Meet PennLive’s 2020-’21 wrestling all-star team​

Updated 2:18 PM; Today 1:11 PM



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PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championship finals
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By Dustin Hockensmith | dhockensmith@pennlive.com
Nothing came easy for high school wrestlers in a season that was shortened by a pandemic, then through no shortage of obstacles in their way from safety protocols to masks and a rugged path to Giant Center for the PIAA championships. All of them deserve recognition for surviving the season, but the 45 wrestlers mentioned below did much more than that in registering standout seasons.

PennLive is honored to recognize the area’s top wrestlers with our annual all-star team, which features standouts from the Mid-Penn Conference, Schuylkill League, Tri-Valley League and Lancaster-Lebanon League. The first, second and third teams are listed below, along with our pick for wrestler of the year.


WRESTLER OF THE YEAR



Cumberland Valley’s Jake Lucas celebrates with his family in the stands after defeating Wilson’s Josh Harkless during their 215lb. bout in the PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships at Giant Center. March 12, 2021 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com - Cumberland Valley senior Jake Lucas celebrates after winning the 215-pound title at the PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships at Giant Center on Saturday. Sean Simmers, PennLive


Jake Lucas, Cumberland Valley: Lucas was a dominant force for the Eagles in the regular season as a captain and leader, as well as a virtually automatic source of bonus points. In the postseason, Lucas won his first state title at 220 pounds with an outstanding state tournament that he capped by beating Wilson’s Josh Harkless, 3-1, with a takedown in sudden victory in the state finals. Lucas finished with a 29-1 season record and wrapped up a standout career that included a 140-21 mark, two state medals (he placed fourth as a junior), three sectional titles and two District 3 titles. Lucas was mission-oriented and closed out his high school career on yet another high note with an 11-4 decision over the nation’s No. 13 wrestler at the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic. Lucas is set to take his wrestling talents to the Naval Academy.


FIRST-TEAM ALL-STARS


Colt Barley, Penn Manor



Colt Barley (Penn Manor) defeats Brooks Gable (Dallastown) in the District 3 Class 3A wrestling championships at Spring Grove High School. February 27, 2021 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com


Nothing came cheap in Barkley’s run to a fifth-place finish at the PIAA championships. The 189-pound weight class was one of the deepest in District 3, and Barley churned through sectionals and districts with tournament wins. He had to grind through the West Super Regional after falling to Bellefonte’s Ethan Rossman in his opener, then had to do the same at the PIAA championships after losing to eventual state champ Joey Milano of Spring-Ford in his opener. Barley traveled down one of the most rugged paths possible in the postseason and emerged with the first District 3 title and the first state medal of his career. He is Cornell-bound after compiling a 97-23 record in three varsity seasons at Penn Manor.


Michael Duggan, Boiling Springs



Boiling Springs' Michael Duggan falls to Hamburg's Dalton Gimbor in their 152-pound final, at the 2021 PIAA Class AA Southeast Region Wrestling Championships at Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 27, 2021. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com


Duggan walked out of Hershey’s Giant Center with his head held high and a feeling that he had just begun unlocking the next layer of his vast potential. Still just a sophomore, Duggan won bronze at the PIAA tournament, which wasn’t the medal he wanted, but he did push forward with a more aggressive style that should have him in the running for gold over the next two seasons. Duggan finished with a 29-4 record and also logged runner-up finishes at the District 3 tournament, Southeast Regionals and the East Super Regional. The obvious next step is for Duggan to get over the hump and turn silver and bronze into gold, which will be within his grasp as a junior. Duggan left no question at the end of his run at Giant Center that his best wrestling is still ahead.



Bryce Enders, Halifax



Trent Schultheis (Freedom Area) defeats Bryce Enders (Halifax)during their 189lb. bout in the PIAA Class 2A Wrestling Championships at Giant Center. March 12, 2021 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com


The postseason threw quite a bit at Enders, but he kept plowing forward through a loss in the District 3 finals and the extra tournament at the East Super Regional to claim his first state medal. Enders rolled to a Southeast Regional title, then placed third at super regionals by beating an opponent in Line Mountain’s Jacob Feese who had beaten him by a 7-3 decision earlier in the year. Enders’ power and his physical style made him a force in a rugged 189-pound weight class where he saw many of the same faces at regionals, super regionals and states. Enders didn’t back away from any of those challenges and finished with a 28-6 record and a fifth-place finish at the PIAA tournament.


Dominic Flatt, Solanco



Tyler Chappell, Seneca Valley, defeats Dom Flatt, Solanco, in the 106-pound final at the West Super Region PIAA, class AAA Wrestling Championships in Altoona, Pa., Mar. 6, 2021. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com


Flatt’s career transformation was impressive, as he steadily climbed from a freshman who went 10-16 at 106 pounds to a senior who went 22-7 and placed fourth in the state at 106. A little dose of bad luck kept Flatt from the top of the podium at both sectionals and districts -- he lost to state champion Kaedyn Williams in the finals on both occasions -- but those setbacks did nothing to take away from the season Flatt had and the way he wrestled in the postseason. He was especially good at the West Super Regional, where he beat state finalist Cael Nasdeo of Williamsport in the semifinals on his way to a runner-up showing. He dropped an uncharacteristic 12-0 major decision to Nasdeo in the PIAA semifinals, but wrestled back for fourth and closed his career with a spot on the state podium.


