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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.

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

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

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

O-M girls fall to Newfield in OT, 5-4

NEWFIELD, Oct. 8, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 5-4 overtime decision Wednesday to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Newfield athletic field.

The Grizzlies (3-9-1) were led by Leah Antes' three goals. Maddie Wallenbeck scored the other one, while Avery Nolan registered two assists. Brooke Burns made 10 saves in goal.

"We started out ready to go with Leah scoring 45 seconds into the game," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison, "but then things went back and forth between us with it tied at halftime 2-2. The second half we started in a bit of a lull and they were able to capitalize and go up 4-2.

"The girls always show up every game and play hard to the end and we were able to score two quick goals a minute apart with less than five minutes to go to send it to overtime. Unfortunately they had a great ball over the top and were able to get through and score on a breakaway.

"It was a tough result today, but we had some great moments of moving the ball and communicating defensively."

Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton (headband, right) sends the ball (left) into the Lansing net following a crossing pass from Ava Kelly.

Watkins Glen girls defeat Lansing, 6-1

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 8, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved its record to 9-2 Wednesday night with a 6-1 victory over Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Lake Hawks' Ava Kelly scored three goals and had two assists, while Michaela Wheaton had two goals and one assist. The other goal came from Amelie Woods, who also registered an assist. Emma Cady made two saves in goal for Watkins.

Watkins Glen led 2-1 at halftime on goals by Kelly and Wheaton before pulling away in the second half.

"I could not be prouder of the team and the way they played tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "They moved the ball well, communicated well, and played an excellent defensive game. It was another night where every player on the team contributed so much to the overall effort. Lansing is a talented young team with a very good coach, so you have to be ready when you compete against them and I like how we came out of the gate focused.

"Tonight was the first of three games in three nights to end the regular season, so we have to get some rest and be ready for South Seneca on Senior Night tomorrow starting at 5:30 (game at 7:00)."

Photos in text: Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly (in blue) moves the ball upfield (top): and the Lake Hawks' Olivia King (29) maneuvers for a shot near the Lansing goal.

Left: Watkins Glen's Gillian D'Alleva sends the ball flying. Right: The Lake Hawks' Emma Lewis, (17) fights for possession of the ball.

And in a Watkins Glen girls modified game:

Watkins Glen's Beatrice Hayden, right, sends a second-half shot that found the Newfield net Wednesday for what proved to be the winning goal in a 2-1 Lake Hawks victory. The Watkins modified squad -- unless another game is added to the schedule -- concluded its season at 7-0.

Watkins Glen boys top Whitney Point

WHITNEY POINT, Oct. 8, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team posted an 8-4 victory Wednesday night over Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The victory improved the Lake Hawks' season mark to 5-6 heading into a game Thursday afternoon at Elmira Notre Dame.

Further information about Wednesday night's victory was not immediately available.

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

O-M girls capture IAC division XC title

GROTON, Oct. 7, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity cross country team won the Interscholastic Athletic Conference Small School Division championship Tuesday, finishng first among nine schools competing on the Stonehedges Golf Course.

"A great day for O-M cross country," said Coach Skip Strobel.

O-M had 27 points, while runnerup Southern Cayuga was eight points back at 35. Other competing schools were Marathon, Moravia, Spencer-Van Etten, Candor, Tioga, Newfield and Groton.

O-M's Janne Anderson finished first and Lexi Strobel second. Hannah Jantzen was 7th, with all three named First Team division All-Stars. Susie Collier was 12th and a Second Team All Star. Karlee Fay rounded out O-M's top five with a 15th place finish.

"I can't explain how proud of this team I was tonight," said Coach Strobel. "Every girl, one through 10, ran with heart and mental toughness. It was a true team effort."

Boys: The O-M boys placed third with 59 points. Southern Cayuga (29 points) and Groton (38 points) were 1-2. The Grizzlies were led by Second Team All-Stars Jaden Bailor (11th), Philip Coleman (12th) and Issac Hough (13th). Russel Morse and Jason Landon rounded out the team's top five.

Boys Modified: The Grizzlies were runners-up behind a solid third-place finish by Connor Wood. Eli Walsh also finished in the top 10 with a 9th place finish.

Girls Modified: O-M successfully defended its title behind a 3-4-5 finish by Heidi Anderson, Lilly Collier and Hadley White. Bailey Landon finished 8th and Havana Hallstead rounded out the team's top five.

Photos in text: O-M's Janne Anderson (top) and Lexi Strobel (File photos)

The Schuyler Storm's Aubrey Klemann swims the backstroke portion of the 200 IM.

Storm swimmers top Whitney Point

ODESSA, Oct. 7, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team posted a 58-21 victory Tuesday over Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Odessa-Montour High School pool.

The Storm, a combined squad of O-M and Watkins Glen High School athletes, got first-place finishes as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Brie Blauvelt, Lizzi Fitzwater, Wendy Coleman, Kaylin Smith, 2:35.39.
200 Free: 1st, Wendy Coleman, 2:41.79.
50 Free: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 26.31.
100 Fly: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:04.37.
100 Free: 1st, Willow Deragon, 1:09.50.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Lizzi Fitzwater, Rowen Stegner, Wendy Coleman, Aubrey Klemann, 2:08.06.
100 Back: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:11.25.

*******

Photos in text:

Top: The Schuyler Storm's Willow Deragon dives at start of the 200 Individual Medley.
Bottom: The Storm's Wendy Coleman checks her time after winning the 200 Yard Freestyle.

The Schuyler Storm's Makenzie Fish reacts after winning the 50 Yard Freestyle.

Hendrickson 2nd at Large School meet

NEWARK VALLEY, Oct. 7, 2025 -- Watkins Glen High School varsity standout Isaac Hendrickson placed second Tuesday at the eight-team Interscholastic Athletic Conference large school divisional cross country meet at Newark Valley High School.

Coach Travis Durfee reported:

"Isaac Hendrickson led an injury-hobbled Watkins Glen Lake Hawks squad on a flat course. Hendrickson took second place in the race and the team finished in the top half of the field.

"The boys modified team were top finishers at the meet. Jude Kurcoba, seventh grader, finished second and he was followed by teammates Lucas Schubmehl, Elliot Hendrickson, Artie VanDyke, and Cole Smith.

"The team returns to Newark Valley Friday for the 42nd Annual Bob Greene Invitational cross country meet."

Odessa-Montour's Jaden Jarrell (left) and Sidney Pike.

Volleyball: O-M falls to Union Springs

ODESSA, Oct. 7, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Union Springs Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 19-25, 16-25 and 11-25.

Individual O-M statistics:

Sidney Pike: 7 service points, 5 aces, 5 assists, 2 digs.
Jaeden Clark: 2 service points, 1 kill, 1 assist.
Olivia Rivera: 1 service point, 1 assist.
Rilke Arrance: 1 assist, 1 dig.
Jaden Jarrell: 6 service points, 1 ace, 4 kills, 1 assist, 1 dig.
Alannah Rounds: 3 service points, 1 ace, 3 kills, 7 digs.

Junior Varsity: Union Springs defeated O-M, 3-0. Game scores were 14-25, 20-25 and 20-25.

******

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Olivia Rivera volleys against Union Springs.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Alannah Rounds reaches out to volley.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Jaeden Clark, Lauren Signor and Rilke Arrance.

Volleyball: WG falls to Whitney Point

WHITNEY POINT, Oct. 7, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Tuesday evening to Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road match.

Game scores were 14-25, 12-25, and 8-25.

The Lake Hawks return to action Thursday at home against Lansing.

O-M boys tie Campbell-Savona, 0-0

CAMPBELL, Oct. 7, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team battled to a 0-0 tie Tuesday night with Campbell-Savona in a non-league road game.

"It was one of those nights where you control the game throughout but just can't seem to find the back of the net," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "We created endless opportunities to score, amassing 29 shots.

"I'm most proud of our communication on the field. We are playing great and coming together even more as a team heading into the end of the season."

The Grizzlies (7-6) return to action Thursday evening at home against Newark Valley. The seniors on the team will be honored in a Senior Night ceremony.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Ethan Nolan (left) meets the Campbell-Savona goalie. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Volleyball: O-M falls to Campbell-Savona

CAMPBELL, Oct. 6, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Monday to Campbell-Savona in a non-league match in the C-S gym.

Scores were 4-25, 14-25 and 7-25. Individual O-M statistics:

Sidney Pike: 5 service points, 3 aces, 1 kill, 2 assists, 5 digs.
Jaeden Clark: 1 dig.
Lauren Signor: 1 assist.
Olivia Rivera: 4 service points, 2 aces.
Rilke Arrance: 1 kill, 4 digs.
Jaden Jarrell: 5 digs.
Alannah Rounds: 1 service point, 1 ace, 3 digs.

Junior Varsity: Campbell-Savona defeated Odessa-Montour, 3-0.

Watkins Glen's Leighann Landers handles an incoming South Seneca serve.

Volleyball: Watkins loses to S. Seneca, 3-1

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 6, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision Monday to South Seneca in a non-league match in the WGHS Field House.

Watkins won the first set 25-23, but then lost the next three 20-25, 19-25 and 2-25.

"We came out strong from the gates," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "We took the first set, but then fell in the next three. In that fourth set, we could not break the serve of the South Seneca libero, who served 22 points. We have the skill and potential to do better, and I know the players can keep their heads up and rebound for the next two matches this week.

"I would like to thank the parents, families, students, staff, and administrators for attending and supporting our "Spike Out Cancer" American Cancer Society fundraiser.

"Thank you to the parents who volunteered to work the tables and to the fabulous community for their generous donations. Also thank you to the South Seneca coaches, players, and families for taking part in this event with us. We thought this would be a fitting collaboration since many of these girls play and work together as teammates in the Fingerlakes Wildcats Volleyball Club. We were able to raise a total of $1,117 towards this cause that has impacted so many of us."

Individual statistics:

Kaylee Yaw: 4 aces, 14 pts., 1 kill, 2 digs
Anna Franzese: 2 aces, 15 pts., 6 digs, 15 assists
Grace Weed: 1 kill, 2 digs
Grace Coston: 2 aces, 11 pts., 2 digs
Paige Ells: 6 pts., 3 kills, 7 digs
Ellery Thaete: 7 kills, 1 dig
Xanthe Tappan: 1 ace, 8 pts., 1 kill, 7 digs, 1 assist

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Ellery Thaete leaps high to send the ball over the net.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Grace Coston volleys.

Left: Watkins Glen's Xanthe Tappan. Right:The Lake Hawks' Anna Franzese.

Left: Watkins Glen's Kaylee Yaw serves. Right: The Lake Hawks' Paige Ells volleys.

Storm gridders post 1st victory, 49-13

WINDSOR, Oct. 4, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team posted its first victory of the season Saturday, rolling past Harpursville/Afton 49-13 in a Section IV game held at Windsor High School.

The Storm, a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, was leading 7-6 after one quarter before scoring four touchdowns in the second quarter for a 35-6 halftime advantage. It added one TD in each of the third and fourth quarters.

The Storm (now 1-4) scored five times on the ground, amassing 328 rushing yards on 49 carries, and gained 65 yards through the air on 2-for-3 passing by Hunter Mowry.

On the ground: Jared Watson rushed 14 times for 149 yards and one TD (a one-yard run). Mason Dupay carried 16 times for 94 yards and two TDs (of one and five yards). Leon Lagramada and Mowry each scored once (Lagramada from four yards out, and Mowry from 13), while Gabe Crane amassed 48 yards on seven carries.

Through the air: Mowry connected on two TD passes, 31 yards to Caydin Lagramada, and 34 yards to Kayden Garrabrant.

On defense: Dana Spaccio led the Storm with six tackles, while Watson had four, Leon Lagramada three, and Jacob Carnes three.

Hendrickson, Kurcoba excel at XC meet

BINGHAMTON, Oct. 4, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity and modified cross country teams competed Saturday at the 67th annual McDaniel-Baxter Invitational at Chenango Valley High School. Twenty-three teams competed.

The Lake Hawks' Isaac Hendrickson placed 12th overall (in 14:37) among 108 runners in the varsity race and was runner-up among athletes from Class D schools. Teammate Benjamin Henry was 36th overall in 15:48, Dominic Lewis 67th in 17:28, and Zach Brusso 71st in 17:34. The Watkins Glen team, short of a full contingent of five runners, did not qualify for a team score.

Watkins Glen 7th grader Jude Kurcoba finished 13th out of 134 modified-level runners in 11:49 and earned first place among runners from Class D schools. Teammate Lucas Schubmehl, 8th grade, finished 20th overall and in third place among Class D runners in 11:55. Elliot Hendrickson was 35th overall in 12:51.

Overall, the Lake Hawks modified team was fifth overall among 11 teams and the runner-up among Class D schools.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen 7th grader Jude Kurcoba. (Photo provided)

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Tioga, 2-1

TIOGA CENTER, Oct. 4, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 3-8-1 Saturday with a 2-1 loss to Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The Grizzlies' lone goal was scored by Leah Antes. Brooke Burns registered eight saves in goal.

"It was a tough loss on the road," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "The girls battled the entire game and moved the ball well. Tioga is a good team with some talented players and their game winner just happened to be a penalty kick with 55 seconds left.

"We had some really good chances. We just didn’t finish, but still have two games left to finish out strong this season."

Watkins Glen girls defeat Edison, 1-0

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Oct. 3, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved its record to 8-2 Friday with a 1-0 victory over Thomas A. Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The contest's lone goal was scored by the Lake Hawks' Michaela Wheaton. Goalkeeper Emma Cady registered two saves.

"Tonight was one of those games where we dominated the game without scoring a lot of goals," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Now it's on to the final week of the season with some incredibly tough match-ups next week."

O-M's Ethan Nolan (left) sends a shot that found the net for the Grizzlies' second goal.

O-M boys top Tioga 3-0 on Homecoming

ODESSA, Oct. 3, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team blanked Tioga 3-0 Friday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The game marked the school's Homecoming, featuring a parade in the late afternoon and the crowning of a King and Queen at halftime. The crowns went to seniors Lucas Hoffman and Olivia Barr.

The game was played largely in the area of the Tioga goal, with the Grizzlies peppering the visitors with shot after shot -- but some sterling goalkeeping kept O-M off the board until 3:18 of the first half, when Patrick Croft scored on a free kick.

O-M increased its lead at 20:24 of the second half on a goal by Ethan Nolan (assisted by Connor Foggie), and concluded the scoring on a goal by Riley Yaw with 1:09 to play (assisted by Lucas Hoffman).

"The guys played great team soccer tonight," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy, whose squad is now 7-5. "Our communication and passing were key to the success and the endless shooting opportunities we had. Hats off to Tioga's goalies for playing great and making numerous great saves."

The Grizzlies return to action Tuesday at Campbell-Savona.

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Breyden Seamon moves the ball.
Bottom: The Homecoming King and Queen, Lucas Hoffman and Olivia Barr.

Left: O-M's Connor Foggie watches as his shot is deflected over the net by the Tioga goalkeeper. Center: The Grizzlies' Brycen Skinner meets the ball. Right: O-M goalkeeper James Halpin goes high to corral the ball.

Storm swimmers top Dryden, 95-75

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 3, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team posted a 95-75 victory Friday over Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

Emily Melveney, Makenzie Fish and Aubrey Klemann each posted four victories to lead the Storm on Senior Night. The team's three seniors -- Melveney, Wendy Coleman and Kaylin Smith -- were honored in a pre-meet ceremony.

Victories for the Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- were posted as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Makenzie Fish, Lizzi Fitzwater, Emily Melveney, Aubrey Klemann, 2:05.42.
200 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 2:12.89; 2nd, Lexi Emerson.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 2:22.64.
50 Free: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, 28.48.
100 Fly: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:06.94.
100 Free: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, 1:03.20.
500 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 5:47.52.
100 Back: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:01.49.
400 Free Relay: 1st, Emily Melveney, Lexi Emerson, Aubrey Klemann, Makenzie Fish, 4:05.24.

Modified: Dryden defeated the Schuyler Storm, 69-63.

Photos in text: The Storm's Makenzie Fish (top) on way to winning the 200 IM, and teammate Lexi Emerson (bottom) dives at start of the 200 Free. She placed second.

