Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Hempfield’s Ashley Bensur and Hempfield’s Nico Kapusta

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, March 1, 2025 | 3:49 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

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.

Ashley Bensur

School: Hempfield

Class: Junior

Sport: Bowling

Claim to fame: Bensur reached the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League finals for the second time and won the title. After a 628 series to qualify, she edged Norwin’s Kali Siegel in the semifinals, 189-181, then defeated Thomas Jefferson’s Annalise Williams in the final, 207-157, at AMF Mt. Lebanon Lanes.

She is competing in the Western Pennsylvania Regional Championships Feb. 28-March 2.

What was it like winning the WPIBL title?

I have won plenty of tournaments and medals, but winning the WPIBL title definitely felt different. To be honest, it felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. Everyone has their own goals and dreams to live up to, and winning this title was one of mine for sure.

Did you think you had a chance?

At the beginning of the day, I knew that I was going to regionals, but I was not sure if I would be in the top six or not. Once I started practice, I had a nice feeling of calmness and relaxation, which was weird because I usually get really anxious. As I started practicing for the championship, I kept telling myself that I would not go home without the title because I have worked so hard to get to this spot to just go home with nothing.

Were you able to rely on your experience in previous finals this year?

Yes, I was able to rely on my previous experiences because I felt that I kept myself calm through the rest of the championships. I have my own techniques of how to stay rested and relaxed.

How long have you been bowling, and what got you started in the sport?

This year will be my 13th season bowling. For Christmas, many years ago, my aunt and uncle got me a green, yellow and pink 6-pound bowling ball. At the beginning of the new year, my parents took me to go get it drilled at Main Bowling Center in Greensburg. Next thing that I remember, I was bowling on their Saturday league with the bumpers up.

What do you like most about the sport?

What I like most about bowling are the many friendships that were created. Not just the people within my community but people from different schools as well. Currently in my Saturday league, including myself, there are five girls from all different schools (Hempfield, Latrobe, Norwin, Penn Trafford and Jeannette).

What is your best game of the season and for your career?

My best game of this year’s high school bowling season is a 249. In leagues, it is 279. The best game for my career is a 300.

How long have you had your current bowling ball?

So I have a total of six bowling balls, but, right now, my oldest one is 7 years old. It is my first entry-level bowling ball that I have ever gotten.

Do you have a pre-shot routine?

When I go up to throw my ball, I first put powder on my hand to get a clean release. I have to wipe my ball down with my towel to get the oil off. Then, I put my hand over the ball return to get some air, so my hand is not tacky. Next, I put my feet on my mark and get ready to throw the ball. I take a deep breath and then start my approach.

Where is your favorite place to bowl?

My favorite place to bowl is Main Bowling Center in Greensburg. I have been bowling there ever since I started to learn how to bowl.

What is the toughest split to knock down?

The toughest split to knock down is the 7-10. These are the pins that are located all the way to the left and the right of the lane. I have made that split two times in my life and one of those times was when I was on bumpers.

How many strikes have you rolled in a row?

In a perfect game, a person can roll 12 strikes in a row. But including the previous and the next games, I have rolled 16 strikes in a row.

Are you involved in any other sports or activities?

I am involved in Girl Scouts for 11 years. Bowling is my main sport to play.

What is your favorite subject in school?

My favorite school subjects are French class and my forensic class. I really like French because I have always wanted to go to Paris and speak the language. Luckily, this summer, I get to cross off going to Paris, France, on my bucket list. I like my forensic class because I want to go into the forensic science field as my career path.

What are some of your hobbies?

Some of my hobbies are painting, crocheting and scrap-booking.

Have you ever seen the movie “Kingpin?”

I have never seen the movie “Kingpin,” but I looked it up and I really do have to watch it. I love Bill Murray and Woody Harrelson.

Did you know some scenes were filmed locally?

I did not, but that sounds pretty cool.

Do you have any pets? What are their names?

Unfortunately, I do not have any pets. When I get older, I want to have my own highland cow and a brown labrador.

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Watch my favorite show, “Castle.”

Have you tried glow-in-the-dark bowling?

