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

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

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Watkins Glen
Family Dentistry
and Implant Center

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

Accepting new patients

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Mechanics Club

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

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

Simply Your Best

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

Phone: 607-594-2811.

To reach the Simply Your Best website, click here.

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

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Gators set personal bests at Webster meet

Special to The Odessa File

WEBSTER, March 18, 2024 -- The Glen Gators Swim Team participated in the 2024 Niagara District 14 & Under Championship (GOLDS) held from Friday through Sunday at the Webster Aquatic Center.

The Glen Gators were represented by six athletes, including Jake Signor, MJ Carro, Zane Cross, Griffin Adams, Kenzie Fish, and Hudson Westervelt. All six set personal best times, with Signor, Carro, Fish, and Westervelt qualifying to compete in finals.

Top 10 podium finishes were recorded by Westervelt, Adams, and Fish.

“The kids had a great meet this weekend," said Gators Coach Jason Westervelt. "All of them swam personal best times and some of them even swam times fast enough to place at the Section IV Championships! It’s a great group of kids with very bright futures in this sport.”

The Glen Gators Swim Team is a USA Swimming-sanctioned competitive swim club located in Watkins Glen. It includes athletes from the surrounding Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Northern Tier (PA) regions.

Photo in text: Back from left, MJ Carro and Jake Signor. Front from left, Hudson Westervelt, Mackenzie Fish and Griffin Adams. (Photo provided)

Madison Tuttle atop the podium at the Adidas Indoor Nationals. (Photo provided)

Tuttle wins Racewalk at Adidas Nationals

VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia, March 17, 2024 -- Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle captured the championship Sunday morning in the One Mile Racewalk competition at the Adidas Indoor Nationals.

Tuttle, who earned All-American status at the recent New Balance Nationals in Boston, earned the status again with her first-place finish in a field of nine racewalkers at the Adidas meet, held at the Virginia Beach Sports Center.

Tuttle posted a time of 8:09.62, well ahead of the runnerup's 8:23.61. Her time was just shy of the 8:07.72 she posted while finishing in 6th place at the New Balance meet.

The one-mile distance is longer than the usual 1500 Meters run in New York high school races. A mile translates to 1,609.3 meters. Tuttle's previous best at the mile distance before the Boston meet was 8:16.

Tuttle was recently named by The Odessa File as its Schuyler Winter Sports Co-MVP for her school-record-setting racewalking season at 1500 Meters.

Photo in text: Maddie Tuttle competing in the Adidas Indoor Nationals One-Mile Racewalk. (Photo provided)

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

WGHS Athletic Director Rod Weeden explains to students how the race will be run.

Warm weather greets annual WG Spud Run

WATKINS GLEN, March 13, 2024 -- Since its inception back in 2006, the Watkins Glen School District's Spud Run -- a celebration of St. Patrick's Day -- has seen all manner of weather, from white-out snowstorm to 10-degree weather to rainstorms. Only occasionally has it had what might be called favorable conditions.

Wednesday, at a Spud Run held ahead of St. Patty's Day (which falls on Sunday), the sun was shining, the wind was but a breeze, and the mercury climbed to the mid-70s.

"It's the best weather we've ever had," intoned race announce and Watkins Glen teacher and coach Trevor Holland, wearing a loud St. Patrick's-themed suit he said he purchased on Amazon.

The turnout for the run was impressive: about 80 kids in pre-K through 2nd grade, running an abbreviated course, and just over 100 3rd through 12th graders negotiating a 1.7-mile course that incorporated the nearby Catharine Valley Trail.

Not surprisingly, the top two finishers were WGHS distance runners Johnny VanScoyk and Isaac Hendrickson. Top finisher for the pre-K through 2nd grade participants was 2nd grader Lincoln Smith, followed by classmate Noah Rockwell.

Various prizes were awarded after the results were tabulated in the WGHS Field House.

Photos in text:

Top: Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons is welcomed across the finish line.
Bottom: Race winner Johnny VanScoyk nears the finish line.

Left: Race announcer Trevor Holland. Right: The Perry sisters, Nicole (left) and Rachel, near the finish line.

The start of the 2024 Spud Run, a tradition at Watkins Glen Central School.

Gators relay qualifies for Speedo Sectionals

WEBSTER, March 12, 2024 -- A Glen Gators relay team excelled over the weekend as the Gators Swim Team participated in the 2024 Niagara District Open Championship held at the Webster Aquatic Center.

The Gators were represented at the March 8-10 meet by 15 athletes, including: Ali Mosher, Karina Lapierre, Emily Melveney, Sibby Lowe, Genevieve Carro, Mia Carro, Kendra Fish, James Fedele, Liam Smith, Thalia Marquez, Carson Thaete, Dillan Allyn-Nobles, Alice Clapp, Georgia Michel, and Ryan Dean.

"Our team recorded over 40 personal bests, championship finalists, and podium finishes," said Gators Coach Jason Westervelt., who added that the weekend was highlighted by the Glen Gators Open Girls 200 Freestyle Relay and 400 Freestyle Relay -- where Emily Melveney, Thalia Marquez, Sibby Lowe and Mia Carro qualified to compete at the Speedo Sectionals March 23-24 in Buffalo.

"I couldn’t be more proud of this group," Westervelt said of his 15 weekend competitors. "They are very driven young men and women who will go on to do great things in the sport.”

The Glen Gators Swim Team is a USA Swimming sanctioned competitive swim club located in Watkins Glen. It includes athletes from the surrounding Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Northern Tier (PA) regions.

Photo in text: Clockwise from front: Sibby Lowe, Mia Carro, Thalia Marquez, and Emily Melveney. (Provided)

Tuttle places 6th at New Balance Nationals: sets personal best, named an All-American

BOSTON, March 8, 2024 -- Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle finished in 6th place Friday in the Mile Racewalk at the New Balance Indoor Nationals track meet, setting a personal best time of 8:07.72 and earning status as an All-American.

The event was held at the New Balance headquarters track facility. All-American status went to those placing in the top six.

The race was won in a meet record time of 7:05.14 by Corning's Taylor Farrell, who reently won the New York State high school title in the 1500 Meter Racewalk. Another Corning runner, Sofia Scouten, was 7th in 8:09.82.

"I'm an All American!" Tuttle enthused in a text sent after the race. The one-mile distance is longer than the usual 1500 Meters run in New York high school races. A mile translates to 1,609.3 meters. Tuttle's previous best at the mile distance was 8:16.

Tuttle, recently named by The Odessa File as its Schuyler Winter Sports Co-MVP for her record-setting season at 1500 Meters, was one of three Racewalkers from the Southern Tier to earn All-American status at Friday's meet. The others were the girls race champion, Farrell, along with Cyrus Schillenback of Ithaca High School, who placed 4th in the boys race.

Addendum: After Friday's performance in Boston, Tuttle competed over the weekend in the Racewalk at the Nike Indoor Nationals in New York City -- where she placed 16th in a field of 31.

Photo in text: From left: Corning's Taylor Farrell, WGHS's Maddie Tuttle, and Ithaca High's Cyrus Schillenback. (Photo provided)

Duo tops Winter All-Stars

Hoffman, Tuttle are Odessa File Schuyler Winter MVPs

SCHUYLER COUNTY, March 7, 2024 -- There were a number of outstanding performances during the high school winter sports season, and two stood out.

In both cases, a sophomore qualified for a State Tournament -- one in wrestling and one in track and field -- and not only competed, but excelled.

Those performances were provided by:

Lucas Hoffman: Also an excellent soccer player, he led the Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen varsity wrestling team by consistently winning at 116 pounds (1st place at the Cooperstown Invitational and at the O-M Duals, for instance). He went on to place fourth in his weight class at the State Tournament.

Madison Tuttle: A speedy Watkins Glen High School soccer player and track runner whose progress was slowed by an ACL injury last year, she took up racewalking to great acclaim last year -- and was better this time around, breaking her own school record at 1500 Meters time and again, including at the State Meet. There, seeded 13th, she placed 8th.

The fact that the MVP honor goes to two sophomores gives hope that we will see more of the same from them in the next two years.

Outstanding team: The Schuyler Storm (WG/OM) boys varsity swim team, the Section IV, Class C champion.

Most memorable performance: Odessa-Montour 8th grader Breyden Seamon's near-perfect 299 game on Jan. 30 at Harborside Lanes against Union Springs/Port Byron.

Best clutch performance: WGHS sophomore Rachel Vickio's 22-point show (including 12 points in the fourth quarter) that lifted the Lake Hawks past Unatego in the Section IV, Class C Girls Basketball Tournament semifinal. Alas, the Hawks fell in the finale.

Photos in text: O-M wrestler Lucas Hoffman and WGHS racewalker Maddie Tuttle.

The Odessa File's Schuyler Winter All-Sports All-Stars

The following selections are based on both remarkable individual achievement and -- often by extension -- on the success of an honoree's team.

First Team:

Lucas Hoffman: Schuyler Storm, wrestling, Co-MVP
Madison Tuttle: WG, indoor track, Co-MVP
Rachel Vickio: WG, basketball
Brianna Hatch: WG, basketball
Liam Smith: Schuyler Storm, swimming
Carson Thaete: Schuyler Storm, swimming
Vinnie Ocasio: Schuyler Storm, swimming
Ryan Dean: Schuyler Storm, swimming
Ryan Willett: WG, basketball
Vey Cowan: WG, bowling
Johnny VanScoyk: WG, indoor track
Kyren Young: WG, indoor track

Second Team:

Gina Gavich: OM, basketball
Leah Antes: OM, basketball
Addie Coolican: WG, basketball
Olivia King: WG, basketball
Christopher Simiele: WG, basketball
Sam Caslin: WG, basketball
Alex Holmes: WG, basketball
Brad Gillis: OM, basketball
Tyler Malnoske: OM, basketball
Aiden Summers: Schuyler Storm, wrestling
Jackie Mace: Schuyler Storm, wrestling
Dana Guild: Schuyler Storm, wrestling
Breyden Seamon: OM, bowling
Mykel Cody: WG, bowling
Brett Cullen-Pike: WG, bowling
Isaac Hendrickson: WG, indoor track
Michael Purpura: WG, indoor track
Sam Hohle: WG, indoor track
Andre Wixson: Schuyler Storm, swimming
Alex Walters: Schuyler Storm, swimming
Max Ricca: Schuyler Storm, swimming

Tuttle 8th with new school record at States

STATEN ISLAND, NY, March 2, 2024 -- Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle broke her own school record on the way to an 8th place finish in the 1500 Meter Racewalk Saturday at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association/New York State Federation Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The tournament, at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, saw Tuttle -- who took up racewalking last year while recovering from an ACL injury -- post a time of 7:17.94, well ahead of her old school mark of 7:26.75, set earlier this season.

The event was won by Corning's Taylor Farrell, well ahead of the competition with a time of 6:40.09.

Photo on aright: Watkins Glen's Maddie Tuttle with her coach, Kelly Sterner, at the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships. (Photo provided)

Glen girls fall to Moravia
in Section IV, Class C final

Blue Devils pull away, 50-42, on late free-throw shooting

DRYDEN, March 2, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team rallied from an early hole only to lose Saturday to Moravia, 50-42, in the championship game of the Section IV, Class C Tournament held at Tompkins Cortland Community College.

The Lake Hawks, who finished the season with a 17-4 won-lost record, trailed 14-3 after one period -- a quarter in which a pressing Moravia defense gave them fits, leading to too many turnovers and not enough shots taken or made.

But Watkins rallied, opening the second quarter on a 9-0 run, and reached halftime down by just four points, 21-17. And another run, this time 6-0, put the Lake Hawks ahead at the start of the third quarter -- and from there the two teams traded baskets, back and forth. The Blue Devils, down 28-27 with three minutes left in the period, took the lead by a point, relinquished it, took it back -- and entered the final quarter ahead of Watkins, 32-30.

The Lake Hawks took the lead 33-32 on three free throws by Brianna Hatch, but then fell behind by four points, 39-35, on a 7-2 Moravia run. They fought back to within a point at the 3:17 mark on baskets by Rachel Vickio and Hatch, and were within two, at 42-40, after Hatch sank another free throw with 2:18 to play..

They almost tied it on a twisting left handed hook by Olivia King that found the net -- but it was whistled off by an official who called a travel violation. Neither team scored again until 35.5 seconds remained, when the first of several Watkins fouls -- necessary to conserve time -- sent the Devils to the foul line. Each time the Devils shot a free throw, they sank it -- going 8-for-8 down the stretch to build the lead to 50-40. A last-second shot by King gave the Lake Hawks their final points.

Hatch led Watkins Glen in scoring with 13 points, while Vickio had 11, King 9, and Addie Coolican 9. The team converted 12 of 17 free throws.

King grabbed 9 rebounds, Addie Coolican 8, Molly Coolican 5, Hatch 4, and Vickio and Lillian Ameigh 2 apiece.Vickio led in steals with 3, while Hatch had 2.

Jordan Smith led Moravia (19-3) with 24 points. The team converted 14 of 15 free throws.

"The girls played hard and battled in today's game," said Watkins Glen Coach Alicia Learn. "Towards the end Moravia hit some shots and we had a few turnovers that hurt us. However, I am very proud of every one of the girls. They play hard and leave it all out there. The crowd today was amazing, and I would like to thank all for the amazing support this season."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins' Brianna Hatch drives toward the basket. She made the subsequent shot..
Middle: The Lake Hawks' Olivia King goes high to unleash a shot.
Bottom: Watkins' Rachel Vickio tries to maneuver around a Moravia defender.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch is fouled. Center. The Lake Hawks' Addie Coolican shoots. Right: Watkins' Olivia King looks for a shot.

Watkins' Molly Coolican moves the ball past one Moravia defender and toward another.

Left: Watkins Glen's Addie Coolican shoots. Right: Players on the Watkins bench cheer on their teammates. From left: Lillian Ameigh, Natalee Oliver, Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons and Emma Cady.

Left: Watkins Glen's Lillian Ameigh moves the ball upcourt. Right: The Lake Hawks' Rachel Vickio drives toward the basket in traffic.

Left: The Moravia players celebrate when the game is over. Right: The Watkins Glen players watch as championship medals are presented to the Moravia players.

Watkins Glen Coach Alicia Learn leans forward to talk to her players during a timeout.

Glen girls reach final, 44-32

Pull away from Unatego in 4th quarter; Vickio nets 22

DRYDEN, Feb. 27, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team, leading by a single point entering the fourth quarter, rode the hot hand of sophomore Rachel Vickio to a 44-32 victory over Unatego Tuesday night in a semifinal game of the Section IV, Class C Tournament at Tompkins Cortland Community College.

The victory -- fueled by Vickio's 22 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter -- propelled top-seeded Watkins Glen (17-3) into the sectional final, to be played at 2 p.m. Saturday at TC3 against the No. 3 seed, Moravia, which defeated Greene 46-37 in Tuesday's other semifinal.

The Lake Hawks, up 13-6 after one period and 21-14 at halftime, found themselves ahead of Unatego 29-28 at the end of the third quarter. It stayed that way for the first two minutes of the fourth quarter before Vickio -- who had connected for a 3-pointer in the third period -- hit another one to make the score 32-28. Then, with 3:13 to play, she hit another three to make it 35-28, scored a two-pointer off a nice feed from Addie Coolican at 1:40, and sank two free throws with 49.2 seconds left.

After teammate Lillian Ameigh -- who played an outstanding defensive game -- sank three of four free throws, Vickio capped off the scoring with six seconds left on a layup.

Registering points in addition to Vickio were Brianna Hatch, who had 9 while battling foul trouble; Addie Coolican (4), Ameigh (3), Molly Coolican (2), Michaela Wheaton (2), and Olivia King (2). The team converted 13 of 18 free throws.

Vickio grabbed 8 rebounds, while King and Addie Coolican had 7 each, and Hatch and Ameigh 4 apiece. Addie Coolican had 4 steals, while Wheaton and Vickio had 2 each. Hatch blocked two shots, and Vickio blocked one.

Unatego was led by Lizzy Craft's 17 points. The Spartans sank 4 of 13 free throws.

********

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio drives to the basket.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Natalee Oliver passes the ball.

Left: The Lake Hawks' Olivia King prepares to shoot. Right: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch is fouled as she moves to the hoop.

Left: Watkins' Michaela Wheaton at the free-throw line. Right: The Lake Hawks' Lillian Ameigh, right, goes up for a shot in traffic.

Left: Watkins Glen's Addie Coolican shoots. Right: The Lake Hawks' Molly Coolican (1) goes up for a shot.

Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch (on the floor) passes the ball to teammate Olivia King.

Gators have 'exceptional meet' at Webster

Special to The Odessa File

WEBSTER, NY, Feb. 26, 2024 -- The Glen Gators Swim Team participated in the 2024 Niagara District Championship Qualifier (Silvers) held at the Webster Aquatic Center from February 23 to 25.

"Our team of 27," saidd Gators Coach Jason Westervelt, "had an exceptional meet including championship finalists, personal bests, Niagara District GOLD qualifying performances, and event champions."

Top 8 finishers included: Emily Melveney, Karina Lapierre, Dillan Allyn-Nobles, Ali Mosher, Genieve Carro, Georgia Michel, Mia Carro, Leah Johnson, MJ Carro, Makenzie Fish, Hudson Westervelt, Griffin Adams, and Zane Cross.

Top 16 finishers included: Caralyn Warner, Jake Signor, Lily Hall, Isaac Klesh, Talon Kiley, and Caroline Wilcox.

2024 Event Champions: Makenzie Fish, Mia Carro, Griffin Adams, and Hudson Westervelt.

"Our swimmers have returned to training and are preparing for the 2024 Niagara District GOLD Championships this March," said Westervelt.

The Glen Gators Swim Team is a USA Swimming sanctioned competitive swim club located in Watkins Glen, NY. It includes athletes from the surrounding Southern Tier, Finger Lakes, and Northern Tier (PA) regions.

The 4x200 Relay team, after setting a school record. From left: Kyren Young, Isaac Hendrickson, Michael Purpura and Sam Hohle. (Photo provided)

Tuttle 1st in racewalk, qualifies for States

ITHACA, Feb. 25, 2024 -- Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle advanced Sunday to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Indoor Track and Field Championships by winning the 1500 Meter Racewalk at the Section IV State Qualfier at Cornell University.

The state tournament will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, NY.

Tuttle -- ranked 13th in the state -- finished the race in 7:26.98, just barely off her school record time of 7:26.75 set Feb. 17 at the Section IV Classic meet at SUNY Cortland. She finished well ahead of her nearest competitors, a pair of Corning racewalkers who posted times of 7:45.83 and 7:46.29. They both qualfied for States, as well.

Tuttle had first set a school mark last year of 8:24.46 while she was recovering from an ACL injury, and lowered that this season with a 7:30.16 on Jan. 5th and then the new mark on Feb. 17th.

Meanwhile, WGHS senior Kyren Young finished 4th Sunday in the 300 Meter Dash with a school-record time of 37.30. The previous mark of 37.99 was held by alum Cody Dahl. Young was also 11th in the 55 Meter Dash in 6.81.

Another school record was set Saturday in the 4x200 Meter Relay: a time of 1:42.39 set by Kyren Young, Isaac Hendrickson, Michael Purpura and Sam Hohle. The previous mark of 1:43.02 was held by Young, Purpura, Aidan Kelly and Hohle.

In addition, Isaac Hendrickson set a personal record Sunday in the 1000 Meter race, finishing in 2:56.84, placing him 14th among 24 runners.

Photo in text: WGHS sophomore Maddie Tuttle after her first-place finish. (Provided)

WGHS senior Kyren Young, who set a school record in the 300 Meter Dash. (Provided)

WG/OM wrestler Lucas Hoffman stands in the 4th-place spot on the awards podium. (Photo provided)

Hoffman finishes 4th at State tournament

ALBANY, Feb. 24, 2024 -- Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen (Schuyler Storm) sophomore wrestler Lucas Hoffman earned All-State honors Saturday night by placing 4th in his weight class -- 116 pounds -- at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Division II Championships.

After finishing Friday with a 1-1 record, Hoffman posted a 3-1 finish on Day 2 of the tournament. In the consolation blood-round, he posted a 16-1 technical fall victory over Jesse Straus of Pleasantville (Section 1). Then, in the consolation quarterfinals, he posted a 10-2 major decision over Talon Kimball of Camden (Section III). His third win of the day came in the consolation semifinals, where he registered a 10-6 victory over Dylan Depew-Cappad of Canisteo-Greenwood (Section V).

In the consolation finals Hoffman faced, yet again, Logan Bellis of Tioga, to whom he had lost Friday. Bellis came into the match having been defeated 1-0 in the championship semifinals. Behind an aggressive offense, he pinned Hoffman in the second period.

Hoffman is the first NYS Wrestling Tournament placewinner for Odessa-Montour since Dylan Houseknecht's championship in 2019.

Photo in text: Lucas Hoffman's arm is raised after one of his Saturday victories. (Photo provided)

Brewster sets 2 track marks at E8 meet

HOUGHTON, NY, Feb. 24, 2024 -- Odessa-Montour High School alum Tori Brewster set a pair of Houghton University records this weekend at the two-day Empire 8 Indoor Track and Field Championships hosted by Houghton.

Brewster, a freshman, won the 60 Meter Dash with a school and Empire 8 Championship meet record time of 7.78 seconds. She also won the 200 Meters in a school record time of 25.90.

Houghton is a private Christian liberal arts and science school. The Championships were held in the school's Pegula Field House. Nazareth University won the team title, followed by Utica, St. John Fisher, Houghton, Alfred, Russell Sage and Hartwick..

The Odessa Elementary youth basketball's Parmenter's team. (Photo provided)

The Odessa Elementary youth basketball's Watkins Supply team. (Photo provided)

Final week of Odessa Elementary basketball

ODESSA, Feb. 24, 2024 -- The following are the results of the sixth and final week of Grade, 2, 3 and 4 Youth Hoops.

Stewart P. Wilson 18, Vedder-Scott & Zinger 16
Stewart P. Wilson (2-3-1): Gabe Falk 9 points, Ari Sangprakarn 4 points, Isaac Johnson 3 points, Ava Jantzen 2 points.
Vedder-Scott & Zinger (1-4-1): Kenley Crout 12 points, Jaxon Cole 2 points, Tyler May 2 points.

Parmenter Automotive 18, Watkins Supply 13
Parmenter's (5-1): Colton Thomson 10 points, Emily Mahaney 6 points, Levi Mann 2 points.
Watkins Supply (3-3): Brantley Webster 7 points, Brighton Janke 2 points, Zoey Hopper  2 points, Levi Smalt 2 points.

Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers. 

The Odessa Elementary youth basketball's Stewart P. Wilson team. (Photo provided)

The Odessa Elementary youth basketball's Vedder-Scott & Zinger team. (Photo provided)

Hoffman goes 1-1 on 1st day of wrestling

ALBANY, Feb. 23, 2024 -- Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen varsity wrestler Lucas Hoffman posted a 1-1 record on the first day of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Wrestling Championships, advancing to Saturday's second day of competition.

Hoffman, seeded seventh and wrestling at 116 pounds, started the day with a second period pinfall victory over Chase Davis of Port Jefferson (Section XI) to make it into the quarterfinals. There, Hoffman lost a close 2-1 decision to league rival and second seed Logan Bellis of Tioga.

Hoffman was slated to wrestle Saturday morning against Jesse Strauss of Pleasantville (Section 1). A win would guarantee placement and a spot on the podium. Wrestling was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Photo in text: Lucas Hoffman, right, in action at Friday's State Meet. (Provided)

Watkins Glen's Olivia King takes the ball to the hoop for two first-quarter points.

Watkins girls roll into semifinals, 42-20

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 23, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by sophomore Rachel Vickio's 16 points and 15 rebounds -- defeated Bainbridge-Guilford 42-20 Friday night in a quarterfinal game of the Section IV, Class C Tournament in the WGHS Field House.

By winning, the top-seeded Lake Hawks, now 16-3, advanced to a semifinal game at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Tompkins Cortland Community College against the No. 4 seed, Unatego, which defeated No. 5-seeded Union Springs Friday night in another quarterfinal.

Watkins Glen, slow to put in its first basket, surged late in the first quarter, building a 15-0 lead. That advantage was extended to 18-0 before Bainbridge-Guilford -- a young team with just one senior, one junior and six players ranging from 9th grade to 7th -- got on the board. The halftime score was 18-5.

The Lake Hawks pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring B-G 17-10 for a 35-15 advantage entering the fourth quarter.

Vickio, in addition to her double-double, registered 2 steals and a block.

Other scoring came from the following:

Brianna Hatch: 9 points, with 3 rebounds, a steal and a block;
Addie Coolican: 7 points, with 2 rebounds, an assist and a steal;
Olivia King: 5 points, with 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and an assist;
Molly Coolican: 2 points, with 2 rebounds and a steal;
Lillian Ameigh: 2 points, with 2 rebounds;
Emma Cady: 1 point, with 2 rebounds.

In addition, the Lake Hawks got rebounds from Michaela Wheaton (2), Natalee Oliver (1) and Olivia VanSkiver (1). The team converted 6 of 11 free throws. B-G, which didn't have a player with more than 6 points, sank 4 of 9 free throws.

******
******

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio launches a 3-point shot, one of three she sank in Friday's game.

Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Molly Coolican sends a shot on its way from the corner.

From left, Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver, Emma Cady and Addie Coolican.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch takes aim at the basket. Right: The Lake Hawks' Lillian Ameigh drives to the hoop for two points.

WG's Cowan competes in bowling qualifier

WAVERLY, Feb. 23, 2024 -- Watkins Glen High School senior Vey Cowan competed Friday in the Section IV State Bowling Qualifier at the Valley Bowling Center.

Two teams -- one each from Division 1 (Union-Endicott) and Division 2 (Maine-Endwell) -- advanced to the State Tourney along with five individual bowlers.

Cowan did not advance, rolling three-game series of 467 and 492, and featuring a high game of 200. Those pinfalls, together with a three-game total from last week's Section IV, Class C tournament, gave her a 1442 total, short of the qualifying scores.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Oneonta, 70-46

ONEONTA, Feb. 21, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's season ended Wednesday night with a 70-46 loss to Oneonta in the opening round of the Section IV, Class B tournament.

Oneonta, the No. 3 seed in the tourrney, improved to 11-7 and advanced to play No. 6 seed Chenango Valley at home on Saturday. Watkins Glen, the No. 14 seed, finished the season with an 8-12 record.

Christopher Simiele led the Lake Hawks with 16 points. Other scoring came from Ryan Willett (10 points), Alex Holmes (7), Sam Caslin (6), Jude Santos (4), and Quacey Wilt (3). Holmes led in rebounds with 18, while Caslin grabbed 8 and Simiele 6. Simiele led in assists with 4.

"We fought hard and never quit tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "but we ran into a very talented Oneonta team. I'm very proud of the effort throughout from the entire team. We struggled to hit shots in the first half and just couldn't get back in the game.

"It's always hard to see the season end, but the team has nothing to hang their heads over, as they earned their way into sectionals with some big wins down the stretch. The winter season is long, but I couldn't have asked for a better team of young men to share it with. All are good athletes, but even better people.

"I'd like to thank Coach Jimmy Scott for his wisdom and knowledge he graciously shared throughout the season, and Coach Ralph Diliberto for his dedication to training our athletes in strength and conditioning, as well as his steadfast support and encouragement."

Left: O-M's Leah Antes is fouled as she drives to the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Gina Gavich sends a long-range shot on its way.

O-M girls lose in 1st round of sectionals

ODESSA, Feb. 20, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team's season ended Tuesday night as the Grizzlies dropped a 50-43 decision to Stamford/Jefferson in the opening round of the Section IV, Class D Tournament.

The game, played in the O-M gym, was a contest of shifting second-half momentum as Stamford-Jefferson -- up 21-20 at the half -- had runs of 11-0 and 9-0 after intermission while O-M countered with runs of 8-0 and 10-0. That last run cut a 13-point S/J lead down to three points, 45-42, with 3:17 remaining. But the victors pulled away from there, outscoring the Grizzlies 5-1 in the closing minutes.

Leah Antes and Gina Gavich led O-M with 18 points each. Evvie Zinger added 5 points, while Maggie Pentz scored 2. Antes led in steals with 4, while Gavich had 5 assists, and Pentz 5 rebounds. The team converted 6 of 12 free throws.

Gavich, a senior, hit four 3-pointers, including two in the Grizzlies' last run -- bringing her career total to 150, ranking fourth in school history.

Stamford/Jefferson had three players in double figures: Tierney Turner with 19 points, Dezaraye Hillis with 15, and usually prolific scorer McKenna Hoyt with 10. The team sank 8 of 24 free throws.

"I couldn't be prouder of our effort tonight," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "Maggie Pentz and Brooklynn Thompson did a fantastic job on McKenna Hoyt, who averages 25 points a game for them. We held her to 10. And we competed all night long.

"But we just got destroyed on the boards, and they beat us with the number of second-shot opportunities they got. 

"We finish 7-14. That might not sound all that great, but this was an unexpected bonus to be competing for the division and to the end in a high-energy sectional game with such a young and small team. I'm pretty happy with it, all things considered.

"I'll miss the seniors, and it's a tough night for "dad" but I couldn't be prouder -- as both a dad and a coach -- of this group and how hard they worked and how far they have come this year."

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Vanessa Wood (15) and Leah Antes reach for a rebound late in the game. It was grabbed by Stamford/Jefferson's McKenna Hoyt.

Bottom: The Grizzlies' Evvie Zinger shoots in second-half action.

O-M'sVanessa Wood (left photo) and Keyonna Garrison (right) take aim at the basket.

O-M's Maggie Pentz goes up for a shot surrounded by Stamford/Jefferson players.

Watkins' Willett makes IAC First Team

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Feb. 19, 2024 -- Watkins Glen High School basketball standout Ryan Willett has earned First Team status on the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Large School South Division All-Star squad.

Three of his teammates were named Second Team All-Stars. Meanwhile, two players from Odessa-Montour High School were named to the IAC Small School South division Second Team.

IAC Large School South Division: Willett, who averaged 17 points during the regular season, was on a First Team that included MVP Jeremiah Parker of Elmira Notre Dame along with ND's Gabe Patterson and Newark Valley's Dan Truesdail and Danny Pirger.

Second Team selections in that division included Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin, Christopher Simiele and Alex Holmes along with ND's Daniel Schweizer and Luke Richards.

IAC Small School South division: Odessa-Montour had no First Team selections, but Tyler Malnoske and Brad Gillis each were named to the Second Team. The division had co-MVPs in Jakobe Foster of Candor and Evan Sickler of Tioga.

Tuttle, Hendrickson set racewalk marks

CORTLAND, Feb. 17, 2024 -- Watkins Glen High School indoor track athletes Madison Tuttle and Isaac Hendrickson broke their own school records Saturday in the 1500 Meter Racewalk competitions at the Section IV Classic meet at SUNY Cortland.

Tuttle posted a time of 7:26.75 in winning the girls race. She had first set a school mark last year of 8:24.46 while she was recovering from an ACL injury, and lowered that this season with a 7:30.16 on Jan. 5th.

Hendrickson finished second in Saturday's boys race with a time of 8:26.26, breaking his old school mark of 9:17.02 set on Jan. 13. He also holds the record in the 1 Mile Racewalk, a 9:54.40 set last month.

Eight other Watkins athletes set personal records in various events at the meet: Liam Knight, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Cayden Spulak, Zach Brusso, Kyren Young, Johnny VanScoyk, John Bond Trimble and Emmett Perko.

Next up: the New York State Qualifier on Sunday, Feb. 25 at Cornell.

Photo in text: Maddie Tuttle and Isaac Hendrickson at Saturday's meet. (Provided)

The Schuyler Storm swim team poses on the podium after winning the Section IV title.

Schuyler Storm boys capture
Section IV swimming title

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 17, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team did something Saturday that no Schuyler County boys swim squad had done in 13 years. It won the Section IV, Class C Swimming Championships, holding off Chenango Forks down the stretch.

The Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes (the two schools joined forces a few years ago) -- amassed 445 points while Chenango Forks had 392. They were trailed by Lansing (293), Susquehanna Valley (240), Dryden (215), Southern Cayuga (143), and Greene (123).

According to Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, the last such title -- by WGHS -- came back in 2011. (For Westervelt, this was his fourth sectional title as a Storm coach in the past five sports seasons, his teams winning girls swim titles the past two years, as well as a baseball championship last spring.)

On this day, it was individual victories or consistently high finishes that got the job done. The Storm won the 200 Free (Liam Smith in 1:51.47), the 50 Free (Vinnie Ocasio in 23.73), and the 500 Free (Carson Thaete in 5:16.49).

The team finished second in the 200 Free (Thaete), the 200 Individual Medley (Ryan Dean), the 100 Free (Ocasio), the 500 Free (Andre Wixson), the 200 Free Relay (Smith, Alex Walters, Dean and Ocasio), the 100 Back (Dean), the 100 Breaststroke (Smith), and the 400 Free Relay (Ocasio, Thaete, Dean and Smith).

On top of that, the Storm was third in the 200 Medley Relay (Walters, Wixson, Thaete and Max Ricca, who earlier in the week won the diving competition) and the 200 IM (Wixson). Other finalists: Evan Clarkson, 8th in the 200 IM and 5th in the 100 Fly; Ricca, 7th in the 50 Free; Alex Walters, 4th in the 100 Free and 6th in the 100 Back; and Grayson Robertson, 6th in the 500 Free;

"This group of boys," said Westervelt, "really pulled together this season after last year's second-place finish to Chenango Forks. They stuck to our plan all season and it paid off big in the end.

"Winning the first Sectional Championship since 2011 is a testament to their resilience and commitment to the process. I can't say enough about this group of young men. On top of all that, we have no seniors this season and a good group of 7th and 8th graders coming up behind these guys."

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Carson Thaete on his way to victory in the 500 Free.
Second: The Storm's Alex Walters dives at start of the 100 Free. He placed 4th.
Third: Storm T-shirt.
Fourth: The Storm's Vinnie Ocasio hits the water in the 50 Free, which he won.


The Storm's Kyler Eriksen competes in the 100 Fly. He finished in 10th place.

Left: The Storm's Liam Smith, right, and Carson Thaete on the podium after Smith won the 200 Free and Thaete finished second. Right: Coach Jason Westervelt congratulated members of the Storm upon their title victory -- here shaking Ryan Dean's hand.

The Storm's Andre Wixson, left, and Ryan Dean hit the water at the start of the 200 IM. Dean finished second, and Wixson third.

From left: The Storm's Evan Clarkson dives at start of the 100 Fly; Liam Smith holds the championship plaque; and Vinnie Ocasio on the podium with the medal he earned for winning the 50 Free.

Storm team members and Coach Westervelt took to the water after winning the title. (Photo by Georgia Michel)

Sectional bowling: O-M girls finish 4th

VESTAL, Feb. 17, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity bowling team placed fourth among six teams Saturday at the Section IV, Class D Tournament at Midway Lanes.

Groton won the team title with a 2447 total, followed by Hancock (2353), Deposit (2045), O-M (1561), Bainbridge-Guilford (1553), and Afton/Harpursville (1204).

Anabelle Crippen led the Grizzlies with a 340 series, while Kali Turner rolled a 323, Abbey Grady a 306, and Pietra Vanderwerff a 304.

Sectional bowling: Glen girls finish 10th

VESTAL, Feb. 17, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team placed 10th among 12 teams Saturday at the Section IV, Class C Tournament at Midway Lanes.

Greene/Oxford won the team title with a 2732 total, followed by Windsor (2509). The Lake Hawks totaled 2162, led by Maisie Robertson's 520 series. Vey Cowan posted a 483, Faith White a 434, Katie Cook a 402, and Skylar Churchill a 323.

"The team did a great job," said Watkins Glen Coach Nils Watson. "I am so proud of the progress the team made this year. They just kept getting stronger as a team as the season progressed."

Vey Cowan, he added, qualified for the Section IV state qualifier tournament on Feb. 23 by finishing 5th in the Interscholastic Athletic Conference based on overall regular-season averages.

The Watkins Glen Sporting Goods team, playoff champions of Grades 2-3. (Provided)

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Playoffs

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 17, 2024 -- The final round of the Watkins Glen Youth Basketball's Walter "Red" Matthews Memorial Play-Offs were held Saturday in the Watkins Glen High School Field House.

Grades 2-3

Watkins Sporting Goods 20, Curly's Family Restaurant 18. (Overtime). Play-Off Championship.
Sporting Goods scoring: AJ Stansfield 9, Finn Schamel 8, Hunter Perry 3.
Curly's scoring: Kingston Tomlinson 18.

Maguire's 17, Famous Brands 12. Consolation Game.
Maguire's scoring: Camden Janowski 11, Graham McIIroy 6.
Famous Brands scoring: Natalie Westervelt 6, Gavin Blauvelt 4, Easton Rekczis 2. .

League Champions: Curly's Family Restaurant
Walter "Red" Matthews Memorial Play-Off Champions: Watkins Sporting Goods

Grades 4-6

Watkins Motel 32, Capt. Bill's 12. Play-Off Championship.
Watkins Motel scoring: Landon Bianco 12, Aubrey Blauvelt 8, Wayne Delgado 6, Spencer Frew 2, Kaleb Cornish 2, Micah Pierce 2.
Capt. Bill's scoring: Alexis Wood 6, Sarah Murphy 4, Carson Fitzwater 2.

Watkins Glen Supply 36, Schamel Brothers 22. Consolation Game.
WG Supply scoring: Catherine Caslin 22, Axel Cross 6, Callum McKeon 4, Zane Cross 4.
Schamel Brothers scoring: TaMya VanOrden-Jones 12, Elliot Hendrickson 8, Markel Gullo 2.

League and Play-Off Champion: Watkins Motel.

Photos in text
Top:
The Curly's Family Restaurant team, league champions of Grades 2-3.
Bottom: The Watkins Motel team, league and playoff champions of Grades 4-6. (Photos provided)

The Watkins Glen Youth Basketball staff poses with its leader, Jim Scott (center front).
(Photo provided)

Week 5 of Odessa Elementary basketball

ODESSA, Feb. 17, 2024 -- The following are the results of the fifth week of Grade, 2, 3 and 4 Youth Hoops.

Parmenter Automotive 30, Vedder, Scott & Zinger 21
Parmenter's (4-1):  Colton Thomson 23 points, Julie Preczewski 4 points, Emily Mahaney 2 points, Weston Novak 1 point.
Vedder, Scott, & Zinger (1-3-1): Kenley Crout 9 points, Tyler May 6 points, Jaxon Cole 4 points, Maddie Chapel 1 point, Tyler Drake 1 point.

Watkins Supply 13, Stewart P. Wilson 9
Watkins Supply (3-2): Mitchell Blaha 5 points, Brantley Webster 4 points, Izaak Mace 4 points.
Stewart P. Wilson (1-3-1): Henry Stephens 5 points, Gabe Falk 4 points.

Odessa-Montour wrestler Lucas Hoffman shakes the hands of fellow students lined up in a school hallway at the end of the day Friday. (Photo provided)

Odessa students cheer on wrestler Hoffman

ODESSA, Feb. 16, 2024 -- Odessa-Montour wrestling standout Lucas Hoffman was greeted by fellow students in the hallways of the high school at the end of the day Friday, the last day before a week off from classes -- their final chance to wish him well en masse before he competes Feb. 23-24 at the New York State Wrestling Championships in Albany.

Hoffman -- a member of the combined O-M / Watkins Glen varsity wrestling team (the Schuyler Storm) -- earned the trip with a runner-up finish last weekend at the Section IV Division II Wrestling Championships at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.

Hoffman, wrestling at 116 pounds, finished second, falling in the final against two-time NYS Champion Darren Florence of Bainbridge-Guilford /Afton / Harpursville. Hoffman was pinned in the third period.

The top three in each weight class advanced.

Photo in text: Hoffman poses with one of his coaches, O-M's Dan Batchelder, outside the school. Hoffman competes Feb. 23-24 at the NYS Wrestling Championships in Albany.

Sectional bowling: WG boys finish 11th

VESTAL, Feb. 16, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity bowling team placed 11th Friday in the Section IV, Class C Tournament at Midway Lanes.

The Lake Hawks posted a 2389 total. Waverly was first with 3086, followed by Sidney (3026) and Susquehanna Valley (3010) in a field of 14 schools.

Kamden Miller led Watkins Glen with a 551 series (including a 212 game), while Brett Cullen-Pike rolled a 541 (with a 226), Mykel Cody 473, Kris Burke 432, and Dominic Gublo 392.

"They did a nice job this season, building their averages and becoming better bowlers," said Watkins Glen Coach Nils Watson. "I am super proud of the effort they put forth and for the individual success they achieved."

The girls tournament was scheduled for Saturday morning.

