ONEONTA, N.Y. - The Hartwick Hawks Football program announced its four team captains for the upcoming 2026 season, as the Hawks prepare to soar to new heights this fall.
Head Coach Matt Rogers and his staff unveiled the team's leadership group for the upcoming campaign, naming senior linebacker Robert Kennedy (Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.), senior defensive back Michael Vurchio (Ronkonkoma, N.Y.), senior wide receiver Miles Perry (Ilion, N.Y.) and junior offensive lineman Jeremiah Lee (Bayport, N.Y.) 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. The Hastings-on-Hudson native delivered one of his best performances against Buffalo State, posting a career-high nine tackles while forcing three turnovers, earning Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week honors along with national recognition from D3Football.com.
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. His biggest highlight came in the season finale against Hilbert, when he returned an interception 70 yards for a touchdown in front of the home crowd at Wright Stadium.
On the offensive side, Perry and Lee will guide a unit that produced one of Hartwick's strongest offensive campaigns in recent memory.
Perry emerged as a reliable target throughout the season, particularly in the red zone. The Ilion product hauled in 20 receptions for 337 yards and a team-leading four touchdown catches, finishing third on the team in receiving yards. His top performance came against regional powerhouse SUNY Cortland, where he posted career highs with four catches and 95 receiving yards, highlighted by a 55-yard reception.
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, showcasing a balanced and efficient attack.
"We are very excited to announce these four guys as captains,' said Rogers. 'After a strong offseason, they were selected by their teammates, which is a huge honor. I'm excited for them to serve as an extension of our staff and help lead our football program.'"
The Hartwick Football schedule will be released next week. For more information on the upcoming season, follow the Hawks on the official athletics website and across social media platforms.
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.
