Haugh, Shoaf earn first coaching wins

A pair of first-year football head coaches in Westmoreland County notched their initial victories last Friday, as Colyn Haugh of Kiski Area and Southmoreland’s Dustin Shoaf wasted no time in getting in the win column. Haugh’s Cavaliers claimed a 21-0 home victory against Knoch. The Kiski Area defense was suffocating in earning the shutout, while Aven Shirley was efficient at quarterback, going 5-of-10 for 79 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Ashton Taylor rushed 23 times for 121 yards and a score on the ground for KA. Shoaf’s Scotties also used a dominant defensive effort in blanking Valley 40-0. Southmoreland notched two safeties and held the Vikings to negative yardage for the contest, while Southmoreland QB Dawson Wolfe hit 8-of-11 passes for 111 yards and two scores through the air, adding another touchdown on the ground. Gabe Kubasky hauled in four passes for 43 yards and a pair of TDs. Both teams hit the road this week, as the Cavaliers will play at Norwin, while the Scotties will trek to East Allegheny.

Panthers boys edge Knights on the pitch

A marquee Westmoreland County boys soccer showdown went in favor of Franklin Regional on Saturday, as the host Panthers edged Norwin 2-1 in the season opener for both teams. Aiden Alexander scored both goals for FR. Meanwhile, Ryan Schoemer tallied the lone goal for Norwin. The match served as a crucial tune up for the Panthers, as they open Class 3A Section 3 play on Tuesday at Penn-Trafford. The Knights still have three more tilts before they open Class 4A Section 1 play, with their next contest at Peters Township on Tuesday.

Andrisko hired to lead BVA baseball

Belle Vernon Area approved its new baseball coach last week, as Taylor Andrisko was tabbed to lead the Leopards. Andrisko has guided California Area for the past three campaigns, highlighted by a WPIAL Class 1A Championship appearance in 2023. Andrisko’s previous experience also includes as an assistant at Charleroi, his alma mater. He replaces Tony Watson, who was not retained despite the Leopards posting a record of 16-8 last season, reaching the WPIAL Class 4A semifinals. Watson guided BVA for six seasons.

Saint Vincent unveils Athletic HOF class

Saint Vincent College announced its Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2025 last week, a group that features five athletes, one coach, and a pair of teams. The inductees consist of: Martin Corcoran (Class of 1974 – wrestling); Joey Butler (2009 – men’s basketball); Will Delanoy (2012 – men’s lacrosse); Alyssa Taylor (2014 – women’s swimming); J.C. Howard (2016 – men’s basketball); coach Dr. Andrew Herr (cross country); and the 2004 baseball and 2012-13 women’s tennis teams. They will be inducted on Sept. 27, including recognition at the Bearcats home football game against Hiram College.

Griffins add to baseball coaching staff

Seton Hill University announced several additions to its baseball staff last week, including the hiring of a pair of assistant coaches - Caiden Wood and Mike Zito. Wood played for the Griffins for five seasons, and spent last campaign as a graduate assistant with Salem University. Zito, meanwhile, was an assistant at Chatham University the past two seasons, and served as the director of baseball operations at Belmont University for one year prior to that. He played collegiately at Washington & Jefferson College. Additionally, Matthew Blanchard, who played for the Griffins last season, will serve as a volunteer assistant, while Seton Hill grad Ricky Pitzer will oversee the video and analytics department.