Sports

Western Beaver quarterback Amari Marshall throws a pass during practice on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at Wright Field in Chippewa.

Western Beaver ready to shine under Friday night lights

August 16, 2025

The book (and movie and TV show) wasn’t called “Saturday Afternoon Sunshine.”

Union coach Kim Niedbala works with his team during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at Union.

Union to lean on young players in 2nd season in Class 2A

There is an old saying that the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree. And in the case of Kim Niedbala, his coaching legacy starts with his father Rich, who spent 31 years in charge at Western Beaver.

Riverside’s Tanner Richards works out during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in North Sewickley.

With 11 starters back from playoff team, Riverside expects even more in 2025

Rob Magnifico returns for a second season as head coach at Riverside in 2025 after leading the Panthers to the WPIAL playoffs last season.

New Brighton coach John Macuga watches practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in New Brighton.

After big step forward last season, New Brighton seniors still want more

After two consecutive seasons without a single win, New Brighton coach John Macuga set a goal in 2024 to change the mentality of his players and help them establish a winning persona.

Mohawk quarterback Bobby Fadden throws a pass during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at Mohawk.

Program in a good place as Mohawk keeps stacking playoff seasons

The long summer days that lead to the start of a football season are where many coaches feel wins and losses will be determined, based on the effort put in.

Freedom’s Eli Cottrill works out with his linemates at practice on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, in Freedom.

Freedom football looking to follow baseball team’s example

For visitors meeting with Freedom football coach Ron Balog before the start of preseason camp, the most striking sight on campus was probably the baseball turf being torn up awaiting a new surface.

Knoch quarterback Max Wiley throws during a 7-on-7 tournament at Fox Chapel Area High School.

3 generations of Wileys experience joys, pitfalls of sharing sideline at Knoch

John Wiley makes no attempt to hide it: The Wiley men are loud.

Riverview linebacker Lukas Duncan follows through with a hit on Frazier running back Derek Diamond after forcing an incomplete pass Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Riverside Park.

Countdown to Kickoff ’25: Saturday games not extinct just yet in WPIAL football

August 15, 2025

There was a time when Saturday afternoon marked a busy end to a high school football weekend around the WPIAL.

Hempfield’s Claire Mitchell makes a catch on a ball hit by Mifflin County’s Sophie McCurdy during PIAA first round softball Class 6A playoff action June 5, 2023 at Robert D. Kalp Field at Hempfield Area High School.

Hempfield softball player Claire Mitchell flips college commitment

Hempfield rising senior softball player Claire Mitchell has flipped her college commitment following a coaching change.

Brothers Teegan (1) and Aven Shirley will be key players for Kiski Area football in 2025.

Kiski Area’s Shirley brothers work toward playoff berth in final season as teammates

Throughout their lives, as brothers often do, Aven and Teegan Shirley have found different avenues to be competitive with each other.

North Allegheny’s Lincoln Hoke plays against Central Catholic on Sept. 27, 2024.

2025 Trib HSSN football position-by-position breakdown: Scouting the defensive line

TribLive HSSN will break down the top players at one position per day until Week Zero. Here is a look at the top defensive tackles for the 2025 season.

Ligonier Valley’s Cameron Kunkle won’t let injury steal senior season

When Cameron Kunkle tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee during basketball season, his doctor told him recovery time would take 12 months.

Shady Side Academy head coach Andrew Geisler works out with his team during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Fox Chapel.

New Shady Side Academy coach favors grit over glamour

Spending time on campus during the first few weeks of football camp has given Shady Side Academy football coach Andrew Geisler the feeling he is where he needs to be. The former Bulldogs captain was hired in January to take over the program after a tumultuous season last year.

OLSH’s Chris Harris works out during practice on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, at Youthtowne.

With interest in program up, OLSH ‘would like to surprise people’

The fruits of bringing together three programs in a co-op have brought Our Lady of the Sacred Heart football coach Donnie Militzer what he was looking for.