A-K Valley athletes of the week: Kiski Area’s Lauren Ciuca, Deer Lakes’ Cuyler Crim

By: Ted Sarneso
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 5:53 PM

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Lauren Ciuca

School: Kiski Area

Class: Senior

Sport: Cross country

Claim to fame: Kiski Area girls cross country finished first in the Section 4-3A championship Oct. 2 at Northmoreland Park. Ciuca led all five Cavaliers runners with a time of 20 minutes, 17.70 seconds and finished in third place.

This is your first time running cross country. What made you want to give it a try?

I’ve had my coach and my gym teacher recommend the sport to me since freshman year because I was running the mile in gym class, and I was doing pretty good. They told me to come out for track and cross country. I joined track last year, and I decided it’s my senior year, why not give it a shot?

What do you run in track?

The 800 relay.

What was the training for cross country like?

It was a battle in the beginning, and it still is hard. I have a goal in mind, and that’s what has been pushing me through.

What is that goal?

I wanted to make states my first year in cross country. I thought that would be very impressive to myself.

What other goals did you set?

I wanted to improve the relationship with my team. I really enjoy their company, and they do a great job helping me through the workouts. It’s been a lot of fun.

How did it feel placing third at the section championships?

Very exciting. I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be when I went in. I was definitely nervous, but it was awesome crossing that finish line.

How were you feeling during the race?

I was very thankful for the weather. The wind gave us a nice chill to counter the sun. It was a battle coming up that hill. But I’ve been training pretty hard, and I was ready for it.

Was the course agreeable?

I slipped a few times on that course, and it would have been worse if it had kept raining. It turned out really well.

Were you aware of where your time placed you?

It wasn’t a very full race, there were still a lot of people, but I could see the top two in front of me. Some other coaches were calling out places, and I had a good idea where I was, at the end at least.

What’s your outlook heading into the WPIAL championships at White Oak on Oct. 24?

I’m nervous. There’s going to be a lot of great competition, and it’s a really fast course. There will be a lot of people cheering us on, which will be helpful. I’m excited to see what I can do on that course.

Is there anything you do to get in the zone prior to a race?

I listen to “Free Now” by Gracie Abrams, and I always warm up with my teammates. I talk with them and get my nerves out.

You’re also in the band color guard. How long have you done that?

This is my fifth year in marching band and my sixth in winterguard. I twirl rifle, saber and flag. Rifle’s my favorite because they’re made of wood and more forgiving. Sabers are pretty but painful.

Do you play any instruments?

I play flute in the concert band.

Are you active in any other clubs or activities at school?

I’m in horticulture club, environmental club, Envirothon team, National Honor Society, crochet club, symphonic band, commencement band, Spanish club and math team.

Have you picked a college yet?

I have an idea. I want to go to Penn State to study environmental engineering.

What made you pick that field?

I took AP environmental science sophomore year, and it was my favorite class. I loved the content and how everything was linked together. How you could circle back from any point to figure out the cause of something.

Cuyler Crim

School: Deer Lakes

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Crim, a right midfielder, had an assist to help his team defeat North Catholic, 2-0, on Monday and help provide breathing room atop Section 1 Class 2A. He then scored a goal in a 3-0 win over Highlands on Tuesday and added another goal in a 2-1 win over Burrell on Thursday.

How important was it to get the win over North Catholic?

It was huge. We really fought for it. It was essentially to win the section. We were battling all game. It felt great to get the win and get some breathing room atop the section.

The team has two losses and allowed two goals in both contests. In your 12 wins you’ve allowed one goal or less. What can you say about how solid you guys are defensively?

The games that we let up those two goals, we weren’t really playing with our hearts. Against Shady Side we were up 1-0 and thought we had the win. We laid off in the second half, and they put two on us. It was unlucky for us. Our defenders saw that, and we don’t want to let up anymore, want to try and keep these clean sheets going.

Earlier in the year you guys played Mars to a 0-0 tie after two overtimes. What was that battle like?

It was very physical. They had us in possession, but our defense held on, as did theirs. Both teams had equal chances but just couldn’t connect. It’s nice to tie a team like that. A big 3A school.

What were the team’s goals coming into this year?

We’re just trying to get back into the playoffs. We had an unlucky playoff a season ago, losing in the first round. We want to get back into the groove, get to WPIALs and states if we can. We’re just trying to push forward and beat these teams.

Are you guys getting mentally prepared for playoffs?

We’re not trying to look ahead too much, just staying focused on the games we have left on the schedule. Looking ahead can throw us off our game.

Tell me about the two goals you scored this week.

The first one at Highlands was a great ball over the top from Zane Spence. The defender came in and missed it, and the goalkeeper came out of the net, so it was an easy tap in for me. The one against Burrell, a teammate was telling us to run back post all game long. The play of the game, that same player sent me an easy ball as I attacked back post and it was an easy header.

What does that bring your goal total to this year?

Five.

What’s the most goals you’ve scored in a season?

Six or seven.

Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most?

I’d probably want to play Fox Chapel again. It was a good game, a great battle. They just lost a game in their section and we lost to a team in their section. I just want to see how we would stack up the second time around.

What are your individual goals for the year?

To get back into varsity. Last year, I didn’t have a very good season. I started out on varsity and wasn’t playing well. I wanted to show everybody that that’s not how I play. I’m doing well this year.

Do you play club soccer?

I play for Steel City. I love it. Great kids, great coaches, they always motivate you.

Do you have a pregame routine to stick to?

Not really. Usually before games I like to read my Bible and pray. I don’t have the time to do so on road games. It just helps to calm my nerves.

Do you have a favorite pre- or postgame meal?

Nope. Just whatever my parents cook for dinner.

Favorite hobby?

Soccer. That’s mainly the only thing I do. Other times I’ll play some FIFA, but I like to be outdoors mostly.

What is your favorite subject in school?

History. It’s entertaining to me, to hear about everything that’s happened. There are lessons to be learned by studying the past.

Tags: Deer Lakes, Kiski Area