Norwin notebook: Annie Czajkowski caps Knights career with state medal

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 11:01 AM

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Norwin senior Annie Czajkowski capped a remarkable track and field career at the PIAA Class 3A championships in Shippensburg.

The senior Pitt commit ran to a school record in the 1,600-meter run with a time of 4 minutes, 50.57 seconds, which placed her fifth.

Sophomore Ben McBride also finished a strong second prep season with a school record in the 3,200 (9:21.87). He placed 17th.

The Knights not only kept with tradition by sending multiple athletes to the state meet, but they also honored their custom of having a graduation ceremony for the seniors. Czajkowski and Jeremiah Francis were recognized by their teammates.

All-section netters

The WPIAL Volleyball Coaches Association announced its all-section teams for this season.

Several Westmoreland County players made the list, starting in Section 2-3A with junior middle hitter Jason Buczynski of Franklin Regional; senior outside hitter Braden Crowe and senior setter Landon Kalp of Hempfield; junior right side hitter Matthew Eguaoje, senior setter Billy Spena and junior outside hitter Ethan McDonald of Penn-Trafford; junior outside hitters Wyatt Painter and Christian Reiter of Norwin; and senior outside hitter Gabe Watson of Latrobe.

Another 1

Norwin junior football player Maxsym Fierle added a second NCAA Division I scholarship offer as Georgetown came calling last week.

The 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive end already had an offer on the table from Sacred Heart.

Fierle has also played outside linebacker and defensive end for the Knights.

• Two Norwin track and cross country athletes have accepted appointments to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point — seniors Lily Chaney and Adam Lahlou.

College scene

Updates on Norwin graduates competing at the college level:

Baseball

Pitt: Senior Jake Kendro played a part in the Panthers’ run to the semifinals of the ACC Tournament. Kendro, who began his college career at Tennessee, appeared in nine games, with two starts, with a double and two runs scored.

Seton Hill: Senior outfielder Jake Kendro was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-Atlantic Region First Team.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

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