Lillian Scholtes is a September Athlete of the Month. Lillian is a member of the tennis squad where her record for individual play for September was a staggering 8-1. Lillian is a freshman and this is her first year on varsity.

Lillian wanted to thank Coach Lynah for all of the pep talks in the middle of the matches to calm her down. Lillian also stated that it takes a lot of agility and patience to be successful. Coach Lynah had this to say about Lillian, “Lillian is very coachable, always does the right thing, and keeps a positive attitude.” 

Lillian is willing to take on any challenge while leading by example, is respectful to her opponents and teammates and puts in maximum effort in practices and matches according to Coach Lynah. Over the course of the season, Lillian displayed confidence and a fun attitude that helped her relax in order to be successful.

Favorite Food: Any kind of Fruit
Nickname: Lils
Favorite Athlete: Venus and Serena Williams

Charlie Mulford is a September Athlete of the Month. Charlie plays defensive end and offensive line for the DWC football team for the past three. Coach Pieri says, “A great leader, is coachable, and Charlie certainly has stepped up as a senior.”  

Charlie is proud to represent the community and the facilities that they play on.  Charlie is quoted saying this about what makes him successful playing football, “A good team. Without guys on the other side giving you a look on every rep there's no way to get better. It also takes dedication outside of practice. Watching film on the other team so you know what they are going to do before they do it is one of the biggest advantages you can have.”  

Charlie would like to thank his parents and all of his coaches for helping make him successful.  It takes a good team atmosphere and coaches pushing you throughout the season according to Charlie.  

“Every other team conditions as hard as you do. It's how hard you push yourself through it that separates you from the rest.”

Favorite Food:  Prime Rib
Favorite Athlete: Shaq
Nickname:  Mulfredo

Rachael Gray has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for May as a member of the Varsity Track and Field team.  Now a junior, she has been a member of the Eagles track team for the past three seasons.  When asked what it takes to be successful in the sport of track and field, Rachael stated:

“It’s important to have a strong mentality to get through the tough workouts and races. Your body can do a whole lot more than your mind makes it seem. Consistency is also key to keep up with all the hard work put in. The work you put in is what you’ll get out.”

When combined with support and encouragement from peers and coaches, a strong mindset and determination to perform has resulted in a very accomplished career.  In nominating Rachael, Coach Owens highlighted Rachael’s seemingly tireless work ethic and ability to perform day in and day out.  He made sure to point out how she is a tremendous role model to her teammates and is one of the most coachable athletes he has had the privilege to work with over the years.

Rachael would like to thank her best friend, MaryLi Nielsen for consistent support and encouragement during workouts.  She also thanks her coaches, in large part, for simply believing in her.  She recognizes that having friends and coaches that believe in you makes a big difference in the love you have for the sport.

Favorite Food: Beef Sinigang
Favorite Athlete: Sydney McLaughlin
Favorite Song: Woodkid – Run Boy Run (instrumental)
Motivational Quote: “You can achieve anything you put your mind to, just never give up.”

Max Brown has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for May as a member of the Varsity Tennis team.  Now playing in his second varsity season, the sophomore has been steadily developing since picking up the racket four years ago.  When asked what it took to earn this award, Max mentioned: “Hard work and dedication to the sport along with trusting the process.”  This has paid dividends as he finished the regular season at 9-5 as the Eagles top singles player and was one match away from the state qualifier at individual sectionals.  In nominating Max, Coach Lynah remarked:

“Max Brown propelled Wayland-Cohocton Tennis to the sectional semifinal with two stellar wins against Addison's and Penn Yan's top players, respectively. In the semifinal, against the eventual sectional champion, East Rochester, Max was the sole winner, beating one of the best players in our class. Max is a dynamic tennis player who has a remarkable record against some of the toughest competition in varsity tennis.”

When asked what his fondest memory related to sports was, he was quick to point out the East Rochester sectional match.  Max would like to thank Coach Lynah, his friends, and his family for all of their support.  He is proud to represent Wayland-Cohocton in large part because of the support of his peers.  Max is considered a role model teammate and competitor and we look forward to a couple more years on the court.  

