Pennridge-Quakertown Sports Hall of Fame Most Courageous Athletes

1992

Mary Joe Urick (Pennridge) – Mary Joe is a member of the varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams.  She has continued to be an integral member of both teams while enduring two serious ankle injuries during her participation in interscholastic athletics.  More importantly, however, has been her resolve to continue in participating in school activities in light of her father’s bout with terminal cancer.  Mary Joe’s positive personality and attitude in the face of these adversities has endeared her to both her peers and superiors alike while earning her the admiration of both groups.

Erik Smith (Pennridge) – Erik has been plagued by a variety of injuries the past three years, but has not allowed those injuries to interrupt his having won varsity letters in football all three years.  Numbered among those injuries are a broken finger and hand his sophomore year, a cardiovascular and pulmonary problem his junior year, as well as two broken noses, a broken foot, and a thumb injury his senior year.  Though missing three games his senior year, Erik did not allow the injuries to impact upon the entire years as he continued to play through the injuries even though he had serious trouble breathing.  Additionally, Erik should be complimented for maintaining a 4.0 GPA his senior year and for his involvement as the student announcer at men’s basketball games.

Stacy Bach (Quakertown) – Stacy overcame surgery in order to return to competition this year.  She was a leader on the basketball team and showed academic promise and potential to play at the collegiate level.  Stacy was the captain of the basketball team and leading scorer, leading her team to another District One Playoff birth.  She was also a first team All-League selection.  She will continue her studies and basketball career at Allentown College.

Brian Cote (Quakertown) – Brian suffered a severe injury requiring surgery.  He came back from this injury to be the co-captain and quarterback of the football team.  He was an All-League performer who led his team to nineteen victories in two years as the quarterback.  His team leadership was obvious as well as his performance in the classroom.  He will be continuing his education at Kutztown University.

                                                  
1993

Missy Hefner (Pennridge) – Missy has overcome serious bouts with asthma to become one of the best athletes in Pennridge history.  Missy has played four years of hockey, basketball and lacrosse and at one time or another has been named All Suburban One League in each sport.  Upon graduation, Missy will be attending the University of Delaware on an athletic scholarship.

Christopher James “C.J.” McDonnell (Pennridge) – C. J. has been an inspiration to his peers and superiors alike for his participation in Pennridge athletics.  His participated his senior year, after fighting back from a serious accident that almost claimed his life a number of years ago.  He was highly involved in athletics as a youngster.  He was an integral member of the golf team as he earned a varsity letter in the sport’s first year at Pennridge after a ten-year hiatus.  He will be attending Berks Campus of Penn State University in the fall.

Corie Stover (Quakertown) – Corie participated in four sports at QHS and was captain of the hockey, basketball and soccer teams her senior year, earning All-League recognition in basketball and soccer.  She was a study in courage enduring a broken finger, chronic tendonitis in her knees, a dislocated knee cap and back problems.  In class as well as athletics, Corie  always performed with excellence despite physical problems that would have sidelined a less courageous athlete.  Corie plans to attend Elizabethtown College next fall.  She is the daughter of Elmer and Kathy Stover.

Glenn Bubser (Quakertown) – Glenn participated in three sports at QHS.  He was captain and MVP of the basketball team and also earned All-League honors in golf and baseball.  He endured chronic back problems, a stress fracture, knee problems and a separated shoulder.  He was a positive role model for other athletes who sustained injuries through his demonstrated desire to perform and excel.  He will be attending East Stroudsburg University in the fall.  Glenn is the son of Ms. Ann Hafler.

1994

Dana Steinly (Pennridge) – Dana was diagnosed as having a low blood platelet count which prevented her blood from clotting in the event of an injury to her skin and caused her to become fatigued.  Despite doctors’ advice Dana continued to play softball, even on the day after discharge from the hospital.  This past summer, Dana’s spleen was removed which, in effect, has raised her blood platelet count to a more positive level.  She is the daughter of Dennis and Pat Steinly of Silverdale.

John Cressman (Pennridge) - John has suffered a dislocated shoulder more than six times and also had a back injury playing football.  He wore a shoulder harness to minimize the discomfort and pain and to safeguard against further injury.  After one dislocation he came back twelve days later to rush for 140 yards on Thanksgiving Day.  He recently dislocated his shoulder in baseball while making a throw to home plate and returned to the lineup the following day as a designated hitter.  He is the son of Wayne and Carolyn Cressman of Sellersville.  (In 1993 his grandfather was inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame).

Jen Crouthamel (Quakertown) – Jen has been on the volleyball and soccer team for four years.  During her sophomore year she suffered an injury to her left knee and had surgery.  Her right knee was damaged during her junior year and she again underwent surgery.  This spring she is back on the field with the soccer team and determined to play at her best possible level.  She plans to attend West Chester University next year.  She is the daughter of James and Karen Crouthamel of Trumbauersville.

Thomas “T.J.” Smith (Quakertown) -  T.J. has been a four year participant in both football and baseball.  He has been the starting quarterback for the last two years.  During his junior year he cut off the tip of his middle finger of his right hand in a shop accident but was back playing baseball in one month.  He just completed an outstanding football season where he set two seasonal records and two career records for the Panthers.  Next year he plans to attend East Stroudsburg University and major in physical education.  He is the son of Thomas and Terri Smith of Quakertown.

1995

Stacy Tiefenthaler (Pennridge) – Stacy has won 12 varsity letters in tennis, track and field, and basketball in her four years at Pennridge and has been named All-League in all sports.  She has accomplished this while suffering from sacroilleitis, a chronic disease which affects the joints in the lower back.  She has also had to overcome a sprained ankle and a strained knee to continue to compete through her senior year.  She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Tiefenthaler of Perkasie.

Mike Mangeney (Pennridge) - Mike was the District One Sectional Wrestling Champion at 160 pounds and the district runner-up in the same weight class after being forced to injury default as the result of torn ligaments in his ankle.  He wrestled a number of matches this year while having his shoulder heavily taped as a result of a separated shoulder and, on other occasions, wrestled with ten stitches in his forehead.  He finished his senior year with 24 wins and 7 losses, was named 1st team All-Colonial Division at 171 pounds, and helped Pennridge to its first ever wrestling championship.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Mangeney of Dublin.

Kelly McLean (Quakertown) – Kelly has played volleyball and basketball for all four years of high school.  She was the leading scorer on the basketball team before having a severe knee injury requiring total knee reconstruction surgery.  After a long period of therapy and rehabilitation she was able to return to the basketball team in January.  She plans to attend West Chester University and major in communications.  She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward McLean of Quakertown.

Jason Birli (Quakertown) - Jason has played soccer for three years and volleyball for two years.  He overcame the tragic death of his older brother in a traffic accident to compete actively on the varsity level for QHS.  He was selected co-captain of the volleyball team as a senior.  Jason is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Birli of Quakertown.

1996

Angela Zenobi (Pennridge) - Angie has had scoliosis of the spine since eighth grade.  As a varsity cheerleader for the past three years she continues to cheer and act as a strong base in the mounts.  Wearing a back brace to lessen the pain, she continually stretches her back with exercises in order not to do any more damage while cheering and doing lifts.  She is the daughter of Ms. Diane Zenboni and Mr. Tom Zenboni.

Brian Staats (Pennridge) – Brian’s hearing loss was diagnosed when he was an infant.  He has profound loss in both ears which necessitates his wearing a hearing aid.  He relies on lip reading to ascertain what others are saying.  Brian has participated in basketball and tennis for three years.  This spring he plays on the first doubles team.  Brian is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Danny Staats.