The three seniors on the Schuyler Storm swim team were honored at a pre-meet ceremony. From left: Emily Melveney, Wendy Coleman and Kaylin Smith.

Storm divers place 6th and 9th at Elmira

ELMIRA, Oct. 3, 2025 -- Schuyler Storm divers Saskia Dechow and Casey Hines placed sixth and ninth, respectively, Friday in the Splash for a Cure diving meet held in the Ernie Davis Academy Thomas Natatorium.

Thirteen divers from eight schools competed, amassing points from 11 dives. Dechow set a personal best of 285.4 points, while Hines totaled 248.95 points.

“I’m very proud of both our divers," said their coach, Emily Hoffman. "They have both been working extremely hard and their efforts showed tonight.”

*******

Photo: The Storm's Saskia Dechow with her 6th place ribbon. (Photo provided)

Watkins Glen boys fall to Lansing, 3-0

LANSING, Oct. 3, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 3-0 decision to Lansing Friday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Lansing athletic field.

"There was a lot of fight in the boys tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith, whose team's record slipped to 4-6. "The defense played amazing, Jack Hayden in goal stopped 12 amazing shots. He played like a beast tonight.

"Everyone worked hard. We had some chances to score but unfortunately weren't able to."

Watkins' Colin McKenzie (4) goes airborne. He was back on his feet a moment later.

Watkins Glen boys defeat Edison, 4-1

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 2, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team improved its record to 4-5 Thursday night with a 4-1 victory over Thomas A. Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Michael Purpura led the Lake Hawks with three goals -- one before intermission as Watkins build a 2-0 lead, and two afterward.

The other goal came from Caleb Bresett, who also had an assist. Goalkeeper Jack Hayden registered three saves.

The 11 seniors on the team were honored at a Senior Night ceremony before the game.

"Hats off to all the seniors tonight on Senior Night," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith. "All played great, and it was fun to be a part of it. I wish them all well in their future endeavors."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Michael Purpura sends a shot that found the Edison net for the first of his three goals.

Bottom: The seniors on the Watkins team were honored at a pregame Senior Night ceremony. Front from left: Logan DeBolt, Samuel Hohle, Aidan Kelly, Levi Murphy and Colin McKenzie. Rear from left: Jack Hayden, Ryan Baudendistle, Caleb Bresett, Gabriel Majors, Christopher Simiele and Michael Purpura.

Left: Watkins Glen's Levi Murphy moves the ball past an Edison defender. Right: The Lake Hawks' Samuel Hohle prepares to pass the ball.

From left: Watkins Glen's Anna Franzese, Leighann Landers and Paige Ells.

Volleyball: Watkins falls to Tburg, 3-1

WATKINS GLEN, Oct. 2, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-1 decision Thursday evening to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

The match, competitive throughout, saw the host Lake Hawks rally from a 9-1 deficit to win the third game. But Trumansburg pulled away in the fourth game to claim the victory.

Game scores were 18-25, 21-25, 25-20 and 17-25. Individual Watkins Glen statistics:

Leighann Landers: 7 aces, 14 pts., 2 kills, 10 digs
Xanthe Tappan: 9 pts., 3 kills, 3 assists, 10 digs
Kaylee Yaw: 8 pts., 2 kills, 1 assist, 3 digs
Paige Ells: 5 aces, 12 pts., 7 kills, 2 assists, 3 digs
Anna Franzese: 2 aces, 8 pts., 3 kills, 12 assists, 11 digs
Ellery Thaete: 5 pts., 9 kills, 7 digs, 2 blocks
Krysta Yaw: 2 kills, 1 dig

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Ellery Thaete goes high to block a Trumansburg volley.

Left: Watkins Glen's Kaylee Yaw. Right: The Lake Hawks' Xanthe Tappan.

Modified soccer: Glen girls top TAE, 7-0

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Oct. 2, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls modified soccer team posted a 7-0 victory Thursday over Thomas A. Edison in a game on the Cohen Middle School athletic field.

The unbeaten (6-0) Lake Hawks got two goals from Emma Pendergast and one each from Kasha Malaya, Allyson Oliver, Lillian Weed, McKenzie Wheaton and Shae Bechtold.

Shae Bechtold, Catherine Caslin, Isla Durfee, Beatrice Hayden, Micaela Sorce, and McKenzie Wheaton each registered an assist. Lillian Weed recorded one save in goal.

Odessa-Montour's Alannah Rounds goes low to meet a Dundee/Bradford shot.

Volleyball: O-M wins 1st match in 3 years

ODESSA, Oct. 1, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team did something Wednesday night that it hadn't done in the previous three years, dating back to Oct. 3, 2022. It won a match.

The Grizzlies did it in five sets, edging Dundee/Bradford by scores of 25-10, 23-25, 25-23, 21-25 and 15-10. A celebration of hugs and high-fives followed the winning serve by Sidney Pike.

Individual statistics for the Grizzlies were as follows:

Sidney Pike: 19 service points, 5 aces, 8 assists, 1 dig.
Jaeden Clark: 12 service points, 3 aces, 1 kill, 1 dig.
Lauren Signor: 5 service points, 2 aces, 2 kills, 1 dig.
Olivia Rivera: 6 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 1 assist, 2 digs.
Rilke Arrance: 1 service point, 2 digs.
Jaden Jarrell: 10 service points, 6 kills, 1 assist, 1 dig.
Alannah Rounds: 10 service points, 3 aces, 6 kills, 2 digs.

Junior Varsity: Odessa-Montour defeated Dundee/Bradford 14-25, 25-11, 25-19.

*****

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Olivia Rivera volleys.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Sidney Pike meets the ball.

Left: Odessa-Montour's Rilke Arrance. Right: The Grizzlies' Jaden Jarrell.

Watkins Glen girls defeat SVEC, 5-2

CANDOR, Oct. 1, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved its record to 7-2 Wednesday by defeating Spencer-Van Etten/Candor 5-2 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Candor soccer field.

Olivia King scored two goals for the Lake Hawks while Michaela Wheaton, Emma Lewis and Isabella Bellavigna scored one each. Erin Snow registered an assist, and goalkeeper Emma Cady recorded five saves.

"Another nice total team effort today," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "I thought we moved the ball well throughout and defended their fast forwards well. It's a busy end of the regular season as we play Friday, and three games next week, but I'm very pleased with where we are at this point."

Odessa-Montour's Avery Nolan sends a shot toward the Newfield net. It was stopped by the goalkeeper.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Newfield

ODESSA, Oct. 1, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Newfield Wednesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The lone goal for the Grizzlies (now 3-7-1) came from Leah Antes at 7:52 of the first half, assisted by Maddie Wallenbeck. Brooke Burns registered six saves in goal for the Grizzlies, while Vanessa Wood had two saves.

"It was a tough one to lose on Senior Night," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "The girls played hard and we had some great opportunities we just couldn’t put away. Newfield is a solid team that showed up ready to win and moved the ball well. The season isn’t over yet and there are still some opportunities out there.

"Our three seniors -- Olivia Barr, McKenzie Landon, and Maddie Wallenbeck -- were celebrated tonight and by the emotions of their teammates you know how special they are. They are tough kids who always show up every day ready to work hard. They will be missed next year but did their part to uphold the standards the O-M girls soccer program has always had and helped to pass on to the younger players what it means to be a part of this team."

Photos in text:

Top: Odessa-Montour's Leah Antes (6) sends a shot toward the Newfield net. It was caught by the goalkeeper.

Bottom: The Grizzlies' Aspyn Skinner sends the ball upfield.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Reese Rounds, Avery Spaccio and Vanessa Wood.

The three seniors on O-M's team were honored in a pregame Senior Night ceremony. From left: Olivia Barr, McKenzie Landon and Maddie Wallenbeck.

Storm swimmers defeat Lansing, 112-68

LANSING, Sept. 30, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team posted a 112-68 victory Tuesday over Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Lansing pool.

First-place finishes for the Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- were as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Makenzie Fish, Emily Melveney, Lexi Emerson, Aubrey Klemann, 2:07.29.
200 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 2:13.03.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 2:23.59.
50 Free: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, 28.13.
Diving: 1st, Casey Hines, 142.15.
100 Fly: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:06.60.
100 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 1:02.50.
500 Free: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 5:53.10.
100 Back: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 1:09.09
400 Free Relay: 1st, Makenzie Fish, Emily Melveney, Lexi Emerson, Aubrey Klemann, 4:11.21.

Modified: The Schuyler Storm defeated Lansing 61-23.

Watkins Glen goalkeeper Jack Hayden stops a first-half SVEC shot on goal.

Watkins boys lose see-saw battle, 5-4

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 30, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 3-5 Tuesday night when the Lake Hawks dropped a 5-4 decision to Spencer-Van Etten /Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

All four goals for Watkins were scored by Michael Purpura -- one on a penalty kick. Jude Santos registered an assist. Jack Hayden recorded 11 saves in goal for the Lake Hawks.

"It was a really tough loss tonight, was a back-and-forth game," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith. "It was a great effort from both teams -- a fun game to be a part of. Just when you think you had control of it, it would swing the other way. Great play by everyone."

The game, a defensive struggle through much of the first half, turned into an offensive battle, with the Lake Hawks, down 1-0 and 2-1, gaining the advantage with 3-2 and 4-3 leads. But SVEC tied it 4-4 with 9 minutes to play, and pulled ahead with a goal at the 2:43 mark. Watkins applied some late pressure but couldn't pull even.

Photos in text:

Top: The Lake Hawks' Caleb Bresett sends a shot toward the SVEC net. It was caught by the goalkeeper.
Bottom: Watkins Glen's Michael Purpura attempts a shot on goal. He scored four times.

Left: Watkins Glen's Jude Santos (11) goes high with the SVEC goalkeeper to meet the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Derek Bower (25) fires a shot toward the SVEC goal.

Odessa-Montour boys fall to Newfield

NEWFIELD, Sept. 30, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team saw iats record slip to 6-5 Tuesday with a 1-0 loss to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on Newfield's athletic field.

"It was a tough, physical game," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy, "and we just couldn't capitalize on the opportunities that we created. I give credit to Newfield; they came with some great intensity and played a great game.

"We will regroup and turn our focus to Friday, when we host Tioga at O-M for Homecoming."

From left: Watkins Glen's Anna Franzese, Ellery Thaete and Leighann Landers.

Volleyball: Watkins Glen loses to Tioga

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 30, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision to Tioga Tuesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 11-25, 11-25 and 7-25. Individual Watkins statistics:

Leighann Landers: 1 ace, 3 pts., 8 digs
Xanthe Tappan: 2 pts., 1 kill, 1 assist, 5 digs
Kaylee Yaw: 2 pts., 2 kills, 3 digs
Paige Ells: 2 aces, 3 pts., 2 kills, 5 digs
Anna Franzese: 1 ace, 4 pts., 1 kill, 7 assists, 2 digs
Ellery Thaete: 1 pt., 2 kills, 5 digs, 1 block
Krysta Yaw: 1 kill, 3 digs
Grace Weed: 1 kill
Maulena Kamakawiwioole: 1 dig

Modified soccer: Glen girls top O-M

ODESSA, Sept. 30, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls modified soccer team improved its record to 5-0 Tuesday by defeating Odessa-Montour 8-0 in a game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Beatrice Hayden, Micaela Sorce, and McKenzie Wheaton each scored two goals for Watkins Glen, while Catherine Caslin and Chloe Cleveland scored one apiece. Assists were registered by Micaela Sorce (3), Allyson Oliver (2), and Emma Pendergast. Saves were recorded by Lillian Weed and McKenzie Wheaton.

O-M girls fall to Southern Cayuga, 6-1

AURORA, Sept. 29, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 3-6-1 Monday with a 6-1 loss to Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

O-M's lone goal was scored by Maddie Wallenbeck, assisted by Leah Antes. Brooke Burns registered 11 saves in goal for the Grizzlies.

"Southern Cayuga is a very good team and they move the ball really well," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We have two big divisional games this week to get ready for, but we did some good things today regardless of the score."

Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly (7) sends a shot that found the Trumansburg net for a goal.

Watkins girls lose to Trumansburg, 3-2

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 29, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 6-2 Monday night when the Lake Hawks dropped a 3-2 decision to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Lake Hawks built a 2-0 lead on goals by Olivia King and Ava Kelly, but the Blue Raiders stormed back with three goals in the final 27:33 -- the last on a header off a corner kick with 5:54 to play -- to secure the win and lift their record to 6-0-1.

Natalee Oliver posted an assist for the Lake Hawks, while Watkins goalkeeper Emma Cady registered six saves, including a couple of spectacular diving ones.

"It was not the outcome we wanted," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "but we played well at times tonight. It was largely a tale of two halves as we led at halftime and extended the lead early in the second half, only to lose focus in moments that cost us dearly late in the game. Trumansburg is a talented team, and they are always a challenge to play.

"The positive takeaways are that the game revealed some things that we can definitely work on to improve going forward. There is a lot of season left and I know the girls will take this loss as motivation for the rest of the year."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton, left, moves the ball across the field.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Natalee Oliver (16) moves the ball past a couple of Trumansburg defenders.

Left: Watkins' Olivia King (29) watches as her first-half shot eludes the Trumansburg goalkeeper for the Lake Hawks' first goal. Right: Watkins Glen's Erin Snow is challenged by a T-burg player as she meets the ball.

Watkins Glen goalkeeper Emma Cady makes one of her saves in first-half action.

O-M volleyball team falls to S-VE, 3-0

SPENCER, Sept. 29, 2025 -- The Odessa-Monotur High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Monday to Spencer-Van Etten in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the S-VE gym.

Game scores were 3-25, 4-25 and 5-25.

The Grizzlies return to action Wednesday at home against Dundee.

O-M girls 17th, boys 32nd at McQuaid

ROCHESTER, Sept. 27, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School cross country teams competed Saturday in the 60th annual McQuaid Invitatioal -- the varsity girls finishing 17th out of 70 teams, and the varsity boys 32nd out of 78 teams in the small school division.

"It was a great day at McQuaid for the O-M crew," said O-M Coach Skip Strobel. "We had numerous personal bests as well as some solid team and individual performances. I’m very proud of this group. They have been working hard."

Varsity girls: The Grizzlies were led by two (Top 50) medal winners, Janne Anderson (22nd place in 20:06.8) and Lexi Strobel (26th in 20:34.6). There were 322 runners and 31 complete squads (with a minimum of five runners).

Varsity boys: O-M was led by Jaden Bailor's 96th-place finish. He set a personal best time of 18:01, which was 47 seconds faster than his previous best. There were 405 runners and 46 complete squads (with a minimum of five runners).

Modified girls: O-M, which placed 10th out of more than 50 teams, was led by a 21st-place finish by Heidi Anderson. A total of 271 girls ran.

Modified boys: The highlight for O-M was a 15th-place finish by Connor Wood. A total of 339 boys ran in that race.

Odessa-Montour's Connor Foggie (12) heads the ball into the Moravia net for the Grizzlies' seventh goal.

Odessa-Montour boys blank Moravia

ODESSA, Sept. 27, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team improved its record to 6-4 Saturday with an 8-0 victory over Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies built a 6-0 first-half lead on three goals by Riley Yaw and one each by Patrick Croft, Moe Zinger and Max Sgrecci. They added two goals in the final nine minutes of the game -- on a header by Connor Foggie and a blast by Croft.

O-M returns to action Tuesday at Newfield.

Photo in text: O-M's Riley Yaw heads the ball into the Moravia net for one of his three goals.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Alex Walter, Moe Zinger and Patrick Croft.

Odessa-Montour's Caleb Malnoske sends a shot toward the Moravia goal. It was stopped by the goalkeeper.

Watkins boys 24th at McQuaid XC race

ROCHESTER, Sept. 27, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School cross country teams competed Saturday at the 60th annual McQuaid Invitational, the nation’s largest non-sponsored cross country race.

Over 7,000 runners from 400 schools across the United States and Canada traveled to Genesee Valley State Park in Rochester to compete.

