A closer look at 2022 Westmoreland County Scholar-Athlete honorees
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Saturday, April 30, 2022 | 6:22 PM
Franklin Regional’s Sydney Lindeman is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Latrobe’s Jenna Bell is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Ligonier Valley’s Madison Griffin is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Kiski Area’s Faith Andree is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Burrell’s Brandon Coury is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Belle Vernon’s Jack Bryer is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Derry’s Tiana Moracco is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Burrell’s Nyjae Floyd is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Southmoreland’s Gracie Spadaro is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Yough’s Tristan Waldier is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Kiski Area’s Cody Dykes is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Yough’s Kayla Gerdich is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Franklin Regional’s Anthony DiFalco is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Derry’s Makenzie Eades is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Latrobe’s Tyler Lynch is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Mt. Pleasant’s Katie Hutter is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Corinn Brewer is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Penn-Trafford’s Gwendolyn Hershberger is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Monessen’s Jack Sacco is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Penn-Trafford’s Cade Yacamelli is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Norwin’s Michael Fleming is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Belle Vernon’s Morgan Einodshofer is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Southmoreland’s Kory Ansell is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Ligonier Valley’s George Golden is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Norwin’s Paloma Swankler is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Greensburg Central Catholic’s Ryan Appleby is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Mt. Pleasant’s Dayton Pitzer is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Jeannette’s Sophia Marcelli is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Valley’s Ben Aftanas is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Greensburg Salem’s Abigail Mankins is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Greensburg Salem’s Billy McChesney is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Valley’s Rachel Schrock is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Monessen’s Loni Scott is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Hempfield’s Katelyn Ross is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Jeannette’s Christopher Heminger is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Hempfield’s Daniel Sierk is a senior in the 2022 graduating class.
Morgan Einodshofer
Sports: Soccer and track and field
Parents: Susan and Michael Einodshofer
Class rank: 1 of 191
GPA: 4.589
College: Undecided
Extracurricular activities and honors: Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award in 2019. … National Honor Society. … Mid Mon Valley All-Sports Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete. … All-WPIAL soccer all-star.
James Bryer
Sports: Football, wrestling and baseball
Parents: Scott and Tina Bryer
Class rank: 35 of 191
GPA: 4.211
College: Case Western Reserve
Extracurricular activities and honors: Highest Honor Roll. … National Honor Society. … Science National Honor Society. … Pennsylvania All-Academic Gold Team. … Football captain.
Brandon Coury
Sports: Basketball
Parents: Bill and Nicole Coury
Class rank: 18 of 136
GPA: 4.17
College: Undecided
Extracurricular activities and honors: National Honor Society. … Distinguished Honors. … Math team. … Yearbook staff. … Scored more than 1,000 points in his career. … Three-year starter.
Nyjae Floyd
Sports: Basketball
Parent: Twaina Williams
Class rank: 31 of 136
GPA: 3.856
College: Slippery Rock
Extracurricular activities and honors: Received a Board of Governors Scholarship. … Distinguished Honors. … CPT Quality & Safety Certification. … Pre-Apprenticeship Certification.
Makenzie Eades
Sports: Swimming and volleyball
Parents: Heather and Tim Burns
Class rank: 11 of 146
GPA: 4.0
College: Lock Haven
Extracurricular activities and honors: Academic Excellence Award. … Science National Honor Society. … French National Honor Society. … French Club. … Mu Alpha Theta (Math National Honor Society).
Tiana Moracco
Sports: Basketball and volleyball
Parents: Andrea Hagans and Brent McManaway
Class rank: 8 of 146
GPA: 98.297
College: Pitt-Greensburg
Extracurricular activities and honors: She finished with 1,163 career points, becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer. … She received an Academic Excellence Award (four years). … Monogram Club.
Sydney Lindeman
Sports: Soccer and basketball
Parents: Keith and Wendy Lindeman
Class rank: 163 to 265
GPA: 3.513
College: Towson
Extracurricular activities and honors: Regional All-American in 2021. … Four-year letterman and two-time soccer captain. … Soccer referee. … Received highest honors.
Anthony DiFalco
Sports: Soccer and football
Parents: Bob and Claire DiFalco
Class rank: 126 of 265
GPA: 3.72
College: Duquesne
Extracurricular activities and honors: Three-time Regional All-American and three-time All-American. … Four-year letterman, a captain and all-time leading goal soccer in school history. … A volunteer youth soccer coach.
