Cole Lamendola
Patrick Frawley
RJ Sosler
Ryan Jones
Malachi Grant
Owen Skinner
Caleb Decker
Cree Kain-Dickinson
Varsity Football Coach Kevin Gallagher said this is only the second time in program history that a Minisink Valley football player has won this award. Tom Redmond won it in the early 1970s.
“Zach Filip is a coach’s dream,” Coach Gallagher said. “He is a great athlete with good speed, a very smart athlete, strong, a great teammate, with an incredible will to get better and to win! Zach was our heart and soul and is as tough as anyone in the state, but off the field he is a great kid well-respected by everyone. Zach is also a very good student and is looking to play football in college and become a physical education teacher and coach.”
Look who stopped by yesterday! Class of 1973 alumnus Tom Redmond —Minisink Valley’s first-ever Section IX Large School Player of the Year in 1972 — returned to campus to meet Zach Filip, the 2025 recipient of the same honor! Separated by 53 years, united by one tradition. Proof that while generations change, the brotherhood of football never does. Thank you, Mr. Redmond, for your visit!
AMAZING! Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Indoor Track 4x400 meter relay team of Chloe Beck, Ferrah Hill, Ella Michelitch and Salma Samdaoui, who proudly represented Minisink Valley in the prestigious Millrose Games, held Feb. 1, finishing fourth in the Suburban division (4:00.37) and besting local rivals Monroe-Woodbury and Warwick Valley in the process! PLUS: It's the first time in program history that a Minisink Valley team qualified for these games!
The Millrose Games is a major indoor track and field meet held every year in New York City. It's one of the oldest and most respected track meets in the world, starting in 1908. High school athletes often look up to the Millrose Games because it features the best runners and field athletes competing at an elite level, showing what is possible with hard work and dedication.
The meet includes many events including sprints, distance races, hurdles, and field events. For high school athletes, the Millrose Games is inspiring because it shows the highest level of competition and motivates young athletes to train, improve, and dream big in track and field.
For professional athletes, The Millrose Games is one of the most prestigious indoor track and field competitions in the world and is a cornerstone of the international athletics calendar. The event attracts elite athletes from around the globe who compete in a range of sprint, distance, hurdle, and field events, often producing record-breaking performances
Congratulations to Junior and Girls Varsity Wrestler Sara Pauls, who is one of 12 student-athletes representing Section IX and 170 student-athletes statewide attending the upcoming New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s Student Leadership Conference in mid-April in Albany!
Current sophomores and juniors will have the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills by listening to presentations from a variety of speakers and participating in workshops to help positively influence their teams, athletic departments, schools, and communities.
“We look forward to having Sara share with her peers all the important information she will learn at this conference,” said Athletic Director Tim Bult. “We’re proud she’s representing Minisink Valley and Section IX.”
The idea of the conference was developed by the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Development Committee (SADC) several years ago with input from the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
“This is a program we have been focused on developing for several years,” said Kristen Jadin, NYSPHSAA Assistant Director, in a statement. “We are a student-based organization and what better way to develop students than to have an in-person conference with outstanding speakers who can share their expertise.”
This team entered the tournament prepared and fearless. In Round 1, they dominated Section III’s Carthage with a decisive 50–17 victory. After a BYE round, they showed their dominance again in Round 2 with an emphatic 57–16 win over Section V’s Fairport. Each wrestler competed with toughness, pride and unity — never backing down, never giving less than everything he had.
As they always do, these 2026 Section IX Dual Meet Wrestling Champions represented Minisink Valley with honor, heart and distinction. Their work ethic, commitment to one another, and refusal to quit define what true champions look like. They are winners in every sense of the word!
Please join us in congratulating our incredible wrestlers, coaches, and everyone associated with the wrestling program on a truly spectacular season. This group has set the standard—and make no mistake, they will be back next year!
Congratulations and best wishes to Varsity wrestling seniors Keira Filip, Jaida Macaluso and Avery Wingen, who were honored during the team's recent Senior Night!
