins Glen's Molly Coolican launches a shot. Right: The Senecas' Jenna Solomon drives to the hoop.

The tournament champion Senecas pose along with members of the Wilson family, who have helped keep this event operating for a quarter century.

And in the JV game:

From left: Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver, Grace Roney and Michaela Wheaton.

Left: Watkins Glen's Emma Cady goes to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Natalee Oliver drives around an S-VE defender.

Storm wrestlers place 5th at Cody Duals

BINGHAMTON, Dec. 28, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm high school varsity wrestling team finished in fifth place Wednesday at the Mark Cody Duals meet at Binghamton High School.

Brandon Davis, wrestling for the Storm at 132 pounds, won all five of his matches with four pins and was voted the most outstanding wrestler in his weight class.

The Storm went 3-2, posting team wins over Owego Free Academy (46-15), Whitney Point (60-18), and Binghamton (39-30). It lost to Maine Endwell (64-12) and Victor (54-24).

Also for the Storm: Dana Guild was 4-1 with three pins at 215 pounds; Aiden Summers was 4-1 with two pins at 285, Lucas Hoffman was 4-1 with two pins at 118/126, Gabe Williams was 3-2 with three pins at 145/152, and Patrick Croft was 3-2 with two pins at 189.

The Storm squad -- a combined team of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 4 against Groton at Odessa-Montour. It will be Senior Night.

Photo in text: The Schuyler Storm's Brandon Davis with his Outstanding Wrestler certificate. (Photo provided)

Glen girls top S. Seneca, advance to final

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 27, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team -- with three players in double figures -- advanced Tuesday night to the final of the annual Melissa B. Wilson Memorial Tournament with a 54-31 opening-round victory over South Seneca in the WGHS Field House.

Watkins (3-4) will play Spencer-Van Etten in the championship game at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The Panthers advanced with a 42-22 victory over Campbell-Savona in the other semifinal. The varsity consolation game between South Seneca and Campbell-Savona is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.

Rachel Vickio led the Senecas in scoring with 16 points, while registering 8 steals and 3 rebounds. Jenna Solomon scored 10 points and had 4 steals, 2 rebounds and an assist, while Chelsea Parsons scored 10 points while registering 2 steals and a rebound.

Other points came from Carly Arnold (5, with 3 steals, 3 rebounds and 2 assists), Brianna Hatch (5, with 3 steals and 3 rebounds), Molly Coolican (4, with 3 steals, 2 rebounds and an assist), Addy Coolican (2, with 2 steals, 3 rebounds and an assist), and Olivia King (2, with 2 steals, 2 rebounds and 2 assists). The team converted 7 of 19 free throws.

Ciera Babcock led South Seneca with 11 points. The team sank 3 of 10 free throws.

Watkins Glen took an 18-6 lead through one quarter, and was ahead 27-17 at halftime and 38-22 entering the fourth quarter. The Senecas outscored South Seneca 16-9 down the stretch.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen (6-1) defeated South Seneca 40-26 to advance to Wednesday's 3 p.m. JV final against Spencer-Van Etten, which defeated Campbell-Savona in Tuesday's first game.

Michaela Wheaton led the Senecas with 12 points, while Olivia VanSkiver scored 10, Emma Cady 7, Paige Ells 5, Natalee Oliver 4, and Emma Lewis 2.

The Senecas led 18-4 after one period, 30-14 at halftime, and 36-20 entering the fourth quarter.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio drives to the basket.
Bottom: The Senecas' Jenna Solomon looks for a shot in traffic.

Left: Watkins Glen's Chelsea Parsons, left, moves past a South Seneca defender.
Right: The Senecas' Brianna Hatch (22) is fouled as she attempts to shoot.

From left: Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold, Olivia King and Addy Coolican.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Emma Cady drives to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Michaela Wheaton prepares to shoot in traffic.

Left: Watkins Glen's Emma Lewis takes aim at the basket. Right: The Senecas' Paige Ells sends a free throw on its way.

Odessa-Montour's Tori Brewster, left, is fouled as she drives to the basket.

O-M girls fall to Union Springs, 63-38

ODESSA, Dec. 22, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team sustained its first loss of the season Thursday night, dropping a 63-38 decision to Union Springs in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

Union Springs, 6-0 and ranked No. 3 among Class C schools in the state, "matches up with any team in Section IV, any classification, any league, anybody," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich.

O-M (now 6-1) led just once, 3-0 on a Gina Gavich basket 20 seconds into the game. By the end of the first quarter, Odessa was down 17-7 as Union Springs employed a strong defense and an inside game that dominated the offensive board and led to repeated short-range baskets.

Union Springs scored the first 10 points of the second quarter to build its lead to 20 before O-M found the range and sank some baskets. The score at halftime was 36-20.

The Grizzlies pulled within 11 at 38-27 before the Wolves scored seven quick points at the beginning of a 17-3 run that gave them a 55-30 lead entering the fourth period.

The Wolves' Kailey Kalet scored 19 points, surpassing 1,000 in her career. She has signed with Loyola (Maryland), a Division 1 school. Teammate Payton Gilbert scored 23 points. The team registered just one 3-pointer, and was 4-for-6 from the foul line.

Gavich hit four 3-pointers on the way to 14 points for O-M, and had 3 assists. Hannah Nolan scored 10 points and registered 6 rebounds and 3 steals. Keyonna Garrison had 8 points and 5 rebounds, while Tori Brewster had 3 points and 4 assists. Other points came from Maggie Pentz (2) and Reagan Reese (1). The team sank 4 of 16 free throws.

"I thought once we got used to their speed and intensity that we played really well in the middle stretch of the game," said Coach Gavich. "We did cut a 27-7 deficit to 11 midway through the third quarter and didn't give up. This was a great game for us to prepare for what is coming in January on our schedule."

The Grizzlies are off until January 3, when they host Southern Cayuga.

Junior Varsity: Union Springs defeated Odessa-Montour.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Hannah Nolan works hard to get around a Unions Springs defender.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Gina Gavich launches a long-range shot.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Keyonna Garrison rises high for a shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Reagan Reese shoots.

Tuttle 1st in Racewalk; runners set PR's

CORTLAND, Dec. 22, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity indoor track team set a number of personal records Thursday at the It's About Time Invitational at SUNY Cortland.

Freshman Maddie Tuttle (center front in photo at right) led the way with a first-place finish in the 1500 Meter Racewalk, setting a personal record by knocking 19 seconds off the time she had set at a meet last weekend. She finished well in front in 9:14.95.

Johnny VanScoyk placed second at 600 Meters in 1:39.07, while Kyren Young was 7th in 1:48.04 and Isaac Hendrickson 8th in 1:48.17.

The 4x200 Boys Relay -- VanScoyk, Chris Stevens, Skylar Lagramada and Kyren Young -- took second place in 1:47, well below its seed time of 1:54.20.

Other finishes included an 8th by Hendrickson in the 1000 Meter Run (in 3:11.56), a 6th by Stevens in the 55 Meter Dash (7.59), a 4th by Ross Pentz in the Shot Put (35' 7"), a 10th by Shea Young in the Shot Put (30' 10.5"), and a 3rd, 4th and 6th by Lagramada, Kyren Young and VanScoyk in the 300.

Competing schools included Cortland, Westhill, Homer and Delhi, along with Dryden, Elmira Notre Dame, Moravia, Marathon, Union Springs, Lansing and Groton.

"It was a great meet," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "We changed it up and put some kids in different events this time. Lots of personal bests."

Photo in text: The Watkins Glen track team. (Photo provided)

Storm swimmers fall to Chenango Forks

CHENANGO FORKS, Dec. 22, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team dropped a 110-73 decision Thursday to Chenango Forks in non-league meet in the CF pool.

"The score does not reflect how we swam," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team is a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes. "The boys did everything they needed to do to be competitive with the 27-man team of Chenango Forks."

Among the Storm highlights:

--Ryan Dean was a two event winner (the 100 Fly in 1:03.68, and the 100 Back in 1:00.90) and was a member of the winning 200 Medley Relay squad (1:52.58).

--Liam Smith was a two event winner (the 200 IM in 2:19.59 and the 500 Free in 5:33.40) and was a member of the winning 200 Medley Relay squad (1:52.58).

--Smith and Caleb Reynolds finished 1st and 2nd in the 500 Free.

--And Jon Spencer, said Westervelt, "had two very tough races. He fell short in both, but swam like a champion." He finished second in both -- the 100 Free and 100 Breaststroke.

The Storm's next meet is a make-up with Southern Cayuga on January 3rd.

Bowling: Glen girls top NV; boys lose

NEWARK VALLEY, Dec. 21, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team defeated Newark Valley 4-0 Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road match.

Ava Cowan led the Senecas with a 522 series as they won all three games by a combined total of 2268-1736. Other Watkins scores included a 456 by Katie Cook, a 449 by Maisie Robertson, a 427 by Alyiah Clink-Bentley, and a 413 by Aubrey Kellogg.

Boys: Watkins Glen fell to Newark Valley 4-0, losing the three games by a combined 2666-2137. Brett Cullen-Pike led the Senecas with a 522 series, while Mykel Cody rolled a 471, and Corbin Groves a 447.

Comeback falls short; Watkins girls lose

DUNDEE, Dec. 21, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team fought back from a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit before falling 46-45 Wednesday night to Dundee/Bradford in a non-league game in the Dundee gym.

The Senecas (2-4) trailed 15-10 after one period, 25-14 at halftime, and 32-20 after three quarters. They outscored Dundee/Bradford 25-14 in the final period.

"We came out slow in the first half," said Watkins Glen Coach Alicia Learn. "I'm very proud of how the girls fought back and played some tough defense in the second half."

Rachel Vickio led the Senecas with 18 points, 5 rebounds, one block and one assist. Brianna Hatch was also in double figures with 11 points while grabbing 7 rebounds and blocking 4 shots.

Other points came from Jenna Solomon (8, with 4 rebounds, 2 steals and a block), Carly Arnold (2, with 5 rebounds and 2 steals), Addy Coolican (2, with one rebound, one assist and 2 steals), Chelsea Parsons (2, with one rebound), and Olivia King (2, with 4 rebounds). Molly Coolican grabbed 2 rebounds.

The Senecas converted 10 of 22 free throws, while Dundee/Bradford sank 7 of 14.

The Senecas return to action Dec. 27 against South Seneca in the first round of the Melissa B. Wilson Memorial Tournament in the WGHS Field House. Game time is 6 p.m.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Dundee/Bradford to improve to 5-1.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio (File photo)

O-M boys lose to Union Springs, 89-58

UNION SPRINGS, Dec. 21, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 1-6 Wednesday night when the Grizzlies dropped an 89-58 decision to Union Springs in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

O-M trailed 29-13 after one quarter, 49-30 at halftime, and 69-41 entering the fourth quarter.

Tyler Malnoske led the Grizzlies in scoring with 25 points, including seven 3-pointers -- four of them in the fourth period. Other points came from Ben Heichel (12), Daniel Lewis (7), Brady Cannon (7), Brad Gillis (5), and David Patterson (2). The team converted 6 of 11 free throws.

Union Springs was led by Damon Brown's 31 points. The team sank 10 of 19 free throws.

Odessa-Montour boys post 1st victory

SPENCER, Dec. 20, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team -- behind double-digit scoring from Tyler Malnoske and Brad Gillis -- registered its first win of the season Tuesday night, defeating Spencer-Van Etten 65-43 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the S-VE gym.

Malnoske scored 18 points and Gillis 15 as the Grizzlies ended a five-game skid. Other points came from Ben Heichel (9), Daniel Lewis (8), David Patterson (7), Max Seles (5) and Brady Cannon (3). The team converted 7 of 13 free throws.

O-M trailed 16-12 after one quarter, but pulled ahead 31-25 at halftime before entering the fourth quarter with a 46-31 lead.

"The guys came to get a W and fought hard tonight," said O-M Coach Kristine Gardner.

The team returns to action Wednesday night at Union Springs.

The Schuyler Storm's Vincent Ocasio swims the backstroke portion of the 200 IM. He placed third in the race.

Storm swimmers defeat Waverly, 91-75

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 20, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team posted a 91-75 victory Tuesday over Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm, a combined team of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes, "swam very well in the second half of the meet," said Coach Jason Westervelt. He pointed to a personal record (PR) by Andre Wixson in the 100 Fly, a season best by Jon Spencer in the 100 Free, a PR by Spencer in the 100 Breaststroke, a season best by Caleb Reynolds in the 500 Free, a PR by Ryan Dean in the 100 Back, and a season best by Ben Campbell in the 100 Breast.

"All around we swam well," Westervelt added.

First-place finishes for the Storm included:

Diving: Jeremiah Desrochers, 119.10 points.
200 Free Relay: Nick DeLong, Ben Campbell, Alex Walters, Caleb Reynolds, 1:44.82.
100 Breaststroke: Jon Spencer, 1:08.48.

It gained its lead with a large number of second- and third-place finishes.

Finishing second were:
--The 200 Medley Relay team: Ryan Dean, Jon Spencer, Liam Smith and Vincent Ocasio.
--Ryan Dean in the 200 Free.
--Liam Smith in the 200 IM.
--Alex Walters in the 50 Free.
--Liam Smith in the 100 Fly.
--Jon Spencer in the 100 Free.
--Caleb Reynolds in the 500 Free.
--Ryan Dean in the 100 Back.
--The 400 Free Relay team of Smith, Ocasio, Dean and Spencer.

The Storm also claimed third in 11 events.

The Storm returns to action Thursday at Chenango Forks.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Liam Smith competes in the 200 IM, where he placed second.
Bottom: WG/OM's Carson Thaete dives at start of the 50 Free. He placed fourth.

The Schuyler Storm's Ryan Dean on the way to second place in the 200 Freestyle.

O-M girls defeat Dryden, stay unbeaten

DRYDEN, Dec. 20, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by Gina Gavich's career-high 21 points -- improved to 6-0 Tuesday night with a 52-34 victory over Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Dryden gym.

Gavich connected on seven 3-pointers while dishing out 4 assists. Hannah Nolan scored 16 points while registering 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists. Other points came from Keyonna Garrison (8, with 3 assists) and Tori Brewster (7, with 3 steals).

The Grizzlies, ranked 12th in the latest New York State Class D poll, led 14-9 after one quarter, 25-12 at halftime, and 39-23 entering the fourth quarter.

"It was a tough task," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich," going on the road after expending as much energy as we did last night against Spencer-Van Etten (a 41-19 Odessa victory), but we were up to the task. Gina came out on fire from three (she had three in the first quarter) and we continued to move the ball well and play solid basketball."

The Grizzlies return to action Thursday night at home against Union Springs, which is ranked 3rd in the state in Class C -- "so we most definitely have our work cut out for us," said Gavich.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Dryden.

The Schuyler Storm's Aiden Summers (top) is in control on the way to victory at 285.

Storm wrestlers top Moravia, 51-15

ODESSA, Dec. 20, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team cruised to a 51-15 victory Tuesday night over Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Odessa-Montour High School gym.

The Storm, a combined team of O-M and Watkins Glen High School athletes, got competitive victories in six weight classes. Victories were posted at:

118 pounds: Lucas Hoffman, an 11-5 decision over Hunter Boynton.
138 pounds: Brandon Davis, a pin in 3:08 over Cole Cuddleback.
145 pounds: Mark Waterman, a pin in 1:21 over Nick Plue.
160 pounds: Jed Lynch, a pin in 2:52 over Ethan DeHart.
172 pounds: Tristan Harrington, a pin in 24 seconds over Logan Wells.
285 pounds: Aiden Summers, a pin in 2:23 over Gavin Wells.

The Storm also registered forfeit victories at 126, 132 and 152 pounds. It lost a forfeit match at 110 pounds, by a pin at 189, and by decision at 215.

In an exhibition match at 285 pounds, OM/WG's Dana Guild pinned Moravia's Kyle Beadley in 41 seconds.

The Storm will return to action Wednesday, Dec. 28 at the Mark Cody Duals at Binghamton High School. The meet starts at 9 a.m.

*******

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Lucas Hoffman (on top) on his way to an 11-5 win at 118.
Bottom: WG/OM's Tristan Harrington (left) on the way to victory by a pin at 172.

The Schuyler Storm's Jed Lynch (facing camera) en route to victory at 160 pounds.

Watkins Glen boys top Edison, 47-33

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Dec. 20, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team -- led by Christopher Simiele's 20 points and a double-double by Jacob Yontz -- defeated Edison 47-33 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Edison gym.

Simiele, in addition to his 20 points, registered 5 assists and 3 steals. Yontz had 17 points and 13 rebounds, along with 5 blocks, 5 assists and 5 steals.

Other points came from Joseph Sutterby (4, with 4 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 steals), Sam Caslin (4, with 3 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists), and Alex Holmes (2, with 3 rebounds) as the Senecas improved to 3-2.

"We didn’t play very well tonight,"said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse despite the victory. "I was worried coming in that not having a game in over a week would hurt us, and we definitely struggled. Chris Simiele shot well in the first half and Jacob Yontz got going in the second to carry the scoring load tonight.

"We have another long layoff before our holiday tournament and I need to do a better job of getting them ready coming out of that. The boys worked hard tonight despite our struggles, and we will get back at it tomorrow and try to improve."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen won its first game after five losses, defeating Edison 52-35. Jaydon Scholtisek scored 12 points for the Senecas, while Jude Santos scored 11 (with 6 rebounds), Brady Bockelkamp 10 (with 5 rebounds), Caleb Bresett 10 (with 9 rebounds), and Donovan Wratten 7.

Odessa-Montour bowlers fall to SVEC

OWEGO, Dec. 20, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Tuesday to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Owego Bowl.

Boys: SVEC won all three games by a combined 3033-2387. O-M was led by Dom Elliott's 590, which included a 225 game. Austin Hoyt posted a 547 that included a 212 game.

Girls: O-M, limited by illness to three of its five bowlers, was outscored 2155-1011. Sarah Barr led the Grizzlies with a 403 series.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Jan. 3 at home against Edison.

Left: O-M's Hannah Nolan drives to the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Reagan Reese (facing camera) joins teammate Keyonna Garrison in fighting for the ball.

O-M girls race past S-VE, improve to 5-0

ODESSA, Dec. 19, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 5-0 Monday night by defeating Spencer-Van Etten 41-19 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies were led by a double-double by Keyonna Garrison (13 points and 12 rebounds) and a triple double by Hannah Nolan (12 points, 11 rebounds, 10 steals).

Other points came from Tori Brewster (7, with 5 steals), Gina Gavich (5, with 4 assists), and Reagan Reese (4, with 11 rebounds).

"Our defensive intensity was outstanding tonight," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "S-VE is a big physical team and we really aren't, and we handled that extremely well."

O-M, after trailing in the first quarter 8-4, scored the final 8 points of that period and outscored the Panthers 11-2 in the second quarter for a 23-10 halftime lead. The score entering the fourth quarter was 31-15.

"That spurt at the end of the first quarter really got us going," said Gavich. "It really changed the momentum of the game.

"This group of girls," he added, "had never beaten S-VE at any level, so it was good to get a win."

The Grizzlies return to action Tuesday night at Dryden.

Junior Varsity: S-VE defeated Odessa-Montour 28-14. The Grizzlies were led by Evvie Zinger's 10 points.

*****

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Keyonna Garrison prepares to shoot in traffic.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Gina Gavich shoots. Teammate Maggie Pentz is in background.

Odessa-Montour's Tori Brewster drives toward the basket in heavy traffic.

And in the JV game:

Left: O-M's Evvie Zinger shoots from the corner. Right: The Grizzlies' McKenzie Landon launches a shot.

Glen boys' game postponed when weld fails

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 19, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team was all set to face Addison Monday night in the WGHS Field House, but the discovery of a broken weld on the basket rim at the court's southern end prompted postponement of the game until next month.

Watkins Coach Scott Morse noticed during warmups preceding the contest that the ball appeared to be bouncing far too high off the rim on missed shots. He took a look and found the weld on one side of the rim -- where it hooks to the base that connects to the backboard -- had given way.

He said consideration was given to moving the game to the Modified gym, but it could not handle the number of spectators on hand. So the contest was postponed instead.

Athletic Director Rod Weeden said the rim could be replaced Tuesday morning.

The game was tentatively rescheduled for Jan. 7.

Junior Varsity: The JV's got their game in, with Addison prevailing in overtime, 54-50. Watkins (now 0-5) led 18-17 at halftime and 35-23 entering the fourth quarter, but was outscored 21-9 in that period to force overtime.

Caleb Bresett led the Senecas in scoring with 15 points, while Donovan Wratten had 14, Brady Bockelkamp 13, and Jaydon Scholtisek 8. The team converted 4 of 12 free throws.

Addison was led by Tayzer Fenton and Caleb Stuby, who each scored 15 points. The team converted 13 of 26 free throws.

Photo in text: The broken weld (near the top of the photo) was discovered during warmups for the varsity game.

In the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Jayson Scholtisek drives to the basket. Right: The Senecas' Caleb Bresett shoots from the corner.

Watkins Glen girls fall to Addison, 36-30

ADDISON, Dec. 19, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 2-3 Monday night when the Senecas dropped a 36-30 decision to Addison in a non-league road game.

Watkins led 9-4 after one quarter and 16-11 at halftime, but Addison caught up in the third period. The two teams were tied 26-26 entering the fourth quarter, where the Senecas were outscored 10-4 down the stretch.

Brianna Hatch led Watkins in scoring with 6 points, while Jenna Solomon, Rachel Vickio and Olivia King scored 5 each, Carly Arnold 4, Addy Coolican 3, and Molly Coolican 2. The team converted 7 of 18 free throws. Addison converted 10 of 19 free throws.

The Senecas return to action Wednesday night at Dundee.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Addison to improve to 4-1.

The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team poses at Shen Boys tournament. (Provided)

Storm swimmers compete in Shen Invite

SHENENDEHOWA, Dec. 17, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team competed Saturday for the first time in the large, annual Shen Boys Holiday Invite at Shenendehowa East High School.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, placed 13th out of the 16 schools. The meet winner was Pittsford, with 387 points, with the host school, Shenendehowa, second with 348. WG/OM totaled 43 points.

"This was a great experience for the boys," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "We learned a lot, got to see some very fast swimming, and swam against some of the best teams in the state."

Among the Storm highlights, said Westervelt, were the following:

--Andre Wixson swam a personal record (PR) in the 100 Breaststroke.
--Caleb Reynolds swam a season best in the 500 Free.
--Ryan Dean swam a PR in both the 100 Fly and 100 Back.
--All of the Storm relay squads placed in the top 13 "in a very competitive meet."

O-M boys rally, but fall short, 61-54

OVID, Dec. 17, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team put up 22 points in the fourth quarter Saturday night, but it wasn't enough as the Grizzlies dropped a 61-54 decision to South Seneca in a non-league road game.

O-M, down 18-10 after one quarter, 32-23 at halftime and 48-32 entering the fourth period, outscored South Seneca 22-13 down the stretch -- not enough to avoid its fifth straight loss without a win.

Brad Gillis led the Grizzlies with 12 points, while Daniel Lewis scored 11 -- including 8 in the fourth quarter. Other points came from Tyler Malnoske (10), Brady Cannon (9), Ben Heichel (8), and David Patterson (4). The team converted 16 of 24 free throws.

South Seneca was led by Mikey Kaufman's 17 points. The team sank 11 of 25 free throws.

"They played hard," O-M Coach Kristine Gardner said about her team, "and they kept battling to the end."

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to South Seneca, 60-32.

Glen track team competes at Cortland

CORTLAND, Dec. 17, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity indoor track team competed in a meet Saturday at SUNY Cortland, coming away with a couple of high finishes.

In the 1500 Meter Race Walk, Maddie Tuttle finished second with a personal best time of 9:33.60, while Kyren Young took third place in the 55 Meter Dash in 7.28 seconds.

Johnny VanScoyk took sixth place in the 1600 Meter run in 5:08.66, while Skylar Lagramada was sixth in the 55 Meters in 7.50.

Other finishes: Kyren Young 8th at 300 Meters in 41.09; Isaac Hendrickson ninth at 1600 Meters in 5:22.83; Lagramada 10th at 300 Meters in 42.03, and Henry Smith 12th at 600 Meters in 1:45.75.

Photo in text: The WGHS varsity indoor track team. (Photo provided)

Storm wrestlers defeat Whitney Point

WHITNEY POINT, Dec. 14, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team posted a 57-18 victory Wednesday over Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Whitney Point gym.

The Storm, a combined team of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes, lost just one competitive match while winning five. It won another five by forfeit. The outcomes, by weight class:

145 -- Mark Waterman (OM/WG) won by fall over Damien Humphrey (WP) 0:18
152 -- Gabe Williams (OM/WG) won 8-5 over Johnathan McCall (WP)
160 -- Tristan Harrington (OM/WG) won by fall over Victor Turner (WP) 0:28
172 -- Jed Lynch (OM/WG) won by forfeit
189 -- Joey Chamberlin (OM/WG) won by forfeit
215 -- Brody Williams (OM/WG) won by forfeit
285 -- Aidan Summers (OM/WG) won by forfeit
102 -- Alishia King (WP) won by forfeit
110 -- Asher Keller (WP) won by forfeit
118 -- Lucas Hoffman (OM/WG) won by fall over Kyle Kison (WP) 4:59
126 -- Mason Baxter (WP) won by fall over Ayden Williams (OM/WG) 0:19
132 -- Riley Yaw (OM/WG) won by fall over Thomas Tyler (WP) 0:42
138 -- Brandon Davis (OM/WG) won by forfeit

The Storm returns to action Tuesday night at home against Moravia.

Honored at board meeting

The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity swim team was honored (above) on Monday night, Dec. 12 by the School Board for winning its sixth consecutive Section IV swim title, along with earning the Interscholastic Athletic Conference title trophy. The school's soccer and football teams will be honored during the first and second January board meetings for their recent championships.

The Schuyler Storm's Liam Smith en route to first place in the 500 Freestyle.

Storm swimmers top Lansing, 97-88

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 13, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team posted a 97-88 victory Tuesday over Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool -- in the process ending a decade-plus dual-meet losing streak to the Bobcats.

"It was a good one tonight," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team is a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes. "The Storm swimmers pulled out a win despite being down by 11 points after the Butterfly! The boys rallied in the 100 Freestyle, placing 1 (Vinnie Ocasio), 2 (Ben Campbell), and 4 (Alex Walters). Followed up by a 1 (Liam Smith), 3 (Caleb Reynolds) in the 500 Freestyle.

"With a win in the 200 Freestyle Relay, the Storm had climbed back into the meet and led by 1 point with three events to go. Lansing bested WGOM in the Backstroke, retaking the lead by 1.

"Jon Spencer, Ben Campbell, and Andre Wixson had outstanding swims in the 100 Breaststroke, placing 1st, 3rd, and 5th respectively, giving the Storm a 3-point lead going into the 400 Freestyle Relay, the final event.

"The Storm swimmers swam to a 1st and 3rd place finish in the relay, ending an 11-year losing streak to Lansing in dual meets."

Victories for Watkins Glen came in the following:

200 Medley Relay: Nick DeLong, Jon Spencer, Ryan Dean, Liam Smith, 1:52.97.
200 Individual Medley: Liam Smith, 2:16.28.
50 Freestyle: Jon Spencer, 23.56.
100 Freestyle: Vincent Ocasio, 54.69.
500 Freestyle: Liam Smith, 5:33.88.
200 Free Relay: Vincent Ocasio, Nick DeLong, Caleb Reynolds, Jon Spencer, 1:40.59.
100 Breaststroke: Jon Spencer, 1:11.05.
400 Free Relay: Liam Smith, Ryan Dean, Caleb Reynolds, Vincent Ocasio, 3:44.39.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Vincent Ocasio on the way to first place in the 100 Free.
Bottom: Storm diver Jeremiah Desrochers, who placed third in the diving.

The Storm's Ryan Dean on the way to second place in the 100 Fly.

Odessa-Montour girls top Tioga, 58-20

TIOGA CENTER, Dec. 13, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 4-0 Tuesday night with a 58-20 victory over Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Tioga gym.

The Grizzlies led 19-6 after one quarter, 34-18 at halftime, and 49-20 entering the fourth quarter.

Keyonna Garrison led O-M in scoring with 18 points, and had 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks. Hannah Nolan had a triple double of 10 points, 14 rebounds and 10 steals, and dished out 4 assists.

Other scoring came from Reagan Reese (10 points, along with 6 rebounds), Gina Gavich (9 points, with 3 steals and 3 assists), Tori Brewster (6 points), Katie Adams (3 points), and Maggie Pentz (2 points).

"We were solid, not spectacular tonight," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We continue to do a lot of good things, but have a long way to go to be where we want to be."

The Grizzlies are scheduled to play Spencer-Van Etten Friday night at home.

Junior Varsity: O-M lost to Tioga, 30-27. Evvie Zinger led the Grizzlies with 15 points.

Left: O-M's Brad Gillis drives to the hoop. Right: The Grizzlies' Ben Heichel shoots.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Tioga, 70-23

ODESSA, Dec. 13, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 0-4 Tuesday night when the Grizzlies fell 70-23 to Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

After scoring the first basket, O-M fell way behind -- 27-3 in the first quarter and 43-5 at halftime -- as Tioga's pressing defense stymied the Grizzlies. O-M battled the Tigers even, 12-12, in the third period before Tioga posted a 15-6 fourth quarter.

Ben Heichel led O-M in scoring with 8 points, including two 3-pointers. Other points came from Tyler Malnoske (5, including a 3-pointer to open the game), Brady Cannon (2), Daniel Lewis (2), David Patterson (2), Max Seles (2), and Zac Wyre (2). The team was 0-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Tioga (2-0) was led by Evan Sickler's 27 points. The Tigers were 6-for-14 from the free-throw line.

Odessa-Montour is scheduled to return to action Thursday night at Spencer-Van Etten.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Tyler Malnoske drives toward the basket.

Left: The Grizzlies' Brady Cannon, right, reaches in vain for a rebound. Right: Odessa-Montour's Daniel Lewis takes aim.

Bowling: Shorthanded O-M falls to Tioga

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 13, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams -- shorthanded due to illness -- fell 4-0 to Tioga in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches Tuesday at Harborside Lanes.

Girls: Odessa-Montour, with four bowlers, lost all three games by a combined 2076-1137. Sarah Barr led the Grizzlies with a 420 series.

Boys: O-M, with four bowlers, lost all three games by a combined 2238-1811. Dom Elliott led the Grizzlies with a 540 series that included a 205 game, while Austin Hoyt posted a 494 and Benson Patterson a 482.

The Grizzlies are scheduled to return to action Thursday at home against Groton.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Austin Hoyt registers a strike.

Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz moves the ball as he is challenged by a Waverly defender.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Waverly, 62-40

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 12, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 2-2 Monday night when the Senecas dropped a 62-40 decision to Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House gym.

