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HUSKY HIGHLIGHTS

Winter 2025-2026
Dear Harrison Community,
 
This edition of Husky Highlights reflects a season that captures what Harrison athletics strives to develop — competitors who perform and conduct themselves with integrity in every venue.
 
All ten Varsity teams earned Scholar Athlete recognition from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. Twenty-nine student-athletes were named All-League. Matt McCoy scored his 1,000th career point, becoming Harrison's all-time leader in points scored, three-pointers made, and steals. Julian Gahr became the Rye Town Harrison Hockey team's all-time points leader with 150. Julia Ruggiero became the first female athlete from Harrison to compete in the NYS Section 1 High School Bowling Sectional Championship. Aidan Grant broke the 500 freestyle school record. Nico da Silva broke the 200-yard medley school record.  A team of student athletes competed on the inaugural Section 1 Unified Bowling team, which brought together neurodivergent students with their neurotypical peers to compete side by side.
 
I am profoundly grateful to our coaches for developing our students as scholars, athletes, and principled, caring adults. Congratulations to everyone on a season that represents the very best of who we are as a high school.

 

Sincerely,

Louis N. Wool, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Winter 2025-26 Season Highlights

  • All 10 Varsity teams earned Scholar Athlete recognition from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association
  • 4 student athletes were named All Section
  • 1 student athlete was named All County 
  • 29 student athletes were named All League
  • Tony Silverman was a LoHud Wrestler of the Week Finalist 
  • Matt McCoy was named to the LoHud preseason watch list for Boys Basketball, nominated for LoHud Player of the Week, scored his 1,000th career point, and became Harrison’s all-time leader in points scored, three-pointers made and steals
  • Julian Gahr became the Rye Town Harrison Hockey team's All Time Point Leader with 150 points
  • Jack Badner earned the Bill Thom Court of Excellence for his academic and basketball success.  Only 10 players in the section earn this prestigious honor. 
  • Julia Ruggiero made history as the first individual female athlete from Harrison to compete in the NYS Section 1 High School Bowling Sectional Championship
  • Aidan Grant broke the 500 freestyle school record
  • Nico da Silva broke the 200 yard medley school record
  • Aidan Grant and Nico da Silva advanced to the NY State Championship in their respective events

All 10 Varsity Teams Earn Scholar Athlete Recognition

This season all ten varsity teams received Scholar Athlete recognition from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). To receive scholar athlete recognition, 75% of the team roster must have an average GPA of at least 90. At the end of each season, the NYSPHSAA honors teams who have achieved this academic success by awarding Scholar Athlete recognition.

Team Highlights


Boys Swimming

Head Coach: Phil Dearstyne
Assistant Coach: Daniel Recktenwalt
Record: 9-4-1
Scholar Athlete Team
The Harrison Boys Swimming team entered the season prepared for the challenge of moving from League 2 to League 1.  They demonstrated commitment and maturity during practices and meets, developing depth across all strokes and grade levels.  The team continued to grow and achieve behind strong leadership in the pool and the continued growth of its underclassmen. Aidan Grant led the team in dual meet victories, with Nico da Silva close behind, and both advanced to the NY State Championships in their respective events. Harrison capped the season with an impressive 10th-place finish at the Section 1 Championships, one of the program’s best finishes to date.
 
Awards and Recognitions
All Section: Aidan Grant, Nico DaSilva
All League: 
Aidan Grant, Nico DaSilva, Colby Clair, Kanta Oka

Girls Bowling

Head Coach: Jon Erik Zappala
Record: 8-7
Scholar Athlete Team

The Girls Bowling team was led by extraordinary seniors Eleanor Gilmore, Julia Ruggiero, and Beverly Kang, whose leadership set a high standard and helped guide the team both on and off the lanes. Their example inspired the team and built a positive, cohesive culture.  Julia Ruggiero made history as Harrison’s first individual female to compete at the Section 1 Championships, posting a high game of 230 and a 150 average. Her Game 3 score was the highest of the round across all schools and ranked 8th overall.

