Upstate Life - Local Sports 2023

8 4 Delhi Athlete Chases National Dreams

A Local Legend: Coach Nick Lambros

Fraternity on the Field: A Day with South Kortright Soccer Players

14

Community on the Court

Blendos Health & Longevity Movement

Ryan Hooper: From SUNY Pitcher to Director of Athletics 22 Fall Sports 2023 High School Schedules

11 26 24

COLUMNS

Cookin’ with Collins: At-Home Butter-Garlic-Parmesan Wings 30

34

Self-Care Corner with Chelsea: Walton Spine & Sport

The Walls Talk: Generations Found Fitness at Clark Family Facilities

Bookmarked with Ash: Reviews of We Ride Upon Sticks and Carrie Soto Is Back

eDitor’s Corner

Most who know me know I am not sporty. My kids aren’t sporty. They tried soccer, softball, gymnastics, cheerleading, jiu jitsu and horseback riding all just long enough to spend a small fortune on the various gloves, cleats, bats and helmets. So, sporting interest is a bit mystifying to me. On its surface, it seems like such a sapper of time and energy –for the kids and the parents – and, sometimes, money. I recall one 8 o’clock, drizzly October morning spent freezing on the soccer sidelines watching one of my children stand, more motionless than you would think a child could be, with their hands firmly in their pockets doing absolutely nothing while other children ran in every direction around them.

I only ever did ballet and other forms of dance, minus a brief karate blip and an offshoot into high school cheerleading, where I was thrown into the air and not caught and spent the rest of the season with a concussion. Ballet, at least the way I did it, was very insular and though done with others, self-contained. It is exacting and demanding and competitive, but not in the way a team sport can be.

Through compiling content for this edition, though, I’m starting to get it. Beyond the athleticism and physicality of sports, the one thing players and coaches consistently mentioned is camaraderie. Sports, particularly high school and college sports, cultivate a sense of community and brother- or sisterhood that feels unmatched in other aspects of life.

One online source estimated that 60 million American children from 6 through 18 are involved in team sports annually. And others, including health.gov, note that participation in organized sports lowers the rate of anxiety and depression in kids, develops communication skills, boosts self-esteem and confidence and decreases mental health risks. All that and, at its heart, sporting is about play. Merriam Webster defines sport as “to amuse oneself; frolic” and promoting a sense of play while accomplishing all the rest is something even I can be a good sport about. Just maybe not at 8 o’clock in the morning.

DREW

| THE DAILY STAR Matthew Rubin of Oneonta dribbles the ball during a game against Seton Catholic at Oneonta High School, Wednesday, Aug. 30.

High school sports in upstate New York bring communities together. When a successful team wins sectionals or goes to the state championships, you’re bound to see community-wide parades, celebrations, yard signs and feelings of camaraderie and optimism pervade.

This was the experience of Logan Bruce, a 2018 Delaware Academy graduate from Delhi. Bruce was part of the 2018 Class D Basketball State Championship team, but also an accomplished soccer player and track runner who went on to run track at Ithaca College for five years, with multiple top finishes nationally at the Division III level.

When asked about her experience with high school sports in Delaware Academy, Bruce said, “I started running track in eighth grade, but back then I never imagined I’d run track in college. Basketball and soccer were my big sports. I played on a travel league for basketball and went to camps for basketball, but

Delhi athlete Chases National Dreams

BY ChELSEA FRISBEE jOhNSON

never did anything extracurricular for track.

“Track gave me a chance to do something on the individual level,” she continued. “It was the first sport I’d played where I was in control of my own race. No one else but me could dictate the outcome. That’s where I started to bond with track and really liked it.” team triumphs

Bruce said the highlight of her high school sports experience was leading her basketball team to the state championship her senior year.

“My basketball team was really close-knit,” she said. “All the girls had played together from second grade through high school. My dad was my coach, too, and I didn’t want to play for anyone else. During my junior year, I had really started to figure out track, with a lot of success, and it became a big priority. I started getting recruiting letters from colleges and then realized I could run track in college and wanted to pursue track.”

logan Bruce is a graduate student at ithaca College. | Jenn reagan

Bruce and her coach at Delaware Academy, Matt Albright. | CONTRIBUTED

hurdles are one of Bruce’s favorite track events.

At Ithaca College, Bruce proved a fierce competitor, with multiple accolades at the national level. In the 2022-‘23 season, she was the NCAA Outdoor All-American National Runner-up in the Heptathlon, the NCAA Indoor All-American National Runner-up in the Pentathlon and the NCAA Indoor All-American National Runner-up in the 60-meter hurdles, setting a school record in all three events.

“There were a lot of accolades on the track, but our team championships were the highlight for me,” she said. “We won our conference seven times in college, and placed fourth in

2021 NCAA Outdoor and third in 2022 NCAA Indoor at the national level. It was the first time our team had podiumed since 2017. It was really cool that, in our later years, we were able to get back at that national level.”

shaped by Community

Bruce’s favorite event is the hurdles, though she also loves the heptathlon and the pentathlon. Bruce began running hurdles in eighth grade, despite having people tell her she was too small for them.

“That made me want to do them even more!” she said.

| D3 photography

traCk gave me a ChanCe to Do something on the inDiviDual level. it Was the first sport i’D playeD Where i Was in Control of my oWn raCe. no one else But me CoulD DiCtate the outCome.”

Bruce said the size and scope of Delhi informed her high school experience.

“The community stands out - the entire Delhi community,” she said. “We were really successful in my years and won a few sectional championships and then the state championship in basketball my senior year. People from the community would come to watch us, specifically. It was cool to see the impact on the community, and also on younger generations. It made me want to be a successful player but also to help teach kids about values and morals. Becoming a role model through our sports successes was really impactful.”

Bruce shared some advice to high school athletes looking to pursue sports at the college level, saying, “I’m a big fan of Division

III. A lot of people think you have to go Division I to be successful and I wholeheartedly disagree. We have Division III athletes that are now running pro. Find a school that’s right for you and try to match the team to that. I chose Ithaca College because the track team was really good, and the physical therapy program was awesome. I knew that if I wanted a chance to go to nationals, Division III would be the way to do it. Be honest with yourself about what you want with your life. Sports aren’t everything. Make sure you set yourself up to be more than just an athlete. Finding a school that fits you is the most important thing.”

Bruce is entering her sixth year at Ithaca College and will graduate with a doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2024. She’s now “in retirement” from competing in track, and enjoying the well-deserved rest. +

Bruce finished second in the nation in the 2022-‘23 NCAA Indoor Pentathlon, setting a school record. | KATHARINE DOWNEY

the

A Local Legend:

CoaCH

By moniCa CalZolari

Two of Nick Lambros’ proudest moments were taking Hartwick’s basketball team to the Final Four in 1988 and having Hartwick College name the Lambros Arena after him in 2009.

Lambros is a graduate of Hartwick College’s Class of 1961 and an accomplished athlete. As an undergraduate at Hartwick, Lambros was a four-year starter in basketball and baseball. His basketball teams compiled a 47-29 record, and his baseball skills earned him a tryout with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He would also go on to win four City Tennis Championships and an Oneonta Country Club Championship in golf.

