Lower Moreland Twp. School District

Superintendent of Schools: Dr. Scott Davidheiser

LMHS Principal: Mr. Bill Miles

Murray Avenue Principal: Ms. Jen Dilks

PRES Principal: Dr. Brian Swank

Director of Athletics & Extra Curricular Activities: Mr. Matt Heiland

Athletic Trainer: Mr. Scott DeLange

Email: mheiland@lmtsd.org
Website: www.lmtsdathletics.com
Location: 555 Red Lion Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA
Phone: 215 938 0220
Twitter: @lmtsdathletics

We are in a very unique time, not only here at Lower Moreland, but throughout our entire country. Professional sports leagues have postponed or cancelled their seasons, the NCAA cancelled their winter championships and spring seasons. Our current spring season is up in the air and the PIAA is awaiting guidance from the Governor, the Department of Health and Department of Education. Once that happens they will be able to make some decisions. Until that time, we are in a bit of a holding pattern for our spring sports.

I will continue to pass along information from the PIAA, District I, and the BAL to our coaches as I receive them, as well as post them to social media accounts, update the school districts FAQ sheet, the athletics website, and our current in season Remind groups. Sports has always seemed to be an opportunity for us, as adults and kids, to escape what is happening in the outside world. In times of distress, sports has always seemed to be there to help aid the recovery process. If we want our kids to get back out there and be participating in athletics, it is imperative that we are responsible global citizens during this time period and do what is being asked of us locally by our Superintendent, and holistically by our Governor. We need to be responsible in our actions at this time and continue to do what the CDC recommends us to do. Please take precautions to ensure you and your family's good health, and down the road when the timing is right,sports will again play a huge role in helping our community move forward from this difficult time.

The winter season was another extremely successful one! The student athletes here at Lower Moreland continue to work hard, dedicate their time, and carry themselves the right way both on and off the field. As you will see below in more detail, we had 15 All-League selections this winter. Lower Moreland had 5 teams qualify for post-season playoffs, and boys swimming won their 6th consecutive team district championship. There were several individuals and relays who also won district championships, and you can read about them below. There were a number of other individual successes throughout the season as well.

My first thanks this winter goes to our coaches, both head coaches and assistant coaches. Without you, we would not have teams for our players to be a part of. There are a ton of sacrifices you make on a personal level in order to help our student athletes grow, both on and off the field.

Our events would not be able to run smoothly without all of the help that is provided by a number of people. First I would like to thank our faculty managers at Murray Avenue, Ms. Kristy Hutchinson & Mr. Matt Crouch. Their commitment towards the success of our middle school athletic programs is invaluable to not only the Lower Moreland community, but to myself as the Athletic Director.

I would also like to thank Mr. & Mrs. Lawlor, Chipp Schneipp, Mrs. Cerrutti, Mr. Dominick, Mr. Hughes, Mr. Neeld, Mrs. Lutter, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Hwan, Ms. Reese, & Mrs. Liberg. These wonderful individuals help make the games run smoothly. They operate the books, scoreboards, timing systems, announcing duties, and assist with game management throughout the winter season.

I would also like to thank Mr. Hector Deflin, Mr. Lance Freeman, and our Marsden Night crew for getting our facilities set up for games this winter season. It is also important to thank our bus drivers, for without them, we would not be able to get to and from away games. It is a thankless job, but one that is vital to the success of educational based athletics.

In the fall newsletter, I addressed a major issue in high school athletics, and that was officiating. I saw a lot of positive sportsmanship in regards to how officials were treated at LM this winter. Student athletes and parents both thanked officials after games and made them feel respected when they came to our schools. Remember 80% of new officials stop within 2 years. There are no officials that come into the games with vendettas against us or our kids. So, I ask us as a community, as we move into the spring, we continue to treat our officials with respect. I hope we can thank them for their services after games, and make them want to come back to Lower Moreland in the future.