Trey Kibe, Mifflin County



Luca Augustine (Waynesburg) battles Trey Kibe (Mifflin County),during their 172lb. bout in the PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships at Giant Center. March 12, 2021 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com


Kibe made it back to the state finals at 172 pounds as a senior, but he came a step shy of winning his second PIAA gold medal with a 3-2 loss to Waynesburg’s Luca Augustine in the championship match. Kibe went for a headlock in the final seconds, but Augustine popped loose for the winning takedown to hand Kibe his only loss of the season (23-1). The silver medal still served as an exclamation point at the end of a career that stands as one of the best in the Mid-Penn over that stretch. Kibe went 139-14, won four District 6 titles, three regional championships and three state medals. Kibe was a state champ as a sophomore, then placed fourth as a junior and third this season. He is set to continue his wrestling career at Virginia Tech.


Aiden Lewis, Cedar Cliff



Aiden Lewis, Cedar Cliff, wrestles Jacob VanDee, Cathedral Prep in the 113-pound consy-semi's at the West Super Region PIAA, class AAA Wrestling Championships in Altoona, Pa., Mar. 6, 2021. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com


Few wrestlers across the state had a tougher postseason draw than Lewis, who lost to Manheim Township’s Kamdyn Williams in the District 3 semifinals and came up short of the PIAA tournament with losses to returning state champion Vincent Kilkeary of Greater Latrobe and to Cathedral Prep’s Jacob VanDee, who went on to win the 113-pound state title. Lewis was a factor in all three of those losses and was, without question, one of the best pound-for-pound wrestlers in District 3. Lewis was a state runner-up as a junior and a fourth-place finisher as a sophomore, and he finished his standout career with a 121-29 record. Lewis will continue his career at Bucknell.


Josh Miller, Central Dauphin



Josh Miller (Central Dauphin) defeats Caden Dobbins (Dallastown) in the District 3 Class 3A wrestling championships at Spring Grove High School. February 27, 2021 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com


Miller missed the opportunity to build on a fifth-place showing at the state tournament, but he got a second shot at ending his career on a high note as the Rams made a run to the PIAA team wrestling championship finals. Miller walked away from the West Super Regional in Altoona disappointed that he didn’t wrestle the way he wanted, which was enough to keep him out of the top-4 in a loaded 138-pound weight class. Prior to that, Miller rolled to his second straight District 3 title, and he later pinned Bethlehem Catholic three-time state medalist Matt Mayer to help lift the Rams to an upset win in the PIAA team wrestling quarterfinals. The Air Force commit went 26-4 as a senior and wrapped up his career with a 141-35 record.


Matt Repos, Central Dauphin



Matt Repos, Central Dauphin, wrestles Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic, in a 126-pound quarterfinal, at the 2021 PIAA, Class 3A Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center hosts, Hershey, Pa., Mar. 13, 2021. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com


Repos is now 2-for-2 winning state medals in his young career as a centerpiece of coach Jeff Sweigard’s lineup. After placing fourth as a freshman at 106 pounds, Repos answered the bell in his move up the CD lineup and brought home a seventh-place finish as a sophomore at 126. Repos went 27-6 and worked through brutal brackets at both the West Super Regional and the PIAA tournament, and he did it as one of the smaller wrestlers at the weight. Three of Repos’ six losses this season came to wrestlers who had won state titles, and he walked away with sectional and district titles. Repos made his reign over District 3 crystal clear by not surrendering a point until he got to the West Super Regional.


Riley Robell, Bishop McDevitt



Riley Robell, Bishop McDevitt, wins the 285-pound championship 3-0 over Bermudian Springs' Hogan Swenski, at the 2021 PIAA Class AA Southeast Region Wrestling Championships at Central Dauphin High School in Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 27, 2021. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com


Robell made the big leap from 182 to 285 pounds as a sophomore, and he quickly emerged as one of the state’s most electric heavyweights. He showed all the athleticism and quickness that made him a state qualifier at 182 pounds, only this time in a 250-pound frame that caused problems for every opponent he faced. Robell navigated an unbeaten regular season, then won sectional, district, regional and super regional titles before falling to Brookville’s Nathan Taylor in the state finals. Robell will next set his sights on a big junior season on the football field, but plans to wrestle in the major offseason tournaments and could enter next season ranked No. 1 in the state.


Dylan Rodenhaber, Red Land



Dylan Rodenhaber (Red Land) controls Layton Schmick (Carlisle) during their 285lb. bout in the District 3 Class 3A wrestling sectionals at Mechanicsburg. February 20, 2021 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com


Rodenhaber’s senior season began with his team taking a 14-day hiatus for a positive COVID test, and it ended in crushing fashion as he suffered a major knee injury in the elimination round at the West Super Regional in Altoona. Between the two setbacks, Rodenhaber was dominant at both 220 and 285 pounds and was in the midst of a nice postseason run at 285 when his knee got caught under him as he and Hampton’s Dawson Dietz landed with a thud at the Super Regional. Rodenhaber wrestled a string of crisp matches to win his first District 3 title, and he got his Super Regional started with a smooth 5-1 win over a state-ranked foe in Clearfield’s Oliver Billotte. Rodenhaber also missed the postseason as a junior because of a knee injury and finished his career with a 74-28 record. He was 20-3 as a senior and qualified for his second PIAA tournament.


Karl Shindledecker, Chambersburg



Karl Shindledecker (Chambersburg) during the National Anthem during the PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships at Giant Center. March 12, 2021 Sean Simmers |ssimmers@pennlive.com



Shindledecker didn’t just return to the form that sparked a stunning run through the PIAA tournament as a freshman in 2019. He took his wrestling to another level and earned the respect of competitors across the state for his length, his takedown defense and a new, improved approach with his offense. Shindledecker finished with a 23-2 record and won sectional and district titles at 120 pounds, and he twice stood toe-to-toe with state champ Mac Church of Waynesburg in matches that ultimately went Church’s way in the Super Regional and PIAA finals. But Shindledecker got his career right back on track after a brutal draw at the District 3 championships the year before ended his postseason run a match shy of qualifying for states. Shindledecker, who ha a 79-23 career record, will be back for another go at PIAA gold as a senior next season.


