For more than a quarter century, Christopher Lonergan has watched a revolving door of coaches lead the Upper Perkiomen girls basketball program. Until the most recent vacancy, he never applied for the job.

            "The timing was never right," Lonergan said.

Kylie Knight grabs a rebound against Faith Christian.

            The veteran high school physical education teacher with an extensive coaching career has started his first season leading the Indians. Lonergan described it as his dream coaching job.

            "I'm loving being the coach of this team," he said.  "I've always been a supporter of the girls, and I want them to experience success."

            Lonergan, a 27-year teacher in the district, looks to provide stability for the program. The 1992 graduate of Abington Senior High School – the program's fifth head coach in the last eight seasons – succeeds Shelli Petsch, who joined the Gwynedd Mercy University women's basketball program as an assistant coach for the current season.

            Since qualifying for the Pioneer Athletic Conference and the District One playoffs nearly three years ago, the Tribe has mustered only nine victories over the last two seasons.  According to Lonergan, his players are only concerned about the upcoming season. He called them the most coachable group of student-athletes he's ever managed.

            "The girls are ready to write their own book," Lonergan said. "They are ready for the opportunities. They are looking to surprise some people."

            Lonergan has coached several of his current players on the middle school team, which he has led primarily since 2007. His resume includes serving as the lead assistant for Upper Perkiomen's girls team under head coach John Brittain from 2000 to 2004.

            The Ursinus University graduate, who played one year of basketball and two of baseball at the school, also coached in consecutive state title games as an assistant for the Council Rock North girls team in 2006 and 2007.

            All the while, Lonergan closely followed the Tribe girls. Over the years, administrators asked him more than once to apply for the head coaching job when it was vacant. But familial considerations prevented it.  "I was always rooting for them to have success," Lonergan said.

            Lonergan, whose team will open its season at home against Brandywine Heights on Tuesday, Dec. 3, claims he's ready to build a successful sustainable program. The coach wants the players to learn lessons on the floor by competing.

            "I want the girls to be in their majority of our games for four quarters," he said. "I think that's the best way to lay the foundation. That way, the success will be easier next year and beyond. We definitely have some winnable games on our schedule."

            According to the coach, the Tribe showed promise in a scrimmage over the weekend. Lonergan said the varsity squad played visiting Faith Christian Academy even for two quarters.

            Jenna Langenback and Makayla Marshall performed well against the Lions, according to the coach. He said the junior guards worked well together.

            "I feel very confident in both of them," Lonergan said.

            Oliva Keyser, a post player, is expected to provide the team's top defensive presence. The coach is expecting the 5-foot-10 junior to improve her offense.  Senior Azlynne Thyberg and junior Kylie Knight should get significant minutes. Burgundy Gahman, a sophomore, has made significant strides since eighth grade, according to Lonergan.

            "Burgundy has been phenomenal so far," the coach said. "I'm expecting big things from her."