Daniel Ziegler (Quakertown) – Dan has played baseball for four years and football until sidelined by injury.  He has had three major knee operations during his high school years.  However, due to his hard work his is able to play baseball this year as a pitcher.  Dan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Ziegler, Sr.

1997

Josh Klimovich (Pennridge) – Josh was named by his soccer and basketball coaches for his determined spirit and steadfast approach in supporting his teammates.  Unable to make the starting lineup, Josh, unlike some other non-playing seniors who quit the squads, stayed with his teams and displayed a strong sense of team loyalty and school pride.  Josh is the son of Ms. Sharon Klimovich.

Susan Markley (Quakertown) – Susan has been playing hockey and softball since seventh grade.  Diagnosed with Hodgkins disease in January of 1996, she underwent six months of chemotherapy and was able to manage the hockey
team and then play softball her senior year.  Susan is the daughter of Stephen and Regina Markley of Quakertown.

Amber Stout (Quakertown) – Amber has played hockey, soccer and participate in winter track.  In May of 1996 she injured her left knee and had surgery to repair her ACL.  After rehabilitation she returned to play hockey toward the end of the season, run winter track and play soccer this spring.  Amber is the daughter of Kenneth and Brenda Stout.

1998

Jeremy Graham (Pennridge) – Jeremy was diagnosed as having a virus of the heart muscle which caused his heart to enlarge.  After nine months of treatment he was able to return to the track team.  He has pole vaulted 14 feet which is a Pennridge record and he placed tenth in the indoor state meet.  A National Merit Scholarship Finalist, he will enter Drexel University in the fall.  Jeremy is the son of Robert and Joan Graham.

Bekky Jones (Quakertown) – Bekky has played volleyball, soccer and hockey.  As the field hockey goalie, in a game against Souderton, she dislocated her shoulder but finished the game despite the injury.  She came back after missing only one game to play goalie the remainder of the season with pain.  She plans to attend California University of Pennsylvania in the fall.  Bekky is the daughter of Richard and Darlene Jones.

Mike McGouldrick (Quakertown) - Mike had a serious knee injury and then surgery which caused him to miss his junior year of football.  After two doctors told him that he would be unable to play football again, he received a third doctor’s opinion which enabled him to play successfully in his senior year.  He will play for the North squad in the Bucks County All Star Game next month.  Next year he will attend either Gettysburg or Widener College.  Mike is the son of Michael and Diana McGouldrick of Milford Township.

1999

Tara Herrmann (Pennridge) – Tara is a three sport star athlete who plays hockey, basketball and lacrosse.  She injured her knee during basketball season but continued to play with pain.  Surgery after the basketball season forced her to miss lacrosse this spring, but she stayed with the team to help coach.  She is the daughter of Glenn and Amy Herrmann of Hilltown Township.

Jerry Rogers (Pennridge) – In his Senior year, Jerry was a starter on both the offensive and defensive lines for the football team.  In the Souderton game, he broke his leg.  Despite his injury he recovered to play against Norristown in the PIAA district playoffs and against Quakertown on Thanksgiving Day.  He is the son of Thomas and Sunday Rogers of West Rockhill Township.

Nicole Brozena (Quakertown) – A senior at QHS, Nicole is a former Special Olympics swimmer who competed for the varsity girls team this season in the 50 and 100 Freestyle and the 200 Meter Relay.  She has run at several Special Olympics track meets where she has won many gold and silver medals.  She is the daughter of Marty and Lori Brozena of Milford Township.

John Holsinger (Quakertown) – This senior wrestler competed this season with bursitis in both hips.  John was the captain of the wrestling team and had a regular season record of 19-4.  He was selected to the Suburban One League first team and he wrestled in the PIAA District One sectional and regional tournaments.  He is the son of Glenn and Elaine Holsinger of Milford Township.

2000

Amanda Brooks (Pennridge) – Amanda was a multi-sport athlete at Pennridge prior to suffering an inflammation of the hip and a bulged disc.  Since the problems are compounded by any vigorous activities, Amanda was forced to cut back on her sports career so she chose to remain active in one sport – tennis where she is a tri-captain.  She is on the Executive Council, is a peer tutor and a youth deacon at her church.  Amanda will attend Shippensburg University next year.  She is the daughter of Craig and Janet Brooks of Bedminster Township.

Dan Lordan (Pennridge) – Dan suffered an ACL injury at the end of his junior year and worked extremely hard to prepare for his senior football season.  His teammates voted him captain of the football team and Lordan helped lead the Rams to a PIAA playoff spot and was named Player of the Month by the Maxwell Club.  He will be playing in the upcoming Bucks
County All Star game.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Distinguished Honor Roll (four years), and is treasurer of the Student Executive Council.  Dan, who will attend Lehigh University, is the son of John and Julie Lordan of Perkasie.

Jen Alles (Quakertown) – Jen has had three knee surgeries in the past three years yet has never missed a varsity basketball game.  She has torn both ACL’s and has had cartilage removed and her leg casted to try to straighten the limb out.  She also played varsity soccer.  Jen coaches grades 4-6 intramural soccer and basketball at Strayer Junior High and soccer for the Quakertown Soccer Club.  She will attend East Stroudsburg University.  Jen is the daughter of Pete and Debbie Alles of Quakertown.

Jesse Schwager (Quakertown) – Jesse was All-League in football and wrestling while also playing baseball.  He injured his knee his junior year in wrestling season and had it drained frequently during the season.  Last summer he did not play legion baseball because he had to have an operation to correct a jaw problem.  Jesse will play in the Bucks County Lions Club All Star Football Classic in June and will attend West Chester University in the fall.  He is the son of Jerry and Patricia Schwager of Milford Township.

2001

Meredith Curek (Pennridge) – Meredith was in a bad car accident during her winter track season more than a year ago.  She had a lacerated liver, concussion, fractured foot and fractured ribs and missed the winter track season her junior year.  She then came out for the spring track season and won another varsity letter.  In all Meredith lettered four times in spring track and three times in winter track.  She also played on the travel soccer team at Deep Run Valley.  Meredith is the daughter of John and Marian Curek of Perkasie. 

Jason Daye (Pennridge) – Jason suffered an undiagnosed double stress fracture of the lower spine the second day of football camp his senior season and kept working out with the football squad.  When he eventually could not physically get out of bed, he was then diagnosed.  He continued to practice with the team and played in all games except the last two games of his senior year.  In the Cheltenham game he had made a tackle on the kickoff that resulted in a fumble and a Ram recovery.  When he reached the sidelines he lost feeling in his lower limbs for two minutes.  Jason was senior year co-captain of the basketball team where he lettered twice.  He was awarded three football letters.  Jason is the son of Sharon Perrick and lives in Dublin.

Robin Detweiler (Quakertown) – Robin overcame significant allergy problems and the typical bumps and bruises of a premier high school athlete in winning nine varsity letters in her career at QHS.  She lettered four years in soccer, three in basketball and two (freshman and sophomore years) in cross country.  She was a Keystone State All-Star basketball player, played on the Bucks County North All-Star basketball squad and was the Most Valuable Player on the Panther basketball team her senior season.  She was co-captain of the soccer team and captain of the basketball squad.  She will be attending Wesley College (DE) on a basketball scholarship.  Robin is the daughter of Jay and Jan Detweiler of Quakertown.

D.J. Draus (Quakertown) – D. J. came into ninth grade at 5’5” and wrestled for the Panthers at 103 pounds.  With daily workouts at a Quakertown gym club and the expected teenage growth spurt, he managed to finish his seven letter varsity career at 185 pounds on a six foot frame.  He lettered four times in wrestling and three times in football.  D.J. was a Maxwell Club Award winner this past football season and was a first team All-League wrestler.  “I was raised to never give up,” Draus said.  D.J. is the son of Gary and Debbie Draus of Quakertown. 