Lance Urbas, State College



Lance Urbas, State College, bottom, wrestles Dominic Falcome, Easton, in the 172-pound quarterfinal round at the 2021 PIAA, Class 3A Wrestling Championships at the Giant Center, Hershey, Pa., Mar. 13, 2021. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com


Urbas’ steady career progression landed him on the state podium for the first time as a senior. He also showed that he could have some very good wrestling still ahead of him as he links up with older brother Cole at the University of Pennsylvania next year. Urbas was one of the Mid-Penn Commonwealth’s top performers all season, and he saved a couple of his best performances for last at the PIAA championships. Urbas lost his opener to Easton three-time medalist Dominic Falcone but wrestled back to place fourth at 172 pounds with a 3-1 win over Nazareth’s Sonny Sasso and a 5-3 victory over Kiski Area’s Sammy Starr, who beat him by a 12-2 major decision at the West Super Regional. Urbas went 21-6 as a senior and finished his State College career with a 76-20 record.


Kaedyn Williams, Manheim Twp.



Kaedyn Williams (Manheim Township) defeats Cael Nasdeo (Williamsport),during their 106 lb. bout in the PIAA Class 3A Wrestling Championships at Giant Center. March 12, 2021 Sean Simmers |


Williams was outstanding as a freshman and showed a veteran’s comfort level in tight matches in his run to a 106-pound state title. Williams avenged a loss to Seneca Valley’s Tyler Chappell with a 2-1 win in tiebreakers in the PIAA semifinals and beat a strong opponent in Williamsport’s Cael Nasdeo by a 3-0 decision to cap a 27-1 season with PIAA gold. Williams labored through an illness at the West Super Regional the week before to secure a third-place finish and the opportunity to make a run to the top of the podium in Hershey. Along the way, he and his twin brother, Kamdyn, established themselves as forces who could both contend for multiple state titles.


Kamdyn Williams, Manheim Twp.



Kamdyn Williams, Manheim Township, defeats Vincent Kilkeary, Greater Latrobe, 9-7, in the 113-pound final at the West Super Region PIAA, class AAA Wrestling Championships in Altoona, Pa., Mar. 6, 2021. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com


To say Williams’ outstanding freshman season ended in disappointing fashion would be a gross understatement. The 113-pounder entered the PIAA tournament as arguably the favorite to win a state title, but he missed weight in Hershey and was ineligible to compete. That doesn’t change the season Williams had prior to that setback with a 20-0 record and sectional, regional and super regional titles. Williams knocked off a returning state finals in Cedar Cliff’s Aiden Lewis in the District 3 semifinals, and at the West Super Regional he beat eventual state champ Jacob VanDee of Cathedral Prep in the semifinals and Greater Latrobe state champ Vincent Kilkeary in the finals. Williams will look to get back on a path toward PIAA gold as a sophomore in 2022.


SECOND-TEAM


Gabe Belga, Cumberland Valley


Bryce Buckman, Central Dauphin


Noah Clawson, Carlisle


Ryan Garvick, Central Dauphin


Griffin Gonzalez, Lebanon


Eric Howe, Lancaster Catholic


Deven Jackson, West Perry


Pierson Manville, State College


Mason McLendon, Susquenita


Kyle Miller, Cumberland Valley


Brad Morrison, West Perry


Tate Nichter, Chambersburg


Layton Schmick, Carlisle


Sean Smith, Carlisle


Dustin Swanson, Garden Soot


Nolen Zeigler, West Perry


THIRD-TEAM


Nic Allison, Mifflin County


Isaiah Auman, Cedar Cliff


Dominic Caldwell, Susquenita


Andrew Christie, Bishop McDevitt


Eli Crum, Boiling Springs


Christian Doi, Camp Hill


Rocco Fratelli, Northern


Dom Frontino, Shippensburg


Sean Getty, Camp Hill


Kobin Karper, Boiling Springs


Carson Manville, State College


Makoa Neibel, Trinity


Tucker Paynter, Trinity


Timmy Smith, Central Dauphin


Colton Zimmerman, Carlisle

Obviously when you watched him play in HS, you could see that he had the tools and skills to play at a major D1 school. But I'm not sure anyone saw all this coming. I actually thought he was gonna make his money at defensive end because of his athleticism, but what do I know? Not only was he a major mismatch for SEC defenses this year, but he at his pro day he went absolutely crazy. His measurables and times put him in very rarefied air. To see a guy that big, move THAT fast, is almost unbelievable. Basically a slighter bigger version of Megatron. He will be a major major threat in the pass happy NFL. Definitely a top 10 pick. Maybe even top 5.

Which leads me to a question. Not really a trivia question but just a question in general. Pitts went to Wood so that makes him an SEPA kid. My question is who is the highest drafted player from SEPA of all time? I dont think a Philly area kid has ever gone #1, at least in football, but have "we" ever had a top 5 or 3 guy?