The Watkins Glen boys varsity finished 24th out of 46 complete teams (78 were represented) in the small school division. Isaac Hendrickson was the team’s top finisher in 39th place among 405 runners in a time of 16:55.8. "Isaac brought home the coveted champion shirt for the rop 50 finishers!" said Watkins Glen Coach Travis Durfee." Also finishing in the top 100 was junior Ben Henry, 92nd in 17:59.0.

Lucas Schubmehl and Elliot Hendrickson finished in the top 75 and top 100, respectively, in the boys modified race, which had more than 300 runners.

"Nearly every Watkins athlete ran a personal best time today, which is a real testament to the hard work these boys have put in all season long," said Durfee. "You watch these kids run during the week and push themselves to the point of exhaustion. It is an honor to be on the other side of the finish line to see them experience pride in recognition of their hard work on race day."

The Lake Hawks compete next Saturday at the McDaniel-Baxter Invitational in Chenango Forks.

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

Storm swimmers edge Southern Cayuga

AURORA, Sept 26, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team evened its season series against Southerrn Cayuga at one win apiece Friday by posting a 49-45 Interscholastic Athletic Conference victory in the SC pool.

"It was a fantastic meet and a great win on the road against a team that beat us earlier this season," said Storm Coach Jason Westervelt. "The entire team stepped up today and delivered some outstanding performances.

"Ellie Bacon and Willow Deragon were among some of our top performers. Both girls had outstanding individual races, touching out their competition by inches and swimming lifetime bests in the process.

"Aubrey Klemann helped open the door to a Storm victory by touching out the Southern Cayuga sprinter by .04 seconds and securing a 1st and 2nd place finish with teammate Emily Melveney in the 100 Free.

"Lizzi Fitzwater also had an outstanding race in the Breaststroke -- winning the event by .16 seconds!

"I am very proud of these girls and their commitment to the process."

Wins for the Storm were as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Makenzie Fish, Lizzi Fitzwater, Emily Melveney, Aubrey Klemann, 2:04.83.
200 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 2:13.03.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Emily Melveney, 2:32.20.
100 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:00.27.
500 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 5:59.26.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Makenzie Fish, Aubrey Klemann, Lexi Emerson, Emily Melveney, 1:49.47.
100 Back: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:07.97.
100 Breaststroke: 1st, Lizzi Fitzwater, 1:26.82.

Second-place finishes were posted by Aubrey Klemann in the 50 Free and 100 Free, and by Makenzie Fish in the 100 Fly. Third-place finishes were posted by Ellie Bacon in the 200 Free and by Willow Deragon in the 200 IM and 500 Free.

The Storm's Jared Watson, center, tries in vain to haul in a Hunter Mowry pass.

Storm gridders fall to Chenango Forks

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 26, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team's record slipped to 0-4 Friday night with a 51-14 loss to unbeaten Chenango Forks -- the top ranked Class C team in the state -- in a Section IV game on the Watkins Glen High School Alumni Field.

Chenango Forks, utilizing a strong running game, scored early and often, building a 41-0 halftime lead on six touchdowns -- five on running plays and one on a punt return.

The Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- finally got on the board in the final minute of the third quarter on a 58-yard pass up the left side of the field from Hunter Mowry to Caydin Lagramada. A second touchdown came with 2:32 left in the game on a one-yard run by Mason Dupay. Lagramada added a point-after kick following each Storm TD.

The Storm gained 243 yards, 125 through the air and 118 running. Chenango Forks rushed for 279 yards and passed for 27.

Dupay was the Storm's leading rusher with 68 yards on 16 carries and one TD. Jared Watson gained 27 yards on 6 carries.

Mowry complered 6 of 13 passes for 74 yards and one TD, and had one interception. Isaac Rumsey completed all three of his passes for 51 yards. Lagramada caught three passes for 64 yards, and Bryce Bockelkamp caught two for 32 yards.

On defense, Noah Wright led the Storm with 7 tackles, while Jared Watson registered 4.

The Storm returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 4 against Harpursville on the road in Windsor.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Nicolai Holmes leaps in attempt to block a Chenango Forks field goal. The kick (the ball is visible near the referee's face) was successful.
Bottom: The Storm's Noah Wright brings down a Forks ball-carrier.

Passing: Storm starting quarterback Hunter Mowry, left, and Isaac Rumsey, right, who assumed the QB position in the fourth quarter.

The Storm's Leon Lagramada brings down a Forks ball-carrier late in the game just as the runner appeared headed for a touchdown.

Watkins boys lose to Trumansburg, 6-1

TRUMANSBURG, Sept. 26, 2025 -- The Watkin Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 3-4 Friday with a 6-1 loss to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road game.

The score, said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith, was "1-1 with seconds to go in the first half" before Trumansburg took the lead just before intermission. The Blue Raiders pulled away in the second half.

Christopher Simiele scored the Lake Hawks' lone goal, assisted by Caleb Bresett. Jack Hayden registered 10 saves in goal.

Odessa-Montour girls top Newark Valley

NEWARK VALLEY, Sept. 25, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 3-5-1 Thursday with a 6-2 victory over Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the NV soccer field.

Leah Antes and Avery Nolan each scored two goals for the Grizzlies, while Aspyn Skinner scored one. The sixth Odessa goal was scored inadvertently by Newark Valley. Brooke Burns registered seven saves in goal for O-M.

"It was a great team effort tonight," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We moved the ball much better and created some great scoring opportunities. We’ve got a big week next week to rest up for but a lot of positives to take away from this and a lot of girls playing really well."

Volleyball: Odessa falls to Candor, 3-0

ODESSA, Sept. 25, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Thursday night to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 14-25, 13-25 and 14-25. Individual O-M stats:

Sidney Pike: 13 service points, 3 aces, 6 digs.
Jaeden Clark: 1 dig.
Lauren Signor: 2 digs.
Olivia Rivera: 1 service point, 1 kill, 1 block, 3 digs.
Rilke Arrance: 1 service point, 1 ace, 1 dig.
Tiffani Newkirk: 1 kill.
Jaden Jarrell: 1 service point, 2 kills, 5 digs.
Alannah Rounds: 4 service points, 1 assist, 2 digs.
Ashlynn Derr: 1 assist.

Junior Varsity: Candor defeated Odessa-Montour 3-0.

Photo in text: O-M's Olivia Rivera returns a Candor volley.

From left: Odessa-Montour's Jaden Jarrell, Sidney Pike and Alannah Rounds.

Volleyball: Watkins falls to NV, 3-2

NEWARK VALLEY, Sept. 25, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-2 decision Thursday night to Newark Valley in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the NV gym.

Game scores were 25-19, 25-22, 21-25, 19-25 and 11-15. Individual statistics:

Kaylee Yaw: 3 aces, 9 svs pts, 8 kills, 10 digs
Anna Franzese: 9 aces, 18 svs pts., 1 kill, 19 assists, 2 digs
Xanthe Tappan: 1 ace, 10 svs pts., 3 kills, 1 assist, 16 digs
Paige Ells: 1 ace, 15 svs pts., 5 kills, 1 assist, 10 digs
Ellery Thaete: 1 ace, 3 svs pts., 8 kills, 4 digs
Leighann Landers: 2 aces, 7 svs. pts., 2 kills, 7 digs
Grace Coston: 3 svs pts., 5 kills, 2 digs

Watkins Glen girls blank US/PB, 2-0

UNION SPRINGS, Sept. 25, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved its season mark to 6-1 Thursday with a 2-0 victory over Union Springs/Port Byron in a game on the Union Springs soccer field.

Natalee Oliver and Aleah Ventra scored the Watkins goals, while goalkeeper Emma Cady had four saves in posting the shutout.

"I thought the team played really well again tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Defensively, we were excellent throughout the game. Offensively, we created some excellent scoring opportunities, and that's all you can ask for. It's a truly terrific team of young ladies and I am really pleased with how they are coming together midway through the season."

Watkins Glen goalkeeper Jack Hayden sends the ball upfield. He registered eight saves.

Watkins Glen boys defeat US/PB, 6-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 24, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team evened its record at 3-3 Wednesday night with a 6-1 victory over Union Springs/Port Byron in a game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Michael Purpura scored two goals and Caleb Bresett and Christopher Simiele one apiece as the Lake Hawks built a 4-1 first-half advantage. Derek Bower and Aden Rekczis scored in the second half -- their first varsity goals. Jack Hayden registered eight saves in goal.

"The team played incredibly well," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith. "A lot was asked of the midfielders and defense tonight and they delivered. The team executed extremely well, making the extra passes, the hustle plays, and it really paid off. It was a great team win."

The Lake Hawks return to action Friday afternoon at Trumansburg.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Michael Purpura (7) sends a shot toward the US/PB net that resulted in the first of his two goals.

Odessa-Montour's Patrick Croft (20) turns toward the ball after a Southern Cayuga player slipped on the wet field. A persistent rain fell throughout the second half.

O-M boys fall to Southern Cayuga in OT

ODESSA, Sept. 24, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team saw its record slip to 5-4 Wednesday night when the Grizzlies dropped a 2-1 overtime decision to Southern Cayuga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Southern Cayuga led 1-0 at halftime, but O-M tied the game on a Riley Yaw goal, assisted by Ethan Nolan.

However, Southern Cayuga put in the game winner a little over halfway through the first overtime period.

"We controlled the tempo of the game throughout, with many opportunities to score, but just couldn't capitalize," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "We battled hard with a very talented, young Southern Cayuga team. Regardless of the outcome, I'm very proud of how the boys played. We stayed composed and together throughout. We are playing great soccer as we approach the end of the season."

Odessa-Montour returns to action at home at 1 p.m. Saturday against Moravia.

Photo in text: O-M goalkeeper James Halpin sends the ball flying upfield.

Left: O-M's Connor Foggie, left, battles for the ball. Right: O-M's Ethan Nolan, right, contends for possession of the ball. (Both photos by Gail Sgrecci)

Odessa-Montour girls top Moravia, 6-2

MORAVIA, Sept. 23, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by four Leah Antes goals and two by Avery Nolan -- defeated Moravia 6-2 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Moravia soccer field.

Assists were registered for O-M (now 2-5-1) by Antes, Nolan and Maddie Wallenbeck. Brooke Burns had seven saves in the Grizzlies' net.

"We created some good scoring opportunities tonight and were able to put some away," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "Hopefully this can give us some confidence going into Thursday's game" at Newark Valley.

The Storm's Aubrey Klemann on the way to winning the 200 Yard Freestyle race.

Storm swimmers defeat Notre Dame

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 23, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team posted a 93-63 victory Tuesday over Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

Victories were posted for the Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- as follows:

200 Free: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, 2:21.43.
50 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 27.38.
Diving (Eshibition): 1st, Saskia Dechow, 175.05.
100 Fly: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 1:12.19.
100 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:01.69.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Emily Melveney, Lexi Emerson, Ellie Bacon, Eliza Van Ness, 2:02.21.

Individual second-place finishes were posted by Lydia Schubmehl in the 100 Breaststroke, Brie Blauvelt in the 100 Back, Willow Deragon in the 500 Free, Casey Hines in the Diving, and Lexi Emerson in the 200 Individual Medley.

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Lexi Emerson en route to second place in the 200 Individual Medley.
Bottom: The Storm's Rowen Stegner dives at start of the 50 Yard Freestyle.

The Storms' Ellie Bacon at the start of the 100 Yard Backstroke. She placed third.

The Storm's Lydia Schubmehl glides after diving at start of the 200 Individual Medley.

XC: O-M girls 2nd, boys 3rd at Tburg

TRUMANSBURG, Sept. 23, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School cross-country season came to an end Tuesday at Trumansburg. Coach Skip Strobel reported it this way:

"It was an eventful day as we had to pivot on the fly and adjust the course twice due to some ground bees. Tburg did an excellent job making the best of a tough situation.

"Our girls took 2nd behind Tburg, 29 to 33, and defeated Marathon, Moravia and Groton. We were led by a 2nd-place finish by Janne Anderson and a 3rd by Lexi Strobel. Hannah Jantzen (6th) and Susie Collier (9th) also had top 10 finishes. The girls ended the season with a 10-2 dual meet record.

"The boys went 2-2, dropping meets to Groton (33 points) and Tburg (36 points). Odessa totaled 56, Moravia 106, and Marathon had an incomplete squad. The boys were led by a 2nd-place finish by Jaiden Bailor. Russell Morse also finished in the top ten with a 9th-place finish. The boys ended the year with an 8-5 record.

"Connor Wood won the boys modified race and Heidi Anderson was 3rd among mod girls.

"Next up is the McQuaid on Saturday."

XC: Watkins Glen boys win at Tioga

TIOGA, Sept. 23, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross country team posted a one-point victory over Newark Valley Tuesday in a multi-school meet at Tioga.

The Lake Hawks totaled 39 points to Newark Valley's 40 and Elmira Notre Dame's 44. Tioga had an incomplete team.

Isaac Hendrickson led the way by finishing first in 18:30, while Benjamin Henry was 6th in 19:39, Dominic Lewis 10th in 21:18, Zach Brusso 12th in 21:30, Drew Popovich 14th in 22:11, Andrew Champion 16th in 22:39, and Marcus Delong 22nd in 25:39. There were 26 runners.

"It was a rainy and misty day on a wet course in Tioga," said Watkins Glen Coach Travis Durfee. "The team's performance continues to reflect the hard work they have put into their training all season. The team next competes on Saturday at the McQuaid invitational meet in Rochester, where they will run with thousands of other runners from around the nation."

Modified: Watkins Glen's Jude Kurcoba finished first in 9:47, while Lucas Schubmehl was 2nd in 9:56 and Elliot Hendrickson 5th in 10:37.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Isaac Hendrickson, who finished first. (Provided)

Watkins Glen girls defeat Tioga, 6-3

TIOGA CENTER, Sept. 23, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by three Michaela Wheaton goals and two by Olivia King -- defeated Tioga 6-3 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Tioga soccer field.

Also recording a goal: Ava Kelly, who added two assists. Other assists came from King, Brianna Hatch and Emma Lewis. Emma Cady registered three saves in goal and Brianna Hatch had six saves as the Lake Hawks improved to 5-1.

"On a night where we went on the road for a 7:30 start in heavy rain throughout, it was a strange game, to say the least," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "As the score reflects, it was kind of a wild shootout against a talented Tioga team. We continue to move the ball well as a team and I'm proud of the girls and the way they handled adversity tonight. Hopefully, we can continue to grow and learn from each experience."

From left:; Watkins Glen's Kaylee Yaw, Anna Franzese and Xanthe Tappan.

Volleyball: Watkins Glen falls to Edison

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 23, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Tuesday night to Edison in an Intercholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 10-25, 17-25 and 24-26. Individual statistics were not immediately available.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Edison.

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

GROTON, Sept. 23, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Tuesday to Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Groton gym.

Game scores were 23-25, 14-25 and 10-25. Inividlual O-M stats:

Sidney Pike: 5 service points, 3 assists, 8 digs.
Jaeden Clark: 1 service point, 1 ace, 4 digs.
Lauren Signor: 1 service point, 1 kill, 1 dig.
Olivia Rivera: 5 service points, 4 aces, 1 kill, 1 assist, 10 digs.
Rilke Arrance: 1 kill, 10 digs.
Jaden Jarrell: 6 service points, 4 aces, 3 kills, 1 assist, 4 digs.
Alannah Rounds: 1 service point, 1 kill, 1 assist, 5 digs.
Kali Madorsky: 1 assist, 1 dig.

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

Watkins Glen girls fall to Elmira, 2-0

ELMIRA, Sept. 20, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team sustained its first loss of the season Saturday, dropping a 2-0 decision to Elmira High School in a non-league road game.

The loss dropped the Lake Hawks' record to 4-1 heading into a contest Tuesday night at Tioga.

"We fell short today, but I’m very proud of the girls and how they played the game," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Every year when we are filling out our schedule, I try to find some larger schools to play, and I appreciate Elmira giving us the opportunity. Elmira is a young team, but they are very talented and played a great game today.

"We played a pretty solid game today too and created some nice opportunities to score, but just couldn’t find the net. Brianna Hatch did an incredible job filling in for us in the net making some terrific saves, including a penalty kick save that was spectacular!

