Two coaching vacancies at Peters Township were filled at Monday night's school board meeting. Chris Lebakken was hired as girls basketball coach, and Justin Pinto is the new boys and girls track coach.
Lebakken, a graduate of Shaler High School, was an assistant girls basketball coach at Shaler and an eighth-grad coach at Pine-Richland. He also coached AAU basketball since 2005. He replaces Kyra Kaylor, who spent the past two season as the Indians coach, and is third girls basketball coach at Peters Township since Dennis Squeglia resigned after guiding PT to the 2008 WPIAL Class AAAA championship game.
Pinto has been part of the Peters Township track program for some time and was the person Dennis "Buzz" Scott hoped would replace him. Scott retired at the end of the school year, ending a three-plus decade coaching career in football and track.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Trinity football's open letter
I covered the Alumni Football USA game Friday night between Washington and Trinity – a game Washington won with ease – and I'll probably share some quotes I got from walking around the sidelines during the second half sometime soon.
My hastily written story on the event can be read by clicking here. A question posed in the reader comments concerned why Trinity didn't practice at their own facilities. The game was played at Wash High, and the Hillers alumni team practiced at Chartiers-Houston.
We'll get to the answer in a minute.
First, I got a chance to catch up with former Hillers great Ben Jennings, who sure looked like he could still run the football. As I was ending the post-game interview with Jennings, he wanted to say one thing on the record, part of which could be read at the end of the story.
Jennings, a person I always considered thoughtful and soft-spoken, further criticized the Trinity Area School Board from what Jennings said was their lack of cooperation with helping the team to a refusal to host the game, which proved beneficial for the football players, wrestlers and cheerleaders at Washington. His words definitely caught my attention.
Then, I saw something on my windshield as I was leaving Wash High Stadium. It should answer the previous question.
"An open letter to Hiller Football Alumni and Fans:
The Trinity Football program is under attack by members of our Board of Education, at a time our program has reached levels of success over a long period of time never achieved before in Trinity football history. Currently, our program has reached the WPIAL playoffs six consecutive years – a feat only TJ, Mars and Franklin Regional can equal in Class AAA. In addition, we have 26 active college football players, nine at the Division I level, which ranks us in the top three percent in the nation for moving players on the college football. These board members Sandra Clutter, Coleen Interval, Scott Day and Dennis McWreath have been on a two-year mission to ruin our football program.
The most recent attacks have been to cut the football supply and equipment budget to virtually zero only buying football, and not much else for the program. This despite the football program bringing in more revenue through season tickets and at the gate then all other Trinity Area sports put together. Furthermore, cutting two of our top football coaching assistants, Dr. Chad Daloia (Class of 1991) and Mr. Craig Uram (2001), both are alumni, who own homes in the district, and have been great assistant coaches to our program.
In closing, big thanks to the Wash High Prexie Alumni and fans, as this night is an example of the Washington School District working together for a great event. Additional thanks to the Chartiers-Houston School District for allowing our team to practice at your facilities. Our Trinity Area School District would not even allow our team to practice or use any of our facilities. How embarrassing and sad for our alumni and fans. Please join our football web site www.trinityhillerfootball.com and our facebook page Coach Ed Dalton's Hiller Football Nation, or follow Coach Dalton on twitter @edalton2, so we can keep you up to date and have your support in this embarrassing and malicious campaign of destruction of our program at Trinity."
My hastily written story on the event can be read by clicking here. A question posed in the reader comments concerned why Trinity didn't practice at their own facilities. The game was played at Wash High, and the Hillers alumni team practiced at Chartiers-Houston.
We'll get to the answer in a minute.
First, I got a chance to catch up with former Hillers great Ben Jennings, who sure looked like he could still run the football. As I was ending the post-game interview with Jennings, he wanted to say one thing on the record, part of which could be read at the end of the story.
Jennings, a person I always considered thoughtful and soft-spoken, further criticized the Trinity Area School Board from what Jennings said was their lack of cooperation with helping the team to a refusal to host the game, which proved beneficial for the football players, wrestlers and cheerleaders at Washington. His words definitely caught my attention.
Then, I saw something on my windshield as I was leaving Wash High Stadium. It should answer the previous question.