THANK YOU for dedication, hard work and many contributions to the team's success!
• 1st Team: Senior Max Wickrath, DB
“Max is a versatile, explosive athlete known for his speed, toughness, and instincts,” said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “As a slot receiver, he’s a reliable target with breakaway speed and elusiveness in space. On defense, he’s a hard- hitting safety with a nose for the ball and excellent play recognition. Add in his electric kick return ability, and Max is a true three-phase game-changer.”
Max finished the season with eight interceptions from the safety position and two of those were returned for touchdowns. He finished with 44 tackles on the year, 24 solo and 20 assisted. Max was a kick returner who averaged close to 30 yards per return, while also scoring 1 touchdown. On offense he had 27 catches for 410 yards and 3 touchdowns as a receiver. As a rusher Max ran for 218 yards and an additional three rushing touchdowns.
• 2nd Team: Senior Zach Filip, RB
“Zach is the kind of athlete every team wants in their locker room—gritty, dependable, and relentlessly driven” said Coach Gallagher. “Known for his tireless work ethic and consistent performance, he leads not with words, but through action. Zach embodies resilience and accountability on and off the field.”
Zach rushed 209 times for 1,503 yards and 24 touchdowns. Zach averaged an impressive 7.19 yards per carry and 136.6 yards a game. His 24 rushing touchdowns is a school record for most in a single season.
• 2nd team: Senior Jayden Pressley, OL
A versatile and relentless two-way lineman, Jayden excels at both offensive tackle and on the defensive line, Jayden brings a strong understanding of the game to every position played,” said Coach Gallagher. “Known for his leadership on and off the field, Jayden sets the standard in the locker room and the classroom, maintaining high academic standing while balancing a demanding athletic schedule. Coaches and teammates praise Jayden for a tireless work ethic,
physical toughness, and an unshakable commitment to team success.”
Jayden was an anchor on both the offensive and defensive line. He led an offensive unit that rushed for nearly 3,000 yards. He did not allow a sack this season on over 100 passing attempts. Jayden also set a single season record of 15 sacks in a season, while now being the school’s all-time leader with 18 total He added an additional 63 total tackles and an interception.
• 5th Team: Senior Robert LaBarbera, QB
“A standout in the Class of 2026, Robert is a dynamic quarterback known for his leadership, athleticism, and relentless drive to succeed,” Coach Gallagher said. “As a natural athlete with excellent field vision and quick decision-making, he commands the huddle with confidence well beyond his years. He excels in the classroom, maintaining strong academic performance while balancing the demands of varsity athletics. Whether leading a comeback on Friday night or setting the tone in team meetings, he consistently sets the standard through his work ethic, discipline, and unshakable focus on growth.”
Robert finished the season with 1,086 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes, while also adding 1,135 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
• Honorable Mention: Junior Mike Moran, K
“Mike this season was 3 for 4 on field goals, with a long of 28 yards,” said Coach Gallagher. “Forty-eight of 53 on extra points, and accumulated a total 57 team points this season. Mike worked hard in the offseason to gain experience and make sure his team could count on him. His hard work paid off, as he was the difference in the Section IX championship game, with a field goal that gave us a 24-21 victory.”
WE ALSO HAVE AN EASTERN STATES CHAMPION! Please also join us in congratulating Junior Wyatt Boice, who was the Number 1 seed in his 175-pound weight class and won the 175-pound weight class! He beat Number 7 seed Connor Wilson of Our Lady of Lourdes 19-6 in the finals. Wyatt earned two tech fall wins in the opening rounds and beat Quentin Getzin of Ithaca 15-5 in the semifinals.
“Wyatt didn't give up an offensive point the whole tournament and won each match by bonus points,” said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher. “Zach Filip took second place at 215 pounds and wrestled great all day, dominating some highly ranked kids along the way. Jayden Pressley also wrestled great placing fourth and beating three state ranked kids along the way. Overall, we wrestled tough and taking first place as a team out of 184 teams is a great job.”