"Hopefully we can take lessons learned from this game and keep improving as the season progresses. I really like where we are at right now and our schedule picks up this next week, so we will need to get right back at it."

The Schuyler Storm's Lexi Emerson dives at start of the 200 Yard Freestyle.

Storm swimmers 9th at Invite in the Glen

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 20, 2025 -- Fairport High School won the team title Saturday on the second day of the annual Invitational in the Glen, a swim meet featuring athletes from 16 schools around the region competing in the Watkins Glen High School pool..

The host Schuyler Storm team, which is composed of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes, placed 9th. Fairport had 488 points, followed by New Paltz (314), Our Lady of Lourdes (229), Horseheads (220), Valley Central (215), Ithaca (209), Corning-Painted Post (146), Hilton (124), Schuyler Storm (121), Southern Cayuga (84), Lansing (65), Union-Endicott (35), Vestal (20), Owego Free Academy (17), Clarence (16), and Elmira Notre Dame (10).

Top individual performances for the Storm included 5th-place finishes by Lexi Emerson in the 500 Free (5:43.43) and by Makenzie Fish in the 100 Back (1:01.60), and 8th-place finishes by Emily Melveney in the 200 Free (2:08.61) and the 100 Fly (1:07.66).

Other individual Storm finishes included an 11th place by Saskia Dechow in a field of 15 divers, a 12th by Casey Hines in Diving, a 12th by Emerson in the 200 Free, a 16th by Lizzi Fitzwater in the 100 Breaststroke, a 17th by Aubrey Klemann in the 100 Free, an 18th by Klemann in the 50 Free, and 24th place finishes by Eliza Van Ness in the 200 IM, Brie Blauvelt in the 100 Back, and Lydia Schubmehl in the 100 Breaststroke.

The top Storm finishes in relays were a 5th place in the 200 Free Relay (Emily Melveney, Lexi Emerson, Aubrey Klemann and Makenzie Fish), and a 7th in the 200 Medley Relay (Fish, Lizzi Fitzwater, Melveney and Klemann).

Photos in text:

Top: Members of the Schuyler Storm gather before the start of the Invitational finals, sharing songs and cheers..
Bottom: The Storm's Lizzi Fitzwater swims the breaststroke leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Left: The Storm's Emily Melveney. Right: The Storm's Eliza Van Ness before start of the 200 Individual Medley.

The Storm's Ellie Bacon swims the first leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

The Storm's Casey Hines, left, and Saskia Dechow placed 12th and 11th, respectively, in the diving competition.

The Storm's Willow Deragon dives at start of the final leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Storm football team falls to Sus Valley

CONKLIN, Sept. 19, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team's record slipped to 0-3 Friday night when the squad dropped a 34-20 decision to Susquehanna Valley in a Section IV road game.

The Storm trailed 20-0 at halftime before scoring once in the third quarter and twice in the fourth. Two touchdowns came on Hunter Mowry passes -- a 65-yarder to Caydin Lagramada and a 6-yarder to Jared Watson. Mowry completed 6 of 13 passes, but was intercepted five times.

The other touchdown was actually the Storm's first of the game -- a 70-yard kickoff return by Noah Wright to open the second half.

Watson led Storm ball-carriers with 46 yards on 10 carries, while Mason Dupay gained 30 yards on 12 carries. Watson also registered nine tackles on defense, while Lagramada totaled six and Johnny Sisana five. Lagramada also had an interception.

Coach Trevor Holland said that while his players didn't start the game strong, they rallied. "We didn't give up," he said. "That's for sure."

Next: The Storm will host 3-0 Chenango Forks at 7 p.m. Friday at Watkins Glen High School.

The Storm's Makenzie Fish dives at start of the 200 Medley Relay. The Storm qualified for Saturday's Medley Relay finals in 5th place.

Storm swimmers host annual invitational;
finals & diving competition are Saturday

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 19, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team on Friday hosted the first day of the two-day annual Invitational in the Glen, a meet featuring athletes from more than a dozen schools around the region competing in the Watkins Glen High School pool..

The diving competition and swim finals are set for Saturday. The swimming includes both finals (top eight) and consolation finals (9th through 16th).

Top qualifying performances by Storm swimmers -- the team is composed of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School students -- included those by:

Makenzie Fish: She is in the finals in the 200 Medley Relay (5th with Lizzi Fitzwater, Emily Melveney and Aubrey Klemann); in the 200 Free Relay (5th with Melveney, Lexi Emerson and Klemann); in the 200 IM (2nd in 2:17.76); and in the 100 Back (3rd in 1:01.37).

Emily Melveney: She is in the finals in the 200 Medley Relay (5th) and 200 Free Relay (5th); in the 200 Free (8th in 2:08.09); and in the 100 Fly (7th in 1:05.41).

Lexi Emerson: She is in the finals in the 200 Free Relay (5th); and in the 500 Free (4th in 5:41.94); and in the consolation finals in the 200 Free (12th in 2:11.22).

Photo in text: The Storm's Emily Melveney swims the fly leg of the Medley Relay.

Left: The Storm's Aubrey Klemann swims the final leg of the 200 Medley Relay.
Right: The Storm's Lexi Emerson, who qualified 4th in the 500 Free.

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

ODESSA, Sept. 19, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Friday to Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 12-25, 9-25 and 14-25. Individual O-M statistics:

Sidney Pike: 5 service points, 4 assists, 7 digs.
Jaeden Clark: 4 digs.
Lauren Signor: 2 service points, 1 ace.
Olivia Rivera: 2 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 3 digs.
Rilke Arrance: 1 service point, 1 ace, 6 digs.
Jaden Jarrell: 5 service points, 3 aces, 3 kills, 5 digs.
Alannah Rounds: 1 service point, 1 ace, 2 kills, 1 assist, 4 digs.
Ashlynn Derr: 1 dig.

Junior Varsity: Groton defeated Odessa-Montour, 3-0.

****

Photo at right: Odessa-Montour's Olivia Rivera warms up before Friday's match against Groton.

Left: O-M's Leah Antes moves the ball upfield. Right: The Grizzlies' Reese Rounds (9) contends for possession of the ball.

Odessa-Montour girls lose to Groton

ODESSA, Sept. 19, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 6-1 decision Friday night to Groton in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The lone goal for the Grizzlies, now 1-5-1, came from Vanessa Wood in the second half. Brooke Burns registered 12 saves in goal for the Grizzlies.

"This was one of those games where the final score doesn’t reflect how we played," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We did a much better job tonight moving the ball and finding feet. Playing against a very physical Groton team, we did well to hold our own and create some good chances that we just didn’t finish.

"We’ll get a nice rest days before we go on the road for a couple of games."

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Vanessa Wood, left, scores her team's lone goal. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

O-M goalkeeper Brooke Burns (yellow jersey) gets to the ball before a Groton player can.

Watkins XC team competes in the dark

OWEGO, Sept. 19, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross country team competed Friday night in the Owego Dash in the Dark, a nighttime 5K race during which athletes were encouraged to wear glow sticks as they ran.

Forty schools attended the invitational. The Watkins Glen boys varsity finished sixth among the 13 small schools, and 17th overall among 24 small and large schools.

Isaac Hendrickson led the Lake Hawks, finishing 32nd in 17:37.3. Benjamin Henry was 53rd in 18:32.9, and Dominic Lewis 107th in 20:30.8. There were 179 runners.

The Lake Hawks' modified boys team placed second among small schools and seventh among 19 large and small schools. Lucas Schubmehl led Watkins in the 1.65-mile race, placing 25th in 10:39.9, while Jude Kurcoba was 26th in 10:43.9. There were 186 runners.

In the girls modified race, Watkins' lone entrant, Piper Smith, finished 100th out of 131 runners in 15:26.1.

The Watkins team will compete Tuesday at a dual meet in Tioga before traveling to the McQuaid Invitational next weekend.

Volleyball: Watkins loses to Dryden, 3-2

DRYDEN, Sept. 18, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-2 decision Thursday to Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Dryden gym.

Game scores were 15-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-23 and 11-15. Individual Watkins statistics:

Krysta Yaw: 2 kills, 1 dig.
Paige Ells: 2 aces, 12 service points, 5 kills, 2 assists, 10 digs, 1 block.
Xanthe Tappan: 1 ace, 9 service points, 3 kills, 2 assists, 11 digs.
Anna Franzese: 9 aces, 30 service points, 2 kills, 15 assists, 4 digs.
Ellery Thaete: 4 service points, 8 kills, 1 assist, 3 digs.
Leighann Landers: 6 service points, 3 kills, 1 assist, 19 digs.
Grace Coston: 1 ace, 16 service points, 21 kills, 1 assist, 8 digs.

"We lost 2-3," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "It was disappointing, but I am proud that we were able to come back after losing the first two sets."

Odessa-Montour boys top Groton, 7-0

GROTON, Sept. 18, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team's record improved to 5-3 Thursday when the Grizzlies blanked Groton 7-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Groton soccer field.

Riley Yaw led O-M with four goals, while Ethan Nolan, Patrick Croft and Max Sgrecci scored one apiece. Sgrecci, Croft and Nolan each had two assists, while Connor Foggie had one.

"We started out a little slow and flat," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy, "before finally putting one in halfway through the first on a beautiful corner from Max to Riley. Once we got that one, we started to roll and play our game.

"It was all around a great effort from everyone, and I am very proud of the boys and how we played. This will bring great momentum into our preparation for Southern Cayuga at O-M on Wednesday the 24th."

Photo in text: O-M's Riley Yaw (2) in action at Groton. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Volleyball: Odessa falls to Newfield, 3-0

NEWFIELD, Sept 18, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Thursday to Newfield in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Newfield gym.

Game scores were 4-25, 7-25 and 9-25. Individual O-M statistics:

Sidney Pike: 1 service point, 2 assists, 4 digs.
Jaeden Clark: 2 service points, 2 aces, 2 digs.
Lauren Signor: 1 kill, 1 dig.
Jaden Jarrell: 1 kill, 3 digs.
Alannah Rounds: 1 service point, 1 dig.
Kali Madorsky: 1 dig.

Junior Varsity: O-M defeated Newfield, 2-1. Game scores were 25-14, 25-27, 25-23.

Volleyball: Watkins falls to Lansing, 3-0

LANSING, Sept. 17, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Wednesday to Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Lansing gym.

Game scores were 12-25, 19-25 and 13-25. Individual Watkins statistics:

Kaylee Yaw: 8 service points, 1 ace, 1 kill, 13 digs.
Paige Ells: 6 service points, 2 kills, 1 block, 6 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 6 service points, 1 block, 8 digs, 1 assist.
Anna Franzese: 7 service points, 2 kills, 2 digs, 5 assists.
Ellery Thaete: 7 service points, 3 kills, 8 digs.
Leighann Landers: 5 service points, 1 kill, 7 digs.
Grace Coston: 1 kill, 1 block.

"The girls played tough against a very good team," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "Their stats show that everyone played an even role in the successes we had."

Odessa XC teams excel at S-VE meet

SPENCER, Sept. 16, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour modified and varsity cross country teams posted victories Tuesday at a multi-school Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet at Spencer-Van Etten High School.

The Grizzlies competed against -- and defeated -- S-VE, Newfield, Moravia, Dryden and Elmira Notre Dame.

Modified Boys: O-M placed first with 26 points, three points better than S-VE. The Grizzlies were led by Connor Wood's first-place finish, while Eli Walsh was fourth.

Modified Girls: O-M won with 15 points behind a third-place finish by Heidi Anderson and a fourth by Lilly Collier.

Varsity Boys: O-M won with 39 points, ahead of Dryden's 42, Notre Dame's 52, Moravia's 105 and S-VE's 135. The Grizzlies (now 6-3) were led by Jaiden Bailor's second-place finish. Issac Hough, Russell Morse and Philip Coleman all had top 10 finishes.

Varsity Girls: O-M (now 7-1) defeated all schools as Janne Anderson, Hannah Jantzen and Lexi Strobel finished in a three-way tie for first place. Riah Spang, Susie Collier and Karlee Fay finished 9-10-11 to round out the scoring.

Left: O-M's Leah Antes, right, maneuvers around a Campbell-Savona player.
Right: The Grizzlies' Olivia Barr inbounds the ball.

O-M girls fall to Campbell-Savona, 6-0

ODESSA, Sept. 16, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 6-0 decision Tuesday night to Campbell-Savona in a non-league game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The loss -- the Grizzlies' third in four days, dropped their season mark to 1-4-1. Campbell-Savona built a 3-0 first-half edge, and was never seriously threatened in the second half. Odessa goalkeeper Vanessa Wood registered six saves.

"Four games in six days with no subs showed tonight," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison, whose squad has just the minimum number of active players needed to field a full team: eleven.

"I'm proud of the girls," she added, "for playing until the end against a solid Campbell-Savona team. It’ll be good to get some much needed rest before Friday."

The Grizzlies will host Groton Friday night.

Photo in text: This Campbell-Savona scoring threat in front of the O-M goal was turned aside by the Grizzlies.

Left: Odessa-Montour's McKenzie Landon moves the ball upfield. Right: The Grizzlies' Aspyn Skinner, right, meets the ball.

The Watkins Glen modified crosss country squad, on left side of the photo, starts its race.

Watkins Glen boys win home XC meet

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 16, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity cross country team placed first Tuesday in a multi-school meet at the Watkins Glen State Park. The meet is traditionally Watkins' lone home meet of the season.

The Lake Hawks, led by Isaac Hendrickson's 2nd-place finish (in 18:36.1), won with 28 points to Lansing's 48 and Edison's 48.

Watkins' Benjamin Henry placed fifth, Drew Popovich 6th, Dominic Lewis 7th, and Zach Brusso 8th.

Marcus Delong, the team's lone senior, was honored at a pre-meet Senior Night ceremony.

Modified: The Lake Hawks excelled, with Jude Kurcoba 1st in 9:59.96, Lucas Schubmehl 2nd, Elliot Hendrickson 3rd, and Arthur VanDyke 5th.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Issac Hendrickson before his race. He placed 2nd.

Odessa-Montour boys lose to Dundee

ODESSA, Sept. 16, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 4-3 Tuesday when the Grizzlies dropped a 3-1 decision to Dundee in a non-league game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

O-M's lone goal came from Patrick Croft.

The Grizzlies return to action Thursday at Groton.

*****

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Riley Yaw (2) prepares to shoot as he nears the Dundee goal. His shot went just left of the goalpost.

Left: O-M's Breyden Seamon (14) maneuvers around a Dundee defender. Right: The Grizzlies' Max Sgrecci prepares to send the ball upfield.

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

ODESSA, Sept. 16, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Tuesday to Moravia in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 19-25, 18-25 and 3-25. Individual O-M statistics:

Sidney Pike: 1 service point, 5 assists, 1 dig.
Jaeden Clark: 2 kills, 1 dig.
Olivia Rivera: 3 service points, 2 aces, 1 kill, 1 dig.
Rilke Arrance; 2 service points, 3 kills, 2 digs
Jaden Jarrell: 8 service points, 3 aces, 1 kill, 1 block, 1 dig.
Alannah Rounds: 4 service points, 2 aces, 1 dig.

Junior Varsity: Moravia defeated O-M, 3-0.

Watkins Glen's Aleah Ventra, right, shoots, but the Edison goalie caught the ball.

Watkins Glen girls defeat Edison, 7-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 15, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team improved to 4-0 Monday night with a 7-1 victory over Edison in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Lake Hawks got two goals apiece from Ava Kelly, Michaela Wheaton and Olivia King.

The other goal was an "own" goal inadvertently put in by Edison.

Erin Snow registered three assists for Watkins, while Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons had one. Brianna Hatch made four saves in goal for the Lake Hawks.

"We played well again tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "I thought we moved the ball well and created excellent opportunities to score. Every player on the team did some really good things throughout the game.

"It's nice to see them come together like they have so far this season. We have some really challenging games up next with three straight on the road starting with Elmira on Saturday."

Photos n text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly, left, scores the Lake Hawks' first goal.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Emma Lewis inbounds the ball.

Watkins Glen's Olivia King, left in blue, sends a shot that found the Edison net for the Lake Hawks' third goal.

