Livingston Manor’s fall athletics season has come to a close with one team having a 180-degree turnaround from last year and making states and another having a strong showing in its inaugural year.
Livingston Manor again combined with Roscoe for its fall sports season, with Livingston Manor as the host school.
“Fall 2023 was a rebuilding year for many of our programs,” Athletic Director David Eggleton said. “We are pleased with adding in new opportunities and correct progressions of athletics to student athletes.”
Girls modified volleyball
The new opportunity Eggleton referred to was girls modified volleyball.
The team, which included 16 athletes, finished its season with seven wins, two losses and two ties.
Many of the athletes expressed appreciation for the opportunity to make history.
“Being one of the first girls to be a part of the first-ever LMCS volleyball team is a huge honor,” LMCS ninth-grader Grace Darder said. “I couldn’t ask for a better team or better coaches.”
For almost half of the players, it was the first time they played a sport at school.
“The number of players on our team that have not participated in any other sports is a tribute to the specialized skill set that volleyball requires,” coach Jan LeMyre said.
They learned more than how to dig, serve and score, coach Yomary Rodriquez added.
“I’ve admired watching the girls build a team they are proud of; one they call their own,” she said. “Having built their skills from the ground up, the team is remarkable. I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the volleyball program.”
The future is looking bright and, thanks to the team’s success this year, the district plans to add another level next year, Eggleton said
Girls varsity soccer
After not winning a game all season last year, the girls soccer team ended this year as OCIAA Division 6 Class D and Section IX Class D champions.
“Two years ago, neither district had a varsity girls soccer team,” Eggleton said. “Last year the teams were merged and went 0-14.”
This year, the team went undefeated in league play with an overall record of 11-8.
Their 4-1 victory over Eldred earned them the OCIAA and Section IX titles and entry into state playoffs. A 4-0 loss to Section 2’s Fort Ann in the sub-regional game ended the girls’ outstanding season.
“We look forward to their continued success and the return of 15 girls who played this season, Eggleton said.
Girls modified soccer
The girls modified team finished the season with six wins, two losses and two ties, with most of them close games.
The season kicked off with a 3-2 loss to Sullivan West. According to co-coach Evan Bower, the girls immediately said "we held our own against them" and were happy. Throughout the year, the team worked on long shooting drills to expand our footing outside of the box, which paid off with a big win against Greenwood Lake.
“We had an amazing year, with a great team,” co-coach Sylvia Parks said. “I am so proud of how far all of them have come. I can't wait to see where their soccer career takes them.” Goalkeepers Angelina Schwartz and Grace Nichols combined for four shutout games and four games with only one goal scored against them. Defenders Mila Park, Aurora Lorenzo, Anahi Rodriguez, Mariah David and Elena Wells stopped many breakaway opportunities and helped out midfield. Midfielders and attackers Emily Trotti, Lynnz Ambach, Isabella Park, Lily Stone, Jordan Edwards ran miles this year running back and forth helping out our defense and offense. Attackers Grace Ward, Andrea Bush and Evyn Morgentaler were able to get a goal when needed.
The girls’ sportsmanship was also noted, as after a game against Eldred, an opposing player’s parent said she was proud she was of the Livingston Manor team, and she loved the way the team and the sportsmanship they showed, Bowers said. “It was a great season and I am very proud of how they played, how they gave 100 percent, and how they strived to get better everyday,” he said.
Varsity football
The varsity football season was challenging for Livingston Manor, as there were only enough eligible players for one game, and that was a loss to Tri-Valley during homecoming.
“Even though we had, on paper, 15 players, injuries and ineligibility brought our numbers below the level to be able to safely participate in games,” coach Mike Hill said.
There was only one senior on the team, and with the modified program strong, the situation should be better next season, he said.
Modified football
The modified team finished the season with three wins and four losses.
“The team showed steady growth through the season,” coach Kevin Clifford said. “By the end of the season the team was able to execute at a high level.
“Coach (Josh) Evans and I were very pleased with the way they grew both physically and mentally at the end of the season,” he added.
Varsity cross country
The varsity cross country team of three boys and three girls saw growth throughout the season, coach Nate Juron said.
“The team was a great group to coach,” he said, “they all had goals in mind.”
Five runners made it to sectionals, where they competed against nine other schools for the Class D title.
“Though we did not qualify as a team to compete for the title, the team members placed their best times at this meet, Juron said.
Brody Day, Cullen Hess and Logan Schmeiser were the leaders of the team, with Jaida Gould, Emma Sullivan and Dallas Curry showing growth.
“I look forward to these athletes achieving more goals next season, Juron said.
Modified cross country
Two runners competed for the Livingston Manor cross country team. They consistently improved their times throughout the season, coach Dylan Smith said.
Eighth grader Alexander Jones had several top 5 finishes, one a first at Eldred with a time of 13 minutes 51 seconds, and another a second at Seward with a time of 11 minutes and 1 second. His best time of the season was 10 minutes, 9 seconds
Seventh grader Othello St. John came out of the gate strong, finishing in the top 10 at Valley Central. He has also improved his time over the course of the season, with his best of 16 minutes, 30 seconds.
“ I look forward to coaching next year,” Smith said, “and I wish Alex luck on varsity.”
As for the future of fall athletics, Eggleton said, “we hope we can provide quality programs and stability to a unified athletics program for both Livingston Manor and Roscoe.”