Author: John Grupp


Pine-Richland’s Anna Amate fights for the ball with North Allegheny’s Kylie Dutkovich on Sept. 9, 2024, at Pine-Richland High School.
Behind stingy defense, North Allegheny girls eye return to WPIAL finals
October 12, 2024
North Allegheny’s 0-0 double-overtime tie at top-ranked Seneca Valley on Oct. 7 was emblematic of the Tigers’ season.

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Gabby Baldasare is the new girls basketball coach at Pine-Richland.
New coach Gabby Baldasare excited to fill big shoes with North Allegheny girls basketball
Gabby Baldasare found herself in coaching limbo this spring when she resigned after two seasons with Pine-Richland girls basketball.

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North Allegheny’s Kyle Langdon (20) takes the field with his brother, Dylan, before their game against Central Catholic on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Baldwin High School.
Langdon twins bring twice the toughness to North Allegheny linebacking corps
October 5, 2024
North Allegheny senior linebackers Dylan and Kyle Langdon came into the world at the same time.

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North Allegheny’s Ravi Desai watches his tee shot on No. 10 during the WPIAL Class 3A boys golf championship Oct. 1 at Oakmont Country Club.
North Allegheny golfers aim for elusive WPIAL crown
The North Allegheny golf team doesn’t spend much time in the high school gym, but the Tigers plan on making some renovations anyway.

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As a junior, Hampton’s Grace Stitt won the Section 3-2A singles championship in 2023.
Grace under pressure: Hampton senior becomes 1st Talbot in 30 years to earn PIAA singles berth
September 28, 2024
Hampton senior Grace Stitt was hurting after losing the first set of the WPIAL Class 2A singles semifinals Sept. 18 at Bethel Park.

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Hampton junior Evan McAneny scored on an 83-yard touchdown run in the final minute of the Talbots’ 34-27 victory over Chartiers Valley on Sept. 20, 2024.
Hampton junior RB Evan McAneny enjoys breakout
Hampton coach Steve Sciullo was content to settle for overtime after Chartiers Valley scored a game-tying touchdown with under 40 seconds to play Sept. 20.

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Hampton junior Marissa Bigante, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and suffered a torn ACL in a one-month span in the summer of 2023, is an important piece of the Hampton girls cross country team in her debut season.
Diabetes, torn ACL can’t slow Hampton runner
September 21, 2024
Like everyone else, Hampton junior Marissa Bigante has good days and bad days.

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Hampton graduate Dawson Dietz, a two-time All-American defensive tackle at Washington & Jefferson, had a combined 34 tackles for loss the past two seasons.
Hampton grad Dawson Dietz hoping for ‘amazing’ final season at Washington & Jefferson
Hampton graduate Dawson Dietz is already among the most decorated Washington & Jefferson football players in the past 25 years.

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Hampton graduate Angie Raimondi, shown at the finish line of the 2016 Ironman Triathlon in Barcelona, is one of six inductees in the Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Hampton triathlete covers distance to school’s hall of fame
September 14, 2024
Angie Raimondi admits her high school career lacked enough to earn a spot in the Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame.

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The Aquinas Academy field hockey team is off to a fast start this season, including a 2-0 win over defending WPIAL Class A champion Shady Side Academy. Pictured are (from left, back row) Elliot Keverline, Zoe Solomond, Anne Dolan, Francesca Hite, Katherine Repasky, Maria Repasky, Grace Chrobak, Brigid Mercer, Julia Jurewicz, Claire Urban, Aarona Casas-Arnedos; (front row) Alice Dingle, Aurora Predis, Felicity Koble, Tabby Ridings.
Aquinas Academy field hockey gets off to fast start with WPIAL title in its sights
One of the first things new Aquinas Academy field hockey coach Albert Casas told his players is that “winning is a consequence, not a goal.”

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Hampton’s Ray Kirsopp works out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Hampton.
Hampton senior Ray Kirsopp dedicates football season to late father
September 7, 2024
When Hampton hosts Upper St. Clair on Sept. 13, the highlights will include much more than a typical WPIAL nonconference football game.

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Aquinas Academy junior Lara Hainan plays for the Crusaders, a first-year WPIAL girls volleyball program in 2024.
Aquinas Academy girls volleyball joins big leagues
The Aquinas Academy girls volleyball team is a first-year WPIAL program, but the Crusaders plan to grow up quickly.

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Chris Belch (left) and Jacob Bonnar run in the 3,200-meter race during the inaugural Talbot Shuffle on Aug. 10 at Fridley Field in Hampton.
Hampton boys, girls cross country teams out to make history in different ways
August 31, 2024
The Hampton boys and girls cross country teams are trying to run into the record books this season.

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Hampton’s Lilly Muczinski plays against Kiski Area on Aug. 26, 2024 at Kiski Area High School.
Revamped lineup looks to keep Hampton girls volleyball in championship form
Second-team all-WPIAL setter Lilly Muczinski has a message for anyone doubting the Hampton girls volleyball team this season.

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Hampton’s Sara Kenst and Mars’ Julia Lishia vie for possession during a game last season.
Roster full of returning starters powers Hampton girls soccer
August 25, 2024
The Hampton girls soccer team returns a loaded roster — and one bitter memory — for a 2024 season filled with expectations.

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Hampton’s Xavier Ware takes a tumble in front of Franklin Regional goalkeeper Noah Walker during the WPIAL Class 3A semifinals last season.
Hampton boys soccer hungry after title-game near-miss
Rebuilding is a dirty word for Hampton’s Matt McAwley.

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Butler quarterback Alec Teff throws a pass on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Butler.
Butler stays motivated amid independent, no-playoff schedule
August 23, 2024
Pennsylvania will be a swing state in November, but Butler this fall is strictly independent.

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Grace Stitt is back for Hampton after winning the Section 3-2A singles championship last year.
Hampton girls tennis ready to be ‘road warriors’
August 17, 2024
Coming off the best season in program history, the Hampton girls tennis team has suddenly found itself homeless.

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North Catholic quarterback Joey Felitsky works out during practice on Monday, Aug.12, 2024, in Cranberry.
Rare losing season jolts North Catholic
August 13, 2024
The drop to Class 3A could have prompted North Catholic to conclude winning will come easier this season.

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Avonworth quarterback Carson Bellinger throws a pass during practice on Monday, Aug.12, 2024, in Ohio Twp.
WPIAL title-game losses fuel Avonworth
Avonworth knows well the path to Acrisure Stadium.

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Hampton’s Porter Kelly works out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Hampton.
‘Phenomenal’ growth spurt lifts Hampton’s hopes
August 11, 2024
The Hampton Talbots return their starting quarterback from last season, but you might not recognize him.

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Hampton boys golf team welcomes new look
August 10, 2024
Hampton first-year golf coach Terry Hales has much in common with his golfers this season.

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Hampton’s Chris Belch is one of the runners expected to take part in the inaugural Talbot shuffle.
Runners ready for inaugural Talbot Shuffle fundraiser
August 1, 2024
The inaugural Talbot Shuffle fundraiser hopes to hit the ground running.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt (right), who will be a freshman at Gannon in the fall, placed sixth at 120 pounds at the USA Wrestling Northeast Regional Championships on May 10-12 in Atlantic City, N.J.
Hampton girls wrestling alum ramps up aggressiveness with college on horizon
July 20, 2024
Hampton’s Isabella McNutt is becoming a little bit McNasty.

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Hampton’s Ella Lattimore, who will be a sophomore this fall, competed at the Level 9 Eastern National Gymnastics championship in May in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Hampton teen quickly climbing gymnastics ladder
July 14, 2024
Hampton teen Ella Lattimore enjoyed gymnastics long before she became any good at it.

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Hampton graduate Braeden Ballintine, who will be a freshman at Cal (Pa.) in the fall, was ranked as one of the top long snappers in Pennsylvania in the Class of 2024.
Hampton long snapper Braeden Ballintine hits his target ahead of freshman season at Cal (Pa.)
July 6, 2024
Hampton’s Braeden Ballintine was about 10 years old when his dad challenged him to try something with a football.

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Hampton’s Dale Hall tops the medal stand after winning the 800 meters during the PIAA Class 3A Track and Field Championship on May 25 at Shippensburg University.
2-time state champ Dale Hall leaves Hampton as one of track program’s all-time greats
June 1, 2024
When two-time state champion Dale Hall was a freshman, he got kicked out of Hampton track practice one day.

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The 2024 Hampton seniors helped the Talbots extend their WPIAL girls lacrosse playoff streak to nine seasons. Pictured are, from left, Sienna Rex, Elena Herchenroether, Greta Hamlin, Lindsay Fiscus, Addie Hastings, Reed Perry and Jacqui Deah.
Hampton girls lacrosse rallies to salvage season
May 25, 2024
The Hampton girls lacrosse team wobbled into mid-April, putting its streak of WPIAL playoff appearances in jeopardy.

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Hampton’s Danica Gynn, Kaylee Lazaro and Marli Dankmeyer (left to right) play for Team Central in the 2024 PIHL girls league. Missing from photo is freshman Theresa Warner.
Hampton girls hockey players spring into action
One of the biggest challenges for the Hampton skaters in the PIHL girls league is something most athletes take for granted.

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Central Catholic senior defender Mike Kistler, a Hampton resident, will play lacrosse next season at Division II Florida Southern.
Hampton resident looks ahead after lost season with Central Catholic lacrosse
May 18, 2024
Central Catholic senior defender Mike Kistler “felt a pop” in his right leg at preseason lacrosse practice in February.

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Hampton’s Dale Hall presses the issue with Butler’s Drew Griffith going into the last lap in the WPIAL Class 3A boys 1.600 meters during the WPIAL track and field championships Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Slippery Rock University.
Hampton boys show calm before storm at WPIAL track and field championships
The WPIAL track and field championships started about as well as could be expected for the Hampton boys.

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Hampton pitcher Cassie Vidic delivers against Greensburg Salem during a WPIAL Class 4A playoff game last season.
Sharp defense fuels championship optimism for Hampton softball
May 11, 2024
Because first-year coach Kate Hedderman runs a batting cage facility in Hampton, she was confident the Talbots would hit the ball this season.

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Hampton senior Vitaliy Pikalo is the first Talbot to reach the PIAA Class 2A boys singles championship since 2012.
Seniors boost Hampton tennis to winning season
May 4, 2024
The Hampton boys tennis team traveled to Philadelphia for a mid-April match, running up the “Rocky” steps and visiting the Liberty Bell during a day of sightseeing.

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Hampton third baseman Sean Sullivan snags a ball hit by Knoch’s Brady Long, saving extra bases on April 29.
Walk-off loss keeps Hampton baseball out of playoffs for 1st time since 2016
One day after Hampton’s WPIAL playoff hopes ended with a walk-off loss at Knoch, senior Matt Erka searched for a bright spot.

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Hampton senior AJ Prodente (far right) helped the Talbots’ 1,600-meter relay team to a fifth-place finish at the Butler Invitational on April 19. Also pictured (from left) are Chris Belch, Willy Haselrig and Dale Hall.
Hampton senior makes quick transition from hardwood to track
April 27, 2024
Hampton senior AJ Prodente has gone from sprinting 94 feet to racing 400 meters.

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Hampton girls flag football thrives in 1st season
When a group of Hampton girls desired a fun, low-stress spring sport, they found exactly what they were looking for.

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Hampton senior center fielder Jessica Lange, who earned all-Section 3-4A honors last season, hit her first career home run on April 9, 2024.
Senior center fielder shows pop for first-place Hampton softball team
April 20, 2024
Hampton’s Jessica Lange made a name for herself doing the little things for the Talbots softball team.

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Hampton head coach Joe Lafko watches from the bench during a game against Shaler on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at Hampton High School.
Hampton basketball readies for rare coaching search
For only the second time in the past 46 years, Hampton is searching for a new boys basketball coach.

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Hampton coach Joe Lafko watches from the bench during a game against Highlands on Jan. 2.
Hall of fame basketball coach Joe Lafko steps down at Hampton
April 17, 2024
Saying it’s time to “figure out the next chapter,” WPIAL Hall of Famer Joe Lafko has stepped down as Hampton boys basketball coach.

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Aquinas Academy baseball head coach David Phelps works with his team on Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2024, at the school in Hampton.
Ex-MLB pitcher David Phelps helps launch Aquinas Academy baseball team
April 13, 2024
Aquinas Academy baseball coach David Phelps knows all about pressure.

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Hampton senior Gabe Gannelli, a two-time all-WPIAL defender, committed to play lacrosse and football at Mount Union.
Faced with choice between football, lacrosse at Mount Union, Hampton senior picks both
One thing is certain about Hampton two-sport standout Gabe Gannelli and his upcoming college days.

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Hampton graduate David Steckel (kneeling, second from left), an assistant men’s basketball coach at Southern New Hampshire, celebrates with the team during their run to the 2024 NCAA Division II Elite Eight.
Onetime Hampton baseball player reaches NCAA Division II Elite Eight as basketball coach
April 6, 2024
Hampton graduate David Steckel took an unlikely path from a high school baseball player to an assistant coach for an Elite Eight men’s basketball team.

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Hampton pitcher Parker Brockway (left) and catcher Justin Dubee make their way onto the field at the Cal Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
With bad weather scrambling schedule, beach trips means a lot to Hampton baseball
The Hampton baseball team found a way in late March to mix business with pleasure.

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Despite early-season loss, Hampton boys lacrosse has high expectations
March 30, 2024
The opening week of the 2024 spring season proved something about the Hampton boys lacrosse team.

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Senior defender/midfielder Elena Herchenroether (left) and junior midfielder Emerson Pryal are among 10 returning starters for the Hampton girls lacrosse team.
Hampton girls lacrosse plans to spread scoring wealth
The Hampton girls lacrosse team this season is relying on balance rather than brilliance.

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Hampton’s Dale Hall edges Butler’s Drew Griffith during the boys 1,600-meter run during the 2023 PIAA Class 3A track and field championships.
Defending state champ leads talented Hampton track team
March 23, 2024
Hampton track star Dale Hall enters his senior season in the unusual position of being a reigning state champion and an underdog, all at the same time.

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The Hampton boys basketball team swarms senior Liam Mignogna after his winning basket as time expired against Knoch on Jan. 12.
As playoff run ends, Hampton takes pride in special season
One day after Hampton’s boys basketball season came to an end, Joe Lafko contemplated the Talbots’ memorable journey.

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The tennis courts at Hampton Community Park seen in 2019.
Hampton boys tennis looks to take another step
March 16, 2024
The tennis courts at Hampton Community Park are scheduled to undergo a major renovation this summer, but in the meantime, the Hampton boys team has some work of its own to do.

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St. Joseph’s Kalyda O’Connor battles Aquinas Academy’s Victoria Taylor for a loose ball during their WPIAL Class A semifinal on Feb. 26.
Hampton notebook: Aquinas Academy girls team misses out on trip to basketball finals
The Aquinas Academy girls basketball team weathered injuries and illness for much of the season, but the Crusaders fought through it.

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Hampton’s Lainey Sheets swims in the 100-yard backstroke during the WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships March 1 at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Hampton sophomores bring home WPIAL swimming and diving gold
March 9, 2024
Hampton sophomore Lainey Sheets popped her head out of the water after the 100 backstroke at the WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships at Pitt on March 1 and was a bit bewildered.

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Hampton pitcher Cassie Vidic celebrates a strikeout with Aliza Michielli during their WPIAL Class 4A playoff game against Greensburg Salem last season.
Hampton softball picks up pace under new coach
Hampton all-section senior shortstop Charlotte Lomb said new coach Kate Hedderman’s high-paced workouts were an eye-opener for some of her teammates.

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Hampton’s Sean Sullivan scores against Fox Chapel April 20, 2022.
After productive offseason, Hampton baseball eager to get started
Hampton baseball coach Kellen Wheeler had a numbers problem this offseason.

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Aquinas Academy’s Joshua Schlemmer drives between Neighborhood Academy’s Junior Onwubiko and Derick Hardeman during the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals Feb. 21.
Aquinas Academy boys show they’re no one-man team
March 2, 2024
Aquinas Academy entered this season with a lot of uncertainty after losing WPIAL all-time leading scorer Vinnie Cugini to graduation.

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Hamptons’ Isabella McNutt beats Canon-McMillan’s Malia Ramos in the 112-pound bout during the WPIAL girls wrestling championship Feb. 17, at North Allegheny High School.
Hampton wrestlers march ahead in postseason tournaments
The Hampton wrestlers had such a memorable season as a team, they decided to keep it going as individuals.

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Hampton senior Alan Danner (right), shown after beating Kiski Area’s Riley Shearer, is one of seven returning WPIAL Class 2A qualifiers for the 2023-24 Talbots.
Hampton senior wrestler buckles down after tough seasons, climbs WPIAL ranks
February 10, 2024
In Alan Danner’s first two seasons at Hampton, he spent much more time on the wrong side of pins than on the right side of wins.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer shoots over Highlands’ Jordyn Tavarez on Jan. 2.
Hampton’s Peter Kramer eager to return to playoff action
Hampton standout senior guard Peter Kramer is hoping to go from an ineligible postseason to an indelible one.

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Senior guard Meghan Murray celebrates with her teammates after becoming the all-time leading scorer for Hampton girls basketball in the Talbots’ 54-42 victory over visiting Mars on Jan. 22, 2024.
Senior Meghan Murray breaks program scoring mark as Hampton girls hit stride
February 3, 2024
Hampton star guard Meghan Murray sank a half-court shot to end the first quarter against Mars on Jan. 22, but her next basket was even more dramatic.

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Hampton junior Wil Cramer has qualified for the 2024 WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships in the 200 IM and the 200 freestyle after last season’s near-miss.
Hampton junior swimmer moves into fast lane
Hampton junior swimmer Wil Cramer is proving that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

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The 1983-84 Hampton boys basketball team went 27-4 and reached the PIAA Class 3A title game. Pictured, in front, from left, John Reddel, John Ward, Rich Kolkman, Tim Weimer, Jason Huber, Bob Kreutzer; in middle, manager Matt Gorski, Kevin Cherilla, Tom Lah; and in back, head coach Tom Jewart, Bill Snyder, Matt Mignogna, Jerry Shanahan, Brian Shanahan, Mike Pschirer, Pat Drake, assistant coach Dave Kuniak. Not pictured are Mike Charpentier, manager Dave Lovett and assistant coach Joe Boombower.
Hampton players recall ‘incredible’ run to ‘84 state basketball finals
January 27, 2024
Many of the memories have faded into time over the past four decades.

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Hampton’s Daniel Leyes celebrates with Eli Scharzbach after scoring against Freeport on Nov. 9, 2023, at Belmont Complex.
Hampton hockey heads in new direction after midseason coaching change
January 20, 2024
On its way to a fifth consecutive losing season, the Hampton hockey team has made a midseason coaching shift.

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Hampton’s Liam Mignogna (right) defends a shot attempt from Knoch’s Teegan Finucan on Jan. 12.
Defense powering Hampton boys basketball
Three days after Christmas, the Hampton boys basketball team wasn’t feeling very joyful.

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Hampton’s Caleb Rihn was a runner-up at 172 pounds at the Steve DeAugustino Tournament on Dec. 29, 2023, at West Mifflin. He is pictured with coach Nick Endres.
Senior battles through knee injury for surprising Hampton wrestling team
January 13, 2024
Hampton senior Caleb Rihn heard “a large pop” from his left knee during club wrestling practice in early November.

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Hampton girls basketball starting to warm up, eye WPIAL playoff berth
The Hampton girls basketball team flew to California over Christmas break for a three-day tournament and visited several popular spots around San Diego.

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Kate Hedderman is the new softball coach at Hampton.
New Hampton softball coach Kate Hedderman ready to get started
January 6, 2024
Hampton didn’t have to look too far to find its new softball coach.

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Hampton’s Lainey Sheets (third from left) is among the top sophomore swimmers in the state. She is standing with teammates, left to right, Sofia Welsh, Maddy Bruce and Kevyn Fish.
Led by super sophomore, Hampton girls swimmers set for special season
December 16, 2023
Hampton’s Lainey Sheets was the only freshman in the state who finished top five at last season’s PIAA Class 2A Swimming championships.

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Hampton’s Chris Belch swims the 100 yard backstroke during the 2022 WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Roster numbers down but excitement remains high for Hampton boys swim season
Hampton swimming coach Morgan Zweygardt can count on two hands the number of boys on her roster this season.

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Aquinas Academy’s Emily Fisher celebrates after scoring against Juniata Valley during their PIAA Class A first round state playoff game on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Deer Lakes.
Aquinas Academy girls hungry to take next step
December 9, 2023
Playing at Pitt’s Petersen Events Center each of the past two seasons was a dream come true for the Aquinas Academy girls basketball team.

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Aquinas Academy’s Samuel Duer (right) is one of three returning starters.
Aquinas Academy boys basketball braces for ‘life without Vinnie’
The Aquinas Academy boys basketball team spent more time this offseason in the weight room than ever before.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt (right) became the first female wrestler in program history to advance to the WPIAL tournament last season.
Behind 7 returning WPIAL qualifiers, Hampton wrestlers determined to snap playoff drought
December 2, 2023
The Hampton wrestling team’s season-ending banquet last March was more about eyeing the future than remembering the past.

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Hampton senior guard and 1,000-point scorer Meghan Murray committed to Kent State in mid-September after taking her official visit.
Meghan Murray-led Hampton girls basketball team a work in progress
Hampton star point guard Meghan Murray is being realistic when she expects the Talbots to start slow this season.

