B-P athletes embrace competition as fall season rolls on

The 2026 fall sports season is in full swing at Broadalbin-Perth, with teams approaching the midpoint of their schedules and continuing to compete, grow and build momentum.

Across the district’s fall programs, coaches have highlighted the progress their athletes have made throughout the season, from developing team chemistry and confidence to embracing the work it takes to improve each day. With the second half of the season ahead, B-P’s student-athletes are continuing to compete with the same commitment, energy and teamwork they brought into the fall.

8v8 Football

For the B-P varsity football 8v8 team, coach Rick Wallace is excited to see a young group gain experience and grow together throughout the season.
“We have a lot of young players gaining valuable experience, and their energy, toughness, and willingness to compete have stood out in practice,” Wallace said.
Wallace said the team’s unity will be an important part of its success as the season progresses, emphasizing the need for players to work together and play for one another.

“If we can continue to improve every day, play physical, and stay committed to one another, I think we’ll put ourselves in a great position to have a successful year,” Wallace said.

Boys soccer

Coach Chris Korona enters the season with an especially strong connection to his players. Korona has coached many of the athletes since they began playing together at the U10 indoor soccer level, giving him the opportunity to watch the group develop over the years.

“The success of this team will come from the work they put in all year and their camaraderie,” Korona said. “They work well together and have built great chemistry as a team.”

That chemistry will be an important part of the team’s approach as the season continues, with the group looking to build on the work it has put in throughout the year.

Girls soccer

Coach Rob Klug said the girls' soccer team enters the season with a mix of experienced players and newcomers. Some players have been with the program since their freshman years and are now stepping into leadership roles on and off the field, while a number of new varsity players are learning to come together as a team.
Klug said the team focuses on what it can control, including effort, attitude, fitness, work rate, and organization.

“If we can control those things, then we’ll put ourselves in positions to be successful,” Klug said.

The team will look to continue putting those pieces together throughout the season with the goal of peaking in mid-October in time to make a playoff run.

Cross country

Cross country coach Jeff Richards sees plenty of potential in both the boys and girls teams.

The boys enter the season with a young but talented roster, and depth gives the team an opportunity to compete at a high level. Richards said the group’s ability to run together as a pack will be an important factor.

“If they can run in the pack that Mr. Hitrick and I know they are capable of, we’ll contend for a Sectional title,” Richards said, referencing assistant coach Alex Hitrick.

The girls' team faces a different challenge: it has five runners — the minimum needed to score as a team. Richards said the group has plenty of talent, but each runner will need to perform at a high level throughout the season

“However, if anyone is up to the challenge, it’s this group,” Richards said.

Volleyball

For the B-P varsity volleyball team, coach Kayla Twardzik is excited about the culture and energy her team has built heading into the season.

Twardzik said the team has developed a strong sense of family, with players ready to work hard, compete, and support one another throughout the season.

“Our energy, communication, and commitment to each other will be what makes this team successful,” Twardzik said.

As the season continues, Twardzik said she looks forward to seeing that culture grow as the team works together and celebrates each other’s successes.

Boys golf

The B-P varsity golf program enters a milestone season, celebrating its 40th year.
Coach Anthony Mucilli said the program enters the season with one of the largest rosters in Section 2, featuring a mix of new golfers and a strong returning group.

“Setting both individual and team goals will keep our players constantly striving to elevate their game, which will translate into a successful year,” Mucilli said.
Mucilli said he’s proud to coach the group and looks forward to seeing what the golfers accomplish throughout the season.

Girls golf

The B-P girls' golf team has put together a 12-1 record as the season approaches the midpoint, with its lone loss coming against Cobleskill. Coach Kyle Zoller said the group has continued to improve each day and has received numerous compliments throughout the season.

As a first-year coach, Zoller also credited the team’s senior leadership for helping to make the transition smooth.

“I can’t say enough about how they’ve made my job easy as a first-year coach. The senior leadership is off the charts. Each day, they’re working to get better,” Zoller said.

Game-day cheerleading

The game-day cheerleading team also enters the fall with a young roster, giving coach Courtney Buchanan an opportunity to watch her athletes develop their skills while building a foundation for future seasons.

Buchanan said communication, commitment, and a positive team environment will be key to the team’s success. Her goal is to create an environment where athletes feel supported and comfortable, encouraging one another while also holding each other accountable.

“If we work hard, stay positive, and truly work as a team, I think we can have a great season both on and off the mat,” Buchanan said.

Girls swimming

The girls’ varsity swimming team, coached by Nancy Spagnola, recently earned its first win, and the roster has increased to 15 swimmers.

“We’re so excited to see the team continue to grow and build on our first win of the season,” Spagnola said. “Having 15 swimmers on the roster is a huge step forward for our program, and we’re thrilled to see Junior Natalie Taylor already punch her ticket to Sectionals in three events.”

Taylor has achieved Sectional qualifying times in the 200 Individual Medley, 100 Butterfly, and 100 Backstroke.

Unified Bocce 

Unified bocce is starting the season on a high note.

“I’m feeling especially excited to kick off this season on our brand-new, custom-built bocce courts,” said coach Alianna Zevola. “And we have a wonderful group of students joining Unified Sports — some for the first time and some returning. I’m proud that we continue expanding our mission of promoting inclusivity, kindness, and compassion across our school community.”