Westmoreland athletes of the week: GCC’s Aiden Brewer, Hempfield’s Mackenna Orie

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, May 30, 2018 | 7:06 PM

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Aiden Brewer

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Sport: Track and field

Year: Senior

Claim to fame: Brewer placed fifth in the pole vault, clearing 13 feet, 6 inches, at the PIAA Class AA track and field championships Saturday at Shippensburg. Brewer also finished 12th in the 800-meter run in 2 minutes, 10.07 seconds.

“It was a very successful season,” he said. “I made states for the first time after missing out last year. I worked hard on that all season. It was an exciting way to end my high school career.”

What are your college plans for next year?

I will be going to Bucknell to study engineering. I will be doing a heptathlon for indoor and a decathlon for outdoor. It's has a very good engineering program, and they have a Division I track program with the athletes to challenge you. I like the distance of the school from home. It's not too close and not too far.

How did it feel to medal at the PIAAs?

It was unbelievable. When I first walked into the stadium on Friday and I saw that podium I told myself I wanted to get on there. It all worked out, and it was an amazing feeling.

What was going through your mind prior to each event?

In the 800, my mindset is usually to get out to the front fast and try to hold it. I like to keep my laps consistent around a minute flat. I need to stay with the leaders, and I can't get boxed in. In the pole vault, I want to get myself pumped up and ready to go. I need to have an aggressive mindset and ready to attack the jump.

If you were able to meet anyone, who would it be?

Sergey Bubka. He was the best pole vaulter that there ever was. He excelled in the sport. If I could talk to him face-to-face, I'd learn a lot from him, and it would be an amazing opportunity.

What's your favorite holiday meal?

American flag pudding cake. It has the blueberries as the stars and strawberries and raspberries as the stripes with the icing.

Mackenna Orie

School: Hempfield

Sport: Track and field

Year: Junior

Claim to fame: Orie finished fourth in the discus with a throw of 131-9 in the PIAA Class AAA track and field championships Friday at Shippensburg. In the shot put, Orie finished sixth with a mark of 40-2.25.

“The shot put didn't go as planned,” she said. “It could've gone better. In the discus, I finished behind three amazing throwers. I'm excited to see what's next.”

What did you learn from the experience at the state meet that you can apply next year?

In a lot of meets, I didn't start off too strong. I learned I can pick it up in the end and finish strong.

What's your mindset heading into nationals?

I want to do my best. I have marks to hit, but I don't really have too many expectations since it's my first time going to nationals.

How tough was it to give up lacrosse this season?

It was really tough. I played it for most of my life. I decided to drop it for school, and I learned to fall in love with track.

How big of a role has your older sister, Samantha, played?

She has played huge role in my success in all my sports. I always looked up to her. I wanted to be like her and be as successful as her.

What's your favorite holiday?

Christmas because there are most deserts involved and I love desert. I love the apple dumplings that my grandma makes. If you put a scoop of ice cream on top that is for sure the best.

— Andrew John

Tags: Greensburg C.C., Hempfield Area