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Hampton’s Emmy Schrom scores against Pope John Paul II during the PIAA Class 3A championship game Nov. 18 at Cumberland Valley.
Talented senior class ushered in golden era for Hampton volleyball
November 26, 2023
The journey began innocently enough, at a spring-time middle school volleyball tournament at Montour.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer works against Highlands’ Jimmy Kunst during their game on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Highlands High School.
Hampton looks for balance behind top scorer Peter Kramer
Hampton boys basketball coach Joe Lafko called it the “X factor” this season.

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Hampton’s Daniel Leyes celebrates with Sam Modlin and Dillon Fogle after scoring against Freeport during their game on Nov. 9, 2023, at Belmont Complex.
Hampton hockey shows glimpses of potential while gaining varsity experience
November 19, 2023
Hampton hockey coach Buck McKee knew some growing pains awaited his young Talbots this season.

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Hampton’s Luke Fiscus celebrates after scoring against South Fayette during the WPIAL Class 3A championship game on Nov. 4.
Seniors spearhead another impressive season for Hampton boys soccer
The Hampton boys soccer team prepared for the 2023 season by attending soccer camp in mid-August in Edinboro that included a trip to a nearby water park.

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Hampton’s Lily Muczinski and Payton Galletti defend on North Catholic’s Brooke Sciullo during the WPIAL 3A girls volleyball championship match Nov. 4.
Hampton, Pope John Paul II to collide in state championship clash of undefeated volleyball powers
November 16, 2023
The Hampton girls volleyball team gathered Wednesday afternoon to watch videos of their PIAA championship opponent, Pope John Paul II.

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The Hampton boys cross country team won the 2023 PIAA Class 2A title Nov. 4 in Hershey. Pictured are (left to right), assistant coach Heather Dietz, Josh Wukitch, Nathan Gardner, Christopher Belch, Jacob Bonnar, Dale Hall, Layne Haught, Lu Santos, Miles McKinney and head coach Dean Longwell.
After WPIAL 3-peat, PIAA title, Hampton runners celebrate ‘incredible’ season
November 11, 2023
On their way home from the PIAA Class 2A cross country championships in Hershey, the Hampton boys were met at the turnpike by township fire trucks and escorted to the high school three miles down Route 8.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer celebrates after scoring against Highlands last season.
Hampton guard Peter Kramer commits to Lehigh
November 7, 2023
Hampton’s Peter Kramer was cold, standing in nearly a half-foot of snow with a shovel in his hands.

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Hampton’s Olivia Hoffman battles Mars’ Kayleigh Clark for possession on Aug. 28.
Hampton girls soccer looks to bright future after playoff ouster
November 5, 2023
Every player who scored a goal this season for the Hampton girls soccer team has one thing in common — she’ll be back.

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Hampton ball carrier Brock Borgo (22) runs the ball as Highlands defender Aaran Randolph (4) goes in for the tackle on Oct. 27.
‘Challenging’ season ends with Hampton football on wrong side of playoff tiebreaker
The Hampton football season began with an injury and ended with an insult.

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Hampton’s Grace Stitt plays in the 2022 WPIAL Class 3A girls singles consolation match.
Hampton girls tennis reflects on historic season
October 28, 2023
The Hampton girls tennis team stopped at a restaurant on the way home from its PIAA Class 2A playoff match Oct. 24 in Erie.

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Hampton running back Brock Borgo works out during a preseason practice.
Hampton senior running back climbs school’s all-time rushing list
The first time Hampton running back Brock Borgo touched the football in a meaningful varsity carry, he raced 58 yards for a touchdown.

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Aquinas Academy all-section sophomore striker Marco Anselmino helped the Crusaders to their highest-scoring season in at least six years.
Aquinas Academy boys double win total but playoff spot remains elusive
October 21, 2023
Aquinas Academy missed the WPIAL Class A boys soccer playoffs this season, but the Crusaders kept opposing goalies busy.

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Hampton’s Jacob Bonnar (right) and the Talbots will race at the WPIAL championships on Thursday (Oct. 26).
Hampton boys eye WPIAL cross country 3-peat
Since last season’s fourth-place finish at states, the Hampton boys cross country team has been focused on a return trip to Hershey.

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Eden Christian senior Nathan Garrett, who won a WPIAL Class 2A team title with Hampton as a sophomore, is one of the top runners in the WPIAL Class A during the 2023 season.
After sitting out, Eden Christian runner eager to compete for WPIAL cross country gold
October 14, 2023
The only running Nathan Garrett did at last year’s WPIAL cross country championships was to urge on his Eden Christian teammates.

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Aquinas field hockey rebuilding on the run
Someone forgot to tell the Aquinas Academy field hockey team that this was supposed to be a rebuilding year.

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Hampton sophomore setter Lilly Muczinski has helped the undefeated Talbots to a No. 1 ranking in the WPIAL and a No. 2 ranking in the state in Class 3A.
Hampton sophomore sets stage for volleyball team’s formidable front line
October 7, 2023
Hampton’s Lilly Muczinski knew early on what position she wanted to play in volleyball.

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Hampton junior midfielders Olivia Hoffman (5) and Sara Kenst (20) are the leading scorers for the playoff-bound 2023 Talbots girls soccer team.
Hampton girls soccer teammates go from fierce rivals to best friends
Talk about two peas in a pod.

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Hampton senior Matt Erka (front) hits a drive with Baldwin freshman Michael Quallich (white hat) and North Allegheny sophomore Colin Ward (dark hat) in back on No. 16 at Latrobe Country Club on Sept. 25, 2023 in the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A golf championships.
Hampton pair take swing at WPIAL golf championships
September 30, 2023
Hampton teammates Matt Erka and Tyler Schmitt took different paths to reach the 2023 WPIAL Class 3A individual golf championships.

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Hampton’s Dante DiBucci works out during a 2016 lacrosse practice.
‘Surprised’ 3-sport standout among selections for Hampton hall of fame Class of 2023
September 16, 2023
Former Hampton three-sport standout Joe Raimondi saw the letter from the school’s athletic hall of fame and was unsure what to believe.

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Hampton coach Steve Sciullo talks with running back Brock Borgo and quarterback Adrian Midgley during preseason practice, Midgley is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Hampton football offers no excuses after rough start
The Hampton football team could blame its dreadful start this season on a number of factors.

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Hampton’s Kevyn Fish runs to the finish line in the Class 3A girls race during the 2021 WPIAL cross country championships.
Promising young runners could help keep Hampton girls cross country on top
September 9, 2023
Hampton girls cross country star Kevyn Fish figured her team might be swimming upstream this season.

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Hampton’s Chris Belch, 17, won the Hampton Firecracker 5K on July 4 with a winning time of 17 minutes, 33 seconds.
Defending WPIAL champion Hampton runners focusing on Hershey
The two-time defending WPIAL Class 2A champion Hampton boys cross country team is aiming to take another step forward.

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Hampton is led by returning two-time all-state senior outside hitter Emmy Schrom.
Hopes are sky high for Hampton girls volleyball
September 2, 2023
The Hampton girls volleyball team looks so promising this season that winning a section title would hardly qualify as a goal.

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Hampton’s Grace Stitt plays in the WPIAL Class 3A girls singles tennis third-place match Sept. 14, 2022.
Hampton girls tennis ready to fight for playoff berth
During the second day of Hampton girls tennis tryouts in mid-August, four upperclassmen playing doubles argued over whether a serve was in or out.

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Early playoff exit lights fire under Hampton boys soccer
August 26, 2023
The seniors on the Hampton boys soccer team have felt euphoria and agony over the years.

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Hampton goalkeeper Isabella English makes a lunging save against Franklin Regional in a 2021 game.
After key losses, Hampton girls soccer to rely on deep pool of talent
The Hampton girls soccer team lost two all-WPIAL players to graduation and then lost another one to something nobody saw coming.

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Northgate’s Austin Mitchell works out during practice on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, in Bellevue.
Northgate finds strength in numbers
August 21, 2023
Every time Northgate players walked into the weight room this offseason, they were confronted with the same reminders.

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Peter Kramer leads senior-heavy Hampton boys golf team
August 19, 2023
The Hampton boys golf team is looking to turn experience into exultation.

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North Catholic coach Chris Rizzo talks with his team during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Cranberry.
North Catholic ready to rebound under new coach
August 12, 2023
North Catholic first-year football coach Chris Rizzo traveled about 2,000 miles to take over a program that’s not too far from where it wants to be.

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Hampton head coach Steve Sciullo talks with running back Brock Borgo and quarterback Adrian Midgely during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in Hampton.
Hampton determined to extend playoff streak
Something is catching on with Hampton football.

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Hampton’s Emmy Schrom hit into the block of Freeport’s Josephine Russo and Cassidy Dell during the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A finals.
Hampton volleyball star Emmy Schrom staying close to home at Duquesne
August 5, 2023
When Hampton two-time all-state volleyball player Emmy Schrom began looking at colleges, proximity was a priority.

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Michael Gavlik is the new athletic director of Hampton.
New Hampton athletic director Mike Gavlik brings vast experience to position
July 18, 2023
Mike Gavlik has formed a straightforward philosophy during his two decades as a high school athletic director.

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Hampton’s Chris Belch, 17, won the Hampton Firecracker 5K on July 4 with a winning time of 17 minutes, 33 seconds.
Hampton runner sparkles with Firecracker 5K win
July 15, 2023
Hampton’s Chris Belch put on a display on the Fourth of July.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt (back) placed fourth at the USA Wrestling Northeast Regional Championships in mid-May in Atlantic City, N.J.
Hampton wrestler Isabella McNutt takes another shot at nationals
July 8, 2023
Making the 1,100-mile trek from Pittsburgh to Fargo, N.D., is becoming an annual summer trip for Hampton’s Isabella McNutt.

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The new softball field at Hampton High School, shown in early June, is expected to be ready for the 2025 spring season.
New multipurpose field progressing at Hampton
July 1, 2023
Construction of the new softball/multipurpose field at Hampton High School is rounding second and — slowly but surely — heading for home.

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Hampton senior attack Kelli Gibson finished the 2023 season with 36 goals and a team-best 13 assists for the 13-6 Talbots girls lacrosse team.
Despite short playoff run, Hampton girls lacrosse team savors season’s successes
June 10, 2023
Hampton failed to reach the WPIAL girls lacrosse semifinals this season for the first time since 2015, but the journey was worth the while.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer grabs a rebound from Highlands’ Jordyn Taverez last season.
Hampton staying sharp with summer basketball schedule
So much for resting on your laurels.

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The Hampton 3,200 relay team of, from left, Kevyn Fish, Ava Vitiello, Kathleen Milon and Teresa Grimm won the WPIAL Class 3A title on May 17 at Slippery Rock, becoming the school’s first relay team in at least 25 years to win a WPIAL crown.
Hampton runners good as gold at WPIAL, PIAA meets
June 3, 2023
Hampton track won WPIAL and PIAA gold medals in May with a relay team that got a late start and a miler who had a great finish.

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Hampton pitcher Ryan Apaliski celebrates with Dylan Eichas during their WPIAL Class 4A playoff game against Ringgold on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Gateway High School.
Hampton baseball season punctuated by playoff win
Things looked bleak for the Hampton baseball team at midseason.

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Duquesne freshman Matt DeMatteo, a Hampton graduate, placed fourth in the 400 hurdles at the 2023 Atlantic 10 Track and Field Championships on May 6-7 at UMass.
Hampton grad Matt DeMatteo thrives after narrowing focus to track at Duquesne
May 20, 2023
Former Hampton three-sport standout Matt DeMatteo already owns the third-fastest 400-meter hurdle time in Duquesne track and field history.

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Aquinas girls lacrosse makes best of ‘rough season’
There were many reasons why the Aquinas Academy girls lacrosse team missed the WPIAL playoffs this season for the first time since 2016.

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Hampton’s Vitaliy Pikalo
Hampton boys tennis team sees net gains
May 13, 2023
The Hampton boys tennis team finished 8-8 this year, but it sure felt like a winning season.

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Hampton senior Addy Maguire is batting a team-high .647 this season.
Top of the lineup boosting Hampton softball toward playoff berth
April 29, 2023
The top of Hampton’s softball lineup is at the top of its game this season.

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Hampton senior Emi DiLiberto has scored 48 goals through 10 games.
Hampton lacrosse star lighting up scoreboard
April 22, 2023
When Hampton’s Emi DiLiberto started playing lacrosse in fifth grade, she was petrified of the hard, rubber ball.

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Aquinas Academy junior Jack Gillespie placed third at the 2023 WPIAL Class 2A tennis singles championships in April to qualify for the PIAA championships May 26-27 in Hershey.
Aquinas Academy junior aces WPIAL tennis test
Aquinas Academy junior Jack Gillespie is a three-time Tae Kwon Do world champion and is ranked No. 2 in the nation in his age group for combat weapons.

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Hampton’s Eric Weeks competes during the 2023 baseball season.
Hampton’s Eric Weeks makes headlines in 3 sports
April 15, 2023
Hampton senior Eric Weeks’ offseason between basketball and baseball this year lasted about 12 hours.

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Senior middle blocker Vinnie Cugini lifts off for a spike attempt for the Aquinas Academy boys volleyball team during the 2023 season.
Sparked by arrival of basketball star Vinnie Cugini, Aquinas Academy volleyball thriving
When Aquinas Academy senior Vinnie Cugini joined the school’s boys volleyball team for the first time this spring, he had mild expectations.

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Hampton’s Ava Vitiello (left) and Kevyn Fish run side-by-side in the Class 2A girls race during the TSCA cross country championships on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at PennWest California.
Returning state track qualifiers provide high expectations for Hampton girls
April 8, 2023
The Hampton girls track and field team will be led this season by a Kat, a Fish and a soon-to-be Husky.

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Hampton lineman Aidan Lewis runs to catch the ball during practice at Fridley Field on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.
Multisport athletes give lift to Hampton boys track
The Hampton boys track and field team this season has a lot of question marks that might turn into exclamation points.

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Hampton senior midfielder Emi DiLiberto
Smaller roster doesn’t faze perennial girls lacrosse power Hampton
April 1, 2023
The Hampton girls lacrosse program has only 25 players this season spread across the varsity and JV rosters.

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Hampton’s Luke Hartle plays against Fox Chapel last season.
Hampton boys lacrosse looks to build foundation for playoff run
The Hampton boys lacrosse team was playing an intrasquad practice game in late March under the lights at Fridley Field when pouring rain began.

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John Grupp | For the Tribune-Review
                                Hampton junior Vitaliy Pikalo is the No. 1 singles player for the 2023 Talbots.
Hampton’s Vitaliy Pikalo ascends to No. 1 singles spot
March 25, 2023
In tennis, “love” is another word for zero.

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Hampton’s Mackenzie Reese returns as a key player for the 2023 softball team.
Hampton softball off to powerful start
The Hampton softball team opened the 2023 season with a bizarre at-bat the Talbots won’t soon forget.

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Hampton’s Brennan Murray celebrates with Jaden McMeeken (11) after hitting a shot at the third-quarter buzzer against Laurel Highlands during their PIAA Class 4A second-round playoff game on March 14 at Norwin.
‘Special group’ propels Hampton to memorable season
March 18, 2023
The motto for the Hampton boys basketball team this season was “to live in the moment.”

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Hampton left-hander Ryan Apaliski went 4-3 with a 2.78 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 45 innings last season.
Ace lefty Ryan Apaliski leads young pitching staff for Hampton baseball
The Hampton baseball team is hoping one ace and a bunch of wild cards can turn into a winning hand.

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Hampton’s Meghan Murray (right) has 1,032 career points after three seasons with the Talbots.
Hampton junior Meghan Murray eclipses milestone but Talbots fall short of PIAA playoffs
March 11, 2023
Bored, restless and stuck at home during the lockdown three years ago, then-Hampton eighth grader Meghan Murray grabbed a notebook and jotted down five goals for high school basketball.

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Hampton’s Gabriella Elk is only the second Talbot in at least 25 years to qualify for the PIAA diving championships as a freshman.
Hampton freshman Gabriella Elk thriving at diving
When Hampton freshman Gabriella Elk made the transition from gymnastics to diving, one part of the switch proved to be tricky.

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Burrell’s Cooper Hornack tries to take down Hampton’s Dustin Kerr (standing) during the 127-pound bout Feb. 18, 2023.
Hampton freshman makes name for himself in WPIAL wrestling postseason
March 5, 2023
Hampton freshman Dustin Kerr proved a wrist fracture and a sore elbow couldn’t prevent him from climbing a podium.

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Hampton’s Benny Haselrig celebrates with Brock Borgo (22) after his touchdown reception in a 2021 game against Highlands.
Hampton’s Benny Haselrig fulfills Division I dream with decision to walk on at Pitt
Hampton senior Benny Haselrig agonized a bit during the recruiting process.

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The Aquinas Academy boys and girls fencing teams opened the 2023 season on Jan. 27.
Aquinas Academy fencing seeks dual success with boys, girls teams
February 18, 2023
Aquinas Academy fencing coach John Carroll got right to the point when asked about his expectations this season.

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Hampton senior catcher/third baseman Addy Maguire, who hit .422 last season, has committed to Edinboro.
Hampton infielder Addy Maguire inks with Edinboro
When Addy Maguire showed up for Hampton softball tryouts as a freshman three years ago, coach Ron Fedell was baffled.

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Courtesy of J.M. Weber Photography
                                Hampton forward Claire Rodgers is the only senior on the roster for the 2022-23 WPIAL Class 5A playoff-bound Talbots.
Roster’s lone senior sets tone during successful season for Hampton girls
February 11, 2023
When it comes to the Hampton girls basketball team, forward Claire Rodgers is one of a kind.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer blocks the shot of Highlands’ Chandler Thimons on Jan. 27.
Without top scorer, Hampton boys to lean on defense, depth in playoffs
No. 2 Hampton is getting ready to try to show it can win games with its best player in street clothes.

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Hampton junior Aiden Petry (right) battles Woodland Hills senior Dre’Shawn Sanders during a 189-pound match at the Allegheny County Wrestling Tournament Jan. 20 at Fox Chapel.
Hampton wrestlers set sights on next hurdle
February 4, 2023
Hampton missed the WPIAL wrestling playoffs in its first season as a Class 2A program, but there’s still a lot to shoot for.

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Aquinas Academy junior guard Emily Fisher is the top scorer for the 2022-23 WPIAL Class A playoff-bound Crusaders.
New-look Aquinas girls roster back in WPIAL Class A mix
Rebuilding is a dirty word for the Aquinas Academy girls basketball team.

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Hampton sophomore Pax Carslaw will compete at the USA Climbing Division 6 championships on Feb. 11-12, 2023, in Chicago.
Hampton sophomore reaching new heights in competitive climbing
January 28, 2023
Hampton’s Pax Carslaw is starting to get a grip on competitive climbing.

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Junior defenseman Andrew Bagnato has played in every game this season for the Talbots.
Hampton coach encouraged by team’s effort despite early struggles
January 21, 2023
Hampton first-year hockey coach Buck McKee is short on wins and players, but he has an abundance of one thing — optimism.

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Members of the 2022-23 Hampton bowling teams include, from left, Frank Postava, Noah Hollinger, Maddy McGrath, Emmy Schrom, Juliana Valenti, Anna Derence and Charlotte Lomb.
Hampton girls bowling team provides low-pressure fun
It was supposed to be all fun and games.

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From left, Lainey, Ben and Libby Sheets are members of the 2022-23 Hampton swim team.
Sheets siblings fuel Hampton swim teams
January 14, 2023
The Hampton boys and girls swimming teams seem to be headed in different directions, but they have one thing in common.

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The Hampton competitive spirit team competed at the WPIAL championships Jan. 7, 2023, at Hempfield.
Hampton competitive spirit team reaches PIAA championships for 1st time in 5 years
The Hampton competitive spirit team has something to cheer about.

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Plum’s Dannika Susko battles Hampton’s Meghan Murray for a loose ball Dec. 16.
Hampton girls basketball team unwraps memorable holiday trip
January 7, 2023
The Hampton girls basketball players received a Christmas present they will never forget.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer drives to the basket past Highlands’ Jimmy Kunst during their game on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Highlands High School.
Red-hot Hampton boys basketball surges out of the gate
The Hampton boys basketball team is hoping a season that began with a memorable win ends with a whole bunch more.

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Hampton’s Ava Vitiello (left) and Kevyn Fish run side-by-side in the Class 2A girls race during the TSTCA cross country championships on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at PennWest California.
Hampton senior Ava Vitiello tracks down D-I scholarship
December 17, 2022
For the longest time, Hampton’s Ava Vitiello believed a Division I scholarship was out of her reach.

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Hampton’s Meghan Murray battles Plum’s Dannika Susko for a loose ball last season.
After busy offseason, top scorer Meghan Murray ready to lead Hampton girls
December 3, 2022
The best player on the Hampton girls basketball team spent this summer getting even better.

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Hampton’s Eric Weeks defends on Kiski Area’s Dom Dininno during the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs last season.
Coach’s milestone win just the 1st step for Hampton boys
At some point early this winter, Hampton boys basketball coach Joe Lafko will achieve something “that’s been a career goal with me forever.”

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Hampton coach Nick Endres
Roster depth, move to Class 2A boost Hampton wrestling team
November 26, 2022
For the first time in program history, the Hampton wrestling team can try to pick on someone its own size.

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Hampton’s Ben Sheets competes in the 100 backstroke during the 2022 WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships.
Hampton boys swim team in search of WPIAL 3-peat with new-look roster
The Hampton boys swimming team will need to take a different lane to a third consecutive WPIAL Class 2A title.

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Hampton’s Emmy Schrom, hitting against Freeport in last year’s WPIAL finals, was an all-WPIAL first-team pick this season.
Plenty of highlights for Hampton volleyball despite quick WPIAL playoff exit
November 19, 2022
The Hampton girls volleyball team made history during a season that turned into the past sooner than anyone expected.

