The Almanac - March 3, 2024

South Fayette Township opens new municipal building

By Brad Hundt Staff writer bhundt@observer-reporter.com

SOUTH FAYETTE –

Things were a little crowded in the building on Millers Run Road that had long housed South Fayette Township’s municipal operations. How crowded? There were bingo supplies and giveaway books in the space where the board of commissioners met, and staffers had boxes of everything from must-keep documents to Easter supplies and balloons stacked in their offices. The days of being hemmed in and packed-to-bursting came to an end in January, though, when the township

Somber anniversary

Feb. 24 marked the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the Moon-based nonprofit DTCare and Carnegie-based Ukrainian Cultural and Humanitarian Institute (UCHI) observed the somber occasion with a free celebration of Ukrainian heritage at the Carnegie Borough building. The Feb. 23 afternoon event began with a memorial service for the more than 31,000 military and 10,500 civilian – 587 of them children – lives lost in the war, led by the Revs. John Charest, of St. Peter and St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and Jason Charron, of Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church. Along with live performances, an “I am Ukraine” video by Sharing Our Story played throughout the afternoon, and selected works by Ukrainian photographer Iryna Puhach were on display. Visitors perused and purchased artwork and crafts by local and Ukrainian vendors, sampled traditional Ukrainian food at the Holy Trinity table, and witnessed the premiere of “Bridges Across Borders,” a documentary by filmmaker Tiahna Kovairk, of Leechburg, spotlighting Pittsburgh’s commitment to supporting Ukraine throughout the conflict. To learn more about DTCare, go to https://www.dtcare. org/. For more on UCHI, visit https://archivauchi.blog/.

For

ABOVE: Students from Ridna Shkola Ukrainian School in Carnegie perform a song during the Helpers of Pittsburgh event Feb. 23. AT LEFT: Artwork by UCHI’s Warm Hands Art Therapy was

opened its new municipal building. Located off Hickory Grade Road, it’s a much more comfortable 36,000 square feet, with light streaming in, an array of technological upgrades and much more room to maneuver for township employees.

“This facility is more secure, it’s more professional, it’s more accessible,” according to Andrea Iglar, South Fayette’s communications director. For John Phoennik, the township’s police chief, the sense of relief is palpable.

“I died and went to heaven here,” Phoennik said in his office on a recent morning. His department takes up the low-

er floor in the complex, and has training and fitness facilities, holding cells, a bloodhound kennel and more.

The police facility takes up about half the building, and it’s a considerable expansion from the 1,800 square feet the police station had before. Phoennik said the space was needed, since the township’s police force has grown from 13 employees 10 years ago to 23 today. He explained that commissioners who gave the green light for the new building were “very good at understanding the fact that we needed to catch up with the growth of the township.”

The

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor

ebailey@thealmanac.net

Kyla Ross from Bethel Park could not contain her enthusiasm. She was more than thrilled to attend the grand opening of the Coen Markets convenience store and gas station at 5281 Library Road. “I’m excited,” said Ross, who lives less than a mile away from the busy intersection. “For the convenience and the variety they offer.”

At 5 a.m. Feb. 28, Coen’s newest store opened. It marks the first ground-up location in the family-owned company’s history.

The new 5,100-squarefoot location is Coen’s 56th in the region and will employ more than 30 area residents. Its opening brings back a much-needed fuel stop to the community, which has been absent since the closure of GetGo in early 2023.

As Coen’s first complete build from-the- ground-up, customers will experience innovative, new features in this location.

“The opening of our first ground-up location is an important milestone for the

Coen Markets family,” said Charlie McIlvaine, CEO of Coen Markets. “With new food offerings and in-store features, this store emphasizes our commitment to our customers and our focus on enhancing the shopping experience. Our new in-store kitchen and fresh food options are just a few examples of how we’re innovating to meet our customers’ needs.”

With a food-first emphasis, the location boasts an in-store kitchen, which features freshly grilled, fried, and baked menu items to order. The new, expanded menu includes breakfast offerings, made-from-scratch fried chicken, and pizza.

“We are grilling food,” said Andrea Meurohr, vice president of marketing. No convenience store is grilling food.

“We want to bring freshness to the community. Something new and different,” Meurohr continued. “The food is all made here and it’s always fresh.” That concept not only had customers buzzing on opening day but the employees as well. Moira Doerr from Castle Shannon was delighted to

SEE COEN PAGE A6

BRAD HUNDT/OBSERVER-REPORTER

The exterior of the new South Fayette Township municipal building, located off Hickory Grade Road

PHOTOS: KATHERINE MANSFIELD/OBSERVER-REPORTER

A visitor browses artworks created by children displaced by the Russia-Ukraine war through UCHI’s Warm Hands Art Therapy, during the Helpers of Pittsburgh event in Carnegie Feb. 23.