Sectional bowling: O-M boys finish 6th

VESTAL, Feb. 16, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity bowling team finished sixth among six teams Friday at the Section IV, Class D Tournament at Midway Lanes.

Hancock won the team title with a 2951 total, followed by Bainbridge-Guilford (2763). Odessa-Montour rolled a 1907.

Breyden Seamon led the Grizzlies with a 514 series that included a 209 game. Alex Campbell posted a personal-best 495 series.

The girls tournament was scheduled for Saturday morning.

Sectional seedings set for hoops tourneys

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Feb. 15, 2024 -- The seedings were released Thursday for the upcoming Section IV basketball tourneys, which include three Schuyler County teams.

Watkins Glen Girls: The No. 1 seed in the Class C Tournament, the 15-3 Lake Hawks drew a first-round bye. They will play on Friday, Feb. 23, hosting the winner of an opening-round game between No. 8 Southern Cayuga (12-7) and No. 9 Bainbridge-Guilford (11-8).

Odessa-Montour Girls: The No. 7 seed in the Class D Tournament, the Grizzlies (7-13) will host No. 10 Stamford/Jefferson (11-9) at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20 in the O-M gym. The top seed in D is Edmeston/Morris (17-2).

Watkins Glen Boys: The Lake Hawks (8-11), the No. 14 seed in the Class B Tournament, will travel to Oneonta to face the No. 3-ranked Yellowjackets (10-7) at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. The top seed in B is Waverly (15-3).

Supporting Dylan

Members of the Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen High School Wrestling Program (the Schuyler Storm) traveled to SUNY Cortland on Feb. 15 to watch the SUNY Cortland vs. Ithaca College wrestling meet, and specifically support former Odessa-Montour wrestler Dylan Houseknecht (center) on his Senior Night. Houseknecht, a 2019 New York State Champion, won by forfeit at 285 pounds as SUNY Cortland lost the meet 21-14. Houseknecht will graduate from SUNY Cortland this May with a degree in Criminology. (Photo provided)

The Storm's Liam Smith competes in the 100 Breaststroke, left, and celebrates his first-place finish in a personal-best time of 1:07.68.

Storm strong in Section IV Swim Prelims

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 14, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team earned several No. 1 seeds Wednesday at the Section IV, Class C Prelims in the Watkins Glen High School pool. The event leads to Saturday's 10 a.m. finals and consolation finals at the same location.

Earning top seeds going into the eight-man finals were Liam Smith in the 200 Free and 100 Breaststroke, Ryan Dean in the 200 Individual Medley, Vinnie Ocasio in the 50 Free, and Carson Thaete in the 500 Free.

Second seeds were earned by Thaete in the 200 Free, Ocasio in the 100 Free, Andre Wixson in the 500 Free, and Dean in the 100 Back.

Other finals (top 8) qualifiers for the Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- included Wixson (3rd in the 200 IM), Evan Clarkson (7th in the 200 IM and 5th in the 100 Fly); Max Ricca (7th in the 50 Free); Alex Walters (4th in the 100 Free and 6th in the 100 Back); and Grayson Robertson (6th in the 500 Free).

First-place qualifiers for the Storm and their times were as follows:

200 Free: 1st, Liam Smith, 1:52.73
200 IM: 1st, Ryan Dean, 2:10.66
50 Free: 1st, Vinnie Ocasio, 23.50
500 Free: 1st, Carson Thaete, 5:18.19
200 Free Relay: 1st, Liam Smith, Alex Walters, Ryan Dean, Vinnie Ocasio, 1:36.29
100 Breaststroke: 1st, Liam Smith, 1:07.68
400 Free Relay: 1st, Vinnie Ocasio, Carson Thaete, Ryan Dean, Liam Smith, 3:32.30

"There were so many outstanding performances," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. " I couldn't be prouder of these guys and their team effort today."

Personal best times, he said, included the following:

--Liam Smith in the 200 Free and 100 Breaststroke;
--Carson Thaete in the 200 Free and 500 Free;
--Zane Chambers in the 200 Free and 100 Free ;
--Ryan Dean in the 200 IM and 100 Back;
--Andre Wixson in the 200 IM and 500 Free;
--Evan Clarkson in the 200 IM and 100 Fly;
--Kyler Eriksen in the 200 IM and 100 Fly;
--Vinnie Ocasio in the 50 Free and 100 Free;
--Max Ricca in the 50 Free;
--Ayden Allen in the 50 Free;
--Declan Barry in the 100 Breast;
--Enric Lin in the 100 Fly and 100 Breast ;
--Alex Walters in the 100 Free and 100 Back;
--Grayson Robertson in the 500 Free and 100 Breast;
--Lucas Wise in the 200 Free;
--Scott Pennypacker in the 500 Free and 100 Back.

"These young men are in a great position for Saturday's finals," said Westervelt. "It should be a great meet between Chenango Forks, Lansing, and us. We are looking forward to it."

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Vinnie Ocasio reacts to winning the 50 Free Prelim in a personal-best time of 23.50.
Second: WG/OM's Ryan Dean en route to first place in the 200 IM prelim.
Third: The Storm's Zane Chambers dives at start of the 200 Free. He placed 9th.
Fourth: WG/OM's Evan Clarkson on the way to 7th place in the 200 IM prelim.
Bottom: The Storm's Alex Walters dives at start of the 200 Medley Relay.

The Storm's Andre Wixson dives at start of a leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

The Storm's Carson Thaete relaxes after securing the top seed in the 500 Free.

WG, O-M each place 2 on IAC First Teams

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Feb. 14, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball teams each have a pair of Interscholastic Athletic Conference 1st Team Division All-Stars.

Watkins Glen: The Lake Hawks' Rachel Vickio and Brianna Hatch, both sophomores, earned 1st Team status in the IAC South Large School Division, while junior Addie Coolican was named to the 2nd Team and sophomore Olivia King earned an Honorable Mention.

The division MVP was Makana "Cha" Gardner of Newark Valley. Other 1st Team selections: Edison's Payton Littlefield and Elmira Notre Dame's Mallory Sheehan.

Odessa-Montour: Grizzlies senior Gina Gavich and 8th grader Leah Antes were named to the 1st Team in the IAC South Small School Division, while senior Keyonna Garrison earned Honorable Mention.

Nicola Soper of Candor was the division MVP. Other 1st Team selections were Newfield's Aaliyah McCoy, Spencer-Van Etten's Faith Brenchley, and Candor's Emmi Makie.

Storm divers place 1st, 2nd at Sectionals

ELMIRA, Feb. 13, 2024 -- Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team divers Max Ricca and Jeremiah Desrochers finished first and second Tuesday at the Section IV, Class C diving championships at Ernie Davis Academy.

Ricca was first among three competing divers with a total of 314.75 points, while Desrochers was second with 269.25. Alex Chapman of Chenango Forks was third with 199.40 points.

The Storm swimming/diving team is composed of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes.

The Section IV, Class C Swimming Prelims are Wednesday at the WGHS pool, with finals there Saturday.

Watkins Glen's Ryan Willett takes the ball to the basket in traffic. He scored 21 points.

Watkins boys top S-VE, reach sectionals

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 12, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team defeated Spencer-Van Etten 74-40 Monday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House, and in the process qualified for next week's Section IV, Class B Tournament.

The victory lifted the Lake Hawks' season record to 8-12, a 40% winning percentage -- the minimum requred as a prerequisite to participation in the tournament. The seedings for the tournament will be announced this week.

Ryan Willett led the Watkins offense with 21 points, 19 of them as the Lake Hawks raced to a 44-15 first-half advantage. Also scoring in double figures were Christopher Simiele with 13 points, and Sam Caslin with 12. Other points came from Alex Holmes (6), Brady Bockelkamp (4), Quacey Wilt (4), Nick Ritter (3), Nick D'Alleva (3), Caleb Bresett (2), Isaiah Rudy (2), Thomas Field (2), and Lucas Hoffmann (2). The team converted 9 of 14 free throws, while S-VE sank 8 of 14.

Holmes led the Lake Hawks in rebounds with 12, while Simiele grabbed 7, Caslin 7, Field 6, and Willett 5. Hoffmann led in blocked shots with 6, and Simiele and Caslin in assists with 5 each, and steals with 3 each.

"The boys played terrific tonight and I am incredibly proud of their effort throughout the entire season," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "It's always emotional for teams on Senior Night. Our seniors, Ryan Willett, Thomas Field and Alex Holmes, are all terrific players and remarkable young men. All three will continue to participate in athletics at the college level next year and, while we will surely miss them, I am excited for them as they continue to do great things in the future."

Senior Night: The Lake Hawks' seniors, Ryan Willett, Thomas Field and Alex Holmes, were honored in a Senior Night ceremony preceding the game. Also honored were the WGHS Indoor Track Team's two seniors, Johnny VanScoyk and Kyren Young.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen completed its season with a 9-9 record by defeating Spencer-Van Etten 58-31. Caydin Lagramada and Dominic Lewis each scored 15 points for the Lake Hawks, while Jaydon Scholtisek scored 12 points, Bryce Bockelkamp 7, Nolan Reynolds 6, and Ryan Baudendistle 3. Lewis and Reynolds led in rebounds with 6 each, while Scholtisek had 7 steals and Lagramada 6.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin sends up a shot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Christopher Simiele is fouled as he attempts a shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Thomas Field sends a shot on its way.

Honored at a Senior Night ceremony preceding the varsity game were, from left, basketball players Ryan Willett, Thomas Field and Alex Holmes, and Indoor Track competitors Johnny VanScoyk and Kyren Young.

From left: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes, Quacey Wilt and Caleb Bresett take aim.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Caydin Lagramada goes up for a shot in traffic. Right: The Lake Hawks' Dominic Lewis takes aim from the corner.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jax Decker passes to a teammate. Right: The Lake Hawks' Jaydon Scholtisek takes the ball to the hoop.

Storm's Hoffman qualifies for States

BINGHAMTON, Feb. 10, 2024 -- Schuyler Storm (Odessa-Montour / Watkins Glen) high school varsity wrestler Lucas Hoffman earned a trip to the New York State Wrestling Championships with a runner-up finish Saturday at the Section IV Division II Wrestling Championships at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.

The top three in each weight class advanced.

Hoffman, wrestling at 116 pounds, finished second with a workmanlike 5-0 victory over Jason Canedo of Deposit-Hancock in the quarterfinals, followed by a 9-4 decision over Trevor Middendorf of Newark Valley in the semifinals. In the finals, Hoffman came up against two-time NYS Champion Darren Florence of Bainbridge-Guilford /Afton / Harpursville. Hoffman was pinned in the third period.

The Storm's Dana Guild earned a sixth-place finish, and a spot on the podium, at 215 pounds.

Other Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen wrestlers competing included Jared Watson at 131 pounds (an 0-2 record), Jaymes Forker at 145 pounds (1-2), Ean Walsh at 160 pounds (0-2), Patrick Croft at 215 pounds (1-2), and Aiden Summers at 285 pounds (1-2).

Meanwhile, the Storm's 120-pound Jackie Mace had a strong showing on the girls' side of the tournament, which was not a state qualifer. (States were held in late January.) Mace finished third after losing to Tioga's Kali Bailey in the semifinals.

The NYSPHSAA Boys Wrestling Championships will he held at the MVP Arena in Albany, NY on Friday, February 23rd and Saturday, February 24th.

Photos in text:

Top: The Schuyler Storm's Lucas Hoffman, who qualified for States.
Bottom: The Storm's Jackie Mace, third at 120 pounds in the girls' competition.

The Schuyler Storm's Max Ricca races in the 100 Yard Freestyle, where he placed second.

Schuyler Storm boys repeat
as IAC swimming champions

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 10, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- won the Interscholastic Athletic Conference championship Saturday in the WGHS pool.

The Storm amassed 499 points, well ahead of runnerup Lansing's 411, Dryden's 319, and Southern Cayuga's 269. WG/OM also won the IAC meet last year.

The Storm won the diving -- with no opposition to its two divers -- and three races, two by Carson Thaete, in the 200 Free and 500 Free. The other victory came in the 200 Free Relay. But the team amassed several second-place finishes, three of them hundredths of a second away from wins.

"We had a great meet, and I couldn't be prouder of our boys," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "Winning back-to-back IAC championships is a testament to this team's resiliency and hard work. We are looking forward to our Sectional meet next week; our sites are set on bringing home the first Sectional title in many years."

First places were posted for the Storm by:

200 Free: 1st, Carson Thaete (2:01.27)
Diving: 1st, Max Ricca, 341.50
500 Free: 1st, Carson Thaete (5:30.04, a personal best)
200 Free Relay: 1st, Alex Walters, Andre Wixson, Max Ricca, Vinnie Ocasio, 1:40.60

Second places were posted by the 200 Medley Relay team of Ryan Dean, Liam Smith, Carson Thaete and Vinnie Ocasio; by Andre Wixson in the 200 and 500 Free; by Smith in the 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke; by Ocasio in the 50 and 100 Free; by Dean in the 100 Fly and 100 Back; by Jeremiah Desrochers in the Diving, and by the 400 Free Relay team of Thaete, Alex Walters, Dean and Smith.

Westervelt pointed to "many outstanding performances today" -- including:

--Zane Chambers in the 200 and 100 Freestyle;
--Andre Wixson in the 200 and 500 Freestyle:
--Grayson Robertson in the 500 Free and 100 Breaststroke;
--Lucas Wise in the 100 Free and 100 Back;
--Enric Lin in the 100 Breaststroke.

"All these guys were huge contributors today," said Westervelt. "Zane, Grayson, and Lucas all placed in the top 8 in at least one event and all of them are in their first year on the Varsity swim team. Amazing!"

*****

Photos in text:

Top: The Schuyler Storm's Carson Thaete (top) and Andre Wixson on the way to a 1-2 finish in the 200 Free.

Middle: The Storm's Carson Thaete on the podium after winning the 500 Free, one of his two individual victories.

Bottom: The Storm's Alex Walters competes in the 100 Back. He placed 5th.

Left: The Storm's Evan Clarkson dives at start of the 200 Individual Medley. Right: The Storm's Max Ricca on the way to winning the diving competition.

Left: The Storm's winning 200 Free Relay team. From left: Vinnie Ocasio, Andre Wixson, Max Ricca and Alex Walters. Right: WG/OM's Liam Smith dives at start of the 100 Breaststroke. He placed second.

The Storm's Ryan Dean competes in the 100 Fly, where he finished second.

The IAC Champion Schuyler Storm team poses on the podium after the meet.

Union Springs/Port Byron wins IACs

WAVERLY, Feb. 10, 2024 -- The Union Springs/Port Byron boys and girls varsity bowling teams won the team titles Saturday at the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Championships held at the Valley Bowling Center.

Girls: The USPB girls posted a 2678 total to finish ahead of Newark Valley (2459), Candor (2431) and six other schools -- including Watkins Glen (which was 7th with a 1937) and Odessa-Montour (9th with an 837). O-M (led by Kali Turner's 296 series) had just three bowlers. Watkins Glen was led by Ava Cowan's 534 series, sixth best series of the day, and Maisie Robertson's 443.

Boys: USPB posted a 2843 series to outscore runnerup Lansing (2786), Candor (2746) and six other teams, including Watkins Glen (which was 5th with a 2535) and Odessa-Montour (8th with an 1861). O-M was led by Breyden Seamon's 521 (including a 211 game). Watkins Glen was led by Kamden Miller's 560 series (12th overall for the day) and Mykel Cody's 557 (13th).

"The boys started off strong with a 913 first game," said Watkins Glen Coach Nils Watson, "but struggled to maintain that tempo in the second and third games."

The Section IV tournament is scheduled for next weekend at Midway Lanes in Vestal.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Playoffs

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 10, 2024 -- The first round of the Watkins Glen Youth Basketball's Walter "Red" Matthews Memorial Play-Offs were held Saturday in the Watkins Glen High School Field House.

Grades 2-3

No. 1 seed Curly's 22, No. 4 seed Famous Brands 6.
Curly's scoring: Kingston Tomlinson 12, Austin Burt 4, Owen Canzler 4, Jordin Covey 2.
Famous Brands scoring: Easton Rekczis 4, Natalie Westervelt 2.

No. 3 seed Sporting Goods 13, No. 2 seed Maguire's 12.
Sporting Goods scoring: AJ Stansfield 8, Finn Schamel 3, Gemma Staub 2.
Maguire's scoring: Graham McIIroy 6, Jayvon Payne 2, Lincoln Smith 2, Deegan DeGraw 2.

Grades 4-6

No. 1 seed Watkins Motel 30, No. 4 seed WG Supply 20.
Watkins Motel scoring: Cooper Lagramada 16, Zion Tomlinson 8, Spencer Few 2, Landon Bianco 2, Cameron Gee 2.
WG Supply scoring: Maxwell Canzler 10, Lucas VanSkiver 4, Henry Titus 4, Catherine Caslin 2.

No. 3 seed Capt. Bill's 33, No. 4 seed Schamel Brothers 29.
Capt. Bill's scoring: Lucas Schubmehl 12, Derrick Westervelt 7, Ian Smith 6, Garrett Bubb 4, Waylon Gee 2, Carson Fitzwater 2.
Schamel Brothers scoring: Callan Schamel 11, TaMya VanOrden-Jones 6, Elliot Hendrickson 6, Rex Horrocks 4, Cole Derochers 2.

Next Weeks Final Schedule:

Grades 2-3  (8:30 a.m.)
Championship Game: Sporting Goods vs Curly's Family Restaurant
Consolation Game: Maguire's vs Famous Brands 

Grades 4-6  (9:45 a.m.)
Championship Game: Watkins Motel vs Capt. Bill's
Consolation Game: Schamel Brothers vs Watkins Glen Supply.

Week 4 of Odessa Elementary basketball

ODESSA, Feb. 10, 2024 -- The following are the results of the fourth week of Grade, 2, 3 and 4 Youth Hoops.

Stewart P. Wilson 24, Vedder, Scott & Zinger 17
Stewart P. Wilson (1-2-1): Henry Stephens 10 points, Gabe Falk 6 points, Ari Sangprakarn 4 points, Ava Jantzen 2 points, Aberham Vanderwerff 2 points.
Vedder, Scott & Zinger (1-2-1): Tyler May 6 points, Stanley Graffin 5 points, Jaxon Cole 4 points, Jordan Clark 1 point, Tyler Drake 1 point.

Parmenter Automotive 31, Watkins Supply 24
Parmenter's (3-1): Colton Thomson 25 points, Emily Mahaney 2 points, Levi Mann 2 points, Julie Preczewski 2 points.
Watkins Supply (2-2): Brantley Webster 8 points, Mitchell Blaha 7 points, Brighton Janke 4 points, Izaak Mace 4 points, Levi Smalt 1 point.

O-M boys close season with win at Groton

GROTON, Feb. 9, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team -- led by David Patterson's 16 points -- completed its season Friday night with a 53-39 victory over Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Groton gym.

The Grizzlies, who finish at 6-14, trailed 12-11 after one quarter, but were ahead 24-17 at halftime and 39-28 entering the fourth quarter.

Hitting double figures in addition to Patterson were Brady Cannon with 12 points, and Tyler Malnoske with 10. Other points came from Brad Gillis (5), Gunner Herrmann (5), Drew Parmenter (3), and Ben Heichel (2). The team converted 5 of 16 free throws, compared to Groton's 5-for-17.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Groton, 47-42. Hunter Mowry led the Grizzlies in scoring with 12 points, while Aaron Sutton registered 11.

Left: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio sends a shot on its way. Right: The Lake Hawks' Brianna Hatch grabs a rebound.

Glen girls top Dryden in regular-season finale, 79-46, as sectionals approach

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 9, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team completed its regular-season schedule Friday night with a 79-46 victory over Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

The Lake Hawks, now 15-3, got points from every player on the roster in a game that will -- barring another game or scrimmage added to the schedule -- serve as the last one before the Section IV, Class C Tournament. Watkins is expected to earn a first-round bye and then host a second-round game.

Rachel Vickio led Watkins with 18 points, while Brianna Hatch, Molly Coolican and Addie Coolican all hit double figures as well, with 14, 11 and 11 points, respectively. Other points came from Natalee Oliver (8), Olivia King (6), Olivia VanSkiver (3), Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons (2), Michaela Wheaton (2), Lillian Ameigh (2), and Emma Cady (2). The team converted 11 of 17 free throws. Dryden sank 11 of 13 foul shots.

Hatch and Molly Coolican each grabbed 6 rebounds, while Vickio had 5 and King 3. Ameigh led in steals with 5, while King had 3 and Vickio and Addie Coolican 2 apiece.

The Lake Hawks, employing a full-court press in the game's early moments, built a 14-0 lead in the first two minutes. The lead was 25-14 at the end of the first quarter, 46-26 at halftime, and 62-39 entering the fourth quarter.

Senior Night: The Watkins Glen team's lone senior, Lillian Ameigh, was honored in a Senior Night ceremony preceding the game.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Dryden, 39-14 . Emma Lewis led the Lake Hawks with 11 points, while Elizabeth Fitzwater scored 8 points, Amy Field 6, Paige Ells 3, Bailey Viehdeffer 3, Isabella Yaw 3, Grace Underdown 2, Aubrey Klemann 2, and Ava Kelly 1.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Molly Coolican launches a long-range shot.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Addie Coolican moves past a Dryden defender.

Left: Watkins Glen's Lillian Ameigh shoots. The ball found the net for two points.
Right: A trio of Lake Hawks -- from left, Natalee Oliver, Brianna Hatch and Lillian Ameigh -- swarm around a Dryden ball-carrier.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia King is fouled as she shoots. Right: The Watkins team's lone senior, Lillian Ameigh, is pictured with her mother, Marissa Losey, in a pregame Senior Night ceremony.

Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver (left photo) and Emma Cady (right) send up shots.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Bailey Viehdeffer shoots. Right: The Lake Hawks' Amy Field takes the ball to the basket.

Left: Watkins Glen's Elizabeth Fitzwater puts up a shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Paige Ells sends a shot on its way.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Dryden, 58-51

DRYDEN, Feb. 9, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 7-11 Friday night when the Lake Hawks dropped a 58-51 decision to Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Dryden gym.

The loss puts the Lake Hawks in a position where they need to win their regular-season finale Monday night (changed from Tuesday) -- at home against Spencer-Van Etten -- in order to qualify for the Section IV, Class B Tournament. Without a 40% winning percentage, the team would miss the tourney.

Ryan Willett led Watkins Glen Friday night with 25 points, while Sam Caslin scored 13 and Christopher Simiele 8. Alex Holmes led in rebounds with 14, while Caslin grabbed 6, Willett 5, Simiele 4 and Jude Santos 3. Caslin led in steals with 3, while Willett had 2.

"It was another night where we battled hard against a much bigger team, but fell short in the end," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We were right there all night trading the lead back and forth, but just couldn't hit shots in the very end when we needed them. I've been proud of the boys all season for their resiliency and grit, and they showed that again tonight."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Dryden, 70-47. Caydin Lagramada led the Lake Hawks with 22 points, while Bryce Bockelkamp scored 13, Austen Preuninger 12, Jaydon Scholtisek 11, Jax Decker 5, Dominic Lewis 5, and Nolan Reynolds 2. Lewis led in rebounds with 12, while Bockelkamp grabbed 8.

O-M girls top Tioga; sectionals are next

TIOGA CENTER, Feb. 8, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team closed its regular season with a win Thursday night, defeating Tioga 60-29 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Tioga gym.

Gina Gavich led O-M (now 7-13) with a season-high 21 points (on seven 3-pointers), while Leah Antes scored 15 points and registered 5 steals. Other points came from Evvie Zinger (9), Brooklynn Thompson (8, with 7 rebounds), Keyonna Garrison (3, with 5 blocks), Maggie Pentz (2), and Olivia Barr (2). The team converted 6 of 16 free throws, while Tioga sank 2 of 6.

The Grizzlies -- after falling behind 9-1 -- rallied to lead 15-9 through one quarter, 34-9 at halftime, and 52-26 entering the fourth period.

"We got off to a bit of a sluggish start," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, "but once we got the lid off we got rolling. We made twelve 3-pointers tonight. It was a good way to bounce back from last night (a loss to Newfield) and finish the regular season. Now let's get ready for sectionals. We're hoping for a first-round home game."

The Section IV, Class D Tournament starts Feb. 20. The seeding meeting is Feb. 14.

Odessa-Montour girls lose to Newfield

NEWFIELD, Feb. 7, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team dropped a 63-53 decision Wednesday night to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Newfield gym.

O-M (now 6-13) led 19-12 after one quarter and 33-23 at halftime, but Newfield (5-11) tied the game 41-41 by the end of third quarter, and outscored the Grizzlies 22-12 down the stretch.

Leah Antes and Evvie Zinger led O-M with 14 points each, while Gina Gavich scored 11, Brooklynn Thompson 9, and Maggie Pentz 5. The team sank 3 of 13 foul shots, while Newfield converted 20 of 34.

Thompson led the Grizzlies in rebounds with 10, while Antes grabbed 6, Pentz 6, and Zinger 5. Gavich led in assists with 6, and Pentz in steals with 4.

"We played a real good first half," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "Then everything seemed to change in a lot of ways. Newfield paraded to the free throw line in the third quarter 16 times and got back in it. We got a little rattled in the second half, but the story of the game was the free throws.

"I'm proud of the effort my kids put out there tonight. We will get back after it tomorrow at Tioga."

The Watkins Glen starters huddle with their coaches during a last-minute time-out.

Watkins boys fall to Trumansburg, 69-63

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 6, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team saw its record slip to 7-10 Tuesday night when it dropped a 69-63 decision to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Watkins Glen led 18-10 after one period and 31-30 at halftime, but was behind 52-47 entering the fourth quarter.

"We played a pretty good game against a tough, state-ranked team in Trumansburg," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "but we didn't execute as well in the final two minutes and we struggled to rebound throughout. We played hard and moved the ball well, so I'm proud of the effort. We have two more games in the season, so hopefully we can close them out with wins."

Ryan Willett and Sam Caslin led the Lake Hawks with 21 and 20 points, respectively, while Christopher Simiele scored 10 points. Also scoring were Jude Santos (7 points), Alex Holmes (4), and Caleb Bresett (1). The team sank 9 of 15 free throws.

Santos led in rebounds with 7, while Holmes grabbed 5, Caslin 4, Willett 3, and Simiele, Bresett and Nick D'Alleva 2 apiece. Simiele led in assists with 7 and steals with 4.

Nik Nelson led Trumansburg with 24 points, while Arlo Peake scored 18. The team converted 14 of 29 free throws.

Junior Varsity: Trumansburg defeated Watkins Glen 47-35. Jaydon Scholtisek led the Lake Hawks with 13 points, while Bryce Bockelkamp scored 10 and Caydin Lagramada 6. Austen Preuninger led Watkins in rebounds with 10, while Bockelkamp grabbed 8.

******

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin sends a shot on its way.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Ryan Willett drives to the hoop. (Photo by Derick Willett)

O-M's Brad Gillis (left photo) and Ben Heichel (right) drive toward the basket.

Odessa-Montour boys lose to Newfield

ODESSA, Feb. 6, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 72-43 decision Tuesday night to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies, now 5-14 heading into a season finale Friday night at Groton, trailed 17-10 after one quarter, 42-25 at halftime, and 61-36 entering the fourth quarter.

Tyler Malnoske led O-M with 10 points, while Brad Gillis scored 8 points, Ben Heichel 7, Drew Parmenter 7, Brady Cannon 4, Gavin Lohmeyer 4, and David Patterson 3. The team sank 5 of 9 free throws, while Newfield converted 10 of 11.

Senior Night: The Grizzlies' six seniors were honored in a Senior Night ceremony preceding the game. The honorees: Brady Cannon, Brad Gillis, Ben Heichel, Gunner Herrmann, David Patterson and Lance Reese.

Junior Varsity: Newfield defeated Odessa-Montour 57-45. Aaron Sutton led the Grizzlies with 18 points, while James Halpin scored 12.

Photo in text: O-M's Brady Cannon prepares to shoot in traffic.

Odessa-Montour's six seniors were honored before the game. From left: Lance Reese, Gunner Herrmann, Ben Heichel, Coach Aaron Thomson, David Patterson, Brad Gillis and Brady Cannon.

And in the JV game:

Left: O-M's Moe Zinger grabs a rebound. Right: O-M's Hunter Mowry moves the ball.

Watkins bowlers post wins over Edison

ELMIRA, Feb. 6, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen boys and girls varsity bowling teams posted 4-0 victories over shorthanded Edison teams Tuesday in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Dixie Lanes.

Boys: The Lake Hawks won all three games by a combined 2530-1535, led by Mykel Cody's 235-213-175=623 series. Brett Cullen-Pike added a 587 (with a 239 game), Kristofer Burke a 489, and Kamden Miller a 451. "The team," said Watkins Glen Coach Nils Watson, "is becoming much more consistent and focused as we enter into the post-season competitions."

Girls: Watkins Glen won all three games by a combined 1854-968, led by Maisie Robertson's 509 series (which included a 213 game). Ava Cowan rolled a 464 and Katie Cook a 349.

The Lake Hawks will compete Saturday in the IAC Championships at the Valley Bowling Center in Waverly.

Glen girls defeat Trumansburg, 60-44

TRUMANSBURG, Feb. 5, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team -- with four players in double figures -- defeated Trumansburg 60-44 Monday night in an Intersholastic Athletic Conference game in the T-burg gym.

The Lake Hawks (14-3) raced out to a 21-4 first-quarter lead, and were up 29-16 at halftime and 40-28 entering the fourth quarter.

Addie Coolican led Watkins Glen scorers with 17 points, while Brianna Hatch register 16 points, Rachel Vickio 15, Olivia King 10, and Molly Coolican 2. The team converted 5 of 15 free throws.

The Lake Hawks return to action Friday night at home against Dryden.

Junior Varsity: Trumansburg defeated Watkins Glen, 30-16.

Left: O-M's Leah Antes drives to the hoop. Right: The Grizzlies' Olivia Rivera works her way around a Twin Tiers Christian Academy defender.

O-M girls top Twin Tiers, reach sectionals

ODESSA, Feb. 5, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team raced out to an early lead and kept pulling away Monday night, defeating Twin Tiers Christian Academy 61-25 in a non-league meeting of Class D schools in the O-M gym.

With the victory, O-M evened its record against Class D schools at 1-1 this season and thus -- with a .500 record required and achieved in its own class -- qualified for the Section IV, Class D tournament. The Grizzlies are 6-12 overall.

Odessa, after falling behind 2-0, scored the next 12 points on the way to a 20-6 first-quarter advantage. The Grizzlies led 30-11 at halftime, and 47-16 entering the fourth period.

Gina Gavich led the team in scoring with 14 points (including four 3-pointers), while Evvie Zinger scored 13 points (with 5 steals), Brooklynn Thompson 12 points (with 5 rebounds and 4 steals), Leah Antes 10 points, Vanessa Wood 8, Hannah Barr 3, and Olivia Rivera 1. The team converted 1 of 5 free throws.

"We moved the ball around and got lots of people on the score sheet tonight and got a much needed win," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, whose team finishes its regular season on the road at Newfield on Wednesday and Tioga on Thursday.

"Hopefully we can work our way to a first-round home game in sectionals," he said.

Photo in text: O-M's Evvie Zinger drives to the basket.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Brooklynn Thompson, Olivia Barr and Hannah Barr.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Maggie Pentz drives to the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Gina Gavich (11) prepares to shoot.

8 Storm wrestlers reach state qualifier

GREENE, Feb. 3, 2024 -- Eight members of the Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team advanced to the Feb. 10th Section IV State Qualifier Tournament during Saturday's Section IV Class B Tournament held at Greene High School.

The top five finishers in each weight class qualfied for sectionals. Qualifying for the Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- were:

--Lucas Hoffman at 116 pounds. He won his weight class with a 3-0 record, defeating number-one seed Justin Sommers of Walton-Delaware in the finals.

--A trio of fourth-place finishers: Daniel Coston at 138 pounds, Dana Guild at 215 pounds, and Aiden Summers at 285 pounds.

--Four fifth place finishers: Jared Watson at 131 pounds, Jaymes Forker at 145 pounds, Ean Walsh at 160 pounds, and Patrick Croft at 215 pounds.

Kaiden Karius (170 pounds) and Breck Senecal (190 pounds) finished in sixth place, and were thus placed in alternate status. Riley Yaw at 124 pounds and Balan Ault at 152 pounds were eliminated before the placing rounds.

Jackie Mace, the lone girl on the Storm squard, earned a spot in the Section IV Girls Tournament by placing second at 120 pounds at the IAC Girls Championships held on Jan. 20. The girls sectionals will be held on the same day as the boys' tourney.

Wrestling at the Section IV Championships will begin at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton.

Week 3 of Odessa Elementary basketball

ODESSA, Feb. 3, 2024 -- The following are the results of the third week of Grade, 2, 3 and 4 Youth Hoops.

Watkins Supply 26, Vedder, Scott & Zinger 20
Watkins Supply (2-1): Mitchell Blaha 15 points, Izaak Mace 4 points, Julianna Bates 2 points, Colton Sipes 2 points, Zoey Hopper 1 point.
Vedder, Scott & Zinger (1-1-1): Dominik Koehler 9 points, Stanley Graffin 5 points, Jordan Clark 3 points, Tyler May 2 points, Landon Venderwerff 1 point.

Parmenter Automotive 26, Stewart P. Wilson 12
Parmenter's (2-1): Colton Thomson 18 points, Emily Mahaney 6 points, Owen Carey 2 points.
Stewart P. Wilson (0-2-1): Gabe Falk 4 points, Henry Stephens 4 points, Isaac Johnson 2 points, Ava Jantzen 1 point, Nicholas Drake 1 point. 

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 6

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 3, 2024 -- The 6th week of the 39th season of Watkins Glen Youth Basketball was held Saturday in the Watkins Glen High School Field House, resulting in final league standings leading to playoffs that begin next week.

2nd and 3rd Grade Results and League Champion:

Curly's 14, Sporting Goods 10
Curly's scoring: Kingston Tomlinson 8, Jack Myers 2, Austin Burt 2, Jax Fields 2.
Sporting Goods scoring: Finn Schamel 8, AJ Stansfield 2.

Maguire's 14, Famous Brands 2
Maguire's scoring: Camden Janowski 8, Jaxson Bellavigna 2, Lincoln Smith 2, Logan Saks 2.
Famous Brands scoring: Natalie Westervelt 2.

Final Standings:
Curly's Family Restaurant, 5-1, League Champion
Maguire's, 5-1, 2nd place in match-up with Curly's
Sporting Goods, 1-5
Famous Brands, 1-5, 4th place in match-up with Sporting Goods

4th-6th Grade Results and League Champion:

Watkins Motel 22, WG Supply 20
Watkins Motel scoring: Cooper Lagramada 8, Morgan Bubb 6, Zion Tomlinson 4, Landon Bianco 2, Cameron Gee 2.
WG Supply scoring: Lucas VanSkiver 12, Zane Cross 4, Axel Cross 2, and Callum McKeon 2.

Capt. Bill's 29, Schamel Brothers 25
Capt. Bill's scoring: Lucas Schubmehl 17, Derrick Westervelt 8, Garrett Bubb 4, 
Schamel Brothers scoring:  Mason Bellivigna 6, Izzy Gomez Fitzsimmons 4, Elliot Hendrickson 4, Callan Schamel 4, Markel Gullo 3, Rex Horrocks 2, Jacob Martin 2.

Final Standings:
Watkins Motel, 6-0, League Champion
Schamel Brothers, 3-3
Captain Bill's, 3-3, 3rd place by matchup with Schamel Brothers
Watkins Glen Supply, 0-6

The "Red" Matthews Memorial Play-Offs begin Saturday, Feb 10th.
--Grades 4-6 will begin at 8:30 am.
--Grades 2-3 will begin at 9:45 am.

Watkins Glen girls hold off Edison, 68-57

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Feb. 2, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by Brianna Hatch's 26 points -- pulled away from Edison in the fourth quarter Friday night to post a 68-57 Interscholastic Athletic Conference victory in the Edison gym.

The win lifted the Lake Hawks' season record to 13-3, and their IAC mark to 10-2.

Watkins led 21-19 through one quarter, 38-31 at halftime, and 50-47 entering the fourth quarter before outscoring the Spartans 18-10 down the stretch.

Scoring in addition to Hatch were Rachel Vickio (15 points), Olivia King (13), Addie Coolican (9), Natalee Oliver (3), and Michaela Wheaton (2). The team converted 11 of 16 free throws.

Edison, which sank all 9 of its free throws, was led by Payton Littlefield's 27 points.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio moves the ball past an Edison defender. (Photo provided)

Left: Watkins Glen's Caleb Bresett prepares to launch a long-range shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Quacey Wilt, left, battles for a rebound.

Watkins Glen boys rout Edison, 52-26

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 2, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team rolled past Edison 52-26 Friday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Watkins, now 7-9, led 14-4 after one period, 17-12 at halftime, and 39-17 entering the fourth quarter.

The Lake Hawks were led by Ryan Willett and Christopher Simiele, who each scored 15 points. Sam Caslin added 9 points, and Caleb Bresett 5. The team converted 10 of 11 free throws.

Alex Holmes led the team in rebounds with 7, while Caslin and Santos grabbed 6 each, and Simiele 4. Simiele led in steals with 6, while Caslin had 4 and Holmes 3. Holmes also blocked 3 shots.

"The boys played a terrific team game tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "I loved our ball movement and commitment to defense. I am very proud of them and their progress this season!"

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Edison 61-21. Jaydon Scholtisek and Bryce Bockelkamp each scored 13 points for the Lake Hawks, while Dominic Lewis scored 10, Aden Rekczis 9, and Caydin Lagramada 7. Bockelkamp grabbed 9 rebounds, and Austen Preuninger 8. Lagramada registered 8 steals, and Rekczis 5.

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

Left: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin sends a shot on its way. Right: The Lake Hawks' Jude Santos takes aim at the basket..

Left: Watkins Glen's Thomas Field shoots. Right: The Lake Hawks' Ryan Willett.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Candor

CANDOR, Feb. 2, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 53-46 decision Friday night to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Candor gym.

The Grizzlies led 10-5 after one period, 23-18 at halftime and 35-34 entering the fourth quarter. Candor outscored them 19-11 down the stretch.

Ben Heichel led O-M with 12 points, while Tyler Malnoske scored 11, Brad Gillis 9, David Patterson 8, Drew Parmenter 4, and Gunner Herrmann 2. The team sank 5 of 7 free throws.

Candor was led by JaKobe Foster's 17 points. The team converted 21 of 31 foul shots.

"Another one we should have had," said O-M Coach Aaron Thomson. "These games are nothing short of electric. You couldn't hear yourself think tonight. We played tough against a very tough team tonight. Their defense is very good, but we battled through it, right down to the last couple of minutes. It definitely feels like we are stuck on repeat, but the level of play these guys are playing at is nothing short of amazing.

"When one guy falls short, someone else steps up. True team work. That's all I can ask for."

Left: O-M's Abbey Grady takes aim. Right: The Grizzlies Breyden Seamon strikes.

Odessa bowlers fall to Newark Valley

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 2, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 Interscholastic Athletic Conference decisions Friday to Newark Valley in the Grizzlies' final dual meet of the season, held at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: O-M lost all three games by a combined 2166-1839. Breyden Seamon led the Grizzlies with a 530 series that included a 211 game, while Ryan McCann rolled a 437 series.

Girls: Odessa dropped all three games by a combined 1911-1490. Odessa Arrance led the Grizzlies with a 318 series, while Abbey Grady posted a 313.

Odessa-Montour returns to action on Saturday, Feb. 10 in the IAC Championships at the Valley Bowling Center in Waverly. Starting time is 1 p.m.

The Storm's Evan Clarkson in the 200 Medley Relay. He won the 200 Individual Medley.

Storm swimmers top S. Cayuga, 113-43

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 1, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team closed its dual-meet season Thursday with a 113-43 victory over Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm, a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, got first-place finishes as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Ryan Dean, Vinnie Ocasio, Carson Thaete, Liam Smith, 1:51.22.
200 Free: 1st, Andre Wixson, 2:06.36.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Evan Clarkson, 2:39.40.
50 Free:1st, Liam Smith, 24.17.
100 Fly: 1st, Liam Smith, 59.15.
100 Free: 1st, Vinnie Ocasio, 52.49.
500 Free: 1st, Ryan Dean, 5:21.00.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Alex Walters, Max Ricca, Grayson Robertson, Ryan Dean, 1:46.90.
100 Back: 1st, Vinnie Ocasio, 1:06.65.
400 Free Relay: 1st, Carson Thaete, Andre Wixson, Lucas Wise, Liam Smith, 4:06.84.

