Girls' Varsity Soccer Honored at State Capitol

The record-breaking 2010 season for girls' soccer team ended in a commemorative ceremony last month at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Seizing the Indians’ first girls' soccer PIAA Class AAA championship title in school history on Nov. 20 in Hershey, Pa -- with a 1-0 win over Archbishop Wood High School -- players and coaches were congratulated on Jan. 26 by members of the Senate and House of Representatives for their remarkable season.

Peters girls' soccer fourth-year head coach Pat Vereb was as equally-thrilled as his players when honored at the Capitol.

“It was a great feeling when the girls were called to rise, as the Senate floor gave a round of applause,” said Vereb, who was satisfied to see his girls receive individual accolades for their performance.

Vereb said Pennsylvania State Senator John Pippy reached out to the Indians upon hearing of their championship season, and sent out an invitation requesting the team’s presence in Harrisburg.

Aside from receiving recognition, players and coaches enjoyed dining accommodations, as well as embarked on a tour of the elaborate Capitol building and met numerous Senate and House members during their stay, according to Vereb.

Vereb credited Peters Booster Club president, Rick Enscoe, in providing transportation to and from the State Capitol, with a coach bus ride for the players, who left the school at 7:30 a.m. and returned that night.

“We did it all in one day,” said Vereb.

The team’s celebratory journey to Harrisburg not only represented season-long persistence and dedication, but reflected players’ undeniable talent and clutch performances.

“We had a very strong senior class, as well as strong underclassmen coming up,” said Vereb, crediting his players for the team’s successful 23-2 record. “They were the perfect storm.”

Foretelling the teams’ arrival at the state finals, Vereb recalled a critical 3-0 victory over Mount Lebanon early in the season that signified the Indians’ potential.

“They were the best team in the WPIAL at the time,” said Vereb, regarding Mount Lebanon’s strong opposition.

Alongside overcoming adversity and capturing a championship title, Vereb recalls the season’s pinnacle during the ride home from Hershey.

“We’ve accomplished the ultimate goal,” said Vereb, recalling his thoughts on the bus ride home. “We could’ve been riding back with a loss, but we came out on top.”

When asked to recall a memorable moment during the season, Vereb responded, “Seeing the girls' excitement -- one of the things I’ll never forget.”