10 YAIAA athletes who grabbed our attention
They had standout years, and standout personalities
These 10 athletes from the past year won't soon be forgotten:
Eli Brooks, Spring Grove: There hasn’t been a basketball player quite like Brooks in York County in a long time. The Rockets’ point guard not only put up a league bests in points per game (25) and 3-point field goals this season (79), but he also captivated fans everywhere he went. Fans waited in line after nearly every Spring Grove game this season just to take a picture with Brooks or to simply shake his hand after a win.
Jared Wagner, Central York: There wasn’t a player opposing fans loved to hate quite like Jared Wagner. The Central York senior was as entertaining as they come and played with his heart on his sleeve every game. There wasn’t a moment that punctuated the 2015-16 season more than Wagner’s game-winning basket and subsequent celebration in the District III semifinals against Spring Grove. Wagner averaged just under 19 points during the year and led the Panthers to a district title game appearance.
Dylan Chatterton, Central York: The lore of Dylan Chatterton may live on for quite some time at wrestling mats around the PIAA. Not only did Chatterton compete in the state tournament with a broken nose, but he also managed to become the first wrestler in PIAA history to lose a preliminary-round match at states and then win out. Having to stop on several occasions to stop his nose from bleeding – he also dealt with a burst bursa sac in his knee – Chatterton managed to win a bronze medal at states.
Kyle Krout, Hanover: The Hanover senior’s athletic talents spanned across multiple sports. On the gridiron Krout threw for 1,757 passing yard and 22 touchdowns during the regular season. On the basketball court Krout averaged just over 22 points per game and was strong on the baseball diamond. Krout was mild mannered but strong willed, and a leader for whatever team he played for.
Kaelyn Long, New Oxford: Long certainly exemplified the dedication it takes to excel in her chosen sports. A two-sport athlete, she finished fourth in the league in scoring during the basketball season and helped the Colonials' field hockey team make their first YAIAA playoff appearance. Long often gave opposing teams headaches, producing 22 goals during the field hockey regular season.
Ravaughn Dillard, Gettysburg: You have to be an interesting guy if you choose a ball python snake as your pet of choice after winning a state title. And that’s just what Dillard did after winning a state championship in the triple jump. The Gettysburg junior set a school record in the process as well, with a jump of 48-feet, 7-inches.
Maddie McLain, Eastern York: The sophomore had a pretty good year, whether running for the Eastern York cross country team or for the track and field program. McLain may prefer cross country a little bit more, but she still managed to leave the YAIAA track and field championships with two first-place medals in the 1,600 and 3,200 events. During cross country season she finished second in the league championship and third at districts.
Thomas Merkle, York Suburban: Half of one of the most dynamic duos in YAIAA football, Merkle made his mark in 2016. He threw for 2,287 yards during the season and set a York County record for career passing yards. The previous record holder, Matt Marshall, was an assistant coordinator with the Suburban football program when Merkle achieved the feat. He threw 25 touchdowns and helped lead York Suburban to their first division title since 1989.
Reese Devilbiss, Northeastern: Devilbiss could very well be the best volleyball player to come out of York County. He capped off a four-year run with the Bobcats by helping them capture their fourth consecutive state title. The Ohio State-bound volleyballer is not the most verbose person about his own success, but he garners respect because of his abilities on the court and the power he puts behind the ball when he hits it.
Braxtin Reddinger, New Oxford: It wasn’t hard to see the passion Reddinger has for lacrosse when she was on the field. Known as a fierce competitor, the UMBC commit racked up 85 goals and 27 assists during the 2016 campaign. Reddinger helped lead the Colonials to their best season in program history and they made their first-ever appearance in the District 3 playoffs.