The Eastern States Wrestling Tournament is a renowned high school wrestling event for boys that brings together top competitors from across the eastern U.S. Held annually, it showcases elite talent and intense competition among some of the nation’s best wrestlers. Athletes compete in multiple weight classes, testing their skill, strength and mental toughness. The tournament is widely respected for its high level of competition and tradition, making it a major highlight of the high school wrestling season.
Congratulations to Junior Sara Pauls, who won her 126-pound weight class! Sara pinned top seeded Sara McLaughlin of Choate Rosemary Hall in Massachusetts, ranked 13th nationally, at the 1:09 mark of the match. Sara was an Eastern States finalist in 2023 and 2024.
Senior Jaida Macaluso finished in fourth-place in the 152 weight class.
Sara entered the competition as the fourth-seed, and Jaida as second-seed in their respective weight classes.
PLUS: Special congratulations to Senior Keira Filip who recorded her 100th career win at the Eastern States Tournament on Sunday!
The girls tournament for girls is an annual and premier high school wrestling event that features top female athletes from across the eastern U.S. It provides a highly competitive platform where wrestlers compete across multiple weight classes. The tournament highlights the growth and strength of girls wrestling while showcasing exceptional skill, determination and sportsmanship. It's widely recognized as an important and prestigious event in the high school wrestling season for girls.
Congratulations to Senior Kate O’Neill, who was recently named to the 2025 All-State Girls Soccer Class AA Fourth Team by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for Girls Sports (NYSSCOGS),
“With 15 goals and three assists, she was a constant offensive threat and someone the team could always rely on in big moments,” said Head Coach Rachael Moran. “A two-year captain and six-year member of the program, Kate led with heart, focus, and an unwavering commitment to her teammates. This recognition celebrates not only her talent, but the leadership and dedication she brought to the field every day.”
“Minisink wrestling is all about our wrestling community, especially our alumni and families,” said Head Coach Kevin Gallagher “When you’re in the Minisink wrestling family, you’re in for life. Coach Carrozza set the tone for a great program and has passed that down to us and we ran with it. Alumni night is always a great night and a chance to see some people who you haven’t seen in a while.”
Alumnus Mike Hoskings, a member of the first team 60 years ago, and Class of 2024 alumnus Luke Greiner were among the many great former wrestlers who attended. It was an occasion for everyone to gather, reminiscence and watch some really outstanding wrestling which is always supported by an exceptional and supportive Mat Maid squad!
IT’S TIME TO RALLY IN THE VALLEY!
The Cheerleading program invites you to attend its "Rally in the Valley Cheer Competition" at the High School on Saturday, Jan. 10. You'll be impressed with this high quality competition and talented participants!
Session 1: Rec teams – 9:30 a.m.
Session 2: JV teams – 12:12 p.m.
Session 3: Varsity teams – 2:12 p.m.
SPECIAL NOTE: The JV team performs at 1:18 p.m.; and the Varsity team performs at 4 p.m. --- so you want to be sure to be there earlier than their actual performance times to get the best viewing spot!
Admission: Adults: $10, students: $5, children under 5: Free
Event T-shirt sales, cheer apparel, and more!
Concessions available
WELL-DONE! The varsity girls and boys indoor track & field teams were busy over the recent break, competing in three invitational competitions:
At the recent Jim Mitchell Invitational, held at the Armory Track & Field Center, Minisink Valley collected one program record and event win, a trio of runner-up finishes, and a number of top-10 finishes:
•In the field events, junior Ella Michelitch won the individual title in the girls high jump, clearing a new program best bar of 5'10". Michelitch and teammate Delila Kronimus also earned second-place finishes in the girls long jump and pole vault, respectively.
•In the 4xMile relay, the boys quartet of Santiago Martinez, Luciano Palacios, Carter Rossi and Landon Straw produced a runner-up showing in 19:15.70.
At the recent Ocean Breeze Holiday Festival, Minisink Valley collected two event wins and five podium finishes:
•Delila Kronimus was victorious in the girls pole vault, continuing her strong start to the young season with a win at 11'6".