Side note... hope everyone on the board has been safe and healthy during the last year or so

How did the high school football season go overall?
“The season went pretty good overall. Happy we got the opportunity to play during covid.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“Right now, I’m lifting at school with my team and at home. I’m also starting my track season.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel that my team will do good next season and I can’t wait to get back on the field in my senior year.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Manheim Township.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Anthony Ivey.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
N/A

What colleges have been recruiting you?
N/A

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
N/A

Have you made any college trips yet?
N/A

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
N/A

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
N/A

How did the high school football season go overall?
“I think Covid really disrupted the season this year. We were only able to play 6 games, and had a game cancelled in the middle of the season. This really affected our team’s momentum.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“My plan is to keep grinding through this offseason to reach my potential.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think my team is being slept on this year, so we're going to come out and shock the WPIAL.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Penn-Trafford.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Patrick Body from Gateway.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I hope to play football in the Ivy League.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“None.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Michigan has been my favorite college since I can remember.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Our season could have gone better, but just being out there playing those games this year was a blessing. It was tough even getting five games in, so I’ve learned to be appreciative of what you have because anything can happen.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I have been working out a lot since the end of the season. I am running track in the spring season.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would like to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Washington & Jefferson, Widener, Lycoming, Del Val, and Kings’ College.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I have visited most of the schools that I have been in touch with.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Not anymore.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Penn State was always my dream college but in order to play football, I had to look at other colleges.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“My high school season was a little rough, but I feel like it’s prepared me and my team for better. We have a new coaching staff and I’m looking forward to my senior year.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“My plans for sports and workouts are just to continue to work on my craft and stay healthy to better myself for my team.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think my team is going to do well. We have a lot of good players and a great staff and we are already getting to work and we can’t wait.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The team I think will be the toughest team on our schedule is definitely Upper Moreland. We lost to them in a state playoff game and I’m looking forward to play against them again.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I’m not really sure who the toughest player that I’ll play against.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I am not completely sure yet, but if I get the opportunity to play division 1 football, I’ll consider it.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve talked to a few college assistant coaches Akron and UConn.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I haven’t made any college trips yet.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college team growing up was Oregon. My favorite player was De’Anthony Thomas.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“The season went very well. We were able to play seven games and got our first winning season in some time. We actually had the best defensive stats since 1988 and I was thrilled to be named All State, All Conference, and All Area.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I consistently lift, workout with Jason Williams, and I will be running track this spring.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“The team will continue to improve under Coach Lotier. Our team has adjusted to last year's new offense, and we have many returning dynamic players.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Either Perkiomen Valley or Spring-Ford. Those two teams are always solid.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Definitely Ethan Kohler. He’s the complete package as a quarterback and will be entering his senior season.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Absolutely. I have wanted to play football in college for as long as I can remember.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“About a dozen schools, with the notable ones being UPenn and Columbia.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Carleton College.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I've visited Villanova, Delaware, and West Chester.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, at Catholic University, Bentley, Amherst, and Marist.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Villanova. I have always loved the campus. I've been to a couple overnight camps there, and I am a big fan of all their teams.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Brian Dickey, Eric Stevenson Jr., Malachi Hansen, Marco Mongelluzzo, and Harry Adieyefeh Jr. now!


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Methacton safety Brian Dickey​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Absolutely. I have wanted to play football in college for as long as I can remember.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“About a dozen schools, with the notable ones being UPenn and Columbia.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Carleton College.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I've visited Villanova, Delaware, and West Chester.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, at Catholic University, Bentley, Amherst, and Marist.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Villanova. I have always loved the campus. I've been to a couple overnight camps there, and I am a big fan of all their teams.”


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Archbishop Ryan wide receiver Eric Stevenson Jr.​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I am not completely sure yet, but if I get the opportunity to play division 1 football, I’ll consider it.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve talked to a few college assistant coaches Akron and UConn.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I haven’t made any college trips yet.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college team growing up was Oregon. My favorite player was De’Anthony Thomas.”


......................................................................................................

Archbishop Carroll wide receiver Malachi Hansen​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would like to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Washington & Jefferson, Widener, Lycoming, Del Val, and Kings’ College.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Yes, I have visited most of the schools that I have been in touch with.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Not anymore.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Yes, Penn State was always my dream college but in order to play football, I had to look at other colleges.”


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Latrobe defensive back Marco Mongelluzzo​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I hope to play football in the Ivy League.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“None.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Michigan has been my favorite college since I can remember.”


......................................................................................................

Spring-Ford running back Harry Adieyefeh Jr.​

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
N/A

What colleges have been recruiting you?
N/A

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
N/A

Have you made any college trips yet?
N/A

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
N/A

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
N/A


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Find out what colleges are recruiting Calvin Heinle, Colin Lunde, Zach Miller, Danny McManus, and Max Heckert now!


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Kiski Area wide receiver Calvin Heinle

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Absolutely yes. Not only do I want to play, but I plan to make it happen.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve had some great conversations with the University of New Hampshire, Penn, Bucknell, and a couple of D3 schools including W&J and Bethany.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“So far, everything has been virtual visits and virtual game days due to COVID.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I am definitely planning on visiting New Hampshire and a couple of the Ivy League schools as soon as the blackout restrictions are lifted. I'm hoping to checkout a few other schools as we play in different cities for 7v7.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Both of my parents went to the University of Pittsburgh, so I grew up a Pitt Panther fan. I still love going to the football and basketball games.”


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Boiling Springs quarterback Colin Lunde

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I am hoping to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Some Patriot League and PSAC schools have shown interest, but I plan to attend a number of recruit camps at colleges this summer to help narrow it down.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I plan to schedule some soon.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up, I would probably say Indiana University because my dad was on a football scholarship there.”