Watkins Glen's only lead came in the opening moments, when it won the tipoff and Ryan Willett scored off a feed from Jacob Yontz. The Senecas scored just one more point in the first quarter as Waverly, utilizing an effective press, surged to a 15-3 lead. The game was never close after that.

Watkins Glen closed to within nine points, 28-19, at halftime, but the Wolverines (1-1) -- led by junior Joey Tomasso -- expanded the lead to 16 points, 44-28, entering the fourth period. They then outscored the Senecas 18-12 down the stretch.

Tomasso finished with 33 points (after a 36-point effort in a season-opening loss to Chenango Forks), including 11 out of 15 free throws. Waverly converted 17 of 25 free throws overall.

Watkins Glen was led by Jacob Yontz's 12 points. Other points came from Joe Sutterby (7), Alex Holmes (7), Ryan Willett (6), Sam Caslin (5), and Chris Simiele (3). The team sank 5 of 11 free throws.

Yontz led the team in rebounds with 14, blocks (5), assists (6) and steals (3). Sutterby and Holmes each registered 8 rebounds, while Sutterby had 2 blocks.

"We ran into a very talented Waverly team tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We just couldn’t find a way to stop Tomasso tonight, and that was the difference. We often got open looks but shot terribly. We will get back at it and improve moving forward. These boys work very hard and I know they were disappointed with tonight, but I’m proud of them win or lose and I know they will learn from tonight and continue to grow."

The Senecas return to action Friday night at Edison.

Junior Varsity: Waverly defeated Watkins Glen 60-43. Caleb Bresett led the Senecas with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Brady Bockelkamp scored 8 points, and Jude Santos scored 7 while grabbing 7 rebounds.

Photos in text:

Top: The Senecas' Alex Holmes takes aim at the basket.
Bottom: Watkins Glen's Joe Sutterby, left, battles Waverly's Joey Tomasso for possession of the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's David Kelly III sends a shot on its way. Right: The Senecas' Ryan Willett scores the first basket of the game, just seconds after the tipoff.

Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio (10) drives to the basket. Teammate Chelsea Parsons is at left. (Photo by Dave Alliger)

Glen girls lose to Waverly, slip to 2-2

WAVERLY, Dec. 12, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team dropped a 57-43 decisiion Monday night to Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Waverly gym.

The Senecas (2-2) trailed 12-5 after one quarter before closing within two points, 21-19, at halftime. But Waverly extended its lead to six points, 38-32, entering the fourth quarter, and outscored the Senecas 19-11 down the stretch.

Jenna Solomon led Watkins Glen in scoring with 12 points while registering 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block.

Other points came from Rachel Vickio (9, with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a block), Addy Coolican (8, with one steal), Brianna Hatch (6, with 5 rebounds, a steal and 2 blocks), Molly Coolican (4, with one rebound), Carly Arnold (2, with 4 rebounds and a steal), and Olivia King (2, with 3 rebounds). The team converted 11 of 15 free throws.

Waverly (2-0) converted 14 of 18 free throws.

"Watkins played a hard-fought game," said Watkins Glen Coach Alicia Learn. "We were cold in the first quarter, but came alive in the second and continued to battle. I'm very proud of the team."

The Senecas return to action Friday night at home against Edison.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen improved to 3-1 with a 25-20 overtime victory. Natalee Oliver led the Senecas with 11 points, while Michaela Wheaton scored 5.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch (22) grabs a rebound as teammate Carly Arnold stands ready. (Photo by Dave Alliger)

Left: Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold drives to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Jenna Solomon, right, blocks a Waverly shot. (Photos by Dave Alliger)

Storm wrestlers finish 2-3 at Arkport

ARKPORT, Dec. 10, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team posted a 2-3 record Saturday at the annual Arkport Dual Meet Tournament.

The Storm, a combined team of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes, was led by Lucas Hoffman (5-0 with four pins at 118/126 pounds) and Mark Waterman (5-0 with four pins at 145/152 pounds).

The Storm defeated Alfred Almond 42-18 and Fillmore 48-30 while losing to Hornell 43-16, Haverling 36-30 and Dansville 60-18.

Other standouts for the Storm were Tristan Harrington (4-1 with two pins at 160/172 pounds), and Gabe Williams (3-1 with two pins at 152/160 pounds).

Watkins indoor track team opens season

CORTLAND, Dec. 10, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity indoor track team opened its season Saturday with some high finishes at a meet at SUNY Cortland.

Maddie Tuttle placed second in the 1500 Meter Race Walk, while Johnny Van Scoyk was third and Isaac Hendrickson sixth in the 1600 Meter Run.

Kyren Young was fifth and Skyler Lagramada 13th in the 55 Meter Dash, while Henry Smith was 10th in the 600 Meters. Kyren Young also placed fourth and Lagramada sixth in the 300 Meters.

Shea Young was eighth in the Shot Put, and Kyren Young was ninth in the Long Jump. The Watkins boys were fifth in the 4x200 and sixth in the 4x400.

Photo in text: The Watkins Glen High School varsity track team. (Photo provided)

O-M girls defeat Candor, improve to 3-0

CANDOR, Dec. 9, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team improved its season mark to 3-0 Friday night by defeating Candor 51-20 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Candor gym.

O-M, which led 14-5 after one period and 34-9 at halftime, was led in scoring by Gina Gavich and Keyonna Garrison, each of whom had 14 points. Gavich, with four 3-pointers, also dished out 4 assists, while Garrison grabbed 8 rebounds and blocked 3 shots.

Other points came from Hannah Nolan (8, with 5 steals and 5 assists), Tori Brewster (7, with 4 steals and 3 assists), Reagan Reese (6, with 7 rebounds), and Maggie Pentz (2, with 5 rebounds).

"We did a good job again tonight of passing the ball and finding open people, and came out ready to play on our first road trip," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich.

The Grizzlies return to action Tuesday at Tioga.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Candor 33-19 in a season opener. Brooklynn Thompson led the Grizzlies with 12 points, while Leah Antes scored 9 (on three 3-pointers), Evvie Zinger 8, and Vanessa Wood 4.

Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes (12) prepares to pass the ball under the basket.

Watkins boys top Newark Valley, 53-43

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 9, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team improved to 2-1 Friday night by defeating Newark Valley 53-43 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Jacob Yontz led the Senecas with 19 points (including 13-for-20 from the foul line), 9 rebounds, 8 blocks, 7 assists and 4 steals.

Other points came from Joseph Sutterby (10, with 3 rebounds, a block and a steal), Chris Simiele (7, with 3 assists and 2 steals), David Kelly (5, with 5 rebounds, an assist and a steal), Ryan Willett (5, with 3 rebounds and a steal), Alex Holmes (4, with 7 rebounds), and Sam Caslin (3, with a rebound and an assist).

The Senecas trailed 16-11 after one period, but scored the last 8 points of the second quarter for a 29-25 halftime lead. Watkins built an 8-point lead, 40-32, entering the fourth quarter before NV closed with a point at 43-42 with 5:14 to play.

But Watkins -- aided by a couple of technical free throws following a brief scrum in which an NV player was ejected -- pulled away from there, outscoring the Cardinals 10-1 down the stretch.

"It was a tough game against a good Newark Valley team tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "I thought we showed progress as a team in how we closed the game and maintained the lead. Like most teams, we are still working on things daily, but I am pleased with where we are. We have what will certainly be a challenging game Monday against Waverly, but I’m excited to compete and see where we are after the first couple of weeks."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Newark Valley, 57-45. Jaydon Scholtisek led the Senecas with 16 points, while Jude Santos scored 11, Brady Bockelkamp 9, Caleb Bresett 7, and Bryce Bockelkamp 2.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz scores two of his 19 points.
Bottom: The Senecas' David Kelly III (14), trapped along the end line, prepares to bank the ball off a Newark Valley defender's leg and out of bounds, keeping the ball in Watkins Glen's possession.

Watkins Glen's Chris Simiele (left photo) and Ryan Willett (right) drive to the basket.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin drives through traffic. Right: The Senecas' Joe Sutterby launches a shot from the corner.

Glen girls fall to Newark Valley, 42-25

NEWARK VALLEY, Dec. 9, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 2-1 Friday night when the Senecas dropped a 42-25 decision to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Watkins trailed 12-9 after one quarter, 19-13 at halftime, and 35-19 entering the fourth period.

Jenna Solomon led the Senecas with 11 points, 7 rebounds and a block. Other points came from Rachel Vickio (5, with 5 rebounds and 3 steals), Chelsea Parsons (3, with 2 steals and a block), Molly Coolican (2, with 1 rebound), Addy Coolican (2, with 2 rebounds), and Olivia King (2, with 3 rebounds). Carly Arnold grabbed 4 rebounds and had a steal, while Breanna Hatch grabbed 4 rebounds and had an assist.

The team was 3 for 3 from the foul line, while Newark Valley was 5 for 6.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Newark Valley to improve to 2-1.

Watkins Glen's Aubrey Kellogg reacts as she registers a strike in the first game.

Bowling: Watkins tops Dundee/Bradford

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 8, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls and boys varsity bowling teams both defeated Dundee/Bradford 4-0 Thursday in non-league matches at Harborside Lanes.

Girls: Ava Cowan led the Senecas with a 476 series as Watkins improved to 4-0, this time against a shorthanded squad. The Senecas posted a 2039 total to a 949 from Dundee/Bradford's three bowlers. Alyiah Clink-Bentley rolled a 426 for Watkins, while Aubrey Kellogg posted a 422, Maisie Robertson 357, and Katie Cook 354.

"The 'Ladies of the Lake' continue to improve," said Watkins Glen Coach Ward Brower. "They are 4-0 on the season and have not yet given up a point."

Boys: The Senecas, led by Brett Cullen-Pike's 469, won all three games by a combined 1974-1440. Mykel Cody rolled a 442, Max Ricca a 386, and Kamden Miller a 343.

"Brett has led the team in every match this year so far as an 8th grader," said Brower, "and continues to improve."

Watkins Glen returns to action Friday at home against Union Springs/Port Byron.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Brett Cullen-Pike watches the final pin fall for a strike.

Left: O-M's David Patterson puts up a shot for two points. Right: The Grizzlies' Ben Heichel (34) is fouled as he shoots.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Candor

ODESSA, Dec. 8, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 0-3 Thursday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 66-43 decision to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

Candor built a 15-5 first-quarter lead and was up 28-13 at halftime and 48-24 entering the fourth period.

Daniel Lewis led O-M with 20 points, while David Patterson scored 8 points, Ben Heichel 5, Brad Gillis 4, Tyler Malnoske 4, and Brady Cannon 2. The team converted 11 of 14 free throws.

Candor had three players in double figures, led by Jadon Heidl's 19 points. The team sank just 3 of 11 free throws.

Junior Varsity: There was no JV game.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Daniel Lewis launches a shot.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Brady Cannon shoots. Right: The Grizzlies' Tyler Malnoske sends a shot on its way.

Bowling: O-M boys fall; girls win by forfeit

SOUTHPORT, Dec. 8, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team dropped a 4-0 decision Thursday to Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Dixie Lanes.

Boys: O-M lost all three games by a combined 2532-2129. Dom Elliott led the Grizzlies with a 562 series, while Benson Patterson rolled a 475.

Girls: Odessa won 4-0 by forfeit since Edison had no bowlers. Pietra Vanderwerff led the Grizzlies with a 298 series.

Odessa returns to action Tuesday at home against Tioga.

Schuyler Storm wrestler Dylan Senecal, right, has the temporary upper hand in the 126-pound bout, won by Edison on a third-period pin.

Storm wrestlers defeat Edison, 54-18

ODESSA, Dec. 7, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team opened its Interscholastic Athletic Conference schedule with a victory Wednesday night, defeating Edison 54-18 in a meet in the Odessa-Montour High School gym.

The Storm, a combined team of O-M and Watkins Glen High School athletes, lost two competitive matches and one by forfeit while winning five competitive matches and another four by forfeit.

Wins were posted by:

--Mark Waterman, a pin in 29 seconds at 145 pounds.
--Gabe Williams, a pin in 4:17 at 152 pounds.
--Jed Lynch, a pin in 2:20 at 160 pounds.
--Tristan Harrington, a pin in 34 seconds at 172 pounds.
--Brody Williams, a pin in 1:37 at 215 pounds.

The Storm also won by forfeit at 118, 126, 189 and 285 pounds.

The team returns to action Saturday at the annual Arkport tournament.

Photo in text: The Storm's Gabe Williams takes down his opponent at 152 pounds in a bout won by Williams on a pin.

Left: The Storm's Jed Lynch after winning at 160 pounds. Right: The Storm's Mark Waterman takes down his opponent at 145 pounds on the way to a pin in 39 seconds.

The Storm's Tristan Harrington nears victory in the 172-pound bout. He pinned his opponent in 34 seconds.

Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio, left, and Carly Arnold drive to the basket.

Watkins Glen girls overtake ND, 39-35

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 6, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team, down six points after three periods, roared back with a 14-4 fourth quarter to defeat Elmira Notre Dame 39-35 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Freshman Rachel Vickio, celebrating her 15th birthday, led the Senecas with 16 points, including 7 of 9 free throws. She also registered 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks in a game notable for intense defensive play on both sides.

Jenna Solomon scored 10 points for the Senecas (now 2-0) while grabbing 7 rebounds and posting 2 steals. Other points came from Carly Arnold (5, with 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals), Addy Collican (3, with 2 rebounds and 3 steals), Molly Coolican (2, with 3 rebounds and a steal), Chelsea Parsons (2, with one rebound and one steal), and Olivia King (1). Brianna Hatch grabbed 3 rebounds and had a steal. The team converted 13 of 19 free throws.

Notre Dame (1-1) was led by Shannon Maloney's 18 points. The Crusaders sank 4 of 6 free throws.

The Senecas, who had been outrebounded for much of the game, asserted themselves under the boards down the stretch, holding the Crusaders to single shots on those possessions when they weren't stealing the ball.

After trailing 9-8 through one quarter, 20-18 at halftime and 31-25 after three periods, they pulled within a point with 5:39 to play and went ahead at 3:44 on a pair of Solomon free throws. Solomon put in a layup at 2:00 to make it 34-31, and Vickio sank two free throws with 39.4 seconds left for a 36-31 advantage.

Notre Dame's Maloney scored at 32.2 seconds to make it 36-33, but Addy Coolican sank a free throw at 24.7, and Vickio sank two more at 11.3 for a 39-33 advantage. Notre Dame scored as time expired for the final 4-point difference.

Watkins Glen returns to action Friday night at Newark Valley.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Notre Dame to improve to 1-1.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Jenna Solomon drives in for two points.
Bottom: The Senecas' Addy Coolican, left, is fouled as she shoots.

Left: Watkins' Brianna Hatch looks for a shot. Right: The Senecas' Chelsea Parsons.

Watkins boys top Notre Dame, 66-38

SOUTHPORT, Dec. 6, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team -- led by Jacob Yontz's 23 points and 13 rebounds -- evened its record at 1-1 Tuesday night with a 66-38 victory over Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Yontz (who scored 29 points in a season-opening overtime loss to Dryden last week) also registered 7 assists, 2 blocks and a steal against the Crusaders.

Other points came from Joseph Sutterby (15, with 7 rebounds, 3 blocks and a steal), Chris Simiele (8, with 4 assists and 2 steals), Alex Holmes (5, with 2 rebounds and a steal), David Kelly (5, with 3 rebounds, an assist and a steal), Jason Murphy (5), Sam Caslin (3, with one block), and Ryan Willett (2).

"We came out aggressive and played very well tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "I liked our defensive intensity and our ball movement on offense. The boys are working hard, and it was great to see them come together and play a very solid game. The IAC is a challenging league, so we will have to get back to work to be ready for a tough Newark Valley team at home Friday night."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen (0-2) lost to Notre Dame 41-31. Caleb Bresett led the Senecas with 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Brady Bockelkamp had 7 points and 9 rebounds.

The Schuyler Storm's Caleb Reynolds on the way to second place in the 100 Fly.

Storm swimmers open with win, 89-68

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 6, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm boys high school varsity swim team opened its season with a victory Tuesday, defeating Dryden 89-68 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm, a combined team of WGHS and Odessa-Montour athletes, "started off the season with great swims from Jon Spencer, Liam Smith, Ryan Dean, Nick DeLong and Vinnie Ocasio," said Coach Jason Westervelt. "Freshman and first-time diver Jeremiah Desrochers did an amazing job on the boards, scoring a 128.30 in his first-ever diving competition.

"I am very happy with our results tonight," Westervelt said. "The guys are working hard and are focused on their season goals."

Watkins Glen victories were posted as follows:

200 Medley Relay: Nick DeLong, Jon Spencer, Liam Smith, Vincent Ocasio, 1:56.02.
200 Free: Ryan Dean, 2:05.09.
200 Individual Medley: Liam Smith, 2:20.74.
50 Free: Nick DeLong, 25.93.
Diving: Jeremiah Desrochers, 128.30 points.
100 Fly: Ryan Dean, 1:03.73.
100 Free: Jon Spencer, 54.22.
500 Free: Liam Smith, 5:32.23.
200 Free Relay: Nick DeLong, Jon Spencer, Vincent Ocasio, Ryan Dean, 1:41.83.

The Storm exhibitioned -- chose not to earn points -- in the final three races: the 100 Back, the 100 Breaststroke and the 400 Free Relay.

Photo in text: The Storm's Liam Smith on the way to victory in the 500 Free.

Left: Storm diver Jeremiah Desrochers. Right: The Storm's Vinnie Ocasio on the way to second place in the 100 Free.

Odessa-Montour's Tori Brewster takes aim on the basket in traffic.

O-M girls roll past Newfield, 52-19

ODESSA, Dec. 6, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 2-0 Tuesday night by defeating Newfield 52-19 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Indians, up 13-5 after one quarter, 20-9 at halftime and 38-13 after three periods, were led by Keyonna Garrison's 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Hannah Nolan added 12 points and 7 steals, while Reagan Reese scored 8 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Other points came from Tori Brewster (7), Gina Gavich (5, with 4 assists), Maggie Pentz (3), and Hannah Barr (2). The team converted 12 of 16 free throws.

"We were a little sloppy on offense in the first half," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, "but came out and were much sharper in the third quarter, which was good to see. It's still early and a long way to go."

The Grizzlies return to action Friday at Candor.

Photo in text: O-M's Hannah Nolan eyes the basket on a contested shot.

Left: O-M's Keyonna Garrison drives past a Newfield defender. Right: The Grizzlies' Reagan Reese, left, battles for the ball.

Odessa boys fall to Newfield, 101-35

NEWFIELD, Dec. 6, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 0-2 Tuesday night when the Grizzlies lost 101-35 to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Newfield gym.

Daniel Lewis led the Grizzlies with 11 points, while David Patterson and Brad Gillis scored 9 apiece. Ben Heichel added 4 points, and Gunner Herrmann 2.

As if facing last year's Class C state champion wasn't enough, O-M Coach Kristine Gardner said "it didn't help that we had Tyler Malnoske and Brady Cannon out with the flu" while a few other players were sick. "We're just trying to fight through adversity."

The Grizzlies return to action Thursday night at home against Candor.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Newfield, 39-33.

Honrath, Arnold, Nolan earn All-State

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Dec. 5, 2022 -- Three Schuyler County soccer standouts have earned spots on the 31st Annual NYSSCOGS (New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports) All-State Girls Soccer Team.

Watkins Glen High School sophomore Skye Honrath was named a Class C 1st Team pick, and teammate Carly Arnold, a senior, was named a Class C 2nd Team pick after they led the Senecas to this fall's Section IV soccer championship.

Odessa-Montour senior Hannah Nolan was named a Class D 4th Team selection after setting school single-season and career goal-scoring marks while leading her team to a winning record.

Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan, right, looks for a shot from under the basket.

O-M girls defeat Jasper-Troupsburg

ODESSA, Dec. 3, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by Gina Gavich's career-high 19 points -- defeated Jasper-Troupsburg 62-32 Saturday in a non-league game in the O-M gym.

Gavich, who sank four 3-pointers, also dished out 5 assists. Other points came from Hannah Nolan (13, with 7 rebounds and 8 steals), Keyonna Garrison (12, with 10 rebounds), Tori Brewster (9, with 5 steals), Reagan Reese (8, with 8 rebounds), and Brooklynn Thompson (1). The team converted 8 of 13 free throws.

J-T, which is now 2-1, was led by Natalie Cornell's 18 points.

"It was a great way for us to start the season," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, "but we have a long way to go and a lot of things to get better at. I thought our ball movement and finding the open person was good today for a first game."

The Grizzlies return to action Tuesday night at home against Newfield.

Photo: O-M's Gina Gavich, left, prepares to shoot.

Left: O-M's Keyonna Garrison (24) launches a shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Tori Brewster drives to the basket for two points.

Storm wrestlers place 3rd at Wellsville

WELLSVILLE, Dec. 3, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team finished third among 11 teams Saturday at the Wellsville Round Robin Tournament.

The Storm -- a combined squad of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- finished with 230 points, behind only first-place Wayne (341.5 points) and second-place Wellsville (285).

Top finishers for the Storm were Lucas Hoffman (second place at 118 pounds), Tristan Harrington (second place at 160), Brandon Davis (third place at 138), Daniel Coston (third place at 145), Gabe Williams (third place at 152), and Jed Lynch (third place at 160).

Others included Lucas Barr, fifth at 145; Brody Williams, fifth at 215; and Aiden Summers, sixth at 285.

The Storm will host its first home dual meet Wednesday night against Thomas Edison.

Photo in text: Storm wrestler Tristan Harrington with coaches Bill Lindsley, left, and Dan Batchelder. (Photo provided)

Glen girls open with a win over Dryden

DRYDEN, Dec. 2, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team, led by Rachel Vickio's 19 points, opened the season Friday night with a 51-36 victory over Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Dryden gym.

Vickio, who sank three 3-pointers, grabbed 7 rebounds and had 6 steals and 2 assists. Brianna Hatch added 10 points along with 8 rebounds and 2 blocks, while Jenna Solomon scored 8 points and registered 8 rebounds and a block. Other points came from Carly Arnold (5, with 4 assists and 2 steals), Molly Coolican (5, with 3 assists and 2 steals), and Olivia King (4, with 4 rebounds and a block). Addy Coolican and Chelsea Parsons each grabbed 2 rebounds.

The Senecas led 16-4 after one period, 34-12 at halftime, and 38-30 entering the fourth quarter. They then outscored the Lions 13-6 down the stretch.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Dryden, 28-17.

Watkins boys fall to Dryden in OT, 66-62

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 2, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team built a 14-point lead early in the third period Friday night, but Dryden caught the Senecas down the stretch and defeated them in overtime, 66-62, in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

The Senecas, up 24-23 at halftime, went on a 14-1 run that gave them a 38-24 lead in the third quarter, but Dryden battled back, closing the period down seven points, 43-36. The Lions closed twice to within two points in the fourth quarter before catching Watkins in the closing minute. Dryden had a chance to win on a last-second jumper, but it misfired.

The overtime was back and forth, the two teams trading the lead until Dryden pulled ahead in the closing minute.

Jacob Yontz led Watkins Glen with 29 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Other points came from Joe Sutterby (12, with 8 rebounds), Ryan Willett (7, with 5 assists and 2 steals)), Alex Holmes (7, with 4 rebounds), Sam Caslin (5, with 3 rebounds and a steal), and Chris Simiele (2, with 2 steals). David Kelly grabbed 2 rebounds. The team converted 10 of 14 free throws.

Dryden was led by Colton Dow's 21 points. The team sank 16 of 29 free throws.

"I thought we played well in our first game of the season," said Watkins Glen first-year varsity Coach Scott Morse. "Dryden is a very talented team that has size and shooters, so we knew it would be a tough one tonight. It's always hard to lose in overtime, but we battled all night and I'm proud of the boys. We have plenty to work on, so we will get back at it and hopefully continue to improve."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Dryden, 35-17. Seven different players scored for the Senecas, but none had more than four points.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz scores two of his 29 points.

Left: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes drives to the hoop. Right: The Senecas' Joe Sutterby finds heavy traffic as he goes up for a shot in overtime.

Odessa boys drop opener to NV, 90-54

ODESSA, Dec. 2, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team opened its season Friday night with a loss, falling to Newark Valley 90-54 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

Newark Valley, trailing 6-2 early, ran off 19 straight points on the way to a 27-15 first-quarter advantage. The Cardinals then led 52-28 at halftime, and 76-40 entering the fourth period.

Daniel Lewis led the Grizzlies with 20 points, while Tyler Malnoske scored 13 (including three 3-pointers), Brad Gillis 10, Brady Cannon 4, Ben Heichel 4, David Patterson 2, and Gunner Herrmann 1. The team converted 10 of 20 free throws.

Newark Valley, led by Dan Truesdail's 20 points, sank 13 of 18 free throws.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour fell to Newark Valley 47-33. Drew Parmenter led Odessa with 15 points, while Connor Foggie scored 13.

Photo in text: O-M's Daniel Lewis, left, is fouled as he drives to the basket.

Left: O-M's Brad Gillis unleashes a shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Tyler Malnoske prepares to shoot in first-quarter action.

Bowling: Glen girls, boys top Notre Dame

ELMIRA, Dec. 1, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls and boys varsity bowling teams both defeated Elmira Notre Dame 4-0 Thursday in Interscholastic Athletic Conference road matches.

Girls: The Senecas won all three games by a combined 2272-1655. Alyiah Clink-Bentley led the way with a 480 series, while Ava Cowan registered a 467, Aubrey Kellogg 465, Katie Cooke 422, and Maisie Robertson 415.

"I am very pleased with the high scores that the girls are putting up this early in the season," said Watkins Glen Coach Ward Brower.

Boys: Watkins Glen won all three games by a combined 2025-1596. Brett Cullen-Pike led the Senecas with a 537 series, while Mikel Cody added a 519 and Thomas Goltry-Coots a 354.

"Brett and Mykel had a good day," said Brower, "and our new guys continue to improve. It was a good win today."

Bowling: O-M boys, girls fall to Candor

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 1, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Thursday to Candor in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: Candor won all three games, outscoring O-M 2443-2136. Dom Elliott led Odessa with a 502 series, while Austin Hoyt posted a 458, Zach Rounds a 452, and Benson Patterson a 451.

Girls: Odessa, with just four bowlers instead of five due to illness, was outscored by Candor 2163-835.

Odessa-Montour returns to action next Thursday at Dixie Lanes against Elmira Heights Edison.

Photo in text: O-M's Dom Elliott just misses a spare.

Bowling: O-M boys defeat Groton, 4-0

GROTON, Nov., 30, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team defeated an undermanned Groton squad 4-0 Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road match.

The Grizzlies registered a three-game total of 2118 while Groton, with four instead of five bowlers, posted a 1390. Benson Patterson led Odessa with a 502 series, while Dom Elliott rolled a 500.

Girls: Odessa-Montour fell to Groton, 4-0, losing all three games by a 1985-1325 count. Sarah Barr led the Grizzlies with a 381 series.

O-M returns to action Thursday at home against Candor.

Bowling: WG girls top Newark Valley

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 29, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team posted a 4-0 victory Tuesday over Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Harborside Lanes.

The Senecas won all three games by a combined total of 1933-1626. Ava Cowan led the way with a 440 series, while Alyiah Clink-Bentley rolled a 414, Ashley Kellogg a 412, and Maisie Robertson a 389.

Boys: Watkins Glen fell to Newark Valley 4-0, outscored 2413-1903. Brett Cullen-Pike led the Senecas with a 490 series, while Mykel Cody posted a 465.

Bowling: O-M boys top Tioga in opener

WAVERLY, Nov. 22, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High Schools boys varsity bowling team -- led by Benson Patterson's 639 series -- opened its season Tuesday with a 3-1 victory over Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at the Valley Bowling Center.

Patterson had a high game of 232 in fashioning his series. Teammate Zach Rounds posted a 554 series with a high game of 245, while Dominick Elliott rolled 523, Austin Hoyt 488, and Alex Campbell 416.

The Grizzlies lost the first game 955-800, but won the second and third games (946-805 and 874-793) and the total pinfall, 2620-2553.

Girls: Odessa-Montour opened the season with a 4-0 loss to Tioga, losing all three games by a combined pinfall of 2094-1450.

Sarah Barr led the Grizzlies with a 467 series that included a 203 game.

O-M returns to action on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Groton.

Watkins Glen's Alyiah Clink-Bentley watches the pins scatter in the first game.

Bowling: WG girls top Lansing; boys fall

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 22, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team opened its season with a victory Tuesday, defeating Lansing 4-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match at Harborside Lanes.

Alyiah Clink-Bentley led the Senecas with a 480 series, while Ava Cowan posted a 459, Maisie Robertson a 429, and Aubrey Kellogg a 349.

Watkins won all three games decisively, building a total pinfall advantage of 2034-1343.

"I'm very happy with how the 'Ladies of the Lake' performed in their initial outing of the season," said Watkins Glen Coach Ward Brower. "If they continue to put in the work, they should be tough at the end of the season."

Boys: Watkins Glen dropped a 4-0 decision to Lansing, but each game was competitive, and the total pinfall difference was just 73, Lansing prevailing 2106-2033.

Brett Cullen-Pike led the Senecas with a 523 series, while Mykel Cody posted a 516.

"We are young, with Thomas Goltry-Coots our only senior, so it will be up to sophomore Mykel Cody and 8th grader Brett Cullen-Pike to step up and be leaders, and I know they are up to the task," said Coach Brower. "Losing today by a total of 73 pins will wind up being a good lesson for them, stressing the point that every pin counts."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Mykel Cody.in first game Tuesday.

Scrimmages begin as hoop season nears

ODESSA, Nov. 22, 2022 -- The high school basketball season is nearing, with scrimmages this week for Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen teams.

The O-M girls hosted South Seneca Tuesday afternoon in a scrimmage, and host Hammondsport Wednesday before traveling to Waverly on Saturday. The O-M Boys host Hammondsport Wednesday, as well, while the Watkins Glen girls host Southern Cayuga the same day.

The season itself gets under way in early December.

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Photo: Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan drives to the hoop in a scrimmage against South Seneca, drawing a foul on the play.

Storm's Mooney 18th in Breaststroke, Marquez 21st in 200 at State Swim Meet

WEBSTER, Nov. 18, 2022 -- Three members of The Storm girls varsity swim team -- Faye Mooney, Thalia Marquez and Alannah Klemann, each a student at Watkins Glen High School -- swam in two events apiece Friday in the preliminary round of the New York State Girls Swimming Championships at the Webster Aquatic Center.

On Saturday, Mooney, a senior who had advanced Friday to the consolation finals in the 100 Breaststroke with a new school record of 1:07.03, finished 18th with a finals time of 1:07.85.