2002

Liz Allebach (Pennridge) – Liz had difficulty learning to walk because she was born with her right leg at a 30-degree angle.  Doctors told her she would compensate for the problem but no one expected her to excel in athletics.  However, she ran cross-country and track for four years at PHS and was captain of the cross-country team in her senior year.  Despite suffering a stress fracture in her right foot, and injured knee, and a sprained ankle, she recovered to be an outstanding runner.  Her determination to succeed and never give up was an inspiration to her teammates and her family.  Liz is the daughter of Susan and Philip Allebach of Hilltown.

Sean Slingsby (Pennridge) – Sean was encouraged by his father to work hard to win his wrestling matches in his freshman year.  Less than a week after the season ended his father passed away.  Inspired by his mother, he had a successful sophomore year and was doing very well in his junior year when a severe car accident put him in the hospital and then rehabilitation center for more than a month where he learned to walk again.  His determination to wrestle again led to his return as captain of the team and to leading the team to division and sectional titles.  Sean is the son of Carl Slingsby of Perkasie.

Nikki Argue (Quakertown) – Nikki injured her knee playing soccer during her sophomore year.  She underwent surgery to repair her ACL and cartilage.  After months of rehabilitation she returned to play soccer in her junior year.  Nikki missed her junior year of field hockey but came back to play during her senior year.  She is the daughter of Kevin and Sharon Argue of Quakertown.

Nick Grose (Quakertown) – Nick is an excellent defensive back on the varsity football team.  During the second game of his senior season he broke his wrist.  Despite the injury he continued to play every game.  He excelled and helped lead the team to the District One playoffs and an undefeated league championship.  Nick was selected to the Suburban One All League Team.  He is the son of Jerry and Christine Grose of Quakertown.

 2003

Nicole Pompei (Pennridge) – Nicole started to run track in 7th grade but in her sophomore year she had a stress fracture in her left foot.  With her foot in a cast she tried out for cheerleading.  After enduring another stress fracture (her right foot) she was determined to continue her track and cheerleading careers.  She ran for the 4 x 100 relay team which took a bronze medal and she won the gold in the long jump.  As a cheerleader she aided the Pennridge team in gaining the Suburban One Championship.  At the Nationals competition she won the National Cheerleader of the Year award.  Nicole is the daughter of Lee Ann and Michael Pompei of East Rockhill Township.

Kyle Hofstaedter (Pennridge) – Kyle was diagnosed with cancer in his junior year.  After surgery and chemotherapy he missed five months of school and has to work very hard to catch up with his classes and his lacrosse teammates.  He summoned all his strength and courage to push himself to rejoin his team on the field.  When he was able to play again he was still not strong enough to last a whole game.  His determination to compete again led him to “run the extra mile” to succeed in his fight to play again.  Kyle is the son of Elizabeth and Thomas Hofstaedter of Perkasie.

Becky Lepko (Quakertown) – Becky has played varsity soccer for QHS.  She overcame ACL reconstructive surgery, which occurred during her sophomore soccer season.  Becky bounded back to play soccer in her junior year.  However, she tore her ACL again, and had to fight her way back to overcome complications with her second surgery.  She has come back strong to play again.  Becky is the daughter of Paula and Joe Lepko of Milford Township.

Steve Wimmer (Quakertown) – Steve overcame ACL reconstructive knee surgery, which occurred during his sophomore basketball season.  After an extensive rehab he pitched for the baseball team that spring.  During Steve’s senior year, while helping the football team win a championship, he once again tore his ACL and underwent the same surgery on the other knee. His determination and ability has enabled him to be selected to All-League teams in baseball, basketball and football.  Steve is the son of Barbara and Dennis Wimmer of Milford Township.

2004

Nicole Gutekunst (Pennridge) – Nicole is an outstanding Pennridge athlete who has sustained three injuries in the past year.  In her senior season she planned on playing the entire soccer season – not just parts of it.  Her first injury occurred last season when she had a back injury.  She eventually decided to “deal with it” during the fall tennis season where she played second team doubles.  Four months before the 2004 soccer season got underway, she endured another injury, which resulted in surgery on her jaw.  If that was not enough, she incurred another injury (a pulled groin) right before the start of the soccer season.  With all these injuries, Nicole has continued to give 100% effort.  Nicole is the daughter of David and Leesa Gutekunst of Perkasie.

Melinda Joseph (Quakertown) – Melinda is an outstanding soccer player who tore cartilage in her right knee during her sophomore year and had surgery to repair the knee.  During her junior year she again tore cartilage in her right knee and played with the injury over the course of the season.  She was a valuable member of the team that defeated Pennridge in the first round of the district playoffs last spring.  Once again, after the season, Melinda had surgery to repair the knee.  She came back for another strong season as a senior forward for the girl’s soccer team.  Melinda is the daughter of Steven and Cynthia Joseph of Richlandtown.

Brad Jaindl (Quakertown) – Brad was a terrific mid-fielder and goal scorer for the boys’ soccer team.  Before his junior season, Brad tore his ACL and had reconstructive knee surgery to repair it.  After sitting out his junior year and rehabbing the knee, Brad came back to lead the soccer team to an outstanding season, which included advancing to the district playoffs and himself being selected to the Suburban One All-League Team.  Brad is the son of Rob and Linda Jaindl of Richland Township.

2005

Angela Sariego (Pennridge) – Angela tore her ACL at a softball game her junior year.  She was unable to complete her season and was prohibited from cheerleading in the first half of her senior year.  But, after strengthening her knee, Angela was back cheerleading and is currently playing softball.

Dan Goetter (Pennridge) – Dan tore his ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow during his junior year.  After the wrestling season he underwent Tommy John surgery.  He rehabbed all summer and was cleared to wrestle for his senior year.  Dan became a State Champ in his weight class.

Janelle Schmieg (Quakertown) – Janelle tore her ACL during her sophomore year.  After much rehabilitation she went on to become the girls’ soccer team’s leading scorer her junior year.  Janelle led her team to the second round of the district playoffs. 

Steve Lowe (Quakertown) – Steve is a football player who suffered a stress fracture to his back.  After spending much time sidelined with a brace he finished his high school career strong and contributed on the special teams and defensive squads.  Steve showed outstanding character throughout the injury and recovery.

2006

James Ockershausen (Pennridge) – “Last summer my Dad was able to attend all of my scrimmages even with his busy schedule.  On August 31, we lost my Dad to a massive heart attack while he was working in Maryland.  The first game of the season was two days after his death.  Dad was not there that night but as I entered Poppy Yoder Field it was announced the game was to be played in his honor.  I was in turmoil and pain and very nervous about playing but decided Dad would want me to play and not let the team down.  A good friend and captain of the team, made a moving speech in the locker room to motivate the team and encourage me as well.  Early in the game a bird landed on the field and we all took this as a sign of Dad’s presence.  We played well and won the game.

Coach Cuthbert invited my Grand Pop O, me, and the many members of our family, and friends, that were present at the game onto the field after the game, and gave me the winning ball, signed by the team and coaches.  I felt the Pennridge pride that night and I am happy to be part of the Pennridge community.  I am learning to deal with this loss and hope to be able to help others in my position.”

Kate Auckland (Quakertown) – Katie is an outstanding volleyball, basketball and soccer athlete at QHS.  During her junior year she suffered the loss of her father.  Despite the difficult time she has been a tremendous performer and leader on and off the field of play.  According to Soccer Coach Mike Freed, “Katie also logs more time in the training room than any athlete I know, yet rarely misses a game.

