Westmoreland athletes of the week: Norwin’s Melani Schmidt, Latrobe’s Dom Cararini

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, April 27, 2024 | 9:14 PM

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Melani Schmidt

School: Norwin

Class: Junior

Sport: Track & field

Claim to fame: Schmidt was named the track MVP at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Championships at Latrobe, collecting four medals, including gold in the 200- and 400-meter dashes (in 25.11 and 58.88 seconds). She also anchored the winning 400 relay team and took second in the 100 dash.

Did you expect to bring home four medals from the county meet?

I did expect to bring home four medals because I was running four events. I just didn’t know what place I’d end up getting. I didn’t expect to take home the county MVP award. I am beyond grateful for that.

When did you get into track and field?

I got into track and field around fifth grade. It was a summer (YMCA) track program, and that’s where I really found my love for this sport.

Are you originally from North Huntingdon?

I’m actually originally from Canada. I was born there in Edmonton, Alberta, then my family moved to Houston, Texas, and now we live here. I did preschool here in North Huntingdon and have been here ever since … North Huntingdon is home to me.

Do you have any good athletes in your family?

My older brother, Pedro Schmidt, was a really good athlete in football and track, too. He has the 300-meter hurdle school record and the 400-meter record, too. He went D-1 in football and track at North Dakota then transferred to Rhode Island and just played football.

How do your times align with your goals?

My main goal right now is to break 25 (seconds) in the 200 and break 58 in the 400. I’m really focused on just improving myself and my personal times. I think I’m on track with that goal. A goal I have for the end of the season is to place at states. Thinking to the future, it’s also a huge goal for me to go D-1 in track.

What win are you most impressed with from Thursday’s championships?

My new 200 PR of 25.11. It felt really good to PR by that much, and I felt bouncy and smooth.

How close was the 100-meter dash race (against Eva Denis of Greensburg Central Catholic)?

Really close. It was awesome. I love a good race. We both pushed each other hard.

What does it mean to help the team win a WCCA title?

It means a lot to me to help the team win. This was the best meet of the season so far, not for my own personal success, but because of the team success. There’s nothing I love more than this team and the coaches, and to see us all win like that together is gold.

Can you parlay the momentum into a strong WPIAL/PIAA postseason?

Yes, I think I can use the momentum to have a strong postseason. I have to just stay strong, run fast and train hard.

Do you have any unique talents or hobbies?

I really like to swim. In the summer, I love swimming in my pool every day. I find it relaxing and peaceful. I love to swim with my friends and by myself, too. It helps me clear my mind.

Finish this sentence: I can’t run a race unless I _____.

Listen to a hype song in my Beats headphones.

Do you play any other sports?

No. I just focus on track, and I train all year round. It’s what I love to do.

Why is Norwin such a good program each year?

Norwin is such a good program because of all the coaches and the athletic trainers. They really do it best. Without them we wouldn’t be us. We also have a bunch of really good athletes. We make a great team.

What is your favorite TV show?

“Outer Banks.”

Where is your favorite place to eat?

Chipotle. There isn’t one in North Huntingdon, but it’s my all-time favorite place.

What is your favorite subject in school?

English. I’ve always had the best English teachers, and I enjoy reading stories in class. Mrs. (Kimberly) Letso is my English teacher. She is the best, someone I am comfortable to talk to about anything and she makes the class my favorite.

Have you overcome any adversity in your life?

I overcome adversity in my life by just staying true to myself and knowing that when times are tough it will all eventually be okay. I try to spread positivity and live my best life. It’s good to be resilient and just focus on the good in life, and when I’m facing something hard I use that as a chance to improve my mentality and improve in another part of my life. I trust the process and trust God.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Running D-1 track in college and studying real estate. It would be an ultimate goal to make Team USA.

What makes you happy?

My friends, family, coaches and all the people in my life and the sport of track and field makes me happy. It makes me happy to be around them, and they bring the best out of me.