Photo in text: The Storm's Carson Thaete in the 200 Medley Relay, which his team won.

The Storm's Vinnie Ocasio dives at the start of a 200 Medley Relay leg.

The Storm's Andre Wixson on the way to victory in the 200 Yard Freestyle.

Left: O-M's Keyonna Garrison looks for a shot in traffic. Right: The Grizzlies' Leah Antes is fouled as she goes up for a shot.

O-M girls rally, but fall to Candor, 53-43

ODESSA, Feb. 1, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team rallied from a 17-point third-quarter deficit to within four points in the fourth quarter before falling 53-43 to Candor Thursday night in an Intercholastic Athletic Conference divisional game in the O-M gym.

Candor led 15-5 after one quarter, 23-15 at the half, and 32-15 after opening the second half with a 9-0 run. The score was 38-23 entering the fourth quarter.

"I'm super proud of our effort," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "That was O-M girls basketball tonight: heart, determination, togetherness and intensity. Traits we haven't shown consistently enough but what has been the foundation and expectation of this program over the years. We didn't give up and made a great run there in the fourth quarter that just came up a little bit short."

Gina Gavich led O-M with 13 points, while Leah Antes scored 12 points, Evvie Zinger 7, Brooklynn Thompson 6, and Keyonna Garrison 5. Thompson grabbed 8 rebounds, and Gavich 5. Antes led in steals with 4, while Gavich led in assists with 4.

The Grizzlies are now 5-12 overall and 3-8 in the IAC. Candor, now 7-7 overall and 6-6 in the IAC, moved into first place in the IAC Small Schools South Division. Spencer-Van Etten dropped to 5-7 in the division with a loss Thursday night to Newfield.

O-M returns to action Monday at home against Class D Twin Tier Christian, and Gavich says "we need a win" in that game "to qualify for sectionals." To qualify, Odessa-Montour -- a Class D team -- needs to win 40% of its games or play .500 against Class D opposition. The only other Class D team it played was Charlotte Valley early in the season -- a game that saw O-M lose 50-34.

"If we can put this kind of effort together the final week," Gavich said of Thursday night's comeback, "hopefully we can get in and pick up a couple more wins." The Grizzlies play two games on the road next week -- at Newfield on Wednesday and Tioga on Thursday.

Junior Varsity: Candor defeated Odessa-Montour, 45-12.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Gina Gavich rises above the Candor defense to take a shot.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' four seniors were honored in a pregame Senior Night ceremony. From left: Keyonna Garrison, Gina Gavich, Lillian Halpin and Hannah Barr.

Left: O-M's Brooklynn Thompson (20) is fouled as she drives to the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Evvie Zinger launches a shot.

In the JV game:

Left: O-M's Reese Rounds (14) maneuvers around a Candor defender. Right: The Grizzlies' McKenzie Landon (2) prepares to shoot.

Odessa-Montour bowlers fall to Groton

GROTON, Feb. 1, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Thursday to Groton in Interscholastic Athletic Conference road matches.

Boys: O-M lost all three games by a combined 2345-1942. The Grizzlies were led by Breyden Seamon's 549 series, while Alex Campbell rolled a 444.

Girls: Odessa dropped all three games by a combined 2551-1513. The Grizzlies were led by Abbey Grady's 366, while Anabelle Crippen rolled a 353 series and Pietra Vanderwerff a 304.

Left: Watkins Glen's Lillian Ameigh shoots. Right: The Lake Hawks' Olivia King sends a left-handed hook shot on its way. It found the basket for two points.

Watkins girls roll past Notre Dame, 52-29

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 31, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved its record to 12-3 -- 9-2 in Interscholastic Athletic Confernce games -- by defeating Elmira Notre Dame 52-29 Wednesday night in an IAC contest in the WGHS Field House.

The Lake Hawks raced out to a 21-7 first-quarter lead, were ahead 26-15 at halftime, and were up 41-18 entering the fourth quarter.

Brianna Hatch led Watkins Glen in scoring with 16 points. Other points came from Olivia King (8), Addie Coolican (8), Olivia VanSkiver (5), Lillian Ameigh (4), Molly Coolican (4), Natalee Oliver (3), Michaela Wheaton (2), and Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons (2). The team converted 4 of 8 free throws.

Notre Dame was led by Mallory Sheehan's 17 points. The Crusaders sank 9 of 14 free throws.

Watkins Glen returns to action Friday night at Edison.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Notre Dame 39-27. Paige Ells scored 9 points for the Lake Hawks, while Amy Field scored 8, Bailey Viehdeffer 6, Isabella Bellavigna 6, Ava Kelly 4, Emma Lewis 4, and Natalie VanSkiver 2.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Addie Coolican is fouled as she drives to the basket.

Left: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio (10) drives to the hoop. Right: The Lake Hawks' Brianna Hatch wins the tipoff starting the game.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver maneuvers around a Notre Dame defender.
Right: The Lake Hawks' Molly Coolican sends a shot on its way.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly drives to the basket. Right: The Lake Hawks' Amy Field prepares to launch a shot.

Watkins boys fall to Notre Dame, 61-54

SOUTHPORT, Jan. 30, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 6-9 Tuesday night when the Lake Hawks dropped a 61-54 decision to Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Alex Holmes led Watkins with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Christopher Simiele scored 11 points, Sam Caslin 10, Quacey Wilt 6, Jude Santos 6, and Ryan Willett 5. Caslin led in assists (7) and steals (4), and Santos in blocks (3).

"We fell short tonight in a close game on the road," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Foul shooting hurt us in a game that was very close late. We are going to need to fix that as we fight to get into the post-season."

The Lake Hawks return to action Friday night at home against Edison.

Junior Varsity: Notre Dame defeated Watkins Glen 52-34. Bryce Bockelkamp led the Lake Hawks with 20 points.

O-M's Breyden Seamon lets loose his final ball after 11 strikes ... and watches as all of the pins except for the 4-pin scatter. The 4 refused to fall.

After coming within a pin of a perfect 300 game, Seamon fell to the floor.

O-M bowlers fall; Seamon rolls a 299

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 30, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity bowling teams fell to Union Springs/Port Byron Tuesday in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes on an afternoon that saw the Grizzlies' Breyden Seamon, an 8th grader, come within a pin of a perfect 300 game.

Seamon, consistently the best bowler on the team, registered strikes on his first 11 balls in the first game, but on the 12th hit the 1-3 pocket a little high, leaving the 4-pin standing as the other pins scattered. Seamon, momentarily immobile as the pin stayed upright, subsequently fell to the floor in reaction as the audience of players and parents nearby applauded his game.

O-M Bowling Coach Tom Strong said Seamon's game was the highest posted by any of his bowlers in the "14 or 15 years" he has been coaching.

Boys: The Grizzlies lost 4-0, dropping all three games by a combined 2385-1699. Seamon posted a 609 series on games of 299-158-152.

Girls: O-M lost 4-0, dropping all three games by a combined 2148-1557. Abbey Grady led the Grizzlies with a 407 series, while Pietra Vanderwerff rolled a 359 and Anabelle Crippen posted a 301.

Photo in text: O-M bowler Breyden Seamon

The Odessa-Montour bowling teams' lone senior, Anabelle Crippen, was honored Tuesday in a Senior Night ceremony at Harborside Lanes. From left: Anabelle's mother Amy, Anabelle, her father Craig and brother Ryan. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen bowlers lose to SVEC

OWEGO, Jan. 30, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams lost to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor Tuesday in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Owego Bowl.

Girls: Watkins Glen lost 3-1, winning the second game but falling short in the first and third games and total pinfall, 2122-2029. Ava Cowan had a big day for the Lake Hawks, rolling a 193-202-214=609 series. Maisie Robertson added a 443 series, and Faith White a 359.

Boys: The Lake Hawks lost all three games by a 2700-2440 margin. Mykel Cody rolled a 210-212-208=630 series, while Brett Cullen-Pike posted a 552 series (with a 222 game), and Kamden Miller a 491.

Left: O-M's Evvie Zinger puts up a shot as teammates Leah Antes (10) and Keyonna Garrison (23) keep their eyes on the ball. Right: O-M's Maggie Pentz (5) shoots.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Marathon

ODESSA, Jan. 30, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 5-11 Tuesday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 59-13 decision to Marathon in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

"We held their top two scorers -- Abby Ensign (7 points) and Anna Hoyt (3 points) -- down," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We just could not make a single shot."

The Grizzlies fell behind 11-2 before Evvie Zinger hit a pair of 3-pointers to cut the deficit to three points, 11-8, after one quarter. After that, O-M managed only a free throw in the second period (outscored 16-1), one basket in the third quarter (outscored 19-2), and one basket in the fourth quarter (outscored 13-2).

Zinger finished with 8 points, while Leah Antes and Keyonna Garrison scored 2 points each, and Gina Gavich 1 point.

O-M returns to action Thursday night at home against Candor. It will be Senior Night, where the team's four seniors -- Gavich, Garrison, Hannah Barr and Lillian Halpin -- are honored.

Junior Varsity: Marathon defeated Odessa-Montour 38-10. Vanessa Wood led the Grizzlies with 6 points.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Leah Antes drives to the basket.

From left: O-M's Keyonna Garrison, Gina Gavich and Lillian Halpin shoot the ball.

Odessa-Montour boys lose on late 3-ball

MARATHON, Jan. 30, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team fell 64-63 Tuesday night to Marathon in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game that was decided by a Marathon 3-point basket as time was close to expiring..

The Grizzlies trailed 17-11 after one quarter, 30-22 at halftime and 47-40 entering the fourth quarter. Then O-M's Brad Gillis caught fire, scoring 14 of his 20 points, while Gunner Herrmann scored all 6 of his points and Tyler Malnoske hit a 3-pointer.

But after O-M took the lead, Marathon grabbed it back with its game-winner -- a shot from the top of the arc after Marathon had missed a shot and rebounded it. The ball found the net with 2 seconds to play.

Scoring in addition to Gillis and Herrmann were Malnoske with 15 points, Brady Cannon with 12, David Patterson with 9, and Ben Heichel with 1. The team converted 12 of 17 free throws, while Marathon sank 7 of 15.

"This one hurt for sure," said O-M Coach Aaron Thomson. "We have been in the fight almost every game right down to the last minute. The last three games we have lost by 4 points, by 3 points and and by 1 point . These guys are playing excellent basketball and I couldn't be happier. We just need to come out on top one of these times. They deserve it. That's for sure."

Watkins Glen girls top Dryden, 53-38

DRYDEN, Jan. 27, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by Rachel Vickio's 18 points, and 14 by Brianna Hatch -- defeated Dryden 53-38 Saturday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Dryden gym.

The Lake Hawks, now 11-3 overall and 8-2 in IAC games, led 10-9 after one period, 22-15 at halftime, and 41-22 entering the fourth quarter.

In addition to Vickio and Hatch, Watkins Glen got points from Addie Coolican (7), Olivia King (5), Olivia VanSkiver (3), Natalee Oliver (2), Molly Coolican (2), and Michaela Wheaton (2). The team converted 8 of 15 free throws, while Dryden sank 14 of 23.

The Lake Hawks return to action Wednesday at home against Elmira Notre Dame.

Tuttle 1st in Racewalk at Class C meet

CORTLAND, Jan. 27, 2024 -- Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle took first place in the 1500 Meter Racewalk Saturday at the Section IV, Class C Indoor Track Championships at SUNY Cortland.

Tuttle posted a time of 7:45.97 in winning the event against eight other competitors. She finished more than a half-minute ahead of the runnerup.

Other finishes by WGHS athletes included the following:

-- Kyren Young broke his own school record in the 55 Meter Dash while placing third. His time: 6.80. He also placed second in the 300 Meter race with a time of 38.67.

-- Johnny VanScoyk was fifth in the 1600 Meter Run with a personal best of 4:49.82.

-- The 4x200 relay team of Sam Hohle, Michael Purpura, Aidan Kelly, and Kyren Young placed 4th in 1:43.89.

Personal records were set by:

-- Jon Bond Trimble in the Shot Put (29' 0.25"), where he was 17th, and in the High Jump (5' 0"), where he was fifth.
-- Emmanuel Rodriguez in the 1600 Meter Run (5:33.38). He was 17th.
-- Andrew Champion in the 1000 Meters (3:26.70). He was 17th.
-- Kathryn Planty in the 1000 Meters (3:51.24). She was 13th.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Maddie Tuttle (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 5

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 27, 2024 -- The 39th season of Watkins Glen Youth Basketball continued Saturday, with the following results.

2nd and 3rd Grades:

Maguire's 10, Curly's 8.
Maguire's scoring: Camden Janowski 4, Jayvon Payne 2, Lincoln Smith 2, Logan Saks 2.
Curly's scoring: Kingston Tomlinson 8.

Famous Brands 6, Sporting Goods 5.
Famous Brands scoring: Gavin Blauvelt 2, Rory Yaw 2, Natalie Westervelt 2.
Sporting Goods scoring: Luca Purpura 2, Hunter Perry 2, Finn Schamel 1.

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

4th, 5th and 6th Grades:

Watkins Motel 31, Capt. Bill's 15.
Watkins Motel scoring: Cooper Lagramada 12, Morgan Bubb 8, Zion Tomlinson 6, Luke Hicks 2, Micah Pierce 2, Cameron Gee 1.
Capt. Bill's scoring: Ian Smith 5, Garrett Bubb 4, Waylon Gee 2, Jeremiah Walter 2, Carson Fitzwater 2.

Schamel Bros. 22, WG Supply 16.
Schamel Bros. scoring: Mason Bellivigna 10, Izzy Gomez Fitzsimmons 6, TaMaya VanOrden-Jones 4, Rex Horrocks 2.
WG Supply scoring: Lucas VanSkiver 10, Henry Titus 6.

Standings:
Watkins Motel 5-0
Schamel Brothers 3-2
Capt. Bill's 2-3
Watkins Glen Supply 0-5

Week 2 of Odessa Elementary basketball

ODESSA, Jan. 27, 2024 -- The following are the results of the second week of Grade, 2, 3 and 4 Youth Hoops.

Parmenter's Automotive 17, Watkins Supply 10
Parmenter's (1-1):
Colton Thomson 12 points, Emily Mahaney 3 points, Owen Carey 2 points.
Watkins Supply (1-1): Mitchell Blaha 8 points, Brighton Janke 1 point, James Stout 1 point.

Vedder, Scott and Zinger 10, Stewart P. Wilson 10
Vedder, Scott and Zinger (1-0-1):
Dominik Koehler 4 points, Tyler May 3 points, Nova Slater 2 points, Jordan Clark 1 point.
Stewart P. Wilson (0-1-1): Gabe Falk 7 points, Ari Sangprakarn 2 points, Eliana Cron 1 point.

Odessa-Montour boys lose to Tioga, 65-62

ODESSA, Jan. 26, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 65-62 decision Friday night to Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies, down 19-14 after one period, trailed 34-33 at halftime and 48-45 entering the fourth quarter. Tioga outscored them 14-12 down the stretch.

O-M stayed close on the strength of 3-pointers, sinking 16 of them -- including six by Brad Gillis, three each by Gunner Herrmann and Ben Heichel, two by Tyler Malnoske, and one each by Drew Parmenter and David Patterson.

Gillis led the team with 19 points, while Heichel scored 11, Malnoske 11, Herrmann 9, Patterson 7, Parmenter 3, and Brady Cannon 2. The team converted 2 of 5 free throws.

And it was at the line where the game turned as Tioga sank 21 of 34 free throws. The Tigers were led in scoring by Evan Sickler and Shea Bailey, who each scored 21 points.

Junior Varsity: Tioga defeated Odessa-Montour 51-43. The Grizzlies were led by Aaron Sutton's 27 points. Hunter Mowry added 9 points.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia King shoots. Right: The Lake Hawks' Addie Coolican drives to the basket.

Glen girls fall to Newark Valley, 52-23

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 26, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team was routed Friday night, 52-23, in a key matchup with Interscholastic Athletic Conference Large School South Division rival Newark Valley in the WGHS Field House.

The Lake Hawks failed to score in the first six minutes and managed just 4 points in the first quarter, 5 in the second and 3 in the third as the Cardinals -- led by senior Makana "Cha" Gardner -- had their way from midway through the second quarter. Their lead entering the fourth quarter was 36-12, including a 17-0 run at the start of the second half that extended a 9-0 run before intermission.

The two teams had met on Dec. 15, witth the outcome another NV win, but much closer -- 42-37 -- and on the Cardinals' home court. Newark Valley is now 13-1 overall and 10-0 in the IAC. Watkins Glen is 10-3 and 7-2.

Rachel Vickio led Watkins Glen in scoring with 7 points, while Emma Cady scored 4 points, Brianna Hatch 3, Olivia King 2, Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons 2, Addie Coolican 2, Natalee Oliver 2, and Michaela Wheaton 1. The team sank 2 of 6 free throws.

Addie Coolican led in rebounds with 8, while Hatch grabbed 5, Wheaton 3, and Molly Coolican, Vickio, Lillian Ameigh, and Cady 2 each. Hatch had two blocks and Vickio one.

NV's Gardner was the key factor, scoring 32 points that included 7-for-8 from the foul line. She scored 15 of her team's 17 first-half points, and kept disrupting Watkins shots. She grabbed 7 rebounds, blocked 7 shots, had 3 steals and dished out 2 assists.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen's record slipped to 7-4 as the Lake Hawks fell to Newark Valley 30-16. Paige Ells led the Lake Hawks with 7 points, while Elizabeth Fitzwater scored 4 points.

Photos in text:

Top: Newark Valley's Makana "Cha" Gardner, right, prepares to block a shot by Watkins Glen's Lillian Ameigh.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks" Rachel Vickio sends a shot on its way.

Left: Newark Valley's Makana "Cha" Gardner gets a hand in the way of a shot by Watkins Glen's Emma Cady (13). Center and right: Watkins' Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons (30) and Natalee Oliver (14) shoot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch, left, fights for possession of the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Molly Coolican shoots from the corner.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly (2) is fouled as she drives to the basket. Right: The Lake Hawks' Paige Ells sends a shot on its way.

Glen boys edge NV on buzzer-beater

NEWARK VALLEY, Jan. 26, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team improved to 6-8 Friday night with a 60-58 victory over Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the NV gym.

"In a tough, back and forth game on the road," said Watkins Coach Scott Morse, "the boys played well and got the win on a Ryan Willett last-second shot!" That came with the score tied 58-58.

Willett led the Lake Hawks in scoring with 26 points, while Christopher Simiele scored 11, Sam Caslin 9, Alex Holmes 7, Quacey Wilt 4, and Jude Santos 3.

Simiele led in rebounds with 11, while Willett, Holmes and Wilt grabbed 5 each, Caslin 3, and Santos 2. Caslin and Wilt led in steals with 4 each, and Caslin in assists with 7.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Newark Valley, 48-45. Caydin Lagramada led the Lake Hawks in scoring with 15 points, while Bryce Bockelkamp scored 13, Jaydon Scholtisek 10, and Dominic Lewis 7.

Storm swimmers defeat Lansing, 104-76

LANSING, Jan. 25, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team posted a 104-76 victory over Lansing Thursday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Lansing pool.

"The varsity team had some outstanding swims," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose squad has athletes from both the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools. "Liam Smith, Ryan Dean and Vinnie Ocasio led the way for the Storm.

"I am very happy with our progress this season," he added. "Our depth has been working hard and the results are starting to show. Evan Clarkson, Andre Wixson, Grayson Robertson, Enric Lin, and Zane Chambers have come on strong in the second half of the season along with Declan Barry and Ayden Allen."

The Storm won the following events:

200 Free: 1st, Liam Smith, 1:54.80.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Ryan Dean, 2:15.85.
50 Free: 1st, Vinnie Ocasio, 23.76.
Diving: 1st, Jeremiah Desrochers, 176.45.
100 Free: 1st, Vinnie Ocasio, 52.65.
500 Free: 1st, Liam Smith, 5:26.02.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Vinnie Ocasio, Alex Walters, Carson Thaete, Liam Smith, 1:37.49.

Second-place finishes were posted by the 200 Medley Relay team of Ryan Dean, Liam Smith, Vinnie Ocasio and Alex Walters; and by Max Ricca in the Diving, Carson Thaete in the 100 Fly, Ryan Dean in the 100 Back, Andre Wixson in the 100 Breaststroke, and Thaete, Evan Clarkson, Wixson and Dean in the 400 Free Relay.

Modified: The Schuyler Storm defeated Lansing, 66-44. "The modified boys had a strong showing," said Westervelt. "Tavis McKeon, David Heichel, Ewan Smith, and Drew Popovich all had individual wins. The boys are swimming fast and they are fun to be around. The future looks bright with these guys coming through the program."

O-M boys fall to Newark Valley, 61-57

NEWARK VALLEY, Jan. 24, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 61-57 decision to Newark Valley Wednesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the NV gym.

O-M trailed 14-7 after one quarter, led 32-28 at halftime, and had a narrow 43-42 edge entering the fourth quarter. Newark Valley outscored the Grizzlies 19-14 down the stretch.

Brad Gillis led O-M with 21 points, including five 3-pointers. Tyler Malnoske scored 18 points, including four 3-pointers, while Brady Cannon scored 6 points, David Patterson 6, Drew Parmenter 3, and Gavin Lohmeyer 3. The team sank 2-of-5 free throws, compared to Newark Valley's 16-for-21.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Newark Valley, 55-51. The Grizzlies led 31-21 at halftime, but were outscored 20-2 in the third quarter. Aaron Sutton led O-M with 21 points, while James Halpin scored 13 points, Connor Foggie 8, Hunter Mowry 5, and Moe Zinger 4.

The Storm's Patrick Croft, top, on the way to a win at 215 against Seton's Jake Harder.

Storm wrestlers edge Seton, top Lansing

ODESSA, Jan. 24, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team defeated Binghamton Seton Catholic 33-27 Wednesday night in a non-league meet in Odessa-Montour High School's Jack Davis Gym, and followed that with 48-18 victory over Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference divisional meet.

The two wins bring the Storm's record to 9-3 at the conclusion of its dual-meet season.

The Storm, a combined squad of Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen High School athletes, posted its narrow win over Binghamton as follows:

OM/WG 33, Binghamton Seton Catholic 27

152 pounds: Kaiden Karius lost by a pin in 3:37.
160 pounds: Ean Walsh won by a pin in 2:51.
170 pounds: Dana Spaccio lost by a pin in 1:08.
190 pounds: Joey Chamberlin lost by a pin in 2:24.
215 pounds: Patrick Croft won by a pin in :29.
285 pounds: Aiden Summers won by forfeit.
116 pounds: Lucas Hoffman won by decision, 6-3.
124 pounds: Jayden Summers won by forfeit.
131 pounds: Jared Watson won by a pin in 5:20.
138 pounds: Daniel Coston lost by a pin in :36.
145 pounds: Jaymes Forker lost by decision, 5-0.

And the Storm won decisively over Lansing as follows:

OM/WG 48, Lansing 18

152 pounds: Kaiden Karius won by a pin in 1:33.
160 pounds: Ean Walsh won by a pin in 1:08.
170 pounds: Dana Spaccio lost by a pin in 1:11.
190 pounds: Joey Chamberlin won by forfeit.
215 pounds: Dana Guild won by a pin in :47.
285 pounds: Kahlin Steinruck won by forfeit.
116 pounds: Lucas Hoffman won by a pin in 1:24.
124 pounds: Jackie Mace lost by a pin in 4:33.
131 pounds: Jared Watson lost by a pin in 2:21.
138 pounds: Hunter Barrett won by forfeit.
145 pounds: Jaymes Forker won by a pin in 4:15.

OM/WG wrestling returns to action, and enters the post-season, when it travels to Greene for the Section IV Qualifier Tournament on Saturday, February 3rd. Wrestling will begin at 10 a.m.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Jared Watson nears a victory by pin over Seton's Andreas Lloyd in the 131-pound match.
Middle: OM/WG's Jaymes Forker, facing camera, squares off against Seton's Jaden Lankford at 145 pounds.
Bottom: The Storm's Lucas Hoffman, left, on the way to a 6-3 victory over Seton's Rasheed Scott at 116 pounds.

Left: The Storm's Ean Walsh has control on the way to victory at 160 pounds against Seton's Finn Foley. Right: The Storm's Kaiden Karius lifts his Seton opponent, Jaqwell Vaughn, in the 152-pound match before losing by a pin.

The Schuyler Storm wrestling team's seniors were honored in a Senior Night ceremony between the night's two meets. From left, they are Breck Senecal, Jaymes Forker, Kaiden Karius and Aiden Summers.

Watkins Glen bowlers fall to Lansing

CORTLAND, Jan. 22, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches Monday to Lansing at Cort-Lanes, the girls falling 4-0 and the boys losing 3-1.

Girls: The Lake Hawks were lacking one of their five bowlers, a fact that Coach Nils Watson noted "hurt our competitiveness." The girls lost all three games by a combined 1903-1668. Ava Cowan led Watkins with a 524 series, followed by Maisie Robertson (474), Katie Cook (360) and Skylar Churchill (310).

Boys: Watkins Glen lost the first and second games, along with total pinfall, 2700-2442. Mykel Cody led the Lake Hawks with a 572 series that included a 223 game, while Brett Cullen-Pike posted a 530, Kamden Miller a 484, Kristofer Burke a 466, and Dominic Gublo a 390.

Watkins runners set 3 new school marks

ITHACA, Jan. 21, 2024 -- A few members of the Watkins Glen High School varsity indoor track team competed Sunday in a meet at Cornell University sponsored by the Finger Lakes Running Club.

At this meet there are various events that aren't held during the rest of the WGHS team's Winter Track season -- such as the 60 Meter and 200 Meter Dashes, the 3000 Meter Run, and the 1 Mile Race Walk. Within that frame of reference, three school records were set Sunday. They were by:

-- Kyren Young in the 60 Meter Dash, where he placed 6th and broke the school record with a 7.49. The previous record of 7.70 was held by Skylar Lagramada. Meanwhile, Sam Hohle was 7th Sunday with a 7.69, and Aidan Kelly 14th with an 8.00.

-- Kyren Young in the 200 Meter Dash, where he placed 2nd with a new school record of 24.04. The previous record of 24.75 was held by Charlie Bascom. Meanwhile, Sam Hohle was 8th in 25.29, and Aidan Kelly 10th in 25.79.

-- Isaac Hendrickson in the 1-Mile Race Walk, posting a 9:54.40 to break the mark of 10:59.21 previously held by Johnny VanScoyk. Hendrickson also holds the school mark in the 1500 Meter Race Walk, the distance normally run. He also competed Sunday in the 3000 Meter race (normally 3200), placing 10th in 11:02.

Photos in text: Kyren Young, left, and Isaac Hendrickson (Photos provided)

Storm has 4 runners-up at IAC meet

NEWARK VALLEY, Jan. 20, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm (Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen high schools) varsity wrestling team placed fourth out of 12 teams competing Saturday at the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Championships at Newark Valley High School.

Tioga won the team title, followed by Newark Valley and Marathon, which was one point ahead of The Storm.

Four OM/WG athletes earned second-place honors:

--Lucas Hoffman at 116 pounds, losing a competitive 6-3 match to NYS finalist Logan Bellis of Tioga;
-- Dana Guild at 215 pounds, losing another competitive 5-2 match to Seth Parker of Moravia;
-- Aiden Summers at 285 pounds, losing a close 1-0 match to Tate McCauley of Tioga;
-- Jackie Mace, finishing with one loss in the 120-pound Girls Division.

Other Storm wrestlers earning podium finishes included:

-- Jared Watson, third at 131 pounds;
-- Dylan Senecal, in sixth place at 131 pounds;
-- Hunter Barrett, in fourth place at 138 pounds;
-- Daniel Coston, in fifth place at 138 pounds;
-- Kaiden Karius, in sixth place at 152 pounds, and
-- Patrick Croft, in fourth place at 215 pounds.

OM/WG wrestlers return to action at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, when they meet Lansing and Binghamton, respectively, in the Jack Davis Gym at O-M High School.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 4

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 13, 2024 -- The 39th season of Watkins Glen Youth Basketball continued Saturday, with the following results.

2nd and 3rd Grades:

Curly's 23, Famous Brands 10.
Curly's scoring:
Kingston Tomlinson 13, Jack Myers 4, Austin Burt 4, Owen Canzler 2.
Famous Brands scoring:
Easton Rekczis 4, Natalie Westervelt 4, Rory Yaw 2.

Maguire's 16, Sporting Goods 8.
Maguire's scoring:
Logan Saks 6, Camden Janowski 6, Jayvon Payne 2, Jaxson Bellavigna 2.
Sporting Goods scoring:
Gemma Staub 4, Finn Schamel 3, AJ Stansfield 1.

Standings:
Curly's Family Restaurant 4-0
Maguire's 3-1
Watkins Sporting Goods 1-3
Famous Brands 0-4

4th, 5th and 6th Grades:

Watkins Motel 23, Schamel Brothers 13.
Watkins Motel scoring:
Zion Tomlinson 7, Cooper Lagramada 6, Morgan Bubb 6, Luke Hicks 2, Micah Pierce 2.
Schamel Brothers scoring:
Callen Schamel 6, Izzy Gomez Fitzsimmons 4, Elliot Hendrickson 2, Mason Bellivigna 1.

Capt. Bill's 23, WG Supply 20.
Capt. Bill's scoring:
Lucas Schubmehl 14, Ian Smith 5, Garrett Bubb 2, Derrick Westervelt 2.
WG Supply scoring:
Catherine Caslin 8, Zane Cross 4, Axel Cross 2, Lucas VanSkiver 2, Maxwell Canzler 2, Henry Titus 2.

Standings:
Watkins Motel 4-0
Schamel Brothers 2-2
Capt. Bill's 2-2
Watkins Glen Supply 0-4

Week 1 of Odessa Elementary basketball

ODESSA, Jan. 20, 2024 -- The following are the results of the first week of Grade, 2, 3 and 4 Youth Hoops.

Vedder, Scott, and Zinger 18, Parmenter's Automotive 14

Vedder, Scott, and Zinger (1-0): Kenley Crout 7 points, Tyler May 6 points, Stanley Graffin 3 points, Jaxon Cole 1 point, Tyler Drake 1 point.
Parmenter's (0-1): Owen Carey 5 points, Levi Mann 5 points, Wesley Webster 2 points, Emily Mahaney 2 points.

Watkins Supply 6, Stewart P. Wilson 5

Watkins Supply (1-0): Izaak Mace 3 points, Brantley Webster 2 points, Levi Smalt 1 point.
Stewart P. Wilson (0-1): Gabe Falk 2 points, Rocky Falk 1 point, Nicholas Drake 1 point, Eliana Cron 1 point.

Left: O-M's Leah Antes passes the ball to a teammate under the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Evvie Zinger eyes the basket in traffic.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to S-VE, 41-37

ODESSA, Jan. 19, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team dropped a 41-37 decision Friday night to Spencer-Van Etten in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small Schools South Division contest in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies, down 8-2 at the outset, pulled within 8-7 before S-VE went on an 8-0 run and closed the first period ahead of O-M 16-8. The Panthers led 27-14 at halftime before the Grizzlies pulled within six, at 37-31, entering the fourth quarter.

"We got it to 39-37 in the fourth," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, "but just couldn't get a bucket down the stretch when we needed one, and had a bunch of good looks.

"I'm very proud of how we battled back in the second half, but we did not play very intelligently in the first half and that was our downfall. If we played like we did in the second half right out of the gate, we win the game with ease. That's the bottom line." 

Leah Antes led O-M in scoring with 15 points, and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Brooklynn Thompson scored 8 points and had 14 rebounds. Other points came from Olivia Barr (5), Gina Gavich (4, with 4 assists), Evvie Zinger (3), and Keyonna Garrison (2, with 7 rebounds and 7 blocks). The team was 12-for-18 from the free-throw line, while S-VE was 6-for-14.

O-M is now 5-10 overall and 3-6 in the IAC. Spencer-Van Etten is 5-6 overall and 5-4 in league play.

Junior Varsity: Spencer-Van Etten defeated Odessa-Montour, 32-21.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Brooklynn Thompson (20) is fouled as she shoots.

Left: O-M's Gina Gavich maneuvers past an S-VE defender. Right: The Grizzlies' Olivia Barr takes aim from the corner.

Watkins Glen girls top Whitney Point

WHITNEY POINT, Jan. 19, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 10-2 Friday night with a 62-35 victory over Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The Lake Hawks led 18-6 after one quarter, 30-17 at halftime, and 51-26 entering the fourth quarter.

Addie Coolican led Watkins Glen in scoring with 14 points, while Rachel Vickio scored 11, Olivia King 10, Brianna Hatch 9, Natalee Oliver 5, Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons 5, Michaela Wheaton 4, Lillian Ameigh 2, and Emma Cady 2. The team converted 14 of 25 free throws.

Hatch led in rebounds with 7, while Vickio grabbed 5, King 4, Ameigh 4, Molly Coolican 3, Gomez Fitzsimmons 3, and Cady 3. King led in steals with 4, while Oliver, Addie Coolican and Ameigh had 3 each.

Junior Varsity: Whitney Point defeated Watkins Glen. The Lake Hawks' record is 7-3.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Lillian Ameigh, facing camera, defends against a Whitney Point ball-carrier. Teammate Olivia King is in the background. (Photo provided)

Left: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin launches a shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Christopher Simiele (11) is fouled as he drives to the basket.

Watkins Glen boys lose to Whitney Point

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 19, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team saw its record slip to 5-8 Friday night when it dropped a 60-53 decision to Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

The Lake Hawks fell behind early, trailing 17-12 after one period before climbing within two points, 31-29, at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, Whitney Point's lead was 43-36.

Sam Caslin led Watkins in scoring with 17 points, while Alex Holmes scored 12, Ryan Willett 11, Christopher Simiele 10, and Brady Bockelkamp 3.

Holmes led the team in rebounds with 16, while Caslin grabbed 6, Willett 5, Simiele and Bockelkamp 3 each, and Jude Santos 2. Simiele led in assists with 8, and in steals with 3.

"We played well at times throughout the game," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "but just couldn't get stops when we needed them most. The boys played hard and gave it their all, and that's all I can ask for. Now we have a week off before we play next Friday night at Newark Valley."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen won its third straight game and improved to 5-8 by defeating Whitney Point 66-38. Caydin Lagramada led the Lake Hawks with 21 points, while Dominic Lewis scored 12 points, Bryce Bockelkamp 10, and Nolan Reynolds 10. Lewis led in rebounds with 6, and Lagramada in steals with 7.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes takes the ball to the hoop.

Left: Watkins Glen's Ryan Willett drives to the basket. Right: The Lake Hawks' Brady Bockelkamp shoots from long range.

O-M boys defeat Spencer-Van Etten

SPENCER, Jan. 19, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team posted a 55-40 victory Friday night over Spencer-Van Etten in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Spencer gym.

The Grizzlies led 13-12 after one period, 27-17 at halftime and 37-21 entering the fourth quarter.

Brad Gillis led O-M with 21 points, while Tyler Malnoske scored 13, and David Patterson and Ben Heichel 6 apiece.

Schuyler Storm swimmers top Dryden

DRYDEN, Jan. 18, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team posted a 96-65 victory Thursday over Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Dryden pool.

"It was a solid meet for us all around," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose squad is composed of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes. "Our depth really did well tonight, taking some 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place finishes."

First-place finishes for the Storm included:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Ryan Dean, Liam Smith, Carson Thaete, Vinnie Ocasio, 1:49.80.
200 Free: 1st, Andre Wixson, 2:05.15.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Vinnie Ocasio, 2:22.48.
50 Free: 1st, Carson Thaete, 24.94.
Diving: 1st, Max Ricca, 169.15.
100 Fly: 1st, Ryan Dean, 1:01.52.
100 Free: 1st, Liam Smith, 53.64.
500 Free: 1st, Carson Thaete, 5:35.10.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Vinnie Ocasio, Andre Wixson, Carson Thaete, Liam Smith, 1:40.97.

Second-places were posted by Evan Clarkson in the 200 Free, Jeremiah Desrochers in the Diving, Andre Wixson in the 100 Fly, and Scott Pennypacker, Ayden Allen, Clarkson and Desrochers in the 200 Free Relay.

Odessa-Montour bowlers fall to Tioga

WAVERLY, Jan. 18, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Thursday to Tioga in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at the Valley Bowling Center.

Girls: O-M, with four bowlers, dropped all three games by a combined 2227-1218. Abbey Grady led the Grizzlies with a 375 series.

Boys: Odessa-Montour dropped all three games by a combined 2313-1785. Breyden Seamon led the Grizzlies with a 589 series that included a 223 game.

O-M returns to action Tuesday at home against Newark Valley.

Left: O-M's David Patterson takes the ball to the hoop. Right: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes prepares to shoot in traffic.

Watkins boys rally to beat O-M, 36-27

ODESSA, Jan. 17, 2024 -- It took the Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team about 20 minutes to reach double digits on the scoreboard Wednesday night, but then the Lake Hawks ran past and away from Odessa-Montour for a 36-27 Interscholastic Athletic Conference victory over the Grizzlies in the O-M gym.

Watkins (5-7), which has dominated O-M (4-9) in these intracounty boys showdowns for more than a dozen years, managed only four first-half points and trailed 8-4 entering the second period. At halftime, the Lake Hawks trailed 15-8, and they were down 17-8 midway through the third quarter. But then they went on a 12-0 run to take the lead before outscoring Odessa-Montour 16-10 in the fourth quarter.

Ryan Willett led Watkins with 15 points, while Jude Santos scored 8, Alex Holmes 5, Christopher Simiele 4, and Sam Caslin 4. The team converted 14 of 25 free throws.

Holmes led the team in rebounds with 9, while Santos grabbed 8, Willett 7, and Caslin 3. Willett led in steals with 3, while Caslin had 2, and Simiele and Holmes one each.

Brad Gillis led O-M with 8 points, while Brady Cannon scored 7, Tyler Malnoske 6, David Patterson 5, and Ben Heichel 1. The Grizzlies sank 9 of 15 free throws.

"Well, that was a pretty ugly game," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "but we did enough in the second half to get the win. We couldn't buy a basket in the first half, so I was proud of the boys showing some resiliency in the second half and digging out of the hole we were in.

"Both teams struggled to score throughout, and it came down to hitting some shots and getting stops. I thought Jude Santos made some big plays on both ends of the court that got us going.

"It's always challenging playing Odessa-Montour as the boys are all friends who play on other teams together.

"Now we have to get ready for an important home game against Whitney Point on Friday."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Odessa-Montour 58-32.

Jaydon Scholtisek led the Lake Hawks with 16 points, while Nolan Reynolds scored 11, Bryce Bockelkamp 9, Caydin Lagramada 9, Dominic Lewis 7, Johnny Sisana 4, and Jax Decker 2. Reynolds led the team in rebounds with 8, while Lewis grabbed 6. Lagramada registered 4 steals.

Aaron Sutton led Odessa-Montour with 12 points, while Caleb Malnoske scored 8, Hunter Mowry 6, James Halpin 4, and Kayden Garrabrant 2.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Brady Cannon, left, tries to maneuver around Watkins Glen defender Alex Holmes.
Bottom: Two of the O-M cheerleaders pose: Maya Moser, left, and Paisley Jeziorski.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Gunner Herrmann, Watkins Glen's Christopher Simiele, and O-M's Tyler Malnoske.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Brad Gillis rises for a jump shot. Right: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin drives toward the basket.

Watkins Glen's Ryan Willett starts a fast break with O-M defenders giving chase.

And in the JV game:

Left: Odessa-Montour's James Halpin (25) shoots as Watkins Glen's Dominic Lewis defends. Right: Watkins Glen's Bryce Bockelkamp sends a shot on its way.

Storm wrestlers edge Moravia, 30-27

MORAVIA, Jan. 17, 2024 -- The Schuyler Storm (Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen) high school varsity wrestling team posted a narrow 30-27 victory Wednesday night over Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference non-divisional meet in the Moravia gym.

The meet started at 124 pounds with the Storm's Riley Yaw earning a pinfall victory over Moravia's Jakob Volles in the first period. After WG/OM's Jared Watson lost by fall at 131 pounds, Storm 8th grader Hunter Barret put the visitors back in the lead with a first-period fall over Moravia's Trever Wells at 138 pounds. A subsequent pin by Daniel Coston over Moravia's Cole Cuddeback at 145 pounds gave the Storm an 18-6 lead.

Moravia started a comeback at 152 pounds with Derek Shauger earning a come-from-behind pinfall over OM/WG's Kaiden Karius at 152 pounds. Nicholas Plue then pinned OM/WG's Ean Walsh at 160 pounds, and Drew Famoly pinned OM/WG's Dana Spaccio at 170 pounds, putting the Blue Devils ahead 24-18.

