{"id":71752,"date":"2025-12-28T06:56:24","date_gmt":"2025-12-28T06:56:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/71752\/"},"modified":"2025-12-28T06:56:24","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T06:56:24","slug":"championships-milestones-and-remarkable-feats-highlight-2025-scranton-times-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/71752\/","title":{"rendered":"Championships, milestones and remarkable feats highlight 2025 \u2013 Scranton Times-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Lackawanna College\u2019s head coach Mark Duda during the football game...\" class=\"size-article_inline\"   src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-DUDA-111325-11.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lackawanna College\u2019s head coach Mark Duda during the football game at Veterans Memorial Field in Scranton on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA\/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Abington Heights celebrates after winning the PIAA Class 3A championship...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CVC-L-SOCCER-1116-37-1.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CVC-L-SOCCER-1116-37-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Abington Heights celebrates after winning the PIAA Class 3A championship in Manchester on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (JASON ARDAN \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Montrose\u2019 Cara Evans returns the ball to Scranton Prep\u2019s Lily...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-HSTEN-1014-08.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-HSTEN-1014-08.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Montrose\u2019 Cara Evans returns the ball to Scranton Prep\u2019s Lily Lengyel during the PIAA District 2 Class 2A tennis final at Birchwood Raquet Club in South Abington Twp. Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Scranton Prep\u2019s Lily Lengyel hits a forehand during the PIAA...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CVC-L-TENNIS-1008-1.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CVC-L-TENNIS-1008-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Scranton Prep\u2019s Lily Lengyel hits a forehand during the PIAA DII AA semifinal tennis championships at Kirby Park on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. (JASON ARDAN \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Scranton Prep\u2019s Emma Cuck returns the ball to Montrose\u2019 Cara...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-HSTEN-1014-05.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-HSTEN-1014-05.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Scranton Prep\u2019s Emma Cuck returns the ball to Montrose\u2019 Cara Evans during the PIAA District 2 Class 2A tennis semifinals at Birchwood Raquet Club in South Abington Twp. Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"PIAA 2A Individual Golf State Champion Cole Powell speaks during...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-GOLFTEAM-CAPST-1024-07.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-GOLFTEAM-CAPST-1024-07.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>PIAA 2A Individual Golf State Champion Cole Powell speaks during an assembly congratulating the golf team on their PIAA State Team Championship Title at the Scranton Preparatory School\u2019s Xavier Center in Scranton Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025. Powell is the first player in Scranton Prep history to win the PIAA Individual Golf State Championship.  (SEAN MCKEAG \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Scranton Prep\u2019s Ben Boyanoski takes a swing during the District...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-GOLFDISTRICTCHAMPIONSHIP-100625-05.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-GOLFDISTRICTCHAMPIONSHIP-100625-05.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Scranton Prep\u2019s Ben Boyanoski takes a swing during the District 2 golf championships at Elkview Country Club in Greenfield Twp. on Monday, Oct. 06, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA\/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Elk Lake\u2019s Kendel Jones finishes second overall with a time...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766904974_7_CVC-L-XCBOYSA-1102-3.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766904974_7_CVC-L-XCBOYSA-1102-3.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Elk Lake\u2019s Kendel Jones finishes second overall with a time of 16:05 in the class 1A PIAA state championships in Hershey on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (JASON ARDAN \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Riverside\u2019s Mikey Schimelfenig finishes 7th overall with a time of...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CVC-L-XCBOYSA-1102-7.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/CVC-L-XCBOYSA-1102-7.