What makes you sad?

The idea of growing up makes me sad. It’s an exciting but sad thing. I’m 17, soon to be 18, and thinking that this is my last year as a kid is crazy. I’m excited for what the future has for me, though.

Dom Cararini

Latrobe

Senior

Baseball

Claim to fame: Cararini had a special week and helped the Wildcats pick up three wins and extend their winning streak to 10 games. On Monday, Cararini pitched the Wildcats out of a jam in the top of the seventh inning by picking off a runner at second base and striking out a batter. Then he led off the bottom of the inning with a winning home run in a 2-1 win against Uniontown. It was his first hit of the season. On Tuesday, he went 1 for 2 with an RBI in a 14-6 win against Uniontown. On Friday he pitched five scoreless winning and drove in a run in a win against Peters Township.

Can you talk about the game-winning home run?

I was shocked that I got a chance to bat. Usually I don’t get to hit, but an assistant coach told me I was hitting. So I was looking to get on base. Usually I swing as hard as I can, but this time I loosened my grip and stayed calm. It was a 1-1 pitch, and I took a nice smooth swing. The ball jumped off my bat, and I knew it was gone. It was an amazing feeling.

What was it like watching the ball go over the fence?

It was exciting. It was the best feeling. I got a little excited, and I did a bat flip. It was pretty high, and I was surprised I didn’t get ejected. I didn’t direct it towards the opponent; I just got caught up in the moment.

What did the controlled swing tell you?

It taught me that I don’t have to try to swing hard. I learned I might get a few more at bats if I control my swing. I was calm when I stepped into the batter’s box. I knew we were going to win. Even if I would have struck out, someone on the team would have picked me up. We have a tight-knit team.

Did you learn anything else?

Be ready because you never know when you’re going to get your chance.

Do you play any other sport?

I used to play football and basketball. But I quit so I could concentrate on baseball.

Are you planning to play baseball in college?

No. I’m going to focus on earning an engineering degree probably at Indiana (Pa.).

How long have you been playing baseball?

I’m not sure. I know my mom got me started in T-ball. I used to stand in the outfield and pick flowers. I can’t remember when I started to take the game seriously.

Who is your favorite baseball player?

I like Bryce Harper.

Who is your favorite team?

The Phillies because of Bryce Harper.

What was the last movie you watched?

“Rush.” It’s about Formula One racing.

What type of movies do you like?

I like comedies.

What is your favorite line in the movie “Major League”?

When Charlie Sheen enters the game in the ninth inning, and the crowd is going wild as they play “Wild Thing.” Then the third baseman comes up and tells him to strike the batter out.

Who would play you in a movie?

Leonardo DiCaprio.

Do you have a favorite vacation spot?

I like New York City or any beach in Florida.

Do you have a dream vacation spot on your bucket list?

Tokyo.

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

We go to Sheetz, and I get a spicy chicken sandwich and sweet tea.

If your dad was making you your favorite dinner, what would it be?

I like his steaks. I like it medium, and my family like theirs medium well.

Sheetz or Get-Go?

I prefer Get-go, but my friends like Sheetz.

What are your expectations for the Steelers in 2024?

I like the Seattle Seahawks.

What type of music do you listen to?

I like to listen to rap. I like Drake, Mac Miller and J-Cool.

What are your thoughts about the Pirates?

I hope they do well, but I really don’t follow MLB. I’d rather play baseball than watch it.

What’s your favorite pizza in Latrobe?

I like Dino’s because I work there. I also like Falbo’s. I like the sweet and hot wings extra crispy.

Do you have a dream car you’d like to own?

Ferrari f40 or a Porsche GTS RS.

What is the largest buck you have bagged?

I shot an 8-point near Hannastown.

If you were to have lunch or dinner with someone famous, who would it be and what would you talk about?

I’d pick Mac Miller, and we’d talk about music.

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

Tags: Norwin