Getsy steps down as Panthers coach

Franklin Regional football head coach Lance Getsy stepped down from his position last week, ending his five-year tenure with the Panthers. During his time with FR, Getsy compiled a mark of 24-30, although the Panthers advanced to the WPIAL playoffs in each of his first four seasons, winning a conference crown in 2022. This fall, Franklin Regional went just 1-9 overall, including 0-6 in the Class 5A Big East Conference. In 2021, Getsy replaced longtime coach Greg Botta, under whom he previously served as an assistant. Getsy’s other head coaching position was with Charleroi, while he was also an assistant at Norwin, Gateway, Elizabeth Forward, and his alma mater, Steel Valley.

Pitzer named Fralic finalist

The six finalists for the 2025 Bill Fralic Memorial Award were released last week, and Derry Area’s Dylan Pitzer is the representative from Class 3A. Pitzer, a two-way lineman for the Trojans, was named the Class 3A Interstate Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year. The seventh-annual winner will be announced on Dec. 6 at Longue Vue Club in Verona.

Spartans hockey rebounds with lopsided win

After a pair of losses the previous week that dropped them out of first place, Hempfield Area hockey rebounded with a convincing 8-1 home victory against Wheeling Catholic last Thursday. Guerin Gardner bookended the scoring with two goals, while Nino DiPietro also tallied a pair of markers and added an assist. Likewise, JJ Williams netted three points, posting a goal and two assists, while Colby Herron, Max Gromoll, and Kevin Sable had two-point efforts. Aidan Nader earned the win in net, making 11 saves, as the Spartans outshot the Patriots 42-12. With the win, Hempfield Area moved to 6-2-1-0, and with 20 points, the Spartans are one point behind first place Penn-Trafford in the PIHL Class AA.

Basilone steps away from Valley baseball

After eight years guiding Valley baseball, Jim Basilone has resigned from the position. In his place, the Valley School Board approved Jaron Minford as the new head coach earlier this month. Basilone achieved a mark of 74-70 during his tenure with the Vikings, highlighted by a section title in 2024. Last campaign, Valley went 7-11 overall, including 2-8 in Class 4A Section 3, failing to qualify for postseason play. A Springdale grad, Basilone intends to continue coaching.

SHU’s Stribling named PSAC Freshman of the Year

As a result of his massive impact in his first season on the field for Seton Hill University football, Anthony Stribling was honored as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) West Freshman of the Year last week. After redshirting in his first year, Stribling played in all 11 contests at defensive end for the Griffins this fall, compiling 41 tackles and a conference-leading 10.5 sacks, along with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. In addition to that accolade, Stribling was also a Second-Team All-PSAC performer at defensive line. Six other Griffins also garnered All-PSAC honors, as running back Ky’Ron Craggette, center Jackson Barton, defensive lineman Ben Weaver, and linebacker Ritchie McCormack were First-Team selections, while linebacker D’Kairi Boone and defensive back Demetri Whitehead were Second-Team performers.