Hempfield

Izzy Heisey is someone who says she likes to stay busy.

Her journey will continue to stay that way next year when she will attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. There she will run for their Division 1 track program and major in cybersecurity.

In the immediate, the Hempfield senior will fill her time by competing for the Black Knights track team, working two jobs, creating fun films or vlogs with her camera, running, hiking, playing pickleball and spending time with family and friends.

Will Newport, a senior from Hempfield is hoping this spring track and field season is one that will vault him into the record books.

Newport is coming off a strong indoor season that saw him establish personal-best pole vaults on two occasions. On March 1, at the PTFCA Indoor State Championships at Ashenfelter Indoor Track at Penn State, Newport placed seventh with his best effort to that date at 14-0. Then two weeks later at the Nike Invitational at the Armory Track in New York City, he went 14-0½” to claim sixth in the Boy Emerging Elite Division.

Nolan Ruiz, Hempfield High School, senior, midfielder

Q: What’s origin story in terms of lacrosse?

Ruiz: “I was in second grade. My one friend invited me to a fall ball thing where coaches wanted players to invite friends in hopes to grow the sport. I’ve been playing ever since.”

Q: What are some team strengths?

State doubles champion Cooper Lehman graduated from Hempfield, but the Black Knights have plenty of firepower returning.

Will Keppel, who played linebacker on the football team, says as a captain he's ready to lead Hempfield to more titles, with his eye on the league and district championships. 

"We want to build a culture and strong bonds among the team," said Keppel. The Black Knights are expected to be contenders.

“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