Westmoreland athletes of the week: Greensburg CC’s Mya Morgan, Norwin’s Nate Campbell

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, December 30, 2023 | 5:49 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Mya Morgan

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Class: Senior

Sport: Basketball

Claim to fame: Morgan, a 5-foot-9 shooting guard, scored her 1,000th career point Wednesday in GCC’s 44-35 victory over Canon-McMillan at the Hoopfest at Cal (Pa.). She had 13 points in that game, then matched that total Thursday in a 50-40 win over Upper St. Clair, the returning WPIAL runner-up in Class 6A. The Cal recruit made 8 of 8 free throws against USC. GCC is ranked No. 1 in Class 2A. Morgan helped the team reach the PIAA semifinals last season.

How would you assess the team’s play so far this season?

We started out a little rough because we weren’t playing together. As games went on, we figured out how to play together and we’re more connected.

How has it been playing such a tough schedule against so many upper-class teams?

It helps us play at a high level. It gets us used to playing better teams that we’re going to see (later in the season).

What have you improved on personally in the offseason?

I am a better defender on bigs. We don’t have anybody taller than me in the front. I have worked on rebounding and boxing out.

Did you get taller?

Everyone keeps asking me that. No, I didn’t.

What was it like scoring your 1,000th point on your future home court at Cal (Pa.)?

It was great. My (Cal) coaches were there watching, and my future teammates, too.

Has your broken nose healed?

Yes. It’s all better now. I only had to wear a (face) mask for one scrimmage. It was super annoying.

What was your favorite Christmas gift?

I got a new vanity. That was the best (gift).

Did you watch any of the NBA games on Christmas day?

No, I don’t watch (the NBA).

What pro sport do you like to watch?

The Steelers (sigh).

Who is your favorite Steelers player?

(Mason) Rudolph. I like the way he plays.

Can this year’s team be better than last year’s?

We have the potential. Hopefully the connection and (experience) we had can carry over.

Who is the best practice player on GCC’s team?

I’d say me, Erica (Gribble) or Erica (Rodriguez).

What did you like most about Cal?

They were super welcoming.

Who is your favorite band or artist?

(Rapper) Rod Wave. His songs are so catchy. I went to one of his concerts.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, a dog named Daisy.

What is the best basketball-related advice you have received and from whom?

Taking shots are a lot harder in the end (of games) because it’s harder to focus. My dad.

Any hidden talents?

I can do gymnastics. At practice, I mess around with it sometimes when we stretch.

Nate Campbell

School: Norwin

Year: Senior

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: He was only one of four wrestlers from the WPIAL to reach the semifinals at the Powerade Tournament. Campbell (19-4 this season, 77-34 career) recently competed in the Beast of the East tournament in Delaware and missed earning a medal by one victory.

Do you plan to wrestle in college, and what are you looking for from the school?

Obviously, I want a school that has good wrestling. But I also want a school to pay my bill and provide a good education. I plan to study economics.

What are the schools that have shown interest?

There are a lot: Navy, Kent State, Cleveland State, Hofstra, Brown, Virginia Military Institute, Long Island, Davidson, Edinboro and Purdue.

When did you first start wrestling?

I was 7, and it was a Norwin Summer Day camp. My first training partner was Norwin’s only PIAA champion, Kurtis Phipps. I don’t think I fell in love with the sport right away, but I did think it was a lot of fun.

What is you go-to move?

My low single.

Talk about your journey so far at Powerade?

I defeated the fifth and fourth seeds. Against the fifth seed, I scored off a standing cradle. Against the fourth seed, I dominated him from the top position during the second and third periods. I turned him in the third period.

What are your goals this season?

I want to qualify for the PIAA tournament and get on the podium.

What is the last movie you watched?

It was ‘Anchorman.’

What type of movie to you enjoy?

I like action movies and comedies.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Saint Thomas. I love that place.

Is there a vacation spot on your bucket list?

I want to visit Italy.

Where do you and your teammates head for a snack after practice or a meet?

Raising Cane’s. I like The Caniac Combo (six chicken fingers, crinkle-fries, two sauces, Texas toast, cole slaw and a fountain drink.

What is the favorite meal you mom makes you?

Lasagna soup.

Who is your biggest rival?

Penn-Trafford.

What type of music do you enjoy?

I listen to fast rap.

What is something you do that would surprise your friends?

I love working out. I want to be in the best condition.

What is different about the Norwin wrestling team this season?

We’re jelling as a team, and we’re a lot stronger.

What makes freshman Landon Sidun special?

He’s a great wrestler, a great teammate and a super person.

If you could have lunch or dinner with anyone special, who would it be and what would you talk about?

Sean O’Malley ,and we’d talk about UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Greensburg C.C.