Pat Flynn (Quakertown) – Pat is a wrestler who suffered a torn capsule, rotator cuff, slap lesion in his labrum and a bankart lesion in his labrum.  He was operated on in July.  After the procedures, his doctor informed him that he was worse than expected and it was unlikely he would wrestle his senior year.  Pat returned to the mat on January 6 for the dual meet season.  During practice for the post season he took an elbow to the mouth.  He tore his lip and needed 25 stitches 2 days before the district tournament.  The following weekend during the regional finals he sprained his IBC tendon in his knee, four days before the state tournament.  Pat overcame all of these physical obstacles to become Quakertown’s third State Champion.

2007

Corrine Geiger (Pennridge) – Corrine has suffered from Albinism since birth.  She has no pigment in her skin, eyes or hair and is considered legally blind although she does have 20/100 corrective eyesight with contacts.  She is not allowed to drive a vehicle.  In spite of these obstacles, she has played  prominent roles in cross country, basketball and track through the school year.  A concern with her participation in these varsity sports was, if the team would be comfortable with her diagnosed limitations, not if she would be able to compete.  Corrine was a valuable forward for the league champion, state playoff Ram basketball team this season, one of the first players off the bench.  She came to practice early and stayed late.  She lettered two years in cross country and basketball and participates in the 800 meter and long jump in the spring track meets.  “It was harder to focus (with limited visual acuity) in basketball” she said “but my skills improved through the years.”  She played AAU basketball in the summer.  Corrine will attend Arcadia University in the fall. She is the daughter of Scott and Donna Geiger.

Ryan Phipps (Pennridge) – Ryan tragically lost his father to pancreatic cancer last summer, 15 months after the diagnosis.  While serving as a captain for the 2006 Pennridge football team, he seriously injured his knee during the Pennsbury game and was not allowed to play the rest of that game and the following week.  He was “borderline” okayed (by the doctor, having to wear a brace) to play at that time and Ryan played through pain the rest of the season, gaining All-League recognition as a center and defensive tackle.  He had received similar recognition as a junior.  Ryan was a two-year letter winner in football and played summer AAU basketball in the Deep Run system.  He has been chosen to play in this summer’s (June 9) Bucks County Lions’ Club game, pitting the best northern and southern Bucks County senior footballers.  He will be attending Indiana’s Butler University (Division 1AA) on an academic scholarship this fall and will play football there.  His mother is Catherine Phipps.

Lindsey Tennett (Pennridge) – Lindsey was a starter as a basketball point guard her freshman year, but she develop ostreochondritis (bone and cartilage separation from the bone) her sophomore year and the doctors suggested that she give up basketball for golf.  She was told she would not be able to play sports without an operation so she had knee surgery and sat out the entire season.  She was on crutches after the December operation and could not walk on the leg until March.
Yet, in both her junior and senior years she came back to the hardcourt and averaged double-doubles (points/rebounding) as a leader, All-League awardee and as a co-captain on her senior year’s record producing run (24-6)  to the state playoffs.  She also broke her nose in this season’s Christmas tourney but did not miss a game.  Lindsey was a terror inside, one who could always find the basketball for another rebound or put-back.  She became the third female in Pennridge history to score 1,000 points in only three seasons of play.  AD Jeff Derstine saw her as “a positive role model for those younger than her.  She treats everyone with the same respect.”  Lindsey will take her talents to Holy Family College for the next four years.  Her parents are Dave and Linda Tennett.

Ali Hutchinson (Quakertown) – Springtime brings lots of pleasantries to area people but not so for Ali, especially during the soccer season.  In her sophomore year on April 1 she tore the ACL meniscus on her right knee, was operated on and missed the rest of the soccer term and also was forced to bypass 2/3 of the following year’s field hockey season.  It took 5 ½ months, three times a week rehab and monthly doctor visits to get her back on the field.  Then in her junior year, Ali tore ligaments in her left ankle on April 21 but came back after three months of rehab to play summer sports and field hockey her senior fall.  She did get through this spring with no major physical problem, as she will letter for the fourth time in soccer.  She also has four letters in field hockey.
Ali was an All-League selection the last two years in field hockey.  Through her two recovery periods she used the same doctor and physical therapist.  “I had lots of family support, support from my teammates and my family.  The medical/therapy people were excellent.  I worked hard to recover and it was worth it.”  She will go to college at Penn State main campus and expects to play club sports there…even in April.  She is the daughter of Joseph and Barbara Hutchinson.

Jimmy Cartegena (Quakertown) – Jimmy was the second youngest of 13 children in his family, raised in Philadelphia until age 10 when the person who raised him to that point, his grandmother, passed away.  His mother was not in his day-to-day life.  His father was in and out of difficulties and did not speak English well.  Jim’s aunt and uncle then volunteered to bring him into their Quakertown household which eventually included four children of their own.  After a short period of adaptation, Jimmy began excelling in sports, culminating in his selection as an All-Star middle linebacker for the June 9 Bucks County Lions’ Club football game at CB West.  He broke the school record for career tackles while also serving as a captain for the football team.
Jimmy also plays on the volleyball team and Church Softball and Church Volleyball teams.  He wrestled his freshman and sophomore years but decided to concentrate on football his final two years.  He will matriculate at Delaware Valley College this fall and expects to play football for the Aggies.  He will have four varsity letters upon graduation.  His Aunt Patricia says, “He is a good kid and you never hear anything bad about him.”  Jimmy wants to finish college and become a math teacher.  Said Jimmy, “They never gave up on me, kept me straight.”  His aunt and uncle, his legal guardians, are Patricia and Charles Keller of Quakertown.

2008

Stacey Gunter (Pennridge) -  In July 2006, Stacey tore her ACL, MCL, and PCL in an AAU basketball game, going up for a rebound at the Nationals in Washington, D.C.  This severe injury required long months of rehabbing.  In this, her senior year she played a valuable role on the Pennridge team that reached the first round of the District One playoffs.  Three months later she had complications with meniscus, which set her back again.  Also during her rehab and early return to practice she had her knee swell up frequently and she had to have it drained monthly.  I addition to the courage she displayed on the court, Stacey represented her school with exceptional sportsmanship and citizenship.  She expects to play intramural basketball at Bucks County Community College this winter.  She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gunter.

Bobby Vineis (Pennridge) – Bobby lettered in wrestling for three years at Pennridge but his senior season was a particular challenge.  He tore his meniscus this past December, had arthroscopic surgery and was practicing and working out three days later.  His knee did not return to full strength through the season but the Ram captain advanced to the sectional tournament, wrestling at 160 pounds.  He was a team leader and represented the Rams well in his professional approach to all around him.  Bobby will attend Central College in Iowa and will wrestle for the Division III squad.  He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Veneis.

Lindsay Alles (Quakertown) -  Lindsay overcame two knee surgeries 14 months apart to play a big part in Quakertown High School soccer this year.  She tore her left ACL in indoor soccer in March of 2006 and tore her right ACL in May of last year, her junior season.  The injuries curtailed her participating in other sports and she was in constant rehab the past two years plus.  After her first injury she wore a brace but after her most recent injury she felt more free to play with just a sleeve on her leg.  Lindsay showed tremendous courage in rehabbing and working her way back into the Panther soccer lineup.  She plans to attend college and major in the nursing field.  In 2000, her sister Jen received the same award.

Jonathan Weibel (Quakertown) -  Jonathan wrestled his senior season with a severe shoulder injury and chose not to have the shoulder operated on which would preclude him from wrestling his last year at Quakertown High School.  “The team’s success was very important in my decision to wrestle (and not have the operation),” he says.  Jonathan was forced to change his style and could not take anyone down to his left.  The wrestlers from the local schools who went to the mats with him more than once, quickly found out his limitations and it made Weibel’s job that much harder.  In spite of these complications Jonathan and the team qualified for States.  He finished fourth in the State Meet at 152 pounds.  He was recruited by Columbia University for wrestling and will enroll there late this summer.  He is a volunteer with the Best Buddies Club, which pairs the volunteer with students who have special needs. 

