Category: Athletic News
A New Field. A New Chapter.
LIBERTY, NY – The Liberty Central School District officially opened its new athletic field and track with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 4, bringing together students, staff, Board of Education members, local officials, coaches, and community members to celebrate a significant investment in student athletics and wellness.
The ceremony began with a welcome and performance of the National Anthem by the Liberty High School Band before district leaders and student-athletes gathered to mark the occasion.
Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan thanked Board of Education members, local officials, and the Liberty community for their support in making the project a reality.
“Today is the first step toward our future,” Sullivan said. “This track and field is not just a place where our student-athletes compete or take part in physical education; it is a symbol that brings us together.”
He noted that the facility represents a long-term investment that will positively impact generations of Liberty students.
Board of Education Vice President Maureen Crescitelli and Athletic Director TJ Zehner also shared remarks highlighting the importance of providing students with high-quality athletic facilities.
Zehner spoke about the vision behind the project, referencing the well-known quote from Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.”
“When we envisioned this new facility, that exact idea was at the heart of it,” Zehner said. “We knew that if we invested in a safe, state-of-the-art space for our kids, they would step up.”
He emphasized the opportunities the new complex will create for students, including encouraging participation in athletics, promoting teamwork and resilience, and supporting healthy lifestyles.
“This field is a promise to every student in the Liberty Central School District: your health, your potential, and your dreams matter to this community,” Zehner said.
Student-athletes also reflected on what the facility means to them.
Jose Moreno Reyes, senior captain of the boys varsity soccer team, said the new turf field will provide athletes with improved training opportunities and a competitive advantage.
“We are excited to be the first group of student-athletes to play on the new turf field,” Moreno Reyes said. “This field will allow us to get better practice when the weather is poor, improve our skills on a true surface, and increase our speed of play.”
He added that the team looks forward to playing in front of packed home crowds and continuing to make the Liberty community proud.
Audrey Krum, senior captain of the girls varsity soccer and track and field teams, spoke about the impact the facility will have on student-athletes across multiple sports.
“As a multi-sport student-athlete who will be getting a lot of use out of this new facility this year, I couldn’t be more thankful to be able to end my high school career on our new track and turf field,” Krum said.
She reflected on the challenges faced by the track program during construction, including practicing off-site and traveling to use other facilities. Despite those obstacles, the team achieved considerable success, including an indoor Division III championship in 2025 and a strong outdoor season.
“Having a new track will rejuvenate us again and help us compete at a higher level,” Krum said.
The celebration concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting featuring Board of Education members, administrators, student-athletes, coaches, and project partners, officially opening the facility for use.
The new athletic complex will serve students across the district for athletics, physical education classes, and community events, creating opportunities for current and future Redhawks to learn, compete, and grow.
“This field is officially yours,” Zehner told students. “Go out there, get active, and make us proud. Go Redhawks!”
Community Use of the Turf Athletic Facility: Do’s & Don’ts
The Liberty Central School District welcomes the community to enjoy our turf athletic facility during approved community access hours. To help keep the facility safe, clean, and in excellent condition for everyone, please follow the guidelines below.
DO
- Use the field only during approved community access hours.
- Wear appropriate athletic shoes or turf-approved footwear.
- Pick up all trash and dispose of it in the provided receptacles.
- Report any damage, safety concerns, or maintenance issues to the school district.
- Obtain the required permit for organized turf use.
- Respect scheduled school activities, athletic practices, and permitted events.
- Supervise children at all times.
- Share the space courteously with other users.
- Follow all posted rules and directions from school district staff.
DON’T
- Do not bring food, gum, sunflower seeds, or chewing tobacco onto the turf.
- Do not bring glass containers, alcoholic beverages, or use tobacco products, vaping devices, or smoking materials.
- No pets are allowed on the track or turf field.
- Do not use bicycles, skateboards, scooters, rollerblades, or motorized vehicles on the field.
- Do not play golf, conduct baseball batting practice, throw javelins, or participate in other activities that could damage the turf unless specifically authorized.
- Do not move goals, equipment, or field furnishings without permission.
- Do not stake tents, signs, or other objects into the turf.
- Do not litter or leave personal belongings behind.
