THE SPORTS REPORTS: NORTH PENN-LIBERTY'S BEAR MATTISON NAMED ALL-REGION 'COACH OF THE WINTER;' THREE TIOGA COUNTY COACHES MAKE THE BAKER'S DOZEN (2025-04-19)

The Sports Reports
It's not often someone gets to do something for the first time, but North Penn-Liberty's Bear Mattison did just that, and is The Sports Reports' 2024-25 All-Region "Coach of the Winter."

Mattison, along with assistant coaches Kyle Bower and Travis Oakley, led the Mounties to an 18-win season, and just their fourth NTL Small School championship ever

Mattison also led the program to its first-ever District 4 title.

The All-Region Baker's Dozen "Coaches of the Winter"
Bear Mattison, North Penn-Liberty boys basketball: See above.

Bob Woodward, Troy, boys basketball: Troy lost half its roster from a year ago, but the Trojans kept on chugging as they continued their dominance through the NTL. They also won the District IV, Class 3A title.

Bill Sexton, Towanda wrestling: A senior laden group with plenty of exciting young talent was a recipe for success, and the Black Knight staff whipped up plenty of accolades this year with a league title, a North Section title, and two state medalists.

Devan Witman, Waverly wrestling: The rebuilding process of the Waverly wrestling program is officially complete in the wake of its team title at the New York State Division 2 Wrestling Championships. The  Wolverines posted a 12-4 record, and a runner-up finish in the Section IV, Division II Duals. They had five state medalists.

Andy Scott, Horseheads girls basketball: Scott guided Horseheads to a second straight Section IV title, and also won the STAC West title.

Jimmy McCauley, Elmira bowling: McCauley guided the Elmira boys to a runner-up finish at the New York State Division 1 Championships. He also directed the girls to wins at the STAC Championships, the Section IV State Qualifier, and a 7th-place finish at States.

Ryan VanNoy, Canton girls basketball: VanNoy led the Warriors to their first state berth since 2002 as they went 15-7 on the season, their best record in more than 20 years. He did this with one senior, along with battling injuries, including one starter out for the year.

Rob Gentile, Towanda girls basketball: Gentile led a senior-less Black Knight squad to a 14-8 record after a 3-7 start. Towanda earned a home district game, and made the state playoffs for the first time in three years.

Lou Judson, Waverly boys basketball: After graduation, injury, and early enrollment at college, Judson returned just one player from last year's rotation on a team that won the Section IV, Class B title. He cobbled together a young team that got better and better as the season progressed. The Wolverines earned the second seed after an 11-9 season in the STAC, then returned to the Class B finals with wins over Watkins Glen and Lansing, before falling to Dryden in the championship tilt.

Brett Owen, Horseheads wrestling: Owen directed the Blue Raiders to a Section IV, Division I Duals title, and into the semifinals at the New York State Duals. Horseheads also won STAC and Section IV Division I Championships — its fifth straight. The Blue Raiders also set a school record with three state medalists.

Eric D'Arcy, Newark Valley wrestling: Newark Valley was 5-0 in duals to win an IAC Large School title, then topped Windsor to reach the semifinals of the Section IV, Division 2 Duals. The Cardinals won their first IAC Championship in nearly a decade, then advanced a pair of wrestlers to States, including third-place finisher Trevor Middendorf.

David Wilcox, Williamson wrestling: Wilcox led the Warriors to a 16-5 ovrall dual meet record, including a 5-3 in the NTL. The Warriors won a district duals match against Sullivan County, and advanced six wrestlers to Districts, three to Regionals, and two to States.

Mike Johnston Jr., Corning boys basketball: Johnston Jr. led Corning to an 18-4 record, and a STAC West title, as well as a Section IV, Class AAA title.

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