The Ithaca College men’s track and field team is looking to make serious strides in 2025, with a new coaching staff, a talented group of returners and a young, hungry roster. After finishing sixth in the Liberty League and 29th at the All-Atlantic Region Track and Field Conference last season, the Bombers are aiming to climb back up the ranks and reestablish themselves as top contenders in the conference. The team has been grinding through the indoor season, using it as a crucial building block to prepare for outdoor meets, where they aim to hit their stride and compete at their best.
Sophomore sprinter and hurdler Joseph Napolitano is coming off an impressive first season where he finished fifth in the 400-meter hurdles at the Liberty League Championship Tournament and is poised for a breakout year in sprints and hurdles.
“I still have a long way to go until I’m at the level I want to be,” Napolitano said via email. “This season has been all about the grind for us, and we’re looking to build our brotherhood as we work to show out at Liberty Leagues.”
Junior hurdler and jumper Brett Atkin has battled lingering hamstring issues throughout his career, an obstacle that kept him from competing last outdoor season. Despite these setbacks, he has been a key contributor to the Bombers, specializing in the 60-meter hurdles indoors and the 110-meter hurdles outdoors. He recorded a personal best of 9.27 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles at the 2024 Liberty League Indoor Championships and has steadily improved this season. Outdoors, he has excelled in the 110-meter hurdles, with a personal best of 16.21 seconds at the Liberty League Outdoor Championships.
“My first goal is to be healthy enough to compete at Liberty Leagues,” Atkin said via text. “Once I’m there, I just want to give it my all and go after it.”
Atkin said the team’s chemistry and determination help prepare for the upcoming season. He said the team’s intense training and shared motivation pushes every runner to raise the program’s standard.
“We’ve got a really strong and young team, and we’ve really bonded this season,” Atkin said. “The upperclassmen aren’t happy with where we’ve finished the last couple of years, and the underclassmen are fired up to show the Liberty League what they can do.”
Napolitano also said support from his team is what makes him successful on the track.
“I’ve learned that no one can be great without support from others,” Napolitano said. “This season we’re looking to further build our brotherhood as we work to show out at [Liberty Leagues.]”
The Bombers will also rely on their multi-event athletes, with juniors Matt Lokshin and Noah McKibben looking to build off their strong last season where they finished third and fourth in the heptathlon at Liberty Leagues in 2024. Their versatility in multiple events makes them key contributors to the team’s success. First-year student Rhys Tickner is also stepping up in the multi-event category, already showing promise in his debut season. Tickner posted a solid 9.14 seconds in the 60-meter hurdles and a high jump clearance of 1.74 meters, adding depth to the Bombers’ multi-event group. With these athletes leading the charge, the Bombers’ multi-event squad will be a force to watch this season.
The biggest change for the program comes at the top, with head coach Stargell Williams taking over the reins.
“The goal is for us to simply continue to get better,” Williams said via email. “We’re focused on developing our current athletes while bringing in strong additions to the program.”
Williams said he has implemented changes to elevate the team’s performance. A key focus has been establishing structure, particularly in practice, to keep everyone aligned and ready for competition.
“We want to make sure every practice has a clear purpose,” Williams said. “That means setting specific goals for each session, organizing training groups effectively and maintaining a structured routine that maximizes development. Whether it’s technical work, race strategy, or strength training, we want our athletes to know exactly what to expect and how each element contributes to their performance.”
Williams said the team needs steady training and regular feedback to help athletes improve and compete at a high level. He also emphasized the value of the team’s support staff, including athletic trainers, strength coaches and nutritionists, who all contribute to the program’s success.
In addition to their returning talent, the Bombers will feature a roster dominated by underclassmen, setting up an interesting dynamic between veterans and new faces. Williams said this mix of experience and youth could be a recipe for long-term success, especially if the younger athletes can step up and contribute right away.
“Developing these athletes early is vital for the team’s future,” Williams said. “How well they adjust to the college level will have an impact on the Bombers this season.”
Notably, first-year athletes have already begun to make their mark. Damian Simmonds recorded a time of 51.95 seconds in the 400-meter dash, while Luke Ellor’s 14.69-meter shot put throw earned him a spot on the Bombers’ all-time top-10 list. Fellow first-year athlete CJ Yacomeni also made history, clearing 1.89 meters in the high jump to secure a place among the program’s best. First-year student Asa Crosdale contributed to the 4×200-meter relay team that posted a time of 1:32.34. These early performances highlight the potential of the young core as they continue to develop and contribute to the team’s success.
Standout performances, such as senior James Hughes’ 14:55.80 in the 5000-meter run, junior Ben Buffone’s 1:54.45 in the 800-meter and sophomore Evan Cherry’s 6.74-meter long jump, showcase the depth and talent of this roster. Williams said consistency will be key to a successful season.
“[Consistency] relates to training, coaching, feedback,” Williams said. “In order for our student athletes to grow and perform at a high level, they need to … be consistent in everything they do.”
