Alle-Kiski Valley Athletes of the Week: Highlands’ Jaci Bowser, St. Joseph’s Derek Petrishen

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 20, 2017 | 7:57 PM

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Jaci Bowser

School: Highlands

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer/Football

Claim to fame: Bowser already has matched her scoring total from a year ago after the center midfielder put up two goals in the Rams' 2-1 win over Section 2-AA rival Valley. She ranks first on the team in goals scored (three). Bowser also moonlights as a kicker on the Highlands football team, where she is 7 of 8 in extra-point attempts and hit her first field goal of the season on a 28-yarder in the Rams' 24-16 win over Class 4A Northwest 9 Conference rival Knoch.

Why did you start playing soccer?

My sister Kara played soccer, so I just looked up to her and wanted to be like her.

What made you try out for the Rams' placekicker position?

Tayler Gunn asked me about it, and I went to one of the kicking practices. I enjoyed and had fun doing it.

What's the longest field goal you've made?

For practice, it's a 40-yarder.

What's the most difficult thing about kicking?

For me, probably just staying focused, keeping your head down and the technique of it all.

What three people would you like to have dinnerwith?

Kris Letang, Luke Bryan and Channing Tatum.

What three words best describe you?

Outgoing. Funny. Kind.

What actress should play you in a Hollywood movie?

I really like Jennifer Lawrence.

What's your most memorable moment from this past summer?

Going to the beach with my cousins was a blast.

Where did you go?

Ocean City, Maryland.

What's your favorite subject at school?

History.

Something interesting about you that nobody knows?

I enjoy playing cards. In the summer, my neighbors all get together and play card games.

Derek Petrishen

School: St. Joseph

Class: Senior

Sport: Golf

Claim to fame: After playing hockey for Burrell the past few years, Petrishen has focused 100 percent on golf. The Natrona Heights resident finished runner-up Monday at the WPIAL Section 1-AA qualifiers by shooting an 83 at Greensburg Country Club. He shot a St. Joseph record 3-under-par 33 at Brackenridge Heights Country Club earlier in the season. He sports a 39 average this season.

How long have you been playing golf?

I started playing when I was around 6 and (played) up until the age of 10, and the summer before my freshman year I took the game back.

What's your handicap?

3.5

Do you have any hole-in-ones?

No. I did have an eagle on No. 5 when I shot my 33 at BHCC.

What is the most difficult course you've played on?

Greensburg Country Club. It's very quirky.

What's your favorite course and favorite hole?

In Greensburg, it's called Totteridge Golf Club and my favorite hole is No. 7 par 4 at Birdsfoot Golf Course.

What kind of driver do you use?

Currently, I use a Titleist 917 D3.

Who is your favorite golfer?

Adam Scott.

What three people would you like to have dinner with?

Robin Williams, Tiger Woods and Kris Letang.

What three words best describe you?

Dedicated. Focused. Determined

What actor should play you in a Hollywood movie?

Adam Sandler.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I want to attend Methodist University in North Carolina.

What is something interesting about you that nobody knows?

No, it's pretty much just golf.

— William Whalen

Tags: Highlands, St. Joseph