A 28-1 overall, District XI champion boys’ basketball team. A 19-5 overall, Schuylkill League semifinalist girls’ basketball team. A 12-8 overall wrestling team consisting of a Penn State recruit and two-time regional qualifier. A 13-1 overall, Schuylkill League champion boys’ swim team. A 9-5 overall, Schuylkill League runners-up girls’ swim team.

Last winter, PAHS was a powerhouse school in the Schuylkill League. Success seemed to be the theme of the season.

Last season, the boys’ basketball team, with four of five starting players being seniors and seniors Patrick Coyle and Jed Dunkel also making contributions, won the Schuylkill League championship, had its first ever undefeated regular season and clinched the district championship game. Its run finally came to an end during the state quarterfinals.

With leadership positions left vacant, returning members of the team had to fulfill leadership positions on and off the court.

“We lost six great seniors last year. Everyone has a role on the team, but our seniors have the most important role, which is being the leaders for this year,” senior Maldeen Thomas said. “I believe we have the athletes and players on our team to be even more successful than last year if we all buy into what Coach Mullaney tells us 100%. We have the potential to be a very dangerous team this year.”

Last season, the girls’ basketball team competed for the Schuylkill League title, but for the second year in a row, lost it to the Minersville girls, this year by one single point. The Lady Tide plans to be a competitor for the Schuylkill League title again.

“We have three returning seniors from last year who are Alyssa Kondrack, Hanna Burnhauser and me,” senior Sadie Cresswell said. “Last year I had to step up my leadership role as a captain, and I am continuing to do that this year. I think we will have a very successful season. We put a lot of hard work and dedication into preparing for this year.”

With senior Luke Gardner leading the boys’ wrestling team into this season, the team’s five seniors look to have an even better season than last year’s.

“We are going to have a good season. We only lost a few seniors, but we reloaded. I am one of the captains, and I just have to keep the guys motivated throughout the year,” Gardner said. “I believe in my coaches, my team and myself, so we will be the Schuylkill League champions this year.”

Last year, under the leadership of 11 senior members, the boys’ swim team took the Schuylkill League title, while also being a solid competitor at the District XI meet. The swim team brings depth and numbers to each competition, along with experienced swimmers.

“We lost 11 seniors last year. This year’s seniors, including myself, have had to step up to fill the large gap that they left. This year, I have had to take on more leadership and responsibility,” senior Joshua Howell said. “I predict that we will have a good season this year. We are already looking strong, especially for losing so many experienced swimmers.”

Last season, the girls’ swim team was led by nine experienced seniors and managed to fight their way to the league runner-up title.

“Coming into this season, the girls’ team had a bit of a roadblock to overcome. We lost nine seniors last season, and they weren’t just any nine, the majority of them were large point scorers. Needless to say, the seniors this year needed to assume leadership in areas that we weren’t really anticipating,” senior Taylor Young said.

Each team this winter is hoping to recover from a loss of seniors from last year. Many current seniors have had to fill the shoes of old captains.

“Many of us are swimming events different than what we typically swim and are helping out the large amount of new girls that joined,” Young said. “Our team may not be a standout amongst competition, but as one of the captains, I hope we create enough depth on our team to compete successfully in our league meets throughout January and hopefully put up a good fight in the league this season.”