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Men's basketball coach Hart Coleman (above center) is among the coaches who are not returning next season.
Photo credit: Anne Schratz
Multiple Spartan teams experience coaching staff turnover, raising questions
By Nick Sarno-Brown, '24
A surprise to some, but not to all, the SJHS Athletic Department is seeking new basketball coaches for both the men's and women's teams, as well as a new cheerleading coach.
After such a successful year for the women's team, the changes raise questions as to why the basketball coaches are not returning.
In a joint response from Principal Kimberly Minick and Athletic Director Sally Ackerman, WPIAL coaches are interviewed at the end of the season. The direction of the programs are announced during these interviews.
"We opened the coaching positions in order to provide our student-athletes and our programs with the greatest opportunity for growth. All applications will be accepted and current coaches have the opportunity to reapply,” Ackerman and Minick said.
It is the job of the Athletic Director to create an environment where the student-athletes can best grow and flourish. The AD is responsible for posting the athletic job openings.
They reiterated, “Our coaches were not let go or fired. It is the Athletic Director's responsibility to evaluate the head coaches throughout the season. Communications with Saint Joseph Administration are held throughout the year to assist in making appropriate decisions for our student-athletes.”
Sophomore Gia Richter, a member of the starting five lineup of the women's basketball team, is happy with the prospects of a new coach.
“I am really excited that we are getting a new coach next year. This team is perfect: we have the height and all of our players are skilled, but we need a coach that can motivate us and keep us in shape,” Richter said.
Richter is excited for next year because she has faith in the team.
“I am looking forward to working hard with my team, having beneficial practices, and winning every game we play,” Richter said. "The girls basketball team can go a long way, and putting in the work with a great coach can increase our chances of success.”
In addition to women's basketball, Dennis Jones coaches women's volleyball, which raises the question of him returning for this fall sport. According to the joint response, no changes will be made at this time for volleyball.
The men's basketball program is also seeking a new coach. Sophomore Anthony Zavolta is expected to play next year. He felt that Coach Coleman was more than just a good basketball coach; he also served as a mentor to the team.
“He did an incredible job of teaching us the value of respect and turning us into more mature young men while setting a good example,” Zavolta shared.
Coach Coleman will be hard to replace. The environment he created was calm and motivating and something Zavolta, and others, loved.
“Not only did he respect us as high schoolers, he pushed us to do our best and he believed in every single one of us,” said Zavolta.
Despite the inevitable changes in the coaching staff, Zavolta looks forward to next year.
“Getting a new coach will have its ups and downs, but I love basketball and I look forward to playing next year,” he said.
The vacant cheerleading coach position was expected because Coach Sheila Skrinjar is the parent of senior Lizzie Skrinjar, who will graduate this spring. Sophomore Meredith Zendarski is excited about a new beginning.
“I am definitely looking forward to a new cheer coach. It’s always so amazing to watch the team grow together and succeed with good guidance and support!” Zendarski exclaimed.
Photo credit: Kathy Kemp
WPIAL Women's Basketball Tournament makes a stop at St. Joseph High School
WPIAL Women's Basketball Tournament makes a stop at St. Joseph High School
By Justine Spinelli, '23
For the first time in SJHS history, the women’s basketball team hosted a WPIAL playoff game. The game was on February 20 and it was the first round of the WPIAL Section 1A playoffs. It was against the Geibel Catholic Gators and the Spartans won 64-26.
Team forward, Maggie Bernat ‘24 said, “This win was extra special since we got to do it on our home court and in front of all our supporters.”
A home playoff game is normally given to the higher seeded team, given that the WPIAL approves your gym.
Principal Kimberly Minick said, “WPIAL made a decision that teams who scored high enough in the rankings would be able to host a playoff game. There's a lot of paperwork, a lot of it has to do with seating capacity.”
Minick also said, “They have numerous lists of things you have to be able to meet in order to be a host.”
Some of those things included proper security, the ability to accept electronic tickets, and more. Lots of hard work went into making the game happen.
The home game is given to the higher seed because it is an advantage getting to play on your home court. One of the many advantages is motivation.
Emma Swierczewski, ‘24 said, “Playing at home definitely motivated us as a team. Our fans brought enrergy and being on our home court brought comfort and confidence.”
Photo credit: Justine Spinelli '23
Julie Spinelli racks up 1K career points
Julie Spinelli racks up 1K career points
By Brad Roxberry, '23
Julie Spinelli '24 hit her 1,000th career point in the women's semi-final game against Union Area at North Allegheny High School on February 27. The shot to push her over the goal was a top of the key 3-pointer swish, getting her to 1,001 points.
She shared what went through her head once she hit the milestone.
Spinelli said, “It was a playoff game and I was more focused on the game.” She continued, “I didn't even realize I reached 1,000, but I heard the crowd erupt and cheer and that's when I figured I hit it.”
Spinelli is only a junior and when she was asked what she felt like when her dream came true she said, “It was definitely one of my top goals for my high school career and to hit it my junior year was definitely very exciting.”
While some may think that hitting 1,000 points would be a relief, Spinelli thinks otherwise.
"It motivates me to want more and to work even harder to keep accomplishing my goals,” she said.
While the season just ended, hard work never stops.
Spinelli said, “I will be continuously preparing for next year. I want to reach even higher goals and improve my game.”
Photo credit : Tami Bernot
Two seniors on the bowling team qualify for WBIAL Regionals
Two seniors on the bowling team qualify for WBIAL Regionals
By Brody Lilly, '23
This year, the men's and women's bowling teams both had overall records of 4-6. Bowling can be an individual sport or a team sport.
Jesse Bernot ‘23 said, “Originally it is for teams that play other teams and you can either qualify for regional's individually or as a team. You need to knock down a certain amount of pins to make it to regionals.”
As teams, they did not knock down enough pins to qualify for regional tryouts, but seniors Jesse Bernot and Aiden Dehnert did. This is the first time in school history that two people from the team have made it to regionals at the same time.
Dehnert said, “I did individually, along with Jesse, make the second round of playoffs for individuals”. He also shared, “They only took 12 bowlers out of around 80, and unfortunately I did not make the cut.”
Bowling is difficult in itself, but all competitions are at different bowling alleys, requiring the athlete to adapt their game to succeed.
“Today, most bowling alleys have synthetic lanes, however some bowling alleys still have wooden lanes, which cause different ball reactions between the two,” Dehnert said,
Even though Dehnert and Bernot are seniors, bowling is something they-or anyone- can continue after high school. Women's bowling is more common in college than men’s, but many bowling alleys offer adult leagues and tournaments so it is still possible to continue competitively, and for fun.
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