Community shaken
Trump assassination attempt brings flurry of attention to Bethel Park
By Jon Andreassi Staff writer jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
BETHEL PARK – At about
12:30 a.m. Saturday, July 14, Keith and Joann Holzer noticed flashing police sirens and law enforcement on the street in their Bethel Park neighborhood. They went to bed without giving it too much thought, unaware that the man who attempted to assassinate former President Donald J. Trump had just been identified as a neighbor who lived down the street.
Federal investigators descended upon the Milford Drive home of Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, that night after he used an AR-style rifle to injure the former president, kill one person and critically injure two others that Saturday while Trump was speaking at a rally in Butler. The Holzers live nearby on Highland Road, which intersects with Milford. When they woke up, they realized the seriousness of the situation.
Going the distance
Competitive edge makes Matheny an Olympian
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac
Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
At age 5, Josh Matheny of Upper St. Clair exhibited a competitive spirit that would make him an Olympian.
During a mini meet, which allowed participants to race with floating aids, Matheny glanced to his side and saw a swimmer with a bubble on his back in the adjacent lane surging ahead. Immediately, Matheny ducked under the lane rope and blocked the progress of his opponent.
“I’m not sure it was his first ‘real win’ but it’s one that we remember,” said Matheny’s parents, Jeff and Kristin. “To this day, we call the kid ‘Bubble Boy,’ but Josh was having none of that, losing to a kid who had an aid.” After the race, Jeff and Kristin reproved Josh. “You can’t go into another kid’s lane,” they chided gently.
While Josh is still teased about the incident, it established a characteristic that propelled him to gain a spot on the U.S. swim team that will compete in the Summer Olympic Games, beginning July 26 in Paris.
“We knew then that Josh was a competitor,” Kristin said.
“He hates to lose,” Jeff added. “He’s a much better sport than he was at 5, but he still doesn’t like to lose. He loves to win.” Josh Matheny gets fitted
Parents pave path for Olympian offspring
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
When Kristin and Jeff Matheny were asked about the sacrifices they made to help their son, Josh, earn a roster spot on the U.S. Swimming Team that will compete in the Summer Olympic Games, the Upper St. Clair couple looked at each other and laughed.
“Honestly, I love swimming,” Kristin said. “I am the biggest geek. I will go to every session and watch the kids.”
“She knows every time and every swimmer. More than Josh,” Jeff added. “It’s a passion. Really there was no sacrifice. We are both so excited.”
Kristin always had an affinity for swimming. She excelled at North Hills High School, even holding the 100-yard breaststroke record for a time.
“Oh, my gosh, not even near Josh,” she said. “I loved swimming but wasn’t good enough to even contemplate being at his level.”
After competing at Bowdoin College, where she majored in economics and history, Kristin earned an MBA from Case-Western, but the 55-year-old did not return to the sport until she joined the Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club’s masters program in 2012. While Jeff said he did not foresee Kristin as a “stay-athome mom” when they wed 31 years ago, they agreed the family was “fortunate” she fulfilled that role.
“When I had the kids, I had no desire to be in that corporate world,” Kristin said. “As a management consultant, I was required to do a lot of travel. That did not translate well into parenthood.”
In addition to Josh, the couple also reared two successful daughters. Both were also swimmers. Meghan, 26, is following in her father’s footsteps, who is an orthopedic surgeon in the Allegheny Health Network. Meghan just completed her second year of medical school at Penn State.
JON ANDREASSI/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Bethel Park police officers Andrew Jacobs and Dave Arnold stand at the Milford Road
blockade Monday as investigators continue working at the home of Thomas Crooks.
COURTESY OF BETHEL PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT
Thomas Matthew Crooks
ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC: Jeff and Kristin Matheny pose in front of a yard sign congratulating their son, Josh, on making the United States Swim Team that will compete in the Summer Olympics set to begin July 26 in Paris.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MATHENY FAMILY
Josh Matheny was all smiles after finishing second in the 200-meter breaststroke to gain his spot on the U.S. swim team that will compete in the Summer Olympics.
um in Indianapolis, which is approximately 51 miles from Indiana University.
While winning compels Matheny, it also has earned him personal prizes, from a plethora of gold medals during his scholastic career to a bearded dragon, dubbed Gandalf, after the wizard from The Lord of the Rings. The lizard was a reward for making an Olympic Trial cut time at age 14 during a Futures Meet.
“He was 10 seconds off and I’m thinking it’s never going to happen,” Kristin said. “We’re never going to have to worry about that.”
“When he finished the race, he looked up at me and said, ‘Mom, we’re getting the bearded dragon.’ Josh once again showed his determination. I never made a bet with him again.”
Dave Schraven never doubted Matheny. Schraven coached him in high school and when he belonged to the Pitt Elite Aquatics Club before he matriculated to Indiana University. Under Schraven, Matheny became the U.S. national champion in the 200-meter breaststroke, shattering the 15-16 age group record.
“Josh has had phenomenal coaches,” Kristin said. “I remember when we were at nationals and I ran into Dave. He was dressed up in a nice shirt and when I asked him why, he said it’s because he was handing out the medals ‘and Josh is going to win.’ Josh had a coach that really believed in him.”
After that first big win on a national stage, Matheny went on to compete in the World Junior Championships in Budapest, Hungary. He won gold medals in the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke events and added a silver in the 4x100 medley relay.
Before the Olympic Trials, winning Junior Worlds was the most exciting event for the family, particularly because Matheny upset two Japanese men who were favored to win.
“We were not prepared for that,” said Jeff. “It was a huge moment where you are thinking, he really has a good chance to make the Olympic team. Josh was beating the top guys in the country.”
Last summer, Matheny earned a spot on the U.S. swim team that participated in the World Aquatics Championships in Japan. He qualified with personal-best times and competed in both the 100 and 200 breast events.
“All these experiences together led to the confidence that Josh has needed to perform,” said Jeff.
