[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S1666]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE SEWICKLEY ACADEMY PANTHERS
Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and
congratulate the Sewickley Academy Panthers on their remarkable
achievement in winning the 2026 PIAA Class 2A Boys Basketball State
Championship.
On March 20, 2026, the Panthers secured the title with a decisive 52-
36 victory over the Old Forge Blue Devils at the Giant Center in
Hershey, PA. This victory marked the program's sixth appearance in a
PIAA championship game and its fourth State title, adding to previous
championships earned in 1997, 2010, and 2017.
The Panthers' journey to this championship is especially noteworthy
given their narrow loss in the 2025 PIAA Class 2A title game by a
single point. Demonstrating extraordinary resilience and determination,
the team returned to Hershey 1 year later to claim the championship.
Sewickley Academy completed the 2025-2026 season with an outstanding
record of 30 wins and just 1 loss, with their only defeat occurring in
overtime during the regular season.
Throughout the season, the Panthers displayed both offensive
excellence and defensive dominance, averaging 68.5 points per game
while holding opponents to just 30.2 points per game. Their performance
brought great pride and distinction to Sewickley, Allegheny County, and
the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
I commend the players, coaches, and staff of Sewickley Academy for
their dedication, sportsmanship, and pursuit of excellence. It is with
great pride that I recognize their achievements and bring them to the
attention of the U.S. Senate.
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