Favorite Athlete: Cole Palmer or Carlos Alcaraz
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Song: Kanye – God Is

Celise Wicker

Celise Wicker has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for May as a member of the Varsity Track and Field team.  Known by her teammates and coaches as “C” the freshman is wrapping up her third year at the varsity level.  When asked what it takes to earn this award, she stated: “Dedication to do well every day in practice and at meets.”  Her performances throughout the season resulted in a #1 seeding at the the LCAA County Championship in both the 1500M and 3000M races along with top seeding with her400M and 800M relay teams.  In nominating her, Coach Owens remarked:

“Celise, is the ultimate student athlete, she leads, works hard, and is a team player. She is always positive and would do anything to help the team win. To top it off, she does it all with a smile!”

By season’s end, Celise would be earn an opportunity to race in the State Qualifier meet at Newark High School.  When asked who she wanted to thank, she mentioned her parents for all their support, coaches who are always there for her, and her friend Rowan for her help all season long.  To be successful in the sport of track and field, Celise mentioned confidence.  It’s safe to say her progression over the years and consistent work ethic have resulted in many accolades with many more on her horizon.

Favorite Food: Pizza and Strawberries
Favorite Athlete: Josh Allen (Go Bills!)
Fondest Memory: Dunking Coach Owens and McKenrick in the dunk tank
Motivational Quote: It’s going to hurt regardless, so it may as well hurt in first place!

Hunter Trischler

Hunter Trischler has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for May as a member of the Varsity Golf team.  The third-year senior golfer has put together his best year yet as an Eagle and has many accolades from the season to go along with this recognition.  During the course of the season, Hunter would be match medalist in 7 out of our 9 regular season matches having scored lowest of all golfers in a given match.  At the LCAA County Championship, he would shoot 85 placing him 5th overall and advanced to the Individual Sectional Tournament for a second consecutive year.  When asked what it takes to be success in golf, Hunter remarked: “time, patience, and money.”  It is a sport that requires consistent practice and time on the course.  His steady approach to working on his craft was clearly evident in his 9-hole performances that resulted in a season average of 42.33 with nearly all scores falling between 41 and 43.  His fondest memory related to sports was during his junior season where he beat his teammate, Jett, in a dramatic playoff at Livingston Country Club. 

Hunter has come to recognize the support he has gotten over his career not only in golf but as a Wayland-Cohocton student-athlete.  He would like to thank is parents and brother for pushing him to be his best.  He also wants to thank Coach Toland and all of his coaches for their influence over the years.  In nominating Hunter, Coach Toland stated:

“Hunter is the type of athlete coaches dream of having the opportunity to work with.  Natural talent and skill are abundant but the determination and persistence to get better never wavers.  He has been a role model to his peers and it has been an honor watching him progress throughout this athletic and academic career here at Way-Co.”

Favorite Athlete: Josh Allen (Go Bills!)
Favorite Food: White rice and sesame sauce
Favorite Song: Future – All my Life

Molly Robbins

Molly Robbins has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for April as a member of the Varsity Softball team.  The freshman has been in the circle for the Eagles the past three season.  Known as “Peanut” by her teammates, Molly has been a dominant pitcher and leader on and off the field.  When asked what her fondest memory related to sports has been, she mentioned getting to 400 strikeouts.  In nominating her, Coach Stewart rattled off stats that showcase her talent.  These included a .303 batting average, 1.474 ERA, and 9 wins on the season through April.  In regards to his experience with her on the team, Coach stated: “Molly is very coachable and works extremely hard in season and out of season.”  This passion for the game and determination to succeed are clearly evident in her work ethic.

When asked what makes her proud to be an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton, she remarked: “Being able to be on a great team and being supported by all of my teammates.”  She wants to thank her parents and grandparents who push her to be her best and continue to work hard.  Their support reminds her to remain consistent and put in the work required to be successful.  A piece of inspiration she lives by when she needs a spark is:

“Stay away from negative people.  They have a problem for every solution.”

