( Photo left ) Team photo after winning the 2022 AAA State Championship vs . Malvern Prep in Philly .
Tingle also points out two other instrumental players on the team : Carson Alexander and Colin Kimberling . “ They have been mainstays on defense ,” he says . “ The last two seasons , both have showed growth and an ability to change and adapt to different styles of play . They ’ ve been outstanding .”
“ Being a part of this team has made me grateful ,” says Carson , a defenseman . “ I couldn ’ t have asked for a better season with a great group of people .”
Tingle noted that four other team members were paramount to the state championship win : “ Freshman Will Tomko , sophomore Ben Kovac , and juniors Austin Malley and Ryder Mertens are a young group and quite a surprise to the opposition .”
What ’ s not a surprise is how Coach Tingle , his assistant coaches Clif Bumford and Chris Clackson , and the rest of the team feel about each other .
For Caden Kaczorowski , alternate captain for the team , his memories include the wins , but also the bonding experiences . “ I think our team bus rides and dinners are what made us real contenders ,” he explains . “ I will never forget my teammates , not only because we won a championship together , but because we ’ re also a family .”
But as Tingle said , he would only be talking about the season and state championship win for five more days — because the next season is ready to begin .
“ There are so many standout moments and memories I have of this season and this team ,” he says . “ The guys worked so hard to accomplish their goal , even when practicing for the Penguins Cup . No one had us slated for the win . It may have looked easy , but it was not . The players deserve all the credit .
“ But one thing that does stand out for me is when I left my hotel room for the championship game . I decided not to take my cell phone . I didn ’ t want it to be a distraction . When I returned , I had about 250 text messages from former players , parents of former players ... all sorts of people congratulating me on the win . They were watching online and cheering on the team . So much time has passed for them , but they were so excited for us . That meant a lot .”
Just another savory moment for the record books . n
Will Tomko , freshman forward .
Carson Alexander , senior defenseman .
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