Mohawk Valley Teams and Athletes Who Made It
Winter 2025–2026
Across the Mohawk Valley, high school athletics remain one of the clearest reflections of community pride. From packed gymnasiums and frozen rinks to wrestling mats and swimming lanes, student-athletes across the region represent their schools with determination, discipline, and heart.
The 2025–2026 winter season delivered an impressive list of accomplishments. Several local teams captured Section III championships, while individual athletes advanced to the state stage and brought home top finishes. Together, they highlight the strength of high school athletics throughout the Mohawk Valley.
Sectional Champions
Whitesboro Boys Hockey
One of the most memorable moments of the winter season came on the ice, where Whitesboro captured the Section III Division II championship. The title marked the program’s first sectional championship in 23 years and represented a milestone for a team that has steadily built momentum in recent seasons.
New Hartford Boys Swimming
New Hartford’s boys swim team once again demonstrated the strength of its program, winning the Section III Class B championship. The Spartans have long been one of the region’s most respected teams in the pool, and this season added another chapter to that legacy.
West Canada Valley Girls Basketball
West Canada Valley earned the Section III Class C championship and advanced into state play, bringing statewide attention to the program and its disciplined, team-first style of basketball.
Cooperstown Boys Basketball
Cooperstown repeated as Section III Class C champions and advanced to the state tournament, reinforcing the program’s reputation as one of the region’s most competitive basketball teams.
Sauquoit Valley Boys Volleyball
Sauquoit Valley captured the Section III Class C boys volleyball championship during the winter postseason, continuing a strong tradition of athletics at the school.
New Hartford Girls Volleyball
Although part of the recent fall season, the New Hartford girls varsity volleyball team also deserves recognition for winning the Section III Class A championship. The team’s title run highlighted both depth and determination, and the program continues to be one of the area’s most consistent contenders.
State-Level Standouts
Several Mohawk Valley athletes and teams also made their mark on the state stage this year, competing among New York’s best.
Utica Notre Dame Girls Basketball
The Jugglers captured the Section III Class A championship for the third consecutive season and advanced beyond sectionals into regional competition as they continue their pursuit of another deep run at the state level. The program has become one of the region’s most dominant in recent years, including a New York State championship just a few seasons ago.
Christopher Belmonte — New Hartford Wrestling
Belmonte captured the New York State Division I title at 285 pounds, earning one of the most prestigious individual honors in high school wrestling.
Grayson Gall — New Hartford Gymnastics
Gall delivered a remarkable performance to win the state all-around championship, demonstrating exceptional strength, precision, and versatility across multiple events.
Genevieve Michel — Whitesboro Gymnastics
Michel qualified for the state competition and was also recognized with the Sportsmanship Award, an honor that reflects both athletic achievement and character.
Xavier Pawlowski — Whitesboro Indoor Track
Pawlowski claimed the Section III title in the 300 meters and qualified for the state meet, continuing Whitesboro’s tradition of strong performances in track and field.
Gene Edwards — Central Valley Academy Wrestling
Edwards finished fourth in the state tournament, an outstanding accomplishment in one of New York’s most competitive high school sports.
Colton Wheet — Little Falls Wrestling
Wheet placed seventh at the state level, capping off a strong season and contributing to Little Falls’ continued success in wrestling.
Joseph Dare and Giovanni Lang — Whitesboro Wrestling
Both wrestlers reached sectional finals and advanced to the state tournament, representing the depth and strength of the Whitesboro program.
Programs Making Deep Runs
Not every successful season ends with a championship trophy. Several teams delivered impressive postseason runs and demonstrated the competitive spirit that defines Mohawk Valley athletics.
The Vernon-Verona-Sherrill girls volleyball team reached the Section III Class B semifinals and remains one of the region’s most competitive programs.
New Hartford’s boys hockey team advanced to the Section III Division II semifinal round, continuing to build a strong and consistent program.
Little Falls wrestling not only captured the Section III Class D championship for the second consecutive year, but also sent multiple athletes to the state tournament, underscoring the program’s continued success.
A Season Worth Celebrating
From sectional championships to state podium finishes, the 2025–2026 winter season showcased the talent, dedication, and resilience of Mohawk Valley student-athletes. Behind every win are early morning practices, long bus rides, supportive families, and coaches who invest countless hours in their teams.
As spring sports begin and the next season approaches, these accomplishments serve as a reminder that the Mohawk Valley continues to produce athletes who compete with pride and represent their schools at the highest level.
