Nate is joined by Unatego alum and local marathon canoe paddler, Austin Henchey, for a special recap of the 2025 AuSable River Canoe Marathon in Michigan. Also, be sure to check out the ARCM preview episode featuring his race partner, Jake Crotser. This was Austin’s first time at the AuSable, and he takes us through the journey from start to finish. Hear about his training, what it was like to paddle through the night, and how the duo handled the many obstacles they encountered along the way.

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!