Ryan Appleby
Sports: Basketball, soccer and baseball
Parents: Thomas and Mary Beth Appleby
Class rank: 13 of 68
GPA: 4.2
College: Seton Hill
Extracurricular activities and honors: Elizabeth Seton Academic Scholarship. … Honors Program Scholarship. … Catholic High Schools Scholarship. … National Honor Society. … Student Council President.
Corinn Brewer
Sports: Cross country, track and field and gymnastics
Parents: Mike and Judy Brewer
Class rank: 3 of 68
GPA: 4.36
College: Notre Dame
Extracurricular activities and honors: WPIAL Class A cross country champion in 2021 and four-time WPIAL place winner. … Placed third in the PIAA last fall and is a three-time placewinner. … USATF Three Rivers Association Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
Abigail Mankins
Sports: Basketball and volleyball
Parents: Craig and Lisa Mankins
Class rank: First decile
GPA: 3.97
College: Seton Hill
Extracurricular activities and honors: Member of the National Honor Society. … Straight A’s seven of eight semesters. … A member of Cornerstone Ministries. … Westmoreland County Rotary Club spelling bee champion.
Billy McChesney
Sports: Wrestling, football and track and field
Parents: Chrissy McChesney and the late Dean Betler
Class rank: First decile
GPA: 3.8571
College: Columbia
Extracurricular activities and honors: Member of the National Honor Society. … Four-year starter and two-year captain in all three sports. … Letterman’s Club. … Two-time PIAA placewinner and WPIAL Class 3A champion.
Katelyn Ross
Sports: Track and field and volleyball
Parents: Jason and Heidemarie Ross
Class rank: 60 of 446
GPA: 3.9
College: West Virginia
Extracurricular activities and honors: Member of the National Honor Society. … Peer mentor for freshmen. … Secretary of the senior class. … Captain of the volleyball team. … First girl at the school to start on volleyball team as a freshman.
Daniel Sierk
Sports: Football, basketball and track and field
Parents: Dr. Michael and Michelle Sierk
Class rank: 11 of 446
GPA: 4.5
College: Bucknell
Extracurricular activities and honors: National Merit Commended Scholar. … Distinguished Honor Roll (all semesters). … Pasta bridge engineering team. … Volunteer referee for youth basketball.
Christopher Heminger
Sports: Football
Parents: Conway and Jennifer Heminger
Class rank: 18 of 56
GPA: 3.6281
College: Undecided
Extracurricular activities and honors: Firefighter for the City of Jeannette. … Played four seasons of football.
Sophia Marcelli
Sports: Tennis
Parents: Dennis and Kelly Marcelli
Class rank: 1 of 56
GPA: 4.0
College: Seton Hill
Extracurricular activities and honors: Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship. … Seton Hill Honors Scholarship. … Captain of the tennis team. … Treasurer of the National Honor Society. … Member of the marching band.
Faith Andree
Sports: Soccer
Parents: Jeffrey Andree and Kimberly Faith Andree
Class rank: 10 of 277
GPA: 4.28
College: Wagner
Extracurricular activities and honors: Wagner College Soccer Scholarship and Wagner College Founders Scholarship. … Student Council class officer. … Environmental Club. … Scored 28 goals in her career.
Cody Dykes
Sports: Football and track and field
Parents: Carrie Dykes and Jon Dykes
Class rank: 3 of 277
GPA: 4.3
College: Ohio Northern
Extracurricular activities and honors: He was a four-year letterman and first-team all-conference kicker and two-time all-conference punter. … On the academic quiz team and math team. … High honor roll (four years).
Tyler Lynch
Sports: Football, wrestling and track and field
Parents: Sean and Lynn Lynch
Class rank: 28 of 291
GPA: 4.13
College: Appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point
Extracurricular activities and honors: First-team all-conference guard. … Team captain. … Co-founder of the Cats Pride Initiative. … Class president. … Academic high honor roll.
Jenna Bell
Sports: Tennis and swimming
Parents: Aaron and Samantha Bell
Class rank: 8 of 291
GPA: 4.26
College: Ohio Northern
Extracurricular activities and honors: Received the Ohio Northern Pharmacy Polar Award, the Ohio Northern Trustee Scholarship and Pharmacy Interview Scholarship. … She is a member of the National Honor Society. … WPIAL Class 3A runner-up and PIAA singles and doubles qualifier.