Saturday's finals pitted the top 10 swimmers from prelims in each event, with the 11th through 20th in consolation finals (with each earning a medal) and the 21st through 30th in bonus finals (with no medals).

Marquez, a junior, earned two spots in the bonus finals, placing 24th and 27th Friday in the 200 Free and 500 Free, respectively. On Saturday, she improved to 21st in the 200 with a time of 1:58.05, and held her 27th position in the 500 with a time of 5:25.85. Both finals times were improvements over her prelim times.

Klemann, a junior, conpeted in the 200 Yard Individual Medley and the 100 Yard Backstroke on Friday, placing 41st in the IM in 2:22.64 (off her seed time of 2:18.09), and just missing the top 30 in the 100 Back, tying for 33rd in 1:01.13.

"It was a great meet for this group of girls," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "Swimming two individuals apiece at the New York State Championship meet was a huge accomplishment in itself, and then to swim three events at finals was even more impressive."

The Storm swim team is a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes.

Addendum: Faye Mooney was named the Section IV Good Sport Award winner at the meet. Each section has a winner, voted on by the coaches.

Photo in text: From left, Storm swimmers Faye Mooney, Thalia Marquez and Alannah Klemann. (Photo provided)

The Schuyler Storm varsity football team after its victory on November 11th at Dryden.

Storm tops Dryden, wins football playoff

DRYDEN, Nov. 11, 2022 -- The Storm varsity football team held off a last-minute Dryden drive to preserve a 12-6 road victory Friday night and claim what was termed the Independent Sectional Title in a four-team postseason playoff.

The Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes -- completed the season with a 9-1 record, its only loss coming at the hands of Dryden on Oct. 28 in the game that had given the Purple Lions the Section IV Independent Division VIII championship.

But after defeating Lansing the previous weekend in a playoff semifinal, the Storm avenged that one loss with Friday's victory.

Dryden (7-4) scored in the first quarter, and the Storm tied it 6-6 on the following possession on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Lewis to Bradley Gillis. The score remained deadlocked at 6-6 until the Storm scored on a 1-yard run by Thomas Snow on the first play of the fourth quarter. Point-after attempts failed after both Storm TDs.

Dryden started a final drive from its own 33, and reached the Storm 20-yard line, but failed on a fourth-and-one up the middle with 33 seconds remaining, turning the ball over on downs.

Gillis and Snow led the Storm with 45 yards rushing apiece, while Ryan Willett gained 28. Lewis completed 8 of 17 passes for 156 yards and the TD to Gillis.

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath is our Schuyler Fall MVP

**Tops Odessa File list of County All-Sport**s All-Stars

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Nov. 9, 2022 -- The numbers tell part of the tale.

Skye Honrath, a Watkins Glen High School sophomore, led the girls varsity soccer team to 13 victories and the program's first Section IV championship. At the end of the season, she had registered 26 goals and had 16 assists.

That's a lot goals; a lot of assists. But it's not just the numbers.

Skye is nimble-footed, twisting this way and that as defenders close in, the opposing coaches yelling "Don't let her turn" -- meaning don't give her a line-of-sight shot on goal, because chances are good it will go in.

She disrupts the opposition with those moves, and her passes, and her unerring sense of where to be on the field. She pops up in just the right spot at the right time. Some call it a sense of opportunity; others a keen soccer intuition.

The fact that she is a sophomore gives her a clear shot before graduation at the school career goals record of 73 held by alum Hannah Morse.

"I jokingly told Hannah, after watching Skye play a Modified game, that I had found the girl to challenge her records," says the girls varsity soccer coach and Hannah Morse's father, Scott.

Skye developed her foot skills in the Strikers youth soccer program locally, and continues -- along with her sister and teammate Sasha, a junior -- to play the sport year-round through club ball in the Binghamton area. She played Modified ball at WGHS for a year before moving up to the varsity as a freshman. She scored 11 goals that first year to go with the 26 this year. Hannah Morse topped out with a single-season school record of 33 on the way to that career mark of 73.

But that's just numbers.

What Skye Honrath brings to the field is a quiet leadership -- a call to arms by example. She is a focused individual, always with a goal ahead. She, like her sister, is already looking toward a possible career in the medical field, specifically radiology. Ask her what her favorite part of the game of soccer is, and she smiles and answers: "Winning."

And her 2022 teammates responded to that determination -- and in the process became a remarkable squad, building a remarkable legacy.

It is Skye's leadership, her ability to disrupt the flow and intentions of the opposition, her intuitive soccer knowledge, and her success and that of her team, that has earned Skye The Odessa File's Schuyler Fall MVP award.

Of Special Note:

Three swimmers on the Schuyler Storm girls swim team have reached the State tournament in two events each: Faye Mooney, who qualified in the 100 Yard Breaststroke and the 100 Yard Freestyle; Thalia Marquez, who qualified in the 200 Free and 500 Free; and Alannah Klemann, who qualified in the 100 Back and 200 Individual Medley. The Storm swim team won its sixth straight Section IV, Class C title.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen High School's Skye Honrath

Schuyler All-Sports Autumn All-Stars:

First Team:

Skye Honrath -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer -- MVP
Faye Mooney -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Thalia Marquez -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Alannah Klemann -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Ava Kelly -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Carly Arnold -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Sasha Honrath -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Lillian Ameigh -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Hannah Nolan -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Tori Brewster -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Daniel Lewis -- Schuyler Storm -- Football
Ryan Willett -- Schuyler Storm -- Football
Thomas Snow -- Schuyler Storm -- Football
Brad Gillis -- Schuyler Storm -- Football
Jacob Yontz -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
David Patterson -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer

Second Team:

Keyonna Garrison -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Kelsey Bates -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Paisley Jeziorski -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Katie Adams -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Maggie Pentz -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Gina Gavich -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Alex Holmes -- Schuyler Storm -- Football
Gavin Lohmeyer -- Schuyler Storm -- Football
Katrina Ricca -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Olivia King -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Brenna Pierce -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Olivia VanSkiver -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Rachel Vickio -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Erin Snow -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Colton Wig -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Max Seles -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Emily Melveney -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Cara Reynolds -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Malina Butler -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Kendra Fish -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Aubrey Klemann -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Sarah Stolpinski -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Ross Pentz -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Jaymes Forker -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Johnny VanScoyk -- Watkins Glen -- Cross Country
Sarah Jones -- Watkins Glen -- Volleyball

Third Team:

Maisie Robertson -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Jennfier Gublo -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Molly O'Connell-Campbell -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Natalee Oliver -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Sarah Barr -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Gunner Herrmann -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Patrick Croft -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Jed Lynch -- Odessa-Montour -- Soccer
Brady Cannon -- Schuyler Storm -- Football
Otto Hohle -- Schuyler Storm -- Football
Skye Cummings -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Hannah Hollenbeck -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Claire Lewis -- Schuyler Storm -- Swimming
Salvatore Purpura -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Liam Smith -- Watkins Glen -- Soccer
Jocelyn Sisana -- Watkins Glen -- Volleyball
Chelsea Parsons -- Watkins Glen -- Volleyball
Aly Gibson -- Watkins Glen -- Volleyball
Emma Landon -- Odessa-Montour -- Volleyball
Hannah Kinner -- Odessa-Montour -- Volleyball
Isaac Hendrickson -- Watkins Glen -- Cross Country
Aidan Maphis -- Watkins Glen -- Cross Country

Left: Watkins Glen's Katrina Ricca (16) goes high to meet the ball. Right: The Senecas' Rachel Vickio heads the ball.

Watkins girls fall in regional battle, 1-0

NORWICH, Nov. 5, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team's amazing season ended Saturday with a 1-0 loss to Sauquoit Valley in a Class C intersectional contest played on the Norwich High School soccer field.

The Senecas, champions of Section IV, gave up the game's only goal 12 and a half minutes into the contest on a shot in which a high bounce on the concrete-based turf field got past Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh -- who played an outstanding game, registering 14 saves against a speedy, senior laden team. Several of those saves required dives, arms outstretched.

"The game didn’t go our way today," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "but the girls fought hard in what was a very close game right to the end. Sauquoit Valley played fast and aggressive and put a lot of pressure on us from the start. We created more opportunities as the game progressed but just couldn’t get one to go."

Sauquoit Valley -- the Section III champion, which moves on to the State final four next weekend in Cortland -- had the early advantage, with play near the Watkins net frequent through the first 20 minutes. SV had a half-dpzen corner kicks in the first 23 minutes -- each posing a threat to Watkins. The Senecas had no corner kicks during that period.

Watkins got more aggressive as the game went on, and with the wind at its back in the second half had several scoring chances -- most notably on a long kick by Rachel Vickio that very nearly snuck under the crossbar but was rejected by the leaping SV goalkeeper.

"I’m incredibly proud of the girls and what they accomplished this season," said Morse. "It was a really special season with a very special group of girls and I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach them. It’s always sad to say goodbye to the seniors, and Carly (Arnold) and Katrina (Ricca) are terrific players and amazing people who will be greatly missed. Their contributions and leadership were outstanding. I also think the returning players on this young team have a very bright future and will be fun to watch!

"The team and I would also like to thank the families, school and community who were incredibly supportive this season. It means so much and made a big difference to have that support in big games."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath, left, battles for possession of the ball.
Middle: The Senecas' goalkeeper, Lillian Ameigh (right), takes control of a loose ball.
Bottom: Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold prepares to send the ball flying.

Left: Watkins' Sasha Honrath heads the ball. Right: The Senecas' Ava Kelly, right, maneuvers around an SV player.

From left: Watkins Glen's Olivia King, Maisie Robertson and Brenna Pierce.

Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver (20, left photo) and Michaela Wheaton (on the right in the right photo) fight SV players for possession of the ball.

The storm's four podium finishers in the 200 Free. From left: Hannah Hollenbeck (8th place), Aubrey Klemann (2nd), Thalia Marquez (1st) and Cara Reynolds (3rd).

Storm wins 6th straight Section IV title

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 5, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team posted its sixth straight Section IV, Class C swimming championship Saturday, finishing 188 points ahead of its nearest competitor.

The six-year run has included Watkins Glen High School swimmers every year, with Odessa-Montour swimmers joining the team along the way. This is the first year the squad has been known as The Storm.

WG/OM totaled 499 points, well ahead of runnerup Chenango Forks, which had 311. Dryden was third at 290, followed by Lansing (275), Southern Cayuga (197), Elmira Notre Dame (173), Susquehanna Valley (97), Greene (72), and Whitney Point (1).

"Our girls swam a fantastic Finals," said Storm Coach Jason Westerelt. "We have numerous State Qualifiers this season." He then listed the following:

200 and 500 Freestyle: Thalia Marquez. She qualified at Wednesday's Prelims in the 200 Free, and had the fastest 500 time among all classifications in Saturday's finals

100 Backstroke and 200 IM: Alannah Klemann. She qualified at Wednesday's Prelims in the 100 Back, and had the fastest 200 IM time among all classifications in Saturday's finals.

100 Freestyle and 100 Breaststroke: Faye Mooney. She qualified in the 100 Free in Wednesday's Prelims, and in the 100 Breaststroke earlier in the season -- a school record she bettered during the Prelims.

"WGOM swimmers (Marquez, Klemann and Mooney) are representing both school districts in 6 of the 12 State events," said Westervelt. "That's the most of any Section IV team in any classification.

"We also had some great performances from Lizzi Fitzwater in the 50 Free and 100 Breaststroke, Riley Brooks in the 500 Free and 100 Breaststroke, the 400 Freestyle Relay, and Emily Melveney in the 200 IM and 100 Fly.

"It was a fun meet and I am very happy with our performances and results from this season. This group of girls set great examples for the youth of our program. They have a very bright future."

Wins posted by Storm swimmers Saturday were as follows:

200 Medley Relay: Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Emily Melveney, Thalia Marquez, 1:53.37.
200 Free: Thalia Marquez, 1:59.25.
200 Individual Medley: Alannah Klemann, 2:18.09. (She came from behind to edge Notre Dame's Allie O'Brien, who knocked almost four seconds off her seed time.)
100 Free: Faye Mooney, 54.43.
500 Free: Thalia Marquez, 5:21.13.
200 Free Relay: Faye Mooney, Kendra Fish, Alannah Klemann, Thalia Marquez, 1:42.17.
100 Back: Alannah Klemann, 1:00.96.
100 Breaststroke: Faye Mooney, 1:07.32 (once again beating the state qualifying time).
400 Free Relay: Emily Melveney, Kendra Fish, Aubrey Klemann, Malina Butler, 3:59.13.

Photos in text;

Top: The Storm's Faye Mooney swims the Breaststroke leg of the 400 Medley Relay.
Middle: Alannah Klemann stands atop the podium after winning the 200 IM.
Bottom: The Storm's Skye Cummings reacts after setting a personal best in the 50 Free.

Left: The winning 400 Free Relay team: from left, the Storm's Emily Melveney, Kendra Fish, Aubrey Klemann and Malina Butler. (Photo provided) Right: The Storm's Cara Reynolds hits the water at start of the 200 Free, where she placed third.

The Section IV, Class C champion Schuyler Storm swimmers pose after the meet. (Photo by Brandon Lawson)

The Schuyler Storm's Gavin Lohmeyer, right, brings down a Lansing ball-carrier.

Storm football team wins division semi

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 5, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm high school varsity football team improved to 8-1 Saturday night by defeating Lansing 33-14 in a Section IV Independent Division VIII playoff game on the Watkins Glen High School Alumni Field.

The victory sends the Storm into a division playoff title game against Dryden next Friday at 7 p.m. on the Dryden athletic field. Dryden, the top seed, advanced Friday night with a victory over Whitney Point.

Thomas Snow led the Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- with four first-half touchdowns, on runs of 8, 13, 37 and 35 yards. The other Storm TD was scored by Ryan Willett on a fourth-quarter run.

Snow led WGOM runners with 140 yards on 10 carries, while Brad Gillis gained 112 on 12 carries, and Willett 76 yards on 14 carries. The team stayed mostly on the ground, gaining just 34 yards through the air.

On defense, Snow led with 10 tackles, while Gavin Lohmeyer registered 6.

The Storm led 13-0 after one quarter, 27-7 at halftime, and 27-14 after three quarters.

The showing marked a comeback from an 18-0 loss the previous week at the hands of Dryden.

"It came down to executing plays," Coach Trevor Holland said of Saturday night's performance, "and sustained drives."

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Thomas Snow (1) breaks free on a 35-yard touchdown run.
Bottom: Storm running back Ryan Willett (5) avoids a Lansing defender.

Left: The Storm's Bradley Gillis (30) catches a pass from quarterback Daniel Lewis. Right: WG/OM's Alex Holmes (81) defends against a Lansing pass.

Glen boys 6th at Sectional XC tourney

BROOME COUNTY, Nov. 3, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross team concluded its season Thursday in the Section IV, Class D tournament at the Chemango Valley State Park

Watkins Glen finished sixth among 10 teams with 152 points. Delhi High School was first with 51 points, while Spencer-Van Etten was second with 64, and Trumansaburg third with 72.

Junior Johnny VanScoyk led the Senecas with a 12th-place finish in a field of 89 runners, completing the course in 18:43.40. Eighth grader Isaac Hendrickson was 19th in 19:05.30, while sophomore Aidan Maphis was 27th in 19:53.20, Nicholas Bonsignore 50th in 21:09.00, and sophomore Jonathan Bond-Trimble 81st in 26:47.10.

"It was a great end to the season," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "They just keep getting better. I'm looking forward to next year."

Photo in text: The Watkins Glen team. From left, Aidan Maphis, Isaac Hendrickson, Johnny VanScoyk, Nicholas Bonsignore and Jonathan Bond-Trimble. (Provided)

Left: Senior Hannah Nolan races to a touchdown as sophomores Paisley Jeziorski (center) and Maggie Pentz give chase. Right: Sophomore Jackie Mace, right, is congratulated by junior Gina Gavich after Mace caught a pass from Gavich for their team's first TD.

O-M seniors/freshmen win Pixie Bowl

ODESSA, Nov. 3, 2022 -- The combined senior/freshman team dominated Thursday afternoon 32-14 in the 15th annual Odessa-Montour Pixie Bowl flag football game on the school's Charles Martin Field.

The Pixie Bowl, first played in 2007 and held every year since (except in 2020 due to the pandemic) in all sorts of weather, has seen the 12th grade/9th grade team win on 10 occasions.

The game, played with a running clock through four quarters, saw the seniors/freshmen strike first on a touchown run by Hannah Nolan with five minutes left in the period.

The same squad made it 13-0 on a touchdown pass from Nolan to senior Sarah Barr just before halftime.

Nolan made it 19-0 in the third quarter on a fourth-down 60-yard run around right end before the junior/sophomore squad closed the quarter on a Gina Gavich touchdown pass to Jackie Mace.

The seniors/freshmen scored the first two touchdowns of the fourth quarter on a 60-yard Tori Brewster run and on another Nolan-to-Barr TD pass.

The juniors/sophomores got on the board again on the game's final play from scrimmage, a 15-yard run by sophomore Maggie Pentz.

Point after kicks were converted twice, by seniors Brewster and Paiton Bailey. Junior Hannah Barr scored on a two-point conversion run after the game's final TD.

The senior/freshman squad, in addition to Hannah Nolan, Sarah Barr and Tori Brewster, included seniors Paiton Bailey, Adrionna Personius and Reagan Reese, and freshmen Olivia Barr, Maddie Raymond and Olivia Rivera.

The junior/sophomore squad, in addition to Maggie Pentz and Jackie Mace, included juniors Hannah Barr, Gina Gavich and Carly Thomas, and sophomores Cassie Allen, Paisley Jeziorski, and Meredith Rawleigh.

Photos in text:

Top: Sophomore Maggie Pentz, left, reaches out to stop senior Tori Brewster on a long first-quarter run by Brewster. Pentz stopped her short of a touchdown.
Bottom: Senior Sarah Barr launches a pass. She was also on the receiving end of passes, catching two touchdown throws from Hannah Nolan.

Left: Senior Paiton Bailey converts an extra point. Right: Junior Hannah Barr, right, rushes in to stop a run by senior Reagan Reese.

Senior Tori Brewster grabs a flag strip on the belt of sophomore ball-carrier Paisley Jeziorski, stopping her progress there.

The Storm's Thalia Marquez reacts after qualifying for the New York State Swimming Championships in the 200 Freestyle, and receives congratulations for the achievement.

Storm swimmers excel at section Prelims; Marquez, Klemann, Mooney in States

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 2, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team -- led by state-qualifying performances from Thalia Marquez, Alannah Klemann and Faye Mooney -- positioned itself at Wednesday's preliminary round in the Watkins Glen High School pool for a strong showing there in Saturday's Section IV, Class C tournament.

The Prelims saw Marquez break through to States by posting a 1:56.89 in the 200 Freestyle, where the State Qualifying time was 1:57.24.

Klemann, who already owned the fastest 100 Backstroke time in the section this season, completed the race Wednesday in 1:00.35, besting the State Qualifying time of 1:00.42.

And Mooney earned a spot at States in the 100 Freestyle when she posted a 54.24, compared to a State Qualifying time of 54.36. Mooney, who earlier this season set a school record of 1:07.29 in qualifying for States in the 100 Breaststroke, set a new school record in that event Wednesday of 1:07.19. The State cut: 1:08.60.

All three swimmers will thus compete in the New York State Swimming Championships on Nov. 18-19 in Webster.

"The girls had a good Prelims meet tonight," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose squad has athletes from both the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools. "We had quite a few kids move into the top 8 and top 16 for finals on Saturday and I am proud to say that everyone on our team made it back to swim at Finals on Saturday."

He pointed to "lots of great swims tonight, especially from Malina Butler, Kendra Fish, Emily Melveney, and Sarah Stolpinski. I'm looking forward to a fast finals on Saturday."

Saturday's event will have consolation finals involving those swimmers who placed 9th through 16th on Wednesday, and a finals for the top eight.

Those on the Storm who reached the finals included:

200 Medley Relay: Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Emily Melveney and Thalia Marquez, 1st in 1:54.17.
200 Free: Thalia Marquez, 1st in 1:56.89; Cara Reynolds, 2nd in 2:12.78; Aubrey Klemann, 3rd in 2:13.17.
200 Individual Medley: Alannah Klemann, 1st in 2:18.51; Emily Melveney, 4th in 2:30.98.
50 Free: Malina Butler, 4th in 27.13; Skye Cummings, 8th in 29.76.
100 Fly: Kendra Fish, 2nd in 1:07.37; Emily Melveney, 3rd in 1:08.11; Sarah Stolpinski, 8th in 1:21.85.
100 Free: Faye Mooney, 1st in 54.24; Aubrey Klemann, 5th in 1:02.11.
500 Free: Thalia Marquez, 2nd in 5:58.01; Cara Reynolds, 3rd in 6:02.80; Claire Lewis, 8th in 6:31.55.
200 Free Relay: Faye Mooney, Kendra Fish, Alannah Klemann and Thalia Marquez, 1st in 1:42.03. (The State Cut was 1:41.69.)
100 Back: Alannah Klemann, 1st in 1:00.35; Kendra Fish, 3rd in 1:05.80; Malina Butler, 4th in 1:07.90; Sarah Stolpinski, 6th in 1:11.98.
100 Breaststroke: Faye Mooney, 1st in 1:07.19.
400 Free Relay: Emily Melveney, Kendra Fish, Aubrey Klemann and Malina Butler, 1st in 4:03.20.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Faye Mooney reacts after winning and qualifying for States in the 100 Yard Freestyle.

Middle: The Storm's Alannah Klemann receives a congratulatory hug from teammate Sarah Stolpinski after Alannah won -- and qualified for States in -- the 100 Back.

Bottom: Faye Mooney on the way to first place and a new school record in the 100 Yard Breaststroke. She broke her own record, set earlier this year when she qualified for States in the event.

The Storm's Alannah Klemann on the way to first place in the 100 Back, where she qualified for the State swimming tournament.

The Storm's Kendra Fish on the way to a second-place finish in the 100 Fly.

The Storm's Malina Butler dives at the start of a leg of the 400 Free Relay.

Emily Melveney en route to a third-place finish in the 100 Yard Butterfly.

Visiting Cortland

Members and coaches of the Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen high school varsity wrestling team traveled to SUNY Cortland recently to cheer on Cortland student-athlete Dylan Houseknecht (pictured center), who won a New York State wrestling championship at O-M in 2019. Dylan was competing during the visit in SUNY Cortland's Red vs. White Dual, where members of the college team faced off against one another to determine the starters for each weight class. Houseknecht defeated Roman Jellick at 285 pounds by a 5-2 decision. From left: Trenton Knapp, Coach Bill Lindsley, Brandon Davis, Ronnie Wilson, Gabe Williams, Jared Watson, Dylan Houseknecht, Aiden Summers, Tristan Harrington, Brody Williams, Mark Waterman, Jayden Summers, Coach Dan Batchelder. (Provided)

The Watkins Glen team poses after winning the Section IV, Class C championship.

Skye Honrath (13) unleashes a shot that found the net for Watkins Glen's third goal.

Glen girls win Section IV title

Defeat Trumansburg, 3-0; regional contest comes next

JOHNSON CITY, Oct. 28, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team claimed its first-ever Section IV title Friday night by defeating Trumansburg, 3-0, in the championship game of the Class C tournament on the Johnson City High School athletic field.

The victory sends the Senecas into a regional contest next Saturday, Nov. 5, against the Section III champion, Sauquoit Valley High School. The game will be played in Norwich.

Skye Honrath scored the first and third goals for the Senecas, while her sister Sasha scored off a Skye corner kick. Equally important was a stingy Watkins defense led by Carly Arnold and Rachel Vickio, which repeatedly short-circuited Trumansburg forays into Watkins territory. Lillian Ameigh was flawless in goal, turning aside the Raiders whenever they managed to get off a shot through the Seneca defense.

The Senecas' first goal -- a blast by Skye Honrath from a point 30 yards to the right, found the left corner of the Trumansburg net at 25:34 of the first half. That score stood until 12:08 of the second half, when Sasha Honrath headed in a corner kick from Skye past the Tburg keeper.

Skye completed the scoring with just 4:24 left to play when she sent a left-footed rocket from the right of the goal into the left netting. That set off a celebration exceeding those after most goals, for the Watkins players knew they had the title in hand.

A larger celebration occurred after time expired, with all of the Watkins players racing out to a point near their goal, jumping and hugging. Then came the awards ceremony in the middle of the field, where Watkins Glen Athletic Director Rod Weeden placed a medallion around the neck of each player.

The team then posed at the front of their net for various photographers. huddled with their coach, Scott Morse, and then raced to meet their parents and grandparents and other fans on the far side of the field, in front of the bleachers. There were more hugs, more photos, more exclamations at the wonder of a first sectional title.

Coach Morse had plenty of praise to spread around, starting with Skye Honrath, who he said other teams "game-plan to stop, and they still can't. That speaks to how good she really is."

He was effusive, too, in his praise of the defense, noting that back Carly Arnold "was everywhere. I thought she was incredible. She covered the entire field" -- including one play where she appeared from seemingly nowhere to kick the ball away as Trumansburg was threatening in front of the net.

"She was everywhere," he repeated. "And (Rachel) Vickio was everywhere. And Brenna (Pierce) was everywhere. And Lillian (Ameigh) was solid in goal. She's had a phenomenal year."

As has his squad. "We've come a long way," he said. "We played really well down the stretch, after losing that game to Odessa-Montour" -- a 2-1 overtime loss during the regular season. The Senecas got revenge for that one with a 3-1 victory over O-M in the IAC divisional title game.

While excited, along with his players, by the setional title, Morse said his squad "left a lot on the table" against a Trumansburg squad he called "a talented young team." He was referring to several missed chances, particularly in the first half, where clear Watkins Glen shots went either just high or just wide of the Tburg net.

Since his team is so young -- it has just two seniors, Carly Arnold and Katrina Ricca -- he was asked about the future. He smiled, thought, and said quietly: "The sky's the limit."

But first comes the Regionals.

"That will, undoubtedly, be a very difficult game," he said, "so we have a lot of work to do."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Molly O'Connell-Campbell, right, fights for the ball.
Second: The Senecas' Carly Arnold clears the ball from in front of the Watkins net.
Third: Watkins' Michaela Wheaton beams after receiving her championship medallion.
Bottom: The Senecas' Sasha Honrath, left, watches the ball enter the Trumansburg net after she redirected an incoming corner kick by her sister Skye.

Left: Skye Honrath prepares a corner kick under a colorful sky. Right: The Senecas' Carly Arnold (11) and Katrina Ricca (16) challenge a Trumansburg ball carrier.

Left: The Senecas' Ava Kelly (left) and Michaela Wheaton clear the ball away from a Trumansburg player. Right: Watkins' Rachel Vickio (right) stops the progress of a Tburg ball carrier. Teammate Erin Snow is at left.

Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver, left, attempts a shot on goal. This one was blocked by the player in front of her; Olivia regained the ball and launched a second shot that was stopped by the Trumansburg goalkeeper.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brenna Pierce, right, and a Trumansburg player turn toward the ball. Right: The Senecas' Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons, left, celebrates the win with Sasha Honrath (19), Gillian D'Alleva and Natalee Oliver (12).

From left: Watkins Glen's Maisie Robertson keeps her eyes on the ball; the championship medallion; the Senecas' Olivia King sends the ball flying.

Watkins Glen goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh corrals the ball in front of the net.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath prepares to send the ball flying. Right: The Senecas' Katrina Ricca (16) sends a shot toward the Trumansburg goal.

Left: After scoring the first goal, Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath (13) is congratulated by teammate Molly O'Connell-Campbell. Right: The Senecas' Rachel Vickio, right, sends the ball flying upfield.

Left: Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh makes a save. Right: The Senecas gathered on the field to celebrate after time expired.

Hugs and smiles were in abundance after the Senecas defeated Trumansburg 3-0.

After the game, Coach Scott Morse congratulates Skye Honrath (left photo) and poses with Carly Arnold, who is showing the championship plaque.

Storm football team falls to Dryden, 18-0

DRYDEN, Oct. 28, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team's unbeaten record came to a halt Friday night with an 18-0 road loss to Dryden that cost the Storm the division title.

"We tripped up," said Storm Coach Trevor Holland, whose team (now 7-1) is a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes. "We didn't bring the physical game we needed.. We couldn't get the car started."

The Storm gained just 72 yards on the ground and 55 through the air. Dryden's ground game netted 192 yards, and its passes 51 yards.

The Storm, competing this year in a Section IV Independent Division VIII, finished division play with a 2-1 mark to Dryden's 3-0 -- even though they defeated Dryden at home earlier this month. Only one such matchup counts in the division standings.

But the season isn't over. The Storm squares off at 7 p.m. Saturday at home against Lansing in a division playoff announced this week. WG/OM drew the playoff's No. 2 seed, while Dryden is No. 1, Lansing No. 3 and Whitney Point No. 4. The winners (Dryden will face Whitney Point) compete for the playoff title the following week.

Glen's VanScoyk places 9th at IAC meet

MARATHON, Oct. 28, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen boys varsity and modified cross country teams saw Johnny VanScoyk and Liam Knight lead their squads Friday at the annual Interscholastic Athletic Conference Cross Country Championships in Marathon.

The meet, on the Appleby EIementary School grounds, saw VanScoyk finish 9th among a field of 77 runners in a time of 19:02 and in the process earn IAC All-Star status. He was also recognized as a Scholar Athlete.

The Senecas' Isaac Hendrickson was 15th in 19:28, followed by teammates Aidan Maphis (17th in 19:40), Nicholas Bonsignore (47th in 22:40), Jonathan Bond-Trimble (50th in 23:51), Enric Lin (55th in 36:54), and Carter Presutti (56th in 37:23). Watkins Glen placed fifth overall.

Knight led Watkins runners in the modified race, placing second among a field of 14 in 10:02.4, while Zane Chambers was fourth in 10:37.7, and Zachary Russo ninth in 13:08.

Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner said her runners "worked very hard this week. It showed with their drops in times. It was an exciting day" that leads next to the Section IV, Class D meet on Thursday at Chenango Valley State Park.

After Friday's meet, the squad traveled to Johnson City to watch and support the WGHS girls varsity soccer team in its Section IV, Class C championship game against Trumansburg, won by Watkins Glen 3-0. "We want to send congratulations to Coach Morse and the girls soccer team," said Sterner.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Johnny VanScoyk. (Photo provided)

The Watkins Glen players pose after the game, along with their coaches.

Watkins Glen girls top Notre Dame, 4-1, advance to Section IV, Class C finale

SOUTHPORT, Oct. 25, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by three Skye Honrath goals and one by Ava Kelly -- defeated Elmira Notre Dame 4-1 Tuesday afternoon in a Section IV, Class C semifinal on Notre Dame's athletic field.

