AMHERST – If the hirings this fall of Robin Bowkett in football and Dan Wyborney in girls soccer were attempts to pump life into the Souhegan High School athletic program, the mission was certainly accomplished.

Both Bowkett and Wyborney directed their clubs into the postseason.

“The energy around the programs, not just these two but all the fall programs was very strong. There was much enthusiasm, and they all were very positive,” said Souhegan Athletic Director Dick Miller.

Bowkett’s arrival had athletes, who for one reason or another had stopped playing the game, returning to the fold in numbers. That translated immediately to a better product on the field.

“He brought some energy and the kids certainly latched on to it,” said Miller. “They faced a really tough schedule, really tough and they should take pride in the way they performed. And it was nice to have the numbers we had. They were very good, we’re very pleased.”

The highlight to the Sabers’ season had to be the big home win over rival Milford before the biggest crowd of the year. Those two teams performed and they played hard, with class. It was an advertisement for student-athletics.

On the girls side, Wyborney’s crew went from a middle of the pack club to a state finalist, falling in the title game to Bishop Brady.

Between that run and the cross country team repeating in Division II and the Meet of Champions, it was an amazing fall for the Sabers.

“Each team really rose to the occasion,” said Miller.

Miller says it’s full speed ahead into the winter season.

The boys wrestling and girls track programs again seem to be very strong this winter.

A couple of notes to focus on this winter:

Charlie Swift takes over has the head coach of the Nordic Ski Team. …

Boys hockey remains a co-op program for the third year with Nashua North. “That’s been a positive for both schools, keeping hockey alive,” said Miller. …

And note, the Milford/Souhegan Wrestling Invitational on Dec. 9, will be held at Milford this year.