Region 3 of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) is proud to announce the 2025-2026 recipients of the Region 3 Yearly Awards. Each year, Region 3 recognizes student athletes, administrators, staff members and athletic programs with the awarding of the Region 3 Male Athlete of the Year, Region 3 Female Athlete of the Year, Region 3 Athletic Director of the Year, Region 3 Athletic Trainer of Year, and the Region 3 Community Service Award.
This year's Female Athlete of the Year is Kieonna Christmas from Fulton-Montgomery Community College. Kieonna led the Raiders to the Region 3 Division III Women's Basketball Championship and to a 4th Place finish at the NJCAA Division III Women's Basketball National Championships. The team finished the Region 3 regular season with a 16-1 record and an overall record of 24-5.
This season Christmas was named an NJCAA 1st Team All-American, the Region 3 Player of the Year, the Mountain Valley Conference Player of the Year, and the Most Valuable Player of the Region 3 Championship Tournament, while being named 1st Team All-Region and 1st Team All-Conference. She was also named Fulton-Montgomery's Female Athlete of the Year
Kieonna ranked second in Region 3 in both scoring and rebounding and fourth in assists this season, averaging a double-double with 17.8 points per game and 11.9 rebounds per game adding 4.5 assists per game. She also was ranked in the top 10 in field goal percent (6th), three-point field goal percentage (6th), blocks per game (6th) and steals per game (7th).
FMCC Athletic Director and Women's Basketball Coach Kevin Jones shared these remarks, "Kieonna had one of the greatest seasons from a Lady Raider in program history. Her size and versatility enabled her to play inside and out depending on the game situation. She could step out for the three or post someone deep under the basket. Being named an NJCAA 1st Team All-American, Region 3 and Mountain Valley Conference Player of Year while leading her team to the NJCAA National Championship semifinal is special."
Fulton-Montgomery staff assistant Meghan Druziak added, "Kieonna has been a difference-maker from the moment she arrived on campus. Her work ethic, leadership, and commitment to excellence has left a lasting mark on the campus community. Becoming the first female student-athlete in College history to earn Region 3 Athlete of the Year is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the person she is both on and off the court."
The 2026 Region 3 Male Athlete of the Year is Dalton Harper from SUNY Niagara. Harper helped lead the Thunderwolves to the NJCAA Division III Baseball National Championship, the first in program history. The team finished the season with an overall record of 55-6. including a 9-1 record in the post season.
Harper was named the 2026 Division III NJCAA Baseball Player of the Year, an NJCAA 1st Team All-American, the Region 3 Player of the Year, the Region 3 Defensive Player of the Year and selected 1st Team All-Region. He was named Most Valuable Player of both the Region 3 Championship Tournament and the NJCAA Division III Baseball World Series.
In 59 games this season, Dalton finished with a .556 batting average with 105 hits, 85 runs scored, 91 RBI, and 17 homeruns, all ranking him in the top ten nationally. He is currently the SUNY Niagara career leader in games played, hits, doubles, triples, homeruns, and RBI.
SUNY Niagara Director of Athletics Bob McKeown says, "Dalton Harper is one of the most dominant athletes in SUNY Niagara history. Not only is he a fantastic athlete, but he is a tremendous student, and a quality person. He represents SUNY Niagara at the highest level and we are thankful for all that he has done for SUNY Niagara Athletics, our Baseball program, and our entire campus community."
Last weekend Dalton was selected in the 16th round of the 2026 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves. Prior to his selection, Thunderwolves Head Baseball Coach, Matt Clingersmith shared these comments about Harper, "Dalton deserves everything he gets. Sometimes great players have to battle adversity. He was redshirted as a freshman in college at a Division I school, transferred back home and became one of the best catchers in the country. Dalton is now committed to Penn State and looking for brighter futures down the road. We’re looking forward to seeing where his journey goes on at the next levels. The biggest thing about his game is that obviously he was one of the best players in the country and one of the best defensive players in the country, but he also called every pitch for us this season, which is unheard of in today’s age with technology."
