Archbishop Wood Holds Pep Rally for Basketball Team

Beach balls caromed around auditorium amidst deafening chants of W-O-O-D as the student body cheered on the girls varsity basketball team Friday morning. The pep rally celebrated the Vikings’ romp through the state playoffs, capped by a semifinal victory Wednesday against Penn Charter and continuing Saturday evening at 5 p.m. with the PIAA Class AAA state final versus District 10 champs Mercyhurst Prep at Penn State.

“We didn’t want to start planning anything until after Wednesday’s game,” said Assistant Principal Mary McDonnell, who quickly organized the festivities in two days. “As soon as the game was over I started making phone calls. The excitement for the team has been building around the school all season.”

The crowd rocked the house as the team hopped to the stage, where State Rep. Tom Murt and district judge Dan Finello praised the hard work and success of the basketball team.

“They have brought a lot of great attention to this school and community,” said Finello, who is also the assistant coach for Wood’s varsity soccer team. “I’m proud to be associated with Wood and its athletic department.”

The team retreated back to the audience to make way for a dazzling routine by the Archbishop Wood Dance Team. Each member of the JV and varsity teams were then introduced to rising applause that exploded when team captains Christine Verrelle, Stephanie Keyes and Caitlin McCartney took the stage.

“It was really exciting,” said Verrelle as she exited the auditorium. “A lot better than last year.”

It was the proper send off before the athletes got on the bus and made the long trek to Penn State to meet head coach Jim Ricci. Ever the superstitious one, he drove up with his assistant coach separate from the bus, just as he did last year when the Vikings won the state championship.

“I think the fact that we were here last year will help us out,” said Ricci over the phone as he awaited the arrival of the team bus. “The seniors know what they have to do.”

With their opponent coming from the other side of the state in Erie, Ricci does not have a wealth of scouting information available for preparation.

“I don’t have any film to look at,” said Ricci. “I know they have a strong guard and a really good perimeter player. We’ll play our game, pay close attention in the first half and make the adjustments we need during halftime.”

It’s hard to argue with a philosophy that has carried the Vikings to its second straight appearance in the PIAA Class AAA finals. For Ricci, it’s been an unexpected but welcome ride since the team captured the Philadelphia Catholic League crown with a 33-31 over Archbishop Carroll on Feb. 28. It was the team’s second PCL championship ever and the first in 29 years.

“It’s been a long road this year,” he said. “Our main emphasis this year was the PCL title. It was such a great feeling winning that game, then a week later we’re in the district playoffs and then the state playoffs. The PCL game feels so long ago.”

After practice today, the team will relax at its hotel and grab dinner, then head over to Penn State’s Bryce Jordan Center to catch the Class AAAA championship game between Archbishop Carroll and Mount Lebanon at 6 p.m. In the morning, the team will practice again and then get mentally prepared for the 5 p.m. showdown.