Last night’s Union Springs Spring Varsity Sports Awards was a celebration of hard work, big wins, unforgettable moments, and a whole lot of Wolves pride.

The evening opened with a warm welcome from Athletic Coordinator Todd Salls, who has been the heart of Union Springs athletics for over two decades. Coach Salls shared his final opening remarks in an official capacity, reflecting on years of dedication to our student-athletes and the countless hours spent supporting programs across the district. While he is officially retiring this summer, the story doesn’t end there—Coach Salls made it clear we will still see him around the sidelines at games next year, cheering on the Wolves, and he’s especially looking forward to spending a little more time on the golf course.

Next up, the spotlight turned to our college athletic signings, as ten outstanding seniors were recognized for continuing their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level this fall. A huge accomplishment and a proud moment for the entire Union Springs community.

Varsity Track & Field Coach Janet Murphy then took the stage to celebrate a strong season and recognize the graduating seniors whose impact will be felt for years to come. Their leadership, effort, and energy helped set the tone for the program’s continued success.

Varsity Softball then took center stage with Coach Jim Bona recognizing an exceptional season for the Lady Wolves. The team finished 17–2 with a remarkable 17-game win streak, falling just short in a heartbreaking sectional championship walk-off against #1 seed Deposit-Hancock. Despite the tough ending, the pride was undeniable. Senior Paityn Delaney earned IAC North Small Division MVP honors, while senior Gracie Chalupnicki also earned ESPN Athlete of the Week recognition. The Lady Wolves once again brought home both the IAC North Small School Division and IAC Overall Championships. Coach Bona, who is also retiring after more than 35 years of coaching, was celebrated for an incredible legacy that has shaped generations of athletes and will be deeply missed.

Varsity Baseball followed with Coach Kyle Lumpkin highlighting a season that exceeded expectations in every way. Finishing 16–5, the Wolves captured both the IAC North Small School Division title and the IAC Overall Championship. In what many thought might be a “rebuilding year,” the team proved otherwise with grit and resilience. Senior Asa Brown’s comeback from a torn ACL was a major storyline—his return to the mound was nothing short of inspiring, including earning ESPN Athlete of the Week honors.

The evening wrapped with Varsity Golf alongside Coach Salls, highlighting a 7–5 season and standout performances all year long. Senior Michael Culver earned medalist honors at the Section 4 Class D Tournament, the IAC Championship, and will go on to compete in the NYS High School Boys Golf Championship at Mill Creek Golf Club in Churchville this weekend.

To top it all off, every varsity team earned sectional qualification and was recognized with the Scholar-Athlete Award—an incredible reflection of success in both competition and the classroom.

A night full of accomplishments, lasting memories, and proud moments for Union Springs athletics—and a fitting celebration of two coaching legends who will always be part of the Wolves family.