The Storm's Joey Chamberlin evened the score by pinning Moravia's Jake Bushey inside of one minute at 190 pounds. Moravia moved back in front with Seth Parker earning a 6-0 decision over Dana Guild at 215 pounds to make the score 27-24 in Moravia's favor.

Aiden Summers sealed the win for OM/WG with a first-period pinfall over Phoenyx Young at 285 pounds. The 101, 108, and 116 weight classes were double forfeits, so the final score was 30-27 for the Storm.

OM/WG wrestling returns to action Saturday morning at the IAC Championships hosted by Newark Valley. Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver drives to the basket. Right: Odessa-Montour's Leah Antes prepares to shoot.

Watkins Glen girls race past O-M, 49-19

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 16, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 9-2 Tuesday night when it defeated Odessa-Montour 49-19 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

The game was essentially over early as the Lake Hawks raced to a 15-0 first-quarter lead that expanded to 20-0 before O-M scored. Watkins Glen led 28-9 at halftime, and 44-11 entering the fourth quarter.

Olivia King led Watkins in scoring with 12 points, while Rachel Vickio registered 10 points, Brianna Hatch 7, Michaela Wheaton 6, Addie Coolican 5, Olivia VanSkiver 4, Emma Cady 3, and Molly Coolican 2. The team converted 3 of 12 free throws.

Wheaton led in rebounds with 7, while Vickio, Cady, Hatch, King and Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons grabbed 5 apiece. Lillian Ameigh led in assists with 3, and Vickio in blocks with 2.

Leah Antes led O-M (now 5-9) in scoring with 6 points, while Evvie Zinger scored 4, Olivia Barr 3, Brooklynn Thompson 3, Keyonna Garrison 2, and Maggie Pentz 1. The team sank 1 of 3 free throws.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Brooklynn Thompson, right, and Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton battle for possession of the ball. In the background, front to back, are O-M's Maggie Pentz and Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver and Rachel Vickio.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Maggie Pentz finds heavy traffic as she drives toward the basket. Right: The Lake Hawks' Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons (30) puts up a shot.


Left: Watkins Glen's Lillian Ameigh shoots. Right: Watkins Glen's Addie Coolican, left, puts pressure on O-M's Gina Gavich (11).

Left: O-M's Evvie Zinger drives past Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch. Right: Watkins Glen's Emma Cady prepares to send a shot on its way.

And in the JV game:

Watkins Glen's Paige Ells sends a long-range jumper on its way in the JV game.

Watkins Glen JV wins:

The Watkins Glen junior varsity defeated Odessa-Montour 35-25 to improve to 7-2. Amy Field led Watkins with 8 points, while Bailey Viehdeffer scored 7, Paige Ells 6, Emma Lewis 5, Elizabeth Fitzwater 3, and Ava Kelly, Aubrey Klemann and Natalie VanSkiver 2 each.

O-M was led by Vanessa Wood's 7 points, while Ella Kramer scored 6, Alannah Rounds 5, McKenzie Landon 3, and Hannah Albertsman and Reese Rounds 2 each.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Vanessa Wood. Right: The Grizzlies' Hannah Albertsman, left, tries to maneuver past Watkins Glen's Amy Field.

Left: Watkins Glen's Isabella Bellavigna shoots from the corner. Right: The Lake Hawks' Emma Lewis at the free-throw line.

Mace places 3rd at Section IV Qualifier

WHITNEY POINT, Jan. 15, 2024 -- Schuyler Storm (Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen) high school wrestler Jackie Mace took 3rd place Monday in the New York State Girls Wrestling Section IV Qualifier at Whitney Point High School.

Wrestling at 120 pounds, Mace earned a trip to the semifinals with a 7-0 victory over Kassandra Lindsay of Dryden before falling to Kali Bailey of Tioga. In the wrestle-backs Mace had to pin Mack Hernandez of Oneonta in the second period to make a trip to the consolation finals, where she battled with Kimberly Olaeta of Windsor to a 4-2 double overtime win.

With only champions guaranteed entry into the NYS Girls Invitational in Syracuse, Mace is now waiting to hear if there is an open spot.

Photo in text: Jackie Mace at the Qualifier (Photo provided)

Young, Tuttle post victories at Quinney

CORTLAND, Jan. 13, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity indoor track team competed Saturday in the Quinney Invitational meet at SUNY Cortland, and posted several high finishes -- including two victories.

One of those wins was posted by Kyren Young in the 55 Meter Dash (6.86). He was also second in the 300 Meters in 38.71.

Meanwhile, Madison Tuttle won the girls 1500 Meter Race Walk in 7:34.64, just off her school record of 7:30.16.

Isaac Hendrickson broke his own school record in the boys 1500 Meter Race Walk with a time of 9:17.02 while placing second.

Johnny VanScoyk was second in the 3200 in 10:59.74, while the 4x200 Relay team of Sam Hohle, Michael Purpura, Aidan Kelly and Kyren Young finished second in 1:44.81.

Photo in text: Personal records were set during the meet by Watkins Glen's (from left) Emmett Perko (in the Shot Put), Jon Bond Trimble (in the Shot Put and High Jump), Salvatore Purpura (in the 600 Meters), Zach Brusso (in the 600 Meters) and Isaac Hendrickson. Hendrickson broke his own school race-walk record. (Provided)

Storm's Hoffman 3rd at S. Tier tourney

ELMIRA, Jan. 13, 2024 -- Lucas Hoffman led the Schuyler Storm (Odessa-Montour/ Watkins Glen High School) varsity wrestling team with a third-place finish at 116 pounds at the second annual Southern Tier Memorial Wrestling Tournament Friday and Saturday at the First Arena. The event featured many top-notch programs from New York State and Pennsylvania.

Hoffman ended Friday with two technical fall victories to find a place in the semifinals against 2023 NYS Finalist Logan Bellis of Tioga, where Hoffman was defeated. In the consolation semifinals, Hoffman battled to a 9-8 decision over Mason Vanderpool of Athens, PA, followed by a third-period pinfall victory over Brayden Pequignot of North Penn Liberty, PA to earn third place.

Strong showings were given at 215 pounds by Dana Guild and Patrick Croft, each earning 2-2 finishes and eliminated on the second day. Also competing for The Storm, but eliminated before the placing rounds, were Riley Yaw at 124 pounds, Jared Watson at 131 pounds, Daniel Coston at 138 pounds, Jaymes Forker at 145 pounds, Balan Ault at 152 pounds, Kaiden Karius at 160 pounds, Ean Walsh at 170 pounds, and Aiden Summers at 285 pounds.

In the girls' division, Jackie Mace competed at 120 pounds and finished with a 2-2 record.

OM/WG returns to the mats on Monday with the Section IV Girls State Invitational Qualifier, and on Wednesday on the road against Moravia.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 3

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 13, 2024 -- The 39th season of Watkins Glen Youth Basketball continued Saturday, with the following results.

2nd and 3rd Grades:

Curly's 12, Maguire's 6.
Curly's scoring: Kingston Tomlinson 6, Owen Canzler 4, Austin Burt 2.
Maguire's scoring: Camden Janowski 4, Jaxson Bellavigna 2.

Sporting Goods 12, Famous Brands 4.
Sporting Goods scoring: Hunter Perry 4, Finn Schamel 4, AJ Stansfield 2, Gemma Staub 2.
Famous Brands scoring: Jayce Copp 4.

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

4th, 5th and 6th Grades:

Watkins Motel 26, WG Supply 22.
Watkins Motel scoring: Cooper Lagramada 10, Zion Tomlinson 8, Morgan Bubb 6, Landon Bianco 2.
WG Supply scoring: Lucas VanSkiver 10, Zane Cross 4, Henry Titus 4, Cullen Metris 2, Maxwell Canzler 2.

Schamel Brothers 27, Capt. Bill's 15.
Schamel Brothers scoring: Elliott Hendrickson 8, Callan Schamel 6, Rex Horrocks 4, Cole Derochers 4, Mason Bellivigna 3, Markel Gullo 2.
Capt. Bill's scoring: Garrett Bubb 6, Lucas Schubmehl 3, Waylon Gee 2, Derrick Westervelt 2, Ian Smith 2.

Standings:
Watkins Motel 3-0
Schamel Brothers 2-1
Capt. Bill's 1-2
Watkins Glen Supply 0-3

O-M girls fall to Union Springs, 65-31

UNION SPRINGS, Jan. 12, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team saw its record slip to 5-8 Friday night with a 65-31 loss to Union Springs in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Springs (now 10-2) led 19-11 after one quarter, and 38-18 at halftime.

Leah Antes led the Grizzlies with 11 points and 5 rebounds. Other points came from Gina Gavich (6, with 5 assists), Evvie Zinger (5), Brooklynn Thompson (3), Lillian Halpin (3), Maggie Pentz (2), and Olivia Barr (1).

"I actually was pleased with a lot of things we did tonight," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We kept playing hard and executed quite well at times versus a very, very good team."

Odessa-Montour's Tyler Malnoske moves the ball upcourt in traffic.

Odessa-Montour boys lose to Springs

ODESSA, Jan. 12, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 65-58 decision to Union Springs Friday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies fell behind Union Springs 14-3 before rallying with a 10-0 run that left them down 16-13 after one period. The game remained tight until halftime, with O-M down a point, 31-30.

Union Springs pulled away with a 19-7 third quarter and held off the Grizzlies in the final period as the home team netted 21 points.

Tyler Malnoske and Brad Gillis led Odessa-Montour with 16 points each, while Ben Heichel scored 9 points, David Patterson 8, Gunner Herrmann 5, and Gavin Lohmeyer 4. The team was 0-for-1 from the foul line.

Union Springs was led by Collin Parks' 30 points, which included six 3-pointers. The team converted 9 of 17 free throws.

Junior Varsity: Union Springs defeated Odessa-Montour 52-33. James Halpin led O-M with 8 points, while Aaron Sutton scored 7, Hunter Mowry 6, and Caleb Malnoske 4.

Photo in text: O-M's Brad Gillis takes the ball to the hoop.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Ben Heichel drives to the hoop. Right: The Grizzlies' David Patterson passes the ball in first-half action.

Watkins Glen girls defeat Lansing

LANSING, Jan. 12, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 8-2 Friday night with a 67-30 victory over Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Lansing gym.

The Lake Hawks built a 23-9 first-quarter lead, were up 37-17 at halftime, and led 55-21 entering the fourth quarter.

Rachel Vickio led Watkins Glen in scoring with 17 points, including five 3-pointers, while Addie Coolican registered 12 points, Brianna Hatch 12, Natalee Oliver 8, Olivia VanSkiver 8, Michaela Wheaton 4, Olivia King 2, Lillian Ameigh 2, and Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons 2. The team converted 7 of 8 free throws.

King led in rebounds with 5, while Wheaton, Hatch and Gomez Fitzsimmons grabbed 4 each and Molly Coolican and Emma Cady 3 apiece. Addie Coolican led in steals with 3, while Vickio and Hatch had 2 each.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen improved to 6-2 with a 21-8 victory over Lansing.

Left: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes prepares to shoot in traffic. Right: The Lake Hawks' Caleb Bresett drives to the hoop.

Watkins Glen boys lose to Lansing

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 12, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 59-42 decision Friday night to unbeaten Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

The Lake Hawks (now 4-7) trailed 21-10 after one quarter, 34-21 at halftime, and 50-29 entering the fourth quarter.

Sam Caslin led Watkins in scoring with 11 points, while Ryan Willett scored 10, Alex Holmes 7, Jude Santos 5, Caleb Bresett 3, and Christopher Simiele, Nick D'Alleva and Brady Bockelkamp 2 each. The team converted 9 of 11 free throws.

Santos led the team in rebounds with 8, while Willett grabbed 4 and Holmes 3.

"We knew coming in how good Lansing is, and they showed it tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We fought hard to hang around and did some good things throughout the game. You never want to lose, but you can learn something from every game and we found some things we can do to improve as we will get back to work for the second half of the season."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Lansing, 52- 49. Jaydon Scholtisek led the Lake Hawks with 25 points, while Caydin Lagramada scored 12, Bryce Bockelkamp 7, Dominic Lewis 6, and Nolan Reynolds 2. Reynolds led in rebounds with 11, while Bockelkamp grabbed 6.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin prepares to shoot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Christopher Simiele looks to shoot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Ryan Willett drives toward the basket.

Bowling: Watkins boys, girls top Tioga

WAVERLY, Jan. 11, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams posted victories Thursday over Tioga in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at the Valley Bowling Center. The boys won 4-0, and the girls 3-1.

Boys: The Lake Hawks won all three games by a combined 2439-2321, including by a narrow six pins in the first game, 807-801. Brett Cullen-Pike led the squad with a 167-225-214--606, while Mykel Cody posted a 553 (with a 205), and Kamden Miller a 505.

Girls:Watkins Glen won the first and third games and total pinfall, 2187-2150. Ava Cowan led the Lake Hawks with a 580 series that included a 217, while Maisie Robertson rolled a 506, and Katie Cook a 424.

"I was super proud of the team tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Nils Watson. "They really focused and performed well. The matches were close, but the WG bowling squad was able to stay positive and support each other for the win."

Left: Odessa-Montour's Keyonna Garrison is fouled as she shoots. Right: The Grizzlies' Evvie Zinger prepares to shoot.

Odessa-Montour girls edge Newfield

ODESSA, Jan. 11, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by Leah Antes' 14 points, including the game-winner with 19 seconds left -- defeated Newfield 37-35 Thursday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The game, close throughout, wasn't decided until Newfield rattled a last-second 3-point attempt in and out of the hoop.

The Grizzlies, down 15-13 after one quarter, were ahead 24-20 at halftime and 33-31 entering the fourth quarter.

Neither team scored in the first three minutes of the final period, but Newfield knotted the score with 4:58 to go, and took the lead a minute later, 35-33. O-M tied the game at 2:40 on an Evvie Zinger basket, and went ahead again on Antes' final basket -- setting the stage for the last-second miss by Newfield.

In addition to her 14 points, Antes grabbed 8 rebounds and had 6 steals. Zinger finished with 8 points and 11 rebounds, while Keyonna Garrison registered 7 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks. Other points came from Gina Gavich (6, with 6 assists) and Brooklynn Thompson (2). The team was 7-for-13 from the foul line.

Natalie Tibbals led Newfield with 15 points. The team was 2-for-9 from the line.

Odessa-Montour is now 5-7 overall, including 3-4 in the IAC Small Schools South Division. Newfield is 2-8 and 2-5.

"We absolutely needed this one if we have any hope of competing in the division race, and we did what we had to," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "It was a war of attrition down the stretch there and seemed to be tied at 35 forever until Leah got that putback for us to give us the lead for good.

"But we grinded that one out and really scratched and clawed to get it. I honestly wasn't sure we had that in us to win a game like that, and we found a way to do it. It was a great team effort we should be proud of. Unfortunately we don't get very long to enjoy it. We play at Union Springs tomorrow, and at Watkins Glen on Tuesday."

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Leah Antes is fouled as she drives to the basket.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Gina Gavich sends a shot on its way.

Odessa-Montour's Maggie Pentz (left photo) and Brooklynn Thompson (right) drive past Newfield defenders.

Odessa-Montour boys lose to Newfield

NEWFIELD, Jan. 11, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 58-36 decision Thursday night to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The game, a makeup contest from Tuesday, saw the Grizzlies' Tyler Malnoske score 14 points, including three 3-pointers. Other points came from Drew Parmenter (8), Brad Gillis (6), David Patterson (4), and Ben Heichel (4).

O-M trailed 16-11 after one period, 31-19 at halftime, and 37-29 entering the fourth quarter. They were then outscored 21-7 down the stretch.

"Lots of guys are sick," said O-M Coach Aaron Thomson, "and a few are just coming back off injuries. My take on the game is we just can't play a full four quarters. It's hard getting a rhythm going."

The Grizzlies return to action Friday night at home against Union Springs.

Junior Varsity: Newfield defeated Odessa-Montour, 48-41.

Bowling: O-M girls win, boys lose to TAE

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 11, 2024 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity bowling team posted a 3-1 victory over undermanned Edison Thursday while the O-M boys lost 4-0 to the Spartans in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

Girls: The Grizzlies dropped the first game 330-329 before winning the next two and total pinfall, 1200-880. Edison had just three bowlers. Odessa was led by Pietra Vanderwerff's 298 series.

Boys: Odessa-Montour lost all three games by a combined 1840-1611. The Grizzlies were led by Breyden Seamon's 509 series.

Watkins Glen's Christopher Simiele takes the ball to the hoop for two first-half points.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Dryden, 63-53

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 10, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 4-6 Wednesday night when the Lake Hawks dropped a 63-53 decision to Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Watkins Glen, after a 7-7 start, fell behind the Lions 22-16 by the end of the first quarter and 39-24 at halftime before closing the gap in the second half.

The Lake Hawks had three players scoring in double figures: Ryan Willett with 13 points and Christopher Simiele and Sam Caslin with 12 apiece. Other points came from Alex Holmes (7), Quacey Wilt (6) and Jude Santos (3).

Holmes led the team in rebounds with 8, while Willett and Wilt grabbed 6 each, and Santos 4. Simiele led in steals with 4, while Caslin had 3 and Wilt 2. Holmes led in assists with 4, while Caslin had 3.

"I was proud of the energy and the effort the boys played with tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We are used to being undersized, but we were very small tonight, which made the match-ups tricky for sure. But the boys played hard and we came out in the second half attacking the basket and did some good things."

Junior Varsity: Dryden defeated Watkins Glen 38-28. Bryce Bockelkamp led the Lake Hawks with 12 points, while Caydin Lagramada scored 6, Dominic Lewis 4, Nolan Reynolds 3, and Levi Murphy 3. Reynolds led in rebounds with 7.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin puts up a shot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes takes aim. Right: The Lake Hawks' Quacey Wilt goes up for a shot.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Anabelle Crippen. Right: O-M's Breyden Seamon.

Bowling: Watkins boys, girls top O-M

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 10, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams posted 4-0 victories Wednesday over Odessa-Montour in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: The Lake Hawks won all three games by a combined 2227-1580, with Mykel Cody rolling a 585 series (including a 212 game) and Brett Cullen-Pike a 509. Odessa-Montour was led by Breyden Seamon's 466 series.

Girls: Watkins Glen won all three games by a combined 1927-1297. Ava Cowan led the Lake Hawks with a 493 series, while Katie Cook posted a 449, Maisie Robertson a 365, and Skylar Churchill a 333. Abbey Grady led Odessa-Montour with a 335 series.

Both schools return to action Thursday, O-M at home against Edison, and Watkins Glen at Tioga.

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

Watkins Glen's four senior bowlers were honored in a Senior Night ceremony. They are, from left, Skylar Churchill, Katie Cook, Ava Cowan and Maisie Robertson.

Bowling: Glen boys, girls fall to US/PB

AUBURN, Jan. 8, 2024 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches Monday to Union Springs/Port Byron on the road.

Boys: Watkins fell 3-1, losing the first two games and total pinfall, 2931-2288. Brett Cullen-Pike led the Lake Hawks with a 510 series, while Kamden Miller posted a 495 and Mykel Cody a 488.

Girls: Watkins lost 4-0, dropping all three games by a combined 2432-2076. Ava Cowan led the Lake Hawks with a 483 series, while Maisie Robertson rolled a 480 and Katie Cook a 440.

Watkins Glen returns to action Tuesday at home against Odessa-Montour.

The Storm's Balan Ault, left, takes down a Dundee/Bradford opponent. Ault won by pin.

Storm wrestlers place 2nd at OM Duals

ODESSA, Jan. 6, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen High School varsity wrestling team -- the Schuyler Storm -- finished second Saturday at the annual OM Duals held in the O-M gym.

The Storm finished behind Marathon and ahead of Horseheads, Ithaca, Whitney Point, South Seneca, Dundee, and Thomas Edison, in that order.

Round one saw OM/WG earning a 51-12 victory over Dundee/Bradford, followed by a 46-18 victory over Whitney Point, avenging a season-opening loss. In the third round the Storm lost 42-29 to Marathon, but closed with victories in the fourth and fifth rounds against Horseheads (42-30) and Ithaca (42-29) to finish 4-1.

Individual awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament, with Most Outstanding Wrestler awards for each weight class. Earning MOW honors for OM/WG were Lucas Hoffman at 116 pounds, Jared Watson at 131 pounds, Dana Guild at 215 pounds, and Aiden Summers at 285 pounds.

Also competing for the Storm: Jayden Summers at 116 pounds, Riley Yaw at 124, Bradley Cantineri at 131, Dylan Senecal at 131, Hunter Barrett at 138, Daniel Coston at 138, Jaymes Forker at 145, Kaiden Karius at 152, Balan Ault at 152, Ean Walsh at 160, Dana Spaccio at 170, Joey Chamberlin at 190, Breck Senecal at 190, and Patrick Croft at 215.

OM/WG returns to action Tuesday night when it hosts Lansing in O-M's Jack Davis Gym. Wrestling will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Aiden Summers, top, en route to victory by pin over a Dundee/Bradford opponent.
Bottom: WG/OM's Joey Chamberlin, right, battles a Dundee/Bradford opponent at 190.

The Storm's Jaymes Forker, right, battles a Dundee/Bradford opponent at 145 pounds.

Kendra Fish, left, and Kaylin Smith cheer on The Storm's Liam Smith in Saturday's finals of the 200 Individual Medley. (Photo by Georgia Michel)

Storm swimmers finish 7th at invitational

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 6, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team placed 7th among 12 schools at its own 2024 Boys Invitational in the Glen meet Saturday in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

Shenendehowa won the meet with 542 points, with Maine-Endwell second with 303. They were followed by Corning-Painted Post (283), Horseheads (258), Chenango Valley (251), Sweet Home (150), Schuyler Storm (Watkins Glen/Odessa-Montour) (147), Ithaca (89), Marcus Whitman (79), Lansing (72), Johnson City (69), and Owego Free Academy (28).

Top performances for the Storm were posted by:

Vinnie Ocasio: 8th in the 100 Free in 53.88, 12th in the 200 Free in 1:59.07, and on the 4th place 200 Free Relay and 6th place 400 Free Relay squads.

Liam Smith: 7th in the 200 IM in 2:13.02, 8th in the 500 Free in 5:36.14, and on the 4th place 200 Free Relay and 6th place 400 Free Relay squads.

Ryan Dean: 7th in the 100 Back in 1:00.17, 11th in the 100 Fly in 1:00.03, and on the 4th place 200 Free Relay and 6th place 400 Free Relay squads.

Carson Thaete: 10th in the 500 Free in 5:31.48, and on the 4th place 200 Free Relay and 6th place 400 Free Relay.

Photos in text: The Storm's Vinnie Ocasio (top), Liam Smith (left), and Carson Thaete (right) at Saturday's meet.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 2

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 6, 2024 -- The 39th season of Watkins Glen Youth Basketball continued Saturday, with the following results.

2nd and 3rd Grades:

Maguire's 9,Famous Brands 4.
Maguire's scoring: Jayvon Payne 4, Jaxson Bellavigna 2, Camden Janowski 2, Logan Saks 1.
Famous Brands scoring: Elliott Jones 2, Natalie Westervelt 2.

Curly's 24, Sporting Goods 3.
Curly's scoring: Kingston Tomlinson 16, Austin Burt 6, Owen Canzler 2.
Sporting Goods scoring: AJ Stansfield 2, Finn Schamel 1.

Standings:
Curly's Family Restaurant 2-0
Maguire's 2-0
Famous Brands 0-2
Sporting Goods 0-2

4th-6th Grades:

Watkins Motel 38, Capt. Bill's 14.
Watkins Motel scoring: Cooper Lagramada 13, Morgan Bubb 10, Aubrey Blauvelt 6, Zion Tomlinson 5, Landen Bianco 2, Cameron Gee 2.
Capt. Bill's scoring: Lucas Schubmehl 4, Waylon Gee 2, Garrett Bubb 2, Sarah Murphy 2, Derrick Westervelt 2, Ian Smith 2.

Schamel Brothers 28, WG Supply 14.
Schamel Brothers scoring: Callan Schamel 10, Markel Gullo 4, Mason Bellivigna 4, Elliot Hendrickson 4, Cole DeRochers 2, Izzy Gomez Fitzsimmons 2, Jacob Martin 2.
WG Supply scoring: Lucas VanSkiver 8, Catherine Caslin 4, Henry Titus 2.

Standings:
Watkins Motel 2-0
Schamel Brothers 1-1
Capt. Bill's 1-1
Watkins Glen Supply 0-2

The record-setting 4x200 Relay team, from left, Sam Hohle, Michael Purpura, Aidan Kelly and Kyren Young. (Photo provided)

Indoor Track: 2 WGHS records set

ITHACA, Jan. 5, 2023 -- A Watkins Glen High School indoor track relay team and a race walker set school marks Friday at the Hurley Invitational meet at Ithaca College.

The 4x200 Relay team of Sam Hohle, Michael Purpura, Aidan Kelly and Kyren Young set a new school mark while placing 7th at a meet featuring 37 teams. They ran a 1:43.02, surpassing the old mark of 1:44.48 set in 2016-17 by Patrick Hazlitt, Aaron Planty, Jacob Carocci and Sam Hanley.

Also setting a new school mark Friday: Madison Tuttle, who broke her own record in the 1500 Meter Race Walk while finishing second among 19 competitors with a time of 7:30.16. She set the school standard of 8:24.46 last year, and bettered it earlier this season with a time of 7:40.89.

"We had so many PRs," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner, referring to the personal records set in the Hurley meet by her team. They included a 10:43.40 by Johnny VanScoyk while finishing 11th in the 3200; a 3:04.85 by Isaac Hendrickson while placing 18th in the 1000; a 3:54.43 by Kathryn Planty while finishing 24th in the 1000; and a 7.20 in the 55 (24th place) and a 41.23 in the 300 (23rd place) by Sam Hohle in the 55 and 300 Meter Dashes, respectively.

Photo in text: Maddie Tuttle on the way to a school record in the race walk. (Photo by Logan DeBolt)

Odessa-Montour girls lose to Groton

GROTON, Jan. 5, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 4-7 Friday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 45-31 decision to Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Groton gym.

O-M was ahead 11-8 after one quarter, but trailed 25-17 at halftime. The Grizzlies closed to within three points, 25-22, in the third period, but Groton scored the last nine points and entered the fourth up 34-22.

"We got off to a good start in that first quarter, but then got into some foul trouble in the second quarter that started things going in the wrong direction," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We made a little run to start the third, but then a couple of bad things happened and we went cold. Groton is an aggressive, physical team and we didn't handle that particularly well tonight."

Gina Gavich led O-M with 14 points, while Leah Antes scored 5, Keyonna Garrison 4, Brooklynn Thompson 3, Evvie Zinger 3, and Maggie Pentz 2. The Grizzlies were 4-for7 at the foul line, while Groton (now 3-3) was 9-for-12.

Junior Varsity: Groton defeated Odessa-Montour 24-11.

The Storm's Carson Thaete dives at start of the third leg in the 200 Medley Relay.

Prelims held at Boys Invitational in Glen

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 5, 2023 -- The 2024 Boys Invitational in the Glen -- a swim meet featuring schools from around the region and beyond -- opened with preliminary races Friday at the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The host Schuyler Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School swimmers -- competed against Owego Free Academy, Johnson City, Sweet Home, Susquehanna Valley, Maine Endwell, Ithaca, Chenango Valley, Horseheads, Southern Cayuga, New Paltz, Shenendehowa, Corning-Painted Post, Marcus Whitman, and Lansing.

The Prelims set up the finals and consolation finals, to be held at WGHS on Saturday.

Top finishes for Watkins Glen were posted by:

Vinnie Ocasio: 7th in the 100 Free (52.85) and 13th in the 200 Free (2:00.87). He was also on the 4th place 400 Free Relay squad and 5th place 200 Free Relay squad.

Liam Smith: 7th in the 200 Individual Medley (2:11.70) and 8th in the 500 Free (5:26.17). He was also on the 4th place 400 Free Relay squad and the 5th place 200 Free Relay squad.

Ryan Dean: 5th in the 100 Backstroke (58.89). He was also on the 4th place 400 Free Relay squad and the 5th place 200 Free Relay squad.

Carson Thaete: 10th in the 500 Free (5:31.13). He was also on the 4th place 400 Free Relay squad.

Alex Walters: He was on the 5th place 200 Free Relay squad.

Photos in text: Liam Smith (top) in the 200 IM; and Vinnie Ocasio in the 200 Free.

The Schuyler Storm's Enric Lin glides at start of the 200 Individual Medley.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Trumansburg

TRUMANSBURG, Jan. 5, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 4-5 Friday night when the Lake Hawks dropped a 76-59 decision to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Trumansburg gym.

"Tonight was a tough game against a very talented Trumansburg team," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Turnovers hurt us badly, but we had stretches of the game where we played quite well. It’s always a learning experience win or lose, and I like the direction we are heading.

"Right now, we have stretches of playing very good defense and stretches where we rebound well and get into effective offense. I see us getting closer to putting it all together throughout the game and I appreciate how hard the boys work to get there. The league is tough this year, but we have played some good games and hopefully we can continue to improve."

Ryan Willett led Watkins Glen with 22 points, while Christopher Simiele scored 8, Alex Holmes 8, Sam Caslin 7, Quacey Wilt 4, Lucas Hoffman 4, Caleb Bresett 2, Thomas Field 2, and Nick Ritter 2. Holmes led in rebounds with 12, while Willett grabbed 5 and Wilt 3. Caslin led in assists with 6, while Simiele registered 5. Caslin also led in steals with 5.

Junior Varsity: Trumansburg defeated Watkins Glen 53-28. Jaydon Scholtisek led Watkins scorers with 11 points, while Bryce Bockelkamp scored 8 points (with 6 rebounds), Caydin Lagramade 6, and Aden Rekczis 3.

Storm wrestlers defeat Edison, 54-18

EDISON HEIGHTS, Jan. 4, 2023 -- the Schuyler Storm (Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen) varsity wrestling team posted a 54-18 victory Thursday night over Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference divisional meet in the Edison gym.

The dual started with a double forfeit at 101 pounds, followed by a forfeit win for TAE's Austin Donahue. OM/WG posted four forfeit victories -- at 116 pounds from Lucas Hoffman, at 124 from Riley Yaw, at 131 pounds from Bradley Cantineri, and at 138 pounds from Hunter Barrett -- making the score 24-6.

Wrestling matches started at 145 pounds with The Storm's Jaymes Forker posting a come-from-behind pinfall over TAE's Cody Lucero, followed by a pinfall victory from OM/WG's John Swaney over TAE's Levi Utter at 152 pounds. TAE posted a pinfall victory at 160 pounds with Greg Golden pinning Balan Ault. At 170 pounds The Storm's Ean Walsh pinned TAE's Mason Barchet, followed by a TAE victory at 190 pounds from Caden Southard pinning OM/WG's Breck Senecal. The 215-pound and 285-pound matches were won by Dana Guild (OM/WG), who pinned Jaeden Baldwin (TAE) in 13 seconds, and Aiden Summers (OM/WG), who pinned James Griffin (TAE) in one minute.

Wrestling returns to Odessa-Montour on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. with the annual OM Duals, which will feature Storm, Horseheads, South Seneca, Marathon, Dundee, Ithaca, Whitney Point, and Thomas Edison competitors.

Odessa-Montour's Gavin Lohmeyer (left photo) and Ben Heichel drive to the hoop.

O-M comeback falls short against Groton

ODESSA, Jan. 4, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team clawed back from a double-digit deficit Thursday night only to fall in the closing minutes to Groton, 53-47, in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies trailed 18-12 after one period and 23-12 early in the second quarter before closing to within six points at halftime, 29-23. They fell behind by 11 again in the third quarter before entering the fourth down 41-38.

O-M pulled within a point at 41-40 before Groton went on a 6-0 run to pull away to a 47-40 lead -- but the Grizzlies countered with a 7-0 run to tie the game with 2:53 to play. It stayed that way until 55 seconds remained -- the point at which Groton scored on a short floater.

After that, O-M was forced to foul, sending Groton to the line three times, where the visitors sank 4-of-6 free throws to close out the scoring.

Drew Parmenter led the Grizzlies in scoring with 13 points, including three 3-pointers. Other points came from Gunner Herrmann (10), Tyler Malnoske (9), Ben Heichel (8), Brad Gillis (5), and Gavin Lohmeyer (2). The team was 0-for-7 from the foul line.

Junior Varsity: Groton defeated O-M, 48-41. Aaron Sutton led the Grizzlies with 13 points, while James Halpin scored 11.

Photo in text: O-M's Drew Parmenter drives to the basket in traffic.

Left:O-M's Lance Reese looks to pass the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Tyler Malnoske tries to move around a Groton defender.

Odessa-Montour bowlers fall to Lansing

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

Boys: O-M lost all three games by a combined 2359-1508. Breyden Seamon led the Grizzlies with a 455 series.

Girls: Odessa dropped all three games by a combined 1645-1216. Abbey Grady led the Grizzlies with a 305 series.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Tuesday against Watkins Glen.

Bowling: Watkins boys, girls post wins

NEWARK VALLEY, Jan. 4, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams registered 4-0 victories over Newark Valley Thursday in Interscholastic Athletic Conference road matches.

"The team bowled great," said Watkins Glen Coach Nils Watson. "Everyone was focused and kept a positive attitude throughout the whole match. The team has been putting in a lot of time working on their technique and some additional muscle work, and it really showed tonight. I was super proud of everyone’s effort and attitude."

Boys: Watkins Glen won all three games by a combined 2343-1800, led by Brett Cullen-Pike's 529 series, which included a 222 game. Mykel Cody posted a 522, and Kamden Miller a 519, including a 226.

Girls: The Lake Hawks won all three games by a combined 2153-1934. Ava Cowan led Watkins with a 548 series, while Maisie Robertson added a 441, Faith White a 412, and Katie Cook a 409.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Candor

CANDOR, Jan. 3, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team dropped a 59-40 decision Wednesday night to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small School South Division game in the Candor gym.

"We ran into a real buzzsaw tonight," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "Candor shot the ball extremely well and we couldn't buy one most of the night."

Candor led 18-9 after one period, 33-17 at halftime, and 43-27 entering the fourth quarter.

Leah Antes led the Grizzlies (now 4-6 overall and 2-3 in IAC play) with 18 points and 6 steals, while Gina Gavich scored 11 points and had 4 assists. Other points came from Evvie Zinger (7), Brooklynn Thompson (2), and Keyonna Garrison (2).

Megan Williamson came off the bench to lead Candor (3-4, 2-3) with 19 points, while Emmi Makie scored 17 and Nicola Soper 15.

O-M returns to action Friday at Groton.

Junior Varsity: Candor defeated Odessa-Montour 34-9.

Hoffman wins title at Cooperstown meet

COOPERSTOWN, Dec. 30, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen High School varsity wrestling team -- the Schuyler Storm -- placed 7th among 15 schools Saturday at the 9th annual Cooperstown Invitational Tournament.

Central Square won the event with 192 points, followed by Maine-Endwell (170), New Hartford (114.5), Beekmantown (107), Little Falls (106.5), White Plains (105.5), and WG/OM (103.5). Schools finishing 8th through 15th were Hoosick Falls, Mount Markham, Cooperstown, Dolgeville, LaSalle Institute, Herkimer, Johnson City, and Rome Free Academy.

The Storm's Lucas Hoffman won the 116-pound weight class with a record of 5-0, including four pins before a 12-3 major decision over Nate Vierri of Little Falls in the finals.

Also placing for OM/WG were Dana Guild at 215 pounds, third with a 4-1 record; Dylan Senecal, fourth at 131 pounds with a 2-2 record; Balan Ault, fourth at 152 pounds with a 3-2 record; Daniel Coston, fifth at 138 pounds with a 2-2 record; Patrick Croft, fifth at 215 pounds with a 3-2 record; and Aiden Summers, sixth at 285 pounds with a 3-2 record.

Also competing for the Storm were Jared Watson, who earned a 3-2 record at 131 pounds; and Jaymes Forker, who was 1-3 at 145 pounds.

The Storm will return to action Thursday in a dual meet at Edison.

Photo in text: The Storm's Lucas Hoffman with his trophy. (Photo provided)

O-M boys top Cowanesque for title

ADDISON, Dec. 30, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team defeated Cowanesque Valley 62-43 Saturday night to capture the championship of the Addison Holiday Tournament.

The Grizzlies' Tyler Malnoske, who scored 20 points, was named the tournament MVP while teammate Brad Gillis, who scored 11 points, was named to the All-Star team.

O-M, which led 34-29 at halftime and pulled away with a strong second half, also got points from Drew Parmenter (11), Ben Heichel (8), Gavin Lohmeyer (6), David Patterson (4), and Lance Reese (2). The team converted 5 of 9 free throws.

Cowanesque Valley "was a tough, scrappy team," said O-M Coach Aaron Thomson, "and we lost our big guy to an ankle injury ... but we battled hard tonight. We had a few kids off the bench who filled the holes that we needed. This definitely feels good going into a new year!"

Photo in text: The O-M Grizzlies after winning the tourney title. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen's Ryan Willett drives to the basket against Newfield's Gregory Taylor.

Consolation: Watkins boys edge Newfield

Post 57-52 win; Candor upends Tburg in championship game, 43-39

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 30, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team led from the outset and then held off Newfield for a 57-52 victory Saturday in the consolation game of the WG Lake Hawks Holiday Tournament at the WGHS Field House.

In the game that followed, Candor defeated Trumansburg 43-39 to claim the tournament championship. Candor established an early lead and held off a late rally by the Raiders.

Watkins Glen, ostensibly the underdog against Newfield, came out with some red-hot shooting, with Christopher Simiele hitting for 10 points and Sam Caslin for 6 as the Lake Hawks built a 16-7 lead in the first 5:15. After Simiele was pulled with three fouls at the 1:46 mark and Watkins up 16-9, the Trojans rallied to pull within a point, 16-15, entering the second quarter.

But Watkins' Ryan Willett picked up the offense with 9 second-quarter points while freshman Jude Santos owned the backboards with 9 first-half rebounds and a couple of blocks (on his way to a game-high 5).

The Lake Hawks built their lead to 10 points, 32-22, at intermission, and maintained their advantage through the third period, entering the fourth up 46-33. But Newfield battled back in the fourth quarter, pulling within two points, 50-48, with 2:52 left to play, and 52-50 with 1:05 remaining.

But a 3-pointer by Simiele with 38 seconds to go gave Watkins breathing room. After Newfield connected for a basket -- first ruled a 3-pointer but then a 2-pointer -- with 25.2 seconds on the clock, two free throws by Caslin with 13.2 seconds left closed out the scoring.

Caslin finished with 16 points, while Simiele netted 15, Willett 14, Quacey Wilt 7 and Santos 5. The team converted 8 of 15 free throws.

Santos finished with 12 rebounds, while Willett grabbed 11, Caslin 5, Wilt 4 and Simiele 3. Caslin led in assists with 6.

Newfield was led by Malcolm Jenkins' 17 points, and 15 by Austin Jenney. The team sank 8 of 12 free throws.

"After having a rough game last night (a loss to Trumansburg), I was very pleased with how the team approached the game tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We moved the ball well, as well as moving well without the ball. I liked how hard we defended and rebounded against a bigger team.

"It was a great team win, and hopefully we can build on this going forward."

Watkins Glen, now 4-4, will return to action Friday at Trumansburg.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen fell to Candor in the JV Consolation Game, 49-37. The Lake Hawks' Bryce Bockelkamp was named a tournament All-Star, while Trumansburg's Brayden Dann -- who led the Blue Raiders past Newfield in the title game, 55-11, was named the MVP.

Caydin Lagramada led Watkins in scoring with 12 points, while Bockelkamp had 11. Other points came from Nolan Reynolds (4, with 7 rebounds and 3 blocks), Dominic Lewis (4), Johnny Sisana (3), Austin Preuninger (2), and Ayden Stevens (1).

3-point contest: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin won the 3-point shooting contest.

HOF Inductions: Three more storied people from the WGHS past -- athletes Courtney Warren-Manning and Matthew Gill, and coach John Fazzary -- were inducted into the WGHS Athletic Hall of Fame at center court between the varsity consolation and title contests.

Their ceremony followed by two days the inductions of Coach Jeff Smythe and athletes Lexi Castellaneta and Patrick Hazlitt.

Photos in text: From top, Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin, Quacey Wilt and Christopher Simiele in action against Newfield.

The WGHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were honored at center court: Coach John Fazzary, 2014 graduate Matthew Gill, and 2006 graduate Courtney Warren-Manning.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jude Santos shoots. Right: The Lake Hawks' Brady Bockelkamp maneuvers around Newfield's Anthony Ellison.

