Trib HSSN athletes of the week: Sewickley Academy’s JF Aber, NA’s Ashley Huang

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, September 25, 2018 | 4:17 PM

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JF Aber

School: Sewickley Academy

Class: Junior

Sport: Golf

Claim to fame: Aber shot a 2-under 68 and won the Section 9-AA boys golf title at Allegheny Country Club on Sept. 20. This season, Aber has shot a 75 at the Chairman’s Cup tournament at Cedarbrook Golf Course and a 70 at the Sewickley Invitational at Allegheny Country Club. His 9-hole average is 36.5 strokes.

“It was a huge confidence booster (to win the qualifier),” Aber said. “I’ve struggled a little bit earlier in the season, so to win that with the score I had, it’s nice to head into the WPIAL championship (tournament on Thursday).”

What were you struggling with earlier in the season?

The Chairman’s Cup I struggled a lot around the greens. In matches, my best score would have been a few over par. I want my score to be under par.

What are you going to do to turn it around?

I’m going to keep working harder. I took a lot away from the section qualifier. That was one of the better rounds I’ve played this entire year. I want to keep working on what I did in that round and basically improve my whole game because that’s important.

What is the strongest aspect of your game?

I would say my driving and irons. I know when I shot a 68, I hit 16 greens. I hit almost every fairway. I need to work on my chipping a little bit.

What’s the nicest golf course you’ve ever had a chance to play?

I was lucky enough to play Oakmont (Country Club) over the summer. That was an amazing experience. I played Pinehurst No. 2 last year and that was pretty cool.

What course do you want to play if given the chance?

August National is my dream course. That would be so cool.

Ashley Huang

School: North Allegheny

Class: Senior

Sport: Tennis

Claim to fame: Huang won the WPIAL Class AAA singles championship by scores of 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 over Baldwin junior Bethany Yauch at Shady Side Academy on Sept. 21. The defending PIAA Class AAA champion, Huang twice finished runner-up in the WPIAL doubles competition prior to Friday’s championship victory.

“It’s just amazing how well she can go from being down on the score and down in games and even down on herself … then a switch turns and she manages to win the game, win the set and win the match,” coach Michelle Weniger said. “That just takes tremendous mental discipline and strength.”

How special was it to win the elusive WPIAL title?

Of course, it was special because it’s my last year playing. Since I never actually won it, winning it my senior year made it that much more special for me. For my school, too. Winning it for North Allegheny after such a long time felt special.

What are you going to do to defend your state title?

I’m going to train really hard and try not to knock myself out. There are a lot of good players competing. I know it’ll be tough, but I have to keep myself calm and take it one match at a time like I did last year.

Who’s the toughest tennis player you’ve faced in your career?

I can’t really pinpoint a name, but I can say I’ve played a lot of great players in my high school career.

Do you have any plans after high school?

I would like to play tennis in college. I’m currently looking at colleges. … I can’t say where, but it’s going pretty well.

What are you hoping to major in?

Either in biology or political science. I like biology because math isn’t really involved. Political science, because I like policies and the international affairs part.

Brian Graham is a freelance writer.

Tags: North Allegheny, Sewickley Academy