Trib HSSN athletes of the week: Mars’ Austin Rocke, Oakland Catholic’s Hannah Schupansky

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, October 30, 2018 | 3:24 PM

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Austin Rocke

School: Mars

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Rocke scored a pair of goals, including the game-winner with four minutes left in overtime, to lift the Planets to a 4-3 win over South Fayette in the Class AAA quarterfinals on Oct. 25. Rocke had an assist in the Planets’ 4-1 win over Chartiers Valley in the first round of the playoffs Oct. 22. Heading into the postseason, Rocke scored a team high 18 goals and added 17 assists.

“He’s the type of player that I think his soccer sense is so great, his knowledge of the game and positioning and movement, he’s able to jump in with anybody and knows where to go and makes the right decisions on the field,” coach Chris Knauff said. “He’s a big part of our attack and usually contributing in some way every night.”

It’s rare you see a player lead a team in both goals and assists. How are you able to both score and distribute to your teammates?

I think I’m just able to do both because I’m in the right position. I don’t always have to take the chance myself. If I have an open teammate that has an easy shot, then I’ll dish it to them.

You spent a season playing with the Columbus Crew Academy. What did you learn that you brought back to the Mars program?

I just learned to move the ball quicker and to take on players when I need to take on players. I learned the different roles, movements and plays I can make off the ball to improve my game.

What were your expectations for the team coming in to this season?

For sure we wanted to rebound after last year’s playoff game. We lost in the first round and we wanted to come in this year and hopefully get to the championship.

How do you hope to improve as a player as a senior next season?

I think in general I’m going to try to be more of a team leader. I’ll work on that and also help the team as much as possible keeping up with scoring and assisting the ball.

Hannah Schupansky

School: Oakland Catholic

Class: Senior

Sport: Cross country

Claim to fame: The Yale recruit defended her WPIAL Class AAA cross country championship last week with a time of 18 minutes, 43 seconds, edging Fox Chapel’s Sarena Seeger. Schupansky is the first girl to repeat as champion since 2014. Earlier this season, she won the Red, White and Blue Classic at the Schenley Park Oval with a time of 17:56.

How special was it to win another WPIAL title?

It was really important to me. I’ve been working really hard all season just to improve. I know it hasn’t been done in a while, so it’s very special for me to accomplish that.

Why did you decided to commit to Yale?

Yes, I got my letter the other day so I’m excited. I really love the people there. I looked at Ivy League schools that were on par academically. I felt really appreciated, and everyone was happy to meet me when I was there. So that’s ultimately why I chose there.

How will you train and prepare for the collegiate level?

I’m really just going to look and see what my new coach will give to me. She’s been really successful with her time at Yale. I’m sure she’ll provide me a path to prepare myself to gradually work in more miles and stuff like that. I don’t think I’ll have to do that all on my own. I’ll have a lot of help and support.

Looking back on your WPIAL career, what stands out most?

I would say last year when I went in to the WPIAL championship, not really expecting much. I wanted to do well and help my team. We hadn’t really come together yet during the season, so we weren’t sure how the race would play out. It turned out to be one of the best races I’ve ever had. Our entire team won the championship and we won it for the second time in a row.

Brian Graham is a freelance writer.

Tags: Mars, Oakland Catholic