Four Plymouth Whitemarsh High School teams commended for championship seasons

The Plymouth Whitemarsh High School fall sports season was one for the record books, with four teams securing league championships and earning recognition by the Colonial School District Board of Directors in November and December.

The football team, girls soccer team, field hockey team, and boys cross country team were all honored at recent meetings for their accomplishments this past fall, with the theme being one of resilience. Although a few of the teams started off their seasons with more losses than wins, the students showed their grit and determination by working their way past hardships and into championship territory.

Football Coach Dan Chang noted that his team started the season one and three, which led many people to count them out as contenders. 

“But the resilience, the work ethic, the commitment of these young men is a real testament to their character,” said Coach Chang. “Their improvements each day led to some amazing accomplishments among this group. We won our next six straight games, secured a playoff berth, and took the number one seed in the district.”

The team won its fifth consecutive Suburban One American League championship, and will move up next year to the Continental Conference to face some of the larger schools in the area. Fifteen of this year’s players were All-League selections and several players surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Several other players led the league in sacks, tackles, interceptions and touchdowns, said Coach Chang.

“But most importantly, we have a group of young men and women who are selfless student-athletes committed to the ideals of team and family,” said Coach Chang. “We hold each other accountable. We encourage each other when adversity hits, and we celebrate both small and large wins together.”

Like the football team, the field hockey team also had a rocky start, according to Coach Charise Halteman. She noted that the team struggled initially to find its identity after losing the first three games. 

“It is a true testament to the resilience of these athletes that they stayed focused on our long-term goals,” she said. “Looking past the early results on the scoreboard, the shift came in a hard-fought 2-to-1 overtime win against Quakertown. That game was a pivotal moment.”

From that point on, Coach Halteman said the team became a dominant force, earning a 10-seed in the district playoff bracket. 

“Each day, the team found the right mix of intensity, camaraderie, and fun. This was most evident as they played the entire season with the tragic loss of teammate Maddie Carr heavy on their hearts,” said Coach Halteman. “Their collective desire to play in her honor and live out her example every day speaks volumes about the maturity, strength, and courage of the young women we have the privilege to coach.”

Female athletes also excelled in soccer at Plymouth Whitemarsh this year. The girls soccer team had its best season in years, according to Coach T.J. DeLucia. The team finished its season with 14 wins, three losses and one draw. In league play, the team went nine and one, earning the Suburban One League championship. This was the first since 2013. 

“Through the 18-game regular season, our team only gave up 10 goals, while scoring 43. We held our opponents scoreless in 11 of those 18 regular season games,” said Coach DeLucia.

Seven players were placed on the All-League team. The seniors on the team were the first in history to earn playoff berths in all four years of their career. Coach DeLucia said he is already looking forward to next season to build upon this year’s successes.

The Board also celebrated the history-making season of the boys cross country team, which won its first-ever Suburban One League championship. Coach Clarence Lewis said the undefeated season was truly a team effort, where all contributed to a culture of hard work and dedication.

“Their commitment, discipline, and competitive spirit set a new standard for PW athletics,” said Coach Lewis. “On behalf of myself and Assistant Coach Dave Bucko, we want to express how proud we are of these young men.”

All four coaches expressed their thanks to the Board and administration for supporting the athletic program.