Amelia Droste
School: Hempfield
Class: Senior
Sport: Bowling
Claim to fame: Droste helped lead Hempfield to back-to-back state championships. Last month, she won her second straight WPIBL girls singles championship with a 669 series (224, 225, 220). Droste reached the quarterfinals of the regional tournament and lost to teammate Ashley Bensur. She was the only WPIBL bowler to qualify for the state finals. She was fifth in qualifying with a 1,238 series and 246 high game.
Droste is committed to bowl at North Carolina A&T.
What was it like winning a second state team title? What makes this team a winning group?
It felt great to close out my last year with a second title with my team. I’m very proud of my teammates and how far we’ve come and the way we work together. The five of us on varsity worked really hard this past year like we have in the past, and it really paid off as we all improved. I’m also proud of our new team members for working hard to improve at something that’s new for them and supporting the rest of the team.
What was it like winning the WPIBL singles title in such close fashion?
Having to nearly strike out in the last frame to win it was definitely a lot of pressure, but I stayed focused on my routine and the shot to execute what I needed to win.
What was going through your mind when you needed two strikes on your first two attempts in the 10th frame to win?
I focused on the present shot and getting one strike at a time to relieve some of the pressure of having to get the first two to win the title.
Did you expect to make the finals?
I don’t like to put expectations on myself because that would create unnecessary pressure for myself, but I knew I could make the finals after the hard work I’ve been putting into the sport.
How much did you practice to prepare for WPIBLs?
I’ve been bowling about four to five days a week between high school bowling, extra practice, leagues and tournaments.
Do you still use Hammer 3D-offset and Black Widow mania bowling balls?
I still have it in my bag, as well as a lot of the new releases from the Hammer bowling company.
Do you still play softball for the Pittsburgh Predators? Do you still play the electric guitar?
I’ve taken a break from softball and guitar to focus on bowling and the gym to prepare for my college season at North Carolina A&T. I’ve also been working at Texas Roadhouse for almost a year now.
Did you watch the Winter Olympics? What event did you enjoy most? Were you rooting for Hempfield graduate Jasmine Jones?
I was rooting for Jasmine Jones because I like to see women in sports excel, especially at more unique sports like bowling and bobsledding that aren’t as popular among women’s athletics.
How often do you just go to the alley and bowl for fun?
I haven’t bowled for fun in a while since I spend the extra time practicing, working on my spares, my form and my mental game when I’m not competing.
What is your nickname?
My teammates give me the nickname Meils.
Jake Lenart
School: Penn-Trafford
Class: Senior
Sport: Hockey
Claim to Fame: Lenart is a defenseman. He has scored one goal and has 14 assists. His job is not scoring but helping the goalies see the puck to prevent goals, clear the puck from around the net and use his length to deflect pucks. He is an assistant captain and helped Penn-Trafford win its first Class 2A Penguins Cup title, defeating Hempfield, 4-3.
Describe your feelings about winning the Pens Cup title?
I never felt such excitement to be part of the team that won the school’s first cup in school history and do it with my best friends.
What was the difference?
We knew how good we were. We all got along. There were no selfish players. We listened to the coaches. We are good friends on and off the ice and were pursuing one common goal.
What is your main duty as a defenseman?
I try to use my stick to tip pucks off the opponent’s stick, and I use my body to block shots.
How old were you when you started to play hockey?
I was 4. I started to play Dek hockey and ice hockey about the same time.
Who got you started?
My cousin (Ben Lenart) played Dek-hockey. My mom (Jeannine) thought it would be good.
For whom do you play travel hockey?
The Westmoreland Eagles. I am assistant captain.
Do you play any other positions?
No. I have been a defenseman all my life.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
I really like Cape Cod and Newport, R.I. There are some great old houses and beautiful beaches.
Is there a place hockey as taken you that you would like to go back?
I love playing at Notre Dame. It is my favorite college. I was born into a Notre Dame family.
Is there a place on your bucket list to visit?
I am going to visit Scotland. In fact, my aunt is taking me to play a round of golf at St. Andrews (old course) for a graduation gift.
Where do you and your teammates go after practice or meet for a snack?
The team likes to go to Applebee’s. We get wings, burgers and appetizers, and we share with one another.
What is your favorite meal?
I like snow crabs.
Do you play any other sport?
I play golf. I played for the high school team the past two years. My favorite course is Cloverleaf. That is where my friends like to play.
What was your best score?
I shot a 63 at Grandview. It was damp and you could fire at the hole.
What was the last movie you saw?
Scream 7. I like horror movies.
What is your favorite movie?
Rudy. It is that Notre Dame connection.
What type of music do you like?
I like 80s rock and Rap.
Who are your favorite pro teams?
I like the Penguins. I like all the Pittsburgh teams. I like college sports better.
Have you met anyone famous?
Yes. I have met some NHL players. The most famous was Sidney Crosby.
If you were to have lunch or dinner with someone famous, who would it be and what would to talk about?
Christopher Columbus. I could ask him what gave him the confidence to come and discover America.