1. Battle Of The Bridge Win
The Battle of the Bridge rivalry is between Upper Merion and Norristown. The rivalry between the two geographically linked high schools dates back to at least World War ll, including their annual Thanksgiving Day football game that used to be played every year to the newest iteration of the Battle of the Bridge. Last season, the game had to be postponed at halftime due to physical altercations happening between fans and other people in attendance. The second half was later resumed the next day in which Norristown won, 14-7. Upper Merion’s football season in 2025 did not go as well as everyone hoped, but one thing they can for sure celebrate is their win in the season finale against Norristown, 32-27. Last season, after halftime issues, the Battle of the Bridge football game had to be postponed and rescheduled to play the second half the following Saturday. In that second half, the Vikings fell short. Getting revenge was not easy. Resilience, grit, and tough play were shown, with a comeback victory and a last-minute score from wide receiver Zion Smith.
2. Field Hockey District Playoffs Appearance
The Lady Vikings had themselves an improved 2025-26 season. In 2024, they finished with a record of 5-11-1. On the flip side, this season was played a lot better, and a postseason appearance was made. They previously had not seen any postseason play since 2022. This fall season finished with a record of 9-8-2, and a date with #1 seed Springfield Delco was secured for the first round of District 1 2A playoffs. That game ended with a gritty loss for your Upper Merion Field Hockey squad, but there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, and more to look forward to and build on next year.
3. Paneto And Thornton Celebrate Achievements
This fall, your Upper Merion Vikings Volleyball team went 7-10. Nobody knew what to expect from this squad with the departure of Sophia Schweikert and Raven Albrecht, who were both graduating seniors. Towards the end of the season, the Vikings showed maximum effort and went on two runs. They went into the first with a 3-6 record then won four straight games and found themselves with a 7-6 record, looking to make a push with the season wrapping up. The second run came in hitting this team like a trainwreck, whacking them in the face. Sitting at a game over .500, there were only four final season games, in which they all lost. On the positive side of things, senior libero Valeria Paneto reached 1,000 digs in her final season at Upper Merion. Freshman outside hitter Danielle Thornton did not wait long to make her presence known, reaching 200 kills in just her first high school volleyball season.
4. Two Tennis Girls Qualify For Districts
Laces tied, balls hit the court, racket in hand. That is what the Upper Merion Tennis is all about, considering seven-time Grand Slam titleholder Kathy Jordan graduated from the school. That is what this fall squad was about as well. Two Lady Vikings secured themselves a spot in the District Playoffs as a team in doubles–those two ladies being Lilyanna Hamric and Athena Chui at the 20th seed. Hamric also played in a singles spot as the 20th seed. Neither in singles nor doubles made it past the first round, but the achievement in itself is worth celebrating and remembering.
5. Logan Hardel Becomes Vikings Water Polo Leading Scorer
The fellas in the pool had an up and down season. The season did not go as they expected, but the memories made were what mattered most. Senior Logan Hardel broke the school record for most points scored.
“It means a lot to me, especially since I watched someone set it a few years ago. I played with him and I’ve been working towards it since I started. It’s kinda crazy that I get to leave it with my name on it and for someone else to chase. I’m grateful for the people around me, coaches and teammates. That they have all been there for me. It wouldn’t have been possible without them. Having the record is cool, but having the memories is what matters most,” said Hardel.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of positives to this season, aside from Hardel’s record. Everyone ended the season better than they started, and everyone felt rewarded watching their team grow throughout the year.