As a multi-sport athlete, Lambros’ said, “the sport in season is my favorite sport.”

Basketball Coach

Lambros was Hartwick’s head basketball coach for 21 seasons, from 1977-1998, and assistant basketball coach before that. He credits much of his success to the previous head coach.

seCret of CoaChing is reCruiting gooD players.”

Lambros swings through while playing golf in this undated photo. | MONICA CALzOLARI

“I was assistant to a really great coach, Dr. LeRoy Chipman,” he said. “As I took over as head coach in 1977, I was left with a really good team.”

According to Lambros, “the secret of coaching is recruiting good players.”

Lambros compiled a record of 353 basketball wins to 191 losses during his coaching tenure. He was named the NCAA Division II Coach of Year in 1979 and was the NCAA Division III Coach of the Year in 1988, after leading Hartwick to the Final Four that year. Lambros has seven NCAA tournament appearances to his credit. He was the first inductee into the Hartwick College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995. He was also inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004. Additionally, Lambros coached Hartwick baseball from 1972-‘77 and served as the college’s golf coach.

fund raiser

Over the last 20 to 25 years, Lambros has raised approximately $450,000 for Hartwick Athletics by organizing an annual golf tournament as its co-founder. The 2023 tournament attracted 100 players, 50 sponsors and raised $16,000.

Hartwick College Athletics officially renamed the annual golf fundraiser “The Classic Nick Lambros Golf Tournament” to hon-

or Lambros for years of dedication, goodwill and commitment to student-athletes. His extensive network of past players, alumni and friends is one reason participation is so good annually.

86 years young

Nick Lambros turned 86 years old on Sept. 1 and still works three days a week, from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Cooperstown All Star Village. Lambros said he has always loved baseball.

“I have worked at All Star Village for the past three summers,” Lambros said. “(Former owner) Marty Patton is a friend of mine. I just like the atmosphere. I enjoy giving the families who visit Oneonta an idea of what else to see. I often send them to Gilbertsville State Park for a swim to cool off and to local restaurants.”

Bilingual greek-american

An Oneonta native, Lambros grew up in a bilingual household. His father, Harry Lambros, immigrated from Greece to the United States, arriving at Ellis Island in 1903. His mother spoke to Nick, his brother, George, and his sister, Helen, in Greek. The other 90% of the time, they spoke English. His family operated The Diana Restaurant, across from Bresee’s Department Store on Main Street, Oneonta, for 70 years, from 1921-1991.

hartWiCk College athletiCs offiCially renameD the annual golf funDraiser

“the ClassiC niCk lamBros golf tournament” to honor lamBros for years of DeDiCation, gooDWill anD Commitment to stuDent-athletes.

the sport in season is my favorite sport.”

Lambros, front, center, is pictured at Hartwick College’s ‘Classic Nick Lambros Golf Tournament’ in this undated photo. | CONTRIBUTED

“All the coaches from Hartwick College, SUNY Oneonta and Oneonta High School frequented the family restaurant and knew me and my dad,” Lambros, an Oneonta High School grad, said.

“Hartwick basketball coach Tom Greene approached me and my dad, asking what my plans were after high school,” he continued. “He encouraged me to come play basketball for Hartwick College.”

After graduating from Hartwick in 1961, Lambros was unsure about a career, so he worked in the family restaurant for a few more years before becoming a teacher and coach at his high school alma mater, from 1964-1971. Lambros taught driver’s education and coached baseball and basketball.

Boss, mentor and friend

Lambros was a boss, mentor and friend to John Nader, former mayor of Oneonta. They met when Lambros served as general manager of the Oneonta Yankees baseball club, a single-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Lambros oversaw the baseball operation in Neahwa Park every summer for 11 years. John Nader’s father, Sam Nader, and his business partner, Sid Levine, bought the New York Yankees franchise in 1967.

John Nader had this to say about his friend: “No single person has had a greater impact and greater success in Oneonta sports than Nick Lambros. He excelled – truly excelled – in baseball, basketball, fast-pitch softball, golf and tennis. Undoubtedly, he should be rightly known as one of the very best athletes in Oneonta history. Nick was instrumental to the operation of the Oneonta Yankees in their earliest days. Few people truly understand how much of Nick’s time, passion and talent went into the early success of the Yankees. Nick brought the same passion to everything he did. His enthusiasm was contagious, and it positively affected all of us who worked for him or played for him. Ultimately, his love of sport is really an extension of his love for the Oneonta community.” +

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Lambros is seen on the golf course in this undated photo. | MONICA CALzOLARI

Fraternity on the Field:

A Day with South Kortright Soccer Players

BY LEIGh INFIELD

To watch members of the South Kortright Central School boys’ soccer team play is to watch a well-coordinated athletic dance. The young players who turned out early one Saturday morning this summer for an open-call scrimmage moved swiftly down the field to the goal lines. South Kortright Central’s Rams have scored an impressive number of wins in recent years, not only in boys’ soccer, but also basketball and baseball. And the girls’ soccer and basketball teams have matched that drive and winning skill.

On this Saturday, the young players and returning members of last year’s team have gathered on South Kortright’s fields, waiting for the early-morning fog to lift before the action gets underway. For players like Adam Champlin, who went on to play college sports this fall, the scrimmage offered a chance to reconnect with several of his soccer teammates one last time. For returning team members Lee Marigliano, Darren Dengler and Connor Quarino, the scrimmage is a warm-up to the 2023-‘24 season.

Watching the boys work the field, one senses the exhilaration they feel when playing a game they love. At the end of the scrimmage, soccer balls are collected, duffel bags packed and friends are off to enjoy the rest of the day.

record-making rams

Practice and good preparation have paid off for the Rams. Boys’ varsity (ninth- through 12th-grade players) won the Section IV championship in 2021. They split the win a year later in a tight championship game that saw the Rams tie Southern Cayuga in the last seconds of a play-off. The Rams soccer team set the precedent for victory years ago when they won the State Final Four Championship in 2005. The girls’ varsity basketball team won the state championship in 2005 and, in 2009, the boys’ basketball team was state champions.

The team structure at South Kortright Central has given its players the foundation needed to perform as well-organized groups.

On the field in a pre-season soccer scrimmage at South Kortright Central School this summer.

PhOTOS BY LEIGh INFIELD

adam Champlin rests after the scrimmage, looking back on the game just played. he said goodbye to some of his south kortright teammates when he pursued college sports this year. Bottom right: Champlin took up the role of goalie for the rams varsity soccer team in his junior year.

from left, players lee marigliano, Darren Dengler and Connor Quarino. the boys have been playing together at south kortright since second grade.

We’re like a BrotherhooD. We have eaCh other’s BaCks.”

IMAGE BY MACROVECTOR | FREEPIK

years in the making

“We’re like a brotherhood,” said Marigliano, with Dengler and Quarino. “We have each other’s backs.” The boys have known each other and played together since second grade, and it shows.

SKC coaches provide the encouragement and direction so that players can grow and maximize their potential. The coaching staff provides continuity, as the boys work with the same coach each year. The coach knows how far they have come and can help each one improve upon their skills.

