The Nate Lull Podcast

Nate sits down with John Tessitore from the JCK Foundation for a special conversation recorded at Charlotte Valley Central School. John shares the story behind his organization and its mission to promote emotional wellness, build meaningful connections and break down the stigma surrounding mental health. JCK travels to schools across New York State to deliver presentations and engage with students. They discuss the importance of reaching young people, understanding the challenges facing local communities and reminding everyone that they are never alone. For more information or to get in touch with the foundation, visit their website or social media pages mentioned in this episode. Special thanks to Matt Moyse for helping coordinate this interview!

What does the new collaboration between the Tri-Valley League and Delaware League mean for the future of local high school sports? Nate sits down with Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Athletic Director Greg Bonczkowski, who played a key role on the committee that developed the plan. Greg explains how the partnership came together, why changes are being made and the impact on student-athletes. This special edition focuses on soccer, including scheduling, standings and the upcoming Tri-Del Championship on October 17th. The conversation also covers the importance of preserving traditions, addressing community concerns and what lies ahead for both leagues.

Nate catches up with Deposit-Hancock standout Laycee Drake just before she leaves for the United Kingdom to launch her professional basketball career. She talks about signing her first contract with the B. Braun Sheffield Hatters of Super League Basketball and what excites her about joining a successful franchise that fits her style of play. Laycee shares how the opportunity came together after wrapping up her time at St. Bonaventure and connecting with an agent to explore options overseas. She also reflects on her summer back home in Hancock, competing in the Norwich Gus Macker and helping to start open runs at Unatego for local high school and college players. Laycee looks ahead to the next six months and what life could be like as she takes on this new chapter.

Nate chats with Alexis Davis, M.Ed, ATC, CSCS, owner of Performance Athletics in Oneonta. Alexis helps athletes improve their strength, speed, agility and overall performance while also focusing on injury rehab, movement and running analysis. She works with people from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels, including many local high school and college athletes who seek her out for training programs. Alexis shares how she got started in the industry, what led to the decision to eventually go out on her own and the philosophies behind her approach. She also talks about her passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and what she enjoys most about the sport. 

Nate connects with Norwich wrestling standout Maverick Beckwith for an episode recorded at the Norwich YMCA. Mav discusses the big news that he will forgo his senior season at Norwich High School to attend the New York Military Academy, a college prep school located along the Hudson River near Newburgh. This announcement came as a surprise to many Section IV wrestling fans, and Maverick takes us through what led to the decision and why he believes going prep is the right move for the future. After spending his senior year at NYMA, the 3-time NYS champion will continue wrestling at Division-I Army West Point. Mav shares more about his college plans and how they played a role in choosing NYMA for his senior year.

Nate visits with Ashton Townsend, who recently took over as Sports Director at WCDO Radio in Sidney. Ashton is a 2022 Downsville graduate who was a standout in Soccer, Basketball and Baseball for the Eagles. He then attended SUNY Brockport, where his work at the campus radio station gave him the opportunity to broadcast a wide variety of sports. The conversation covers what it means for Ashton to begin his career close to home and his plans for the future at WCDO. Nate and Ashton also talk about their relationship following Nate’s move to independent coverage after 12 years at the station. They explain how they hope to collaborate and continue bringing great local sports coverage to the area.

Nate welcomes Oneonta High School Soccer legend Bre Gault to the show. A 2005 OHS graduate, Bre is one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in local history and will be inducted into the New York State Sportswriters Girls Soccer Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026. She talks about moving to Oneonta and her journey to multiple state final four appearances. Bre was known for her natural ability in goal and standout performances in penalty-kick shootouts. She reflects on the coaches who made an impact along the way and shares favorite memories from her time with the Yellowjackets. The episode also features a special surprise appearance from longtime OHS Coach Jerry Mackey. 

Nate takes a deep dive into Oneonta history with John Nader and Lane Potter. John is currently writing a book about the city’s 6th Ward and the immigrants who settled there in the early 1900s, while Lane joins the conversation representing the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club. Located in the 6th Ward, the organization was founded by neighborhood native Carl Delberta Sr. We learn about Carl’s difficult upbringing and decorated professional boxing career, which included bouts against some of the best fighters of his era. After his time in the ring ended and he returned home from World War II, Carl wanted to share his passion for boxing with local boys. He saved every penny he could and built the club from next to nothing. Lane brings along a collection of old photos and information documenting Carl’s life and the rich boxing tradition that played such an important role in those early days. That legacy is now being celebrated through a recently renovated training room. The episode also explores the impact of fellow 6th Ward native Sam Nader, John’s father, who was part of the group that brought the Oneonta Yankees Baseball team to town. There are plenty of memories from the many years Sam and his son spent running the team, along with stories from Damaschke Field and the future Major Leaguers who passed through the city along the way. 

Nate talks paddling with Zach Craft of Unadilla and Luke van der Veur of Cobleskill as they recap the 2026 AuSable River Canoe Marathon in Michigan. The New York duo steadily climbed through the field during the 120-mile journey from Grayling to Oscoda, finishing in 16 hours and 3 minutes while earning the honor of top rookie team. Zach and Luke were also one of only three boats to complete the second half of the course faster than the first. Nate had a front-row seat to their performance while serving on the feed crew for Jake Crotser and Gaston Jones, giving him a unique perspective on how the night unfolded. The conversation covers how both guests got into the sport, what inspired them to take on the AuSable, their preparation leading up to Michigan, and memories from this year’s 70-miler. They also share what it was like competing in one of canoe racing’s most challenging events and reflect on a memorable trip. 

Nate sits down with Morris Central School alumna and Canisius University Soccer player Hannah Wist at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. A small-school standout, she was pulled up to varsity as a 7th grader and went on to earn multiple All-State selections in both Soccer and Softball. Hannah also helped E/M capture Section IV championships in each sport and shares what it was like when the former rivals (Edmeston and Morris) joined forces. Now competing at the Division-I level, she looks back on the path that took her from MCS to Buffalo and the dedication required to make that dream a reality. Hannah discusses her recruiting process, the challenges of getting noticed while attending a smaller school, and the role club ball played in creating additional opportunities. She also reflects on her freshman year at Canisius, adjusting to the college game, and what she hopes to accomplish as she prepares for her sophomore season. Plus, Hannah's close friend and E/M teammate Brenna Bolton from Edmeston makes a special appearance at the end of the conversation.