Favorite Food: Waffles
Favorite Athlete: Michaela Edenfield
Favorite Song: Justin Timberlake – “Rock your body”

Matt Clark

Matt Clark has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for April as a member of the Varsity Baseball team.  Now a junior, he has played baseball since he was four years old with the last three years at the varsity level.  When asked what it takes to earn this award, Matt stated: “Good sportsmanship and hard work on and off the field.”  This balance of being a good teammate pairs well with his presence on the mound.  In his nomination, Coach Wager was quick to highlight his 6 and 1 record with a 1.89 ERA.  This included a stretch of winning three games in five calendar days.

Matt wants to thank his dad for coaching him since the start and pushing him to get better even when he didn’t want to.  He also thanks his mom for signing him up for all those travel teams over the years.  When asked what it takes to be successful in the sport of baseball, he stated:

“A lot of training at practice and even more training on the days you have off.  Work at home is what gets you ahead of the game.”

Coach Wager mentioned that Matt is “a workhorse and a competitor that always wants the ball.”  It’s no surprise the Eagles finished their season with a 4th place seed in Sectionals and have a team hungry for more. 

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo
Fondest Memory: Games at Innovative Field
Favorite Athlete: Nestor Cortes Jr.

Allie Powell

Alexsandra Powell has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for March as a member of the Varsity Cheerleading Team.  The senior captain is wrapping up her sixth year of cheerleading with the last five being at the varsity level.  When asked what it took to earn this award, she simply stated: “Dedication and commitment.”  In her nomination, Coach Wagner pointed out how well Allie approached each day as a competitor and teammate.  Coach stated:

“Allie has continued to improve her leadership skills and help her teammates strive to be their best. Allie shows a lot of passion and intensity for her sport, so she has tried to adapt her leadership skills to meet the needs of her teammates on an individual basis throughout the season. Allie worked hard to be a flyer and base for her team in areas of need, based on experience in flying and a newfound strength in basing. After an LCAA league performance that was not our team's best and placed us 3rd, she helped keep moral going and pushed herself to continue her abilities for the last week of the season. This led to our team placing 2nd out of 10 teams at Sectionals, which we went in to the day as major underdogs. She was definitely a large contributor to the push our team had in the final weeks of the season.”

Her hard work, competitive spirit and natural leadership propelled Allie to be recognized as an LCAA Exceptional Senior.  When asked who she wanted to thank, Allie was quick to thank Coach Wagner on her positive influence that led to not only her own success but the overall success of our Wayland-Cohocton team.  When asked what makes her proud to be an athlete at WCCS, Allie remarked: “As a school athlete, I feel proud because I’m part of a team, achieving personal goals, representing my school, building discipline, and developing leadership skills through sportsmanship and competition.”

Favorite Song: Drake – Best I Ever Had
Favorite Food: French Fries
Pre-Game Superstition: Chants before hitting the mat
Fondest Sports Memory: 2nd place finish at Sectionals in 2023-24 season

Noah Sick

Noah Sick has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for March as a member of the Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving team.  Now a sophomore, Noah has been swimming for four years with the last two being at the varsity level.  When asked what it takes to be successful in the sport of swimming, he stated: “Dedication, persistence, and being the hardest worker in the pool.”  This attitude has resulted in a strong season for Noah which included an LCAA All Star nod and 5th place finishes in both the individual medley and butterfly.  In nominating him, Coach Kreppel pointed out that Noah was able to qualify for sectionals in every swimming event as sophomore, something that is difficult to accomplish. She also talked about his value to the team as she remarked:

“Noah worked hard every practice.  Always encouraged his teammates and always reflected on his events to see what he could do better, what went well, and make sure to emphasize what we talked about in his practice.  He made sure to put in the extra work as he got closer and closer to his goals.” 