2009

Lauren Wilson (Pennridge) Lauren’s senior field hockey season began with great promise.  She had persevered through a battle with tendonitis since her sophomore year and was off to a great start in the fall of 2008.  Lauren sparked the Pennridge field hockey team offensively and was showing potential to be a 1st Team All-Conference selection.  Unfortunately, at the mid-point of the season, Lauren sustained a hit from the side by an opposing defender and the result was a devastating ACL tear.  The injury required surgery and brought Lauren’s high school field hockey playing career to an end.  Despite being unable to play the
second half of the season, Lauren remained with the team and continued to provide support, encouragement and leadership. With grit and determination, Lauren rehabbed her surgically repaired knee over the winter and amazingly, was able to take the field with the Pennridge softball team when the spring season began.  Her quick recovery is a testament to her hard work, dedication and never-give-up attitude.  Lauren is currently a member of the softball team and is serving in the role of team captain.  Lauren is the daughter of Tom and Susan Wilson.

Jackie Gibat (Quakertown) Jackie was a member of this year’s girls’ volleyball team that won the Suburban One League Continental Conference Title.  Late in the season she suffered a fractured vertebrae.  After wearing a back brace during the winter she has returned this spring to help lead the girls’ soccer team.  During the winter months she showed up at almost every open gym even though she was not allowed to participate.  Once she was cleared by the doctor, she began playing again despite still wearing the back brace which made it very difficult for her to move.  She is a rare player who truly understands the concept of giving 100% commitment.  This is true of her performance at practice and during games.  Her dedication and commitment throughout a very difficult senior year with a serious injury has been and inspiration to her teammates as well.  Jackie is the daughter of Tom and Lisa Gibat.

Ty Hubicki (Quakertown) Ty was the starting catcher on the varsity baseball team during his junior year.  That year he tore the tendon in the thumb of his catching hand during the eighth game of the season.  He rehabbed his hand showing significant commitment and dedication throughout the winter and spring.  This year he has returned to his duties behind the plate and is the starting varsity catcher again.  Ty is an outstanding student who exhibits tremendous character in everything he does.  His dedication to his recovery has enabled him to be a major contributor to this year’s baseball team.  Ty is the son of Tom and Myleah Hubicki.

2010

Alicia Detweiler – Alicia is a four year varsity letter winner and three year team captain of the Pennridge Swimming Team.  She is also a four year member of the Softball Team.  She suffered a significant shoulder injury and had worked hard to overcome the injury and become an outstanding athlete and young lady.  As a swimmer, Alicia is a sprint freestyler in the 50 and 100 yard events.  She is also a District One Qualifier for all four seasons in the 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle medley and 400 freestyle relay.  She has received many team awards including most valuable and Rams spirit award.
Coaches noted her unending dedication and commitment.  She always exhibits the value and character traits a coach looks for in a student athlete.  Alicia is viewed as a leader by example by her peers.  Her contributions to the swimming team are viewed as being a main force behind “a change in culture shift of excellence in the program.”  She has been the key to success of the team over the last four years.  In the fall Alicia will be attending Weidner University where she will major in nursing.

Drew Smith – Drew is a member of both the Pennridge football and basketball teams.  He had to undergo shoulder surgery after his junior year.  He went on to rehabilitate the injury and returned to the football team for an outstanding senior year.  Despite constant shoulder problems, Drew completed the season with much success.
Drew played as a defensive end and a wide receiver.  He was selected to the All Suburban One team receiving honorable mention on defense and 2nd team on offense.  He had 17 catches this year for 289 yards and 6 touchdowns.  On defense, he had 45 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 interception and 1 fumble recovery.  Drew missed basketball season this year due to second operation on his shoulder.  He consistently battled through adversity caused by his injuries and was one of the most reliable and mature athletes at Pennridge this year.  He overcame all of these obstacles and found much success.  Drew has recently been chosen to participate in the Bucks County All Star Game in June.  In the fall Drew will be attending Penn State University.

Brooke Jordan – Brooke was a starting forward on the Quakertown Field Hockey Team for three years.  As a starter during her sophomore year, she was struck above the eye by a hockey ball during a game.  The injury included a laceration which required over thirty stitches as well as a severe eye injury.  After some time healing she was able to return to the team as a starter providing she wore protective goggles.
Brooke overcame the fear caused by an injury of this nature and dedicated herself to become an outstanding player.  She was able to achieve honorable mention all league as a junior and second team all league as a senior.  Brooke was a leader on the team throughout her junior and senior years.  Her commitment and dedication has enabled her to become an outstanding athlete.  Brooke will continue to play field hockey at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

Edwin Gonzalez –Edwin was nominated by both his football and wrestling coaches.  Both coaches observed a tremendous amount of growth in maturity and athleticism throughout Edwin’s high school career.  He was a two year starter on the football team as a middle linebacker and a varsity wrestler at 160 pounds.  He was on both teams for all four years of high school.  His dedication and commitment was obvious to teammates and coaches alike.  Coaches also noted his responsible behavior and his overall growth as a person.
Family support was a big part of this and was obvious at all of his games and matches despite family health issues.  As a senior, Edwin was the runner up in the prestigious Bethlehem Holiday Wrestling Classic and was the Section II Wrestling Champion at 160 pounds.  Edwin is considering a career as a martial arts instructor.

2011

Anne Holland-Annie has demonstrated courage in competition despite chronic foot and ankle injuries throughout her track and field careers.  Her spirit and will to succeed are worthy of this award, especially in light of her high level of performance.  She has won the PIAA State high jump championship as a junior and recently won the PIAA State indoor high jump championship as a senior.  She was nominated for this award by Coach Smith who feels that she is an inspiration to the entire team.

Adam Schoellkopf-Adam played varsity football on a badly sprained ankle during the last few weeks of this past football season.  He was unable to practice during the week but continued to play in games during this time.  His determination enabled him to finish his senior season strong.  He was selected at the team MVP for offensive linemen and was selected to represent Pennridge on the Suburban One All League Team.  He was considered the leader of the offensive line throughout his senior year and was nominated for the Most Courageous Athlete Award by his head coach, Randy Cuthbert.

Ashley Guenst-Ashley was a 4 year athlete in field hockey, indoor track and spring track.  She was captain of both the field hockey and spring track teams.  Ashley was selected honorable mention All-League in field hockey, was part of an indoor track relay team that qualified for the Indoor National Tournament and will be competing at the Penn Relay’s this April. Ashley’s courageous moment came in her junior year of field hockey.  She was positioned in front of the goal to score when she was hit in the upper lip by a crossing ball.  The impact knocked out her mouth guard as well as her two front teeth.  The hockey ball had fractured bone which allowed her from teeth to fall out completely intact.  Thankfully an oral surgeon was able to restore her teeth that night.  Ashley had the courage to return to the hockey field later that season.

Chris Burnside-Chris was nominated for this award by both his soccer and wrestling coaches.  He was a 3 year letter winner in soccer and wrestling and also earned the starting kicking roll on the football team as a senior. During his senior year, Chris sustained two significant and painful injuries.  In soccer, he returned on senior night to captain his team while playing with a very painful abdominal strain.  But the most courageous performance of the year came during the wrestling season.  With a 4-peat of the league championship on the line, Chris came back early from a sprained shoulder.  He went on the mat so his team would not forfeit 6 points at his weight class.  He basically wrestled with one arm and only lost by a regular decision helping the team secure another championship.  It was a very inspirational moment.

