Westmoreland Athletes of the Week: Latrobe’s Lauren Bell and Norwin’s Landon Sidun

By: Bill Beckner Jr. And Paul Schofield
Saturday, January 11, 2025 | 4:30 PM

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The Westmoreland County Athletes of the Week is presented by Smail Kia. Look for the tags and look for the savings at Smail Kia in Greensburg.

Lauren Bell

School: Latrobe

Class: Senior

Sport: Swimming

Claim to fame: Bell, who has not lost a race this season, led Latrobe to a 97-83 victory over neighboring Derry. She won the 100- and 200-yard freestyles and also swam the leadoff leg of the first-place 200 free and 400 free relays. She is committed to Marshall.

How has the season gone so far for you?

Good. I feel good about my individual midseason times and our relay times.

Are you close to achieving your target times, and have you qualified for any events at the WPIAL championships?

Yes. I have qualified for the 50 free, 100 free, 100 fly, 100 back and all three relays.

Is the 100-yard butterfly still your favorite event, or are you showing partiality to another event?

Yes. It’s still my favorite.

What upcoming meets are you most looking forward to?

The WCCA meet at the end of January, our dual meet against Franklin Regional and WPIALs.

What do you like most about swimming?

I love competing in both individual and relay races.

What is your New Year’s resolution this year?

I didn’t make one.

What is your favorite Christmas present from this year?

A new pair of dunks.

Who was your pick to be the Steelers’ quarterback this season?

Justin Fields.

Have you ever met a famous person?

I ran into Clint Hurdle at Sheetz one time.

Do you get up early and practice before school? What is your practice schedule like?

Yes, on Wednesdays we have morning practice starting at 5:50 a.m., then two-hour swim practice and one-hour dry-land six days a week.

Did you paint a parking spot at Latrobe High School?

Yes. I painted my parking spot green and white flowers that matched my best friend’s parking spot. Also because green is my favorite color.

People would be surprised to know I _______.

Play tennis against my sister, Jenna, and sometimes get a lucky shot or two.

Who is the best swimmer you have competed against?

Lily King (of Mt. Pleasant).

Do you hang out in the student section at home basketball games?

Yes. I’m always in the Den.

Male Athlete of the Week

Landon Sidun

School: Norwin

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: Sidun put together three tremendous weekends on the mat by winning the Beast of the East tournament (Dec. 22), Powerade (Dec. 28) and the Doc Buchanan (Jan. 4) in Clovis, Calif. Sidun is ranked No. 1 in the country by MatScouts national rankings. He is a returning PIAA champion.

What tournament meant most to you?

Probably winning the Beast of the East because I lost twice there last year. The Powerade is always special because I carried the flag for the WPIAL. All three were tough.

Because you are ranked No. 1 in the country, do you feel there is a bull’s-eye on your chest?

Not really because I still have a lot more to improve on. I don’t have any offers because I’m off limits until June, so I want to continue to stay sharp.

What are the team goals?

We are pretty good, so we’d like to do well in the team tournament and qualify for states.

What about your own goals?

I would like to win another PIAA title. There is nothing biggest than being a Pennsylvania state champion.

When did you start wrestling?

My dad (David) got me started when I was 5. I was nervous when I started, but the more I wrestled I learned to love it. By the time I reached middle school I was hooked. Wrestling is something my family has done. They all wrestled at Yough.

What wrestlers did you follow when you were young?

I came to these tournaments to watch Spencer Lee and Luke Pletcher compete. They were the best around, and I learned a lot watching them.

Did you follow anyone else?

Former Ohio State wrestler Logan Stieber who was a four-time champion. He led Ohio State to a national championship.

Do you play any other sports?

No.

What do you like most about wrestling?

I love practice. I work hard, and I love to practice. It makes you a better wrestler if you take it seriously.

What is special about ‘Hatchie’s Hammers’?

My dad started the club in our garage in 2016, and a lot of top wrestlers in the WPIAL joined. Some of them included Norwin’s Jack White, Coleton Klipa and Brooks Blasko; Hempfield’s Natan Caracciolo; Elizabeth Forward’s Luke Boyer; Kiski Area’s Mario Hutcherson; and Belle Vernon’s Elijah Brown.

What is your go-to move?

My high crotch.

Do you go to any other clubs?

I’ve gone to Young Guns.

Where do you go for a snack after practice or a match?

I like to go to Billy’s Golf Land in Rostraver for a Willie Burger. It’s a hamburger with a special sauce.

What is your favorite meal that your mom or dad make you?

I like chicken alfredo.

What is the last movie you watched?

Godzilla vs. Kong.

What type of music do you listen to?

I like all types of music, but if I had to pick one it would be country or rock n’ roll.

What Pittsburgh sports team is your favorite?

The Steelers.

Who is your favorite player?

My favorite player is Russell Wilson.

Can they beat Baltimore?

They can if they start quickly and George (Pickens) catches the ball.

If you were to have dinner or lunch with anyone, who would it be?

Russell Willson and we would talk football and his career

Tags: Latrobe