Syracuse sports momentum and local achievements energize Central New York
Back-to-back Syracuse football wins, a standout hockey rookie, and community spirit are giving Central New York plenty to cheer about this fall. From the JMA Wireless Dome to local rinks, the energy is unmistakable.
Two straight wins for Syracuse University football and a Rookie of the Week honor for a local hockey player are giving Central New York residents reasons to celebrate, according to the Daily Orange. The Orange football team’s recent victories and the recognition of defender Maryn Broderick in Atlantic Hockey America highlight a season of renewed momentum and community pride.
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With the JMA Wireless Dome buzzing from football Saturdays and the fall foliage peaking across Onondaga County, these achievements are more than just sports headlines, they’re a reflection of the energy and resilience that define Syracuse and its neighboring towns like DeWitt, Salina, and Geddes.
By The Numbers
- 44 shots on goal: Syracuse women’s hockey team’s total in their win over Delaware, per the Daily Orange.
- 9 shots: Recorded by defender Maryn Broderick in that same game, according to the Daily Orange.
- 3 field goals and 3 extra points: Kicked by Tripp Woody in SU’s football win over SMU, per the Daily Orange.
- 115 rushing yards in the first half: Syracuse football’s ground game against SMU, according to the Daily Orange.
- 2 forced fumbles and 4 sacks: Defensive stats for Syracuse football in the SMU win, per the Daily Orange.
- Back-to-back ACC wins: First time since 2024 for Syracuse football, according to the Daily Orange.
- 6-foot-1: Height of Maryn Broderick, SU’s tallest hockey player, per the Daily Orange.
- First AHA Rookie of the Week: For SU women’s hockey this season, awarded to Maryn Broderick, per the Daily Orange.
- Six kickoffs: By Quinn Olcott, SU’s new kicker, in the SMU game, according to the Daily Orange.
- Five missed extra points: Combined by SU kickers before the SMU game, per the Daily Orange.
- Three field goals made: By Tripp Woody in the SMU game, from 29, 26, and 25 yards, according to the Daily Orange.
- 200 passing yards and one touchdown: By quarterback Steve Angeli in the SMU win, per the Daily Orange.
Football momentum brings fans together at the Dome
The Orange football team’s turnaround has been a rallying point for fans across Syracuse and Central New York. After dropping four straight Atlantic Coast Conference games, Syracuse rebounded with consecutive wins over North Carolina and then-No. 19 SMU, according to the Daily Orange. Athletic Director Bryan Blair emphasized the importance of football in the community, urging fans to not only attend games but to help create an atmosphere that makes the JMA Wireless Dome a tough place for opponents.
Costumed fans, including characters like the Joker, Big Bird, and Waldo, stormed the Dome turf after the SMU win, a scene not seen since Syracuse’s upset over then-No. 6 Miami in 2024, the Daily Orange reports. The energy in the Dome, located right off I-81 and a short drive from Eastwood and Tipp Hill, has become a symbol of local pride and unity.
Head coach Fran Brown credited the crowd’s energy and the team’s focus for the recent success. Quarterback Steve Angeli, healthy and confident, threw for 200 yards and a touchdown, and added a 26-yard rushing score. The defense forced two fumbles and four sacks, while the rushing attack piled up 115 yards in the first half, according to the Daily Orange.
Special teams also stepped up, with kicker Tripp Woody making all three field goals and three extra points. Woody’s field goals came from 29, 26, and 25 yards, and the arrival of soccer player Quinn Olcott as a kicker added depth, with Olcott handling six kickoffs in the SMU game. The Orange’s kicking unit had struggled earlier in the season, missing five extra points, but found consistency at a crucial moment, the Daily Orange reports.
Hockey honors and local talent shine
While football has captured much of the spotlight, Syracuse women’s hockey is making headlines of its own. Defender Maryn Broderick was named Atlantic Hockey America Rookie of the Week after scoring her second goal of the year in SU’s win over Delaware, according to the Daily Orange. Broderick, the team’s tallest player at 6-foot-1, recorded nine of Syracuse’s 44 shots on goal in the victory.
Broderick’s first-period goal set the tone for the Orange, who split the series with Delaware after falling 1-0 the night before. Her relentless offensive pressure and ability to block shots have made her a standout on the ice. This is the first AHA weekly honor for Broderick and the first Rookie of the Week award for SU women’s hockey this season, per the Daily Orange.
Associate head coach Brendon Knight told the Daily Orange that Broderick’s willingness to shoot and her pressure on opponents have been key to the team’s success. Her performance is a point of pride for fans from Syracuse’s North Side to Solvay, showing the depth of local athletic talent.
Community spirit and local pride
These athletic achievements are more than just numbers, they’re a reflection of the community spirit that runs through Central New York. Whether it’s fans filling the Dome on a Saturday, neighbors gathering at local rinks, or families following the latest community events, the sense of connection is strong.
With the fall season in full swing, the energy from these wins carries over to everyday life in Syracuse and its suburbs. From the shops along Erie Blvd to the neighborhoods of Strathmore and Westcott, conversations about football and hockey victories are a common thread. The momentum on the field and the ice is mirrored by the pride locals feel in their schools, teams, and each other.
For those looking to stay involved, there are always things to do and ways to support local teams, whether by attending games at the JMA Wireless Dome or catching a hockey match at the rink. The recent successes are a reminder of what makes Central New York a great place to call home.
Where to check for updates
For the latest on Syracuse University sports and community happenings, visit the Daily Orange and check out our community events page for more ways to get involved in Central New York life.
📷 Wikimedia / Wikipedia , Syracuse University , CC BY-SA 4.0 / Public Domain (verify per file)
Sources
- Daily Orange, Syracuse defender Maryn Broderick named AHA Rookie of the Week
- Daily Orange, Bryan Blair, Fran Brown speak on momentum from SMU win at weekly presser