"An open letter to Hiller Football Alumni and Fans:
The Trinity Football program is under attack by members of our Board of Education, at a time our program has reached levels of success over a long period of time never achieved before in Trinity football history. Currently, our program has reached the WPIAL playoffs six consecutive years – a feat only TJ, Mars and Franklin Regional can equal in Class AAA. In addition, we have 26 active college football players, nine at the Division I level, which ranks us in the top three percent in the nation for moving players on the college football. These board members Sandra Clutter, Coleen Interval, Scott Day and Dennis McWreath have been on a two-year mission to ruin our football program.
The most recent attacks have been to cut the football supply and equipment budget to virtually zero only buying football, and not much else for the program. This despite the football program bringing in more revenue through season tickets and at the gate then all other Trinity Area sports put together. Furthermore, cutting two of our top football coaching assistants, Dr. Chad Daloia (Class of 1991) and Mr. Craig Uram (2001), both are alumni, who own homes in the district, and have been great assistant coaches to our program.
In closing, big thanks to the Wash High Prexie Alumni and fans, as this night is an example of the Washington School District working together for a great event. Additional thanks to the Chartiers-Houston School District for allowing our team to practice at your facilities. Our Trinity Area School District would not even allow our team to practice or use any of our facilities. How embarrassing and sad for our alumni and fans. Please join our football web site www.trinityhillerfootball.com and our facebook page Coach Ed Dalton's Hiller Football Nation, or follow Coach Dalton on twitter @edalton2, so we can keep you up to date and have your support in this embarrassing and malicious campaign of destruction of our program at Trinity."
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Alumni game parking
A large crowd is expected for Friday night's Alumni Football USA game between Trinity and Washington at Wash High Stadium. Those attending the game should read this notice.
Alumni game parking and ticket sales
For fans going to the Trinity vs. Washington alumni football game on Friday, parking plans have been released. There will be limited, on-street free parking outside the stadium on Tyler Avenue. Paid parking will be available along the stadium fence on Humbert Lane for $3. Other $3 lots will be located in the field below the stadium that can be accessed via Humbert Lane or Montgomery Avenue, and the small lot on Tyler Avenue across the street from Wash High Stadium. Parking for $5 is available inside the stadium behind the scoreboard via Humbert Lane and inside the stadium near the fieldhouse via Tyler Avenue. Free parking is available at Washington High School for those wishing to car pool with others or walk.
Gates open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. All seating is general admission, and adult tickets are $8 with student and senior tickets $6. Children ages 9 & Under are admitted free.
Alumni game parking and ticket sales
For fans going to the Trinity vs. Washington alumni football game on Friday, parking plans have been released. There will be limited, on-street free parking outside the stadium on Tyler Avenue. Paid parking will be available along the stadium fence on Humbert Lane for $3. Other $3 lots will be located in the field below the stadium that can be accessed via Humbert Lane or Montgomery Avenue, and the small lot on Tyler Avenue across the street from Wash High Stadium. Parking for $5 is available inside the stadium behind the scoreboard via Humbert Lane and inside the stadium near the fieldhouse via Tyler Avenue. Free parking is available at Washington High School for those wishing to car pool with others or walk.
Gates open at 6 p.m. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. All seating is general admission, and adult tickets are $8 with student and senior tickets $6. Children ages 9 & Under are admitted free.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Merckle places second at World Team Trials
Fort Cherry’s Jessie Merckle turned in a strong performance Wednesday at the 2011 World Youth Track & Field Trials, held for athletes ages 16 & 17 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Merckle, who will be a senior, placed second with a throw of 148-6, eclipsing her personal best of 147-7 in 2010.
Haley Crouser from Oregon won the event with a throw of 167-6.
Despite the strong finish, Merckle was not selected to represent Team USA at the World Championships in Lille, France. A total of 43 athletes (boys and girls) were selected from 34 events.
Merckle is a two-time WPIAL Class AA javelin champion, and she placed second at the PIAA championships in May.
(Photos courtesy of Fort Cherry track coach Ben Maxin. Thanks Ben.)