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Riverside\u2019s Mikey Schimelfenig finishes 7th overall with a time of 16:38 in the class 1A PIAA state championships in Hershey on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (JASON ARDAN \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Riverside lineman Tavian Branch talks with players and coaches during...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766904975_556_STT-L-LFC-0730-01.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766904975_556_STT-L-LFC-0730-01.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Riverside lineman Tavian Branch talks with players and coaches during the Lackawanna Football Conference Media Day at the Regal Room in Olyphant Tuesday, July 29, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Valley View poses with their trophy and fans after winning...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-PIAASOFTBALLCHAMPIONSHIP-061225-14-1.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-PIAASOFTBALLCHAMPIONSHIP-061225-14-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Valley View poses with their trophy and fans after winning the Class 4A state softball championship at Penn State in State College on Thursday, June 12, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA\/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Scranton\u2019s Kaci Kranson, left, fights through defense of Johns Hopkins\u2019...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-SCR-JOHNSHOPKINS-0315-12.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-SCR-JOHNSHOPKINS-0315-12.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Scranton\u2019s Kaci Kranson, left, fights through defense of Johns Hopkins\u2019 Greta Miller at the University of Scranton\u2019s Long Center Friday, March 14, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Scranton\u2019s Kaeli Romanowski, left, is covered by Johns Hopkins\u2019 Layla...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-SCR-JOHNSHOPKINS-0315-14.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-SCR-JOHNSHOPKINS-0315-14.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Scranton\u2019s Kaeli Romanowski, left, is covered by Johns Hopkins\u2019 Layla Henderson at the University of Scranton\u2019s Long Center Friday, March 14, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Mountain View\u2019s Addison Kilmer (21) goes up for a shot...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-MVQUARTERS-0314-04-1.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-MVQUARTERS-0314-04-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Mountain View\u2019s Addison Kilmer (21) goes up for a shot against William\u2019s Valley\u2019s Sage Smeltz (33) in the PIAA Class 2A quarterfinal Friday at Lake-Lehman High School. (FRANK LAURI \/ COMNTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"West Catholic junior Kingston Wheatly (22) tries to block Holy...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SAV-L-HOLYCROSS-0322-09.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/SAV-L-HOLYCROSS-0322-09.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>West Catholic junior Kingston Wheatly (22) tries to block Holy Cross senior Michael Hughes (14) from the hoop during the state semifinal basketball game at Parkland High School in Allentown on Saturday, March 22, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA\/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Valley View senior Beyon McLean (0) celebrates beating Shamokin during...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-VALLEYVIEWSHAMOKIN-0314-23.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-VALLEYVIEWSHAMOKIN-0314-23.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Valley View senior Beyon McLean (0) celebrates beating Shamokin during the boys 4A Elite Eight game at Martz Hall in Pottsville, Friday, March 14, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL\/STAFF PHOTO)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Abington Heights\u2019 Morgan Davis, 5, is congratulated by teammates after...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/LAN-L-GLAXUMAH060725-12.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/LAN-L-GLAXUMAH060725-12.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Abington Heights\u2019 Morgan Davis, 5, is congratulated by teammates after her goal against Upper Moreland during their PIAA-2A quarterfinal on Saturday, June, 7, 2025 at Emmaus High School. (Mike Cabrey\/MediaNews Group)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"New York Mets pitcher Max Kranick throws during the sixth...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-KRANICK-0429-01.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-KRANICK-0429-01.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>New York Mets pitcher Max Kranick throws during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington, Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo\/Terrance Williams)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Former Philadelphia Phillies\u2019 Jimmy Rollins, left, and Ed Wade, right,...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tigers_Phillies_Baseball_16382-1.