O'Mara and Palmesano honor Corning-Painted Post state champions

Corning, N.Y., June 10--State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) today visited the Corning-Painted Post High School to pay tribute to several of the school’s 2023-2024 New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) state champions. 

O’Mara and Palmesano were joined by athletes, family members, school administrators and staff, coaches, teachers, and students to present official Legislative Resolutions honoring the state titles. The lawmakers sponsored the resolutions that were approved by the state Senate and Assembly.

In a joint statement, O’Mara and Palmesano said, “The Corning-Painted Post school district has a proud history of athletic excellence, competition, and achievement. We appreciate this opportunity to congratulate and pay tribute to several of the school’s state champions throughout the past year. It’s an opportunity to recognize and honor the dedication, excellence, hard work, and success of these remarkable student-athletes and their coaches. They represent inspiring stories and stand as a source of enormous pride to the entire Corning-Painted Post school district, as well as to their families and friends, the community at large, and our entire region.” 

O’Mara and Palmesano recognized the following CPP state champions at today’s ceremony in the school cafeteria:

> the Boy’s Bowling team that captured the team’s first-ever state title by winning the Division 1 Bowling Championship on Sunday, March 10, at AMF Strike N’ Spare Lanes in Syracuse. The O’Mara-Palmesano Legislative Resolution recognized Head Coach William Condon and team members Cameron Kennedy, Camryn Stefanini, Peyton Nelson, Zach Sturdevant, Dante White, Maximus Aponte, and Bentley Goodier;

> Angelina McKane, who captured both the 50-yard Freestyle and 100-yard Butterfly titles at the Girls Swimming and Diving Championship meet last November. At the 2023 championships, McKane, a five-time state champion, was also awarded the Scholar Athlete Award and Outstanding Competitor Award presented by the New York State Certified Swimming Officials Association. She is committed to swimming in Division 1 at the United States Military Academy at West Point;

> Taylor Farrell, who won the 1500-meter Race Walk at the Division I Indoor Track and Field Championship on March 3, 2024. On March 8 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, Farrell captured the New Balance Indoor Championship in the 1-mile Race Walk, setting a new meet record with a time of 7:05.14. She will attend Suffolk University in Boston this fall and continue competing on the track and field team; and

> the newly crowned Girls Varsity Softball team that won the first-ever Class AAA state softball title on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Martha Avenue Recreational Park on Long Island, defeating Section 5’s Fairport 8-2 in the championship game. O’Mara and Palmesano recognized Head Coach Mike Johnston and his assistant coaches, and team members Maddie Payne, Kendall Curreri, Sophie Schoonover, Lauren DeRosa, Sophia Pozella, Jade Cook, Daphne Sherman, Kayleigh Sparks, Matti Johnston, Hayden Robertson, Emelia Smith, Peyton Sullivan, Hannah Kauffman, Mia Madden, CJ Harrison, Lauren Mahon, and Sydney Layton.

CPP Superintendent Michelle Caulfield said, “As the Superintendent, there is no greater pride than seeing our students find their passion regardless of the field or activity. These stellar student-athletes have found theirs and they have represented Hawk Nation well. It is an honor to know them.”

CPP Director of Athletics Rebecca Gentile said, “We couldn't be prouder of the success our student-athletes and coaches have achieved this school year. Their hard work and dedication to excel in their respective sports truly merit the recognition they're receiving. We're grateful for this event, where we can come together as ONE to celebrate the accomplishments of our Corning Hawks!”

CPP Varsity Bowling Coach William Condon said, "As the coach of the team, I am immensely proud of these young men not only for their victory in the state championship, but for the honor of knowing them and having the privilege to coach such a remarkable group. Their incredible work ethic and dedication shine brightly, serving as a fine example for our future. Even if they hadn't won, I would still be immensely proud of each and every one of them. Congratulations to the team for their well-deserved success!"

Corning Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving Head Coach Alyssa Helsing said, “We are extremely proud of Angie's accomplishments at the NYS Championship meet. Her performance was so exemplary that she not only won two events, but she also received All-American status, was voted top performer in the entire state, and won the scholar-athlete award. She has been a powerhouse on the team since middle school and Coach Furstoss and I will greatly miss her at the pool."

Corning Boys and Girls Indoor Track and Field, and Cross Country Head Coach Ray Lawson said, “The technical aspects of race walking require an athlete to maintain ground contact with one foot at all times while the front leg must contact the ground with a straight knee and the knee must stay straightened until the hip passes over it. This is easier said than done and often difficult for casual observers to determine whether a competitor is racing legally, unless you watch Taylor racewalk. She is often praised by judges for her form and her smoothness while racing fast is extraordinary. Her model form makes even the most casual observer note, ‘Oh, that is what race walking is supposed to look like.’ With her New York State Championship victory in the 1500-meter race walk, Taylor set new school and Section IV records and is ranked #10 all time for New York. A week later Taylor won the Mile Indoor Race Walk at The New Balance National Meet in Boston setting a new meet record to cap off her dominant senior season.”

Corning Softball Head Coach Mike Johnston said, “’Pressure is a privilege’ was the team’s motto this season. Our kids played with grit and were fearless on the biggest stage. We improved every single game culminating with a New York State Softball Championship.”