Often great programs have great leaders. The two clocking in a number six are no exception. They even have the added bonus of their head coaches coming up through the program as players first before leading them to glory behind the bench.
6. Fayetteville-Manlius Girls Tennis
Phil Rudolph played tennis at F-M in the 1970's under the late Ron Fuller, from whom he says he learned the secret to having success on the court, is being calm. And that serenity was certainly tested during the program's 329-match winning streak that stretched from 1993 to 2014, the longest winning streak in high school sports history!
Rudolph says the streak had become a burden, and when West Genesee ended the 21-year run, he felt some disappointment but even more joy and relief. Incredibly, West Genny also snapped the F-M boys' tennis team's 287-match winning streak in 2019.
The Hornets' also won 26 consecutive Section III team championships until losing in the final to CBA last year. Rudolph has been coaching the F-M girls' tennis team for more than 35 years, and doesn't show any signs of stopping anytime soon. And why should he, now that he and his girls can keep calm, and carry on.
F-M’s Resume
- 329-match Win Streak, the longest in HS sports history (1993-2014)
- 26 Consecutive Section III Team Championships (1993-2018)
6. West Genesee Hockey
Winning makes sports a heck of a lot more fun, but during Frank Colabufo’s 26 years as a head coach the Wildcats are able to balance being incredibly prepared and successful.
Making practice fun has led West Genny to 11 section three championships and three state championships. History permeates through Wildcats hockey. It’s hard to miss the banners flying in Shove Park when you enter the building. The alumni base is littered through the stands every game night. Players know what they’re in for. The expectations speak for themselves.
But Colabufo goes back to the light-hearted nature of their program that is their most important characteristic. The players play the game because they love it and that love is bread through its community’s passion of the sport. A passion that Colabufo knows all too well because the Camillus-native went through it himself as a player before taking over the helm.
Just head to a Friday night game at Shove Park during the season and you’ll see why the Wildcats were an easy choice to land on the countdown.
West Genny’s Resume
- 11 Section Three Titles (9 in Spectrum News Era)
- Three State Titles (1 in SN Era)
- Won Seven Straight Sect. Three Titles from 2008-14
- Seven Final Four Appearances
- .690 Win Percentage Under Head Coach Frank Colabufo
