Indian field hockey team honored in Harrisburg
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES NEWS The Lehighton High School field hockey team was honored at the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Tuesday. The Lady Indians finished the season with a 26-0 record and captured the PIAA Class AA state championship. Seniors members of the team and Lehighton school district administrators are shown receiving the proclamation from Speaker of the House Keith McCall. From left are, Tim Tkach, high school principal; James Kraky, Superintendent; Katrina Reppert; Keith McCall; Head Coach Shawn Hindy; Abby Frey; Corrine McConville; Kelcie Smith; Tiffany Harleman; Vanessa Rimbey and Sarah Snyder.
Members of Lehighton's state champion field hockey team were honored Tuesday on the House floor in Harrisburg by Speaker of the House, Keith McCall.
The entire team, coaches, and parents were able to take photos with Rep. McCall before the session.
During the session, Coach Shawn Hindy and the seven Seniors on the team were VIP guests adjacent to the rostrum. McCall made a resolution honoring the Lehighton Field Hockey team for their undefeated season (26-0), being No. 1 in the Nation, and being PIAA State Champions. The entire House of Representatives gave them a standing ovation twice during the presentation.
The team also presented McCall with a Championship T-shirt and a State Championship medal of his own.
The day concluded with a provided lunch for everyone and a private tour of the Capital for all in attendance.
"I'd like to pause to honor 25 outstanding student-athletes here today from the heart of Carbon County," McCall said. "They are joined by coaches and administrators who also should be commended for their dedication to helping student-athletes excel - not just on the playing field, but for the rest of their lives.
"They also are joined by their proud parents - who also have sacrificed and help mold these students for success.
"These 25 young women have reached the absolute pinnacle of Pennsylvania scholastic sport.
"It wasn't easy. In 2006, 2007 and 2008 they worked hard and practiced just as diligently - but they watched another team take home the state title. They didn't quit - they just worked harder and became a closer-knit team.
"This year it made all the difference.
"This year there were no defeats. The team charged to a perfect 26-0 record, was named the best field hockey team in America - in America - by a national sports news service and ended their season with six straight shutout wins and defeated Selinsgrove 1-0 to bring the state championship home to Lehighton.
"For the seniors here this is the end of their school careers that began back in junior high school - but what careers. Over the last four years the team has earned three Mountain Valley Conference titles, three District 11 titles and posted an unbelievable record of 88 wins, with only eight losses and one tie.
"The seniors joining Head Coach Sean Hindy to my left are: National All-American Corrine McConville, Abby Frey, Vanessa Rimbey, Sarah Snyder, Katrina Reppert, Tiffany Harleman and Kelcie Smith.
"They're leaving behind teammates - seated at the rear of the House - who are ready to build on the legacy and I know they'll always do Carbon County proud.
"Please, join me in celebrating the 2009 PIAA Field Hockey State Champion Lehighton Lady Indians."
