“Stay hungry” says Andrew Gates, a senior 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard freestyle swimmer for Hempfield. The team trains to win its third Lancaster-Lebanon League title and fourth section title in a row. “Stay hungry” seems good inspiration for his teammates and him.
Individual goals for Hempfield’s team are qualifying as many swimmers as possible for “getting to states” and especially a relay team with eyes on a medal.
A longtime traditional contender in Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 1, the Hempfield Black Knights are looking to bounce back from last season’s unfamiliar record (3-19 overall, 1-9 Section 1).
Spencer Troyer, a 6-4 senior, has averaged 10.2 points per game for his career and he says the Knights are coming into this year ready to compete.
“We have a new mindset,” Troyer explained. “We don’t like the look of last year. We intend to change the script.”
Madelyn Sieklicki competes as a senior for the Hempfield girls basketball team. This year she is working hard to be a starter at point guard or shooting guard.
The Black Knights are building a family cohesiveness among the team and plan to improve on last year’s record. Key teams on their schedule are Cedar Crest, Manheim Township and Penn Manor. Madelyn looks to Cedar Crest as the favorite to win Section 1.
Hempfield football players, disappointed with a first-round loss in the District 3 playoffs last year, are entering the season with a main goal just to win Week 1.
Players attending media day:
(from left)
Cadyn Buckwalter, senior, defensive end, right tackle
Jordan Burkhart, senior, defensive end, tight end
Nate Swanger, senior, defensive end, offensive tackle
Derek Katch, senior, quarterback, safety