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Hershey offensive tackle Zach Miller

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would love to have the opportunity to play football at the next level.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“A bunch of the Ivy League schools have been recruiting me like UPenn, Columbia, and Cornell. Also have been getting interest from a couple FCS schools too.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I would have to say UPenn and Columbia. I talk to their coaches the most and have been forming a good bond with them.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any in person college trips yet because of the pandemic. But I have virtually visited UPenn and Columbia this month. They are 2 great schools, and it was an honor to be there.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I plan on visiting a lot more schools once they are allowed to have me in the spring. But as of now, the virtual visits are a great alternative to not being able to have an In-person experience.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Of course I did. Being a kid from central PA, I feel like everyone is a PSU football fan here. And growing up here I would have to say that was my favorite team.”


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Cardinal O'Hara offensive tackle Danny McManus

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would love the opportunity to play football at the collegiate level, however for me academics are a priority and if I can play football at a high-level academic school, it would be the best of both worlds for me.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“My coaches have reached out to a number of schools and have been in contact with a few coaches, but that is the extent of it.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips yet partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I was planning on attending a few football camps this past summer at Villanova University, Lehigh University, and the University of Penn.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“As of right now, I do not have any trips planned because a lot of schools haven’t announced their camp dates or if they are even having a camp. I still plan on attending a few camps this summer if I have the opportunity to do so.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Since I was a little kid, my favorite college was always the University of Notre Dame. It would be a dream come true to simply attend the school as a student.”


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Pine-Richland linebacker Max Heckert

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football at the next level in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have had a handful of D1, D2 and D3 coaches reach out to me about my film and through my trainer.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips yet, but I plan to go to as many colleges opening back up again for visits.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I continue to work hard and look forward to what the future holds for me.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was Pitt. My dad took me to several of their games throughout the years.”


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How did the high school football season go overall?
“The season went great. My team and I finished as Pennsylvania’s 5A State Champs.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I have been working out during the offseason with my trainer Darnell Dinkins. My team just started up lifting together. As well as partaking in team lifting days, I will also be participating on my school’s track team this spring season.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“My team continues to work as one unit and prepare well in the offseason; I feel that my team will do great next football season.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I think Central Catholic will be the toughest competition on our schedule.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest individual player my team will face off against is Patrick Body Jr. from Gateway.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I want to play football at the next level in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have had a handful of D1, D2 and D3 coaches reach out to me about my film and through my trainer.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips yet, but I plan to go to as many colleges opening back up again for visits.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I continue to work hard and look forward to what the future holds for me.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was Pitt. My dad took me to several of their games throughout the years.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Our high school football season was disappointing this year to say the least. We only had the opportunity to play one game, due to COVID-19, despite having five games scheduled. My teammates and I consider ourselves lucky that we were given the chance to at least play one game, given that some teams went without a season this year. “