Fort Cherry hires boys basketball coach
Fort Cherry filled its vacant boys varsity basketball coaching position Monday night when the school board approved the hiring of D.J. Gambridge.
A standout during his playing days at Bethel Park, Gambridge played at Thiel College before returning to the area. He most recently served as an assistant coach for Danny Holzer at Upper St. Clair.
Gambridge replaced Brent Fleissner, who spent two years as the Rangers coach. Fleissner was also Fort Cherry's athletic director, but left both positions when told he had to give one up. Like many schools, Fort Cherry will have AD duties assumed by another administrator. In this case, it will be assistant principal Bob Motte.
The Gambridge hiring marks the second time in recent years that Fort Cherry hired an assistant of Holzer's as its head coach. Former Duquesne University player Brad Midgley coached Fort Cherry for two seasons (2007-09) before getting the same post at Franklin Regional.
Fort Cherry also hired Shawn Palmer as girls volleyball coach.
A standout during his playing days at Bethel Park, Gambridge played at Thiel College before returning to the area. He most recently served as an assistant coach for Danny Holzer at Upper St. Clair.
Gambridge replaced Brent Fleissner, who spent two years as the Rangers coach. Fleissner was also Fort Cherry's athletic director, but left both positions when told he had to give one up. Like many schools, Fort Cherry will have AD duties assumed by another administrator. In this case, it will be assistant principal Bob Motte.
The Gambridge hiring marks the second time in recent years that Fort Cherry hired an assistant of Holzer's as its head coach. Former Duquesne University player Brad Midgley coached Fort Cherry for two seasons (2007-09) before getting the same post at Franklin Regional.
Fort Cherry also hired Shawn Palmer as girls volleyball coach.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Coming attractions
Monday's edition of the Observer-Reporter will feature the 2011 Softball Player of the Year and the All-District Team. The following day we will run the Baseball POY and accompanying All-District Team.
It's not the easiest task compiling the teams as the area produces a lot of talent in both sports coupled with attempting to get stats from coaches who are usually on vacation this time of year.
After that, I'll be working on the Boys and Girls Athlete of the Year. The sports staff has voted and the choices made. Also, there will the Top 10 Teams of the school year, along with some highlights of top performers and moments.
Then, following the highly anticipated Trinity-Washington Alumni football game (words I never expected to type together), the focus will shift to the 2011-12 school year.
Part of that focus will be on re-energizing The Varsity Letters.
R. Keith Taylor, a regular contributor and a coach in the Budd Grebb Summer Basketball League, suggested the return of Camp Kovak. That's a go.
Until then, the blog will take a much-needed break in a search for additional ideas. Of course, when a news story hits, it will be posted.
It's not the easiest task compiling the teams as the area produces a lot of talent in both sports coupled with attempting to get stats from coaches who are usually on vacation this time of year.
After that, I'll be working on the Boys and Girls Athlete of the Year. The sports staff has voted and the choices made. Also, there will the Top 10 Teams of the school year, along with some highlights of top performers and moments.
Then, following the highly anticipated Trinity-Washington Alumni football game (words I never expected to type together), the focus will shift to the 2011-12 school year.
Part of that focus will be on re-energizing The Varsity Letters.
R. Keith Taylor, a regular contributor and a coach in the Budd Grebb Summer Basketball League, suggested the return of Camp Kovak. That's a go.
Until then, the blog will take a much-needed break in a search for additional ideas. Of course, when a news story hits, it will be posted.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Gateway football player killed in N.C., another shot
Terribly sad story involving football players from Gateway High School.
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — High school football players from Pennsylvania likely exchanged words in a Durham parking lot with a stranger who then opened fire, killing one and injuring the other, police said Friday.
Gabriel James Gamez, 22, of San Antonio, is charged with murder and assault in the Thursday night shootings. Darrell Turner, 18, was killed, and his teammate, Thomas Woodson, 15, was treated for a gunshot wound to the leg and released from a hospital, Chief Jose Lopez said.
“I think this is just a chance encounter between the youth going back to their hotel and the suspect going back to his hotel,” Lopez told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “When they encountered each other, there was some sort of verbal exchange. ... The suspect drew a firearm and started firing at them.”
