Westmoreland athletes of the week: Greensburg Salem’s Mark Brown, Penn-Trafford’s Kiley Dugan

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, November 8, 2017 | 5:51 PM

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Mark Brown

School: Greensburg Salem

Sport: Cross Country

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Brown finished eighth in 16 minutes, 30 seconds at the PIAA Class AA cross country championships Saturday in Hershey. Brown was third (16:48) at the WPIAL championships Oct. 26 at Cooper's Lake. “I didn't have the greatest season this year,” he said. “However, I was really happy with how I ran in the postseason at WPIALs and PIAAs. But I'm not done with my season as I head to the Foot Locker meet on Black Friday.”

What was the key to your improvement this season?

Having fun. Sports are really physically and mentally hard. Having fun and working hard has been the key. If you aren't having fun, it's hard doing anything.

What was it like to have three Greensburg Salem runners take the top three spots at the WCCA championships?

It was awesome. We came a long way from freshman year to now. It's impressive, and we all will be back next year so I hope we can do it again.

What is your mindset going into the Foot Locker Regional?

I figure to go out there and work my butt off. I'm an underdog, and I have nothing to lose. I hope to open some eyes and have a good experience.

What do you need to improve on for next season?

Being consistent the whole way through the year and staying motivated. If I can consistently run throughout the year without a setback that would be great.

What is your favorite junk food?

Doughnuts. I love to have cream-filled doughnuts.

Kiley Dugan

School: Penn-Trafford

Sport: Soccer

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Dugan, who has 11 goals and five assists this season, took a cross from Mackenzie Aunkst and headed in the winning goal with 11 minutes, 7 seconds left in overtime as Penn-Trafford edged Norwin, 2-1, to win the WPIAL Class AAAA girls soccer championship Saturday at Highmark Stadium. The Warriors' season ended Tuesday after a 2-0 loss to North Allegheny in the PIAA first round.

“It was a really good ball from Kenzie,” Dugan said. “I thought it was going to be one of only really good chances, so I knew I had to give it my all. It all worked out for the best.”

How does it feel to score a game-winning goal for a WPIAL title?

It feels awesome. It was a great ball. Just placing it in the corner was huge. Winning the title was huge for the community and to bring it back to Penn-Trafford.

How did it feel to win the second WPIAL title in school history?

I don't think people really know how big it was. It was only our second title, and it was big for the school and the community. It feels great to finally get it.

What was the message to the team heading into overtime?

We knew we weren't going to get that many opportunities. We didn't give in and worked super hard. We played really well as a team, and we got what we deserved.

If you were able to meet anyone in history, who would it be?

Rosa Parks because she was one of the first people to stand up for what she believed in. She didn't give up her seat on the bus. It would be awesome to meet her.

— Andrew John

Tags: Greensburg Salem, Penn-Trafford