WINTER 2026: A SEASON TO REMEMBER ranklin Regional FRANKLIN REGIONAL NEWS
WINTER 2026: A SEASON TO REMEMBER ranklin Regional FRANKLIN REGIONAL NEWS
The Franklin Regional winter athletic season was marked by strong performances across programs, with teams demonstrating consistent growth, competitive success, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Boys’ Varsity Basketball
The Franklin Regional Boys’ Varsity Basketball team finished with a 13 – 9 record, with a 9 – 5 record in the section and 2nd place in the section 1 – 5A, earning them the 8th seed in the WPIAL playoffs. Player Logan Walter finished first team all section, while teammate Alec Masten finished second team all section.
Girls’ Varsity Basketball
The Franklin Regional Girls’ Varsity Basketball team completed a successful season, finishing with a 12 – 11 record and earning a spot in the WPIAL playoffs for the second consecutive year. The Lady Panthers showed tremendous resilience down the stretch, closing the regular season on a four-game winning streak to secure their postseason berth. The run was highlighted by an exciting buzzer-beater victory over rival Shaler that clinched the playoff spot and energized the team heading into the postseason.
Several players were recognized for their outstanding individual performances. Sophomore KC Yaniga and junior Chloe Pucka earned Second Team All-Section honors, while sophomore Alyssa Bridges was named First Team All-Section for her strong contributions throughout the season.
Girls’ Wrestling
The 25 – 26 winter season marked a historic milestone for the FR Girls’ Wrestling program, as it was the first year the team acquired enough female athletes to fill a full competitive lineup. In its inaugural season, the team secured 1 out of 3 dual meets and achieved an impressive 2nd-place finish at counties. With only two seniors this year, the program is excited to have an established foundation and looks forward to the coming years of growth.
Boys’ Wrestling – PIAA Champions Led by Head Coach Matt Lebe and Assistant Coach Greg Sill, both of whom are WPIAL and PIAA Coaches of the Year, the 25 – 26 Franklin Regional Boys’ Wrestling had an undefeated season with a 22 – 0 record. For the second year in a row and 4th time in program history, the team won the WPIAL Championship, and for the third time in the program’ s history, were named PIAA Champions. The team’ s strong performance this season reflects not only its collective discipline and strategy, but also the following individual achievements:
• Section Champions: Mikey Ruane and John Montgomery
• WPIAL Champion: Mikey Ruane
• WPIAL Placewinners: Sal Colangelo( 6th), Beau Fennick( 5th), Titus Colangelo( 4th), Chase Smith( 3rd), Ethan Cartwright( 4th), and John Montgomery( 5th).
• PIAA Placewinners: Beau Fennick( 8th) and Mikey Ruane( 2nd)
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Girls’ Swim / Dive
The team delivered a historic season, finishing 7 – 0 to claim the Section 1 Championship and posting an impressive 11 – 1 overall record. They captured first place at the Jim Stacy Winter Championships and were crowned Westmoreland County Coaches Association AA Team Champions, with 12 athletes qualifying for WPIAL competition. The girls 200 freestyle relay earned gold at both the WPIAL and PIAA State meets, helping propel the team to a runner-up finish at each championship— the highest finish in school history.
Boys’ Swim / Dive
The team completed a dominant season with a perfect 7 – 0 section record to secure the Section 1 Championship and finished 11 – 1 overall. They were crowned Westmoreland County Coaches Association AAA Team Champions and advanced seven athletes to
the WPIAL Championships, highlighted by three relay teams qualifying for the PIAA State Meet. Congratulations to Tommy Westerman, who is a 200 Freestyle WPIAL Champion, placed 7th at the PIAA State Meet, and created a new school record in the 500 freestyle.
Student-Athletes Inspiring the Next Generation
In February, members of the Franklin Regional girls’ and boys’ basketball teams were guest readers for students at the FR Primary School. The visit was extra special as players reunited with their former kindergarten teachers and spent time connecting with our youngest Panthers.
Primary students loved meeting FR athletes and learning about the dedication, teamwork, and hard work it takes to succeed both on the court and in the classroom.