- Do not climb on fences, goals, or other structures.
- Do not use the field if it has been closed due to maintenance or weather-related safety concerns.
- Do not dump liquids, including water, sports drinks, or other beverages, onto the turf field or track.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, clean, and enjoyable athletic facility for our students and the entire Liberty community.
Liberty Athletics: 2026 Fall Season Information
All student-athletes interested in participating in fall sports must be registered and approved through ArbiterSports before attending any practices or tryouts.
Registration Link: https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/liberty-central-school-district-athletics
Registration Opening Dates:
• Varsity & JV Sports: July 20, 2026
• Modified Sports: August 3, 2026
Fall Season Start Dates & Sports:
Varsity Sports
• • Practice Starts: Varsity Football Only, August 17 and all other sports August 24, 2026
• Sports Offered: Football, Girls and Boys Soccer, Girls Tennis, Girls Volleyball, Girls and Boys Cross Country, and Cheerleading
JV Sports
• Practice Starts: August 24, 2026
• Sports Offered: Girls and Boys Soccer, and Girls Volleyball
Modified Sports
• Practice Starts: September 3, 2026
• Sports Offered: Girls and Boys Soccer, Girls and Boys Cross Country, Football (7th, 8th, and 9th Grade), and Girls Volleyball
Important Reminder:
Please make sure your student’s physical exam is current and uploaded during the ArbiterSports registration process. Students must be approved before they can participate in the first day of practice.
Questions? Email: tzehner@libertyk12.org
Liberty athletes help lead U16 soccer team to championship
Congratulations to the Girls U16 Liberty United Lady Devils team, made up primarily of students from Liberty, on its 4-3 victory at the Hudson Valley Youth Soccer League final against AYSO United Hudson Valley. Scoring and giving Liberty the lead with a hat-trick in the first half of the game was Madelyn Cavello. The opposing team evened the score in the last minute of the game. It was in stoppage time that midfielder Alexandra Galeas Osorio made the winning goal that secured the ladies’ title as champions of the Girls U16 Division. Assisting the goals with precise passes and runs were midfielders Madysen Rielly, Adriana Ponce Agredano, Milenka Tello-Pereyra, Adriana Leon Gavilan, Paola Melendez Deras and Amy Cortes. On defense were defenders Casity DiBartolo, Victoria Henry, Amaiya Williamson, and Sophia Vasko. Diving through and cutting many plays short was goalie Stephanie Gomez Nivelo.
The team is led by Roothland Medina and assisted by Solomen Conner and Carpio Ramos. “ I want to thank the parents and the community for the support as we made our way down victory lane, Mr. Medina said. “The biggest thing we learned throughout the season was that our success did not derive from any one individual. It was forged through the bonds that we made as a team, a family, but most importantly, being there for each other, always United!”
Liberty United Soccer Club is not directly associated with the Liberty Central School District and is an independent community group with the goal to educate and develop youth through the sport of soccer.
Liberty honors varsity athletes
Liberty Central School District honored its scholar-athletes during its athletic Block L Awards in the David E. Panebaker auditorium earlier this month.
“It is an absolute honor to stand before you tonight to celebrate another incredible year of Liberty Central School athletics,“ Athletic Director Thomas Zehner said in his opening remarks. “Looking out at this room, I don’t just see a collection of jerseys, stats, or medals. I see the heart and soul of this community.”
Following opening remarks by Mr. Zehner, the following were among the awards presented.
