When a coach takes over a program there’s really two ends of the spectrum (no pun intended). One can inherit a program that has a full cupboard, one stocked flush with talent. Or one could have to start over and build from scratch. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

When Spectrum News first launched in 2003 the two programs featured at number nine in the countdown were in one of the respective spots.

9. CBA Girls Lacrosse

Doug Sedgwick had to build from scratch. When all things were said and done, the Lady Brothers won 85% of their games under Sedqwick, but the success wasn’t immediate. The team had to battle through multiple Class changes, and at the start, a lack of respect.

Doug remembers a time where disagreements with fellow coaches about practice time played a role in his team’s development. When another CBA team was practicing longer than their allotted time on the field, Sedgwick would have the girls start practicing anyway. It was a signal to the girls that it was ok to fight for themselves.

That attitude led to success… a ton of success. CBA went on to capture seven section three titles, and four state championships with Sedgwick as their head coach.

Their 2016 team is perhaps their best representation of the fighting spirit. CBA, after getting moved up from Class B, went 21-0 en route to the program’s third state title. It capped off a journey through all levels of New York State lacrosse.

When you beat the likes of Skaneateles and West Genesee, and manage to win state championships in Classes A, B and C, CBA’s spot on the countdown is a no-brainer.

CBA’s Resume

  • Four State Championships (2018-A, 2016-A, 2013-B, 2011-C)
  • Seven Section 3 Championships
  • Undefeated Season in 2016
  • Won 85% of Games Under Coach Doug Sedgwick

9. Fulton Wrestling

On the boys side, this is an example of a program that seemingly has always been good. The Red Raiders dominate on the mat. From the 1980’s to the ‘90s Fulton captured eight state championships, including winning six-in-seven-years.

But this is a countdown set in the Spectrum News Era. And while the state championship scene is a bit different these days, the Red Raider dominance in Section 3 has continued. This past February the team won its fifth straight sectional championship. During the ‘Spectrum News’ era, Fulton has won 12 Section 3 titles and seven Section 3 Dual titles.

Mike Conners, the legendary wrestling and football coach at Fulton, had the challenge of maintaining this success when he took over the helm in the mid-90s. As he likes to point out, sometimes it’s easier being the hunter than the hunted. No matter what the role, Fulton has persevered. Conners, after 25 years as head coach, is now an assistant under Jim Waldron.

The change hasn’t slowed down the Red Raiders. Going into next season, Fulton sits at 998 dual match victories. According to NY Wrestling News, with two more dual match wins, the Red Raiders would become only the 5th program nationally, and the first ever in New York State, to reach the 1000-win marker.

Which makes Fulton wrestling an easy selection for the Top 10 countdown.

Fulton’s Resume

  • 12 Section 3 Titles in the Spectrum News Era
  • 5 Straight Section 3 Championships
  • 7 Section 3 Dual Championships
  • 998 Dual Match Victories (Most in New York State)