Matheny did, however, have to again earn his spot on Team USA. He had to place first or second in his breaststroke races during the Olympic Trials at Lucas Oil Stadi-
Being a Hoosier has been quite different from being an Upper St. Clair Panther because in high school, Matheny seldom lost. In his senior year, he won three gold medals at the PIAA meet, including the 100-yard breaststroke title for the fourth year in a row with a NFHS and state record time of 51.84 seconds. He was named Swimmer of the Meet.
Matheny also won a fourth WPIAL title in the 100 breaststroke and led USC to the team championship. Before he matriculated to IU, Matheny was named The 2021 Almanac/ Observer-Reporter Male Athlete of the Year.
As a rising senior at IU, Matheny is a seven-time All-American, two-time NCAA medalist and threetime Big Ten champion.
“Josh was very lucky,” Kristin said. “Through about 12th grade, he didn’t lose. At each level he would win. He won Junior Worlds at 16. It was always the case that he wasn’t going to lose to the guy next to him. As he got older, there were a lot more losses. Josh gets that. With those losses, he learns what he can do better. So that doesn’t happen again.”
Although he earned a bronze medal, Matheny suffered his biggest loss when he was edged out of second place by seven hundreds of a second during the 100 meters at the Olympic Trials.
“Third is the last place you want to get,” Kristin said. “To be right there was difficult, frustrating, heartbreaking.”
“Josh had a choice though. He could mourn and be sad about what he lost or he could get up and focus on the next important point,” Jeff said.
Matheny posted on his social media accounts that morning how he was going to be like the goldfish referenced in Ted Lasso. For 10 seconds, he dwelt on the defeat and reconciled to “bring it” during the 200. Matheny made the most of his chance. He finished second to clinch his spot in the Olympics.
“Olympic Trials are incredibly stressful,” Kim said, “but Josh remained level-headed. His determination and focus are amazing.”
Those two factors pushed him through an even harder challenge. Matheny reached the lowest point in his swimming career only months before the Trials. During NCAA Championships, he lost to three kids from rival Purdue.
“It was raining outside and I remember Josh saying, ‘I’m not sure about this Olympic thing,” said Kristin. “Mentally it was a challenging weekend but Josh picked himself up. In a sport with a lot of downs, he bounced back. He picks himself up. He’s reliant and optimistic and most of all competitive.”
Abby, 24, earned a Fulbright Scholarship and traveled to Peru, into a town only accessible by water, to study the impact of microplastics on the Amazon River. She is working toward a doctorate in environmental engineering from the University of Michigan.
As Josh continued to win and gain fame, Meghan and Abby supported him. They alternated attending many of his high-level competitions when their schedules permitted. Both were headed to Paris for the Olympics with their parents.
“There was never much jealousy between (the sisters) and Josh,” Jeff said. “They are successful in their own right.”
Kristin said she told each of the children that they all had their gifts and strengths, and that Josh’s happened to be swimming.
Growing up, Josh did many things, including racing with noodles at pool parties. In addition to swimming, he competed in lacrosse. He even emulated his father, playing ice hockey.
Jeff played hockey at North Hills High School, where he was named a Pittsburgh Penguins Scholar Athlete, and at Colorado College, gaining his undergraduate degree, he played club hockey.
Jeff coached Josh when he played in the Mt. Lebanon Hockey Association, but the only traveling they did together related to ski trips. While they enjoyed the family getaway at Seven Springs, they also favored runs at Vail, Big Sky, Steamboat or Park City.
“He was beating me,” Jeff marveled. “He was so fast.”
“Josh was just a good athlete. He picked things up quickly,” Kristin said.
Jeff swims at least twice a week because he is a triathlete. He ranks in the top 15% in his age group. In 2015, he completed his first Ironman in Maryland.
A veteran of many marathons, including Boston multiple times with his wife, Jeff and Kristin are preparing to participate in a biathlon event. Combined they will
traverse 13 miles, 11 on foot and two in the water, while tethered together.
“I guess that’s where Josh gets it,” they said of Josh’s competitiveness.
As he achieved records, Josh’s interest in his other extracurricular activities waned. Before he entered high school, his parents and coaches realized he had the potential to make the Olympics.
“As good as he was at the other sports, he wasn’t as good as he was at swimming,” said Jeff.
“At that point, he was winning zone meets and swimming really, really fast and placing among the top kids in the breaststroke,” added Kristin. “He was a natural. It came so easily to him. So we all agreed this is something that could take him far.”
Josh devoted himself to his dream. No one had to wake him for his early morning workouts nor entice him to attend his weightlifting sessions. Josh never kept his chauffeurs – his mother or his sister once she learned to drive – waiting.
“He was always ready to go, and no matter how tired he was or how challenging he knew a practice would be, he always went,” Kristin said. “Josh is a very, very focused kid. In what he’s interested in.”
“He’s focused and disciplined,” Jeff agreed. “Josh knew that achieving goals took discipline. He knew that you don’t get there if you don’t show up.”
Josh also knew that he would achieve his objectives at Indiana University in Bloomington rather than accepting a scholarship offer from Stanford. IU has produced 121 Olympic medalists. There have been 60 gold medalists, most notably Mark Spitz and Josh’s fellow teammate Lily King.
“He’s a Hoosier. Josh loves everything there except, of course, the football team because we’re Penn State fans,” Jeff said.
While becoming empty-nesters was a challenge, Josh’s parents said IU was the right step at the right time.
“Josh was ready to go and train with a collegiate team.” they said. “We knew we were sending him to a place where he would have a lot of opportunities and if he could take advantage of them, then he could go far. If he stayed at home, he might not have reached his potential.”
Josh became an Olympian in an unorthodox fashion, rallying after just missing a spot in his signature swim and clinching a berth in the 200 distance. He reached the apex of his career to date because of the listening skills of his parents.