“Working together as long as these boys have has its advantages,” South Kortright Central Athletic Director Bob VanValkenburgh said. “They know each other’s strengths and can use this knowledge skillfully in a game. Players on the team also keep an eye out for younger team members during a game. Each individual player is given the support of the whole team. Being a part of a sports program gives players something to strive for and a sense of accomplishment. They learn first-hand good sportsmanship and the discipline needed to come to practice sessions and put in the hard work. In a way, it’s a ramp up to life.”

Marigliano, Dengler and Quarino are active in multiple sports, as are other returning players. Marigiliano and Dengler play on the baseball team and Quarino, in his junior year, reached 1,000 points in varsity basketball. Champlin, who moved into a new role as a soccer goalie in 11th grade, proved a key player on the Rams varsity basketball team.

While many of the players at the Saturday scrimmage will move on in other directions next year, they will return and exchange shared memories of the “great games” they’ve played. Champlin said he will never forget the league championship game against Margaretville in his junior year.

“It was played on a wet, rainy, cold, messy, end-of-October day,” he said, smiling. “Tough going, but we won!” +

South Kortright on the field in a championship game against Southern Cayuga in 2022. Co-winners, the teams tied in the last seconds of the play-off. | DAILY STAR FILE PHOTO

Blenheim- Gilboa Visitors Center andLansing Manor

Oneonta native Cam Hayes is blending his love of basketball and community.

The 34-year-old launched Blendos Health & Longevity Movement, the governing body for seasonal Blendos basketball leagues and the Blend-A-Rama Tournament, 10 years ago.

“Traditionally, there were two leagues that I knew of before I started playing in 2013,” Hayes, a former college football player, said. “I was in the Oneonta Summer League, then, when I came back, the guy didn’t want to run the league anymore and I was big into health and fitness at the time. I was trying to make health shakes for Tino’s restaurant, so that’s how I came up with the name Blendos, and I … loved playing basketball. I’d walk from work to go play and

Community on theCou r t

By allison Collins

walk to the park, so I knew personally what basketball had done for me in my lifetime and I couldn’t imagine not having it in the summer for Oneonta.

“So, I shifted gears from doing the shakes and smoothies,” he continued. “Because I couldn’t sublease, so instead of having this business, it became Blendos Health and Longevity Movement, and I tried to do it as an all-encompassing movement, hosting sports programs and kids’ programs and exploring nonprofit (status), but the one thing that stuck was the basketball league. We started with four teams from the previous league, then recruited some friends and ended up making the league. I had no idea how to start, but did some research and made some connections … and those helped me pave the way and I used my

entrepreneurial skills to get it organized and make something worthwhile.”

regional recreation

Hayes said Blendos has grown over the last decade. Today, the league includes seasonal men’s A and B leagues, though the fall is a draft league, a co-ed league and single-day tournaments.

“The first year, I had nine teams, but I had some really competitive players,” he said. “With my business model, and what’s been successful in this area, is, I have a men’s A league and the B league. (The B league) gives people that wouldn’t necessarily play in an A league game a whole other league to play, and it’s more of a local community thing, where people can be involved without having so much competition.

Danny Njoku, right, travels downcourt.

“I added the B league after the first year of running it, and I was taking a women’s sports class in college … and one of the theses I had was using my own women’s basketball program, so we had a women’s league for like two or three years,” Hayes continued. “Nine teams exploded to 27, then I doubled it to 50, then, in the fourth year, I had 72 teams throughout a couple of different leagues. At one point in time, it was one of the largest recreational leagues in the state, in a very small area. I’ve done my best … to bring everyone in with the blend concept.”

rebounding from CoviD-19

Though the COVID-19 pandemic impacted participation, Hayes said, numbers are steadying.

“Now, it’s a little bit troubling, because, post-COVID, I’ve seen good numbers and bad numbers,” he said. “People have lives and are getting older, so that’s another thing and now, after COVID, there’s a resurgence of sports and there are a lot of different things and tournaments, so I’ve had to compete. I’ve saturated the market, because we have four seasons, and some guys are playing in every league, and they get older and have jobs. But I’ve had seven men’s teams for my A league this year and 12 for my summer B league … but we also had all-time participation in co-ed (with) eight teams. And I’ve gotten a lot of buzz from the three-on-three (Blend-A-Rama) tournament and the strategy of creating single-day tournaments is less of a commitment for people. I have a holiday tournament, and that’s a really big thing, and that’s at SUNY Oneonta. This year we should have good attendance, because it’s on December 23 and it’s free entry, free admission and we’ll have concessions and multiple games going.”

The women’s league, Hayes noted, disbanded in 2017, though he would, with enough interest, welcome a reintroduction.

Oneonta native Graham Wooden, 21, is a longtime Blendos player. Wooden, a senior at the State University of New York at Oneonta training to be a physical therapist, was playing in the championship A league game at the time of writing. Wooden said interest in Blendos is “definitely increasing.”

“COVID played a factor, but each year, Cam gets guys from the University of Albany, so it makes it exciting and allows us to compete and work on our craft,” he said.

that’s What makes this league so uniQue; people Will travel from tWo hours aWay, so you really netWork. the maJority of my frienDs, i met through BlenDos.”

top to bottom: From left, Joe Ballard blocks Tony Hendrich while Graham Wooden dribbles. zyeir Lawrence, in lime green, looks on. Blendos league founder Cam Hayes talks with scorekeeper Dylan Jaklitsch during the first round of the A League championship game, in August. Graham Wooden attempts a basket as opponents Danny Njoku, Joe Ballard, zyeir Lawrence, Aaron Laing and Eddie Bello watch.

PHOTOS BY ALLISON COLLINS

a Wide-ranging roster

Despite pandemic- and lifestyle-related challenges, Hayes and Wooden said, player demographics remain diverse.

“It’s Otsego and Delaware counties and some Albany, Binghamton and Schoharie (County),” Wooden said. “That’s what makes this league so unique; people will travel from two hours away, so you really network. The majority of my friends, I met through Blendos.”

“I’d say probably 75% is local to Otsego and Delaware counties, and the other 30% we’re pulling in,” Hayes said. “Anywhere from Albany, to, I have one guy that commutes from around Saratoga, and we get Roxbury, Gilboa, so it’s deep Delaware County, too. Within an hour radius, I could reach anywhere.

“I let people under 18 play with adult permission, but that seldom happens; there’s maybe five to 10 guys under 18,” he continued. “Then I’d say 22 to 28 is probably 70% and another 15% for 28 to 40 and 5% for over 50. And we’re always recruiting and looking for younger people. There are sponsorship opportunities for teams to offset costs.”

Team fees, Hayes noted, are roughly $900 each season, though $1,000 in summer. Most non-tournament play, he said, happens at 4 Academy St., Oneonta, in the former armory building. Though play originated at Neahwa Park, Blendos has been playing on Academy Street since 2016.

“(Sponsors) can do a half-league or a full-team sponsor … and that really helps boost participation and turns basketball into sports marketing,” he said. “Traditionally, for each league, (players) are paying $85 to $140 per player, depending on how many they want on their team, and I’ve only increased my prices once in the last 10 years.”

Basketball for all

Facilitating playtime for athletes of all walks, Hayes said, is part of the Blendos mission and reflective of his own life experiences.