•The quartet of Robert LaBarbera, Angel Mendez, Stetson Terpak and Maximillian Wickrath closed out the meet as champions in the 4x400 meter relay with a time of 3:29.18, with the 'B' lineup of Jeremiah Alexis, Logan Cohen, Chase Lattimer and Michael Moran taking fifth place.
•The boys distance medley relay team of Daniel Oenga, Luciano Palacios, Carter Rossi and Elijah Zittel earned a fourth place finish in 11:30.77; and the girls 4x400 meter relay squad of Lyla LaBarbera, Salma Samdaoui, Danica Martinez and Jerlivia Frederick nabbed the final podium position in 4:20.33.
And at the recent Ocean Breeze Freedom Games:
•Delila Kronimus earned her second consecutive win at 11'6" in the girls pole vault event.
•In the boys 4x400 meter relay, the quartet of Robert LaBarbera, Stetson Terpak, Maximillian Wickrath and Angel Mendez were runners-up in a season best 3:26.27.
•In the girls 4x200 meter relay team of Kessler Hirsch, Ferrah Hill, Chloe Beck and Ella Michelitch produced a strong showing in the preliminaries in 1:46.29 and finished fourth in the finals in 1:47.31.
See more photos on the district's Facebook page!
Minisink Valley returns to the track at The Armory tomorrow, Jan. 7, looking to advance the 4x400 and 4x800 meter relay teams to the prestigious Millrose Games.
PLUS: Thirteen wrestlers placed in the Top 6 in their weight class! AMAZING! Well-done to all!
Champions
--- Keira Filip, 114-pound weight class
--- Jaida Macaluso, 165-pound weight class
Second Place
--- Sara Pauls, 126-pound weight class
--- Treven Costello, 152-pound weight class
--- Caitlin McIlroy, 165-pound weight class
5th Place
--- Aubrey Weed, 138-pound weight class
6th Place
--- Calista Vargas, 100-pound weight class
--- Makenna Matone, 107-pound weight class
--- Amelia Patzelt,120-pound weight class
--- Paris Deslandes, 126-pound weight class
--- Avery Wingen, 132-pound weight class
--- Olivia Miller, 138-pound weight class
--- Brooke Besson, 152-pound weight class
Team results:
Minisink vs. Shaker 39–25
Minisink vs. Granville/Whitehall 47–17
Minisink vs. General Brown 41–21
Minisink vs. Utica Proctor 66–5
Minisink vs. Coxsackie 54–5
Minisink vs Glens Falls 49–16
Individual highlights:
MOW: Keira Filip, 6–0
Sara Pauls, 6–0
Avery Wingen, 5–0
Jaida Macaluso, 5–0
Kenzie Welch, 5–0
Amelia Patzelt, 4–0
Olivia Miller,4–0
Cait McIlroy, 4–0
Treven Costello, 4-0
Players and coaches from the Minisink Valley and Valley Central varsity girls wrestling team gathered last evening, Dec. 18, for a group photo following Minisink Valley’s 52-10 dual meet win!
These Minisink Valley wrestlers won their weight class (in parentheses)
• Zoe Ford (94 lbs.)
• Caleesta Vargas (100 lbs.)
• Makenna Matone (107 lbs.)
• Keira Filip (114 lbs.)
• Peyton Matone (120 lbs.)
• Paris Deslandes (126 lbs.)
• Sara Pauls (132 lbs.)
• Avery Wingen (138 lbs.)
• Kenzie Welch (145 lbs.)
• Jaida Macaluso (165 lbs.)
• Treven Costello (185 lbs.)
Minisink Valley also won four exhibition matches before the varsity meet:
• Madyson Thorpe (126 lbs.)
• Kensi Nigro (132 lbs.)
• Lorencia Gangi (138 lbs.)
• Aubrey Weed (138 lbs.)