Because she has traveled the most with Josh, Kristin has become his biggest confidant and cheerleader. She talks to him by phone after every race. Jeff gave Josh a “pep” talk after the thirdplace showing in the 100 breaststroke.
“I pale in comparison to Mom,” he said. “She’s the rock.”
According to Kristin, the Mathenys weren’t “crazy” parents. They knew when to “back off” and support Josh.
“I never want to be a dream crusher,” she said. “Life discourages you soon enough.
“As parents you should let them be their quirky, goofy selves and hope they find their passions. They will realize soon enough if they are good enough. You don’t have to discourage them.”
The Mathenys said children need to know that their parents have their back and that they will do what they can to help them with opportunities.
“In swimming, for example, you may not be an Olympic athlete but there are so many opportunities,” said Kristin, mentioning clubs, college teams and masters programs. “One of the most wonderful things I do now is swimming. So, if you love something you will find a way to do it at a level that is right for you.”
COURTESY OF THE MATHENY FAMILY
COURTESY OF THE MATHENY FAMILY
Josh Matheny surfaces for air during the breaststroke event.
Jeff and Kristin Matheny pose with the family dogs, Finn and Benny, as well as Gandalf.
“I just
Keith said.
Law enforcement had created a
the
and streets were closed off to traffic. While eyeballs from around the world were focused on their corner of Bethel Park, the Holzers described the police blockade as creating an eerie silence in the normally bustling neighborhood.
“It was an awfully quiet day. There were no cars speeding down the road,” Joann said. Keith added that the airspace was shut down as well, meaning they did not hear the usual sounds of airplanes flying overhead.
On July 16, police had the road blocked at the intersection of Milford and Highland. A white tent could be seen down the road near Crooks’ home, where investigators continued to work to determine a motive for the rally shooting.
The Holzers did not know the family, other than to see Crooks’ father, Matthew, outside mowing the lawn from time to time.
“For the most part, everybody keeps to themselves,” Keith said.
A spokesperson for Allegheny Arms and Gun Works on Library Road in Bethel Park confirmed that they were cooperating with law enforcement as investigators learned that Crooks purchased ammunition from the business the day of the rally.
“As a responsible member of our community it is our prerogative to cooperate with law enforcement in every way. We are thankful that President Trump was not assassinated and our hearts and prayers go out to all victims of this horri-
ble incident. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and that of those affected we will not make any further statements,” reads a statement from Allegheny Arms and Gun Works.
After Crooks made his way onto a rooftop near the Butler Farm Show grounds with a rifle, a local law enforcement officer climbed to the roof. Crooks pointed the rifle at the officer, Butler County Sheriff Michael Slupe told the Associated Press, and the officer climbed back down.
Using a rifle that investigators learned belonged to his father, Crooks quickly opened fire. Secret Service agents shot and killed him seconds later.
Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed in the shooting. Comperatore was a former fire chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company in Butler County. Gov. Josh Shapiro said he “died a hero” as he dove on his family to shield them from bullets.
Bethel Park School District issued a statement confirming that Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.
“The school district wishes to express its sincere wishes for a speedy and complete recovery for Mr. Trump and those in attendance at the Saturday event who may have been physically harmed or emotionally impacted by these tragic events. We offer special condolences to the family of Mr. Corey Comperatore, who was killed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time,” reads the statement.
The school district provided Crooks’ sophomore yearbook photo. A review of high school yearbooks available at Bethel Park Public Library failed to yield much more information about the shooter. He was listed among the “camera shy” students during his senior year.
Crooks tried out for the school’s rifle team but was turned away because he was a bad shooter, Frederick Mach told the Associated Press. Mach is a current captain of the team who was a few years behind Crooks at the school.
Jason Kohler, who said he attended the same high school but did not have any classes with Crooks, told the AP that Crooks was bullied and sat alone at lunchtime. Other students mocked him for the clothes he wore, which included hunting outfits, Kohler said.
“He was bullied almost every day,” Kohler told reporters. “He was just an outcast, and you know how kids are nowadays.”
According to the AP, Crooks worked at Bethel Park Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation as a dietary aide, a job that generally involves food preparation. Marcie Grimm, the administrator of the nursing home, said in a statement she was “shocked and saddened to learn of his involvement.” Grimm added that Crooks had a clean background check when he was hired.
Crooks was also a member of the Clairton Sports Club on Coal Valley Road. Pittsburgh attorney Robert Bootay confirmed his membership and provided a statement on behalf of the club.
“Obviously, the club fully admonishes the senseless act of violence that occurred on Saturday. The club also offers its sincerest condolences to the Comperatore family and extends prayers to all of those injured, including the former President,” Bootay said.
Investigators found “rudimentary” bomb making materials in Crooks’ vehicle and at his home. Officials have not determined a possible motive in the assassination attempt.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Jansante appointed principal of North Catholic High School
Dr. Zeb Jansante, former assistant superintendent of the Bethel Park School District and one-time principal of Mt. Lebanon High School, took over this week as principal of North Catholic High School.
Jansante has served most recently as principal of Archangel Gabriel Catholic School in Robinson Township. He also had stints as principal of Quaker Valley and Elizabeth Forward high schools.
Jansante will have primary responsibility for the day-to-
day academic affairs of the school and will work closely with the Rev. Charles Bober, president, in service to the North Catholic community.
“This is a time in my career when I can celebrate being able to couple my work in the field of education with my Catholic faith,” Jansante said. “It’s very exciting for me. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the community, staff, and students at North Catholic High School. It’s going to be a wonderful experience.” Dr. Zeb Jansante
“THIS IS A TIME IN MY CAREER WHEN I CAN CELEBRATE BEING ABLE TO COUPLE MY WORK IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION WITH MY CATHOLIC FAITH. IT’S VERY EXCITING FOR ME.”
—
DR.