When asked who he wanted to thank, Noah thanks his mom for never letting him quit and his grandma for always supporting him.  He also wanted to mention former teammates Jett Meldrum and Titan Rocha for their influence in pushing him to be the swimmer he has become.  When asked what makes him proud to be an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton, he said: “Knowing that I’m a projection of the school and a part of the people that participate in athletics at WCCS.” 

Favorite Food: Chicken
Favorite Athlete: Cristiano Ronaldo
Advice: Treat the hardest worker on your team as the one you want to beat each practice
Fondest sports memory: Nearly breaking the school record for the 100 yard butterfly

MaryLi Nielsen

MaryLi Nielsen has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for February as a member of the Varsity Girls Alpine Ski Team.  The third-year sophomore has spent her entire skiing career as a member of the varsity team.  When asked what it takes to earn this award, she said: “Determination, confidence, training and lots of practice.  Along with the support of my team and friends.”  This network of support has led to some great success over the past few seasons, included a Section V crown in the 2022-23 winter season.  Also, skiing from a young age is really paying off as a strong competitor for the Dansville/Wayland-Cohocton ski team.  In his nomination, Coach Murray included her individual statistics which included five top-three finishes in 7 races, two of which were wins.  When asked what he has seen from MaryLi throughout the course of the season, he remarked: “MaryLi is very determined to get better.” 

From practice to race day, MaryLi has a consistent approach to working hard herself and encouraging her teammates to push themselves.  When asked what makes her proud of be an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton, she said: “My teammates support and friendship and how much effort my teammates put into their races.”  To be successful, skiing demands self-confidence, the appropriate gear, perseverance, and training.  She would like to thank her mom, a family friend that taught her how to ski, her instructor at Bristol Mountain and Coach Murray.  

Nickname: Small Fry
Favorite Athlete: Mikaela Shiffrin
Favorite Song: Sia – Unstoppable
Favorite Food: Mei-fun
Pre-Race Superstition: Lifting up feet when going over railroad tracks for good luck

Charles Feinman

Charles ‘Matthew’ Feinman has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for February as a member of the Varsity Boys Basketball team.  The senior captain has been playing basketball for eight years with the last two at the varsity level.  When asked what it takes to earn this award, he stated: “It takes the drive to never take a day off, never give up and always be a leader.”  Coach Davis leaned heavily on this leadership throughout the season.  In nominating Matthew, he remarked:

“Matthew Feinman is the ultimate team player, he pushes everyone else to do their best and offers constant encouragement around the group, especially when he was sidelined earlier in the year. This showed a ton about his character as he was always willing to help and encourage the rest of the squad when you could tell he just wanted to be out there. He has become the energizer of the group and always provides a spark in practice or a game to get the team motivated. He never wants to take a play off and dives on the ground for loose balls, hustles down the court after a turnover, and is always the first person to pick their teammate up after a mistake.”

In the last six games of the season, Matthew averaged 17.6 points, including a 22 point performance in Naples.  He also was named an LCAA Exceptional Senior and was able to play one last game at his home court on March 15th where he scored 5 points.  He would like to thank his parents and siblings for all their support and a good dose of constructive criticism from his brother.  Also, Coach Owens and Coach Wager along with all his other coaches for always pushing him to be at his best.  When asked what makes him proud to be an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton, he said: “Knowing that my mom and three siblings were also athletes at Wayland or Cohocton, living up to their standard, and honoring the school.”

Favorite Food: Waffles or pizza
Superstitions: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and taped ankles
Fondest Sports Moments: Team bonds and Soccer Sectional Finals appearance in 2022
Favorite Athletes: Michael Jordan or Steph Curry

Skylar Richardson

Skylar Richardson has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for January as a member of the Varsity Girls Indoor Track and Field team. The sophomore is in the midst of her first year as an indoor track athlete and is loving every minute of it. When asked what it takes to earn this award, she remarked: “Dedication and genuine enjoyment in putting in the work.” Finding joy in the journey of a season is what separates Skylar from the rest of the pack. Her goal-oriented approach to athletics is met with a determination and optimistic outlook day in and day out. When asked what it takes to be successful in indoor track, she stated:

“Powering through the hard moments and discomfort with positivity. You just have to find the Zen moment where you actually enjoy the running and aren't focusing on the number of laps or speed. You have to believe in yourself and realize that part of your results come from within.”