Below, I have included a great article on the long lasting benefits of High School Athletics, and the role they play as our student athletes continue to grow and they leave Lower Moreland. I believe that sports play a huge role in the well being of our students, and that it teaches life long lessons that can be taken with them when they leave here. Encourage student athletes who are not playing sports, to get involved in something here at Lower Moreland, whether it be a sport, drama, music, or any of our numerous extra curricular activities.

I hope everyone is staying healthy during this time, and you enjoy reading the newsletter.

First Team

Ceili-ann Courduff - League MVP Girls Basketball

Phobe Lynch Girls Basketball

John Przybylinski - League MVP Boys Basketball

Jackson Leska Wrestling

Nick Bratspis Wrestling

Eric Srulevich Wrestling

Patrick Whittle Wrestling

Second Team

Caleb Lee Wrestling

Julian Ogawa Wrestling

Jared Levin Wrestling

Brian Hegedus Wrestling

Honorable Mention

Riley Malone Girls Basketball

Jess Dugo Girls Basketball

Alexandre Krutzinger Girls Basketball

Jack Doneker Boys Basketball

We have cancelled the live version of the NCAA Workshop this year due Lower Moreland School District being closed at the current moment. However, if you would still like to register and receive information, you can register below until Friday the 27th of March. If you already have registered you can expect to hear from the director Kelly Dunning by the end of the week next week to gather more information.

Topics that you will get information on are NCAA Compliance and what the rules and regulations are at each collegiate level. The recruiting process and what coaches are looking for in athletes at the high school level. Finally, Financial Aid Concepts and Tuition Strategies to know about.

We will look to have this back at Lower Moreland in the Fall of 2020, I would encourage parents to sign up to get some of this important information.

It is important to push out starting dates as soon as possible for our families. It is approaching the time of year when parents begin to plan vacations, therefore I would like to push out start date information in regards to next fall.

FamilyID Fall Registration will open on June 22nd. Please remember per PIAA By-Laws that all physicals from this school year become voided after the conclusion of the spring season. That means all physicals must be dated after 6/1/2020 or we will not be able to accept them.

Fall 2020 - Football will begin Monday August 10th 2020 for heat acclimation. All other sports will begin on Monday August 17th 2020.

Homecoming 2020 will be the weekend of October 9th and 10th 2020.

In both the fall ans winter seasons, Lower Moreland teamed up with the Philadelphia Chapter of Coaches vs. Cancer (CvC). For three separate events we donated portions of our gate receipts back to CvC. Our boys and girls basketball teams also purchased pink socks to wear during their games vs. Holy Ghost Prep and Phil-Mont Christian in January.

Overall LM Athletics donated $882 back to CvC for the 2019-2020 season. A huge thank you to Mrs. Dugo & Mrs. Zaleweski who helped assist the efforts of our district in donating back to this wonderful cause.

It is with great pleasure that I get the opportunity to introduce the first inductees into the Lower Moreland Athletic Hall of Fame. There were a number of nominees in our first year, and our committee was able to narrow it down to the most deserving 9 members for our first class of inductees. The nominees will be invited back for a ceremony on Homecoming weekend in the fall of 2020.

2x State Champion in Discus

Set the PIAA State Discus Record in 1970 with a 180 ft. 7 in. throw

State Champion in 800 Meters

Set PIAA State Record in 1977 for the 800 meters.

First Team All League Selection in Boys Soccer

Current Head Coach of Penn State Womens Soccer Team

Member of the US Womens National Soccer Team Coaching Staff

Lower Moreland Girls Basketball & Schools All Time Leading Scorer with over 2000 Points.

University of Hartford Basketball

New England Basketball Hall of Fame Member

Coached Basketball at Lower Moreland

3x State Diving Champion in 2000, 2001, & 2002.