2012

Lynsey Babcock-Lynsey Babcock has been playing goalie for Pennridge girls lacosse since her freshmen year. She missed the majority of last season due to a back problem which required back surgery. She has since recovered and continues to do rehab and is now back in goal for her senior year. Lynsey shows much dedication to the sport of lacrosse, coming to practices and games when she was unable to play and now doing what is required to get herself back in shape in order to play this season. She is a positive role model for the other goalies and other members of the team.

Pat Pike-Pat lettered as a freshman and sophomore in track, which is hard to do. At the end of the indoor season during his junior year he developed knee pain. He was found to have a chronic knee problem that causes him much pain when he runs. The pain forced him to miss virtually the entire outdoor season of his junior year after being our top point-maker as a sophomore. The pain continues and he has opted to run through the pain this year rather than possibly get the problem taken care of. Pat was told by doctors that there was no guarantee that his problem could be corrected and any attempts to do so would make him unfit to run during his senior year. Pat is now limited to running the 100 with the possibly of going a 200 if the pain is not too bad on a given day. He was also a very good long jumper and 400 runner, which he can no longer due at all. All the boys on the team respect him for what he is doing for our team.

Sarah Northey- Rightfully earning her spot on the Quakertown Field Hockey team, Sarah took on a leadership role by being not only the eyes of the field but a core communicator for her teammates. Sarah’s vast knowledge of the game made her an excellent mentor for younger hockey players as well as teaching newer goalies valuable skills. No matter how badly bruised or injured Sarah would get, she would always get back in the goal to fulfill her duties.

On August 23, 2011, the very start of the field hockey season, Sarah was injured during a preliminary scrimmage. When attempting to clear the ball, she made contact with an opposing offender at a high speed. After shaking off the hit, Sarah was assessed and medically diagnosed with a concussion. Sarah then suffered three weeks of agonizing concussion symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea, difficulty concentrating), which ultimately not only kept her off the field, but also set her back in her studies. As soon as Sarah was cleared by a physician to play, she was determined to work hard and return to the goal. Regardless of missing approximately a month of playing time, Sarah’s unwavering resilience brought her back to finish out her senior field hockey season.

Sarah has been accepted into the Penn State Business Program for next fall. She wishes she could have pursued playing hockey in college, but with her history of the concussion, will concentrate on her studies.

Jonathon Landis-Jon Landis, a two year varsity starter for the Boys Basketball team, was awarded Honorable Mention all Suburban One League for the 2011-2012 season. Through his efforts, Jon also won The Most Improved Player award for the season. These awards do not go without recognizing the obstacles Jon had to overcome throughout his senior season.

Jon started to have knee pains in October, just prior to the start of the season, which was diagnosed as patella tendon tendonitis. Along with that, Jon was suffering from another medical overuse injury; medial tibial stress syndrome (known as chronic shin splints). Despite of these hindrances, Jon battled through rehab and participated in practice and games throughout the season overcoming his constant pain. Depending on the severity of his pain, every contest was a game time decision whether or not he could play.  Jon demonstrated a tremendous amount of courage to get through the season and was not afraid to push himself and play at a higher level.

Jon has applied to several colleges but has not made a final choice.  He is currently undecided on a major.

2013

Pennridge High School

Caitlyn Sheva – Caitlyn is the Most Courageous Female Athlete from Pennridge High School for 2013.  She is an extremely courageous athlete who has overcome several injuries while competing for Pennridge High School in Cross Country, Soccer, Winter Track and Spring Track.  In her freshman year she suffered a concussion.  As a sophomore she had a stress fracture in her foot.  This past year she strained her MCL and dealt with an ankle injury.  Despite all these injuries she has persevered as an athlete and team leader.  She has helped lead the girls’ soccer team to three Suburban One League Championships, one District Championship and to a 2nd place finish in the State Championship.  As a runner she has run in the Cross Country State Championship, the Winter Track State Championship and was a member of the Suburban One League Championship Spring Track team that also finished in 2nd place at the State Championship in 2012.

 Tyler Kio – Tyler is the Most Courageous Male Athlete from Pennridge High School for 2103.  He was born hearing impaired and despite the challenges has become an outstanding football player and young man at Pennridge High School.  This past year Tyler helped lead the football team to the Suburban One League Championship and was instrumental in the team 2 playoff wins.   Tyler was selected as a Suburban One League First Team Lineman.

Quakertown Senior High School

Brittny Buonanno Taylor – Brittny is the Most Courageous Female Athlete from Quakertown High School for 2013.  She is a hard working athlete in all three sports that she plays.  She competed as a varsity starter on the golf team (grades 10-12), basketball (9-12) and softball (9, 10 &12). In basketball she received Offensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player and the Coaches Award. In Softball she received the Most Courageous Athlete Award and Most Valuable Player. In golf, she advanced to the District One Tournament 2 years.

On December 22nd, 2010 Brittny was diagnosed with cancer, specifically Hodgkins Lymphoma and she would not let this affect her love for sports. Undergoing treatments including Chemotherapy and Radiation, Brittny courageously continued to play Basketball and went right into the spring season playing softball. Brittny had the courage and bravery to continue being active and competing in sport. After a year and a half in remission she has more appreciation for the ability to continue her athletic career and her experiences have given her a positive outlook on not only sports but life as well.

Brittny plans to major in Secondary Education-History and attend either DeSales University or Delaware Valley College.

Mike Sawyer - Mike is the Most Courageous Male Athlete from Quakertown High School for 2013.  He is a very dedicated and hard working athlete. He has participated in football and outdoor track all four years of high school. During preseason football, he suffered a significant ankle injury which took him out of play for 2 weeks.  He worked hard to rehab and come back as soon as possible. Midway through the season Mike again suffered a back injury, which he battled through and continued to play, not wanting to let his team down.

After Mike Sawyer came back from injury he led the football team in every offensive category.  He rushed 166 times for 844 yds ( a 5yd average) and scored 7 TD’s. He received 17 passes for 271 yds and 2TD’s with his longest reception being 70yds.  Mike also returned punts and kickoffs for Quakertown and racked up another 607 all-purpose yards which included a punt return of 72 yds and 1 TD.  Without Mike on the field for an offensive threat, Quakertown was at a disadvantage, and when he was on the field every other team knew who they had to stop in order to beat Quakertown.  Mike is an All-Suburban One team selection at RB, was selected to the Bucks County Lions All-Star team and was also named our 2012 Offensive MVP of the Quakertown Panthers Football team.

Mike plans to go to college to study criminal justice and play football at an undetermined school.

2014

Pennridge High School

Audrey Butcher - Audrey is an outstanding young lady and soccer player.  She is a tough defender who helped the girls’soccer team win 4 straight league championships, one District Championship and a trip the State Finals.  Audrey was selected as an all league member each year she played.  She is a courageous athlete who overcame an ACL tear which had her miss her Junior year.  Despite the injury she stayed with the team and was a great support to her teammates.  After healing she returned to lead the team to an undefeated regular season this past year.  She played as if she was never injured.  On senior night this year she broke her nose, but that didn’t stop her she continued to play in the playoffs despite the injury.  Audrey has signed a letter of intent to study and play soccer at Fairleigh Dickenson this fall.

Joe Firuta - Joe is an outstanding young man, student leader and member of the baseball and bowling teams.  He is an outstanding bowler who helped the boys bowling team win the league championship the last two years.  Joe was selected as a member of the all league bowling team this past winter.  Joe is a courageous athlete who overcame two surgeries for a bone condition known as Osteochondritis Dissecans.  The surgeries kept Joe from playing baseball his freshman year and bowling his junior year.  Despite having eight pins and a screw put in his knee and spending ten weeks on crutches, Joe continues to persevere. 

