Westmoreland athletes of the week: Belle Vernon’s Hunter Martin, Mt. Pleasant’s Carolyn Alincic

By: Andrew John
Tuesday, May 7, 2019 | 4:05 PM

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Hunter Martin

School: Belle Vernon

Sport: Track and field

Year: Senior

Claim to fame: Martin, a Seton Hill commit, captured four individual titles, and the Leopards won the boys team title at the Scott Frederick Mid Mon Classic on April 29 at Charleroi. Martin placed first in the 110-meter hurdles (15.12 seconds), 300 hurdles (42.46), long jump (20 feet, 7 1/2 inches) and triple jump (42-6 1/2). At the Baldwin Invitational on Friday, Martin won the 300 hurdles, finished second in the triple jump, third in the 110 hurdles and fifth in the long jump.

“At the beginning of the season, I wasn’t dropping times like I have at the end of the season. All the work I put in off the track is starting to pay off as I’m dropping time. I’m trying to prove myself every race,” Martin said.

What made you commit to Seton Hill?

I love the class size. It felt like home to me. I know a lot of kids that are at Seton Hill right now. I will study nursing.

What’s your mindset heading into WPIALs?

I want to try to compete in all four events. I will see how my body feels. If I can’t do all four, I will probably drop the long jump. I hope my body is ready to perform at its best.

What did you learn from last year’s experience?

I knew I had a to get a lot faster and stronger. They were a lot stronger and powerful. I knew that was hurting me. I lifted, ran and worked to improve myself so I could get stronger.

What did you like about track and field?

The atmosphere. The sport is a lot different than other sports. Track and field has a ton of competition, however, right after the race you’re best friends with someone you just raced against. The track and field community is a lot more caring.

Which is your favorite event?

(The) 300 hurdles. You lay it all on the line, and once you cross the line you are spent. It’s not that hard if you put in all of the work for it.

Carolyn Alincic

School: Mt. Pleasant

Sport: Softball

Year: Senior

Claim to fame: Alincic, a Morehead State commit, tossed a no-hitter to lead Mt. Pleasant (14-0, 10-0) to a 5-0 win over Highlands in a Section 1-4A game May 2. Alincic struck out 16 of the 23 batters she faced and walked just two over seven innings. Alincic and Mary Smithnosky combined for a one-hitter with 10 strikeouts in a 5-0 win over Uniontown on May 1.

“I’m really excited for myself. Coming into the season, I was hoping we would play this way. I’m thankful for getting off to a good start before we head into playoffs,” Alincic said.

What made you commit to Morehead State?

I have a lot more family in the south. It was lot more comfortable to be close to more of my family. I will major in criminology.

What does it mean to you to pitch your first no-hitter?

I was really excited because I wanted to throw one. I was excited to do it for my team because they really bust their butts for me.

What has been the biggest key this season?

Team chemistry since we’ve known each other since 10U slow pitch.

What is your favorite thing about softball?

I like to compete a lot. It’s definitely the competition you get to face with all the teams in the WPIAL.

What’s the team’s mindset heading into playoffs?

We need to keep doing what we are dong. We just want to win. We want to focus on pulling out the next win.

— Andrew John

Tags: Belle Vernon, Mt. Pleasant