The No. 3-seeded Senecas, 12-3-1, now advance to the Section IV final at 5 p.m. Friday against No. 1 seed Trumansburg at Johnson City High School.

In addition to her goals, Honrath also had an assist, while her sister Sasha had two assists. Lillian Ameigh was busy in goal, turning aside 11 Notre Dame shots.

"They play together really well," Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse said of his squad, which now has gone farther into Sectionals than any team in the program's history. And they knocked off the No. 2 seed and defending sectional champion Crusaders to do it. In fact, it marked their second victory over Notre Dame this season, the other a 3-1 regular-season victory at Watkins Glen.

"These girls look for each other, and pass really well," Morse added. And when things go against them -- as when Notre Dame tied the game early in the second half -- "their heads never go down."

As for the performance of Skye Honrath, a sophomore with 24 goals this season, Morse shook his head. "Skye is incredible," he said. "She has the ability to explode at any moment. She's very versatile, and hard working."

For her part, Honrath viewed the victory as "super. I'm glad we came this far." And the secret to the team's success? "Lots of communication. We work well as a team."

Honrath started the scoring just 2:01 into the game on a shot into a vacated net after she beat the goalkeeper and another Crusader to the ball. That lead held through the first half -- and until 32:49 of the second half, when a breakaway Notre Dame shot from the right beat a diving Ameigh.

But that was as far as Notre Dame went offensively. Honrath made it 2-1 for Watkins at 15:05 when she scored from directly in front of the goal off a free kick by her sister. And Kelly gave the Senecas breathing room with a blast from the right 45 seconds later. Then, with 1:50 left to play, Honrath sent a shot from the right over the hands of leaping ND goalkeeper Shannon Maloney.

In his summary of the game, Morse wrote this: "The girls came out aggressive and played very well today. Katrina Ricca does so many things on this team without a lot of fanfare, but her defensive effort today was incredible. Notre Dame is fast and talented, and I liked how hard our defensive backs battled today. I often say they are unsung heroes, and they were really good once again.

"Skye Honrath played a phenomenal game today! She works so hard and just keeps grinding. Ava Kelly and Sasha Honrath were terrific up front as well.

"To be successful at this point against high-quality teams truly requires the effort of an entire team and I’m so proud of the effort of the girls. It is exciting to win, but we need to get right back to work to try and be ready for a very talented Trumansburg team. They are the one seed in sectionals for a reason, so it’s going to be a tough game, but exciting as well!"

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath sends the ball toward the Notre Dame net for her second of three goals.

Middle: The Senecas' goalkeeper, Lillian Ameigh, looks up as the ball caroms high above the net. She turned and caught it just before it could enter the goal.

Bottom: Watkins' Katrina Ricca goes high to meet the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen freshmen Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons (22), Gillian D'Alleva (6) and Maddie Tuttle (15). Right: The Senecas' Brenna Pierce (4) passes the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold sends a shot toward the Crusaders' net. Right: The Senecas' Olivia King meets an incoming pass.

Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly (2) sends the ball (left) toward the Notre Dame net for a goal

Left: Watkins' Rachel Vickio (10) goes high in a battle for the ball. Right: The Senecas' Erin Snow moves the ball across the field.

Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver sends a shot toward the Notre Dame net.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath heads the ball. Right: The Senecas' Maisie Robertson (17) sends the ball flying upfield.

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath (13) sends the ball (barely visible between the legs of the Notre Dame player, right) toward the Crusaders' net for her first goal.

Watkins' Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons (22) clears the ball from in front of the Senecas' goal

The IAC Champion Schuyler Storm posing at the conclusion of Saturday's meet.

Storm swimmers win IAC championship

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 22, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team cruised to victory Saturday in the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Swimming Championships in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm, a combined team of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes, amassed 484 points, well ahead of runnerup Dryden's 349. They were followed by Lansing (283), Waverly (268), Southern Cayuga (232), Elmira Notre Dame (185), and Whitney Point (2).

Storm junior Thalia Marquez led the way with four victories -- in the 200 Free, 100 Free, 200 Medley Relay and 200 Free Relay. The victories for the Storm included:

200 Medley Relay: Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Emily Melveney, Thalia Marquez, 1:53.71
200 Free: Thalia Marquez, 1:57.49
200 Individual Medley: Alannah Klemann, 2:16.74
50 Free: Faye Mooney, 25.17
100 Free: Thalia Marquez, 54.59
200 Free Relay: Faye Mooney, Kendra Fish, Alannah Klemann, Thalia Marquez, 1:41.87
400 Free Relay: Emily Melveney, Malina Butler, Kendra Fish, Aubrey Klemann, 4:01.01

Second-place finishes were posted by Aubrey Klemann in the 200 Free, Emily Melveney in the 100 Fly, Faye Mooney in the 100 Free, Cara Reynolds in the 500 Free, and Alannah Klemann in the 100 Back.

"It was an outstanding meet for us as a team," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "The meet was highlighted with numerous PR's (Personal Records) and a huge number of athletes moving up in the rankings to score the team extra points.

"We started off the meet very strong, winning the first four events and placing first, second and third in the 200 Freestyle. The first half of the meet was highlighted by Thalia Marquez (1:57.49), Aubrey Klemann (2:12.28) and Cara Reynolds (2:14.88) sweeping the 200 Free, backed up with Alannah Klemann's lifetime best swim in the 200 IM (2:16.74), taking the win for the Storm.

"Hannah Hollenbeck, Kailyn Smith, Skye Cummings, LIzzi Fitzwater, Emily Melveney, and Caelyn Baker all swam to top 16 finishes in their first-half events.

"We started the second half of the meet strong with Emily Melveney's second-place finish and lifetime best time in the 100 Butterfly (1:07.92), followed by a first- and second-place finish in the 100 Freestyle by Thalia Marquez's lifetime best (54.59) and Faye Mooney's lifetime best (55.58). Skye Cummings, Kendra Fish, Sarah Stolpinski, Aubrey Klemann, and Caelyn Baker all finished in the top 16 in their respective events.

"Cara Reynolds led our distance team with a lifetime best in the 500 Free and a second-place finish (5:59.29). Claire Lewis, Hannah Hollenbeck, and Riley Brooks all swam to top 16 finishes in the 500 Free.

"The 200 Freestyle Relay edged a little closer to the State Qualifying time of 1:41.69 with a first-place finish and time of 1:41.87.

"Our backstroke crew was phenomenal. Alannah Klemann led the crew with a second-place finish and PR of 1:00.87, while Kendra Fish placed fourth and Malina Butler finished fifth with a PR of 1:08.54.

"An 8th grader, Lizzi Fitzwater, had a remarkable swim in the 100 Breaststroke, dropping three seconds to place eighth and making the podium for the Storm. Riley Brooks and Kailyn Smith also scored for the Storm with 10th- and 13th-place finishes.

"We rounded out the meet with an unexpected win in the 400 Freestyle Relay, swimming a time of 4:01.01 and taking first place in a very competitive field. The team of Emily Melveney, Malina Butler, Kendra Fish and Aubrey Klemann posted lifetime best splits to take the win.

"I am very happy with our progress these past two weeks, and I'm very excited for the Sectional Championships coming up here on November 2nd and 5th."

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Malina Butler dives in the 200 Medley Relay.
Second: Faye Mooney dives at start of the 50 Free.
Third: Aubrey Klemann prepares to dive in the 400 Free Relay, which her squad won.
Fourth: Thalia Marquez on the podium after winning the 100 Free.

The Storm's Lizzi Fitzwater competes in the 200 Yard Freestyle. She earned a podium spot in the 100 Breaststroke.

Left: The Storm's Skye Cummings reacts after setting a personal best in the 100 Fly, where she finished fifth with a 1:16.66, well below her seed time of 1:22.38. Right: Cara Reynolds reacts after posting her personal best (by 20 seconds) while finishing second in the 500 Freestyle in 5:59.29.

The Storm's Alannah Klemann on the way to victory in the 200 Individual Medley.

Left: Kendra Fish before the start of the 100 Back. Right: Sophie Till-Mooney, mother of the Storm's Faye Mooney, provided an instrumental version of the National Anthem.

Left: The Storm's winning 400 Free Relay squad. From left: Emily Melveney, Malina Butler, Aubrey Klemann and Kendra Fish. Right: Thalia Marquez, center, who won the 200, poses on the podium with teammates Aubrey Klemann, left, who placed second, and Cara Reynolds, who was third.

Caelyn Baker glides after diving at the start of the 50 Yard Freestyle.

The Storm's Emily Melveney dives at start of a leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Watkins Glen's Erin Snow, right, sends a shot on goal in the second half. The Unadilla Valley goalkeeper stopped the shot.

Watkins girls blank Unadilla Valley, advance to semifinals in Class C tourney

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 21, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team opened the Section IV, Class C Tournament with a victory Friday, defeating Unadilla Valley 4-0 to advance to the semifinals on the road Tuesday against Elmira Notre Dame.

The No. 3-seeded Senecas got first-half goals from Sasha Honrath, Ava Kelly, Skye Honrath and Olivia VanSkiver (and an assist from Erin Snow) and kept the Storm at bay from there on to post the shutout victory and improve to 11-3-1. Goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh registered eight saves, including two in the closing minute.

Watkins Glen's next opponent, No. 2 seed Notre Dame (9-3-1) , advanced to the semifinals by topping No. 7 Groton -- the team Watkins defeated last weekend for the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small School championship. The Senecas defeated Notre Dame during the regular season in a home game.

"When you get to sectionals, every team is talented and has earned the right to be there," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Unadilla Valley has some very fast forwards, and they space the field well. Our defense, once again, was able to stave off most of Valley’s attack, and when the ball did get through, Lilly Ameigh made some great saves. I thought Lilly was terrific today.

"Our offense came out very aggressive and kept the pressure on all game. Sasha Honrath set the tone early with a deep shot that found the right side of the goal. After that, Skye Honrath and Ava Kelly kept the pressure on by attacking and scoring. Olivia VanSkiver got her first goal of the season by attacking the back post and grabbing a putback to put us in a comfortable position at the half. Erin Snow was terrific as well, attacking and nearly scoring several times in the second half. Every player that went in kept the intensity up and the pressure on.

"It was a total team effort today and that is what I’m most proud of. Everyone on this team worked hard all week to be ready for this game, and when they were on the field they played together and earned the win. We had good ball movement and communication, everyone found their role within the game plan, and they are always so supportive of one another.

"We will get back at it and prepare for what I’m sure will be a tough game on the road at Notre Dame Tuesday," he concluded. Game time is 3:30 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Katrina Ricca, left, closes in on the ball.
Middle: The Senecas' Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons, left, prepares to pass the ball.
Bottom: The Unadilla Valley goalkeeper reacts the moment after Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver, right, raced in to send a loose ball into the net for the Senecas' final goal.

Left: Watkins's Brenna Pierce (4) sends the ball upfield. Right: Watkins' Carly Arnold.

Left: Watkins' Rachel Vickio. Right: The Senecas' Sasha Honrath (19) controls the ball.

Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver passes the ball upfield in second-half action.

Odessa-Montour's Katie Adams sends a shot toward the Cherry Valley Springfield goal.

O-M girls fall to Cherry Valley, 4-2;
Nolan sets school single-season goal mark

ODESSA, Oct 21, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's season ended Friday when the Grizzlies dropped a 4-2 decision to Cherry Valley Springfield in a Section IV, Class D quarterfinal game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The No. 3-seeded O-M (10-6) took a 2-1 halftime lead on a CVS own goal and on a shot from the right by Hannah Nolan -- her 27th goal of the season, setting a new O-M single-season record. She had tied Jocelyn Garrison's decade-old mark of 26 in the tourney opener, a victory over Sharon Springs. For her career, Nolan totaled a school record 86 goals.

She was assisted on Friday's scoring play by Tori Brewster, whose school career assists record stands at 34.

In the second half, the Grizzlies "had a hard time getting into the rhythm we had in the first half," said O-M Coach Burton Brewster. Even so, "we had our chances in both halves, but just didn't take care of them."

CVS's chief scoring threat, Ariana Bosc, scored her team's lone first-half goal, and added two more in the second half. The No. 6-seeded Patriots are now 10-3-1.

Odessa outshot Cherry Valley Springfield 9-7, with the teams even at 4 shots each after intermission. O-M also had a 4-3 edge in corner kicks. The CVS goalkeeper registered seven saves, while the Grizzlies' Keyonna Garrison registered three.

With the season at an end, Coach Brewster said he is "proud of the Odessa girls. They played hard this year. They're winners; they won 10 games. And they gave us something to cheer."

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Hannah Nolan sends a shot on its way in the closing minute of the first half. The ball found the net for her school-record-setting 27th goal of the year.

Bottom: The Grizzlies' goalkeeper, Keyonna Garrison, goes high to knock away a Cherry Valley Springfield shot.

Left: O-M's Maggie Pentz, left, battles Cherry Valley's Ariana Bosc for the ball.
Right: The Grizzlies' Paisley Jeziorski, left, moves the ball up the field.

Left: O-M's Maddie Raymond. Right: Odessa's Tori Brewster, left, fights for the ball.

Left: O-M's Kelsey Bates clears the ball from the O-M zone. Right: The Grizzlies' Brooklynn Thompson inbounds the ball.

Watkins volleyball team falls to N. Valley

NEWARK VALLEY, Oct. 21, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team concluded its season Friday with a 3-1 loss to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the NV gym.

Game scores were 20-25, 21-25, 25-23 and 13-25. Individual statistics for the Senecas included:

Sarah Jones: 9 service points, 6 assists, 1 kill, 4 digs.
Aly Gibson: 3 service points, 1 ace, 3 kills, 7 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 12 service points, 5 aces, 4 kills, 2 blocks, 9 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 4 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 14 digs.
Kendall Gascon: 3 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 7 digs.
Ava Barber: 10 service points, 2 aces, 2 assists, 1 kill, 1 block, 6 digs.
Keira Sulkey: 4 digs.

Glen Volleyball team loses 3-2 to Newfield

NEWFIELD, Oct. 20, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a tight 3-2 decision Thursday to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Newfield gym.

Game scores were 19-25, 11-25, 25-15, 25-10 and 13-15. Individual statistics for the Senecas included:

Sarah Jones: 10 service points, 4 aces, 2 kills, 2 digs.
Aly Gibson: 9 service points, 4 aces, 12 assists, 6 kills, 1 block, 9 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 7 service points, 3 aces, 6 kills, 3 blocks, 6 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 14 service points, 7 aces, 2 kills, 4 digs.
Kendall Gascon: 10 service points, 4 aces, 1 kill, 7 digs.
Ava Barber: 9 service points, 2 aces, 3 kills, 1 dig.
Keira Sulkey: 2 digs.

The Senecas return to action Friday at Newark Valley.

The O-M volleyball team's seniors were honored in a pre-match Senior Night ceremony. From left: Dominick Elliott, Kyleigh Bates, Kaylee Watson, Adrionna Personius, Emma Landon and Hannah Kinner.

O-M volleyball team falls to S-VE, 3-2

ODESSA, Oct. 20, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team closed its season with a narrow 3-2 loss Thursday to Spencer-Van Etten in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies opened slowly, rallied to win the second and third games, but then lost close decisions in the fourth and deciding fifth games.

Game scores were 15-25, 25-19, 25-20, 23-25 and 14-16.

Individual statistics for the Grizzlies included the following:

Kyleigh Bates: 7 service points, 4 aces, 3 kills, 2 digs.
Dominick Elliott: 6 service points, 3 aces, 2 kills, 4 assists, 1 block.
Hannah Kinner: 9 service points, 3 aces, 1 kill, 5 assists, 3 digs.
Emma Landon: 19 service points, 6 aces, 4 kills, 4 digs.
Adrionna Personius: 5 service points, 3 aces, 1 dig.
Kaylee Watson: 2 service points, 2 aces, 2 assists, 2 digs.
Maya Moser: 15 service points, 2 kills, 1 assist, 2 digs.

The team's six seniors -- all but one of the varsity players -- were honored in a pre-match Senior Night ceremony.

The honorees were Dominick Elliott, Kyleigh Bates, Kaylee Watson, Adrionna Personius, Emma Landon and Hannah Kinner. The lone non-senior on the team: Maya Moser.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to S-VE, 3-0. Game scores were 14-25, 21-25 and 16-25.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Dominick Elliott volleys at the net.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Kaylee Watson reaches low for a volley.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Kyleigh Bates, Emma Landon and Hannah Kinner.

Left: O-M's Maya Moser volleys near the net. Right: The Grizzlies' Adrionna Personius.

Glen modified XC team completes season

TRUMANSBURG, Oct. 20, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys Modified soccer team closed its season Thursday competing against all Modified squads in the Interscholastic Athletic Conference in a meet at Trumansburg High School.

Top finishers for the Senecas were Liam Knight, a seventh grader, who took sixth place, and Andrew Champion, Jr., an eighth grader, who took eighth place.

Also finishing in the top 25 was Watkins' Zane Chambers, a seventh grader, who took 24th place, while seventh grader Zack Brusso finished 36th among the field of more than 70 runners.

O-M boys bow out in 5-0 loss to Edmeston

EDMESTON, Oct. 19, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team's season ended Wednesday with a 5-0 loss to Edmeston in an opening-round game of the Section IV, Class D tournament.

The No. 6-seeded Edmeston (10-3-2) led 2-0 at halftime. Eleventh-seeded Odessa-Montour finished with a 1-12-2 record.

Watkins volleyball team falls to Waverly

WAVERLY, Oct. 19, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Wednesday to Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Waverly gym.

Game scores were 8-25, 19-25 and 7-25. Individual statistics for Watkins included:

Aly Gibson: 2 service points, 7 kills, 1 block, 2 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 2 service points, 1 ace, 2 kills, 5 digs
Sarah Jones: 4 service points, 6 assists, 2 digs.
Kendall Gascon: 5 service points, 1 ace, 1 assist, 1 kill, 2 digs.
Ava Barber: 3 service points, 1 ace, 2 assists, 3 digs.
Keira Sulkey: 2 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 5 service points, 1 ace, 3 digs.

The Senecas return to action Thursday at Newark Valley.

O-M's Hannah Nolan, right, unleashes a blast for her second of four goals.

Odessa girls top Sharon Springs, 5-1, advance to Section IV tourney quarters

Nolan scores 4 goals, equals school single-season mark

ODESSA, Oct. 18, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by Hannah Nolan's four goals -- defeated Sharon Springs 5-1 Tuesday in an opening round game of the Section IV, Class D tournament on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The four goals lifted Nolan's 2022 total to 26, equaling the school single-season record held since 2011 by Jocelyn Garrison. Nolan's career goal total now stands at 85, by far the school record.

She was assisted on three of the goals by Tori Brewster, whose school career assists record now stands at 33. She has 10 this season.

The victory moves No. 3 seeded O-M (10-5) into the tourney quarterfinals Friday against No. 6 Cherry Valley (9-3-1), a 2-0 winner Tuesday against South Kortright/Andes. The game will be played at O-M, starting at 3:30 p.m.

O-M opened the scoring Tuesday on Nolan's first goal off a Brewster corner kick at 29:21 of the first half, and made it 2-0 at 20:53 on a Nolan blast from a sharp angle to the right of the Sharon Springs goal.

Sharon Springs (7-7) cut the O-M lead in half with a goal at 14:08, and that score held until 30:25 of the second half, when Nolan scored on a header off another Brewster corner kick. Nolan made it 4-1 at 24:24 on another header off a Brewster pass, and Brewster closed out the scoring unassisted at 7:46.

Odessa-Montour outshot the Spartans 10-3, including 7-1 in the second half. Sharon Springs had a 5-4 edge in corner kicks. The Spartans' goalkeeper registered five saves, while O-M keeper Keyonna Garrison had two saves.

"Hannah lit it up," said O-M Coach Burton Brewster, "and Tori had a good game. In fact, I'm proud of the whole team. And thanks to the student cheering section, which brought a lot of energy to the game."

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Hannah Nolan (20) rises above the defense to head a pass from teammate Tori Brewster into the Sharon Springs goal for her fourth goal of the game and school-record-tying 26th of the year.

Middle: The Grizzlies' Paisley Jeziorski, left, battles a Sharon Springs defender in an attempt to get a shot on goal.

Third: O-M's Tori Brewster sends the ball upfield. She had a goal and three assists, bringing her career assists school record to 33.

Left: O-M's Gina Gavich keeps her eyes on the ball. Right: The Grizzlie's Katie Adams (7) controls the ball.

Left: O-M's Jackie Mace controls the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Paisley Jeziorski maneuvers with the ball.

Left: O-M's Sarah Barr passes the ball. Right: O-M goalkeeper Keyonna Garrison.

Left: O-M's Hannah Nolan (20) closes in for her first goal. Right: The Grizzlies' Tori Brewster passes the ball.

Odessa-Montour's Sarah Strobel (21, left photo) and Brooklynn Thompson (2, right photo) battle Sharon Springs players for control of the ball.

O-M's Hannah Nolan, third from right, watches the ball she has just headed. The maneuver came off a corner kick from Tori Brewster, and found the net for Nolan's third goal.

Watkins volleyball team falls to S-VE, 3-0

SPENCER, Oct. 18, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Tuesday to Spencer-Van Etten in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Spencer gym.

Game scores were 24-26, 24-26 and 17-25. Individual statistics for Watkins included:

Sarah Jones; 14 service points, 7 aces, 7 assists, 2 kills, 1 block, 6 digs.
Aly Gibson: 2 service points, 3 kills, 1 block, 6 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 7 service points, 5 aces, 3 kills, 11 digs.
Kendall Gascon: 5 service points, 2 kills, 6 digs.
Ava Barber: 4 service points, 2 aces, 1 kill, 3 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 2 service points, 3 digs.
Keira Sulkey: 2 service points, 1 ace, 2 digs.

The Senecas return to action Wednesday at Waverly.

Modified team finishes with win

The Watkins Glen High School girls Modified soccer team -- posing with its coaches above -- closed its season with a 2-0 victory over Trumansburg, and finished with a .500 mark. Goals in the last game were scored by Emma Lewis and Bella Llewellen.

O-M volleyball team falls to Newark Valley

ODESSA, Oct. 17, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Newark Valley Monday evening in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 16-25, 21-25 and 18-25. Individual statistics for O-M included:

Kyleigh Bates: 1 service point, 1 kill.
Dominick Elliott: 2 kills, 4 digs.
Hannah Kinner: 6 service points, 1 ace, 4 assists, 4 digs.
Emma Landon: 9 service points, 2 digs.
Adrionna Personius: 5 service points, 3 aces.
Maya Moser: 2 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 5 digs.

O-M will return to action Tuesday at Newark Valley.

Junior Varsity: O-M lost to Newark Valley, 3-0. Game scores were 20-25, 25-27 and 22-25.

Watkins volleyball team loses to Edison

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Oct. 17, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team fell 3-0 Monday evening to Thomas A. Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Edison gym.

Game scores were 13-25, 21-25 and 8-25. Individual statistics for Watkins included:

Sarah Jones: 7 service points, 3 aces, 8 assists, 7 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 4 service points, 1 ace, 4 kills, 5 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 2 kills, 1 block, 4 digs.
Ava Barber: 3 service points, 2 aces.
Kendall Gascon: 3 service points, 2 digs.
Aly Gibson: 4 service points, 1 ace, 3 kills, 3 digs.
Keira Sulkey: 2 digs.

The Senecas return to action Tuesday at Spencer-Van Etten.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Edison 2-0.

Watkins Glen's Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons sends the shot (left) that bounced over the head of Groton goalkeeper Elisa Allen (right).

Watkins Glen teammates Sasha Honrath (19), Erin Snow (8) and Katrina Ricca (16) race toward Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons (22) after her goal.

Watkins Glen girls win IAC Small School title, 2-1 in OT

Freshman's goal lifts Senecas to first-ever league title

DRYDEN, Oct. 15, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team won the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small School championship Saturday by defeating Groton 2-1 in a double overtime game on the Tompkins Cortland Community College soccer field.

The end arrived in unexpccted fashion, coming as it did at the hands -- or rather the foot -- of a freshman who had never scored a varsity goal before.

The winning goal, by Zade Gomez-Fitzimmons, came at the 8:10 mark of the second overtime on a high arcing shot that landed in front of the Groton goalkeeper and took a high bounce that carried over her head and into the net. The high bounce is not without precedent on that field.

Gomez-Fitzsimmons -- a first-year, defensive player known for her inbounding skill, and who accordingly had moved upfield as Watkins Glen threatened early in the second overtime period -- lofted her shot from 25 to 30 yards out.

When the ball bounced, Gomez-Fitzsimmons said later, "I thought (the keeper, Elisa Allen) was going to leap high and catch it. But it went over her."

And then? she was asked.

She smiled, and answered softly, a sense of wonder in her voice.

"And then we won," she said.

In the moments before the game-winning shot, Gomez-Fitzsimmons -- insteady of inbounding the ball -- found the ball on her feet after a teammate had, in the intensity of the moment, done the inbounding honors herself.

Gomez-Fitzsimmons said she thought of passing across the field to teammate Katrina Ricca, but instead made a move to the side that shed a defender, and which gave her a clean look at the distant goal. And she sent the ball arcing high, with it coming down at an angle that other goalies at other times in other years on that field had found produces a bounce much higher than on a grass field or many other artificial turfs. Accordingly, the ball went over the Groton keeper's head as she tried frantically to recover.

And the rest is now Watkins lore, heightened by the fact that this was the first league title in the school's girls varsity soccer history.

*****

The Senecas, on this windy, gusty day, won the pregame coin toss and were thus able to play the first half with the wind at their backs -- a seeming advantage. Accordingly, they managed to take a 1-0 lead 5:39 before intermission on a goal by Sasha Honrath off a corner kick by her sister, Skye.

But Groton, with the wind at its back in the second half, took almost no time in tying the game on a long blast at 37:57 that carried on the wind just under the crossbar, out of the reach of Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh.

The rest of regulation was intense, each side creating chances, with much of the battle taking place at midfield, where Watkins Glen got stronger as the game progressed.

In the first overtime, Watkins -- still facing the wind -- came close to scoring on two occasions, but the Groton defense interceded both times. Then came the second overtime, and the sudden end to a classic battle.

A trio of Senecas, positioned nearer the goal than Gomez-Fitzsimmons, started jumping in joy together after her shot settled in the back of the net. Then their eyes suddenly turned to Gomez-Fitzsimmons, momentarily alone in that distant area from which she had launched the title winner. And they charged, along with teammates at midfield, toward her, surrounding her, hugging her, the joy of the moment on their faces, and on hers -- the joy of a moment now frozen in time.

****

The official line presents basic facts: Watkins Glen 2, Groton 1 in sudden-death overtime. One goal for Watkins by Sasha Honrath, one assist by Skye Honrath, one goal by Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons. Five saves by Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh. And Watkins Glen's record is now a sparkling 10-3-1.

Coach Scott Morse recounted it this way:

"That was a very close game in difficult windy conditions. My hat is off to Groton. They are fast and physical and played a tough game today. But the Watkins girls played terrific!

"I thought we did an excellent job creating scoring opportunities given how challenging that was with the wind. We really had some excellent opportunities and that is all I can ever ask for. Defensively, we were once again very strong. Carly Arnold, Brenna Pierce and Rachel Vickio are often the unsung heroes of the team on the back line, and they were really good today. Lilly Ameigh made some terrific saves today and communicated very well. Skye, Sasha and Ava (Kelly) are always terrific up front, and Erin Snow was terrific working the outside and fighting for every possession.

"It was truly a total team effort capped off by Zade's game-winning goal. We had talked at halftime that we needed to take more shots outside with the wind at our back, and Zade stepped in and hit one when we needed it the most. I couldn’t be prouder of this team. Every one of them contributes to our success and I’m beyond excited that they were able to win the IAC championship for the first time in school history."

The season isn't over yet, though. The Section IV, Class C Tournament awaits -- with a game Friday at home against 10-4 Unadilla Valley. Game time is 3:30 p.m.

*****

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen defensive back Brenna Pierce sends the ball upfield.
Second: The Senecas' Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons gets a hug from teammate Maddie Tuttle after the winning goal.
Third: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio maneuvers around a Groton player.
Fourth: The Senecas' goalkeeper, Lillian Ameigh, makes a leaping save.
Fifth: Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse.

The Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small School champion Watkins Glen Senecas pose after their victory in the title game.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia King (14) wins possession of the ball. Right: The Senecas' Olivia VanSkiver (20) fights for the ball.

The Senecas' Ava Kelly, left, sends a shot that went over the Groton goal.

Left: Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton (3) battles for the ball. Right: The Senecas' Carly Arnold sends the ball flying upfield.

Left: The Senecas' Maisie Robertson (17) contends for the ball. Right: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath sends a shot on its way.

Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath, right, directs an incoming corner kick from her sister, Skye, toward the Groton goal. The ball went in to give the Senecas a 1-0 lead.

From left: Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver; the team's title plaque; and Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons inbounds the ball

Glen XC team competes at Marathon

MARATHON, Oct. 15, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys modified and varsity teams competed Saturday in the Small School division of the annual Marathon Invitational.

Boys Varsity: Watkins Glen's Johnny VanScoyk placed 9th among 125 runners, while Isaac Hendrickson finished 13th, Nick Bonsignore 61st, and Enric Lin 125th.

Boys Modified: The Senecas' Liam Knight placed 17th among 71 runners. Andrew Champion was 28th, Zane Chambers 31st, and Zach Brusso 56th.

"The kids ran well," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "I'm so proud of them."

Volleyball: Watkins Glen edges O-M, 3-2

ODESSA, Oct. 14, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team topped Odessa-Montour for the second time in two tries this season, defeating the Grizzlies 3-2 Friday evening in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 12-25, 25-18, 25-17, 20-25 and 15-13.

Watkins Glen was the designated home team, unable to use its own gym while its floor is being repaired. Accordingly, it was Senior Night for the Watkins squad, with Ava Barber, Chelsea Parsons and Kendall Gascon honored in a ceremony.

Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included the following:

Ava Barber: 12 service points, 1 ace, 2 kills, 1 block, 3 digs.
Kendall Gascon: 9 service points, 1 ace, 3 kills, 9 digs.
Aly Gibson: 6 service points, 1 ace, 7 kills, 6 digs.
Sarah Jones: 12 service points, 13 aces, 13 assists, 2 kills, 7 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 4 service points, 2 kills, 1 block, 3 digs.
Keira Sulkey: 2 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 15 service points, 8 aces, 2 kills, 10 digs.

