Advertise on podcast: The Nate Lull Podcast

What does the new collaboration between the Tri-Valley League and Delaware League mean for the future of local high school sports? Nate sits down with Gilbertsville-Mt. Upton Athletic Director Greg Bonczkowski, who played a key role on the committee that developed the plan. Greg explains how the partnership came together, why changes are being made and the impact on student-athletes. This special edition focuses on soccer, including scheduling, standings and the upcoming Tri-Del Championship on October 17th. The conversation also covers the importance of preserving traditions, addressing community concerns and what lies ahead for both leagues.

Nate catches up with Deposit-Hancock standout Laycee Drake just before she leaves for the United Kingdom to launch her professional basketball career. She talks about signing her first contract with the B. Braun Sheffield Hatters of Super League Basketball and what excites her about joining a successful franchise that fits her style of play. Laycee shares how the opportunity came together after wrapping up her time at St. Bonaventure and connecting with an agent to explore options overseas. She also reflects on her summer back home in Hancock, competing in the Norwich Gus Macker and helping to start open runs at Unatego for local high school and college players. Laycee looks ahead to the next six months and what life could be like as she takes on this new chapter.

Nate chats with Alexis Davis, M.Ed, ATC, CSCS, owner of Performance Athletics in Oneonta. Alexis helps athletes improve their strength, speed, agility and overall performance while also focusing on injury rehab, movement and running analysis. She works with people from a variety of backgrounds and experience levels, including many local high school and college athletes who seek her out for training programs. Alexis shares how she got started in the industry, what led to the decision to eventually go out on her own and the philosophies behind her approach. She also talks about her passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and what she enjoys most about the sport.

Nate connects with Norwich wrestling standout Maverick Beckwith for an episode recorded at the Norwich YMCA. Mav discusses the big news that he will forgo his senior season at Norwich High School to attend the New York Military Academy, a college prep school located along the Hudson River near Newburgh. This announcement came as a surprise to many Section IV wrestling fans, and Maverick takes us through what led to the decision and why he believes going prep is the right move for the future. After spending his senior year at NYMA, the 3-time NYS champion will continue wrestling at Division-I Army West Point. Mav shares more about his college plans and how they played a role in choosing NYMA for his senior year.

Nate visits with Ashton Townsend, who recently took over as Sports Director at WCDO Radio in Sidney. Ashton is a 2022 Downsville graduate who was a standout in Soccer, Basketball and Baseball for the Eagles. He then attended SUNY Brockport, where his work at the campus radio station gave him the opportunity to broadcast a wide variety of sports. The conversation covers what it means for Ashton to begin his career close to home and his plans for the future at WCDO. Nate and Ashton also talk about their relationship following Nate’s move to independent coverage after 12 years at the station. They explain how they hope to collaborate and continue bringing great local sports coverage to the area.

Nate welcomes Oneonta High School Soccer legend Bre Gault to the show. A 2005 OHS graduate, Bre is one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in local history and will be inducted into the New York State Sportswriters Girls Soccer Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026. She talks about moving to Oneonta and her journey to multiple state final four appearances. Bre was known for her natural ability in goal and standout performances in penalty-kick shootouts. She reflects on the coaches who made an impact along the way and shares favorite memories from her time with the Yellowjackets. The episode also features a special surprise appearance from longtime OHS Coach Jerry Mackey.

Nate takes a deep dive into Oneonta history with John Nader and Lane Potter. John is currently writing a book about the city’s 6th Ward and the immigrants who settled there in the early 1900s, while Lane joins the conversation representing the Oneonta Boys and Girls Club. Located in the 6th Ward, the organization was founded by neighborhood native Carl Delberta Sr. We learn about Carl’s difficult upbringing and decorated professional boxing career, which included bouts against some of the best fighters of his era. After his time in the ring ended and he returned home from World War II, Carl wanted to share his passion for boxing with local boys. He saved every penny he could and built the club from next to nothing. Lane brings along a collection of old photos and information documenting Carl’s life and the rich boxing tradition that played such an important role in those early days. That legacy is now being celebrated through a recently renovated training room. The episode also explores the impact of fellow 6th Ward native Sam Nader, John’s father, who was part of the group that brought the Oneonta Yankees Baseball team to town. There are plenty of memories from the many years Sam and his son spent running the team, along with stories from Damaschke Field and the future Major Leaguers who passed through the city along the way.

Nate talks paddling with Zach Craft of Unadilla and Luke van der Veur of Cobleskill as they recap the 2026 AuSable River Canoe Marathon in Michigan. The New York duo steadily climbed through the field during the 120-mile journey from Grayling to Oscoda, finishing in 16 hours and 3 minutes while earning the honor of top rookie team. Zach and Luke were also one of only three boats to complete the second half of the course faster than the first. Nate had a front-row seat to their performance while serving on the feed crew for Jake Crotser and Gaston Jones, giving him a unique perspective on how the night unfolded. The conversation covers how both guests got into the sport, what inspired them to take on the AuSable, their preparation leading up to Michigan, and memories from this year’s 70-miler. They also share what it was like competing in one of canoe racing’s most challenging events and reflect on a memorable trip.