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Hampton’s Brock Borgo was a first-team all-conference pick this season.
Hampton football team racks up postseason accolades
Hampton senior defensive lineman Gabe Harris was surprised to earn all-Greater Allegheny Conference honors, but maybe he shouldn’t have been startled at all.

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Hampton’s Eric Weeks finds a hole against Highlands last season.
Hampton football looks ahead following heartbreaking loss
November 12, 2022
Hampton senior Eric Weeks has replayed the final moments of the Talbots’ 34-33 gut-wrenching last-second WPIAL Class 4A playoff loss to Montour over and over again.

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Hampton’s Skye Bierker battles Mars’ Ainsley Ray for a header during their game on Sept. 26.
Bittersweet ending for seniors on Hampton girls soccer team
November 5, 2022
Hidden beneath the emotional hugs following Hampton’s first-round playoff loss was a sense of pride and accomplishment.

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Aquinas Academy field hockey gains ground with wins over rival, trip to WPIAL finals
The Aquinas Academy field hockey team last year became the school’s first team to reach the WPIAL finals in any sport.

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Hampton’s Benny Haselrig makes a diving touchdown catch as Thomas Jefferson’s Angelo Volomino defends last season.
Hampton wide receiver Benny Haselrig catching eye of colleges
October 29, 2022
The struggle was real last season for Hampton all-conference wide receiver Benny Haselrig.

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Hampton boys soccer team’s WPIAL reign ends suddenly
Hampton boys soccer coach Matt McAwley is practical enough to know this season wasn’t going to end anything like last season.

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Hampton’s Sean Sullivan competes at the 2022 USA Hockey 16U national championships March 31-April 4, 2022, at Troy, Mich.
Rebuilding Hampton hopes to overcome smallest roster in PIHL
October 22, 2022
The Hampton hockey team will be skating uphill this season.

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Hampton’s Joey Mayer was injured during a 38-0 victory over Kiski Area on Sept. 16.
Hampton’s Joey Mayer makes ‘remarkable’ return
Hampton senior quarterback Joey Mayer climbed into an ambulance in mid-September with a dislocated left elbow and a broken heart.

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Hampton boys soccer team braces for title defense
October 15, 2022
The defending WPIAL and PIAA champion Hampton boys soccer team is ready to try to make another postseason run.

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Hampton’s Joey O’Donnell competes during the 2022 golf season.
Hampton golfer Joey O’Donnell caps long road with WPIAL bid
October 8, 2022
Hampton senior Joey O’Donnell’s disappointing 23-over 94 at the WPIAL Class 3A individual golf semifinals was only a letdown if one ignores how far he came just to get there.

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Aquinas Academy’s Alexis Abbett competes in the PIAA Foundation meet in Hershey Sept. 24, 2022.
Aquinas Academy junior Alexis Abbett proving to be hard to catch
When Aquinas Academy junior Alexis Abbett was a toddler, she loved to run.

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Libero Avery Koontz gets her digs in for Hampton girls volleyball
October 1, 2022
As libero for Hampton’s No. 2-ranked girls volleyball team, Avery Koontz is not allowed to jump above the height of the net or attack the ball.

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The Zebrine sisters (from left), Maria, Olivia and Sophia, are part of 11 sets of siblings within the Hampton girls and boys soccer programs. Maria and Sophia are sophomore twins, and Olivia is a freshman.
Sets of siblings fill Hampton soccer rosters
Hampton girls soccer coach Bill Paholich learned early this season he needed to be on a first-name basis with his players.

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Hampton’s Grace Stitt plays in the WPIAL Class 2A girls singles tennis consolation match Thursday, Sept. 14, 2022, at Hampton Community Park.
Hampton sophomore serves up WPIAL tournament bid
September 24, 2022
Moments after Hampton’s Grace Stitt lost in her section singles semifinal match Sept. 14, coach Sara Longo reminded her of what was at stake the following day.

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Hampton wide receiver Benny Haselrig runs during drills at a preseason practice at Fridley Field.
Hampton football opens up passing attack
The Hampton football team has gone airborne this season.

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Aquinas Academy all-section senior midfielder Isabella Hite looks to play the ball in a game against Mohawk.
Confidence growing for Aquinas Academy girls soccer
September 17, 2022
The smallest school in WPIAL girls soccer is starting to think big.

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Tough breaks test Aquinas Academy boys soccer team
Aquinas Academy left the field following last season’s WPIAL Class A boys soccer playoff loss to Sewickley Academy with bright hopes for 2022.

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Hampton sophomores Nathan Garrett (left) and Dale Hall sprint to the finish in the Class AA boys race during the WPIAL cross country championships on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at California University of Pa.
Hampton cross country team working on encore after historic season
September 10, 2022
The Hampton boys cross country team is learning how to run with a target on its back.

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Hampton’s Lauren Gale plays against Freeport during the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A volleyball championships.
Runner-up finishes motivate Hampton girls volleyball to grab gold
The most successful season in program history was just the start for the Hampton girls volleyball team.

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Hampton’s Madison Hurst controls the ball next to Franklin Regional’s Mauriana Dorsch during a game last season.
Realignment adds tall hurdle, but Hampton girls soccer team remains optimistic
September 3, 2022
Two years ago, the Hampton girls soccer team won its first section title since 2008.

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The Hampton boys soccer team celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating West Allegheny, 1-0, in the Class 3A final Nov. 6 at Highmark Stadium.
Defending WPIAL boys soccer champion Hampton embarks on extensive rebuild
The reigning WPIAL and PIAA champion Hampton boys soccer team faces a massive rebuild this season.

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Hampton girls tennis player Emma Spiess prepares for a match Aug. 25, 2022, at Hampton.
Realignment gives Hampton tennis team high hopes
August 27, 2022
The tennis courts at Hampton Community Park haven’t changed since last year. They are still 78 feet long by 36 feet wide.

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Hampton junior Matt Erka returns for the Talbots after qualifying for the WPIAL Class 3A semifinals last season.
After roster shuffle, Hampton golf team has young but talented lineup
Hampton lost its top golfer to a prep school in New England but gained a No. 1 golfer from a private school in Fox Chapel.

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Hampton left-hander Ryan Apaliski went 4-2 with a 1.73 ERA during section play this past spring and earned first-team All-Section 2-5A honors in 2022.
Hampton’s Ryan Apaliski commits to James Madison after strong audition at summer camp
August 20, 2022
Hampton senior left-hander Ryan Apaliski needed only two innings to help secure a home for the next four years.

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Hampton head coach Steve Sciullo gives instruction to players during practice at Fridley Field on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.
Hampton remains hungry after 11-win season
August 14, 2022
No one needs to tell Hampton first-year coach Steve Sciullo about the importance of an offensive line.

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North Catholic running back Chase Arrington catches a ball at North Catholic High School on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.
North Catholic embraces new challenge in Class 4A
North Catholic enters the 2022 season in a new classification with a different home field, a new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback and many new starters.

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Hampton’s Anthony Bucci drives in a pair of runs with a base hit against Fox Chapel on April 20 at Fox Chapel.
Hampton infielder finds pop over summer
August 13, 2022
During his first two seasons as Hampton’s starting second baseman, Anthony Bucci was known as a flashy fielder without much pop in his bat.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt works against Sal Barbarino at 106 pounds during their Section 1-3A match Jan. 5.
Hampton wrestler performs on national stage
July 31, 2022
Hampton’s Isabella McNutt only started wrestling a year ago, but that didn’t stop her from reaching the nation’s biggest event this summer.

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Former Hampton golfer Justin Griffith competes for Towson during the 2021-22 season.
Ex-Hampton golfer’s game heats up during successful summer
July 23, 2022
Former Hampton golfer Justin Griffith is getting two more swings at his first state title.

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Hampton won the Pittsburgh Basketball Club summer league freshman championship.
‘Fired up’ Hampton freshmen win summer basketball title
July 16, 2022
Summer basketball leagues are built around staying in shape and building team chemistry.

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Hampton coach Joe Lafko has compiled 499 career wins.
Hampton announces latest class for Athletic Hall of Fame
July 9, 2022
Former Hampton cross country coach Tom Tobin knows all about Halls of Fame.

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Hampton volleyball coach Annie Bozzo, shown in 2020 against Freeport, resigned and will coach Shaler.
Hampton volleyball coach’s departure ‘heartbreaking’
June 18, 2022
Hampton didn’t have to look far to find its new girls volleyball coach.

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Shady Side Academy’s Peter Kramer scores next to Avonworth’s Peyton Faulkner during the WPIAL Class 3A championship game on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Petersen Events Center.
Standout guard Peter Kramer returning to Hampton
June 11, 2022
The Hampton boys basketball team will get some excitement this upcoming season when coach Joe Lafko collects his 500th career coaching victory.

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Hampton left-hander Ryan Apaliski went 4-2 with a 1.73 ERA during section play this past spring and earned first-team All-Section 2-5A honors in 2022.
Hampton ace Apaliski aims to build on breakout season
If Hampton left-hander Ryan Apaliski improves this summer as much as he did last summer, Talbots coach Kellen Wheeler may start running out of superlatives.

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Hampton’s Ava Vitiello ran a personal best in the 1,600 at the state meet.
Hampton quartet fares well at PIAA track
June 4, 2022
Hampton brought back one state medal, one personal-best time and a vanload of memories from the PIAA Class 3A track and field championships May 27-28 at Shippensburg.

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Hampton junior midfielder Emi DiLiberto scored 74 goals this season, the second-most in program history as the Talbots reached the WPIAL girls lacrosse semifinals for the sixth straight season.
Hampton girls lacrosse team delights in exceeding expectations
The Hampton girls lacrosse team entered the 2022 season with tepid expectations after graduation losses decimated last year’s WPIAL Class 2A semifinalist.

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Sean Donlan was one of four Hampton boys lacrosse players to earn first-team all-Section 2-2A honors this season.
Bright future for Hampton boys lacrosse
May 28, 2022
Hampton boys lacrosse coach Andy DeMichiei and his wife, Kristen, welcomed their first child, Owen, on May 10.

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Hampton pitcher Cam Marshalwitz delivers against Fox Chapel during the second game of a doubleheader on April 20.
Disputed call haunts Hampton baseball team
Hampton baseball coach Kellen Wheeler said he “couldn’t even sleep that night” after the Talbots’ controversial WPIAL playoff loss to Penn-Trafford.

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Hampton catcher Bella Henzler fields the ball at home plate during a 2021 playoff game.
Catcher Bella Henzler ends Hampton career with flourish
May 21, 2022
The Hampton softball team will return almost everyone from this year’s WPIAL Class 5A playoff qualifier, but one loss is going to sting.

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Hampton’s Matt DeMatteo breaks up a pass intended for Greensburg Salem’s Donavin Waller last season.
Busy Matt DeMatteo ready to represent Hampton in Big 33
Memorial Day weekend should be a memorable one for Matt DeMatteo.

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Steve Sciullo, a 1998 Shaler Area High School graduate and lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX presented the district with a commemorative Golden Football produced by Wilson to mark the district’s membership in the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016.
Steve Sciullo settles into top spot at Hampton
May 14, 2022
Hampton first-year football coach Steve Sciullo likes what he sees from his new view atop the program.

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Hampton goalie Kaden Hoolahan plays against Fox Chapel on April 6 at Fridley Field in Hampton.
Youthful Hampton lacrosse team shrugs off slow start
The Hampton boys lacrosse team expected to take some lumps this season as it tried to replace 13 seniors.

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Reese’s walk-off home run highlights emotional week for Hampton softball
May 7, 2022
Hampton sophomore Mackenzie Reese was looking for an inside pitch in the bottom of the eighth inning against Seneca Valley on April 22.

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Hampton’s Ava Vitiello competes during the 2022 season.
Hampton junior strides toward WPIAL track championships
Qualifying for the WPIAL Class 3A track and field championships this spring won’t be enough for Ava Vitiello.

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Hampton’s Matt DeMatteo competes in the triple jump finals at the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A track and field championships at Slippery Rock University.
Hampton 3-sport star Matt DeMatteo to run track at Duquesne
May 4, 2022
Hampton three-sport athlete Matt DeMatteo has committed to attend Duquesne on a track scholarship.

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Hampton left fielder Luke Staggers makes a lunging catch against Fox Chapel during the second game of a doubleheader on April 20.
Hampton soccer standout thrives in return to diamond
April 30, 2022
When Luke Staggers picked up a baseball bat for the first time in five years, what happened was just about what anyone would expect.

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Hobbled Hampton senior stays positive, hopes to return for lacrosse playoffs
Hampton’s Rachel Dolan rode a stationary bike on the track at Fridley Field during girls lacrosse practice in mid-April.

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Hampton’s Sean Sullivan competes at the 2022 USA Hockey 16U national championships March 31-April 4, 2022, at Troy, Mich.
Hampton sophomore skates to national hockey championship
April 23, 2022
Hampton sophomore Sean Sullivan felt a range of emotions after the Steel City Ice Renegades won a 2022 USA Hockey 16U national championship earlier this month.

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Hampton’s Kai Herchenroether hits past Freeport’s Autumn English during the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A girls volleyball finals.
Pair of Hampton standouts win WPIAL scholar-athlete awards
A banner year for Hampton athletics just got even more special.

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Hampton’s Sophia Kelly scores against Plum on Dec. 16, 2021.
Hampton 3-sport standout picks basketball, makes college choice
April 16, 2022
Sophia Kelly’s answer was exactly what Mercyhurst women’s basketball coach Brooklyn Kohlheim wanted to hear.

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After cold start, Hampton boys tennis team warming up
Hampton boys tennis coach Grant McKinney peeked outside on a wintry Monday in late March and figured practice was a long shot.

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Hampton girls lacrosse looking for new scorers to step forward
April 9, 2022
The Hampton girls lacrosse team will try to fill the shoes of one All-American with the hands and feet of many.

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Hampton’s Luke Hartle plays against Fox Chapel on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at Fridley Field in Hampton.
Hampton boys lacrosse team features new look
The Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame inducted Andy DeMichiei this past summer for his exploits on the lacrosse field.

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Hampton’s Matt DeMatteo competes in the triple jump finals at the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A track and field championships at Slippery Rock University.
Coaching continuity helps Hampton track team enter season with confidence
April 2, 2022
When Derek Brinkley stepped down as Hampton track and field coach after 18 seasons this offseason, a priority for athletic director Bill Cardone was keeping the staff as intact as possible.

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Hampton’s Will Retsch competes in the boys 200 individual medley during the WPIAL Class 2A championships.
Will Retsch ends Hampton swimming career with record-shattering flourish
Hampton swimmer Will Retsch is proof that water is the universal solvent.

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Battery powers Hampton softball team
March 26, 2022
The Hampton softball team this season will use its battery to make up for some lost power.

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Hampton junior pitcher Cam Marshalwitz delivers against Fox Chapel last season. He went 4-2 as a pitcher and scored a team-high 18 runs.
High hopes for Hampton baseball after up-and-down playoff season
The Hampton baseball team was taking indoor batting practice earlier this month when players were asked to close the gymnasium doors to accommodate a meeting in the adjacent cafeteria.

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Hampton’s Alan Wolfe works against Highlands’ Angelo Markey at 172 pounds during their Section 1-3A match on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at Highlands.
Hampton senior Wolfe enjoying best season after biding his time as junior backup
February 19, 2022
Hampton wrestler Alan Wolfe refused to get discouraged last season, stuck on the bench behind a two-time WPIAL qualifier.

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The 2021-22 Aquinas Academy girls basketball team.
Aquinas Academy girls eye next step after defending section title
February 12, 2022
The Aquinas Academy girls basketball team is hitting stride at just the right time.

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With full lineups, Hampton bowling teams enjoy season
February 5, 2022
Hampton bowling coach Bob Wallace doesn’t stress over wins and losses with his fifth-year program.

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Belle Donato is a senior swimmer on the 2021-22 Hampton swim team.
Hampton swimmer Donato glides toward WPIALs
January 29, 2022
Belle Donato’s watchful parents urged her to trust them and take the plunge.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt works against Sal Barbarino at 106 pounds during their Section 1-3A match on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at Highlands.
Isabella McNutt hears the cheers on Hampton wrestling team
January 22, 2022
Hampton sophomore Isabella McNutt began martial arts at age 4 and earned her Taekwondo black belt at age 7.

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Hampton’s Brock Mattiuz is mobbed by teammates after driving in the winning run against Fox Chapel last season. The baseball team is one of seven teams at Hampton dropping in class next school year.
Realignment sends several Hampton sports teams down in class
Seven Hampton athletics teams will be getting new scenery for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 sports seasons.

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Hampton’s Kayla Hoehler shoots a 3-pointer during the Talbots’ Section 2-5A opener against Plum on Dec. 16, 2021.
Hampton girls basketball turns up pressure during fast start
January 15, 2022
The Hampton girls basketball team was perfect in December by letting no opposing teams win and by barely allowing them to breathe.

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The 2021-22 Hampton bocce team.
Bocce provides team sports experience to Hampton students with disabilities
There is something special and unifying about the Hampton High School bocce team.

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Hampton’s Will Retsch competes in the 200 yard individual medley during last year’s WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships at Upper St. Clair.
Hampton senior shows off all-around ability in IM
January 8, 2022
Hampton swimming coach Morgan Zweygardt quickly spotted something about then-freshman Will Retsch.

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Hampton’s Benny Haselrig celebrates with Brock Borgo after his touchdown reception in the second half at Highlands on Sept. 24.
Accolades pile up after Hampton football’s record-breaking season
December 18, 2021
When the Hampton football players turned in their equipment after the winningest season in program history, their coaches gave them something in return.

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Hampton’s Logan Scanlon pressures Franklin Regional’s Zach Abdallah during a 2019 game.
Senior’s 7-goal game highlights Hampton hockey’s move to Class A
Hampton hockey coach Luke Leya figured Logan Scanlon was bound to break out one of these nights.

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Boost in numbers gives Hampton wrestling optimism despite graduation losses
December 12, 2021
The Hampton wrestling team is aiming to focus on quantity rather than quality.

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Hampton’s Ben Sheets competes in the boys’ 200 IM at last season’s WPIAL meet.
Hampton can count on depth in quest to repeat at WPIAL Class 2A boys swim champs
The reigning WPIAL Class 2A champion Hampton boys swimming team hopes deeper is better when it comes to the pool.

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Hampton’s Sophia Kelly scores against Plum last season.
Veteran backcourt has Hampton girls basketball thinking big
December 5, 2021
Hampton girls basketball coach Tony Howard has a good feeling entering the 2021-22 season.

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Hampton’s Matt DeMatteo guards Fox Chapel’s Eli Yofan during a game last season.
Hampton boys basketball poised to rebound with multi-sport athletes
The Hampton boys basketball team will try to bounce back from one of the worst seasons in program history with a bunch of players who have won a lot lately.

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Hampton celebrates beating Plum in five sets during the WPIAL Class 3A girls volleyball semifinals on Nov. 2.
Hampton athletes rack up championships during historic fall season
November 28, 2021
One year after a pandemic rattled WPIAL athletics, something else proved to be contagious at Hampton — winning.

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Hampton sophomores Nathan Garrett (left) and Dale Hall sprint to the finish in the Class 2A boys race during the WPIAL cross country championships Oct. 28.
Future bright for Hampton cross country teams
November 20, 2021
The Hampton boys and girls cross country teams each have a lot to look forward to next season.

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Hampton’s Benny Haselrig makes a diving touchdown catch as Thomas Jefferson’s Angelo Volomino defends on Nov. 12 at Fridley Field in Hampton.
Hampton football wraps up historic season
Following their WPIAL playoff loss to Thomas Jefferson, the Hampton senior football players gathered at midfield inside a quiet, emptied Fridley Field.

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Hampton’s Emmy Schrom hits past the Freeport block during the WPIAL Class 3A volleyball championship Nov. 6.
Hampton girls volleyball’s ‘amazing’ year highlighted by WPIAL finals trip, PIAA win
November 13, 2021
The Hampton girls volleyball team found a silver lining in its WPIAL Class 3A runner-up season.

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Hampton’s Zach Panza (second from left) celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy with teammates Luke Staggers, Holden Pritts and Dylan Beranek.
‘Special group’ brings WPIAL boys soccer championship to Hampton
Hampton’s journey to the 2021 WPIAL boys soccer championship began when many of the players were still in elementary school.

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Hampton sophomores Nathan Garrett (left) and Dale Hall sprint to the finish in the Class AA boys race during the WPIAL cross country championships on Oct. 28 at California University of Pa.
Coach pays off bet as Hampton wins school’s 1st WPIAL cross country title
November 6, 2021
Hampton boys cross country coach Dean Longwell dyed his hair bleach blonde on Oct. 31, but it had nothing to do with Halloween.

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Hampton’s Sophie Kelly celebrates her goal with teammates late in the second half against Franklin Regional on Oct. 6.
Hampton girls soccer team came a long way during another playoff season
A girls soccer season that began with the program’s most lopsided loss in a decade ended with the players’ heads held high.

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Hampton’s students get ready for kickoff in their first round game with Plum on Nov. 5, 2021, at Hampton’s Fridley Field.
Hampton holds off Plum in WPIAL Class 4A 1st round, stays unbeaten
November 5, 2021
The No. 4-seeded Hampton Talbots remained perfect, but they used an imperfect performance to stay that way.

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Hampton’s Michael Morgano drives for yardage against Greensburg Salem on Oct 1.
Hampton marches into WPIAL football playoffs
October 30, 2021
Each Saturday morning, the Hampton football team gathers for its weekly film study to break down the previous night’s game.

