This section was started as a way to share some of the many noteworthy items that occur on a regular basis. In order to do so, we’ve moved to a weekly edition that will be updated as we gather new items we think you should know about. We hope you enjoy.
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Two Local Football Stars Become All-State Selections
The Pennsylvania Football Writers have started announcing their All-State Football picks, and we have two talented players representing LebCo teams. Cael Harter (Sr.) from Annville-Cleona made the 2A team for his outstanding performance as a defensive back. Similarly, ELCO’s Jake Williams (Sr.) made it to the 4A team as one of the top running backs in the State. Congratulations to both Cael and Jake on this well-deserved achievement!
We caught up with ELCO Head Coach Bob Miller following the announcement. He told us: “We are so proud of Jake. His hard work, dedication, and commitment to being the best person and player possible highlighted his natural ability. He truly earned and deserved this recognition as one of the best in the State.”
We also spoke with Annville-Cleona Head Coach Matt Gingrich about Harter’s selection. He said, “We are very proud of Cael. This was well-deserved and a great ending to his high school football career. Cael is a great teammate, a selfless player, and the most physical defensive back I have ever coached. More importantly, Cael is an amazing student and young man. I hope a lot of kids at AC strive to be the next Cael Harter!”
Click here for the full list of selections: 2A / 4A
(posted 12/29)
Girls Wrestling Achieves Historic Firsts
With the Girls Wrestling gaining approval for its first season as a PIAA-sanctioned sport, we are happy to report that some of our LebCo programs made historical achievements. On December 19th, the teams from Lebanon and Northern Lebanon notched victories in their inaugural contests. The Cedars defeated Donegal 54-0, while the Vikings took down Lancaster Catholic by a score of 39-18. Palmyra lost to CD East in their only dual match so far, but they won via pins in the only two contested weight classes. Annville-Cleona and Cedar Crest are the other two LebCo teams, but they have yet to engage in a dual meet this season. We will keep you posted as to the progress of all of our athletes throughout the season. (posted 12/27)
Cedar Crest Athletes Announce Future Plans
Recently, two Cedar Crest Football Team members announced commitments to continue their playing careers after graduating in June. On December 19th, Caleb Dorshimer made the first announcement when he posted to social media that he would be attending Lock Haven University, a member of NCAA Division II’s PSAC. Dorshimer’s news was followed the next day by Aiden Schomp, who announced he’ll be attending Lehigh University, a Division I – FCS school that competes in the Patriot League.
Prior to the football announcements, ’22 graduate Austin Beard announced that he had accepted a scholarship offer to continue his Baseball career at Division I – Monmouth University. Beard spent last season refining his pitching skills at Northampton Community College. (posted 12/27)
Ryland, Unphased, Rises to Occasion
Cedar Crest alum Chad Ryland, currently the rookie placekicker for the New England Patriots, was not perfect, but he was perfect when he needed to be. Against the Broncos on Sunday night, Ryland missed a 47-yard field goal attempt and an extra point. However, when the Patriots had a chance to win with :07 reading on the clock, Ryland lined up for and nailed a 56-yarder.
Ryland also successfully connected on a 33-yard attempt in the game.
(posted 12/27)