Individual statistics for Odessa-Montour included the following:

Kyleigh Bates: 1 service point, 1 ace, 3 kills, 4 assists.
Dominick Elliott: 6 service points, 3 aces, 7 kills, 7 assists, 1 block.
Hannah Kinner: 10 service points, 2 aces, 1 kill, 4 assists.
Emma Landon: 21 service points, 10 aces, 4 kills.
Adrionna Personius: 4 service points, 2 aces.
Kaylee Watson: 2 service points, 1 kill.
Maya Moser: 11 service points, 2 aces, 3 kills.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Watkins Glen 2-1. Game scores were 14-25, 25-19 and 27-25.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's three seniors were honored in a Senior Night ceremony. From left: Kendall Gascon, Ava Barber and Chelsea Parsons.

The Storm's Ryan Willett races toward the end zone on a 20-yard second-quarter run.

Storm defeats Whitney Point, goes to 7-0

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 14, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team overcame a sluggish start to defeat Whitney Point 34-8 Friday night in a Section IV, Independent Division VIII game on the Watkins Glen High School Alumni Field.

The Storm, now 7-0, got touchdown runs from Ryan Willett (20 yards) and Daniel Coston (5 yards) and three touchdown passes from Daniel Lewis -- to Thomas Snow (20 yards on a screen pass) and twice to Brad Gillis (17 yards and 25 yards).

The Storm -- a combined team of WGHS and Odessa-Montour athletes -- led 7-0 after one quarter and 13-0 at halftime.

That first half saw the Storm stall on two drives and get intercepted in the end zone on another, while the Eagles barely missed two touchdowns -- on dropped passes. "We could've been behind or tied," said Storm Coach Trevor Holland.

But after Whitney Point had closed to within 13-8 on a third-quarter TD, the Storm pulled away.

WG/OM totaled 329 yards (223 rushing and 106 passing) to Whitney Point's 235 (98 rushing and 137 passing). Willett gained 92 yards on 12 carries, Gillis 56 on seven carries, and Snow 55 on eight carries. Gillis caught three passes for 51 yards, Willett four for 35 yards, and Snow one for 20 yards. Brady Cannon connected on two extra points, and Alex Holmes caught a 2-point conversion pass.

On defense, Cannon and Gillis each intercepted a pass. Snow led the team with 12 tackles, while Gillis registered six, Holmes five and Willett four.

The Storm "stepped up," said Holland. "They've met every challenge, and accomplished everything they talked about at the beginning of the season. They're a gritty group of kids."

The Storm squad has a bye this next week, and then travels to Dryden the following Friday.

Senior Night: The Storm football team's five seniors were honored, along with the Cheerleading squad's two seniors. Honored from the football squad were Thomas Goltry-Coots, Otto Hohle (absent due to illness), Daniel Lewis, Corbin Groves and Shea Young. The cheerleaders honored were Andrue Mathews and Haley Tuttle.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Daniel Lewis, left, breaks up a Whitney Point pass to the end zone.

Bottom: Seniors were honored in a pregame ceremony. The football players, standing from left: Shea Young, Daniel Lewis, Corbin Groves and Thomas Goltry-Coots. (Otto Hohle was absent due to illness.) Cheerleaders honored, kneeling: Andrue Mathews and Haley Tuttle.

A Whitney Point defender slows down the Storm's Daniel Coston on a fourth-quarter run.

Storm quarterback Daniel Lewis prepares to throw a pass (left) that was caught (right) by Brad Gillis for a touchdown.

Left: The Storm's Alex Holmes catches a pass in the end zone for a two-point conversion. Right: WG/OM's Brady Cannon goes high to intercept a Whitney Point pass.

The Storm's Brady Cannon, right, sends the ball through the uprights for an extra point.

The Storm's Thomas Snow runs toward the end zone after catching a screen pass. The resulting 20-yard touchdown was the first score of the game.

Section 4 soccer tournament openers set

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Oct. 13, 2022 -- The seedings and pairings for the opening round of the Section IV soccer tournaments have been announced.

Girls:

--Watkins Glen (9-3-1) has drawn the No. 3 seed in Class C and will play No. 6 Unadilla Valley (10-4) at home at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21.

--Odessa-Montour ((9-5) has drawn the No. 3 seed in Class D and will play No. 14 Sharon Springs (7-6) at home at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Boys:

-- Odessa-Montour (1-11-2) has drawn the No. 11 seed and will play No. 6 Edmeston (9-3-2) at Edmeston at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Watkins volleyball team falls to Candor

CANDOR, Oct. 12, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision to Candor Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Candor gym.

Game scores were 25-22, 13-25, 18-25 and 15-25. Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included the following:

Sarah Jones: 9 service points, 2 aces, 12 assists, 2 kills, 5 digs.
Ava Barber: 2 service points, 2 kills, 2 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 7 service points, 3 aces, 9 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 4 service points, 4 kills, 8 digs.
Kendall Gascon: 8 service points, 2 aces, 2 kills, 3 digs.
Aly Gibson: 2 service points, 4 kills, 10 digs.

"The girls did a nice job tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "We had some excellent long volleys and a ton of hustle. I am proud of the way they played.

"We have six straight matches ahead on the road," she added, a reference to floor-repair work that has precluded use of the WGHS Field House gym. "The next match will be at Odessa-Montour on Friday against O-M, and will be our Senior Night."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Chelsea Parsons (5) and Ava Barber (13) try to block a Candor volley. (Photo provided)

O-M volleyball team loses to Edison, 3-0

ODESSA, Oct. 12, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team fell 3-0 Wednesday to Thomas A. Edison High School in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 18-25, 16-25 and 24-26. Individual statistics for O-M included the following:

Kyleigh Bates: 1 service point, 2 aces, 4 digs.
Dominick Elliott: 2 service points, 2 kills, 2 assists, 1 dig.
Hannah Kinner: 5 service points, 4 assists.
Emma Landon: 7 service points, 3 aces, 3 kills, 3 digs.
Adrionna Personius: 3 service points, 1 ace.
Kaylee Watson: 1 kill, 2 digs.
Maya Moser: 2 service points, 2 aces, 3 digs.

The Grizzies return to action Friday at home against Watkins Glen.

******

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Edison, 3-0. Game scores were 10-25, 16-25 and 14-25.

******

Photo at right: Odessa-Montour's Hannah Kinner eyes the ball in the first game of the match against Edison.

Odessa-Montour's Kaylee Watson, left, and Adrionna Personius volley against Edison.

Patrick Croft unleashes a blast that found the Groton net for O-M's second goal.

O-M boys top Groton 2-0 for first victory

ODESSA, Oct. 11, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team posted its first victory of the season in its final regular-season game Tuesday night, defeating Groton 2-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference contest on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies, who had previously registered two ties, got goals from Colton Wig and Patrick Croft and shutout goaltending from David Patterson.

After a scoreless first half, Wig scored at 32:11 of the second half with an assist from Croft, punching the ball past the Groton goalkeeper from point-blank range. Croft added the insurance goal at 11:01, sending a blast from the left into the right corner of the Groton net.

Next up: the Grizzlies are expected to play in the Section IV, Class D soccer tournament. That schedule and its seedings have yet to be announced.

Senior Night: Odessa-Montour's four seniors were honored in a Senior Night ceremony at halftime of Tuesday night's game. The honorees were Colton Wig, Zach Rounds, Max Seles and Ben Campbell.

Photo in text: O-M's Colton Wig, left, sends the ball past the Groton goalkeeper for the Grizzlie's first goal.

Left: O-M's Drew Parmenter. Right: The Grizzlies' Ben Campbell, right, controls the ball.

Left: O-M goalkeeper David Patterson reaches for the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Jed Lynch meets the ball at midfield.

Members of the O-M girls varsity soccer team were on hand. Left: Brooklynn Thompson, left, and Keyonna Garrison. Right: From left, Katie Adams, Tori Brewster, Hannah Nolan and Paisley Jeziorski.

O-M's four seniors were honored at halftime. From left: Zach Rounds, Colton Wig, Max Seles and Ben Campbell.

Watkins volleyball team loses to S-VE

SPENCER, Oct. 11, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team fell to Spencer-Van Etten 3-0 Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Spencer gym.

Game scores were 12-25, 18-25 and 15-25. Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included the following:

Ava Barber: 2 assists, 1 kill, 3 digs.
Aly Gibson: 6 service points, 3 aces, 1 assist, 1 kill, 5 digs.
Keira Sulkey: 3 service points, 1 assist.
Jocelyn Sisana: 3 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 7 digs.
Kendall Gascon: 2 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill.
Chelsea Parsons: 7 digs.

The Senecas return to action Wednesday at Candor.

Odessa-Montour's Kyleigh Bates (left) and Maya Moser volley against Candor.

O-M volleyball team falls to Candor

ODESSA, Oct. 11, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Candor Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 21-25, 16-25 and 7-25. Individual statistics for the Grizzlies included the following:

Kyleigh Bates: 2 kills, 3 digs.
Dominick Elliott: 2 service points, 1 ace, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 dig.
Hannah Kinner: 4 service points, 2 aces, 1 assist, 1 dig.
Emma Landon: 9 service points, 4 aces, 3 kills, 1 dig.
Kaylee Watson: 1 ace, 1 assist, 1 dig.
Maya Moser: 3 digs.

O-M returns to action Wednesday at home against Edison.

Junior Varsity: O-M lost to Candor, 3-0. Game scores were 8-25, 7-25 and 15-25.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Dominick Elliott, left, battles at the net.

Left: O-M's Hannah Kinner reaches low to volley. Right: Odessa's Emma Landon.

Storm swimmers defeat Waverly, 97-81

WAVERLY, Oct. 11, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team closed its dual-meet season with a 97-81 victory Tuesday over Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Waverly pool.

The Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes -- posted wins in the following:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Kendra Fish, Thalia Marquez, 1:59.58.
200 Free: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 2:07.41.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 2:27.35.
100 Fly: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:10.94.
100 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 55.85.
500 Free: 1st, Cara Reynolds, 6:19.37.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Faye Mooney, Kendra Fish, Alannah Klemann, Thalia Marquez, 1:46.91.

"It was a great regular season," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, "and a great lead-in to the championship portion of the season."

Watkins boys fall to Elmira Notre Dame

SOUTHPORT, Oct. 10, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 4-0 decision Monday night to Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Crusaders' athletic field.

Notre Dame built a 2-0 halftime lead on goals by Guilherme Toigo and David Bermejo, and added goals by Kevin Green and Sebastian Capriotti after the intermission.

The game was Watkins Glen's regular-season finale. The Senecas finished with two victories and one tie.

The Storm team and coaches at Shenendehowa. This meet was held in honor of breast cancer awareness -- which is why the girls are all in pink. (Photo provided)

Storm swimmers 8th at Shenendehowa; Marquez sets school record in 500 Free

CLIFTON PARK, NY, Oct. 8, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team -- at Class C the smallest school at the meet -- finished eighth Saturday among 18 schools at the Shenendehowa Girls Invitational.

The appearance -- the first by the Storm (a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes) ever in the long history of the Invitational -- was highlighted by a WGHS school record in the 500 Yard Freestyle by Thalia Marquez as she placed second. She posted a time of 5:17.52, breaking Cathy Brown's mark of 5:20.58 set in 2000. Marquez's time "also makes her the fastest 500 Freestyler in Section IV (all classifications)," according to Storm Coach Jason Westervelt.

"We competed with the best and the biggest in upstate New York, and did very well," said Westervelt. "Most teams there were Class A schools, with one or two Class B teams. This is a fantastic finish for us."

Shenendehowa finished first with 428 points, far ahead of runnerup Bethlehem (233). They were followed by Burnt Hills-Scotia (231), Pine Bush (220), Pittsford (190), Niskayuna (175), Mohonasen-Schalmont (158), and the Storm (134). Other schools included Saratoga Springs, Horseheads, Schenectady-South Colonie, Guilderland-Voorheesville, Ballston Spa, Shaker, Middletown, Cornwall, MinisinkValley, and Albany.

Among the highlights, said Westervelt, were the following:

-- The Storm's 200 Medley Relay (Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Emily Melveney, and Thalia Marquez) placed third at the meet, just missing the State Qualifying time. This Medley Relay is the fastest in Section IV among all classifications.

-- Marquez swam a lifetime best time in the 200 Freestyle with a 1:57.85, placing fourth in the meet. It was also the fastest 200 Freestyle time in Section IV this year (all classifications).

-- The 200 Freestyle Relay (Faye Mooney, Kendra Fish, Alannah Klemann, Marquez) placed third, swimming a season best 1:42.29, missing the State Qualifying time of 1:41.69.

-- Faye Mooney placed sixth in the 50 Freestyle (25.57) and fourth in the 100 Breaststroke (1:08.97).

Westervelt said other outstanding performances included:

-- Aubrey Klemann swam a lifetime best in the 200 Free (2:11.99) and 100 Free (1:00.66).

-- Cara Reynolds swam a lifetime best in the 200 Freestyle (2:18.37) and 100 Butterfly (1:10.62).

-- Kendra Fish swam a lifetime best in the 100 Fly (1:08.77), and placed in the top 24 of the 100 Backstroke.

-- Malina Butler swam season-best times in the 100 Free (1:02.29) and 100 Backstroke (1:10.19).

"All our swimmers swam very well this weekend," said Westervelt. "I couldn't be happier with their performances and togetherness. This team is special. I am very excited to see what they will do in our upcoming championship meets."

Photo in text: The Storm's Thalia Marquez at Shenendehowa (Photo provided)

The Storm's Ryan Willett (5) grabs the ball on the final play of the game, a pass by Dryden into the end zone. Storm teammate Gavin Lohmeyer (2) was among the players contending for the ball.

Rally lifts Storm to 21-14 win; now 6-0

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 8, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns -- including one with 15.1 seconds left -- to overtake Dryden in a Section IV game Saturday night on the Watkins Glen High School Alumni Field.

The win -- which lifted the Storm's record to 6-0 -- wasn't secured until the final play, when standout Ryan Willett intercepted a Dryden pass in the end zone.

The game marked Homecoming at Watkins, with the introduction at halftime of the Queen and King. The Queen is Payton Hilfiger, while exchange student Adriano Ripol was named the King. They had been announced the night before, at a Homecoming dance.

After a scoreless first quarter, Dryden took the lead 1:58 before halftime on a 6-yard run, but failed on a two-point conversion attempt.

Thirty seconds later, Storm quarterback Daniel Lewis connected with Willett on a 53-yard pass play up the left sideline to even the score, and Brady Cannon added an extra point to put the Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- ahead 7-6 heading into the second half.

The third quarter proved futile for the Storm. The squad gained only 15 yards on the ground and none through the air, and gave up a go-ahead touchdown to Dryden at the 6:08 mark. The Lions added a two-point conversion for a 14-7 lead.

The Storm knotted the score at 10:53 of the fourth quarter on a 24-yard run by Thomas Snow, who dove just across the goal line as a Dryden defender hit him. Cannon added an extra point to make it 14-14.

That's how it stayed until the closing moments, when the Storm, after stopping Dryden, drove down the field, a key play being an 18-yard over-the-head reception by Willett that set the stage a couple of plays later for a flare pass to Brad Gillis, who scampered 26 yards unscathed into the end zone. A Cannon PAT gave the Storm a 21-14 lead.

Dryden struck back, though, connecting on a long pass play that put it on the Storm 15-yard line with just four seconds left. The Dryden quarterback rolled right and lofted a pass into the end zone that was contested by several players -- with Willett coming down with the ball as time expired.

The Storm gained 376 total yards in the game -- 147 rushing and 229 passing. Dryden had 297 total yards, including 203 rushing.

Storm QB Lewis connected on 15 of 23 passes for 229 yards and two touchdowns. The leading rusher was Willett with 62 yards on 10 carries, while Snow gained 54 on 10 carries and Gillis 31 on nine carries.

Snow led Storm defenders with 16 solo tackles, while Gavin Lohmeyer had six, Thomas Field four, and Willett and Alex Holmes three each. Holmes also had a key fourth-down sack. The team registered two interceptions: the one by Willett on the final play, and one by Gillis.

"We knew this was going to be a tough game," said Storm Coach Trevor Holland, who noted that Dryden (now 3-3) "brought everything. And we have to play them again, the next time on their field."

The Storm returns to action at home Friday night against Whitney Point.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Thomas Snow starts to dive toward the end zone on his 24-yard TD run as a Dryden defender nears.
Middle: Storm QB Daniel Lewis launches a pass as teammate Shea Young blocks.
Bottom: Homecoming King Adriano Ripol and Queen Payton Hilfiger.

A key catch by the Storm's Ryan Willett on the team's final drive: an 18-yard reception.

Left: The Storm's Brad Gillis races toward the end zone on his team's final drive. Right: After scoring with 15.1 seconds left, Gillis (left) celebrated with teammate Alex Holmes.

The Storm's Brady Cannon kicks an extra point, one of three he converted.

O-M goalkeeper Keyonna Garrison (blue gloves) and Hannah Nolan (20) go high as a Watkins Glen corner kick arrives. Garrison swatted the ball out, away from the net.

Watkins Glen girls top Odessa-Montour, 3-1, win IAC Small School South title

ODESSA, Oct. 7, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team scored three goals in the first 15 minutes of the game Friday and then held off Odessa-Montour 3-1 to claim the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small School South Division title and a date on Oct. 15 in the overall IAC Small School championship game.

The Watkins victory, which broke a tie between the two schools atop the standings and avenged an earlier overtime loss to O-M, was fueled by two Skye Honrath goals, sandwiched around one by Ava Kelly. Honrath assisted on the Kelly goal, too, sending a crossing pass that the freshman sent just inside the left post of the Odessa net. The two goals gave Honrath 20 for the season.

The victory, accomplished with substitute Watkins Glen coaches in place of the Covid-quarantined Scott Morse, lifted the Senecas' season mark to 9-3-1 heading into the title game against the IAC North Small School champion in a game at Tompkins Cortland Community College. But for Odessa-Montour, the season is not yet over.

"We're gonna regroup and get ready for Sectionals," said O-M Coach Burton Brewster, whose squad will compete in the Class D tournament, likely opening with a home game against an as-yet unspecified opponent.

"Congratulations to Watkins Glen," said Brewster, whose team was outshot by the Senecas 10-7, but led in corner kicks (5-2). "This was a good high school game, although it would have been better if we could take away those first 15 minutes."

His team had the edge statistically in the second half, and "had some chances off throw-ins near their goal and corner kicks, but we just couldn't finish."

Watkins Glen had perhaps the best chances in the second half, though, at the 31-minute mark, when successive shots by Honrath and Kelly both caromed off the crossbar.

Of Honrath, a sophomore whose sister Sasha (a junior) is also a key member of the team, Brewster said: "Skye is incredibly dangerous. Once the ball is on her feet, something bad is bound to happen to the other team."

Of his own squad, he added this: "I'm proud of the resilience they showed. They kept fighting and creating great chances. It just wasn't our night."

Skye Honrath opened the scoring at 30:33, when she punched in a shot from just in front of the right post. Kelly made it 2-0 at 27:56, and Honrath scored again on a laser from the right at 25:18, making it 3-0.

Both Honraths said after the game that the plan was to be aggressive early, sending off as many clean shots as possible. Even so, the early 3-0 lead surprised them, said Sasha. When told the crowd -- not to mention O-M -- seemed stunned by the early Watkins onslaught, Sasha said "we were a little shocked, too."

The last time the two teams had met, Watkins had managed a single goal, and had lost 2-1 in overtime, with both of O-M's goals coming from senior Tori Brewster. This time, Brewster scored the lone Odessa goal, sending a shot from the left into the left corner of the Watkins net, past diving goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh, at the 14:14 mark of the first half.

That proved to be the final goal of the game. Ameigh registered six saves, while her O-M counterpart, Keyonna Garrison, had five.

"The girls played fantastic today," said Eric VanSkiver, who joined with Watkins Glen athletic director Rod Weeden in coaching for the absent Morse. "They were on the attack in the beginning and then readjusted to contain a very strong Odessa team.

"O-M is a very tough and skilled team, and they are very well coached. It's always fun to play them.

"I'm extremely proud of the girls and excited for their division championship. They've worked very hard for this."

******

Photo in text:

Top: O-M's Hannah Nolan, right, and Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver battle for the ball.
Middle: Watkins' Skye Honrath, right, sends the ball into the O-M net to open the scoring.
Bottom: O-M's Maddie Raymond, right, and Watkins' Skye Honrath eye the ball.

Left: O-M's Brooklynn Thompson, left, and Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly battle for the ball. Right: O-M's Gina Gavich and Watkins' Erin Snow fight for possession of the ball.

Left: O-M's Olivia Barr. Right: Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo heads the ball in a crowd.

Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan, left, sends a shot toward the Watkins Glen goal, but it went over the crossbar.

O-M's Tori Brewster (14, left) sends a shot that got past diving Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh, right, for the Grizzlies' only goal.

Watkins' Ava Kelly, left, sends the ball into the O-M net for the Senecas' second goal.

Left: O-M's Katie Adams tries to maneuver past Watkins' Rachel Vickio. Right: Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh grabs a loose ball before O-M's Tori Brewster can reach it.

O-M's Kelsey Bates (19) sends a shot on goal, but it was cleared out of the goalmouth by the Watkins Glen defense.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver (20) tries to shield the ball from O-M's Paisley Jeziorski. Right: Watkins' Katrina Ricca, left, and Brenna Pierce battle Odessa's Hannah Nolan as the ball arrives.

Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath sends a shot toward the Odessa-Montour goal.

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

ODESSA, Oct. 7, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team's record slipped to 1-9 Friday when the Grizzlies dropped a 3-0 decision to Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 10-25, 8-25 and 12-25. Individual statistics for O-M included the following:

Kyleigh Bates: 1 kill, 3 digs.
Dominick Elliott: 1 service point, 2 assists, 1 dig.
Hannah Kinner: 1 assist, 2 digs.
Emma Landon: 2 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 2 digs.
Adrionna Personius: 2 service points, 1 dig.
Kaylee Watson: 1 service point, 4 digs.
Maya Moser: 5 service points, 6 digs.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Tioga, 3-0. Game scores were 9-25, 7-25 and 12-25.

Photo in text: O-M's Dominick Elliott (23) battles at the net.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Emma Landon, Hannah Kinner and Adrionna Personius.

The Schuyler Storm's Thalia Marquez on the way to winning the 200 Freestyle.

Storm swimmers defeat Vestal, 112-74

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 6, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team topped Class A Vestal 112-74 Thursday in a non-league meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

"It was a great meet for this team," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose squad includes WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes."There was lots of great swimming and diving, and it was a big win for these girls."

He pointed to the performances of Thalia Marquez, Faye Mooney and Alannah Klemann, each of whom won two individual events and were members of two winning relays. Other highlights, he noted, included:

--Aubrey Klemann touching out a Vestal swimmer in the 200 Free and 100 Free -- and swimming a PR (personal record) in the 100 Free.
--Emily Melveney winning the 100 Butterfly as the underdog with a 1:11.92.
--Kendra Fish and Malina Butler each swimming on two winning relays.

Individual victories for the Storm came in the following:

200 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 2:01.64.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 2:23.22.
50 Free: 1st, Kendra Fish, 27.55.
100 Fly: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:11.92.
100 Free: 1st, Faye Mooney, 56.57.
500 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 5:29.41.
100 Back: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 1:04.66.
100 Breaststroke: 1st, Faye Mooney, 1:11.31.

"This was a total team effort and I am very happy with where we are this season," said Westervelt. "Most of the girls are well ahead of where they were at the same time last year, which is very exciting as we head into our championship portion of the season."

The Storm swimmers return to action Saturday at a Shenendehowa Invitational.

Photos in text:

Top: The Schuyler Storm's Faye Mooney competes in the 200 Medley Relay.
Bottom: The Storm's Malina Butler.

The Schuyler Storm's Claire Lewis dives at the start of the 50 Yard Freestyle.

Left: WG/OM's Skye Cummings competes in the diving competition. She placed second. Right: The Storm's Emily Melveney swims in the 200 IM, where she placed third.

The Schuyler Storm's Alannah Klemann on the way to victory in the 200 IM.

The Storm's Cara Reynolds glides underwater after diving at start of the 200 IM.

Watkins Glen's Liam Smith (3) prepares to shoot on the SVEC goal. His shot went barely wide to the right.

Watkins Glen boys fall to SVEC, 9-0

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 6, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 9-0 decision Thursday night to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

SVEC struck early, scoring its first goal at 37:46 of the first half. It scored two more goals in the next six minutes on the way to a 5-0 halftime advantage.

SVEC kept up the pressure in the second half, scoring at the 33:53 mark and then again at 29:46, 24:26 and 23:33.

The Senecas, with two wins and a tie this season, return to action Monday at Elmira Notre Dame.

******

Photo in text: Watkins Glen defenseman Ross Pentz (18) battles for control of the ball.

Watkins Glen goalkeeper Jake Vandereems pounces on the ball before Spencer-Van Etten/ Candor's Taylor Brock can reach it.

O-M goalkeeper David Patterson goes high to make a save. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

O-M boys lose in OT to Dundee/Bradford

DUNDEE, Oct. 6, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team came close to victory again Thursday before falling to Dundee/Bradford 2-1 in overtime in a non-league road game.

The Grizzlies, who have two ties and have lost two overtime contests, benefitted from the goalkeeping of David Patterson, who turned aside an estimated two-dozen or more Dundee/Bradford shots.

O-M returns to action Tuesday night at home against Groton.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Max Seles, left, attempts to get the ball past the Dundee/Bradford goalkeeper. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Odessa-Montour girls top Newfield, 3-2

NEWFIELD, Oct. 5, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team built a 3-0 lead and held off Newfield 3-2 Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Newfield athletic field.

The win lifted the Grizzlies' season mark to 9-4 heading into a showdown Friday afternoon with Watkins Glen for the IAC Small School South Division title. The two teams, now deadlocked, met earlier this season, with O-M posting a 2-1 overtime win. Friday's game will be at 4:30 p.m. on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies built a 2-0 first-half lead Wednesday on a pair of Tori Brewster goals. Hannah Nolan added one early in the second half, assisted by Paisley Jeziorski. Newfield responded with two goals, but O-M Coach Burton Brewster said his team "did what we needed to do to win."

Odessa outshot Newfield 11-4, and had a 4-2 edge in corner kicks. The Newfield goalkeeper made eight saves, while O-M netminder Keyonna Garrison registered two.

Nolan's goal was her 22nd of the season and the 81st of her career, the latter a growing school record.

Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold (11, second from right) watches as her first-half penalty kick soars into the Tioga net.

Watkins Glen girls blank Tioga, 8-0

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 5, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team got goals from six different players Wednesday night on the way to an 8-0 victory over Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The win lifted the Senecas' season mark to 8-3-1 heading into a showdown Friday afternoon with Odessa-Montour for the IAC Small School South Division title. The two teams, now deadlocked, met earlier this season, with O-M posting a 2-1 overtime win. Friday's game will be at 4:30 p.m. on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Goals Wednesday came from Skye Honrath (three, with two assists), Sasha Honrath, Jennifer Gublo, Katrina Ricca, Carly Arnold and Brenna Pierce. Assists were also credited to Ava Kelly, Erin Snow and Olivia King. Goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh registered three saves.

The Senecas raced out to a 4-0 lead in the first 16 minutes, with Gublo starting it with a goal at 37:33 off a feed from Skye Honrath. Goals from Skye Honrath, Sasha Honrath and Ricca followed, with Arnold adding a penalty-kick goal a minute before intermission.

The two Honraths added a goal each early in the second half, and Pierce closed the scoring with 51 seconds left on a breakaway, sending a blast from the right just inside the left goalpost.

"The team played really well tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Senior Night is always emotional, but the girls were really focused and ready to play.

"Seniors Carly Arnold and Katrina Ricca are such integral parts of the team, and it has been a true pleasure coaching them over the years. Beyond soccer, they are just outstanding people, and they will be missed next year for sure."

******

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo (18) scores her team's first goal.
Middle: The Senecas' Brenna Pierce, right, goes high to control the ball.
Bottom: The Senecas' coach, Scott Morse (right) and his twin brother, Shawn. Shawn was visiting from his North Carolina home.

Watkins Glen's Katrina Ricca, right, sends a shot that found the Tioga net for a goal.

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath prepares to send the ball into the net for her second of three goals in the game. She has 18 goals this season.

Left: Coach Scott Morse with his team's two seniors -- Carly Arnold, left, and Katrina Ricca -- at the Senior Night ceremony honoring the pair. Right: Ricca gets a hug at the ceremony from freshman teammate Maddie Tuttle.

The WGHS girls varsity soccer team posed during the Senior Night ceremony.

The Schuyler Storm's Cara Reynolds competes in the 200 Free. She placed second.

Storm swimmers defeat Notre Dame

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 5, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team posted a 103-44 victory Wednesday over Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

According to Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, some highlights included:

--Thalia Marquez posting a personal record (PR) in the 100 Fly (1:04.76).
--Riley Brooks swimming PR's in the 100 Fly and 100 Breaststroke.
--Lizzi Fitzwater posting a PR in the 100 Breaststroke.
--Alannah Klemann registering two individual wins, in the 200 Free and 500 Free.
--Cara Reynolds posting a PR in the 100 Fly.

The Storm, a combined team of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, posted wins in the following:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Kendra Fish, Faye Mooney, Emily Melveney, Thalia Marquez, 2:02.57.
200 Free: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 2:09.47.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Faye Mooney, 2:30.57.
50 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 28.08
Diving: 1st, Skye Cummings, 116.15. .
100 Fly: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 1:04.76.
100 Free: 1st, Kendra Fish, 1:02.00.
500 Free: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 5:47.88.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Lizzi Fitzwater, Kendra Fish, Claire Lewis, Alannah Klemann, 2:00.83.

"The girls did a great job tonight," said Westervelt. "We had some outstanding performances from Riley Brooks, Lizzi Fitzwater and Cara Reynolds which will help us compete against Class A Vestal tomorrow (in the WGHS pool).

"Our divers did an outstanding job this week, as well, Claire Lewis, Skye Cummings and Macy Fitzgerald made the most out of a short week of practices and successfully competed their new 6-dive lists.

"We are looking forward to a great meet against Vestal and some fast swimming at the Shenendehowa Invitational on Saturday."

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Faye Mooney dives at start of the 200 IM, which she won.
Middle: WG/OM's Alannah Klemann on the way to first place in the 200 Free.
Bottom: The Storm's Kendra Fish competes in the 200 IM, where she placed second.

Left: The Storm's Aubrey Klemann competes in the 200 IM. She placed third. Right: The Storm's Macy Fitzgerald competes in the Diving event.

Glen volleyball team tops Newfield, 3-2

NEWFIELD, Oct. 5, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team posted its second win of the season Wednesday, defeating Newfield 3-2 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Newfield gym.

Game scores were 19-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-19 and 15-12.

"It was a very exciting match," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "The girls did a nice job keeping their intensity through the whole match and coming out on top."

Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included:

Sarah Jones: 12 service points, 5 aces, 11 assists, 1 kill.
Ava Barber: 10 service points, 4 aces, 4 kills, 1 block.
Aly Gibson: 9 service points, 3 aces, 4 kills, 5 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 7 service points, 1 kill.
Jocelyn Sisana: 4 service points, 6 digs.
Keira Sulkey: 4 service points.
Kendall Gascon: 4 service points, 2 aces, 1 kill.

The Senecas return to action Tuesday against Candor.

Junior Varsity: Newfield defeated Watkins Glen, 2-0.

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

CANDOR, Oct. 5, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team's record slipped to 1-8 Wednesday when the Grizzlies dropped a 3-0 decision to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Candor gym.

Games scores were 14-25, 13-25 and 11-25.

Individual statistics for O-M included:

Kyleigh Bates: 1 service point, 1 kill, 4 digs.
Dominick Elliott: 6 service points, 4 aces, 3 assists, 1 block, 2 digs.
Hannah Kinner: 1 service point, 4 assists.
Emma Landon: 2 kills, 4 digs.
Adrionna Personius: 1 dig.
Kaylee Watson: 1 service point, 2 kills, 1 dig.
Maya Moser: 4 service points, 2 kills, 1 dig.

The Grizzlies return to action Friday at home against Tioga.

Junior Varsity: Candor defeated O-M, 2-0. Games scores were 10-25 and 22-25.

Glen XC boys place 2nd at Divisional

NEWARK VALLEY, Oct. 4, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross country team -- led by Aidan Maphis's 4th-place finish -- placed second Tuesday at the Interscholastic Athletic Conference South Divisional Meet at Newark Valley.

The Senecas "were so excited to place so well," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner, who noted that while the boys Modified team didn't have enough runners to score as a team, "they did very well."

Maphis completed the course in 19:33.01, while teammate Isaac Hendrickson was 8th in 20:08.71. In addition, Johnny VanScoyk was 10th in 21:05.14, while Jonathan Bond-Trimble was 15th in 22:18.43, Nicholas Bonsignore 17th in 23:05.79, and Enric Lin 24th in 33:20.37. There were 25 runners.

Spencer-Van Etten/Candor took first place with the top three finishers and 19 points. Watkins Glen was next with 54 points, while Tioga had 77 and Newark Valley 78. The other teams lacked the requisite five runners for a team score: Elmira Notre Dame, Edison and Waverly.

Boys Modified; Liam Knight led Watkins Glen with a 6th-place finish in 10:50.70, while Andrew Champion was 7th in 10:58.90, Zane Chambers 17th in 13:13.24, and Zachary Brusso 18th in 13:37.89. There were 29 runners.

The Senecas return to action at the Marathon Invitational on October 15.

Photo in text: The Watkins boys varsity and Modified cross country teams. (Provided)

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

TIOGA CENTER, Oct. 4, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team's record slipped to 1-7 Tuesday when the Grizzlies dropped a 3-0 decision to 10-1 Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Tioga gym.

Game scores were 9-25, 12-25 and 20-25.

Kyleigh Bates led O-M with 3 service points, 2 aces, 2 kills and 4 digs. Dominick Elliott added 2 points, 2 aces, 1 block and 3 digs, while Kaylee Watson registered 2 points and 5 digs.

The Grizzlies return to action Wednesday at Candor.

Junior Varsity: Tioga defeated Odessa-Montour 2-0. Game scores were 7-25 and 8-25.

Odessa-Montour's Dominick Elliott volleys in the second game against Newfield.

O-M volleyball team posts its 1st victory

ODESSA, Oct. 3, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team registered its first victory of the year Monday, defeating Newfield 3-1 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 25-12, 16-25, 25-21 and 25-17.

Individual statistics for the Grizzlies included the following:

Kyleigh Bates: 7 service points, 3 aces, 4 kills, 4 digs.
Dominick Elliott: 8 service points, 6 aces, 2 kills, 6 assists, 6 digs.
Hannah Kinner: 5 service points, 1 kill, 5 assists, 1 dig.
Emma Landon: 6 service points, 2 aces, 4 kills, 4 digs.
Adrionna Personious: 3 service points, 1 ace, 3 digs.
Kaylee Watson: 5 service points, 1 ace, 2 kills, 1 assist, 4 digs.
Maya Moser: 4 service points, 1 kill, 5 digs.

O-M (1-6) returns to action Tuesday at Tioga.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost 3-0 to Newfield. Game scores were 9-25, 16-25 and 19-25.

Photo in text: O-M's Kyleigh Bates leaps high to volley at the net.

Odessa-Montour's Hannah Kinner, left, and Kaylee Watson prepare to serve.

All eyes are on the ball as it descends toward the corner of the Dundee/Bradford goal. The keeper, Ellie Fleet, managed to grab it before O-M's Paisley Jeziorski (15) could put it in the net.

O-M girls fall to Dundee/Bradford, 4-1

ODESSA, Oct. 3, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 4-1 decision Monday night to Dundee/Bradford in a non-league game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The game, scoreless at halftime, saw Dundee/Bradford take the lead at 36:49 before O-M tied it 1-1 on a Hannah Nolan goal at 36:26. The game remained tied until the 6:52 mark, when Dundee/Bradford scored the first of three goals in five-minute stretch.

Odessa outshot Dundee/Bradford 10-6, and had an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks. The Grizzlies' goalkeeper, Keyonna Garrison, had two saves while Dundee/Bradford's keeper, Ellie Fleet, registered nine saves.

Nolan's goal was her 21st of the year and the 80th of her career.

"The game was played wide open -- from end line to end line," said O-M Coach Burton Brewster. "I thought the Odessa girls played hard. It's unfortunate we couldn't send the seniors out with a win."

Halftime featured a Senior Night ceremony, where O-M's four seniors -- Hannah Nolan, Tori Brewster, Katie Adams and Sarah Barr -- were honored.

Odessa (8-4) returns to action at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Newfield. Then it plays Watkins Glen at home at 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan, right, fights Dundee/Bradford's Kailey Yeoman for possession of the ball.
Bottom: O-M's seniors were honored at halftime. From left: Tori Brewster, Hannah Nolan, Katie Adams and Sarah Barr.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Maggie Pentz, Kelsey Bates and Maddie Raymond.

O-M's Tori Brewster (14) sends a shot toward the Dundee/Bradford goal. It was stopped by goalkeeper Ellie Fleet.

O-M girls Modified team tops Watkins

MONTOUR FALLS, Oct. 3, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls Modified soccer team improved its record to 7-1 Monday when it defeated Watkins Glen 4-2 in a game on the B.C. Cate Elementary School soccer field.

The win was O-M's second this season over Watkins, which is now 4-4.

Leah Antes scored three goals for Odessa-Montour, while Evvie Zinger scored one. Zinger also assisted on Antes' three goals, while Antes assisted on Zinger's goal.

Natalie VanSkiver scored both goals for Watkins Glen.

O-M took the early lead on Zinger's goal, a blast from the right that found the left corner of the Watkins net. That score held up through the first half.

VanSkiver scored her first goal in the third quarter to tie the game before Antes put the Grizzlies ahead again with her first goal. VanSkiver's sccond goal tied the game at 2-2, but the Senecas had no answer for Antes, who scored twice more to cement the O-M win.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Leah Antes prepares to shoot. The ball went in to the left of goalkeeper Isabella Cherock for one of Antes' three goals.
Bottom: O-M's Evvie Zinger, right, moves the ball upfield as Watkins Glen's Amy Field (18) approaches.

Left: Watkins Glen's Natalie VanSkiver (4) is congratulated by teammates Bella Yaw (left) and Emma Lewis after scoring one of her two goals. Right: Watkins' Emma Cady (13) and O-M's Pietra Vanderwerff fight for possession of the ball.

Odessa-Montour back Vanessa Wood sends the ball flying upfield.

Odessa-Montour girls blank Tioga, 4-0

TIOGA CENTER, Oct. 1, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team started slowly against winless Tioga Saturday, but three second-half goals carried the Grizzlies to a 4-0 victory in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Tioga athletic field.

O-M, without standout Tori Brewster -- sidelined by what was described as a minor injury -- got two goals from Hannah Nolan (giving her 20 for the year), and one each from Katie Adams and Kelsey Bates.

The Grizzlies (8-3) outshot 0-10 Tioga 16-5, and had a 3-1 edge in corner kicks. O-M goalkeeper Keyonna Garrison had two saves.

Nolan scored the first goal just 1:45 before intermission, and the second at 25:32 of the second half off a feed from Bates. Then Adams scored at 15:57 to make it 3-0, and Bates at about the five-minute mark.

The two goals lifted Nolan's school-record career total to 79.

O-M returns to action Monday at home against Dundee. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photo in text: Hannah Nolan (File photo)

Watkins Glen girls overcome Newfield

NEWFIELD, Oct. 1, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team, down three goals in the first half, rallied Saturday behind Skye Honrath's hat trick to defeat Newfield 7-4 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Newfield athletic field.

The victory lifted the Senecas' season mark to 7-3-1 heading into a game Wednesday night at home against Tioga.

In addition to her three goals, Honrath registered three assists. Other goals, one each, came from Sasha Honrath (who also had two assists), Ava Kelly (with one assist), Erin Snow (with one assist) and Olivia Kng. Goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh made 9 saves.

"It was certainly an odd game," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We were not terrible in the first half, making some runs with decent shot attempts, but found ourselves down three goals with maybe five minutes left in the half. Then Skye Honrath went to work with three gorgeous assists to fuel our offense. Olivia King, Ava Kelly and Sasha Honrath scored three consecutive goals to tie it up.

"In the second half we played very well, with our defense containing Newfield and our offense putting together some great scoring opportunities. Newfield is a scrappy team with some talented players and they always play us tough.

"Our girls have done a really great job this year, so with three games left in the regular season, we have to stay focused and finish strong."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath (File photo)

Glen XC runners compete at McQuaid

ROCHESTER, Oct. 1, 2022 -- More than 6,300 runners from 232 high school teams competed in various divisions Saturday at the 58th McQuaid Invitational at Rochester's Genesee Valley Park.

Watkins Glen's boys varsity cross country team competed in the Small School's race, where there were 434 runners.

Johnny VanScoyk was the top Watkins finisher. He placed 79th with his personal record (PR) time of 17:56.5. Eighth grader Isaac Hendrickson placed 102nd with a PR time of 18.11.6. Aidan Maphis was 118th in a PR of 18:19.9. Nick Bonsignor placed 299th with a PR of 20:48.9, and Joaathan Bond-Trimble was 335th with a PR of 21:32.1.

In the boys Modified race, Watkins Glen's Andrew Champion was 132nd in 11:21.1; Liam Knight 133rd in 11:22.9, and Zach Brusso 269th.

"Our kids dropped times again this week, earning their personal bests," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "(Coach) Travis Durfee and I are so excited about the progress of the team. We travel to Newark Valley Tuesday to compete in the IAC South Divisional Championship."

Storm gridders defeat Lansing, 20-6

LANSING, Sept. 30, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team improved its record to 5-0 Friday night when it defeated Lansing 20-6 in a Section IV Independent Division VIII game on the Lansing football field.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, scored on its first drive, capping it off with a 3-yard TD run by Ryan Willett. A two-point convesion failed.

Lansing tied the game later in the first quarter on a 51-yard run, but the Storm took the lead for good in the second quarter on an 86-yard pass by quarterback Daniel Lewis to Alex Holmes on a post pattern. Brady Cannon kicked the extra point to make it 13-6.

The Storm completed the scoring when Lewis completed a 13-play drive with a 1-yard run up the middle in the third quarter. Another Cannon PAT made the score 20-6.

"We had some other opportunities in the red zone," said Storm Coach Trevor Holland, "but coming away with the win is the important thing, scoring more or not."

The Storm had 284 total yards, including 179 on the ground and 105 through the air. Lansing totaled 195 yards.

Bradley Gillis gained 94 of those rushing yards on 15 carries. Willett gained 51 on 14 carries, and Thomas Snow gained 23 on seven carries. Snow led all Storm defenders with 15 solo tackles, while Willett and Gillis registered four each.

The Storm returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 8, with a Homecoming game against Dryden on the WGHS Alumni Field.

Watkins' Salvatore Purpura, right, sends the ball into the O-M net in double overtime. Goalkeeper David Patterson is at left.

Watkins boys top O-M in overtime, 2-1

ODESSA, Sept. 30, 2022 -- The first time the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer teams played this season, the game ended in a tie. The second time they played -- Friday night -- the game went into double overtime and almost ended in a tie.

But this time, with 1:39 left on the clock in the second OT, Watkins Glen's Salvatore Purpura took a crossing pass from teammate Liam Smith and put it into the O-M net, giving the Senecas a 2-1 Interscholastic Athletic Conference victory.

The win, on O-M's Charles Martin Field, was Watkins Glen's second of the season to go with that earlier tie. For Odessa-Montour, the game was another frustration as it pursues its first victory of the year. It has two ties.

The game was a high-energy affair, with lots of activity near both nets -- and with some outstanding saves by O-M's David Patterson and Watkins' Caleb Bresett. But it wasn't just those two. Each team's backfield came up with last-second clearing kicks on several occasions.

The first goal came early, at the 34:48 mark of the first half, when Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz sent a blast from the right into the left corner of the O-M net. The score held until 26:04 of the second period, when Odessa's Colton Wig netted a shot in the back left corner of the Senecas' net.

The first 10-minute overtime period was frenetic, with both sides mounting threats, and the second OT period featured more of the same. It looked like it would be another tie, until suddenly, with Purpura's goal, it wasn't.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins' Jacob Yontz (11) sends a shot on goal that was stopped by O-M goalkeeper David Patterson. Yontz scored on an earlier shot, though.
Bottom: Watkins Glen's Liam Smith, left, and Salvatore Purpura. Smith earned an assist on Purpura's game-winning goal.

Odessa-Montour's Colton Wig (8, second from right) watches as his second-half shot eludes Watkns Glen goalkeeper Caleb Bresett for the Grizzlies' lone goal.

Left: O-M's Zach Rounds leads a chase for the ball. Right: Watkins Glen's Adriano Ripol (foreground) and O-M's Benson Patterson fight for the ball.

Left: O-M's Max Seles meets the ball. Right: O-M's Lucas Barr (facing camera) and Watkins Glen's Aidan Kelly fight for possession of the ball.

Odessa-Montour goalkeeper David Patterson stops an incoming Watkins corner kick. Other players, from left: O-M's Lucas Hoffman and Watkins' Bryce Cady and Liam Smith.

Left: Watkins goalkeeper Caleb Bresett. Right: O-M's Drew Parmenter heads the ball.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Gunner Herrmann, foreground, and Watkins Glen's Bryce Cady await the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Lucas Hoffman heads the ball.

O-M's Max Seles, left, tries to get position for a shot on the Watkins goal in overtime. Between him and goalkeeper Caleb Bresett are Watkins defenders (from left) Salvatore Purpura, Ross Pentz and Max Ricca.

Watkins volleyball team falls to Tioga

ODESSA, Sept. 29, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Thursday to Tioga (8-1) in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Odessa-Montour High School gym. The Watkins team played host there while repair work in its own gym continued.

Game scores were 10-25, 17-25 and 22-25. Individual statistics for the 1-6 Senecas included the following:

Ava Barber: 5 service points, 3 aces, 4 kills.
Chelsea Parsons: 6 service points, 1 kill.
Sarah Jones: 2 aces, 6 assists.
Jocelyn Sisana: 1 block, 7 digs.
Aly Gibson: 5 service points, 2 aces, 4 digs.
Kendall Gascon: 4 service points, 1 kill.

"I am proud of the players and their hustle tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Krystina Westervelt.

"They didn't let a slow start set the pace for the match. They improved with each play and gave an excellent Tioga team a respectable challenge."

The Senecas return to action Wednesday at Newfield.

******

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Tioga 2-0. Game scores were 6-25 and 5-25.

******

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Chelsea Parsons volleys.

Bottom: The Senecas' Alyson Gibson meets the ball in the second game against Tioga.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jocelyn Sisana. Right: The Senecas' Ava Barber volleys.

Left: Watkins' Sarah Jones volleys. Right: The Senecas' Kendall Gascon serves

Odessa-Montour goalkeeper Keyonna Garrison sends a goal kick on its way.

Odessa-Montour girls post comeback win

ODESSA, Sept. 29, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team rallied from a 2-1 halftime deficit to defeat Spencer-Van Etten/Candor 3-2 Thursday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The comeback -- fueled by two penalty kicks -- lifted the Grizzlies to a 7-3 record heading into a game at 11 a.m. Saturday at Tioga.

After SVEC scored at the 35:28 mark of the first half, O-M's Hannah Nolan put in a rebound shot directly in front of the net off a corner kick at 32:45. But SVEC pulled ahead again at 1:33.

The Grizzlies "came out strong in the second half," said Coach Burton Brewster, nearly scoring in the first minute and then tying the game on a goal by Tori Brewster, who followed her own penalty kick by converting a rebound off of that shot.

"Then we went nearly 33 minutes without anyone putting the ball in the net," said Coach Brewster, "but we controlled most of the play."

The Grizzlies pulled ahead for good with 5:40 remaining, this time on a penalty kick by Nolan.

O-M outshot SVEC 15-5, with the visitors managing just one shot on goal after intermission. Odessa also had a 9-0 advantage in corner kicks. Keyonna Garrison registered three saves in goal for the Grizzlies, while the SVEC netminder had 10.

Nolan's two goals brought her season total to 18, and increased her school-record career goal count to 77. Brewster's goal was her ninth.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Hannah Nolan (20) scores in the first half.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Tori Brewster moves the ball despite pressure.

Left: O-M's Katie Adams. Right: The Grizzlies' Paisley Jeziorski (15) controls the ball.

Left: O-M's Gina Gavich maneuvers with the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Maggie Pentz inbounds the ball.

Watkins Glen girls fall to Waverly, 2-1

WAVERLY, Sept. 29, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 6-3-1 Thursday night when the Senecas dropped a 2-1 decision to Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The lone Watkins goal came from Ava Kelly, assisted by Skye Honrath. Lillian Ameigh registered 14 saves in goal for the Senecas.

"We didn’t get the win today, but the team played great!" said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "I was very proud of their effort tonight against an incredibly talented and undefeated team. Lilly Ameigh had another really strong game in goal, making some spectacular saves. Our defense came up big, clearing some near goals as well.

"We had moments of terrific ball movement, and I thought we transitioned well against a very fast and skilled attack from Waverly. Even though we fell short, I think a performance like that can help us with our confidence going forward."

The Senecas return to action Saturday at Newfield. Game time is 10 a.m.

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

Storm swimmers defeat Elmira, 105-67

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 29, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity swim team topped Elmira 105-67 Thursday in a non-league meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

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

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Kendra Fish, Riley Brooks, 2:06.66.
200 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 2:06.87.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 2:30.03.
50 Free: 1st, Faye Mooney, 25.93.
500 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 5:28.38.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Faye Mooney, Malina Butler, Emily Melveney, Thalia Marquez, 1:47.36.
100 Back: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 1:05.01.

"All around the girls did a great job tonight," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "We are coming off a very high energy weekend and preparing for another big meet next weekend at Shenendahowa. Our effort and race strategies were what we expected this week. It's going to be a very exciting week next week -- Notre Dame, Vestal, and the Shen Invite!!"

Westervelt pointed to some of the meet's highlights:

--In the 200 Medley Relay, which the Storm won, Riley Brooks swam the anchor leg with her personal-record (PR) 50 Free of 32.32.
--Hannah Hollenbeck swam a PR in the anchor leg of the 200 Freestyle Relay (28.27).
--Emily Melveney swam a PR in the 100 Backstroke (1:14.17).
--Lizzi Fitzwater swam a PR in the 100 Breaststroke (1:38.84).

Senior Night: The Storm's three seniors were honored in a Senior Night ceremony during the meet. They are Macy Fitzgerald, Faye Mooney and Sarah Stolpinski.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Thalia Marquez checks her time after finishing first in the 200 Free.
Bottom: WG/OM divers Claire Lewis (left) and Skye Cummings (right).

Schuyler Storm swim team seniors were honored during a Senior Night ceremony at the meet. They are, from left: Sarah Stolpinski, Macy Fitzgerald and Faye Mooney.

Left: Watkins Glen's Liam Smith sends the ball upfield. Right: The Senecas' Salvatore Purpura, left, battles a Trumansburg player for possession of the ball.

Watkins boys fall to Trumansburg, 4-0

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 28, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 1-8-1 Wednesday night when the Senecas dropped a 4-0 decision to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Watkins goalkeeper Caleb Bresett had what Coach Jessica Purpura called "an incredible game" with 22 saves. Trumansburg, repeatedly driving into the area near the Watkins goal, managed two goals in the first half. Their final pair came at the 15- and 13-minute marks of the second half.

"We played a heavily defensive game against a very skilled team," said Purpura, "with only seven shots taken by our offense."

The Senecas return to action Friday night at Odessa-Montour. The last time those two teams played, the contest ended in a tie. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Ross Pentz (18) fights for the ball.

Watkins Glen volleyball team falls to NV

NEWARK VALLEY, Sept. 28, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Newark Valley Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Newark Valley gym.

Game scores were 25-27, 22-25 and 14-25.

"We had a very good match," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "The score teetered back and forth the first two games, but unfortunately we just couldn't come out on top. We lost steam by game three.

"Our players passed the ball very well tonight. We just struggled putting it away in some instances."

Individual Watkins Glen statistics included the following:

Ava Barber: 5 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 1 block, 5 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 5 service points, 1 ace, 2 kills, 1 block, 8 digs.
Kendall Gascon: 3 kills, 10 digs.
Sarah Jones: 4 service points, 6 assists.
Jocelyn Sisana: 2 service points, 2 aces, 2 kills, 10 digs.
Aly Gibson: 7 service points, 2 aces, 1 kill, 1 block, 7 digs.

The Senecas return to action Thursday against Tioga in the Odessa-Montour High School gym.

Odessa-Montour goalkeeper David Patterson, left, makes one of his many saves, this one on a shot by the Newfield player at right.

Odessa-Montour boys lose to Newfield

ODESSA, Sept 28, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 6-0 decision to Newfield Wednesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies yielded a pair of goals in the first 10 minutes. Then the Trojans -- repeatedly frustrated by O-M goalkeeper David Patterson in the final 30 minutes of the first half and first 10 minutes of the second half -- finally broke the game open with four goals in less than 12 minutes, starting at the 29:39 mark and concluding at 18:00.

O-M, still seeking its first win but with two ties on its record, returns to action at home Friday night against Watkins Glen. The last time those two teams met, the contest ended in a tie. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photo on right: O-M's Zach Rounds controls the ball against a Newfield defender.

Odessa-Montour boys tie Tioga, 2-2

TIOGA CENTER, Sept. 27, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team posted its second tie of the season Tuesday night when it deadlocked 2-2 with Tioga in an overtime game on the Tioga athletic field.

The winless Grizzlies forced overtime despite playing down two players due to red cards for the final 22 minutes of regulation and through both 10-minute overtimes.

Tioga's Tyler Roe scored both of his team's goals -- one in each half. Odessa got goals from Max Seles and Patrick Croft.

O-M Coach Ken May praised his team for "the heart it showed" in forging a tie while two players down. And he pointed to a game-saving goal by goalkeeper David Patterson on a Tioga penalty kick -- "an amazing diving save" followed by a second rebound save.

The Grizzlies return to action Wednesday night at home against Newfield. Game time is 7 p.m.

O-M's Sarah Strobel (21, left photo) and Gina Gavich (11, right photo) fight for possession of the ball against Waverly.

O-M girls fall to Waverly 3-2; Nolan nets 2

ODESSA, Sept. 27, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team fought undefeated, Class B and state-ranked Waverly tough Tuesday night, dropping a 3-2 Interscholastic Athletic Conference decision on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies' Hannah Nolan scored twice -- on a header off a Tori Brewster corner kick and on a free kick blast that found the upper left corner of the Waverly goal -- to bring her season goal total to 16 and her school-record career mark to 75. In the process -- though such a thing as a county record is not a category found in any previous accounts -- she broke a deadlock with 2019 Watkins Glen High School grad Hannah Morse, who netted a WGHS school-record 73 goals in her illustrious career. A Morse mark unlikely to be touched at either school: a 33-goal single-season mark.

The assist by Brewster on Nolan's first goal added to her own school assist record, which now stands at 30.

Waverly dominated early, forcing play into the O-M end of the field repeatedly and building a 2-0 lead on goals at the 16:04 and 3:24 marks. But Nolan's first goal -- on the header -- came a minute before halftime to keep the Grizzlies close.

Waverly scored again at 36:43 of the second half, but Nolan cut the lead down again with her free-kick blast from about 25 yards out at 21:32. Both teams intensified their efforts from there on out, but neither could add to the score.

Waverly outshot Odessa 15-5. The Grizzlies' goalkeeper, Keyonna Garrison, registered 11 saves on a busy night. The Waverly keeper had three saves.

"I'm very pleased with the offensive chances we created against a very athletic and talented team," said O-M Coach Burton Brewster, whose squad is now 6-3. "And our team defense was pretty solid."

Odessa-Montour returns to action Thursday night at home against Spencer-Van Etten/Candor. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Kelsey Bates, left, wins a battle for the ball, sending a pass upfield.
Bottom: The Grizzlie's Hannah Nolan (20) controls the ball.

Left: O-M's Tori Brewster, left, moves the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Paisley Jeziorski, left, battles a Waverly player for possession of the ball.

Watkins Glen girls defeat SVEC, 4-1

CANDOR, Sept. 27, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team raised its season mark to 6-2-1 Tuesday with a 4-1 victory over Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Candor soccer field.

Skye Honrath scored three goals and Sasha Honrath had one, while Sasha Honrath, Ava Kelly and Olivia King each earned an assist. Goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh registered four saves.

"We played well today overall," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Skye, Sasha and Ava played well up front, moving the ball and generating good looks. Defensively we were strong for the vast majority of the game.

"Carly Arnold and Brenna Pierce were terrific once again. They often don’t get the recognition but are really strong defensively and make such a huge difference every game. It was a nice win on the road, and we will keep working to improve as we enter the last couple weeks of the regular season."

The Senecas return to action Thursday night at Waverly. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

The Schuyler Storm's Thalia Marquez swims a leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Storm swimmers top Lansing, 104-68

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 27, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team cruised to a 104-68 victory over Lansing Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm -- a combined team of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- won every event before exhibitioning in the final three events. An exhibitioning swimmer can win no points.

Wins were posted by the Storm as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Kendra Fish, Faye Mooney, Malina Butler, Emily Melveney, 2:05.04.
200 Free: 1st, Faye Mooney, 2:10.46.
200 IM: 1st, Kendra Fish, 2:40.82.
50 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 26.40.
Diving: 1st, Skye Cummings, 99.10 points.
100 Fly: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:12.13.
100 Free: 1st, Faye Mooney, 57.13.
500 Free: 1st, Kendra Fish, 6:14.92.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Faye Mooney, Emily Melveney, Claire Lewis, Sarah Stolpinski, 1:54.55.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Emily Melveney dives at start of the 200 Free. She placed second.
Bottom: WG/OM's Kendra Fish on the way to first place in the 200 Individual Medley.

Left: Faye Mooney swims a leg of the 200 Medley Relay. Right: The Storm's Aubrey Klemann swims a leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

The Storm's Alannah Klemann dives on the first leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Watkins XC boys place 3rd at Tburg

TRUMANSBURG, Sept. 27, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys cross country team placed third among four teams competing Tuesday at Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet postponed last week by inclement weather.

"The boys placed well," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner, "and their times are droppng."

The 4K race saw Johnny VanScoyk lead the Senecas with a 7th place finish in 14:29.3, just ahead of teammate Aidan Maphis, 8th in 14:56.3. Isaac Hendrickson was 11th in 15:15.5, with Nick Bonsignore 21st in 16:20, and John Bond-Trimble 23rd in 16:24.3. There were 34 runners in the race.

Lansing won the meet with 28 points, with Trumansburg second with 52, Watkins Glen third with 61, and Dryden fourth with 89.

Modified: Watkins Glen's Liam Knight placed third in a field of 18 runners in 8:05.9, with teammate Zachary Brusso 14th in 10:43.

Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz (11) and a Newfield player go high in an attempt to meet an incoming Newfield corner kick in front of the Senecas' goal.

Watkins Glen boys lose to Newfield, 5-0

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 26, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team saw its record slip to 1-7-1 Monday night when it dropped a 5-0 decision to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the WGHS Alumni Field.

Watkins Glen was forced to compete during the final 65 minutes a man short after a red card was issued against one of its players following a play near the Watkins net. Despite the disadvantage, the Senecas managed to hold off repeated Newfield attacks until near the end. The Trojans, up 1-0 before the red card and 2-0 at halftime, scored at 21:32, 12:03 and 7:07 of the second half.

Watkins threatened to score on three occasions in the second half, but couldn't find a way to finish. The Seneca goalie, Jacob Vandereems, was kept busy throughout the game.

Watkins Glen returns to action Wednesday night at home against Trumansburg. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

Senior Night: The Senecas' five seniors were honored in a pregame Senior Night ceremony. They are Bryce Cady, Ross Pentz, Jake Vandereems, Jacob Yontz and exchange student Adriano Ripol.

Photo in text: The Senecas' Ross Pentz (18) battles a Newfield player for the ball.

Left: Watkins' Liam Smith, right, battles for possession of the ball. Right: Watkins student Maddie Tuttle was on the sideline, taking pictures of the game for the school yearbook.

Left: Watkins Glen's Samuel Hohle maneuvers with the ball as two Newfield players approach. Right: The Watkins goalkeeper, Jake Vandereems, waits for the ball to drop.

The Senecas' five seniors were honored in a pregame Senior Night ccremony. From left: Bryce Cady, Adriano Ripol, Jake Vandereems, Jacob Yontz and Ross Pentz.

Watkins volleyball team falls to Waverly

WAVERLY, Sept. 26, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision Monday to Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Waverly gym.

Game scores were 16-25, 25-23, 13-25 and 10-25. Individual Watkins Glen statistics included the following:

Jocelyn Sisana: 8 service points, 5 aces, 9 digs.
Ava Barber: 2 assists, 4 kills, 5 digs.
Aly Gibson: 3 aces, 1 block.
Kendall Gascon: 2 kills.
Sarah Jones: 5 service points, 1 ace, 4 assists.
Chelsea Parsons: 7 service points, 2 aces.

The Senecas return to action Wednesday at Newark Valley.

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath leads the charge as she moves the ball upfield. Giving chase are O-M's Maddie Raymond, left, and Maggie Pentz.

O-M girls rally, top Watkins 2-1 in OT

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 24, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by Tori Brewster's two goals -- defeated intracounty rival Watkins Glen 2-1 in sudden-death overtime Saturday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Watkins Glen controlled the first half, gaining a 1-0 edge on a Skye Honrath goal at 25:15. That lead held through halftime and almost the first 20 minutes of the second half.