The Region 3 Athletic Director of the Year is Don Dutcher from Herkimer College. Dutcher has served as Herkimer Director of Athletics since 2005 and the as the College's Dean of Students since 2019. The Herkimer Athletics program has experienced great athletic and academic success under his leadership with over thirty NJCAA National Championships, 55 Region 3 Championships, nearly eighty Mountain Valley Conference Championships, and eight NJCAA Academic Team of the Year awards. Dutcher is now a four-time recipient of the Region 3 Athletic Director of the Year, having received the honor in 2019, 2010, and 2008.
In addition to providing leadership for Herkimer's success, he has established a reputation and track record in service and commitment to all student athletics and the broader athletic community. Hosting events for Region 3 and the NJCAA takes more than just planning, it requires vision, strong relationships, and a true focus on the student-athlete experience. Dutcher has consistently delivered on all three. Under his leadership, Herkimer has become a go-to host site for championship competition, known across the Region for its organization and genuine hospitality.
Region 3 Board of Regents and Women's Director Kristen Schuth shared the following comments about Dutcher's service, "There’s a level of trust that comes with Donnie—coaches, officials, and administrators all know that when he’s involved, things will run smoothly and the experience will be a positive one for everyone, especially the student-athletes. What really stands out about Donnie, though, is how he goes about his work. No matter how busy or high-pressure the situation, he approaches everything with humility, positivity, and that steady, genuine smile people have come to expect. He has a way of putting people at ease and bringing others together, which makes collaboration feel easy. He’s the kind of colleague who not only gets the job done, but makes the experience better for everyone around him. He leads with kindness, treats people the right way, and represents everything we hope intercollegiate athletics can be."
Herkimer's Associate Athletic Director and Athletic Trainer, Kyle Roepnack, has worked with Dutcher for twenty years. "He is a tremendous leader and a tireless worker. The best compliment I can give about him is he elicits everyone’s maximum effort. I always wanted to perform at a high level for him because I knew he would be doing the same. He has led Herkimer Generals athletics to be one of the most successful athletic programs in the NJCAA."
Mick McDaniel, Region 3 Men's Director, provided the following comments after learning that Dutcher would be recognized for his service again this year, "Donnie’s dedication to assuring a quality experience for his Generals and all those that have competed in the many championships Herkimer has hosted has been exemplary. Since his early days in Region 3, Donnie has helped create the blueprint for how an excellent NJCAA athletics program should run. Donnie has certainly earned this honor and I am thankful for the years we have been able to serve student athletes together."
Dutcher is retiring after a 21 years as Herkimer's Director of Athletics. Schuth added these comments about him, "As Donnie transitions into retirement, we’re not just recognizing his accomplishments, we’re recognizing the example he’s set for all of us. He’s shown what it means to serve with purpose and to support the people around you. His impact will last well beyond the events he’s hosted, in the relationships he’s built and the standard he’s set."
The 2026 Region 3 Athletic Trainer of the Year is North Country Community College’s Dino Angelopoulos. Dino is always willing to do whatever is needed to support student-athletes, providing everything from preventative care to in-game treatment, ensuring athletes can perform at their best. Whether on the practice field, in the training room, or on the sidelines, He consistently puts the well-being of the athletes and the success of North Country’s programs first. His hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Dino is respected not only by the student-athletes and coaches at NCCC, but also by his peers throughout Region 3, having receiving nominations for this recognition from multiple peers.
In Angelopoulos, North Country has a knowledgeable, committed, and caring professional working with their student-athletes. This season, a Saints Women's Basketball player collapsed during competition requiring immediate medical attention; her heart had stopped, and the situation quickly became life-threatening. Through his training, professionalism, and calm demeanor under extraordinary pressure, Dino, along with those assisting him, immediately responded by administering CPR and utilizing the AED to help save her life. Too often, people think of athletic trainers as the individuals who tape ankles, evaluate injuries, and help athletes return to play. While those responsibilities are certainly important, situations like this demonstrate the true scope and value of their profession. When every second mattered, Dino's knowledge, preparation, and ability to act decisively made an incredible difference. Herkimer Athletic Trainer and Chair of the Region 3 Health and Safety Committee Kyle Roepnack says, "Dino faced a situation every athletic trainer prepares for but hopes to never have to do. He handled the situation with professionalism and compassion demonstrating the highest level of student athlete care. It is a testament to his ability as an athletic trainer achieving a positive result in a terrible situation."