Coach Martin has been impressed with our naturally Skylar has picked up a new sport. In her nomination, Coach remarked: “Skylar is a very coachable young lady and has taken the time on her own to watch YouTube videos on long and triple jump. She is always asking what she could do differently to get better and what she needs to work on.” Throughout the season, she has seem improvement and personal best times week in and week out. She’s come a long way and long jump distances are surpassing anyone on her team despite being a first-year track athlete. She would like to thank her coaches, Coach Martin and Coach Rizzieri. Also, her parents for their support. Lastly, her friends and teammates that continue to hype her up and pushing her throughout the season.

Favorite Food: Subway
Favorite Song: Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna – Run This Town
Pre-Game Ritual: Take a nap
Motivating Thoughts: Believe in yourself!

Henry Caskey

Henry Caskey has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for January as a member of the Varsity Boys Indoor Track and Field team. Now in his second year at the varsity level, the sophomore is settling into his role as a thrower in the field events. Practice and hard work have paved the way to some impressive improvements and personal best results in the weight throw and shotput. In nominating Henry, Coach Martin stated:

“Henry is such a kind and considerate young man who is always seeking out extra help or asking if he can stay later to work on shot put and weight throw.”

His easy-going attitude and coachability has been a refreshing addition to our boys indoor team, a team that has been building a culture of high standards and determined athletes. Henry wanted to make sure to thank his coaches: Coach Martin, Coach Knapp, and Coach Rizzieri. Also, he is thankful and appreciative of his parents for their support and encouragement. At the time of his nomination, Henry has improved on last year’s personal best efforts by five and six feet in shot and weight throw, respectively. Coach Martin pointed out his mechanics are much sharper and fluid thus far this season. When asked what makes him proud to be a Wayland-Cohocton athlete, he mentioned being able to experience the outcome of hard work. It’s certainly paying off!

Favorite Song – I Remember Everything – Zach Bryan
Favorite Athlete – Josh Allen
Fondest Sports Memory – Winning Counties his freshman year
Favorite Food – Chicken Alfredo

Lilyin Mellick

Lilyin Mellick has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for December as a member of the Varsity Girls Basketball team.  Lily, now a junior, has been playing basketball for seven years, the last two being at the varsity level.  Her hard work on and off the court has resulted in a team leader and reliable teammate.  In the month of December, she averaged just over 10 points a game and nearly 8 rebounds per game which leads both categories for the Lady Eagles.  When asked what it takes to be successful in the sport of basketball, Lily stated:

“Having a positive mindset, having a goal for each game you play, and realizing that only you can take you to your full potential.  No one else is going to do it for you.”

Coach Balinsky has often turned to Lily to guide the team.  He commented on her impact by remarking: “Her character speaks for itself.  She’s a team captain and a proven leader.”  Lily would also earn LCAA Player of the Week honors in the middle of December.  When asked what makes her proud to be a Wayland-Cohocton athlete, she said: “Even though our winning streak isn’t always the highest, we are a family and that makes the sport worth playing.”  This sense of togetherness has forged a fierce competitor and caring teammate that puts others in a position to be successful. 

Lily has a long list of people to thank.  This includes Brooke Lander for her inspiration and kindness each and every season; Hannah Fairbrother for taking her under her wing as a younger player in the softball program; Her mom for her consistent presence at each game and words or wisdom when she needed the guidance; Lastly, Mr. Toland for taking her to a leadership conference in Geneseo that has a had a lasting impact on her development as a student-athlete and influence at Wayland-Cohocton.

Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Athlete: Steph Curry or Aaron Judge
Hype Song: Justin Timberlake – Mirrors
Superstitions: One white sock, one black sock

Anthony Schirmer

Anthony Schirmer has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for December as a member of the Varsity Boys Basketball team.  The junior guard has been playing basketball for 10 years with the last two being a member of the varsity team.  When asked what it takes to earn this award, Tony responded: “Hard work and determination.”  This work ethic and mindset has propelled him to be a team leader in scoring and is showing signs of improve day in and day out.  Coach Davis discussed his character and impact in stating:

“Tony is doing a great job as a second year player on Varsity.  You can see his improved confidence as well as shot selection in a variety of games this season. Tony has been our leading scorer in five of our ten games so far this season averaging 8.9 a game while crashing the boards well averaging 3 a game. He has also knocked down some key shots as well as taken a bigger role this season as a starter or two have been down every game. He continues to work hard in practice and improve every day.”

Getting better is what it’s all about and Tony understands the process of putting in the work.  As a selfless player, he regularly puts his teammates first and is proud to help the basketball team and school anyway that he can. 

Nickname: Big Tone
People to thank: His parents for their continued support each and every season
Favorite Athlete: Lebron James
Favorite Food: Chicken

Hope Ammarell

Hope Ammarell has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for November as a member of the Varsity Girls Cross Country team. The sophomore joined the Cross Country program as a freshman and has really developed into a hardworking, motivating runner for the Eagles.  When asked what it takes to successful in her sport, Hope recognizes that one’s mindset is a key factor in overcoming adversity and rising to the challenge.  In commenting on her character and coachability, Coach Martin remarked:

“Hope has her sights set on very specific goals and is putting in the work to reach them.  She is encouraging other teammates to be sure they are also working hard to meet their goals.”

These goals have led her to several victories and first place finishes in the 2023 Cross Country season.  No victory was greater than her crossing the finish line first overall at the 2023 Section V Class C Girls Championship on November 4th.  This lead the team to earn a sectional title for the girls cross country program and a trip to the NYS Championships in Verona NY.  When asked who she wanted to thank, Hope replied: “My coaches, Curtin and Derek, my sister, and the weights in the gym.”  She proudly represents Wayland-Cohocton and our community in her approach to athletics and care for others; Something that clearly evident all season long.

Fondest Memory: Finding the monkey on the side of the road
Pre-Game Ritual: “The Chant”
Favorite Hype Song: Zac Efron – “Get’cha Head in the Game”

Connor Mead

Connor Mead has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for November as a member of the Varsity Boys Cross Country team. The senior has wrapped up his second year as a member of the cross-country program.  Known by his teammates and coaches as the “Freight Train” at times, Connor has had a lot of success using his mind to overcome the challenges that cross country poses.  When asked what it takes to be successful in his sport, he remarked: “A good, positive attitude and to think it’s only three miles.”   When combined with his discipline and tenacity required to be recognized for this award, Connor has put together a season full of personal best times and triumphs. 

Throughout the course of the season, Coach Curtin was impressed with how well he progressed from week to week.  In deciding to nominate Connor, Coach Curtin pointed out that he consistently finished near or at the top in each race this season.  Also, he was our only male runner to finish in under 19 minutes.

When asked what makes him proud to be an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton, Connor replied:

“Working with people that support you and push you to do better.  Coach Curtin deserves a massive thanks for helping me achieve my goals.”

Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Athlete: Carlos Sainz Jr.
Fondest Memories: Long group runs

Claire Donlon

Claire Donlon has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for October as a member of the Varsity Girls Swimming and Diving team.  The 5th year senior is rounding out her high school career on a high note as the Section V Class C Diving Champion on October 28th.  Her total score of 401.15 was not only good enough to beat out the best divers in Section V, it shattered the Wayland-Cohocton record for 11 dives in girls swimming and diving.  When asked what it takes to be successful in the sport of diving, she stated:

“Just throw the dive.  99% of the time, you’ll be fine.  It’s just water.  Don’t let the voice in your head stop you from what you CAN do.”

