Franklin Regional’s Beall, Busche make college decisions final

By: HSSN Staff
Saturday, November 18, 2017 | 4:15 PM

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The early-signing period for high school athletes was held earlier this month, and a couple of Franklin Regional players took full advantage.

Junior Angalee Beall and senior Matt Busche signed a national letter of intent to continue their athletic careers at the next level.

Beall still has two more seasons of softball at Franklin Regional but knew Point Park was the right choice for her. The Pioneers are a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“I really like the city,” Beall said. “It is a nice location, and it is not too far from home. I love their coach and the way they ran things.”

Beall is coming off a sophomore season in which she recorded 120 strikeouts for the Panthers, and that is when Point Park first noticed her. During the offseason, she also spends time playing for the Steel City Cyclones.

The fact Beall chose Point Park before her junior season on the field will allow her to relax heading into the season.

“I feel like there is less stress off my shoulders,” she said. “I will still try to do my best, but there is less stress that I have to deal with.”

Beall has made the all-section team each of her first two years.

Busche also will stay in Pittsburgh after signing his letter of intent to run track and cross country at Division I Duquesne.

“It was an awesome moment and big relief,” Busche said about signing. “It is a close school to home, and my sister goes there.”

Busche finished his senior season of cross country 14th in the WPIAL, qualifying him for the PIAA meet. In individual meets, he finished third at the Sharpsville Invitational, fourth at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association championship and 17th at the Red, White and Blue Invite.

Busche will run cross country and track at Duquesne. In track, He will run the 800.

“They are getting an amazing 800 runner,” Franklin Regional coach Jim Passarelli said. “Track is his focus. He is a very good cross country runner, as well. He is versatile in the short and long distances.”

Just like Beall, Busche will be able to focus entering his final season of track as a Panther.

“I was more relaxed even at the end of cross country, knowing I was already committed,” Busche said. “It will help me concentrate more.”

Drew Karpen is a freelance writer.