Fall
Boys Soccer
- Co-Offensive Most Valuable Player: Rene bernal Huezo and Jose Moreno Reyes
- Most Improved Player: Jeffrey Banegas Barahona
- Golden Glove: Justin Simon
- Coaches Award: Randy Romero Bello
Girls Soccer
- Most Valuable Player: Brooke Bull
- Most Improved Player: Madysen Rielly
- Coaches Award: Adriana Ponce Agredano
Football
- Coaches Award: Austin Frunzi
- Offensive MVP: Shawn Bickham Jr
- Defensive MVP: Riley Cox
- Most Improved Player: Austin Frunzi
- Overall MVP: Tayler Schwartz
Cross Country
- Most Valuable Cross Country Runner-Girls: Adriana Ponce
- Most Valuable Cross Country Runner-Boys: Colin Dasraj
- Most Improved Runner: Angela Wheeler
Girls Tennis
- MVP: Allisson Diaz Lopez
- Coaches Award: Angele Osorio Ramirez
Volleyball
- Coaches Awards: Ariana Wilson and Makayla Morales
Game Day Cheer
- Coaches Awards: Aimee Sheerwood and Aryiah Cottman
Winter
Boys Basketball
- MVP: Adrien Ferguson
- Offensive MVP: Zack Alvord
- Defensive MVP: Tyleal Aubain
- Most Improved Player: Riley Cox
Boys Wrestling
- MVP: Elmer Son Vicente
- Most Improved: Misael Juarez Perez
- Coaches Award: Tarek Benadim
Girls Wrestling
- Most Valuable Wrestler: Isabella Wagner
- Rookie of the Year:Baileigh Steinberg
- Boys Indoor Track & Field
- Most Valuable Track Athletes: Joseph Sarney, Dylan Romero and Colten Jay Allen
- Most Improved Track Athlete: Ryan Romero Bello
Girls Indoor Track & Field
- Most Outstanding Track Athletes Sydania Foster and Brooke Bull
- Bounceback Athlete: Sheyla Anguisaca Llanos
- Breakout Performer: Starriah Harris
- Most Outstanding Novice: Victoria Henry
Boys Alpine Ski
- Coaches Award: Roger Lynker
- Most Valuable Player: Hudson Danzillo
- Most Improved Skier: Brody Kelly
Girls Alpine Ski
- Coach’s Award: Alexandra Kelly
- Most Improved: Lia Guillerme
Girls Basketball
- MVP: Giselle Payton
- Defensive MVP: Arianna Wilson
- Most Improved: Adriana Ponce
Game Day Cheer
- MVP: Adelyse Brewer
Spring
Baseball
- Coaches Awards: Zackary Alvord, Everett Schwartz and Tayler Schwartz
Softball
- Co-Offensive Players of the Year: Madelyn Stewart and Guillana Wagner
- Defensive Player of the Year: Arianna Wilson
- Coaches Award: Brooke Porter
Boys Outdoor Track and Field
- Most Valuable Track Athlete: Joseph Sarney
- Sprinter Award: Dylan Romero
- Throwers Award: Shawn Bickham
- Most Improved Track Athlete: Michael Reyes
- Distance Award: Ryan Romero
Girls Outdoor Track and Field
- Most Valuable Track Athletes Sydania Foster and Brooke Bull
- Most Outstanding Novice: Makayla Morales
- Breakout Performer: Starriah Harris
- Coaches Award: Sheyla Anguisaca Llanos
Boys Tennis
- Most Valuable Player: Sebastian Yupanqui
- Coaches Awards: Phillo Romero and John Palacios Medrano
Boys Golf
- Lowest Scorer: Jake Cross
- Coaches Award: Phillip Burrous
Girls Golf
- Most Valuable Golfer: Elizabeth Cruz Cruz
- Coaches Award: Angela Wheeler
Special Recognition Awards
“Ross” Award
- Boys Soccer Scholar Athlete: Zackary Alvord
- Girls Soccer Scholar Athlete: Adriana Ponce Agredano
“Rattner” Award
- Boys Basketball Scholar Athlete: Joseph DiBartolo
- Girls Basketball Scholar Athlete: Adriana Ponce Agredano
“Goodstein” Award
- Wrestling Perseverance: Tarek Benadim
Kavleski Award
- Boys Track & Field Scholar Athlete: Joseph Sarney
- Girls Track & Field Scholar Athlete: Adriana Ponce Agredano
Fred Planica Award
- Most Improved Player (Underclassman) (Baseball): Michael Feijo
- Buchal Award Most Valuable Player (Baseball): Justin Simon
- Most Valuable Player (Softball): Angela Wheeler
“To our athletes: whether you are walking away tonight with a championship patch, a most-improved award, or simply the pride of finishing a hard-fought season, remember this: the plaques on these tables are wonderful, but they aren’t the real prize,” Mr. Zehner said. “The real prize is the person you became while trying to earn them. It’s the discipline you built. It’s the lifelong bonds you formed with your teammates. It’s the resilience you developed that will serve you long after you hang up your Liberty uniform.
