RECOGNIZING THE SEWICKLEY ACADEMY PANTHERS

RECOGNIZING THE SEWICKLEY ACADEMY PANTHERS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026) [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. ____________________