Features, winter 2021
Family at heart of Binghamton Athletics
Family has always been at the heart of Binghamton athletics and as we celebrate the department’s (and school’s) 75th Anniversary in 2021-22, let’s take a look at some of the families who have a shared Binghamton experience.
Freshman Profile: Golfer Shawn Colella
Coming from a very competitive family, freshman golfer, Shawn Colella, came to Binghamton with a strong work ethic and desire to compete. Prior to Binghamton, he has acquired several accomplishments such as being on a six year undefeated and three year sectional title team in high school as well as winning the International Junior Masters. Shawn is very excited to continue playing the Sport he has loved since the age of two and looks forward to representing Binghamton.
Freshman Profile: Cross Country runner Lindsey Stokes
After watching several fellow locals achieve great success as a part of Binghamton Cross Country program, freshman Lindsey Stokes is ready to pave her own path at Binghamton. As a two-time Class B Sectional Champion, Stokes has achieved great things prior to her time at Binghamton and is looking forward to continuing her career here. With immense support and inspiration from her family, including her brother who is also a division I runner, as well as great relationships with her teammates, she can’t wait to stand on that starting line with her Bearcat family.
Freshman Profile: Softball player Sarah Rende
For freshman softball player Sarah Rende, competing and holding herself to a high standard are two things she has thrived off of. As someone who has always worked extremely hard to achieve her goals, including being part of a NY state championship team, she plans to have the same approach while beginning her career as a Bearcat. With tremendous support from her family, and lots of love for her new Bearcat family, she is looking forward to her first season at Binghamton.
Freshman Profile: Track runner Joseph Cardascia
Joey Cardascia has been running for as long as he can remember. From going to local track meets at the age of six, to setting New York State best times in the 4x100 and 4x400 and competing in the Adidas Indoor National Meet, he has accomplished great things so far in his athletic career. Cardascia is very excited to continue working hard and competing at Binghamton.
Freshman Profile: Swimmer Lauren Kuzma
In Lauren Kuzma’s short time at Binghamton thus far, she has already come to love her Bearcat family. Fueled by love for her sport, support from her family and intrinsic motivation, Kuzma is extremely excited to set and pursue new goals for herself in and out of the pool at Binghamton As someone who is extremely self-motivated, Kuzma can’t wait to continue making herself and those around her better.
Freshman Profile: Swimmer Elijah Lanfear
Elijah Lanfear’s introduction to swimming can be attributed to his family members but his success in the sport is attributed to his motivation and love of competing. Since he began swimming in the seventh grade, Lanfear has grown to love the sport and is passionate about reaching new goals both mentally and physically. Lanfear is excited to continue competing at a high level as a member of the Bearcat program.
Freshman Profile: Track hurdler Aubrey Runkle
Aubrey Runkle is more than excited to continue the sport she loves. Fueled by competition and her teammates, Runkle is no stranger to success. Some of her accomplishments thus far in her career include being a part of a Sectional championship team her freshman year of high school and placing within the top three in the 400m outdoor hurdles on two different occasions, and fifth in the 600m hurdles in the state tournament during her high school career. Runkle is looking forward to making new memories on and off the track with her Bearcat family.