I have gone midnight bowling a bunch of times, and I love it. It consists of party lights and smoke.

What makes you happy?

From a bowling standpoint, what makes me happy is the team encouragement that is given and received. From a life standpoint, I am happy when I get to see my friends and family.

What makes you sad?

Bowling wise, something that makes me upset is when I roll a perfect shot, but not all of the pins fall down.

Do you want to bowl in college?

If I have the opportunity to bowl in college, I would probably do so. I have not made the exact decision, but I am open to bowling. The colleges I am interested in do not have a bowling team.

Male Athlete of the Week

Nico Kapusta

School: Hempfield

Year: Junior

Sport: Wrestling

Claim to fame: Kapusta joined his dad, Brian, and sister, Riley, as WPIAL Class 3A champions. His dad was a two-time champion (1989 and 1990), and his sister won a cheer competition in 2020. His dad and uncle Jeff were PIAA champions and NCAA Division II national champions. Despite a left elbow injury that forced him to miss most of this season, Kapusta has been on a roll since returning to the starting lineup Feb. 8 at the Pine-Richland Duals. Kapusta (13-0) won his second section title Feb. 15 and his first WPIAL title Feb. 22. He has defeated friend and rival Dylan Barrett of Penn-Trafford on back-to-back weeks. Now he wants to keep on rolling.

What is your goal?

I want to be a PIAA champion like my dad and uncle. I want to keep on rolling.

What is the biggest improvement in you since freshman season?

I am more mature. I think that helps me against the younger wrestlers in my weight class. I’ve learned a lot the past three years.

What did it mean to win a WPIAL title?

My dad and I have talked about it, and it’s cool that I was able to join my dad and sister as champions.

How have your dad and uncle helped you in wrestling?

My uncle helps me keep my mind straight. He’s always there if I need to talk. My dad has always helped me tremendously.

What is your go-to move?

A sweep single from my feet.

Who is the toughest opponent you have faced?

When I was little, I’d say it was Fred Buchmann from Faith Christian Academy. He used to beat my butt.

What did it mean to continue the tradition at Hempfield?

It’s cool. It seems like every year we’ve had a WPIAL champion. We have a poster in the wresting room with all the winners.

What did it mean to win a WPIAL title?

It’s cool. The WPIAL is one of the strongest areas for wrestling in the country. It’s not easy to win a championship, and I can tell my kids some day that I won a title.

What part of your game do you need to work on?

You can always get better in all areas. I’ve been working a lot on my feet the past few weeks.

How old were you when you first started to wrestle?

I was 4, and I was at Greensburg Salem. They had two rooms: 0ne for the advanced wrestlers and one for the newcomers. It was tough, and sometimes I’d get frustrated and cry. I didn’t like it at first, but I love it now.

Where would you and your teammates go for a snack after practice?

Chili’s and I get the triple dipper appetizer.

Sheetz or Get-Go?

Get-Go. I feel its food is fresher.

Moe’s or Chipotle?

Moe’s. I get a chicken bowl with white rice, lettuce, cheese, corn and queso.

What is your favorite meal your mom or dad makes?

My dad makes a great steak hibachi.

What is your favorite vacation spot?

We went on a cruise to the Bahamas last year. I liked that a lot.

Where is your favorite vacation spot that wrestling has taken you?

I’d like to go back to Wildwood, N.J., and Virginia Beach.

Do you have a dream car?

I want a Audi R8.

What is your favorite game on X-Box?

I really like the new PGA Tour 2K25.

Where is your favorite golf course you played?

I got to play True Blue in Myrtle Beach.

What is your favorite golf course in the area?

Hannastown Golf Club.

What type of music do you listen to?

I like worship music. It s calming an relaxing.

Do you have any rituals before you wrestle?

After I put on my ankle band, I pray.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Seth Curry.

Do you have a favorite pro team?

I like the Penguins.

What do you like to do to relax?

I go to the high school and run either on the track or the cross-country course.

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

It would be my mom’s dad (Greg Evkovich). He died when she was 5, and I’d just like to know him.

Tags: Hempfield