The players were students at Gateway High School in Monroeville, where Turner was a rising senior who played linebacker and Woodson, a rising junior, was a quarterback.
Darrell Turner, the victim’s father, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that his son was with several other Gateway football players visiting Duke University and the University of North Carolina. Detectives told him that his son and the other football players were leaving a restaurant when the suspect, apparently threatened by the group of athletes, opened fire, he said.
“It’s just senseless,” Turner said. “It didn’t have to happen.”
He said the group planned to continue to Florida State University after the stops in North Carolina.
“He had a big heart,” Turner said. “He loved his family and football was his passion.”
The players had eaten at Five Guys, while Gamez had been at Outback. They were returning to different hotels when they ran into each other in the parking lot, Lopez said. Police found Gamez, and the weapon they believe he used, after talking with his family members, Lopez said. Gamez was in town for a funeral.
Gamez is being held in the Durham County Jail without bond, and it’s not clear if he has an attorney.
Authorities said Gamez has a July 19 hearing in Bexar County, Texas, for a misdemeanor theft charge.
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — High school football players from Pennsylvania likely exchanged words in a Durham parking lot with a stranger who then opened fire, killing one and injuring the other, police said Friday.
Gabriel James Gamez, 22, of San Antonio, is charged with murder and assault in the Thursday night shootings. Darrell Turner, 18, was killed, and his teammate, Thomas Woodson, 15, was treated for a gunshot wound to the leg and released from a hospital, Chief Jose Lopez said.
“I think this is just a chance encounter between the youth going back to their hotel and the suspect going back to his hotel,” Lopez told The Associated Press in a phone interview. “When they encountered each other, there was some sort of verbal exchange. ... The suspect drew a firearm and started firing at them.”
The players were students at Gateway High School in Monroeville, where Turner was a rising senior who played linebacker and Woodson, a rising junior, was a quarterback.
Darrell Turner, the victim’s father, told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that his son was with several other Gateway football players visiting Duke University and the University of North Carolina. Detectives told him that his son and the other football players were leaving a restaurant when the suspect, apparently threatened by the group of athletes, opened fire, he said.
“It’s just senseless,” Turner said. “It didn’t have to happen.”
He said the group planned to continue to Florida State University after the stops in North Carolina.
“He had a big heart,” Turner said. “He loved his family and football was his passion.”
The players had eaten at Five Guys, while Gamez had been at Outback. They were returning to different hotels when they ran into each other in the parking lot, Lopez said. Police found Gamez, and the weapon they believe he used, after talking with his family members, Lopez said. Gamez was in town for a funeral.
Gamez is being held in the Durham County Jail without bond, and it’s not clear if he has an attorney.
Authorities said Gamez has a July 19 hearing in Bexar County, Texas, for a misdemeanor theft charge.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
2010-11 Boys Athlete of the Year finalists
Mike Hull may no longer be at Canon-McMillan and, contrary to recent rumors, the school will not be renamed Canon-MikeHull. Still, Hull carved quite a legacy during his high school days and, as a senior, he was selected as the Observer-Reporter's Boys Athlete of the Year.
This year's honoree will come from the following finalists:
Nate Bellhy, Fort Cherry
Bellhy became the first local basketball player to commit this year when he picked Seton Hill. A three-time first-team all-district player, Bellhy averaged 25.8 points and finished his career as FC’s all-time scoring leader with 1,518 points. In his first year of varsity football, Bellhy excelled at receiver and caught 50 passes.
Nick Bolias, Monessen
A defensive stopper in football and basketball, Bolias was an second-team all-state defensive back but made an equal impact as the leading receiver for the Greyhounds. Bolias started at point guard for Monessen, which won the WPIAL Class AA championship (convincingly) and reached the state semifinals. Bolias would always draw the opponent’s top offensive player, whether he was 5-10 or 6-6. Bolias also played soccer during the fall, and helped Monessen to a strong season.
Christian Brumbaugh, South Fayette
A William & Mary football signee, Brumbaugh established every WPIAL passing record imaginable during his senior season from career yards to single-season yards. He also established a PIAA record for single-season TD passes for South Fayette’s WPIAL championship team, which reached the state final. Brumbaugh started at center for a team that reached the WPIAL Class AAA finals and the PIAA semifinals.