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Hampton’s Sophie Kelly celebrates a penalty against Franklin Regional during a game on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at Frildey Field in Hampton.
Hampton 3-sport standout Kelly helps guide girls soccer team to WPIAL playoff berth
October 23, 2021
Sophia Kelly had a tough decision to make this past summer.

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Hampton’s Kevyn Fish finished second overall at the John Sample Invitational on Oct. 2, 2021, at Grove City.
Hampton freshman runner Fish off to fast start
October 9, 2021
Hampton’s Kevyn Fish proudly held out her left hand and showed her dad the “6:22” written on her palm.

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Hampton’s inside linebacker Jayden Resch plays against Greensburg Salem on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at Hampton High School.
Resch provides physical, intelligent presence in middle of Hampton defense
Hampton’s Jacque DeMatteo has sought two traits in his middle linebacker during 22 seasons as a WPIAL football coach.

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Hampton’s Madison Hurst plays against Armstrong last season.
Hampton girls soccer shakes off slow start
October 2, 2021
The Hampton girls soccer team is getting healthy at the right time.

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Hampton’s Holden Pritts celebrates his goal next to Mars’ Mason Meyer during their game on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at Mars. Hampton won, 2-0.
Smothering defense helps Hampton start season strong
September 25, 2021
Hampton senior Thomas Bradfield is one of the top goalkeepers in WPIAL Class 3A soccer.

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Former Hampton star takes reins of school’s boys lacrosse program
September 18, 2021
One of the winningest coaches in the history of Hampton boys lacrosse is being replaced by one of the program’s top players of all time.

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Hampton’s Amy (Lindsey) Shane (left) and Fox Chapel’s Cara Zimmer fight for the ball during a 1997 WPIAL girls soccer playoff game.
Hampton to welcome doubled-up class into sports hall of fame
Former girls soccer star Amy Lindsey Shane waited more than two decades to get into the Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame, so one extra year wasn’t going to matter.

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Senior’s return helps spark Hampton girls tennis team to early-season wins
September 11, 2021
On the first day of Hampton girls tennis practice last month, coach Grant McKinney could hardly believe his eyes.

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Hampton coach Jacque DeMatteo said his skill players have taken on an unselfish “lineman attitude” this season.
Hampton football making noise with super start
On the bus ride home from their 51-13 victory at Fox Chapel on Sept. 3, the Hampton football players couldn’t play any music during their joyful postgame celebration.

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Hampton sophomore Lydia Bailey was the Talbots’ top finisher at the 2020 WPIAL Class AAA cross country Championships last season.
Fresh start energizes talented, young Hampton cross country team
August 28, 2021
A youthful Hampton girls cross country team is about to get even younger.

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Hampton’s Gabe Viszlay (16) celebrates a goal with Luke Staggers (20) and Zach Panza during a 2020 WPIAL Class 3A first-round playoff game against Kiski Area.
Hampton boys soccer seniors driven to make most of last chance
Since going undefeated as eighth graders, the seniors on the Hampton boys soccer team have held lofty expectations.

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Hampton girls tennis vows to show improvement after winless season
August 22, 2021
Junior Abi Green is hoping to put a new spin on her 2021 season with the Hampton girls tennis team.

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Mars receiver Noah Nesselroad catches a pass during practice on Aug. 9, 2021, at Mars Athletic Complex.
Big, experienced line leads charge for Mars
August 20, 2021
Mars senior left tackle Matt Detisch spent this offseason doing bear crawls on a big hill at his home.

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Hampton’s Jayden Resch participates in a 7 on 7 high school football tournament Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Bethel Park.
Hampton determined to build on playoff season
Hampton all-conference wide receiver Benny Haselrig played last season with the letters “IWNBD CH” written on his wrist tape.

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North Hills quarterback John Green throws a pass during practice on Aug. 9, 2021, at Martorelli Stadium.
New dual-threat QB brings excitement to North Hills
August 19, 2021
North Hills is talented and experienced on defense this season, and a little bit Green at quarterback.

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North Catholic quarterback Joey Prentice throws a pass during practice on Aug. 9, 2021, in Cranberry.
North Catholic looks to clear semifinal hurdle
August 15, 2021
The seniors on the North Catholic football team have more conference titles than regular-season losses.

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Hampton’s Kai Herchenroether plays against Freeport last season.
‘Thankful’ Talbots eye girls volleyball section repeat
August 14, 2021
Inside a nearly empty Hampton High School earlier this month, unmistakable sounds echoed from the main gym.

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Hampton junior Daniel Venture
Youthful Talbots swing into golf season
The Hampton golf team has gone from experienced and good to inexperienced and maybe good.

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Avonworth quarterback Nate Harper throws a pass during practice on Aug. 9, 2021, in Ohio Twp.
‘Unheard-of’ playoff miss drives Avonworth
In the past 20 years, 663 schools have finished with a winning percentage of .750 or better in WPIAL conference play.

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Hampton senior football player Mike Witherup and his father, Darin, show off their catches at the Fishers of Men Legacy National Tournament on Lake Wheeler, Ala. on July 31, 2021.
Hampton senior tight end is the reel deal
August 8, 2021
Depending on the setting, Mike Witherup can catch a pass or catch a bass.

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Hampton center fielder Adam Dembowski, who will be a senior this fall, is batting .380 this summer for the US Elite Mid-Atlantic travel baseball team.
Traveling summer baseball teams keep Hampton players sharp
July 31, 2021
Editor’s note: Neighbor Spotlight is a monthly feature that aims to let our readers learn more about the people in their communities who are working to make them a better place, who have interesting stories to tell or who the community feels deserve “15 minutes of fame.” If you would like to nominate someone as a Neighbor Spotlight, see the hamptonjournal.com, select the “Post Story” button in the upper right corner and complete the form to publish your nomination. Questions? Email Neighborhood News Network editor Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.

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Hampton graduate Tyler Bischke is a shortstop on the 2021 Murray State College baseball team.
Hampton grad Tyler Bischke picks New Orleans
Former Hampton infielder Tyler Bischke has committed to Division I New Orleans after excelling during his lone season at a tiny junior college in Oklahoma.

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From left, outgoing head coach Chris Hart poses with former Hampton wrestlers Justin Hart and Dawson Dietz and incoming head coach Nick Endres.
Hampton wrestling shakes up coaching staff
July 11, 2021
When Chris Hart told his Hampton wrestlers at their season-ending banquet last month that he was stepping down as head coach, their next coach was standing only a couple of feet away.

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Hampton graduate Ben Huber, who graduated from Carnegie Mellon in May, played last month in the nation’s toughest U.S. Open qualifier in a field that included four former PGA Tour major champions.
Hampton grad competes at U.S. Open qualifier, NCAA tournament in golf season to remember
July 3, 2021
Hampton graduate Ben Huber this spring was part of the best golf team in Carnegie Mellon history and struggled to an 80th-place finish at an event in Columbus, Ohio.

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North Hills’ Robert Dickerson
TribHSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team: Robert Dickerson, North Hills
July 1, 2021
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 22 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.

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Hampton junior guard Matt DeMatteo is also the school’s starting quarterback.
Summer league basketball gives Hampton chance to build chemistry
June 25, 2021
High school basketball season is still five months away, but the Hampton boys are getting a running start.

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Hampton coach Jacque DeMatteo instructs during preseason workouts last year.
Hampton football carries momentum into offseason program
Success is becoming contagious for the Hampton football team.

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Hampton’s Emi Suyama, who graduated earlier this month, is recovering from a torn ACL suffered during a skiing accident in December 2020.
Hampton’s Suyama presses on after covid cancellations, torn ACL deny her final 2 lacrosse seasons
June 19, 2021
Emi Suyama knows life can throw a lot at you.

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Mars’ Luke Whittaker makes a move past Chartiers Valley senior midfielder Jackson Fodor in the fourth quarter of the WPIAL championship game on May 27, 2021.
Mars out to make history again in PIAA boys lacrosse finals
June 10, 2021
For more than a decade, the only way a WPIAL team could reach the PIAA lacrosse championships was with a ticket.

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Hampton’s Gage Galuska wins the 400-meter dash at the WPIAL Class AAA championships May 19.
Hampton’s Galuska keeps his cool at states, medals in 400
June 5, 2021
Hampton senior Gage Galuska was a little slower — and a lot colder — at the PIAA Class AAA track and field championships.

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Hampton’s Megan Cook scored 85 goals as a senior, the team’s single-season record.
Hampton girls lacrosse star racks up eye-popping stats in abbreviated career
Hampton girls lacrosse coach Kelsey Viets felt disbelief as she tabulated star midfielder Megan Cook’s career statistics.

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Hampton boys lacrosse sends off ‘special’ senior class
May 29, 2021
Hampton All-WPIAL attack Max Saltrelli realized four years ago his then-freshman class was going to be “something special.”

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Hampton’s Cam Marshalwitz throws a pitch on May 6.
Hampton baseball turns focus to next season after up-and-down year
The final out of Hampton’s 2021 baseball season was a deep drive against West Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 5A playoff opener.

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Hampton’s Gage Galuska, left, and Butler’s Guinness Brown compete in the 400-meter dash finals at the WPIAL Class AAA track and field championships May 19, 2021, at Slippery Rock University.
Joy, pain for Hampton track team at WPIAL meet
May 22, 2021
Two Hampton seniors showed at the WPIAL Class AAA track and field championships that a fraction of an inch or a hundredth of a second can be the difference between elation and heartache.

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Penn-Trafford’s Allie Prady scores past Hampton catcher Bella Henzler during their WPIAL Class 5A first-round playoff game on May 18.
Power-hitting Hampton softball squad cools down at inopportune time
The most prolific home run-hitting Hampton softball team in at least two decades picked a lousy time to go quiet.

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Hampton boys lacrosse surges into postseason
May 15, 2021
Hampton senior defender Gus Wolf hopes history repeats itself in the WPIAL Class AA boys lacrosse playoffs.

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Hampton runners, from left, Corey Letterle, Joey Mayer, Gage Galuska and Matt DeMatteo, compete at the Butler Invitational on April 24, 2021, at Butler.
Hampton athletes sprint toward WPIAL track championship meet
The Hampton boys track and field team last month won its first section title in 36 years.

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Hampton’s Hannah Bradfield competes during the 2021 softball season.
Tape-measure homer shows Hampton softball slugger’s eye-popping power
May 8, 2021
Hampton’s Hannah Bradfield hit six home runs in a four-game stretch in late April, but only one of them left nearly everybody shocked.

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Hampton senior Jillian Stennett recently returned after missing a month with a concussion.
Hampton’s Stennett returns to girls lacrosse after missing month with concussion
April Fool’s Day was no joke for Hampton lacrosse player Jillian Stennett.

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Tennis courts at Hampton Community Park
Hampton tennis reaches WPIAL playoffs thanks to unexpected help from section foe Indiana
May 1, 2021
The pizza and cupcakes started to taste a little bit better to the Hampton boys tennis team.

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Hampton junior pitcher Cam Marshalwitz delivers against Fox Chapel on April 19, 2021, at Hampton High School.
Talbots baseball armed for another WPIAL playoff bid behind Kosko, Marshalwitz
A pair of lefties have the Hampton baseball team on the right side of the WPIAL playoff picture.

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Hampton catcher Bella Henzler is a James Madison recruit.
Division I-bound catcher Bella Henzler is big hit for Hampton
April 24, 2021
The first time Hampton coach Ron Fedell saw star catcher Bella Henzler playing softball he wondered if the diminutive seventh-grader had a future behind the plate.

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Hampton’s Hannah Schepner competes during an early-season meet in 2021.
Hampton girls track team off to quick start behind versatile senior jumper
April 17, 2021
Hampton senior Hannah Schepner still is unsure about her best event in track and field.

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Hampton senior Gage Galuska is one of the top 400-meter runners in the WPIAL.
Hampton football players give boost to boys track and field team
If the Hampton boys track and field team can reach the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs for only the second time in a decade, it will have another Hampton team to thank.

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Hampton’s Megan Cook competes against Oakland Catholic in a 2019 girls lacrosse match.
Loaded senior class has Hampton girls lacrosse seeking 3rd WPIAL title since ’17
April 10, 2021
On the eve of each home section game, the Hampton girls lacrosse players gather after practice for a team dinner.

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Hampton eyes another run to WPIAL boys lacrosse finals
The Hampton boys lacrosse team waited 667 days between matches.

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Hampton tennis off to quick start in return to Class AA
April 3, 2021
The Hampton boys tennis team is hoping to make a racket this season.

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Hampton defenseman Owen Cirlingione finished the 2020-21 season with five goals and six assists.
Hampton hockey rolls with punches
The youthful Hampton hockey team endured a lot of growing pains this season.

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Richie Donato
Silver lining, record finish for Hampton swimmer Donato
March 27, 2021
The Hampton 100-yard breaststroke record stood for 25 years until senior Richie Donato broke it March 6.

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Hampton’s Bella Henzler is one of the top catchers in the WPIAL.
Hampton softball has ‘a lot of games to win’ after coach’s covid scare
They were simple get-well cards. Some were store-bought, some caringly drawn by hand.

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Hampton pitcher Michael Kosko throws during a scrimmage against Butler last season.
Hampton baseball deals with numbers crunch
Turns out the pandemic isn’t finished with the Hampton baseball team.

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Hampton’s Justin Hart celebrates his win over Bellefonte Area’s Ethan Rossman in the 189-pound Class AAA semifinal March 13 during PIAA wrestling championships at the Giant Center in Hershey.
Hampton wrestler Hart rebounds from cracked ribs to earn PIAA silver
March 20, 2021
In mid-January, Hampton senior Justin Hart couldn’t laugh without it hurting.

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Hampton High School wins the championship in boys’ AA swimming on Saturday, March 6, 2021 during the WPIAL swimming championships at Upper St. Clair High School.
Relay win sparks Hampton boys to 1st WPIAL team swim title since 1999
March 15, 2021
The Hampton boys swimming team needed 1 minute, 36 seconds to set into motion something that hadn’t happened in 22 years.

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Hampton’s Kayla Hoehler (left) and Addie Klocko defend Latrobe’s Emma Blair during a WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinal March 8.
Hampton reflects on breakthrough season after playoff run ends
After the final horn sounded on her senior season, Hampton guard Liv Bianco slowly walked off the court and placed the basketball on the scorer’s table.

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Hampton junior guard Matt DeMatteo is also the school’s starting quarterback.
Hampton boys look to grow from tough season
March 6, 2021
A season that began with a delay ended with a dud for the Hampton boys basketball team.

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Hampton siblings Brennan Murray and Meghan Murray compete for the 2020-21 Talbots basketball teams.
Hampton’s Murray siblings show drive to succeed
February 27, 2021
For years, Brennan and Meghan Murray have squared off at the basketball hoop in the driveway of their Hampton home.

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Koda Carslaw is a member of the 2020-21 Hampton diving team.
Diving no longer ‘secondary thing’ for Hampton’s Carslaw
When Koda Carslaw took up diving last season, he admits it was “more of a secondary thing.”

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Hampton wrestler overcomes size disadvantage to have big senior season
February 20, 2021
Nearly every time Conrad Harold stepped on the wrestling mat this season, he was facing someone bigger than him.

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Hampton’s Biz Watson (right) and Olivia Bianco tie up Plum’s Kai Johnson battles during their game on Jan. 21.
Talented juniors lead Hampton girls basketball renaissance
Every once in a while — it doesn’t happen often — one of the top players on the Hampton girls basketball team will toss up a wildly off-target shot at practice.

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Aquinas Academy’s Laura Richthammer defends Monessen’s Kendall Weston in a WPIAL Class A playoff game last season.
Tiny Aquinas Academy showing it belongs among WPIAL girls basketball contenders
February 7, 2021
The second-smallest school in WPIAL girls basketball is eyeing bigger things this season.

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Aquinas Academy’s Vinnie Cugini led the WPIAL in scoring last season.
Led by scoring sensation Vinnie Cugini, Aquinas Academy boys seek playoff success
Aquinas Academy star guard Vinnie Cugini knows the Crusaders will make the WPIAL Class A playoffs this season for the first time in program history. 

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Aquinas Academy sophomore Vinnie Cugini scored his 1,000th career point on Jan. 29, 2021, against Leechburg.
Aquinas Academy sophomore Vinnie Cugini makes WPIAL history
January 31, 2021
There weren’t many fans to witness it, but Aquinas Academy sophomore Vinnie Cugini made WPIAL history Friday night.

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Hampton’s Sophia Kelly scores against Plum on Jan. 21. Kelly scored a team-high 18 points in Hampton’s 68-41 victory.
Hampton girls off to red-hot start after adopting up-tempo style
January 30, 2021
Not even a pandemic — or having to run pregame drills in the school cafeteria — can slow down the Hampton girls basketball team.

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Hampton competitive spirit squad adapting to all-new calendar
The Hampton competitive spirit team still hasn’t started its 2020-21 season, when in any other year it would almost be over.

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Hampton wrestler Dawson Dietz (right) works in practice last season.
Hampton heavyweight eager to test himself against Powerade field
January 23, 2021
Hampton’s Dawson Dietz left the Powerade Wrestling Tournament two years ago with a season-ending torn labrum.

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Hampton’s Owen Cirlingione defends Penn-Trafford’s Nate Loughner on Nov. 24, at Center Ice Arena in Delmont.
Hampton hockey focuses on defense to stop slump
The slumping Hampton hockey team is slowing things down in hopes of heating things up.

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Hampton’s Jayden Resch was a WPIAL qualifier last season.
Hampton wrestler steps up to help teammate who lost home in fire
January 16, 2021
On a school night in early November, Hampton’s Jayden Resch disappeared into a spare bedroom for a few hours.

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Hampton girls basketball coach Tony Howard oversees a practice last season.
Hampton girls basketball carries momentum through ‘pause’
January 10, 2021
Hampton had the “best, most intense” three-week preseason in Tony Howard’s 14 years as a girls basketball coach.

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Hampton’s Quinn Morrow shoots during practice last season.
Hampton boys basketball eager for restart
Joe Lafko has seen a lot in three decades as a basketball coach, but this is the first season he has held court at a computer screen.

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North Allegheny’s Lizzy Groetsch (32) eyes the basket against Bethel Park in the WPIAL Class 6A championship game at Petersen Events Center last season.
Last season’s abrupt ending motivates North Allegheny girls basketball
December 13, 2020
After having its state title hopes dashed last season by the covid-19 pandemic, the North Allegheny girls basketball team isn’t worried about a couple of inconveniences.

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Hampton’s Catie Kress competes in the girls 500 freestyle during the 2020 Class AAA WPIAL swimming and diving championship at Trees Pool.
Hampton girls swimmers get up to speed quickly in preseason
With most swimming pools shut down for much of the offseason, Hampton coach Morgan Zweygardt was unsure what to expect from her girls team when practices began.

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Hampton’s Ethan Apaliski competes in the boys 100 breaststroke during the 2020 WPIAL Class AAA swimming and diving championship at Trees Pool.
Hampton boys swimmers a WPIAL title threat in Class AA
The Hampton boys swimming team is looking forward to picking on someone its own size.

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North Allegheny coach Spencer Stefko calls in a play during a WPIAL Class 6A semifinal game against Upper St. Clair Feb. 25, 2020 at North Hills.
North Allegheny girls basketball coach Spencer Stefko returns after battling covid
December 8, 2020
North Allegheny’s Spencer Stefko, the reigning PIAA Class 6A girls basketball coach of the year, will never forget this past Thanksgiving.

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Hampton’s Madison Hurst plays against Armstrong Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 at Hampton High School.
Hampton athletes earn postseason honors after historic fall season
December 5, 2020
The most challenging, unusual sports season in WPIAL history included something else that has never been seen before.

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Hampton’s Justin Hart flattens out Quaker Valley’s Patrick Cutchember at the 2020 Allegheny County Tournament at Fox Chapel.
Led by state qualifiers, Hampton wrestling looks strong in upper weights
If Hampton senior Justin Hart ever says “uncle” in the wrestling room, it will have nothing to do with giving up.

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Kayla Hoehler was Hampton’s leading scorer with 12.6 points per game last season.
Girls basketball preview: Hampton aims to get back on track with up-tempo attack
November 28, 2020
The Hampton girls basketball team is going small in the hopes of something big.

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Hampton’s Seth Koontz (right) is one of two returning starters on the roster.
Boys basketball preview: Hampton getting ready for season unlike any other
There are a lot of new faces on the Hampton boys basketball team, even if coach Joe Lafko can’t quite see them right now.

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Hampton bowlers aiming high with deeper rosters
November 21, 2020
The Hampton bowling team is turning to a familiar face for a season the likes of which it has never seen before.

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Plum’s Makyala Jackson (left) celebrates a point with teammates Oct. 20 at Kiski Area.
Plum volleyball team savors remarkable turnaround season
Plum entered this season with the expressed goal of reaching the WPIAL Class 3A girls volleyball playoffs.

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Hampton’s Owen Cirlingione (17) looks to gain possession against Franklin Regional’s Trent Lunden last season.
Hampton hockey making dramatic improvements
November 17, 2020
The Hampton hockey team last season needed three months to reach two wins.

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Hampton’s Holden Pritts (right) celebrates his goal with Gabe Viszlay during their WPIAL Class 3A first-round playoff game against Kiski Area on Oct. 24.
Hampton teams walk through covid minefield to complete successful fall season
November 14, 2020
Bill Cardone was sitting in the parking lot at Pittsburgh International Airport on Aug. 21, waiting to pick up his wife, when he got the news.

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JV success points to bright future for Hampton football
Hampton reached the WPIAL football playoffs for the first time in five years this season, and a lot more help is on the way.

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Hampton’s Corey Scherer celebrates his goal during a WPIAL Class 3A first-round playoff game against Kiski Area on Oct. 24.
Hampton notebook: Strong boys soccer season ends in OT loss to No. 1 Mars
November 7, 2020
Hampton senior Corey Scherer needed some time to ease the sting of a 1-0 double-overtime playoff loss to nemesis Mars.

