The fall leaves and cool temperatures are giving way to empty trees and temperatures that force most people to rethink trips outside.

The winter season is officially upon us, which means the long drives, crafty moves on the soccer pitch, and shifty shots on the tennis court will be moved to the back until next year. Now, we move to the hardwood and the water of the indoor pools as the season kicks off with Invitationals and Tip-off tournaments.

Last year was a special season for Loyalsock on both the girls’ and boys’ sides of the basketball program. The season started out strong as the Lancers defeated North Penn-Mansfield and Wellsboro to claim the school’s Tip-off tournament. The Lancers would go on to win the next six games before finally dropping one at State College against Germantown Academy.

It was an outstanding start to a season that would feature a 1,000-point scorer and Ron “CI” Insinger becoming the winningest coach in the State’s history. As good as those two moments were, especially since they happened on the same day, it might not even have been the highest moment of the season.

In a game that many in the area thought would be the end of the road for Loyalsock, it ended up being one of the highlights of the program. Insinger showed his coaching abilities, and the kids performed well as Loyalsock defeated District 1 powerhouse Valley Forge Military Academy 54-50.

There will be plenty more to play for this year as the Lancers open up the season with another Tip-off tournament. Gerald Ross notched his 1,000th career point last year and will be hoping to add to those totals. Connor Watkins, after dealing with a devastating injury in football, will be back along with a group of solid players who have spent a year in the program. Loyalsock will surely have another outstanding season.

As for the winter season’s other sports, there will be plenty to follow. One athlete in particular that will be fun to follow will be Lewisburg’s Christian Coleman, who placed in both the 200 IM and the 100 free during the state meet in Bucknell.

Coleman was outstanding throughout the year and lives for the moments like the State meet. He’s polished and calm in the water, but vocal and supportive for fellow competitors.

He cheered his teammates on throughout the meet, but he was also there to help out fellow District 4 swimmers during the two-day event. He was there to give advice on the pool and water. He jumped up and down as fellow District 4 swimmers made their best efforts at the season’s biggest meet.

One moment that stuck out for Coleman was during the 500 free when he helped out Shamokin’s Abby Doss with her laps in the event.

The last thing a swimmer competing in the 500 free wants is to be forced to keep track of laps. The 500 is a grueling race and Coleman was there to support Doss as she eventually captured her second consecutive medal. That selfless act was the biggest takeaway from the meet. Coleman left with two medals, but he supported his fellow swimmers and showed exactly what type of guy he is.

These are just a few things to keep an eye on as we progress throughout the winter season. Every player, every team, and every coach has a story, but it’s the ones most don’t see that have the biggest impacts. Keep an eye out for these little moments that make big impacts.