Moira Doerr from Castle Shannon hands a customer their hot food items at the new Coen.

Peters Township Council approves zoning changes

By Jon Andreassi Staff writer jandreassi@observer-reporter.com

Peters Township Council voted Monday evening to remove three properties from the conservation residential overlay district.

The specific parcels are located at 490 and 555 Sugar Camp Road and 231 Froebe Road. Township Manager Paul Lauer explained that the ordinance passed by council will revert the properties to low density residential.

However, 231 Froebe is currently the site of plans by Froebe Management for a housing development, which hopes to build 170 single-family homes on the 87.3-acre parcel. Lauer said the developer has submitted three sets of plans.

“Because there are three sets of plans that have been submitted … The developer has a right to have those plans considered by the township,” Lauer said.

If approved, Froebe Management’s project could go

Ukrainian heritage celebrated

“In my opinion, the most terrible thing that can happen is war. It is especially impressive that this is relevant in today’s world, the 21st century, when democratic values flourish around the world,” said Nataliia Sahaidak, a teacher at Ridna Shkola who moved to the U.S. from Ukraine about a year and a half ago, and recited three original poems in her native tongue last weekend during the Helpers of Pittsburgh event (Stephen Haluszchak translated).

“War is always loss: houses, buildings, roads, infrastructure. Entire cities, destroyed. This can be rebuilt. The most terrible losses that can never be returned, these are people’s lives.”

forward with the overlay rules in place. If not, the property would revert to low density zoning.

Froebe Management’s proposal was on the agenda for Monday’s meeting, but council agreed to table the matter.

The change will be more immediate for the other two parcels.

“In the case of the property on Sugar Camp Road, there are no development plans that the township is reviewing,” Lauer said.

Building

FROM PAGE A1

The new municipal building was a long time coming. Iglar said that it was talked about as far back as the 1960s, and the property for the structure was purchased in February 2020, just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. All told, it cost about $20 million, when the cost of furnishings, design and equipment is factored in. Some of the money came from Allegheny County’s Local Share Account and federal

stimulus dollars that were distributed during the pandemic.

South Fayett’s library and its senior center remain at the 65-year-old building on Millers Run Road. Iglar said the township is considering building a new community center that would house both of them.

“We’re finally in the 21st century,” Iglar said. “We’re really modernized … Moving is stressful no matter what, but it’s a great feeling to be the first staff working in a new building and get it set up for the next 50 to 100 years.”

The meeting room for South Fayette Township’s board of commissioners

PHOTOS: BRAD HUNDT/OBSERVER-REPORTER A breakroom at South Fayette Township’s new municipal building, which opened in January

By Eleanor Bailey Almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.net

When Tina Hasselberg followed her sisters, Lynn and Debbie, into the deep end of the pool, she had no choice but to learn how to swim.

“Or I would have drowned,” she said.

Hasselberg learned enough to become an aquatics champion well into her mid-60s not to mention a distinguished Bethel Park alumna. She and five other graduates were recently inducted into the high school’s athletic Hall of Fame.

“This is such a prestigious award and I am so honored to receive it,” she said during an acceptance speech in which she documented a timeline that included failure as well as success.

Married 43 years to her high school sweetheart, Jeff Keisling, whom she stood beside during their class photo while attending Washington Elementary and accompanied to the senior prom, Hasselberg recognized the founders of the Black Hawks’ swim program, including Pat Kennedy, Jim Sprandle, Georgia Eberhart-McDaniel and Barbara Martin.

“I’m elated to join so many former coaches and teammates in the hall and honored to be part of that tradition that produced so many titles,” she said.

Hasselberg was part of back-to-back WPIAL championship clubs in 1974 and 1975. A four-year letter winner and three-time All-American, she was a five-time state medalist and 10-time district honoree, claiming three WPIAL gold medals. Hasselberg was the Arthur C. Toner Award winner, presented to the best female swimmer in Western Pennsylvania.

However, it was because of Title IX and her teacher,

Dr. William Falce, that Hasselberg went on to swim and earn a degree from the University of South Carolina.

“Most everywhere in the country, female sports took a back seat to the men, but Bethel Park was the most progressive,” she said. “Title IX was a landmark federal civil rights law that enabled student athletes like me to go to college on an athletic scholarship. Coming from a family of eight children that would not have happened.”

