Sports

Men’s tennis puts its past in the rearview

By Lyla Doran, Assistant Sports Editor • February 23, 2026

The Ithaca College men’s tennis team does not have a Liberty League Championship playoff win on its program resume, but is aiming for the title with a second year head coach and a hefty and balanced roster after compiling a 6-10 record in 2024-25. 

Women’s tennis focuses on longevity to maintain momentum

By Isabella McSweeney, Staff Writer • February 23, 2026

With a mix of new and old faces, the Ithaca College women’s tennis team is working to push past its growing pains. The Bombers finished last season with a 6-12 record, their third in a row below 50%. Now, the team is 3-2 after starting the season, with three back-to-back victories against Hartwick College, Daemen University and Drew University.

Men’s basketball squeezes into playoffs, clinches No. 5 seed

By Graham Goodman, Sports Editor • February 22, 2026

The Ithaca College men’s basketball team clinched a spot in the Liberty League playoffs Feb. 20 and will travel Feb. 24 to play the fourth seed St. Lawrence University, despite losing to the Skidmore College Thoroughbreds 91-83 the same evening. The team followed up its loss and clinched with a momentous 76-73 victory over the Vassar College Brewers on Feb. 21.

DI volleyball transfers expand horizons at IC

By Lyla Doran, Assistant Sports Editor • February 19, 2026

In January, Ithaca College volleyball announced two young transfers from Division I schools, sophomore libero/defensive specialist Jamie Low from the University of San Francisco and first-year middle Elena Chappell from the University of New Hampshire. 

Preview: 2025-26 Liberty League Winter Championships

By Graham Goodman, Sports Editor • February 19, 2026

The ice is beginning to melt not only on the ground, but on the winter season Liberty League Championship trophies. With championship season approaching in the final weeks of February, The Ithacan has you covered for what to know heading into the 2025-26 Winter Liberty League Championships. 

Q&A: Senior hurdler discusses journey of her success

By Meaghan Baggoo, Contributing Writer • February 19, 2026

The Ithaca College women’s track and field team has asserted its dominance in several indoor events this season, with senior Rachel Larson continuing to make her mark on the hurdles. In the past year, the 2025 two-time First Team All-American has cut over a full second in the 200-meter and worked her 60-meter hurdles time down from 8.94 seconds at the Greg Page Relays and Multi Meet to 8.58 at the same competition this year. Larson has improved several of her other times, continuing to compete in many events, including the 100-meter hurdles and the 4x400-meter relay. 

Empire State Collegiate Championship reflects themes of the gymnastics season ahead of nationals

By Lyla Doran, Assistant Sports Editor • February 16, 2026

The Ithaca College gymnastics team traveled to SUNY Cortland to compete in the Empire State Collegiate Championship on Feb. 14. The Bombers placed No. 5 out of six teams, behind Long Island University, Cornell University, SUNY Brockport, Cortland and ahead of Utica University. 

Men’s wrestling continues dominant streak through senior day

By Antonio Vengoechea, Staff Writer • February 16, 2026

On Feb. 13, Beneath the bright lights of the Ben Light Gymnasium, the No. 22 Ithaca College men’s wrestling team punctuated its home schedule with a 29-9 dual meet performance against the Wilkes University Colonels that honored its past while solidifying its postseason future.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes combines love for faith and the field

By Lyla Doran, Assistant Sports Editor • February 15, 2026

In a small college of approximately 4,700 students, students create many ways for their peers to engage in a niche community. Every Tuesday night in the Athletics and Events Center, the Ithaca College chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes provides over 50 students with an opportunity to gather and share two intertwined passions: sports and their Christian faith. 

Gymnastics’ record breaking event is not enough to stop a rival

By Lyla Doran, Assistant Sports Editor • February 12, 2026

Despite falling to the SUNY Cortland Red Dragons 192.800-191.350, Ithaca College gymnastics finished its last home meet of the 2026 season by making history, breaking the all-time IC gymnastics program team score in floor exercise, a 48.950, Feb. 11 in the Ben Light Gymnasium. The Bombers also posted their highest score of the season by 1.4 points.

IC women’s track and field dominates in pole vault

By Meaghan Baggoo, Contributing Writer • February 12, 2026

The Ithaca College women’s pole vaulters have become a standout event group of the track and field team. Having athletes who have qualified for nationals and several who continue to place well at meets, the team creeps toward the tail end of its season with high expectations.

Q&A: Bombers’ football shoots for national status with new head coach

By Billy Wood, Senior Writer • February 11, 2026

The Ithaca College football team hired offensive coordinator Brandon Maguire as the program's next head coach Feb. 3. Maguire will take over for his former boss, Michael Toerper, who left Dec. 14 to join Cornell University as their defensive coordinator.