“I’ve always assimilated very well into different groups,” he said. “I’m not a jock or a nerd; I like a whole bunch of different hobbies, so I try to encourage everyone and let them know it’s a safe place and that I have zero tolerance for violence, but still make it conducive for everyone. People see each other and, even if they just see a Blendos shirt, I know they recognize a sense of environment. I’ve had so many people come up and tell me stories about people who knew them in a random area because they were wearing a Blendos shirt. It means a lot. My biggest thing, even if someone couldn’t afford playing in the league or they don’t know anyone, is not to be discouraged; if they want tips or advice, I’m a liaison, and I’d

like to really be a liaison for basketball.”

Hayes said he hopes to cultivate that sense of camaraderie while growing the program.

“I know people form so many relationships and (appreciate) just being able to have a positive outlet and something to look forward to every week,” he said. “Get yourself involved in a job that’s not work; I love basketball and I’m able to play basketball. There’s a lot of work behind the scenes, but I’m able to help people and play, too. Graham started playing in the league when he was 15; one of the best things for me, personally, is being able to look back at kids. I’ve seen people transform, and it is really cool to see.

“I had big dreams, and I want to do a really large kickball program and larger basketball program and also do it in other areas,” Hayes continued. “If I had this as a full-time job, I’d run one day in Albany, one day in Binghamton and I was planning on doing one in Rochester and I think Brockport is a community similar to Oneonta. I went to SUNY Brockport. So, I have expansion ideas, it just takes so much and I’m only one person. But my little guy – I have a 6-year-old – loves sports, and I know what I’m doing is (creating) a great environment.”

Blendos Dates:

league play:

Fall: Draft day happened on Aug. 18, with play going through Oct. 13

Winter: Starts Oct. 29 through Dec. 17

Spring: March 10, 2024 through May 5

Summer: June 2 through Aug. 4

holiday tournament: Dec. 23 at SUNY Oneonta For more information, visit blendos.org.

i starteD in my freshman year of high sChool. my olDer Brother anD his frienDs playeD, anD i taggeD along. that Was 2016 anD i’ve playeD every summer sinCe. it’s really any age, as long as you Can keep up.”

Wooden credited the Blendos spirit and structure with keeping him on the court.

“I started in my freshman year of high school,” Wooden said. “My older brother and his friends played, and I tagged along. That was 2016 and I’ve played every summer since. It’s really any age, as long as you can keep up.

“We play every Sunday and Monday (through summer), and the A league is the best, the top tier, though a lot of guys play on both,” he continued. “There’s been a league every year for the past 10 years, so it’s definitely unique, especially in this area and population-wise. It’s providing an opportunity for young (players) and teens and older adults – men and women – to compete, have fun, make connections and have health; that’s the priority: health and longevity.”

For more information or to join a league, visit blendos.org or find “Blend-A-Rama 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament Oneonta” on Facebook. +

Longtime Blendos player and Oneonta native Graham Wooden blocks Joe Ballard as official Kevin Wilbur looks on during an August championship game.

Ryan Hooper: From SUNY Pitcher to Director of Athletics

The State University of New York at Oneonta is home to 21 NCAA Division III athletic teams. Ryan Hooper, Director of Athletics since October 2021, oversees about 450 student athletes annually, and a staff of 55 coaches and support staff.

As director, Hooper said, his duties are diverse.

“It is not a 40-hour per week job,” he said. “In Division III sports, you wear many hats, from balancing the budget to organizing engagement programs to solving personnel needs and scheduling conflicts. My job is to provide my staff and the students with opportunities for success; that allows us to achieve our overall goal of providing a wonderful student athlete experience.”

Hooper played four years of collegiate baseball as a pitcher, and knows what it takes to be successful. He helped SUNY Cortland capture four State University of New York Athletic Conference championships and make three NCAA Division III College World Series appearances.

“Wins and losses are important, but most important is student success, which comes from a combination of academics, athletics and community service,” he said.

Hooper said it’s having “the opportunity to make an impact every single day” that drives him.

“We know that we have students come to Oneonta with diverse backgrounds and various academic profiles, but once they are here, we surround them with the appropriate resources,” he said. “This gives us the best chance to retain them and to make sure we progress them toward graduation.

“I have an open-door policy,” Hooper continued. “One minute, I could be doing one thing, and the next, I need to focus on something completely different. With 21 teams, there are a lot of moving parts to manage.”

open to the public

The general public is welcome to attend any games they wish. Hooper emphasizes, “We always want as many fans in the stand as possible.” There is no admission charge.

Athletics at public institutions such as SUNY Oneonta are funded through student fees, state funds and by donors. Some supporters of Oneonta Athletics donate money to SUNY Oneonta to enhance the student athletes’ travel fund. The two major annual fundraisers are the Coaches’ Classic Golf Tournament and the three days of giving during the PoweredByYou Campaign.

By moniCa CalZolari

Wins anD losses are important, But most important is stuDent suCCess, WhiCh Comes from a ComBination of aCaDemiCs, athletiCs anD Community serviCe.”

As pitcher, hooper helped SUNY Cortland capture four SUNYAC Championships and make three NCAA Division III College World Series appearances. | CONTRIBUTED

travel, a major expense

SUNY Oneonta is part of the State University of New York Athletic Conference, along with SUNY Brockport, Buffalo State, Cortland, Fredonia, Geneseo, New Paltz, Plattsburgh, Potsdam and Oswego.

Teams are constantly zigzagging the state of New York to compete, making travel a major expense. Closer to home, SUNY Delhi and SUNY Cobleskill are not part of the same SUNYAC conference. However, SUNY Oneonta does compete on the field with these neighboring technology colleges.

Athletes make up between 8 and 9% of the 5,450-student population at SUNY Oneonta. The percentage of athletics has remained consistent before and after COVID-19.

Hooper attributed some of that consistency to his coaches, of whom he said he is proud.

“Our recruitment numbers are strong,” he said. “Our coaches do a good job of recruiting talented prospective students every year.”

No athletic scholarships are available to Division III student athletes. The coaches seek athletes who are a good fit for SUNY Oneonta academically and would contribute to the team’s success.

Hooper manages an athletic budget of more than $2 million. This includes salaries for his large staff. Approximately 15 coaches and support staff report directly to Hooper. Three coaches report to the associate athletic director.

“Some of our coaches oversee more than one sport,” he said. “Our head cross-country/track and field coach oversees six sports; our tennis coach and our swimming and diving coach oversee both men’s and women’s teams.”

Hooper and other administrative staff work year-round. Coaches and other support staff are generally on 10-month contracts, while assistant coaches generally work part-time. +

about ryan hooper

hooper has been on staff at SUNY Oneonta since 2015. he served as Interim Associate Director of Athletics for one year, during the 2014-2015 academic year. he was hired as the full-time Associate Director in the summer of 2015. he has his hands in all facets of the administration for the department, aiding the athletic director and serving on numerous committees on campus and in the SUNYAC. his main responsibility as compliance director was making sure that all 450 student athletes remained athletically and academically eligible under campus policy and NCAA bylaws.