Quakertown Senior High School

Jordan Potynski -  Jordan was a three year varsity starter.  She played center back during her sophomore and junior year and became Quakertown’s lead marking back this year.  This year, she was always assigned to mark the other team's best offensive player.  She was selected as a captain as a senior and was also named our team's Defensive Player of the Year. 

As a junior she received All League Honorable Mention.

Throughout her field hockey career Jordan has participated in numerous summer leagues and camps in the off-season.  She always volunteered to help with camps and tournaments for the younger players and was a terrific referee during our March Madness the last few years. 

Jordan has had significant difficulty with chronic ankle injuries throughout her career. Although she was aware that she would need surgery to fix this problem, Jordan opted to wait until her high school field hockey career was complete to get the much need ankle surgery.

Jordan is naturally strong and athletic and fought through her ankle injury with little to no complaining or issues.  She has a goofy side that kept her teammates laughing off the field, but once the whistle blew for game time she was always all business. 

Jordan plans to attend West Chester University and major in Athletic Training/Physical Therapy.

Josh Kunkle - Josh is a very dedicated and hard working athlete. He has participated in Football all four years of high school. During his junior year in the opening game, Josh suffered a season ending knee injury. Josh actually played an entire quarter of football with a torn ACL, not knowing the extent of the injury Josh wanted to continue playing. After surgery Josh worked extremely hard to rehab and be back on the field for his senior season.

During the off-season and throughout the regular season Josh led our offensive line. He was the anchor at center and played every snap of the season for us. He is a true team player and would always go out of his way to help his fellow teammates. Josh led by example on and off the field, during workouts, the classroom or during community service programs. And he did all of it with a smile and positive attitude.

Josh is an All-Suburban One team selection at Offensive Line, selected to the Bucks County Lions All-Star team and was also named our 2013 Bo Mushrush Most Dedicated Award.

Josh plans to attend Messiah College to study engineering.

2016

Pennridge High School

Racheal Cluckey - Rachel is a member of our Cheerleading team.  Rachel’s mom passed away her sophomore year from cancer.  During her 3 years on varsity she has been an MVP and has been recognized as a leader. She always has a positive attitude and works hard.  She has helped lead the team to several Suburban One League and District One Championships.  This year she was on the homecoming court.  Rachel plans on studying Nursing in the Fall.   

Dean Urich - Dean is an outstanding young man, who is a member of our football team for the last four years.  Dean also lost his mother to cancer during this school year.  Dean plans on attending Bloomsburg University in the Fall to study Exercise Science. 

Quakertown Senior High School

Ashley Henry -  Ashley Henry was the glue that kept it all together.  The senior cheer captain lead her team in qualifying for the PIAA State Cheer Competition along with several other 1st places finishes but the years leading up to this great finish were a little bumpy.

During Ashley’s freshman year, she sustained an avulsion fracture of her hip during a showcase for family and friends.  Ashley spent 3 months in a wheelchair and the rest of the year rehabbing her injury.  Sophomore year didn’t start much better with her sustaining a concussion that kept Ashley out of cheering for over a month.  Things were going smoothly after those first two years until mid-way through her senior year when suddenly Quakertown High School had a coaching change.  A little different than a physical injury but Ashley still met the challenge head on. While most seniors in this situation might have given up, Ashley never quit on her team and new coach. Ashley’s leadership, “never give up” determination and love of the sport helped turn a very difficult situation into a winner.  Coach Maha said, “When Ashley is out there showing her Quakertown Pride, you can’t help but cheer back!”  Ashley will be attending the University of Toledo and hopes to continue her cheering career

Jesus Duran-  Jesus Duran is mature beyond his years!  The senior football player balanced a schedule that many adults would find hard to handle.

Jesus is a dedicated family member.  His family, who came to the United States from Mexico, relies on Jesus to translate and help make decisions at all appointments and meetings. He also helps sustain the family financially by working many hours a week at a local restaurant since the age of 12. 

Jesus is a dedicated teammate.  He has been a member of the football team for 4 years, playing Varsity offensive and defensive line since his sophomore year.  Jesus was an important piece to the two playoff teams his junior and senior years. Jesus is also a dedicated student with a B average.  Coach Banas said, “In all my years of teaching and coaching, I have never seen a player put forth so much effort to make sure they are fulfilling all their obligations.  And he does it with a smile.”
Jesus plans to attend Bucks County Community College for one year and then transfer to Shippensburg or East Stroudsburg to pursue athletic training.

2017

Pennridge High School

Olivia Fernandez - Olivia is an outstanding young lady and extremely talented member of the Pennridge girls' soccer. Olivia unfortunately tore her ACL tendon in her knee at the end of her sophomore school year. The surgery and rehabilitation forced her to miss all of her Junior season. However, she really did not miss the season because she remained with the team and cheered and supported them from the sideline. Her senior year she returned to the field and supported the team with outstanding play. As a leader and defender, she shut down the opposition. She helped lead the team to the Conference Championship and was named to the Suburban One League All Conference Team. In the playoffs, she really shined as the team won 4 playoff games and advanced to the Quarter Finals in the State. By the end of her 3-season career she won a perfect 3 Conference titles and helped Coach Anderson compile an excellent record of 49-6-7, in a first-class way.

Alex Schmidt - Alex is a tremendous student athlete at Pennridge High School and a force on the football team. Last May 31 Alex suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. This began an extremely long road which fortunately led to his return to the football field in the fall. Despite the setback, Alex overcame in a big way and was selected as the Suburban One League First Team All-Conference Defensive End. Like Olivia Fernandez, Alex proved that offense may sell tickets, but defense wins games. As a team, Captain Alex helped lead Coach Hollenbach's team to the playoffs his Senior year and was a force in the win on Thanksgiving Day.

Quakertown Senior High School

Lauren Beal - Lauren Beal checks her blood sugar level three to four times during a softball game and in between hits a few home runs. Lauren has been dealing with Type I Diabetes since the age of 11. This disease has not stopped Lauren from developing into a power hitter and leader of the Quakertown Softball Team. She has earned all-league honors for the last two years and is a feared hitter by opposing teams.

Lauren, along with family and friends, have made it their mission to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. For the last 4 years, Lauren has organized and run a U12 softball tournament in the community raising $6,000 to $7,000 per year.

Lauren will be attending Marist College to play softball and major in either Medical Technology or Political Science

Jared Kishbaugh - Jared Kishbaugh has endured living with Ulcerative Colitis which requires regular visits to CHOP. The medication needed to treat his illness puts a major stress on his physical body. During the football season, Jared has had to rehab major bone bruises, two separate significant neck sprains, concussions as well as a long list of musculo-skeletal injuries. Due to the difficulties of overcoming an injury, any one of Jared's injuries may have led the average athlete to throw in the towel but Jared's determination, heart and love of sport always left him saying "when can I get back on the field?". At times, Jared got frustrated but truly showed his courage by not letting what seemed to be injury after injury discourage him and his ability to lead the Quakertown Football Team.

Jared will be attending Temple University in the Fall pursuing Sport and Recreation Management.

2018

Pennridge High School

Casey Hefner - Casey is an outstanding member of the girls lacrosse team at Pennridge High School and a wonderful young lady. As a Sophomore she was selected to the Suburban One All League Team. In her Junior year she attended a college visit at Bloomsburg University and suffered and ACL tear to her knee. Following surgery, she spent that season on the sidelines faithfully supporting her team and cheering them onto the playoffs. After several months of rehab she has returned to the field for her Senior year. Bloomsburg University has offered her a scholarship to play lacrosse for them in the fall.