This mindset with an unwavering competitive spirit, commitment, and dedication to her craft has resulted in a very fitting ending to her high school diving career.  But this isn’t where the bus stops for Claire. On November 8th, she participated in National Division 1 Signing Day, declaring to Siena College to join their collegiate diving team.  A proud moment for not only her family but her coaches as well.  When asked about her character and coachability, Coach Kreppel remarked: “Claire has a positive attitude, encourages and supports her teammates; She never complains about sets and gives 100% every time she is at practice.”

Claire would like to thank her parents, teammates, coaches, Mr. Toland and the WCCS staff for their support over the years.  This support from all sources is what makes her proud to be an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton. 

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite Athlete: Jordan Poyer
Favorite Hype Song: Macklemore – Can’t Hold Us

Markus Brehm

Markus Brehm has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for October as a member of the Varsity Boys Soccer team.  The senior is wrapping up his 4th year competing at the varsity level.  At the time of his nomination from Coach Owens, Markus netted a team leading 15 goals and had 3 assists on the season.  Coach Owens attributes much of the team’s success in how well Markus has played this season.  The Eagles got out to a 6-2-2 record and settled into 5th place in seeding going into the Class B Sectional Tournament.  When asked what it takes to earn this award, Markus noted hard work, visualizing the game, and being smart, agile and fast when the ball is at your foot. 

When asked about Markus and his impact on the season, Coach Owens stated: “Markus helps will the team to victory in big moments when the team needs a big goal or a big stop.  Markus is always showing up making big plays.”

He’s the kind of player that wants the ball and puts the team on his back when his number is called.  When asked what makes him proud to be an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton, he shed light on his teammates that continually pushed him to worker harder for all to benefit from and thanks his mom for all her support. 

Favorite Athlete: Ken Griffey Jr.
Favorite Hype Music: Katie Perry
Favorite Food: Popsicles
Superstitions: His lips are sealed

Reese Ferguson

Reese Ferguson has been named as the Female Athlete of the Month for September as a member of the Varsity Volleyball team.  The senior outside hitter is competing in her 4th year at the varsity level for the Eagles.  Her fondest memories over the years has been playing both with her older and younger sisters.  In nominating Reese, Coach Jerome noted her leadership style as a quiet worker that leads by example.  Coach stated: “She is very competitive and puts her all into playing.  She is a coach’s dream to coach!”  

Through September, Reese has showcased her abilities as a team leader in several categories including digs, kills and serving percentage. When asked what it takes to be successful in volleyball, she remarked: “You have to be willing to put in the work inside and outside of practice.”  This willingness has set her up for success and she continues to bring the best out of her teammates each and every match. 

When asked who she wants to thank, Reese stated: “I would like to thank my mom and sister for the many hours of practice outside of school and I would also like to thank the coaches, Jerome, Lauren, and Freeman, who took the time to help me improve.”  She also expressed how much she loves the game of volleyball and being a part of her team. 

Favorite Song: Andy Mineo - Coming in Hot
Favorite Food: Broccoli and Cheese Soup
Favorite Athlete: Harper Murray
Nicknames: Reese’s Puff, Fergie, Reese the Beast

Josh Delafield

Josh Delafield has been named as the Male Athlete of the Month for September as a member of the Varsity Boys Cross Country team.  The sophomore is now is his second year running at the varsity level having also run at the modified level as a middle school student.  When asked what it took to earn this award, Josh stated: 

“Earning this award took a lot of work during workouts, a lot of running during the off season and on my own.  Earning this award also took a lot of determination and perseverance.” 

Coach Curtin has taken notice to his level of focus in training so far this season.  She remarked: “The jump in position and drop in time have really motivated Josh to try harder and want to be better and focus on what the coaches are telling him about his training.”  Feedback from his coaches and a willing attitude to work hard has resulted in personal best finishing times to drop below the 20-minute mark to 19 minutes and 15 seconds. 

Josh is proud to be an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton and the supportive network of fellow athletes and coaches that convey a helping and caring bond.  He wants to thank his parents for cheering him on at meets and coaches for all his success.

Favorite Food: Chicken Fingers
Favorite Athlete: Evans Chebet
Nickname: Deli Meat