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tigers_Phillies_Baseball_16382-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Philadelphia Phillies\u2019 Jimmy Rollins, left, and Ed Wade, right, head off the field together after being inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame prior to a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo\/Chris Szagola)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Former Alabama tight end CJ Dippre catches a pass from...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-DIPPRE-01.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-DIPPRE-01.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Former Alabama tight end CJ Dippre catches a pass from former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe during passing drills at Alabama\u2019s NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo\/Vasha Hunt)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Railiriders\u2019 Jose Rojas fields a ball during the game against...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-RAILRIDERS-0515-01.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-RAILRIDERS-0515-01.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Railiriders\u2019 Jose Rojas fields a ball during the game against the Mud Hens at PNC Field in Moosic Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG \/ STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Honesdale coach George Howanitz at Tuesday\u2019s practice.\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-aroundthcamps-03.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-aroundthcamps-03.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Honesdale coach George Howanitz at Tuesday\u2019s practice.\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Keystone baseball players celebrate after winning the United East Conference...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-KEYSTONECHAMP-0512-03.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-KEYSTONECHAMP-0512-03.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Keystone baseball players celebrate after winning the United East Conference baseball tournament Sunday.\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Wyoming Valley West\u2019s Jaquell Smith tries to block Riverside\u2019s Nico...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766904980_862_STT-L-RIVERSIDEBOYSBB-1128-03.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1766904980_862_STT-L-RIVERSIDEBOYSBB-1128-03.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Wyoming Valley West\u2019s Jaquell Smith tries to block Riverside\u2019s Nico Antoniacci\u2019s shot at the hoop during the basketball game at Riverside High School in Taylor on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA\/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"James Madison tight end Lacota Dippre (15) celebrates his touchdown...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-DIPPRE-01_c77a5d.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-DIPPRE-01_c77a5d.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>James Madison tight end Lacota Dippre (15) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of the first round of the NCAA College Football Playoff against Oregon, Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo\/Lydia Ely)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Virginia\u2019s Matt Lanzendorfer (33) throws the ball during an NCAA...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-DORFER-01.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-DORFER-01.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Virginia\u2019s Matt Lanzendorfer (33) throws the ball during an NCAA baseball game against Georgia Tech on Saturday, April 26, 2025 in Atlanta. (AP Photo\/Stew Milne)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Chase Briscoe celebrates in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-POC-05.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-POC-05.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Chase Briscoe celebrates in Victory Lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Pocono Raceway, Sunday, June 22, 2025, in Long Pond, Pa. (AP Photo\/Derik Hamilton)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tom Hemans of the Scranton Miners speaks to the fans...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-HEMANS-0114.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-HEMANS-0114.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Tom Hemans of the Scranton Miners speaks to the fans at the Scranton CYC during halftime of the regular-season finale against Johnstown on March 6, 1966. Hemans was voted \u201cMost Popular Miner\u201d for the second consecutive season. At right is the team\u2019s public relations director Del Shaw.\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bill Ferrario\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-billferrario-01.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-billferrario-01.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bill Ferrario\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Eddie Kaufman bats for Mid Valley during a game against...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-KAUFMAN-0410-02-1.