Lexi Wood

College:   Corning Community College

Sports:   Softball

Class:   Freshman

Lexi helped lead the Red Barons softball team to 37-3 record including a perfect 30-0 regular season record, a Mid-State Athletic Conference Championship, the Region III – NJCAA North a Championship, and a National Tournament Runner-up finish. Wood was named the NJCAA Division III Softball National Player of the Year, the NJCAA Region III Player of the Year, and the Mid-State Athletic Conference Player of the Year.

She was named an NJCAA Division III Softball 1st Team All-American, to the NJCAA Division III National All-Tournament Team, a 1st Team NFCA All-American, 1st Team NJCAA Region III All-Region, and to the Mid-State Athletic Conference Team. She finished the season fourth in the nation with a .573 batting average and first in the nation with 76 RBI while finishing in the top ten in hits (67), doubles (16), and runs scored (54).  She was performed admirably in the classroom as well with an overall GPA of 3.6 in four semesters and perfect 4.0 this spring. 

Corning Athletic Director Isaac Bushey had this to say about Lexi: "Lexi had a phenomenal season on the field for SUNY Corning helping lead them to the National Championship game. Her demeanor and team first attitude helped her, and her team achieve a lot of success, however, her work ethic in the classroom during the entire academic year was also very impressive. Lexi is the type of person who every single day represents the athletic department the right way and we are all very proud of her achievements.”

According to Head Coach Stacy Johnson,  "This is an extraordinary honor for an extraordinary young woman.  Student athletes of Lexi Wood's caliber are far and few between.  Her work ethic, drive and competitiveness were made evident on the softball diamond and in the classroom this past year.  The key to her success was her mental toughness and ability to focus on the task at hand.  She was our most consistent player, offensively and defensively, and no matter what side of the ball she was on, Lexi time and time again came through with a big moment when we needed one.  Lexi's discipline and ability to lead by example made my job as a coach that much easier.   I am proud of her accomplishments this season and am prouder to have the honor of coaching her.  She is a great student, a great player and an even better person.”

Ryan Peterson

College:   Niagara County Community College

Sports:   Baseball

Class:   Sophomore

Ryan has exceled on and off the diamond for the Timberwolves. This spring, the southpaw put together one of the most dominant seasons in the NJCAA, finishing the season atop the national rankings in wins (10) and complete games (7), and second in the nation in earned-run average (1.22) and innings pitched (74).

He was selected as 1st Team NJCAA All-American and a first-team All-Region pitcher.  He led NCCC to its first regional title since 2017 and to the NJCAA World Series Championship game. The team captain also holds a 3.84 GPA in Liberal Arts & Sciences and has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his education and baseball career at NCAA Division I George Mason University in Virginia.

Niagara CCC Athletic Director Amanda Haseley commented the following on Ryan, “We are extremely proud of Ryan and all that he has accomplished in a Thunderwolves uniform. He was the definition of a student-athlete and a shining star on our campus. We thank him for everything and wish him the best of luck in his next chapter.”

“I am extremely happy for Ryan; he is one of the best student-athletes I’ve had the pleasure of coaching. He is the definition of a junior college player, good things come to those who wait!” according to Head Coach, Matt Clingersmith.

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Kristen Schuth

College:   Genesee Community College

Kristen has served as the NJCAA Region III Women’s Director for the past five years.  In addition, she will take over as the Region 3 Board of Regents in August.  On the national level, Kristen is chair for Women’s Soccer and Softball committees. 

Schuth did an outstanding job of leading our Region through the pandemic managing and all the information, regulations, and changes. She kept us informed and worked to make sure our student-athletes had an opportunity to compete and do so safely.

Kristen has taken the lead for the Region during this unprecedented period and has helped guide everyone through these difficult times. The amount of extra work that she was willing to do for the Region as a whole should be awarded. Region 3 is very lucky to have someone who was willing to step up and lead knowing the 2020-21 year would be full of uncertainty and continuous changes.

“We as a Region were fortunate to have Kristen taking the lead during the COVID pandemic," says Region III Men's Director and Herkimer College Athletic Director Donald Dutcher.  "Her leadership, passion, and work ethic was instrumental in getting our student athletes back out on the playing fields for the Spring semester.   We can’t thank Kristen enough for her dedication to Region III and everyone involved.  Being named the Region III Athletic Director of the year is well earned and deserved.  We appreciate all that you do.”

Keith Thomas

College:   Hudson Valley CommunityCollege

Keith has played an integral role in leading the Hudson Valley department of athletics and Region 3 through the global COVID-19 pandemic as a member of the Region 3 Health and Safety committee.

“We are proud and excited for Keith to be honored as the Region 3 Athletic Trainer of the Year award this season. In a year where the pandemic put tremendous pressures on our trainers and health professionals, Keith has been a valuable asset within our Region in planning for the health and safety of student-athletes. We are looking forward to getting all our sports back for the 21-22 academic year”, said Justin Hoyt, HVCC Athletic Director.

Thomas became Hudson Valley’s certified athletic trainer during the 2004-05 school year.  Thomas received a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Alfred University in 1998 and a master’s degree in curriculum development and instructional technology from UAlbany in 2004.