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Hampton coach Jacque DeMatteo guided his team to the WPIAL playoffs just four years after a winless season.
Hampton football takes huge step forward
Hampton senior lineman Dawson Dietz stood along a chainlink fence at Aliquippa’s Carl Aschman Stadium, wearing a muddy uniform and a smile.

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Hampton’s Arianna Erka competes in a match during the 2020 season.
Pair of birdies highlight Oakmont experience for Hampton’s Arianna Erka
October 25, 2020
There was a time when back-to-back triple bogeys at the WPIAL golf championships would have ruined Arianna Erka.

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Freeport’s Christopher Doerr (12) works against Hampton’s Liam Nichols during their game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at Freeport.
Longtime friends, teammates Nichols, Viszlay lead Hampton soccer into postseason
October 24, 2020
Hampton’s Liam Nichols and Gabe Viszlay are dynamic teammates on the field and the best of friends away from it.

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Hampton girls tennis players have no trouble finding silver linings in season
October 17, 2020
The Hampton girls tennis team is proof a season that looks dreadful on paper can look pretty good in person.

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Hampton’s Madison Hurst plays against Armstrong Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 at Hampton High School.
Freshman phenom brings scoring punch to Hampton girls soccer team
Hampton girls soccer coach Bill Paholich needed one workout to realize freshman Madison Hurst had a chance to be special.

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New Hampton volleyball coach ‘strong leader’
October 10, 2020
Annie Bozzo is Hampton’s third girls volleyball coach in as many years, but the transition appears to be smooth.

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Hampton’s Julia Resch competes during a recent game.
Hampton senior Resch vocal leader for volleyball team
For the past two years, Hampton’s Julia Resch has drawn loud cheers before her volleyball matches even start.

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Hampton’s Gage Galuska (16) makes a catch behind Kiski Area’s Kryell Hutcherson last year at Hampton.
Gage Galuska part of turnaround season for Hampton football
Hampton three-sport senior Gage Galuska plays football in the fall, wrestles in the winter and runs track in the spring.

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Members of the Hampton girls cross country team, from left, Kendall Solkovy, Ava Vitiello, Ciara Evans and Lydia Bailey, compete at Hartwood Acres during the 2020 season.
Hampton girls cross country ‘moving in the right direction’
October 3, 2020
The Hampton girls cross county team has hit the ground running.

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Hampton’s Jackson McGrath (left) and Aidan Sawyer (right) compete at Hartwood Acres during the 2020 season.
Hampton cross country team finds its stride in Class AA
Talk about a kick to the shins.

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Hamption golfer Ruzomberka on quest for redemption
September 26, 2020
Hampton senior Matt Ruzomberka has played thousands of holes of golf since his father introduced him to the sport growing up in England a decade ago.

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Hampton quarterback Matt DeMatteo after beating Armstrong: “That feeling after a win, you want that to keep coming back. We came back to practice even hungrier.”
Hampton upbeat after rare shutout win
A 3-by-3-foot white board hangs on the wall inside the clubhouse at Hampton’s Fridley Field to commemorate “Football Shutouts.”

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Hampton girls soccer coach Bill Paholich led the Talbots to a 12-6-1 record last season.
Rebuilding Hampton girls eye 5th straight postseason berth
September 19, 2020
Emmy Chismer got a head start on what 2020 would bring.

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Hampton’s Max Saltrelli brings the ball upfield during a game at Freeport.
Saltrelli’s return to midfield bolsters Hampton boys soccer team
Max Saltrelli is a starting center midfielder for the Hampton boys soccer team and a 40-goal scorer for the school’s lacrosse program.

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Northgate quarterback Christian Davin throws a pass during practice Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, in Bellevue.
Northgate optimistic after nightmare season in 2018
August 20, 2019
One season after the Northgate Flames were barely an ember, second-year coach Mike Fulmore is feeling a bit more optimistic.

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Seneca Valley’s Josh Kaltenberger is a Purdue recruit.
High expectations for Class 6A Seneca Valley after WPIAL title-game run
August 15, 2019
Seneca Valley used mainly its experience and size to reach last year’s WPIAL Class 6A title game.

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Butler receiver Charlie Kreinbucher (right) works out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019.
Class 6A Butler faces debilitating lack of numbers
After going 0-10 in his first full season as coach at his alma mater, Butler’s Eric Christy knows the real challenge is about to begin.

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Pine-Richland’s Anna Amate fights for the ball with North Allegheny’s Kylie Dutkovich on Sept. 9, 2024, at Pine-Richland High School.
Behind stingy defense, North Allegheny girls eye return to WPIAL finals
October 12, 2024
North Allegheny’s 0-0 double-overtime tie at top-ranked Seneca Valley on Oct. 7 was emblematic of the Tigers’ season.

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Gabby Baldasare is the new girls basketball coach at Pine-Richland.
New coach Gabby Baldasare excited to fill big shoes with North Allegheny girls basketball
Gabby Baldasare found herself in coaching limbo this spring when she resigned after two seasons with Pine-Richland girls basketball.

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North Allegheny’s Kyle Langdon (20) takes the field with his brother, Dylan, before their game against Central Catholic on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at Baldwin High School.
Langdon twins bring twice the toughness to North Allegheny linebacking corps
October 5, 2024
North Allegheny senior linebackers Dylan and Kyle Langdon came into the world at the same time.

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North Allegheny’s Ravi Desai watches his tee shot on No. 10 during the WPIAL Class 3A boys golf championship Oct. 1 at Oakmont Country Club.
North Allegheny golfers aim for elusive WPIAL crown
The North Allegheny golf team doesn’t spend much time in the high school gym, but the Tigers plan on making some renovations anyway.

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As a junior, Hampton’s Grace Stitt won the Section 3-2A singles championship in 2023.
Grace under pressure: Hampton senior becomes 1st Talbot in 30 years to earn PIAA singles berth
September 28, 2024
Hampton senior Grace Stitt was hurting after losing the first set of the WPIAL Class 2A singles semifinals Sept. 18 at Bethel Park.

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Hampton junior Evan McAneny scored on an 83-yard touchdown run in the final minute of the Talbots’ 34-27 victory over Chartiers Valley on Sept. 20, 2024.
Hampton junior RB Evan McAneny enjoys breakout
Hampton coach Steve Sciullo was content to settle for overtime after Chartiers Valley scored a game-tying touchdown with under 40 seconds to play Sept. 20.

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Hampton junior Marissa Bigante, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and suffered a torn ACL in a one-month span in the summer of 2023, is an important piece of the Hampton girls cross country team in her debut season.
Diabetes, torn ACL can’t slow Hampton runner
September 21, 2024
Like everyone else, Hampton junior Marissa Bigante has good days and bad days.

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Hampton graduate Dawson Dietz, a two-time All-American defensive tackle at Washington & Jefferson, had a combined 34 tackles for loss the past two seasons.
Hampton grad Dawson Dietz hoping for ‘amazing’ final season at Washington & Jefferson
Hampton graduate Dawson Dietz is already among the most decorated Washington & Jefferson football players in the past 25 years.

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Hampton graduate Angie Raimondi, shown at the finish line of the 2016 Ironman Triathlon in Barcelona, is one of six inductees in the Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Hampton triathlete covers distance to school’s hall of fame
September 14, 2024
Angie Raimondi admits her high school career lacked enough to earn a spot in the Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame.

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The Aquinas Academy field hockey team is off to a fast start this season, including a 2-0 win over defending WPIAL Class A champion Shady Side Academy. Pictured are (from left, back row) Elliot Keverline, Zoe Solomond, Anne Dolan, Francesca Hite, Katherine Repasky, Maria Repasky, Grace Chrobak, Brigid Mercer, Julia Jurewicz, Claire Urban, Aarona Casas-Arnedos; (front row) Alice Dingle, Aurora Predis, Felicity Koble, Tabby Ridings.
Aquinas Academy field hockey gets off to fast start with WPIAL title in its sights
One of the first things new Aquinas Academy field hockey coach Albert Casas told his players is that “winning is a consequence, not a goal.”

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Hampton’s Ray Kirsopp works out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Hampton.
Hampton senior Ray Kirsopp dedicates football season to late father
September 7, 2024
When Hampton hosts Upper St. Clair on Sept. 13, the highlights will include much more than a typical WPIAL nonconference football game.

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Aquinas Academy junior Lara Hainan plays for the Crusaders, a first-year WPIAL girls volleyball program in 2024.
Aquinas Academy girls volleyball joins big leagues
The Aquinas Academy girls volleyball team is a first-year WPIAL program, but the Crusaders plan to grow up quickly.

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Chris Belch (left) and Jacob Bonnar run in the 3,200-meter race during the inaugural Talbot Shuffle on Aug. 10 at Fridley Field in Hampton.
Hampton boys, girls cross country teams out to make history in different ways
August 31, 2024
The Hampton boys and girls cross country teams are trying to run into the record books this season.

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Hampton’s Lilly Muczinski plays against Kiski Area on Aug. 26, 2024 at Kiski Area High School.
Revamped lineup looks to keep Hampton girls volleyball in championship form
Second-team all-WPIAL setter Lilly Muczinski has a message for anyone doubting the Hampton girls volleyball team this season.

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Hampton’s Sara Kenst and Mars’ Julia Lishia vie for possession during a game last season.
Roster full of returning starters powers Hampton girls soccer
August 25, 2024
The Hampton girls soccer team returns a loaded roster — and one bitter memory — for a 2024 season filled with expectations.

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Hampton’s Xavier Ware takes a tumble in front of Franklin Regional goalkeeper Noah Walker during the WPIAL Class 3A semifinals last season.
Hampton boys soccer hungry after title-game near-miss
Rebuilding is a dirty word for Hampton’s Matt McAwley.

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Butler quarterback Alec Teff throws a pass on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Butler.
Butler stays motivated amid independent, no-playoff schedule
August 23, 2024
Pennsylvania will be a swing state in November, but Butler this fall is strictly independent.

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Grace Stitt is back for Hampton after winning the Section 3-2A singles championship last year.
Hampton girls tennis ready to be ‘road warriors’
August 17, 2024
Coming off the best season in program history, the Hampton girls tennis team has suddenly found itself homeless.

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North Catholic quarterback Joey Felitsky works out during practice on Monday, Aug.12, 2024, in Cranberry.
Rare losing season jolts North Catholic
August 13, 2024
The drop to Class 3A could have prompted North Catholic to conclude winning will come easier this season.

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Avonworth quarterback Carson Bellinger throws a pass during practice on Monday, Aug.12, 2024, in Ohio Twp.
WPIAL title-game losses fuel Avonworth
Avonworth knows well the path to Acrisure Stadium.

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Hampton’s Porter Kelly works out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Hampton.
‘Phenomenal’ growth spurt lifts Hampton’s hopes
August 11, 2024
The Hampton Talbots return their starting quarterback from last season, but you might not recognize him.

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Hampton boys golf team welcomes new look
August 10, 2024
Hampton first-year golf coach Terry Hales has much in common with his golfers this season.

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Hampton’s Chris Belch is one of the runners expected to take part in the inaugural Talbot shuffle.
Runners ready for inaugural Talbot Shuffle fundraiser
August 1, 2024
The inaugural Talbot Shuffle fundraiser hopes to hit the ground running.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt (right), who will be a freshman at Gannon in the fall, placed sixth at 120 pounds at the USA Wrestling Northeast Regional Championships on May 10-12 in Atlantic City, N.J.
Hampton girls wrestling alum ramps up aggressiveness with college on horizon
July 20, 2024
Hampton’s Isabella McNutt is becoming a little bit McNasty.

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Hampton’s Ella Lattimore, who will be a sophomore this fall, competed at the Level 9 Eastern National Gymnastics championship in May in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Hampton teen quickly climbing gymnastics ladder
July 14, 2024
Hampton teen Ella Lattimore enjoyed gymnastics long before she became any good at it.

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Hampton graduate Braeden Ballintine, who will be a freshman at Cal (Pa.) in the fall, was ranked as one of the top long snappers in Pennsylvania in the Class of 2024.
Hampton long snapper Braeden Ballintine hits his target ahead of freshman season at Cal (Pa.)
July 6, 2024
Hampton’s Braeden Ballintine was about 10 years old when his dad challenged him to try something with a football.

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Hampton’s Dale Hall tops the medal stand after winning the 800 meters during the PIAA Class 3A Track and Field Championship on May 25 at Shippensburg University.
2-time state champ Dale Hall leaves Hampton as one of track program’s all-time greats
June 1, 2024
When two-time state champion Dale Hall was a freshman, he got kicked out of Hampton track practice one day.

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The 2024 Hampton seniors helped the Talbots extend their WPIAL girls lacrosse playoff streak to nine seasons. Pictured are, from left, Sienna Rex, Elena Herchenroether, Greta Hamlin, Lindsay Fiscus, Addie Hastings, Reed Perry and Jacqui Deah.
Hampton girls lacrosse rallies to salvage season
May 25, 2024
The Hampton girls lacrosse team wobbled into mid-April, putting its streak of WPIAL playoff appearances in jeopardy.

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Hampton’s Danica Gynn, Kaylee Lazaro and Marli Dankmeyer (left to right) play for Team Central in the 2024 PIHL girls league. Missing from photo is freshman Theresa Warner.
Hampton girls hockey players spring into action
One of the biggest challenges for the Hampton skaters in the PIHL girls league is something most athletes take for granted.

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Central Catholic senior defender Mike Kistler, a Hampton resident, will play lacrosse next season at Division II Florida Southern.
Hampton resident looks ahead after lost season with Central Catholic lacrosse
May 18, 2024
Central Catholic senior defender Mike Kistler “felt a pop” in his right leg at preseason lacrosse practice in February.

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Hampton’s Dale Hall presses the issue with Butler’s Drew Griffith going into the last lap in the WPIAL Class 3A boys 1.600 meters during the WPIAL track and field championships Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Slippery Rock University.
Hampton boys show calm before storm at WPIAL track and field championships
The WPIAL track and field championships started about as well as could be expected for the Hampton boys.

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Hampton pitcher Cassie Vidic delivers against Greensburg Salem during a WPIAL Class 4A playoff game last season.
Sharp defense fuels championship optimism for Hampton softball
May 11, 2024
Because first-year coach Kate Hedderman runs a batting cage facility in Hampton, she was confident the Talbots would hit the ball this season.

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Hampton senior Vitaliy Pikalo is the first Talbot to reach the PIAA Class 2A boys singles championship since 2012.
Seniors boost Hampton tennis to winning season
May 4, 2024
The Hampton boys tennis team traveled to Philadelphia for a mid-April match, running up the “Rocky” steps and visiting the Liberty Bell during a day of sightseeing.

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Hampton third baseman Sean Sullivan snags a ball hit by Knoch’s Brady Long, saving extra bases on April 29.
Walk-off loss keeps Hampton baseball out of playoffs for 1st time since 2016
One day after Hampton’s WPIAL playoff hopes ended with a walk-off loss at Knoch, senior Matt Erka searched for a bright spot.

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Hampton senior AJ Prodente (far right) helped the Talbots’ 1,600-meter relay team to a fifth-place finish at the Butler Invitational on April 19. Also pictured (from left) are Chris Belch, Willy Haselrig and Dale Hall.
Hampton senior makes quick transition from hardwood to track
April 27, 2024
Hampton senior AJ Prodente has gone from sprinting 94 feet to racing 400 meters.

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Hampton girls flag football thrives in 1st season
When a group of Hampton girls desired a fun, low-stress spring sport, they found exactly what they were looking for.

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Hampton senior center fielder Jessica Lange, who earned all-Section 3-4A honors last season, hit her first career home run on April 9, 2024.
Senior center fielder shows pop for first-place Hampton softball team
April 20, 2024
Hampton’s Jessica Lange made a name for herself doing the little things for the Talbots softball team.

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Hampton head coach Joe Lafko watches from the bench during a game against Shaler on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022, at Hampton High School.
Hampton basketball readies for rare coaching search
For only the second time in the past 46 years, Hampton is searching for a new boys basketball coach.

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Hampton coach Joe Lafko watches from the bench during a game against Highlands on Jan. 2.
Hall of fame basketball coach Joe Lafko steps down at Hampton
April 17, 2024
Saying it’s time to “figure out the next chapter,” WPIAL Hall of Famer Joe Lafko has stepped down as Hampton boys basketball coach.

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Aquinas Academy baseball head coach David Phelps works with his team on Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2024, at the school in Hampton.
Ex-MLB pitcher David Phelps helps launch Aquinas Academy baseball team
April 13, 2024
Aquinas Academy baseball coach David Phelps knows all about pressure.

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Hampton senior Gabe Gannelli, a two-time all-WPIAL defender, committed to play lacrosse and football at Mount Union.
Faced with choice between football, lacrosse at Mount Union, Hampton senior picks both
One thing is certain about Hampton two-sport standout Gabe Gannelli and his upcoming college days.

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Hampton graduate David Steckel (kneeling, second from left), an assistant men’s basketball coach at Southern New Hampshire, celebrates with the team during their run to the 2024 NCAA Division II Elite Eight.
Onetime Hampton baseball player reaches NCAA Division II Elite Eight as basketball coach
April 6, 2024
Hampton graduate David Steckel took an unlikely path from a high school baseball player to an assistant coach for an Elite Eight men’s basketball team.

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Hampton pitcher Parker Brockway (left) and catcher Justin Dubee make their way onto the field at the Cal Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
With bad weather scrambling schedule, beach trips means a lot to Hampton baseball
The Hampton baseball team found a way in late March to mix business with pleasure.

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Despite early-season loss, Hampton boys lacrosse has high expectations
March 30, 2024
The opening week of the 2024 spring season proved something about the Hampton boys lacrosse team.

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Senior defender/midfielder Elena Herchenroether (left) and junior midfielder Emerson Pryal are among 10 returning starters for the Hampton girls lacrosse team.
Hampton girls lacrosse plans to spread scoring wealth
The Hampton girls lacrosse team this season is relying on balance rather than brilliance.

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Hampton’s Dale Hall edges Butler’s Drew Griffith during the boys 1,600-meter run during the 2023 PIAA Class 3A track and field championships.
Defending state champ leads talented Hampton track team
March 23, 2024
Hampton track star Dale Hall enters his senior season in the unusual position of being a reigning state champion and an underdog, all at the same time.

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The Hampton boys basketball team swarms senior Liam Mignogna after his winning basket as time expired against Knoch on Jan. 12.
As playoff run ends, Hampton takes pride in special season
One day after Hampton’s boys basketball season came to an end, Joe Lafko contemplated the Talbots’ memorable journey.

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The tennis courts at Hampton Community Park seen in 2019.
Hampton boys tennis looks to take another step
March 16, 2024
The tennis courts at Hampton Community Park are scheduled to undergo a major renovation this summer, but in the meantime, the Hampton boys team has some work of its own to do.

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St. Joseph’s Kalyda O’Connor battles Aquinas Academy’s Victoria Taylor for a loose ball during their WPIAL Class A semifinal on Feb. 26.
Hampton notebook: Aquinas Academy girls team misses out on trip to basketball finals
The Aquinas Academy girls basketball team weathered injuries and illness for much of the season, but the Crusaders fought through it.

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Hampton’s Lainey Sheets swims in the 100-yard backstroke during the WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships March 1 at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Hampton sophomores bring home WPIAL swimming and diving gold
March 9, 2024
Hampton sophomore Lainey Sheets popped her head out of the water after the 100 backstroke at the WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships at Pitt on March 1 and was a bit bewildered.

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Hampton pitcher Cassie Vidic celebrates a strikeout with Aliza Michielli during their WPIAL Class 4A playoff game against Greensburg Salem last season.
Hampton softball picks up pace under new coach
Hampton all-section senior shortstop Charlotte Lomb said new coach Kate Hedderman’s high-paced workouts were an eye-opener for some of her teammates.

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Hampton’s Sean Sullivan scores against Fox Chapel April 20, 2022.
After productive offseason, Hampton baseball eager to get started
Hampton baseball coach Kellen Wheeler had a numbers problem this offseason.

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Aquinas Academy’s Joshua Schlemmer drives between Neighborhood Academy’s Junior Onwubiko and Derick Hardeman during the WPIAL Class A quarterfinals Feb. 21.
Aquinas Academy boys show they’re no one-man team
March 2, 2024
Aquinas Academy entered this season with a lot of uncertainty after losing WPIAL all-time leading scorer Vinnie Cugini to graduation.

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Hamptons’ Isabella McNutt beats Canon-McMillan’s Malia Ramos in the 112-pound bout during the WPIAL girls wrestling championship Feb. 17, at North Allegheny High School.
Hampton wrestlers march ahead in postseason tournaments
The Hampton wrestlers had such a memorable season as a team, they decided to keep it going as individuals.

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Hampton senior Alan Danner (right), shown after beating Kiski Area’s Riley Shearer, is one of seven returning WPIAL Class 2A qualifiers for the 2023-24 Talbots.
Hampton senior wrestler buckles down after tough seasons, climbs WPIAL ranks
February 10, 2024
In Alan Danner’s first two seasons at Hampton, he spent much more time on the wrong side of pins than on the right side of wins.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer shoots over Highlands’ Jordyn Tavarez on Jan. 2.
Hampton’s Peter Kramer eager to return to playoff action
Hampton standout senior guard Peter Kramer is hoping to go from an ineligible postseason to an indelible one.

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Senior guard Meghan Murray celebrates with her teammates after becoming the all-time leading scorer for Hampton girls basketball in the Talbots’ 54-42 victory over visiting Mars on Jan. 22, 2024.
Senior Meghan Murray breaks program scoring mark as Hampton girls hit stride
February 3, 2024
Hampton star guard Meghan Murray sank a half-court shot to end the first quarter against Mars on Jan. 22, but her next basket was even more dramatic.