Were it not for Dr. Falce, Haselberg would not have progressed academically. She noted how she was held back in second grade and received all Ds on her report card in sixth grade. By seventh grade, she was achieving As and an occasional B because teachers like Dr. Falce helped her understand Algebra by “drawing problems in the dirt” on the playground or explaining concepts while sitting in the cafeteria during lunch period.

“I became the embodiment of a student-athlete,” Hasselberg said. “It’s one of my proudest accomplishments. I learned that it takes the same drive and determination to succeed in the classroom as it does in sports.

“I am also grateful for the kind of teachers we have at Bethel Park. They change lives.”

After college, Hasselberg’s life changed dramatically. She became an educator at North Penn High School before becoming a full-time mom to three sons, Joshua, Jared and Michael.

At age 53, however, she jump-started her athletic career and joined a Masters Swimming program. At last year’s National Senior Olympics held at the University of Pittsburgh’s Trees Pool, she won the 400-yard individual medley, which features four fundamental strokes:

freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. She also placed sixth in the 500-yard free.

“Some things don’t change but we old people put a whole new meaning to outlasting the competition. Being the last man standing takes on a whole new meaning,” she joked.

Hasselberg then quoted a familiar adage by Benjamin Franklin.

“You don’t stop playing when you get old. You get old when you stop playing,” she said in closing.

At 25, Jake Dixon is not old but he is no longer playing football. Signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was cut during training camp in 2022. Currently, Dixon is an assistant football coach at Bethel Park.

A 2016 graduate, Dixon was enshrined because of his excellence in football, volleyball and basketball.

The Almanac Athlete of the Year was a three-year starter as a tight end on the football team and center on the basketball team, earning all-conference honors in each sport. He was a four-year starter in volleyball, earning all-district and all-state recognition twice. He led the Black

a volleyball scholarship

Lewis University but

a month returned to football. He enrolled at Duquesne University and appeared in a school-record

Hall

He noted that he would always walk the halls as a student and see the plaques in the gym of the Hall of Fame athletes. He never dreamed he would be a member but his parents, Julie Blanc and Dennis Dixon, as well as coaches like Jeff Metheny, Tom Allman and Ben O’Connor, and teammates enabled that achievement.

“I was always the kid who was good with being just okay,” he said. “My parents made me the way I am today. My coaches pushed me to be what I am because I needed it and guys like Levi (Metheny) threw me the ball.

“I truly am honored to be part of this special group,” he concluded.

For Karen Roeber, enshrinement was deja vu, too. A 1988 graduate, she had not been back to campus since the high school was renovated.

“I miss buildings 1, 2, 3 and 4 but this is amazing,” she said of the new structure. “Bethel Park is such a special place.”

Roeber left her mark on the pitch. A regional All-American, she set the WPIAL record for most goals scored in a game with seven and finished her career with a school-record 123 goals to go along with 41 assists.

A four-year starter, she gained all-section and all-WPIAL acclaim three times. She was a two-time Keystone State gold medalist and a member of the Olympic Development team.

Roeber played collegiately at Cortland State as well as the University of Delaware.

“I can’t believe that was me. A lifetime ago,” she sighed. “I never would have been able to accomplish this were it not for my parents. They were behind me 100 percent. They attended every game.

“I even remember my dad getting off the trolley and showing up for games in his suit and tie and briefcase and my mom driving me a couple

hours to state team practices. My brothers, too,” she said of Pat and Reese. “They all pushed me to be who I was. They were my biggest fans and I am forever grateful to all of them for being there every step of the way.”

Bill Zadinski had eight siblings – brothers Don, Tom, Steve and Tim as well as sisters Terry, Sally, Barb and Mary – following his every move on the gridiron and the baseball diamond, but his best man, Ed Wehrer, accepted his Hall of Fame award because he was detained in Virginia.

Zadinski and Wehrer were adversaries until playing football together at Yale University. Wehrer played on Steel Valley’s undefeated football team when Zadinski was a junior. He recalled how the Black Hawks beat the Ironman the following fall and Zadinski rushed for over 200 yards in that 26-7 triumph.

“He probably scored those four touchdowns in that game, too,” Wehrer said. “Bill

was special between those white lines as a tailback but his best sport was probably baseball.

Zadinski was a 1,000-yard rusher that scored 22 career touchdowns. He was an All-Conference and All-South running back. In baseball, he was a two-time all-section selection. He batted .478 and helped the Black Hawks to three straight playoff appearances and a section banner in 1982.

“I cannot begin to describe the pride and gratitude Bill showed when he learned he was inducted. He is grateful and honored. From him, I heard so much about Bethel Park and I wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or sick and tired about hearing how great everything was there.

