ONEONTA, NY (07/01/2026)– The Hartwick Hawks announced its four team captains for the upcoming 2026 season. Head Coach Matt Rogers and his staff unveiled the team’s leadership group, naming senior linebacker Robert Kennedy ’27 (Hastings-on-Hudson, New York), senior defensive back Michael Vurchio ’27 (Ronkonkoma, New York), senior wide receiver Miles Perry ’27 (Ilion, New York) and junior offensive lineman Jeremiah Lee ’28 (Bayport, New York) as captains.
Kennedy and Vurchio will lead the Hawks’ defense following strong junior campaigns that helped Hartwick finish in the top half of the Empire 8 in multiple defensive categories. Kennedy, a D3Football.com Team of the Week selection in 2025, is coming off a breakout season in which he totaled 56 tackles, including 10.5 tackles for loss. He also showcased his versatility in coverage, recording three interceptions and six pass breakups. Vurchio established himself as one of the top playmakers in the secondary last season. The Ronkonkoma native recorded 37 tackles, including six tackles for loss, while adding three interceptions and four pass breakups.
On the offensive side, Perry hauled in 20 receptions for 337 yards and a team-leading four touchdown catches, finishing third on the team in receiving yards. Lee is expected to play a major role in the trenches after helping anchor an offensive line that paved the way for Hartwick’s most productive offense since 2017. The Hawks finished third in the Empire 8 in passing offense while also producing their strongest rushing season in more than 15 years.
ABOUT HARTWICK COLLEGE
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success-both professionally and personally.
