By Camille Swink '28

With a 9-0 section record, the incredible success of the Spartan volleyball team will for the first-time ever make an appearance in the playoffs as undefeated section champs.

Elaina Moore '25 said, "I am happy that we made it to the WPIAL playoffs; we’re ranked number four right now, behind Eden Christian, Frazier, and Greensburg Central Catholic.” 

As they made their way to the playoffs, many team members reflected on what brought them this far.

“We improved on communication," said Moore.  "Last year we had a lot of issues with people not calling the ball, so no one knew who was getting what." 

In addition, to building communication as a team, the Spartans also worked on improving skills on the court.

“I think we've really improved on our serving as well as our offense," said Emma Yingling '27.

In order to improve their overall game, they focused on defense as well.

"The drills we do during practice help us to know how to defend the ball," said Moore '25.

All of their efforts at practice paid off when on October 15, the Spartans clinched the section with a win over Riverview.  The Spartans secured home court advantage, and swept the Union Scotties in the first round.

“We have to keep our momentum and keep the energy up. If we just stick together, and play as a team, we’re good,” said Moore.

The team was given a pep rally where a new banner was proudly unveiled in the Walter Dlubak Athletic Center.  The Spartans narrowly defeated the faculty in a fun pick up game at the rally.

"It feels great to finally be a part of a team that is memorialized in the gym," said Yingling.  "Our team is a part of history for our school." 

Their hard work is still going strong.  On October 24 they defeated California Area High School in just 3 sets.  This round advanced them to the semi-finals against Frazier tomorrow, Tuesday Oct. 29.  A fan bus is available for students.

By Brayden Ehrman '27

The golf season concluded with 5 male golfers qualifying for sectionals at Buffalo Golf Course on September 19. 

Max Perez '27 said, “My favorite part of this season was golfing with my friends and meeting new people."

Golf takes a lot of dedication.  The golfers spent part of their summer practicing , so they have been putting in much work since then. 

Coach David Anater said , "My favorite part about coaching is seeing the kids meet their goals they have been working on."

One thing he brings to the table as a coach is that he's generous with his time with going to every practice and match.  He loves seeing the kids outside of the classroom and in a different environment. 

Anater said, "Overall the golf season was a great experience for new players and we are looking forward to expanding the team and doing better next season."

By Chloe Damico '27

Despite a losing season the Spartans co-ed soccer team kept their energy up and did not let it affect their mindset.

The Spartans were led by coach Dominic Ferrante for the second year in a row.  Senior players also helped the team stay positive.  

Senior Peter Stickney said, “Trying to step up and be a leader can be really important.”

Throughout the season senior captains Luca Schiano di Cola, Anthony Zavolta, Peter Stickney and David Schratz motivated the team's performance in a positive way.  The team faced a lot of challenges during the season including many injuries. 

Kyle Lecker ’28 said, “I just played how I know my teammates would have played.”

This season there were 5 incoming freshmen who joined the team. The freshman stepped up a lot on defense throughout this season.

The varsity co-ed soccer team ended their season with a record of  3-11.

Martin Stickney ‘27 said, “Although we did not win we had fun along the way, and that's what really matters.”

By Courtney Mentecki '26

A newly formed co-op provides 3 female athletes with the chance to run cross country with Highlands High School. 

Jocelyn Spinelli '27 said, "I really like the Highlands coach. He's been great. He is really good at running and definitely knows what he's doing." 

There are 3 girls are involved with cross country this year including Jocelyn Spinelli '27, Jordyn Cienik '28, and Bella Bartolovic '28.

"I do wish we had more people to participate because right now we only have 3 students and we need 5 for a team, so we have to run individually. If we had just 2 more people, we would all be able to go to WPIALs," said Spinelli. 

Although there are not enough students to make a full cross country team, the girls are still determined to make the season worth while and are continuing their passion for the sport. 

Spinelli said, "At first I just joined cross country for fun, but once I started to do really well and came in first and second place, I stuck with the sport." 

Spinelli started cross country in seventh grade and was kind enough to share her hopes for the season.

"My goal for this year is to qualify for states after competing in WPIALs," said Spinelli. 

By Kayla Black '26

As the school year gets underway, fall sports begin to take place.   Injuries are a risk that every student-athlete takes, which can impact their health, playing performance, and create roster concerns. 

Martin Stickney '27 was unfortunately faced with a concussion during a soccer game against Highlands High School. 

“I was kneed to the head while trying to slide tackle a ball. I took a hit straight in the temple,” said Stickney. 

This injury did not stop Stickney from continuing the game at that moment. His main focus was the game, and making sure the opponent could not get a good shot.

"I was trying to clear the ball so they could not get a good shot off and score," said Stickney. 

While faced with this injury, Stickney was out for a period of time to heal, and could not play until he was cleared. Stickney had to undergo many tests within agility and consciousness to ensure he was qualified to play once more.

Stickney said, “They had me out for around two weeks, which is rough.  And the unfortunate part about my injury, is that it is hard to sit on the sidelines and watch my team.”

Because Stickney participates in other sports, his concussion made it hard for him to go to his bowling practices as well. 

“The loud atmosphere was too much for me to tolerate,” Stickney said.

Stickney eventually recovered and finished the season with plenty of playing time on the soccer field.  

Senior goal keeper David Schratz suffered a broken clavicle during the game against Springdale. He had to undergo surgery to repair it.

"My season was off to a great start.  I expected it to be one to remember," Schratz said.  "So when I was injured and sidelined for the rest of my senior year, it was difficult."

By Brayden Ehrman '27

Varsity basketball head coach Matt DeHart wants to make a difference for his players, not just on the court, but for their future. He's using the Saint Joseph gym and weight room to prepare his players for his debut season.

DeHart said, “I hope to contribute to the growth and development of these young men, and ultimately make them better prepared for life.” 

He wants to change the kid's mindset and not just their physical abilities. DeHart acknowledges that most of his work has been brought into his life by God, who gives purpose to his life. He is very excited and thankful for his time at Saint Joe's.

Recently DeHart invited the team to volunteer at a local food pantry.  Players helped them move into a new location when they were evicted and needed to start over again. The team showed up did what they could to help the community recover, so that needs could be met.

Helping others brings a team together.  Discipline is another key value that is important to a team.  That is why once a week players have an optional 6 a.m. practice.

DeHart said, ”The best way to get younger players ready for varsity is repetition.” 

Coach DeHart wants to build a better basketball program for the school.  He plans to focus on new players who haven't experienced the high school level, because of the intermediate player count of Saint Joe's. 

“We need all players ready for whenever they are needed," DeHart said.   

Overall Coach DeHart is a dedicated man with so much potential to make the Saint Joe's basketball program a great place for both players and for spectators to enjoy.