ZEB JANSANTE, PRINCIPAL OF NORTH CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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Mt. Lebanon wins state award for Uptown upgrade
The Pennsylvania Downtown Center awarded the Mt. Lebanon Partnership and Mt. Lebanon Municipality with the Townie Award for 2024 for the Vibrant Uptown public space improvement project, in the category of Physical Improvements and Design: Public Space Improvements.
“The Townies are an opportunity for us to showcase our member communities and celebrate their incredible work in our commonwealth’s business districts and neighborhoods,” said PDC’s executive director, Julie Fitzpatrick. “Our Main Street and Elm Street community leaders work tirelessly to make our Pennsylvania communities places where we are proud to call home, start a business, build a family or retire.”
The Vibrant Uptown project (phase 1) was a $4 million project that overhauled
“WE ARE ALL THRILLED TO SEE THIS PROJECT GET WELL-EARNED RECOGNITION.”
ERIC MILLIRON, COMMERCIAL DISTRICT MANAGER FOR MT. LEBO
and upgraded lighting, conduit, sidewalks, seating and planters along Mt. Lebanon’s Washington Road, a nationally recognized Main Street. Phase 2, called Activate Uptown, is a placemaking plan now underway that seeks to revitalize gathering areas and underused spaces along the central business district.
“We are all thrilled to see this project get well-earned recognition,” said Eric Milliron, Mt. Lebanon’s commercial district manager. “Our Uptown is home to dozens of quality merchants, restaurants and service providers, and they deserve a beautiful,
safe, accessible and sustainable place to grow and thrive.
This project exceeded those goals while it attracts increasing numbers of residents and visitors to all Uptown has to offer.”
In February, Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Uptown and held it up as an example for other business districts in Pennsylvania to follow.
Milliron accepted the Townie at a ceremony in June, along with Commissioners Anne Swager Wilson and Andrew Flynn, Mt. Lebanon Partnership President Chris Reidenbaugh and Partnership Vice President Dorene Ciletti.
Would you like to get the newest addition to your family published in The Almanac for free? With our New Arrivals series, your precious baby’s photo can be published in The Almanac newspaper and website on July 28, 2024! Deadline for photo submissions is July 22, 2024 at 11:59PM.
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Mt. Lebanon addressing water cloudiness at township pool
By Jill Thurston Staff writer jthurston@observer-reporter.com
Water cloudiness has forced some periodic closures this season at the Mt. Lebanon Swim Center, 900 Cedar Boulevard.
requires us to close for safety reasons,” the post reads. “The simple answer is, “our filtration system is not sufficient to handle the daily volume of people using the pool.”
The issue is not a new one, Donnellan said at the June meeting.
David Donnellan, Director of Recreation for the township, addressed the issue at a commissioners discussion meeting June 25 and posted about the subject July 10 on the Parks and Recreation page of the township’s website.
“We regret the unusual pool closures this season due to cloudy water. When the water becomes so cloudy that we can’t see the bottom of the pool, Allegheny County
“We have had issues with cloudy water since the pool was renovated in 2014,” Donellan said. “Once we reach a high volume of bathers, turbidity increases and eventually, if it continues, you can’t see the bottom of the pool.”
Donnellan said the pool has experienced 10 partial days and one full day, when it was closed due to events unrelated to weather. Of those days,
eight were from cloudy water due to insufficient filtration where the pool was forced to close around 5:30 or 6 p.m. According to the post, the swim center is addressing the problem by cleaning filters when necessary, maintaining good water chemistry and vacuuming the pool by hand when possible. Short adult swims and safety breaks to give the filters a chance to catch up have been incorporated. Other measures include talking with pool professionals and engineers to determine what additional steps can be taken. There are also discussions to replace the filtration system and possibly limit attendance to residents and passholders only.
“The long-term solution here is we need better filtration,” Donnellan said in June. “The time to do this, should the commission desire to consider a project like that, would be starting in September and finishing in April so we don’t impact the swimming season. If we did that in September, we could be ready with new filtration and no restrictions on usage other than our occupancy, which we are required not to exceed roughly 1,500, established by Pennsylvania based on a formula.”
The estimated cost to replace the system was placed at $250,000. The July 10 post noted a mistake by a staff member earlier this season while cleaning the filters that allowed “a large amount of filter media (diatomaceous earth) to flow into the swimming pool. It made the water very cloudy and we needed to close the facility on May 27 to clean it.” Sunscreen also is a contributing factor, “particularly when it is not applied properly,” the post reads. Patrons are encouraged to apply sunscreen responsibly. Aerosol sunscreens are more of a problem, according to the post, because they are applied to wet skin. Allowing lotions to dry before swimming is helpful.
sports
‘SKY’S THE LIMIT’
Royals select Mt. Lebo’s Shields in MLB draft
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Kansas City picked Kevin Shields, 17, of Mt. Lebanon in the second round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft. The left-handed pitcher was the 41st overall selection in the three-day event held July 1416 in Fort Worth, Texas. He was the second pick in the second round because the Royals had traded the 39th pick to the Nationals.
All those details did not surprise Shields’s former high school coach. Patt McCloskey recalled the throngs of scouts that attended Mt. Lebanon High School baseball games this spring.
“After his start against Hempfield, some important people from (Kansas City’s) organization stuck around and talked with David at length,” McCloskey said. “That was the only time a team stuck around after a game to talk to him.”
According to the KC organization, the “sky’s the limit” for Shields and the Royals offer “player development” to which he will be exposed. Shields has a good feel for his craft. He throws a lot of strikes and possesses three solid pitches.
His fastball has been clocked at 95 mph. His breaking ball is timed in the low-80s. His changeup rounds out his arsenal.
“The comments that the scouts continually made was ‘He has a really high floor’ which is their way of saying that he is already pretty advanced,” McCloskey said. “He actually has something there already. He’s not just projectable. Most importantly, they drafted a very mentally tough kid who will be able to handle the grind and the challenges that comes with playing professional baseball.”