Stephen Dadio - Stephen is an excellent two sport athlete and gentleman at Pennridge High School. He has been named to the Suburban One All League Team for both football and wrestling. In the fall Steve helped lead the football team to an outstanding 11 win season including 2 wins in the playoffs. While playing football and wrestling in high school Stephen has sustained several concussions and returned each time to compete for his team. During the wrestling season this winter he again had a concussion which led to the difficult decision to stop wrestling. Outside of school Stephen has volunteered to coach at the Ram Youth Football camp and recently became an Eagle Scout. Stephen plans on studying Archeology, possibly at the University of Pittsburg in the fall.

Quakertown Senior High School

Katie Moyer - Katie Moyer tore her ACL not once, not twice but three times in her high school soccer career.

Katie first tore her ACL prior to her freshman season at Quakertown High School while participating in the Sarah Parvin Soccer Tournament. She had surgery in September and missed her freshman season to complete rehab. After being cleared for non-contact ball work, Katie started preparing for her sophomore season. While she was practicing at home, she accidently shot a ball over a fence. When she hopped the fence to retrieve it, she tore the same ACL again. She had surgery and missed her sophomore year to complete rehab. While Katie was preparing for her junior season by playing in a summer league game with her teammates, she tore her other ACL. She had surgery and missed her junior season to complete rehab.

There is a happy ending to this story! After a lot of dedication and hard work, Katie finally got to play in her senior year. Katie was an inspirational leader as a senior captain and helped her soccer team to its best season in school history by going deep into the District One Playoffs.

Don't give up. Don't ever give up!

Grey Mitchell - Hard to believe but true! Grey Mitchell went from being diagnosed with a brain tumor and resulting left side paralysis to being named a captain and starting center on his high school basketball team. Grey's condition was discovered by ER doctors, who were initially treating him for an eye injury caused by a baseball. An MRI revealed a golf ball sized tumor called a low-grade Astrocytoma. After removal of the tumor, Grey spent the next 4 weeks in CHOP's Seashore House intense rehabilitation program going through grueling speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Grey continued his extensive therapy as an out-patient at Good Shepherd in Allentown. He was forced to take cyber classes from home because walking the halls of Strayer Middle School was not safe due to his poor balance. Grey gradually returned to sports after being discharged by CHOP but was cautioned that he may never be able to compete at a high level athletically ever again. Grey never stopped believing or working toward his goal of full recovery. Grey defied the predictions of some of the top doctors and therapists in the country by becoming a senior captain and starting center of the Quakertown Boys Basketball Team. Respect, admiration, inspiration are all words that describe Grey.

2019

Pennridge High School

Sarah Williams - Sarah is wonderful young lady, bright student and talented member of our soccer team. She had to overcome a health issue during her Junior year at Pennridge, which caused her to miss several games. Despite this Sarah returned to the field her Senior year and helped lead the team to the league championship title and state championship final! Sarah's outstanding play was noticed and she was selected to the all-league, district and state teams. Sarah plans on pursuing at medical degree and playing soccer at Dickenson College.

Brian Lafty - Brian is an outstanding student and leader on our football and track and field teams. He has had to overcome a family health situation while playing football at Pennridge. Despite this Brian has played and contributed at high level. He helped lead the team to the semifinals of the district football playoffs in 2017. This year Brian was an all-league selection and ended his high school football career with a bang by scoring the first touchdown of the Thanksgiving Day game, which isn't easy for a 300 lb two-way lineman! Brian will play football next year at Franklin and Marshall.

Quakertown Senior High School

Adria Retter - Adria Retter refused to let the prediction of her surgeon come to fruition!

Adria is a remarkable student athlete at Quakertown Community High School. Her athletic specialty is throwing events in track and field. In the Fall of her junior year, Adria dislocated her throwing shoulder and was diagnosed with a torn labrum. Her injury was surgically repaired but not ready for Spring Track. Adria taught herself to throw "left" handed and with many hours of practice qualified for the District I Track and Field Championships. Now cleared to throw with her dominant (surgical arm), Adria placed 3rd at Districts and qualified for the PIAA State Track Championships. She holds the school record in both shot put and discus. This past February Adria earned a 6th place medal at the Indoor State Track and Field Championships held at Penn State. We are excited to see what she will accomplish her Senior year!

Adria is the rare scholar athlete that refuses to use athletic demands as an excuse in her academic responsibilities. Adria Retter was named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist this year. She is one of 16,000 students selected nationwide from 1.6 million entrants. Adria will be attending Swarthmore College majoring in Psychology and participating in track and field.

Ashton Herd - Ashton Herd is an outstanding student athlete with great character and a commitment to family. Ashton was a three year All League 2-way lineman in football but his greatest achievement was his commitment to family. During the summer before his junior year, Ashton's father went through heart surgery where the doctors deemed his heart non-repairable and a mechanical heart replaced his biological heart. His father was at Hershey Medical Center for about one year working to recover from the surgery and build up his strength to come home. Ashton helped keep things going at home while waiting for his father's return. He made meals, washed clothes and kept the house up and running while also training 5-6 days a week for the upcoming football season. His academics never slipped and currently has a 4.36 weighted GPA.

Coach Banas, "It truly amazes me that Ashton has never let anything suffer or use this as an excuse to not be at his best athletically, academically and personally. His story is inspiring in so many ways." Ashton plans to attend Ithaca College to major in Physical Therapy and play football.

2020

Pennridge High School

Megan Weiss - Megan is an outstanding student, athlete and young lady at Pennridge High School! Megan has been a tremendous member of our water polo team for the last 4 years despite undergoing 2 shoulder surgeries. She endured right shoulder surgery during her sophomore year and then left shoulder surgery during her Junior year. Despite numerous hours of rehab she was able to play all four years and also be a member of the swim team for two years. Megan was instrumental in leading the water polo team to the playoffs the last two years, including at top 8 finish this year at the State Championship Tournament. Her outstanding play led her to be named to the all-league and all state teams. Megan plans on attending Liberty University in the Fall to study Nursing.

Bobby Brashear - Bobby is an excellent student, athlete and member of Pennridge High School! Bobby is an outstanding young man and a member of our soccer and track and field teams. Despite undergoing ACL knee surgery the summer after his freshman year, Bobby recovered from surgery and went on play 3 years of varsity soccer and win 2 gold medals at the PIAA State Indoor Track and Field Championship in the 4x400 and 4x800 relays. As a team captain, Bobby was instrumental in leading the soccer team to the playoffs the last two years. In track, Bobby has helped lead the team to 3 consecutive Conference Championships and a District Team Championship. His outstanding abilities led him to be named to the all-league track team. Bobby plans on attending MIT in the Fall to study Mechanical Engineering.

Quakertown Senior High School

Megan Woods

Shawn Newswanger

2021

Pennridge High School

Madison Angelo

Colin Monahan

Quakertown Senior High School

Sarah Hepburn

Tyler Merwarth

2022

Pennridge High School

Emily Kriney 

Justin McCormick 

Quakertown Senior High School

Trinity Lucas  is a four sport athlete at Quakertown Community High School. As part of a military family, Trinity spent much of her childhood moving from state to state. Born in California, she later moved to North Carolina, Louisiana, South Carolina, New York and finally her family settled in Quakertown. Having to make new friends at every stop, Trinity developed an outgoing and friendly personality. She is well respected by her teammates and coaches on all four teams! Trinity has been part of the District Qualifying Girls Soccer Team, State Qualifying Softball Team and made it to the State Indoor Track Championships in the Shot Put. Trinity will be attending Temple University in the Fall. 

Anthony Schiller has lost both his parents in his life. His mother passed when he was younger and he had to live with a friend because his dad had health problems related to addiction. His father passed away shortly after the football season this year. He has overcome a lot in his life and will be continuing his academic and athletic career at Widener University to study engineering. 

Back to Top