Groton athletics: a tradition is born

Groton High School (GHS) has been privileged to send many of its student-athletes off to play college sports through the years, but on June 16, six of the Class of 2021 graduates were honored at a special first-time event that Athletic Director Mark Triolo hopes will be the start of a Groton tradition.

“We, as a society, do not honor our deserving athletes as we should,” Triolo said.

Thus, he was motivated to hold a recognition event for GHS’ college-committed student-athletes and their families.

Students Sophia Bell, Emma DeMatteo, Morgan Gunn, James Lucey, Kalib Manning and Jackson Slade, along with their families, Triolo, Superintendent Margo Martin, several coaches and other school staff members, were present at the event.

“The recruiting process is a very difficult and stressful one for student-athletes,” Triolo said in his opening speech. “They are asked to make difficult choices at a very young age. Recruitment starts as early as their sophomore year.”

Triolo pointed out that GHS is a Division III school, so not every athlete is awarded scholarships, but each has the privilege of getting dorm assignments and class schedules ahead of students who are not athletes.

Bell has committed to play soccer at Utica College. Utica competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Empire 8 Conference. She will major in child psychology and special education to become a special education teacher.

“The recruiting process was stressful,” Bell said. “It was nerve-wracking reaching out to coaches, not knowing what their responses would be, but it was very exciting when coaches would reach out after games or tournaments they attended. Playing soccer at Utica is a new chapter I’m extremely excited to begin.”

Sophia’s parents are Tom Bell and Amie Prince. She thanks them “for making it to every game and supporting me through it all. They took the time to take me out of state for games.”

DeMatteo has committed to play soccer at Russell Sage College, which competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Empire 8 Conference. She will be studying physical education with the hope of becoming a physical education teacher.

Reflecting on her recruitment experience, DeMatteo said it was “filled with lots of excitement as coaches were reaching out to me, and it was also stressful because I wasn’t sure exactly where I wanted to go. It was nerve-wracking at points, especially when I would go to meet with coaches. I am very excited for this next journey and for all the memories and lessons that await! ‘Go Gators!’”

Emma’s parents are Matt and Molly DeMatteo. She thanks her family for all their love and support and sends a “special shout-out to coach Stebbins for making me the goalie I am today.”

Gunn has committed to play softball and basketball at Tompkins Cortland Community College. Tompkins Cortland competes in the NJCAA in the Mid-State Athletic Conference. She will also be attending Tompkins Cortland’s nursing program to become either a registered nurse or nurse practitioner.

“Going through the recruiting process, I was very excited and was kind of nervous as well,” Gunn said. “When I was selected, I was so proud of myself because all the hard work I’ve done throughout my entire life with basketball paid off. With college, there is definitely a higher level of competition, and I am so glad to be a TC3 Panther.”

Morgan thanks her parents, Mark and Janine Gunn, and sends “a huge shout-out to varsity basketball coach Albro for helping me get in contact with my college coach and making my last year at Groton memorable.”

Lucey has committed to play basketball at Hartwick College. Hartwick competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Empire 8 Conference. He will study pre-physical therapy.

Regarding his recruitment process, Lucey said, “It was stressful at times but a fun and once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

James sends “a shout-out to my parents, Matt and Jessica Lucey, and family, past coaches, and coach Updike and Mr. Triolo.”

Manning has committed to play football at Alfred University, which competes at the NCAA Division III level in the Empire 8 Conference. His field of study is still undecided.

“The entire process was really stressful when deciding between colleges,” Manning said. “But it was a great experience, and I felt super successful when I made my decision.”

Kalib thanked all his coaches, his mother and father, Marcie and Joseph Manning, and all the staff at the school for their support.

Slade has committed to both the cross-country and track and field programs at SUNY College of Environmental School of Forestry. ESF competes in the USCAA and is in the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. He will be studying environmental resource engineering with the hope of becoming an environmental engineer.

“I was more excited than stressed,” Slade said of his experience. “I knew ESF was the place for me, so when the head coach showed interest in me, it felt amazing.”

Slade said he has enjoyed cross-country and track and field more than anything else.

“To be given the opportunity to run at the next level is something I am truly grateful for and looking forward to,” he said.

Jackson thanked his parents, Danielle and Marty Slade, and sends “a shout-out to my track and cross-country coach, Mr. Weeks, and my basketball coach, Mr. Updike, for always motivating me to give my very best all the time.”

“That first phone call in the recruiting process is a huge learning experience for these athletes,” Triolo said. “And I hope these students will make themselves available to those who are coming up after them to help them navigate the process.”

Groton on the Inside appears weekly. Submit news ideas to Linda Competillo, lmc10@cornell.edu or 607-227-4922.

In brief:

Groton Rotary golf

The annual Groton Rotary Golf Classic tournament will take place at Stonehedges Golf Course and Banquet Facility, 549 Stevens Rd., July 16, rain or shine, with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start.

Captain and crew teams are welcome at $75 per person. Proceeds will benefit the Groton Rotary Club. Prizes will be awarded with a grand prize of a trip or $10,000 for a hole-in-one.

For more information and sponsorships, contact Brian Forney at (573) 512-0241 or forneybw@yahoo.com. Team payments may be sent via Zellepay.com.

Day camp for girls

The Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways are offering a three-day camp for girls entering first through fourth grade this fall, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 28 through 30 at Beaudry Park, 57 Scammel St., Cortland. Being a registered Girl Scout is not required. Cost is $125 per attendee.

Girls will play field games, learn the bee dance, make fairy houses, become frog detectives and more. They will also earn a fun patch.

Register at gsnypenn.org/communitydaycamps. For further information, contact engagement manager at jginney@gsnypenn.org or (315) 698-9400 ext. 2518.

Groton Beautification Committee

The Groton Beautification Committee is looking for committed residents of the surrounding area to pitch in and work together to keep our village beautiful. The committee will focus on upkeep of the gardens and flower beds around the village, with all the necessities provided by the Village Office. If you are interested in joining the team, please fill out the Google form at https://forms.gle/
2Fhk1xPPpqGvCKus7.

Contact grotonbeautification@gmail.com with questions.