Scholastically, Shields survived a grind that saw him accelerate his graduation. After a sensational sophomore season, he not only gave up being the starting quarterback on the football team, Shields reclassified to complete his high school studies in what would have been his junior year. He graduated this June and will not turn 18 until Sept. 9.
SEE SHIELDS PAGE B2
169 strikeouts. He threw a no-hitter in the 2023 WPIAL 6A championship game.
Bethel Park native makes MLB all-star history
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net
Bethel Park native Mason Miller made history when he recorded a 103.6-mph pitch during the MLB All-Star Game played July 16 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. With two out in the fifth inning, Miller threw his first pitch to Philadelphia shortstop Trea Turner. Though it missed low for a ball, it was
the hardest pitch thrown in the Midsummer Classic since pitch tracking began in 2008. The pitch was one of eight triple-digits fastballs Miller tossed during a perfect 12-pitch inning. After Miller got Arizona’s Ketel Marte to fly out to left field, he faced Shohei Ohtani. Though the LA Dodgers designated hitter had smacked a three-run homer in his previous at bat, he struck out swinging. Miller fired two
strikes of 100.6 and 101.8 mph before getting Ohtani to miss on a low-and-inside slider, clocked at 89.2 mph.
“I wasn’t giving him one up, that’s for sure,” Miller told Ken Rosenthal in an in-game interview broadcast on Fox Sports. “I think I got the second strike, then I got one that might’ve been down a little bit but I got to the back-foot slider.”
Miller then struck out Turner and went on to be the pitch-
er of record when the American League defeated the National League, 5-3. He is the third rookie pitcher to earn the win in an MLB All-Star Game, joining Spec Shea in 1947 and Dean Stone in 1954. All represented the AL.
“The hitters that we face everyday throughout the year, there are a lot of talented guys, but to do it on the stage in front of this crowd against these talented players is something I’ll have forever,” Miller
said. “I think every single hitter over there’s super talented, so whoever you match up against, it’s gonna be a battle. I ended up getting the top of the order and I was excited to get that matchup. It’s what you dream of.” Since getting his diabetes under control and being drafted by the Oakland A’s, Miller has been having a dream career in the Major Leagues.
SEE MLB PAGE B2
David Shields after being selected by the Kansas City Royals at the MLB amateur draft held in Texas.
David Shields was the ace of the Mt. Lebanon pitching staff. In two seasons, he compiled an 11-3 record with
Mason Miller
Shortly after graduating from Bethel Park High School, his pitching stats tanked while enrolled at Waynesburg University. Once he was diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes, he was outfitted with a pump to dispense medicine to control the disease and ad-
justed his diet. As he regained weight and added strength, he reduced his ERA from seven to two and improved his pitching speed.
After success at Gardner-Webb University in North Carolina, where he posted an 8-1 record with 121 strikeouts and forged a 3.30 ERA for the Bulldogs, Miller was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the third round of the MLB amateur draft in
2021. He was the 97th pick. Though he had a successful MLB debut in 2023, he was sidelined by an arm injury. At 25, he roared back this spring to become the league’s top reliever. At the all-star break, he ranked first among MLB relievers in strikeouts, strikeout percentage and 100+ mph pitches. He had 15 saves and was averaging 15.9 strikeouts per nine innings in 33 appearances.
Bethel Park football offering locker room sponsorships
By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net
Bethel Park rolled out a novel fundraiser for its football team this week.
The Black Hawks are seeking sponsorships to be affixed to a players’ locker.
For an annual $150 stipend the donor can select a specific number. Lockers are issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“The goal is to get every locker. Ninety-five of them sponsored,” said BP football head football coach Phil Peckich.
ship and PIAA runner-up club in 2008, was one of the initial donors and he requested No. 53, which is worn by Hunter Goelz, a standout linemen and long snapper on this year’s squad.
agent linebacker after playing for four NFL clubs, including the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Raiders, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2021, he provided funding to refurbish and design the stateof-the-art locker room
In the first 24 hours of the promotion, the Black Hawks have acquired 42 sponsors, putting them on pace to surpass their target of $6,000.
Adam Lazenga, who played on BP’s only WPIAL champion-
Shields
FROM PAGE B1
In two seasons, Shields compiled an 11-3 record. In 102 2/3 innings, he struck out 169 and scattered 46 hits. He led Mt. Lebanon to the district finals two years in a row, throwing a no-hitter in the 2023 WPIAL championships. He also pitched in the 2023 PIAA finals. Despite battling mononucleosis this spring, Shields posted a 5-1 record, com -
“Part of this was to get alumni involved,” Peckich said, “but this community cares about school spirit and sports. So this is a great way for the players to also understand what goes into football. To be a success it takes a community, the band, the parents, the spectators. There’s a lot of people backing them.”
Perhaps BP’s biggest backer is Nick Kwiatkoski. A 2010 BP graduate, Kwiatkoski is a free
plete with a 0.96 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 35 innings. He led the Blue Devils to a section banner, an appearance in their third straight WPIAL title tilt and an 18-6 record. Shields garnered a plethora of postseason honors. An all-state performer, he was named Gatorade’s Pennsylvania Baseball Player of the Year as well as Almanac and Observer-Reporter baseball MVP for the second year in a row.
“Despite being a high draft pick, David’s focus all year long was about the team win-
Donors can sponsor a player’s number or just pick a number in the locker room. They can also make their contribution anonymously if desired. Checks should be made out to the Bethel Park Football Boosters. For more information, call 412-965-2787 or email Peckich.Philip@bphawks.org.
ning, so he leaves a legacy of tremendous leadership,” McCloskey said. “I’m grateful that I had an opportunity to coach him for the last three years, and I can’t wait to follow his professional career.”
