From left, Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman, Saucon wrestlers Nick Rosengrant, Nick Warnke and Josh Jones, and wrestling coach Tommy Rohn.
Recent Panther high school sports victories were a cause for celebration in Hellertown Monday.
A number of outstanding winter season student-athletes from Saucon Valley High School received special recognition from Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman and borough council members at the start of council’s Monday night meeting.
Heintzelman called the athletes’ recent achievements “phenomenal” before presenting a number of them with Borough of Hellertown proclamations that were prepared for the occasion.
Many parents as well as wrestling coaches Chad Shirk and Tommy Rohn and Saucon Valley Athletic Director Bob Frey were in attendance for the ceremony.
“One thing that caught me that was really nice was a quote from Vince Lombardi that comes to mind in referring to the 2018-2019 Saucon Valley Panthers,” Heintzelman said.
“Individual commitment to a group effort: that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work and a civilization,” famed coach Lombardi once said.
“I hope all of you can hold on to some of those words from Vince Lombardi, and it makes a lot of sense,” Heintzelman told the athletes. “You’re starting off at a very young age now. You can only look up and beyond. You’re going places. I know you are. And just keep applying yourself.”
“Remember that there is always a small child in the stands that wants to be just like you,” he added. “Don’t disappoint them.”
One of the highlights of the presentation ceremony was when 2019 PIAA gold medalist wrestler Josh Jones was given his proclamation by his grandfather, borough councilman Gil Stauffer.
2019 PIAA gold medalist wrestler Josh Jones received a hug from his grandfather, Hellertown Borough Councilman Gil Stauffer. At left is Mayor David Heintzelman.
Also recognized individually were several other Saucon wrestlers who recently competed and placed at the individual wrestling state championships as well as champion swimmers Kyle Kerr, Ryan Kerr, Milo Whitley and Dan Keats and champion diver Noah Mauro.
All of the athletes assembled for a group photo following the presentation.
All of the athletes present for Monday’s recognition ceremony at the Hellertown Borough Council meeting assembled for a photo.