From left: Longtime Watkins Glen basketball coaches Jim Scott, John Fazzary and David Waite pose after Fazzary's induction into the WGHS Athletic Hall of Fame.

Friends and basketball players from Watkins Glen's past pose after the induction of Courtney Warren-Manning into the WGHS Athletic Hall of Fame. From left: Warren-Manning, Molly Oates, Jennifer Conklin, Olivia Coffey, and Michelle Thorpe Lynch.

And in the JV game:

Watkins' Caydin Lagramada (left photo) and Jax Decker (right) send shots on their way.

Watkins Glen girls top Onondaga, 61-30

NEDROW, NY, Dec. 30, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved its record to 7-2 Saturday by defeating Onondaga 61-30 in the More Than A Game Tournament at Onondaga High School.

The Lake Hawks were led by Rachel Vickio's 15 points, which included three 3-pointers. Other points came from Molly Coolican (11), Olivia VanSkiver (9), Addie Coolican (7), Michaela Wheaton (4), Brianna Hatch (4), Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons (3), Natalee Oliver (3), Lillian Ameigh (2), Emma Cady (2), and Olivia King (1). The team converted 10 of 15 free throws.

Watkins Glen led 8-6 after one quarter, 27-10 at halftime and 41-16 entering the fourth quarter.

Tournament MVP Awards were presented to one player from the team in each of its two tourney games -- a loss Friday to Owego and Saturday's victory over Onondaga.

Natalee Oliver was presented the honor for the Friday game, and Rachel Vickio was selected for the Saturday game.

The Lake Hawks return to action Jan. 8th at Dryden.

Photos in text: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio (left) and Natalee Oliver with their MVP Awards. (Photos provided)

Watkins Glen girls fall to Owego, 44-38

NEDROW, NY, Dec. 29, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 6-2 Friday when the Lake Hawks dropped a 44-38 decision to Owego in the More Than A Game Tournament at Onondaga High School.

Watkins trailed 16-6 after one quarter and 26-17 at halftime, and entered the fourth quarter down 33-26.

Olivia King led the Lake Hawks in scoring with 10 points, while Brianna Hatch notched 9, Rachel Vickio 6, Molly Coolican 5, Addie Coolican 4, Michaela Wheaton 2, and Natalee Oliver 2. The team converted 2 of 9 free throws.

Watkins Glen will resume play Saturday with a tournament game against Onondaga.

*******

Photo: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio moves the ball along the baseline against Owego. (Photo provided)

WGHS Tourney: Glen boys fall to Tburg

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 29, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 61-41 decision Friday evening to Trumansburg in the opening round of the WG Lake Hawks Holiday Tournament in the WGHS Field House.

Candor defeated Newfield in the other semifinal on a last-second shot by Jakobe Foster that broke a tie and gave the Coyotes a 38-36 victory. Candor and Trumansburg will meet Saturday evening in the tourney finale to determine the champion.

That game will be preceded by the consolation game, scheduled for 4 p.m. between Watkins Glen and Newfield.

Watkins Glen (now 3-4) trailed Tburg 17-10 after one quarter, 40-20 at halftime, and 55-33 entering the fourth period.

Ryan Willett led the Lake Hawks with 16 points, while Sam Caslin scored 9, Christopher Simiele 8, Brady Bockelkamp 4, Jude Santos 2, and Nick Ritter 2. The team converted 8 of 15 free throws. Santos led in rebounds with 6, while Simiele and Caslin grabbed 4 each.

Trumansburg had three players in double figures, topped by Nik Nelson's 13. The Raiders sank 7 of 12 free throws.

"It was not our best game tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "but Trumansburg is a terrific team and we knew it was going to be a challenge.

"We didn't move the ball well tonight and struggled to identify open teammates. That is definitely something that needs to improve if we want to have an opportunity to win games.

"In a tournament like this, you have to quickly let a game like that go and focus on a different opponent tomorrow. Newfield is tough this season and it's going to be another challenging game for us, but I am proud of the boys and how much they welcome adversity as an opportunity to grow."

Junior Varsity: Trumansburg defeated Watkins Glen 61-31 in the tournament's opening round, and will face Newfield at 2:30 p.m. Saturday for the tourney title. Watkins Glen will play Candor -- which lost 60-44 to Newfield -- in the consolation game at 1 p.m.

Watkins Glen fell far behind Trumansburg in the first half, trailing 13-1 through one quarter and 34-5 at intermission.

Bryce Bockelkamp led Watkins with 9 points and 8 rebounds. Caydin Lagramada added 8 points, Nolan Reynolds 4 points (with 8 rebounds), Austin Preuninger 4 points, Jax Decker 3 points, and Ryan Baudendistle 3 points.

Hall of Fame Induction: Courtney Warren-Manning, Matthew Gill and John Fazzary will be inducted into the WGHS Athletic Hall of Fame at about 5:15 p.m. Saturday on center court. The ceremony will occur between the varsity Consolation and Championship games.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Christopher Simiele takes the ball to the hoop.
Middle: The Lake Hawks' Ryan Willett registers two points.
Bottom: Watkins' Brady Bockelkamp attempts a shot in traffic.

Left: Watkins Glen's Thomas Field passes the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Sam Caslin goes up for a shot.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Bryce Bockelkamp is fouled as he shoots. Right: The Lake Hawks' Nolan Reynolds battles for a rebound.

O-M girls top Addison in consolation game

ADDISON, Dec. 29, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 4-5 Friday with a 45-30 victory over Addison in the consolation game of the Addison Holiday Tournament.

Dundee/Bradford beat North Penn-Mansfield 55-24 in the championship game.

Leah Antes led Odessa with 17 points, including 13 in the second half, and registered 4 steals and 3 assists. Evvie Zinger scored 13 points (including two 3-pointers in the second half), while Keyonna Garrison scored 6 points, Maggie Pentz 4, Brooklynn Thompson 4 (with 6 rebounds), and Gina Gavich 1 (with 6 assists and 5 steals). The team converted 11 of 20 free throws, while Addison (now 2-6) was 0-for-11.

The Grizzlies trailed 9-8 after one quarter, and were ahead 19-14 at halftime and 32-22 entering the fourth period.

"They really focused their entire defensive game plan on Gina and we got good offensive production tonight from our other players," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "It was a good way for us to close out the calendar year. This is a tough stretch for us, six of seven on the road and two divisional games at Candor and at Groton next week, so hopefully we can take some momentum from this one."

Gina Gavich was named to all-tournament team.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost 36-28 to Dundee/Bradford. Alannah Rounds led the Grizzlies with 9 points and was named to all-tournament team.

O-M boys top Addison, advance to finale

ADDISON, Dec. 28, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team got double-digit scoring from five players Friday as it defeated Addison 60-44 in the opening round of the Addison Holiday Tournament. With the win, O-M advanced to Saturday's title game.

Tyler Malnoske led the Grizzlies with 15 points, while Ben Heichel scored 11, Drew Parmenter 10, David Patterson 10, Brad Gillis 10, and Gunner Herrmann 4. The team sank 7 of 10 free throws.

Addison was led by Zane Wheeler's 14 points. The team was 0-for-2 from the foul line.

The two squads were tied 14-14 after one period and 23-23 at halftime before O-M went on a 22-7 run in the third quarter to pull away.

"It was the best second half we've seen all season," said O-M Coach Aaron Thomson, who added that his team "played together tonight. I couldn't be happier with their performance."

The Watkins Glen varsity basketball team, champions of the Wilson Memorial tourney.

Glen girls roll to Wilson tournament title

For more photos from the tournament, click here.

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 28, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team built an early lead Thursday night and coasted past South Seneca, 60-24, in the championship game of the Melissa B. Wilson Memorial Tournament in the WGHS Field House.

The tourney -- in memory of a young woman who played basketball at, and graduated from, WGHS in the 1990s before dying in an automobile accident in 1996 -- proved a showcase for the 6-1 Lake Hawks.

Watkins was up 13-2 in the first few minutes, 13-7 after one quarter, 28-15 at halftime, and 48-21 entering the fourth period.

The Hawks' scoring was spread around, with Brianna Hatch netting 12 points, Rachel Vickio 11, Emma Cady 10, Molly Coolican 7, Addie Coolican 4, Olivia King 4, Zade Gomez Fitzsimmons 4, Natalee Oliver 2, Lillian Ameigh 2, Olivia VanSkiver 2, and Michaela Wheaton 2. The team converted 3 of 9 free throws.

Addie Coolican was named the tournament MVP. Also making the tourney All-Star team were Haley Perry of South Seneca (who scored a team-high 12 points in the title game), and Allison Denmark of Trumansburg.

Consolation Game: Trumansburg rode a 14-0 fourth-quarter run to a 40-32 victory over South Seneca.

Hall of Fame Inductions: Watkins Glen High School alums Lexi Castellaneta and Patrick Hazlitt and 1970s football coach Jeff Smythe were inducted into the WGHS Athletic Hall of Fame in a ceremony preceding the title game.

Castellaneta, a four-time state-level diver in high school before a stellar gymnastics career in college, and Hazlitt, a record-setting cross-country and track runner at WGHS before an outstanding college track career, were present to receive their honors. Coach Smythe, now in his 80s and living in North Carolina, was absent, with his induction award accepted on his behalf by friend and former player David Popovich.

Junior Varsity: The Watkins Glen girls junior varsity team defeated Spencer-Van Etten 20-19 in overtime to claim the tournament's JV crown.

The Lake Hawks (5-2), who came from behind to take the lead by a point, 19-18, in the closing minutes of regulation, were forced to overtime when a foul was called against them as time expired, and S-VE's Kaidince Root sank the second of two free throws to tie the game.

The overtime was marked by a host of turnovers on both sides, and highlighted by two steals by Watkins' Ava Kelly -- and, with 1:30 left, a free throw by Kelly that was the only scoring in the period.

Photos in text:

Top:
Addie Coolican drives to the hoop. She was named tourney MVP.
Bottom: Hall of Fame inductees Patrick Hazlitt, center, and Lexi Castellaneta, with David Popovich, who accepted the induction award for Jeff Smythe.

The WGHS girls junior varsity basketball team poses after winning the tourney JV title.

For more photos from the tournament, click here.

2 set new WGHS indoor track records

CORTLAND, Dec. 27, 2023 -- Two members of the Watkins Glen High School varsity indoor track team set school records Saturday at the Snowman Showdown at SUNY Cortland.

Kyren Young broke the 55 Meter record with a 6.84. The mark was previously held by Josh Updyke -- a 6.86 set in 2016-17.

And Isaac Hendrickson broke the boys 1500 Meter Racewalk record with a time of 9:32.29. The mark was previously held by Colin Gaylord --11:28.5 set in 2019-20.

A half-dozen team members missed the meet due to illness. But there were a number of personal records (PRs) set. "Overall, I'm thrilled," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner.

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Photo in text: Record setters Kyren Young, left, and Isaac Hendrickson. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch eyes the basket on a first-half fast break. She sank the shot.

Glen girls race past Tburg, reach finale

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 27, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team stormed out to a 24-5 first-quarter lead on the way to a 56-31 victory over Trumansburg Wednesday night in the opening round of the Melissa B. Wilson Memorial Tournament in the WGHS Field House.

The Lake Hawks (now 5-1) will face South Seneca in the tourney championship game Thursday night at 7:30. South Seneca turned back Spencer-Van Etten, 45-38, in the other Wednesday semifinal. S-VE and Trumansburg will meet in the consolation game at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Brianna Hatch and Rachel Vickio each scored 14 points and Addie Coolican notched 13 to lead Watkins Glen. Other points came from Lillian Ameigh (6), Olivia King (4), Olivia VanSkiver (3), and Emma Cady (2). The team converted 6 of 10 free throws.

Vickio and King led in rebounds with 7 each, while Ameigh and Hatch grabbed 4 apiece, and Cady and Natalee Oliver 3 each. Coolican led in assists with 4, and Vickio in steals (5) and blocks (2). Hatch had 4 steals.

Allison Denmark led Trumansburg with 11 points. The team sank 7 of 16 free throws.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen (now 4-2) will play for the tourney title against Spencer-Van Etten at 4:30 p.m. Thursday despite falling to Owego 36-15 in Wednesday's semifinal. That is because Owego was filling in for only one game after Trumansburg -- originally scheduled for the tournament -- dropped out.

Avoca was also recruited for one game -- the consolation game against the loser of the S-VE vs. South Seneca semifinal. But after losing to S-VE 33-10, South Seneca bowed out, too, saying its seven-girl roster had been reduced by injury and illness. So Bloomfield was recruited to play the consolation game against Avoca. That is set for 3 p.m. Thursday.

Boys Holiday Tournament: This will be run on Friday, Dec. 29 and Saturday, Dec. 30. Participating schools are Watkins Glen, Trumansburg, Candor and Newfield on both the JV and varsity levels.

The first of two JV games will be played each day starting at 1 p.m., with the second soon following, while the first of two varsity games each day starts at 4 p.m.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio drives to the basket in traffic.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Addie Coolican is fouled as she tries to shoot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver takes aim at the basket. Right: The Lake Hawks' Olivia King goes up for a shot in heavy traffic.

From left: Watkins Glen's Emma Cady, Olivia VanSkiver and Lillian Ameigh.

Members of the Watkins Glen varsity basketball team pose before the game.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Paige Ells is fouled as she attempts a shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Emma Lewis puts up a shot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Isabella Yaw takes aim at the basket. Right: The Lake Hawks' Natalie VanSkiver moves the ball upcourt.

Addison Tourney: O-M girls fall, 54-30

ADDISON, Dec. 27, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball ball team dropped a 54-30 decision to North Penn-Mansfield Wednesday night in the opening round of the Addison Holiday Tournament.

The Grizzlies trailed 11-1 after one period and 19-10 at halftime before cutting the deficit to five points at 23-18. "Then the wheels fell off," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich."Add in a lot of foul trouble, and that was the story."

Gina Gavich led O-M with 14 points (including four 3-pointers). Other points came from Keyonna Garrison (5, with 6 rebounds), Leah Antes (4), Olivia Barr (3), Brooklynn Thompson (2), and Hannah Barr (2). The team converted 3 of 6 free throws.

North Penn-Mansfield, now 6-3, will face Dundee-Bradford -- which defeated Addison 51-16 in the other Wednesday opener -- in the tourney finale on Friday.

Odessa-Montour will face Addison in the consolation game Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Junior Varsity: North Penn-Mansfield defeated Odessa-Montour, 35-31. Alannah Rounds led the Grizzlies with 14 points. O-M will face Dundee-Bradford in the consolation game.

From left: Courtney Warren-Manning, Matthew Gill, Alexis Castellaneta, Patrick Hazlitt.

6 to be inducted into WGHS Sports Hall

Special to The Odessa File

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Dec. 20, 2023 -- Two coaches and four athletes will be inducted into the Watkins Glen High School Athletic Hall of Fame next week during the finals of both the girls and boys holiday basketball tournaments at the WGHS Field House.

On Thursday, December 28 between the Consolation and Championship games of the Melissa B. Wilson girls tournament, the following individuals will be inducted at center court of the Field House at about 8:30 p.m.

Coach Jeff Smythe -- Wrestling and Football (1967-1978)
Alexis Castellaneta -- Swimming and Diving (2018 Graduate)
Patrick Hazlitt -- Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field (2017 Graduate)

On Saturday, December 30 between the Consolation and Championship games for the Boys Holiday Tournament, the following individuals will be inducted at center court of the Field House at about 5:15 p.m.

Coach John Fazzary -- Basketball, Cross County, Golf, Tennis (1989-2022)
Courtney Warren-Manning -- Swimming, Basketball, Track and Field (2006 Graduate)
Matthew Gill -- Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field (2014 Graduate)

Note: Hall of Fame nominations can be taken at any time. All forms, timelines, and information on credentials and character is located within the athletics section of the district website. Go to the quick-links section called “Hall of Fame.”

Photo in text: Coach John Fazzary

Watkins Glen's Lillian Ameigh launches a long, last-second shot at the end of the first half. It missed its mark.

Glen girls pull away from Edison, 54-40

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 21, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 4-1 Thursday night when it overcame a halftime deficit and pulled away from Edison for a 54-40 Interscholastic Athletic Conference victory in the WGHS Field House.

The Lake Hawks were led by Brianna Hatch's 17 points, 13 of them coming in the second half. Other points came from Molly Coolican (9), Addie Coolican (8), Rachel Vickio (8), Olivia King (6), Lillian Ameigh (4), and Olivia VanSkiver (2). The team converted 7 of 15 free throws.

Ameigh led in rebounds with 6, while Molly Coolican, Vickio and King had 5 each, and Hatch 4. Ameigh led in assists with 4, while Vickio had 3, and King led in steals with 4.

Watkins Glen took an early 10-4 lead before Edison rallied to tie it 13-13 at the end of the first quarter on a Payton Littlefield 3-pointer. And Edison gained the halftime edge, 20-18. Littlefield scored 12 points in that half, and 27 for the game.

The Lake Hawks took the lead in the third quarter, entering the fourth period up 36-31, and outscored the Spartans 18-9 down the stretch.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen improved to 4-1 by defeating Edison 35-24. Paige Ells scored 8 points for the Lake Hawks while Ava Kelly scored 7, Amy Field 6, Elizabeth Fitzwater 4, Grace Underdown 4, and Isabella Bellavigna, Emma Lewis and Natalie VanSkiver 2 apiece.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio (10) blocks an Edison shot attempt.

Left: The Lake Hawks' Brianna Hatch rises high for a shot. Right: Watkins Glen's Olivia King drives to the basket.

Left: Watkins Glen's Addie Coolican puts up a shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Molly Coolican shoots.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Elizabeth Fitzwater takes aim at the basket. Right: The Lake Hawks' Natalie VanSkiver sends a shot on its way that found the net for two points.

Watkins boys top TAE, even mark at 3-3

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Dec. 21, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team won its third straight game Thursday night, defeating Thomas A. Edison 66-50 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Edison gym.

Ryan Willett led the Lake Hawks with 21 points, while Alex Holmes scored 16, Christopher Simiele 10, Jude Santos 10, Sam Caslin 5, and Nick D'Alleva 4. Holmes led in rebounds with 15, while Willett grabbed 6, Santos 5, and D'Alleva and Caslin 3 each. Holmes also led in steals with 4 (while Caslin and Willett had 3 apiece) and in blocked shots with 2.

"It's always nice to get a win on the road and we did enough to get it tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "I didn't love our defense at times, but we defended well when we needed to and got out on the break.

"Alex Holmes had a terrific game at both ends of the floor and Ryan Willett continues to play well. Our guard duo of Chris Simiele and Sam Caslin didn't score in the numbers they usually do, but they did so many other things to help us win.

"I'm proud of the boys for working hard to win three in a row. Now everyone can spend some time with families and friends for the holidays before we get back to work to prepare for our tournament on December 29th and 30th."

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Edison 43-34, led by Bryce Bockelkamp's 17 points. Other points came from Jaydon Scholtisek (12), Dominic Lewis (8), Caydin Lagramada (4), and Jax Decker (2).

Odessa-Montour's Evvie Zinger, left, dribbles the ball past a couple of SC defenders.

Odessa girls fall to Southern Cayuga

ODESSA, Dec. 21, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team fell to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in league play Thursday night when it lost 55-28 to Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

Gina Gavich accounted for most of the O-M offense, pouring in six 3-pointers (in nine shots) en route to 20 points. Leah Antes added 4 points, and Maggie Pentz and Evvie Zinger 2 each. The team was 2-for-8 at the foul line, while Southern Cayuga was 5-for-10.

"Southern Cayuga (now 4-2) played very well," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "I felt we actually executed fairly well defensively and made their other players beat us -- and they did. We held their leading scorer (Charli Bennett, a 1,000-point scorer) to 4 in the first half and were down 28-11 anyway."

Bennett finished with 16 points, while teammate Emily Prince scored 17.

"But we showed up to play tonight and competed," added Gavich. "We really didn't do that Friday at Moravia," where the Grizzlies lost 69-25.

O-M returns to action on Dec. 27 against North Penn-Mansfield at the Addison Holiday Tournament.

Junior Varsity: Southern Cayuga defeated Odessa-Montour, 41-21.

Photo in text: O-M's Gina Gavich sends a 3-pointer on its way.

Left: O-M's Keyonna Garrison takes aim in traffic. Right: The Grizzlies' Maggie Pentz drives toward the basket.

O-M boys lose to So. Cayuga, 54-42

AURORA, Dec. 21, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team saw its record slip to 2-5 Thursday night with a 54-42 loss to Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

"Our guys just can't find their rhythm" said O-M Coach Aaron Thomson. "It was a very disappointing game," with the Grizzlies "making poor decisions, forcing shots and turning the ball over. Hopefully after Christmas break we can start making sense of the game."

Tyler Malnoske led O-M with 19 points, including five 3-pointers. Other points came from David Patterson (6), Brad Gillis (6), Gavin Lohmeyer (5), Gunner Herrmann (2), Lance Reece (2), and Ben Heichel (2). The team converted 7 of 12 free throws.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Southern Cayuga, 58-38.

The Storm's Ryan Dean on the way to victory in the 200 Yard Freestyle.

Storm swimmers top Lansing, 111-68

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 20, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team -- led by four Vincent Ocasio wins and three each by Liam Smith and Ryan Dean -- defeated Lansing 111-68 Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the WGHS pool.

"It was a great finish to the first half of our season," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team is a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour athletes. "We are going into the break with a lot of confidence. We are looking forward to swimming fast at our invitational on January 5th and 6th."

Ocasio posted wins in the 50 Free (a season best of 23.63) and the 100 Free (a season best of 52.17), and as a member of the 200 and 400 Free Relay squads.

Smith won the 500 Free (in 5:43.12) and was on the winning 200 and 400 relay squads. Dean won the 200 Free (in 1:59.13) and was on the 200 and 400 relay teams.

Also winning: Jeremiah Desrochers edged teammate Max Ricca in the Diving, 188.80-186.95; Alex Walters was on the winning 200 Free Relay squad, and Carson Thaete was on the winning 400 Free Relay squad.

Individual second-place finishes were posted for the Storm by Liam Smith in the 200 IM, Carson Thaete in the 100 Fly, Ryan Dean in the 100 Back, and Andre Wixson with a season-best in the 100 Breaststroke.

Meanwhile, said Westervelt, "Scott Pennypacker swam a PR (personal record) in the 100 Backstroke, Grayson Robertson had a PR in both the 500 Free and 100 Breaststroke, and Lucas Wise had a PR in the 100 Freestyle.

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Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Liam Smith on the way to 2nd place in the 200 IM.
Middle: The Storm's Vincent Ocasio hits the water at start of the 50 Free, which he won.
Bottom: WG/OM's Jeremiah Desrochers en route to winning the Diving.

The Storm's Evan Clarkson dives at start of the third leg in the 200 Medley Relay.

WG/OM's Carson Thaete competes in the 100 Fly. He placed second.

The Storm's Zane Chambers dives at start of the 500 Yard Freestyle. He placed 4th.

Storm wrestlers fall to SVEC, 41-30

SPENCER, Dec. 20, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity wrestling team dropped a 41-30 decision Wednesday night to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road meet.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, started with a forfeit loss to SVEC's Dallas Fanning at 108 pounds, leading to Lucas Hoffman (OM/WG) evening the score 6-6 with a pinfall victory over Brennan Zimmer in the second period.

Weight classes 124-152 were won by SVEC with Xavier Beach (SVEC) earning a third-period fall over Jackie Mace (OM/WG) at 124, Rodney Vaow (SVEC) earning a third-period fall over Riley Yaw (OM/WG) at 131, Kamren Westbrook (SVEC) earning a first-period fall over Daniel Coston (OM/WG) at 138, Shane Neal (SVEC) earning a 15-0 technical fall over John Swaney (OM/WG) at 145, and Kaden Jamison (SVEC) earning a third-period fall over Jaymes Forker (OM/WG) at 152. The score at that point was 35-6.

The Storm started to get back on track with pinfall victories from Balan Ault over William Horyczun at 160, Ean Walsh over Cooper Zufall at 170, and Breck Senecal over Jak Smith at 190, keeping the hopes alive for a OM/WG victory. The score at that point was 35-24.

But SVEC sealed the victory with a pin from John Johnston over Dana Guild at 215 before Aiden Summers (OM/WG) ended the dual with a pinfall victory over Dominic Classen at 285.

The Storm wrestlers return to action on December 30 at the Cooperstown Invitational.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver (24) sends a long-range shot on its way as Notre Dame's Mallory Sheehan defends. Right: The Lake Hawks' Olivia King shoots.

Watkins girls rout Notre Dame, 67-35

SOUTHPORT, Dec. 19, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team improved to 3-1 Tuesday night when it overwhelmed Elmira Notre Dame 67-35 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Notre Dame gym.

The Lake Hawks, applying a press at the outset, raced to an 8-0 lead that helped them to a 16-7 first-quarter edge. They then outscored the Crusaders 11-3 in the second period and 28-9 in the third for a 55-19 lead entering the fourth quarter. A 14-0 Notre Dame run in the final period did little to dent the Watkins lead.

Watkins Glen was led by Brianna Hatch's 15 points. Other points came from Rachel Vickio (11), Olivia VanSkiver (9, on three 3-pointers), Michaela Wheaton (7), Lillian Ameigh (6), Olivia King (6), Addie Coolican (4), Emma Cady (3), Natalee Oliver (3), and Molly Coolican (3). The team was 3-for-9 at the foul line.

King led in rebounds with 8, while Hatch grabbed 6, Molly Coolican 4, Wheaton 3, and Ameigh and VanSkiver two each.

Vickio led in steals with four and assists with three, while Hatch had three steals, and Oliver and Hatch two assists each. Cady led in blocks with two, while Hatch, King and Vickio each blocked one.

Mallory Sheehan led Notre Dame with 13 points. The Crusaders converted 10 of 21 free throws.

Watkins Glen returns to action Thursday night at home against Edison.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen improved to 3-1 with a 39-14 victory over Notre Dame. Grace Underdown led the Lake Hawks with 10 points, while Elizabeth Fitzwater scored 8 and Emma Lewis 6.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio drives through traffic to the hoop.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Molly Coolican takes aim.

Left: Watkins Glen's Lillian Ameigh maneuvers around a Notre Dame defender.
Right: The Lake Hawks' Addie Coolican drives toward the basket.

From left: Watkins Glen's Emma Cady, Brianna Hatch and Natalee Oliver.

And in the JV game:

Left: Watkins Glen's Emma Lewis moves around a Notre Dame defender. Right: The Lake Hawks' Paige Ells eyes the basket.

Left: Watkins Glen's Grace Underdown looks for a shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Ava Kelly maneuvers around a Notre Dame player.

Bowling: Glen girls tie 2-2; boys fall

GROTON, Dec. 19, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity bowling team won one game and total pinfall by a point to forge a 2-2 deadlock Tuesday against Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road match.

Ava Cowan led the Lake Hawks with a 508 series, while Maisie Robertson posted a 497 and Katie Cook a 428. Watkins won the third game and total pinfall, 2105-2104.

The Watkins boys, meanwhile, dropped a 3-1 decision to Groton, losing the first two games and total pinfall by a narrow 2199-2187. Mykel Cody led the Lake Hawks with a 542 series, while Brett Cullen-Pike registered a 502 and Kamden Miller a 490.

Watkins boys edge Notre Dame, 57-56

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 18, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team held off Elmira Notre Dame 57-56 Monday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Christopher Simiele scored 24 points -- 20 of them in the second half -- to lead the Lake Hawks to their second straight victory. He also had 6 assists and 3 rebounds.

Other points came from Ryan Willett (13), Alex Holmes (7), Jude Santos (7), and Sam Caslin (6).

Holmes led the 2-3 Lake Hawks in rebounds with 15, and had a couple of steals. "He was a beast," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "He had guys hanging all over him under the boards, but kept fighting them off."

Other rebounders included Santos (5), Willett (4), and Caslin (3). Santos led in steals with 3, including the game-clincher -- a pickoff of an inbounds lob by Notre Dame with 1.4 seconds left to play.

Watkins Glen rushed out to an early 12-4 advantage, which proved to be its largest lead of the game. The Hawks led 16-10 after one quarter, but the Crusaders rallied in the second period to deadlock the game at intermission, 23-23.

The third quarter was a back-and-forth, tightly contested period that ended with Watkins Glen up 38-37. "And it was really tight in the fourth quarter," said Morse, whose team built a small lead but could not pull away.

It all came down to that final 1.4 seconds, and the steal by Santos.

"It was a very close, back-and-forth game tonight," said Morse. "I think both teams are similar in a lot of ways. I thought we did enough late to get the win, but made too many mistakes throughout the game. We are definitely improving and that's all I could ask for.

"Alex Holmes had a terrific night for us and battled hard on the boards. Christopher Simiele can definitely put the ball in the basket and led us in scoring again tonight. We had stretches where we played a bit sloppy, but our effort never wavered.

"The crowd in the gym tonight was incredible and gave the team so much energy in big moments. We have one more game before break (at Edison on Thursday), so we will get back at it and try to continue to improve!"

Junior Varsity: Notre Dame defeated Watkins Glen 46-25. Caydin Lagramada led the Lake Hawks with 9 points, while Jaydon Scholtisek led in rebounds with 8.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen Christopher Simiele shoots in traffic.
Middle: The Lake Hawks' Sam Caslin is fouled as he drives the lane.
Bottom: Watkins' Jude Santos prepares to launch a shot.

Left: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes eyes the basket. Right: The Lake Hawks' Ryan Willett sends a pass on its way.

Left: O-M's Brady Cannon shoots in traffic. The ball went in. Right: The Grizzlies' Tyler Malnoske prepares to launch a shot.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Candor

ODESSA, Dec. 18, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 2-4 Monday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 38-25 decision to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies trailed 9-5 after one quarter, 20-11 at halftime, and 24-19 entering the fourth quarter.

O-M pulled within three points at 28-25 with 5:02 to play, but didn't score again as Candor went on a 10-0 stretch to close out the game.

Drew Parmenter and Brady Cannon each scored 7 points to lead the Grizzlies, while Tyler Malnoske added 4 points, Brad Gillis 3, David Patterson 2, and Ben Heichel 2. The team sank 1 of 2 free throws.

Candor was led by Kobe Foster's 12 points. The team converted 5 of 11 free throws.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Thursday at Southern Cayuga.

Junior Varsity: Candor defeated Odessa-Montour, 61-29.

*******

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Drew Parmenter drives to the basket.
Bottom: O-M fans in the stands included Sarah Strobel, left, and Mackenzie Cannon.

Left: O-M's Brad Gillis shoots in traffic. Right: The Grizzlies' David Patterson.

Watkins Glen Youth Basketball: Week 1

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 17, 2023 -- The 39th season of Watkins Glen Youth Basketball began Saturday, with the following results.

2nd and 3rd Grades:

Maguire's 14, Sporting Goods 10
Maguire's scoring: Jaxson Bellavigna 4, Lincoln Smith 4, Logan Saks 4, Jayvon Payne 2.
Sporting Goods scoring: AJ Stansfield 4, Finn Schamel 4, Hunter Perry 2.

Curly's Family Restaurant 18, Famous Brands 8
Curly's scoring: Kingston Tomlinson 8, Owen Canzler 4, Adelynn Wood 2, Austin Burt 2, Jax Fields 2.
Famous Brands scoring: Gavin Blauvelt 6, Jayce Copp 2

Standings:
Maguire's 1-0
Curly's 1-0
Sporting Goods 0-1
Famous Brands 0-1

4th, 5th and 6th Grades:

Capt. Bill's 34, W.G. Supply 25
Capt. Bill's scoring: Lucas Schubmehl 22, Garret Bubb 8, Waylon Gee 2, Ian Smith 2
W.G. Supply scoring: Lachlan Starcher 8, Maxwell Canzler 6, Catherine Caslin 5, Henry Titus 4, Lucas VanSkiver 2.

Watkins Motel 28, Schamel Brothers 10
Watkins Motel scoring: Morgan Bubb 10, Cooper Lagramada 8, Zion Tomlinson 6, Cameron Gee 2, Micah Pierce 2.
Schamel Brothers scoring: no scoring reported.

Standings:
Capt. Bill's 1-0
Watkins Motel 1-0
Watkins Glen Supply 0-1
Schamel Brothers 0-1

Tuttle wins racewalk at Winter Classic

CORTLAND, Dec. 16, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle won the 1500 Meter Racewalk Saturday at the Winter Classic indoor track meet at SUNY Cortland.

Tuttle finished in 7:51.30, more than two minutes ahead of her closest competitor. It was her second racewalk win in two weeks -- following a Dec. 9 victory at Cortland in the Finger Lakes Invitational, where she broke her own school record with a time of 7:40.89. That had broken the school mark of 8:24.46 she set last year while she was still mending from an ACL injury.

She also placed 9th Saturday in the 1500 Meter Run in a time of 6:16.01.

Other top performances by WGHS Saturday included:

-- A 3rd place by Kyren Young in the 55 Meter Dash (with a personal record of 6.94);
-- An 8th place by Young in the 300 Meter Dash (in 40.26);
-- A 4th place by Johnny VanScoyk in the 3200 Meter Run (in 11:03.18);
-- A 6th place by VanScoyk in the 1600 Meter Run (in 5:12.55);
-- An 8th place by Isaac Hendrickson in the 3200 (in a PR of 11:33.42);
-- A 6th place by Jonathan Bond-Trimble in the High Jump (a PR of 5-0);
-- A 7th place by Jack Hayden in the High Jump (5-0);
-- A 12th place by Kathryn Planty in the 1000 Meter Run (a PR of 4:06.72).

Photo in text: Maddie Tuttle at the Winter Classic (Photo provided)

Storm swimmers compete at Shen meet

The Schuyler Storm (Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools) swimming and diving team took to the pool this weekend in the Shenendehowa Holiday Invitational. Coach Jason Westervelt reported on the outcome:

The invitational was host to some of the best and biggest schools in New York State including Pittsford, Bethlehem, Shenendehowa, Niskayuna, New Hartford, Monroe Woodbury, and Saratoga Springs.

The Storm Swimmers and Divers held their own in such an elite field, placing 10th out of 19 teams.

Max Ricca took to the pool first in 1 meter diving. He scored a 323.65 to place 6th overall in a field of 17.

Liam Smith swam a season best in the 200 Freestyle (1:54.54) to take 11th place. Liam was also a member of the 7th-place 200 Free Relay, and 10th-place 400 Free Relay.

Vinnie Ocasio placed 14th in the 50 Free (24.08) and was also a member of the 200 Free and 400 Free relays.

Ryan Dean swam to a 15th-place finish in the 100 Backstroke and was a member of the 200 Free and 400 Free relays.

Personal best times were achieved by:

--Ayden Allen (50 Free and 100 Free)
--Declan Barry (100 Breaststroke)
--Zane Chambers (50 Free and 100 Free)
--Evan Clarkson (200 IM)
--Enric Lin (100 Free and 100 Breaststroke)
--Lucas Wise (50 Free)
--Andre Wixson (100 Fly)

Alex Walters, Carson Thaete, Evan Clarkson and Andre Wixson were also integral parts of our relays (200 Medley and 400 Free).

Cortland edges North Central for title

SALEM, Va., Dec. 15, 2023 -- The Cortland Red Dragons stopped a two-point conversion play by defending champion North Central with 1:30 left Friday night in the Stagg Bowl to post a 38-37 victory and claim their first NCAA Division III football title.

Cortland quarterback Zac Boyes completed 26 of 34 passes for 349 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 123 yards as the Red Dragons (14-1) defeated a team that was making its fourth straight title-game appearance and had won the crown in 2019 and 2022. North Central, from Naperville, Illinois, finished 14-1.

North Central quarterback Luke Lehnen was stopped on a run to the left on the two-point try after the Cardinals bypassed a potential game-tying extra point. Cortland then recovered an onside kick and ran out the clock.

Glen girls lose to Newark Valley, 42-37

NEWARK VALLEY, Dec. 15, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 2-1 Friday night when the Lake Hawks dropped a 42-37 decision to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the NV gym.

Watkins Glen trailed 12-10 after one quarter, 20-16 at halftime, and 31-25 entering the fourth quarter.

Addie Coolican led the Lake Hawks in scoring with 13 points, while Olivia King scored 9, Brianna Hatch 8, and Rachel Vickio 7. The team converted 11 of 14 free throws.

King led in rebounds with 8, while Vickio grabbed 5, Hatch 4 and Molly Coolican 3. Vickio led in steals with 5 and in blocks with 4. Addie Coolican had 3 steals, and Hatch and King 2 each.

Newark Valley was led by Makana "Cha" Gardner's 22 points.

"The girls played a hard-fought game tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Alicia Learn. "They battled and played some tough defense."

The Lake Hawks return to action Tuesday at Elmira Notre Dame.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Newark Valley to improve to 2-1.


Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes (left photo) and Ryan Willett (right) drive to the basket.

Glen boys top NV 73-62 for 1st victory

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 15, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team -- led by Christopher Simiele's 29 points -- posted its first victory of the season Friday night, defeating Newark Valley 73-62 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

The Lake Hawks (1-3) trailed 19-18 after one quarter, but took flight in the second period, building a 14-point lead (39-25) before reaching intermission ahead 42-32.

Joining Simiele in double figures were Ryan Willett and Sam Caslin, each of whom scored 19 points. Other points came from Quacey Wilt (3) and Jude Santos (3).

Alex Holmes and Willett led the team in rebounds with 7 apiece, while Caslin and Santos grabbed 5 each. Caslin led in steals with 3, while Holmes had 2, and Simiele and Wilt one apiece. Caslin also led in assists with 7.

"The team played well to get the win tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "It’s definitely a nightly challenge underneath to defend and rebound at our size, but I appreciate how hard the boys work inside to fight for position and boards.

"We were able to score well tonight, and that made up for some defensive mistakes throughout. It’s still very early and we are looking at different lineups and opportunities for matchups in games.

"I appreciate the hard work and positive attitude of the boys every day, and we will get back to work to prepare for Notre Dame Monday night."

Note: The Lake Hawks wore red socks and pregame red t-shirts in honor of Peyton Shaw, a Waverly High School female basketball player killed in an auto accident Tuesday in the Town of Newfield. Red is the primary color for Waverly sports.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Newark Valley 55-38 to improve to 1-2. Jaydon Scholtisek led the Lake Hawks with 21 points, while Dominic Lewis scored 11, Caydin Lagramada 8, Jax Decker 7, Bryce Bockelkamp 6, and Nolan Reynolds 2. Reynolds led in rebounds with 8 while Bockelkamp grabbed 7.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Sam Caslin attempts a shot in traffic. He was fouled on the play.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Christopher Simiele sends a shot on its way. He scored 29 points.

Watkins Glen's Brett Cullen-Pike sends the ball on its way. He converted the spare.

Watkins Glen bowlers fall to US/PB

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 15, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Friday to Union Springs/Port Byron in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: Watkins Glen lost all three games by a combined 2497-2103. Brett Cullen-Pike led the Lake Hawks with a 525 series, while Mykel Cody posted a 480, Kamden Miller a 416, and Dominic Gublo a 376.

Girls: Watkins Glen lost all three games by a combined 2354-1814. Ava Cowan led the Lake Hawks with a 489 series, while Maisie Robertson registered a 447 and Katie Cook a 345.

Watkins Glen returns to action Tuesday at Groton.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Dominic Gublo delivers the ball.

Odessa boys lose to Moravia, 63-30

ODESSA, Dec. 15, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 2-3 Friday night with a 63-30 loss to Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies fell behind the 3-3 Blue Devils 19-10 in the first quarter and 38-15 at halftime before entering the fourth quarter down by a 54-23 margin.

David Patterson led the Grizzlies in scoring with 9 points, while Drew Parmenter scored 7, Tyler Malnoske 6, Gavin Lohmeyer 5, Ben Heichel 2, and Brady Cannon 1. The team converted 3 of 9 free throws.

Moravia was led by Abram Wasileski's 20 points. The Devils sank 13 of 18 free throws.

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

Junior Varsity: Moravia defeated Odessa-Montour 59-33.

********

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's David Patterson drives to the basket.

Left: O-M's Gavin Lohmeyer at the free-throw line. Right: The Grizzlies' Drew Parmenter takes aim at the basket.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Moravia

MORAVIA, Dec. 15, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 3-3 Friday night with a 69-25 loss to Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

Moravia led 24-1 after one quarter, and 35-11 at halftime.

"They are very good," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, whose team next plays at home against Southern Cayuga on Thursday.

Leah Antes led the Grizzlies in scoring with 7 points, while Gina Gavich scored 6, Olivia Barr 3, Hannah Barr 3, Evvie Zinger 3, Brooklynn Thompson 2, and Keyonna Garrison 1.

