Community Celebrates Athletics at 7th-Annual Pioneer Pride Classic

L-S High School and Martin Meylin students and staff participated in the Pioneer Pride Classic on 8/22/24. Photo credit: Jeff Swarr

Hundreds of current, former, and future L-S athletes gathered with their families at Pioneer Stadium on Thursday, August 22, for the 7th Annual Pioneer Pride Classic. The celebration officially kicked off L-S Athletics for the 2024-2025 school year and focused on the athletic department's theme of Pioneers, All Day, Every Day.

Central to the evening’s events was the recognition of 34-year veteran athletic trainer Jen McCrabb, who plans to retire at the end of the school year. McCrabb has also been a district health room assistant for over three decades.

“Mrs. McCrabb embodies what it means to be a Pioneer. She has Pride, Integrity, and Optimism, and she’s Noble, Empathetic, Eager, and Resilient,” said Dr. Branden Lippy, L-S athletic director, in her introduction of the district's treasured athletic trainer.

McCrabb took the microphone to thank her colleagues and recount memories from her time at L-S, including the excitement of a late-night heroes’ welcome for the baseball team after winning the 1994 state championship. Telling her story, she urged students to “keep working hard because hard work pays off.”

“I’d like to thank my family for the opportunity to go to college and pursue a career I love,” she said. “I’m so blessed to have a husband who supports me and loves sports as much as I do. The things I will cherish the most here at Lampeter-Strasburg are the relationships I have formed with athletes, staff, and the community. Thank you for allowing me to work with your children. Go Pioneers!”

Student-athletes presented McCrabb with a banner signed by athletes representing each sport offered at L-S. To close the evening, she posed for a photo with the banner and a crowd of students, teachers, alumni, and friends.

The 2024-2025 Pioneer Pride Classic also included performances from the marching band and cheerleaders and previews from L-S High School’s fall, winter, and spring sports teams. Senior Chloe Beatty spoke about her time as an L-S athlete, and the LSHS Varsity Club unveiled a new points-based program: the Pioneer Cup. Social studies teacher Matt Shockey and senior Chase Lauver served as emcees.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Pioneer Pride Classic and the Pioneer Strong Chicken BBQ!