football

2024 Fall Sports 

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By: Ari Case

The 2024 fall sports season held many challenges and successes for GS teams.  

Fall sports include football, girls’ tennis, golf, boys’ soccer, girls’ soccer, boys’ cross country, girls’ cross country and volleyball. 

FOOTBALL 

The varsity football team had its best start since 1999. 

“We did exactly what we wanted to do, coming out of the gate 4-0,” defensive coordinator Mr. Matthew Boe said. 

The team finished 7-3 overall and 3-1 in conference play, placing fourth overall in the conference. Unfortunately, they lost in the first round of playoffs against the Avonworth Antelopes on Nov. 1. 

After several difficult seasons, the seniors were very happy with their success. 

GS clashes with members of the Valley High School football team.

Photo Courtesy: Brad Skero, Kryptic Media

“We’re kind of going out with a bang,” senior captain Cooper Dann said. “It feels good to win.” 

This year, Dann was recognized for his efforts on and off the field. He was invited to be a part of the Steelers All-Peer Team, for which he will be honored at the Acrisure Stadium. 

“He’s just a really good person,” Mr. Boe said. “I think it’s definitely earned.” 

Boe explained that the return of several varsity starters, like Dann and fellow senior Kai Brunot, allowed the team to work from a better starting point.  

For the game against Ligonier Valley on Sep. 30, Brunot was voted the PennLive state player of the week for his touchdown and 142 rushing yards. He received nearly 50% of the votes cast and contributed a lot to the team’s success.  

Boe said that despite good plays like Brunot’s, there are a lot of things the team can improve on. He believes that the team can “absolutely control our destiny.” 

He and Dann both expressed that the season held a lot of energy and optimism.  

“Every single year, there’s an excitement for it,” Boe explained. 

GIRLS’ TENNIS 

Most of the team this fall was completely new to the sport.  

The now graduated Class of 2024 filled six of seven varsity starters, leaving the team at a huge disadvantage this season. 

They finished the season with a record of 1-10, but there was incredible improvement and individual successes. 

“The record doesn’t indicate how much we progressed or how evenly matched the rounds were,” coach Mr. Christopher Gazze said.  

Mr. Gazze went into the season with the hope of growth and improvement for the team to set up for next year. 

“I feel like I learned a lot, and I ended up making really good friendships,” senior Anna Spigarelli said.  

Spigarelli has been playing for three years and was a varsity starter this season.  

Despite the record, the team is optimistic looking toward next year with the possibility of competing for playoffs. 

“I think they have really good foundations,” Spigarelli shared about the underclassmen. “As long as they put in the work, they’ll do really well.” 

GOLF 

Having lost a large group of seniors last year, the season didn’t come with the highest expectations.  

It was a welcome surprise when three freshmen made an incredible impact that led the team to an overall record of 9-6 with a section record of 8-4. Their section record resulted in third place in the section, only missing playoffs because of a loss in their final match against Mt. Pleasant. 

One freshman in particular, captain Luke Sikora, was “a consistent contributor to the team,” according to coach Mr. Erik Doran. 

Sikora, along with sophomore Bryce Ferace, qualified as individuals for WPIALs. 

Only Sikora made the cut for finals, just missing the cut for round three. He tied for 18th, the cut for the round, but lost in the second playoff hole—resulting in a final placement of 19th. 

“I didn’t play how I usually do, but it was fun,” Sikora explained. 

He earned the WCCA Tournament Co-Champion title as well as the WPIAL AA Section 2 Champion title during the season.  

“I’m excited for next year,” he said. 

With many consistent players returning next year, the team hopes for another good season. 

“Heading into next year, we are one of the favorites to make playoffs and win our section,” Mr. Doran said. 

Sikora at the WCCA Tournament.

Photo by: Erik Doran

BOYS’ SOCCER 

With many difficulties in a new section, the boys’ soccer team finished with a record of 3-17. 

The season started with the loss of five varsity starters and a lot of uncertainty. Injuries constantly impacted the lineup, but the team still made many games closer than anticipated. 

“[We] are learning that in order to play a complete match, we have to give maximum effort in practice as well as games,” coach Rich Christeleit explained.  

Many players have improved individually, and the team put up a good fight in their new section. 

“I think we’ve grown as a team,” junior captain Alex Swatchick said. “We’ll be looking forward to improving over the summer.” 

GIRLS’ SOCCER 

With a slow start to the season, the team pulled through with a 7-9 overall record and were 3-7 in section play.  