Upon learning that Angelopoulos would be recognized as the Region 3 Trainer of the Year, North Country Athletic Director Chad Ladue says, "Dino has been an incredible resource for all of our athletic programs and a tremendous asset to North Country Community College. He consistently goes above and beyond for our student-athletes, whether it's helping them recover from injuries, preparing them to compete, or responding when they need him most. His professionalism, dedication, and genuine care for our athletes make a difference every single day. We are extremely fortunate to have Dino as part of our Saints family. Congratulations on being named the Region 3 Athletic Trainer of the Year, this recognition is incredibly well deserved."
Jerrad Dumont, NCCC's Athletic Facility Manager and Head Men's Basketball Coach has the following message for Dino, "As someone who has had the privilege of having Dino as our athletic trainer for both the men's and women's basketball programs, I could not be more grateful or excited to see him recognized as the Region 3 Athletic Trainer of the Year. His commitment to our student athletes is second to none. He is always there when our athletes need him, and he consistently goes above and beyond to provide outstanding care and support. This award is a reflection of the dedication and professionalism he brings to his job every day. Congratulations, Dino, this honor is truly well deserved."
The SUNY Broome Community College, Hudson Valley Community College, and North Country Community College Athletic Departments are being recognized by Region 3 with the Community Service Award for the 2025-2026 academic year. Hudson Valley is being honored for the ninth time while Broome is being acknowledged for the second consecutive year, and North Country for the first time. Region 3 members are eligible to by recognized with the Region 3 Community Service Award if the number of community service events in which the Department participates is at least equal to the number of sports offerings, with a minimum of five events. In total, the three departments participated in nearly 50 community events. The listing of these events for each program in provided below.
Hudson Valley Community College
- College Suites Move-In-Day 2025
- Capital City Mission
- Food Pantry Donations
- Reverse Rett Syndrome Family Fun Day
- Capital Region Walk for R.I.T.A
- Albany South End Children’s Café
- Women's Soccer Cleet Drive
- Walk to End Alzheimer's at Joseph Bruno Stadium
- American Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Awareness Walk
- Annual Pumpkins Palooza
- Capital District Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) College Forum Day
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s Annual “Feed the Community Day”
- HVCC Thanksgiving Dinner – Night Event
- HVCC Thanksgiving Dinner – Day Event
- Toys for Tots at Empire State Plaza
- Mater Christi Girls Basketball Program - Skills & Drills Clinic
- Annual Lansingburgh Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting
- Twin Town Little League Clinics
- Women's Soccer Partners with Beestra for Free Youth Programs
- Bethel Baptist Church Food Giveaway
- Times Union's "Best of" Campaign
- Rensselaer County Electronics Recycling
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- HVCC Earth Day Nature Trail Clean Up
- Morgan's Message Awareness Baseball Game
- Softball Play for Kay Women's Cancer Awareness Game
SUNY Broome Community College
- Astor Rice Foundation Thursday Family Nights
- Broome CC Student Move-In Day
- Hornet Hope Center Challenge
- The Giving of Toys Ceremony for Toys for Tots
- Lee Barta Community Center
- Garlic Festival at Rec Park
- American Civic Association
- American Cancer Society Game Day Admissions Donations
- Pink Out games for cancer awareness
- Coaches vs. Cancer Campaign: Suits and Sneakers
- Johnson City HS Track & Field Meet Staffing
- Dig Pink Volleyball match for Breast Cancer
North Country Community College
- Community Swim Lesson Initiative
- Special Olympics Basketball Partnership
- Family Holiday Night
- Kids Night Out
- North Country Craft Fair
- Saranac Lake Youth Basketball Association
- Youth Soccer Development
- Little Saints Soccer Clinics
- Saranac Lake Winter Carnival
- Education Outreach and Community Presentations
- Building Stronger Communities Through Athletics