Game management of all home athletic competitions was a main duty, including scheduling and training student workers. hooper oversaw all athletic facilities, including scheduling and coordination of faculty projects.

he built relationships with sponsors and participated in all major fundraisers.

hooper came to SUNY Oneonta from SUNY New Paltz, where he was assistant to the Director of Athletics. Before New Paltz, he served as statistician for Bard College and sports information officer between 2008-2010.

hooper graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and earned his master’s in the same field there in 2018.

Ryan Hooper, Director of Athletics for SUNY Oneonta’s 21 NCAA Division III athletic teams.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNY ONEONTA

oneonta’s 21 nCaa Division iii teams

Fall Sports

COOPERSTOWN

Boys Soccer

Saturday, Sept. 30: at Charlotte Valley, Chic Walshe Tournament, TBD

Monday, Oct. 2: vs. Clinton, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4: vs. Sauquoit Valley, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Frankfort-Schuyler, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 12: at Westmoreland/Oriskany, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14: at Waterville, 11 a.m.

Cross Country (with Milford)

Wednesday, Sept. 27: at Herkimer, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4: at Hamilton, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: at Whitesboro Invitational, 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 11: at New York Mills, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28: at Amsterdam, Harvest Classic, 9 a.m.

Football (with Milford)

Saturday, Sept. 30: vs. New York Mills, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: at Clinton, 12 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14: vs. Unadilla Valley, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21: vs. West Canada Valley, 12 p.m.

DELHI

Boys Soccer

Thursday, Sept. 28: vs. Bainbridge-Guilford, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29: vs. Gilboa, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 2: vs. Morris, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 6: at Sidney, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 9: at Greene, 4:30 p.m.

Cross Country

Saturday, Sept. 30: at Lehigh University, Paul Short Run, 12 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4: at SUNY Delhi, Jack Gariepy, Invitational, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Deposit Relays, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14: at Marathon Invitational, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 17: at Whitney Point Invitational, 4 p.m.

Football

Friday, Sept. 29: at SVEC, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: vs. Sidney, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14: vs. Walton, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21: at Newark Valley, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28: vs. Deposit-Hancock, 1:30 p.m.

Girls Soccer

Wednesday, Sept. 27: vs. Bainbridge-Guilford, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29: at Sidney, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: vs. Unatego, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Greene, 4:30 p.m.

Golf

Wednesday, Sept. 27: at Greene, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29: at Bainbridge-Guilford, 4:30 p..m

Tuesday, Oct. 3: at Oxford, 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball

Thursday, Sept. 28: at Bainbridge-Guilford, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: vs. Walton, 6 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4: vs. Unadilla Valley, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: vs. Deposit-Hancock, 6 p.m.

Girls Soccer

Thursday, Sept. 28: vs. Frankfort-Schuyler, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: at Clinton, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: at Dolgeville, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: vs. Sauquoit Valley, 11 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 9: at Waterville, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 11: at Mount Markham, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 13: vs. Westmoreland, 4:30 p.m.

Girls Swimming (with Milford)

Thursday, Sept. 28: vs. Whitesboro, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: at Rome Free Academy, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Holland Patent, 4:30 p.m.

ONEONTA

Boys Soccer

Thursday, Sept. 28: vs. Owego Free Academy, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30: at Windsor, 10 a.m.

Monday, Oct. 2: at Sidney, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: at Owego Free Academy, 7 p.m.

Cross Country

Saturday, Sept. 30: at Utica, EJ Herrmann Invitational, 9 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: at Whitesboro Invitational, 9 a.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14: at Marathon Invitational, 9 a.m.

Football

Friday, Sept. 29: vs. Watkins Glen (at Odessa-Montour), 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 6: vs. Lansing, 6 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 13: at Johnson City, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 20: vs. Sidney, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 27: at Waverly, 7 p.m.

Girls Soccer

Wednesday, Sept. 27: at Owego Free Academy, 7 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29: vs. Windsor, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4: vs. Norwich, 5 p.m.

Girls Swimming and Diving

Tuesday, Oct. 3: vs. Waverly, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Windsor, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 17: vs. Chenango Forks, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 24: vs. Norwich, 5:30 p.m.

Golf

Monday, Oct. 2: at Windsor, 4 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: vs. Chenango Forks, 4 p.m.

Volleyball

Thursday, Sept. 28: at Waverly, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: vs. Susquehanna Valley, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: at Chenango Valley, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Owego Free Academy, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 12: vs. Chenango Forks, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 17: at Windsor, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 19: vs. Norwich, 6:30 p.m.

SIDNEY

Fall Sports

Boys Soccer

Thursday, Sept. 28: at Walton/Downsville, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 2: vs. Oneonta, 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 4: at Bainbridge-Guilford, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 6: vs. Delhi, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 9: at UV/G-MU, 4:30 p.m.

Cross Country

Friday, Sept. 29: at Maine-Endwell, Pete Matzke Invitational, 4:15 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30: at Genesee Valley Park, McQuaid Invitational, TBD

Wednesday, Oct. 4: at SUNY Delhi, Jack Gariepy Invitational, 4:15 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: at Norwich Invitational, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Deposit-Hancock, Bill McCann Relays, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14: at Marathon Invitational, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 17: at Whitney Point Invitational, 4:30 p.m.

Field Hockey

Wednesday, Sept. 27: vs. Greene, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: vs. Whitney Point, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: at Afton/Harpursville, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: vs. Deposit-Hancock, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 12: at Windsor, 5:30 p.m.

Football

Friday, Sept. 29: vs. Susquehanna Valley, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: at Delhi, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 13: vs. Watkins Glen, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 20: at Oneonta, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 27: vs. Chenango Forks, 7 p.m.

UNATEGO

Boys Soccer (with Franklin)

Friday, Sept. 29: at Morris, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 2: at Afton/Harpursville, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: vs. Schenevus, 4:30 p..m

Saturday: Oct. 7: vs. Laurens/Milford, at SUNY Oneonta, 9 a.m.

Football

Friday, Sept. 29: at Groton, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 6: vs. Greene, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 13: at Oxford, 7 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 20: at Unadilla Valley, 7 p.m.

Girls Soccer

Wednesday, Sept. 27: vs. Greene, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29: at Walton/Downsville, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: vs. Sidney, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: at Delhi, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: vs. Susquehanna Valley, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Bainbridge-Guilford, 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball

Thursday, Sept. 28: at Oxford, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: vs. Afton/Harpursville, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: at Sidney, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Walton, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 12: at Greene, 5 p.m.

Girls Soccer

Wednesday, Sept. 27: vs. Oxford, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29: vs. Delhi, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: at Unatego, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: vs. Chenango Valley, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Unadilla Valley, 4:30 p.m.

Golf

Wednesday, Sept. 27: vs. UV/G-MU, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 29: vs. Greene, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: at Afton/Harpursville, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: at Bainbridge-Guilford, 4:30 p.m.

Volleyball

Thursday, Sept. 28: vs. Greene, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30: at Chenango Forks, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: at Deposit-Hancock, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: vs. Unatego, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: vs. Afton/Harpursville, 6 p.m.

WALTON

Boys Soccer (with Downsville)

Thursday, Sept. 28: vs. Sidney, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 2: vs. Susquehanna Valley, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: at Roxbury, 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: vs. Hunter-Tannersville, 4:15 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 9: vs. Tri-Valley, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: vs. Margaretville, 4:15 p.m.