Nate sits down with Morris Central School alumna and Canisius University Soccer player Hannah Wist at the Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. A small-school standout, she was pulled up to varsity as a 7th grader and went on to earn multiple All-State selections in both Soccer and Softball. Hannah also helped E/M capture Section IV championships in each sport and shares what it was like when the former rivals (Edmeston and Morris) joined forces. Now competing at the Division-I level, she looks back on the path that took her from MCS to Buffalo and the dedication required to make that dream a reality. Hannah discusses her recruiting process, the challenges of getting noticed while attending a smaller school, and the role club ball played in creating additional opportunities. She also reflects on her freshman year at Canisius, adjusting to the college game, and what she hopes to accomplish as she prepares for her sophomore season. Plus, Hannah's close friend and E/M teammate Brenna Bolton from Edmeston makes a special appearance at the end of the conversation.

Nate heads to SUNY Cortland for a conversation with Brooke Tillotson and Kayla Campbell from the Red Dragons Women's Basketball team. Recorded during graduation week in May, this episode captures a milestone moment as both players prepare to receive their diplomas. Brooke, who will further her education in Iowa, looks back on this chapter of her basketball career, while Kayla plans to pursue her master's degree and stay in the Red and White with two seasons of eligibility still ahead. Both former Section IV standouts reflect on what it took to reach the college game while offering advice for younger athletes hoping to follow in their footsteps. Brooke, a Marathon native, discusses what it was like playing close to home and the expectations that came with it. After starring at Franklin, Kayla began her collegiate career at Division-II Daemen before eventually transferring to Cortland. She also shares her thoughts on the transfer portal, her recovery from a torn ACL, and the mindset that guided her through rehabilitation.

Nate catches up with Cherry Valley-Springfield graduate Luke Bartlett at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown. Luke talks about his lifelong passion for the outdoors, how it inspired him to study at SUNY Cobleskill, and the opportunities that followed, working in environmental conservation across New York State. Together, they revisit Luke's high school athletic career, including the freak injury that ended his senior season before it began. Rather than letting the setback define him, he reflects on the positive mindset that helped him continue supporting his teammates and how that experience gave him an even greater appreciation for the work he does today.

Nate stops by Worcester Central School for a conversation with Hayley Dawson, a native of Papamoa, New Zealand, who was helping at a summer basketball camp following her graduation from SUNY Morrisville. Hayley reflects on growing up in the beach town of Papamoa, the journey that brought her halfway around the world to pursue college basketball in the United States, and the determination it took to earn that opportunity. She discusses her time at Jamestown Community College before transferring to Morrisville, reflects on a collegiate career that included four different sports, and explains why basketball always remained her true passion. Along the way, Hayley shares what it means to be a proud Kiwi, the differences between New Zealand and American culture, and what she misses most about home.

Nate visits Richfield Springs Central School for a conversation with twin sisters and 2026 graduates Issy and Gabby Seamon, along with RS/ODY Girls Soccer Coach TJ Hoose. The episode looks back on an impressive stretch for the program that included two Tri-Valley League titles and a Section IV Class-D championship. Coach TJ reflects on the leadership Issy and Gabby provided while helping turn the team around. The sisters also discuss success in Basketball and Softball, highlighted by Issy joining the 1,000-point club on the hardwood. Both will attend Mohawk Valley Community College to study Radiology and play soccer, with basketball remaining a possibility.

Nate is joined by Dejah Taylor, one of the most decorated sprinters in Sidney Track and Section IV history. Dejah leaves behind an incredible legacy with 14 school records across Indoor and Outdoor Track, including nine individual marks and five relay records. Sidney's 2026 Valedictorian will continue her academic and athletic career at Binghamton University as a member of the Division-I Track and Field program. Dejah reflects on her outstanding senior season, highlighted by a strong performance at the NYS championships, a trip to compete at historic Hayward Field in Oregon, and her recruiting journey. She finishes by sharing a rare and heartfelt look into her personal life, discussing the challenges she and her siblings have overcome while growing up.

Nate travels to Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School for this special episode entitled “All Things WAJ.” He visits with Hannah Tuttle, Piper Cohane, Gianna Garzone, and Sophia Garzone to discuss an outstanding 2025-2026 athletic season for the Warriors. WAJ Softball finished 21-1 and advanced to the NYS Class-D championship game, highlighted by memorable wins in both the Delaware League and Section IV Class-D title games. Hannah earned NYS Class-D Co-Player of the Year honors, while Piper was named to the NYS Class-D All-State 3rd Team. Piper, Gianna, and Sophia played major roles on the Warriors Alpine Ski team, which earned a 2nd place finish at the NYS championships after capturing a state title the year before. Piper also enjoyed standout individual success, posting strong finishes in both the giant slalom and slalom races. This episode looks back on a remarkable season for WAJ Girls Athletics and the memories these student-athletes created along the way.