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When championship success comes to the Mohawk Valley, we celebrate the coaches who make it happen. This episode features exclusive conversations with two local coaches who have climbed to the pinnacle of their sports.

Mohawk Valley Community College men's basketball coach Harlan Fuller joins us fresh off a national championship season that saw the Hawks compile a stunning 29-1 record. Coach Fuller opens up about the journey from his hiring four years ago to this crowning achievement, crediting the program's foundation and his experiences working under mentors at Siena College and Mount St. Mary's. The championship run included a nail-biting semifinal win on a last-second shot by Jameer Smith before defeating rival Herkimer College in an electric championship atmosphere.

Fuller's recruiting philosophy centers on relationships and finding student-athletes willing to sacrifice individual accolades for team success. The facilities and academic support at MVCC have proven to be powerful selling points, creating what Fuller describes as "a four-year school feel at a two-year school." With most of this year's championship roster moving on, Fuller is already back on the recruiting trail seeking new talent.

The spotlight then shifts to Rome Free Academy girls bowling coach Brian Rondeau, whose program has assembled an astonishing 105-2 record since he took over in 2017. This season featured junior Mylie Weyant capturing the individual state championship while averaging 229 at the tournament with multiple games over 230. Eighth-grader Sophia Parker also emerged as a future star, impressing opposing coaches with her advanced skills.

Both coaches share a commitment to building positive team cultures where athletes can thrive. Their championship stories highlight how local sports programs are achieving excellence through dedicated coaching and talented student-athletes who understand that winning starts with the right mindset.

Subscribe and follow on all platforms to catch more compelling local sports stories every week on the Mohawk Valley Sports Watch.

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