Field Hockey

Wednesday, Sept. 27: vs. Deposit-Hancock, 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 30: vs. Tioga, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: vs. Afton/Harpursville, 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: at Greene, 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 12: vs. Whitney Point, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 13: at Ellenville, 4:15 p.m.

Football

Saturday, Sept. 30: vs. Tioga, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 7: vs. Newark Valley, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 14: at Delhi, 1:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 20: at SVEC, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 28: vs. Afton/Harpursville, 1:30 p.m.

Girls Soccer (with Downsville)

Friday, Sept. 29: vs. Unatego, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: vs. Roxbury, 4:15 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: vs. Hunter-Tannersville, 4:15 p.m

Monday, Oct. 9: at Tri-Valley, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: at Margaretville, TBD

Volleyball

Thursday, Sept. 28: at Unadilla Valley, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 3: at Delhi, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 5: vs. Greene, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10: vs. Unatego, 6 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 16: vs. Chenango Forks, 6 p.m.

tips:

At-Home Butter-GarlicParmesan Wings

By allison Collins

n Don’t skip drying the wings off before cooking. This not only helps the seasoning stick, but it helps the skin crisp up.

n Don’t overcrowd the wings when cooking. Keeping them in a single layer, not touching, also helps the skin get crispy.

n The air fryer is also a great option for reheating wings. Reheat at 350 degrees for about three minutes.

n My wings came whole, with the drum and flat still attached. The cooking times mentioned work for either the whole, unbroken wing, or drums and flats separated, as they typically come in restaurants.

Just as I’m not a huge sports fan, I’m also not a chicken wing aficionado. But I do love a good butter-garlic-parmesan wing. Our favorite wing spot is Green’s Long River Inn in Unadilla. They’ve got all the flavors – mild, medium, hot, super hot, everything, butter garlic/parm, butter garlic, butter parm, barbecue, honey barbecue, hot honey barbecue, honey mustard, hot honey, hot garlic, Korean and, my favorite, “anything you can think of that we have ingredients for!” –and they’re delicious.

Chicken wings have long been a feature of Southern cooking, though several online sources state that chicken wings were cooked in the Mediterranean as early as the fifth century. But the spicy, red-sauced wings we’re most familiar with originated in 1964 in Buffalo, New York. According to nationalchickencouncil.org, “the concept of cooking wings in peppery hot sauce was born … when co-owner (of Anchor Bar), Teressa Bellissimo cooked leftover wings in hot sauce as a late-night snack for her son and his friends. The guys liked them so much that the Bellissimos put them on the menu the next day. Served with celery slices and bleu cheese sauce, ‘Buffalo wings’ were an instant hit.’”

While the hot-wing concept gained traction nationally through the ‘90s when fast food chains such as McDonald’s and KFC began offering their versions, it was in the mid-‘80s that chicken wings and sports, namely football, teamed up.

“Cooking the whole bird was trendy in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” nationalchickencouncil.org states, “but in the ‘80s, U.S. consumers started preferring boneless-skinless breast meat, and wings became an inexpensive byproduct for chicken producers. Restaurants and bars realized they could charge low prices for the relatively inexpensive protein and, due to the spicy/salty nature of the sauce, they discovered that beer sales would go through the roof when customers ate wings.

“At the same time, sports bars with multiple TVs and satellite dishes were becoming more and more common in America … and the most popular sporting event to watch with friends in bars is football,” the site continues. “Wings were easily shareable and affordable, a great ‘group food’ to eat with other people and the perfect pairing with a pitcher of beer. And so, the pigskin-chicken wing bond was born.”

And the popularity of the chicken wing continues to climb. In February 2023, the National Chicken Council released its annual Chicken Wing Report, “projecting Americans to consume a record-breaking 1.45 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl LVII weekend … represent(ing) an increase of two percent from (2022’s) report, the equivalent of 84 million more wings.”

Though these wings eschew the standard hot sauce, they’re not short on flavor. Cooking them in an air fryer gives a crispy, crunchy skin while keeping the meat tender and juicy, and it cuts down on any greasy mess. They could, of course, be deep fried, but this was my first time using an air fryer and it proved the perfect thing for the job.

Ingredients:

AT-HOME BUTTER-GARLICPARMESAN WINGS

12 chicken wings, uncooked

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. baking powder

1 tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. paprika

½ tsp. black pepper

8 tbsp. butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ c. to ½ c. fresh grated parmesan

flat-leaf parsley, chopped, for garnish

Recipe modified from everydayfamilycooking.com

Directions:

Using paper towels, pat the wings completely dry. In a large bowl, toss dried wings with olive oil. Combine dry seasoning ingredients (baking powder through pepper) in a small bowl. Sprinkle wings with seasoning and toss to coat. Preheat air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil in air fryer basket. Place seasoned wings in air fryer basket in a single layer, skin side up. Cook for 15 minutes, then flip wings and cook an additional seven minutes. Repeat this process with remaining wings. While wings cook, melt the butter and garlic in a small saucepan. Once melted, add the parmesan cheese.

In a large bowl, toss cooked wings in the hot butter-parm mixture until coated. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm. +

1. A good seasoning blend sets the stage for flavorful wings. 2. Be sure to use a bowl large enough to allow for even coverage when tossing the wings in seasoning blend. 3. Turn wings once while cooking to ensure all-over crispness. 4. While the wings cook, melt the butter and sauce ingredients together. 5. With garlic and parmesan balanced against melted butter, these wings are nicely savory.

PHOTOS BY ALLISON COLLINS

As a sports-based chiropractor, Dr. Mattson spends at least 30-60 minutes with patients to address the needs of the individual.

Self-Care with Chelsea CORNER

Walton Spine & Sport

BY ChELSEA FRISBEE jOhNSON

For this edition, I interviewed Dr. Kathryn Mattson of Walton Spine & Sport. Her extensive knowledge of the body and individualized approach to helping clients find balance in their body comes through clearly. Especially for adult or high school athletes, she is a valuable resource in our community. tell me about Walton spine & sport, how your business came to be and what types of clients you work with.

Walton Spine & Sport is a chiropractic practice in Walton that specializes in keeping young athletes and adult ‘athletes’ working, playing and aging comfortably. I’m a Downsville native that has been practicing chiropractic medicine and clinical nutrition for 13 years. Growing up in this area, I always wanted to return after graduate school. I started my practice first in Delhi, but then, life happened! My children were going to be starting school in Walton, so it just made sense to move my practice to better balance my personal and work life.

I have a few favorite types of clients. My adult ‘athletes,’ as I call them, are people that try to take care of themselves the best they know how. They still want to participate in their activities or hobbies and exercise as they age. They realize the impact of diet, sleep and stress and strive to balance these factors. My role is to help them get back on track when we overuse our bodies from time to time and to be there for them when they need more help. I really enjoy working on young athletes, children and pregnant and postpartum women, and I have focused my continuing education on the uniqueness of these populations.

What sort of sports-related injuries or issues do you see and treat?

Aside from neck and back complaints, I love to treat rotator cuff and knee injuries. I see strains, sprains, muscle injuries, plantar fasciitis and other ankle or foot issues quite commonly.