 
Awards and Recognitions
All League:  Julia Ruggiero, Eleanor Gilmore

Boys Bowling

Head Coach: Phil DiGioia
Record 7-7
Scholar Athlete Team
This season, Varsity Boys Bowling focused on developing a growth mindset, accountability, and high expectations. Three freshmen stepped into starting roles, consistently contributing and embracing the program’s standards for effort, behavior, and sportsmanship. Joseph DiFeo qualified for sectionals; his leadership and success impacted the entire roster. Structured practices, goal setting, and self-reflection, supported every athlete’s improvement and built a foundation for future progress.
 
Awards and Recognitions
All League: Joseph DiFeo

Unified Bowling

Head Coach: Bianca Mollicone
Assistant Coach: Jen Inglis

The inaugural season of Unified Bowling was a great success. Unified Bowling is a Section 1 sport in which neurodivergent students compete alongside their neurotypical peers. Each neurodivergent student is paired with a neurotypical peer, and they participate on the team together. The Husky team competed in four matches against other Section 1 schools. Participation is rooted in the principle of meaningful involvement, ensuring that every player has the opportunity to contribute to the team's success through their unique skills and abilities. The team fostered a collaborative, inclusive environment where everyone's success is celebrated. 


Boys Basketball

Head Coach: Gary Chiarella
Assistant Coach: Daniel Pesco
Record: 10-11
Scholar Athlete Team
The Harrison Boys Varsity Basketball team showed resilience and competitiveness throughout the season, facing one of the most challenging schedules in the division and still managing an impressive six-game winning streak along the way. The season was highlighted by Matt McCoy breaking the program’s all-time scoring record, a tremendous achievement and testament to his dedication and consistency. Jack Badner was recognized for his leadership and sportsmanship, earning the Court of Excellence Award. The team earned several hard-fought victories throughout the season, including memorable wins over Pleasantville, Nyack, and Westlake, all highly contested one-possession games.
 
Awards and Recognitions
All Section: Matt McCoy
All League: Jack Badner, Ryan Ianniello

Girls Basketball

Head Coach: Louis Kail
Assistant Coach: Dennis Hurlie
Record: 7-14
Scholar Athlete Team

This season marked a rebuilding year for Harrison Girls Basketball, defined by growth, resilience, and camaraderie. The team embraced the challenge, committing to learn, and improve every day, supporting each other on and off the court.  A highlight of the season was the thrilling win over Averill Park which showcased the team’s grit and determination, battling to the final buzzer for a hard-earned victory. Most importantly, this group has created real momentum and a strong foundation for continued growth and success.

 
Awards and Recognitions
All-League: Charlotte Hazelton

Wrestling

Head Coach: Cristian Hilario
Assistant Coach: James Weinbaum
Record: 12-17
Scholar Athlete Team

The Wrestling season was highlighted by tremendous individual growth by every member of the team. With a young varsity lineup, the team exceeded expectations throughout the season and competed with resilience and determination. Harrison sent eight wrestlers to the Westchester County Championships, with six earning at least one victory. Ten wrestlers qualified for the Section Tournament, and eight won at least one match, demonstrating the team’s grit and competitiveness. The highlight of the tournament came from team captain Nicholas Manahan, who qualified for the second day of competition and finished in the top eight, just outside of the All-Section podium.

Awards and Recognitions

All LeagueNicholas Manahan, Dario Gogliormella, Matthew Belluzzi, Christian Ofori-Amanfo

Ice Hockey

Head Coach: Rich Myers
Assistant Coach: Jamie Funigiello
Record: 2-18
Scholar Athlete Team

The Ice Hockey team faced a challenging yet highly developmental season. With a young roster, the Titans encountered early obstacles but demonstrated consistent determination and growth as the year progressed. While the results didn’t always reflect their effort, the team focused, disciplined, and prepared for each game. Their resilience and dedication have established a strong foundation for future success.  The season was highlighted by Julian Gahr, who broke Rye Town Harrison record and became the All Time Point Leader with 150 points. 