Left: Watkins Glen's Michaela Wheaton moves the ball past two Edison defenders.
Right: The Lake Hawks' Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons prepares to send the ball toward the Edison net. Teammate Ava Kelly, right background, scored moments later.

O-M's Avery Nolan sends a free kick on its way, left ... and the ball goes in the Tioga net.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to Tioga, 4-2

ODESSA, Sept. 15, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 4-2 decision Monday night to Tioga in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies, down 2-0 at halftime, pulled within a goal at 39:26 of the second half when Maddie Raymond scored with an assist by Leah Antes. However, Tioga tallied goals at 32:52 and 24:36 to pull away before Avery Nolan scored for O-M on a free kick with 19:03 remaining.

Vanessa Wood registered seven saves in goal for the Grizzlies, who are now 1-3-1.

"It was not our best effort tonight," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "Our third game in five days and coming from being off yesterday showed. We weren’t able to find feet as much tonight and Tioga has some talented players that capitalized on our mistakes. There's lots of season left to play and we can learn from this moving forward."

Photo in text: O-M's Leah Antes, left, battles a Tioga player for control of the ball.

O-M's Maddie Raymond, left, is congratulated by teammates after her goal.

Odessa-Montour goalkeeper Vanessa Wood sends the ball flying upfield.

Odessa-Montour girls fall to SVEC, 3-2

CANDOR, Sept. 13, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team's record slipped to 1-2-1 Saturday when the Grizzlies dropped a 3-2 decision to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Candor soccer field.

Avery Nolan (assisted by Leah Antes) and Aspyn Skinner (unassisted off a direct kick) scored O-M's goals. Vanessa Wood registered seven saves in net for the Grizzlies.

"It was a hard fought game today," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "I'm very proud of the effort from all 11 girls giving everything they’ve got to try and come back in this game. We just didn’t finish some of our chances. SVEC is a good team with some talented players and it was great to see us go toe to toe with them. We’re right back at it Monday and Tuesday in a row at home."

'Lot of positive' as Odessa-Montour's
XC teams compete at Byron-Bergen

BERGEN, NY, Sept. 13, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity and modified cross country teams competed Saturday in the Kota-Reis Invitational at Byron-Bergen High School.

O-M Coach Skip Strobel said he saw "a lot of positive to build off of."

Varsity Girls: O-M was 6th among 18 teams, led by Lexi Strobel's 7th place finish on the 5K course in 21:38.0. Janne Anderson was 11th in 22:18.4, and Hanna Jantzen 21st in 23:17.6. There were 91 runners.

Varsity Boys: O-M was 12th among 18 teams, led by Jaden Bailor, who finished 61st among 126 runners in 20:20.5. Russell Morse was 65th in 20:55.7, and Issac Hough 71st in 21:21.3.

Modified Girls: O-M was second among 18 teams, led by Heidi Anderson, who finished second in 10:43.9 on the 1.5 mile course. The winner, from Pembroke, edged out Anderson with a 10:43.8. Lilly Collier was 6th in 11:53.9, Hadley White 10th in 12:35.0, and Bailey Landon 17th in 12:54.7. There were 47 runners.

Modified Boys: O-M was third among 12 schools, led by Connor Wood, 7th among 67 runners in 10:10.6. Eli Walsh was 21st in 11:05.3, and Ian Lawton 37th in 12:19.4.

O-M's Riley Yaw (2) prepares to score one of his three goals. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Odessa-Montour boys defeat Tioga, 8-0

TIOGA CENTER, Sept. 12, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team -- led by Ethan Nolan's five goals and three by Riley Yaw -- defeated Tioga 8-0 Friday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Tioga soccer field.

Assists were registered by Connor Foggie (two), Brycen Skinner, James Halpin, Max Sgrecci and Riley Yaw.

"This was an all-around team effort," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "We maintained great possession and control throughout the game. We are starting to click after a slower start to the year, and it's been fun."

The Grizzlies return to action Tuesday at home against Dundee/Bradford.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Ethan Nolan (8) heads in one of his five goals. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

The Schuyler Storm's Caydin Lagramada, center, races up the sideline on his 25-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

Storm gridders fall to SVEC, 50-18

ODESSA, Sept 12, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team dropped a 50-18 decision Friday night to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in a Section IV game on Odessa-Montour High School's Charles Martin Field.

The Storm squad, composed of O-M and Watkins Glen High School athletes, is now 0-2 heading into a game next Friday night at Susquehanna Valley.

The Storm fumbled the ball away on its first series after receiving the opening kickoff, and SVEC took advantage, scoring on a 15-yard run at 10:08 of the first quarter for a 7-0 lead.

The home team responded with an 8-yard Hunter Mowry TD pass to Daniel Coston at 5:55, but a two-point conversion try failed. SVEC made it 13-6 at 6:08 of the second quarter on a quarterback sweep left, but a point-after try was blocked.

The Storm pulled within a point on a 25-yard Caydin Lagramada TD run 4:34 before halftime, but another two-point conversion try failed. Two minutes later, the Eagles scored on a 3-yard run to extend their lead to 19-12, and added a two-point conversion for a 21-12 halftime advantage.

The second half was all SVEC, with touchdowns on a 71-yard run, a 30-yard run, a 55-yard interception return, and a 65-yard return off a Storm fumble. The Storm managed a touchdown with 34.8 seconds to play on a 1-yard Gabe Crane run, but again fell short on a two-point conversion.

"It's a tough one to swallow," said Storm Coach Trevor Holland of the loss.

The Storm amassed 276 total yards on offense, 234 rushing and 42 passing. SVEC rushed for 307 yards and passed for 20.

Jared Watson led Storm ball-carriers with 51 yards on 10 carries, while Caydin Lagramada gained 48 on eight carries, and Daniel Coston 39 yards on six carries. Hunter Mowry completed 6 of 12 passes for 42 yards with one TD and one interception. Isaac Rumsey threw one pass that fell incomplete.

On defense, Coston led with six tackles, while Watson registered three.

Photos in text:

Top: Storm quarterback Hunter Mowry unleashes a pass.
Bottom: The Storm's Jared Watson (1) breaks up an Eagles pass play .

Left: The Storm's Daniel Coston, bottom right, brings down an Eagles ball-carrier.
Right: Storm quarterback Isaac Rumsey laterals the ball to teammate Gabe Crane.

Watkins Glen boys blank Thomas Edison

ELMIRA HEIGHTS, Sept. 12, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team improved its record to 2-3 Friday by defeating Edison 5-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Edison soccer field.

Christopher Simiele and Michael Purpura scored two goals each for the Lake Hawks, and Sam Hohle scored one. Brodie O'Connell Campbell had two assists, and Caleb Bresett one.

"It was a good win for our team tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith. "We were able to work on many different strategies this week in practice and were able to execute on the field today. As a coach I could not ask for anything more."

Storm swimmers top Dryden, 100-78

DRYDEN, Sept. 11, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team -- led by four wins each from Emily Melveney and Makenzie Fish -- defeated Dryden 100-78 Thursday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Dryden pool.

Victories for the Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- included:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Makenzie Fish, Lizzi Fitzwater, Emily Melveney, Aubrey Klemann, 2:04.59.
200 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 2:11.98.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 2:26.42.
50 Free: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, 28.32.
Diving: 1st, Casey Hines, 146.70.
100 Fly: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:05.45.
100 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 59.57.
500 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 5:55.88.
400 Free Relay: 1st, Emily Melveney, Lexi Emerson, Aubrey Klemann, Makenzie Fish, 4:06.30.

Modified: The Schuyler Storm defeated Dryden, 61-55.

O-M's Leah Antes, obscured on the right by teammate Avery Spaccio (12), sends a blast that found the top left corner of the Marathon net, putting Odessa ahead 2-1.

Odessa-Montour girls tie Marathon, 2-2

ODESSA, Sept. 11, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team fought Marathon to a 2-2 double overtime deadlock Thursday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

Sophomore Leah Antes scored both of O-M's goals, putting the Grizzlies ahead at 35:31 of the first half and then -- after Marathon had tied it at 8:36 -- putting them ahead again at 6:11, with an assist by Avery Nolan.

The score remained 2-1 until Marathon converted a penalty kick at 13:10 of the second half. Two 10-minute overtime periods were scoreless, although the Grizzlies mounted several atttacks that resulted in at least three good scoring opportunities.

Vanessa Wood was busy in goal for O-M with 12 saves. The Grizzlies played with 11 players, the minium needed for a full on-field squad. Three players are out, two with ACLs and one with a possible meniscus tear.

"Our team definitely left it all out there tonight," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "We just couldn’t put one more chance away. It was a battle between both teams and a fun one to watch for sure for anyone in attendance tonight.

"Playing with no subs, we definitely were gassed when it came to overtime, but the girls brought what energy they had left to try and scrape out a win. It’s a great learning opportunity for us to know who we can compete with and what level we can strive to play at this season. I’m excited to see what this team can do."

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Avery Nolan (15) maneuvers in front of the Marathon net.
Bottom: Odessa goalkeeper Vanessa Wood sends the ball flying upfield.

Left: O-M's Brooke Burns, left, contends for possession of the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Hannah Albertsman, left, moves in on the ball.

Volleyball: Glen falls to Whitney Point

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 11, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team lost 3-0 Thursday to Whitney Point in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

Game scores were 10-25, 15-25 and 13-25. Individual Watkins statistics:

Xanthe Tappan: 1 ace, 8 service points, 5 digs, 1 kill.
Leighann Landers: 1 ace, 7 service points, 9 digs, 2 kills, 1 assist .
Ellery Thaete: 4 service points, 2 digs, 4 kills.
Anna Franzese: 8 service points, 6 digs, 1 kill, 8 assists.
Grace Coston: 7 service points, 3 digs, 3 kills.
Paige Ells: 5 digs.

"The team played really well against a very tough Whitney Point," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "I am proud of their effort and teamwork shown."

Volleyball: O-M falls to Union Springs

UNION SPRINGS, Sept. 11, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Thursday to Union Springs in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road match.

Game scores were 9-25, 7-25 and 10-25. Individual O-M statistics:

Sidney Pike: 2 service points, 1 ace, 3 assists, 3 digs.
Jaeden Clark: 1 service point.
Olivia Rivera: 1 block.
Alex Campbell: 1 ace.
Rilke Arrance: 1 kill, 1 block.
Jaden Jarrell: 4 service points, 3 aces, 1 kill, 1 dig.
Alannah Rounds: 2 service points, 1 ace, 1 dig.

O-M boys defeat Newark Valley, 8-2

NEWARK VALLEY, Sept. 10, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team -- behind three goals each by Riley Yaw and Ethan Nolan -- defeated Newark Valley 8-2 Wednesday in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the NV soccer field.

Also scoring for the Grizzlies, now 3-2, were Connor Foggie and Patrick Croft. Yaw also registered three assists, while Max Sgrecci and Lucas Hoffman had one apiece.

"We scored almost all of our goals from crosses or corners," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "When the boys spread the ball out and found feet, we had success. When we screwed around with it or played boot ball, we strugggled."

O-M returns to action Friday afternoon at Tioga.

Odessa-Montour's Celeste Crane, left, sends the ball flying upfield through traffic.

Modified Soccer: Glen girls top O-M, 4-0

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 10, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls modified soccer team opened its season with a 4-0 victory Wednesday over Odessa-Montour in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the WGHS soccer field.

The game was played with nine players on the field for each team since O-M was short of the normal contingent of 11 players, and Watkins Glen, which had more than 11, opted to match the O-M on-field force.

The Lake Hawks got two goals each from Micaela Sorce and McKenzie Wheaton. Watkins built a 1-0 first-half lead on Sorce's first goal, and pulled away with three second-half scores.

Watkins Glen kept up repeated pressure near the O-M goal, where keeper Lily Mace kept the score close with some athletic saves.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Micaela Sorce, right, sends the ball toward the O-M goal.

Left: Watkins Glen's Allyson Oliver moves the ball upfield. Right: O-M's Leah Stigers, left, and Watkins' McKenzie Wheaton race to the ball.

Volleyball: Watkins falls to Trumansburg

TRUMANSBURG, Sept. 10, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Wednesday evening to Trumansburg in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference road match.

Game scores were 9-25, 15-25 ad 15-25. Individual statistics for Watkins Glen:

Paige Ells: 1 kill, 9 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 3 service points, 1 ace, 2 assists.
Anna Franzese: 3 service points, 3 assists, 3 digs.
Grace Coston: 3 service points, 2 kills, 4 digs.
Leighann Landers: 1 service point, 2 kills, 2 digs.
Ellery Thaete: 2 service points, 1 kill, 4 digs.

Watkins Glen's Brianna Hatch (28) prepares to send the ball into the SVEC net for the Lake Hawks' first goal.

Watkins Glen girls defeat SVEC, 7-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 9, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by three Ava Kelly goals -- defeated Spencer-Van Etten/Candor 7-1 Tuesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Lake Hawks, now 3-0, opened the scoring at 29:14 of the first half on a goal by Brianna Hatch. Kelly's first goal, at 20:55, made it 2-0 before SVEC tallied its lone score on a breakaway at 18:07.

Rachel Vickio scored Watkins Glen's third goal, at 15:24, and Kelly made it 4-1 at 4:43.

The Lake Hawks came out strong in the second half with a goal by Michaela Wheaton at 37:11, and added goals by Kelly at 19:26 and Aleah Ventra at :22.1

Assists were registered by Wheaton, Ventra, Olivia King (2), Natalie VanSkiver and Amelie Woods. Emma Cady made two saves in goal, and Brianna Hatch one.

"Tonight was a total team effort against a good team," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse.

"I really like how well we are moving the ball right now and creating opportunities to score. It is really great to see a team come together as they have and play so unselfishly. Our defense has been terrific to start the season and has done a phenomenal job of minimizing scoring opportunities for our opponents, while also leading the transition to offense. Our midfield and forwards were outstanding looking for one another and making some spectacular plays tonight.

"And Ava Kelly: she is such an important part of this team, and it was nice to see her have such an explosive scoring night.

"We don't play again until Monday, so we will get back at it and try to improve upon a few things going forward, but I'm pleased with where we are at."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Ava Kelly (7) finds the back of the SVEC net for her third goal.
Middle: The Lake Hawks' Rachel Vickio prepares to send a shot on goal that went over the SVEC goalkeeper (right ) and into the far corner of the net.
Bottom: Watkins Glen's Erin Snow, left, fights for possession of the ball.

Watkins Glen's Natalie VanSkiver (19) sends the ball toward the SVEC net.

Storm swimmers top Lansing, 100-83

WATKINS GLEN, Sept 9, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team got four wins each from Emily Melveney and Makenzie Fish Tuesday en route to a 100-83 victory over Lansing in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

Lexi Emerson added three wins for the Storm, a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes. Wins for the Storm:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Makenzie Fish, Lizzi Fitzwater, Emily Melveney, Ellie Bacon, 2:09.58.
200 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 2:15.88.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Emily Melveney, 2:30.70.
Diving: 1st, Saskia Dechow, 164.60.
100 Fly: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:07.25.
100 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 1:00.05.
500 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 6:01.44.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Emily Melveney, Makenzie Fish, Willow Deragon, Lexi Emerson, 1:56.01.
100 Back: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:05.33.

Members of the Odessa-Montour girls varsity cross-country team start their race.

Hendrickson 1st as O-M hosts XC meet

MONTOUR FALLS, Sept. 9, 2025 -- Watkins Glen High School's Isaac Hendrickson finished first Tuesday at a multi-school Interscholastic Athletic Conference cross-country meet hosted by Odessa-Montour on the B.C. Cate Elementaary School grounds and surrunding terrain.

The Watkins varsity boys team placed second (with 47 points) behind Trumansburg (32 points), and ahead of Edison (60), Odessa-Montour (83) and Tioga (incomplete).

In the girls varsity race, O-M's Lexi Strobel placed second to lead the Grizzlies to second place (with 45 points) behind Trumansburg (22 points), and ahead of Edison (67) and Tioga (incomplete).

Boys: Top finishers for Watkins Glen, in addition to Hendrickson (who ran a 14:13), were Benjamin Henry (11th at 15:59), Drew Popovich (12th at 16:10), Dominic Lewis (also 12th at 16:10), and Zach Brusso (14th at 16:11).