Senior captain Alice Wilkinson said she was excited for her senior season but had been “hoping to do better.” 

Much of the team, including Wilkinson, were optimistic about a shot at playoffs—which they fell just short of. 

“We felt like we were in a good place to be successful,” coach Jess Melodia explained. “Over the last four years, the team has gotten stronger, faster and more resilient.” 

Wilkinson expressed that regardless of game results, her favorite part was spending time with her team.  

Most of the team share strong bonds that have only grown with them over the years. These connections have resulted in a lot of growth and success as a team. 

Hopefully, in the next season it will pay off not only in team morale, but in their record as well. 

“We are at a point where we are starting to consistently recognize the results of all the hard work we have put in,” Melodia said. 

CROSS COUNTRY 

Even with dwindling numbers, the cross country teams this season were very successful. 

“It says a lot, to come out and have the record we have after losing who we lost,” coach Mr. Nathan Snider expressed. 

The girls’ team had an overall record of 10-3, and the boys’ team had a record of 3-10.  

With only four runners for the boys by the end of the season, they didn’t have enough to make a full team—their estimated record, if they would have had a fifth runner, is 9-4. 

“It’s very disappointing to not be able to score as a team when you have four good runners,” Mr. Snider said. 

The girls won the AA County title and placed 8th at WPIALs. 

“We’ve had a lot of success this season,” senior Ksena Spencer said. 

Senior captain Nick Reinhart had a positive outlook moving into the individual season.  

Reinhart, along with fellow seniors Owen Noel and captain Regan Kerr, placed top 12 at the TSTCA Cross Country Championship Oct. 17 and advanced to the State Meet after qualifying at WPIALs. 

Noel and Reinhart placed 80th and 90th respectively, out of 249 runners. Kerr placed 63rd out of 250 runners.  

“It went well,” Reinhart said. “We all ran well, and it was definitely a good time.” 

VOLLEYBALL 

This season the team worked as hard as they could to see success—and it certainly paid off.  

With an overall record of 15-4, they made it to the first round of the playoff season against Hampton on Oct. 23. Unfortunately, they were swept, losing the first three of five sets. 

“These girls have worked so hard to get to this point,” coach Mrs. Rachel Brannigan said. “They showed up in the off season and show[ed] up at practice every day to work harder than the day before.” 

They were excited for playoffs after placing second in the section. 

“I have never been part of a team that has such an incredible bond and works so hard,” sophomore Patricia Redinger explained. 

After placing last in the 2023 season, the success may be unexpected, but it was certainly earned. 

“This is such an amazing group of girls all around,” Mrs. Brannigan said, “They lift each other up and work hard both on and off the court.” 

— 

As seasons end and new sports begin, school spirit at GS is one of the most important things for students to focus on. 

“We have to continue to grow as a school [and] come together as a community to succeed,” Mr. Drake D’Angelo, Athletic Director, said. 

Football Playoffs  

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By: Rubee Stillwagon

With a record of 7-3, the GS football team made it to the first round of WPIAL playoffs. Although they lost the playoff game, the team had a memorable season. 

By upsetting Southmoreland with a score of 28-21, GS finished their in-conference games with a winning season. This was enough for the team to receive a wild-card seed in the playoffs. This set them up to play Avonworth on Friday, Nov. 1. 

“Beating Southmoreland to finish the regular season and sending the seniors off with a win at Offut was great,” Head Football Coach Mr. Tyler George said. 

With a record of 2-8 for the 2023 football season, the team put in the work for this year’s winning season. 

The GS Football team huddles up during a timeout.

Photo courtesy: Blessing Gantt

The players and coaches did things on and off the field to stay motivated and keep the team together. 

“We would have someone come in and speak to the team on Thursday, show inspirational videos of alumni before games and leave motivational messages or goals on the board for players to see before games,” Coach George said. 

While coaches put in the effort to prepare the team for what they would face while on the field, players had their own ways of ensuring they were ready. 

“I really had to do my best to pay attention, work hard and lock in on and off the field,” senior Brady Smith said. “We also had team dinners and other things we would do that put me and the team in the right mindsets for Friday nights.” 

The last time GS football went to the playoffs was in 2019. The team played against Blackhawk High School and lost 36-7.  

Aside from this being the first time since 2019 to make playoffs, there were also other achievements.  

“This was our first time starting 1-0 since 2013, first time starting 4-0 since 1999 and first winning record since 2011,” Coach George said. 