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Hampton junior Wil Cramer has qualified for the 2024 WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships in the 200 IM and the 200 freestyle after last season’s near-miss.
Hampton junior swimmer moves into fast lane
Hampton junior swimmer Wil Cramer is proving that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

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The 1983-84 Hampton boys basketball team went 27-4 and reached the PIAA Class 3A title game. Pictured, in front, from left, John Reddel, John Ward, Rich Kolkman, Tim Weimer, Jason Huber, Bob Kreutzer; in middle, manager Matt Gorski, Kevin Cherilla, Tom Lah; and in back, head coach Tom Jewart, Bill Snyder, Matt Mignogna, Jerry Shanahan, Brian Shanahan, Mike Pschirer, Pat Drake, assistant coach Dave Kuniak. Not pictured are Mike Charpentier, manager Dave Lovett and assistant coach Joe Boombower.
Hampton players recall ‘incredible’ run to ‘84 state basketball finals
January 27, 2024
Many of the memories have faded into time over the past four decades.

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Hampton’s Daniel Leyes celebrates with Eli Scharzbach after scoring against Freeport on Nov. 9, 2023, at Belmont Complex.
Hampton hockey heads in new direction after midseason coaching change
January 20, 2024
On its way to a fifth consecutive losing season, the Hampton hockey team has made a midseason coaching shift.

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Hampton’s Liam Mignogna (right) defends a shot attempt from Knoch’s Teegan Finucan on Jan. 12.
Defense powering Hampton boys basketball
Three days after Christmas, the Hampton boys basketball team wasn’t feeling very joyful.

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Hampton’s Caleb Rihn was a runner-up at 172 pounds at the Steve DeAugustino Tournament on Dec. 29, 2023, at West Mifflin. He is pictured with coach Nick Endres.
Senior battles through knee injury for surprising Hampton wrestling team
January 13, 2024
Hampton senior Caleb Rihn heard “a large pop” from his left knee during club wrestling practice in early November.

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Hampton girls basketball starting to warm up, eye WPIAL playoff berth
The Hampton girls basketball team flew to California over Christmas break for a three-day tournament and visited several popular spots around San Diego.

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Kate Hedderman is the new softball coach at Hampton.
New Hampton softball coach Kate Hedderman ready to get started
January 6, 2024
Hampton didn’t have to look too far to find its new softball coach.

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Hampton’s Lainey Sheets (third from left) is among the top sophomore swimmers in the state. She is standing with teammates, left to right, Sofia Welsh, Maddy Bruce and Kevyn Fish.
Led by super sophomore, Hampton girls swimmers set for special season
December 16, 2023
Hampton’s Lainey Sheets was the only freshman in the state who finished top five at last season’s PIAA Class 2A Swimming championships.

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Hampton’s Chris Belch swims the 100 yard backstroke during the 2022 WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships at Pitt’s Trees Pool.
Roster numbers down but excitement remains high for Hampton boys swim season
Hampton swimming coach Morgan Zweygardt can count on two hands the number of boys on her roster this season.

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Aquinas Academy’s Emily Fisher celebrates after scoring against Juniata Valley during their PIAA Class A first round state playoff game on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Deer Lakes.
Aquinas Academy girls hungry to take next step
December 9, 2023
Playing at Pitt’s Petersen Events Center each of the past two seasons was a dream come true for the Aquinas Academy girls basketball team.

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Aquinas Academy’s Samuel Duer (right) is one of three returning starters.
Aquinas Academy boys basketball braces for ‘life without Vinnie’
The Aquinas Academy boys basketball team spent more time this offseason in the weight room than ever before.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt (right) became the first female wrestler in program history to advance to the WPIAL tournament last season.
Behind 7 returning WPIAL qualifiers, Hampton wrestlers determined to snap playoff drought
December 2, 2023
The Hampton wrestling team’s season-ending banquet last March was more about eyeing the future than remembering the past.

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Hampton senior guard and 1,000-point scorer Meghan Murray committed to Kent State in mid-September after taking her official visit.
Meghan Murray-led Hampton girls basketball team a work in progress
Hampton star point guard Meghan Murray is being realistic when she expects the Talbots to start slow this season.

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Hampton’s Emmy Schrom scores against Pope John Paul II during the PIAA Class 3A championship game Nov. 18 at Cumberland Valley.
Talented senior class ushered in golden era for Hampton volleyball
November 26, 2023
The journey began innocently enough, at a spring-time middle school volleyball tournament at Montour.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer works against Highlands’ Jimmy Kunst during their game on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Highlands High School.
Hampton looks for balance behind top scorer Peter Kramer
Hampton boys basketball coach Joe Lafko called it the “X factor” this season.

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Hampton’s Daniel Leyes celebrates with Sam Modlin and Dillon Fogle after scoring against Freeport during their game on Nov. 9, 2023, at Belmont Complex.
Hampton hockey shows glimpses of potential while gaining varsity experience
November 19, 2023
Hampton hockey coach Buck McKee knew some growing pains awaited his young Talbots this season.

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Hampton’s Luke Fiscus celebrates after scoring against South Fayette during the WPIAL Class 3A championship game on Nov. 4.
Seniors spearhead another impressive season for Hampton boys soccer
The Hampton boys soccer team prepared for the 2023 season by attending soccer camp in mid-August in Edinboro that included a trip to a nearby water park.

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Hampton’s Lily Muczinski and Payton Galletti defend on North Catholic’s Brooke Sciullo during the WPIAL 3A girls volleyball championship match Nov. 4.
Hampton, Pope John Paul II to collide in state championship clash of undefeated volleyball powers
November 16, 2023
The Hampton girls volleyball team gathered Wednesday afternoon to watch videos of their PIAA championship opponent, Pope John Paul II.

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The Hampton boys cross country team won the 2023 PIAA Class 2A title Nov. 4 in Hershey. Pictured are (left to right), assistant coach Heather Dietz, Josh Wukitch, Nathan Gardner, Christopher Belch, Jacob Bonnar, Dale Hall, Layne Haught, Lu Santos, Miles McKinney and head coach Dean Longwell.
After WPIAL 3-peat, PIAA title, Hampton runners celebrate ‘incredible’ season
November 11, 2023
On their way home from the PIAA Class 2A cross country championships in Hershey, the Hampton boys were met at the turnpike by township fire trucks and escorted to the high school three miles down Route 8.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer celebrates after scoring against Highlands last season.
Hampton guard Peter Kramer commits to Lehigh
November 7, 2023
Hampton’s Peter Kramer was cold, standing in nearly a half-foot of snow with a shovel in his hands.

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Hampton’s Olivia Hoffman battles Mars’ Kayleigh Clark for possession on Aug. 28.
Hampton girls soccer looks to bright future after playoff ouster
November 5, 2023
Every player who scored a goal this season for the Hampton girls soccer team has one thing in common — she’ll be back.

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Hampton ball carrier Brock Borgo (22) runs the ball as Highlands defender Aaran Randolph (4) goes in for the tackle on Oct. 27.
‘Challenging’ season ends with Hampton football on wrong side of playoff tiebreaker
The Hampton football season began with an injury and ended with an insult.

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Hampton’s Grace Stitt plays in the 2022 WPIAL Class 3A girls singles consolation match.
Hampton girls tennis reflects on historic season
October 28, 2023
The Hampton girls tennis team stopped at a restaurant on the way home from its PIAA Class 2A playoff match Oct. 24 in Erie.

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Hampton running back Brock Borgo works out during a preseason practice.
Hampton senior running back climbs school’s all-time rushing list
The first time Hampton running back Brock Borgo touched the football in a meaningful varsity carry, he raced 58 yards for a touchdown.

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Aquinas Academy all-section sophomore striker Marco Anselmino helped the Crusaders to their highest-scoring season in at least six years.
Aquinas Academy boys double win total but playoff spot remains elusive
October 21, 2023
Aquinas Academy missed the WPIAL Class A boys soccer playoffs this season, but the Crusaders kept opposing goalies busy.

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Hampton’s Jacob Bonnar (right) and the Talbots will race at the WPIAL championships on Thursday (Oct. 26).
Hampton boys eye WPIAL cross country 3-peat
Since last season’s fourth-place finish at states, the Hampton boys cross country team has been focused on a return trip to Hershey.

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Eden Christian senior Nathan Garrett, who won a WPIAL Class 2A team title with Hampton as a sophomore, is one of the top runners in the WPIAL Class A during the 2023 season.
After sitting out, Eden Christian runner eager to compete for WPIAL cross country gold
October 14, 2023
The only running Nathan Garrett did at last year’s WPIAL cross country championships was to urge on his Eden Christian teammates.

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Aquinas field hockey rebuilding on the run
Someone forgot to tell the Aquinas Academy field hockey team that this was supposed to be a rebuilding year.

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Hampton sophomore setter Lilly Muczinski has helped the undefeated Talbots to a No. 1 ranking in the WPIAL and a No. 2 ranking in the state in Class 3A.
Hampton sophomore sets stage for volleyball team’s formidable front line
October 7, 2023
Hampton’s Lilly Muczinski knew early on what position she wanted to play in volleyball.

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Hampton junior midfielders Olivia Hoffman (5) and Sara Kenst (20) are the leading scorers for the playoff-bound 2023 Talbots girls soccer team.
Hampton girls soccer teammates go from fierce rivals to best friends
Talk about two peas in a pod.

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Hampton senior Matt Erka (front) hits a drive with Baldwin freshman Michael Quallich (white hat) and North Allegheny sophomore Colin Ward (dark hat) in back on No. 16 at Latrobe Country Club on Sept. 25, 2023 in the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A golf championships.
Hampton pair take swing at WPIAL golf championships
September 30, 2023
Hampton teammates Matt Erka and Tyler Schmitt took different paths to reach the 2023 WPIAL Class 3A individual golf championships.

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Hampton’s Dante DiBucci works out during a 2016 lacrosse practice.
‘Surprised’ 3-sport standout among selections for Hampton hall of fame Class of 2023
September 16, 2023
Former Hampton three-sport standout Joe Raimondi saw the letter from the school’s athletic hall of fame and was unsure what to believe.

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Hampton coach Steve Sciullo talks with running back Brock Borgo and quarterback Adrian Midgley during preseason practice, Midgley is out for the season with a torn ACL.
Hampton football offers no excuses after rough start
The Hampton football team could blame its dreadful start this season on a number of factors.

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Hampton’s Kevyn Fish runs to the finish line in the Class 3A girls race during the 2021 WPIAL cross country championships.
Promising young runners could help keep Hampton girls cross country on top
September 9, 2023
Hampton girls cross country star Kevyn Fish figured her team might be swimming upstream this season.

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Hampton’s Chris Belch, 17, won the Hampton Firecracker 5K on July 4 with a winning time of 17 minutes, 33 seconds.
Defending WPIAL champion Hampton runners focusing on Hershey
The two-time defending WPIAL Class 2A champion Hampton boys cross country team is aiming to take another step forward.

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Hampton is led by returning two-time all-state senior outside hitter Emmy Schrom.
Hopes are sky high for Hampton girls volleyball
September 2, 2023
The Hampton girls volleyball team looks so promising this season that winning a section title would hardly qualify as a goal.

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Hampton’s Grace Stitt plays in the WPIAL Class 3A girls singles tennis third-place match Sept. 14, 2022.
Hampton girls tennis ready to fight for playoff berth
During the second day of Hampton girls tennis tryouts in mid-August, four upperclassmen playing doubles argued over whether a serve was in or out.

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Early playoff exit lights fire under Hampton boys soccer
August 26, 2023
The seniors on the Hampton boys soccer team have felt euphoria and agony over the years.

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Hampton goalkeeper Isabella English makes a lunging save against Franklin Regional in a 2021 game.
After key losses, Hampton girls soccer to rely on deep pool of talent
The Hampton girls soccer team lost two all-WPIAL players to graduation and then lost another one to something nobody saw coming.

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Northgate’s Austin Mitchell works out during practice on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, in Bellevue.
Northgate finds strength in numbers
August 21, 2023
Every time Northgate players walked into the weight room this offseason, they were confronted with the same reminders.

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Peter Kramer leads senior-heavy Hampton boys golf team
August 19, 2023
The Hampton boys golf team is looking to turn experience into exultation.

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North Catholic coach Chris Rizzo talks with his team during practice on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, in Cranberry.
North Catholic ready to rebound under new coach
August 12, 2023
North Catholic first-year football coach Chris Rizzo traveled about 2,000 miles to take over a program that’s not too far from where it wants to be.

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Hampton head coach Steve Sciullo talks with running back Brock Borgo and quarterback Adrian Midgely during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023, in Hampton.
Hampton determined to extend playoff streak
Something is catching on with Hampton football.

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Hampton’s Emmy Schrom hit into the block of Freeport’s Josephine Russo and Cassidy Dell during the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A finals.
Hampton volleyball star Emmy Schrom staying close to home at Duquesne
August 5, 2023
When Hampton two-time all-state volleyball player Emmy Schrom began looking at colleges, proximity was a priority.

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Michael Gavlik is the new athletic director of Hampton.
New Hampton athletic director Mike Gavlik brings vast experience to position
July 18, 2023
Mike Gavlik has formed a straightforward philosophy during his two decades as a high school athletic director.

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Hampton’s Chris Belch, 17, won the Hampton Firecracker 5K on July 4 with a winning time of 17 minutes, 33 seconds.
Hampton runner sparkles with Firecracker 5K win
July 15, 2023
Hampton’s Chris Belch put on a display on the Fourth of July.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt (back) placed fourth at the USA Wrestling Northeast Regional Championships in mid-May in Atlantic City, N.J.
Hampton wrestler Isabella McNutt takes another shot at nationals
July 8, 2023
Making the 1,100-mile trek from Pittsburgh to Fargo, N.D., is becoming an annual summer trip for Hampton’s Isabella McNutt.

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The new softball field at Hampton High School, shown in early June, is expected to be ready for the 2025 spring season.
New multipurpose field progressing at Hampton
July 1, 2023
Construction of the new softball/multipurpose field at Hampton High School is rounding second and — slowly but surely — heading for home.

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Hampton senior attack Kelli Gibson finished the 2023 season with 36 goals and a team-best 13 assists for the 13-6 Talbots girls lacrosse team.
Despite short playoff run, Hampton girls lacrosse team savors season’s successes
June 10, 2023
Hampton failed to reach the WPIAL girls lacrosse semifinals this season for the first time since 2015, but the journey was worth the while.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer grabs a rebound from Highlands’ Jordyn Taverez last season.
Hampton staying sharp with summer basketball schedule
So much for resting on your laurels.

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The Hampton 3,200 relay team of, from left, Kevyn Fish, Ava Vitiello, Kathleen Milon and Teresa Grimm won the WPIAL Class 3A title on May 17 at Slippery Rock, becoming the school’s first relay team in at least 25 years to win a WPIAL crown.
Hampton runners good as gold at WPIAL, PIAA meets
June 3, 2023
Hampton track won WPIAL and PIAA gold medals in May with a relay team that got a late start and a miler who had a great finish.

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Hampton pitcher Ryan Apaliski celebrates with Dylan Eichas during their WPIAL Class 4A playoff game against Ringgold on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Gateway High School.
Hampton baseball season punctuated by playoff win
Things looked bleak for the Hampton baseball team at midseason.

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Duquesne freshman Matt DeMatteo, a Hampton graduate, placed fourth in the 400 hurdles at the 2023 Atlantic 10 Track and Field Championships on May 6-7 at UMass.
Hampton grad Matt DeMatteo thrives after narrowing focus to track at Duquesne
May 20, 2023
Former Hampton three-sport standout Matt DeMatteo already owns the third-fastest 400-meter hurdle time in Duquesne track and field history.

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Aquinas girls lacrosse makes best of ‘rough season’
There were many reasons why the Aquinas Academy girls lacrosse team missed the WPIAL playoffs this season for the first time since 2016.

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Hampton’s Vitaliy Pikalo
Hampton boys tennis team sees net gains
May 13, 2023
The Hampton boys tennis team finished 8-8 this year, but it sure felt like a winning season.

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Hampton senior Addy Maguire is batting a team-high .647 this season.
Top of the lineup boosting Hampton softball toward playoff berth
April 29, 2023
The top of Hampton’s softball lineup is at the top of its game this season.

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Hampton senior Emi DiLiberto has scored 48 goals through 10 games.
Hampton lacrosse star lighting up scoreboard
April 22, 2023
When Hampton’s Emi DiLiberto started playing lacrosse in fifth grade, she was petrified of the hard, rubber ball.

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Aquinas Academy junior Jack Gillespie placed third at the 2023 WPIAL Class 2A tennis singles championships in April to qualify for the PIAA championships May 26-27 in Hershey.
Aquinas Academy junior aces WPIAL tennis test
Aquinas Academy junior Jack Gillespie is a three-time Tae Kwon Do world champion and is ranked No. 2 in the nation in his age group for combat weapons.

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Hampton’s Eric Weeks competes during the 2023 baseball season.
Hampton’s Eric Weeks makes headlines in 3 sports
April 15, 2023
Hampton senior Eric Weeks’ offseason between basketball and baseball this year lasted about 12 hours.

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Senior middle blocker Vinnie Cugini lifts off for a spike attempt for the Aquinas Academy boys volleyball team during the 2023 season.
Sparked by arrival of basketball star Vinnie Cugini, Aquinas Academy volleyball thriving
When Aquinas Academy senior Vinnie Cugini joined the school’s boys volleyball team for the first time this spring, he had mild expectations.

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Hampton’s Ava Vitiello (left) and Kevyn Fish run side-by-side in the Class 2A girls race during the TSCA cross country championships on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at PennWest California.
Returning state track qualifiers provide high expectations for Hampton girls
April 8, 2023
The Hampton girls track and field team will be led this season by a Kat, a Fish and a soon-to-be Husky.

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Hampton lineman Aidan Lewis runs to catch the ball during practice at Fridley Field on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.
Multisport athletes give lift to Hampton boys track
The Hampton boys track and field team this season has a lot of question marks that might turn into exclamation points.

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Hampton senior midfielder Emi DiLiberto
Smaller roster doesn’t faze perennial girls lacrosse power Hampton
April 1, 2023
The Hampton girls lacrosse program has only 25 players this season spread across the varsity and JV rosters.

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Hampton’s Luke Hartle plays against Fox Chapel last season.
Hampton boys lacrosse looks to build foundation for playoff run
The Hampton boys lacrosse team was playing an intrasquad practice game in late March under the lights at Fridley Field when pouring rain began.

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John Grupp | For the Tribune-Review
                                Hampton junior Vitaliy Pikalo is the No. 1 singles player for the 2023 Talbots.
Hampton’s Vitaliy Pikalo ascends to No. 1 singles spot
March 25, 2023
In tennis, “love” is another word for zero.

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Hampton’s Mackenzie Reese returns as a key player for the 2023 softball team.
Hampton softball off to powerful start
The Hampton softball team opened the 2023 season with a bizarre at-bat the Talbots won’t soon forget.

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Hampton’s Brennan Murray celebrates with Jaden McMeeken (11) after hitting a shot at the third-quarter buzzer against Laurel Highlands during their PIAA Class 4A second-round playoff game on March 14 at Norwin.
‘Special group’ propels Hampton to memorable season
March 18, 2023
The motto for the Hampton boys basketball team this season was “to live in the moment.”

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Hampton left-hander Ryan Apaliski went 4-3 with a 2.78 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 45 innings last season.
Ace lefty Ryan Apaliski leads young pitching staff for Hampton baseball
The Hampton baseball team is hoping one ace and a bunch of wild cards can turn into a winning hand.

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Hampton’s Meghan Murray (right) has 1,032 career points after three seasons with the Talbots.
Hampton junior Meghan Murray eclipses milestone but Talbots fall short of PIAA playoffs
March 11, 2023
Bored, restless and stuck at home during the lockdown three years ago, then-Hampton eighth grader Meghan Murray grabbed a notebook and jotted down five goals for high school basketball.

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Hampton’s Gabriella Elk is only the second Talbot in at least 25 years to qualify for the PIAA diving championships as a freshman.
Hampton freshman Gabriella Elk thriving at diving
When Hampton freshman Gabriella Elk made the transition from gymnastics to diving, one part of the switch proved to be tricky.

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Burrell’s Cooper Hornack tries to take down Hampton’s Dustin Kerr (standing) during the 127-pound bout Feb. 18, 2023.
Hampton freshman makes name for himself in WPIAL wrestling postseason
March 5, 2023
Hampton freshman Dustin Kerr proved a wrist fracture and a sore elbow couldn’t prevent him from climbing a podium.

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Hampton’s Benny Haselrig celebrates with Brock Borgo (22) after his touchdown reception in a 2021 game against Highlands.
Hampton’s Benny Haselrig fulfills Division I dream with decision to walk on at Pitt
Hampton senior Benny Haselrig agonized a bit during the recruiting process.

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The Aquinas Academy boys and girls fencing teams opened the 2023 season on Jan. 27.
Aquinas Academy fencing seeks dual success with boys, girls teams
February 18, 2023
Aquinas Academy fencing coach John Carroll got right to the point when asked about his expectations this season.

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Hampton senior catcher/third baseman Addy Maguire, who hit .422 last season, has committed to Edinboro.
Hampton infielder Addy Maguire inks with Edinboro
When Addy Maguire showed up for Hampton softball tryouts as a freshman three years ago, coach Ron Fedell was baffled.

