Westmoreland high school athletes of the week for April 6, 2025: Franklin Regional’s Toryn Fulton and Derry’s Jeremiah Gess

By: Bill Beckner Jr. And Paul Schofield
Saturday, April 5, 2025 | 8:29 PM

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Toryn Fulton

School: Franklin Regional

Class: Senior

Sport: Softball

Claim to fame: Fulton led the Panthers (5-2) to a pair of wins in a variety of ways. She had a double, home run and three RBIs in a 6-4 win over McKeesport. Then, she stole a career-high six bases, doubled, homered, scored three times and drove in three runs in a 12-2 win over Kiski Area.

Fulton’s absurd slash line read: .615/.667/1.538. Her OPS is a brow-raising 2.205.

The South Floria commit has five doubles, two triples, five home runs, 16 RBIs and 16 runs. She walked four times against Latrobe, twice intentionally, in a 4-3 win.

Teammate Ciara Camacho said, “She’s popping off.”

How do you think the season has gone for the team and individually?

As the games go on, we are only playing better and better as a team. Great things are to come.

What was the spring training trip to Florida like, and what did the team gain from it?

During spring training we were able to get live reps and get a lot of work in while we were down there. It was letting us shake all the rust off and get back into the “game-time” mentality. We gained team bonding from this trip.

What have you focused on getting better at this season?

Getting better this season knowing I have a lot to prepare for in the next few months.

You stole six bases in one game. Was that your game plan, or did you improvise?

I don’t go into any game with a plan. I just do what I do, and what happens just happens. I do like to steal bases, though, so it’s always an expectation if I get the chance.

Have your tried to steal more bases this year?

No. Like I said before, what ever happens, happens.

What makes this FR team dangerous?

In my opinion, we’ve been the “underdogs” of the section in previous years, but this year we have gained a lot more knowledge and have gotten closer as a team, which allows us to work better together.

There are only three seniors on the roster. Are you trying to work with the younger girls?

I do like to work with the younger girls a lot. I share my knowledge with them and critique them in helpful ways.

Do you find yourself marveling at how teammate Ciara Camacho plays the game?

She’s a go-getter, that is certain. She brings a lot of enthusiasm to the team along with dedication.

You had a good basketball season with the team winning a section for the first time since 1979 and making the WPIAL playoffs. What was all of that like?

It was definitely a great feeling for the whole team. We’ve played with each other from start to finish of our basketball careers, so to end on a high note, it felt nice.

Will you be playing in the Roundball Classic all-star basketball game in May?

I am not sure whether I will be able to or not with softball season.

Do you prefer playing shortstop or another position?

I will play wherever I am put.

What position do you expect to play at South Florida?

I don’t expect to play anywhere. Wherever he (coach Ken Eriksen) needs me to be is where I will be and give it my all.

Have you been following South Florida this season?

Yes.

How many times have you been intentionally walked this season?

Just once.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can juggle.

Who is your favorite actor?

Adam Sandler is always a good person to see when watching a movie.

Who would play you in a movie about you?

I am not sure. I think it depends on what the movie is about.

What kind of music do you listen to?

I love country music, and it is pretty much the only genre I listen to.

Do you have a nickname for your bat?

After hearing this question, I am deciding to give my bat a nickname. It will be named Steve. This name comes from Minecraft.

Who is your favorite pro athlete?

My dad.

You dad, Billy, played for the Yankees. What does he think of the torpedo bats?

He doesn’t have any opinion on the bat.

What would you do with a torpedo bat?

I would probably hit it on the inside of my bat and then complain about it hurting my hand if I am being honest.

Who should be the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback?

Lamar Jackson.

Will the Pittsburgh Pirates be able to keep Paul Skenes?

I don’t think so, no.

Jeremiah Gess

School: Derry Area

Year: Junior

Sport: Track and Field

Claim to fame: Gess broke a long-standing record at Derry Area. He recently broke the pole vault record of 13 feet held by Larry Stauffer. He jumped 13-6 in the first meet of the season and since has cleared 13-7 and 14 feet, which was April 4 at Penn-Trafford. Gess also wrestled and just missed qualifying for the PIAA championship. An injury prevented him from playing football this past season, but he might return as a senior.

What did it mean to break the pole vault record?

It felt good. I knew I had a chance to do it. I cleared 11-6 as a freshman and 12 feet as a sophomore. An ankle injury prevented me from going higher. The key this season is to stay healthy.

Are you surprised to clear 14 feet so soon?

When Nick (Puskar of Norwin) cleared 13-6, I knew I had a chance at 14. Nick and I work out at Vault Athletics in Irwin. A lot of kids are going there. There are a lot of good vaulters in the county.

So what are your goals now that you have broken the school record?

I want to get on a longer pole so I can reach 14-6 and maybe 15. I’d also like to qualify for states.

When did you start pole vaulting? What was it like?

I was in ninth grade, and cross-country coach Greg Rager encouraged me to try it. I did not want to run, but I tried it. Basically, I ran as fast as I could and jumped. It was scary. The scary part is going over the bar. That’s when it is scary. If you don’t have enough speed, you could drop straight down in the box.

What type of player should the Steelers draft in the first round of the upcoming draft?

They need a wide receiver or a running back.

What is your favorite Pittsburgh professional team?

I like the Penguins.

Who is your favorite Pittsburgh athlete?

Sidney Crosby.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

I like Florida and Wyoming. My grandmother lives in Orlando, and we hunted in Wyoming.

Where would you like to visit?

Probably Texas and California.

What type of music do you like? Who is your favorite group?

I like rock n’ roll and country. My favorite band is Metallica.

Where do you and your friends go after practice or meet?

We head to Taco Bell, and I get a grilled cheese burrito.

What is your favorite meal that your mom or dad makes?

I like their spaghetti.

What type of dog do you own?

I have a German shorthaired pointer named Kimber. She is a good hunting dog.

What are you favorite type of movies?

I like the “Fast and Furious” movies.

If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would it be, and what would you talk about?

Paul Walker, and we would talk about his “Fast and Furious” movies.

Tags: Franklin Regional