Competed at Penn State University

At time of Graduation - Career Goals Record Holder in Field Hockey

1000 Pt. Scorer and 3rd highest scorer in Girls Basketball History

130 Career Goals in Lacrosse

3x National Champion in FH at Bloomsburg

Division II Player of the Year in Field Hockey

Captain of 2 State Championship Tennis Teams

State Double Champion

2x State Singles Champion

Played Varsity Tennis at Penn State University

Captain of 2 State Championship Tennis Teams

2x State Doubles Champion

Played Varsity Tennis at MIT

The boys basketball team had a successful season that led them to the PIAA District I 4A Championship game. The team challenged themselves with a tough non league schedule that helped make them battle tested towards the BAL and District I playoffs.

The team was led by BAL Independence MVP John Przybylinkski, the team's lone senior. This is a tremendous accomplishment for John in his first year of getting meaningful minutes at the varsity level. John will also be participating in the Coaches vs. Cancer senior All-Star game on 3/21 at Penncrest HS. Jack Doneker also earned All League honors this year for the Lions.

The team will return with everyone but Przybylinkski next year and will jump up to the 5A classification bracket for the next two year cycle. With a number of returning players and a strong 8th grade group coming up, the future for the boys basketball program looks bright!

The girls basketball team was an entertaining group all year. The team came together down at the Wildwood Holiday Tournament when they took home the championship trophy. Prior to that, they were overcoming injuries and went through a difficult early season schedule. After the holiday tournament the team went 10-3 in January and early February.

The team was led by 2x BAL MVP Ceili Courduff, and in the District I playoffs she set her career high with 27 points in the loss to Villa Jo Marie. Phobe Lynch also earned First Team All League Honors, while Alexandre Krutsinger, Riley Malone, and Jess Dugo all earned Honorable Mention.

The team will lose three seniors next year in Courduff, Malone, and Krutsinger, but there is a strong young nucleus returning to the hardwood next year.

The indoor track team had its best season under current Head Coach Greg Green and Assistant Coach Alana Jackaruso. It was the most competitive team to date, with the largest number of participants. Combined, the teams qualified for five events for the end of the season Meet of Champions, the most under Coach Green.

Nicole Castor led both teams with 3 top 25 state Rankings in the High Jump, Triple Jump, and 60M High hurdles, and finished ranked 19th Nationally in the Pentathlon.

Noah Kim led the boys team and was named Boys Indoor MVP, along with Nicole for the girls. With so many young runners setting the tone for success, the future looks promising for the track program at LM.

The Boys Swim team accomplished another milestone this year and that was winning their 6th consecutive District I AA Championship.

During the regular season the boys finished the regular season with an 8-1 dual meet record and secured wins vs. future league opponents Cheltenham, Upper Moreland, & Springfield Twp. Leading up to Districts, the boys were predicted to finish 2nd behind Springfield, despite winning in the regular season. The meet score came down to the final 400 Free Relay. LM needed to win the race in order to secure the championship. It came down to the final lap, where Noah Ferker came from behind and won the event and helped secure the title for the boys.

On an individual basis the relay of Noah Ferker, Alex Yoon, Greg Landis, & Jude Blumhardt won the 200 Medley Relay District Title. Ferker was the 200 Individual Medley Champion. Alex Yoon was the 100 Breaststroke District Champion, and the 400 Free relay team mentioned earlier was composed of Ryan Park,Jaden Feldman, Alex Yoon, & Noah Ferker.

The team made the trip to Bucknell University for the state championships, however once they arrived, the event was postponed to a date that has yet to be determined.

The Girls Swim team finished the season with a very respectable 4-5 record. The team went 2-1 vs. future opponents, defeating Cheltenham and Upper Moreland this year. In terms of meet win totals, this continues to be the trend as each year over the last 3 the girls teams has won more meets than the year before.

On an individual basis, Sam Becker finished as the runner-up in the 500 Freestyle race and earned the first district swimming medal in a number of years. The relay team of Becker, Isabella Gioia, Emily Vaidyan, and Melanie Hwan also qualified for two different relays at states. This is the first group of swimmers on the girls side to qualify for states in a number of years as well.