Top finishers for O-M were Jaidon Bailor (3rd at 15:10), Russell Morse (16th at 16:45), Brayden Thompson (21st at 17:37), Philip Coleman (25th at 17:48), and Caleb Collier (26th at 17:51).

Girls: In addition to Strobel (2nd at 17:34), top finishers for O-M were Hanna Jantzen (5th at 18:37), Janne Anderson (7th at 18:57), Susie Collier (18th at 21:48), and Karlee Fay (19th at 21:54).

"I am happy with how the kids ran," said O-M Coach Skip Strobel, who noted that since this was the first meet ever on this course, Hendrickson's time is now the course record to beat.

"Our boys," Strobel added, "were missing one of our top three guys, so I think we will be more competitive moving forward. The girls took second behind a Trumansburg team that is one of the best teams I have seen in a long time. They look great. The WG boys are much improved from last year and (Coach) Travis (Durfee) has done a very nice job with them.

"I was proud of my kids and also all of the people that helped with the meet. I could not have done it without them."

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Isaac Hendrickson, who finished first in the varsity boys race.
Bottom: Odessa-Montour's Lexi Strobel -- second in the varsity girls race -- turns a corner after exiting a portion of the course that led runners through the woods.

Members of the Watkins Glen and O-M boys varsity squads at the start of their race

O-M volleyball team falls to S-VE, 3-0

ODESSA, Sept. 9, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team dropped a 3-0 decision Tuesday to Spencer-Van Etten in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the O-M gym.

Game scores were 3-25, 17-25 and 9-25. Individual statistics for O-M:

Sidney Pike: 3 service points, 3 aces, 4 assists, 1 kill, 3 digs.
Jaeden Clark: 2 digs.
Olivia Rivera: 2 service points, 2 kills, 1 block, 2 digs.
Rilke Arrance: 1 block, 1 dig.
Jaden Jarrell: 4 service points, 3 aces, 1 kill, 4 digs.
Alannah Rounds: 1 service point, 1 kill.

Junior Varsity: Spencer-Van Etten defeated O-M 3-0.

Watkins Glen boys fall to SVEC, 1-0

CANDOR, Sept. 8, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 1-3 Monday when the Lake Hawks dropped a 1-0 decision to Spencer-Van Etten/Candor in an Intersholastic Athletic Conference game on Candor's athletic field.

Watkins Glen goalkeeper Jack Hayden "had about 10 saves," said Coach Brad Smith. "We gave up a penalty kick late in the game off a silly foul in the box.

"It was a tough loss. We controlled most of the game. We made some adjustments at halftime that seemed to work, but just could not get a score. We had 14 shots on goal."

O-M goalkeeper James Halpin pounces on the ball as a Newfield player approaches.

Second-half surge gives O-M boys a win

ODESSA, Sept.8, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team scored six goals in the second half Monday night to defeat Newfield 6-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on O-M's Charles Martin Field.

The Grizzlies, now 2-2, broke a scoreless tie at 36:18 of the second half when Patrick Croft sent the ball into the Newfield net from the right as the Trojans' keeper moved out of the goalmouth to try and stop him.

Ethan Nolan made it 2-0 at 32:55 when he curled in a corner kick from the left over a leaping Newfield goalkeeper, under the crossbar and just inside the right goalpost.

Riley Yaw added a goal at 32:37 on a shot from the left that found the right corner of the Newfield net. The final three goals came from:

--Ean Walsh at 12:35 on a left-footed blast to the left side of the goal;
--Moe Zinger at 10:18 on a header off a Max Sgrecci corner kick; and
--Ethan Nolan again at 8:37 on a shot in traffic from in front of the net..

Connor Foggie registered an assist.

"The boys played a very good second half," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "They controlled the pace and played smart. They didn't force the ball forward; they found the open man and it led to very good opportunities to score, wheh we took advantage of.

"I am proud of the team for bouncing back from a tough loss on Saturday. My assistant coaches stepped up (Nick Sgrecci and Rich Brown) in my absence due to the birth of my son and led the team to a great game."

The Grizzlies return to action Wednesday at Newark Valley.

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Riley Yaw, right, moves the ball on the Newfield end of the field.
Bottom: The Grizzlies' Patrick Croft, left, sends the ball upfield.

O-M's Ethan Nolan sends a corner kick flying (left) ... and it goes over the Newfield goalkeeper and into the net for the Grizzlies' second goal (right).

O-M's Ean Walsh (3) sends a shot toward the Newfield net. It found the goal for the Grizzlies' fourth score.

O-M boys fall to Union Springs in OT

UNION SPRINGS, Sept. 6, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team's record slipped to 1-2 Saturday when the Grizzlies fell 2-1 to Union Springs in overtime in the title game of Union Springs' annual Jim Cufari Tournament.

O-M took a 1-0 lead in the first half on a goal by Riley Yaw. But Union Springs scored at the 4:35 mark of the second half on a penalty kick, and then again three minutes into overtime.

O-M girls fall in tourney title game, 2-1

UNION SPRINGS, Sept. 6, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision Saturday night to Union Springs in the championship game of Union Springs' annual Jim Cufari Tournament.

Leah Antes scored the lone goal for the Grizzlies, who had reached the title game with a 3-1 victory Thursday over Edison. Vanessa Wood registered eight saves in goal for O-M Saturday.

"We ran out of gas," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "I'm extremely proud of the girls and their effort tonight. We really played most of the game with no subs and Union Springs has some speed up front and a very talented midfielder.

"Aspyn Skinner played a phenomenal game at centerback for us, cleaning up and stopping so many Union Springs attacks. This wasn’t the result we hoped for, but there are so many positives to take from this weekend to carry into our season."

Skinner, a freshman, was named to the All-Tournament team.

Watkins Glen volleyball team falls short
at annual Campbell-Savona tournament

CAMPBELL, Sept. 6, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team went 2-2, finished third in pool play and missed the semifinals Saturday at the annual Campbell-Savona tournament.

The Lake hawks defeated Canisteo-Greenwood and Dundee, but lost to Campbell-Savona and Avoca-Prattsburgh. The top two teams in each pool advanced to the semifinals.

"We started out slowly but finished strong," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "Even though it was not the result we wanted, everyone was able to contribute positively to the day."

The Lake Hawks' Anna Franzese was named to the All-Tournament Team. Individual statistics for Watkins Glen:

Ellery Thaete: 2 service points, 1 ace, 14 kills, 2 blocks, 1 dig.
Kayla Yaw: 3 service points, 6 kills, 5 digs.
Bella Yaw: 8 service points, 1 ace.
Paige Ells: 12 service points, 5 aces, 12 kills, 1 assist, 5 digs.
Leighann Landers: 8 service points, 4 aces, 2 assists, 7 digs.
Grace Coston: 14 service points, 5 aces, 6 kills, 1 block.
Lilac Cruz: 1 kill.
Grace Weed: 1 dig.
Anna Franzese: 27 service points, 10 aces, 5 kills, 17 assists, 4 digs.
Xanthe Tappan: 4 service points, 1 ace, 6 kills, 3 assists, 1 dig.
Lacey Flynn: 2 service points, 1 ace.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Anna Franzese, named to the All-Tournament Team.
(Photo provided)

Storm gridders fall to Newark Valley

NEWARK VALLEY, Sept. 5, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm varsity football team led 14-0 at halftime Friday night before dropping a 19-14 decision to Newark Valley in a season-opening Section IV game on the NV football field.

The Storm -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- built the 14-0 lead on a first-quarter 62-yard run by Jared Watson and a second-quarter 3-yard run by Mason Dupay. After missing the point-after on the first TD, the Storm converted a two-point run after the second one, Daniel Coston carryng the ball across the goal line.

But Newark Valley returned the third-quarter kickoff 65 yards for a TD and added the extra point, and scored again in the third quarter on a 21-yard run before falling short on a two-point conversion -- leaving the Storm up 14-13. The Cardinals took the lead with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, again failing on the two-point conversion.

"It was very disappointing," Storm Coach Trevor Holland said of the outcome. "We were really clicking in the first half, with 122 rushing yards, and we held Newark Valley to minus-5 yards rushing in the second quarter. That kickoff return was a real buzz kill."

The Storm totaled 295 yards, including 180 on the ground, compared to NV's 240 (all on the ground). Watson led Storm ball carriers with 94 yards on 12 carries, while Coston carried 11 times for 59 yards. Hunter Mowry completed 6 of 16 passes for 115 yards and had two interceptions.

Next up: The Storm will host Spencer-Van Etten/Candor at 7 p.m. Friday at Odessa-Montour. The winner takes home the Armed Forces Shovel donated years ago by Run Rite Construction. SVEC has won it the past two seasons.

O-M girls top TAE 3-1 in tourney opener

UNION SPRINGS, Sept. 4, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School girls varsity soccer team opened its season with a 3-1 victory Thursday over Edison in the opening round of the Jim Cufari Tournament hosted by Union Springs.

The Grizzlies will play for the tourney title at 8 p.m. Saturday.

O-M got its goals from Leah Antes (assisted by Avery Nolan), Avery Spaccio (assisted by Maddie Wallenbeck), and by Wallenbeck unassisted. Vanessa Wood registered six saves in goal for the Grizzlies.

"It's great to get a nice win to start off the season," said O-M Coach Sage Garrison. "I'm proud of the girls, they stepped on the field ready to play and brought good energy, moved the ball well and communicated throughout the game. Thomas Edison played hard and created some dangerous scoring opportunities when our legs got heavy, but we were able to clean some of them up. There’s a lot of season left to go and more things to improve on."

The Storm's Makenzie Fish at start of the 100 Backstroke, which she won.

Storm swimmers fall to Southern Cayuga

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 4, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team did something Thursday it hadn't done in years: It lost a dual meet, falling to Southern Cayuga 88-82 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

'The Storm, the Section IV, Class C champion for the past eight years, finished first in six of 11 scored events Thursday, but came up short -- leaaving Coach Jason Westervelt philosophical. After a long talk with his team following the meet, Westervelt said he told them "they're champions and should act like it, holding their heads high."

He commended Southern Cayuga for its performance, and praised his own swimmers. "The girls swam well," he said. "I know they will pull through and still contend for the Section IV title."

The loss, he noted, was the first since the team lost by a point to Chenango Valley "several years ago. I think it was just before the pandemic; maybe a little later. But this is one loss in something like 50 meets. That's not bad."

Wins were posted by the Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- as follows:

200 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 2:17.87.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 2:24.74.
50 Free: 1st, Emily Melveney, 27.23.
500 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 6:01.73.
100 Back: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:01.62.
400 Free Relay: 1st, Lexi Emerson, Aubrey Klemann, Emily Melveney, Makenzie Fish, 4:06.48.

Second-place finishes were posted for the Storm by 200 Medley Relay and 200 Free Relay squads, and by Emily Melveney in the 100 Fly, Aubrey Klemann in the 100 Free, and Lizzi Fitzwater in the 100 Breaststroke.

Photos in text: The Storm's Lexi Emerson (top) en route to winning the 500 Free; and Emily Melveney (bottom) checking her time after winning the 50 Free.

Left: The Storm's Willow Deragon dives at start of the 100 Free. Right: Rowen Stegner dives at start of the 100 Fly.

Storm divers Casey Hines, left, and Saskia Dechow exhibitioned, with Hines edging Dechow 168.75-168.15.

Watkins girls edge Notre Dame in OT

SOUTHPORT, Sept. 4, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team -- led by Michaela Wheaton's two goals -- defeated Elmira Notre Dame 2-1 Thursday night in overtime in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the ND soccer field.

Olivia King assisted on a first-half goal by Wheaton -- who won the game midway through the first overtime period on a penalty kick awarded when a Notre Dame defender was called for a hand ball in front of the ND net. Wheaton put the kick in the right side of the Crusaders' goal.

Emma Cady registered five saves in goal for the 2-0 Lake Hawks, while Brianna Hatch had one save.

"In our second game of the season," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse, "we prevailed in a difficult game that, honestly, could have gone either way. Notre Dame is fast, aggressive and talented and it's always a challenge playing there. We scored first and held the 1-0 lead through the first half, but didn't come out with the same intensity and Notre Dame scored quickly to tie it up. It showed tremendous grit to weather that storm and fight through adversity to win in overtime.

"I couldn't be prouder of our team for how they came together, supported each other and never quit working hard throughout. We still have a long way to go to get to where we want to be as a team, but we will keep working hard to get there. We improve in different ways every day with a truly terrific group of girls."

Left: Watkins Glen's Sam Hohle (13) clears the ball from in front of the Lake Hawks' net. Right: Lake Hawks goalkeeper Jack Hayden goes high to block a Notre Dame shot.

Watkins boys fall to Notre Dame, 3-1

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 4, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team saw its record slip to 1-2 Thursday night when it dropped a 3-1 decision to Elmira Notre Dame in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The Lake Hawks went in front at 17:32 of the first half on a goal by Brodie O'Connell Campbell on a direct kick from the left. But Notre Dame tied the game before halftime, took the lead at 23:21 of the second half, and added a goal at 10:17.

"We played great soccer the first half," said Watkins Glen Coach Brad Smith. "I believe Notre Dame scored on two set pieces in the second half. (Goalei) Jack (Hayden) played very well in goal, had a crazy save that I need to check the video on. He probably had 7 saves. My score book is a mess due to the rain; ink ran all over.

"This team does not give up, they play hard and give everything they have each game. I could not ask for anything more for from this group of athletes."

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Brodie O'Connell Campbell, center, moves the ball past two Notre Dame defenders.

O-M boys top Edison in tourney opener

UNION SPRINGS, Sept. 3, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team evened its record at 1-1 Wednesday evening with a 5-0 victory over Edison in the opening round of Union Springs High School's Jim Cufari Tournament.

The Grizzlies will play for the tourney title at 6 p.m. Saturday against Union Springs/Port Byron, which defeated Moravia 8-1 in the other semifinal.

Ethan Nolan and Riley Yaw each scored two goals for O-M, with Patrick Croft tallying the other. Assists were registered by Moe Zinger, Nolan (2), Max Sgrecci and Dev Patel.

Photo in text: Odessa-Montour's Ethan Nolan, right, scores one of his two goals. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Left: The Lake Hawks' Anna Franzese meets an incoming Newark Valley shot. Right: Watkins Glen's Paige Ells serves.

Watkins volleyball team tops NV, 3-0

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 3, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School varsity volleyball team opened the season with a victory Wednesday evening, defeating Newark Valley 3-0 in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the WGHS Field House.

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

"Our strong service game led to our sucess tonight," said Watkins Glen Coach Krysti Westervelt. "We were down on a few occasions but were able to keep our heads up and rally back for the win. I am super proud of the maturity and teamwork shown tonight."

The Lake Hawks' largest rally came in the second game after they fell behind 17-9. But a string of service points from Paige Ells and several more from Anna Franzese lifted Watkins past the Cardinals.

Individual statistics for the Lake Hawks:

Anna Franzese: 13 service points, 5 aces, 6 assists, 1 kill, 1 dig.
Kaylee Yaw: 4 kills, 1 dig, 5 service points.
Leighann Landers: 7 service points, 6 aces, 4 digs.
Paige Ells: 7 service points, 5 aces, 2 kills, 3 digs.
Ellery Thaete: 2 kills, 1 block, 1 service point.
Xanthe Tappan: 8 service points, 4 aces, 3 assists, 3 kills, 3 digs.
Krysta Yaw: 1 service point.

Junior Varsity: Watkins Glen defeated Newark Valley 2-1.

Photos in text:

Top: Watkins Glen's Xanthe Tappan goes high to volley.
Bottom: The Lake Hawks' Leighann Landers meets the ball.

Left: Watkins Glen's Ellery Thaete serves. Right: The Lake Hawks' Kaylee Yaw prepares to return a Newark Valley volley.

O-M volleyball team opens with a loss

CANDOR, Sept. 3, 2025 -- The Odesssa-Montour High School varsity volleyball team opened its season with a 3-0 loss Wednesday to Candor in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference match in the Candor gym.