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-KAUFMAN-0410-02-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Eddie Kaufman bats for Mid Valley during a game against Holy Cross during his high school time. (TIMES-TRIBUNE FILE)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Bob Simons\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-SIMONS-01.jpg?w=259\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-SIMONS-01.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bob Simons\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Jim Moran (Courtesy of Kelly Moran)\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-MORAN-1211-01-1.jpg?w=312\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-MORAN-1211-01-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jim Moran (Courtesy of Kelly Moran)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Elk Lake\u2019s Hannah Howell swims the 200-yard freestyle during a...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WGN-L-HANNAHELWS.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WGN-L-HANNAHELWS.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Elk Lake\u2019s Hannah Howell swims the 200-yard freestyle during a meet against West Scranton on Tuesday, Feb. 11. KEVIN MCCONLOGUE \/ STAFF PHOTO\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Dylan Gearinger of Philadelphia comes in first overall male, crossing...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-SCRANTONHALF-040625-04.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-SCRANTONHALF-040625-04.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Dylan Gearinger of Philadelphia comes in first overall male, crossing the finish line in one hour, eight minutes, and 32 seconds during the Scranton Half Marathon on Sunday, April 6, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA\/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Buffalo\u2019s head coach Becky Burke instructs her team against Kent...\" class=\"lazyload size-article_inline\" data- src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-BECKYBURKE-0410-01.jpg?w=620\"  bad-src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/STT-L-BECKYBURKE-0410-01.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Buffalo\u2019s head coach Becky Burke instructs her team against Kent State during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Mid-American Conference tournament in Cleveland, Saturday, March 16, 2024. (AP Photo\/Phil Long)\n<\/p>\n<p>Show Caption<\/p>\n<p>1 of 35<\/p>\n<p>Lackawanna College\u2019s head coach Mark Duda during the football game at Veterans Memorial Field in Scranton on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (REBECCA PARTICKA\/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER)\n<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"#\" class=\"icon-enlarge mng-gallery-fullscreen-expand\" aria-label=\"Expand fullscreen slideshow\">Expand<\/a><\/p>\n<p>As we close out 2025, we reflect on a year of success and achievement. As always, we also lost some memorable local sports figures.<\/p>\n<p>It was another remarkable year in local sports, capped by a rush of high school gold-medal efforts on both the individual and team levels in the fall sports season.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a look back at 2025 with some significant dates and storylines that captured our attention and had our readers talking.<\/p>\n<p>Sweet Vic-tory<\/p>\n<p>Dunmore native Vic Fangio dials up a defense that shuts down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs and enables the Philadelphia Eagles to win Super Bowl LIX, 40-22. Fangio, a longtime defensive coordinator in the NFL, reaches the pinnacle of the sport for the first time.<\/p>\n<p>Heard it here<\/p>\n<p>Abington Heights wrestler Brian Heard became District 2\u2019s all-time wins leader, securing his 170th career victory with a 16-0 technical fall over Nazareth\u2019s Elijah Simak in the opening round of the Class 3A Northeast Regional. Heard surpassed Abington Heights\u2019 Evan Craig\u2019s mark of 169, which he set in 2010 for his second straight state title. Heard finished his career with four district titles, two regional titles and two state fifth-place medals.<\/p>\n<p>Hoop of the day<\/p>\n<p>The Holy Cross and Valley View boys and Mountain View girls advanced to the PIAA basketball semifinals. Holy Cross defeated District 3 runner-up Lancaster Mennonite, 63-52, in Class 3A; Valley View topped District 4 runner-up Shamokin, 53-46, in Class 4A; and Mountain View dropped District 11 champion Williams Valley, 32-14, in Class 2A. All three teams lost in the semifinals, with Holy Cross losing on a 3-pointer at the buzzer to District 12 champion West Catholic, 58-57.<\/p>\n<p>Youth movement<\/p>\n<p>St. Clare\/St. Paul rolled to the state CYO eighth grade boys basketball championship with a 63-23 victory over Our Lady of Peace (Erie) in the title game at Marywood University. The Crusaders (35-0) captured their first state title since 2007. Jimmy Doherty led the way with 25 points, including the 1,000th of his career, Matty Seitzinger added 15 points and Sean Fairweather chipped in 14 points.