Trib HSSN’s athletes of the week: Fox Chapel’s Jonah Cagley, West Greene’s Lampe sisters

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | 8:54 PM

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Jonah Cagley

School: Fox Chapel

Sport: Diver

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: After taking silver as a freshman and claiming gold as a sophomore, Fox Chapel junior Jonah Cagley captured a second straight WPIAL Class 3A diving championship Saturday. He trailed heading into his final dive before nailing an inward-two-full-somersault to beat out Mt. Lebanon junior Owen Johns for a second straight year to take home gold again. Cagley now prepares for the PIAA diving championships at Bucknell in two weeks where he finished third a year ago.

What were you thinking about as you trailed heading into your final dive?

I knew I had somewhat of a lead going into my final dive, but I didn't let that go to my head. The only thing I was thinking about was nailing my last dive and making sure I wasn't overconfident.

How does it feel to win back-to-back WPIAL championships before your senior year?

Winning back to back WPIAL championships feels great. Every year feels better than the previous.

With a second district title secured, now it's on to the PIAA championships. You finished third at Bucknell last year, how will your approach change this time?

I don't plan on changing my approach for PIAA championships. I'm going to go into the competition with a clear head and focus on doing my dives to the best of my ability.

How old were you when you first started diving and how did you get started in the sport?

I started diving halfway through seventh grade. I was a swimmer and a gymnast previous to diving so when I left the sport of gymnastics, diving just seemed like next best step.

In an average week, how much practice time do you put in? Is there an off-season?

I train about 16 hours each week. When the high school season is not going on, the USA Diving season is in full force so there really isn't an off-season.

People would be surprised to know what about you?

People would be surprised to know that I have the most supportive family, friends, teammates and coaches. No matter what I want to do, they always support me no matter what.

What is your favorite movie of all time?

My favorite movie of all time is “Rocky.” It's a great story of someone who worked extremely hard to accomplish their goals.

Madison and McKenna Lampe

School: West Greene

Sport: Basketball

Class: Juniors

Claim to fame: Twins Madison and McKenna Lampe have been a big part of the success West Greene has had in two sports in recent years. They led the Pioneers to their first WPIAL and PIAA softball championships last spring and are a big reason the girls basketball team has flourished as well, winning 22 of 24 games heading into the WPIAL Class A championship. Last week in the quarterfinals, McKenna had 25 points and Madison added 18 points in a 73-45 victory over Rochester that clinched a berth in the PIAA playoffs.

What is your favorite sport and which sports do you think you are best in?

Madison: I do not have a favorite sport in particular, but I do love the sports I participate in. I just do the best I can in everything I do.

McKenna: I like softball a lot more. I have been playing it longer, and I think I'm better at it.

Do you feel like a Greene County rock star? Can you explain the support the school district has for your softball and basketball teams.

Madison: I mean I wouldn't go that far with it, but a few people know who I am. The support is amazing. Everyone is so supportive and committed. They really are a great thing.

McKenna: I feel more like a role model or inspiration. I always have younger people watching and looking up to me. But the support system is really amazing, and I love it. The community is so committed and supportive it's unreal. I can't thank them enough.

Are you and your sister BFF's or is like a lot of siblings where you guys can be competitive and squabble with each other?

Madison: We are both. We get along for most of the time, but we have our moments. We are as competitive as it gets.

McKenna: We get along for the most part, but we are definitely BFFs. We do everything together, and it's so weird being apart. We are competitive with literally everything.

You are only juniors, but what are your hopes for after you graduate from West Greene?

Madison: After I graduate, I plan to go to college and major in nursing or something medical and enlist in the military, most likely Army reserves.

McKenna: I hope to play softball in college, major in nursing and/or possibly enlist in the military.

What are some of the differences between you and your sister?

Madison: I am right-handed and she is left-handed. I usually dress up more than Kenna does.

McKenna: We don't have much difference, but she does dress more “girly” than me. I'm more of a sweatpants and hoodie person.

What are your favorite foods for each meal?

Madison: Breakfast is bacon. Lunch is pizza rolls. Dinner is chicken.

McKenna: I don't eat much breakfast, lunch — pizza rolls, dinner — chicken and gravy

Finish these sentences: I am most likely to … what? My sister is most likely to … what?

Madison: I am most likely to go to the same college. Kenna is most likely to go to college with me.

McKenna: I am most likely to coach in the future and support my siblings in their sports. My sister is most likely to do the same.

Don Rebel is a TribLive High School Sports Network broadcaster and staff writer. Reach him at drebel@tribweb.com.

Tags: Fox Chapel