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

Sidney Pike: 2 service points, 3 assists, 1 kill, 4 digs.
Jaeden Clark: 1 service point.
Olivia Rivera: 2 service points, 1 kill, 3 digs.
Rilke Arrance: 1 service point, 1 kill, 2 digs.
Alex Campbell: 1 dig.
Jaden Jarrell: 3 service points, 1 kill, 2 digs.
Alannah Rounds: 1 service point.

Junior Varsity: Candor defeated Odessa-Montour 3-0.

Schweizer, D'Alleva are All-State picks

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 2, 2025 -- Watkins Glen/Notre Dame High School lacrosse standouts Finn Schweizer (ND) and Nick D'Alleva (WG) have been named to the 2025 Lacrosse All-State Team by the New York State Sportswriters Association.

Schweizer, now entering his senior year, was named to the Class D Second Team. D'Alleva, who graduated from WGHS in June and now attends SUNY Cortland, was named to the Class D Third Team.

The WG/ND team finished the season at 6-10.

The Storm's Aubrey Klemann dives on the backstroke leg of the 200 Medley Relay.

Storm swimmers open with win over ND

WATKINS GLEN, Sept. 2, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team opened the season Tuesday with a 94-51 victory over Elmira Notre Dame in an Intercholastic Athletic Conference meet in the Watkins Glen High School pool.

The Storm, the eight-time Section IV, Class C champion, won eight events plus exhibition diving. The wins were posted as follows:

200 Medley Relay: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, Lizzi Fitzwater, Makenzie Fish, Emily Melveney, 2:06.69.
200 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 2:15.86.
200 Individual Medley: 1st, Emily Melveney, 2:32.47.
Diving (Exhibition): 1st, Saskia Dechow, 176.50.
100 Fly: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:06.08.
100 Free: 1st, Aubrey Klemann, 1:03.43.
500 Free: 1st, Lexi Emerson, 5:57.15.
200 Free Relay: 1st, Emily Melveney, Aubrey Klemann, Makenzie Fish, Lexi Emerson, 1:51.95.
100 Back: 1st, Makenzie Fish, 1:06.02.

Emily Melveney also finished first in the 100 Breaststroke, but the Storm exhibitioned that race, giving the points to Notre Dame.

Individual second-place finishes were posted for the Storm -- a combined squad of WGHS and Odessa-Montour High School athletes -- by Willow Deragon in the 200 Free and 100 Free, Aubrey Klemann in the 50 Free, and Casey Hines in the Diving.

Photos in text: The Storm's Lexi Emerson (top) on the way to winning the 200 Free; and Wendy Coleman dives at start of the 50 Free.

The Storm's Makenzie Fish en route to winning the 100 Butterfly.

Left: The Storm's Lizzi Fitzwater dives at start of the second leg of the 200 Medley Relay. Right: 8th grader Saskia Dechow dives en route to winning the exhibition diving.

The Storm's Emily Melveney on the way to winning the 200 Individual Medley.

Left: O-M's Connor Foggie, right, battles for possession of the ball. Right: The Grizzlies' Max Sgrecci (15) moves the ball. (Photos by Gail Sgrecci)

O-M boys open with 5-0 loss to Marathon

MARATHON, Aug. 29, 2025 -- The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team dropped a 5-0 decision to Marathon Friday in a season-opening Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Marathon soccer field.

"We ran into a skilled team that took advantage of some of our defensive lapses," said O-M Coach Tanner Dupuy. "We played better than what the score shows.

"We will move on and prepare for Edison on Wednesday in the Cufari Tournament, which we won last year."

That game is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Union Springs High School.

Photo in text: O-M's Moe Zinger, left, fights for the ball. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Watkins' Michael Purpura sends a free kick on its way. It carried over the Addison net.

Watkins Glen boys fall to Addison, 5-3

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 29, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team saw its record slip to 1-1 Friday when the Lake Hawks dropped a 5-3 decision to Addison in a non-league game on WGHS's Alumni Field.

Watkins Glen fell behind 3-0 in the first half as Addison tallied goals at 19:02, 13:34 and 9:11, but the Lake Hawks fought back to tie the game 3-3.

Watkins Glen's first two goals came from Caleb Bresett directly in front of the net off of corner kicks by Michael Purpura -- at 3:38 of the first half and 35:03 of the second half. Then Brodie O'Connell Campbell tied the game at 23:19 on a blast from the right that found the lower right corner of the Addison goal.

But the Watkins momentum -- including a kick at 8:50 that clanged off the left goalpost and back out to the field of play -- ended when Addison scored at 6:50 before adding a goal at 4:36.

Jack Hayden registered five saves in goal for the Lake Hawks, who return to action Thursday night at home against Elmira Notre Dame.

Photo in text: Watkins goalkeeper Jack Hayden sets himself as an Addison player shoots. The shot found the right corner of the Lake Hawks' net.

Left: Watkins' Brodie O'Connell Campbell sends a shot that found the Addison net, tying the game 3-3. Right: The Lake Hawks' Sam Hohle heads the ball.

Left: Watkins' Caleb Bresett contends for possession of the ball. Right: The Lake Hawks' Derek Bower, right, moves the ball around an Addison defender.

Watkins girls top Dryden in opener, 4-1

DRYDEN, Aug. 28, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School girls varsity soccer team opened its season Thursday night with a 4-1 victory over Dryden in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference game on the Dryden athletic field.

Rachel Vickio led the Lake Hawks' attack with two goals, while Michaela Wheaton and Olivia King had one goal each. Assists were registered by Wheaton, Brianna Hatch and Natalie VanSkiver. Emma Cady made five saves in goal.

"With our first game coming only a week and a half into the season, I wasn't sure what to expect," said Watkins Glen Coach Scott Morse. "Though we are still very much figuring things out, I was pleased with our performance tonight. We moved the ball well with some strong passing and played a stellar defensive game.

"I am impressed with the team's commitment and effort so far. Some players are shifting positions this season while, tactically, we are trying some different things as a team. It's a great mix of returning players and newcomers, all contributing immensely, so I'm very excited to see how we progress and grow as a team this season."

Photo in text: Photo provided by Brittany Oliver.

Watkins Glen's Aidan Kelly, right, sends the game-winning shot on its way from just inside Alumni Field's 20-yard line. It found the back of the Dryden net for a 2-1 victory.

Watkins boys open with an overtime win

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 27, 2025 -- The Watkins Glen High School boys varsity soccer team opened the season with a 2-1 overtime victory Wednesday night in an Interscholastic Athletic Conference contest on WGHS's Alumni Field.

The game-winner came from senior Aidan Kelly, who launched a shot from just inside the 20-yard line that found the Dryden net with 6:36 left in the first overtime period -- setting off an onfield celebration that saw Kelly's teammaates mob him.

The Lake Hawks, who had more than 20 shots on goal in the game, didn't score until their 17th shot, when senior Michael Purpura lofted a header at 31:00 of the second half over the Dryden goalkeeper, who was coming out of the net to meet him. The ball bounced into the right corner of the goal.

Dryden retaliated with a goal at 16:20 of the second half, forcing the overtime.

Photo in text: Watkins Glen's Christopher Simiele sends a shot toward the Dryden net.

Left: Watkins' Brodie O'Connell Campbell moves the ball around a Dryden defender. Right: The Lake Hawks' Michael Purpura heads the ball, sending it over the oncoming Dryden goalkeeper and into the net.

O-M's Brycen Skinner, right, sends the ball flying against Athens. (Gail Sgrecci photo)

Soccer scrimmage

The Odessa-Montour High School boys varsity soccer team held a scrimmage Monday at Athens High School in preparation for its season-opening game Friday at Marathon. Game time will be 4:30 p.m.

O-M varsity cross country runners include, from left: Lexi Strobel, Naomi Isip, Hannah Jantzen, Janne Anderson, Lillie Garrabrant and Karlee Fay.

High school fall sports practices: Day 2

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Aug. 19, 2025 -- The Odessa File caught up to two more high school sports teams on the second day of fall practice Tuesday. (Others were observed in the story below.)

The Schuyler Storm girls varsity swim team was in the Watkins Glen High School pool, while a couple of divers were working on their specialty. Coach Jason Westervelt was instructing the swimmers in the proper form to be used in the freestyle as they embark on a season in search of their ninth straight Section IV, Class C title.

The Odessa-Montour High School varsity cross country team was being put through the paces by Coach Skip Strobel outside the B.C. Cate Elementary School. The team has 11 girls and 10 boys, with modified squads of five girls and five boys. The season opens Sept. 9 on a course around and near B.C. Cate, with five or six schools -- including the one from WGHS -- competing.

Photo in text: Schuyler Storm Coach Jason Westervelt addresses his swimmers.

Left: Schuyler Storm senior Emily Melveney is back to continue an outstanding swim career. Right: The Storm's Casey Hines will be seeking her third straight Interscholastic Athletic Conference diving title, and second straight Section IV, Class C title.

WGHS girls varsity soccer coach Scott Morse addresses his players Monday morning.

High school fall sports practices under way

SCHUYLER COUNTY, Aug. 18, 2025 -- The 2025 high school fall sports season began Monday with the first day of practices for the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour student-athletes.

From the WGHS boys and girls varsity soccer teams and the Schuyler Storm varsity football team practicing on Watkins Glen's Alumni Field to the O-M boys and girls soccer players and the Grizzlies' cross country team occupying spots on the B.C. Cate Elementary School soccer fields, the day was the first of conditioning and practice for a season schedule coming soon.

Beyond those practice fields, school gyms were alive with volleyball, and the WGHS pool was active with a girls swim team -- like football, composed of WGHS and O-M athletes -- seeking its ninth straight sectional title.

In some sports, game action starts next week; in others, a little later.

Turnouts were substantial -- 22 athletes for O-M boys soccer, 18 for WGHS boys soccer, 20 for WGHS girls soccer, 32 suiting up for varsity football -- to slender: 13 on hand for the O-M girls soccer team.

WGHS girls soccer coach Scott Morse, in his opening remarks to his squad, stressed the importance of academics, of being good teammates, and of making "good choices. You are role models representing the team, the school and the community."

Photos in text: Coach Trevor Holland addresses his football squad at an evening practice; and Reese Rounds, left, and Leah Antes of the O-M girls soccer team.

Left: From left, Anna Franzese, Kaylee Yaw and Lilac Cruz, the WGHS volleyball team's three seniors. Right: Senior WGHS soccer player Aidan Kelly on first day of practice.

The O-M boys varsity soccer team works out on the B.C. Cate school's soccer field.

USTA swim team members 13 years and older who competed in the AAU Junior Olympics in Houston, Texas. (Photo provided)

Several Gators compete at Jr. Olympics

Special to
The Odessa File

SCHUYLER COUNTY, July 29, 2025 --Several members of the Glen Gators Swim Team qualified for, and competed in, the 2025 AAU Junior Olympics held this past week in Houston, Texas.

Qualifiers included Lyvia Burns, Lexi Emerson, Makenzie Fish, Hudson Westervelt, Markel Gullo, Griffin Adams, Thomas Vedder, Carson Thaete, and Grayson Robertson. They joined forces with other qualifiers from Central New York to form United Southern Tier Aquatics (USTA).

The meet, held at the Cy-Fair Natatorium, "was a huge success," said Coach Jason Westervelt, whose Gators registered personal best performances, and included finals qualifiers, top 8 medalists, and event champions (Makenzie Fish and Thomas Vedder).

"Congratulations," said Westervelt, "to USTA and the Glen Gators, and thank you to our coaching staff as we head into the interscholastic and fall club seasons."

Photo in text: Front from left, USTA swim team members Lyvia Burns, Makenzie Fish, and Lexi Emerson. Back: Hudson Westervelt. (Photo provided)

Wrestling clinician Connor Lapresi leads Day Three instruction. (Photo provided)

O-M/WG hosts 3-day Wrestling Camp

Special to The Odessa File

WATKINS GLEN, July 28, 2025 -- This past weekend the Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen Wrestling Program hosted its second annual Wrestling Camp to provide a low-cost opportunity for local wrestlers to improve on their skills.

A total of 55 wrestlers (35 from OM/WG, 15 from the Ithaca High School Wrestling Program, two from the Penfield Wrestling Program, and one from South Seneca) participated in the Friday-Sunday camp.

Day One saw Josh Antoine (Ithaca HS Head Coach, NCAA Division 3 Qualifier for SUNY Cortland, NJCAA All-American for Nassau Community College) as the clinician. Day Two saw Brandon Gould (NCAA Division 1 Wrestler for The University at Buffalo and 2-time NYS Place Finisher for Watkins Glen HS) as the clinician. Day Three saw Connor Lapresi (Utica College Women's Coach, NCAA Division 1 Wrestler for Cornell University, and NYS Champion for Lansing HS) as the clinician.

Aside from learning high-level techniques, activities the campers were involved in included Takedown Matches on Day One, Beach Wrestling at Watkins Glen's Clute Park on Day Two, and a Round Robin Tournament on Day Three.

Photo in text: Tyler May and Sean Hoffmier compete in Day Two beach wrestling at Clute Park. (Photo provided)

Glen Gator divers Annabelle Thige, Horseheads, and Greyson Geuder, Watkns Glen, with their All-American certificates. (Photos provided)

3 Gators compete in AAU National diving

The following note and the photos above were sent to us by Emily Hoffman, the Glen Gators Diving coach, on July 20th.

Our local dive team, Glen Gators Diving, attended the AAU National diving competition this week in Riverside, California. Each athlete had to qualify at a local meet to be able to attend. Three athletes participated:

--Greyson Geuder, Watkins Glen student, 7 years old, 10th place on 1 meter, all American.
--Annabelle Thige, Horseheads student, 9 years old, 10th place on 1 meter, all American.
-- Olivia Tanton, Vestal student, 14 years old, 27th on platform, 16th on 3 meter, 15th on 1 meter.

--Emily Hoffman

OM/WG wrestlers finish 2-3 at RIT duals

ROCHESTER, July 12, 2025 -- Several members of the Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen High School wrestling program traveled to Rochester Institute of Technology on Saturday and competed in the RIT Summer Duals in the Gordon Field House. The team, which picked up three wrestlers from other teams to fill the line-up, finished with an overall record of 2-3.

The OM/WG wrestlers defeated Webster Shroeder 36-33 and Liverpool 41-30, while losing to Honeoye Falls-Lima 28-36, Pittsford 21-39, and Central Valley Academy 26-42.

Individuals leading the team included Lucas Hoffman (140 lbs.).with a 5-0 record, Patrick Croft (215/285 lbs.) with a 4-1 record, Jotham Lynch (162/172 lbs.) with a 3-1 record, Dalton Smith (118/126 lbs.) with a 3-1 record, and Nicky Source (118/126 lbs.) with a 3-2 record. Other members of the dual team included Theron Rodrigues (126/133 lbs.), Silas Smith (133 lbs.), and Emmitt Presutti (162/170 lbs.).

The Odessa-Montour/Watkins Glen wrestling program will continue its off-season schedule by hosting a Wrestling Camp from Friday, July 25-Sunday, July 27 at the Watkins Glen Field House.

The Schuyler Storm 12U team poses after winning tourney. (Photo by Keri Schubmehl)

Storm 12U team wins Lansing tourney

LANSING, July 6, 2025 -- The 12U Storm from Schuyler County won the 2025 Lansing Invitational 12U baseball tournament Sunday, defeating Lansing in the championship game 20-1.

The Storm won the opening pool-play game Saturday, defeating Trumansburg 18-0, and then fell to Lansing 10-9 after falling behind 5-0 and then 10-5.

In the final pool-play game Sunday morning, the Storm defeated Ithaca 7-1 with a dominant pitching performance from Morgan Bubb, who went all six innings, giving up five hits while striking out five.

That put the Storm in the championship game, where they avenged their only loss of the tournament.

Hudson Westervelt led the Storm in that game with two home runs -- a grand slam and then a three-run homer, both in the top of the 5th inning. Olin Kramer pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up five hits and one earned run while striking out seven and walking one.

Next up: A tournament this week hosted by the Wayland Dirt Dawgs.

The Schuyler Storm's Ori Kramer slides in safely in a play at second base.