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Courtesy of J.M. Weber Photography
                                Hampton forward Claire Rodgers is the only senior on the roster for the 2022-23 WPIAL Class 5A playoff-bound Talbots.
Roster’s lone senior sets tone during successful season for Hampton girls
February 11, 2023
When it comes to the Hampton girls basketball team, forward Claire Rodgers is one of a kind.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer blocks the shot of Highlands’ Chandler Thimons on Jan. 27.
Without top scorer, Hampton boys to lean on defense, depth in playoffs
No. 2 Hampton is getting ready to try to show it can win games with its best player in street clothes.

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Hampton junior Aiden Petry (right) battles Woodland Hills senior Dre’Shawn Sanders during a 189-pound match at the Allegheny County Wrestling Tournament Jan. 20 at Fox Chapel.
Hampton wrestlers set sights on next hurdle
February 4, 2023
Hampton missed the WPIAL wrestling playoffs in its first season as a Class 2A program, but there’s still a lot to shoot for.

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Aquinas Academy junior guard Emily Fisher is the top scorer for the 2022-23 WPIAL Class A playoff-bound Crusaders.
New-look Aquinas girls roster back in WPIAL Class A mix
Rebuilding is a dirty word for the Aquinas Academy girls basketball team.

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Hampton sophomore Pax Carslaw will compete at the USA Climbing Division 6 championships on Feb. 11-12, 2023, in Chicago.
Hampton sophomore reaching new heights in competitive climbing
January 28, 2023
Hampton’s Pax Carslaw is starting to get a grip on competitive climbing.

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Junior defenseman Andrew Bagnato has played in every game this season for the Talbots.
Hampton coach encouraged by team’s effort despite early struggles
January 21, 2023
Hampton first-year hockey coach Buck McKee is short on wins and players, but he has an abundance of one thing — optimism.

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Members of the 2022-23 Hampton bowling teams include, from left, Frank Postava, Noah Hollinger, Maddy McGrath, Emmy Schrom, Juliana Valenti, Anna Derence and Charlotte Lomb.
Hampton girls bowling team provides low-pressure fun
It was supposed to be all fun and games.

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From left, Lainey, Ben and Libby Sheets are members of the 2022-23 Hampton swim team.
Sheets siblings fuel Hampton swim teams
January 14, 2023
The Hampton boys and girls swimming teams seem to be headed in different directions, but they have one thing in common.

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The Hampton competitive spirit team competed at the WPIAL championships Jan. 7, 2023, at Hempfield.
Hampton competitive spirit team reaches PIAA championships for 1st time in 5 years
The Hampton competitive spirit team has something to cheer about.

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Plum’s Dannika Susko battles Hampton’s Meghan Murray for a loose ball Dec. 16.
Hampton girls basketball team unwraps memorable holiday trip
January 7, 2023
The Hampton girls basketball players received a Christmas present they will never forget.

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Hampton’s Peter Kramer drives to the basket past Highlands’ Jimmy Kunst during their game on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Highlands High School.
Red-hot Hampton boys basketball surges out of the gate
The Hampton boys basketball team is hoping a season that began with a memorable win ends with a whole bunch more.

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Hampton’s Ava Vitiello (left) and Kevyn Fish run side-by-side in the Class 2A girls race during the TSTCA cross country championships on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, at PennWest California.
Hampton senior Ava Vitiello tracks down D-I scholarship
December 17, 2022
For the longest time, Hampton’s Ava Vitiello believed a Division I scholarship was out of her reach.

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Hampton’s Meghan Murray battles Plum’s Dannika Susko for a loose ball last season.
After busy offseason, top scorer Meghan Murray ready to lead Hampton girls
December 3, 2022
The best player on the Hampton girls basketball team spent this summer getting even better.

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Hampton’s Eric Weeks defends on Kiski Area’s Dom Dininno during the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs last season.
Coach’s milestone win just the 1st step for Hampton boys
At some point early this winter, Hampton boys basketball coach Joe Lafko will achieve something “that’s been a career goal with me forever.”

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Hampton coach Nick Endres
Roster depth, move to Class 2A boost Hampton wrestling team
November 26, 2022
For the first time in program history, the Hampton wrestling team can try to pick on someone its own size.

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Hampton’s Ben Sheets competes in the 100 backstroke during the 2022 WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships.
Hampton boys swim team in search of WPIAL 3-peat with new-look roster
The Hampton boys swimming team will need to take a different lane to a third consecutive WPIAL Class 2A title.

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Hampton’s Emmy Schrom, hitting against Freeport in last year’s WPIAL finals, was an all-WPIAL first-team pick this season.
Plenty of highlights for Hampton volleyball despite quick WPIAL playoff exit
November 19, 2022
The Hampton girls volleyball team made history during a season that turned into the past sooner than anyone expected.

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Hampton’s Brock Borgo was a first-team all-conference pick this season.
Hampton football team racks up postseason accolades
Hampton senior defensive lineman Gabe Harris was surprised to earn all-Greater Allegheny Conference honors, but maybe he shouldn’t have been startled at all.

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Hampton’s Eric Weeks finds a hole against Highlands last season.
Hampton football looks ahead following heartbreaking loss
November 12, 2022
Hampton senior Eric Weeks has replayed the final moments of the Talbots’ 34-33 gut-wrenching last-second WPIAL Class 4A playoff loss to Montour over and over again.

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Hampton’s Skye Bierker battles Mars’ Ainsley Ray for a header during their game on Sept. 26.
Bittersweet ending for seniors on Hampton girls soccer team
November 5, 2022
Hidden beneath the emotional hugs following Hampton’s first-round playoff loss was a sense of pride and accomplishment.

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Aquinas Academy field hockey gains ground with wins over rival, trip to WPIAL finals
The Aquinas Academy field hockey team last year became the school’s first team to reach the WPIAL finals in any sport.

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Hampton’s Benny Haselrig makes a diving touchdown catch as Thomas Jefferson’s Angelo Volomino defends last season.
Hampton wide receiver Benny Haselrig catching eye of colleges
October 29, 2022
The struggle was real last season for Hampton all-conference wide receiver Benny Haselrig.

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Hampton boys soccer team’s WPIAL reign ends suddenly
Hampton boys soccer coach Matt McAwley is practical enough to know this season wasn’t going to end anything like last season.

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Hampton’s Sean Sullivan competes at the 2022 USA Hockey 16U national championships March 31-April 4, 2022, at Troy, Mich.
Rebuilding Hampton hopes to overcome smallest roster in PIHL
October 22, 2022
The Hampton hockey team will be skating uphill this season.

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Hampton’s Joey Mayer was injured during a 38-0 victory over Kiski Area on Sept. 16.
Hampton’s Joey Mayer makes ‘remarkable’ return
Hampton senior quarterback Joey Mayer climbed into an ambulance in mid-September with a dislocated left elbow and a broken heart.

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Hampton boys soccer team braces for title defense
October 15, 2022
The defending WPIAL and PIAA champion Hampton boys soccer team is ready to try to make another postseason run.

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Hampton’s Joey O’Donnell competes during the 2022 golf season.
Hampton golfer Joey O’Donnell caps long road with WPIAL bid
October 8, 2022
Hampton senior Joey O’Donnell’s disappointing 23-over 94 at the WPIAL Class 3A individual golf semifinals was only a letdown if one ignores how far he came just to get there.

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Aquinas Academy’s Alexis Abbett competes in the PIAA Foundation meet in Hershey Sept. 24, 2022.
Aquinas Academy junior Alexis Abbett proving to be hard to catch
When Aquinas Academy junior Alexis Abbett was a toddler, she loved to run.

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Libero Avery Koontz gets her digs in for Hampton girls volleyball
October 1, 2022
As libero for Hampton’s No. 2-ranked girls volleyball team, Avery Koontz is not allowed to jump above the height of the net or attack the ball.

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The Zebrine sisters (from left), Maria, Olivia and Sophia, are part of 11 sets of siblings within the Hampton girls and boys soccer programs. Maria and Sophia are sophomore twins, and Olivia is a freshman.
Sets of siblings fill Hampton soccer rosters
Hampton girls soccer coach Bill Paholich learned early this season he needed to be on a first-name basis with his players.

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Hampton’s Grace Stitt plays in the WPIAL Class 2A girls singles tennis consolation match Thursday, Sept. 14, 2022, at Hampton Community Park.
Hampton sophomore serves up WPIAL tournament bid
September 24, 2022
Moments after Hampton’s Grace Stitt lost in her section singles semifinal match Sept. 14, coach Sara Longo reminded her of what was at stake the following day.

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Hampton wide receiver Benny Haselrig runs during drills at a preseason practice at Fridley Field.
Hampton football opens up passing attack
The Hampton football team has gone airborne this season.

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Aquinas Academy all-section senior midfielder Isabella Hite looks to play the ball in a game against Mohawk.
Confidence growing for Aquinas Academy girls soccer
September 17, 2022
The smallest school in WPIAL girls soccer is starting to think big.

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Tough breaks test Aquinas Academy boys soccer team
Aquinas Academy left the field following last season’s WPIAL Class A boys soccer playoff loss to Sewickley Academy with bright hopes for 2022.

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Hampton sophomores Nathan Garrett (left) and Dale Hall sprint to the finish in the Class AA boys race during the WPIAL cross country championships on Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at California University of Pa.
Hampton cross country team working on encore after historic season
September 10, 2022
The Hampton boys cross country team is learning how to run with a target on its back.

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Hampton’s Lauren Gale plays against Freeport during the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A volleyball championships.
Runner-up finishes motivate Hampton girls volleyball to grab gold
The most successful season in program history was just the start for the Hampton girls volleyball team.

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Hampton’s Madison Hurst controls the ball next to Franklin Regional’s Mauriana Dorsch during a game last season.
Realignment adds tall hurdle, but Hampton girls soccer team remains optimistic
September 3, 2022
Two years ago, the Hampton girls soccer team won its first section title since 2008.

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The Hampton boys soccer team celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy after defeating West Allegheny, 1-0, in the Class 3A final Nov. 6 at Highmark Stadium.
Defending WPIAL boys soccer champion Hampton embarks on extensive rebuild
The reigning WPIAL and PIAA champion Hampton boys soccer team faces a massive rebuild this season.

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Hampton girls tennis player Emma Spiess prepares for a match Aug. 25, 2022, at Hampton.
Realignment gives Hampton tennis team high hopes
August 27, 2022
The tennis courts at Hampton Community Park haven’t changed since last year. They are still 78 feet long by 36 feet wide.

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Hampton junior Matt Erka returns for the Talbots after qualifying for the WPIAL Class 3A semifinals last season.
After roster shuffle, Hampton golf team has young but talented lineup
Hampton lost its top golfer to a prep school in New England but gained a No. 1 golfer from a private school in Fox Chapel.

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Hampton left-hander Ryan Apaliski went 4-2 with a 1.73 ERA during section play this past spring and earned first-team All-Section 2-5A honors in 2022.
Hampton’s Ryan Apaliski commits to James Madison after strong audition at summer camp
August 20, 2022
Hampton senior left-hander Ryan Apaliski needed only two innings to help secure a home for the next four years.

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Hampton head coach Steve Sciullo gives instruction to players during practice at Fridley Field on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.
Hampton remains hungry after 11-win season
August 14, 2022
No one needs to tell Hampton first-year coach Steve Sciullo about the importance of an offensive line.

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North Catholic running back Chase Arrington catches a ball at North Catholic High School on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022.
North Catholic embraces new challenge in Class 4A
North Catholic enters the 2022 season in a new classification with a different home field, a new offensive coordinator, a new quarterback and many new starters.

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Hampton’s Anthony Bucci drives in a pair of runs with a base hit against Fox Chapel on April 20 at Fox Chapel.
Hampton infielder finds pop over summer
August 13, 2022
During his first two seasons as Hampton’s starting second baseman, Anthony Bucci was known as a flashy fielder without much pop in his bat.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt works against Sal Barbarino at 106 pounds during their Section 1-3A match Jan. 5.
Hampton wrestler performs on national stage
July 31, 2022
Hampton’s Isabella McNutt only started wrestling a year ago, but that didn’t stop her from reaching the nation’s biggest event this summer.

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Former Hampton golfer Justin Griffith competes for Towson during the 2021-22 season.
Ex-Hampton golfer’s game heats up during successful summer
July 23, 2022
Former Hampton golfer Justin Griffith is getting two more swings at his first state title.

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Hampton won the Pittsburgh Basketball Club summer league freshman championship.
‘Fired up’ Hampton freshmen win summer basketball title
July 16, 2022
Summer basketball leagues are built around staying in shape and building team chemistry.

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Hampton coach Joe Lafko has compiled 499 career wins.
Hampton announces latest class for Athletic Hall of Fame
July 9, 2022
Former Hampton cross country coach Tom Tobin knows all about Halls of Fame.

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Hampton volleyball coach Annie Bozzo, shown in 2020 against Freeport, resigned and will coach Shaler.
Hampton volleyball coach’s departure ‘heartbreaking’
June 18, 2022
Hampton didn’t have to look far to find its new girls volleyball coach.

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Shady Side Academy’s Peter Kramer scores next to Avonworth’s Peyton Faulkner during the WPIAL Class 3A championship game on Friday, March 4, 2022, at Petersen Events Center.
Standout guard Peter Kramer returning to Hampton
June 11, 2022
The Hampton boys basketball team will get some excitement this upcoming season when coach Joe Lafko collects his 500th career coaching victory.

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Hampton left-hander Ryan Apaliski went 4-2 with a 1.73 ERA during section play this past spring and earned first-team All-Section 2-5A honors in 2022.
Hampton ace Apaliski aims to build on breakout season
If Hampton left-hander Ryan Apaliski improves this summer as much as he did last summer, Talbots coach Kellen Wheeler may start running out of superlatives.

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Hampton’s Ava Vitiello ran a personal best in the 1,600 at the state meet.
Hampton quartet fares well at PIAA track
June 4, 2022
Hampton brought back one state medal, one personal-best time and a vanload of memories from the PIAA Class 3A track and field championships May 27-28 at Shippensburg.

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Hampton junior midfielder Emi DiLiberto scored 74 goals this season, the second-most in program history as the Talbots reached the WPIAL girls lacrosse semifinals for the sixth straight season.
Hampton girls lacrosse team delights in exceeding expectations
The Hampton girls lacrosse team entered the 2022 season with tepid expectations after graduation losses decimated last year’s WPIAL Class 2A semifinalist.

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Sean Donlan was one of four Hampton boys lacrosse players to earn first-team all-Section 2-2A honors this season.
Bright future for Hampton boys lacrosse
May 28, 2022
Hampton boys lacrosse coach Andy DeMichiei and his wife, Kristen, welcomed their first child, Owen, on May 10.

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Hampton pitcher Cam Marshalwitz delivers against Fox Chapel during the second game of a doubleheader on April 20.
Disputed call haunts Hampton baseball team
Hampton baseball coach Kellen Wheeler said he “couldn’t even sleep that night” after the Talbots’ controversial WPIAL playoff loss to Penn-Trafford.

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Hampton catcher Bella Henzler fields the ball at home plate during a 2021 playoff game.
Catcher Bella Henzler ends Hampton career with flourish
May 21, 2022
The Hampton softball team will return almost everyone from this year’s WPIAL Class 5A playoff qualifier, but one loss is going to sting.

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Hampton’s Matt DeMatteo breaks up a pass intended for Greensburg Salem’s Donavin Waller last season.
Busy Matt DeMatteo ready to represent Hampton in Big 33
Memorial Day weekend should be a memorable one for Matt DeMatteo.

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Steve Sciullo, a 1998 Shaler Area High School graduate and lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX presented the district with a commemorative Golden Football produced by Wilson to mark the district’s membership in the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016.
Steve Sciullo settles into top spot at Hampton
May 14, 2022
Hampton first-year football coach Steve Sciullo likes what he sees from his new view atop the program.

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Hampton goalie Kaden Hoolahan plays against Fox Chapel on April 6 at Fridley Field in Hampton.
Youthful Hampton lacrosse team shrugs off slow start
The Hampton boys lacrosse team expected to take some lumps this season as it tried to replace 13 seniors.

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Reese’s walk-off home run highlights emotional week for Hampton softball
May 7, 2022
Hampton sophomore Mackenzie Reese was looking for an inside pitch in the bottom of the eighth inning against Seneca Valley on April 22.

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Hampton’s Ava Vitiello competes during the 2022 season.
Hampton junior strides toward WPIAL track championships
Qualifying for the WPIAL Class 3A track and field championships this spring won’t be enough for Ava Vitiello.

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Hampton’s Matt DeMatteo competes in the triple jump finals at the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A track and field championships at Slippery Rock University.
Hampton 3-sport star Matt DeMatteo to run track at Duquesne
May 4, 2022
Hampton three-sport athlete Matt DeMatteo has committed to attend Duquesne on a track scholarship.

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Hampton left fielder Luke Staggers makes a lunging catch against Fox Chapel during the second game of a doubleheader on April 20.
Hampton soccer standout thrives in return to diamond
April 30, 2022
When Luke Staggers picked up a baseball bat for the first time in five years, what happened was just about what anyone would expect.

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Hobbled Hampton senior stays positive, hopes to return for lacrosse playoffs
Hampton’s Rachel Dolan rode a stationary bike on the track at Fridley Field during girls lacrosse practice in mid-April.

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Hampton’s Sean Sullivan competes at the 2022 USA Hockey 16U national championships March 31-April 4, 2022, at Troy, Mich.
Hampton sophomore skates to national hockey championship
April 23, 2022
Hampton sophomore Sean Sullivan felt a range of emotions after the Steel City Ice Renegades won a 2022 USA Hockey 16U national championship earlier this month.

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Hampton’s Kai Herchenroether hits past Freeport’s Autumn English during the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A girls volleyball finals.
Pair of Hampton standouts win WPIAL scholar-athlete awards
A banner year for Hampton athletics just got even more special.

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Hampton’s Sophia Kelly scores against Plum on Dec. 16, 2021.
Hampton 3-sport standout picks basketball, makes college choice
April 16, 2022
Sophia Kelly’s answer was exactly what Mercyhurst women’s basketball coach Brooklyn Kohlheim wanted to hear.

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After cold start, Hampton boys tennis team warming up
Hampton boys tennis coach Grant McKinney peeked outside on a wintry Monday in late March and figured practice was a long shot.

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Hampton girls lacrosse looking for new scorers to step forward
April 9, 2022
The Hampton girls lacrosse team will try to fill the shoes of one All-American with the hands and feet of many.

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Hampton’s Luke Hartle plays against Fox Chapel on Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at Fridley Field in Hampton.
Hampton boys lacrosse team features new look
The Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame inducted Andy DeMichiei this past summer for his exploits on the lacrosse field.

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Hampton’s Matt DeMatteo competes in the triple jump finals at the 2021 WPIAL Class 3A track and field championships at Slippery Rock University.
Coaching continuity helps Hampton track team enter season with confidence
April 2, 2022
When Derek Brinkley stepped down as Hampton track and field coach after 18 seasons this offseason, a priority for athletic director Bill Cardone was keeping the staff as intact as possible.

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Hampton’s Will Retsch competes in the boys 200 individual medley during the WPIAL Class 2A championships.
Will Retsch ends Hampton swimming career with record-shattering flourish
Hampton swimmer Will Retsch is proof that water is the universal solvent.

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Battery powers Hampton softball team
March 26, 2022
The Hampton softball team this season will use its battery to make up for some lost power.

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Hampton junior pitcher Cam Marshalwitz delivers against Fox Chapel last season. He went 4-2 as a pitcher and scored a team-high 18 runs.
High hopes for Hampton baseball after up-and-down playoff season
The Hampton baseball team was taking indoor batting practice earlier this month when players were asked to close the gymnasium doors to accommodate a meeting in the adjacent cafeteria.

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Hampton’s Alan Wolfe works against Highlands’ Angelo Markey at 172 pounds during their Section 1-3A match on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at Highlands.
Hampton senior Wolfe enjoying best season after biding his time as junior backup
February 19, 2022
Hampton wrestler Alan Wolfe refused to get discouraged last season, stuck on the bench behind a two-time WPIAL qualifier.

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The 2021-22 Aquinas Academy girls basketball team.
Aquinas Academy girls eye next step after defending section title
February 12, 2022
The Aquinas Academy girls basketball team is hitting stride at just the right time.

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With full lineups, Hampton bowling teams enjoy season
February 5, 2022
Hampton bowling coach Bob Wallace doesn’t stress over wins and losses with his fifth-year program.

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Belle Donato is a senior swimmer on the 2021-22 Hampton swim team.
Hampton swimmer Donato glides toward WPIALs
January 29, 2022
Belle Donato’s watchful parents urged her to trust them and take the plunge.

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Hampton’s Isabella McNutt works against Sal Barbarino at 106 pounds during their Section 1-3A match on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at Highlands.
Isabella McNutt hears the cheers on Hampton wrestling team
January 22, 2022
Hampton sophomore Isabella McNutt began martial arts at age 4 and earned her Taekwondo black belt at age 7.

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Hampton’s Brock Mattiuz is mobbed by teammates after driving in the winning run against Fox Chapel last season. The baseball team is one of seven teams at Hampton dropping in class next school year.
Realignment sends several Hampton sports teams down in class
Seven Hampton athletics teams will be getting new scenery for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 sports seasons.

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Hampton’s Kayla Hoehler shoots a 3-pointer during the Talbots’ Section 2-5A opener against Plum on Dec. 16, 2021.
Hampton girls basketball turns up pressure during fast start
January 15, 2022
The Hampton girls basketball team was perfect in December by letting no opposing teams win and by barely allowing them to breathe.

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The 2021-22 Hampton bocce team.
Bocce provides team sports experience to Hampton students with disabilities
There is something special and unifying about the Hampton High School bocce team.