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“Right now, I’m just focusing on football and hoping for the best for next season. As for workouts, we have a pretty dedicated group of guys, composed of seniors, juniors, and some sophomores and are in the weight room at least four days a week if not more.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think our team will fare well next year amongst the competition in the Philadelphia Catholic League. After a poor regular season my sophomore year and a disappointing situation this past year, my teammates and I all just want the chance to prove ourselves and make Cardinal O’Hara High School proud. Overall, I think we will have a great season this year and we as a team are preparing to do so.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“In my opinion the Philadelphia Catholic League Blue Division is always changing and evolving and there are so many great teams with great potential. With that being said I think some of the toughest competition will come from a few teams including Monsignor Bonner, Archbishop Carroll, and Neumann-Goretti.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Given that there are so many great teams, there are so many talented players. I know for a fact a few teams have some guys with big time Division 1 offers and even teams that don’t; including our own team there are a ton of talented players in our league. Neumann-Goretti is a really talented team with a lot of talented players including Anthony Johnson who is a great linebacker and playmaker.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I would love the opportunity to play football at the collegiate level, however for me academics are a priority and if I can play football at a high-level academic school, it would be the best of both worlds for me.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“My coaches have reached out to a number of schools and have been in contact with a few coaches, but that is the extent of it.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any college trips yet partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I was planning on attending a few football camps this past summer at Villanova University, Lehigh University, and the University of Penn.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“As of right now, I do not have any trips planned because a lot of schools haven’t announced their camp dates or if they are even having a camp. I still plan on attending a few camps this summer if I have the opportunity to do so.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Since I was a little kid, my favorite college was always the University of Notre Dame. It would be a dream come true to simply attend the school as a student.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“It went very well. It was very challenging with Covid-19, but overall, me and my teammates came to work every day. We went 5-1 and tied for our conference. It was sad that we couldn’t play Bishop McDevitt our last game to see who comes up with the division title. But with a couple Covid-19 test in the school we weren’t allowed to play that game. But overall, I was very happy for our team last season.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“My plans now are to be working every day. I’m lifting 3-4 times a week and getting together with my speed and agility trainer the rest of the days to get ready for the season and college camps. Also, I am really just trying to get more agile and stronger in every aspect of my game physically and mentally.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think we will have a great year next season. Even though we lost a lot of talent and leadership, I know my teammates and I are ready for the challenge.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I think every team is a tough competitor on our schedule. No matter what game we go into, if it’s a good team or bad team, we need to treat them as a skilled football team. No matter what, I know our team will go into every game with the mindset to win.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“The toughest player we play will vary by week. Once we get scouting reports and watch a lot of film, we can easily pick the best player on each team. And try to come up with a game-plan to stop them.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would love to have the opportunity to play football at the next level.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“A bunch of the Ivy League schools have been recruiting me like UPenn, Columbia, and Cornell. Also have been getting interest from a couple FCS schools too.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I would have to say UPenn and Columbia. I talk to their coaches the most and have been forming a good bond with them.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not made any in person college trips yet because of the pandemic. But I have virtually visited UPenn and Columbia this month. They are 2 great schools, and it was an honor to be there.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I plan on visiting a lot more schools once they are allowed to have me in the spring. But as of now, the virtual visits are a great alternative to not being able to have an In-person experience.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Of course I did. Being a kid from central PA, I feel like everyone is a PSU football fan here. And growing up here I would have to say that was my favorite team.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Overall, we had a pretty good season with a trip to the playoffs. This was a big step forward for our program and we are looking to build off of that this coming season.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“Thankfully we are able to do offseason workouts with the team as long as we comply with the safety standards. I will also be attending some QB clinics when I have the chance.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We have a very talented core that has been in this system since freshman year. As long as we are able to put everything together, I think we will have a very successful season.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I don’t think I could give a specific team. We try to take each game one week at a time and bring the same intensity, energy, and respect to each opponent.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I think there are a number of talented players we may go up against this season, it’s really a matter of respecting that, watching film, and preparing for it throughout the week.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I am hoping to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Some Patriot League and PSAC schools have shown interest, but I plan to attend a number of recruit camps at colleges this summer to help narrow it down.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I plan to schedule some soon.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Growing up, I would probably say Indiana University because my dad was on a football scholarship there.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Our record wasn’t where we wanted it to be, but we learned a lot as a young team. We play in a tough WPIAL 5A conference, which includes the 2020 PA State Champions, so competition was high. It was a shortened season, and we lost a few games due to the COVID protocol. For myself, I had a break-out season and surprised a lot of people. I ended the season as the team Offensive MVP, along with recognition from the section and multiple publications.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I just finished basketball season. It was fun to compete on the court as the captain of a young team and finish as the leading scorer. I was also fortunate to work in speed/agility training from former Pitt/NFL player, Darnell Dinkins. Now I'm back in the weight room and working out with the team. Our 7v7 season kicks off this weekend at a tournament in Detroit. I'm looking forward to being back on the football field competing with PA Nike Elite 7v7.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel confident that we will compete with a majority of the starters returning, young talent coming up the ranks and an outstanding coaching staff that’s getting us ready. We will surprise a lot of people.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Last year’s defending state champion, Pine-Richland, is in our conference. They are an incredible team, but the competition excites us as a team.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Our conference is full of D1 talent, but we scrimmage Penn Trafford who has Cade Yacamelli and Pine Richland later in our conference schedule who has Jeremiah Hasley. I can't just pick one.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Absolutely yes. Not only do I want to play, but I plan to make it happen.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve had some great conversations with the University of New Hampshire, Penn, Bucknell, and a couple of D3 schools including W&J and Bethany.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“So far, everything has been virtual visits and virtual game days due to COVID.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I am definitely planning on visiting New Hampshire and a couple of the Ivy League schools as soon as the blackout restrictions are lifted. I'm hoping to checkout a few other schools as we play in different cities for 7v7.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Both of my parents went to the University of Pittsburgh, so I grew up a Pitt Panther fan. I still love going to the football and basketball games.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Overall my high school football season went really good despite the Coronavirus. My team and I had an undefeated season.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“My off-season plans are to gain weight and muscle mass. So far, I have successfully put on 20 pounds and I can already see how much my strength has increased.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel that next season my team has a strong state championship run, even with a new quarterback.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“The team I believe that will be the toughest team to play on the schedule is Harrisburg High. There is a lot of dispute about what team is the best team in Harrisburg, and this game gives us players the chance to prove what team is the best. With all of this being said since the title of best Harrisburg high school football team is on the line, this game is going to be a headbanger.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I think Sam Brown from La-Salle. In our home opener, he will be a running back we must stop to set the tone for the rest of the season.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would like to continue playing football in college and try to make it to the NFL.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Dartmouth and Morgan State have been recruiting me and I have gotten the chance to talk to a coach from each college. Some other colleges are Rutgers and Princeton.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“The school recruiting me the hardest is Morgan State.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No, I have not been able to make any college trips due to the Coronavirus.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, I am hoping to take trips to Rutgers, Penn State, Dartmouth, Morgan State, and Princeton after the NCAA dead period gets lifted.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“It went as good as it could have possibly gone. We were the undefeated state champions.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I think that we can get another state title if we practice and play as a team and hold each other accountable.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“I think that Gateway will be our best game.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“Next year we will go up against a lot of good players. It’s hard to pick one.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have been talking to a few schools including Lehigh, Kent State and Liberty.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Lehigh.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Not as of now.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I grew up around Pittsburgh, so I would have to say Pitt.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“The season was pretty rough, but we were just happy to be able to have a season.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“I’m working out every day to get ready for the season. I lift at the gym Monday through Friday and then do speed training on the weekends.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college. It’s what I’ve been working towards since my freshman year of high school.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve been in contact with coaches from Millersville, ESU, and a few others, but nothing too serious yet.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I’ve been in contact with Millersville the most.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I’m going to be visiting Millersville and ESU soon.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Not really. I grew up loving college football, but never really had a favorite.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“If you want me to be honest with you my high school season didn’t go as I expected. At the beginning of the season, we didn’t know if we were going to play, and it threw off our team chemistry. We didn’t know who we were going to play every week; it was never set in stone. My team at Central Dauphin East went 0-7 and we were not prepared as we should have been. I believe that we didn’t have a season as all the people on my team wanted.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“My plans are working out and lifting 3 times a week then. Work on my position skills on the weekends to prepare for the next season.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“I feel we have a good fighting chance to win some games and maybe go to the chip. We have a new head coach and a new coaching staff that’s ready to get after it. I feel Central Dauphin East is going to come better than ever and all we have to do is prove it.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Central Dauphin, State College, and Harrisburg High.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“No players that I know from another team. That would give us a problem this year as I know of.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“If I’m given the chance to go play at the next level, I will. I would love to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“W&G College, Juniata College, and Misericordia University.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Misericordia University. Coach Dalton McCrann and I have exchanged multiple messages and are prepared to start the recruiting process.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No, I have not taken any.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, this summer I’m getting ready to take a visit to Anna Maria this summer.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was Millersville University.”