<\/p>\n<p>Goin\u2019 West<\/p>\n<p>Clarks Summit native Becky Burke was named the women\u2019s basketball coach at Arizona on April 9. The former Abington Heights and University of Louisville star spent the last three seasons at Buffalo, which culminated with a program-record 30 wins last season and the WNIT championship. She became the 10th head coach in the history of Arizona women\u2019s basketball, replacing Adia Barnes, who left to take the head coaching job at SMU.<\/p>\n<p>To the Max<\/p>\n<p>Valley View grad Max Kranick makes the New York Mets\u2019 Opening Day roster. He appeared in 24 games out of the bullpen and was 3-2 with a 3.65 ERA before being placed on the injured list with a right elbow strain in June and undergoing his second career Tommy John surgery in July.<\/p>\n<p>Dippre to the NFL<\/p>\n<p>Lakeland graduate C.J. Dippre signed as an unrestricted free agent with the New England Patriots on April 26. He was released by the team at the end of training camp Aug. 26, but added to the Patriots practice squad the next day. Then Nov. 17, he was elevated to the active roster.<\/p>\n<p>Giant achievement<\/p>\n<p>Despite the threat of the school closing, Keystone College baseball clinched its 20th straight conference championship and its second United East title, after defeating Penn State Harrisburg, 6-3, and punched its ticket to the NCAA Division III Tournament with an automatic bid. Andy Rivas had a two-run single and finished with three RBIs in the final to earn United East Tournament MVP.<\/p>\n<p>A district first<\/p>\n<p>Morgan Davis scored five goals, Allie Rothenberger added four and Sadie Gilbert chipped in three to lead Abington Heights to a 13-7 win over District 1 third-placer Upper Moreland to become the first District 2 lacrosse team to advance to the state semifinals. The Lady Comets lost to District 1 champion Strath Haven, 17-7, three days later in the PIAA Class 2A semifinals.<\/p>\n<p>State of success<\/p>\n<p>Taylor Cawley fired a two-hitter with no walks and 13 strikeouts to lead Valley View to a 6-0 victory over District 3 champion Kennard-Dale in the PIAA Class 4A softball championship game June 12 at Penn State University. A three-run first inning and 14-hit attack by the Cougars supported Cawley. Kalli Karwowski and Ella Swingle each had three hits and Abbi Call added two hits and three RBIs. Cawley and Ashlyn Palickar also contributed two hits for the Cougars (24-2), who closed the season with 13 consecutive wins.<\/p>\n<p>Diamond dandy<\/p>\n<p>The Scranton\/Wilkes-Barre Triple-A franchise plays its 5,000th game, a 5-4 loss to Lehigh Valley in the season-opener in Allentown. The RailRiders went 49-26 (87-60 overall) to win the International League second-half title, then lost to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, two games to one, in the best-of-3 final. Shelley Duncan earned IL Manager of the Year, and Jose Rojas and Allan Winans were all-stars.<\/p>\n<p>Tricky win<\/p>\n<p>Chase Briscoe saved fuel over the final 30 laps to win the NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway, holding off teammate and seven-time Pocono winner Denny Hamlin. It is Briscoe\u2019s first win since joining Joe Gibbs Racing at the start of the season.<\/p>\n<p>Major move<\/p>\n<p>Scranton Prep graduate and Misericordia University and University of Virginia product Matt Lanzendorfer is picked in the 15th round of the MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Pittston native won an NCAA Division III national title with Misericordia before spending a season with Virginia, going 4-2 with a 2.90 ERA in 22 relief appearances and striking out 40 in 31 innings.<\/p>\n<p>Worth the Wade<\/p>\n<p>On Aug. 1, Carbondale native Ed Wade is inducted into the Philadelphia Phillies Hall of Fame, along with former Scranton\/Wilkes-Barre Red Baron Jimmy Rollins. In his tenure as Phillies vice president and general manager from 1998 to 2005, Wade drafted many of the core players part of five NL East winners (2007-11), two NL pennant winners and the 2008 World Series championship team: Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Cole Hamels, Pat Burrell, Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Madsen. He acquired Shane Victorino and signed Jim Thome. He hired Charlie Manuel as manager when fans were clamoring for Jim Leyland. That helped make him the 50th inductee and sixth executive on the Wall of Fame. In 15 seasons with the Phillies, Rollins became the team\u2019s all-time hits leader with 2,306, a three-time All-Star and the 2007 National League Most Valuable Player.<\/p>\n<p>Scranton shocker<\/p>\n<p>Elizabeth Bennett had 15 points while Dunmore graduate Sophia Talutto had 14 points as the University of Scranton beat NCAA Division I Pittsburgh, 69-63, in a women\u2019s basketball exhibition game Nov. 19 at Petersen Events Center. According to the NCAA, it is the first time a women\u2019s Division III team beat a Division I power conference team. It happened only once in men\u2019s basketball when Ohio Northern beat Oklahoma, 72-69, in 1980.