7th grader wants O-M to okay XC teams

ODESSA, Dec. 14, 2023 -- Odessa-Montour Junior-Senior High School 7th grader Lexi Strobel asked the district School Board Thursday night to consider creating boys and girls cross-country teams at the school for the 2024-25 year.

Strobel, who sought and received permission last fall to run as a one-person modified cross-country team for the school, said she has since identified almost two-dozen students in the school who are interested in competing in cross country.

She said eight of them (three boys and five girls) would be on the modified level, and 15 of them (10 boys and five girls) would be on the varsity level. Just three of the 23, she said, participated in sports last fall.

The board, after a slide presentation by Strobel -- who was accompanied to the meeting by her father, Skip, a teacher/track coach at O-M who served as her cross-country coach -- indicated it would take up the matter when it started work on its 2024-25 budget.

Lexi said her cross-country experience earned her new friends, "cool T-shirts," and a new-found self-confidence. "I started to open up and talk to people," she said.

She competed in two dual meets, finishing 2nd and 4th; in three large invitationals (placing 23rd out of 123 runners, 74th out of 284 runners, and 13th out of 109 runners); and in two end-of-season tournaments (placing 10th among 61 runners and 5th among 34).

Photos in text: Lexi Strobel and her father, Skip, at the board meeting; and Lexi presenting a slide presentation about her cross country season.

Odessa-Montour bowlers fall to SVEC

OWEGO, Dec. 14, 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 Owego Bowl.

Boys: Odessa-Montour dropped all three games by a combined 2523-1643. The Grizzlies were led by Breyden Seamon's 576, which included a 209 game.

Girls: Odessa-Montour lost all three games by a combined 2151-1632. The Grizzlies were led by Pietra Vanderwerff's 391 series. Anabelle Crippen added a 368, and Maylynn Hourihan a 359.

The Grizzlies will return to action on Jan. 4 at home against Lansing.

The Storm's Daniel Coston is in control as he nears a pinfall victory at 138 pounds.

Storm wrestlers defeat Dryden, 48-28

ODESSA, Dec. 13, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen/Odessa-Montour High School varsity wrestling team (the Schuyler Storm) defeated Dryden 48-28 Wednesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in O-M's Jack Davis Gym.

The Storm, with a roster of 29 wrestlers from the two Schuyler schools, posted its first dual-meet victory of the season by registering competitive wins by pin in six different bouts, and two forfeit victories.

The meet started off with each team swapping forfeit wins at 101 and 108 pounds. Then OM/WG's Lucas Hoffman started the action with a pinfall victory at 116 pounds over Dryden's William Woodard. Dryden evened the score at 124 pounds with Oscar Brotherton pinning OM/WG's Jayden Summers, followed by Dryden's Paul Best earning a 9-0 decision over The Storm's Dylan Senecal at 131 pounds.

OM/WG answered back with a trio of pinfall victories -- at 138 pounds, where Daniel Coston earned a pin over Dryden's Travis Chamberlain; at 145 pounds, with Jaymes Forker pinning Dryden's Dean Belden; and at 152 pounds, with Balan Ault pinning Dryden's Christopher Green.

OM/WG's Ean Walsh battled with Dryden's Nicholas Bieber at 160 pounds, eventually losing by pin in the second period. Dana Spaccio then earned The Storm six team points with a forfeit win at 170 pounds before Breck Senecal was pinned at 190 by Dryden's Hunter Covington.

The meet ended with strong showings by OM/WG's Patrick Croft, who pinned Dryden's Lucas VanSlyke at 215 pounds; and by Aiden Summers, who pinned Dryden's Aaron Thompson at 285 pounds.

The Storm wrestlers return to action this Saturday with the Union-Endicott JV/Girls Tournament.

Photos in text:

Top: OM/WG's Jaymes Forker, right, on the way to victory at 145 pounds.
Bottom: The Storm's Aiden Summers, right, en route to winning the 285 bout.

OM/WG's Balan Ault, top, on his way to pinning Dryden's Christopher Green at 152.

Left: The Storm's Breck Senecal, facing camera, in the 190-pound battle. Right: OM/WG's Lucas Hoffman is in control en route to winning by pin at 116 pounds.

The official watches carefully as The Storm's Patrick Croft nears a pinfall win at 215.

O-M's Evvie Zinger moves the ball. Teammates from left: Gina Gavich, Leah Antes and Brooklynn Thompson.

Odessa-Montour girls rout Tioga, 60-31

Contest played in memory of Waverly basketball's Peyton Shaw, killed in accident

ODESSA, Dec. 13, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by Leah Antes' 24 points -- improved to 3-2 Wednesday night with a 60-31 victory over Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The players for both teams wore red-and-white ribbons on their uniforms in honor of Peyton Shaw, a Waverly High School female basketball player killed in an auto accident Tuesday in the Town of Newfield. In a statement read before Wednesday's game, O-M Coach Greg Gavich also called for "a moment of silence and reflection for the Shaw family and the Waverly community."

After starting the game slowly, O-M found its rhythm and raced out to a 25-8 first-quarter lead and a 41-20 halftime advantage, and coasted from there.

Antes -- an 8th grader who has averaged 20 points over the past four games -- also grabbed 6 rebounds and registered 4 steals. Gina Gavich added 14 points, 6 assists and 5 steals.

Other points came from Evvie Zinger (6, along with 3 steals), Maggie Pentz (6), Brooklynn Thompson (5, with 7 rebounds and 3 assists), and Keyonna Garrison (5, with 3 assists and 3 blocks).

"We did a great job on the offensive end of the floor, moving the ball and finding the open person for some pretty good looks," said Coach Gavich. "I was very happy with our ball movement. We will need to get better on the defensive end of the floor in the next couple of games."

The Grizzlies return to action Friday night at Moravia, which is 4-1 and, according to Gavich, "has most of the team back from the sectional finalists last season in Class C."

There will only be a varsity contest, starting at 6 p.m.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour fell to Edison, 37-19.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Leah Antes drives to the basket. She scored 24 points.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Gina Gavich prepares to shoot. She scored 14 points.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Maggie Pentz drives to the hoop. Right: The Grizzlies' Olivia Barr looks for a shot.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Keyonna Garrison eyes the basket. Right: The Grizzlies' Hannah Barr prepares to shoot.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Tioga, 62-45

TIOGA CENTER, Dec. 12, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team dropped a 62-45 decision Tuesday night to Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Tioga gym.

The Grizzlies (2-2) fell behind 21-11 in the first quarter, trailed 37-22 at halftime, and were behind 52-31 entering the fourth quarter.

Tyler Malnoske led O-M scorers with 15 points, while Ben Heichel added 14. Other points came from Brad Gillis (7), Gavin Lohmeyer (5) and Brady Cannon (4). The team converted 11 of 20 free throws.

Tioga was led by Evan Sickler's 33 points. The Tigers sank 15 of 22 free throws.

O-M returns to action Friday night at home against Moravia.

The Storm's Evan Clarkson swims the butterfly leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Storm swimmers fall to Horseheads, U-E

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 12, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team dropped decisions to Horseheads and Union-Endicott Tuesday in a non-league tri-meet held in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

Horseheads defeated the Storm 117-67, while U-E defeated them 112-73. Horseheads topped U-E 98-87.

"Our boys swam very well against some very large schools," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team is a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes.

The Storm posted victories in the 200 Yard Individual Medley (Liam Smith, coming from behind down the stretch to post a winning time of 2:13.72) and in Diving (Max Ricca and Jeremiah Desrochers first and second, respectively, with 191.35 and 174.70 points).

WG/OM got a second-place finish from the 400 Free Relay squad of Vincent Ocasio, Carson Thaete, Andre Wixson and Liam Smith (3:48.48), and third places from the 200 Medley Relay squad of Alex Walters, Wixson, Evan Clarkson and Max Ricca (2:03.25), and the 200 Free Relay team of Walters, Thaete, Ocasio and Smith (1:40.10).

Other third-place finishes were posted by Thaete in the 200 (1:59.38), Ocasio in the 50 Free (23.97) and 100 Free (53.73), and Wixson in the 500 Free (6:06.99).

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Liam Smith reacts after coming from behind to win the 200 IM.
Middle: WG/OM's Alex Walters swims the backstroke leg of the 200 Medley Relay.
Bottom: The Storm's Vinnie Ocasio turns to check his time at end of the 50 Free as the water he churned up washes over him.

The Storm's Carson Thaete dives at start of the 200 Free. He finished third.

Watkins Glen's Mykel Cody watches the pins scatter as he registers a strike.

Bowling: Glen boys, girls defeat Edison

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 12, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams posted victories over shorthanded Edison Tuesday in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

"The team is showing improvement every time we compete," said Watkins Glen Coach Nils Watson. "Katie Cook had a 221 in her second game, Brett Cullen Pike improved each game and finished with a 196, and seniors Ava Cowan and Maisie Robertson continue to show consistency, helping the team always stay competitive."

Boys: Watkins Glen won all three games by a combined 1943 to 1420. Brett Cullen-Pike led the Lake Hawks with a 478 series, while Mykel Cody posted a 395, Kamden Miller 391, Kristofer Burke 351, and Dominic Gublo 304. Edison had four bowlers.

Girls: Watkins Glen won all three games by a cobmined 1972-613, with Edison going with just two bowlers. The Lake Hawks were led by Ava Cowan's 453, while Katie Cook had a 451, Maisie Robertson 438, Skylar Churchill 329, and Faith White 301.

Watkins Glen returns to action Friday at home against Union Springs/Port Byron.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Katie Cook reacts after registering a strike on the way to a 221 game.

Glen boys fall to Whitney Point, 57-48

WHITNEY POINT, Dec. 11, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 0-3 Monday night with a 57-48 loss to Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The Lake Hawks led early and were deadlocked at 38-38 entering the fourth quarter before Whitney Point pulled away.

Ryan Willett led Watkins with 24 points, while Sam Caslin scored 13, Chris Simiele 9, and Alex Holmes 2. Holmes led in rebounds with 9, while Willett grabbed 7, Simiele 3, and Caslin 3. Caslin led in assists with 6, while Simiele had 3.

"Tonight was another game where we traded the lead throughout the first three quarters and into the beginning of the fourth, then faded down the stretch," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "I was pleased with much of what we did at times in the game. We are definitely getting better but have to learn ways to close games out.

"Defensively, we are always undersized, so we have to find ways to defend against some big guys. That said, we rebounded the ball really well. Alex Holmes and Ryan Willett battled hard on the boards and combined for 16 rebounds. That is the level of effort that makes a difference in games. We will continue to work on playing together as a team and improving!"

Watkins Glen returns to action Friday night at home against Newark Valley.

Junior Varsity: Whitney Point defeated Watkins Glen 47-35. Watkins (now 0-2) was led by Bryce Bockelkamp's 17 points. Nolan Reynolds led the Lake Hawks in rebounds with 10, while Bockelkamp grabbed 9. Other points came from Jaydon Scholtisek (6), Caydin Lagramada (5), Dominic Lewis (3), Jax Decker (2), and Reynolds (2).

Watkins Glen's Olivia King elevates as she nears the basket. She scored 10 points.

Watkins girls coast past Whitney Point

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 11, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team -- led by Rachel Vickio's 18 points and a ballhawking defense -- defeated Whitney Point 48-28 Monday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS gym.

The Lake Hawks, now 2-0, started slowly, trailing the Eagles 7-5 through one quarter, but turned on their offense in the second quarter, riding a 10-0 run to a 17-8 halftime advantage. They then pulled away with a 19-9 third period to lead 36-17 entering the final quarter.

Scoring in addition to Vickio were Addie Coolican (11 points), Olivia King (10), Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons (4), Molly Coolican (2), Natalee Oliver (2), and Michaela Wheaton (1). The team converted 10 of 17 free throws.

Whitney Point was led by Sadee Short's 13 points. The Eagles sank 9 of 16 free throws.

Watkins Glen returns to action Friday at Newark Valley.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen lost to Whitney Point, 40-23. Elizabeth Fitzwater led the Lake Hawks (now 1-1) with 10 points.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio drives to the basket. She scored 18 points.

Left: Watkins Glen's Addie Coolican eyes the basket. She scored 11 points.
Right: The Lake Hawks' Natalee Oliver launches a shot from long range.

Watkins Glen's Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons prepares to shoot in heavy traffic.

The Storm's Lucas Hoffman stands atop the podium at 116 pounds. (Photo provided)

Hoffman and Guild win titles at Elmira

ELMIRA, Dec. 9, 2023 -- Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen high school varsity wrestlers Lucas Hoffman and Dana Guild won titles in their respective weight classes Saturday night at the Dave Buck Memorial Tournament at Elmira High School. Both were unbeaten, Hoffman at 116 pounds, and Guild at 285.

Hoffman earned his championship with a fall in the finals over Gavin Nordberg of Unatego-Unadilla Valley. Guild earned champion status with a fall over Luke Beattie of Windsor in the finals.

Other OM/WG (Schuyler Storm) place winners included:

--Aiden Summers, who placed third at 285 after losing to teammate Guild 1-0 in the semifinals and then pinning Joseph Matson of Whitney Point in the third-place match.

---Riley Yaw, who placed 5th at 124 pounds, finishing with a 3-2 record.

Other competitors for OM/WG included Daniel Coston, who finished with a 2-2 record at 138 pounds; Jaymes Forker, who finished with a 1-3 record at 145 pounds; Balan Ault, who finished with a 3-2 record at 152 pounds; and Patrick Croft, who finished with a 2-3 record at 215 pounds.

The Storm's wrestlers return to action Wednesday night when they take on Dryden in Odessa-Montour's Jack Davis Gym.

Photo in text: Dana Guild, left, won the 285-pound title, with Aiden Summers (right) placing third. (Photo provided)

Left: Odessa-Montour's Gina Gavich launches a shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Leah Antes drives to the basket.

Odessa girls fall to ND; Antes nets 21

ELMIRA, Dec. 9, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team's record slipped to 2-2 Saturday when the Grizzlies dropped a 56-46 decision to Elmira Notre Dame in a meeting of two Interscholastic Athletic Conference rivals as part of the Elmira College High School Hoops Holiday Invitational.

The game, one of four played throughout the day in the college's Speidel Gymnasium (the others were Edison-Union Springs, Corning Painted Post-Binghamton and Elmira-Johnson City), saw 8th grader Leah Antes lead O-M with 21 points, bringing her average for the season to 16 points. She also grabbed 5 rebounds.

Other scoring for O-M came from Gina Gavich (11 points, along with 6 assists), Keyonna Garrison (6 points, with 5 rebounds), Evvie Zinger (4 points, with 5 rebounds), and Brooklynn Thompson (4 points, with 5 rebounds). The team converted 5 of 10 free throws.

Notre Dame, a ball-hawking, fast-breaking quintet, had three players in double figures: Mallory Sheehan (18), Payton Sutryk (17) and Madison Fargo (12). The Crusaders sank 11 of 21 free throws.

Notre Dame built a 15-7 first-quarter advantage, and was up 29-23 at halftime. The Crusaders pulled away with a 16-7 third quarter, entering the final period with a 45-30 lead.

O-M scored the next seven points to cut the lead to eight points. The Grizzlies pulled within seven points at 51-44, but could get no closer.

"We dug that hole early and just couldn't battle our way out of it," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "We fought, but the third game in four days plus the bigger college court caught up to us. We got beat in transition and clobbered inside on the boards.

"We still competed the entire game and are doing a lot of good things that I didn't expect this early in the season. We will rest up and get ready for Tioga on Wednesday."

The Holiday Tournament served as a fund-raiser for the Arctic League, a non-profit that has provided Christmas gifts to needy children in Chemung County each year for more than a century.

Photo in text: O-M's Keyonna Garrison looks for a shot in traffic.

Left: O-M's Evvie Zinger launches a long-range shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Brooklynn Thompson eyes the basket.

Tuttle, VanScoyk post wins at FL Invite

Tuttle breaks her own school record in the 1500 Meter Racewalk

CORTLAND, Dec. 9, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School sophomore Madison Tuttle broke her own school record Saturday in winning the 1500 Meter Racewalk while WGHS senior Johnny VanScoyk took first place in the 3200 Meter Run at the Finger Lakes Invitational indoor track meet at SUNY Cortland.

The meet, the first of the season for WGHS's team of 19 competitors, saw Tuttle post a time of 7:40.89 in breaking the mark of 8:24.46 she set last year while she was still mending from an ACL injury. She placed first Saturday in a field of nine runners, nearly a minute ahead of her nearest competitor. She also placed 10th in the 1500 Meter Run in 6:05.60, just ahead of teammate Kathryn Planty (11th in 6:11.80).

VanScoyk posted a personal-best time of 10:57.15 to win the 3200, with teammate Isaac Hendrickson 5th in 11:35.97. The two finished 4th and 10th, respectively, in the 1600.

Kyren Young placed 3rd in the 55 Meter Dash with a personal best of 6.94, and 6th in the 300 Meter Dash in 39.74.

In field events, Jack Hayden posted a 5th-place finish in the High Jump at 5' 2".

"This was the first meet with a bunch of new tracksters," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "The team has started off working to learn and to get strong. They all did great. Now that the first-meet jitters are gone, I am so excited to see their progression."

Photos in text: Watkins Glen's Maddie Tuttle and Johnny VanScoyk. (Provided)

Watkins Glen boys fall to Lansing, 73-55

LANSING, Dec. 8, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team's record slipped to 0-2 Friday night with a 73-55 loss to Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the Lansing gym.

Chris Simiele led the Lake Hawks with 30 points while grabbing 4 rebounds and registering 3 steals. Other scoring came from Ryan Willett (18 points, with 4 rebounds, an assist and a steal), Sam Caslin (5 points, with 4 assists and 2 rebounds), and Alex Holmes (2 points, with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a blocked shot). Jude Santos grabbed 3 rebounds, and Nick D'Alleva 2.

"In a game where we were very much outsized," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "the boys put forth a solid effort. The final score doesn't tell the story of the game, as we led early and were within a few points throughout the game, and down only four well into the final period.

"We still have a lot of work to do, but I was very pleased with the improvements we've made so far. It's going to be a battle every night as we lack size this season, but we are learning ways to defend as a team and keep ourselves in games. We will get back at it and keep working to improve."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Alex Holmes (12) defends as a Lansing player looks to shoot. (Photo by Derick Willett)

Left: O-M's Brady Cannon attempts a shot in traffic. Right: The Grizzlies' Gunner Herrmann is fouled as he drives to the basket.

O-M boys race past Spencer-Van Etten

ODESSA, Dec. 8, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team, led by Tyler Malnoske's 24 points, defeated Spencer-Van Etten 68-30 Friday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies (now 2-1) raced out to a 26-6 first-quarter lead, were up 45-13 at halftime, and ahead 58-18 entering the fourth quarter.

Malnoske hit six 3-pointers, all in the first half. Other double-digit scorers for O-M were Brady Cannon (11 points), David Patterson (11), and Drew Parmenter (10). Other points came from Gunner Herrmann (5), Benson Patterson (4), and Brad Gillis (3). The team converted 6 of 15 free throws.

Spencer-Van Etten was led by Alijiah Davis, and Andrea Lopresti, each of whom scored 10 points. The Panthers sank 7 of 16 free throws.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Tuesday night at Tioga.

*****

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Spencer-Van Etten, 47-37. Aaron Sutton led the way with 24 points, while Hunter Mowry added 12 points, James Halpin 4, Caleb Malnoske 4, and Moe Zinger 3.

*****
*****

Photo at right: Odessa-Montour's Tyler Malnoske takes aim at the basket. He sank six 3-pointers.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Drew Parmenter prepares to launch a shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Gavin Lohmeyer drives to the hoop.

From left: O-M's David Patterson, Lance Reese and Benson Patterson shoot.

And in the JV game:

Left: Odessa-Montour's Hunter Mowry shoots. Right: The Grizzlies' Aaron Sutton sends a 3-pointer on its way.

O-M girls top Spencer-Van Etten, 46-36

SPENCER, Dec. 7, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team won its second game in two nights Thursday, defeating Spencer-Van Etten 46-36 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference divisional game in the S-VE gym.

The Grizzlies, now 2-1 overall and 1-0 in division play, were led by Leah Antes' 19 points and 8 steals. Gina Gavich added 15 points, 5 assists and 3 steals, while Keyonna Garrison registered 8 points and 8 rebounds. Other points came from Maggie Pentz (2, with 7 rebounds), and Brooklynn Thompson (2, with 13 rebounds). Evvie Zinger grabbed 4 rebounds and had 3 steals.

O-M led 13-6 after one quarter, 24-10 at halftime, and 39-29 entering the fourth period.

"This was a great win for this team tonight," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich. "Our seniors really stepped up and showed the way. We were playing back to back on the road for the first time against a team looking to avenge last year's divisional tie-breaker game.

"They went on a 7-0 run to start the second half and the crowd got into it and we answered right back with an 8-2 run -- on a Gina 3 pointer and a Keyonna and-1. Then we played pretty smartly in the fourth quarter and got out of there with a huge win."

The game was the season operner for Spencer-Van Etten. Odessa-Montour returns to action Saturday against Elmira Notre Dame at Elmira College.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Spencer-Van Etten, 43-14.

Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio takes aim as she drives toward the basket.

Watkins girls race past Lansing, 54-24

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 7,. 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team opened its season Thursday night with a 54-24 victory over Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the WGHS Field House.

Watkins raced out to a 16-3 first-quarter advantage, led 33-14 at hafltime, and was up 47-17 entering the fourth period.

Rachel Vickio led the Lake Hawks in scoring with 17 points that included three 3-pointers.

Other scoring came from Addy Coolican (9 points), Brianna Hatch (8), Olivia King (7), Natalee Oliver (5), Michaela Wheaton (4), and Lillian Ameigh (4). The team converted two of six free throws.

Lansing was led by Emma Best's 14 points. The Bobcats sank four of eight foul shots.

Watkins Glen will return to action Monday night at home against Whitney Point.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Lansing 29-11.

Paige Ells led the Lake Hawks with 13 points, while Ava Kelly scored 8, Isabella Yaw 4, Elizabeth Fitzwater 2, and Bailey Viehdeffer 2.

****
****

Photo at right: Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton shoots in first-half action.

 

Left: The Lake Hawks' Lillian Ameigh prepares to launch a shot. Right: Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver shoots.

Left: Watkins Glen's Addy Coolican puts up a shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Brianna Hatch (facing camera) wins the tipoff to start the game.

Watkins Glen's Molly Coolican, left photo, and Olivia King, right photo, pass the ball.

The Storm's Liam Smith on the way to victory in the 200 Individual Medley.

Storm swimmers defeat Dryden, 102-72

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 7, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm boys varsity swim team opened its season Thursday with a 102-72 victory over Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

"It was a fantastic start to the season for these young men," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team is a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes.

"Liam Smith, Ryan Dean, Carson Thaete, Vinnie Ocasio, Andre Wixson and Alex Walters haven't lost a step," said Westervelt, adding: "Some of our newcomers this year made a great first impression -- Evan Clarkson in the 100 Fly and 100 Breast, Grayson Robertson in the 500 Free and 100 Breaststroke, and several others placing in the top 5 to score points for us. Max Ricca and Jeremiah Desrochers both competed in diving and dove some very good scores for the first meet of the season.

"I couldn't be happier with the results from tonight."

Top results for The Storm:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Ryan Dean, Vincent Ocasio, Liam Smith and Carson Thaete, 1:52.60.
200 Free: 1st, Ryan Dean, 2:00.80; 2nd, Carson Thaete, 2:01.84.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Liam Smith, 2:17.25.
50 Free: 1st, Alex Walters, 25.11; 2nd, Andre Wixson, 27.12.
Diving: 1st, Max Ricca, 186.55; 2nd, Jeremiah Desrochers, 174.25.
100 Fly:1st, Carson Thaete, 1:02.51.
100 Free: 1st, Vincent Ocasio, 54.31; 2nd, Andre Wixson, 58.39.
500 Free: 1st, Ryan Dean, 5:23.82.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Vincent Ocasio, Evan Clarkson, Max Ricca, Andre Wixson, 1:48.57.
100 Back: 1st, Liam Smith, 1:03.58; 2nd, Alex Walters, 1:08.78.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Ryan Dean on the way to winning the 200 Yard Freestyle.
Bottom: The Storm's Alex Walters hits the water in the 50 Free.

The Storm's Carson Thaete on the way to second place in the 200 Yard Freestyle.

Odessa-Montour bowlers fall to Groton

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 7, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Thursday to Groton in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: Odessa-Montour lost all three games by a combined score of 1748-1480. Breyden Seamon led the Grizzlies with a 436 series.

Girls: Odessa-Montour lost all three games by a combined score of 1697-1463. Abbey Grady led the Grizzlies with a 353 series that included a 161 game.

O-M will return to action Thursday against Spencer-Van Etten/Candor at Owego Bowl.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Alex Campbell reacts after converting a spare.

Odessa-Montour's Leah Antes drives to the hoop for two of her 16 points.

O-M girls top Campbell-Savona, 47-41

ODESSA, Dec. 6, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team got double-digit scoring from three players on the way to a 47-41 victory Wednesday night over Campbell-Savona in a non-league game in the O-M gym.

Leah Antes led the Grizzlies (now 1-1) with 16 points, and registered 7 steals. Evvie Zinger scored 11 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Gina Gavich scored 10 points and had 3 assists.

Keyonna Garrison added 6 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists, while Maggie Pentz scored 4 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.

The Grizzlies started slowly, falling behind 8-1 before rallying within a point, 10-9, by the end of the first quarter. They pulled ahead for a 24-20 halftime lead, were ahead 34-24 entering the fourth period, and led 45-30 before Campbell-Savona (now 0-5) rallied in the closing minutes.

"We've been working hard so far this season and it was good to get a win tonight," said Odessa-Montour Coach Greg Gavich. "We were giving up a ton of size inside and didn't shoot it very well, but we battled through it and got the win."

The Grizzlies return to action Thursday night at Spencer-Van Etten.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour opened its season by defeating Campbell-Savona 31-26. Alannah Rounds led the Grizzlies with 11 points. Five other players scored 4 points each.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Evvie Zinger drives past a Campbell-Savona player.

Bottom: The Grizzlies' Gina Gavich passes the ball to teammate Brooklynn Thompson in first-half action.

Left: O-M's Brooklynn Thompson, left, contends for the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Olivia Barr maneuvers with the ball.

Left: O-M's Maggie Pentz drives to the hoop in traffic. Right: The Grizzlies' Keyonna Garrison is fouled as she goes up for a shot.

The O-M girls varsity basketball team poses before their game. Front from left: Keyonna Garrison, Maggie Pentz, Gina Gavich, Brooklynn Thompson, Hannah Barr and Leah Antes. Top from left: Lillian Halpin, Olivia Barr and Evvie Zinger.

And in the JV game:

Left: O-M's Vanessa Wood takes aim. She scored 4 points. Right: The Grizzlies' Alannah Rounds prepares to shoot. She registered 11 points.

Wrestling; OM/WG falls to Whitney Pt.

WHITNEY POINT, Dec. 6, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen high school varsity wrestling team dropped a 36-34 decision to Whitney Point Wednesday night in a season-opening Interscholastic Athletic Conference dual match in the Whitney Point gym.

Whitney Point started out strong with six-point victories from Colleen Hilderbrant (WP) over Joey Davis (OM/WG) at 108 pounds, a forfeit for Asher Kellar (WP) at 116 pounds, Kyle Kitson (WP) over Jackie Mace (OM/WG) at 124 pounds, and a pinfall victory for Elijah Baker (WP) over Riley Yaw (OM/WG) at 131 pounds.

OM/WG started to put points on the board with Daniel Coston (OM/WG) earning a 10-0 major decision over Samuel Baker (WP) and Jaymes Forker (OM/WG) winning by fall over Mason Baxter (WP) at 145 pounds. At 152 pounds, Victor Turner (WP) won by fall over Kaiden Karius (OM/WG).

The 160-pound match saw OM/WG's Balan Ault receiving a forfeit win. At 170 pounds, Johnathan McCall (WP) pinned Ean Walsh (OM/WG). Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen finished the night with six-point victories from Breck Senecal (a forfeit at 190), Patrick Croft (who pinned Whitney Point's Zach McCall at 215 pounds), and Aiden Summers (a forfeit at 285).

OM/WG returns to action Saturday at the Dave Buck Memorial Tournament at Elmira High School.

O-M boys rout Campbell-Savona, 64-16

CAMPBELL, Dec. 5, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team evened its season mark at 1-1 Tuesday night with a 64-16 victory over Campbell-Savona in a non-league game in the C-S gym.

O-M, which raced out to a 24-4 first-quarter lead, was led by Tyler Malnoske's 22 points, which included four 3-pointers. Other points came from Brady Cannon (8), Gavin Lohmeyer (8), Drew Parmenter (6), David Patterson (6), Brad Gillis (4), Gunner Herrmann (4), Ben Heichel (4), and Lance Reese (2).

"We've been focusing hard on defense this season, and tonight really showed that," said Odessa-Montour Coach Aaron Thomson. "We played outstanding defense, and our offense was patient tonight ... letting our plays unfold the best shot possible."

The Grizzlies return to action Friday night at home against Spencer-Van Etten.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Campbell-Savona 46-35. Aaron Sutton led the Grizzlies with 23 points.

Left: Watkins Glen's Maisie Robertson after registering a strike. Right: The Lake Hawks' Katie Cook after posting a spare.

Bowling: Glen boys, girls fall to SVEC

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 5, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams lost Tuesday to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Harborside Lanes. The boys fell 4-0, and the girls 3-1.

Boys: SVEC won the first game by a tight 593-567, and then pulled away with 780-629 and 742-664 differentials in the second and third games for a final 2115-1835 victory.

Brett Cullen-Pike led Watkins Glen with a 408 series, while Mykel Cody posted a 398, Dominic Gublo 383, and Kamden Miller 333.

Girls: Watkins Glen won the first game, 548-525, but then dropped 669-550 and 669-527 decisions to SVEC, along with total pinfall, 1863-1625.

Ava Cowan led Watkins Glen with a 482 series, while Maisie Robertson rolled a 425, Faith White a 290, and Katie Cook a 285.

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

Odessa-Montour bowlers fall to US/PB

AUBURN, Dec. 4, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Monday to Union Springs/Port Byron in Interscholastic Athletic Conference matches at Starlite Lanes.

Boys: O-M, with four bowlers instead of five, dropped all three games by a combined total of 2409-1211. Breyden Seamon led the Grizzlies with a 447 series.

Girls: O-M dropped all three games by a combined 2094-1384. Anabelle Crippen led the Grizzlies with a 339 series.

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

OM/WG wrestlers place 2nd at Wellsville

WELLSVILLE, Dec. 2, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen high school boys varsity wrestling team finished in second place with 345.5 points Saturday at the annual Wellsville Wrestling Tournament.

OM/WG finished behind Penfield, which scored 431.5 points.

Leading OM/WG results:

--Lucas Hoffman placed first at 124 pounds with a 5-0 record. He pinned Braiden Salter of Wayne in the finals.

--Heavyweight teammates Dana Guild and Aiden Summers finished second and third, respectively, at 285 pounds. Guild reached the finals with a pinfall victory over Samuel Mulligan of Penfield in 26 seconds before dropping a 2-0 sudden-victory decision to Thi Quell VanGuild of Falconer-Cassadaga Valley in the finals. After losing in the semifinals, Summers earned a 5-1 decision win over Mulligan to take third place.

--Jaymes Forker finished with a 4-1 record at 145 pounds, pinning Jack Cicirello of Wellsville at 1:25 to earn third place.

--Balan Ault finished with a 4-1 record at 152 pounds, pinning Joshua Pullen of Pavillion-York at 5:00 to earn third place.

Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen will return to action Wednesday night when the team travels to Whitney Point for its opening dual.

Photo in text: OM/WG's Lucas Hoffman after winning the 124-pound title. (Provided)

From left: Odessa-Montour's David Patterson, Gavin Lohmeyer and Ben Heichel.

Odessa boys drop opener to ND, 73-46

ODESSA, Dec. 2, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity basketball team opened its season Saturday with a loss, falling to Elmira Notre Dame 73-46 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game in the O-M gym.

Notre Dame took a 17-8 first-quarter lead, and was up 38-28 at halftime before pulling away with a 20-7 third period. The Crusaders outscored O-M 15-11 down the stretch.

Tyler Malnoske led O-M with 16 points, including four 3-pointers. Other points came from Ben Heichel (9), Gavin Lohmeyer (8), Drew Parmenter (5), David Patterson (4), Brady Cannon (3), and Brad Gillis (1). The Grizzlies converted 12 of 20 free throws.

Notre Dame was led by Jeremiah Parker's 25 points. The team sank 11 of 18 free throws.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Tuesday night at Campbell-Savona.

Junior Varsity: Notre Dame defeated Odessa-Montour, 49-22. James Halpin led the Grizzlies with 8 points, while Aaron Sutton scored 7, Connor Foggie 4, and Moe Zinger 3.

Photo in text: O-M's Brady Cannon maneuvers around a Notre Dame player.

Left: O-M's Gunner Herrmann goes up for a shot. Right: The Grizzlies' Tyler Malnoske sends the ball on its way.

Left: O-M's Brad Gillis drives toward the hoop. Right: The Grizzlies' Drew Parmenter tries a twisting, off-balance shot.

And in the JV game:

Left: Odessa-Montour's Connor Foggie launches a shot. Right:The Grizzlies' Moe Zinger controls the ball.

Brewster sets mark in 60 Meter Dash

HOUGHTON, NY, Dec.1, 2023 -- Odessa-Montour High School alum Tori Brewster, a freshman at Houghton University, set a school program record of 7.85 seconds Friday evening in the 60 Meter Dash at the Houghton December Classic.

The tournament, a season opener for all participants, featured 16 teams and 724 athletes. It was Brewster's first indoor track meet.

Brewster, who finished third overall in the 60 Meter Dash, was also just 11 centimeters off the Houghton program record in the Long Jump. She leaped 5.11 meters.

O-M's Keyonna Garrison (left photo) and Evvie Zinger (right) take aim at the basket.

O-M girls fall to Charlotte Valley, 50-34

ODESSA, Dec. 1, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team opened the season on a losing note Friday night, dropping a 50-34 decision to Charlotte Valley in a non-league game in the O-M gym.

The Grizzlies trailed 12-9 after one quarter, took the lead briefly in the second period before trailing 27-22 at intermission, and then fell behind by 12 points, 41-29, entering the final period. Charlotte Valley built its lead to 19 points before winning by 16.

Gina Gavich led O-M scorers with 16 points (14 in the first half) and 4 assists. Leah Antes added 8 points and 5 rebounds, while Keyonna Garrison scored 3 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Other points came from Evvie Zinger (3), Maggie Pentz (2, with 6 rebounds), and Hannah Barr (2). Brooklynn Thompson grabbed 5 rebounds. The team was 5-for-10 from the free-throw line.

"We made a good run there in the second quarter," said O-M Coach Greg Gavich, "but our inexperience really showed up as the game went on. It's a learning process, and we learned something tonight and we will need to keep learning and growing as the season progresses."

Charlotte Valley, now 1-1, "did a nice job moving the ball and attacking our defense," Gavich added. "And they had a game under their belt coming in, which I think helped them.

"We will get back after it next week," he said, as the Grizzlies play three games in four days starting Wednesday at home against Campbell-Savona.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Gina Gavich drives to the basket.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Maggie Pentz works her way around a CV player.

Left: O-M's Hannah Barr follows through on a shot that found the hoop for two points. Right: The Grizzlies' Olivia Barr looks to pass the ball.

Left: O-M's Leah Antes drives to the hoop in traffic. Right: Odessa-Montour's (from left) Riley Brooks, Paisley Jeziorski and Maya Moser were among the fans on hand.

O-M's Brooklynn Thompson, left, corrals the ball as a Charlotte Valley player nears.

OM/WG's Mace places 2nd at NV tourney

NEWARK VALLEY, Dec. 1, 2023 -- Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen high school varsity wrestler Jackie Mace finished with a 4-1 record Friday night, earning second place at 126 pounds in the Newark Valley Girls Wrestling Tournament.

Mace's lone loss came in a 10-6 decision to Tioga's Kali Bailey (who was the eventual champion). Bailey was ahead 6-2 before Mace took Bailey down to her back in the second period, earning four points to even the score. In the third period Bailey scored two more takedowns to finish the match.

Mace's victories included a pinfall at the 0:50 mark against Aislyn Leonard of Oneonta, a fall over Mckenna Burnette of Elmira, a 5-0 victory over Savannah Lomax of Oneonta, and a 1-0 victory in double overtime over Josephine Young of Deposit Hancock.

Photo in text: Jackie Mace (second from left) on the podium. (Photo provided)

Left: Watkins Glen's Katie Cook motions as her ball knocks down the pins.
Right:
The Lake Hawks' Mykel Cody delivers a strike in the second game.

Glen bowlers lose to Lansing in opener

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 30, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions to Lansing Thursday in the Lake Hawks' Interscholastic Athletic Conference season-opener at Harborside Lanes.

The Glen girls were hampered by the absence of one of their five team members. They lost the three games 648-483, 587-565 and 602-506, for an 1837-1554 differential. Ava Cowan led the way with a 456 series, while Maisie Robertson posted a 385, Faith White a 371 (including a personal-best 176), and Katie Cook a 342.

The Watkins boys lost the first game 716-671, and then came close in the next two, falling 689-680 and 745-736 for a total pinfall loss of 2150-2087. Brett Cullen-Pike led the Lake Hawks with a 555 that included a 208, while Mykel Cody rolled a 459, Dominic Gublo 379, Gavin Metris 377, and Kamden Miller 313.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Brett Cullen-Pike reacts after barely missing conversion of a 1-2-10 split.

Odessa bowlers fall to Newark Valley

NEWARK VALLEY, Nov. 30, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions to Newark Valley Thursday in Interscholastic Athletic Conference road matches.

Girls: The Grizzlies dropped all three games by a combined 2219-1449. Pietra Vanderwerff led O-M with a 353 series, while Anabelle Crippen notched a 288.

Boys: O-M, which has just four bowlers instead of five, lost all three games by a combined 2114-1264. Breyden Seamon led the Grizzlies with a 456 series.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Monday at Auburn against Port Byron-Union Springs.

O-M bowlers fall to Tioga in opener

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 28, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys and girls varsity bowling teams dropped 4-0 decisions Tuesday to Tioga in Interscholastic Athletic Conference season-opening matches at Harborside Lanes.

Boys: O-M, which has just four bowlers, dropped a 1719-1359 decision, dropping all three games -- by scores of 531-445, 597-405 and 621-509. Breyden Seamon led the Grizzlies with a 511 series that included a high game of 196. Alex Campbell added a 336.

Girls: Odessa lost all three games by a combined 1719-1305. Abbey Grady led the Grizzlies with a 320 series, while Maylynn Hourihan posted a 303 and Anabelle Crippen a 301.

Odessa-Montour returns to action Thursday at Newark Valley.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Breyden Seamon adds some body English to a shot that left one pin standing.

Watkins Glen boys open with 61-37 loss

AURORA, Nov. 25, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity basketball team opened its season on a losing note Saturday, falling to Tully 61-37 in a game that was part of a daylong showcase of Section IV teams playing squads from Section III.

Other Interscholastic Athletic Conference schools participating in the showcase included Newark Valley, Lansing and Whitney Point.

Watkins Glen, after being limited to 7 points in the first half, had what Coach Scott Morse said was "a nice second half." He added that in a game as early as this one "all you look for is growth." The team is scheduling a number of scrimmages before its next scheduled game, set for Dec. 8.

The Lake Hawks were led by Christopher Simiele's 17 points, while Sam Caslin scored 12, Alex Holmes 4, Brady Bockelkamp 2, and Thomas Field 2. Holmes led in rebounds with 9, while Simiele grabbed 5.

"The boys played hard, showed tremendous determination and improved throughout," said Morse. "We struggled for sure in the first half but closed strong. We just couldn't get out of the hole we dug ourselves in the second quarter.

"I will say that with only 10 practices for the team and no scrimmages prior to today, they did a really good job. We knew it would be a challenge coming in and it was, but we settled down in the second half and played much better basketball. We have a long way to go, but I know the boys will work hard and continue to improve."

Left: O-M's Lean Antes drives to the basket. Right: O-M's ' Maggie Pentz takes aim.

O-M girls scrimmage against Athens

ODESSA, Nov. 25, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball team hosted Athens Saturday morning in a scrimmage in the O-M gym. The junior varsity squads from both teams also competed, alternating with the varsity.

After an initial 10-minute period in which O-M struggled on offense, the Grizzlies varsity settled into a rhythm and seriously contended with the visiting team.