Malina Tourney: Storm falls in semifinals

WATKINS GLEN, June 22, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm All-Star U12 baseball team dropped a 16-10 decision Sunday morning to Ithaca in a semifinal contest at the 8th annual Tom Malina Memorial Tournament on Clute Park's Fazzary Field.

Ithaca went on to win the tournament, defeating Elmira 6-0 in the championship game. The Storm had been scheduled to play a consolation game against Dryden, which had lost the other semifinal to Elmira, but Dryden opted not to play, and so forfeited.

The Storm, which won three games in the previous two days to earn the semifinal berth and the No. 2 seed --including a 4-3 victory over No. 3 Ithaca Saturday morning -- fell behind 6-0 early in Sunday's game and could not dig out of that hole.

Down 12-1 entering the bottom of the 5th, the Storm scored two runs, the latter on a homer by Hudson Westervelt, to extend the game beyond a five inning/10 run "mercy rule" ending. And then, after Ithaca scored four times in the top of the 6th, the Storm rallied for seven runs, the last three on a homer by Morgan Bubb. But as one coach put it, the bats came alive "too late."

Jesse Schubmehl, who helps coach the Storm and is vice president of Schuyler County Youth Baseball and Softball, said he was "very thankful for everyone who participated in the tournament. Having seven teams participate was incredible, and there was some really good baseball being played this weekend by some incredible players.

"Schuyler County Yourh Baseball and Softball," he said, "would especially like to thank the Malina family for their support of the tournament and watching every game this weekend! And thank you to all of the volunteers who made this weekend possible."

Photos in text:

Top: The Storm's Ian Lawton connects for a base hit.
Bottom: The Storm's Marshall Lewis delivers a pitch.

Left: Storm shortstop Lucas Schubmehl throws to first after fielding a grounder. The batter was out. Right: The Storm's Hudson Westervelt connects for a 6th inning hit. He sent the ball over the centerfield fence the inning before.

Dub-G Athletes of the Year: junior Olivia King and senior Liam Smith.

King, Smith are Dub-G Athletes of the Year

WATKINS GLEN, June 21, 2025 -- Junior Olivia King and senior Liam Smith were named the Watkins Glen High School Female and Male Athletes of the Year at Saturday night's annual Dub-G Awards in the WGHS Auditorium.

King played soccer, basketball and softball, while Smith competed in soccer, swimming and lacrosse.

Other awards included:

Best Championship Performance: Swimmer Carson Thaete for winning four races in the Section IV, Class C Tournament.

Leadership Award: Senior Sam Caslin.

Best Upset: The WG boys varsity basketball team's defeat of state-ranked Dryden.

Sportsmanship Award: Michaela Wheaton and Isaac Rumsey.

Rookies of the Year: Makenzie Fish and Hudson Westervelt.

Exellence in Education: Olivia VanSkiver (4.12 GPA) and Nick D'Alleva (4.06 GPA).

Outstanding Individual Performance: Paige Ells for pitching a no-hitter "in horrible rainy conditions" that made gripping the ball difficult. But she prevailed, shutting down Elmira Notre Dame.

Coach of the Year: Jason Westervelt, who coached the girls' and boys' IAC and Section IV, Class C championship swim teams, as well as the baseball squad.

Record-Breaking Performance: Bowler Brett Cullen-Pike's perfect 300 game against Lansing.

Unsung Hero Award: Brady Bockelkamp and Natalee Oliver.

Team of the Year: The WG boys swimming and diving team, the IAC and Section IV, Class C tournament champions.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Charlie Haeffner, editor and publisher of The Odessa File, who has covered high school sports in Schuyler County since 2003.

Photos in text: From top, Leadership Award winner Sam Caslin; Sportsmanship Award winners Isaac Rumsey and Michaela Wheaton; and Rookies of the Year Makenzie Fish and Hudson Westervelt.

What proved to be the Storm's winning run was set up by a single in the top of the 6th (above left) by Lucas Schubmehl, who then stole second base (above right).

With Schubmehl on second, Ori Kramer (left, No. 4) singled up the middle -- the ball eluding a diving Ithaca second baseman (right), sending Schubmehl across the plate for a 4-3 lead that held up.

Malina Tourney: Storm in the semifinals

WATKINS GLEN, June 21, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm All-Star U-12 baseball team won twice Saturday, earning the No. 2 seed and a spot in Sunday's semifinals of the 8th annual Tom Malina Memorial Tournament at Clute Park.

The first game, on Volunteer Field, saw the Storm break a 3-3 deadlock in the top of the 6th inning and then shut down Ithaca in the bottom of the 6th for a 4-3 victory.

In the second game, on Fazzary Field against Lansing, the Storm rolled to a 16-6 victory.

The top four teams in the seven-team field advanced to Sunday's championship bracket, with two games at 10 a.m.: the Storm against No. 3 seed Ithaca on Fazzary Field, and top-seeded Elmira against No. 4 Dryden on Volunteer Field.

The Storm won all three games -- one Friday against Wayland-Cohocton and the two Saturday -- that helped to define the Sunday seeding. The winners of the two semifinals will meet for the tourney title at 2 p.m. Sunday on Fazzary Field.

Photo in text: The Schuyler Storm's Morgan Bubb connects for a solid single to center. He was subsequently stranded on base.

The Storm All-Star U-12 team poses on the pitcher's mound after defeating Ithaca 4-3.

Malina family donates new scoreboard; dedication ceremony held at tournament

WATKINS GLEN, June 21, 2025 -- The family of the late Tom Malina was on hand Saturday morning at Clute Park's Volunteer Field for the dedication of a new scoreboard the Malinas donated in Tom's memory.

The $8,000 scoreboard, money for which was provided through fund-raising conducted by the Malinas, sits just outside the right center field fence. The dedication took place between baseball games in the 8th annual Tom Malina Memorial Tournament at Clute Park.

Schuyler County Youth Baseball Vice President Jesse Schubmehl emceed the dedication, presenting a speech in which he said "we proudly dedicate this scoreboard to honor the life, legacy and enduring spirit of Tom Malina, whose contributions to this sport, our community and this tournament will never be forgotten."

Malina, a professional baseball prospect in his teen years before sustaining a severe knee injury, turned to coaching and was the Schuyler County Little League president in the 1980s, returning as a board member in the 2010s. His coaching included Cinderella softball, T-ball, Little League baseball, junior varsity baseball and softball, and varsity baseball and softball.

"Tom was 66 years old when he passed away" on Sept. 7, 2015, said Schubmehl, "and was throwing batting practice to the Little League team the night before he passed. ... He was a mentor to many, including myself, and an inspiration to everyone he came in contact with. ... Tom was a huge influence on me as a coach and taught me the right ways to mentor athletes."

The new scoreboard, he added, "will now stand not only as a record of points and runs, balls and strikes, but as a constant reminder of Tom's passion, integrity, dedication and legacy to Schuyler County Youth Baseball and Softball and all of the lives he touched throughout the years."

Photo in text: The Malina family poses in front of the new scoreboard.

The Storm's Hudson Westervelt sends a long drive to left field that pulled foul. Moments later, he drove in a run with a hit to center.

Malina Tourney: Storm opens with win

WATKINS GLEN, June 20, 2025 -- The Schuyler Storm All-Star 12U baseball team opened play in the 8th Annual Tom Malina Memorial Tournament with a 17-7 victory Friday evening over Wayland Cohocton on Clute Park's Michael Fazzary Field.

Each squad in the seven-team tournament -- hosted by Schuyler County Youth Baseball -- is playing three games over Friday-Saturday to determine seeding in Sunday's competition, when four teams will advance to the championship bracket. A tourney titleist will be determined that afternoon.

The tournament is the first of several in the region following the recently concluded regular season. The Storm was scheduled to play Ithaca at 9 a.m. Saturday, and Lansing at 1:30 p.m.

Friday's 17-7 victory, which included a steady barrage of Storm hits, was terminated after five innings under the 10-run "mercy" rule.

Photo in text: The Storm's Ian Lawton follows the flight of the ball after he connected for a base hiit.

Mace, Malnoske named top O-M athletes

ODESSA, June 10, 2025 -- Seniors Jackie Mace and Tyler Malnoske were named winners Tuesday night of the Odessa-Montour High School's Harold Lynch male and female Athlete of the Year Awards.

Mace, who has played several sports but specializes in wrestling, and Malnoske, an All-Star in cross country, basketball and track, were named at the conclusion of an evening that started with a dinner attended by a large crowd in the school cafeteria. The event moved to the school's Fetter-Brown Auditorium after dinner for individual awards presented by coaches in each of the O-M varsity sports.

Named winners of the Charles Martin Memorial Sportsmanship Awards were seniors Riley Brooks and Gavin Lohmeyer, while senior Mike Hines won the Jim Anagnost Memorial Award, and juniors Olivia Barr and Connor Foggie received the Section IV Character Counts Awards

*****

Photos in text:

Top: O-M's Harold Lynch Female Athlete of the Year Jackie Mace and Male Athlete of the Year Tyler Malnoske.
Bottom: Senior Brody Willlams hugs his track & field coach, Skip Strobel, after being named the team's MVP Field.

Left: Riley Brooks and Gavin Lohmeyer, winners of the Charles Martin Memorial Sportsmanship Awards. Right: From left, Gavin Lohmeyer, Max Sgrecci and Leah Antes, winners of ESPN Ithaca Athlete of the Week awards.

Left: Olivia Barr and Connor Foggie, winners of Section IV Character Counts Awards. Right: Mike Hines holds his Jim Anagnost Memorial Award.

Schuyler Spring MVP Award goes to Storm's Paige Ells

SCHUYLER COUNTY, June 9, 2025 -- When she was a Watkins Glen 8th grader, softball pitcher Paige Ells was The Odessa File Schuyler Spring MVP for leading her team to its first winning season in years, including an appearance in the Section IV tournament.

This year, as a freshman, she was even better, leading the team -- a combined squad of Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour High School athletes known as the Schuyler Storm -- to a 15-3 record and a showdown with Edison in a Section IV semifinal.

That the Storm lost that game does not diminish the success of a season in which the Storm was populated by several All-Stars, the brightest star among them being Paige Ells, who compiled a 14-2 pitching record with 171 strikeouts. But that wasn't all. She also led the team in batting average, .469, and on-base percentage, .634, not to mention OPS (On-base Plus Slugging), 1.266.

It's a performance like that, accomplished quietly, with workmanlike efficiency, that resonates throughout a sports season and beyond. And it leaves no doubt that Paige Ells should, and does, repeat as the Odessa File Schuyler Spring MVP.

Notable: Two players from Elmira Notre Dame, Finn Schweizer and Landon English, were outstanding on the combined Watkins Glen/Notre Dame varsity lacrosse team. The lists below contains only Schuyler County athletes, but the performances of those two were First Team caliber.

*******

2025 Odessa File Spring All-Sports All-Star Team

First Team

Paige Ells -- Storm softball (MVP)
Gavin Lohmeyer -- Storm baseball
Nick D'Alleva -- WG/ND lacrosse
Amy Field -- Storm softball
Lauren Signor -- Storm softball
Olivia King -- Storm softball
Keira Ells -- Storm softball
Brianna Hatch -- Storm softball
Levi Murphy -- WG tennis
Andre Wixson -- WG tennis
Enric Lin -- WG tennis
Natalee Oliver -- WG track & field
Rachel Vickio -- WG track & field
Brody Williams -- OM track & field
Leah Antes -- OM track & field
Lexi Strobel -- OM track & field
Janne Anderson -- OM track & field
Evvie Zinger -- OM track & field
Max Sgrecci -- OM track & field
Emily Melveney -- WG golf
Ethan Nolan -- OM golf

Second Team

Mike Hines -- Storm baseball
Austin Preuninger -- Storm baseball
Blake Thomas -- Storm baseball
Brady Bockelkamp -- Storm baseball
Sam Hohle -- WG/ND lacrosse
Ben Chedzoy -- WG/ND lacrosse
Max Ricca -- WG tennis
Ryan Baudendistle -- WG tennis
Brooklynn Thompson -- Storm softball
Isabella Bellavigna -- Storm softball
Riley Brooks -- OM golf
Mckenzie Landon -- OM track & field
Jed Lynch -- OM track & field
Jared Watson -- OM track & field
James Halpin -- OM track & field
Benson Patterson -- OM track & field
Connor Fiala -- OM track & field
Tyler Malnoske -- OM track & field
Ella Kramer -- OM track & field
Rilke Arrance -- OM track & field
Aspyn Skinner -- OM track & field
Paisley Jeziorski -- OM track & field
Zade Gomez-Fitzsimmons -- WG track & field
Jude Santos -- WG track & field
Jayden Summers -- WG track & field
Sam Caslin -- WG track & field
Isaac Hendrickson -- WG track & field
Noah Wright -- WG track & field
Leon Lagramada -- WG track & field
Dana Guild -- WG track & field
Addie Coolican -- WG track & field
Andrew Champion -- WG track & field
Natalie VanSkiver -- WG track & field

Oliver 5th in 1500 as track season ends

ENDICOTT, June 5, 2025 -- The high school spring sports season ended for Schuyler County athletes Thursday with the conclusion of the Section IV State Qualifier at Union-Endicott High School.

Watkins Glen junior Natalee Oliver earned a podium spot by placing fifth in the 1500 Meter Run, posting a time of 5:08.16. While not enough to advance to States, her time was her second fastest at that distance, less than three seconds off the school record 5:05.24 she posted at last week's Section IV, Class C tournament.

Odessa-Montour sophomore Evvie Zinger completed the difficult five-event Pentathlon in fourth place in a six-competitor field. She totaled 1902 points.

Other Watkins Glen finishes:

--Rachel Vickio was 11th in the Discus at 86' 3".
--The 4x800 Relay team of Noah Wright, Sam Caslin, Jayden Summers and Isaac Hendrickson placed 13th in 8:57.50.
--Jude Santos was 14th in the Triple Jump at 38' 1.75".
--Isaac Hendrickson was 21st in the 1600 Meter Run in 4:49.71.

"It was a great finish to the season for track and field in WG," said Coach Travis Durfee, "with a podium finish and some personal best times in the last run of the season. Coach Kelly Sterner and I are incredibly proud of this team and their efforts for the year."

Other Odessa-Montour finishes:

--Max Sgrecci was tied for 7th in the High Jump at 5' 8".
--Leah Antes was 11th in the Triple Jump at 32' 5".
--Lexi Strobel was 14th in the 1500 Meter Run at 5:30.63.

Photos in text:

Top: WGHS junior Natalee Oliver, bottom left, with the other podium finishers in the 1500 Meter Run. (Photo provided)
Bottom: Odessa-Montour sophomore Evvie Zinger, left, runs in the 800, one of five events in the Pentathlon. She placed fourth overall. (Photo by Gail Sgrecci)

Oliver sets school mark in 800 at Qualifier

ENDICOTT, June 4, 2025 -- Watkins Glen High School junior Natalee Oliver set a school record in the 800 Meter Run Wednesday while finishing seventh at the Section IV State Qualifier Track & Field Meet at Union-Endicott High School.

Oliver, who set a school record in the 1500 Meter Run at the Section IV, Class C Tournament last week, posted an 800 time of 2:26.19, breaking the old mark of 2:27.7 set by Somer Pettet in 2007. While the seventh-place finish left Oliver short of qualifying for the State Tournament, she runs in the 1500 Meters on Thursday, the second and final day of the tournament..

Meanwhile, for Odessa-Montour:

--Janne Anderson was 6th in the 400 Hurdles in 1:11.16.
--Brody Williams finished 8th in the Discus at 129' 8".
--Connor Fiala was 16th in the 400 Hurdles (1:02.09), and 18th in the 110 Hurdles (19.91)
--Mckenzie Landon was 14th in the 100 Hurdles in 18.04.
--Lexi Strobel was 10th in the 3000 Meters in 12:07.
--Leah Antes was 14th in the Long Jump at 14' 6.5".
--Aspyn Skinner was 22nd in the 100 Meters in 14.91.
--Evvie Zinger was in 4th place after three of the five events in the Pentathlon, which concludes Thursday.

Photo: WGHS junior Natalee Oliver after setttng a school record Wednesday in the 800. (Photo provided)

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