Ashley Bensur
School: Hempfield
Class: Senior
Sport: Bowling
Claim to fame: Bensur made it back-to-back individual titles at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Championships. She completed a 612 series — the only bowler to reach 600 in the event.
Hempfield also won the team title with 2,564 pins at Hillview Lanes.
She followed that performance by posting a match-high 239 game as Hempfield blanked Jeannette, 7-0.
Bensur won a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Bowling League championship last season and made the regional championships.
Did you put pressure on yourself to repeat as WCCA champion?
Yes, I did put pressure on myself because I had to get my job done, which was to defend my title from last year.
Are you primed to repeat now as WPIBL champion? What will it take to winanother title?
I would love to repeat as the WPIBL champion, but each event that I enter is different. I just have to continue to enter with a great attitude.
How much will your past experience help you in the postseason?
Since this is my fourth and final year competing for high school, I’ve improved every year. That is only because I have been in this spot before and I thrive when I am familiarized with the process. Additionally, through this experience, I can help my underclassmen teammates get confident in their own skin.
What was it like winning another WCCA team title with your teammates?
Winning with my teammates is always such a great experience for all of us. This was our third consecutive win in the WCCA Tournament, and it was a great first win for the new year.
What are your best game and series this season?
For high school, I have a high game of 265 and a high series of 690. Although, for the tryouts for this season, I rolled an 801 series, which is my highest of all time. With that, my highest game was 279.
How many bowling balls do you have now?
I have eight bowling balls, and my mom says that I have too many. I just got two new ones over the summer, the Hammer Special Effect and the Storm Identity. I love them both, and they are the perfect fit for me.
What was it like taking a trip to France? Were you able to use your knowledge of the language there?
Ever since I started to take French classes at Hempfield, I have always wanted to take a trip to France. I am so thankful for my French teacher, Mme. Harden, for helping to make the language barrier easy to overcome. I was able to understand and speak the language fluently.
Taking a trip to France was on my bucket list for a long time. This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and I am forever grateful to those who made it possible. My favorite memory from across the pond was seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle when the night was first starting. It was just a surreal and full-circle moment for me. Now, I wake up every day and think to myself, “When can I go back?”
Do you have any opportunities to bowl in college?
Unfortunately, I am unable to bowl in college because the college that I am attending does not have a team. Waynesburg University just feels like a home away from home, but I will definitely find other honor societies to be in.
What celebrity would you most like to meet?
Who I would like to meet most is the GOAT of bowling, Jason Belmonte. Ever since I started bowling 14 years ago, I always loved to watch professional bowling. I’m not sure why, but I just enjoyed how he bowled two-handed. So every time bowling is on FS1, I always shout at the TV, “Go Belmo.”
Do you collect anything or have any unique hobbies?
I have increased my collection of highland cow stuffed animals within the last year. In my spare time, when I am not bowling, I am either working or volunteering with my honor societies and clubs.
Elijah Brown
School: Belle Vernon
Class: Senior
Sport: Wrestling
Claim to fame: Brown won his third Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association title Jan. 10 and followed that by winning the Escape the Rock tournament. He defeated Kiski Area senior Cooper Roscosky, 10-0, in the WCCA finals. Roscosky was ranked No. 1 in the state. Brown has since moved into the No. 1 spot.
How has your season gone so far?
It is going really well. I am wrestling my best. I am starting to get into a groove.
What was the key to winning your county title?
I wrestled my match. Tried to stay in good position.
Did you make a bigger statement at Escape the Rock?
Yes, for sure. It is one of the toughest tournaments in the country. It showed everyone where I am at.
What are your goals?
I want to win a PIAA title.
Who is the toughest opponent that you have faced?
West Allegheny’s Ty Watters my freshman year.
How old were you when you started to wrestle?
I was 9. My sister, Aubrey, got me started. She wanted to wrestle. Now she competes in basketball and volleyball.
Did you have any memorable moments this season or during your career?
The ride back from states last year after I won with my coaches and one of teammates. We listened to music and had a good time.
Did it bother you that Roscosky was ranked No. 1? Did it give you added motivation?
I tried not to look at the rankings, but it made me want to work harder.
Did you play any other sport?
I played soccer in elementary school and football in middle school.
Is there another sport you wish you could play?
Not really. Maybe MMA after college.
Who is the better athlete, you or your sister?
She is more athletic than me.
Why did you switch from Pitt to Penn State?
Penn State gives me a better chance to grow. So many awesome guys in the room and best place to train in the country.
What is your favorite class?
Robotics.
What is special about your school?
I like our team and the wrestling program.
Where do you and your teammates head for a snack after practice or a match?
We go to Sheetz and other times Denny’s.
What is your favorite meal your mom or dad makes?
My mom’s stuffed banana peppers.
Who are your picks to make the Super Bowl?
Seahawks and Patriots.
Who is your pick to win the Super Bowl?
The Seahawks.
MMA or pro wresting?
Definitely MMA.
Have you heard of wrestleball (combination of wrestling, basketball and rugby)? Have you tried it?
I have seen it. It looks super fun to try.
Have you ever met a celebrity?
Just Penn State coach Cael Sanderson.
What is the last movie you watched?
Aviator’s latest movies.
What type of music do you listen to?
Anything that is on the radio.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Orlando, Fla. Sea World.
Is there a place that wrestling took you to that you would like to revisit?
Hershey. It is the most fun I have had at a tournament.
Is there a place you have never been to that you would like to visit?
Anywhere overseas, Europe.
Where is the best place to get pizza in the Mon Valley?
Jake’s.
If you were to have lunch or dinner with someone special, who would it be?
I would say just my family. We would talk about family stuff.