“Our girls varsity wrestling team wrestled the first dual meet ever in our home gym,” said Head Coach Dan Gallo. “It was a lot of fun and really cool atmosphere. Congratulations to the current roster, led by captains Jaida Macaluso, Keira Filip, Avery Wingen and Sara Pauls. Let’s keep the ball rolling and continue pushing ourselves to be successful and disciplined each and every day.”
Over the season, Valley Central, Minisink Valley, Monroe-Woodbury, Port Jervis and Middletown will compete at various venues within Section IX's area.
"Dual meet" competition for full teams in girls wrestling is representative of the tremendous growth of the teams in Section IX and across New York State over the last two to three years.
While girls have wrestled for many years (often on boys teams or in club tournaments), the sport became officially recognized by the NYSPHSAA in the 2022–23 school year and held its first official state championship in 2025.
Senior multi-eventer Ella Michelitch had a standout debut in all three of her individual events. She opened the evening with a program record of :8.56 in the preliminaries and raced to a runner-up finish in the final of the 55 meter hurdles. After establishing a new personal best of 34'6" in the shot put, Michelitch closed the evening with a dominant win in the high jump, clearing 5'8". Senior Delila Kronimus also finished second in the pole vault, opening her season with a clearance at 11'6".
The boys team were led by a strong showing in the sprint events, with runner-up finishes for seniors Robert LaBarbera (400 meter dash) and Maximillian Wickrath (55 meter dash). Max emphatically lowered the program record in the flat sprint twice in little more than an hour, blazing to times of :6.65 in the preliminaries and :6.52 in the finals.
And in their first 4x200 meter relay of the season, Robert and Max teamed with Angel Mendez and Tarius Theodore to break the program record and earn third-place honors in 1:32.77.
The teams will return to action with a weekend double-header at West Point (OCIAA Developmental Meet) and The Armory (Jim Mitchell Invitational), before a trip to Staten Island for the Ocean Breeze Holiday Festival.
Sixteen schools from all over New York State competed in the tournament, which was hosted by the Girls Varsity Wrestling Team.
“When the dust settled, our girls walked away as team champions with 327 team points,” said Head Coach Dan Gallo. “Shenendehowa and Middletown came in second and third respectively.”
Seniors Keira Filip (120-pound weight class) and Jaida Macaluso (165-pound weight class) earned Most Outstanding Wrestling (MOW) honors. At 120 pounds was senior Keira Filip and at 165 pounds was senior Jaida Macaluso.
“Every single Minisink wrestler won a match,” added Coach Gallo. “That’s pretty cool.”
Champions
Calista Vargas, 100-pound weight class
Aubrey Weed 138-pound weight class
Treven Costello, 165-pound weight class
Olivia Carroll, 185- pound weight class
Keira Filip, 120-pound weight class
Sara Pauls, 132-pound weight class
Jaida Macaluso, 165-pound weight class
Finalists
Kolbie Furman, 107-pound weight class
Kensi Nigro, 132- pound weight class
Kenzie Welch, 145-pound weight class
3/4th
Zoe Ford, 94-pound weight class
Mady Thorpe, 126-pound weight class
Avery Wingen 138-pound weight class
Joanna Wodzinski, 152-pound weight class
Amaris Miklwood, 165-pound weight class
Yes, we know teams can’t “redshirt” themselves.... but we did it anyway for the 2025 Special Olympics New York Polar Bear Plunge. Next year, we will be back!
We’re grateful to officials from Special Olympics New York’s Hudson Valley chapter who visited us this past Friday, Dec. 5, to present us with the 2024 Cool School Challenge Trophy (we raised $4,022) and brought celebratory pizza for anyone from the 2024 team who was able to attend. They gratefully recognized the efforts of the 2024 team and are completely energized to work with us to get an awesome team in place for 2026.
However, the trophy didn’t stay in our possession very long. It’s now in the safekeeping of our friends at the nearby Chester School District, the Cool School Challenge winner for the 2025 plunge at The Rez in Highland Mills. Congratulations, Chester, but you better watch out: We’re coming after you in 2026 to reclaim our title!