On the diving side, Yuval Levi, the defending District Diving runner-up and state qualifier looked to build on last seasons success. She did just that, by demolishing the district field and earning the District I Diving Championship.

The team made the trip to Bucknell University for the state championships, however once they arrived, the event was postponed to a date that has yet to be determined.

The wrestling team had another very successful season this year. The team put a number of future league opponents on the dual match schedule, and filled out an entire roster for the first time in 5 years. The team was invited to the Tennent Invitational, Hatboro-Horsham Holiday Tournament, Upper Merion & ANC tournaments. In these tournaments the team and individuals scored very well.

The team finished 2nd in the BAL to league power Faith Christian Academy. At the league meet the Jackson Leska, Nick Bratspis, Eric Sruvelich, and Pat Whittle all earned 1st place. At Districts Bratspis and Whittle earned gold medals and 10 wrestlers qualified for sub-regionals in Bethlehem. Up in Bethlehem, Pat Whittle won his first round match, and earned another win in wrestlebacks. He was the first wrestler to win 2 matches at sub-regionals in a number of years.

As I stated earlier in the newsletter, we are in a holding pattern with our spring sports. However, I still would like to share season previews of our teams, so they can get the acknowledgement they deserve as programs and student athletes.

Please stay informed with up to date spring sports information via Twitter, School District Communication, & the Athletics Website.

Head Coach: Tony Martino (5th Year)

Assistant Coaches: Mike Landes Rob Dominick Gregg Uliano

Key Returners: Connor Duddy Matt Haggerty Emmett Cousins

Newcomers to Watch for: Aidan Richiardi Aiden Stepansky Matt Dymowsky

Season Outlook/Goals: We have a core group of players returning with the opportunity for new young guys to step into everyday roles to help the team.

We look to compete in all the games that we play and be competitive with the top teams in our league. Our goals are to get a home district semi final playoff game and compete for a district title for the third year in a row.

Head Coach: Jessica Ashenbrenner 7th year

Assistant Coaches: Steve Wittmer, Devon Felix

Key Returning Players: Macy Morozin, Reyna Amit, Paige Malpezzi, Maeve Barton, Alex Krutsinger, Emily Fee, Maggie McGarry

Newcomers to Watch For: Leila Rosala, Sarah Rosala

Season Outlook/Goals: This should be an exciting season for the Lower Moreland Lions. Although we only have four seniors, they are a strong group of leaders who will, no doubt, support our large group of underclassmen. With Reyna Amit returning in goal and a strong backup goalie in Emily Fee, the coaching staff feels confident in the defensive unit. Although we will need to figure out some replacements for past players, including graduating defender, Bianca Miriello. Maggie McGarry, Alex Krutsinger, and Ofek Gur (and hopefully Rachel Felix, barring injury) will be the key leaders on defense.

We are especially excited that junior Paige Malpezzi is cleared to play after last year's season-ending injury. Paige, along with Macy Morozin and Maeve Barton, will help to provide our foundation on mid and attack. We have a huge group of freshmen and sophomores this season, and while they lack experience, they are extremely athletic and enthusiastic about the sport.

With Collegium Charter joining the BAL this season, we also have another team to compete with, and we hope to finish this last season in the BAL with some strength as we switch to Suburban One League next year.

Along with competing on the field, we will continue to support charities such as Laurel House and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention this season.