<\/p>\n<p>Blazing start<\/p>\n<p>In a 97-37 opening-night victory over Wyoming Valley West on Nov. 28, Riverside sophomore and basketball star Nico Antoniacci scored a school-record 53 points \u2014 all in the first half. He had six 3-pointers and 27 points in the first quarter. He finished 19 for 24 from the field with 10 3-pointers and 5 for 5 from the foul line. Jerry Kincel set the previous mark with 52 points Jan. 17, 2012, in an overtime loss to Holy Cross.<\/p>\n<p>Best in state<\/p>\n<p>Abington Heights\u2019 Nick Bradley was named the Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year for Pennsylvania. The Comets went 17-5 and reached the District 2 Class 5A final. The future Auburn University righthander was 9-1 with a 0.71 earned run average and batted .493.<\/p>\n<p>The Pennsylvania Soccer Coaches Association named Abington Heights\u2019 Lilia Calvert the girls soccer state player of the year. The Rutgers commit compiled 156 points, including 68 goals and 20 assists to lead the Lady Comets to District 2 Class 3A and Lackawanna League Division I titles and the state quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Abington Heights\u2019 Frank Dyska earned PSCA Class 3A Boys Coach of the Year.<\/p>\n<p>Also, Lackawanna Trail\u2019s Isaac Ryon was tabbed the Pennsylvania Football Writers\u2019 Class 1A Player of the Year after etching his name in the LIAA history books. He ran for 2,876 yards to break the single-season record of 2,669 yards set by Honesdale\u2019s Terrin Ash in 1992. Ryon had 49 rushing touchdowns to surpass the record of 44 set in 2013 by Old Forge\u2019s Brandon Yescavage. Ryon had 54 total touchdowns, which also beat the record of 46 set by Yescavage in 2013. He finished his career as Lackawanna Trail\u2019s all-time leading rusher with 4,969 yards, breaking the mark of 4,546 yards held by all-state back Richard Jackson (1998-2000). He also set school records with 82 rushing touchdowns and 89 total touchdowns.<\/p>\n<p>End of an era<\/p>\n<p>Lackawanna College announces that it is leaving the NJCAA ranks for NCAA Division II, becoming a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Then, before the end of the football season, Mark Duda reveals he has the early stages of Parkinson\u2019s disease and announces his retirement after 32 years as head coach. Duda is the active leader in wins in NJCAA with 217 against 105 losses. He guided the Falcons to 13 NJCAA bowl appearances, coached 55 NJCAA All-Americans and had a number of players go on to the National Football League such as Bryant McKinnie, Mark Glowinski, Kevin White, Jermaine Eluemunor, Jaquan Brisker and Ji\u2019Ayir Brown.<\/p>\n<p>Franklin downfall<\/p>\n<p>What began as a season of promise for Penn State football, fell apart quickly. The Nittany Lions opened the season ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press Top 25 Poll after advancing to the College Football Playoff last season, but lost in overtime to Oregon, and then suffered back-to-back losses to heavy underdogs UCLA and Northwestern, costing head coach James Franklin his job after 12 seasons.<\/p>\n<p>What followed was a nearly two-month search for a head coach that came with several candidates falling through and signing extensions with their current schools.<\/p>\n<p>Penn State eventually hired Iowa State head coach Matt Campell on Dec. 11 to replace Franklin, who went 104-45 in his 12 seasons, including six 10-win seasons in the last nine years, and six trips to New Year\u2019s Day Six bowl games.\u00a0However, Franklin was 5-21 against Top 10 teams in his time in Happy Valley, including eight straight losses to Ohio State, which ultimately contributed to him losing his job.<\/p>\n<p>Franklin landed on his feet, being hired as Virginia Tech head coach on Nov. 18.<\/p>\n<p>College carousel<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s been a whirlwind year for lineman Tavian Branch. The Riverside football standout committed to Rutgers on June 11 before decommitting Aug. 29. Then, he committed to Penn State on Sept. 6, and 12 days later Nittany Lions coach James Franklin helicoptered to Montrose to see Branch play. After Franklin was fired Oct. 12 a day after the Nittany Lions lost to Northwestern, Branch reopened his recruitment Oct. 13 and decommitted from Penn State on Nov. 13. On Dec. 3, he committed to Auburn.<\/p>\n<p>Awesome autumn<\/p>\n<p>Lackawanna League players and teams secured a monster fall sports PIAA postseason.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 On Oct. 22, Scranton Prep golf repeated as Class 2A team champion with a record score of 6-under 282 on the Penn State White Course. Brendan Bell shot a 4-under 68, with four birdies and 14 pars, Cole Powell shot 2-under 70, Ben Boyanoski carded a 1-under 71 and Guy Rothery added a 1-over 73 as the Cavaliers topped Peters Twp.\u2019s mark of 284 set in 2023. A day earlier, Powell won the Class 2A individual title with a 7-under-par 137 (68-69).<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 On Oct. 25, Lily Lengel and Emma Cuck had wins in singles, and the No. 1 doubles duo of Adith Velaga and Maci Bulzoni had a win to lead the Scranton Prep girls tennis team to a 3-2 victory over District 1 champion Lower Moreland and the PIAA Class 2A title.