Pictured, is 2016 Owego Free Academy graduate Will Gladney, a junior at Ithaca College, who was recently named a preseason All-American wide receiver by D3football on the first-team offense. The Ithaca College football season kicked off Sept. 1. Provided photo.
A 2016 Owego Free Academy graduate, Will Gladney, who is also a junior at Ithaca College, was recently named a preseason All-American wide receiver by D3football on the first-team offense. Ithaca’s season home opener was slated for Sept. 1 against St. Vincent.
The Owego Pennysaver caught up with Will on Tuesday before the home opener.
Will commented, “I cannot wait; I am excited for the season to start.”
According to the Ithaca College Athletics website, Gladney’s 2017 season was one of the best in college history, most notably 72 catches for 1,024 yards and seven touchdowns. In addition, he became the second receiver in program history to accumulate 1,000 yards in a season. A record set 25 years ago by Joe Palumbo at 74 catches for 1,119 yards is not too far out of sight for Gladney to surpass.
Will explained that he plans to take the upcoming season, “Day by day, do my best and not to dwell about it.”
He furthered explained that if he dwells on it too much, those thoughts may affect his game. Will said he just wants to play the best he possibly can, and then if a few records are broken along the way, even the better.
Gladney worked diligently in the off-season, where he stayed close to campus and incorporated a new training regimen. He increased his weight lifting routine as well as trimmed down, dropping to 210 pounds from 227.
Today, he said, he feels stronger and is ready to take his experience and athletic skills to the next level, and added, “My agility and speed are improved.”
Gladney hopes that he can help take Ithaca to a play-off run or conference win, and said he is motivated to work toward the All-American recognition at season’s end.
Last season saw Ithaca finish at 8-3, which was topped off by an exciting bowl win.
In the future, Will has sights set on playing professional football, yet will also continue his focus on his major, Public and Community Health, and where he has interest in tackling issues faced by youth and adults in the prison system.
When asked what positive words he could share with the Owego Free Academy football team as they prepare for a new season, Gladney said it’s all about teamwork, and remarked, “No matter where you start (or what your role is on the team), you can have an impact.”
To keep up with news about the Ithaca College football team, visit https://athletics.ithaca.edu.
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