OWEGO - Owego outdoor rack and field has big aspirations for the 2025 season. This year, the state meet will allow a third classification and the River Hawks should be poised for a strong showing. 

The addition of a third classification has head coach Scott Senko very optimistic. "Owego will compete in Class B with Vestal, Maine-Endwell, Johnson City, Norwich, and Chenango Valley. We should benefit from this new classification system and could qualify several athletes for the state meet," Senko said.

Between both the boys and girls respective teams, OFA track and field has strong numbers coming out this spring for outdoor. Making up those numbers are key returners that coach Senko thinks should have a big impact this spring.

"We have more than 80 participants this season, which is the most we have had in a long time.  There are several key athletes returning to the team and we have very high expectations," said coach Senko.

On the girls side, Owego returns a trio of champions from last season. Stella Palladino, a two-time state qualifier is back after winning the 2024 Section IV championship in the 100m and 200m. 2024 Class B champion in both the 1500m and 3000m, Jaelyn Chrysler returns, as well as Lily Lafever who was the Class B Steeplechase champion last year. 

Also expected to make key contributions in 2025 are Sidney Senko in the 400m and Abby McHugh running the 3000m.

"The girls team should be very competitive this year with many strong runners returning.  We are hoping that some of our new athletes will help us score points in the field events, which was our weakness last year.  Our goal for the season is to repeat as STAC Central division champions and to be in the running for a Class B team title. We are also hoping to qualify several of our girls to the state meet," added Senko.

The Owego boys outdoor track and field team are also looking to be in the STAC Central division mix this spring. 

"The boys team is looking to improve on last year's performance and should be competitive in the STAC Central division.  Our goal is to win the division this season and qualify several boys for the state meet. Our boys 4x100m relay should be very competitive this year and has the ability to place at the state qualifier meet," coach Senko said.

Returning this season and helping make up that 4x100m relay will be Jaeden King and Adam Llewellyn. More River Hawks looking to make a difference in 2025 are Dylan Davis in the shot put, Evan Wasielewski in the triple jump, and Bryson Castro running the 400m.

OFA boys track & field will begin the season at home on April 3rd vs Chenango Forks. The girls team will join them on April 5th for the NY/PA Invitational at Windsor High School.

IN PHOTO: Stella Palladino

Photo provided by Tim Taylor