Derrick Fiore, Ringgold
A Cal U football recruit, Fiore was selected to the O-R Elite 11 and he rushed for 1,200 yards and averaged 10 yards per carry for the first Ringgold team to go undefeated and untied in the regular season. Fiore was also an all-conference defensive back, where he was recruited by Cal. Fiore joined the basketball team as a senior and cracked the rotation for a team that made a 14-game improvement from the previous year. A sprinter in track, Fiore ran the anchor leg on Ringgold’s WPIAL championship 400 relay team.
Austin Hancock, Peters Township
Few area athletes possess the natural leadership skills of Hancock, a two-sport standout in football and baseball. The Fordham-bound football player quarterback Peters Township to the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs for the first time, and the Indians were the only team to hold a lead on PIAA champion North Allegheny in the postseason, albeit a 7-0 lead early in the game. Hancock was a dual threat in football, and some believe he may be a better baseball player. Batting in the middle of the Indians' order, Hancock delivered power numbers and was a four-year starter.
Josh Patterson, South Fayette
Patterson has the rare distinction of competing for WPIAL team championships in all three sports seasons as a senior. He was the third-leading receiver on the football team, and made several big plays during the postseason. In basketball, Patterson served as South Fayette’s defensive specialist and earned third-team all-district honors. Patterson also qualified for the PIAA championships in the triple jump. He will play basketball at Grove City, but has been asked to join the football and track teams as well.
Jeff Tarley, Beth-Center
Tarley will wrestler for West Virginia and returned to his three-sport ways as a senior. Tarley served as B-C’s tailback and nearly rushed for 1,000 yards despite missing several games. In wrestling, Tarley won his second WPIAL championship and placed second at the state tournament. In baseball, Tarley’s presence helped the Bulldogs to one of their better seasons.
This year's honoree will come from the following finalists:
Nate Bellhy, Fort Cherry
Bellhy became the first local basketball player to commit this year when he picked Seton Hill. A three-time first-team all-district player, Bellhy averaged 25.8 points and finished his career as FC’s all-time scoring leader with 1,518 points. In his first year of varsity football, Bellhy excelled at receiver and caught 50 passes.
Nick Bolias, Monessen
A defensive stopper in football and basketball, Bolias was an second-team all-state defensive back but made an equal impact as the leading receiver for the Greyhounds. Bolias started at point guard for Monessen, which won the WPIAL Class AA championship (convincingly) and reached the state semifinals. Bolias would always draw the opponent’s top offensive player, whether he was 5-10 or 6-6. Bolias also played soccer during the fall, and helped Monessen to a strong season.
Christian Brumbaugh, South Fayette
A William & Mary football signee, Brumbaugh established every WPIAL passing record imaginable during his senior season from career yards to single-season yards. He also established a PIAA record for single-season TD passes for South Fayette’s WPIAL championship team, which reached the state final. Brumbaugh started at center for a team that reached the WPIAL Class AAA finals and the PIAA semifinals.
Derrick Fiore, Ringgold
A Cal U football recruit, Fiore was selected to the O-R Elite 11 and he rushed for 1,200 yards and averaged 10 yards per carry for the first Ringgold team to go undefeated and untied in the regular season. Fiore was also an all-conference defensive back, where he was recruited by Cal. Fiore joined the basketball team as a senior and cracked the rotation for a team that made a 14-game improvement from the previous year. A sprinter in track, Fiore ran the anchor leg on Ringgold’s WPIAL championship 400 relay team.
Austin Hancock, Peters Township
Few area athletes possess the natural leadership skills of Hancock, a two-sport standout in football and baseball. The Fordham-bound football player quarterback Peters Township to the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs for the first time, and the Indians were the only team to hold a lead on PIAA champion North Allegheny in the postseason, albeit a 7-0 lead early in the game. Hancock was a dual threat in football, and some believe he may be a better baseball player. Batting in the middle of the Indians' order, Hancock delivered power numbers and was a four-year starter.
