OWEGO, N.Y. (WENY) - It was a special day for the Waverly and Tioga football programs. After winning state titles in Syracuse this fall, the teams were recognized by the Tioga County Legislature.

The Wolverines and Tigers were celebrated and presented with proclamations at the first Tioga County Legislative meeting of the year.

Tioga Head Coach, Nick Aiello was also recognized for being selected by the New York Giants and Gatorade as the 2023 Lou Rettino High School Coach of the Year. The Tigers cruised to their third straight NYSPHSAA Class D state title with a 63-14 win over Stillwater.

"There are a lot of people working hard, not just with our program, but within our school district to keep all of our programs, academic programs, athletic programs, and extracurriculars going and I just always appreciate that so I'm really proud anytime I can accept this honor on behalf of our program and the school district, it means a lot to us," Aiello said.

"We learned from quite a few tough losses over the years and I think these last three years with this special group that we had coming up through, knowing that they were special from the youth ranks, I think we just all kind of put it together" he added.

Waverly won the school's first-ever state championship with a 46-26 victory over Fonda-Fultonville in Class C. Senior Quarterback, Joey Tomasso, and Senior Wide Receiver, Jay Pipher reflected on their memorable season and how much this recognition means.

"It's a big deal and winning that state championship was a big deal but to get recognized here, it's a really nice thing and I think it's something that will definitely help grow the Waverly football program for a couple of years coming," said Tomasso.

"Hours of hard work in the summer, weight room, practices, Coach Miller just hours spent in film and everything it's just an unbelievable feeling all of the hard work that's went into it, and what a great accomplishment it's been" Pipher added.