2025 Blair Duel

Michael DeMuro ‘27

Regardless of sport, Wyoming Seminary versus Blair Academy is one of the most anticipated and heated games for the year. Sure, there are other big games, like against Holy Redeemer, but Sem against Blair is THE game,, no matter the sport played.  Whether it is football, soccer, or in this case, wrestling, everyone who can go, goes.

This year, wrestling had its duel with Blair in New Jersey, at their home gym. The stands were packed with students, teachers, and family all eager to see this duel unfold, and to see who the victor would be.  Sem and Blair had many people there to support them, and Sem had to drive around an hour and a half to arrive. Upon walking into the gym, the wrestlers were met with an impressive display of school spirit from both sides and as Jude Correa ‘25 said “It was a crazy atmosphere… there was a lot of hype around that duel and it’s always pretty great to have that duel.” 

The match itself went in a great direction for Sem, with the final score being 39-21 and Sem winning the duel. As Matthew “Chewy” Botello ‘25 said, “It kinda made history because [it was the] first time we beat them at their house and the first time they lost since sometime in the 1900s home.” Some highlights of the match included Vince Bouzakis ‘25 versus Joseph Schinder and Anthony Evanitsky ‘25  versus Ryan Meier. Both matches were impressive victories for Bouzakis and Evanitsky, with Bouzakis winning 19-2 and Evanitsky winning 14-2. Even though Sem isn’t number 1 in the country like before, make no mistake with assuming they are a bad team, or even just a good team, because although there have been some bumps in the road for their season, they have still proven themselves to be worthy of being top 5 in the country. It is unlikely that will change in the future.

So Nice, He did it Twice

By Teddy Kraus ’25

You know you’re doing something right when you’re in the same group as Arnold Palmer. That’s the case for Wyoming Seminary’s Nick Werner ‘25, who has just won back-to-back PIAA golf state championships. 

Coming off last season’s state title as a junior, Werner didn’t focus on the expectations surrounding him that he would win back-to-back titles. He says, “Although I did win last year, I didn’t go into this year with the expectations of winning again. I always attempt to attack the course shot by shot. Obviously, I want to win, but I keep myself from looking too far ahead.” This mentality allowed Werner to keep his head down and play his game while blocking the noise and pressure around him. 

It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Werner. He entered day 2 of the tournament tied for second place. “I started off poorly with three bogeys in my first four holes,” recalls Werner, “but I’m proud of the way I turned it around.” He went from being three over par to finishing the tournament six under.

For an athlete, there’s no better feeling than securing a championship, and this was the case for Werner. “It was pure relief” he states “I’m blessed for the opportunity I’ve been given, and the support I’ve received. I’m honored to be able to represent my school, friends, and family proudly.”

The relief coming off back-to-back titles is more than warranted, given that Werner is one of only seven golfers to win back-to-back PIAA golf state championships, along with the legendary Arnold Palmer. Talking about the group he’s cemented himself in, Werner says” I’m honored to have earned a spot into that exclusive group, and it feels like the culmination of a lot of hard work and dedication. It’s satisfying when you put in hours and hours each day and it ends up paying off. I’m blessed for the opportunity I’ve been given, and I’m beyond grateful.” It’s safe to say those hours of hard work paid off. Werner’s already legendary career will continue at Penn State, where he’s committed to playing golf next fall. 

Friday Night Football Game

Izzy Shoemaker ‘26

On Friday, October 24, 2024, the Wyoming Seminary Blue Knights hosted the Penn Charter School for our homecoming football game. 

Though Wyoming Seminary played in the first ever high school Friday night lights football game ever, Seminary has not regularly participated in the highschool tradition in recent years. In more recent times, Sem more regularly holds Saturday afternoon games, which tend to draw fewer spectators. Josie Carpenter ‘26 said she’s much more likely to attend a night game. “Friday night light games are a big deal for all the other schools around here, so I get really excited when we host one. It makes it feel more special.” 

The most recent game had a huge student section. As it was a neon-themed game, all students received a neon colored shirt of their choice and wore their best neon clothing to support their team. Many students wore neon construction jackets, helmets, and neon face paint to get in theme.

There was also a special halftime performance; student volunteers made their best attempt at kicking field goals, some even making it from as far back as the 40-yard line. Sem True Blue also launched t-shirt cannons into the crowd while Ms. Cinti, who MC’d the game, got all students participating and cheering. 

The student section also had beach balls, silly string, and glow sticks to keep everyone engaged. 

Mirabaai Reitsma ‘26, a yearbook editor, spent her night taking digital camera photos of the student section and the game itself. “The student section looked so colorful and fun. I’m really excited to use the photos in this year’s yearbook.” 

Last year, Sem also hosted a Friday night game against rival Blair Academy. The student section had Beat Blair t-shirts, white face paint, and noisemakers. 

Though the result of both games were not in Seminary’s favor, all students who attended had a great time and were excited to support their football team. Homecoming weekend is a momentous time on campus, and a Friday night light game was a great event to have in celebration of it.