BARNESVILLE - Starting this fall, the Schuylkill League’s postseason will have a new look.

St. Luke’s University Health Network was named the presenting sponsor and sports medicine provider of the Schuylkill League Championships Thursday at a press conference held at Mountain Valley Golf Course. “We are completely excited for this unique partnership,” said Schuylkill League President and Tamaqua Assistant Superintendent Stephen Toth. “I think it is a great partnership because I believe both St. Luke’s Health Network, along with our league, the Schuylkill League, have very much combined thoughts, and combined ideals, and we kind of fit like a glove; hand-in-hand.

“Their culture is very similar to our culture. We’re here to help our student-athletes, they’re here to help our student-athletes, and it’s a very good partnership from that standpoint. And having it be student-centered, is really where the rubber hits the road for us, as well as St. Luke’s. So we’re excited about this partnership, and we look forward to it continuing for years to come.”

The five-year pact begins with the 2018-19 scholastic season, and is worth about $260,000 in services and sponsorships, Toth noted.

St. Luke’s will provide coverage services for the Schuylkill League Championships in girls volleyball, cheerleading, wrestling, baseball, softball, plus boys and girls divisions in cross county, golf, soccer, tennis and basketball, as well as track and field.

“Partnering with the Schuylkill League on their championship series is an awesome opportunity for St. Luke’s University Health Network and their sports medicine team,” said John Hauth, Senior Network Administrator of Sports Medicine at St. Luke’s. “It will pretty much focus on selected championship events, where additional resources, additional athletic trainers and other healthcare providers would be needed.

“During the course of the fall, winter and spring seasons, we know that we have championship events where hundreds of athletes come to participate, and compete. And bringing additional healthcare services to those athletes ensures that we’re providing the very best in safeguarding those student-athletes.”

District 11 has enjoyed a partnership with St. Luke’s as a corporate sponsor of its championship events for several years. The opportunity for the league to partner with the healthcare provider is one that’s exciting for its 18 full member schools and three associate member schools.

“It’s always evolving, different ways you could do stuff to promote your league, give more opportunities to your student athletes,” said Kyle Spotts, Lehighton’s Director of Student Services and Facilities Planning. “We’ve seen other leagues in District 11 have sponsorships, and affiliations, with their championships, with their league as a whole; District 11 has a partnership (with St. Luke’s).

“I think the Schuylkill League is just following in those steps. To offer their athletes, in particular Schuylkill League athletes, just something that they haven’t had the opportunity to do previously, and I think that’s all you can ask for. It’s a great opportunity for these kids, and I think they should be excited knowing they’re going to have coverage that is tremendous for them at any point where they travel for any playoff atmosphere for any playoff events.”

Tamaqua Athletic Director Mike Hromyak has seen the devotion for his school’s student-athletes in action, with St. Luke’s working his school’s athletic events.

Hromyak expects that same commitment to continue during the Schuylkill League Championships.

“The relationship with the Schuylkill League, first coming from District 11, I think that opened doors for our kids,” said Hromyak.

“And not only because of District 11 playoffs, but our Schuylkill League playoffs. So the relationship from St. Luke’s, it just shows that their dedication to our student-athletes, as a whole throughout District 11, that it’s there, and you know it’s gonna be there, and it’s gonna be ... top-notch.”

A new, three-story 120,000-square-foot acute care hospital being built by both St. Luke’s and Geisinger in West Brunswick Township near Orwigsburg is set to be completed by next year and will be pivotal for emergency treatment and other acute care to ensure the safety and support of Schuylkill League student athletes, according to a press release.

It also noted that the deal includes St. Luke’s sponsoring of the annual Schuylkill League Academic Breakfast, providing sponsorship banners and signage at championship events, medical supplies, championship medals, onsite physician coverage, coordination of ambulance service for championships if desired, along with educational lectures to support the league’s leadership series. St. Luke’s will also sponsor the Schuylkill League “Football Game of the Week” on ESPN Radio 1320 AM.