Luca Butera
School: Norwin
Class: Senior
Sport: Wrestling
Claim to fame: Butera won his first tournament Dec. 13 at Penn Manor in Millersville, and he and junior Landon Sidun led the Knights to a team title. He is 12-1 this season and 53-52 in his career. He has six pins this season and 13 for his career.
How is your season going?
The season is going well. The team is having fun, and winning the Penn Manor was special because it was my first.
Did you have any memorable moments this season or during your career?
Last year we wrestled at the Doc Buchanan Memorial tournament in California. That was a lot of fun and good team bonding.
Do you play any other sport?
I used to play football and baseball. I gave up both to focus on wrestling.
Is there another sport you wish you could play?
Baseball.
Have you picked a college? Do you hope to play a sport? What are you looking for from a college?
I am going to wrestle at Shenandoah University and pursue an education degree.
What is your favorite class?
Physics.
What does it mean to be a Knight?
Being part of a team that cares about each other and the community. Coach (Kyle) Martin preaches community service and being a good citizen.
What is special about your school?
The togetherness we have.
Where do you and your teammates head for a snack after practice or a game?
Sheetz. They have good food. I get a sandwich and drink.
What is your favorite meal?
Shrimp and pasta.
Do you have a candy or snack weakness?
Reese’s Pieces.
What sport do you enjoy watching?
Football.
Do you have a favorite team?
Yes, the Steelers. I think they will make the playoffs and lose in the first round.
Is there an athlete you would like to meet?
Heavyweight wrestler Wyatt Hendrickson.
Have you ever met a celebrity?
Former mixed martial artist Daniel Cormier.
What was the last movie you watched?
”The Other Guys.”
What type of movies do you like?
I like comedies.
What type of music do you listen to?
I like the ’90s.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Myrtle Beach.
Where do you hope to visit in the future?
I want to visit Italy.
Who has the best pizza in your school district?
Order in Rillton.
What do you want to be after college?
I want to be a teacher.
Do you have an animal? What is it?
I used to have a pitbull.
Who is a celebrity or family member you would like to have lunch with, and what would you talk about?
My great-grandma Elsie (Ziska). I would tell her about the college I picked to wrestle at, what I want to study. She was so good to me and my brothers.
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Torrie DeStefano
School: Penn-Trafford
Class: Senior
Sport: Basketball
Claim to fame: DeStefano has helped Penn-Trafford win three straight games and move to 4-3 heading into the Christmas break. The Seton Hill commit made five 3-pointers and scored a game-high 24 points in a 63-26 win over West Mifflin. The Lady Warriors outscored West Mifflin in the second half 38-6. She added nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks.
In a 69-34 win over Latrobe, DeStefano had a game-high 21 points and added five steals, four rebounds and three assists. She made 3 of 4 3s.
The team has won three in a row. What has been common to each win?
I think our overall energy, having our shots fall, feeding off each other and just our will to win. We all play for each other, and when one shot goes in we continue to make more. I think our defense has also improved, and we have been playing more as a “unit” like “Coach O” says.
Has your role changed much this season now that you’re a senior?
My role has changed but not significantly. I use my voice more now. Like, before the game and halftime to help us keep the energy up and do what we need to do. On the court, I definitely take more shots, and I just try to help the team in any way I can to win games.
What aspect of your game have you worked on most in the offseason?
I worked on my offense the most. I was doing foul shots, off-the-dribble pull-ups, 3s, and post moves consistently.
Your team went from having two very good post players (Lauren Marton and Kam Pieper) and size last year to a smaller, guard-oriented lineup. How have you and your teammates made it work?
Lauren and Kam were definitely two of the best post players in the WPIAL. Losing them was definitely an adjustment, but with the lineup we have now we all are very confident in each other. We run fast, play hard and play together. We can all guard the post when we need to, and we have back side help we work on that a lot during practice.
What did you like most about Seton Hill?
I loved the family aspect and just how welcoming coach Maeve (Gallagher) and the staff were. The campus was beautiful, and I really liked the team. I like their style of play it is very similar to the one we run now at Pt.
Has the team’s approach or schemes changed much with the coaching change (Chuck Fontana took over for John Giannikas)?
Their styles of coaching aren’t exactly the same, but the overall goal is. I feel they run a similar program. Coach G has taught us all so much, and I am so thankful for him. We translated everything from him into this year along with everything coach Fontana has been teaching. We have full trust in coach Fontana, and he has trust in us.
What did the team learn from last year’s quarterfinal playoff loss to Thomas Jefferson?
We learn a lot from every game whether it’s a win or loss. I think we learned from the overall year more than just a game. We definitely used that as motivation though and changed what we had to. We learned that we can’t let players get hot and we just have to execute better under pressure and in crucial moments
Why has your team been so good at home?
I think the atmosphere and confidence we have. Having the support we do from the community and everyone who comes is huge. We like to play away, too.
Do all six of your siblings come to watch you play?
Yes, they all do. I love them all so much, and it means a lot to me when I look up before the game to wave and I can see them sitting there cheering me on. God has blessed me with the best family I could ask for. My whole family, extended family, boyfriend and his family all come, and I am so grateful for every single one of them. This is one of the top reasons I also chose Seton Hill, was for the distance. I want my family to be able to attend my games and support me like they do now
Have you thought more about a college major?
Yes, I definitely want to do something with the medical field. I am leaning more towards orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine. I am going to do some more job shadowing to see what I would like best.
Are you glad the PIAA will finally use a shot clock beginning in 2028?
Yes I am. I think it will be a great add-on to high school basketball. I wish it was implemented sooner and used in my years. We have them for AAU, and it makes the game go way faster and it’s just better overall.
What is your nickname?
I have a couple, but my family calls me Tornado.
What do you want for Christmas?
I asked for some more basketball shoes, some things for softball, clothes and regular shoes.
What is your favorite Christmas song and movie?
My favorite movie is either “The Polar Express” or “Home Alone.” I love all Christmas, songs but one of my favorites is probably “Last Christmas” by Wham!.