How did the high school football season go overall?
“Overall with Covid being in effect, we did not get to really have many team events leading up to the season which hurt for not only us but for all schools. When the season did come, we were a younger team, so we had to implement a lot of new concepts quickly before the season began. However, the team really picked it up quickly and we had a productive season finishing 3-5.”

What are your plans now with sports and workouts?
“My plans with sports now are to get ready for the track season coming up and compete in some throwing and sprinting events. Work out wise, I am going to Powertrain about 5 times a week and using my home gym 2 days a week for weightlifting and conditioning. I am also doing position specific drills 3-4 days a week with help from Coach Chris Thompson.”

How do you feel your team will do next football season?
“We have been putting in a lot of work right now in the off-season and it is only going to continue with more players, so I believe if we keep this up, we will have a great year next year.”

What team do you feel will be the toughest competition on your schedule?
“Our team plays a lot of well coached, competitive teams next year that will all be tough competition, but our last game against ELCO will definitely be our toughest. They have been very competitive these last few years and they are a county rival who are very well-coached and have a great overall team.”

Who is the toughest individual player your team will face off against?
“I think Luke Williams from ELCO is an individual who stands out. I know him personally and he is a great man and is even a better competitor. He always goes 100 percent and is a very physical and athletic kid. He’s a senior this year which will make him even more aggressive because he wants to come out this year on top.”

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do and I would love to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I am on Go Big Recruiting who has really been a big help in my recruiting. I have been getting looked at by multiple division 1 schools because of Go Big. They actually helped me even pick up an offer from the University of Pennsylvania.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“As of now, I have an offer from the University of Pennsylvania so I would say they are right now.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not. Due to Covid, I have not been able to make some trips, but I hope to make some.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I plan on visiting Penn after the dead period ends, along with some other schools and attending some prospect camps.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“As a kid I liked an assortment of schools, but I always liked Penn State.”

Find out what colleges are recruiting Alex Long, Izaiah Scott, Kalani Adams, Jacob Domer, and Gabriel Arena now!


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Q&A with Annville-Cleona linebacker Alex Long

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I do and I would love to play football in college.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I am on Go Big Recruiting who has really been a big help in my recruiting. I have been getting looked at by multiple division 1 schools because of Go Big. They actually helped me even pick up an offer from the University of Pennsylvania.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“As of now, I have an offer from the University of Pennsylvania so I would say they are right now.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“I have not. Due to Covid, I have not been able to make some trips, but I hope to make some.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I plan on visiting Penn after the dead period ends, along with some other schools and attending some prospect camps.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“As a kid I liked an assortment of schools, but I always liked Penn State.”


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Q&A with Central Dauphin East offensive tackle Izaiah Scott

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“If I’m given the chance to go play at the next level, I will. I would love to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“W&G College, Juniata College, and Misericordia University.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Misericordia University. Coach Dalton McCrann and I have exchanged multiple messages and are prepared to start the recruiting process.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No, I have not taken any.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, this summer I’m getting ready to take a visit to Anna Maria this summer.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“My favorite college growing up was Millersville University.”


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Q&A with Northern Lebanon linebacker Kalani Adams

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play football in college. It’s what I’ve been working towards since my freshman year of high school.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I’ve been in contact with coaches from Millersville, ESU, and a few others, but nothing too serious yet.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“I’ve been in contact with Millersville the most.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“Not yet.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“I’m going to be visiting Millersville and ESU soon.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“Not really. I grew up loving college football, but never really had a favorite.”


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Q&A with Pine-Richland defensive tackle Jacob Domer

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“I want to play college football.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“I have been talking to a few schools including Lehigh, Kent State and Liberty.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“Lehigh.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Not as of now.”

Did you have a favorite college growing up?
“I grew up around Pittsburgh, so I would have to say Pitt.”


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Q&A with Bishop McDevitt offensive tackle Gabriel Arena

Do you want to play sports in college? If so, which one?
“Yes, I would like to continue playing football in college and try to make it to the NFL.”

What colleges have been recruiting you?
“Dartmouth and Morgan State have been recruiting me and I have gotten the chance to talk to a coach from each college. Some other colleges are Rutgers and Princeton.”

What school is recruiting you the hardest?
“The school recruiting me the hardest is Morgan State.”

Have you made any college trips yet?
“No, I have not been able to make any college trips due to the Coronavirus.”

Do you have plans for any trips soon?
“Yes, I am hoping to take trips to Rutgers, Penn State, Dartmouth, Morgan State, and Princeton after the NCAA dead period gets lifted.”


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Reading High capped a season that almost never happened with an incredible finish Saturday night, knocking off unbeaten Archbishop Wood 58-57 to win the PIAA Class 6A championship at Giant Center.

Four years after claiming the inaugural 6A title, the Red Knights (26-2) defied the odds and mounted a huge comeback in knocking off the nationally ranked Vikings (19-1).

Joey Chapman sealed the victory, stealing an inbounds pass with 3.2 seconds remaining.
The Red Knights, who trailed 13-2 in the first quarter, took their first lead in the final minute of the third quarter, then withstood tremendous pressure down the stretch.