Senior Kai Brunot also won fan votes for Pennsylvania Player of the Week for GS’ game against Ligonier Valley. The team won 43-14 and Brunot rushed for 142 yards and a touchdown. 

Senior Peyton Chismar won Play of the Week for his interception return for a touchdown. Chismar stepped in front of a pass and ran it for a pick-6 during GS’ game against Southmoreland. 

Senior Cooper Dann was put on The Steelers All-Peer Team for going above and beyond to provide support to his team. Dann was chosen along with 11 other high school football players for this team. 

“The fans and their support have been beyond incredible,” Coach George said. “The amazing atmosphere on Fridays was because of the energy and passion for the kids and the program. I sincerely cannot thank them enough.” 

The 2024 football season was one for GS to look back on. Coach George and the rest of the coaching staff and team will soon be starting preseason to start preparing for another successful season. 

“I feel the team worked hard throughout the whole season,” Smith said. “When preparing for games, even if we thought we were the underdog, we stuck together and put our all into the game. This season was one for the football team to be proud of.” 

Salem Psychos  

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

By: Rubee Stillwagon 

With fall sports in full swing, the Salem Psychos are busy showing their support. 

The student section at sports events is there to bring fun to games and encourage the teams. These students are led by five leaders. 

“Lauryn Swierczynski is our main leader,” Salem Psychos Advisor Mr. Nick DeMary said. “Then we have Kayla Ramer, Grace Sybesma, Dom Rosensteel and Cooper Dann.” 

These leaders do their best to ensure that students have fun at sports events. But beyond this, they make sure that student athletes always have someone supporting them. 

The HS student section at the GS vs. Valley football game.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Andrea Redinger

“The student section is a major driving factor of school spirit, no doubt,” Swierczynski said. “As an athlete, having your peers come to your games really does make a difference. It gives you another reason to play, to push through and gives the team a wave of school pride.” 

While the student section works to keep them supported outside of school, they are also working to arrange in school support. 

“I want to get involved in the school,” Mr. DeMary said. “Maybe a pep rally. We are also trying to get t-shirts made and stuff like that.” 

Getting the students involved may draw bigger crowds to school events. The leaders and DeMary are working hard to get advisory meetings set up. This would open the opportunity to get more ideas and opinions.  

“Hopefully we see student athletes from all grades and sports come down to Mr. DeMary’s room and have some input on future themes, chants and ways to get more involvement at games,” Swierczynski said. 

Having student input can be helpful when trying to gain involvement. If students like the themes and chants there will be more of a turn out. 

“Everything is truly for the students and your voice matters,” DeMary said. “What students want is important because I’m a teacher and what was cool six years ago isn’t anymore.” 

Although DeMary works to make things happen for students, the leaders play a role in keeping things up to date. 

“Right now, we are working on Gold Rush t-shirts that will most likely be free,” Swierczynski said. “Another thing the other leaders and I are working on is a short video to go over different chants and traditions we do at each game.” 

The chants are a way to keep the students having fun and interested at games. This video could help students be prepared for the games and louder when chants are called. 

Although all students are in the same general area, it can be hard for some groups to hear and stay involved due to the grade sectioning. In the student section seniors are in the front and it goes by grade level all the way to the back. 

“I think they could do a little better trying to involve the freshmen,” freshman Sophia Ginder said. “I think it’s awkward sometimes because they already know what they are going to do in the front and no one in the back knows what’s going on.” 

While it may be hard to hear chants, there are still fun things for the younger students participate in, such as themes. 

“I like the themes because I feel like it’s a way we can all be connected,” Ginder said. 

Another thing that has been updated this year is the location of the middle school student section. Instead of being on the other side of the field, it is now next to the band which is in between the two sections. 

“I personally like this change,” Swierczynski said. “Another section can hear the band better, and it creates connectivity between the middle and high school.” 

Introducing the middle school students to the high school section can help show them what they have to look forward to. It can get them excited for what they get to be involved with soon. 

“What I really want to see happen after I leave is the revival of the old days,” Swierczynski said. “What I mean by this is it being competitive to become a psycho. Bring back the passing of the torch culture. And keep the energy for all sports, not just football. Pack the section.” 

Overall, this year’s group of senior leaders have a lot of goals, and the hope is that they can achieve them all. But it’s also important that there is other students’ interest in carrying on the Salem Psycho traditions. 

“We are one at GS and I’m excited to see what the future holds,” DeMary said.