Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Mt. Pleasant’s Laurel Rummel and Norwin’s Ben McBride

By: Bill Beckner Jr. And Paul Schofield
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 4:29 PM

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Laurel Rummel

School: Mt. Pleasant

Class: Senior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Rummel, a fourth-year starter, made six saves to help the fourth-seeded Vikings (15-4-1) blank Avonworth, 2-0, in the first round of the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs. She had four stops in a 2-1 win over Shady Side Academy in the quarterfinals. A mainstay in front of the net, Rummel has 14 shutouts this season and 57 clean sheets in her career. She also has 67 wins.

How motivated were you to get over the quarterfinals hurdle and get back to the WPIAL finals?

Extremely motivated. We’ve been close the past two years, and that feeling of falling short has stuck with us. We know what it takes, and we’re determined to push through that barrier this time. None of us are satisfied stopping in the quarterfinals again.

What do you remember most about the team’s last trip to Highmark Stadium?

The energy. I’ll never forget what it felt like having everyone’s friends and family there cheering us all on and all the signs people were holding up in the crowd. They all went crazy when Morgan (Gesinski) scored.

What do you like most about this year’s team?

I really like our chemistry. We are all friends on and off the field, which helps us to play for each other. We all trust each other, and that makes a huge difference, especially in tough games.

What makes a good goalkeeper?

A good goalkeeper has a mix of confidence, communication and composure. You have to stay calm no matter what’s happening in front of you, make quick decisions and keep your teammates organized. And, of course, you can’t be afraid to throw yourself in front of anything.

When did you first realize you were a good shot stopper?

I originally got put in the net when I was younger because I wanted to share the ball with the other team. You know, make sure everyone got a turn with it. Even after I understood how the game actually worked, though, my coaches kept putting me in the net. For years, I fought against being a keeper and would play in the field, but I would always get put in in hard games or for tournaments. I never really realized I was good until other people told me.

How important is senior leadership with this group?

Senior leadership is huge, especially with there being so many of us. The younger players look to us for how to handle pressure and prepare for big games. As seniors, we set the example and emphasize how important energy, focus and accountability is. Our junior captain, Izzie Overly, also plays a large leadership role for us this season.

How bad do you want to play Burrell again?

I want to play them again. We respect them, but we’ve proved that we can compete at that level when we played them early in the season and would like to play them again now that we have better chemistry and more games under our belt.

How would you rate your personal play this season?

There’s always room to improve, but I’ve been content with my decision-making, command of the box and overall performance.

What is your career high for saves?

I’m honestly not sure since we don’t officially keep track, but I know I had 18 saves against Freeport this season.

Did you ever think you’d have this many career shutouts?

Honestly, no. Seeing those numbers add up means a lot, but I can’t take full credit for it because I only touch the ball a few times in many of our games thanks to our defense and communication.

Have you ever missed a start?

I’ve started every game all four years. I’ve played through just about everything. For example, this season I broke my nose after getting kicked in the face on a Saturday vs. Penn-Trafford and returned to play our next game Monday vs. Shady Side.

What is this team’s strength?

We communicate really well and are able to capitalize off of our opponents’ mistakes. We have the ability to release people from the back to join the attack because we have the speed, composure and organization to get back if the ball would get cleared.

What’s it like seeing your brother advance in the playoffs with the boys soccer team?

It’s awesome. I’m so proud of him. He’s been a starter both his freshman and sophomore year and has been making a difference on the field, most notably his long distance overtime goal against Yough. We’ve always pushed each other a lot, and it’s been fun watching him grow as a player. There’s definitely a little sibling rivalry, but it’s all love.

Do you have college plans?

Yes, I’m planning to major in aerospace engineering. I’m not sure where exactly yet, but I’m excited for this next step.

Why does Mt. Pleasant have the best sunsets?

We’re located in a really good area where there’s great views of the rolling hills and the surrounding corn fields. After long practices or big wins, there’s nothing better than looking up and seeing the sky light up over the field. It’s kind of our reward.

Have you ever asked for an autograph or given one?

Every year after our rec night game, we hand out balls to all the little kids and then they come around and get all of our autographs.

Coach Rich Garland always says … ?

Coach always says to “do the little things right.” He’s big on details like communication, effort, focus. Our theme for this year has been “no excuses,” which is a way to encapsulate all those aspects into a few simple words.

Will you dress up for Halloween? What will be your costume?

Definitely. I have a group costume planned with my friends where we are all dressing up as different founding fathers.

What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

Reese’s.

Do you play any other sports?

Yes, I play basketball, run track and compete in trap shooting.

When I’m not playing soccer I like to … ?

Be in the gym or hang out with friends. I also like to read, crochet and do leather work.

Ben McBride

School: Norwin

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Cross country

Claim to fame: McBride became the first Norwin runner since Justin Gaydos in 1995 to win the WPIAL Class 3A cross country title. He also helped the team finish third and qualify for the PIAA championship on Nov. 1 at Hershey.

How exciting was it to win the WPIAL title?

It was huge. It was the first big race I have ever won. It was a neat feeling. I set a personal record by 27 seconds (15:27.80).

Did you surprise yourself by winning?

No, I was confident in myself. I was surprised no one went with me when I broke free in the woods.

You were part of the 2024 boys team that won the WPIAL title. What did you take from that experience?

I was the fourth guy. I learned how to lead the team. It was a fun experience even though we did not perform well at Hershey. Hopefully, that changes this year.

Do you play any other sport?

Track and field. I used to play soccer but gave it up for cross country.

Is there another sport you wish you could play?

I like running. Everyone wants to play football, but I am too small for that.

What is your favorite class?

Other than lunch and gym, history.

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

Before a big meet we went to a teammate’s house and had grilled chicken and mac and cheese.

What is your favorite meal?

I like crab legs. Before a big race, I eat spaghetti.

Do you have a candy or snack weakness?

No.

What sport do you enjoy watching?

College football. I like Penn State, but it is not going well for them.

Is there an athlete you would like to meet?

Cole Hocker. He is an Olympic 1,500-meter champion.

Have you ever met a celebrity?

No.

What was the last movie you watched?

I am not sure.

What type of movies do you like?

Historical movies. I also like gladiator type movies.

What type of music do you listen to?

Whatever is on the radio while I am driving.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

We for to Fort Lauderdale in February to visit my grandparents. I like the beach.

Where do you hope to visit in the future?

I would like to visit Europe. I think that would be cool.

Who has the best pizza in your school district?

I like Rodney’s. I get pepperoni and olives on it.

Do you have a pet? What is it?

I have a dog, cat, Guinea pig, and my sister has a hamster.

What does it mean to be the second Norwin runner to win a WPIAL title?

It is an honor. I hope to win two more before I am done.

What are the goals for the PIAA championship?

I would like to medal. Being there last year was a fun experience.

Tags: Mt. Pleasant