Although he has started classes at the University of Miami, Shields will postpone his college plans as he was expected to visit the KC facility in Arizona as well as sign a professional contract. The approximate slot value for pick No. 41 is $2,278,000 according to MLB.com.
sights & sounds
Botanical beauty
Phipps delights visitors with summer flower show ‘Under the Sea’
By Stephanie Kalina-Metzger For
the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
Each year, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens ushers in the summer with something new to delight and amaze. This year is no exception.
The flower show, dubbed “Under the Sea,” invites guests on a fantasy adventure which takes place underwater. The vibrant scenes meant to rival those that one might observe in the depths of the ocean, challenge visitors to use their imaginations to explore a land where sea creatures frolic and flora flourish.
Jordyn Melino, associate director of exhibits at Phipps, said that visitors will view weird and wonderful plants that look like they belong under the sea, along with sea creatures made of dried and live plants. Some even have the added allure of being animatronic.
“The first thing that greets guests is a giant octopus made with live plants that stands 5 feet tall and 8 feet wide,” said Melino, adding that a giant whale also takes center stage to welcome visitors as it swims through a sea of bright blue blooms.
Additional enticements include topiary seahorses, which reveal the artistry of their creators and float in the pond in the historic glasshouse as a scuba diver captures their beauty from above. Guests will stroll among turtles, angelfish and cardinal fish in the Gallery Room and witness an eel making its way through blue, yellow and coral flora. Also located in the Gallery Room is a water table geared to younger visitors. The interactive, educational exhibit allows children the opportunity to pick up small objects floating in the rivers and put them in the ocean, while removing those which belong in neither.
Another eye-catching display, this time in the East Room, is a family of walruses that floats above a large clamshell. With a press of the button, a pearl is revealed.
“People of all ages are enjoying pressing that button,” said Melino.
According to Melino, the South Conservatory houses an animatronic shark that resides in a giant shipwreck.
“The shark emerges from the shipwreck periodically and then returns. Its tail sways as it moves and it’s quite a hit,” said Melino, adding that it was fun to build an aged shipwreck with tattered sails, littered with debris.
“Part of it includes an interactive treasure chest which reveals treasures inside,” she said.
Winding through the west wing of the original 1893 glasshouse, the Serpentine room features coral reefs built from fossilized coral through which 5-foot-wide topiary fish glide.
Suspended from the ceiling is a 16-foot-long art sculpture made from upcycled “found” plastic objects.
The piece, created by Japanese sculptor Sayaka Ganz, is named Nanami, which means “seven seas” in Japanese.
“It is really quite stunning,” said Merlino.
what’s happening
BLOOD DRIVE
Save Our Summer (SOS) is the designation for a blood drive to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 24 at the Peters Township Parks and Recreation Center, located at 700 Meredith Drive. All donors receive a $5 Crazy Horse gift card. First-time donors will be entered into a prize drawing. There will be food trucks on site and a raffle will be held.
PT FIREWORKS
A fireworks display will be held at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Rolling Hills Park. The show was originally scheduled for Peters Township Community Day but was postponed due to inclement weather. Parking is available in the high school parking lot, adjacent to the park, which is located at 121 Rolling Hills Drive.
CHABAD
A family fun bowling event, sponsored by Chabad of the South Hills, will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 8 at
the Crafton Ingram Lanes. Fee is $18 per person with a $65 maximum per family. In addition to two hours of unlimited bowling, pizza will be available. RSVP by Aug. 4 at www.chabadsh.com/.
VOLLEYBALL
Registration for the United States Youth Volleyball League’s fall program in South Fayette is being accepted at www.usyvl.org or by calling 1-888-988-7985 for more information. The eight-week developmental league is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 15. Practices and games operate in a coed format. The program begins Sept. 9 and runs through Nov. 2 at South Fayette Middle School in McDonald. Practices are held Mondays and Saturdays.
PANTHER PASS
Fans of Upper St. Clair athletics can purchase a Panther Pass that includes general admission to all 2024-25 home events for
The Butterfly Forest Guests can also interact with winged creatures at Phipps. The popular butterfly forest has returned to the glasshouse to provide visitors with a close look at nature’s pollinators.
To reach the educational exhibit, visitors stroll along a winding forest path over a bridge, past ponds and through a tunnel to discover a variety of butterfly species as they flutter above plants to feed on nectar.
“Each year we feature up to 31 different species, which can change over the summer,” said Braley Burke, integrated pest management specialist at Phipps.
What people might find interesting is that all the butterfly species have different personalities, according to Burke.
“The long-winged ones are the most social. The Zebra tends to be a guest favorite, and so many are charismatic, although some are wallflowers,” she said with a chuckle.
football, soccer, basketball, swimming, wrestling, lacrosse and volleyball. WPIAL and PIAA playoff games are not included. Fee is $50 and orders must be received by Aug. 15. Without an athletic pass, individual admission is $5 per home event. Visit https://uscsd.org/pantherpass to order online.
FUN FEST
The Mattress Factory’s community fest will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. July 28. The event celebrates the talent of regional artists, musicians, filmmakers, and vendors and includes free admission to the museum galleries from 1 to 6 p.m. There will be five live music performances, art activities and craft vendors as well as food and drink.
BP CONCERT
The Allegheny Brass Band will be featured at 2:30 p.m. July 28 at the Bethel Park Community Center, located on Park Avenue. The performance is part of the Dean
Another piece of information Burke offers, and which might surprise guests, is that butterflies are attracted to sweat.
“If you’re sweaty, they may land on you to take a little sip in order to get their salts,” she said.
This year, Phipps added something new to the exhibit – a case that displays the life stages of the beautiful winged creatures.
“Visitors can enjoy watching pupas emerge,” Burke said.
The Butterfly Forest is just another part of the Phipps experience that people of all ages seem to enjoy.
“Each year it’s exciting watching the Butterfly Forest develop and come to life. First there are the beautiful plants and then you add the butterflies. It really is a magical experience,” said Burke.
To learn more about visiting Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, from purchasing tickets, to prices, hours and more, visit https:// www.phipps.conservatory.org. The display will be open through Sept. 8.