“He loved Bethel Park and he had an amazing support system, particularly at home. He would not have been successful without them. He is grateful to all his coaches and teammates. They are all near and dear to his heart.”

Ray Engott meant a lot to Bethel Park athletics. A 1933 alum, he was a four-year letterwinner in football and three-year member of the varsity basketball team. He was a member of the first football team at Bethel Park and captained the Black Hawks to their first winning season (6-1-1) in 1932. A halfback, he went on to play at Geneva College.

Victor Pearson earned the 2023 Distinguished Contribution Award. He served as boys’ varsity basketball coach from 1934-47, compiling 139 wins and guiding the Hawks to their first section crown in 1940. Pearson had a hand in helping the football team for 15 seasons, nine as an assistant and six as head coach. His teams appeared in the WPIAL finals in 1934 and 1946.

Freshman football player

Nate Purcell accepted Pearson’s award while Jim Engott accepted on behalf of his uncle.

Other award presenters during the ceremony included: all-state football players Clancy Orie and Ryan Petras, Brady Bruckner and all-section soccer star Callee Dalbon.

Tony Fisher, president of the Hall of Fame committee, served as emcee for the event, which was held in the LGI room of the high school. The honorees were recognized publicly during halftime of the varsity basketball game played Jan. 12. The Black Hawks dropped a 72-60 decision to Thomas Jefferson.

PHOTOS: ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

Tina Hasselberg (second from left) celebrated her induction in the Bethel Park athletic Hall of Fame with former teammates Janice Fischer Currie, Linda Cramp and Linda Krall.

Bethel Park Hall of Fame inductee Jake Dixon (left) poses for a photo with his former football coach Jeff Metheny (center) and teammate Levi Metheny. In addition to football, Dixon played basketball and volleyball for the Black Hawks.

Dr.

Downtown

South Park animal rescue damaged in fire

By Jon Andreassi Staff writer

jandreassi@observer-reporter.com

Several animals were killed Feb. 26 when a fire broke out at an animal rescue in South Park.

According to a post on the Allegheny County Police Facebook page, emergency crews were called to Fairgrounds Building 10 shortly before 4 p.m. The building is rented by Nate’s Reptile Rescue.

According to police, more than 100 animals were estimated to be inside. It was not immediately clear how many were killed in the fire and how many were rescued.

No other injuries were reported, and the fire is currently under investigation by the Allegheny County fire marshal.

According to the website for Nate’s Reptile Rescue, the nonprofit organization was founded by Nathan Lysaght in 2014. The website notes that it has rescued more than 900 reptiles.

“Whatever the reason may be, we are just simply trying to inform current and future reptile owners of their pets’ needs and proper care as well as stopping the abandonment of reptiles from those who can no longer keep theirs,” reads the “Our Mission” section on the website.

Lysaght did not respond to emailed questions.

Responding to the fire were Broughton Fire Department, Library Fire Department, Bethel Park Fire Department, Jefferson Hills Fire-Rescue and Finleyville Fire Department.

real estate transactions

Coen

FROM PAGE A1

feed the steady, hungry crowd that streamed into the store. Doerr works in the test kitchen with the director of food service, implementing new menu items and training the new staff. She has worked for Coen since November and will later move on to the new store opening on Clairton Boulevard in a few months.

“It’s really exciting,” Doerr said. “The energy is definitely full. Our staff is doing a great job. Guests coming through have been impressed with our product.” During the grand opening period, customers will enjoy a variety of prizes and giveaways through March 3. “Everybody likes free stuff,” Meurohr said. Creative marketing director Matt Seibel hopes they come back for the products. He explained

that it’s all connected with its patented trademark. “Green is for freshness. Blue the cold beverage. Orange is for hot food,” he said. “We’ve had a great crowd. Things are going well. We are glad to be here and looking forward to

serving the community.” Customers who fill up their gas tank at the new location from now through March 5 will receive a discount of 50 cents off every gallon on their next fill-up. This offer is available only through the Coen app.

“WITH NEW FOOD OFFERINGS AND IN-STORE FEATURES, THIS STORE EMPHASIZES OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CUSTOMERS AND OUR FOCUS ON ENHANCING THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.”

— CHARLIE MCILVAINE, CEO OF COEN MARKETS

ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

Kyla Ross from Bethel Park spins the wheel as Matt Seibel, creative marketing director for Coen, watches. Customers won free items as part of the store’s grand opening promotion.

COURTESY

and lows

Baldwin edges Mt. Lebanon; USC advances to WPIAL final

Baldwin needed a boost in confidence and Mt. Lebanon obliged.

