"I'm stepping into something I didn't have a hand in building. I'm acquiring something that I feel lucky [to have]," said Gebauer, who assumed the La Salle post this summer after one year as an assistant under Stanley.
Gebauer will rely on longtime Stanley assistant and now associate head coach Anthony Panzarella in his first year as a head coach anywhere. It's an opportunity to lead the most prominent District 12 team ever, a program that has been a mainstay at the state tournament ever since it was eligible to compete a few years ago.
Yet, it's a bit of a rebuilding year for La Salle. The team lost some things: Joe Mazzi, the school's all-time wins leader, to graduation; Pennsylvania's No. 1-ranked 170-pounder, Shane Springer, who transferred to Norristown; and P.J. Steinmetz, an upper-weight standout, who also transferred out of La Salle, to Council Rock South. Richie Cerebe also swapped schools, moving to Phil-Mont Christian.
The transfers, in particular, hurt the lineup.
"You're not excited about it. . . . It was definitely hard to hear," Gebauer said.
There are a few stalwarts still on the roster, however, and topflight guys at that. Penn commit Casey Kent and Drexel signee Matt Cimato both have legitimate chances at individual state titles this year. Senior Bryan Pflanz, as of Sunday, had 98 career victories and counting.
The team is competing at area tournaments until its PCL opener on Jan. 4 vs. Conwell Egan. Father Judge figures to be La Salle's stiffest competition in the league this year, but the Explorers are still the favorite to win a fourth-straight title.
If Gebauer needs any advice, he knows where to go.
"I talk to Vic probably every week," he said.
Hawks go big. The addition of Steinmetz to Council Rock South's lineup epitomizes why the Golden Hawks will remain a District 1 powerhouse this season.