Rahsool Diggins hit a 3-pointer to cut Reading’s lead to 58-57 with 5.7 seconds left, and Chapman threw away the ensuing inbounds pass.
He redeemed himself following a timeout with a steal that set off a wild celebration at midcourt.
It took the Red Knights a while to get going in the first half. They found themselves trailing 13-2 after 3 ½ minutes — one of the biggest deficits they’ve faced all season.

Rahsool Diggins, one of the best players in the state, unleashed a string of 3-pointers at the outset, several of them from NBA range. He had 12 first-quarter points.
Reading switched to a man-to-man defense after that and it made a difference, and keyed a big rally.
The Red Knights found some openings in the lane and Joey Chapman and Myle Grey took advantage, scoring on drives.
Reading tied it 23-23 when Moro Osumanu pulled up for a foul-line jumper with 3:15 to go in the half.

The Red Knights didn’t score again the rest of the first half, and Wood went into intermission leading 30-23.
Just reaching the championship game was a victory for a Reading High team that didn’t know if it would even have a season after its school board suspended sports in the fall.

In case anyone missed this earlier in January.

Hook ’em!: Unionville picks ‘Longhorns’ as new nickname after thorough process


Unionville High School's sports teams will now be known as the "Longhorns" after completing a thorough process and receiving input from all over the community. The new name replaces "Indians," which is how Unionville was known for more than 60 years. The school retains its familiar blue and gold color scheme.

EAST MARLBOROUGH >> When you think of the Longhorns taking to the arena of competition, the mental picture is of burnt orange-clad athletes from the University of Texas.

But now, at least in Chester County, the Longhorns wear blue and gol Unionville went by “Indians” for more than 60 years.

On Monday evening at a board meeting of the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, it was announced that Unionville High School has adopted

“Longhorns” as its new nickname and mascot.

It officially replaces the previous nickname — the Indians — which was deemed too pejorative, much in the way that the Redskins moniker was recently dropped by Washington’s NFL franchise.

“It is going to be a hard transition for some, but I think over the next few years students are going to love it,” said Molly Evanko, Unionville’s student council president. “Any big change like this will take some getting used to, but the students are going to love having a mascot they can really support.”

It officially puts an end to the association between the school’s athletic teams and the “Indians,” which was adopted in 1954 as a reference to the Lenape Indians who once inhabited the area through mid-1750s. It was used proudly for more than 60 years before being phased out, starting about five years ago.

In late August, the school board voted to retire the mascot, and a 38-member committee was assembled to come up with a replacement. It included students, teachers, staff, alumni and community members, who met weekly.

“Changing the mascot was an emotional topic for folks, and people care,” said Unionville Athletic Director Pat Crater. “There are certain people in the community who are deeply connected with the school and have a lot of good memories of the previous mascot.

“But on the other side there was a lot of support for change, looking for something that is more inclusive. You see it all over the country with changes in mascots like the Washington Redskins.”

Crater called it a “thoughtful process and we listened to all stakeholders.” The committee initially sent out a survey to all students and staff members asking for suggestions.



Unionville football coach Pat Clark was on the committee that helped choose the new name. “We have some great young people here who kind of spearheaded the conversation,” Clark said. “We can look at making this positive change and still include our alumni and recognize how important they are to our community.”

“We got over 500 submissions — a lot of really good ideas,” he said.

“We have some great young people here who kind of spearheaded the conversation,” said Unionville football coach Pat Clark, who was on the committee. “We can look at making this positive change and still include our alumni and recognize how important they are to our community.”

Following several rounds of voting, the committee settled on two finalists: the Longhorns and the Stampede. The school’s debate team even considered the two options before it was put to a vote, with students from grades eight through 12 making the final decision.

“We wanted something gender neutral that connected to this community,” Crater said. “And something unique, but not obscure. We learned there are no local high schools that are also the Longhorns.”

While there is no definitive list of Pennsylvania high school nicknames, it appears that there are no other “Longhorns” among the more than 1,000 high schools in the state.

According to Clark, the local connection goes back to the Buck and Doe Run Valley Farms — the King Ranch — that was previously a working cattle ranch in the area.

“There was always a herd of longhorns kept there and much of it is now a nature preserve that covers thousands of acres,” he explained.

Crater pointed out that longhorns are considered a lead steer that is highly adaptable, which was a nod to the Unionville student population.

“We learned that a longhorn is like a fingerprint in that their horns, their coloring and their personalities are all different,” he added. “We thought that was a nice way to celebrate the diversity of our students.”

It also makes sense from a branding perspective as the ‘U’ shape of the longhorn works well with the Unionville ‘U.’

“As a school, we really haven’t been able to use our mascot for the last five-to-six years,” Clark pointed out.

“I’ve been here a long time and there is a tremendous sense of community pride. I’ve got brothers and cousins that have all come through our sports programs, and the old mascot means something to them. But there is also growth in our community. The people who were Unionville Indians can be proud of all they accomplished.”

According to Evanko, who was a member of Unionville’s state champion girls’ golf team, there will be a contest to name the new mascot. She also said that Student Council is organizing a clothing drive to encourage the community to donate their clothing with the old Unionville logo.

“We are going to change out clothing and work on getting everybody in the building a new T-shirt,” Clark said.

“It’s so we can give back to the community and encourage everyone to embrace our new logo,” Evanko added.

“For the most part the students were really excited to see a new mascot because in my time at Unionville we haven’t had a mascot at football games or prep rallies. So I think they are really excited to have a new mascot we can all rally behind.”