As a result, the Highlanders came from behind to beat the Blue Devils, 54-52, and advanced to the WPIAL Class 6A boys championship game to face Upper St. Clair at 7 p.m. March 2 at the Petersen Events Center.

“We let a team believe,” said Lebo coach Joe David.

The Blue Devils appeared to be in control of the semifinal contest played at Bethel Park High School. Despite missing free throws and uncontested layups, they led, 23-18, at halftime. They even stretched the margin to 38-32 after three quarters before allowing the Highlanders back into the game.

“Every play is a game winner. Every stop is a game winner,” David said. “You have to make those plays in the first quarter, second quarter and extend it a little bit.

“When you play games like this, you have to do good things. We turned the ball over 14 times. A lot of them were not forced errors. We didn’t execute the game plan in the end.”

Baldwin scored the first seven points in the fourth quarter. The Highlanders vaulted ahead on a 3-pointer from Nathan Wesling. He finished with a game-high 25 points. He was 5-for-5 from the line, including 2-for-2 with 10 seconds to play for a 54-50 Baldwin advantage.

“We tried to stop him, stay with him,” David said. “We

lost him a bunch of times. Let him go. We wanted to be in his face and not worry about anybody else. All of a sudden, the kid’s wide open. “Give the kid credit. He’s a very good player.” Wesling, who fouled out with two seconds to play, had support.

Nathan Richards finished with 12 tallies, eight of them coming in Baldwin’s 22-point final frame. He converted four free throws in the final 45 seconds.

Max Marzina supplied 11 points. He scored nine of those points in the first half.

Lebo diver wins bronze

Malcolm

Thompson’s spot on the podium and for the state competition, which has eluded him in the past. Last year, Thompson finished fifth overall.

“I have been wanting to go to states for a long time,” said the junior. “So by keeping my dives consistent, I was able to finish third. I plan to do the same thing at states and maybe get a higher score.”

Only two divers scored higher than Thompson in the district meet.

Seneca Valley’s Isaiah Clerkley repeated as WPIAL champion. The Penn State recruit won the title with a 583.35 score. Fox Chapel’s Jackson Hagler finished runner-up with 480.25 points.

Upper St. Clair’s trio of divers finished in the Top 10. Junior Kobe Yuyi (361.30), freshman Carter Wells (324.35) and senior Carter Ritchie (269.80) placed seventh, ninth and tenth respectively.

In the girls’ competition, Lola Malarky led an NA parade to the podium. She won the title

SF advances to third straight WPIAL final

Peters Township, Chartiers Valley falter in semifinals

Riley Farabaugh and Brody Barber paced the Blue Devils. Farabaugh fired in 19 points while Barber finished with 14 before fouling out with 1:56 to play.

Nate Giroud also left the contest with his fifth foul with under four minutes to play. He supplied nine points for the Blue Devils. Sam Diebert tacked on six points.

The loss denied the Blue Devils a trip to the finals and dropped them into a consolation game with Central Catholic. The top three Class 6A teams advance to the PIAA tournament.

The Vikings lost their semifinal game to Upper St. Clair, 61-46, sending the Panthers to the finals for the fifth time in their coach’s career.

“It never gets old,” said Danny Holzer. “I am excited for the kids and very proud of them. They are playing their best basketball of the year. Plus, it’s been a balanced effort.”

Christian Ito led the Panthers with 17 points. Brett Meinert followed with 14, including two to start the game. He drained two technical fouls because Central Catholic dunked the ball during warmups. Julian Dahlem, who finished with nine points, followed with a 3-point bucket and USC lead, 5-0, and never looked back.

Tyler Robbins dominated the boards, cleaning the glass for 19 rebounds. The 6-9 center also blocked six shots and provided eight points to the offense.

There was no WPIAL championship appearance for either the Peters Township or the Chartiers Valley girls basketball teams, but South Fayette (17-8) overcame all odds and advanced to the Class 5A championship game for the third consecutive year.

While North Allegheny and Norwin proceeded to the Class 6A finals with respective victories against the Indians, 43-30, and the Colts, 63-47, on Feb. 26 at Mt. Lebanon and AHN Arena, respectively, the Lady Lions upset McKeesport, 4941, in a Class 5A semifinal game played Feb. 27 at Peters Township High School.

The win over the Tigers (20-4) put South Fayette in the championship contest against Armstrong (21-4) on March 2 at the Petersen Events Center. The Lady Lions won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023.

The Riverhawks toppled undefeated and No.1-seeded Oakland Catholic, 49-40, in their semifinal game while the Lady Lions eliminated the Tigers, who were seeded second.

