VALLEY SPORTS REPORT: WAVERLY'S McDUFFEE HEADLINES SUPER 7 AS 'COACH OF THE SPRING' (June 23, 2026)

Valley Sports Report
THE VALLEY — Despite a bump up to Class A, Waverly won its second Section IV title in program history and both have been during the coaching tenure of Kyle McDuffee. He is the 2026 Valley Sports Report "Coach of the Spring."

In his 24th season, McDuffee led Waverly to a school-record 22 wins against just five losses. 

The Wolverines won the STAC Central Division title, and won the program's second Section IV title — it's first since 2013, and first Class A championship.

Waverly also won its first-ever state playoff game before falling by one run in the state quarterfinals.

2026 All-Valley Suer 7 Spring Coaches
Kyle McDuffee, Waverly baseball: See above.

Charlie Havens, Athens baseball: Havens directed the Wildcats to a 17-4 record and a trip to the District 4, Class 4A semifinals.

Athens also won a share of the NTL Large School Division title with a 9-1 record.

Brent Doane, Waverly softball: Following a loss at Oneonta in late April, Waverly stood at 4-4, but Doane stayed the course with his young Wolverines.

Waverly reeled off 10 straight wins to end the season to win the STAC Central Division, qualify for the Section IV, Class A playoffs, and earn a home playoff game.

Brian Wendela, Athens softball: Wendela guided the Wildcats to a 15-5 record and another Large School Division title.

Athens was 13-3 when pitching ace Gretchan Hiley was lost for the season and its season ended in the Class 4A semifinals.

Stephanie Hills, Tioga softball: Hills led a young Tioga team to a 13-7 record, an appearance in the IAC Small School title game, and the Section IV, Class C semifinals.

The Tigers, who finished the season ranked 20th in the state, lost all seven of its games to state-ranked teams —  Pittsford-Sutherland (12th in Class AA), Waverly (22nd in Class A), Union Springs (fifth in Class C), Southern Cayuga (15th in Class C), and Class C state champ Deposit-Hancock.

Dave Hogan, Waverly track & field: Hogan guided three girls and one boy to States this season, and the girls team to a third-place finish at the Section IV, Class B Championships.

Hogan also directed the Lady Wolverines to a 3-0 mark in duals and a STAC Central Division title.

Ron Chamberlain, Waverly tennis: Two years removed from an 0-11 season, Chamberlain directed the Wolverines to a 7-5 record in 2026.

Waverly, 3-7, last year, finished second in the STAC Central Division.

Print Friendly Version