RIMERSBURG — Wins have been coming in bulk for Union football.

Athletes are starting to follow.

Over the past few years, the Golden Knights have evolved from pretenders to contenders in the Keystone Shortway Athletic Conference.

Union won just seven games combined from 2003-09 before taking a step forward with a 4-6 campaign in 2010.

The upward trend continued in 2011 with a trip to the District 9 Class A playoffs following a 7-3 regular season.

The Golden Knights climbed another rung in 2012 by punching a ticket to the playoffs for the second straight year with a 9-1 regular season.

The wave of success has been a fun ride for the players.

“It’s been a real great experience and lot of fun being on winning teams and being in the playoffs back-to-back years,” said senior Brett Trithart. “It’s the first time in Union history.”

“It got me excited. It got me pumped up and ready to play some more,” said junior Tyler Wiser. “I wish it wouldn’t have ended so early.”

First-round defeats to Port Allegany and Elk County Catholic in 2011 and 2012, respectively, have left the Golden Knights hungry for another chance. The turnaround has created a boost in numbers, along with confidence the momentum can continue.

“It brings kids out the woodwork that want to play again that left the team for a year or two,” said fourth-year coach Dave Louder.

Union had just 22 seniors, juniors and sophomores on its roster in 2009. That figure has jumped to 38 this season — a 42 percent increase.

“We lost 11 seniors (from 2012), but we gained that many in sophomores and we probably had six kids come out that didn’t play the last couple of years.

“As long as we keep getting numbers out, we’re going to be successful.”

However, the loss of several key players to graduation over the past two years have some believing Union will regress in 2013.

“We’re looking really young,” admitted Louder, “and a lot of people in the community are calling it a rebuilding season.”

The Golden Knights are eager to show such forecasts are inaccurate.

“It’s a smack in the face,” said senior Dylan Shirey, “but you know, what can you do? Just prove them wrong.”

Coaches have echoed that sentiment throughout preseason camp.

“We’ve told the kids that the names have changed, but the expectations haven’t,” said Louder. “They need to play up and come in thinking they can be a 9-1 or a 10-1 team.

“We lost a lot of leadership from last year,” he added. “Some of these younger guys and some of our seniors haven’t quite stepped up, but they’re starting to learn that leadership role and that will be key to our success this year.”

Shirey and Trithart have no such worries.

“I’m ready for it,” he said. “It’s a big step.”

“Being senior year,” said Trithart, “we’re going to go out and lay everything on the line, get as many wins as possible and get back in the playoffs.”