Westmoreland athletes of the week: Latrobe’s Robin Reilly and Belle Vernon’s Rogan Maloney

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 6:55 PM

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Robin Reilly

School: Latrobe

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Reilly has been one of the top all-around players in the WPIAL, not only giving the talented Wildcats a go-to goal scorer but also someone who sets up the offense.

A West Virginia commit, Reilly assisted on a goal in an impressive, 2-0 win over Franklin Regional, then had two goals and two assists as the Wildcats blanked Penn-Trafford, 5-0.

For the season, Reilly has 12 goals and a team-best 10 assists.

You had a late start to the season (injury), but it didn’t take you long to find your rhythm. Where is your game right now?

I’m feeling great. I focused on coming back strong by going to physical therapy and doing proper treatments at the chiropractor. I feel like I’ve been starting to play more like myself and my style of play before injury.

How important were the wins over Franklin Regional and Penn-Trafford?

I feel like it was very important, as we want a good spot in playoffs. Now that we are preparing for WPIAL playoffs, we have to treat every game like a playoff game.

How confident is the team heading into the playoffs?

I think we are very confident as we’ve finally gotten our connections down, working together and being on the same page. Our hustle and playing style can get us very far in playoffs, and I’m hoping it does just that.

Have you been more of a facilitator this season?

I’d like to say so. I try to lead the team on and off the field in as many ways as I can. As a left wing and center mid, I feel like I’ve had a lot of opportunity to set up a variety of players this year, and it’s always good to get new looks at new players.

How much do you girls miss having (injured senior) Ella Bulava on the field?

Losing Ella was a huge loss for our team. Not only is she a critical player, adding a creative playing style and unmatched hustle, but she also leads our team and midfield. She continues to contribute her leadership qualities on the sideline, however.

Is this team better than last year’s team?

This team is different. The players returning have since improved from last season, but we also lost high impact players that graduated, along with Ella. With that being said, we also gained a very talented group of freshmen with Emerson Shine and Alexa Yurko joining our starting lineup.

Who is the team to beat in 3A?

Plum is definitely our biggest rival, with a fast-paced team and high-level players.

Who is the best player you have faced this season?

As a forward, it’s always a pain going up against such talented goalkeepers like Aris Lamanna and Rease Solomon. I prefer having Rease as my teammate and keeper at Riverhounds than shooting against her.

Your dad wanted you to be a wrestler. Can we close that book yet?

He stopped begging me after I committed to WVU, his alma mater.

What are you most looking forward to about West Virginia?

I am so excited to start playing with such an amazing coaching staff and be surrounded by talented players and a competitive environment. I’m excited to see our success and am looking forward to home games that my family can come to.

You used to live in Singapore? How did that happen and what brought you back to the U.S.?

My dad had an opportunity to work in Singapore and knew it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our family. The assignment for my dad was only over the span of three years.

What makes you happy?

When my family is all together and we get to spend time together.

What makes you sad?

It makes me sad to think about Regan (Reilly) leaving for college in less than a year. While I love my sister, I’m most sad about the fact that I will be alone with my parents in the house. My parents will have nothing better to do than be involved in all aspects of my life (lol).

You like Bruce Willis. What is your favorite Bruce Willis movie?

Every Christmas, my dad, sisters and I all gather in the living room to watch “Die Hard.” And yes, it is a Christmas movie. My mom sits elsewhere watching Hallmark romance movies.

Any hidden talents?

I can do really good cartoon voice impressions that always makes the team laugh.

Rogan Maloney

School: Belle Vernon Area

Class: Senior

Sport: Golf

Claim to Fame: Maloney shot a 7-over-par 79 during the WPIAL Class 2A team golf championship Thursday at Cedarbrook Golf Course, Rostraver, to help the Leopards to their first championship. The Leopards finished with a team total of 417.

What did you do to correct your swing after a poor showing in the semifinals?

I got my hips straightened out on Wednesday. They were sliding out, and I got it fixed.

What does the win mean to you and the team?

This was huge. It was the first time in history that this ever happened. After losing in a playoff last year, we had a motto, “Revenge Season.” We lost by one, which none of us liked. We wanted to get back and win.

You qualified for the PIAA individual championship. What is your goal?

This is the second time for me. The goal is to win it, but just to come in the top 10 would be good.

How old were you when you started playing golf? Who got you started?

I was 5. My dad (Kevin) and papa (Jim) got me started.

What do you remember about the first time you picked up a golf club?

It brought me happiness. I was able to go out with papa and dad and play and have fun.

Where was the first course you played?

It was Mystic Rock at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

Who is your favorite golfer and why?

My favorite golfer is Jordan Spieth. I remember watching him growing up, and I just like how he plays and how he acts. I model my whole game after him.

What’s in your bag?

I’m a Titleist guy.

What is your go-to club?

My 60-degree wedge.

How about your putter?

I love my putter. My papa gave it to me. It’s an Odyssey 900. It’s 25 years old.

What golf ball do you play with?

The Pro V1x.

Is there a dream golf course you’d like to play?

Augusta.

What did you do to improve your game?

I did a swing change. That was difficult. I had to reverse my swing. I’m in a good place now.

Where does the family go on vacation?

We go to Hilton Head, S.C.

Is there a dream vacation spot?

Probably Scotland.

What is your favorite meal that your mom makes?

Probably steak and fries.

Where would you and your teammates head after a match or practice?

Probably Buffalo Wild Wings.

What other sport do you play?

I’m planning to go out for basketball. I haven’t played for a couple seasons.

If there was a famous person you’d want to have lunch with, who would it be and what would you talk about?

It would be Tiger Woods and we’d talk about life and golf and everything in between.

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

Tags: Latrobe