O-M's Brewster evened the score at 20:34 of the second half with a shot from in front that carried over Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh and just under the crossbar. Katie Adams earned an assist on the play.

The contest, evenly matched, remained deadlocked through regulation, setting up sudden-death overtime -- two 10-minute periods if necessary. If nobody had scored by then, the game would have ended in a tie.

But Brewster struck again with 1:12 remaining in the first overtime, taking a feed from Gina Gavich, maneuvering around a Watkins player and sending a blast from the right into the far corner of the Watkins goal. With the victory O-M improved to 6-2, while Watkins Glen slipped to 5-2-1.

Odessa outshot Watkins 8-7, and held a 6-5 edge in corner kicks. Each goalkeeper, O-M's Keyonna Garrison and Watkins' Ameigh, made six saves.

"It was a very good game and fun to watch as both teams are pretty evenly matched," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We joked it might go to overtime and it did. We struggled a bit today, but the girls played hard and I’m always proud of their effort. O-M is a talented team with several all-star players and a terrific coach, so it’s always fun playing them."

"My hat's off to Coach Scott Morse and the WG girls," said Odessa-Montour Coach Burton Brewster. "I thought he prepared them with a very effective game plan. In the first half we couldn't find any rhythm, were getting beat to most 50/50 balls, and just getting outplayed.

"I was very proud of my team for the resilience they showed to come back in the second half. I thought in the second half and overtime our girls played hard and just refused to quit."

Odessa-Motour returns to action Tuesday night at home against Waverly. Watkins Glen is back in action Tuesday at Candor.

Photos in text:

Top: All heads are turned upward as the ball floats near the Watkins Glen goal. The ball was eventually cleared by the Senecas' defense from in front of the goal mouth.

Middle: Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton and O-M's Maggie Pentz contend for control of the ball.

Bottom: Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan (20) controls the ball as Watkins Glen's Katrina Ricca applies some tight defense.

The first O-M goal: Tori Brewster (14) sends a shot that went in the net, over goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh and just under the crossbar.

The second O-M goal: Tori Brewster unleashes a blast from the right that found the far left corner of the Watkins Glen net.

Left: O-M's Brooklynn Thompson heads the ball. Right: Watkins Glen's Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons (22) closes in as O-M's Paisley Jeziorski moves the ball.

Left: O-M goalkeeper Keyonna Garrison makes a save. Right: And so does Watkins Glen goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh.

WGOM's Alannah Klemann dives on the opening, backstroke leg of the Medley Relay.

Glen swim invitational yields fast times; Mooney qualifies for States in Breaststroke

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 24, 2022 -- The two-day Invy in the Glen invitational swim meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool concluded with finals Saturday that produced a number of state qualifying swims -- including one by The Schuyler Storm's Faye Mooney while winning the 100 Breaststroke.

"It was an amazing meet," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team has swimmers from both the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools. "Some of the fastest teams in the state attended and it showed. Records were broken in several events, with numerous state qualifiers"

The Storm finished sixth in the 15-school field. Shenendehowa was the runaway winner with 613 points, with Horseheads second at 275. They were followed by New Paltz (258), Corning (231.5), Fairport (206.5), Watkins Glen-Odessa Montour (199), Skaneateles (172), Hilton (141.5), Ithaca (94), Wallkill (50.5), Elmira Notre Dame (34), Southern Cayuga (19), Owego Free Academy (18), Lansing (6), and Onondaga (5).

Westervelt pointed to the following Storm highlights:

--Thalia Marquez finished second with a personal record (1:59.28) in the 200 Free and second with another PR (5:21.73) in the 500 Free.

-- The team's 200 Medley Relay team won, with Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Emily Melveney and Thalia Marquez posting a time of 1:53.21, not far off the state qualifying time of 1:52.35.

-- Faye Mooney placed second in the 50 Free (25.21) and won the 100 Breaststroke with a state qualifying time of 1:08.54. The qualifying mark was 1:08.60.

-- The Storm team finished 6th overall "in such an elite field."

Other Storm finishes included:

-- 9th place in the 200 IM by Alannah Klemann;
-- 15th place by Malina Butler in the 50 Free;
-- 5th place by Alannah Klemann in the 100 Back;
-- 10th place by Kendra Fish in the 100 Back.

"It was a great meet for the WGOM girls all around," said Westervelt. "They have embraced the championship culture and raised the bar to a new height for this program."

******

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Faye Mooney dives at start of the 50 Free. She finished second.
Middle: WGOM's Thalia Marquez on the way to second place in the 200 Free.
Bottom: Marquez on the podium after finishing second in the 200 Free.

The Storm's Malina Butler dives at start of the 50 Free. She placed 15th.

WGOM's Emily Melveney on the way to 18th place in the 200 Individual Medley.

The Schuyler Storm's Kendra Fish competes in the 100 Fly, where she placed 18th.

Watkins Glen boys post 1st win of season

TIOGA CENTER, Sept. 24, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team defeated Tioga 2-1 Saturday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Tioga athletic field.

The victory, the first of the season for the Senecas (1-6-1), was fueled by goals by Ryan Baudendistle in the first half (assisted by Aidan Kelly) and by Jacob Yontz off a corner kick by Liam Smith with six minutes remaining in the second half, breaking a 1-1 tie.

Watkins goalkeeper Caleb Bresett registered eight saves.

"The win was truly a team effort," said Watkins Glen Coach Jessica Purpura.

Glen XC team competes in Owego meet

OWEGO, Sept. 24, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity and modified cross country teams competed Saturday at the Owego Invitational.

In the boys varsity Small School race, which had 87 entrants, Watkins Glen's Johnny VanScoyk led the Senecas with a 14th place finish in 18:44. Isaac Hendrickson was 18th in 18:52, while Nicholas Bonsignore was 51st in 21:15, Jonathan Bond-Trimble 67th in 22:44, and Enric Lin 86th in 40:57.

"Our runners did very well," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "They had big drops in their times over last year. They have been improving every meet."

In the girls varsity Small School race, Watkins' lone female entrant, Wendy Coleman, finished 58th in a field of 75 in 26:32.9.

In the Modified boys race, Liam Knight, Andrew Champion and Zach Brusso competed, finishing 14th, 31st and 46th, respectively.

The Senecas return to action Tuesday at Trumansburg, and then travel to Rocheser next weekend for the annual McQuaid Invitational.

The Storm's Ryan Willett breaks free on a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown.

Storm tops Montrose, 40-8; now 4-0

ODESSA, Sept. 23, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team opened a first-half-half 27-0 lead on the way to a 40-8 victory Friday night over Montrose Area High School of Pennsylvania on Odessa-Montour High School's Charles Martin Field.

The victory, on O-M's annual Homecoming, lifted the Storm -- a combined team of O-M and Watkins Glen High School athletes -- to a 4-0 record. The team, which has scored at least 40 points in each game, is playing this year in Section IV's 11-man Independent Division VIII.

Halfitme ceremonies included the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen: Dominick Elliott and Emma Landon. The King's Court included Ben Campbell, Max Seles, Jon Spencer and Gabe Williams. The Queen's Court included Katie Adams, Tori Brewster, Hannah Kinner and Hannah Nolan.

The Storm gained 486 yards in the game, 388 on the ground. Bradley Gillis gained 163 yards on 12 carries, while Ryan Willett gained 109 on 9 carries, and Thomas Snow 71 yards on 12 carries. Quarterback Daniel Lewis completed 8 of 22 passes for 88 yards and one touchdown (to Gillis), with one interception. Gillis caught three passes for 39 yards, while Willett caught three for 33 yards.

On defense, Gavin Lohmeyer led in tackles with 6, while Snow, Gillis and Otto Hohle each registered 5. Two of Hohle's tackles were quarterback sacks. Montrose managed just 75 total yards, 38 rushing and 37 passing. The Storm had one interception, by Snow.

The Storm opened the scoring at 2:02 of the first quarter on a 70-yard run around left end by Gillis, his first of three touchdowns. The point-after kick by Brady Cannon was good. That was followed at 1:13 by a second TD, this one on a 3-yard Gillis run after Alex Holmes had recovered a fumble on the Montrose 16. The point-after kick was blocked.

The Storm made it 19-0 at 11:38 of the second quarter on a 60-yard punt return by Willett. A 2-point conversion attempt failed. Then, with 5:57 left before halftime, Storm QB Lewis scored on a 1-yard run, and followed that with a 2-point conversion pass to Gillis.

The score increased to 34-0 at 7:30 of the third quarter on a 12-yard Lewis pass to Gillis, with Cannon converting the point-after kick. Montrose scored its only TD on a 15-yard run with 4:40 left in the quarter, adding a two-point conversion run.

The Storm scored its final TD with just 41 seconds left in the game on a 1-yard run by Snow. A two-point conversion attempt failed.

The Storm returns to action Friday night at Lansing. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: Players leap in pursuit of a Montrose pass that ultimately fell incomplete. Storm players in the battle included Kyren Young (4), Ryan Willett (5) and, obscured, Brady Cannon.

Second: The O-M Homecoming King and Queen, Dominick Elliott and Emma Landon.

Third: The Storm's Thomas Snow (1) prepares to intercept a Montrose pass.

Fourth: WGOM's Bradley Gillis, left, goes high to haul in a touchdown pass from quarterback Daniel Lewis.

Left: Storm quarterback Daniel Lewis (7) is brought down on the Montrose 1-yard line at the end of a run. He scored on the next play. Right: The Storm's Brady Cannon reaches high for a pass that fell incomplete.

The Storm's Alex Holmes, center, carries the ball on a kickoff return.

The Storm's Gavin Lohmeyer gains yardage on a second-half run.

The Storm players had a cheerleading team on hand along the sideline to encourage them.

The Homecoming Queen's Court included, from left: Hannah Kinner, Emma Landon (who was named the Queen), Tori Brewster, Katie Adams and Hannah Nolan.

The Storm's Alannah Klemann competes in the 200 IM, where she placed 9th. She was 5th in the 100 Back.

'Invy in the Glen' finals set after prelims

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 23, 2022 -- Fifteen teams competed Friday in the preliminaries of the "Invy in the Glen" invitational swim meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

"What an exciting meet!" said Jason Westervelt, coach of the Schuyler Storm squad, a combined team of WGHS and Odessa-Montour athletes. "The WGOM girls swam very well. It's going to be a great finals tomorrow."

The finals Saturday will determine meet champions in 12 events, including diving. The diving competition is set for the morning, and the swimming for the afternoon.

Among the highlights from Friday's prelims, said Westervelt, were the following:

200 Medley Relay: The Storm team of Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Emily Melveney and Thalia Marquez was only 2 seconds off the school record. The squad posted a time of 1:54.46.
200 Free: Thalia Marquez earned the Number 2 seed with a 2:01.07.
500 Free: Marquez earned the Number 1 seed with a personal record by 2 seconds. She posted a 5:23.65.
200 Free Relay: The Storm squad was just over 2 seconds off the state qualifying time. It placed third in 1:43.88. The state time is 1:41.69.
100 Back: Alannah Klemann is "in the running to win the event." She qualified fifth with a time of 1:02.11.
100 Breast: Faye Mooney is the Number 1 seed and "less than a second from state qualification." Her time was 1:08.96. The state qualfier: 1:08.60.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Malina Butler hits the water at start of the 50 Free. She placed 16th.
Bottom: WGOM's Thalia Marquez, second seed in the 200 and first seed in the 500.

Left: The Storm's Faye Mooney checks her time in the 50 Free. She qualified 3rd in 25.47. Right: WGOM's Emily Melveney competes in the 200 IM. She placed 17th.

Volleyball: Watkins falls to Edison, 3-0

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Sept. 23, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Friday to Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Edison gym.

Game scores were 14-25, 19-25 and 19-25. Individual statistics for the Senecas included:

Jocelyn Sisana: 2 kills, 3 aces, 12 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 2 kills, 7 digs.
Aly Gibson: 2 kills, 2 aces, 11 digs, 1 block.
Sarah Jones: 6 assists.
Ava Barber: 3 kills, 2 aces.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Edison, 2-0.

Volleyball: Watkins defeats O-M, 3-0

ODESSA, Sept. 22, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team posted its first win of the season Thursday by defeating Odessa-Montour 3-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 27-25, 25-19 and 25-16.

Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included:

Jocelyn Sisana: 10 service points, 3 aces, 13 digs.
Ava Barber: 8 service points, 4 aces, 2 assists, 4 kills, 1 block.
Aly Gibson: 9 service points, 2 aces, 4 kills, 1 block, 7 digs.
Sarah Jones: 7 service points, 3 aces, 11 assists.
Chelsea Parsons: 7 service points, 2 aces, 6 kills, 1 block, 9 digs.

Individual statistics for Odessa-Montour included:

Hannah Kinner: 4 service points, 4 aces, 1 kill, 2 assists.
Dominick Elliott: 5 service points, 1 ace, 6 digs.
Emma Landon: 6 service points, 2 aces, 1 kill, 6 digs.
Kyleigh Bates: 3 service points, 1 kill, 7 digs.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen was short of players, so there was no match.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Jocelyn Sisana serves the ball.

From left: O-M's Kyleigh Bates and Hannah Kinner, and Watkins' Aly Gibson.

Odessa-Montour's Patrick Croft, right, sends a shot on goal in the first half.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Waverly, 3-0

ODESSA, Sept. 22, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team fell behind 3-0 in the first 21:03 of the game en route to a 3-0 loss Thursday night to Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Waverly took a 1-0 lead on a goal by Griff Schillmoeller at the 29:02 mark of the first half, and made it 2-0 on another Schillmoeller goal at 22:08. The Wolverines added another goal, by Ethan Gorsline, at 18:57.

The Grizzlies, with one tie this year but no victories, tightened their defense after that, with goalkeeper David Patterson turning aside the few Waverly efforts that got through the backfield.

The best scoring chances for Odessa came on a laser blast from the right by Patrick Croft early in the game, and on a shot from the right by Gunner Herrmann late in the game. Both shots were stopped with nimble saves by Waverly goalkeeper Aiden Doherty.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Tuesday night at Tioga.

Photo in text: O-M's Max Seles, left, contends for possession of the ball.

Left: O-M's Lucas Barr heads the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Gunner Herrmann, left, sends the ball flying upfield.

Odessa-Montour goalkeeper David Patterson goes high to knock away an incoming shot.

O-M girls blank Campbell-Savona, 2-0

ODESSA, Sept. 21, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team got two goals from Hannah Nolan en route to a 2-0 victory over Campbell-Savona in a non-league game Wednesday night on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Nolan's goals -- her 13th and 14th of the season and school-record 72nd and 73rd of her career -- came at 28:19 of the first half and 15:30 of the second half. The first, a blast from the right, was assisted by Katie Adams. The second, on a breakaway from in close on the right, was assisted by Tori Brewster -- whose school career assist record now stands at 29.

Odessa outshot Campbell-Savona 10-1, and had a 9-3 edge in corner kicks. O-M goalkeeper Keyonna Garrison had one save, while the C-S netminder, Karissa Champion, was credited with eight, including several stops on point-blank shots. The Grizzlies also missed several opportunities with shots just outside the goalpost.

O-M, now 5-2, returns to action Saturday morning on the road against Watkins Glen, which has compiled a 5-1-1 mark. Game time is 11 a.m.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Hannah Nolan, right, unleashes a shot for her second goal.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Tori Brewster (14) shoots, but failed to score.

Odessa-Montour's Brooklynn Thompson (left photo) and Sarah Strobel (right photo) move the ball.

O-M's Gina Gavich (11 ) heads the ball off a corner kick. The ball fell short of the goal.

Left: O-M's Katie Adams has company as she moves the ball. She got a shot off a moment later. Right: Odessa's Maggie Pentz prepares to send the ball upfield.

Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan (left) watches as her shot gets past the Newfield goalie late in the first half, boosting the Grizzlies' lead to 3-0.

O-M girls blank Newfield; Nolan nets 3

ODESSA, Sept. 20, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by three Hannah Nolan goals -- defeated Newfield 5-0 Tuesday afternoon in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies, now 4-2, took a 1-0 lead at 36:06 of the first half when Tori Brewster sent a curving corner kick into the Newfield net. Paisley Jeziorski made it 2-0 at 4:47 on a blast from a sharp angle to the right of the goal.

Nolan notched her first goal at 1:02 of the first half when she broke past the Newfield defenders and outraced them to the net, sending a shot past the goalie from short range. She added her second goal at 37:37 of the second half from directly in front of the goal mouth off a Brewster corner kick. And the third goal came at 33:06 on a blast from the left that found the right corner of the goal.

The three goals raised Nolan's season total to 12 and her school-record career total to 71. Brewster's assist on Nolan's second goal was the 28th of her career, adding to her recent school record.

Odessa-Montour outshot Newfield 10-4, and had a 4-3 edge in corner kicks. Goalkeepers Keyonna Garrison and Brooklynn Thompson combined for four saves for the Grizzlies.

Coach Burton Brewster praised his backfield. "The backs as a unit played a really good game," he said.

O-M is scheduled to return to action Wednesday night at home against Campbell-Savona. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Katie Adams, right, moves the ball as a Newfield player gives chase. Adams teammate Kelsey Bates, left, keeps pace.

Bottom: The Grizzlies' goalkeeper, Keyonna Garrison, goes high to knock down an incoming Newfield shot.

O-M's Paisley Jeziorski, partially obscured on the right, sends a first-half shot that went in the Newfield net, boosting Odessa's lead to 2-0.

Left: O-M's Maggie Pentz, right, moves in on the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Maddie Raymond inbounds the ball.

Left: O-M's Sarah Strobel sends the ball flying. Right: The Grizzlies' Olivia Barr.

O-M's Tori Brewster sends a corner kick toward the goal. It found the Newfield net for the Grizzlies' first score of the game.

Glen boys soccer team loses to NV, 1-0

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 20, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 1-0 decision Tuesday night to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

"It was a very tight game, with both teams working hard," said Watkins Glen Coach Jessica Purpura. "Watkins' offense moved the ball very well and had several shots on goal, but just couldn't find the net."

The Senecas' goalkeeper, Jake Vandereems, registered 12 saves.

"Our team played one of their best games yet," said Purpura, whose squad is now 0-6-1. "They had accurate passes, communicated well, and took several shots. Our defense was in sync, moving and covering open spaces. The game could've gone either way. I'm very proud of the progress we've made."

Watkins Glen returns to action Thursday night at Elmira Notre Dame.

O-M boys soccer team falls to SVEC, 8-1

ODESSA, Sept. 20, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team dropped an 8-1 decision Tuesday night to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies, still seeking their first win of the season, fell behind 4-0 early in the game, setting the tone. Their lone goal came from exchange student Max Seles.

O-M returns to action Thursday night at home against Waverly. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photo in text: O-M's Lucas Barr, right, sends the ball upfield.

Glen XC team competes in Dryden meet

DRYDEN, Sept. 20, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity and modified cross-country squads competed Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet against Trumansburg, Groton, Notre Dame and Dryden on the Dryden athletic field.

Watkins was led by Aidan Maphis (4th place), with Johnny VanScoyk 6th, Isaac Hendrickson 10th, Nick Bonsignore 17th, and Jon Bond Trimble 19th.

The Senecas' lone entrant in the girls' race, Wendy Coleman, took 8th place.

In the Modified boys race, Liam Knight was 3rd, Andrew Champion 11th, and Zach Brusso 17th.

O-M returns to action Saturday at an Owego invitational.

Watkins Glen girls blank Tioga, 8-0

TIOGA CENTER, Sept. 19, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by four Skye Honrath goals -- improved to 5-1-1 Monday with an 8-0 Interscholastic Athletic Conference victory over Tioga on the Tioga athletic field.

Scoring in addition to Honrath were Natalee Oliver (two goals), Ava Kelly and Maisie Robertson. Registering assists were Olivia VanSkiver (three) and Jennifer Gublo.

Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh had eight saves.

"The girls," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "have been playing very well and were really tough again tonight. Skye Honrath exploded for four first-half goals on some incredible moves. She and Ava Kelly are really playing well together up front.

"It was another solid game in the midfield as we continue to work on our communication and passing as I try some different lineups. I can’t say enough about the defenders in the back. They have been terrific and, in addition to Lilly Ameigh in goal, are limiting scoring opportunities for our opponents.

"We will keep working and hopefully continue to improve, but I’m really happy with how they are playing hard and competing each game."

The Senecas return to action Saturday morning at home against Odessa-Montour. Game time is 11 a.m.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath (File photo)

Watkins volleyball team falls to Candor

CANDOR, Sept. 19, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Monday to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Candor gym.

Game scores were 25-27, 22-25 and 16-25. Individual statistics included:

Aly Gibson: 5 service points, 7 kills, 4 blocks, 4 digs.
Chelsea Parsons: 9 service points, 2 aces, 1 block, 6 digs.
Sarah Jones: 6 service points, 1 ace, 6 assists, 9 digs.
Ava Barber: 5 service points, 5 assists, 7 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 7 service points, 4 aces, 12 digs.

The Senecas return to action Thursday on the road against Odessa-Montour.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost 2-0 to Candor. Game scores were 10-25 and 19-25.

Storm football team tops Whitney Point

WHITNEY POINT, Sept. 17, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team improved to 3-0 Saturday when it defeated Whitney Point 48-20 in a game on the Whitney Point athletic field.

The Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes -- gained 545 yards as it scored 40 or more points for the third time in a row.

After trailing 14-13 at the end of the first quarter, the Storm scored once in the second period for a 20-14 halftime edge, and then broke the game open in the third period with three more touchdowns. The team added one more in the fourth.

Storm rushing touchdowns came from Thomas Snow (two of them), Ryan Willett, Gavin Lohmeyer and Brad Gillis. Quarterback Daniel Lewis connected on two TD passes -- to Alex Holmes and Brady Cannon.

Willett let WG/OM rushers with 175 yards on 14 carries, while Gillis gained 123 yard on 11 carries, and Snow 64 yards on nine carries. Lewis completed four of nine passes for 92 yards, with Cannon catching two passes, and Holmes and Gillis one each.

Coach Trevor Holland said his team set the tone in the second half by stopping Whitney Point on the opening drive, and then by scoring itself on the next possession to widen its lead.

The Storm returns to action Friday night at Odessa-Montour, on what will be O-M's Homecoming.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's quarterback, Daniel Lewis, prepares to pass. (Photos by Stacy Willett)
Bottom: A Whitney Point defender grabs the Storm's Ryan Willett (5).

Watkins Glen girls defeat Notre Dame 3-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 17, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by two Skye Honrath goals and one by Ava Kelly -- defeated Elmira Notre Dame 3-1 Saturday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the WGHS Alumni Field.

The Senecas, at now 4-1-1, also got some timely defensive plays. One came at the 25-minute mark of the second half, with Watkins up 2-1. The ball got past goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh, who came out to contest the shot, but it was cleared from the open goalmouth by Rachel Vickio, who kicked it out to the right of the net. The other came with 10:50 remaining, when Ameigh made a diving stop to her left on a Notre Dame blast, deflecting the ball just wide of the right goalpost.

Ameigh made 12 saves in a sparkling performance. Honrath had an assist in addition to her two goals, while Vickio also had an assist.

Watkins Glen struck first on Kelly's first-half goal, and went up 2-1 with 21:34 remaining before intermission on Honrath's first goal, from directly in front of the ND goal. Notre Dame pulled within a goal at 9:03 of the first half, and Honrath closed the scoring at 6:13 of the second half on a blast from the right that went over the reach of the ND goalie.

"I’m incredibly proud of the girls tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Our defense had another strong game and Lilly Ameigh was terrific in goal. Offensively, we are getting great looks up front with Skye Honrath, Sasha Honrath, and Ava Kelly working really well together.

"Notre Dame has an excellent program and a very talented team, so we knew it would be a tough game. I thought we controlled the game in the midfield and transitioned very well up and down the field. I'm very proud of the team and the hard work they are putting in every day."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath moves the ball across the field.
Bottom: The Senecas' Ava Kelly (2) maneuvers around an ND defender.

Left: Skye Honrath's second goal gets past the ND keeper. Right: Watkins Glen goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh sends the ball upfield.

Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath unleashes a first-half shot toward the ND goal.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch (left) sends the ball upfield. Right: The Senecas' Olivia VanSkiver (20) battles a Notre Dame player for possession of the ball.

Left: O-M's Katie Adams, right, battles for the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Hannah Nolan clears the ball from in front of the O-M net. (Photos by Gail Sgrecci)

O-M girls fall to strong Newark Valley team

NEWARK VALLEY, Sept. 17, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's record fell to 3-2 Saturday when the Grizzlies dropped a 5-0 decision to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the NV athletic field.

Newark Valley, 5-0 and yet to be scored upon, took a 3-0 halftime lead. The Cardinals outshot O-M 16-0 and held a 9-0 advantage in corner kicks.

Keyonna Garrison and Brooklynn Thompson combined for 11 saves in goal for Odessa-Montour.

O-M returns to action Monday afternoon at Newfield, and then hosts Campbell-Savona Wednesday night before facing Watkins Glen on the road Saturday.

Photo in text: O-M's Tori Brewster, left, and a Newark Valley player contend for possession of the ball. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Glen XC team competes in big invitational

BINGHAMTON, Sept. 17, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity cross country team traveled to Chenango Valley High School Saturday to compete in the McDaniel Baxter Invitational.

Boys Varsity: The Senecas' Aidan Maphis led his team with a 39th-place finish in 15:54 among 149 runners. Johnny VanScoyk was 71st in 16:49, while Nick Bonsignore was 105th in 18:25, and John Bond Trimble 124th in 19:25.

Girls Varsity: Watkins Glen's lone entrant, Wendy Coleman, finished 71st among 105 runners in 22:07.

Boys Modified: The top finisher for Watkins was Isaac Hendrickso, 3rd in a field of 155 runners, posting a time of 6:15.

Photo: Watkins' Wendy Coleman. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen boys lose to Waverly, 5-1

WAVERLY, Sept. 17, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 5-1 decision to Waverly Saturday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road contest.

Waverly led 2-0 at halftime. Jacob Yontz then scored the Senecas' only goal, assisted by Savie Purpura. Waverly tallied the game's final three goals.

Jake Vandereems registered 18 saves in goal for Watkins. The Senecas managed eight shots on goal.

"Although it wasn't the outcome we were hoping for," said Watkins Glen Coach Jessica Purpura, "we continue to see improvement every time we play. We've yet to have our entire team play a game due to injury and illness. We're looking forward, and the team continues to be a class act with positive attitudes."

The Senecas, now 0-5-1, return to action Tuesday night at home against Newark Valley.

The Watkins Glen (left) and Odessa-Montour teams posed together after the game.

Modified Soccer: O-M girls blank Glen

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 16, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour girls Modified soccer team scored four first-half goals Friday on the way to a 4-0 victory over intracounty rival Watkins Glen in a game on the WGHS soccer field.

Leah Antes scored three of the Grizzlies' goals, while Evvie Zinger scored the other one.

O-M took a 3-0 lead in the first quarter and added a goal in the second quarter, and its defense did the rest.

The victory raised Odessa's record to 2-1. The loss dropped Watkins Glen's mark to 1-2.

Photo in text: O-M's Leah Antes (6) tries to maneuver around Watkins Glen defenders Elizabeth Ector (14) and Leighann Landers (23) as Watkins goalkeeper Emma Cady waits.

Left: Watkins Glen's Bella Llewellen moves the ball upfield. Right: Odessa-Montour's Alannah Rounds inbounds the ball.

Left: O-M's Reese Rounds, left, and Watkins Glen's Bella Yaw arrive at the ball at the same time. Right: Leah Antes, right, scored three goals while Evvie Zinger, left, scored one for Odessa-Montour.

Odessa-Montour's Tori Brewster (14) races a Tioga player to the ball. Brewster won, gaining possession.

Odessa-Montour girls rout Tioga, 10-1

ODESSA, Sept. 15, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by four Hannah Nolan goals and three by Sarah Barr, defeated Tioga 10-1 Thursday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Nolan scored all of her goals in the first half, and Tori Brewster notched one, as the Grizzlies built a 5-1 lead. Barr scored her three goals after intermission, while teammate Kelsey Bates scored twice. Katie Adams had an assist -- as did Brewster.

Brewster registered her assist on Nolan's fourth goal, bringing her career assist total to a school-record 27 -- breaking a tie with alum Kennedey Heichel.

Nolan's four goals brought her season total to nine and her school career record to 68.

Odessa outshot Tioga 18-6 and had a 6-3 edge in corner kicks. Keyonna Garrison registered three saves in goal for O-M, while Jackie Mace notched two saves.

O-M Coach Burton Brewster said most of the game was fought hard at midfield, and that his squad just seemed to be "wherever we needed to be" when scoring chances arrived.

The Grizzlies (now 3-1) return to action Saturday morning at Newark Valley.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Hannah Nolan sends the ball toward the right side of the Tioga net for her fourth goal of the game.

Bottom:The Grizzlies' Paisley Jeziorski sends a shot toward the Tioga goal. The shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Left: O-M's Gina Gavich (11) battles for control of the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Kelsey Bates (19) congratulates Sarah Barr after Barr's first goal.

Left: O-M goalkeeper Keyonna Garrison knocks a Tioga shot aside. Right: The Grizzlies' Kelsey Bates moves the ball.

The Storm's Alannah Klemann on the first leg of the 200 Medley Relay. Her squad won.

Storm swimmers defeat Whitney Point

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 15, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team got first-time victories from several of its swimmers Thursday as it cruised to a 102-15 victory over an outmanned Whitney Point squad in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Waktins Glen High School pool.

The Storm, a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour athletes, won each of the event's races, including uncontested relay races. Whitney Point did not have enough swimmers on hand to fill the relay events.

According to Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, highlights of the meet included "a bunch of first-time Varsity event winners." They included:

--Kaylin Smith in the 200 Medley Relay.
--Hannah Hollenbeck in the 200 Medley Relay, 50 Freestyle and 200 Free Relay.
--Sarah Stolpinski in the 100 Butterfly.
--Aubrey Klemann in the 100 Freestyle.
--Claire Lewis in the 500 Free and 200 Free Relay.
--Lizzi Fitzwater in the 100 Breaststroke.
--Caelyn Baker in the 200 Free Relay.

"Other outstanding performances," said Westervelt, "came from Malina Butler winning the 100 Backstroke in a season-best 1:11.78, and Riley Brooks swimming two season-best times -- in the 100 Fly and anchoring the 200 Medley Relay."

In addition to victories in all three relays, other wins were posted by Emily Melveney in the 200 Free and Cara Reynolds in the 200 Individual Medley.

"After coming off a close meet with Chenango Valley on Tuesday," said Westervelt, "this was a great opportunity to give our depth the experience of swimming out in front, scoring points, and taking center stage. It was fun to be a part of, and I am very happy with our team's progress in and out of the pool."

