End of a Golden era

The Golden Eagles head coach hopes to see the start of a new era for the Kennedy Catholic High team.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
HERSHEY, Pa. -- In the beginning, they were doubted. In the end, they were touted.
The Kennedy Catholic High School boys basketball team brushed aside the criticism that came with a controversial offseason in which its former head coach was jailed.
Moving forward, the Golden Eagles put their focus on a new coach, a new system and a new goal that never had been attained in Pennsylvania basketball history -- five straight state championships.
"That was in the back of our minds," senior Dan McElhinny said. "That's all you read about."
They put together a season-ending winning streak that carried them all the way to Hershey, all the way to the PIAA Class A state championship game Friday at Hersheypark Arena.
Came up short: But instead of basking alone in the spotlight, the Golden Eagles had to settle for a share of the record book.
"We talked about making history," McElhinny said. "It just didn't come true today."
A 69-50 loss to Scotland School ended Kennedy Catholic's improbable run of four consecutive state titles, tying it with Carlisle, which accomplished the feat in Quad-A from 1985-88.
"After 18 years coaching in college, this is the best group I've had at any level, simply because of the tough situation they were in," said Kennedy Catholic first-year coach Tim Loomis, referring to Joe Votino's conviction on charges of corrupting the morals of a minor.
Under Votino, the Golden Eagles won four straight titles and six overall.
"Nobody expected them to get back [to Hershey] except those seniors," said Loomis, referring to Nolan Reimold, Phil Doyle, Cory Wittway and McElhinny.
Memories: McElhinny's basketball career is not over; he will play for Eastern Michigan University next season. But he already knows how important his high school memories will be.
"When I get older, I'll look back on it and say that I had a good high school career, winning three state championships," he said.
The Golden Eagles lost control of the game in the second quarter when they were outscored 20-8 by a team that dominated using quickness and athleticism.
Still, their legacy will be more than this game.
"You enjoyed every second of it, and you'll keep close relationships with the people you played basketball with," said Doyle, who will play football at Southern Illinois University in the fall.
"Just because we lost in the state championship doesn't mean it's going to tarnish our relationships," he said. "That's really what it's all about."
So where does Kennedy Catholic go from here? The Golden Eagles, who lose four senior starters, will look to their younger leaders and a history lesson of vast proportions.
Outside the team's locker room after the game, Loomis was asked whether Kennedy Catholic's era of state championship-caliber basketball is over.
"It better be," the coach said, "the start of a new era."
richesson@vindy.com