South Fayette’s victory also avenged an earlier-season loss. On Jan. 18, the Lady Lions lost to McKeesport, 62-44. South Fayette looked headed for the same fate as the Lady Lions trailed at halftime, 22-15, and 24-22 after three frames. However, they outscored the Tigers, 25-19 in the fourth quarter. Free throw shooting sealed the win. The Lady

Lions were 17 of 21 from the line, including 13 of 14 during the final quarter.

Juliette Leroux and Haylie Lamonde scored in double figures for South Fayette, finishing with 16 and 13 points respectively.

Meanwhile, Peters Township (23-2) and Chartiers Valley (16-8) turned their focus to possible PIAA championships. Despite their semifinal district defeats, both qualified for the state tournament.

The two teams met in the third-place consolation match to determine their state seeding and Peters Township prevailed, 73-59. Walker led the way with 22 tallies while Bri Morreale (14), Wetzel (12) and Radulovich (11) finished in double figures.

Ella Cupka fired in 22 points to pace the Lady Colts. Lilah Turnbull and Emma Reynolds followed with 12 points apiece.

Peters Township begins its quest for a state championship at 7 p.m. March 8.

The Lady Indians will face Lebanon High School, which finished third in District 3.

The Lady Indians have won only one PIAA title and that occurred in 2019. That year, Peters Township went undefeated at 30-0 and also captured a WPIAL title.

On Feb. 26 at Mt. Lebanon, the Lady Indians were denied a chance to challenge for another crown by a stifling defense employed by NA. The Tigers held Gemma Walker, who averaged 15.7 points, and Natalie Wetzel, who managed 17.3 points a game, to a combined 15 points.

Mind over matter

Roy wins 3rd 50 free title

Sylvia

agreed Roy. “You can do all the training in the water, but your mental state is the most important part of a race. You do all you can to

get ready for the race but you have to stay positive.”

Even before she secured her third straight title for the 50-yard freestyle during the first day of competition at the WPIAL Class AAA championships held Feb. 29 at Pitt’s Trees Pool, Roy was laser focused on her task.

“Sylvia’s a racer,” said Lebo skipper Tom Donati. “When she steps onto the blocks, she is not scared. She is not worried. She believes

in herself. It’s a rare talent that she possesses. You can’t teach what she has.”

Donati added that Roy did what she needed to do. Roy touched out her Upper St. Clair rival Kaityln Connors for the gold medal with a 22.84 time. The mark was a shade off last year’s 22.72 time and just off the WPIAL record of 22.71 set in 2018 by Olivia Livingston.

ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

North Allegheny coach Spencer Stepko consoles Peters Township’s Natalie Wetzel after her team dropped a 43-30 decision to the Tigers in the WPIAL Class 6A girls semifinal basketball game. The loss prevented the Lady Indians from advancing to the finals and competing at the Petersen Events Center.

in her home pool with a 510.55 scoring, edging out her teammates Juliet Hood, second with

points, and Maggie Lapina, third with

Malcolm Thompson (left) poses with his coach Owen Johns after qualifying to the PIAA diving championships with a thirdplace finish at the WPIAL Class 3A finals.

was a standout diver at West Virginia University and the last Mt. Lebanon state qualifier before Thompson accomplished the feat.

Sylvia Roy (right) and Kaitlyn Connors (left) plunge into the pool during 50-yard freestyle meter action earlier this month. The pair faced off at the WPIAL Class AAA championships on Feb. 29 with Roy winning her third title and Connors finishing runner-up.

Finals

FROM PAGE B1

While Wetzel led with nine and Walker followed with six tallies, Lydia Betz managed to find a way to circumvent PT’s height advantage. A 5-11 senior, Betz used hook shots and other moves to rake up a game-high 21 inside against the 6-3 Wetzel and 6-3 junior center Daniela Radulovich, who finished with eight tallies.

“They just attacked with Betz one-on-one and that’s what got us in trouble,” Peters Township coach Steve Limberiou said. “Credit to her, she made tough shots.”

PT led, 18-17, before the Tigers forged a 22-17 halftime advantage it never relinquished. NA held a lead of 31-19 before the Indians

Diver

FROM PAGE B1

NA has won five consecutive individual girls diving titles. The 1-2-3 finish was all the third time the Tigers achieved that feat in those five years.

Two USC divers finished in the Top 10. Freshman Livia

closed the gap to seven after three quarters. NA led, 37-28, with 3:48 to play and sealed the victory at the foul line, cashing in on six free throws.

Meanwhile, the Lady Colts fell behind, 10-0, before finding their gear to tie Norwin in the second stanza. The Knights, however, pulled away, stretching a 24-17 halftime margin to 4536, starting the third quarter with a 13-1 run. Junior forward Emma Reynolds and junior guard Lilah Turnbull both scored 14 to lead CV. Reynolds made four 3-pointers.