Players for the Grizzlies include Leah Antes, Gina Gavich, Maggie Pentz, Keyonna Garrison, Evvie Zinger, Brooklynn Thompson, Lillian Halpin, Olivia Barr and Hannah Barr.

Odessa-Montour's varsity opens it season on Friday, Dec. 1 at home against Charlotte Valley. Game time is 6:00 p.m.

Photo in text: O-M's Evvie Zinger defends as an Athens player goes up for a shot.

OM/WG's Mace earns 2nd at Friends meet

WAVERLY, Nov. 25, 2023 -- Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen high school wrestler Jackie Mace earned a second-place finish at the annual Friends of Section IV Girls Wrestling Tournament Saturday in the Waverly High School gym.

Mace, wrestling at 126 pounds, earned her first trip to the finals of a wrestling tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sydney Rosenbloom of Waverly in the semifinals. In the finals, she was pinned in the second period by Spencer-Van Etten/Candor standout Taya Beach.

OM/WG wrestling returns to action Friday, Dec. 1 with the Newark Valley Girls Wrestling Tournament, followed by the Wellsville Wrestling Tournament for JV and varsity boys on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Glen soccer's Skye Honrath repeats as Schuyler Fall MVP

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Nov. 20, 2023 -- At the end of each sports season this website selects All-County, All-Sports All-Stars -- a combination of the best athletes in all of a season's sports at the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high schools.

It's a list, in other words, where the sports are thrown together, apples and oranges. And from that list comes a seasonal MVP. The selection sometimes yields two honorees, the result of difficulty weighing the performances in one sport versus another.

Other times -- like this time -- the honoree is an easy choice. This past season, the performance of one person, the success of her team and her specific role in that success pointed in one direction.

It pointed to Watkins Glen High School soccer standout Skye Honrath, the winner of this same honor last year, as well.

I described Skye (at right) in a recent column this way:

"Honrath is poetry in motion out on that soccer field, twisting, turning and evading oncoming defenders in search of a shot, either left-footed or right. When she does find an opening, her efforts are either rockets or well placed arcing shots -- often for a goal ... She is small in height compared to many competitors, but has a large, self-sustaining drive, and finds success with remarkable frequency -- using the field of play as the figurative canvas for her art."

In plainer terms, Skye scored 33 of her team's 87 goals this past season, leading her team to an 18-2 record and its second straight Section IV, Class C championship. She had hat tricks (three goals) on six occasions, and along the way notched a half-dozen assists.

Her goal total equaled the school single-season mark of 33 set by alum Hannah Morse, who served this season as an assistant coach for the team. And Skye's career total of 70 goals through her junior year is just three shy of Morse's school career record.

Skye's was a singular performance in a remarkable season, and has earned her -- for the second straight autumn -- The Odessa File's Schuyler Fall MVP award.

The All-Schuyler, All-Sports All-Stars:

First Team

Skye Honrath -- WGHS Girls Soccer -- Fall MVP
Sasha Honrath -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Ava Kelly -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Lillian Ameigh -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Natalee Oliver -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Rachel Vickio -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Alannah Klemann -- Storm Girls Swimming
Thalia Marquez -- Storm Girls Swimming
Emily Melveney -- Storm Girls Swimming
Aubrey Klemann -- Storm Girls Swimming
Kendra Fish -- Storm Girls Swimming
Michael Purpura -- WGHS Boys Soccer
Liam Smith -- WGHS Boys Soccer
Jaymes Forker -- WGHS Boys Soccer
Brad Gillis -- Storm Football
Ryan Willett -- Storm Football
Johnny VanScoyk -- WGHS Cross Country

Second Team

Malina Butler -- Storm Girls Swimming
Cara Reynolds -- Storm Girls Swimming
Olivia VanSkiver -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Brianna Hatch -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Olivia King -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Caleb Bresett -- WGHS Boys Soccer
Aidan Kelly -- WGHS Boys Soccer
Salvatore Purpura -- WGHS Boys Soccer
David Patterson -- OM Boys Soccer
Patrick Croft -- OM Boys Soccer
Riley Yaw -- OM Boys Soccer
Lucas Hoffman -- OM Boys Soccer
Paisley Jeziorski -- OM Girls Soccer
Maggie Pentz -- OM Girls Soccer
Brady Cannon -- Storm Football
Ben Heichel -- Storm Football
Thomas Field -- Storm Football
Alex Holmes -- Storm Football
Alyson Gibson -- WGHS Volleyball
Jocelyn Sisana -- WGHS Volleyball
Sarah Jones -- WGHS Volleyball
Isaac Hendrickson -- WGHS Cross Country

Third Team

Lizzi Fitzwater -- Storm Girls Swimming
Skye Cummings -- Storm Girls Swimming
Claire Lewis -- Storm Girls Swimming
Caelyn Baker -- Storm Girls Swimming
Cordelia Thompson -- Storm Girls Swimming
Paige Ells -- Storm Girls Swimming
Casey Hines -- Storm Girls Diving
Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Erin Snow -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Brenna Pierce -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Jennifer Gublo -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Michaela Wheaton -- WGHS Girls Soccer
Thomas Snow -- Storm Football
Aiden Summers -- Storm Football
Nick D'Alleva -- Storm Football
Gavin Lohmeyer -- Storm Football
Aries Harler -- Storm Football
Maya Moser -- OM Volleyball
Anna Franzese -- WGHS Volleyball
Jed Lynch -- OM Boys Soccer
James Halpin -- OM Boys Soccer
Brycen Skinner -- OM Boys Soccer
Leah Antes -- OM Girls Soccer
Ella Kramer -- OM Girls Soccer
Evvie Zinger -- OM Girls Soccer
Jackie Mace -- OM Girls Soccer

Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity basketball seniors include, from left: Keyonna Garrison, Lillian Halpin, Gina Gavich and Hannah Barr.

High school winter sports practices start

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Nov. 13, 2023 -- Practices for high school winter sports got under way Monday, with athletes gathering for sessions at the Odessa-Montour and Watkins Glen high schools.

The Odessa File visited girls varsity basketball practices at the two schools -- first at O-M, where Coach Greg Gavich was running his charges through conditioning and tactical routines.

On hand were his four seniors -- Sharpshooter Gina Gavich, Lillian Halpin, Hannah Barr and Keyonna Garrison, who sustained a stroke during last year's basketball season but is back on the hardwood again this year. Also returning, with experience from last year's squad -- which won the IAC Small School South Division title -- are Maggie Pentz and Brooklynn Thompson. Lost to graduation were division MVP Hannah Nolan, along with Reagan Reese, Tori Brewster and Katie Adams.

Watkins Glen's girls varsity basketball team lost two seniors to graduation -- Jenna Solomon and Carly Arnold -- but returns a lineup under Coach Alicia Learn with plenty of varsity experience: Rachel Vickio, Brianna Hatch, Olivia King, and Molly and Addie Coolican. Also featured: Olivia VanSkiver, Natalee Oliver, Michaela Wheaton, Emma Cady and Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons.

Other sports to look forward to, with the season openers coming soon: boys basketball, boys swimming, indoor track (at Watkins Glen), wrestling and bowling.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio drives to the hoop in practice.

Members of the Watkins Glen High School girls varsity basketball team gathered for this impromptu group photo at Monday's practice.

Glen's VanScoyk competes at State meet

VERONA, Nov. 11, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School senior Johnny VanScoyk competed Saturday in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Cross Country Championships, placing 57th out of 115 runners in the Class D boys race.

VanScoyk, who qualified for States last week at the Section IV Championships at Chenango Valley State Park, posted a time of 18:44 Saturday at Vernon Verona Sherrill High School in Verona.

The Section IV, Class D champion Trumansburg team placed fifth at VVS, while Section IV placed fifth overall, as well.

"What a nice season for Johnny in his senior year," said WGHS Coach Kelly Sterner. "He sure has competed with great work ethic, sportsmanship, leadership, and grace.

"Now on to Winter track, and looking forward to more special moments."

Photo in text: WGHS's Johnny VanScoyk at the State meet. (Photo provided)

IAC soccer All-Star teams announced

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Nov. 8, 2023 -- The Interscholastic Athletic Conference has announced its divisional All-Star teams for the recently concluded soccer season.

Girls Soccer: The IAC South Small School Division All Stars for Schuyler County are:

Watkins Glen: Skye Honrath is the MVP. Other 1st Team picks are Ava Kelly, Sasha Honrath, Natalee Oliver, Lillian Ameigh and Rachel Vickio. The 2nd Team picks are Olivia VanSkiver, Brianna Hatch and Olivia King.

Odessa-Montour: Paisley Jeziorski is a 1st Team pick, while Maggie Pentz made the 2nd Team.

Boys Soccer: The IAC South Small School Division All-Stars for Schuyler County are:

Watkins Glen: 1st Team selections are Michael Purpura, Jaymes Forker, Liam Smith and Aidan Kelly. On the 2nd team: Salvatore Purpura and Caleb Bresett.

Odessa-Montour: 1st Team picks include Riley Yaw, David Patterson and Lucas Hoffman. On the 2nd Team: James Halpin, Brycen Skinner and Patrick Croft.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath, IAC divisional MVP. She led her team to an 18-2 record and the Section IV, Class C title while tying a school single-season goal-scoring record of 33.

Several Storm gridders earn All-Star berths

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Nov. 8, 2023 -- The Section IV, Division IV football All-Stars have been announced, and the Schuyler Storm has several honorees.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes, earned the following All-Star berths after a 6-4 season:

1st Team: Ryan Willett, Brad Gillis, Brady Cannon, Thomas Field, Ben Heichel and Alex Holmes.

2nd Team: Gavin Lohmeyer and Aiden Summers.

IAC divisional volleyball All-Stars picked

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Nov. 8, 2023 -- The Interscholastic Athletic Conference has announced its divisional All-Stars for the volleyball season recently concluded.

Watkins Glen: Earning Honorable Mention in the Large School division were Jocelyn Sisana, Alyson Gibson and Sarah Jones.

There were no selections from Odessa-Montour.

Watkins Glen girls fall in overtime, 4-3

HERKIMER, Nov. 4, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team tied Sauquoit Valley with less than a minute left in regulation before losing 4-3 in overtime in Saturday's New York State Public High School Athletic Association Regional contest at Herkimer College.

The Lake Hawks, who closed the season with an 18-2 record and won the Section IV, Class C championship for the second straight year, got goals Saturday from Ava Kelly, Skye Honrath and Sasha Honrath (on a long direct kick that found the top left of the SV goal with about 50 seconds left in regulation) against a team that had shut them out in the Regionals last year. This was the third straight year in which Sauquoit Valley had won the Section III, Class C title.

The overtime was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams working their way into their opponent's zone and testing their goalies. Sasha Honrath sent a shot on goal at the 9:55 mark, four minutes after Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh (who had 13 saves in the game) had made a sparkling save on a Sauquoit Valley shot. The end came at 5:34, when an SV shot found the far left corner of the Watkins net.

Skye Honrath's goal was significant beyond this game, as it marked her 33rd of the year, tying her with alum (and current assistant coach) Hannah Morse for the most single-season goals in WGHS program history.

"It’s always hard to get this far, only to fall short in overtime, but I’m beyond proud of the girls and how hard they fought throughout the game," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "We struggled at times to find our rhythm today, and our play at times reflected that. We had stretches where we were flat and reacting to the ball, and stretches where we got aggressive and looked great transitioning from the defensive end to the offensive end.

"We talked all week about how both teams thrive in the counterattack, and that was evident today. We took an early lead (on Kelly's goal), then kind of slowed down and found ourselves down, only to roar back and tie the game with seconds remaining. That comeback took tremendous heart and determination and I think our girls showed their resolve.

"Ava Kelly, Skye Honrath and Sasha Honrath did what they have been able to do all season with some timely goals. Sauquoit Valley has a very talented offensive attack and some really fast forwards. There is a reason they are undefeated on the season. Our defense played well throughout, but Sauquoit Valley just managed to get one more than us in a hard fought game.

"In all, it was an excellent season and I hope each of them is proud of their accomplishments and what they brought to the team. They’ve shown all season what great athletes they are, but I’m truly proud of what kind of people they are as well. Kind, thoughtful, intelligent, determined and very funny. I consider myself lucky to have the privilege to be a part of this team, with such exceptional people.

"It’s always saddest for the seniors, and they will surely be missed. Lillian Ameigh, Maisie Robertson, Sasha Honrath and Brenna Pierce all made amazing contributions over the years. They leave a legacy in Watkins Glen -- winning the first IAC Championship and first Section IV Championship in WGHS girls soccer history last year, while repeating those accomplishments this year.

"The girls and I would like to thank the parents and fans who followed us all year. Your support makes a huge difference and is greatly appreciated! We’d also like to thank Coach Ralph Diliberto for his wisdom, encouragement and dedication to the program. Also, Assistant Coaches Hannah Morse and Eric VanSkiver for their knowledge, energy and support all year."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath (File photo)

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

Storm swimmers win their 7th Section IV title in a row

--Coach Jason Westervelt recounts the Sectional tourney. Westervelt.

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 4, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team dominated the competition Saturday, winning 10 of the 11 races on the way to its seventh consecutive Section IV, Class C championship.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, totaled 513 points, well in front of runnerup Lansing's 324. They were followed by Chenango Forks (293), Dryden (278), Elmira Notre Dame (159), Southern Cayuga (120), Susquehanna Valley (104), Whitney Point (68), and Greene (59).

Several Storm swimmers had multiple victories. The event winners included the following:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Malina Butler, Lizzi Fitzwater, Cara Reynolds, Aubrey Klemann, 2:03.33.
200 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 2:00.13.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 2:20.85.
50 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 25.97.
100 Fly: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:04.95.
100 Free: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, 58.31.
500 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 5:24.73.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Emily Melveney, Alannah Klemann, Kendra Fish, Thalia Marquez, 1:44.13.
100 Back: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 59.89.
400 Free Relay: 1st, Thalia Marquez, Emily Melveney, Kendra Fish, Alannah Klemann, 3:47.09.

The Storm also captured second-place in the 200 Free (Aubrey Klemann), the 200 IM (Kendra Fish), the 100 Fly (Cara Reynolds), and the 100 Back (Kendra Fish).

The team also a registered the following finishes:

3rd Place: Malina Butler (100 Back).
4th Place: Cara Reynolds (200 Free), Malina Butler (50 Free), Skye Cummings (100 Fly), Cordelia Thompson (100 Back).
6th Place: Skye Cummings (50 Free), Claire Lewis (500 Free).
7th Place: Caelyn Baker (200 Free), Paige Ells (100 Free), Lizzi Fitzwater (100 Breast).
8th Place: Claire Lewis (200 IM), Caelyn Baker (500 Free).

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Alannah Klemann on the way to winning the 200 IM.
Middle: WG/OM's Thalia Marquez, en route to first place in the 500 Free.
Bottom: The Storm's Aubrey Klemann reacts with shock after posting her best-ever time in winning the 100 Free. She had been seeded second.

--Coach Jason Westervelt recounts the Sectional tourney. Westervelt.

The Section IV, Class C champion Schuyler Storm swimmers pose after their victory.

The Storm's Malina Butler dives at start of the 200 Yard Medley Relay.

Left: The Storm's Kendra Fish (red suit) and Alannah Klemann (black suit) hit the water at start of the 200 IM. Right: Thalia Marquez with her medal for winning the 500 Free.

Left: The Storm's Aubrey Klemann is congratulated by Coach Jason Westervelt after she won the 100 Free. Right: WG/OM's Lizzi Fitzwater competes in the 200 Medley Relay, which her squad won.

The Storm's Cara Reynolds competes in the 200 Medley Relay, which her squad won.

The Storm's Claire Lewis competes in the 500 Free, where she placed sixth.

Left: The Storm's 50 Free finalists, from left Skye Cummings (6th place), Malina Butler (4th) and Emily Melveney (1st). Right: WG/OM's Paige Ells after finishing 7th in the 100 Yard Freestyle.

The Storm's Kendra Fish competes in the 200 Individual Medley, where she finished 2nd.

The Storm's Caelyn Baker competes in the 500 Yard Freestyle. She finished in 8th place.

The Storm's 100 Backstroke finalists, from left Cordelia Thompson (4th place), Kendra Fish (2nd), Alannah Klemann (1st) and Malina Butler (3rd).

*******

--Coach Jason Westervelt recounts the Sectional tourney. Westervelt.

Storm gridders fall to Forks in semi, 34-6

CHENANGO FORKS, Nov. 3, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team closed its season Friday night with a 34-6 loss to Chenango Forks in a Section IV, Division IV semifinal playoff game on the Forks football field.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, finished the campaign with a 6-4 record. Forks -- the division runnerup during the regular season -- advanced to next weekend's Class C title game against top-seeded Waverly, which defeated Susquehanna Valley 55-0 Friday night.

Chenango Forks built a 404-111 advantage in total offense, picking up 347 yards on the ground and 57 through the air. The Storm had 97 yards rushing and 14 passing.

Brad Gilllis led Storm ball-carriers with 55 yards on 9 carries, with one touchdown -- a 36-yard run. Ryan Willett gained 23 yards on 10 carries, and Nick D'Alleva 22 yards on 5 carries.

Quarterback Gavin Lohmeyer completed 2 of 12 passes for 14 yards, with two interceptions. Alex Holmes and Willett each caught one pass.

Leading tacklers for the Storm were Willett, Bishop Baldassarre and Ben Heichel, with 6 apiece.

Storm Coach Trevor Holland praised his team for its winning season, saying that "overall, we did a lot of great things," with "some of our new guys stepping up." The team went from an independent division last year to the Class C Division IV, and in the process posted what he called "quality wins" against Owego and Susquehanna Valley.

"It's tough when it comes to a screeching halt," he said of a season-ending loss like Friday night's. And the program faces a challenge with the graduation of 11 players and a situation -- common to many schools -- where "a lot of kids don't want to play. We're trying to get kids to want to play the game."

Photo in text: The Storm's Ryan Willett (5), Ben Heichel (53), Nick D'Alleva (3) and Aries Harler (44) tackle a Chenango Forks running back. (Photo by Derick Willett)

From left: Watkins Glen High School cross-country team members Marcus Delong, Nick Bonsignore, Johnny VanScoyk, Isaac Hendrickson, Dominic Gublo and Andrew Champion. (Photo provided)

Glen's VanScoyk qualifies for XC States

CHENANGO VALLEY, Nov. 2, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School senior Johnny VanScoyk placed fifth in Thursday's Section IV, Class D Cross Country Championships at Chenango Valley State Park, thus qualifying for the state tournament on Nov. 11.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association Championships will be held a week from Saturday at the Vernon Verona Sherrill High School in Verona. The class D race starts at 11 a.m.

VanScoyk, in qualifying for his first visit to States, posted a time of 18:06.6, barely a second out of fourth place.

Qualifiers included the top team, Trumansburg, which had the third- and fourth-place runners. Since five runners besides the qualifying team advanced to States, that included the top two finishers, VanScoyk, and the two runners behind him.

The Watkins Glen team placed fifth in the race, with Isaac Hendrickson 16th in 19:15.8, Nick Bonsignore 49th in 21:24.4, Dominic Gublo 50th in 21:32.4, Andrew Champion 61st in 23:11.0, and Marcus Delong 67th in 24:37.2. There were 81 runners.

"We are happy and excited that Johnny qualified for the 2023 NYS championship," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "He has worked so hard and was so focused on this goal."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Johnny VanScoyk on the way to his State-qualifying time. (Photo provided)

The Storm's Thalia Marquez on the way to qualifying 1st in the 200 Yard Freestyle.

Storm swimmers have a strong showing
at Prelims; Section IV finale is Saturday

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 1, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team -- in search of its 7th consecutive Section IV, Class C title, put itself in a strong position to achieve that goal at Wednesday's Class C Prelims in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

"We had some great swims tonight," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team is a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes. They will go for championship No. 7 Saturday in the same pool against Elmira Notre Dame, Lansing, Chenango Forks, Dryden, Susquehanna Valley, Southern Cayuga, Greene and Whitney Point.

The top eight finishers Wednesday in each race reached Saturday's finals. The 9th through 16th finishers made the consolation finals, with no chance to finish higher than 9th.

Standouts for the Storm were many:

--Emily Melveney qualified 1st in the 50 Free (26.00) and the 100 Fly (1:04.54), and was on two relays that qualified first: the 200 Free Relay and the 400 Free Relay (along with Thalia Marquez, Alannah Klemann and Kendra Fish).

--Thalia Marquez, in addition to those relay races, qualified 1st in the 200 Free (1:59.08) and 1st in the 500 Free (5:26.96).

--Alannah Klemann, in addition to those relay races, qualified 1st in the 200 Individual Medley (2:22.15) and 1st in the 100 Back (1:01.16).

--Kendra Fish, in addition to those relay races, qualified 2nd in the Individual Medley (2:23.65) and 2nd in the 100 Back (1:03.49).

--Cara Reynolds placed 1st with Malina Butler, Lizzi Fitzwater and Aubrey Klemann in the 200 Medley Relay (2:06.84), was 2nd in the 100 Fly (1:08.11), and 3rd in the 200 Free (2:14.14).

--Aubrey Klemann, in addition to qualfying 1st in the 200 Medley Relay, was 2nd in the 200 Free (2:10.33) and 2nd in the 100 Free (1:00.05).

--Malina Butler, in addition to qualifying 1st in the 200 Medley Relay, qualified 3rd in the 50 Free (27.51) and 3rd in the 100 Back (1:06.81).

--Lizzi Fitzwater, in addition to qualifying 1st in the 200 Medley Relay, was 8th in the 100 Breaststroke.

--In addition to those named above, Storm finalists will include Caelyn Baker (6th in the 200 Free and 8th in the 500 Free); Claire Lewis (8th in the 200 IM and 5th in the 500 Free), Skye Cummings (5th in the 50 Free and 4th in the 100 Fly); Paige Ells (7th in the 100 Free); and Cordelia Thompson (4th in the 100 Back).

The Storm, beyond qualifying first in all three relays, placed first in six other races, swept the top three spots in the 200 Free, was first, 2nd and 4th in the 100 Fly, and took the top four qualifying spots in the 100 Back.

Photos in text: From top, the Storm's Emily Melveney en route to qualifying 1st in the 100 Fly; Alannah Klemann dives at start of the 200 Individual Medley, where she qualified 1st; and Cara Reynolds reacts to setting a new personal best in the 100 Fly, where she qualified 2nd.

The Storm's Aubrey Klemann dives to start a leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Left: The Storm's Caelyn Baker on the way to qualifying 6th in the 200 Free.
Right: Claire Lewis on the way to qualifying 8th in the 200 Individual Medley.

Left: Skye Cummings reacts after learning she set a personal best while qualifying 4th in the 100 Fly. Right: Malina Butler dives at start of the 50 Free. She qualified 3rd.

The Storm's Kendra Fish on the way to qualifying 2nd in the 200 Individual Medley.

The Section IV, Class C champion Watkins Glen girls soccer team poses after the win.

Glen girls top Tburg 1-0 for 2nd straight Section IV title

CHENANGO VALLEY, Oct. 27, 2023 -- A first-half goal by Ava Kelly and a staunch defense carried the Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team to a 1-0 victory Friday evening over Trumansburg in the championship game of the Section IV, Class C Tournament.

The sectional title was the Lake Hawks' second in two years -- against a team it had beaten 2-1 earlier in the year but which -- with that lone loss on its record -- had been installed as the No. 1 seed. Watkins Glen, now 18-1, was the No. 2 seed.

With the win, the Lake Hawks advanced to a regional game at 12 noon on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Herkimer County Community College, against Sauquoit Valley, the winner of the Section III, Class C Tournament for the third straight year.

Kelly's score came at the 29:19 mark of the first half, a shot from the left as she got a clear look at the goal and buried the ball in the far right corner, past a diving Trumansburg goalkeeper.

The Lake Hawks had other opportunities, but couldn't convert -- coming particularly close on a Skye Honrath shot from the right that caromed off the left goalpost.

The key to the game for both teams was stifling defense, with Watkins midfielders and backs stepping up time and again -- and goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh playing flawlessly and registering five saves.

The Honrath sisters, Skye and Sasha, along with Kelly and Olivia VanSkiver, put repeated pressure on the Trumansburg defense, which was up to the task except for the lone instance when Kelly scored. The Lake Hawks had a decided advantage in corner kicks and shots on goal.

"It was a close game," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "but we managed to hang on against a very talented Trumansburg team. I thought it was a great performance by our team. We controlled much of the game but struggled to find the net. That happens sometimes, but our defense and goalkeeper played terrific and didn't give up a goal.

"Ava Kelly made a phenomenal move to get to the net and score that first-half goal. Skye Honrath played really tough through some intense double teams and physical defense. She kept the pressure on and, though she didn't get one to go, was very strong in the attack.

"Briana Hatch was really good in the midfield, and Olivia VanSkiver doesn't get enough credit for her play. Both of them played great tonight. Brenna Pierce was all over the field and made a huge impact on the game.

"Different teams call for different matchups, but every player on this team works hard every day and helps us win these games. I couldn't be prouder of the girls. It's so hard to win a sectional title, but to win in back-to-back seasons is really special. They set this as a team goal early in the year, and to watch them work so hard for it all season, and reach that goal was really great.

"Now we will have to get to work and prepare for the regionals next Saturday."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath, right, tries to maneuver for a shot in front of the Trumansburg goal.
Second: The Lake Hawks' Michaela Wheaton (8) heads the ball.
Third: Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo, left, sends the ball flying.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Erin Snow, left, battles for possession of the ball.

Watkins' Ava Kelly, left, sends a shot that found the right corner of the Trumansburg net for the game's only goal.

Left: Just before her goal, Ava Kelly juked right and then moved left around a Trumansburg defender. Right: After the goal, Kelly was congratulated by teammate Olivia VanSkiver.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brenna Pierce, right, fights for possession of the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Olivia VanSkiver, right, makes a move to elude a Trumansburg defender.

Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch sends a shot on goal. It was caught by the goalie.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia King sends a shot toward the Trumansburg net. Right: The Lake Hawks' Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons sends the ball upfield.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath (44) gets to the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Michaela Wheaton controls the ball.

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath sends a shot that glanced off the left goal post.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath passes the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Rachel Vickio meets the ball.

Left: The Trumansburg goalkeeper dives for the ball after it bounced off her hands. She managed to get it past Watkins' Ava Kelly (7) and onto the foot of a teammate, who cleared it. Right: The Lake Hawks' Natalee Oliver sends the ball flying.

After the game, the Watkins Glen players lined up to receive medallions. Among them, from left: Olivia VanSkiver, Maisie Robertson, Lillian Ameigh and Brianna Hatch.

Also in that post-game line, from left: Molly O'Connell-Campbell, Rachel Vickio, Natalee Oliver, Olivia King, Madaline Bryerton, Ava Kelly and Skye Honrath. One of the coaches, Eric VanSkiver, is in the background, left.

Storm gridders top Susquehanna Valley, 38-14; will play Chenango Forks in semi

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY, Oct. 27, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team improved its season mark to 6-3 Friday night with a 38-14 victory over Susquehanna Valley in a Section IV, Division IV contest on the Sus Valley football field.

With the victory, the Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes -- finished third in the division and will play runnerup Chenango Forks in a divisional semifinal playoff game at 7 p.m. next Friday at Chenango Forks, while fourth-place Sus Valley travels to face regular season division leader Waverly. The winners of the two games will meet for the title the following week, probably at a neutral site.

The Storm built a 14-6 halftime lead, scoring on a 21-yard touchdown pass to Brady Cannon just before intermission. He then added a point-after kick.

Cannon also connected on a field goal, and scored the final Storm touchdown, intercepting a Sus Valley pass on the WG/OM 2-yard line with 12 seconds left in the game and returning it 98 yards to paydirt.

The Storm had 438 total yards to Sus Valley's 354, with Brad Gillis the leading WG/OM rushers with 153 yards on 17 carries and a 65-yard TD run. Ryan Willett gained 105 yards on 12 carries, and Nick D'Alleva 29 yards on 6 carries. Quarterback Gavin Lohmeyer scored on a 14-yard run.

Lohmeyer completed 5 of 8 passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns -- the 21-yarder to Cannon and an 82-yarder to Alex Holmes.

Coach Trevor Holland said it's been "a great up-and-down season," adding: "We're peaking at the right time."

Photo in text: The Storm's Brady Cannon, left, is congratulated by teammates after his 98-yard interception return. (Photo by Derick Willett)

Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly goes airborne after her shot caromed off the diving Southern Cayuga goalkeeper.

Watkins Glen girls top S. Cayuga, 7-1, advance to Section IV finale vs. Tburg

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 25, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team spotted Southern Cayuga an early goal before roaring back for a 7-1 victory Wednesday evening in a Section IV, Class C semifinal played on the WGHS Alumni Field.

The victory -- keyed by three Skye Honrath goals, two by her sister Sasha and the return to the lineup of sparkplug Ava Kelly -- set up a showdown at 5 p.m. Friday at Chenango Valley High School's Warrior Stadium against Trumansburg for the sectional title. Tburg rallied from a 3-0 deficit Wednesday against Unadilla Valley to post a 4-3 overtime victory.

Trumansburg, 13-1 and the No. 1 seed, and Watkins Glen, 17-1 and the No. 2 seed, played earlier this season in Tburg, with Watkins registering a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

The three goals by Skye Honrath were her 30th, 31st and 32nd of the season, leaving her one short of the school single-season mark of 33 set several years ago by Hannah Morse, who serves now as an assistant coach on the team. Honrath, a junior, now has 69 career goals, four shy of Morse's school record of 73. The hat trick was her sixth this year, all in the last nine games.

Sasha Honrath's two goals brought her season total to 18. She also had an assist, her 7th of the year. Kelly -- who had missed the previous game with a high-leg injury and sat out the first 10 minutes of this contest -- scored her 17th goal and registered her 10th assist. When she entered the game, the Lake Hawks' entire energy changed, and the team took off on a scoring tear.

Also scoring a goal was Michaela Wheaton, her second of the year. She also had an assist. Other assists were registered by Molly O'Connell-Campbell and Olivia VanSkiver. Goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh had three saves.

"We had a bit of a slow start the first few minutes," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "but then got going and played a really good team-game tonight. I like how we moved the ball and transitioned from defense to offense seamlessly. Southern Cayuga brought energy right out of the gate, but we settled down and put together some nice passing combinations leading to us scoring several goals quickly.

"The whole team played well tonight, but there were some great individual performances as well. Ava Kelly gave us a big spark coming in tonight and instantly changed the game. Sasha Honrath played a really great game as well. When she is aggressive like she was tonight, she is incredible. Skye Honrath was terrific. She's just a special player and it's fun to watch her work. I thought Michaela Wheaton was outstanding coming in the game and making an impact.

"On the defensive side, Brenna Pierce was very tough tonight. She made plays and moved up to start our offense at times as well. Our defensive unit, both our back line and our defensive midfielders, have been tremendous all season and are often overlooked. Teams are going to score at this point in the season, as every team still playing is very good, but we do a nice job limiting those opportunities, and having a goalkeeper like Lily Ameigh in the net makes all the difference.

"Now we have a day to prepare for a really good Trumansburg team. Trumansburg is such a strong defensive team and can score quickly. They have great coaches, and this will be a big game in a rematch from last year's sectional final. I know the girls are excited, and we will do our best to be ready!"

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath sends a shot that found the Southern Cayuga net for one of her three goals.

Second: The Lake Hawks' Michaela Wheaton (8) sends a shot that bounced off the top of the crossbar and beyond the Southern Cayuga goal. She scored a goal earlier in the game, and had an assist.

Third: Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo moves the ball past a Southern Cayuga defender.

Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Rachel Vickio, right, meets the incoming ball.

Watkins Glen's Brenna Pierce clears the ball from in front of the Lake Hawks' net as goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh watches.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch meets the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Natalee Oliver sends the ball upfield.

Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath, right, passes the ball upfield. She scored two goals.

Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver sends a shot toward the Southern Cayuga net.

Watkins XC boys place 4th at IAC Meet

MARATHON, Oct. 25, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross-country team placed 4th Wednesday at the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Championships.

Senior Johnny VanScoyk was the top Watkins runner, finishing in 5th place in a time of 18:33. That earned him IAC 1st Team All-Star status.

Teammate Aidan Maphis posted a time of 20:03, while Isaac Hendrickson finished in 20:09, Dominic Gublo in 21:27, Nick Bonsignore in 22:14, Andrew Champion in 23:13, and Marcus Delong in 26:14.

The lone participant from Watkins Glen in the boy's modified race was Zach Brusso, who placed 9th with a time of 13:05.0.

"Johnny was really focused today," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "It was a great race."

Next for the Lake Hawks: Sectionals next week.

Photo in text: From left, Nick Bonsignore, Marcus Delong, Isaac Hendrickson, Andrew Champion, Zach Brusso (peeking from behind), Aidan Maphis, Dominic Gublo, and Johnny VanScoyk. (Photo provided)

Watkns Glen's Skye Honrath, left, sends a shot that got past the Groton keeper and into the net for the Lake Hawks' second goal.

Watkins Glen girls edge Groton, 2-1

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 21, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team got second-half goals from Jennifer Gublo and Skye Honrath and held off a determined Groton squad to post a 2-1 victory in a Section IV, Class C quarterfinal game Saturday afternoon on WGHS's Alumni Field.

With the win, the Lake Hawks advanced to a semifinal Wednesday at home against Southern Cayuga, which defeated Marathon in overtime in another quarterfinal. Starting time is 6:30 p.m.

The game, under dark skies and with a steady wind out of the north, saw a scoreless first half as the 16-1 Lake Hawks struggled to find the net. There were opportunities -- a crossbar carom off a Skye Honrath rocket, and a near-miss by her sister Sasha on a crossing pass -- but Watkins reached halftime frustrated that it hadn't scored on a team it defeated in the season opener 6-0.

Gublo broke the logjam at 27:40 of the second half when she jammed in a loose ball in the left corner of the net. And when Skye Honrath sent a shot from the left into the right corner of the Groton goal at 10:38, the victory looked secure.

But Groton retaliated at 9:53, a high shot carrying over Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh. And with just over 2:00 to play, Groton got off a shot from the right at a sharp angle, But Ameigh played it perfectly, snagging it as it passed by.

The Hawks, in other words, came within a whisker of an overtime contest -- reminiscent of its OT win over Groton last year in the IAC Small School Championship game.

Assists in this game went to Sasha Honrath and Brenna Pierce, while Ameigh registered seven saves in goal.

"Well," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse afterward, "in sectionals, the only thing that ultimately matters is advancing, and we managed to advance today. Groton came ready to compete and played tough throughout.

"I thought we generally controlled the majority of the game, but struggled to put the ball in the net. We had several opportunities that we usually capitalize on, but just couldn’t get them to go today. Skye Honrath draws so much defensive attention, but still goes hard and manages to score. She’s really special. Brianna Hatch was active in the middle of the field and was aggressive today. Michaela Wheaton came into the game and gave us a spark as well. She is another player who is often overlooked on this team, but can get going and make an impact.

"Defensively, we were pretty good today, with the exception of the one play that we miscommunicated on and allowed them to score. That’s going to happen sometimes, but I thought we were solid throughout."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo scores the first goal of the game.
Middle: The Hawks' Natalee Oliver clears the ball from in front of the Watkins goal.
Bottom: Watkins' Skye Honrath (40) sends a shot that bounced off the net's crossbar.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch, left, fights for control of the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Rachel Vickio goes high to meet the ball.

Watkins' Sasha Honrath, left, sends the ball toward the Groton net in second-half action.

Left: Watkins Glen's Maddie Tuttle prepares to kick the ball, which was deflected to the side by the Groton goalkeeper. Right: The Lake Hawks' Michaela Wheaton, left, moves the ball upfield.

Left: Watkins Glen's Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons meets the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Erin Snow passes the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brenna Pierce. Right: The Hawks' Olivia VanSkiver (37) sends a shot toward the Groton goal.

Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh stops a shot from the Groton player at far right with just over two minutes left in the game.

The Schuyler Storm's Thalia Marquez on the way to victory in the 200 Free race.

Storm swimmers win IAC championship

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 21, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team cruised to victory Satuday at the Interscholastic Athetic Conference Championship meet held in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- amassed 523 points, well ahead of runnerup Dryden (366). They were followed by Lansing (348), Elmira Notre Dame (187), Southern Cayuga (183), and Whitney Point (99).

The Storm -- led by four first-places each by Thalia Marquez and Alannah Klemann-- won the following events:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Malina Butler, Lizzi Fitzwater, Cara Reynolds, Emily Melveney, 2:09.05.
200 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 2:07.81.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 2:25.61.
Diving: 1st, Casey Hines (177.05).
100 Fly: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:07.93.
500 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 5:36.41.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Emily Melveney, Alannah Klemann, Kendra Fish, Thalia Marquez, 1:50.26.
100 Back: 1st, Alannah Klemann, 1:05.03.
400 Free Relay: 1st, Thalia Marquez, Aubrey Klemann, Alannah Klemann, Kendra Fish, 4:10.12.

Second-place finishes were posted by Kendra Fish in the 200 IM and 100 Back, Emily Melveney in the 50 Free, Cara Reynolds in the 100 Fly, and Aubrey Klemann in the 100 Free. Third places went to Aubrey Klemann in the 200 Free, Cordelia Thompson in the 100 Free, and Malina Butler in the 100 Back.

"The team raced well and is exactly where we want to be as we head into the Sectional Championship push," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, who noted that the diving title by Hines -- who started diving just six weeks ago -- "is, to the best of our knowlege, the first" won by a female from Odessa. There were no other divers, the difficulty in developing 11 different dives an obvious factor.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Alannah Klemann on the way to winning the 200 IM.
Middle: Three Storm swimmers finished in the top six in the 50 Free. From left: Skye Cummings (6th), Malina Butler (4th) and Emily Melveney (2nd).
Bottom: WG/OM's Cara Reynolds competes in the 200 Medley Relay. Her squad finished second.

The Storm's Skye Cummings dives in the 200 Yard Medley Relay race.

Left: The Storm's Kendra Fish competes in the 200 IM, where she finished second.
Right: Storm diver Casey Hines with her plaque for winning the IAC Diving title.

The Storm's Claire Lewis competes in the 200 Individual Medley. She placed 10th.

Left: The Storm's Thalia Marquez, left, and Aubrey Klemann -- 1st and 3rd, respectively, in the 200 Free. Right: Kendra Fish, left, and Alannah Klemann -- 2nd and 1st, respectively, in the 200 IM.

The Storm's Caelyn Baker competes in the 200 Free, where she finished sixth.

The Storm's Elizabeth Fitzwater dives during the 200 Yard Medley Relay.

The Storm's Brad Gillis, left, runs away from the Whitney Point team for one of his five touchdowns. He gained 235 yards on 10 carries.

Storm gridders rout Whitney Pt., 69-16

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 20, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team improved to 5-3 Friday night by running through and past Whitney Point 69-16 in a Section IV non-divisional Homecoming game on Watkins Glen High School's Alumni Field.

The Storm amassed 580 yards of offense, including 453 on the ground. Running back Brad Gillis led the onslaught with five rushing touchdowns -- on runs of 57, 32, 12, 48 and 42 yards. The first four of those came in the second quarter, when the Storm extended a 13-0 first-quarter lead to a 40-0 halftime advantage.

Gillis gained 235 yards on 10 carries, while Ryan Willett gained 148 yards on 13 carries (and one TD), and Nick D'Alleva 32 yards on 9 carries (and one TD). Quarterback Gavin Lohmeyer completed 6 of 8 passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns.

D'Alleva opened the scoring with a 1-yard run, and Lohmeyer then threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Brady Cannon.

After Gillis's second-quarter surge, Lohmeyer connected with Alex Holmes on a 49-yard TD pass to the left in the third quarter on a 4th-down play that was designed to gain the needed seven yards for a first down -- but Holmes turned it upfield and into the end zone.

Gillis scored his fifth touchdown in that third period, and then Willett raced right on a 23-yard scoring run. The final score came in the fourth quarter, when Quacey Wilt carried 17 yards around the right with just 1:28 left on the clock.

The Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- were successful three times on two-point conversion plays, Willett scoring twice (once on a pass from Lohmeyer), and Kayden Garrabrant scoring once on a pass from Hunter Mowry. The other points came on Cannon point-after kicks.

On defense, the Storm intercepted three passes, two by Willett and one by Holmes. Four players led with three tackles each: Willett, Cannon, Gillis and Aries Harler.

Whitney Point, which came into the game with a 3-4 record while playing this year in the Independent Division, got on the board after trailing 61-0 by returning a Storm kickoff 80 yards to paydirt. It added a TD on a 4-yard run after recovering a fumble deep in Storm territory.

