Saucon Valley wrestling team collected its fifth straight Colonial League championship and its second consecutive District 11 Class 2A title over the past week.
But the reason for all the success at Saucon Valley stretches beyond the mat, according to Panthers coach Chad Shirk.
“No. 1, I think we have an incredible coaching staff that’s dedicated to our wrestlers, not only in season but out of season. We have great support in our community and parents,” Shirk said.
Of course, the wrestlers and their work ethic also plays a huge role in the Panthers’ championship ways.
“And obviously, the kids put the time and effort in the training in the offseason,” Shirk said. “Kids make leaps and bounds and get better. And when we graduate seniors, other kids are there to step in.”
After the Panthers rolled past Wilson 51-18 in the district final on Saturday night at Freedom High School, Shirk pointed out some of his wrestlers that maybe don’t get the most attention in the talented lineup.
“We’ve had some kids that are starting varsity for the first time. We didn’t know what to expect. And there’s kids that are battling and winning some close matches for us throughout the year. It’s fun to see that. That’s every coach’s goal and hopes for kids to get better throughout the season,” Shirk said. “Dane Druckenmiller didn’t wrestle for a couple years and he came out and has won a lot of matches for us. We got Stephen Good. He’s a senior. It’s his first time in the starting lineup for the whole year. He’s got over 20 wins. You got Abe Lugo. Even though he was hurt most of the year, he’s still winning. Angelo Mahaffey got a heck of a lot better since last year. I think you can see that in our lineup. The kids just keep on improving so far, which is a really good thing.”
Now, Saucon Valley turns its attention to the state tournament, which resulted in a runner-up finish last season.
Shirk thinks his team is once again prepared for the challenge.
“There’s that aura obviously about Hershey and the Giant Center,” Shirk said. “But we go to the Beast of the East. Some of the best kids in the country are wrestling there and our kids are surrounded by it. We go to the Hurricane tournament and that’s loaded with tough teams. Hopefully the things that we do throughout the year and in the offseason. Hopefully they view it as another tournament and we go out there and have fun and whatever happens happens.”
Josh Folck may be reached at jfolck@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoshFolck. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook.
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