The Sentinels Sept 15th upset of then No. 1 ranked and defending 3A State Champion Coolidge, has brought the spotlight squarely on Pete Wahlheim's (6th year, 18 overall) program. This year's key lies in the 7 three-year starters that are leading the charge.

In 2003, Seton Catholic lost in the State Title Game to Show Low, and the team graduated a whopping 27 seniors. A heralded sophomore class has gained valuable playing experience since then. Last year's 7-2 record resulted in a three-way tie for the conference title, the Sentinels lost the ensuing coin toss, and had to travel to powerhouse Blue Ridge for the start of the playoffs. A loss there ended the season, but the stage was set for a memorable run by a group of seniors that had paid their dues. Eight start on offense, and where do you see numbers like this?

QB (3.7)

2 RB's (3.6, 3.8)

TE (4.0)

2 WR's (3.7, 3.5)

2 OL (4.0, 3.6)

As in grade point averages! The school has missed the playoffs only once during Coach Wahlheim's tenure, and he welcomed back 15 lettermen, including 15 starters (8 offense, 7 defense). Coach's comments are in quotes.

The two-year starting QB is senior Patrick Miller (6-foot-0, 195 lbs, 3.7 GPA), who is "fast, tough, and smart. He is a leader, both in the weight room, and on the field, and has a strong arm. Patrick was a member of our State Championship golf team." Both senior RB's are 3 year starters. TB Nick Samuels (5-foot-9, 175 lbs, 3.6 GPA) is "a tough runner, and one of the best cut back runners I have ever coached. He has great vision, and is just a solid all-around clutch player. Nick had 92 yards rushing and 2 picks in the Coolidge win." He is also a member of the golf team. The FB is Joe Koestner (5-foot-10, 180 lbs, 3.8 GPA), a "strong, very powerful runner, who sees the field well, and is elusive. He excels at blocking for his backfield mates, and is a real quality kid. Joe follows two brothers that played football, and is a performer on the track team (100 and 200 meters, 4 X 400, and discus).

The TE is three-year starter Matthew Polowski (6-foot-2, 245 lbs, Sr, 4.0 GPA). This prospect is "extremely smart, has soft hands, and is a very versatile athlete. Matt runs precise routes, and really carries out his blocking assignments. He is a member of both the basketball and track teams. On the latter, he finished 9th in State in the discus. The key offensive lineman is senior Michael McDonnell (6-foot-4, 200 lbs, 4.0 GPA). He is "strong, fast, and one of the hardest workers on the team." This Student Body President also runs track (100 and 200 meters). The center is junior Jon McDonald (6-foot-0, 215 lbs, 3.6 GPA), who actually has started since his freshman year. He follows in the footsteps of four older brothers that starred on the gridiron (including sibling Cody McDonald, who went on to play TE at Arizona State). Jon is "smart, has great football instincts, and a passion for the game. He is considered a college prospect at MLB", and plays baseball and runs track (100 and 200 meters, 4 X 400, shot).

The key lineman on defense is senior Patrick Sullivan (5-foot-8, 175 lbs, 3.6 GPA). This is a "determined, scrappy, aggressive athlete, who really uses his body well, and has a nose for the ball. He is tough, and has a non-stop motor." Patrick finished 5th at State in wrestling, and is on the track team (pole vault). A top corner is senior Dalton Davis (5-foot-4, 150 lbs). He is "very coachable, and has the speed and quickness to cover the passing and running game. Dalton is probably the best corner I have had in my tenure here." The FS is junior Nicholas Gleisner (6-foot-3, 160 lbs, 3.2 GPA), who is "tall, rangy, and a physical player. He makes a lot of tackles", and plays on the basketball team. The kicker is senior Eric Keilty (6-foot-1, 175 lbs, 3.4 GPA), who is "steady and consistent. To date, Eric has kicked FG's of 40 and 37 yards, and caught a 25 yard TD pass." He also plays soccer.

Other players that will start or see considerable playing time include: WR/DB John Rogers (5-foot-9, 160 lbs, Sr, soccer, tennis), RB/LB Corey Vaughan (6-foot-1, 185 lbs, Jr, 3.9 GPA), OL/LB Josh Dean (5-foot-11, 180 lbs, Jr, 3.0 GPA, basketball), OL/DL Matthew Dodt (5-foot-10, 200 lbs, Sr), OL/DL Andrew Korte (6-foot-0, 225 lbs, Sr, 4.0 GPA, track), OL/DL Andrew Gaylord (6-foot1, 270 lbs, Sr, wrestling, track), OL/DL Jake Hendrickson (6-foot-2, 220 lbs, Jr, 3.0 GPA, baseball).

The staff is outstanding. They consist of: Bob Bitler (offensive coordinator), Andrew Pongracz (defensive coordinator), Matt Kochis (asst coach/DL), Keith Householder (asst coach), Jim Grindey (OL), and Will Eubanks (asst coach). Five of the six have been with Coach Wahlheim since he arrived at the school. Conference games include: Coolidge (won 32-20), Sahuarita, Safford, Santa Cruz, Florence, and Globe. Other opponents are: Bourgade Catholic (won 49-26), Payson (won 45-16), and Parker (won 55-13). Besides the slew of experienced players, Coach feels the key is a strong off-season conditioning program. "The defense has been very stingy in short yardage situations. We toughened up our practice schedule, as we can do more with so many seasoned players. Our goal is to get better each week, and the community support is amazing. All of our facilities are being upgraded and expanded, and we will be moving into our new stadium next year. Everyone feels we are on a path towards a Championship season."