 
Awards and Recognitions
All Section Honorable Mention: Julian Gahr
All League: Julian Gahr; Honorable Mention: Max Kulakofsky

Cheer

Head Coach: Julia Brefere
Assistant Coach: Shaylin Scott
Scholar Athlete Team

The Cheer Team achieved impressive strides this season, even with a young roster: finishing 4th out of 19 teams at UCA Regionals, advancing to the semifinals at UCA Nationals, and earning 2nd place at the Section 1 Championship. The team’s commitment, resilience, and growth throughout the season was remarkable, and the future of the program is bright.

Awards and Recognitions
All Section: Mana Nagai 
All League: Avery Borman, Leia Pansarella, Lily Elfand, Mana Nagai, Riley Anderson, Romina Alban

Boys Indoor Track

Head Coach: Andrew Dapolite
Assistant Coaches: Emily Polvere, Michael Pellet
League Finish: 2nd
Scholar Athlete Team

The Harrison Boys Winter Track & Field team persevered through a challenging season as the outdoor track was buried under snow for nearly six weeks, forcing the team to adapt its training throughout the winter. Despite these obstacles, the athletes continued to improve and delivered an outstanding performance at the League Championship Meet, finishing 2nd overall and recording 47 personal records.

Harrison crowned four League Champions: Chris Eskrett (1000m), Ryu Irahara (Long Jump and Triple Jump), Simon Modica (600m), and Aurelien Haberkorn (1600m and 3200m). Ryu Irahara also earned All-County honors with a Long Jump of 22 feet 1inch, the 3rd best mark in Westchester County this winter, and will represent Harrison at the National Championship Meet. The distance group had a particularly strong season. Junior Aurelien Haberkorn finished within three seconds of the school record in the 1600m and teamed with Chris Eskrett, Simon Modica  and Joey Portocarrero to run a 4x800m relay that came within two seconds of the school record. The team also benefited from the addition of Daniel Ellison, an 8th grader, who made an immediate impact by placing 5th in the 600m at the League Meet, after dropping 11 seconds and qualifying for Nationals.

 

Awards and Recognitions
All County: Ryu Irahara - Long Jump
All League: Chris Eskrett - 1000m, Ryu Irahara - Long Jump, Triple Jump, Simon Modica - 600m, Aurelien Haberkorn - 1600m, 3200m

Girls Indoor Track

Head Coach: Shannon Heffernan
Assistant Coaches: Emily Polvere, Michael Pellet

League Finish: 2nd

Scholar Athlete Team

The Harrison Girls Winter Track & Field team had an impressive season marked by steady improvement, strong teamwork, and several standout performances. With strong leadership and development across the roster, the girls demonstrated excellent growth and built positive momentum throughout the season. The team capped off the winter with an outstanding showing at the League Championship Meet, finishing 2nd overall and contributing to the team’s 47 personal records on the night.

The girls were led by League Champions Lori Chin, Eloise Ryan, Bella Smyth, and Caitlin Harold, members of the winning 4x400m relay team. Several athletes made key scoring contributions, including Caitlin Harold, Thalia Lemaire, Jada Savage, and Kinga Kozyra, along with strong performances from Lori Chin, Fujiko Yamada, Bridgett Rosales, and Erin Koyama. Kinga Kozyra also reached a major milestone this season by breaking the 10-second barrier in the 55m hurdles. The team also found success at the North Shore Pre-National Invitational, where the 4x400m relay placed 3rd overall and earned medals. 

 
Awards and Recognitions
All League: Lori Chin – 4x400m Relay,  Eloise Ryan – 4x400m Relay, Bella Smyth – 4x400m Relay, Caitlin Harold – 4x400m Relay
 

LMK Student Athletes Bring Heart & Hustle

 

LMK Middle School Modified Athletics
This season our LMK MIddle School student athletes worked hard, developed their skills, and embraced the values of teamwork and commitment, supporting one another every step of the way. More than 180 student athletes became a part of our Husky community, showing pride, resilience, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. We are incredibly proud of their progress and look forward to all that the future holds for these promising athletes at the High School level. 
 
 

Follow us on Instagram @harrisonschoolsny
 

Department of Physical Education, Health and Athletics
Chris Galano, Director     
Danny Gonzalez, Assistant Director