6 athletes from Quaker Valley Class of 2023 playing in college

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, September 3, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Six former Quaker Valley students — all 2023 graduates — are continuing their athletic careers at the next level, including Nora Johns, who will compete in basketball and track and field at Ohio Wesleyan.

Jakub Pickett is playing football at Cal (Pa.). A four-year starter in high school, Pickett led the Quakers in receiving both as a junior and senior.

He also was recruited by the likes of Clarion and Edinboro at the Division II level, along with Division III schools Washington & Jefferson, Westminster and others.

Three of the others who are continuing their athletic careers include Logan Richey, who will be wrestling at Duke, Alex MacDonald, who will compete in track and field at Amherst, and Elinor Graham, who is participating in crew at Brown.

Jimmy Zugai also plans to compete in baseball at Herkimer County Community College, located 60 miles east of Syracuse in Herkimer, N.Y.

“He’s playing baseball and is very happy,” QV coach Rich Garbee said.

Team raises funds

The girls volleyball team held its annual car wash fundraiser in the Subway parking lot at Quaker Village, along with a team bonding experience before the start of the regular season.

The car wash was followed by a trip — at senior Annica Kagle’s suggestion — to Three Rivers Karting in Leetsdale. In the past, the Quakers have gone to laser tag or escape rooms.

“The go-karting was fun. It was a way for us to do something off the volleyball court as a team,” said Kagle, a 5-foot-9 right-side hitter. “It was very fun and competitive. There are a lot of girls on the team that are good at go-karting. It was a great way for us to get to know each other. I think everyone enjoyed it.”

The QV players raised more than $3,000 at the car wash.

“The money goes towards our boosters,” Kagle said. “The boosters provide us with summer league fees, a team banquet, senior night, team gear, etc. We raised a lot of money this year and are so excited for what’s to come.

“Thank you to everyone who donated and have supported our team.”

Home cooking

QV’s football team is scheduled to play six of its 10 regular-season games at home at Chuck Knox Stadium.

The Quakers opened the season Aug. 24 at home against Freedom, followed by home games against Mohawk (Sept. 1) and Freeport (Sept. 8).

QV returns home Sept. 29 to host Hopewell, then has two games on its home turf in October against West Mifflin (Oct. 13) and Avonworth (Oct. 27).

Coach recruiting

QV coach Jason Cappa constantly is on the lookout for athletes at the school not currently in the football program.

“We want to continue inviting the top athletes in the school to be a part of building a championship program,” he said.

Tags: Quaker Valley