Junior Legion State Tournament commences

Penn-Trafford and Murrysville began action in the Junior Legion State Baseball Tournament in Indiana County on Saturday. Murrysville started pool play with a pair of victories against Upper Perkiomen 6-5 on Saturday and followed with a 6-1 victory over Spring City on Sunday. The Eagles will play Homer City on Monday to finish pool play. Penn-Trafford, the defending state champion, lost to Northampton 8-3 on Saturday but rebounded by defeating Taney on Sunday 11-1. The Warriors face Connellsville Monday. The semifinal and championship games will be played Tuesday at First Commonwealth Field in Homer City.

Albert steps down from Kiski Area baseball

After guiding the Kiski Area baseball program for the past four years, head coach Aaron Albert announced his resignation last week. Albert cited a time conflict with his real estate career for the decision. This spring, the Cavaliers went 4-14, including 2-8 in Class 5A Section 1, and missed the postseason. Albert guided Kiski Area to one playoff berth during his tenure, although the 2020 season was cancelled as a result of COVID. A 2002 Knoch graduate who continued his playing career at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Albert previously served as the head coach for Beaver Area before taking over at Kiski Area. However, he will maintain his role as an assistant coach for the Kiski Area football team this fall, for which his father, Sam, serves at the helm.

Norwin announces 2022 Athletics HOF class

The latest Norwin Athletics Hall of Fame class is comprised of eight individuals and two teams that will take their place in Knights history. Last week, the Class of 2022 was unveiled, including: John Onderison (Class of 1965 – basketball); Bob Goltz (1970 – track and field, football, basketball); Alicia Nalevanko (1996 – soccer); Jason Staso (1998 – golf, wrestling, baseball); Tyler Urban (2008 – football, basketball); Alayna Gribble (2016 – basketball); Micalya Livingston (2016 – soccer); Harvey Ruffin (contributor); the 2015-16 girls basketball team and 2016 baseball team, both of which captured WPIAL championships. The honorees will be recognized on Oct. 6 at Stratigos Banquet Center in North Huntingdon.

Conroy hired to lead UPJ volleyball

The University of Pitt – Greensburg hired Kevin Conroy as its new volleyball coach last week. Conroy has served as a head coach for high school and club teams in Virginia for the past six years. At the high school level, Conroy guided Potomac Senior High School for two campaigns. Meanwhile, he was in charge of the Manassas Volleyball Club and Core VA Volleyball Club, taking both squads to national tournaments. A year ago, UPG struggled to a mark of 3-22 overall, including 2-6 in Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) play. The Bobcats open their season with a match at Penn State Fayette on Sept. 1.

McGoff named PSNK women’s basketball coach

Penn State New Kensington has announced the hiring of Mike McGoff as the women’s basketball coach. McGoff’s previous coaching experience includes five years with the Penn State Scranton women’s team, including one year at the helm. His additional experience consists of three years at Mid Valley High School. Prior to coaching, McGoff played collegiately at Misericordia University. In 2021-22, New Kensington went just 1-23, including 0-19 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC).