When he was a freshman on the pitch at Burrell High School, Jacob Guerrini wasted no time in establishing himself as a force, setting a program record for goals. Now a junior in college, Guerrini has continued to enjoy similar success at Penn State New Kensington, helping the Lions reach historic heights. Guerrini is in the spotlight for this edition of the Westmoreland Alum Q&A.

As a ninth-grader in 2017, Guerrini scored 16 goals, setting the freshman mark for Burrell boys soccer. Despite his stellar production, the Bucs went 5-8-1 overall, including 3-8-1 in section play, and failed to qualify for the WPIAL postseason.

The following season yielded similar results for Burrell, which went 5-8-2 overall, including 5-7-0 in section play. Consequently, Burrell was left out of the playoffs once again.

The Buccaneers finally broke through in 2019, however, as the team took major strides. Burrell went 11-7-0, including 8-6-0 in the section, and reached the WPIAL Class 2A postseason. However, the Buccaneers suffered a 3-1 loss to Charleroi in the opening round to conclude the season.

In Guerrini’s senior campaign, the schedule was abbreviated as a result of COVID, as the Bucs went 7-4-0, all in section play, once again qualifying for the playoffs. However, Burrell was bounced by Mount Pleasant Area 3-1 in the first round.

Guerrini garnered All-WPIAL Class 2A accolades in both his junior and senior campaigns.

Following his graduation from Burrell, Guerrini matriculated to nearby Penn State New Kensington, joining the Lions as a midfielder/forward for the 2021 season. That season, he played in 19 games, including 18 starts, and compiled 21 goals, seven assists, and 49 points, leading the squad in both goals and points. His production was instrumental in a banner year for the Lions, who went 12-7-0 overall, including 8-2-0 in the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC). In the conference tournament, New Kensington defeated Mont Alto 5-1 in the quarterfinals, but fell to Lehigh Valley in the semifinals. However, the Lions still qualified for the USCAA Division II National Championship in Virginia Beach. Competing in pool play, New Kensington fell to Berkeley-New Jersey and Penn State Brandywine.

Last season, Guerrini played in 15 matches, all starts, and contributed 10 goals, four assists, and 24 points. New Kensington compiled a mark of 10-4-1 overall, including 7-1-1 in the PSUAC. The Lions suffered a 3-1 double overtime defeat against Lehigh Valley in the conference semifinals to conclude the season.

This year, Guerrini has played in three matches, netting a pair of goals and four points. Through four nonconference contests, New Kensington 2-2-0.

Jacob took time from his schedule to respond to questions about his decision to attend Penn State New Kensington, his connection to the current Burrell boys soccer team, and what he’d do if he woke up tomorrow with $1 million.

Q: You scored more than 30 goals combined in your first two seasons with New Kensington. What has allowed you to have such scoring success?

A: I think that the biggest influence on scoring so many goals has been my ability to be a pest to the defense with my speed, and always hustling to win the ball and counterattack quickly. I also had many skilled midfielders who played great through-balls that allowed me to score one-on-one goals with the other team's goalie.

Q: What has been your biggest area of growth during your career at New Kensington?

A: My biggest area of growth was becoming more of a technical player since the drills that our coaches implement into our practices target each player's position specifically. Any teams I have been on before, we always had the whole team doing the same drills in the same positions, which helped; however, my college practices have been extremely beneficial to my touches, passing, and conditioning.

Q: Your team had a great start to last season, but a disappointing finish. What have been the biggest areas of focus throughout the offseason?

A: A huge focus was put on conditioning and making sure that we take care of our bodies more this season. Injuries played a huge role in our performance last year. I personally played our last few games with a sprained ankle. This year, we spend much more time recovering after games and we work on flexibility and mobility.

Q: What team and individual goals have you established for this season?

A: My individual goal is to help our team in the best way that I can - whether it be scoring goals, getting assists, or helping my teammates work better together - and to be a great leader as one of the captains. As a team, I want to make a second appearance in the National Championship, and hopefully make it further than last time.

Q: What has been the best moment in your college career to this point?

A: I think that the best moment in my college career was going away to the National Championship and getting to have that experience. It gave the team a chance to really bond and have quality time together when we had free time at the beach and went to dinner together. It also gave us great competition and allowed us to play at a higher level.

Q: What led to your decision to attend Penn State New Kensington?

A: I originally planned to go away to school. However, I regretted my decision to leave the area. My teammate and friend from high school, Ryan Wurzer, gave me coach Mark’s phone number while we were working together to see if he would have a spot for me on the team. Coach Mark had seen me play in the past, and he was thrilled to have me on his team.

Q: What is your major, and ideal future profession?

A: I am majoring in electro-mechanical engineering and technology, and plan to work with automation, production, or any kind of engineering position in which I can solve problems and have hands-on projects.

Q: Which class has been your most enjoyable?

A: I really enjoy the electrical labs where we build circuits and even write some code on logic controllers.

Q: You played high school soccer at Burrell. What was your fondest high school memory?

A: My fondest high school memory will forever be beating Shady Side Academy after being down 2-0 in the second half. I scored a goal on a one-time finish off a 60-yard free kick from Ryan Wurzer. Then, I scored another goal right after, and finally, I assisted the third and final goal to my other teammate. We ended up winning 3-2.

Q: Do you still follow Buccaneers athletics or WPIAL soccer?

A: Yes, I have two brothers who both start on the Burrell boys team, Vincent and Luke Guerrini. I attend as many games as I can when I do not have work, and I also bring my Penn State teammates to support the Burrell team. We make it a much better experience for them, and the parents thank us for attending the games.

Q: Several of your current teammates also played in the WPIAL. Did you have relationships with any of them prior to Penn State New Kensington?

A: Yes, Ryan and I played against Tanner Stockdill in high school. Devin Murray was our enemy in high school since he played for Deer Lakes. However, we are best friends with him now, surprisingly. Seth Trisoline was also on my high school team for two seasons.

Q: If you could change one rule about college soccer, what would it be?

A: If I could change the rule about substitutions and re-entry, I would put no limit on it because sometimes we need quick breathers since the games are very intense, at times.

Q: Do you prefer water, a sports drink, or something else during games?

A: I like to drink Body Armor before our games and take electrolytes to help battle cramps. During the game, I mostly just like cold water and sips of Gatorade.

Q: To which movie or TV show can you recite nearly every line?

A: I honestly have no movie or show that I can recite. I spend most of my free time working, tinkering in the garage, or riding my motorcycles. I am a highly active person and rarely spend time inside.

Q: If you woke up tomorrow with $1 million, what is the first thing you'd do?

A: I would first give my family a small portion of it since they do so much for me. Then, I would then buy some sort of property that I could rent out and have passive income on. I would try to use it to set up my future and increase my wealth, instead of spending it all on wants right away. I would rather do that later in life when I have a better financial situation.