Westmoreland high school notes: Softball could adopt communication devices

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, July 27, 2024 | 5:25 PM

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A key rule change could alter the way coaches and catchers communicate on the softball field.

If the PIAA adopts a new rule, starting next season teams will be permitted to use electronic devices for one-way communication to the catcher during games.

The rule was passed by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Baseball began using electronic devices to relay signs and talk to catchers for the first time last season.

Devices in play include earpieces, electronic bands and smart watches. Baseball teams also took advantage of Bluetooth pair-ups.

Coaches can convey pitch types and locations and keep an eye on potential base stealers. The catcher becomes the focal point of information. Traffic control behind the plate. The eyes and ears of each pitch and the pending result.

There could be more waves of technology washing up on the shores of the sport in the future.

College and travel teams are using electronic wristbands to convey information but only for defense. No new rules have been applied to the high school game yet regarding electronic wristbands, but they could be in the works.

Sidun skips Fargo

PIAA wrestling champion Landon Sidun, a rising sophomore at Norwin, did not return to Fargo, N.D., to defend his national title.

Norwin coach Kyle Martin said Sidun is training for his sophomore season. His absence from summer competition is all part of his training.

“He has never had this much of a break between competitions, and his periodization plan is working well. He is getting a ton of work with coaches everywhere, especially at the college level. This time off from competition has been great for Landon. First and foremost, he is getting completely healthy and not constantly competing with bumps, bruises, strains (etc.).”

Sidun, a 114-pounder, was 42-2 in his first year of WPIAL and PIAA competition.

A cornerstone in Martin’s message to athletes and their parents is that nobody should train the same way.

“They are all different, need different things, and one formula isn’t going to work for others,” Martin said. “This summer is a perfect example. While Landon needs less competition and more training and reps, (other athletes) need high level competition that they haven’t seen yet to prepare for another ridiculously tough high school schedule that we are putting together at Norwin.”

Offer for Berger

Norwin rising senior basketball player Kendall Berger added a third NCAA Division II scholarship offer.

Clarion joined Seton Hill and Wheeling as a potential destination for the 5-foot-10 combo guard who helped lead Norwin to a WPIAL 6A championship last season.

Ace for Klimchock

Basketball coach Rick Klimchock has accomplished plenty in his 30 years of guiding local teams, including more than 400 wins.

But the Greensburg Salem girls coach did something for the first time as a golfer last week.

Klimchock, 68, recorded his first hole-in-one while playing a round at Mt. Odin Golf Course. While playing in his senior league, he aced No. 14, a 113-yard, uphill par 3, with an 8-iron.

The shot was the highlight of one of his best rounds at the course. He shot 76.

Another local coach, Tom Olesky, along with George Peltier and Terry Weightman were in his group.

“I hit it solid and watched it hit and roll in,” Klimchock said. “George saw it first, and he got excited. We all did. I was in shock. Cool it happened in league.”

Recruiting

Recent Jeannette graduate Addasyn Stout will continue her softball career at Westmoreland County Community College.

Stout, a catcher, was the batterymate of ace pitcher Grace Stein the last two seasons. They combined for 338 strikeouts.

• Norwin rising senior Averi Brozeski is officially a college recruit.

The 5-foot-11 swing guard was offered a scholarship by IUP, a Division II program in the PSAC.

Brozeski was a key player on last year’s WPIAL Class 6A championship team.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg Salem, Jeannette, Norwin