This week, Upper Saucon Patch will be debuting another summer feature, Athlete of the Week, that will allow us to recognize many of the wonderful athletes who made our Fall, Winter and Spring sports so exciting.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Because this is the first week for Athlete of the Week, it is only appropriate we introduce this feature with a “big” athlete. That is why Patch is saluting the graduating Class of 2011 as our Athlete of the Week.
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Every SoLeHi graduating class has featured a number of truly gifted athletes, but the Class of 2011 raised the bar to a new level. More high school athletes from this class will go on to participate in collegiate athletics than in any other previous graduating class. While the number of championships and awards that SoLeHi high school sports has accumulated this year should be an indication of the number of gifted athletes in the class, the tapping of these athletes for collegiate sports indicates the level of respect that our athletics program has earned in the community.
The graduates of 2011 also chose to honor the high school athletics program in a special way when they chose the department to be the recipient of their class gift. The class has chosen to have the words of the school alma mater painted on the walls of the gym for the benefit of incoming freshmen. Perhaps the words of the alma mater “High in purpose, strong in will” are truly exemplified by this remarkable class and will inspire classes to come.
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Congratulations graduates!
SOUTHERN LEHIGH SWIMMING
The Southern Lehigh Stingrays participated in a swim meet at Hanover. The Stingrays are part of the Suburban Swim League, which includes SoLeHi, Hanover, Whitehall, Palmerton, Quakertown, Northampton, Northern Lehigh, Macungie and Lower Macungie. Noteworthy results included:
Abigail
Ackerman,
25m
Breaststroke
1st place
Alex
Amann,
50m
Backstroke
3rd place
Michael
Ambrose,
100m
Free style
2nd place
Michael
Ambrose,
50m
Breaststroke
1st place
Michael
Ambrose,
100m
Ind medley
3rd place
Max
Anderson,
25m
Free style
6th place
Max
Anderson,
25m
Backstroke
4th place
MICHAEL
ANDERSON,
50m
Free style
1st place
MICHAEL
ANDERSON,
100m
Free style
1st place
Amber
Beltz
25m
Breaststroke
2nd place
The team’s next meet with be on Monday at Whitehall.
BOYS SOCCER
The boys high school soccer team is participating in the Lehigh Valley Summer Soccer League and is playing Monday and Wednesday nights at Lehigh University's Murray Goodman Campus. The boys have won all of their games and stand in second place in the Men’s Junior Division behind Saucon Valley. Saucon Valley is also undefeated but is in first place because it has had fewer goals scored against it and has scored more goals against opponents.
The Lehigh Valley Summer Soccer League is in its 40th year and features teams including Men and Women’s Junior Division (Middle School through High School athletes) and Men’s and Women’s Senior Division (post high school), with the Women’s Division being split between recreational- and competitive-level athletes.
The summer league offers the opportunity for high school athletes to keep up their skills during the post season, while also offering an opportunity for high school graduates to continue their interest in the sport of soccer. Stop by the fields at Lehigh University to watch not only your favorite high school athlete but also athletes from many previous high school seasons.
SOUTHERN LEHIGH POOL OPENING
The SoLeHi pool opening is (hopefully) scheduled for June 24. Swim team members are expected to get a call this week to advise them of the status of the opening, since it will impact the location of future meets. The team has been practicing in the neighboring Saucon Valley indoor pool.
The board of directors has cited the weather and unexpected construction delays as reasons for the potential delay.
With the weather heating up this week, the pool opening will be a welcome event in the area.
THIS WEEK'S FEATURED RECREATION AREA: The Saucon Rail Trail
For the avid walker, runner or biker, the Saucon Rail Trail provides an opportunity for a fun and convenient workout. For the recreational walker, the trail provides an opportunity to stroll along a scenic portion of our township. Convenient access to the trail is provided at Upper Saucon Park, as well as locations in nearby Hellertown. Parking is readily available at the park, as well as Water and Walnut streets in Hellertown. Be sure to “friend” the Saucon Rail Trail on Facebook to get up-to-date notices of events going on that involve the trail, including the weekly rail rides sponsored by Saucon Valley Bikes. There is also a map of the trail on Facebook. See you on the trail!
FUN RUNS
This week's featured fun run is the nearby Quakertown Race for Rylie on Saturday at Lake Nockamixon. Rylie is the daughter of Jack and Heather Maginn of Coopersburg. She was diagnosed with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome when she was only 6 months old. This relatively new syndrome was discovered in 1978, and currently there are only 150 confirmed cases worldwide. The syndrome causes cognitive and physical impairments, characteristic facial features, breathing abnormalities and other medical issues.
Money collected from the run will be used to fund research and raise awareness of this rare condition. Because the run is occurring on the paved trails at Nockamixon, it should be considered a family event. Please consult the website for additional information http://www.raceforrylie.myevent.com/