Valley Sports ReportTHE VALLEY — Athens freshman Sara Bronson made a dramatic impact on the Wildcat cross country and track & field teams this year, and is the Valley Sports Report 2021-22 Girls "Newcomer of the Year."
During cross country season, Bronson won the Tom Koons Valley Invite, finished third at Owego Invite, 11th at the McDaniel-Baxter Pre-State Invitational at Chenango Valley State Park, and was 12th at prestigious McQuaid Invitational.
She won the NTL Coaches Invite, finished ninth at the District 4 Championships, and was 99th at the PIAA Championships.
On the track this spring, Bronson finished second in the 3,200-meter run in a school record time at the District 4 Championships. She placed seventh in the 1,600-meter run.
At the NTL Championships, Sara Bronson won the 1,600-meter run, placed second in the 800- and 3,200-meter runs, and was on the winning 3,200-meter relay.
She was the VSR Girls Cross Country “Newcomer of the Year,” and the “Newcomer of the Fall,“ as well as the Girls Track & Field “Newcomer of the Year.”
During the winter season, she saw limited action the basketball hardwoods.
The focus for the year-end awards is on three-sport athletes, but there are some athletes recognized who thrive in two sports. Occasionally, someone will make the grade for just one sport.
The 2021-22 Super 7 "Newcomers of the Year"
Sara Bronson, freshman, Athens: See above.
Addy Wheeler, freshman, Athens: A three-sport athlete, Wheeler was a major contributor on the basketball hardwoods, and the soccer pitch for the Wildcats.
Wheeler, a skilled ball-handler with a basketball IQ beyond her years, averaged 7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 steals, and 2.7 assists per game. She was also a threat from behind the 3-point arc, connecting on 21 3-pointers, and a top-notch defender.
Wheeler was the Girls Basketball “Newcomer of the Year,” and the Girls “Newcomer of the Winter.”
On the soccer pitch, athletic, physical, and seasoned beyond her years, Wheeler scored seven goals and dished out five assists. She was the VSR Soccer “Newcomer of the Year.”
During the spring, Wheeler was a sprinter on the track team.
Lauren Gorsline, 7th-grader, Waverly: Gorsline enjoyed strong first varsity seasons as a 7th-grader during the winter indoor track season, and the spring outdoor season.
After a strong regular indoor season, Gorsline finished third in the 1,500-meter run, and fourth in the 1,000-meter run at the Section IV Track & Field State Qualifier. She also ran on a second-place 1,600-meter relay.
During spring track, Gorsline finished second in the 1,500-meter run, and ran on a fourth-place 3,200-meter relay at the Section IV, Class C Championships. She was 10th in the 1,500-meter run at the State Qualifier.
At the IAC Championships, Gorsline was second in the 400-meter hurdles and the 1,500-meter run, and was part of the winning 3,200-meter relay team.
Ella Coyle, freshman, Athens: Coyle started and was a major contributor on the volleyball and softball teams.
With 227 digs, Coyle was among the leaders in the region. She also had 46 service points, including 14 aces, three setter assists, and three kills.
On the softball diamond, Coyle hit .303 (20 hits in 66 ABs) with 20 runs scored, 16 RBI, and six stolen bases.
Abbie McGaughey, freshman, Sayre: During the spring, McGaughey took over behind the plate when Sayre’s starting catcher sustained a season-ending injury. She enjoyed a strong season, hitting .330 with nine runs scored.
On the hardwoods, McGaughey was one of Sayre’s team’s leaders in scoring and 3-pointers.
Haylie Davenport, freshman, Waverly: Davenport was a solid contributor on the track for the Wolverines indoors during the winter, and outdoors this spring.
After consistently winning the 1,500-meter race walk throughout the indoor season, Davenport won the event at the Section IV Indoor Track & Field State Qualifier.
This spring, at the IAC South Large School Divisional meet, Davenport ran on a second-place 3,200-meter relay team, finished fifth in the 800-meter run, and was sixth in the long jump.
The 3,200-meter relay won gold at the IAC Championships, and fourth at the Class C Championships.
Mira Kittle, 8th-grader, Waverly: Already an established star on the swim team, Kittle was a contributor during the winter and spring track seasons for the Wolverines.
At the IAC South Large School Divisional meet, Kittle placed second in 100-meter hurdles, and third in the 400-meter hurdles. At the IACs, she was third in the 100 hurdles, and eighth in the 400 hurdles.
At the Class C Championships, Kittle was sixth in the 100 hurdles and 10th in the 400 hurdles. Kittle entered the State Qualifier as the 14th seed in the 100 hurdles, but finished 10th.
During the winter season, Kittle ran on a second-place 800-meter relay team at the indoor State Qualifier, and was eighth in the 55-meter hurdles, and 12th in the triple jump.