The WPIAL basketball finals ended too late for information to be included in this edition of The Almanac. Full coverage will appear March 10.

Tranquilli and sophomore Delaney Burnette placed ninth and tenth respectively with 350.75 and 346.90 scores.

Among the other top 25 competitors from the regional included: Emily King from Canon-McMillan (12th), Bethel Park’s Sophia Coda (20th) and River Hendrych-Bondra (tied for 22nd); and Lydia Ruth from Peters Township (25th).

WPIAL

FROM PAGE B1

Ito was the difference in the Panthers’ quarterfinal win against Butler, 78-71. After being held scoreless in the first half as USC slipped behind, 35-30, the senior came alive. He scored 17 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter as the Panthers surged past the Golden Tornado.

“I had to turn it up,” said Ito. “I had to find a way to get buckets.”

Aside from a 3-point field goal, all of Ito’s baskets were on layups featuring flashy, weaving drives to the hoop.

“Ito worked his tail off to get that good,” Holzer said. “There is not a kid who works harder. He lifts weights, runs constantly, does hills, shoots thousands of shots. He’s a gym rat. A basketball kid 24/7.”

So is Robbins. He led all scorers with 20 tallies, four off dunks.

“Tyler’s another kid like Christian. A really good player who gets better by the day,” Holzer said. “He’s a hard worker and he loves it.”

Julian Dahlem and Kaamil Jackson, who had 13 re-

Roy

FROM PAGE B1

“Was it the perfect race?

No,” said Donati, “but Sylvia got the win and I’ll take it.

“Sylvia did what she had to do against a very good opponent. Kaitlyn swam very well. She and Sylvia have battled each other for years. I’m happy for her.”

For Roy, it was her third straight championship in the

bounds, finished with 12 tallies each while Brett Meinert tacked on 10 tallies. Each of them knocked down critical

50 free. She was pleased with that point.

“I’m not as happy with the time, but you really can’t be too upset about a tenth after all it’s the 50 free,” Roy said. “Winning through is really thrilling. It’s the same excitement winning it again. It felt great.”

Roy felt good about anchoring the medley relay team to a second-place showing behind North Allegheny. The team also consisted of El-

3-pointers in the third quarter, which ended with Butler holding a slight advantage, 58-57.

lie Reinhart, Helen Albu and Lillian Evan.

“We debated about doing that relay or focusing on the free but those girls really wanted to swim the medley. My hat’s off to them. Give them credit. They did a fantastic job,” Donati said.

On the boys side in that event, Lebo took third behind NA and USC. Michael Zhu, Ryan Frank, Matthew Klepchick and Sangay Lama comprised the unit.

Other top performances submitted on the first day of competition included silver-medal efforts by Amanda Adair from Upper in the 200 IM and Jackson Edwards of Bethel Park in the 50 free. USC’s medley and 200 free relays also took second places.

Because the entire WPIAL championship meet occurred over two days, continuing into March 1, complete re-

Braylon Littlejohn kept the Golden Tornado in the driver’s seat. He scored 13 of his game-high 27 points in the third quarter. Donavan Carney scored all of 18 points in the first half before USC made a defensive adjustment.

“I give them credit,” Ito said.

“Carvey and Littlejohn are very good players. Very Athletic,” Ito said. “I give credit to them. In the first half, we were trying to figure out how to stop those two. In the second half, we did not let Carvey shoot. We figured out a way to do it. 100 percent that was the key.”

“We focused on Carvey. We tightened our gaps and made other people make the shots but Butler has such good players,” Holzer said.

Meanwhile, Mt. Lebanon advanced to the semifinals with a 51-40 win against Pine-Richland. Giroud (12), Barber (12), Liam Sheely (10) and Riley Farabaugh (10) finished in double figures for the Blue Devils.

The WPIAL basketball finals ended too late for information to be included in this edition of The Almanac. Full coverage will appear March 10.

sults were not available for this edition of The Almanac. A fuller report on Day 1 as well as complete coverage can be found in an updated version online as well as in the publication published March. 10.

acrossyourarmsandshoulders,notyourhandsandwriststohelpreduce back,neck,wristpainanddiscomfort.Itfeaturescomfortablearmpads, handbrakes,afold-downseat,abackrestandtwostoragebags. It’sbuilt withaircraft-gradealuminum tobesturdyyetlightweight, anditssleekdesignand oversizedwheelsmakeit perfectfortightspotsinthe houseorwalkingintheyard. Whyspendanotherday bentoverandshu ing around–orworseyet, ploppedinfrontoftheTVall day. Pickupthephoneand takebackyourlife.Callnow.

