Croton-Harmon Sports Wrap

First-year Athletic Director Susan Dullea was noticeably upbeat recapping year in sports, with good reason.

The year began with a successful fall campaign, highlighted by the football team’s run to the state semifinals in its first year in Class B. Three Tigers—senior Matt Tralli, and juniors John Brennan and Jesse Mainiero—were named to the all-state team, and senior Kevin Soares was selected by the Westchester chapter of the National Football Foundation as one of the Golden Dozen, which acknowledges the top student-athletes in the area. 

Several of Croton-Harmon’s girls teams were successful in the fall as well, with the cross-country and volleyball squads claiming league titles. 

Dullea, who moved over from Haldane to Croton-Harmon this year, said the football team’s performance led to increased attendance at home games and a general feeling of excitement around the .

The Tigers have won a lot in recent years, so expectations were high going into the season. Dullea credited Head Coach John Catano and his staff for helping his team meet and surpass those expectations. “Our coaches prepare beyond what I’ve ever seen to get the kids ready,” she said. 

The winter season included some outstanding individual accomplishments for Croton-Harmon athletes. Junior wrestler David Occhipinti won a sectional title at 125 lbs, becoming the school’s first-ever two-time sectional champion. Occhipinti also earned his 100th career victory during the winter season.

Sophomore gymnast Hope Tralli placed fourth in the overall at Sectionals and first on the balance beam, and senior basketball player Aly Tuman became the first Croton-Harmon girl to be named to the All-Academic team for a second time.

The wrestling team rebounded from a 1-24 season to improve to 17-15 this season, and with only three wrestlers graduating from this year’s team, Croton-Harmon figures to have an even stronger team next year.  Additionally, the Tigers girls indoor track team claimed a league title.

While the spring season did not bring as many accolades for Croton-Harmon athletics, it was not void of milestones.  The Tigers boys lacrosse team won its first playoff game in 11 years under first-year coach and Croton-Harmon alumnus Stephen Palencsar. “That was a great experience for our kids,” Dullea said. 

The girls track and field squad won a league title. Also, the girls lacrosse program had enough girls participate that it will make the jump from junior varsity to varsity next season.  

That means after a year filled with success and accomplishment, Croton-Harmon fans will have one more varsity team to cheer for next spring.