Madison Griffin
Sports: Softball, basketball
Parent: Mark Griffin
Class rank: 4 of 122
GPA: 4.08
College: Youngstown State
Extracurricular activities and honors: Struck out 21 batters in tossing a perfect game. … Threw 11 no-hitters as a junior. … Struck out 316 batters as a junior. … National Honor Society. … Helped the Food2Go4Kids program.
George Golden
Sports: Soccer, football and baseball
Parents: Joseph and Jessica Golden
Class rank: 11 of 122
GPA: 3.88
College: Montana State
Extracurricular activities and honors: Received Academic Achievement Award from Montana State. … Spanish National Honor Society. … He enjoys working on his fly tying skills and enjoys skiing and fly fishing.
Loni Scott
Sports: Cheerleading, softball and basketball
Parent: Gina Thorpe
Class rank: 4 of 47
GPA: 4.24
College: Duquesne
Extracurricular activities and honors: Captain of the cheerleading squad. … Received a NEED Achiever Scholarship. … Class president. … Highest honors on honor roll throughout high school. … Leo Club.
Jack Sacco
Sports: Soccer, basketball and baseball
Parents: John and Marissa Scarvel Sacco
Class rank: 2 of 47
GPA: 4.6098
College: Washington & Jefferson
Extracurricular activities and honors: Class vice-president in 2022. … National Honor Society. … A member of the marching band. … Youth baseball umpire. … Was part of the school’s group for performing arts.
Dayton Pitzer
Sports: Wrestling
Parents: Kristy and Kevin Golkosky and Cliff Pitzer
Class rank: 33 of 133
GPA: 4.0
College: Pitt
Extracurricular activities and honors: Three-time WPIAL and PIAA Class 2A champion. … Had 100 career pins. … He is a member of the Robotics Club and Student Council. … He volunteered with Equestrian’s with disabilities helping youth on horseback. … National Honor Society.
Kathryn Hutter
Sports: Softball and tennis
Parents: Abbey and Aaron Hutter
Class rank: 21 of 133
GPA: 4.0
College: Akron
Extracurricular activities and honors: First-team all-state selection in softball. … Helped the Vikings win WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A titles in 2021. … Young Engineers Program through Kennametal. … Volunteer at Mt. Pleasant Glass Festival. … High honors.
Paloma Swankler
Sports: Soccer and unified bocce
Parents: Kimberly and Daniel Coyne
Class rank: 29 of 402
GPA: 3.995
College: Robert Morris
Extracurricular activities and honors: National Honor Society. … Accepted to the RMU Women’s Leadership and Mentorship Program. … Selected to the RMU Faculty Fellowship Program. … Is on the school’s unified bocce team.
Michael D. Fleming
Sports: Basketball and volleyball
Parents: Brian and Pattie Fleming
Class rank: 76 of 402
GPA: 3.964
College: Saint Vincent
Extracurricular activities and honors: Three-year starter on the basketball team and was selected captain of the Roundball Classic. … National Honor Society. … High/Excellent Honor Roll for every term of high school.
Gwendolyn Hershberger
Sports: Field hockey and lacrosse
Parents: Tina and Chad Hershberger
Class rank: 33 of 328
GPA: 4.3585
College: Ohio
Extracurricular activities and honors: 2021 National All-Academic team. … Helped Penn-Trafford win field hockey titles from 2018-21. … Undefeated as a goalie in WPIAL competition in 2020 and 2021. … Science Honor Society. … YWCA volunteer goalie coach.
Cade Yacamelli
Sports: Football
Parents: Kerry and Kristine Yacamelli
Class rank: 32 of 328
GPA: 4.3571
College: Wisconsin
Extracurricular activities and honors: Helped Penn-Trafford win its first WPIAL and PIAA Class 5A titles. … Was Tribune-Review of the Year. … He rushed for 1,866 yards and scored 24 touchdowns. … National Honor Society. … PA Football News All-Academic team.
Kory Ansell
Sports: Football, baseball and track and field
Parents: Michael and Jackie Ansell
Class rank: 6 of 136
GPA: 3.93
College: Cal (Pa.)
Extracurricular activities and honors: Received a Vulcan Merit award. … Was part of the Scottie Iron Club. … Honor roll, all-academic team and scholar-athlete.
Grace Spadaro
Sports: Volleyball, basketball and track and field
Parents: Eugene and Susan Spadaro
Class rank: 17 of 136
GPA: 3.82
College: IUP
Extracurricular activities and honors: Was Tribune-Review Girls Basketball Player of the Year. … She scored more than 1,000 points in her career. … Was the captain of the basketball and track and field teams the past two seasons. … Received IUP’s Sutton Scholarship.