But aside from those scores, it was all Storm, which plays in the Class C Division IV and will close the regular season next Friday on the road against division foe Susquehanna Valley, who like the Storm has a 2-2 division mark. If the Storm wins that game it will play Chenango Forks in a playoff game. If it loses, it will play Waverly.

Homecoming: A parade with fire trucks, police cars, floats, and marching football players was held in the late afternoon along Decatur and 12th Streets. The parade theme was movies, and winner was the junior-class float, "Mission Impossible."

The Homecoming Court was introduced at halftime, with a King and Queen to be announced at a dance the following night. King candidates are Ryan Willett, Brandon Chiacchiarini, Thomas Field and Alex Holmes. Queen candidates are Kay Davis, Sasha Honrath, Alannah Klemann and Thalia Marquez.

Senior Night: The team's seniors were honored in a Senior Night ceremony. They included Bishop Baldassare, Ryan Willett, Brady Cannon, Thomas Field, Brad Gillis, Brandon Hollenback, Alex Holmes, Thomas Snow, Aiden Summers, Ben Heichel, and Aries Harler. Cheerleader Emmali Mathews was also honored.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Alex Holmes intercepts a Whitney Point pass.
Second: The Storm's Quacey Wilt on his way to a 17-yard touchdown.
Third: The Storm's Brady Cannon converts an extra-point kick.
Bottom: Ryan Willett hauls in a pass from Storm quarterback Gavin Lohmeyer.

The Storm's Alex Holmes hauls in a pass from Gavin Lohmeyer before turning upfield and scoring a touchdown on the play.

Two-point conversion: The Storm's Gavin Lohmeyer, right photo, passes to Ryan Willett, left photo, who hauled it in.

Another two-point conversion: The Storm's Hunter Mowry, left, passes to Kayden Garrabrant, right, for the final points of the game.

The senior football players and lone senior cheerleader were honored before the game. (Photo provided)

The junior float, "Mission Impossible," earned the top award in the Homecoming parade. The parade theme was "Movies."

The Watkins Glen varsity volleyball team's three seniors were honored in a Senior Night ceremony preceding Thursday's match. From left, they are Keira Sulkey, Sarah Jones and Alyson Gibson.

Volleyball: Watkins closes on losing note

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 19, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity volleyball team closed its season Thursday with a 3-0 loss to Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 10-25, 22-25 and 8-25. The Lake Hawks had leads of 9-3 and 15-11 in the second game before Lansing pulled away for the win.

Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included:

Maulena Kamakawiwioole: 1 service point, 6 digs.
Alyson Gibson: 4 service points, 1 ace, 6 kills, 2 blocks, 4 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 4 service points, 2 aces, 5 kills, 14 digs.
Sarah Jones: 1 service point, 9 assists, 1 kill, 4 digs.
Kyra Yaw: 1 dig.
Anna Franzese: 3 service points, 1 assist, 1 kill, 1 dig.
Kaylee Yaw: 2 service points, 1 dig.
Keira Sulkey: 1 service point, 1 ace, 1 kill, 3 digs.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Jocelyn Sisana volleys against Lansing.

Left: Watkins Glen's Kyra Yaw reaches high to return a Lansing shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Kaylee Yaw serves.

Left: Watkins Glen's Anna Franzese kneels to meet an incoming shot. Right: The Lake Hawks' Alyson Gibson returns a Lansing volley.

Left: Watkins Glen's Maulena Kamakawiwioole handles a Lansing serve. Right: The Lake Hawks' Sarah Jones launches a shot over the net.

Volleyball: O-M falls to Moravia, 3-0

ODESSA, Oct. 19, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team ended its season Thursday with a 3-0 loss to Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 14-25, 20-25 and 10-25. Individual statistics for O-M included:

Maya Moser: 5 service points, 4 aces, 6 digs.
Kayla White: 7 service points, 5 aces.
Cassie Allen: 1 dig.
Rilke Arrance: 2 service points, 1 dig.
Olivia Rivera: 1 dig.
Madison Stone: 1 service point.
Meredith Rawleigh: 1 service point, 1 ace.
Maylynn Hourihan: 1 service point.

Junior varsity: Odessa-Montour lost 3-0 to Moravia. Game scores were 16-25, 16-25 and 22-25.

Watkins Glen Boys Modified runners were, from left, Liam Knight, Oscar Mintique, Zane Chambers, Zach Brusso and Drew Popovich. (Photo provided)

XC: Glen boys 3rd in IAC Modified race

TRUMANSBURG, Oct. 19, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys Modified Cross-Country team placed third among four teams Thursday at an end-of-season Interscholastic Athletic Conference Modified race in Trumansburg.

A total of 45 runners from 12 IAC schools competed. Only those with at least five runners amassed a team score.

"As you can see from the results," said Watkins Glen Coach Travis Durfee, "we had a handful of finishers in the top 10 for the boys and a top 10 finisher among the girls, too. It was a good season!"

Girls Modified: Watkins Glen had four runners, and so did not qualify for a team score. The Lake Hawks were led by Kathryn Planty, 8th in 10:24.7.

Trailing just behind her was Odessa-Montour's lone cross-country runner, Lexi Strobel, who was 10th in 10:25.6. As her coach and father, Skip Strobel, explained, "It was a very competitive girls race. Places 6 through 11 were separated by two seconds. I'm very proud of Lexi."

Other Watkins Glen runners were Nicole Perry, 24th in 11:18.3, Rachel Perry, 25th in 11:24.9, and Kambrie Thorpe, 30th in 11:36.4.

Boys Modified: Lansing took the team title with 38 points, followed by Trumansburg (49), Watkins Glen (53) and Newark Valley (85). Other schools represented included Groton, Candor, Southern Cayuga, Tioga, Marathon, Moravia, Edison and Whitney Point.

Watkins Glen's Liam Knight finished 2nd in 8:46.0, while teammate Zane Chambers was 3rd in 8:50.2, Drew Popovich 7th in 9:08.0, Zach Brusso 34th in 11:06.2, and Oscar Luca Mintique 44th in 12:59.1.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen Girls Modified runners were (from left) Kambrie Thorpe, Kathryn Planty, Nicole Perry and Rachel Perry. (Photo provided)

A shot by Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath (40) gets past the Waverly keeper for a goal.

Glen girls top Waverly 3-0 in tune-up

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 18, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team rode two goals by Skye Honrath and one by her sister Sasha to a 3-0 victory over Waverly Wednesday night in a game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The contest, a tune-up for both teams heading into sectional play Saturday, lifted the Lake Hawks' season mark to 15-1. They play at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at home against Groton in a quarterfinal of the Section IV, Class C tournament. Watkins is the No. 2 seed, while Groton -- which Watkins defeated 6-0 in their season opener -- is 7-7-1 and seeded 10th.

Sasha Honrath opened the scoring at 17:15 of the first half, drilling the ball just inside the right post after stealing it. Skye made it 2-0 at 6:33 of the first half by sending a shot into the right corner of the Waverly net, and added a penalty-kick goal at 18:24 of the second half. The two goals lifted her season total to 28, while Sasha has 16.

Lillian Ameigh was kept busy in goal for Watkins Glen, registering 12 saves in the team's seventh shutout of the season.

"With both Waverly and Watkins Glen having a bye in the first round of sectionals," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "we decided to play a game to keep our teams ready for Saturday. I was pleased with how the girls played today. They were aggressive and communicated much better than we have recently.

"I liked our ball movement and decision making throughout the game. I thought our defense was really impressive as well. Erin Snow was everywhere, and she is such an impact player all over the field when she gets going. And Sasha Honrath was an impact player offensively tonight. She is such an intelligent and patient player and lets the game come to her, but it’s nice to see her get really aggressive and attack sometimes. When she does, she can take over a game.

"I was proud of all the girls for how aggressively they played. That’s what we will need moving forward if we want to have a chance to win in sectionals.

"We are playing Groton on Saturday, so we have a couple of days to prepare for that one. There is always work to be done, but I like where we are."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins' Sasha Honrath (44) watches as her shot results in her team's first goal.
Middle: The Lake Hawks' Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons moves the ball upfield, chased by a couple of Waverly players.
Bottom: Watkins Glen's Gillian D'Alleva moves the ball past a Waverly player.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jennifer Gublo (43) sends a shot on goal. Right: The Lake Hawks' Erin Snow, left, battles for possession of the ball.

Watkins goalie Lillian Ameigh goes high to intercept an incoming Waverly corner kick.

Volleyball: O-M falls to Union Springs

ODESSA, Oct. 18, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Wednesday to Union Springs in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 21-25, 14-25 and 13-25. Individual statistics for O-M included:

Maya Moser: 11 service points, 4 aces, 1 kill, 3 digs.
Kayla White: 3 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill.
Cassie Allen: 4 service points, 1 assist, 1 dig.
Rilke Arrance: 3 service points.
Olivia Rivera: 5 service points.
Madison Stone: 2 service points, 1 assist.

Senior Night: The Odessa-Montour squad's lone senior, Madison Stone, was honored in a Senior Night ceremony preceding the varsity match.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour fell to Union Springs, 2-1. Game scores were 20-25, 19-25 and 25-23.

Photo in text: O-M's Madison Stone, honored in a Senior Night ceremony.

Volleyball: Watkins loses to Whitney Pt.

WHITNEY POINT, Oct. 18, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team lost 3-0 Wednesday to Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Whitney Point gym.

Game scores were 12-25, 16-25 and 14-25. Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included the following:

Maulena Kamakawiwioole: 5 digs.
Alyson Gibson: 5 service points, 3 aces, 6 kills, 1 block, 7 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 3 service points, 3 aces, 1 assist, 2 kills, 9 digs.
Sarah Jones: 1 service point, 1 ace, 8 assists, 1 kill, 2 digs.
Kyra Yaw: 1 service point, 1 ace, 1 kill, 1 dig.
Anna Franzese: 1 service point, 1 ace, 1 assist, 3 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 1 service point, 1 ace, 1 kill, 3 digs.
Keira Sulkey: 1 dig.

The Lake Hawks return to action Thursday at home against Lansing.

Watkins boys fall in sectional opener, 6-0

MARATHON, Oct. 17, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's season ended Tuesday with a 6-0 loss to Marathon in a Section IV, Class C tournament opener on the Marathon soccer field.

The Lake Hawks, seeded 12th, finished the season with a 7-6 record. Marathon, seeded 5th, is 14-1-1.

Watkins Glen Coach Jessica Purpura reported the following: "Goalie Caleb Bresett had 10 saves. The defense, consisting of Sam Hohle, Brady Bockelcamp, Max Ricca, and Jaymes Forker, played exceptionally well against a very tough offense. Midfielders Aidan Kelly, Christopher Simiele, Salvatore Purpura and Jude Santos worked really hard with defense to get the ball to our strikers. Marathon is a very fast, very disciplined team that is always first to the ball. It was hard to put any kind of combination together on offense. We knew the game was going to be a difficult one, but we were hopeful.

"Although we are ending on a loss, we had a fantastic season. Last year, we only won 2 games. This year, we end with a record of 7-6, scored quadruple the goals we had last season, placed second in our division, and made it to sectionals, the first time the boys have gone as a strictly Watkins team since 2014 (a combined team with Dundee did make it in 2019).

"Although we’ll miss our two seniors (Forker and Lawrence Majors), we’re hoping to have 16 returning players next fall and looking forward to what’s to come. I’m so proud of this team, their hard work, perseverance, and team spirit. I couldn’t ask for a better group of young men to coach."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen goalkeeper Caleb Bresett prepares to send the ball flying. (Photo by Logan DeBolt)

Storm swimmers finish with win, 8-0 mark

LANSING, Oct. 17, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team completed an unbeaten dual-meet season Tuesday with a 97-75 victory over Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Lansing High School pool.

"The girls swam well tonight," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team-- composed of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes -- finished with an 8-0 record.

Highlights Tuesday included:

--Thalia Marquez won the 200 Free and 500 Free (in 2:05.92 and 5:37.38, respectively).
--The 200 Medley Relay team (Kendra Fish, Alannah Klemann, Emily Melveney and Malina Butler) won in 2:07.24.
--The 200 Free Relay team of Melveney, Fish, Alannah Klemann, and Marquez won in 1:52.38.
--Emily Melveney won the 200 IM (2:33.34) and 100 Fly (1:09.69).
--Malina Butler won the 100 Freestyle (1:03.23), while Cordelia Thompson took 2nd place (1:07.08) .

"All around it was a great season," said Westervelt. "The girls have been working hard and are looking forward to our final phase of the season -- starting with the IAC Championship meet on Saturday, October 21st at Watkins Glen."

Watkins XC boys 2nd at Whitney Point

WHITNEY POINT, Oct. 17, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross- country team placed second Tuesday among eight teams at the Whitney Point Invitational. Several other schools competed, but without the five runners needed for a team score.

Boys Varsity: Watkins Glen senior Johnny VanScoyk placed 4th among 64 runners in 18:53.7 as the Lake Hawks finished second to Delhi-South Kortright (which had 56 points to Watkins Glen's 72). Other Watkins runners: Aidan Maphis was 9th in 19:52.3, Isaac Hendrickson 10th in 19:53.9, Dominic Gublo 36th in 21:42.4, Nick Bonsignore 40th in 22:26.8, Andrew Champion 47th in 23:58.6, and Marcus Delong 50th in 24:21.6.

"It was a difficult course with steep hills," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterneer. "Another great invite. After just coming off an invite on Saturday, out team looked powerful today."

Boys Modified: Watkins Glen placed third behind Sidney and Deposit-Hancock. There were two other complete teams (Trumansburg and Johnson City), but also runners from 10 other schools. Watkins Glen's Liam Knight was 3rd in 9:57.9, while Zane Chambers was 4th in 10:08.6, Drew Popovich 15th in 11:05.4, Zack Brusso 33rd in 12:17.1, and Oscar Mintique 45th in 16:26.7. There were 50 runners.

Girls Modified: Watkins did not have a requisite five runners for a team score. The Hawks were led by Kathryn Planty, 15th among 59 runners in 12:29.1. Nicole Perry was 29th in 13:06.4, Rachel Perry 30th in 13:08.8, and Kambrie Thorpe 32nd in 13:14.2.

Photo in text: The Watkins Glen boys varsity cross-country team poses with Coach Kelly Sterner. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen's Alyson Gibson goes high for a shot at the net against Whitney Point.

Volleyball: Watkins loses to Whitney Point

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 17, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Tuesday to Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS gym.

Game scores were 9-25, 15-25 and 11-25. Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included the following:

Maulena Kamakawiwioole: 3 service points, 1 ace, 11 digs.
Alyson Gibson: 3 service points, 2 aces, 6 kills, 1 block, 5 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 1 service point, 3 kills, 12 digs.
Sarah Jones: 2 service points, 10 assists, 1 kill.
Kyra Yaw: 1 kill.
Anna Franzese: 1 service point, 3 assists, 2 kills, 3 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 2 service points.
Keira Sulkey: 1 kill, 1 dig.

The Lake Hawks return to action Wednesday at Whitney Point.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Keira Sulkey volleys at the net.

Left: Watkins Glen's Kaylee Yaw serves. Right: The Lake Hawks' Anna Franzese volleys.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sarah Jones meets the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Maulena Kamakawiwioole returns a Whitney Point volley.

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

Storm swimmers top Owego Free Academy

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 16, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team -- led by four first-place finishes by senior Thalia Marquez -- defeated Owego Free Academy 93-73 Monday 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 -- won the following events:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Alannah Klemann, Thalia Marquez, Emily Melveney, Kendra Fish, 2:03.90.
200 Free: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, 2:15.57.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 2:24.63.
100 Free: 1st, Thalia Marquez, 58.14.
500 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 6:06.91.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Alannah Klemann, Malina Butler, Skye Cummings, Thalia Marquez, 1:52.36.

Storm swimmers finishing second included Claire Lewis in the 200 Free and 500 Free, Alannah Klemann in the 200 IM, Emily Melveney in the 50 Free, Cara Reynolds in the 100 Fly, and Aubrey Klemann in the 100 Free.

Third-places were posted by Caelyn Baker in the 200 Free and 500 Free, Skye Cummings in the 100 Fly and the Diving, Kendra Fish in the 50 Free, and Cordelia Thompson in the 100 Free. The Storm also had thirds in the Medley Relay and 200 Free Relay.

Storm swimmers placing first, but exhibitioning near the meet's end, included Alannah Klemann in the 100 Back, Elizabeth Fitzwater in the 100 Breaststroke, and the 400 Free Relay squad of Aubrey Klemann, Emily Melveney, Malina Butler and Kendra Fish.

Owego was highlighted by state-level diver Kaelyn Katchuk, who amassed 346.46 points, culminating in a dive that drew a 9 and a pair of 10s from the three judges.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Aubrey Klemann dives during the 200 Medley Relay.
Bottom: The Storm's Thalia Marquez in the 200 Medley Relay, one of her four wins.

Left: The Storm's Caelyn Baker dives on the backstroke leg of the 200 Medley Relay. Right: Owego diver Kaelyn Katchuk, who posted a score of 346.46 points.

The Schuyler Storm's Claire Lewis competes in the 200 Free, where she finished second.

The Storm seniors were honored in a Senior Night ceremony during the meet. From left: Malina Butler, Skye Cummings, Alannah Klemann and Thalia Marquez.

Watkins Glen's Jocelyn Sisana meets an incoming Odessa-Montour volley.

Volleyball: Watkins Glen tops O-M, 3-0

ODESSA, Oct. 16, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team defeated Odessa-Montour 3-0 Monday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 25-9, 25-5 and 25-12.

"The team played well and had good serving tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Krystina Westervelt. "It was nice to have all players back free of injury. We need to keep this momentum going for the next three evenings of matches."

A Tuesday match at home against Whitney Point "will be a late start," Westervelt said, "with the JV starting around 6 p.m."

Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included the following:

Alyson Gibson: 15 service points, 9 aces, 12 kills.
Jocelyn Sisana: 14 service points, 7 aces, 1 kill, 4 digs.
Sarah Jones: 14 service points, 5 aces, 11 assists, 2 kills, 4 digs.
Kyra Yaw: 2 service points, 2 aces, 5 kills.
Anna Franzese: 5 assists, 2 kills.
Kaylee Yaw: 8 service points, 3 aces.

Individual statistics for Odessa-Montour included the following:

Maya Moser: 3 service points, 2 aces.
Cassie Allen: 2 service points, 1 ace, 1 block.
Rilke Arrance: 1 service point.
Madison Stone: 2 service points, 1 ace, 1 dig.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Sarah Jones (19) reaches for the ball as teammate Keira Sulkey (16) backs her up.
Bottom: Odessa-Montour's Rilke Arrance serves the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Alyson Gibson volleys. Right: O-M's Maya Moser serves the ball.

WG boys 3rd at Marathon Invitational

MARATHON, Oct. 14, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross-country team placed 3rd among 14 teams Saturday in the Unseeded Division at the annual Marathon Invitational.

Senior Johnny VanScoyk led the Lake Hawks' with a time of 18:49, good for 7th place among 158 runners. Teammate Aidan Maphis finished 16th in 19:33, Isaac Hendrickson 19th in 19:37, Nick Bonsignore 68th in 21:09, Dominic Gublo 80th in 21:28, and Andrew Champion 105th in 22:42.

"I'm so happy with all of their efforts," said Watkins Glen Coach Kelly Sterner. "They did so well today."

Modified Boys Small: Watkins Glen placed 6th among 11 teams. Liam Knight led the Hawks with a 10th-place finish (among 105 runners) in 9:59.1. Zane Chambers was 17th in 10:26.9, Drew Popovich 42nd in 11:17.2, Zach Brusso 79th in 12:42.1, and Oscar Mintique 102nd in 17:10.9.

Modified Girls Small: Watkins did not have the requisite five runners for a team score. The Hawks were led by Kathryn Planty, 31st (among 102 runners) in 12:46.5, while Kambrie Thorpe was 62nd in 13:50.5, Rachel Perry 66th in 14:11.5, and Nicole Perry 73rd in 14:26.7.

Odessa-Montour's lone cross-country runner, Lexi Strobel, placed 13th in 11:59.3.

Photo in text: From left: Watkins Glen varsity runners Aidan Maphis, Dominic Gublo, Johnny VanScoyk, Nick Bonsignore, Issac Hendrickson, and Andrew Champion. (Photo provided)

The IAC Small Schools champion Watkins Glen team poses after winning the title.

Glen girls win IAC title, 3-2

DRYDEN, Oct. 14, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team rode three Skye Honrath goals to a 3-2 victory Saturday night over Marathon in the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small Schools championship game at Tompkins Cortland Community College.

The IAC title -- the second in a row for the 14-1 Lake Hawks -- did not come easily, the Hawks having to scramble back from a 1-0 hole and then recovering from a Marathon penalty-kick goal in the second half that knotted the score and put the outcome in doubt.

But Honrath -- who scored at 7:30 of the first half to knot the score 1-1 and put the Hawks ahead with a nifty goal from just outside the right goalpost that lifted over a Marathon back and the goalkeeper to find the top of the net at the 30:50 point of the second half -- put Watkins ahead for good with 7:09 on the clock.

That goal came off a crossing pass from Ava Kelly that eluded a Marathon back and enabled Honrath -- positioned in front of the net -- to redirect the ball into its right corner. Kelly earned an assist on the play.

Marathon, which scored its two goals with the help of penalty calls -- an inadvertent hand ball that set up its first goal, and the penalty kick for the second-- couldn't answer that last goal.

Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh registered seven saves in goal -- a couple of the dazzling variety.

The three goals lifted Honrath's season total to 26 -- equalling her total last year -- and her career total to 63, just 10 shy of alum Hannah Morse's school career record of 73. And Honrath still has her senior season ahead.

The IAC title -- The Hawks defeated Groton last year in overtime to claim it -- serves as a prelude to their bigger goal: to repeat as sectional champs. After a tune-up game Wednesday at home against Waverly, the Hawks -- following a first-round bye -- will host a quarterfinal Section IV tourney contest next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. against the winner of a first-round game between No. 7 Bainbridge-Guilford (8-5-1) and No. 10 Groton (6-7-1).

"I’m proud of the team that on a night where we didn’t play our best, we were able to come away with the win for the league championship," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Marathon definitely showed up ready to compete and it was a hard-fought game. We weren’t nearly as aggressive as we have been this season. We played well at times, but just couldn’t get going as a team, and we need to continue working on our communication.

"Skye Honrath came up big tonight, scoring when we needed it most. She was getting doubled on every touch, so to keep battling and score three goals was incredible. Ava Kelly played a really good game as well, fighting through some minor injuries and keeping the pressure on the Marathon defenders.

"It’s always nice to win the league, and I’m truly happy for the girls. They work hard and are so talented, in addition to being really great people. Now we get back to work and get ready for sectionals. It’s a tough bracket this year and we will need to be much better if we want to make a run, but I know they can do it and we will learn from this game and improve!"

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly reaches for the ball as teammate Skye Honrath watches while the ball bounces around loose in front of the Marathon net. The Hawks failed to score on this play.

Second: Skye Honrath, right, redirects a crossing pass from teammate Ava Kelly into the Marathon net for what proved to be the winning goal.

Third: Watkins Glen's Erin Snow, left, moves the ball past a Marathon defender.

Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Natalee Oliver inbounds the ball.

Left: Watkins goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh sends the ball flying. Right: The Lake Hawks' Gillian D'Alleva, right, and a Marathon player fight for possession of the ball.

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath, right, reacts after scoring her second goal of the game.

Watkins' Jennifer Gublo (43) passes the ball upfield as Marathon defenders approach.

Left: Watkins Glen's Olivia King, left, passes the ball ahead. Right: The Lake Hawks' Molly O'Connell-Campbell, left, maneuvers with the ball.

Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver (37) sends a shot toward the Marathon net. It was stopped by the goalkeeper.

Left: Watkins' Maddie Tuttle (9) redirects a corner kick from Skye Honrath. The ball went just wide of the Marathon goal. Right: The Hawks' Brianna Hatch meets the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Sasha Honrath passes the ball upfield. Right: The Lake Hawks' Michaela Wheaton, left, battles for possession of the ball.

Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio (10) moves the ball in the midfield.

Left: Watkins Glen's Brenna Pierce (18) fights for the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons (45) sends the ball upfield.

Left: Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver, right, contends for the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Sasha Honrath heads the ball.

Storm gridders roll past Sidney, 55-14

SIDNEY, Oct. 13, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team improved its record to 4-3 Friday night when it defeated Sidney 55-14 in a Section IV, Division IV contest on the Sidney High School football field.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour high school athletes, built a 41-6 halftime lead and coasted from there, the game clock running the entire second half.

WG/OM amassed 507 total yards, including 409 on the ground and 98 through the air. Sidney, now 0-7, totaled 238 yards, including 194 rushing.

Ryan Willett gained 230 yards rushing for the Storm on 15 carries, scoring on runs of 9 and 91 yards. Brad Gillis scored four touhdowns for the Storm, on runs of 2, 26, 15 and 2 yards, while gaining 127 yards on 12 carries. Nick D'Alleva gained 33 yards on four carries.

Storm quarterback Gavin Lohmeyer completed 6 of 13 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns -- a 23-yarder to Alex Holmes and a 13-yarder to Brady Cannon. Holmes also caught a 36-yard pass, while Gillis caught three passes for 26 yards.

On defense, leading tacklers for the Storm were Gillis (with 8), Aries Harler and D'Alleva (4 each), and Bishop Baldassarre and Quacey Wilt (3 apiece).

The Storm returns to action Friday night against Whitney Point on the WGHS football field.

Photo in text: The Storm's Ryan Willett breaks a tackle. He scored two touchdowns. (Photo by Derick Willett)

O-M volleyball team falls to S-VE, 3-0

SPENCER, Oct. 13, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Friday to Spencer-Van Etten in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the S-VE gym.

Game scores were 9-25, 9-25 and 23-25. Individual statistics for O-M included:

Maya Moser: 3 service points, 3 digs.
Kayla White: 1 service point, 1 kill.
Cassie Allen: 7 service points, 2 aces.
Rilke Arrance: 1 service point.
Olivia Rivera: 2 service points, 1 ace.
Madison Stone: 1 service point, 1 ace, 1 assist.
Meredith Rawleigh: 2 service points, 1 ace.
Kathleen Benway: 3 service points, 1 ace.
Maylynn Hourihan: 1 service point.

The Grizzlies return to action Monday at home against Watkins Glen.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour lost to Spencer-Van Etten, 2-1. Game scores were 3-25, 15-25 and 25-21.

Section IV Soccer Tourney seedings set

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 12, 2023 -- The Section IV, Class C Soccer Tournament seedings, announced Thursday, show the No. 2 seed Watkins Glen girls opening at home after a bye, and the No. 12 seed Watkins Glen boys opening on the road.

Girls Tourney: Watkins Glen (13-1) has a first-round, Oct. 18 bye, and will play in the quarterfinals at home at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21 against the winner of a first-round game between No. 7 Bainbridge-Guilford (8-5-1) and No. 10 Groton (6-7-1).

The Watkins Lake Hawks will host a tune-up game on the bye date, Oct. 18, against Waverly, a Class B school with a 6-7-1 mark that doesn't play its first-round game until Oct. 21. There will not be any admission charged at any Watkins home games.

If Watkins and the No. 1 seed, Trumansburg (11-1), make it through the quarterfinals and semifinals, they will meet for the Section IV title on Oct. 27 at Chenango Valley -- where an admission would be charged. When the two teams met on Sept. 20, Watkins Glen won 2-1.

Boys Tourney: Watkins Glen (7-5 and on a four-game win streak) will open on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at 3:30 p.m. on the road against No. 5-seeded Marathon (13-1-1). The winner of that game will play on Friday, Oct. 20 at the home of the higher seed against the winner of an Oct. 17 contest between No. 4 Afton-Harpursville (13-1-1) and No. 13 Delaware Academy (5-5-3).

O-M girls finish with 2-1 win over SVEC

CANDOR, Oct. 12, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team closed its season with a 2-1 victory over Spencer-Van Etten/Candor Thursday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Candor athletic field.

The Grizzlies, who finished 3-10-1, got a first-half goal from Paisley Jeziorski. SVEC responded a short time later with a goal from its right side.

The game-winner came with five minutes left in the second half, when Leah Antes notched her fifth goal of the season off a pass from Reese Rounds, who was credited with an assist.

"The team played a great game, passing the ball through the midfield and creating many chances," said O-M Coach Burton Brewster. "Defensively we were strong tonight, too."

The Storm's Leon Lagramada, second from left, elevates as he intercepts a Dryden pass.

Modified: Storm gridders top Dryden

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 12, 2023 -- The Schuyler Storm modified football team improved its season mark to 4-2 Thursday night with a 30-2 victory over Dryden in a game on Watkins Glen High School's Alumni Field.

The Storm, a combined squad of athletes from the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour school districts, got two touchdowns in each half. Extra point kicks were converted three times by Ethan Nolan.

The first two touchdowns came on scoring runs by Caydin Lagramada and Noah Wright. The second-half TDs, also on runs, came from quarterback Isaak Willett and Josh Daugherty. Willett scored on a keeper from the 1-yard line. Daugherty's TD run was set up when he carried the ball 34 yards to the Dryden 5-yard line. He scored on the next play.

The Storm squad returns to action at 10 a.m. Saturday against Trumansburg on the Watkins Glen High School field.

Photo in text: The Storm's Josh Daugherty gains 20 yards on a second-half run.

Quarterback Isaak Willett carries the ball into the end zone for the Storm's third TD.

Left: Storm defenders Nick Sorce Jr. (31) and Noah Wright (20) take down a Dryden ball-carrier. Right: The Storm's Caydin Lagramada intercepts a Dryden pass.

The line at game's end shows the size of the Storm football team -- four dozen strong.

Watkins Glen's Maulena Kamakawiwioole reaches low for a volley.

Watkins volleyball team falls to Tioga

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 11, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Wednesday evening to Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 12-25, 9-25 and 11-25. Individual statistics for Watkins Glen included:

Maulena Kamakawiwioole: 3 digs.
Alyson Gibson: 4 kills, 3 digs.
Jocelyn Sisana: 3 service points, 4 kills, 6 digs.
Sarah Jones: 2 assists, 1 dig.
Kyra Yaw: 1 dig.
Anna Franzese: 5 service points, 4 assists, 2 kills.
Kaylee Yaw: 3 service points.
Keira Sulkey: 2 digs.

The Lake Hawks return to action Monday at Odessa-Montour, the first of four matches next week.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Sarah Jones, right, battles at the net.

Left: Watkins Glen's Kyra Yaw (20) volleys as teammate Anna Franzese watches.
Right: The Lake Hawks' Franzese volleys as teammate Alyson Gibson watches.

Left: Watkins' Alyson Gibson meets the ball. Right: The Hawks' Kaylee Yaw serves.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jocelyn Sisana meets an incoming serve. Right: The Lake Hawks' Kyra Yaw volleys at the net.

Watkins Glen's Liam Smith sends a shot on goal. He later scored his team's final goal.

Watkins Glen boys defeat Moravia, 3-1

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 10, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team closed its regular season with a 3-1 victory Tuesday night over Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The win, the Lake Hawks' fourth in a row, lifted their season mark to 7-5 heading into the Section IV tournament. Seedings will be announced later this week.

The Hawks took a 2-0 lead in the first half on goals by Michael Purpura and Aiden Kelly before Moravia scored 4:14 before intermission.

The second half was played largely in the Moravia end of the field as Watkins mounted repeated attacks, converting on one of them at 16:27 when Liam Smith scored. Assists were registered in the game by both Smith and Purpura.

The Lake Hawks had a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks. Caleb Bresett registered six saves in goal for Watkins Glen.

Photos in text:

Top: A Moravia player, right, heads the ball over Watkins Glen goalkeeper Caleb Bresett. The Lake Hawks' Logan DeBolt (21) cleared the ball from the goalmouth before it could go in the net.

Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Salvatore Purpura sends the ball flying upfield.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jack Hayden leaps high to meet the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Michael Purpura maneuvers around a Moravia defender.

A Watkins Glen corner kick goes high, beyond the reach of the Moravia goalkeeper.

Odessa-Montour's Leah Antes sends a shot toward the South Seneca net in first-half action. She scored a goal in the second half.

O-M girls edge S. Seneca on Antes goal

ODESSA, Oct. 10, 2023 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team defeated South Seneca 1-0 Tuesday night in a non-league game on O-M's Charles Martin Field -- the Grizzlies' final home game of the season.

The winning goal came in the second half, scored by 8th grader Leah Antes.

O-M had a 6-2 advantage in shots on goal, and a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Jackie Mace registered two saves in posting the shutout.

"It was an exciting soccer game tonight," said Odessa-Montour Coach Burton Brewster. "Both teams battled hard. It was nice to finish our home schedule with a win."

The Grizzlies, with two wins and a tie thus far, close the season Thursday at Candor against Spencer-Van Etten/Candor. Game time is 5 p.m.

Photo in text: O-M's Paisley Jeziorski, right, battles for the ball in front of the South Seneca net. The ball was cleared by South Seneca.

O-M's Olivia Barr (left in left photo) and Evvie Zinger (left in right photo) control the ball.

Odessa-Montour's Sarah Strobel sends the ball ahead to teammate Reese Rounds (left).

Glen volleyball team falls to Tburg, 3-0

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 10, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Tuesday evening to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 4-25, 13-25 and 17-25. Individual statistics for Watkins included:

Maulena Kamakawiwioole: 2 digs.
Alyson Gibson: 2 service points, 6 kills, 6 digs, 1 block.
Jocelyn Sisana: 1 assist, 4 kills, 5 digs.
Sarah Jones: 3 service points, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 dig.
Kyra Yaw: 1 service point, 1 kill.
Anna Franzese: 2 service points, 1 assist, 2 digs.
Kaylee Yaw: 2 service points, 2 kills, 4 digs.
Keira Sulkey: 1 dig.

Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath reacts with joy (right, in blue) as she scores against Bath.

Watkins girls fall to Bath Haverling, 2-1

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 7, 2023 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team lost its first game of the season Saturday in its final contest before the postseason, dropping a 2-1 deccision to Bath Haverling in a non-league game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Lake Hawks, who play next Saturday at 6 p.m. at Tompkins Cortland Community College against Marathon for the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small Schools title, had scheduled the tough Bath squad -- ranked No. 1 among Class B schools in the state by the New York Sportswriters Association -- to get battle-ready for tough games in the postseason. Those include contests in the Section IV, Class C Tournament the week after next, when Watkins Glen will be defending its 2022 title.

Bath, a quick, physical team with a couple of standouts -- seniors Ella Yartym and Keegan Smith -- took the lead in the first half on a penalty kick by Smith with 7:50 remaining before halftime. The Lake Hawks' Skye Honrath tied the game at 30:26 of the second half on a shot from the right, her 23rd goal of the season and 60th of her career. But Bath countered with another goal by Smith at 17:15, when the Watkins defense let her turn for a full-on blast that snuck in under the crossbar.

That shot, which eluded a leaping Lillian Ameigh, the Watkins goaltender, was a rarity for its success. Ameigh made 16 saves in the contest, some scintillating. She frustrated Yartym -- a career 100+ goal scorer -- on a number of occasions.

While Bath outplayed Watkins in the first half -- outmuscling the Hawks on 50-50 balls, and earning seven corner kicks before intermission -- the Hawks stepped up their game in the second half, eliminating Bath corner kicks and fighting evenly on contested balls.

The game, when it was over, was described by one Watkins fan as "a good loss" -- in that it showed the Lake Hawks that they can play with a team both skilled and hugely successful. That it was Watkins Glen's first loss in 14 games didn't seem to faze its players. Two of them, when asked afterward what they thought of the game, responded in kind: "It was fun."

"Although we didn’t get the win today," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "the team played a great game and fought hard to the end. We knew coming in how good Bath Haverling is and they lived up to expectations. But to hang in and compete like we did was really great to see.

"Our defense has done a stellar job all season and because of that, I think people forget how good Lillian Ameigh is in the goal for us. She was outstanding today, making some incredible saves to keep us in the game. We wanted to play a team like Haverling because we knew it would make us better heading into the postseason, and it surely will. It revealed some things we can work on as a team, as well as things I need to do better as a coach. So if we use it as a learning experience, it might help us make a run in the postseason.

"Next up is the IAC Championship game next Saturday, and then sectionals. We are very excited to have the opportunity to extend our season, and we will get right back to work next week."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen goalkeeper Lillian Ameigh reaches down to stop a shot by Bath Haverling's Ella Yartym, one of Ameigh's 16 saves.
Second: The Lake Hawks' Brenna Pierce tracks down the ball, with teammate Jennifer Gublo in the background.
Third: Watkins Glen's Olivia VanSkiver clears the ball from in front of the Hawks' net.
Fourth: A crossing pass from left to right by Watkins Glen's Skye Honrath flies past the Bath goal, eluding the approach of Hawks Sasha Honrath (obscured) and Olivia King.
Bottom: Watkins' Skye Honrath, left, moves the ball as Bath's Keegan Smith defends.

Watkins Glen's Natalee Oliver sends the ball ahead as a Bath player approaches.

Left: Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly (7) moves the ball along the field. Right: The Lake Hawks' Brianna Hatch inbounds the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons, right, clears a dangerously loose ball from in front of the Lake Hawks' net. Right: The Lake Hawks' Michaela Wheaton, left, closes in on the ball.

Watkins Glen's Rachel Vickio sends the ball flying upfield in second-half action.

Left: Watkins Glen Olivia King, right, fights for control of the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Sasha Honrath prepares to send the ball upfield.

Left: Watkins Glen's Erin Snow (20) and Bath's Ella Yartym wait for the ball to land. Right: The Lake Hawks' Maddie Tuttle, right, battles for possession of the ball.

Klemann qualifies for States in 100 Back

CLIFTON PARK, NY, Oct. 7, 2023 -- Watkins Glen High School senior Alannah Klemann -- a member of the Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team -- qualified for the New York State Swimming Championships in the 100 Yard Backstroke Saturday at the Shenendehowa Invitational.

Klemann posted a time of 1:00.33 at the Shenendehowa Aquatic Center. She also competed in the State tourney last year.

In a 21-team field, the Schuyler Storm girls placed 11th. Shenendehowa was first with 428 points, with Pine Bush (222) and Burnt Hills (221) a distant second and third. The Storm totaled 102 points, just behind 10th place Horseheads (104).

"Other outstanding performances," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt, whose team includes WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, "included Cordelia Thompson’s personal record (PR) times in the 100 Free (1:06.58) and 100 Backstroke (1:14.12); 8th grader Paige Ells' PR in the 100 Free (1:08.40); Aubrey Klemann's PR's of 59:53 in the 100 Free and 2:08.03 in the 200 Free; Caelyn Baker's two lifetime bests in the 200 Free (2:27.37) and 100 Backstroke 1:14.39; Kendra Fish's personal best in the 100 Backstroke (1:04.08); Lizzi Fitzwater's lifetime best in the 100 Free (1:12.48); Cara Reynolds' personal best in the 100 Fly (1:10.05); Rianne Drake's PR in the 50 Free (37.17), and Lauren Signor's PR in the 100 Backstroke (1:27.39)."

Thalia Marquez, he added, "placed in the top 8 in both of her individual events (6th in the 200 Free and 500 Free). She was the only Storm swimmer to accomplish this.

"The 200 Free Relay squad (Emily Melveney, Kendra Fish, Malina Butler, Thalia Marquez) took 8th place, and the 400 Free Relay team (Marquez, Alannah Klemann, Melveney, Fish) took 7th."

Photos in text:

Top: The Schuyler Storm. Back row left to right: Rianne Drake, Kailyn Smith, Paige Ells, Cara Reynolds, Lauren Signor, Riley Brooks, Casey Hines, Aubrey Klemann. Middle row left to right: Wendy Coleman, Lizzi Fitzwater, Caelyn Baker, Claire Lewis, Emily Melveney, Kendra Fish, Cordelia Thompson. Front row left to right: Malina Butler, Skye Cummings, Thalia Marquez, Alannah Klemann.

Middle: The Storm's Kendra Fish competes in the 200 Yard Individual Medley.

Bottom: WGHS grad Faye Mooney, now a student at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, paid a visit to the Shenendehowa Invitational. Here Faye, right, gives her former teammate Alannah Klemann a congratulatory hug after Alannah qualified for States in the 100 Back. (Photos provided)

Schuyler Storm Coach Jason Westervelt provides some guidance to swimmer Aubrey Klemann during the Shenendehowa Invitational. (Photo provided)


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Charles Haeffner
P.O. Box 365
Odessa, New York 14869

E-mail: chaef@aol.com
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