Josh Patterson, South Fayette
Patterson has the rare distinction of competing for WPIAL team championships in all three sports seasons as a senior. He was the third-leading receiver on the football team, and made several big plays during the postseason. In basketball, Patterson served as South Fayette’s defensive specialist and earned third-team all-district honors. Patterson also qualified for the PIAA championships in the triple jump. He will play basketball at Grove City, but has been asked to join the football and track teams as well.
Jeff Tarley, Beth-Center
Tarley will wrestler for West Virginia and returned to his three-sport ways as a senior. Tarley served as B-C’s tailback and nearly rushed for 1,000 yards despite missing several games. In wrestling, Tarley won his second WPIAL championship and placed second at the state tournament. In baseball, Tarley’s presence helped the Bulldogs to one of their better seasons.
2010-11 Girls Athlete of the Year Finalists
The reign of Taylor Schram, who started as a freshman on the Penn State girls soccer team, as the Observer-Reporter's Girls Athlete of the Year is about to conclude.
The sports staff will select the 2010-11 Girls AOY from the following four finalists.
Nicole Hilton, South Fayette
An Ohio State track recruit, Hilton was a former four-sport athlete who discovered, as a junior, that she can run. As a senior, Hilton won WPIAL Class AA cross country champion and placed sixth at state meet. In track, she was a WPIAL Class AA champion in 1,600 and 3,200 runs, and a PIAA champion in 3,200 run.
Jessie Merckle, Fort Cherry
A ballgirl for the Rangers football team, who may end up being the kicker in 2011, Merckle made a name for herself in basketball and track. A scrappy, tough point guard on the best girls basketball team in FC history, Merckle played for WPIAL championship and the team reached PIAA quarters. She was first-team all-district in hoops, averaged 11.1 points in addition to being a top-flight defensive guard. A WPIAL Class AA javelin champion for second consecutive season, Merckle placed second at the state meet.
Shelli Spamer, Peters Township
Like last year’s AOY Taylor Schram, Spamer is a highly accomplished soccer player. She received a full scholarship to play at NC State and has been part of the national player pool in her age group for several years. Spamer scored 28 goals despite being a playmaker for WPIAL and PIAA champions. She dominated the pace of the PIAA championship game.
Tanya Timko, Chartiers-Houston
Timko is believed to be the first tennis player in WPIAL history to qualify for PIAA tennis championships in all four categories – boys singles, boys doubles, girls singles and girls doubles. As a senior, IUP-bound Timko played boys singles. She finished third in WPIAL singles, losing in the semifinals to the eventual WPIAL and PIAA champion. Timko lost in first round of state tournament.
The sports staff will select the 2010-11 Girls AOY from the following four finalists.
Nicole Hilton, South Fayette
An Ohio State track recruit, Hilton was a former four-sport athlete who discovered, as a junior, that she can run. As a senior, Hilton won WPIAL Class AA cross country champion and placed sixth at state meet. In track, she was a WPIAL Class AA champion in 1,600 and 3,200 runs, and a PIAA champion in 3,200 run.
Jessie Merckle, Fort Cherry
A ballgirl for the Rangers football team, who may end up being the kicker in 2011, Merckle made a name for herself in basketball and track. A scrappy, tough point guard on the best girls basketball team in FC history, Merckle played for WPIAL championship and the team reached PIAA quarters. She was first-team all-district in hoops, averaged 11.1 points in addition to being a top-flight defensive guard. A WPIAL Class AA javelin champion for second consecutive season, Merckle placed second at the state meet.
Shelli Spamer, Peters Township
Like last year’s AOY Taylor Schram, Spamer is a highly accomplished soccer player. She received a full scholarship to play at NC State and has been part of the national player pool in her age group for several years. Spamer scored 28 goals despite being a playmaker for WPIAL and PIAA champions. She dominated the pace of the PIAA championship game.
Tanya Timko, Chartiers-Houston
Timko is believed to be the first tennis player in WPIAL history to qualify for PIAA tennis championships in all four categories – boys singles, boys doubles, girls singles and girls doubles. As a senior, IUP-bound Timko played boys singles. She finished third in WPIAL singles, losing in the semifinals to the eventual WPIAL and PIAA champion. Timko lost in first round of state tournament.
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