Head Coach: Karen Reese, 9th year

Asst. Coach: Pat Brady & Ed Neeld

Key Returning Players:

Senior Captains Riley Malone (SS) and Grace Devlin (2B)

Juniors Dana Schwarz (P) and Phoebe Lynch (OF)

Sophomores Jess Dugo (C) and Hannah Klanderman (IN/OF)

Newcomers to Watch:

Freshmen Liz Neeld (P/3B), Isablla Ricciardi (P/IN/OF), Juliet Yavas (OF)

Team Goals:

1. Make the District I 4APlayoffs

2. Beat one of the BAL Powerhouse Teams

Head Coach: Jeanette Hausman

Assistant Coach: Amy Titus

Key Returning Players: Josh Arno, Sam Gulko, Mihir Ram, Sammy Yoon

Newcomers to Watch: Jacob Heller

Goals/Expectations for the year: The goal for our tennis team is always to compete for District Championship. We will use a difficult non-league schedule to help up prepare to repeat as District Champions. We hope our difficult schedule will also allow us to have strong showing at the state championships.

Boys Tennis also has the luxury of starting earlier than other sports, so they had two competitions under their belt prior to the school shut down. The boys faced off vs. Abington in the first match and earned a victory. In their home opener they hosted state powerhouse Harriton. Despite the loss, Coach Hausman was pleased with their effort and resiliency during the match.

Head Coach-Greg Green 3rd Season

Assistant Coaches- Alana Jacaruso, Kelly Jensen, Scott Menin

Key Returning Runner:

Sr. Tim Baciu (Sprints), Sr. Anthony Mangan (Throws), So. Noah Kim (Middle Distance), So. Russell Wynn (Sprints-Hurdles), Jr. Thomas Hellenbrand (Distance), Jr. Shejin Shaju (Sprints), Jr. Justin Sandler (Distance), Sr. Caleb Lee (Sprints)

Newcomers to Watch:

Alex Kebuz (Distance), Jack Becker (Distance), Shea Woods (Distance)

Goals/Expectations for the year:

After three years of building a culture to be successful, I expect the boys team to compete for the BAL League Championships. We have the talent and numbers to compete, and the attitude to succeed showed the first week of practice that this team has big goals for the season.

Head Coach-Greg Green 2nd Season

Assistant Coaches- Alana Jacaruso, Kelly Jensen, Scott Menin

Key Returning Players:

Sr. Nicole Castor (Jumps and Hurdles), Jr. Leena Saidi (Distance), Sr. Amajei Dunkley (Sprints), Jr. Taryn Mayer (Sprints), Jr. Amy Zesinger (Hurdles-Middle Distance), So. Jade McCool (Throws), So. Evelyn Xiao (Jumps), Sr. Emily Jarosiewicz (Middle Distance)

Newcomers to Watch:

Siri Hellenbrand (Distance), Sophia Zalipsky (Middle Distance), Ann Zagorodny (Jumps-Hurdles)

Goals/Expectations for the Year:

After two years of building a culture to be successful, I expect the girls team to compete for the BAL League Championships. We have the talent and numbers to compete, and the attitude to succeed showed the first week of practice that this team has big goals for the season.

The Murray Avenue basketball cheerleaders are having the best season. These amazing 27 cheerleaders have demonstrated their spirit and positive energy at several basketball games. This year the team was invited to the Pine Road Lion event opening celebrations and they performed a dance to get the crowd ready for the event.

This season the team has had several tumblers and excellent dancers which added a nice balance to the team. Coach Godfrey has been very proud of the kindness the team has demonstrated to each other and wants them to know she "likes to catch them showing kindness!"

The boys basketball team at Murray Ave had another successful season. The 7th grade team finished the regular season 3-5 and entered the post-season tournament as the #5 seed. The boys fell to a strong Cedarbrook team in the first round. Coach Powidzki was very pleased with the progress the team made throughout the year, and is really looking forward to see this group of boys grow over the next 5 years in LM.

The 8th grade team finished the year 7-1 and earned the #1 seed in the post-season. The boys defeated Abington in the first round to face off vs. Sandy Run in the finals. The boys fell short in a very competitive game vs. a very good Sandy Run team. Despite losing the hard fought game, it was still an extremely successful two year run for our 8th grade boys basketball team.

