As the Southmoreland Scotties prepared to take the field in June for their first preseason practice for the 2016 season, teammates exchanged questioning glances wondering if they would have enough players to compete. With numbers hovering in the teens, Southmoreland decided to take the unusual step of contacting the WPIAL seeking permission to allow Geibel students on the Southmoreland roster.

“Joining with Geibel is different but interesting to say the least,” said junior Jaden Datz. ”The atmosphere of the locker room was tense at first, but no matter how many of them came (to practice) we all knew we had the same mission.”
Senior team captain Tommy Pisula reflected on what it has been like the past few years for him with the team compared to what it is like so far this year having a new group of players come in.
“We’ve always had low numbers so I’ve been used to it,” said Pisula.” All the Geibel boys have fit in nicely, and I’ve already gotten close with many of them.”
As the team got deeper into the practices, a bond began to form and the players from Geibel began to feel more at home and welcome to the Southmoreland stadium and atmosphere.
“Its definitely different walking into a team where you don’t know anybody or how and where they play,” said senior John Pokol of Geibel. ”I joined with a different team my freshman year too, and I’m just excited to be pushed to my limits and learn new things from all the talented players and coaches.”
Pokols’ teammate and other half of the “dynamic duo,” Jesse Yourish, had close to the same fondness of the joining of team that Pokol did.
“I was nervous for the first couple days of practice, but then I got used to how everything worked,” said Yourish.” Once I got comfortable, I started opening up and talking to my teammates more.”
Coaches are eager to see how the season pans out for the 2016 squad as they get ready to take on more complex teams and go deeper into the season. The Scotties are off to a rocky start after losing the first two games.
“Having Tommy back is big for us,” said head coach Mark Adams.”He’s a catalyst for the team, but we’ve had Geibel boys step up for the team as well, including Pokol and Yourish.”
While coach Adams had positive things to say about the duo, the Scottie players also had encouraging words to say about their new teammates.
“Both Pokol and Yourish have helped the team tremendously,” said Datz.” They’re relentless. They give 110 percent and are always up with Tommy when we’re running and working out to learn and take in new plays.”
Besides Datz, senior Sawyer Clark also had favorable things about both teammates and how they adjusted to the team.
“They both work hard and give it their all out there on the field,” said Clark.” It’s fun working with them. It’s like they’ve gone to school with us for years. That’s how comfortable we feel around each other.”
While the team may come from two different schools, they all have the same mindset and goals for the 2016 season: to win.
“Our team goal is to win and have a great season,” said Geibel junior Jacob Soliday.” Winning games is the most important thing.
Pisula however has one more goal in mind for the team and Geibel boys to achieve this season.
“Not only do I want to win,” said Pisula.” I want to win by beating Mount Pleasant on our senior night. That would mean a lot to me and let the Geibel boys step up and experience the rivalry we share.”
Southmoreland travels to Derry Friday to take on the Trojans in a conference game.