Sylvia Roy shows off the gold medal she won at the WPIAL championships for the 50-yard freestyle.

ELEANOR BAILEY/THE ALMANAC

Riley Farabaugh drives to the basket during WPIAL Class 6A semifinal basketball playoff action. Despite 19 points from Farabaugh, Mt. Lebanon dropped a 54-52 decision to Baldwin.

Sweetest

what’s happening

and from 6:50 to 7:30 p.m. for ages 4-6. Michele Mellick Johnson of Janet Hays and Co. Dance Studio instructs. Fee is $40 for members ($60 nonmembers). Visit www. peterstownhip.com to register or call 724-942-5000 for more details.

NURSES CLUB

The Southwestern Pennsylvania Registered Nurses Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. March 19 at Salvatore’s, located at 5001 Curry Road. Shannon Ye, PharmD, Consulting Pharmacist, Organic Remedies, will speak about medical cannabis. All registered nurses can attend. Call 412-886-1792 for more details.

PICKLEBALL

6 to 6:40 p.m. for 3-year-olds

Parent/youth pickleball classes will be offered from

4 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays beginning March 6 at the Peters Township recreation center. Adults with children ages 11-12 can participate. Additionally, pickleball classes will be offered from 5 to 6 p.m. for ages 18 and older. Fees are $120 or $180 for nonmembers. Visit www. peterstownhip.com to register or call 724-942-5000 for more details.

FOX IN SOCKS

The Peters Township recreation center will celebrate Dr. Seuss Week with story time, crafts and activities for ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult from 2 to 3 p.m. March 6. Attendees should wear a crazy pair of socks. Space is limited so register at www.peterstownhip.com or call 724-942-5000.

CHABAD EVENTS

A pre-Purim seniors lunch will be held at 1 p.m. March 19 at Chabad of the South Hills in Mt. Lebanon. The event, which is wheelchair accessible, features Hamantaschen, a holiday program and a presentation by Comfort Keepers on The Importance of Stimulating the Mind. Suggested donation is $5. Call 412-2782658 to register. Purim in the Shuk will be held at 4:30 p.m. March 24. There will be a Megillah reading, candy shuk, henna artist, face painting, make your own spice blends, Israeli-style dinner and Hebrew name bracelets. Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for children with a $54 family maximum. RSVP chabadsh.com/purim/.

Chabad’s Purim Celebration will take place at 11 a.m.

March 24 in Washington. The event will feature Megillah reading, brunch and Hamantaschen. Admission is free. Sponsorship opportunities are available. RSVP to ChabadSH.com/celebrate at which time the location will be given.

CASH BASH

The Bethel Park Lions Club will conduct a cash and prize bash from 6 to 10 p.m.

March 23 at the community center, located at 5151 Park Ave. Tickets are limited to 200 and cost $60 per person. Admission includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, dessert, drinks plus $2,500 in 20 cash prizes. Additional $25 prizes are awarded weekly based on ticket number. Call 412-854-2740 for tickets.

GARDEN CLUB

The Giant Oaks Garden Club will meet at 11:15 a.m.

March 7 at St. David’s Episcopal Church located at 905 McMurray Road. Pennsyl-

7:15 and 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday morning from April through September. Residents and non-residents are welcome. Contact Diane at 412-583-6283 or Sharon at 412-480-3319 for more information.

CHOIR RUN

The South Hills Children’s Choir’s Soles for Songs 5K race will be held at 9 a.m. April 6. Entry fee is $30 for runners or walkers, who will traverse the Panhandle Trail starting at Helicon Brewing in Oakdale. Proceeds benefit the choir. Shirts and goodie bags are guaranteed to those who sign up by March 15. Visit shcchoir. org/events.html to register. Email Peggy at solesdirector@gmail.com for further details.

Hollie Kawecki of Mount Lebanon boxes treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes for Macken-

Katsadas of Pittsburgh.

director

owner

ABOVE: Laura and Brian Cabe’s homemade marshmallows were a fan favorite at Sweet Sunday. The couple own Cabe’s Cakery in Mount Lebanon. AT RIGHT: Scott Blasey of The Clarks entertains the audience at Sweet Sunday. Far RIGHT: Nicholas Samples, 2, enjoys a chocolate chip cookie at Sweet Sunday. Nicholas is the son of Nick and Catie Samples of Canonsburg.

Photos by Liz Rogers/Observer-Reporter

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KIA

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LINCOLN

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NISSAN

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RAM

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SUBARU

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