The Murray Ave Wrestling team had a fantastic winter season. The team grew in numbers from last year to this year. Coach Giordano was pleased with the hardwork and dedication the young wrestlers showed throughout the year. Coach is excited to see how the 8th graders continue to grow as they get to the high school and become Varsity wrestlers. He is also looking forward to some of the 7th graders returning and trying to win 1st place in the MCAA tournament in 2021.

At the MCAA Wrestling Tournament the following wrestlers earned medals.

Silver:

Bailey Odhner - 80 lb.

Liam Cowley - 145 lb.

Bryan Recinos - 250 lb.

Bronze:

Gavin Most - 122 lb.

Carter Keegan - 138 lb.

Dominic Silva - 155 lb.

Murray Avenue Spring Sports were set to begin on Monday 3/16. However we are currently in a holding pattern with information regarding our middle school spring sports. As I gather more information, I will keep parents informed via email, social media, district communication, & the athletics website.

Students in the LMHS Students Against Melanoma Club have been busy over the winter advocating for Sun Safety in a number of ways. Students in the SAM Club have been creating Melanoma Awareness Canvas for social media and around campus to show what Melanoma looks like and what people can do for skin checks.

In addition, students participated in the RDK Melanoma Foundation Video Challenge and won 2nd place for their advocacy video on sun safety. This video was submitted against other SAM Clubs across the country!

The Lower Moreland Chess Team was coached this year by Mr. Nick Solomon, and the members of the team crushed their division with a perfect 10-0 record. Although they were the first seed in the playoffs they were knocked out in the semifinals by Pennsbury. The students recently competed in the state tournament March 7th and 8th but results are not yet in.

Team captain Clayton Ostroff, won the overall league as an individual with 190 points and a record of 9.5-.5. Second Board Emmit Fitzgerald also had a 9.5-.5 record but as a "lower" board only received 171 points securing him the 4th place individual award. Emmit won one of his matches this season in only 2 moves with the "Fool's Mate". His match was over before most kids had even finished shaking hands. Third board and glass cannon Brendon Achildi had an 8-0 record and placed 19th overall. Due to his quick thinking, clock delay and an illegal move by an opponent Brendon won one of his matches in negative 2 minutes. His average time used during a match is less than 4 minutes.

Notable newcomers include Nihal Bankulla who pulled out some strange tactics to secure a few wins and 8th grader Liam Resnick. Phil Duarte also contributed a win to the Lower Moreland team.

FBLA Club in collaboration with Interact Club were set to kicking off their 2nd Annual Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. Last year these students raised over $11,000.00 and had over 250 participants. The original date was at the end of April. There has been no make up date set yet, however if you would like to make a donation log onto : afsp.org/lowermoreland

FBLA - Foundation for Lower Moreland Schools

The Foundation for Lower Moreland Schools has partnered with FBLA Students to become a student-run organization. This partnership will prepare students to become community-minded business leaders through the experiences of running a non-profit. Students developed product and protocol for raising funds for the foundation and will begin working to secure funds and distribute those funds to LM educators interested in bringing innovative ideas and materials to the classroom. A relaunch of the Foundation was revealed at the Gala on February 28. Here students presented a newly developed website and marketing materials to support the raising and distribution of funds. Check out their work at lmtsdfoundation.org

Debate members Michelle Marti (Congress) and Manav Singh participated in the Southern Pennsylvania Debate Finals in February. Manauv placed second in Extemptemporus Speech Competition

Michelle Marti was a Finalist is Congress. Other students who competed in semi-finals:

• Quarterfinalist: Philip Grabovsky & Clayton Ostroff, LM
  
• Quarterfinalist: Logan Geffen & Aviel Resnick, LM

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Lutter set the new school record at the University of Delaware in the 200 FLY with a time of 2:10.19

Duffey became the all-time leader in program history in assists earlier this season. He passed Andrew Powers ’11 and Steve Gordon ’96, who both tied for the top spot at 270. He finished his career with 312 assists.

Barton set the school record at the University of New Haven in the 3,000m.