The following NPHS Winter Sports previews include all teams who replied to The Knight Crier’s request for information

 

Team: North Penn Girls Swimming

Coach: Andy Walton

Assistant Coaches: Ericka Makaron, Eric Weathers, Beth McConnell, Ethan McCalla

Last year’s record: 9-1

Notable losses: Emma Raser, Sarah Poach

Key returners: Maddie Faikish, Anna Heebner, Mikayla Potts, Zoe Welsh, Kailey Forte and Ruth Kim

Others to Watch: Kathyrn DiLenge, Meghan O’Donnell

Strengths: This season brings with it the 2 times State Champion Maddie Faikish along with a diverse depth of strong swimmers. There are several upcoming freshmen with times very close to the district cut standards.

Question Marks: Who will step up to fill the shoes of the strong graduate swimmers?

Outlook: The success of NP girls’ swim team depends on factors like returning experienced athletes, the addition of new talent, and effective training. Strong leadership and team dynamics will enhance performance. Coaches will look to find where swimmers fit into the team dynamics. Finally, the strength of the competition will influence the team’s success, pushing swimmers to perform at their best. These elements combine to shape the team’s season outlook.

Meets to Watch: Upper Dublin and Souderton

 

Team: North Penn Boys Swimming/Diving

Coach: Andy Walton (2nd year at NP)

Assistant Coaches: Ericka Makaron, Eric Weathers, Beth McConnell, Ethan McCalla, Carlene Stumpo

Last year’s record: 10-0, League, District, and State Champs

Notable player losses: Mason Potts, Alex Burns, Brayden Kemezis

Key returners: Mason DiMauro, Breaden Loa, Ryan O’Donnell, Eli Panachyda, Nevin Shaw, Macek Vandermolen

Others to Watch: David Dian, Neil McGeehan, Matt O’Donnell,

Strengths: Team SPEED, We know how to race!

Questions Marks: Filling the holes left by the seniors in relays

Outlook: The boys look to compete again at the highest level

Games to Watch: Upper Dublin, CB West

 

Team: North Penn Ice Hockey

Coach: Kevin Vaitis – been with NP Ice Hockey for 22 years, and this is their 16th year coaching the Varsity Team.

Assistant Coaches: Frank Stumpo Matt Stella, George Watkins

Last year’s record: 12-11-1

Last year League Record: -11-9-1

Last Year League Record Including Crossovers: 11-9-1

Notable player losses: John Stinson, Joey Silvotti, Maks Harkins, Matt Yothers, Chris Seward

Key returners: Cole Pluck, James Boyle, Nolan Shingle, Danny Cabrales, Sam Norton, Aidan Quigley, Chase Kelly Del-Ricci

Others to Watch: Chris Silvotti, Andy Norton, Landon Hostetter, Izzy Cabrales

Strengths: The Knights return 15 players from last year’s team that returned to the league playoffs for the first time in 4 years and also the Flyers Cup – state tournament. With the experience coming back the Knights are strong up front with multiple lines that can score goals and strong defense and goaltending where they will not give up many goals.

Questions Marks: Can the Knight sustain scoring from all three lines? Can the defense and goaltending be a backbone for this team? Does the team have the determination to take those extra steps?

Outlook: The Knights have a bright season in front of them. They have a talented roster and will be able to compete with the other top teams in the league. Let’s hope they can put it together and have a very rewarding season.

Games to Watch:
– 11/27 NP vs. CB South Thanksgiving Eve – County Line Cup
– 12/19 NP vs. Pennridge
– 1/3 NP vs. Souderton
– 1/22 NP vs. CB West
– 2/5 NP vs. Council Rock South

 

Team: North Penn Boys Basketball

Coach: Cordell Lord

Assistant Coaches: Ethan Blom, Craig Rosenberger, Zeek Johnson, Dante Watson

Last year’s record: 12-10

League Record: 7-3
League Record Including Crossovers: 3-3
Overall Record: 12-10

Notable player losses: Norm Gee, Corey Meade, Tre Simpson

Key returners: Ahmaar Godhania, Lee Hammond

Others to Watch: Aiden Atkinson, Gabe Altemus, Shane Ward

Strengths: Athleticism, Length and Speed

Questions Marks: Varsity Experience

Outlook: We have a young team in terms of experience, and it will be important for us to grow as much chemistry as possible to get off to a fast start. We are confident that we can have a successful season and grow off the past two seasons that we have had success.

Games to Watch:
Spring ford 12/3
Methacton 12/28
Upper Dublin 1/16

 

Team: Girls Indoor Track and Field

Coach: Brandon Turner

Assistant Coaches: Kyle Richhart, Kayla Charles, Brian Pellechia

Last year’s record: No individual meets during the indoor season so we did not have a record

Notable losses: Gemma Chevoor, Miranda Jimenez, Sophia Schell, Maddie Gee, Laura Liebiger, Alex Duff

Key returners: Zianna Dobson, Taylor Anderson, Kennedy Blackwell, Gianna Williams, Allison Schall, Aliyah Larkins

Others to Watch: Bailey Wagner, Alyssa Chartrand

Strengths: Strong field events returning from last year

Questions Marks: Youth and inexperience. Lost 22 seniors last year, who will step up and lead?

Outlook: Should be a great season. Will have the opportunity to compete for medals and strengthen areas of weakness prior to the Spring Season

Games to Watch: Meet of Champions @ University of Penn, State Championship @ PSU, Kristian Marche Memorial Invite @ UPENN

 

Team: Wrestling

Coach: Mr. Swiggard (Jim)

Assistant Coaches: Mr. Smith (Rick), Joey O’Brien, Owen Verespy, Mikey O’Brien, Will Laughlin

Last year’s record: 2-19

League Record: 0-5

Overall Record: 2-19

Notable losses: Michael Cliver

Key returners: Dan Mallitz, Jonny O’Brien, Colton Marjoram, Kaden Cocca

Others to Watch: Frank Palazzo, Dan Seiler, Levi Gibson, Tristan Lewis, Chase Muller, Braydon Kohler, Ryan Kwortnik, Connor Howard

Strengths: We are a fairly young team and bring back a group of solid Sophomores

Questions Marks: lack of experience

Outlook: We are a young team coming off of a tough season with a new coaching staff. We are looking to build a winning culture and earn a winning record and have wrestlers reach their individual goals in the postseason.

Games to Watch: 1/8 vs CBW, 1/15 vs CBS, 1/29 vs Souderton, 2/5 vs CBE