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 On Nov. 1, Montrose\u2019s Cara Evans captured the Class 2A tennis individual title in singles, while Scranton Prep\u2019s Lily Lengyel and Emma Cuck claimed the Class 2A doubles championship.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 On Nov. 1, the Lackawanna League dominated the PIAA Class 1A cross country championships with Elk Lake capturing the team title and Riverside finishing second. Elk Lake\u2019s Kendel Jones finished second in 16:05 on the Hershey Parkview Course and teammates Cody Adams (16:29) and Parker Upright (16:35) were fourth and sixth, respectively. Riverside\u2019s Mikey Schimelfenig was seventh in 16:38.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 On Nov. 15, Joey Pivirotto scored the first goal and Nico Bustos put the game away with a header off a free kick from James Mitchell, as Abington Heights captured the PIAA Class 3A boys soccer title with a 2-0 victory over District 3 champion Conrad Weiser. Goalkeeper Billy Johnson had eight saves to secure his 18th clean sheet of the season, as the Comets became the first District 2 boys state champion since Mountain View captured the Class 1A crown in 2012. The Comets outscored their opponents, 134-9, this season and, 31-0, in seven postseason games.<\/p>\n<p>In memoriam<\/p>\n<p>Bob Simons, who coached golf for 54 seasons at Wallenpaupack and became the winningest high school golf coach in Pennsylvania, died April 20 at 77. His career record is 682-239-23 with four Wayne County League championships, six Lackawanna League championships, two District 2 and eight District 12 team titles. He also had nine individual district champs and six Jackman Memorial winners.<\/p>\n<p>Former Mid Valley golf and baseball standout Eddie Kaufman died Oct. 7 at 20 years old after a year-long battle with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He was the 2022 Times-Tribune Golfer of the Year, and a two-time Lackawanna League first-team coaches\u2019 all-star in baseball. He continued his athletic and academic careers at Roanoke College.<\/p>\n<p>Bill Ferrario, a former West Scranton lineman who played at the University of Wisconsin and had stops in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers, died Sept. 23. Ferrario was a two-time All-Big Ten guard for the Badgers, one of three players in Big Ten history to start all 50 games of his career and a driving force for the Badgers, who won the Rose Bowl in 1999 and 2000. Ferrario was picked by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played two seasons with the Packers. He retired in 2005.<\/p>\n<p>Jim Moran, a co-founder of the Steamtown Marathon, died Dec. 8. He was 76. Moran, of Clarks Green, ran in the New York City and Boston marathons and other races, in addition to the 26.2-mile run from Forest City to Scranton, which he helped start in 1996. The marathon has raised more than $2.5 million for St. Joseph\u2019s Center.<\/p>\n<p>Former Scranton Miners basketball star Tom Hemans died Jan. 4 in Lancaster, Virginia at 90. Hemans was one of the most talented players in the history of the Eastern Professional Basketball League. He spent 13 years in the league and played for five teams, including the Hazleton Hawks (1956-60) and Scranton Miners (1962-68). The graceful 6-foot-7 forward is considered one of the all-time scoring and rebounding leaders in league history. He was a second-team all-star in 1956 and a first-team all-star in 1957, 1958, 1959, 1961 and 1964.<\/p>\n<p>Former longtime Honesdale High School baseball coach Fred Light died Aug. 9 at age 82. Light, a member of the Wayne County Hall of Fame, coached the Hornets for 22 years, and also coached basketball and softball.<\/p>\n<p>Legendary former baseball manager Lee Elia died at 87. Elia managed the Scranton\/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons to the Governor\u2019s Cup Finals in 1992 and was named the International League Manager of the Year.<\/p>\n<p>Alex \u201cAce\u201d Brogna a longtime local high school and college baseball coach at Pittston Area, King\u2019s College and Keystone College died at age 86.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Lackawanna College\u2019s head coach Mark Duda during the football game at Veterans Memorial Field in Scranton on Thursday,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":71753,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[2300,305,178,180,179,726],"class_list":{"0":"post-71752","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-scranton","8":"tag-college-sports","9":"tag-high-school-sports","10":"tag-scranton","11":"tag-scranton-headlines","12":"tag-scranton-news","13":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71752","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71752"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71752\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/71753"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71752"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71752"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71752"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}