Nate presents another local wrestling feature with Gorilla Grapplers Coach, Nate Leonard, and Deposit-Hancock standout, Landyn Shaffer. It has been a remarkable summer on the mat for Landyn, highlighted by a second place finish at the Fargo National Tournament in North Dakota. Wrestlers must qualify to compete at Fargo, which attracts top talent from across the country. Landyn and Coach Leonard share their perspectives on what it was like to make waves in the wrestling world, and why it was even more special coming in as an underdog. 

Nate connects with a true coaching legend, former Hartwick Men’s Soccer Coach, Jim Lennox. Jim spent 27 years at Hartwick, closing his career with 318 wins and leading his squad to the 1977 NCAA Division-I title. His teams made 13 NCAA Tournament appearances, including five trips to the Final Four. Jim also played a key role with the U.S. Soccer program and, in 2013, received the Walt Chyzowych Award for Lifetime Achievement. He coached back-to-back Hermann Trophy winners, Glenn Myernick in 1976 and Billy Gazonas in 1977. Don’t miss this rare conversation with one of the most accomplished coaches the game has ever seen, who happens to be living quietly in our area. 

Nate celebrates a major milestone with Episode 300 of the podcast. He welcomes the only two coaches in the 52-year history of the Oneonta Girls Soccer program: Helen Sandford and Jerry Mackey. Helen started the program in 1973 and led it for 30 years, while Jerry has continued to build on her legacy, guiding the Jackets to sustained success, including a state title in 2013. Helen looks back on the Title IX era, her approach to coaching, and why the success of her players has always meant more than the spotlight. It’s a rare chance to hear from one of the area’s true coaching pioneers. 

Nate sits down with Oneonta native, Jake Crotser, ahead of the 2025 AuSable River Canoe Marathon in Michigan. Now living in South Carolina, Jake makes frequent trips north to New York and Michigan to train and race. This year, he’ll be paddling with Austin Henchey of Otego, who is making his ARCM debut. Jake shares how he and Austin are preparing for the race and why he’s come to love competing in it every July.  

Nate travels back to Franklin Central School to catch up with FCS Boys Soccer standout, Jake Kingsbury. A rising junior, Jake has been playing varsity since 7th grade and is now a three-sport athlete across several combined Unatego/Franklin teams. The conversation covers how he balances school athletics with his travel commitments for the Binghamton Rush program. 

Nate welcomes back Cam Hayes, coordinator of the Blend-A-Rama 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. The 2025 event will take place on August 2nd and 3rd in downtown Oneonta on Main Street. Cam discusses his efforts to increase team participation this year and how past experiences have shaped his approach. Be sure to come out and support this exciting community weekend!

Nate hits the road to the eastern edge of Section IV for a special edition episode at Windham-Ashland-Jewett CSD. WAJ was recently honored as the 2025 NYSPHSAA Girls Alpine Skiing State Champions, and the school held a celebration to mark the occasion. Tune in to find out why the team received their state championship plaque months after the race had ended. Spoiler alert: it’s a great reason!

This episode is presented in three parts. First, Nate sits down with WAJ coaches Reggie Willcocks and Olivia Drum. Then, you’ll hear from four standout athletes: Erin Klein and Piper Cohane, followed by Gianna Garzone and Sophia Garzone.

A note from Nate: It was an honor to attend this celebration at WAJ. Congrats again to the 2025 state champs! 

Nate travels to SUNY Morrisville to sit down with Celeste Baldwin and Anyssia Ingersoll. Celeste is a Bainbridge-Guilford alumna, and Anyssia hails from Mexico, NY. Both are members of the Mustangs Women's Basketball team and were key former players on Nate's Armadillos squad. Celeste also plays softball, while Anyssia competes on the lacrosse team. Anyssia is one of the top female motocross riders in the Northeast as well. Listen in to hear how they balance multiple athletic activities at the college level. 

Nate hosts three local basketball officials in the WCDO conference room for a behind-the-scenes look at the state of officiating in our part of Section IV. Nate's three guests include Kevin Wilbur (Boys President for Board 46, DA grad, current D3 college official), Kyle Buel (Franklin grad, played at SUNY Morrisville), and Mariah Ruff (Oneonta alumna, played at D1 St. Bonaventure). Hear about the crisis NYS faces with lack of officials and learn why this could be an excellent side career for anyone who love sports. 

Nate welcomes back Greene alumna, Olivia Kennedy, to the show. Olivia just finished her junior season with the Binghamton University Softball team. BU compiled a 36-14 record this year and won the America East Conference title, which gave the Bearcats an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. Liv talks about the team's trip to Oregon for the NCAA Regionals and much more.