Streator Summer Concert Series. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.
Admission is free, but contributions to the event sponsor, the Bethel Park Community Foundation, will be accepted. The foundation funds scholarships, and projects that benefit residents of Bethel Park in the areas of arts and culture, health and recreation, education and safety.
The final concert of the season will feature the Keystone Chorus on Aug. 4. Call 412-851-2910 for additional information.
PCAF SET
The Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival will be held Aug. 2325 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Green Tree. The three-day event features activities, classes and merchandise to purchase for knitters, quilters and those who crochet.
Admission tickets can be purchased online at: http://www. pghknitandcrochet.com.
Bethel Park Art and Music Festival set for July 27
The first-ever Bethel Park Art and Music Festival has been set for Saturday starting at 10 a.m. It will be at the new Park Avenue Streetscape, between the Schoolhouse Arts and History Center at 2600 South Park Road, and the Bethel Park Community Center at 5151 Park Ave. Live music is planned throughout the day, and the work of more than 80 regional artists will be on display and available for purchase.
According to Andy Amrhein, vice president of the Bethel Park Community Foundation, the festival has been in the works for about 10 years. Amrhein explained that he has several friends who are artists and musicians, “and I’ve always wanted to do something nice to help them, especially after the COVID pandemic when many of them struggled to stay afloat.”
Four leading Pittsburgh artists will be at the festival: Linda Barnicott, a painter; J.P. Diroll, a photographer; Maria DeSimone Prascak, a painter; and Johno Prascak, who creates enamel and sand art. Musical acts that are booked for the festival are the Ringgold String Band at 10 a.m.; Steel City Calypso at noon; the Rick Purcell Trio at 1:30 p.m.; Hugo Cruz and the Caminos at 4 p.m.; and the Classic Brew Band at 6 p.m.
“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together and do something enjoyable while supporting our local artists and musicians,” said Christine McIntosh, executive director of the Bethel Park Public Library. “Often, fundraisers are about what everyone can do for a particular organization, but this event is all of us giving back to the community offering a great day of fun while we benefit as well.” Proceeds from the festival will benefit the library, along with the Bethel Park Educational Foundation, the Bethel Park Community Foundation and the Bethel Park Historical Society.
Food trucks will be there, and the Bethel Park Splash Park will be offering $5 family passes. Shuttle service will be provided by the Bethel Park School District from the South Hills Interfaith Movement, Bethel Park High School and the Port Authority park and ride lot. The festival will happen rain-or-shine and will wrap up at 8 p.m. For additional information, go to https://bethelparkamf.wixsite.com/home.
PT REC
The Peters Township parks and recreation program offers the following events. To register or for more details call 724-942-5000 or visit www.peterstownship.com:
■ A chess camp from 2 to 5 p.m. July 22 -26 and Aug. 12-16 for ages 5 to 12. Fee is $170 ($225 nonmembers) per week.
■ A fire safety day camp will be held from 9 to 11 a.m.
Aug. 12-14 in Shelter A at Rolling Hills Park. Fee is $30 ($45 nonresidents).
■ Outside the Lines. This art week runs from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 5-9 for ages 6 to 12. Fee is $265 ($398 nonmembers).
LEBO REUNION
The Mt. Lebanon Class of 1984 will hold its 40th reunion Sept. 20-22 at a variety of locations.
Friday’s schedule includes high school tours from 2:45 to 4 p.m., and buffet dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. at
Cefalo’s Banquet Center for $75 per person. Visit: myevent.com/Lebo84 for reservations. Saturday’s schedule includes Mediterra brunch on Beverly Road as well as stops at Primanti Brothers and The Saloon. Sunday’s events center around attending the Steelers game against the Chargers at 1 p.m.
The organizing committee has booked a block of 15 rooms for $159 per night at the Crowne Plaza, located on Fort Couch Road.
For more details on any of the events, email mpattersonmd@gmail.com or rdfinkel@yahoo.com.
BAND FESTIVAL
The Mt. Lebanon Blue Devils Marching Band will host a Festival of Bands on Sept. 28 at the high school. The Mt. Lebanon Blue Devil Marching Band PIMBA Competition will be held Oct. 12. Visit leboband.com for times, ticket prices and more details.
PAUL VLADUCHICK
Butterflies are attracted to sweat and may land on visitors at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Guests can open a clamshell to reveal a pearl at “Under the Sea” summer flower show at Phipps Conservatory.
Tom Yakopin, Agent/Owner 1100 Washington Road, Washington 724-228-7187 westpennhealth.com
CEMETERY
CEMETERY
$2,000 412-221-0956
CEMETERY PLOTS Washington Cemetery, Section 4, Lot 283, graves 3 and 4 $3,000 for both. 910-622-7966
FOREST LAWN GARDENS One double depth companion crypt in Garden of Devotion.