“Thank you all, congratulations to all of tonight’s winners and participants, and as always—Go Redhawks!”
Liberty pole vaulter to compete in states
Good luck to Brooke Bull tomorrow as she competes in the state outdoor track and field championship in the pole vault. The event starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 13, at Webster Schroeder High School in Webster.
Although she was the only Redhawk who qualified for the state meet, our student athletes had a great showing in the qualifiers last week:
- Starriah Harris placed sixth in the 100m hurdles.
- Sydania Foster placed fourth in the 100m and sixth in the 400m.
- Victoria Henry placed fifth in long jump.
- Audrey Krum placed fourth in pentathlon.
- The girls 4x100m relay team (Victoria, Starriah, Brooke, Sydania) placed third
- The girls 4x400m relay team (Quinn, Starriah, Brooke, Sydania) placed fourth
- Dylan Romero placed fourth in the 400m.
- The boys 4x400m relay team (Tyleal, Joe, Colten, Dylan) placed fourth and set a new school record.
Congratulations on a great season, Redhawks!
Update: Brooke ended up placing 11th at the state meet.
Five Redhawks officially commit to college athletics
Next year, five standout student-athletes from Liberty will be taking their talents to the colleges of their choice to continue their athletic pursuits.
On Monday, June 8, Shawn Bickham, Isabella Wagner, Angie Wheeler, Justin Simons and Brooke Bull signed their letters of intent to play sports at the college level during a ceremony held in the Liberty High School auditorium.
There are certain days in a high school career that feel like a finish line, but today is unique. Today is a starting line,” Athletic Director Thomas Zehner said “We are here to celebrate a select group of young men and women who have earned the right to extend their athletic journeys into the college arena.”
Each athlete was introduced with a speech from their coach.
Shawn Bickham
Shawn, who will attend Utica University and major in nursing, will compete on the indoor and outdoor track and field teams as well as wrestle for the Pioneers. He was introduced by his track and field coach Roothland Medina.
Shawn competed in multiple events—hurdles, triple jump, javelin, hammer, discus and shot put—this year. He ranked in the top 10 in the javelin in Section IX and earned fifth place at OCCIA. Shawn plans to continue to hone his skills at the Kutztown jumps camp for pole vault and triple jump this summer..
“His leadership and willingness to step up to the challenge is what makes Shawn stand out above everyone else,” Mr. Medina said. ”This is the kind of work ethic that will make Shawn successful as he continues his journey in the track world at college.”
Isabella Wagner
Isabella, who will attend Eastern University and major in health sciences, will wrestle for the Eagles. She was introduced by Mr. Zehner, who read a speech by wrestling coach Brian Vaughn who was unable to attend.
Isabella wrestled for Liberty for two years, and finished 31-26, with 20 of those wins coming in this season. Her record also puts her at second all time for Liberty girls wrestling and she had the third best record between the boys and girls teams this season).
“She’s always been one of the hardest working in the room and I’m sure she’ll keep that up when she gets to Eastern,” Mr. Vaughn wrote in his speech.
Angie Wheeler
Angie, who will attend SUNY Delhi and major in criminal justice, will play softball for the Broncos. She was introduced by varsity softball coach Dave Philips.
Over her four and a half years on the varsity softball team, she started 56 games as a pitcher, racking up more than 350 strikeouts and earning the pitching decision in every single Redhawk victory over the last four seasons. She also started 67 times in the field, and had more than 50 hits and 80 runs scored or driven in. Angie was a mult-year team MVP, a three-time Sullivan Democrat selection, and earned a Times-Herald Record Class A All-Star selection two years ago. She has also played in dozens of tournaments with the NEPA Phantoms Travel Ball Organization.
“Angie is the definition of a fierce competitor and a tireless worker,” Mr. Philips said. “What truly sets her apart as an athlete is her constant drive to elevate her game—she doesn’t just welcome constructive criticism, she actively seeks out advice and pushes herself to be better every single day.”
