For Nyack’s many student athletes, December means one thing: the winter sports season is in full swing. With that said, let's take a look forward to see what we can expect from the Varsity sports teams representing Nyack this winter.
Track and Field
For the past few seasons, Nyack Track has had great success, sending 8 athletes to state championships last spring and placing 3rd in Class B in boys and girls team scoring. Coach Adam Klein is “excited to see the growth the program has experienced in both success and overall participation and… [is] even more excited to see what we can still accomplish… this upcoming winter.” One special event to look forward to is the Class B Championships, which will be held right here at Nyack High School. Coach Edgar Lambert is especially grateful for the “great working relationship we have with other coaches and initiatives put in place by the athletic director, Joe Sigillo” and credits the opportunity to host the Class B Championships to the “support from the Red & Black Club and all of the teachers who support our fundraisers or attend meets.” The Redhawks Track and Field team head down to The Armory in uptown NYC for their first meet on December 15th.
Men's Basketball
Nyack men’s basketball is coming off a historic year where last season (2023-24), they claimed their first league title since 2003. The Redhawks went 4-2 in the league before making a run to the second round of sectional playoffs. Captain Clyde Mackin (junior) is optimistic about another great season but knows nothing will come easy. He said, “We have a tough schedule ahead of us, but I think we have a great opportunity to surprise some people and over perform any expectations.” Fans should come out to the Nyack High School gym for a home game vs. Eastchester on Thursday, December 19 and a tournament on Friday to Saturday, December 27-28.
Women's Basketball
On the women’s side, the basketball team has experienced similar success, finishing the 2023-24 season with 12 wins and 8 losses, achieving a 60% winning percentage. The Redhawks also hosted and won their first home playoff game in several years last February, defeating John Jay in Round 1. There is definitely a sense of optimism surrounding what the girls think could be another great year. Forward Sydney Edmunds (senior) says she is “really excited for the season” and “hopes [they] make the playoffs again.” She also urges students to “Come out and support Nyack basketball at [their] home games!!!”. The Redhawks will host Gorton on December 17 and a tournament on December 27-28, offering great opportunities to show your support.
Wrestling
Redhawks wrestling is hoping to start the year strong and build off some impressive accomplishments from last year. The team’s 23-24 season was highlighted by a 2nd place team finish at the Edgemont Invitational where a sensational eight athletes placed in their divisions. Five wrestlers earned honors last year with Connor Bierfeldt, Vincent Sanabria, Yanni Gianakouros, and Devin Bierfeldt recognized as All League athletes, while Sam Szerlip was crowned Section One Champion. Captain Nate Hirsch (senior) is excited about the combination of returning and new athletes that make up the team this year. He says, “We’re working hard at practice everyday… [We have] a lot of new wrestlers and are looking forward to a good season”. Nyack will host the Red and Black Duals on December 14, a great opportunity for supporters to show their support for our Redhawks.
Fencing
Coming off a terrific showing last year, Redhawks Fencing is looking to take another lunge forward this season. Last year, they returned from the Section Championship with girls épée gold and boys épée silver, but fell short of placing in the foil categories. Coach Amanda Birro said she is “looking forward to seeing the boys and girls épée squads defend their titles” and is confident “the boys and girls foil squads (will) improve on their records from last year.” Fencing’s first meet is on Saturday January 6th at Woodlands High School.
With so much talent, determination, and community support, this winter promises to be an exciting season for Nyack sports. Go Redhawks!