UTICA, NY - Shiann Williams (Bronx, NY/Hydel) and Seth Richardson (Fort Plain, NY/Fort Plain) have been named the Pioneer Athletes of the Week for the week of Jnauary 19th, 2026

Williams registered top-three finishes in a pair of events over the weekend. In the 500m on Friday at the Utica Winter Opener, Williams posted a time of 1:21.85, a mark good enough for sixth on the all-time leaderboard. On Sunday, Williams took home first place in the 200m open at the Suffolk Ice Breaker Challenge, posting a time of 25.78, beating out several Division I competitors. 

Richardson and the Pioneers returned to action in 2026 by traveling to the Floy Lewis Bakes Center to compete in the Will Abele Invitational, hosted by Ursinus College. He opened the tournament with a commanding 15-3 major decision in the Round of 16, then rebounded from a quarterfinal setback by ripping off three straight wins in the consolation rounds. Richardson capped his run with two pins and a decisive win in the fifth-place bout. In his first fall victory, he overcame a 17-6 deficit to win the match at the 6:34 mark. The following bout, he closed out a 7-0 win by fall after 2:45. In the fifth-place match against SVU's Tanner Giatras, Richardson won in an 11-4 decision.

Both teams will be back in action this Saturday, hitting the road for respective competitions.