Justin Simon
Justin, who will attend Western Connecticut State University and major in elementary education, will play baseball for the wolves. He was introduced by varsity baseball coach Andrew Philips
Justin played for the varsity team for three years, but had his best year this past year. He batted .536 with a .836 slugging percentage. He set the single season doubles record and also added a home run on the year. His clutch bat helped the team score runs with 14 RBIs on the year.
“His work ethic and passion for the game is evident in his preparation,” Mr. Philips said. “With his hard work he has had one of the best seasons you could have this year.”
Brooke Bull
Brooke, who will attend the University of Lynchburg and major in criminology, will compete on the track and field team for the Hornets. She was introduced by track and field coach Rich Feeney.
She has been a member of the indoor and outdoor track and field teams at Liberty for the past three years.
She set school records in the pole vault for indoor and outdoor track, was a member of the 4×200 relay team that set a school record this past indoor season, and helped lead Liberty to an indoor Division 3 championship as well. She represented Liberty at the Indoor State Championships in both the pole vault, the 4×200 relay and qualified for Nationals this year. During the outdoor season, Brooke qualified for the state championships and earned invitations to the Penn Relays and the Loucks Games, two prestigious track and field meets in the Northeast. She has also won, placed and medaled at countless invitationals throughout her career here at Liberty, including being a division and section champion.
“Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Brooke has been a tremendous leader and role model for her teammates,” Mr. Feeney said. “Her positive attitude, work ethic, and leadership have left a lasting impact on our program and will be greatly missed.”
Mr. Zehner offered well wishes to all of the athletes.
“We cannot wait to watch you compete, watch you grow, and watch you succeed. You will always have a home here, and we will always be your biggest fans,” he said. “Congratulations to our seniors. Go make Liberty proud!”
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of June 8-14, 2026
This is the final week of the 2025-26 athletics season. We will close with the outdoor track and field state championships this weekend.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday-Friday, June 8-12
No events scheduled..
Saturday, June 13
10 a.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field State championships vs. Multiple Schools at Webster Schroeder High School in Webster. (Brooke Bull is competing in Pole Vault)
Result: Brooke Bull finished 11th
Sunday, June 14
No events scheduled.
Liberty athletics to wrap up year with signings, awards
The Liberty Athletics Department has plenty to celebrate in the coming weeks.
Five seniors will sign their letters of intent to compete at the college level. The ceremonies will take place at 4 p.m. June 8 in the High School Auditorium. Signing will be:
- Shawn Bickham, who will attend Utica University and will wrestle and complete on the track and field team
- Brooke Bull, who will attend the University of Lynchburg and will compete in the track and field team.
- Justin Simon, who will attend Western Connecticut State University and play baseball
- Isabella Wagner, who will attend Eastern University and will wrestle
- Angie Wheeler, who will attend SUNY Delhi and play softball
Later that week will be the “Block L Athletic Awards,” the annual varsity sports recognition event. It will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 11, in the high school auditorium. Family and friends are welcome to attend the ceremony.
“Being a varsity athlete is more than just playing a sport—it is a commitment to excellence in all aspects of student life that deserves to be recognized,” Athletic Director Thomas Zehner said. “We look forward to seeing you there to acknowledge our student-athletes.”
Sports schedule, and results, for the week of June 1-7, 2026
We are in the homestretch of the 2025-26 athletics season. This week, we only have Track and Field state qualifiers.
Here are the schedule and results, if available. Livestream links are included where available.
The schedule is subject to change. Check the Liberty schedule on the Section IX website for the latest.
Monday-Tuesday, June 1-2
No events scheduled.
Wednesday, June 3
2:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field State Qualifiers vs. Multiple Schools at Cornwall High School
Thursday, June 4
3:30 p.m.: Boys and Girls Varsity Track and Field State Qualifiers vs. Multiple Schools at Goshen High School
Results from qualifiers: Brooke Bull qualified for states in pole vault. Starriah Harris placed 6th in 100 meter hurdles. Sydania Foster placed 4th in 100m and 6th in 400m. Victoria Henry placed 5th in long jump. Audrey Krum placed 4th in pentathlon. Girls 4×100 placed 3rd. Girls 4×400 placed 4th. Dylan Romero 4th in 400m. Boys 4×400 placed 4th and set a new school record.
Friday-Sunday, June 5-7
No events scheduled