Salamanca community expresses Warrior Pride in historic football season
By KELLEN M. QUIGLEY, Olean Times Herald
Despite losing in the state championship to Schuylerville on Saturday, the Salamanca varsity football team still has much to look back on and look forward to.
A 13-1 season and their first state title appearance in a quarter-century say a lot about just how special this trip to the New York State Class C Final in Syracuse, and the Warrior Nation at home was behind them throughout the season.
On Facebook, the Press asked followers to share what this special run meant to them.
“This team has made the last four months in this town so exciting. You’ve given us something to look forward to every week,” said Trisha S. “You’ve brought so much positivity to our community. We are so proud of each one of you. Thank you for so many amazing memories!”
Cindy S. said she was so excited to travel to Syracuse to watch the Warriors in the finals 25 years ago, recalling how cool it was to see her peers playing in such a big venue.
“I had such pride in my hometown then, but now the pride I have watching those same peers of mine be the coaches and parents of this generation of Warriors is a feeling that I can’t put into words,” she added. “Now as we travel to Syracuse again, I am lucky enough to watch my daughter experience the same things I did in 1999. Let’s talk about some serious multi-generational pride.”
Nicki J. said she loves being downtown late at night, waiting for the players and cheerleaders to return from the away games. “It’s such a special small-town feeling, and we’ve been lucky enough to see it multiple weeks in a row. No matter the outcome of this weekend, those kids have made us all so proud.”
Marilyn S. said she’s watched most of the team members play since they were peewees, adding that it was so nice to see them realizing their dreams. Tammy C. said just seeing how this season made the community come together — “all because of those boys and their coaches” — was amazing.
Alex R. expressed her pride in the Warriors, noting that her nephew Evan Spruce Jr. is on the team and her young sons look up to him and can’t wait to be football players like him one day.
“These boys are the role models for our future players, and they have made our small town the proudest in all of the state,” she added.
Following the Warriors’ defeat on Saturday, Salamanca supporters expressed their congratulations to the team on their season, reinforcing the community’s pride.
“I’m beyond proud of our football team,” shared Shane R., telling the players not to beat themselves up because they did an amazing job.
“Congratulations to the Warriors for making it to the championship game,” said Jennifer M, adding, “It is an incredible accomplishment.”
“Congratulations on a great season,” shared Karen L., telling the team to hold their heads high. “You represented Salamanca, your families, community, yourselves and surrounding areas very well!”
“Ranked No. 1 in the state is a huge accomplishment for a small school,” said Spencer J. “Well done, gentlemen, well done.”
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