Haylee Myers
School: Derry
Class: Junior
Sport: Softball
Claim to fame: Myers was unhittable in a 1-0 shutout of Freeport as she tossed a perfect game with 14 strikeouts. She also drove in the only run of the game. Myers followed the gem with a 13-strikeout performance and added a double and RBI in a 3-2 win to sweep Freeport. Myers is 7-4 with a 2.49 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings. At the plate, she is batting .459 with seven doubles, three home runs and 25 RBIs.
Have you gone back and watched your perfect game?
Unfortunately, I have not. We don’t video at our games, and I don’t have access to Freeport’s video.
What stands out in your mind about that win?
I think it shows that we don’t have to put up big numbers to win games. We can win by small and large margins, and that shows grit.
What was your best pitch that day?
My riseball.
Did you keep the game ball? If so, where did you put it?
I did keep one. It is currently on our entry room table for now.
Did that game come out of nowhere, or did you think you were pitching well enough to do it?
It did come out of nowhere. When I got to the sixth inning, I knew I could finish perfect, and that became my goal then.
How much pride did you take in knocking in the only run in the win?
I give most of the credit to my teammate, Frankie (DePalma) for hitting her triple. I did my job just as much as she did hers.
How did it feel to get the second win over Freeport to follow up your perfect game?
It’s always tough seeing a team twice in general, but twice in one week is a challenge. So it feels great being able to get those two wins.
Have you been clocked on the radar gun lately? How fast are you throwing?
I haven’t been clocked in a while, and it honestly depends on the day and pitch. I would estimate 61-63 (mph).
Do you still paint? What is your most prized work?
I don’t paint as much, but I do scrapbook now.
Do you still enjoy pickle ball?
I love pickleball. My friends and I are always trying to play when we can.
Are you sold on the Pirates this year?
I have mixed feelings. The real Pirates always show after the all-star break, so we shall see.
Who is your favorite athlete and pro team?
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.
What sport are you secretly good at?
Badminton.
What sport do you wish you could try?
I would like to try water polo or synchronized diving.
Would you play flag football if Derry has a team?
I probably would. I enjoy doing any sport with my friends.
Are you watching the NFL Draft?
I’m not.
What motivates you as an athlete and a person?
The people around me motivate me. They want me to succeed in anything just as much as I do myself, and that makes me want to do better.
Do you want to play softball in college? Are any schools showing interest yet?
I do. There are a couple.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received in softball?
The best advice someone gave me in softball is to just have fun. In the end, it is just a game, and countless people have told me this.
Luke Rullo
School: Greensburg Salem
Class: Senior
Sport: Track and field
Claim to fame: Rullo was co-MVP in the field at the Westmoreland County Coaches’ Association meet April 23. He won the triple jump for the third consecutive season with a personal record of 45 feet, 7 3/4 inches. His old mark was 45-7. He also won the long jump for the second time. He tied with Kiski Area’s Nicolas Anderson, who won the discus and shot put.
Describe your feelings about your performance?
It was a good feeling. I want to break the record of teammate Julian Thompson. I was 5 inches off, but I still have a month to break it. I feel I am more consistent now.
When is your next meet?
Our next meet is Friday at Pine-Richland. Hopefully, I can get it there.
What was the reason you performed so well?
I started running the 100-meter dash for a warmup. I feel it has helped meet get loose.
What is your most memorable moment?
It was at the WPIALs my sophomore season. I was not having a good day. I was down to my last jump, and I nailed it. I went from 10th place to second and qualified for the PIAA championship. I finished second in the states.
Do you play any other sport?
I played basketball but not this past season.
Where are you going for college?
I am going to Saint Vincent. I will try track and field the first season and see how things go. I would like to study abroad.
Where do you and your teammates go after practice or meet for a snack?
We go to Mary’s Tastyland, and I get a strawberry-banana milkshake.
What is your favorite meal?
We get a ribeye from a farmer, and mom makes it rare. I also like a baked potato.
What was the last movie you saw?
I like the “Fast and Furious” series. My favorite is No. 10.
What type of music do you like?
I like Lil Wayne.
Who is your favorite pro team?
I like the Steelers.
What did you think of the draft?
My dad (Nick) did not like the pick of Penn State quarterback Drew Allar.
What is your favorite class in school?
I like math, Calculus II.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Because I played basketball, I liked Larry Bird. I liked the way he played.
If you were to have lunch or dinner with someone famous, who would it be and what would to talk about?
Warren Buffett. I am going to major in finance and would like to learn more about trading on the market.