Source: Rep. Ben Sanchez
The Abington Senior High School varsity boys soccer team was recognized this week in Harrisburg for its PIAA state championship, marking a proud moment for the Abington School District and the wider community.
The team was welcomed to the Pennsylvania State Capitol, where they were formally acknowledged on the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives by Speaker Joanna McClinton. Players, coaches, and school leaders attended the ceremony, which celebrated the team’s historic title and the dedication behind the championship season.
Joining the players were Principal Dr. Frank Swift, Athletic Director Rich Grasty, and Superintendent Dr. Walter Fecher, all of whom praised the student-athletes for their hard work, sportsmanship, and representation of Abington both on and off the field.
Each member of the team received an official citation honoring the achievement, recognizing the significance of the state title for the school district. Special recognition was also given to longtime head coach Brian Garber, who was honored in person for his years of commitment to the Abington soccer program ahead of his retirement from coaching. His leadership and impact on generations of student-athletes were highlighted during the ceremony.
The celebration in Harrisburg capped off a memorable season for the Ghosts, one that will be remembered as a defining moment in Abington athletics history.
Abington High School finally ended its 41-year championship drought, as the boys’ soccer team captured its first-ever PIAA Class 4A state title with a 3-1 win over West Chester Henderson. The victory marked only the school’s third state championship across all sports, and the first since 1981.
Abington finished the season 22-2-3 and ended up dominating the state tournament. The Ghosts came out blazing in the final, building a 3–0 halftime lead and never looking back.
For head coach Garber, an Abington alum from the Class of 1971 and the program’s leader for 32 years, the championship comes in his final game at the helm. Garber, a former professional player, received hundreds of congratulatory messages from former players and community members.
“I’ve had great teams, but something just clicked this year,” Garber said. “Everything fell into place.”
While many students traveled to York County to watch the match in person, the celebration back home was just as memorable. Schools across the district tuned in live, and the team was welcomed back with a parade through Glenside and local elementary schools, complete with fire trucks, cheering students, and neighbors lining the streets.
Athletic director Charles Grasty praised Garber’s lasting influence, both as a coach and as a longtime health and PE teacher.
“He does an excellent job with our students," Grasty said. "The team trusted him, and it paid off.”