SATURN 1998 TWIN CAM Recently expired inspection. Runs. $400 or best offer. 724-228-3107 or 724-263-0600
Trucks
DODGE 2002 DAKOTA CLUB CAB 6 cylinder, 96,000 miles, garage kept, maintenance receipts. $8,500. 724-684-6638
DODGE 2005, 20,600 miles, garage kept, regular cab, 8 foot bed, 4WD, NO RUST $16,000 724-239-2614
Chrysler crossfire convertible 2005, like new garage kept, 17,500 miles, never seen rain or snow
$18,000 724-747-1748
DODGE AVENGER 2014 87,000 miles, runs, new tires, tinted windows $5,000 make offer 412-400-8470
HYUNDAI 2006 ELANTRA Hatchback. Expired inspection. $400 or best offer. 724-228-3107 or 724-263-0600
JAGUAR 2016 XJR SPORT Black metallic, black leather, 340HP, 3.0L,V6 supercharged, 8-speed automatic, AWD, every option. $21,500 (MSRP - $78,000). 412-831-3445 Mercury Montego 2006, 63,787 miles, garage kept $5,000 724-945-5217
NISSAN 2007 SENTRA 2.0 Inspected July 2025, good body, no rust. Runs good $3,100 or best offer. 724-998-4421
PLYMOUTH VOGAGER 2000 Runs good 109,000 miles, inspected asking $1,800 or best offer 724-747-4300 or 412-491-0965
DODGE RAM 2001 magnum V8 automatic Southern heritage no rust, ready to go $7,000 FIRM 724-810-6638
FORD 2007 F-150 XL - Regular cab, 4 door, V8, automatic transmission, New complete air conditioning system, 4x4 manual shift, 8-foot bed, 115,000 miles. Runs great. Very clean body, 7/25 inspection and emisions. $10,500. 724-413-0408
INFINITY 2015 QX80
AUDI
AUDI WASHINGTON
453 Racetrack Road,Washington, PA 866-414-9744 www.audiwashington.com
BUICK
BUDD BAER BUICK
83 Murtland Avenue, Washington, PA 724-249-6047 www.buddbaergm.com
SOLOMON BUICK 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678 solomonautogroup.com
CHEVROLET
BORTZ CHEVROLET
249 Roy E. Furman Hwy. Waynesburg, PA 15370 724-627-6171 www.bortzchevy.com
COLUSSY CHEVROLET
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SOLOMON CHEVROLET 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA 724-602-4678 www.solmonchevy.com
SUN CHEVROLET Route 19, McMurray, PA 724-941-5160 www.sunchevy.com
WASHINGTON CHEVROLET
Intersection of Rt. 19, I-79 & I-70, Exit 19A Washington, PA 724-222-2800 www.washingtonchevy.com
CHRYSLER
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SOLOMON CHRYSLER Routes 21 7 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS CHRYSLER Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
DODGE ROTOLO’S DODGE 58 Route 88, North Charleroi, PA 15022 888-269-6183
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SOLOMON DODGE Routes 21 & 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
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SOUTH HILLS DODGE Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300
www.southhillsauto.com
FIAT
SOUTH HILLS FIAT Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
FORD
FOX FORD
743 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 724-627-3151 www.foxfordwaynesburg.com
SOLOMON FORD Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-5500 www.solomonauto.com
STAR LAKE FORD Main St., Burgettstown, PA 724-947-3381 www.starlakeford.com
WASHINGTON FORD 507 Washington Road, Rt. 19, Washington, PA 888-706-6128 www.washingtonford.com
GMC
BUDD BAER GMC 83 Murtland Ave. Washington Pa 724-249-6047 www.buddbaergm.com
SOLOMON GMC 1777 McClellandtown Rd, McClellandtown, PA
HARLEY DAVIDSON
STEEL CITY HARLEY DAVIDSON 1375 Washington Road, Washington, PA 724-225-7020 www.steelcitymotorcycles.com
HONDA C. HARPER HONDA 106 Harper Drive Belle Vernon, PA 15012 724-929-8000 Ext. 227 Chuck Calcek www.charperhonda.com
WASHINGTON HONDA Rt. 19, Strabane Square Washington, PA 15301 724-222-2213 www.washhonda.com
HYUNDAI WASHINGTON HYUNDAI 305 WashingtonRd. Rt. 19 at Strabane Square Washington, PA 724-222-2216 www.washhyundai.com
JEEP
ROTOLO’S JEEP 58 Route 88, North Charleroi, PA 15022 888-269-6183 www.rotolomotors.com
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SOUTH HILLS JEEP Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
KIA
SOUTH HILLS KIA Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-942-3000 www.southhillsauto.com
LINCOLN
SOUTH HILLS LINCOLN Route 19, McMurray, PA 724-941-1600 www.southhillslincoln.net
MAZDA
BUDD BAER MAZDA 83 Murtland Avenue, Washington, PA 724-993-4430 www.buddbaermazda.com
MERCEDES-BENZ
JOHN SISSON MERCEDES-BENZ
470 Washington Road Adjacent to Gabriel’s, 724-206-6000 www.johnsissonmercedes.com
NISSAN
JOHN SISSON NISSAN
470 Washington Road Adjacent to Gabriel’s, Washington, PA 724-223-8600 www.johnssissonnissan.com
RAM
ROTOLO’S RAM 58 Route 88, North Charleroi, PA 15022 888-269-6183 www.rotolomotors.com
SOLOMON RAM Routes 21 & 88 Carmichaels, PA 724-966-2600 www.solomonauto.com
SOLOMON RAM Routes 40 & 43 Brownsville, PA 724-785-8000 www.solomonauto.com
SOUTH HILLS RAM Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-4300 www.southhillsauto.com
SUBARU
BUDD BAER SUBARU 71 Murtland Avenue, Washington, PA 724-222-0700 www.buddbaersubaru.com
TOYOTA
SOUTH HILLS TOYOTA 2403 Washington Road Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-743-1144 www.southhillstoyota.com VOLKSWAGEN
THREE RIVERS VOLKSWAGEN 3694 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 724-941-6100 www.3riversvw.com
Pre-owned dealers
#1 COCHRAN PREOWNED MARKETPLACE 150 Racetrack Road Washington, PA 412-349-1794 www.cochran.com
PREMIERE AUTO SALES 667 E. Maiden St., Washington, PA 724-223-0600 www.premiereautosales.com
RT. 18 HOMES AUTO SALES 940 Henderson Ave., Washington, PA 724-225-5308 www.18autosales.com
THREE RIVERS AUTO SALES 30 South Central Avenue Canonsburg, PA 15317 724-338-2923 www.3riversvw.com
TREGEMBO MOTORS I-70 Exit 32B, Bentleyville, PA 724-239-2200 www.tregembomotors.com
WARNE MOTORS INC. 107 East Pike Street Canonsburg, PA 724-746-5956 www.johnwarnemotors.com
