Hartwick College Athletics

Rusty Virkler begins his first season coaching at Hartwick as an assistant for the Flag Football Team (2026). Previously, Virkler was the Head Coach of the Owego Free Academy Riverhawks for the past 4 years (2021-2025). He was also an assistant on the boys football team and head bowling coach while teaching in the Owego School District. In 4 years, Owego accumulated an overall record of 46-7 while winning two sectional championships, two New York State Regional Championships, and a State Championship Appearance in 2025. During the 2025 season, Virkler was named the NY Giants Coach of the week and the New York State Class C High School Girls Flag Football Coach of the Year. 

Virkler attended Vestal High School and attended Hartwick College from 2016-2020. During his time at Hartwick, he played wide receiver for the Hawks while graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Economics. He then received his Masters in Physical Education from the University of West Alabama in 2024.