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Caelyn Baker competes in the 200 Medley Relay.
Bottom: WG/OM's Cara Reynolds swims a leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Left: The Schuyler Storm's Sarah Stolpinski dives during the 200 Medley Relay.
Right: WG/OM teammate Faye Mooney.

Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver passes the ball upfield in first-half action.

Watkins Glen girls top Newfield, 3-2

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 15, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved its record to 3-1-1 Thursday with a 3-2 victory over Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the WGHS Alumni Field.

Ava Kelly scored two goals and Olivia King one for the Senecas, while Sasha Honrath and Skye Honrath each registered an assist. Goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh had seven saves.

The score at halftime was 1-1.

"Tonight was another close game against a really tough Newfield team," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We continue to play better than some of the final scores indicate, so I'm very proud of the effort of everyone on the team."

Watkins Glen returns to action at home Saturday evening against Elmira Notre Dame. Game time is 6:30 p.m.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly (2) sends a shot on goal. This one was blocked, but Kelly scored on two other occasions.

From left: Watkins' Maddie Tuttle, sidelined by injury but cheering on her teammates; Rachel Vickio moving the ball at midfield; and Sasha Honrath inbounding the ball.

The Senecas' Natalee Oliver passes the ball. Skye Honrath (13) is in the background.

O-M boys fall to Newark Valley, 3-1

NEWARK VALLEY, Sept. 14, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 3-1 decision Wednesday night to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the NV athletic field.

O-M fell behind 2-0 in the first half on what Coach Kennith May called "a pair of mistakes." The Grizzlies' lone score came in the second half on freshman Lucas Hoffman's first goal of the season.

Odessa-Montour (now 0-4-1) returns to action Friday night at Elmira Notre Dame.

The Storm's Jax Decker (5) tackles a Tioga ball-carrier in first-half action.

Storm Modified gridders defeat Tioga

WATKINS GLEN, Sept 14, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm Modified football team evened its record at 1-1 Wednesday night with a 46-40 victory over Tioga in a game on the Watkins Glen High School Alumni Field.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour 7th, 8th and 9th graders, built a 24-8 first-half lead. They had lost their season opener last week, falling to Spencer-Van Etten.

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Photo in text: The Storm's Caydin Lagramada (2) breaks free for a long touchdown run in the first half.

A shot by O-M's Hannah Nolan (20, right) finds the back of the Moravia net.

O-M girls top Moravia in home opener

ODESSA, Sept. 13, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by two goals each from Hannah Nolan and Tori Brewster -- defeated Moravia 6-0 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Also scoring for the Grizzlies (now 2-1) were Paisley Jeziorski and Jackie Mace. Assists were registered by Brewster, Nolan, Sarah Barr and Katie Adams.

Nolan's goals increased her career school record to 64. Brewster's assist was the 26th in her career, tying the school record held by Kennedey Heichel.

"We sputtered early," said O-M Coach Burton Brewster. "We couldn't get anything going for the first 20 minutes. But then we settled into a good rhythm."

The first goal came from Nolan, a blast from the right that found the far corner of the net, at 14:25 of the first half. Brewster followed it at 13:50 with another shot from the right, and Nolan made it 3-0 at 6:04 on a shot from in front.

Brewster scored again at 37:51 of the second half, while Jeziorski made it 5-0 at 22:32. Mace closed out the scoring with a goal at 11:57.

Odessa-Montour outshot Moravia 15-3, while the Blue Devils had a 2-0 edge in corner kicks. Keyonna Garrison registered three saves in goal for O-M, while the Moravia goalkeeper had nine saves.

O-M returns to action Thursday at home against Tioga. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Paisley Jeziorski, right, races a Moravia player to the ball.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Tori Brewster passes the ball in first-half action.

O-M's Maggie Pentz, center, moves the ball upfield as a Moravia player chases her.

Left: O-M's Kelsey Bates. Right: The Grizzlies' Katie Adams, left, passes the ball.

From left: O-M's Jackie Mace, Brooklynn Thompson and Maddie Raymond.

Players watch the ball rise above the Moravia goal after a defender kicked it high to clear it away from the goal mouth.

Storm swimmers defeat Owego, battle Chenango Valley in narrow 1-point loss

OWEGO, Sept. 13, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team walked away with an 80-18 victory over Owego and a narrow 51-50 loss to a larger Chenango Valley team Thursday in a tri-meet held in the Owego Free Academy pool.

"It was a great meet," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team includes athletes from the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools. "Chenango Valley, last year's Section IV Class B runner up, brought a very strong team to the meet. The Watkins Glen/Odessa Montour girls walked on deck unintimidated by class or league status."

His team, he said, "started the meet with a season-best time and first-place finish in the 200 Medley Relay (1:57.32), which is now the second fastest 200 Medley Relay in the entire section. And that was followed by season-best times for Alannah Klemann (1st place) and Cara Reynolds (3rd place) in the 200 Freestyle."

Westervelt said Thalia Marquez then "went head to head with Chenango Valley's best swimmer, Jenna Beck, in the 200 IM, 100 Free, and lead-off in the 400 Freestyle Relay. Thalia bested Jenna in two of the three, winning the 100 Freestyle in a season-best :56.26 and the lead-off of the winning 400 Freestyle Relay (3:55.53)."

Westervelt also pointed to two individual wins and two relay wins each for Alannah Klemann and Faye Mooney; season-best times in the 50 Free and 200 Back by Kendra Fish, who was also a member of the winning 200 Medley and 400 Freestyle Relays; and two season bests by Emily Melveney -- in the 200 IM (2:39.94) and 100 Fly (1:12.08).

"Malina Butler and Cara Reynolds," he added, "were the unsung heroes in this meet, swimming in individual events and relays that weren't winning events, but scoring the points we needed to stay within reach of Chenango Valley. And Claire Lewis, Aubrey Klemann, Sarah Stolpinski, Skye Cummings, and Hannah Hollenbeck were also huge contributors throughout the meet in relays and individuals.

"It was a hard fought meet by both teams, and was a win for our team despite the one-point deficit. We walked away with a great experience and confidence going into our (home) Invitational next week. The experience of swimming a great team, a larger team, and a team outside our league will only help make our team better. This was a huge step for our program. I am very proud of these girls."

Rain limits XC meet to Modified race

TRUMANSBURG, Sept. 13, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School cross country team traveled to Trumansburg for a meet Tuesday, but stormy weather cut the meet short after the Modified race, leaving the varsity to compete at a later date.

Watkins runners excelled in the Modified competition, with Isaac Hendrickson finishing first in 7:24.05, Liam Knight fourth in 8:37.75, Andrew Champion seventh in 9:13.80, and Zach Brusso 19th in 10:52.58.

Watkins girls tie Campbell-Savona, 1-1

CAMPBELL, Sept. 12, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team tied Campbell-Savona 1-1 Monday in a non-league game on the C-S soccer field.

The Senecas' goal came from Sasha Honrath, assisted by Ava Kelly. Goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh registered four saves. The tie left Watkins with a 2-1-1 record.

"Tonight was one of those games where we played really well, but didn’t come away with the win," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We dominated possession throughout the game, played really tough defense, passed the ball very well and took good shots. We just couldn’t get the ball in the net. It happens, and the Campbell-Savona goalkeeper was really good, so we will take the tie tonight knowing we played hard and never gave up trying."

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Newfield

NEWFIELD, Sept. 12, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team lost 6-2 Monday to Newfield in a thunderstorm-delayed Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Newfield athletic field.

The Grizzlies were down 4-0 at halftime. O-M’s two second-half goals came from exchange student Max Seles.

Odessa, now 0-3-1, returns to action Wednesday at Newark Valley at 5:30 p.m.

Watkins Glen boys lose to Trumansburg

TRUMANSBURG, Sept. 12, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 7-1 decision Monday to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Tburg athletic field.

Trumansburg built a 5-0 lead in the first half while Watkins Glen's Jake Vandereems had 10 saves in goal. In the second half, Caleb Bresett took over in goal with six saves, including one off of a penalty shot.

Liam Smith scored the Senecas' lone goal on an assist by Savie Purpura.

The Storm's Ryan Willett, right, broke away for two long touchdown runs. (Photo by Derrick Willett)

Storm football team routs Harpursville

HARPURSVILLE, Sept. 10, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team improved to 2-0 Saturday with a 40-6 victory over Harpursville on the road.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes playing this year in Section IV's 11-man Independent Division VIII, built a 16-0 first-quarter lead on the way to a 40-0 halftime advantage.

"After halftime we kind of stalled," said Storm Head Coach Trevor Holland, whose squad failed to score after intermission, registering just 49 rushing yards. "We can't perform like that. We need to be more consistent."

The first half saw five Storm touchdown drives culminating in: a 32-yard pass from Daniel Lewis to Brad Gillis; a 30-yard run by Ryan Willett; a 58-yard run by Willett; a 34-yard pass from Lewis to Alex Holmes; and an 18-yard pass from Lewis to Thomas Snow. The team added a two-point conversion after each TD, on runs by Willett, Gillis, Snow and Lewis, and on a Lewis-to-Holmes pass.

The Storm finished with 377 total yards to Harpursville's 41. Lewis completed 5 of 10 passes for 116 yards and three TDs, while Willett led ball-carriers with 147 yards on 12 carries. Gillis added 90 yards on 9 carries.

On defense, Snow and Willett led in tackles with five each, while Gavin Lohmeyer had four, and Thomas Field and Otto Hohle three apiece.

The Storm squad returns to action Saturday at Whitney Point. Game time is 1:30 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: Thomas Snow, right, carried nine times for 90 yards. (Photos by Derrick Willett)
Bottom: Storm quarterback Daniel Lewis receives some coaching instruction.

Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz (11) watches as his first-half goal reaches the O-M net.

Watkins Glen, O-M boys tie 2-2 in 2 OTs

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 10, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team built a 2-0 lead in search of its first victory of the season Saturday, but intracounty rival Odessa-Montour, also winless, forged a 2-2 tie that carried through two 10-minute overtime periods.

The Interscholastic Athletic Conference deadlock on WGHS's Alumni Field left Watkins Glen with an 0-3-1 record, and Odessa-Montour at 0-2-1.

The game, at times physical and at times frenetic with wild scrums in each goal mouth, saw Watkins' Jacob Yontz score the first goal at 21:35 of the first half. The Senecas added a goal at 34:54 of the second half off a corner kick that caromed off of an O-M player into the net.

Odessa pulled within a goal at 20:43 on a shot by Jacob Shaul, and pulled even at 10:26 on a blast from the right by exchange student Max Seles that found the left corner of the Watkins net.

Watkins had a golden opportunity in overtime, but a diving stop by O-M goalkeeper Patrick Croft off a shot by Michael Purpura kept the tie intact.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Ross Pentz goes airborne to block a kick by O-M's David Patterson.
Bottom: O-M goalkeeper Patrick Croft stops a shot by Watkins Glen's Michael Purpura in overtime.

Left: O-M's Jed Lynch, left, and Watkins' Liam Smith fight for the ball. Right: O-M's Ben Campbell, left, congratulates teammate Max Seles after Seles tied the game.

Left: Watkins Glen's Max Ricca sends the ball flying. Right: O-M's Ben Campbell (9) is met by Watkins' Savatore Purpura as he moves the ball upfield.

Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath maneuvers the ball past a Southern Cayuga player.

Watkins girls blank Southern Cayuga

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 10, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by Ava Kelly's four goals -- improved to 2-1 Saturday with a 6-0 victory over Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the WGHS Alumni Field.

Kelly scored the only goal of the first half on a blast from the left. She added three more goals after intermission, while teammates Skye Honrath and Brianna Hatch scored one apiece. Sasha Honrath registered three assists, while Carly Arnold had two and Skye Honrath one.

Goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh notched the shutout with five saves.

"It was a total team effort in the game today with everyone playing very well," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Ava Kelly exploded today with four goals off some terrific team passing. Our defense was excellent as well and I loved how well we moved the ball around the field.

"It’s nice to see the team continue to come together and communicate. We have some really tough games ahead, but I’m pleased with our progress."

Watkins Glen returns to action Monday at Campbell-Savona at 5 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold prepares to send the ball upfield.
Bottom: The Senecas' Ava Kelly sends a shot on goal. This one didn't go in, but four other Kelly shots did.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo, left, battles for possession of the ball. Right: The Senecas' Olivia King goes up to meet the ball as it arrives.

Glen is 3rd in C-S volleyball pool play

CAMPBELL, Sept. 10, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity volleyball team finished third in pool play Saturday at the annual Campbell-Savona tournament.

"The girls played hard, moved well, and put forth excellent effort," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt, who noted that the team's pool was "very strong. We finished in third in pool play so unfortunately did not advance to the semifinal."

Watkins finished 3-3 in pool play, while Arkport (5-1) and Wellsville (4-2) advanced. Haverling finished 0-6.

Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included:

Ava Barber: 10 kills, 4 assists, 4 digs
Kendall Gascon: 6 service points, 3 aces, 4 digs
Aly Gibson: 4 kills, 2 blocks, 5 digs
Sarah Jones: 10 service points, 2 aces, 14 assists
Chelsea Parsons: 12 service points, 8 aces, 6 kills, 2 blocks
Jocelyn Sisana: 5 kills, 9 digs

All Star Team: Ava Barber was named to the tournament All-Star team. "She showed excellent all-round play and leadership on the court," said Westervelt.

Glen XC team competes in Crusader Clash

HORSEHEADS, Sept. 10, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity cross-country team competed Saturday at the Crusader Clash at the Murray Athletic Center -- with the Modified squad placing first.

The boys varsity squad was short of runners "due to other obligations," said Coach Kelly Sterrner.

Modified: Watkins Glen's Isaac Hendrickson placed first on the 1.45-mile course in 8:57.48, while teammate Liam Knight was 7th in 10:53.26, Zachary Brusso 12th in 13:17.31, and Andrew Champion 13th in 13:21.31.

Varsity: On the 2.48-mile course, the Senecas' Aidan Maphis took third with a time of 15:42.93. Teammate Johnny VanScoyk was fifth in 16:14.76. In the girls' race, lone Watkins runner Wendy Coleman was 18th in 23:02.51.

"It was a great day, a great start for a young team," said Sterner, whose squad next competes against Trumansburg on the road on Tuesday.

Photo in text: The WGHS varsity and Modified cross-country squads, with coaches Kelly Sterner and Travis Durfee. (Photo provided)

Watkins' Liam Smith, right, and a Tioga player chase after the ball near the sidelines.

Watkins Glen boys lose late to Tioga, 2-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 8, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team grabbed a 1-0 first-half lead and held it until 10:34 remained in the second half before losing 2-1 to Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game Thursday evening on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Senecas, now 0-3, scored at 6:28 of the first half on a shot directly in front by Jacob Yontz that found the right side of the net. The Senecas narrowly missed a couple of other scoring opportunities late in the half, leading to a 1-0 edge at intermission.

The Watkins defense held through the first 29 minutes of the second half, but Tioga (now 2-2) put one shot in from the left side at 10:34 and then added the game-winning goal on a sharp-angled shot from the right at 6:15. The Tigers managed to hold the Senecas scoreless the rest of the way, although Watkins managed repeated forays into the Tioga end of the field.

Watkins Glen returns to action Saturday at home against Odessa-Montour. Game time is 1 p.m.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz (11), after shooting in traffic in front of the Tioga goal, watches the ball hit the net for the Senecas' lone score of the game.

Left: Watkins Glen's Bryce Cady (13) meets the ball. Right: The Senecas' Jack Hayden sends a shot on goal. It was stopped by the Tioga keeper.

A Tioga player, left, punches a shot into the Watkins Glen net, evening the score at 1-1.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jaymes Forker, left, battles for possession of the ball. Right: The Senecas' Michael Purpura sends a shot toward the Tioga net.

O-M girls lose to Notre Dame, 2-1

SOUTHPORT, Sept. 7, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 1-1 Wednesday night when the Lady Grizzlies dropped a 2-1 decision to Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Notre Dame athletic field.

The Crusaders (now 2-0) built a 2-0 halftime lead, cut in half by an unassisted Tori Brewster goal at 29:13 of the second half.

Notre Dame outshot the Grizzlies 7-4, and had an 11-1 advantage in corner kicks. O-M goalkeeper Keyonna Garrison registered five saves, and according to Coach Burton Brewster "played an incredible game, not only as a keeper, but as a leader back there."

He also had praise for his center backs, Kelsey Bates and Maggie Pentz, and his wing backs, Brooklynn Thompson, Maddie Raymond and Sarah Strobel. He said they "matured as the game progressed," playing "a great second half. They weren't giving up any easy shots."

O-M returns to action Tuesday at home against Moravia. Game time is 7 p.m.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Hannah Nolan (in white) maneuvers with the ball against Notre Dame. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Watkins Glen's Carly Arnold (11) maneuvers the ball through traffic.

Watkins girls fall to Newark Valley, 6-0

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 7, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 1-1 Wednesday night when the Senecas dropped a 6-0 decision to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The game, scoreless through the first 20 minutes, saw Newark Valley build a 2-0 halftime lead and then pull away after intermission.

"It wasn't our night going against a very talented Newark Valley team," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We didn't play well, but we did play hard. I know we will learn from the loss and continue to improve and grow as a team."

Lillian Ameigh registered eight saves in goal for the Senecas, who return to action at home Saturday against Southern Cayuga. Game time is 10 a.m.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath, right, moves the ball upfield.

Left: Watkins Glen's Gillian D'Alleva, left, controls the ball. Right: The Senecas' Jennifer Gublo, right, battles for control of the ball.

Left: Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh, left, races a Newark Valley player to the ball. Right: The Senecas' Maddie Tuttle, sidelined by leg surgery, was recording the game statistics.

Watkins Glen's Maisie Robertson, left, passes the ball upfield in first-half action.

Watkins volleyball team opens with loss

TIOGA CENTER, Sept. 7, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team opened its season on a losing note Wednesday evening, falling to Tioga 3-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road match.

Game scores were 19-25, 9-25 and 21-25. Individual statistics included:

Sarah Jones: 5 service points, 6 assists.
Chelsea Parsons: 5 service points, 2 kills, 6 digs.
Ava Barber: 5 service points, 2 kills.
Aly Gibson: 5 service points, 2 kills, 5 digs.

"I'm proud of their play," Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt said of her team. "Tioga was a tough team to start with, but we worked really well together. Our serving was good, and our communication was good."

The Senecas, without any home matches while the school's gymnasium floors are fixed following a surface treatment gone awry, return to action Saturday at the Campbell-Savona tournament. They then travel to Newfield on Tuesday.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Tioga 2-0.

O-M volleyball team falls to Waverly

WAVERLY, Sept. 7, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team started its season Wednesday evening with a loss, dropping a 3-0 decision to Waverly in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Waverly gym.

Game scores were 19-25, 10-25 and 8-25. Individual statistics included:

Emma Landon: 7 service points, 5 aces.
Hannah Kinner: 2 service points, 11 assists.

O-M returns to action Thursday at Newfield.

Junior Varsity: Waverly defeated O-M 2-0. Game scores were 9-25 and 12-25.

Watkins Glen's Aidan Maphis crosses the finish line well ahead of the field.

Maphis 1st in Watkins' lone XC meet

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 6, 2022 -- Watkins Glen High School's Aidan Maphis placed first Tuesday in the Senecas' only home cross-country meet, but Edison took the boys' team title.

Beyond Edison, none of the competing Interscholastic Athletic Conference teams -- WGHS, Notre Dame, Waverly and Tioga -- had the requisite five qualified runners needed for a team score.

Maphis completed the Watkins Glen State Park course in 20:53.67, well ahead of runnerup Thomas Ward of Tioga (21:40.28) and Watkins teammate Johnny VanScoyk (third in 21:45.16). Also posting times for Watkins were Nick Bonsignore (eighth in 25:00.31) and Jonathan Bond-Trimble (14th in 26:56.84).

In the girls' varsity race, Notre Dame's Piper Young finished first in 23:04.89. Waverly won the team title. Watkins Glen's lone entrant, Wendy Coleman, finished ninth in 30:13.15.

In the boys Modified race on a shorter course, Watkins Glen's Isaac Hendrickson won in 10:19.5. Teammate Liam Knight was fourth in 13:01.66, and WG's Zach Brusso eighth in 15:23.38.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Johnny VanScoyk on the way to a third-place finish in the boys' varsity race.

Bottom: The Senecas' Wendy Coleman, who finished ninth in the girls' varsity race.

Odessa-Montour's Benson Patterson, left, watches as his shot goes into the Tburg goal.

O-M boys soccer team falls to Tburg, 5-1

ODESSA, Sept. 6, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 0-2 Tuesday night when the Grizzlies fell to Trumansburg 5-1 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The game was decided in the first half, when Trumansburg scored all of its goals -- at 36:59, 21:06, 15:50, 15:31 and 14:18. Five different players scored.

O-M's lone goal came at 18:06 of the second half, when Benson Patterson put the ball in the top left corner of the Raiders' goal.

The Grizzlies' goalkeeper, freshman Patrick Croft, made a number of acrobatic stops among the 28 saves credited to him.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Saturday at Watkins Glen. Game time is 1 p.m.

Photo in text: O-M goalkeeper Patrick Croft snags a Trumansburg shot on goal.

Left: O-M's Ben Campbell, right, fights for possession of the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Max Seles, right, and a Tburg player eye the ball.

Storm opens football season with a win

RUSHVILLE, Sept. 2, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm high school varsity football team started its season with a 40-18 victory over Marcus Whitman Friday night in a game on the Marcus Whitman football field.

Quarterback Daniel Lewis threw for 206 yards and two touchdowns as the Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes playing this year in Section IV's 11-man Independent Division VIII -- struck early and often, holding Marcus Whitman scoreless in the second half.

"We played great," said Storm Coach Trevor Holland. "The stats looked in their favor" -- Marcus Whitman rushed for 368 yards -- "but we scored fast, and held them out of the end zone in the second half."

The Storm scored on the first play from scrimmage after the opening kickoff -- on a 58-yard pass from Lewis to Alex Holmes. After Marcus Whitman scored on a 62-yard run, Lewis connected with Holmes again for a 53-yard TD. The Storm failed on two-point conversions both times, while Marcus Whitman -- on its first TD and its two subsequent scores -- saw its extra-point attempts blocked.

Marcus Whitman tied the game 12-12 in the second quarter on a 7-yard run before Bradley Gillis galloped 70 yards on the ensuing kickoff to put the Storm ahead for good. WG/OM's Brady Cannon converted a point-after kick on that TD and on the three that followed.

The Storm scored on a Thomas Snow 1-yard run to go up 26-12, allowed a 1-yard TD to Marcus Whitman to enter intermission up 26-18, and then scored twice in the second half to pull away -- on a 12-yard Ryan Willett run set up by a 51-yard pass from Lewis to Gillis, and on a 14-yard run by Snow.

Willett led Storm rushers with 45 yards, while Snow gained 25. Holmes led receivers with 114 yards. And on the defensive end, Snow led the Storm with 14 solo tackles, while Willett had nine and Nick D'Alleva four.

The Storm squad returns to action at 1:30 p.m. next Saturday at Harpursville.

O-M players Riley Yaw (11), Drew Parmenter (7) and Patrick Croft (the Grizzlies' goalkeeper, second from right) watch a shot by Tioga's Tyler Roe (right) find the net.

Odessa-Montour boys fall 2-1 in opener

ODESSA, Sept.2, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team rallied in the second half in its season opener Friday night, but fell to Tioga 2-1 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Tioga's Tyler Roe was a thorn in the Grizzlies' side, scoring both of the Tigers' goals -- at 34:36 and 5:46 of the first half. He narrowly missed two other goals in the second half, the ball going wide of the left post by inches.

O-M freshman Riley Yaw got Odessa-Montour on the board with a goal at 22:53 of the second half, adding drama to the remainder of the game. But the best chances for the Grizzlies -- on a penalty kick and on a point-blank shot during a scrum in front of the Tioga net with about 10 minutes left -- failed to produce a tying goal.

Among players expected to join O-M's active roster in the near future will be the school's Slovakian exchange student, Max Seles, who did not have enough practices to qualify for Friday's opener.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour goalkeeper Patrick Croft stops a shot by Tioga's Tyler Roe in second-half action.

Left: O-M's Lucas Barr, right, maneuvers the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Gunner Herrmann, left, sends the ball upfield.

Left: O-M's Riley Yaw, foreground, fights for possession of the ball. Right: Tioga goalkeeper Jake Brown leaps on the ball after he blocked a penalty shot by O-M's David Patterson.

Members of the O-M girls varsity soccer team pose along with a couple of friends on the sidelines at the Odessa boys varsity soccer game.

O-M girls soccer team tops S. Cayuga

AURORA, Sept. 2, 2022 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by senior Hannah Nolan's three goals -- opened its season with a 4-1 victory Friday over Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Southern Cayuga took the lead with 11:44 remaining in the first half, but Nolan evened the score at 2:48 on an unassisted goal. She then added Tori Brewster-assisted goals at 28:13 and 18:45 of the second half, with Brewster closing the scoring with an unassisted goal at 6:03.

The Grizzlies outshot SC 14-4 and had a 3-1 edge in corner kicks.

The three goals lifted Nolan's school career record to 62.

"We started a little shaky, being the first game of the season," said O-M Coach Burton Brewster, "but played better as the game progressed."

With the win, oddly enough, O-M qualified for the Section IV, Class D Sectionals, since one qualifier is a 50% won-loss record against teams in their class. Southern Cayuga, said Coach Brewster, is the only Class D team on the O-M schedule.

Odessa returns to action Wednesday at Elmira Notre Dame.

Watkins Glen's Liam Smith, center, tries to reach the ball before the Newfield goalkeeper does. But the keeper grabbed it.

Watkins boys fall to Newfield, slip to 0-2

NEWFIELD, Sept. 2, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team fell to 0-2 Friday when the Senecas dropped a 7-0 decision to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Newfield athletic field.

The game was tight through the first half, with the Trojans building a 2-0 lead by intermission. They then pulled away in the second half.

Despite the score, said Watkins Coach Jessica Purpura, "big improvements were had by the team," which has nine freshmen among the 19 players on the roster. "After playing together for about two weeks, the team is starting to come together."

Goalie Jake Vandereems registered 14 saves in goal. Purpura also pointed to the defensive play of Max Ricca, Sam Hohle, Jaymes Forker, and Ross Pentz.

"Savie Purpura and Aidan Kelly controlled the middle," she said, "helping on both offense and defense, and were instrumental in distributing the ball. Forwards Liam Smith and Jacob Yontz tried their best against a tough Newfield defense.

"I'm very proud of the progress so far, and how hard the boys are working."

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Photo at right: Watkins Glen's Jacob Yontz eyes the ball as it approaches. He headed it when it arrived.

Left: Watkins Glen's Max Ricca meets the ball at midfield. Right: The Senecas' Ross Pentz sends the ball upfield.

Watkins Glen goalkeeper Jake Vandereems grabs the ball as Newfield attackers move in.

Soccer: Watkins girls defeat Marathon

MARATHON, Sept. 1, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team opened the season with a 5-0 victory Thursday over Marathon in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Marathon High School soccer field.

Goals for the Senecas came from Sasha Honrath (two, along with an assist), Skye Honrath (with two assists), Michaela Wheaton and Jennifer Gublo. Goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh registered seven saves. Watkins had a 4-2 edge in corner kicks.

"The team played well in our first game of the season," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "After a strong first half, we were a bit sloppy in the second, but overall I am pleased with the effort.

"Defensively, I thought we did a great job communicating and recovering when Marathon was in scoring position. Lilly Ameigh had a couple of outstanding saves tonight, including a penalty kick save. The Honrath sisters were exceptional today as well, combining for three goals and three assists.

"We still have a lot of work to do, but it was a solid first game and I am very proud of all the girls."

Photo in text: Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh (File photo)

The Schuyler Storm's Kendra Fish on the way to first place in the 100 Butterfly.

Storm swim team opens with win, 100-64

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 1, 2022 -- The Schuyler Storm girls high school varsity swim team opened the season on a winning note Thursday, defeating Dryden 100-64 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm -- a combined team of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- won each of the first nine events before exhibitioning on the final two --a measure of sportsmanship by which one team swims without an opportunity to win the event or to gain any points.

The victories were as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Alannah Klemann, Faye Mooney, Emily Melveney, Thalia Marquez, 2:01.70.
200 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 2:07.43.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Emily Melveney, 2:44.17.
50 Free: 1st, Faye Mooney, 25.82.
100 Fly: 1st, Kendra Fish, 1:15.59.
100 Free: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 1:00.60.
500 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 5:37.37.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Faye Mooney, Kendra Fish, Alannah Klemann, Thalia Marquez, 1:49.32.
100 Back: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 1:06.30.

The Storm also posted second-place finishes in the 200 Medley Relay (Malina Butler, Lizzi Fitzwater, Kendra Fish and Cara Reynolds), the 200 Free (Aubrey Klemann), the 50 Free (Malina Butler), the 100 Fly (Emily Melveney), the 100 Free (Butler), the 500 Free (Reynolds), and the 100 Back (Fish).

Third-place finishes were registered by Cara Reynolds in the 200 Free, Sarah Stolpinski in the 200 IM, Aubrey Klemann, Skye Cummings, Stolpinski and Caelyn Baker in the 200 Free Relay, and Stolpinski in the 100 Back.

"It was a great start to a very promising season," said Storm Head Coach Jason Westervelt. "A lot of the girls are already ahead of where they were a year ago."

Photos in text: From top: Emily Melveney in the 200 Medley Relay, Aubrey Klemann in the 200 Free, and Cara Reynolds in the 200 Free.

From left: Alannah Klemann, Claire Lewis in exhibition diving, and Thalia Marquez.

Left: Faye Mooney swims a leg of the 200 Medley Relay. Right: Malina Butler dives at start of the 100 Free.

Sarah Stolpinski competes in the 200 Individual Medley. She placed third.

Soccer: Watkins boys fall in opener, 14-0

MARATHON, Aug. 31, 2022 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team opened the season on a losing note Wednesday, dropping a 14-0 decision to Marathon in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Seneca keeper Jake Vandereems turned aside 27 shots in a game that Watkins Coach Jessica Purpura described like this:

"Although the game didn't fare well in our favor, the team showed excellent sportsmanship, led by our two senior captains, Ross Pentz and Bryce Cady. Jacob Yontz, Liam Smith and Aidan Kelly played well as forwards, while Caleb Bresett made a great contribution on midfield. Playing a heavy defensive game, Savie Purpura, Ross Pentz and Jaymes Forker never gave up while they attempted to stop Marathon's forwards from scoring.

"We learned a lot about ourselves, and what we can improve on for the next game. We have a young team, but we're motivated and ready to put in the work."

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