As a sports-based chiropractor, I spend at least 30 minutes with you, if not an hour or more, to address the needs of the individual, incorporating myofascial release, trigger point therapy, deep tissue release and chiropractic adjustments to rebalance the asymmetries found in your body.

What changes do you see in your clients’ overall wellness after working with you?

One of the biggest changes I love to see is when people experience significantly less pain after treatment. The mental fatigue and stress from pain can have a huge impact on quality of life and once it’s lifted, they can start to see the way forward. Do you work with high school athletes at all?

High school athletes are more than welcome at my practice. I typically see a high school student due to a sports-specific injury or for pains and imbalances associated with growing. This population is fun to treat, as you can clearly see the direct effect of treatment when they are able to return or improve performance in their sport. I’m most proud this year of a local track athlete that had seen other practitioners without success for her hip issue and, after treatment, she set a school record and placed in the Top 10 at the state track competition.

What do you recommend for your clients to maintain structural and overall health?

My biggest recommendation for clients to maintain structure and health is to focus on their mobility and get down and up off the floor. As we age, stiffness and loss of elasticity in joints and tissues is a natural process that is only accelerated if we DON’T do anything. While many like to focus on their workout and its intensity, mobility and stretching is underutilized in recovery and activity (who has time for that?). If I could tell everyone one thing, it would be to do enough mobility in the week to maintain total range of motion in your joints and do this down on the floor. The skill of getting down and up off the floor is not exciting, but has a huge impact on our health as we get older. Think about the older person that can no longer lift their arms above their head because they are so stiff, or get down on the floor without assistance or get back up. These things do not happen suddenly. The loss of these skills creeps up on us slowly, until it takes excessive time and dedication to rehab them back. This is a simple thing to do, but it is not easy to incorporate it into our daily lives with other things competing for our attention. To share a scary statistic, falls accounted for 78% of injury-related deaths in 2021 among those 65 and older. Many of these deaths could be prevented by basic balance and movement skills.

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. National Vital Statistics System, Mortality 1999-2021 on CDC WONDER Online Database. Accessed January 24, 2023. https://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html

from top: Walton Spine & Sport is a chiropractic practice in Walton that specializes in keeping young athletes and adult ‘athletes’ working, playing and aging comfortably. Learn more about Walton Spine & Sport at waltonspineandsport.com. Dr. Mattson uses myofascial release, trigger point therapy, deep tissue release and chiropractic adjustments to rebalance the asymmetries found in the body.

What’s your own personal favorite self-care practice during the fall months?

With the changing of the season to fall, I love to just enjoy the last of the warm weather outdoors camping with my family. We have also been making it a regular autumn activity since my grandfather passed in 2017 to make cider with his old apple press. It’s something I grew up doing, and it’s such a simple and fun activity to share memories across the generations and be in the moment. What inspires you about your work? What are the challenges?

I love to meet people where they are, which can be challenging. I try to give the patient what I think will help them the most at first, and then continue to support them in the challenges of the ups and downs of life. The body very easily absorbs the stress of daily

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life, and recognizing patterns of stress response is key in unlocking chronic tightness. It is frustrating sometimes to my adult athletes when their bodies do not recover as quickly or hold up to the performance they are expecting. I have to remind them that professional athletes focus on recovery practices (and are paid for it) for the majority of their day after their sport-specific practice or game. As a regular person with a ‘real’ job and everyday life demands, stressors and families, you have to give yourself time and patience with injury recovery or exercise goals.

Going through grad school, I knew I was in a place to experience great things with the skills I was learning. After over a decade in practice, I can easily say my job is more rewarding than I could have imagined. Truly the biggest inspiration for me is to adjust little babies and children, as they respond so quickly to care and are such a joy to be around. I am beyond blessed to be surrounded by, and to learn from, so many wonderful people, whether they are a client or another trusted practitioner or therapist.

how can people learn more about Walton spine & sport?

My website is a great place to find out more about Walton Spine and Sport, or my hours of work.

You can find it at waltonspineandsport.com. My phone number is 607-536-8655 for those that would like to chat on the phone about any questions you may have.

Chelsea Frisbee Johnson is a life coach, writer and spiritual leader who loves helping people find more joy and peace in their life.

left: Dr. Kathryn Mattson is a Downsville native who has been practicing chiropractic medicine and clinical nutrition for 13 years.

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Monday-Saturday10:30 am to 9pm·Sunday noon to 9pm

-Time MayVar y

15 Main St, Oneonta, NY 13820 (607) 432-7209 Find us on Facebook

Suppor tthe Ar ts!

Makethe most of your triptoCooperstown with visits to our galleries, featuring local and regional ar tists!

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22 Main St. in Cooperstown, 13326

Gallery Hours: Tuesday -Saturday 11-4pm (607) 547-9777 |www.cooperstownar t.com

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Talk BY MARK SIMONSON

Generations Found Fitness at Clark Family Facilities

Exercise and a good diet are perennially stressed as ways of staying healthy. And across our region, there are plenty of places to work out for exercise or athletic training. Gymnasium facilities are nothing new around here.

In the late 1890s, physical development of the body for health reasons as well as for recreational activities was becoming popular in many areas of the United States. Cooperstown was no exception, and just as with many other attractions in the village, the Clark family had much to do with establishing a public gymnasium. Today’s modern Clark Sports Center is the third such facility for the Cooperstown area.

Not only is the Clark Sports Center an athlete’s delight, it also serves as the annual venue for induction ceremonies, held each July by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Before 1891, the only public recreational facility available in Cooperstown was a baseball diamond and two tennis courts with dressing-room facilities and cold-water showers, owned by the Cooperstown Athletic Association. These were found on the site of the current Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital. No gymnasium or playing fields existed in connection with the public school. During the winter months, the weather limited activities to skating, sledding and sleighing.

filling a fitness niche

The Clark family, primarily Alfred Corning Clark, saw the need and provided a

public facility to meet it.

In July 1888, Clark paid $2,977 for the property at the corner of Main and Fair streets, occupied at the time by a marble yard and engine shop. Today, it is a part of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Those old buildings were razed and, on July 28, 1889, work began on the new gymnasium.

The public was invited to a reception on Feb. 10, 1891 to introduce the new facility to the community. Actual operation began on March 20. An account of the opening day in the Freeman’s Journal concluded, “We regret to state that Mr. Wolcott scored the first sprained wrist.”

above: This new gymnasium replaced the old one, opening Sept. 5, 1930. It is now part of the Baseball Hall of Fame. left: The first Alfred Corning Clark gymnasium in Cooperstown opened in March 1891 on a site now occupied by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. | COURTESY OF THE FENIMORE RESEARCH LIBRARY

The gym was a popular success. By April, there were 170 members, and growth continued. Membership cards were available for six months, at $3 for gentlemen, and $1.50 for ladies and boys and girls under 15.

But by the late 1920s, the gymnasium had become obsolete. Heavy use and time deteriorated the facility, until it was decided to erect a new structure.

This time it was Edward Severin Clark who oversaw the newer gymnasium project. In May1929, the old building was demolished and the new begun on the same site. One of the requirements Clark placed on the contractors was the building had to be ready for opening in September 1930. It was a tight schedule for the stonemasons and contractors, but the opening was right on the mark: Sept. 5, 1930, with a public reception.

