Westmoreland athletes of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Morgan Gesinski, Latrobe’s Jack Sacriponte

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, September 21, 2024 | 6:21 PM

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The Westmoreland County Athletes of the Week is presented by Smail Kia. Look for the tags and look for the savings at Smail Kia in Greensburg.

Morgan Gesinski

School: Mt. Pleasant

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Gesinski has scored 18 goals, a total that leads the WPIAL. She has helped Mt. Pleasant to an 8-0 start and the No. 1 ranking in WPIAL Class 2A. She had a pair of two-goal games last week — a 6-1 win over Southmoreland and a 3-0 shutout of Yough.

Is this undefeated start what you have expected?

Yes, because we are always trying to keep a clean sheet no matter who we play. If the other team doesn’t score, they can’t win.

What has your team been best at?

Being supportive and wanting to work hard to see the team do good.

Did you think you could lead the WPIAL in goals?

I was surprised to hear I am the leading goal scorer in the WPIAL. It’s not a goal of mine to win the scoring title, but it would be extra nice to have on top of a WPIAL championship.

How many career goals do you have?

I have 79 career goals.

What makes you and Rylin Bugosh such a good scoring tandem?

Rylin and I work well together, and we just know what we both have to do to help each other.

How effective has Maddie Barrick been, too?

Maddie helps a lot, especially in games when we need her. She has scored many important goals for us.

What colleges are showing interest in you?

Some smaller Division I schools.

Are you surprised the team has allowed three goals?

Yes, I’m very surprised. We try not to let teams score on us, and we have not been able to keep that standard, which is disappointing because we have given up more goals so far than in previous years.

What has it been like not having your sister, Riley, on the field with you?

It’s been weird not playing with Riley because we have always played together for the school at some point, and now we don’t. But I’ve learned a lot playing with her, and I looked up to her a lot.

Who is the fastest player on the team, now that Riley graduated?

I would say Rylin or myself.

What is coach Rich Garland’s favorite saying?

Keep the ball on the deck.

What are you favorite hobbies?

Playing sports and baking.

How is your weightlifting going with strength coach Aaron Hutter?

My weightlifting with coach Hutter has been really good. I can definitely see how it has been making me a better player, so I really appreciate what he has been able to help me with.

Should the PIAA have eliminated overtime in the regular season?

Yes. I don’t see why they make us play longer just for a team to break the tie when we play multiple games a week.

How often do you think about last year’s playoff upset against Burrell?

Not too often. To quote Ted Lasso, “Be a goldfish, Sam.”

What is your team’s identity?

Our style of play is to possess the ball by connecting on passes.

Jack Sacriponte

School: Latrobe

Class: Junior

Sport: Golf

Claim to Fame: The junior tied for medalist in the WPIAL Class 3, Section 1 qualifier at Birdsfoot Golf Course in Freeport with Kiski Area’s Max Mottura. Each shot a 5-under-par 67 to advance to the WPIAL semifinals Tuesday at Southpointe Golf Club in Canonsburg. They posted the lowest scores heading into the semifinals.

How many birdies did you have during your round?

I had seven birdies and two bogeys. I made a 20-footer and made a lot inside 15 feet. I made a big putt on No. 15 because I knew Max was playing well. I also made a big birdie on No. 17.

What were you doing well in your round?

I was getting off the tee well and stayed away from bad lies. Birdsfoot is a tough course, and I stayed out of trouble.

Was this your best round?

It’s up there, for sure. I did not miss much, and my ball striking was the best. I’ve probably had 10 rounds in the 60s this year.

How did you finish in last year’s tournament?

I made it to the states. I placed 12th at the WPIAL championship and 20th in the PIAA championship. My goal is to climb higher on the leaderboard or win it.

What are the team goals?

Well, we already won the Section 1 title. Now we want to do well in WPIALs and make the finals.

What do you average off the tee?

Between 310 and 320 yards. I’m more accurate when I take some speed off my swing.

What’s your favorite club in your bag?

My fairway hybrid. I can average 250 yards, and it is my fairway finder.

What type of putter do you use?

A Scotty Cameron Phantom 5.5. I have more control over the ball.

What golf ball do you use?

I recently switched from the Pro Vx to the Pro V1.

How many holes-in-one have you recorded?

None. I’ve been close.

What do you feel walking up No. 18 at Latrobe Country Club and seeing the wooden statue of Arnold Palmer?

It’s amazing walking in his footsteps. He did so much for game and to think I’m walking in his footsteps.

Where do you and your teammates head to after practice or a match for a snack?

We go to Dino’s, and I get sweet-hot 10 flapper wings.

What’s your favorite meal your mom makes?

I like her pesto chicken and pasta.

What’s the last movie you’ve watched?

“Conjuring.” It’s a horror movie.

What type of music do you like?

I like rap.

Who is your favorite rapper?

J-Cool.

Where does your family go on vacation?

Hilton Head, S.C. We play a lot of golf there. I’ve played Harbour Town Golf Links.

What is your favorite golf course in the area?

I got to play Fox Chapel this summer, and I liked it a lot. That might change if I make it to the WPIAL finals at Oakmont.

How about a dream course?

Augusta. I’d love to play it, but just getting a ticket for the Masters would be neat.

Have you played any famous courses?

I got to play Pebble Beach this summer. It was amazing. The views take your breath away.

Do you have a favorite golfer?

I like to follow Cameron Champ. I like his back swing.

Has anyone influenced you in golf?

I belong to Hannastown Golf Club, and Palmer Jackson and Mark Goetz are great to follow.

If you could have dinner or lunch with someone famous, dead or alive, who would it be and what would you talk about?

Arnold Palmer, and we talk about how he impacted the game and how he become a great golfer.

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

Tags: Latrobe, Mt. Pleasant