Pictured is Will Gladney, OFA Senior who holds multiple records while playing wide receiver for the Owego Indians the past three seasons. Gladney is continuing his education at Ithaca College where he will also play football.
Eighteen-year old Will Gladney, a senior at Owego Free Academy (OFA), has reason to be proud of his accomplishments to date.
Gladney, who arrived at OFA in the latter part of his freshman year from Binghamton, has worked diligently on his academics and also proved to be a key contributor on the OFA varsity football team for the past three seasons.
In and out of state foster care for about 15 years, Gladney explained that his success is rooted from his personal desire to change. While living in a group home in Binghamton, Gladney shared that he would often skip school. Although ecstatic to score a touchdown while playing on the Binghamton varsity football team, Gladney’s academic performance suffered and his behavior and choices he made resulted in negative consequences, including the loss of a position on the football team there.
Gladney shared, “I knew skipping school was wrong. I didn’t really care then.”
People who did care were individuals at the group home who encouraged Gladney to believe in himself and his potential. An opportunity to move to Owego proved to be the right match for Gladney, where he has had influence from other foster care families. In turn, he has significantly improved his academics and excelled in football.
From left, Marc Brainard, Kingston Brainard, Will Gladney, and Jennifer Gates pose following a football game. OFA senior, Will Gladney, holds multiple records while playing wide receiver for the Owego Indians the past three seasons. (Provided Photos)
Varsity football coach Steve Virkler shared that he is proud of Gladney for his accomplishments over the past three years. Virkler explained that Gladney has faced on and off the field situations during the transition to Owego and continues to work on dealing with adversity daily.
Virkler commented, “Will’s off season training and work ethic have improved tremendously.”
Gladney’s list of incredible accomplishments and records include; named as an Ernie Davis MVP; Career (2013, 2014, 2015) receiving stats: 108 receptions for 2,064 yards, 26 touchdowns; Career scoring stats: 27 touchdowns, 3 x 4 PAT kicking, two 2-PT conversions = 169 total points; Career defensive stats: 47 solo tackles, 37 assisted tackles, 4 sacks, 7 interceptions, 5 caused fumbles, 3 blocked kicks. Gladney also achieved numerous school single game and season records.
When asked what message he would share with others facing any type of life difficulties, Gladney replied, “You can always change.”
And, change he did. In fact, Gladney doubled-up on classes and attended summer school, efforts which improved his academic standing – allowing him to graduate on time. Another exciting accomplishment, Gladney has been accepted to Ithaca College on a full athletic scholarship, where he will join the I.C. Bombers football team.
Virkler commented, “Will has potential to be an outstanding college football player and has the tools to become a top wide receiver at Division III-Ithaca.”
Regarding his career path, Gladney shared, “I’m going to study psychology and want to work with kids and adults going through tough times.” Part two of Gladney’s goal is to attend Binghamton University and achieve his Masters in social work.
Gladney thanks his trainer, Jason Hall, Varsity football coach Steve Virkler, as well as many others in the school community, and also his foster parents, Marc Brainard and Jennifer Gates, for support and help along the way.
“Will worked very hard to turn a series of tragedies to triumph. I’m truly blessed to have him in my life,” commented Marc Brainard, and added on behalf of his family, “Jen, Kingston, and I love Will very much and cannot wait to see the man he becomes.”
After OFA graduation, Gladney has only a brief break to recharge, and will then focus his efforts on the Ithaca College workout schedule, followed by training camp.
“All of this work will continue to help me become an even stronger person,” Gladney shared.
