Claire Donlon

Claire Donlon has been selected as the female Athlete of the Month for October as a member of the Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving team.  She is currently a sophomore but already has three years of varsity experience under her belt.  Specializing in diving, Claire has represented Wayland-Cohocton proudly all season long.  In the LCAA Championships, she finished in the top three for all four events she participated in which included a 3rd place finish in the diving championship.  During the Class C Sectional Diving Championship at the Webster Aquatic Center, Claire rebroke her school record on her way to a 2nd place finish.  When asked what it takes to successful in swimming and diving, she stated: “Showing up, working hard, and having a positive attitude.”  Claire also mentioned that mistakes only make you better in the pool, even if those mistakes result in belly flops.  

In speaking about what makes her proud about being an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton, she said:

“Being the only diver on the varsity team for the past 3 years has been such an amazing experience.  I’m extremely grateful for the amount of support I get from my team and school.”

Favorite Food: Boneless wings
Pre-Meet Ritual: Listening to music and getting hyped with the team
Fondest Memory: Breaking her first diving record during her freshman season

Claire would like to thank Coach Welch and her Mom and Dad for their unwavering support.  Having fun was the best advice she ever got over the years. 

October Stats: 3rd place finishes in 200 Medley Relay, 50 Freestyle, and Diving (LCAA).  2nd place finishes in 200 Freestyle Relay (LCAA) and Class C Diving Finals (Sectionals)

Ben Teed

Ben Teed has been selected as the male Athlete of the Month for October as a member of the Dan-Way-Co Varsity Football Team.  Coach Knapp said “he has been a leader on the defense and when we need a few yards, he is the running back for the job.”  Ben has been playing football for a long time, 14 years in total with the past three at the varsity level.  When asked what makes him proud to be an athlete at Wayland-Cohocton, he stated: “I personally never thought I would win this award.  Seeing myself improve through the years to be able to receive this award is what stands out the most.” 

When asked what it takes to be successful in football, Ben stated:

“Putting in the work during the off-season.  The coaches will get everyone coached up but the team needs to give it their all.”

Favorite Food: Tacos
People to Thank: All the coaches and teammates, especially the O-Line
Fondest Memory: All the times spent laughing and joking during practices

October Stats: 350 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns, and a team-leading 60 tackles on defense

Michaela Earley

Michaela Earley has been selected as the female Athlete of the Month for September as a member of the Girls Varsity Volleyball team.  Now in her 3rd year at the varsity level and team captain, Coach Jerome says “she has really matured this year and is playing her best.”  Michaela credits hard work and a good mindset to earning this recognition.  She would like to thank her coach for believing in her when nobody else did and for always believing in the team. 

When asked to provide some inspiring words, here is what she had to offer:

“Never give up on something, even though you are losing.  If you’re losing by the score, it doesn’t show how successful you really are. Put in your goals and reach for them.  It’s the best feeling when you overcome those goals. Trust me!”

Nick Name: “Rocket”
Favorite Food: Mac ‘n Cheese
Pre-Game Ritual: Monster Energy Drink
Fondest Memory: Team sleepover at school

September Stats: 14 kills, 1 block, 28 digs, and an 80% service percentage.

Collin Mehlenbacher

Collin Mehlenbacher has been named the male Athlete of the Month for September as a member of the Dan-Way-Co Varsity Football Team.  Now a 3rd year starting receiver and defensive back, Coach Knapp stated “Collin has been a big factor in our team’s success this year as his growth and maturity has made him a leader on and off the field.”  Collin says it takes brotherhood, determination, and mentality to be successful on the football field along with a “ready to play” approach to practices.  He would like to thank his coaches and parents for pushing him to be his best during his 12 years as a football player. 

When asked about his fondest memory from football, Collin stated:

“I’d have to say winning a football game is one of the best feelings in the world, especially any time we won hard-fought games.”

Nick Name: “Petey”
Favorite Food: Steak
Pre-Game Ritual: A quick prayer with teammates and getting hyped right before kickoff

September Stats: 13 carries for 201 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 1 punt return for a touchdown, 25 tackles, 1 sack, and 3 tackles for loss.