Westmoreland athletes of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Alex Miscovich, Penn-Trafford’s Paige Kalik

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | 3:46 PM

Previous Next

Previous Next

Alex Miscovich

School: Mt. Pleasant

Sport: Wrestling

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Miscovich (40-8) captured the 132-pound title at the PIAA Class AA Southwest Regional on Feb. 24 at IUP. Miscovich defeated Elwood City's Donavin Chambers by a 6-3 decision. Miscovich, who is part of the All-American wrestling club, will participate in the PIAA Class AA championships this weekend at Hershey.

“It was a big confidence booster for me. Last year, I went two and out,” Miscovich said.

What are your college plans for next year?

I've committed to go to Pitt-Johnstown for wrestling. I will major in computer science. I like computers, and I like the IT end of things. I think that will be a good fit for me. Their coach knows what he's doing. It's a really solid program. I know a good bit of the kids from club practice.

What's your mindset heading into states?

It's my last year to get on the podium. My goal the whole season has been to get in the top five. This is the best I've personally done, and I just want to finish it off.

How would you describe your style on the mat?

Aggressive. I like to get my tie ups, and I'm looking for my shots. I like to push the tempo. I don't like sitting back and waiting for my opponent to make the first move.

How did you win your final match?

I wrestled Donavin Chambers at the Southmoreland Holiday Classic. I knew he was a fast paced wrestler. I started quick and got a takedown early. In the third period, we got to our feet and I was able to get one more takedown to seal the match.

What's your prematch routine?

In the past, I walked around and talked the match through with myself, and I would come out cold. This past weekend, I did some sprints to get myself warm. I normally talk the match through my head every match.

Paige Kalik

School: Penn-Trafford

Sport: Swimming and Diving

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: Kalik captured the WPIAL Class AAA diving championship Feb. 24 at North Allegheny. Kalik posted a score of 440.40, which edged Hampton's Adrienne White (423.05). Kalik will participate in the PIAA Class AAA diving championship at Bucknell on March 13.

“I was really excited with the win. I wasn't really expecting to come out on top this year. It was definitely a surprise,” Kalik said.

What was the biggest difference from last year's performance, where you finished fifth?

I would say the degree of difficulty with my dive. I worked all summer on the difficulty of my dive and perfecting it.

What's your mindset heading into states?

I feel pretty confident right now. I had a good meet so it taught me I can do it at a meet like that. Last year, I was pretty nervous since I never made it to states before. This year, I feel pretty calm and confident.

What goes through your mind before you execute a dive?

I just take a deep breath and a motivational saying to myself.

What's the best piece of advice someone has given you and why?

Just to relax. I found out that I tend to dive better when I'm relaxed and not tense. It helps me stay more calm throughout the meets. That's from my coach (Mark) Martini and coaches at Pitt.

If you had an opportunity to meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?

Greg Louganis. He won the 3M event in the Olympics after hitting his head off the board. If I was him, I wouldn't have gotten back up after hitting my head.

— Andrew John

Tags: Mt. Pleasant, Penn-Trafford