WPIAL schools with NFL draft picks in their history had a current player represent them at the NFL Draft.
Among the players on stage outside of Acrisure Stadium this weekend were Franklin Regional lineman Troy Slezak, Norwin linebacker Josh Lenart and Jeannette quarterback Kymon’e Brown.
The players wore their game jerseys and received a football with their school’s draft picks stamped on the side.
Norwin, for instance, listed Glen Stough, Mike Karmazin, John Naponick and Doug Plank.
Jeannette’s football lists John Eibner, Bill Baughman, Jack O’Brien, Chick Donaldson, Mel Semenko, Dick Hoak, Bob Tararek, Steve August and Terrelle Pryor.
More than 60 schools were represented as players were part of a tribute to the legacy of WPIAL football.
Wetzel content
Brad Wetzel is satisified as he leaves the Latrobe boys basketball program.
The 24-year coach announced last week that he is stepping down to concentrate on his job as a behavior coach at River Rock Academy in Indiana and dedicate more time to his family.
Although Wetzel, 57, who won 310 games and made the WPIAL playoffs 17 times and won five section titles, said he probably isn’t finished coaching.
“It’s in my blood,” he said. “It’s a part of my life. I have been coaching for 37 years and started playing when I was four. You can’t just put it down.
“I’ll stay involved somehow. I don’t know where, yet. Who knows? Maybe it will be junior high. You want to stay involved.”
At a time when coaches and officials face constant criticism in the social media lens, often making them feel like they are being forced out, Wetzel is glad to be able to leave on his own terms.
“There are no bad feelings,” he said. “You see so many sad stories of bitter coaches and those who are pushed out against their will. It’s terrific to go out this way.”
Another coach with local ties also stepped down recently is Jim Rocco, who spent five seasons at North Catholic. The Trafford resident, who also coached the Penn-Trafford boys for five seasons, was 96-34 at North Catholic with two WPIAL championship appearances.
Rocco, who spent 19 seasons leading the Penn Hills boys, has a career record of 407-233. He won two WPIAL titles with the Indians.
He wants to spend more time focusing on family. His son, Zach, a former standout point guard at Penn-Trafford, is in the Army, and his daughter, Alayna, plays basketball at Harvard.
Kapusta commits
Hempfield senior wrestler Nico Kapusta announced a Division I commitment to Kent State. The 121-pounder placed third in the regional and second in his section this season, finishing with a record of 38-7.
His brother, Lucas, wrestles at Lock Haven. Their father, Brian Kapusta, was a three-time NCAA Division II champion at North Dakota State and is the head wrestling coach at Hempfield.
Softball streaks
Three area softball teams are on a tear, which is a good sign for them heading into the upcoming WPIAL playoffs.
Mt. Pleasant, ranked No. 3 in 3A, has not lost since opening day and has collected 13 straight wins.
Hempfield, the top team in 6A, also is on a 13-game winning streak, while 5A No. 4 Penn-Trafford has won 12 straight.
Penn-Trafford will play at Hempfield on Thursday.
Dinkel shines
Greensburg Salem sophomore Isabella Dinkel had a strong showing at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Track & Field Championships.
Dinkel, a three-sport athlete, took home four medals. She won the 100-meter dash and 300-meter hurdles, and also placed fifth in the 100-meter hurdles and 400-meter relay.
She was named the High Point Award winner for the meet.
Dinkel can add the performance to an impressive sophomore year. She was an All-WPIAL and all-section volleyball player and an all-section player in basketball.
Dinkel plays club volleyball for Pittsburgh’s A-10. She will join her sister, Maria, in the upcoming Queens of the Burgh volleyball showcase.
Dlugos invited
Greensburg Central Catholic freshman Tommy Dlugos received an invitation to the National Summer Showcase, which takes place July 14-17 at the Warhill Sports Complex in Williamsburg, Va.
The top 10 underclassmen will earn All-America recognition for the Military Appreciation Bowl in December in Dallas, Texas.
Invites went out to 200 rising juniors and 10o rising seniors.
Volleyball ranks
Three local boys teams remained in the top 10 of the Western Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 3A top-10 rankings.
Hempfield this week is No. 7, Penn-Trafford is No. 8 and Norwin is No. 10.
Derry is now No. 6 in Class 2A.
The association selected Norwin junior outside hitter Wyatt Painter as once of its 3A players of the week.
School record
Gess who has a new school record at Derry?
Derry’s Jeremiah Gess set the mark in the pole vault with a distance of 14 feet, 7 inches, repeating as champion at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Championships at Mt. Pleasant.
Milestones
Penn-Trafford lacrosse players Avery Bosack and Georgia Vislocky achieved career milestones.
Bosack, a junior, reached 100 career points, while Vislocky, a senior, scored her 100th career goal for the Warriors.
Recruiting
Ligonier Valley’s Marlaina McCaffrey will continue her swimming career at Westminster.
McCaffrey is a three-time WPIAL qualifier has been to the PIAA meet once. She has competed for the Ligonier Valley YMCA swim team for 12 years.