Years of hard work, dedication and perseverance have paid off for two Schuylerville High School seniors who will continue their athletic careers at the NCAA Division I level. Gavin Winacott and Hudson Peck celebrated their college commitments during a special recognition ceremony surrounded by family, friends, coaches and teammates. Winacott will continue his running career at Canisius University in Buffalo, while Peck will join the men’s lacrosse program at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania. Both student-athletes have distinguished themselves through their athletic accomplishments, commitment to their respective sports, and determination to compete at the next level.
Gavin Winacott: Canisius University
For Gavin Winacott, the opportunity to compete at the Division I level represents years of training, countless miles and a commitment to continually improving as a runner.
“It’s awesome seeing all the work I put in through the years finally pay off,” Winacott said. “I get to continue playing my sport into college. I mean, it’s just awesome.”
Schuylerville Cross Country coach Dominic Colose praised Winacott’s work ethic, focus and determination, qualities he believes will serve him well at Canisius.
“It’s been a lot of fun coaching Gavin because you give him a workout, you give him a task, and he just does it with tremendous purpose,” said Colose. “He doesn’t question, he’s just very focused on what he’s doing.”
Winacott’s D1 commitment comes during an exciting week, as he prepares to represent Schuylerville at the New York State Cross Country Championships on Saturday, Nov. 14, where he hopes to achieve a personal record.
Hudson Peck: Robert Morris University
Hudson Peck’s commitment to Robert Morris University marks another milestone for the Schuylerville boys lacrosse program. According to varsity coach Morgan Cornell, Peck becomes just the third player in program history to advance to the Division I level.
Entering his senior season, Peck has already established himself as one of the most accomplished players in program history, ranking third all-time with 244 career points. He has earned Foothills Council All-Star recognition in each of his first three varsity seasons, including first-team honors as a sophomore and junior. He also earned All-State recognition in both 2025 and 2026. While Peck’s statistics and accolades demonstrate his ability on the field, Cornell emphasized that his accomplishments are the result of something much greater.
“These accomplishments speak volumes about Hudson’s ability as a player, but more importantly, they reflect his dedication, commitment, drive and passion for the game,” Cornell said. “With these traits, Hudson turned a goal into a reality, and he has found his home at Robert Morris University.”
Cornell also reflected on the privilege of watching Peck develop as both a player and a person throughout his high school career.
For Peck, the opportunity to continue playing the sport he loves is especially meaningful, with one final high school season still ahead.
“It’s super exciting,” Peck said. “I love playing lacrosse and get to play more, so it’s just great.”
When asked what advice he would offer younger athletes hoping to compete at the collegiate level, Peck emphasized the importance of going beyond the expectations of regular team practices.
“I think just a lot of hard work and extra work on top of practice at school,” he said.
“Their accomplishments represent not only personal milestones, but also a source of pride for the Schuylerville school community,” added Athletic Director, John Bowen. “As they prepare for the next chapter of their athletic and academic careers, both seniors leave an example for younger Black Horses who aspire to follow in their footsteps.”