The Nate Lull Podcast

Nate heads to SUNY Cortland for a conversation with Brooke Tillotson and Kayla Campbell from the Red Dragons Women's Basketball team. Recorded during graduation week in May, this episode captures a milestone moment as both players prepare to receive their diplomas. Brooke, who will further her education in Iowa, looks back on this chapter of her basketball career, while Kayla plans to pursue her master's degree and stay in the Red and White with two seasons of eligibility still ahead. Both former Section IV standouts reflect on what it took to reach the college game while offering advice for younger athletes hoping to follow in their footsteps. Brooke, a Marathon native, discusses what it was like playing close to home and the expectations that came with it. After starring at Franklin, Kayla began her collegiate career at Division-II Daemen before eventually transferring to Cortland. She also shares her thoughts on the transfer portal, her recovery from a torn ACL, and the mindset that guided her through rehabilitation. 

Nate catches up with Cherry Valley-Springfield graduate Luke Bartlett at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. Luke talks about his lifelong passion for the outdoors, how it inspired him to study at SUNY Cobleskill, and the opportunities that followed, working in environmental conservation across New York State. Together, they revisit Luke's high school athletic career, including the freak injury that ended his senior season before it began. Rather than letting the setback define him, he reflects on the positive mindset that helped him continue supporting his teammates and how that experience gave him an even greater appreciation for the work he does today.

Nate stops by Worcester Central School for a conversation with Hayley Dawson, a native of Papamoa, New Zealand, who was helping at a summer basketball camp following her graduation from SUNY Morrisville. Hayley reflects on growing up in the beach town of Papamoa, the journey that brought her halfway around the world to pursue college basketball in the United States, and the determination it took to earn that opportunity. She discusses her time at Jamestown Community College before transferring to Morrisville, reflects on a collegiate career that included four different sports, and explains why basketball always remained her true passion. Along the way, Hayley shares what it means to be a proud Kiwi, the differences between New Zealand and American culture, and what she misses most about home. 

Nate visits Richfield Springs Central School for a conversation with twin sisters and 2026 graduates Issy and Gabby Seamon, along with RS/ODY Girls Soccer Coach TJ Hoose. The episode looks back on an impressive stretch for the program that included two Tri-Valley League titles and a Section IV Class-D championship. Coach TJ reflects on the leadership Issy and Gabby provided while helping turn the team around. The sisters also discuss success in Basketball and Softball, highlighted by Issy joining the 1,000-point club on the hardwood. Both will attend Mohawk Valley Community College to study Radiology and play soccer, with basketball remaining a possibility.

Nate is joined by Dejah Taylor, one of the most decorated sprinters in Sidney Track and Section IV history. Dejah leaves behind an incredible legacy with 14 school records across Indoor and Outdoor Track, including nine individual marks and five relay records. Sidney's 2026 Valedictorian will continue her academic and athletic career at Binghamton University as a member of the Division-I Track and Field program. Dejah reflects on her outstanding senior season, highlighted by a strong performance at the NYS championships, a trip to compete at historic Hayward Field in Oregon, and her recruiting journey. She finishes by sharing a rare and heartfelt look into her personal life, discussing the challenges she and her siblings have overcome while growing up. 

Nate travels to Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School for this special episode entitled “All Things WAJ.” He visits with Hannah Tuttle, Piper Cohane, Gianna Garzone, and Sophia Garzone to discuss an outstanding 2025-2026 athletic season for the Warriors. WAJ Softball finished 21-1 and advanced to the NYS Class-D championship game, highlighted by memorable wins in both the Delaware League and Section IV Class-D title games. Hannah earned NYS Class-D Co-Player of the Year honors, while Piper was named to the NYS Class-D All-State 3rd Team. Piper, Gianna, and Sophia played major roles on the Warriors Alpine Ski team, which earned a 2nd place finish at the NYS championships after capturing a state title the year before. Piper also enjoyed standout individual success, posting strong finishes in both the giant slalom and slalom races. This episode looks back on a remarkable season for WAJ Girls Athletics and the memories these student-athletes created along the way. 

Nate is in the guest seat for this special edition as co-host Rich Turnbull returns to ask the questions. After a brief break from the podcast while sorting through the logistics of a big career move, Nate is back to share an important update. Following his recent announcement that he is stepping away from WCDO after more than 12 years, this interview explores what led to that choice and why now felt like the right time to go independent. He reflects on his years in radio, the relationships that shaped his path, and the opportunities that allowed his brand to grow. Just as importantly, listeners will hear that the work they know him for is not going anywhere, as the podcast, website, social media coverage, scholarship, and several other projects will continue moving forward. Family, future plans, and what lies ahead are also key parts of this episode. As he explains, this is not an ending, but the start of a new chapter. 

Nate sits down with Ashten Haley from the Cobleskill-Richmondville wrestling program in Section II. Ashten just finished his junior season and has established himself as one of the top high school wrestlers in New York State, highlighted by his recent commitment to Binghamton University. He discusses that choice, while also providing an update on the elbow injury he suffered during the state tournament and the rehab process ahead. Also appearing on the podcast is Nate Leonard, head coach of the Gorilla Grapplers Wrestling Club and a longtime friend of the show. Ashten has trained with the Gorillas for several years, and this conversation dives into his connection with Coach Leonard. The discussion also touches on his Section IV roots in Worcester and the move to C-R so he could continue competing. 

Nate is joined by Bruce Juneau, the Sports Director for News 34, the television station based in Binghamton. Bruce has built a strong reputation in the area for coverage of the smaller schools throughout our corner of Section IV, often handling the work as a one-man crew. Originally from northern New York, he looks back on his high school playing days with the Chazy Eagles, one of the premier boys soccer programs in New York State history with 10 NYSPHSAA Class-D championships. Bruce discusses how growing up around that winning culture sparked his interest in broadcasting. He also talks about what eventually led him to the Southern Tier and what he enjoys most about covering local sports. His easy going personality, approach to the business, and perspective on athletics are a refreshing change of pace for viewers throughout the region. 

Nate welcomes Ellie Lees to the show, a 2024 Delaware Academy graduate who is now competing in cross country and track and field at the Division-I level for Binghamton University. Ellie discusses her transition to college running and how she has battled through two major injuries. She also shares what it has taken to settle in and carve out her role within the program. During her time at Delhi, Ellie built an outstanding career as a MAC and Section IV champion. As an 8th grader, she was a key member of the 2019 NYS Class-D cross country state championship team. The conversation also looks back on her progression and what has helped her continue that success at the next level.