The new gym had features the old one did not: a swimming pool and bowling alleys. Previously, swimming classes were taught through the gymnasium, but were held on the western side of Otsego Lake, near the Country Clubhouse. Professor W.H. Martin taught these classes, as well gymnastics back at the gym. Teaching methods used by Martin included a long pole with a rope and belt on the end. With the belt firmly attached to the swimmer’s waist, the professor walked up and down the dock, with the child swimming on his leash and in no danger of drowning.

top clockwise: Alfred Clark runs around one of the banked corners of the indoor track. Geof Childs climbs through the rope tunnel in 1986. An ad appearing in The Daily Star of Oct. 2, 1986 announced the gym opening. Youngsters take a stab at the nine-foot-high, horizontally-traversed climbing wall. | DAILY

gymnasium growth

Once again, by the early 1980s, this gymnasium became obsolete. The Daily Star of May 24, 1983 reported, “The Clark Foundation unveiled plans Monday night for a new $7-million Alfred Corning Clark gymnasium to be built on the 16-acre Iroquois Farm tract on Susquehanna Avenue.”

At that time, there were about 1,500 subscribers to the gym program. About 90% were from Cooperstown, but others came from Oneonta, Richfield Springs, Cherry Valley, Canajoharie and farther afield. Family subscriptions were $95 a year. Individual adults paid $63, while college students paid $35. For children in grades 7-12, the annual rate was $32 and children under 6 cost $28.

An ad in the Daily Star from Oct. 2, 1986 had the Clark Foundation cordially inviting the public to attend the formal opening of the new Alfred Corning Clark gymnasium, as it was still called, on Sunday, Oct. 5. This time, under direction of Alfred Clark, the great-grandson of the gym’s founder, the gym moved from the downtown location

to the site off Susquehanna Avenue. The opening of the new facility took place on Oct. 27.

According to The Star of Oct. 17, “The interest in the new gym is high, if the … open house and dedication is any indicator. The Sunday afternoon event drew 4,000 people and ‘we expected 500 to 1,000,’ (Alfred) Clark said.”

The $7-million gym had much nicer amenities than the downtown location. At its opening, there was a diving and Olympic-size swimming pool, two regulation-sized squash and racquetball courts, a multi-use basketball court, a raised running track, an eight-lane bowling area, plus Nautilus and aerobics centers. A unique feature was two artificial climbing walls, which, according to the Daily Star, were the first of their kind installed in America.

According to The Star, “One stands nine feet high and is designed to be traversed horizontally. It is the longest in the world at about 120 feet. It includes rocks taken from the major climbing areas in Great Britain and mounted to concrete. In other

places the concrete hollows were sculpted to resemble real fissures.” The walls were designed by Don Robinson of Great Britain.

“The other wall is 35 feet high. It has a few rocks taken from the Cooperstown area and was created by spraying concrete over a form to resemble a real rock cliff. It is intended for rope climbing, Clark said.”

No doubt the “walls” have since changed all around the Alfred Corning Clark Gymnasium. The name was changed to the Clark Sports Center in 1994. In 2013, according to the facility’s website, a focus on the current and future needs of the center resulted in rethinking the footprint of the building and exploring an expansion that would solve the issues around the lack of space and growing membership. In 2014, The Clark Foundation announced the expansion of the center, completed and re-opened in June 2017.

Since its re-opening, membership passed the 5,000 mark on Jan. 16, 2018.

To find out more about membership, programs and activities, visit clarksportscenter. com. +

top to bottom: The front sign, looking out toward the field, when not used for athletic purposes, marks the site of the annual Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. A present-day view of the second gymnasium. | MARK SIMONSON

no

DouBt the “Walls” have sinCe ChangeD all arounD the alfreD Corning Clark gymnasium. the name Was ChangeD to the Clark sports Center in 1994.

Historian Mark Simonson grew up in Oneonta. He has worked in public relations, marketing and broadcast journalism. Simonson was appointed Oneonta City Historian in 1998. He writes a historical column in The Daily Star and has published books highlighting local and regional history.

Here, Simonson shares stories about old buildings of interest in the upstate region.

above: An image is superimposed over a wall and doors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on Main Street, Cooperstown, showing a crowd at a past induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center. Below: A view of the Clark Sports Center in May 2023. | MARK SIMONSON

Bookmarked with Ash

ImagebyFreepik

My name is Ashley Weeden. I spent my childhood in Oneonta, and now reside in Sidney with my husband, daughter and dog, Bella. I am a stay-at-home mom to my 3-year-old daughter. When I am not spending time with my family or reading, I enjoy gardening, clerking at the local library and trying new recipes in the kitchen. Books have always been an essential part of my life. I carry a book with me wherever I go, because you never know when you can sneak in a few pages. I’ll read anything, but my favorite genre is fantasy. I enjoy historical fiction and suspenseful mystery novels as well. I am always reading a variety of genres and authors, and cannot wait to share my reviews. I hope you enjoy reading Bookmarked with Ash

We ride upon sticks

By Quan Barry

This novel tells the odd yet endearing story of the 1989 Danvers Varsity Field Hockey team and how they went from years of losing to a winning season using “witchcraft.”

It starts at a summer camp where the team is performing poorly, so they sign their names in a book to turn their luck around. This turns into a whole slew of wicked events, leading them to the state championship at the end of the following season. At first, it’s fairly harmless pranks to work the “magic” in their favor, but quickly becomes a series of questionable situations.

The book brings readers through the journey of each team member as they discover who they are and what they are willing to do to continue to win and avoid letting their teammates down. As each player tries ways to increase their luck on the field, it takes them down the path of learning to accept themselves and become who they truly want to be. It is written with metaphors so wonderfully wacky and detail so witty the reader feels immersed in the story and a part of the team. Readers will be rooting for them as they grow together and stand by each other on and off the field, through the good and bad.

Barry writes with such hilarity and a flair for drama in this great, coming-of-age story about acceptance and the bonds of friendship. Readers will simultaneously laugh out loud and cringe as they get to know each character and how they learn lessons of winning, losing and life.

Carrie soto is Back

By taylor Jenkins reid

The book begins as retired tennis legend Carrie Soto watches from the stands as a player threatens one of her world records. She decides to come out of retirement to defend her record with her father as her coach.

The book flashes back to her early years. After losing her mother at a young age, she is raised by her father on the tennis courts, where he works. With intense training and her father’s innovative coaching techniques, Carrie becomes one of the Top 10 women’s tennis players in the world by 17. After a falling out, she fires her father, hires a new coach and dominates the tennis world, wherein she sets multiple records before retiring at 31.

Carrie’s confidence and obsession with winning came at a cost, as she is known for her cold heart and cocky, unpleasant demeanor. Now, at 37, Carrie begins rigorous training to compete and win against new, younger tennis stars. Readers can’t help but cheer Carrie on as she reconnects with her father and her love for the game. Readers will celebrate and cry with her as she discovers she still has a lot to learn, on and off the court, about winning and failure.

Reid writes with such charisma and emotion that readers need not be tennis fans to feel captivated by every exciting win and devastating loss. However, you might become one after this book.

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Business Directory Meet the Locals

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