Mike Potter given NYS track & field coach of the year honor
![Coach Potter poses with some state competitors from the Wildcats team]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1783601472/warwickvalleyschoolscom/i4wdby9j1dyqpqiuwi2l/MikePotterUSTFCoachoftheYear.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1783601472/warwickvalleyschoolscom/i4wdby9j1dyqpqiuwi2l/MikePotterUSTFCoachoftheYear.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1783601472/warwickvalleyschoolscom/i4wdby9j1dyqpqiuwi2l/MikePotterUSTFCoachoftheYear.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1783601472/warwickvalleyschoolscom/i4wdby9j1dyqpqiuwi2l/MikePotterUSTFCoachoftheYear.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1783601472/warwickvalleyschoolscom/i4wdby9j1dyqpqiuwi2l/MikePotterUSTFCoachoftheYear.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1783601472/warwickvalleyschoolscom/i4wdby9j1dyqpqiuwi2l/MikePotterUSTFCoachoftheYear.jpg","width":2200}])
The Wildcats are proud to announce that a Warwick Valley coach has been named a US Track & Field and Cross-Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) High School Track & Field Coach of the Year for 2026!
Congratulations, Wildcats boys varsity track and field coach, Mike Potter, on this well-deserved honor! This recognition places Mr. Potter in a very select group, as the USTFCCCA only selects one boys coach and one girls coach from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Winning coaches were selected based on their teams’ performances throughout the 2026 outdoor track & field season and included factors such as team score and placement at the state championships, margin of victory, individual championships, and how their teams’ performances this year compared to previous years (e.g. first title in school history, consecutive titles, etc.).
Under the coaching of Mr. Potter and his assistants, the 2026 team won the Section 9 Class A team title (May 28) and went on to capture the NYSPHSAA Overall Team State Champs title (June 13–14). Wildcats also brought home 18 individual medals, including two state titles.
Mr. Potter called this year's team one of the finest teams that either Warwick Valley or New York State has ever seen.
"We could not be more proud to see our team showcase their talents and end on such a high note, especially all of the seniors who have put every ounce of themselves into the program over the years."
Mr. Potter shared that he is deeply honored to receive the award from the USTFCCCA and was quick to point out that it truly reflects an incredible collective effort on the part of the entire Wildcats athletics program.
"This achievement would truly not be possible without the tireless dedication of our student athletes, as this recognition is ultimately all about the kids. I am incredibly fortunate to share this honor with my outstanding assistant coaches—Curtis Akacki, Ron Introini, Tim St. Lawrence, and Wes Burley—whose hard work and commitment drive our success every day," Mr. Potter said. "I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to our athletic director, Greg Sirico, for his unwavering leadership and guidance. And finally, thank you to the parents, administration, and the Board of Education for providing the continuous support necessary to make athletics achievements happen!"
Mr. Potter is now in the running for the association’s National High School Track & Field Coach of the Year award, presented to one boys coach and one girls coach from the state winners.
Go, Wildcats!
