Washingtonville celebrates fall athletes at Board of Education meeting

Washingtonville’s fall athletes were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, December 11, as coaches celebrated playoff runs, championships, academic success and community service that defined the season across Wizard athletics.

The evening began with Esports Coach Kevin Calderin, who praised the program’s continued growth and competitive success, with multiple teams advancing to State Championships on December 13.

“The season has been strong. Wizard teams have become synonymous with excellence,” Coach Calderin said. “When people hear our name, they know what to expect. These students show up week in and week out and put the time in.”

Coach Calderin also highlighted several individual student-athletes for standout performances during the season, including Edwin “Tabpol” Charriez for a 99% win record in Smash Bros Solos and Zackaria “SharkC” Elmardi for achieving a record 74 eliminations in a single game in Splatoon 3. 
 

Varsity Football Coach Joseph Delgardo took the podium next, thanking the community for its support throughout the fall.

“I’ve never seen so many fans in the stands before some of these games; it was really electric,” he said. “We are extremely grateful for all the support.”

Coach Delgardo recapped a memorable season that included a 7-3 overall record – the second-most wins in program history – a playoff appearance and a decisive 35-7 Homecoming victory. He also recognized the individual accomplishments of many players, including All-League recipients Matt Vanderhorst and Hugue Zulme, as well as All-Section recipients Liam Ebert and Brennan Tesseyman.

Girls Soccer Coaches Jennifer Czumak and Karen Smith reflected on a strong season that saw the team advance to the regional

semifinals, finishing with 13 wins, six losses and one tie.

“As an older coach, I’ve been part of many high school teams,” Coach Czumak said. “A team with ten new players and just two seniors has every reason to struggle. Yet this team never seemed to get that message. Instead, they grew, they learned, they competed and they fully embraced the values of the program.”

Coach Czumak also recognized players who earned scholar-athlete honors and other individual accolades. Beyond the field, the team contributed to the community by assisting with the Washingtonville Recreational Soccer program, participating in a charity game benefiting the local food pantry and working toward hosting a summer soccer camp for local families. 

Boys Soccer Coach Matthew Cutney thanked the community for its support during a rebuilding season following the graduation of several seniors.

With a four-win season, Coach Cutney emphasized growth and leadership, recognizing team captain and Section A All-Star Josiah Lazo for his accomplishments and for consistently putting the team first.

“Our major focus moving forward is challenging these guys as teammates and putting the team ahead of everything else,” Coach Cutney said. “My goal is to get back to the section finals next year.”
 

Girls Cross Country Coach Michael White Jr. highlighted a historic season that included tying Colonie for the most titles at the Ground Invitational and capturing the division title for the first time in 16 years. He also recognized team captain Elizabeth Roa for her leadership and sophomore Sydney Lozza for qualifying and competing at the New York State Championships.

“To the athletes, coaches and parents, thank you for giving us a season to remember,” Coach White Jr. said. “With hard work, persistence and belief in one another, a team can overcome any challenge and achieve greatness.”

Boys Cross Country Coach Michael White Sr. followed, celebrating a dominant season in which the team finished 7-0, won its fifth consecutive Division II championship and captured eight of the last 11 division titles. 

He recognized co-captain Joe Mullan for qualifying for the NYS Cross Country Championships for the second time and finishing 14th in the state, earning both a medal and a podium finish.

Junior Varsity Cheerleading Coach Megan Murphy spoke on behalf of Varsity Coach Kimberly Acevedo, highlighting strong participation with more than 60 students trying out this season. Thirteen athletes were named All-American Elite Cheerleaders by the Universal Cheerleaders Association, and 75% of the team earned scholar-athlete recognition for maintaining high GPAs.

“Coach Acevedo and I are incredibly proud of the season we had and are excited about the continued growth of our program,” Coach Murphy said.

Girls Varsity Tennis Coach Matthew Anastasi congratulated his team on finishing second in the county while celebrating several individual accomplishments. Team captain Alexandra Davis approached a 100 win milestone this season, while Emily Newcombe and Delaney Lyons placed in the county’s top eight and qualified for sections. Eighth grader Addison Davis and ninth grader Madison Kantor were named Section Champions in doubles play. 

Coach Anastasi also highlighted the team’s commitment to service, noting that many players volunteered at youth clinics and summer camps throughout the year. He ended with a special recognition to the district’s coaches.

“I want to shout out all the coaches in this room who make Wizard Nation so special,” he said. “It’s truly an honor to be associated with such an incredible coaching staff.”

Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach Bonnie DeCosta expressed gratitude for district and family support, noting the program’s growth in an increasingly competitive sport.

Despite a challenging season, Coach DeCosta celebrated the team’s academic success, with every athlete earning high honor roll and the team averaging a 92.5% GPA. Players Mukisa Kemmelman, Riley Simpson, Makayla Heard and Mialani Moore were named to the Times Herald-Record Section 9 Watch List, while Mukisa and Riley earned Section 9 All-Star honors.
 

Girls Swim and Dive Coach Bradley Peterson introduced the swim and dive team, which finished second overall with an 8-2 dual meet record and an 8-1 division mark. The team sent 12 athletes to Section 9 championships, including four divers and eight swimmers. Bella Briceno qualified for the NYS Championships in the 200 IM and 100 backstroke, placing 25th in the 200 IM at the state meet.

Diving Coach Jim Frisbee closed the evening by recognizing his four divers, highlighting Camryn Flynn and Avery Flynn, who both qualified for States in their first season. Camryn finished 36th overall, while Avery placed in the top 16.

“To bring two first-year divers to the state level and watch them compete against athletes headed to Division I programs was incredibly impressive,” Coach Frisbee said.

Athletic Director Suzanne Lendzian closed the evening by recognizing the many people who support Washingtonville’s student-athletes beyond the scoreboard.

“Another name for coach can be mom, dad, parent, guardian, bus driver, teacher or friend,” she said, noting that coaches and mentors are all around us. “When we take the opportunity to learn and grow from each other, we become stronger as Wizard Nation.”

Ms. Lendzian concluded by congratulating all fall athletes and wishing the community a happy and healthy holiday season, while looking ahead to an exciting winter sports season.

Way to go, Wizard Nation!