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Monday, May 20, 2024 | 10:49am
Jeff Helsel | Mon Valley Independent
Adam LaCarte and members of the Belle Vernon football team receive their championship rings on May 8, 2024 at Leopard Hall.
Jeff Helsel | Mon Valley Independent
Quinton Martin and members of the Belle Vernon football team receive their championship rings on May 8, 2024 at Leopard Hall.
Jeff Helsel | Mon Valley Independent
Jake Gedeko and members of the Belle Vernon football team receive their championship rings on May 8, 2024 at Leopard Hall.
Jeff Helsel | Mon Valley Independent
Members of the Belle Vernon football team receive their championship rings on May 8, 2024 at Leopard Hall.
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Belle Vernon's football team commemorated its second state championship season in two seasons with a ring ceremony May 8 at Leppard Hall.
The current group is special, being the first Leopards to win a state championship last season and then the first to repeat that feat last season. BVA defeated Hickory 42-16 to advance to the PIAA championship, then dominated Northwestern Lehigh in December with a 38-7 win.
Belle Vernon also won back-to-back WPIAL championships, defeating Avonworth for the second straight season at Acrizier Stadium.
Luke Breyer, Dylan DeWitt, Jake Gedeko, Jake Heckel, Adam LaCarte, Braden Law, Colton Lee, Dane Levi, Quinton Martin, Tanner Moody, Jacob Fahl, Izak Sobchak, and 14 others. group of seniors have officially concluded their careers with the football program. , Jake Tatar and Zach Zelensky received their final rings of their high school careers.
This year's state championship ring features the green BVA logo in the center with the words “STATE” above it and “CHAMPIONS” below.
They are stored comfortably in a case with a small commemorative placard bearing the player's name as the 2023 state champion.
This ceremony was another great event to mark a special season.
“This is the last event our seniors will have with our football program,” coach Matt Humbert said. “What better way to go out than with a nice big ring? This is the last event for our underclassmen to wrap up their championship season, but the main thing we try to instill in our kids is that events like this I think it's the rarity and the fact that there aren't that many kids in Pennsylvania or anywhere else who get to do things like this.
“I think the most important thing is to make them aware of the situation they're in and try to entertain it, because everything we're doing is so fast-paced. It's one thing after another, so it's nice to be able to hit the brakes and enjoy the moment.”
The team seemed happy to have accomplished just that during the event, and also took in an uplifting speech from their head coach and words of encouragement from the rest of the coaching staff.
Humbert told the players to continue their exceptional habits for the rest of their lives, especially to ensure they continue to reap the benefits.
“Take the uncomfortable moments in the program and prepare yourself for adulthood,” he said. “It's also their duty to be involved in the program and participate in the program. We want to create a culture where traditions never go out of style. We want those kids to come to the games and be involved. We want them to check in. I think there are a lot of kids who do that, but we really want them to be able to do that more than anyone else has ever done.”
Apart from the message from the coach, the players were excited to add more jewelry to their collection.
“It's amazing that we're the only team at Belle Vernon to do something like this twice,” rising senior Alonzo Wade said. “It feels pretty good.”
“It makes me feel even better to get the ring,” said LaCarte, who plans to join the John Carroll football program after graduation. “Having the two of us at home makes me feel really good.”
From the way the staff addressed the players, it was clear that the whole team had learned some lessons that extended beyond the grid.
“We learned to never give up and always keep growing,” Martin said. He graduated early from Belle Vernon College and enrolled at Penn State University, where he plays football. “You can’t control everything, but it’s important to control what you can and take everything step by step.”
“I think this shows how much hard work and determination can accomplish,” Lacarte said. “It shows me to continue to face challenges head on and never take anything for granted.”
As for Wade, he has one more year of football left in him before it's all over.
“We're going to try and get another one next year,” Wade said. “It’s tough with all my seniors quitting, but that’s my goal for next year.”
Tag: Belle Vernon