VALLEY
Rachel Lynn Schrock
Sports: Tennis and cheerleading
Parents: Terry and Denise Schrock
Class rank: 1 of 151
GPA: 4.297
College: Pitt
Extracurricular activities and honors: Captain of the tennis team. … Section doubles champion in 2021 and placed second singles. … Received an academic scholarship to Pitt. … She is valedictorian and was vice-president of the National Honor Society. … She was also class president.
Benjamin Aftanas
Sports: Baseball, basketball and golf
Parents: Doug and Erin Aftanas
Class rank: 5 of 151
GPA: 4.12
College: Pitt-Greensburg
Extracurricular activities and honors: First-team all-section infielder. … Played in the 2022 A-K Valley Cager Classic. … National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. … Vice-president of the Ski Club.
Kayla Gerdich
Sports: Basketball and soccer
Parents: Michael and Catherine Gerdich
Class rank: 1 of 157
GPA: 4.0
College: Rochester
Extracurricular activities and honors: She is the school’s valedictorian. … National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society. … President of The Future in Mine. … Captain of the basketball team.
Tristin Waldier
Sports: Football, basketball and baseball
Parents: Robert and Theresa Waldier
Class rank: 16 of 157
GPA: 3.95
College: Edinboro
Extracurricular activities and honors: Interstate Conference all-star as a linebacker. … Spanish National Honor Society. … Spirit Club. … Food Bank volunteer. … National Honor Society Senior Mentoring leader.
RECENT SCHOLAR-ATHLETE EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS
1986: Kenneth Patrick, Greensburg Salem
1987: Ronald Moore, Hempfield
1988: Not available
1989: Rob Holmberg, Mt. Pleasant
1990: Craig Fayak, Belle Vernon
1991: Not available
1992: Liz Silvis, Hempfield
1993: Joseph Bigler, Penn-Trafford
1994: Dan Stavisky, Mt. Pleasant
1995: Shane Kenney, Greensburg Salem
1996: Gina Naccarato, Monessen
1997: Christopher Dugan, Southmoreland
1998: Michael DeRenzo, Franklin Regional
1999: Katie Bruzda, Derry
2000: Chase Helon, Monessen; Jessica Mohamed, Kiski Area
2001: Jeff Mroz, Greensburg C.C.; Ashley Weimer, Norwin
2002: Anne Gagliardi, Franklin Regional; Brian Sticca, Greensburg Salem
2003: Karissa Walker, Latrobe; Christopher Marsh, Greensburg Salem
2004: Nicole Mannella, Penn-Trafford; Greg Mroz, Greensburg C.C.
2005: Anthony Manley, Greensburg Salem; Jennilee Morrison, Jeannette
2006: Caitlin Hewitt, Latrobe; Donnie Ament, Mt. Pleasant
2007: Rachel Roddy, Greensburg Salem; Justin Shaffer, Yough
2008: Nico Cortese, Greensburg C.C.; Amanda Palenchar, Derry
2009: Natalie Bower, Latrobe; Chris Klimchock, Greensburg Salem
2010: Samantha Pickens, Franklin Regional; Luke Graham, Penn-Trafford
2011: Travis Shaffer, Derry; Nicole Sleith, Yough
2012: Kasey Kemp, Norwin; Jim Gulibon, Derry
2013: Maddy Grimm, Ligonier Valley; Matt McCutcheon, Kiski Area
2014: Frannie Crouse, Greensburg C.C.; Brent Kennedy, Kiski Area
2015: Maddie Holmberg, Hempfield; Michael Kemerer, Franklin Regional
2016: Alayna Gribble, Norwin; Micky Phillippi, Derry
2017: Mikayla Bisignani, Greensburg C.C.; Spencer Lee, Franklin Regional
2018: Bailey Parshall, Belle Vernon; Robby Patrick, Ligonier Valley
2019: Palmer Jackson, Franklin Regional; Maggie Moore, Southmoreland
2020: Olivia Persin, Hempfield; Kurtis Phipps, Norwin
2021: Mt. Pleasant’s Haylie Brunson; Burrell’s Ian Oswalt
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
Tags: Belle Vernon, Burrell, Derry Area, Franklin Regional, Greensburg C.C., Greensburg Salem, Hempfield, Jeannette, Kiski Area, Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Monessen, Mt. Pleasant, Norwin, Penn-Trafford, Southmoreland, Valley, Yough