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Hampton’s Will Retsch competes in the 200 yard individual medley during last year’s WPIAL Class 2A swimming championships at Upper St. Clair.
Hampton senior shows off all-around ability in IM
January 8, 2022
Hampton swimming coach Morgan Zweygardt quickly spotted something about then-freshman Will Retsch.

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Hampton’s Benny Haselrig celebrates with Brock Borgo after his touchdown reception in the second half at Highlands on Sept. 24.
Accolades pile up after Hampton football’s record-breaking season
December 18, 2021
When the Hampton football players turned in their equipment after the winningest season in program history, their coaches gave them something in return.

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Hampton’s Logan Scanlon pressures Franklin Regional’s Zach Abdallah during a 2019 game.
Senior’s 7-goal game highlights Hampton hockey’s move to Class A
Hampton hockey coach Luke Leya figured Logan Scanlon was bound to break out one of these nights.

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Boost in numbers gives Hampton wrestling optimism despite graduation losses
December 12, 2021
The Hampton wrestling team is aiming to focus on quantity rather than quality.

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Hampton’s Ben Sheets competes in the boys’ 200 IM at last season’s WPIAL meet.
Hampton can count on depth in quest to repeat at WPIAL Class 2A boys swim champs
The reigning WPIAL Class 2A champion Hampton boys swimming team hopes deeper is better when it comes to the pool.

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Hampton’s Sophia Kelly scores against Plum last season.
Veteran backcourt has Hampton girls basketball thinking big
December 5, 2021
Hampton girls basketball coach Tony Howard has a good feeling entering the 2021-22 season.

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Hampton’s Matt DeMatteo guards Fox Chapel’s Eli Yofan during a game last season.
Hampton boys basketball poised to rebound with multi-sport athletes
The Hampton boys basketball team will try to bounce back from one of the worst seasons in program history with a bunch of players who have won a lot lately.

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Hampton celebrates beating Plum in five sets during the WPIAL Class 3A girls volleyball semifinals on Nov. 2.
Hampton athletes rack up championships during historic fall season
November 28, 2021
One year after a pandemic rattled WPIAL athletics, something else proved to be contagious at Hampton — winning.

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Hampton sophomores Nathan Garrett (left) and Dale Hall sprint to the finish in the Class 2A boys race during the WPIAL cross country championships Oct. 28.
Future bright for Hampton cross country teams
November 20, 2021
The Hampton boys and girls cross country teams each have a lot to look forward to next season.

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Hampton’s Benny Haselrig makes a diving touchdown catch as Thomas Jefferson’s Angelo Volomino defends on Nov. 12 at Fridley Field in Hampton.
Hampton football wraps up historic season
Following their WPIAL playoff loss to Thomas Jefferson, the Hampton senior football players gathered at midfield inside a quiet, emptied Fridley Field.

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Hampton’s Emmy Schrom hits past the Freeport block during the WPIAL Class 3A volleyball championship Nov. 6.
Hampton girls volleyball’s ‘amazing’ year highlighted by WPIAL finals trip, PIAA win
November 13, 2021
The Hampton girls volleyball team found a silver lining in its WPIAL Class 3A runner-up season.

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Hampton’s Zach Panza (second from left) celebrates with the WPIAL championship trophy with teammates Luke Staggers, Holden Pritts and Dylan Beranek.
‘Special group’ brings WPIAL boys soccer championship to Hampton
Hampton’s journey to the 2021 WPIAL boys soccer championship began when many of the players were still in elementary school.

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Hampton sophomores Nathan Garrett (left) and Dale Hall sprint to the finish in the Class AA boys race during the WPIAL cross country championships on Oct. 28 at California University of Pa.
Coach pays off bet as Hampton wins school’s 1st WPIAL cross country title
November 6, 2021
Hampton boys cross country coach Dean Longwell dyed his hair bleach blonde on Oct. 31, but it had nothing to do with Halloween.

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Hampton’s Sophie Kelly celebrates her goal with teammates late in the second half against Franklin Regional on Oct. 6.
Hampton girls soccer team came a long way during another playoff season
A girls soccer season that began with the program’s most lopsided loss in a decade ended with the players’ heads held high.

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Hampton’s students get ready for kickoff in their first round game with Plum on Nov. 5, 2021, at Hampton’s Fridley Field.
Hampton holds off Plum in WPIAL Class 4A 1st round, stays unbeaten
November 5, 2021
The No. 4-seeded Hampton Talbots remained perfect, but they used an imperfect performance to stay that way.

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Hampton’s Michael Morgano drives for yardage against Greensburg Salem on Oct 1.
Hampton marches into WPIAL football playoffs
October 30, 2021
Each Saturday morning, the Hampton football team gathers for its weekly film study to break down the previous night’s game.

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Hampton’s Sophie Kelly celebrates a penalty against Franklin Regional during a game on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, at Frildey Field in Hampton.
Hampton 3-sport standout Kelly helps guide girls soccer team to WPIAL playoff berth
October 23, 2021
Sophia Kelly had a tough decision to make this past summer.

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Hampton’s Kevyn Fish finished second overall at the John Sample Invitational on Oct. 2, 2021, at Grove City.
Hampton freshman runner Fish off to fast start
October 9, 2021
Hampton’s Kevyn Fish proudly held out her left hand and showed her dad the “6:22” written on her palm.

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Hampton’s inside linebacker Jayden Resch plays against Greensburg Salem on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at Hampton High School.
Resch provides physical, intelligent presence in middle of Hampton defense
Hampton’s Jacque DeMatteo has sought two traits in his middle linebacker during 22 seasons as a WPIAL football coach.

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Hampton’s Madison Hurst plays against Armstrong last season.
Hampton girls soccer shakes off slow start
October 2, 2021
The Hampton girls soccer team is getting healthy at the right time.

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Hampton’s Holden Pritts celebrates his goal next to Mars’ Mason Meyer during their game on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at Mars. Hampton won, 2-0.
Smothering defense helps Hampton start season strong
September 25, 2021
Hampton senior Thomas Bradfield is one of the top goalkeepers in WPIAL Class 3A soccer.

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Former Hampton star takes reins of school’s boys lacrosse program
September 18, 2021
One of the winningest coaches in the history of Hampton boys lacrosse is being replaced by one of the program’s top players of all time.

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Hampton’s Amy (Lindsey) Shane (left) and Fox Chapel’s Cara Zimmer fight for the ball during a 1997 WPIAL girls soccer playoff game.
Hampton to welcome doubled-up class into sports hall of fame
Former girls soccer star Amy Lindsey Shane waited more than two decades to get into the Hampton Athletic Hall of Fame, so one extra year wasn’t going to matter.

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Senior’s return helps spark Hampton girls tennis team to early-season wins
September 11, 2021
On the first day of Hampton girls tennis practice last month, coach Grant McKinney could hardly believe his eyes.

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Hampton coach Jacque DeMatteo said his skill players have taken on an unselfish “lineman attitude” this season.
Hampton football making noise with super start
On the bus ride home from their 51-13 victory at Fox Chapel on Sept. 3, the Hampton football players couldn’t play any music during their joyful postgame celebration.

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Hampton sophomore Lydia Bailey was the Talbots’ top finisher at the 2020 WPIAL Class AAA cross country Championships last season.
Fresh start energizes talented, young Hampton cross country team
August 28, 2021
A youthful Hampton girls cross country team is about to get even younger.

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Hampton’s Gabe Viszlay (16) celebrates a goal with Luke Staggers (20) and Zach Panza during a 2020 WPIAL Class 3A first-round playoff game against Kiski Area.
Hampton boys soccer seniors driven to make most of last chance
Since going undefeated as eighth graders, the seniors on the Hampton boys soccer team have held lofty expectations.

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Hampton girls tennis vows to show improvement after winless season
August 22, 2021
Junior Abi Green is hoping to put a new spin on her 2021 season with the Hampton girls tennis team.

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Mars receiver Noah Nesselroad catches a pass during practice on Aug. 9, 2021, at Mars Athletic Complex.
Big, experienced line leads charge for Mars
August 20, 2021
Mars senior left tackle Matt Detisch spent this offseason doing bear crawls on a big hill at his home.

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Hampton’s Jayden Resch participates in a 7 on 7 high school football tournament Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Bethel Park.
Hampton determined to build on playoff season
Hampton all-conference wide receiver Benny Haselrig played last season with the letters “IWNBD CH” written on his wrist tape.

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North Hills quarterback John Green throws a pass during practice on Aug. 9, 2021, at Martorelli Stadium.
New dual-threat QB brings excitement to North Hills
August 19, 2021
North Hills is talented and experienced on defense this season, and a little bit Green at quarterback.

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North Catholic quarterback Joey Prentice throws a pass during practice on Aug. 9, 2021, in Cranberry.
North Catholic looks to clear semifinal hurdle
August 15, 2021
The seniors on the North Catholic football team have more conference titles than regular-season losses.

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Hampton’s Kai Herchenroether plays against Freeport last season.
‘Thankful’ Talbots eye girls volleyball section repeat
August 14, 2021
Inside a nearly empty Hampton High School earlier this month, unmistakable sounds echoed from the main gym.

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Hampton junior Daniel Venture
Youthful Talbots swing into golf season
The Hampton golf team has gone from experienced and good to inexperienced and maybe good.

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Avonworth quarterback Nate Harper throws a pass during practice on Aug. 9, 2021, in Ohio Twp.
‘Unheard-of’ playoff miss drives Avonworth
In the past 20 years, 663 schools have finished with a winning percentage of .750 or better in WPIAL conference play.

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Hampton senior football player Mike Witherup and his father, Darin, show off their catches at the Fishers of Men Legacy National Tournament on Lake Wheeler, Ala. on July 31, 2021.
Hampton senior tight end is the reel deal
August 8, 2021
Depending on the setting, Mike Witherup can catch a pass or catch a bass.

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Hampton center fielder Adam Dembowski, who will be a senior this fall, is batting .380 this summer for the US Elite Mid-Atlantic travel baseball team.
Traveling summer baseball teams keep Hampton players sharp
July 31, 2021
Editor’s note: Neighbor Spotlight is a monthly feature that aims to let our readers learn more about the people in their communities who are working to make them a better place, who have interesting stories to tell or who the community feels deserve “15 minutes of fame.” If you would like to nominate someone as a Neighbor Spotlight, see the hamptonjournal.com, select the “Post Story” button in the upper right corner and complete the form to publish your nomination. Questions? Email Neighborhood News Network editor Katie Green at kgreen@triblive.com.

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Hampton graduate Tyler Bischke is a shortstop on the 2021 Murray State College baseball team.
Hampton grad Tyler Bischke picks New Orleans
Former Hampton infielder Tyler Bischke has committed to Division I New Orleans after excelling during his lone season at a tiny junior college in Oklahoma.

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From left, outgoing head coach Chris Hart poses with former Hampton wrestlers Justin Hart and Dawson Dietz and incoming head coach Nick Endres.
Hampton wrestling shakes up coaching staff
July 11, 2021
When Chris Hart told his Hampton wrestlers at their season-ending banquet last month that he was stepping down as head coach, their next coach was standing only a couple of feet away.

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Hampton graduate Ben Huber, who graduated from Carnegie Mellon in May, played last month in the nation’s toughest U.S. Open qualifier in a field that included four former PGA Tour major champions.
Hampton grad competes at U.S. Open qualifier, NCAA tournament in golf season to remember
July 3, 2021
Hampton graduate Ben Huber this spring was part of the best golf team in Carnegie Mellon history and struggled to an 80th-place finish at an event in Columbus, Ohio.

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North Hills’ Robert Dickerson
TribHSSN Preseason WPIAL Football All-Star team: Robert Dickerson, North Hills
July 1, 2021
The Tribune-Review and the TribLive High School Sports Network are profiling each member of the 25-player Trib HSSN Preseason Football All-Star team. The players will be recognized July 22 during HSSN Media Day at Kennywood Park.

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Hampton junior guard Matt DeMatteo is also the school’s starting quarterback.
Summer league basketball gives Hampton chance to build chemistry
June 25, 2021
High school basketball season is still five months away, but the Hampton boys are getting a running start.

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Hampton coach Jacque DeMatteo instructs during preseason workouts last year.
Hampton football carries momentum into offseason program
Success is becoming contagious for the Hampton football team.

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Hampton’s Emi Suyama, who graduated earlier this month, is recovering from a torn ACL suffered during a skiing accident in December 2020.
Hampton’s Suyama presses on after covid cancellations, torn ACL deny her final 2 lacrosse seasons
June 19, 2021
Emi Suyama knows life can throw a lot at you.

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Mars’ Luke Whittaker makes a move past Chartiers Valley senior midfielder Jackson Fodor in the fourth quarter of the WPIAL championship game on May 27, 2021.
Mars out to make history again in PIAA boys lacrosse finals
June 10, 2021
For more than a decade, the only way a WPIAL team could reach the PIAA lacrosse championships was with a ticket.

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Hampton’s Gage Galuska wins the 400-meter dash at the WPIAL Class AAA championships May 19.
Hampton’s Galuska keeps his cool at states, medals in 400
June 5, 2021
Hampton senior Gage Galuska was a little slower — and a lot colder — at the PIAA Class AAA track and field championships.

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Hampton’s Megan Cook scored 85 goals as a senior, the team’s single-season record.
Hampton girls lacrosse star racks up eye-popping stats in abbreviated career
Hampton girls lacrosse coach Kelsey Viets felt disbelief as she tabulated star midfielder Megan Cook’s career statistics.

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Hampton boys lacrosse sends off ‘special’ senior class
May 29, 2021
Hampton All-WPIAL attack Max Saltrelli realized four years ago his then-freshman class was going to be “something special.”

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Hampton’s Cam Marshalwitz throws a pitch on May 6.
Hampton baseball turns focus to next season after up-and-down year
The final out of Hampton’s 2021 baseball season was a deep drive against West Allegheny in the WPIAL Class 5A playoff opener.

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Hampton’s Gage Galuska, left, and Butler’s Guinness Brown compete in the 400-meter dash finals at the WPIAL Class AAA track and field championships May 19, 2021, at Slippery Rock University.
Joy, pain for Hampton track team at WPIAL meet
May 22, 2021
Two Hampton seniors showed at the WPIAL Class AAA track and field championships that a fraction of an inch or a hundredth of a second can be the difference between elation and heartache.

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Penn-Trafford’s Allie Prady scores past Hampton catcher Bella Henzler during their WPIAL Class 5A first-round playoff game on May 18.
Power-hitting Hampton softball squad cools down at inopportune time
The most prolific home run-hitting Hampton softball team in at least two decades picked a lousy time to go quiet.

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Hampton boys lacrosse surges into postseason
May 15, 2021
Hampton senior defender Gus Wolf hopes history repeats itself in the WPIAL Class AA boys lacrosse playoffs.

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Hampton runners, from left, Corey Letterle, Joey Mayer, Gage Galuska and Matt DeMatteo, compete at the Butler Invitational on April 24, 2021, at Butler.
Hampton athletes sprint toward WPIAL track championship meet
The Hampton boys track and field team last month won its first section title in 36 years.

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Hampton’s Hannah Bradfield competes during the 2021 softball season.
Tape-measure homer shows Hampton softball slugger’s eye-popping power
May 8, 2021
Hampton’s Hannah Bradfield hit six home runs in a four-game stretch in late April, but only one of them left nearly everybody shocked.

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Hampton senior Jillian Stennett recently returned after missing a month with a concussion.
Hampton’s Stennett returns to girls lacrosse after missing month with concussion
April Fool’s Day was no joke for Hampton lacrosse player Jillian Stennett.

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Tennis courts at Hampton Community Park
Hampton tennis reaches WPIAL playoffs thanks to unexpected help from section foe Indiana
May 1, 2021
The pizza and cupcakes started to taste a little bit better to the Hampton boys tennis team.

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Hampton junior pitcher Cam Marshalwitz delivers against Fox Chapel on April 19, 2021, at Hampton High School.
Talbots baseball armed for another WPIAL playoff bid behind Kosko, Marshalwitz
A pair of lefties have the Hampton baseball team on the right side of the WPIAL playoff picture.

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Hampton catcher Bella Henzler is a James Madison recruit.
Division I-bound catcher Bella Henzler is big hit for Hampton
April 24, 2021
The first time Hampton coach Ron Fedell saw star catcher Bella Henzler playing softball he wondered if the diminutive seventh-grader had a future behind the plate.

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Hampton’s Hannah Schepner competes during an early-season meet in 2021.
Hampton girls track team off to quick start behind versatile senior jumper
April 17, 2021
Hampton senior Hannah Schepner still is unsure about her best event in track and field.

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Hampton senior Gage Galuska is one of the top 400-meter runners in the WPIAL.
Hampton football players give boost to boys track and field team
If the Hampton boys track and field team can reach the WPIAL Class AAA playoffs for only the second time in a decade, it will have another Hampton team to thank.

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Hampton’s Megan Cook competes against Oakland Catholic in a 2019 girls lacrosse match.
Loaded senior class has Hampton girls lacrosse seeking 3rd WPIAL title since ’17
April 10, 2021
On the eve of each home section game, the Hampton girls lacrosse players gather after practice for a team dinner.

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Hampton eyes another run to WPIAL boys lacrosse finals
The Hampton boys lacrosse team waited 667 days between matches.

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Hampton tennis off to quick start in return to Class AA
April 3, 2021
The Hampton boys tennis team is hoping to make a racket this season.

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Hampton defenseman Owen Cirlingione finished the 2020-21 season with five goals and six assists.
Hampton hockey rolls with punches
The youthful Hampton hockey team endured a lot of growing pains this season.

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Richie Donato
Silver lining, record finish for Hampton swimmer Donato
March 27, 2021
The Hampton 100-yard breaststroke record stood for 25 years until senior Richie Donato broke it March 6.

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Hampton’s Bella Henzler is one of the top catchers in the WPIAL.
Hampton softball has ‘a lot of games to win’ after coach’s covid scare
They were simple get-well cards. Some were store-bought, some caringly drawn by hand.

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Hampton pitcher Michael Kosko throws during a scrimmage against Butler last season.
Hampton baseball deals with numbers crunch
Turns out the pandemic isn’t finished with the Hampton baseball team.

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Hampton’s Justin Hart celebrates his win over Bellefonte Area’s Ethan Rossman in the 189-pound Class AAA semifinal March 13 during PIAA wrestling championships at the Giant Center in Hershey.
Hampton wrestler Hart rebounds from cracked ribs to earn PIAA silver
March 20, 2021
In mid-January, Hampton senior Justin Hart couldn’t laugh without it hurting.

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Hampton High School wins the championship in boys’ AA swimming on Saturday, March 6, 2021 during the WPIAL swimming championships at Upper St. Clair High School.
Relay win sparks Hampton boys to 1st WPIAL team swim title since 1999
March 15, 2021
The Hampton boys swimming team needed 1 minute, 36 seconds to set into motion something that hadn’t happened in 22 years.

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Hampton’s Kayla Hoehler (left) and Addie Klocko defend Latrobe’s Emma Blair during a WPIAL Class 5A quarterfinal March 8.
Hampton reflects on breakthrough season after playoff run ends
After the final horn sounded on her senior season, Hampton guard Liv Bianco slowly walked off the court and placed the basketball on the scorer’s table.

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Hampton junior guard Matt DeMatteo is also the school’s starting quarterback.
Hampton boys look to grow from tough season
March 6, 2021
A season that began with a delay ended with a dud for the Hampton boys basketball team.

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Hampton siblings Brennan Murray and Meghan Murray compete for the 2020-21 Talbots basketball teams.
Hampton’s Murray siblings show drive to succeed
February 27, 2021
For years, Brennan and Meghan Murray have squared off at the basketball hoop in the driveway of their Hampton home.

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Koda Carslaw is a member of the 2020-21 Hampton diving team.
Diving no longer ‘secondary thing’ for Hampton’s Carslaw
When Koda Carslaw took up diving last season, he admits it was “more of a secondary thing.”

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Hampton wrestler overcomes size disadvantage to have big senior season
February 20, 2021
Nearly every time Conrad Harold stepped on the wrestling mat this season, he was facing someone bigger than him.

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Hampton’s Biz Watson (right) and Olivia Bianco tie up Plum’s Kai Johnson battles during their game on Jan. 21.
Talented juniors lead Hampton girls basketball renaissance
Every once in a while — it doesn’t happen often — one of the top players on the Hampton girls basketball team will toss up a wildly off-target shot at practice.

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Aquinas Academy’s Laura Richthammer defends Monessen’s Kendall Weston in a WPIAL Class A playoff game last season.
Tiny Aquinas Academy showing it belongs among WPIAL girls basketball contenders
February 7, 2021
The second-smallest school in WPIAL girls basketball is eyeing bigger things this season.

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Aquinas Academy’s Vinnie Cugini led the WPIAL in scoring last season.
Led by scoring sensation Vinnie Cugini, Aquinas Academy boys seek playoff success
Aquinas Academy star guard Vinnie Cugini knows the Crusaders will make the WPIAL Class A playoffs this season for the first time in program history. 

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Aquinas Academy sophomore Vinnie Cugini scored his 1,000th career point on Jan. 29, 2021, against Leechburg.
Aquinas Academy sophomore Vinnie Cugini makes WPIAL history
January 31, 2021
There weren’t many fans to witness it, but Aquinas Academy sophomore Vinnie Cugini made WPIAL history Friday night.

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Hampton’s Sophia Kelly scores against Plum on Jan. 21. Kelly scored a team-high 18 points in Hampton’s 68-41 victory.
Hampton girls off to red-hot start after adopting up-tempo style
January 30, 2021
Not even a pandemic — or having to run pregame drills in the school cafeteria — can slow down the Hampton girls basketball team.

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Hampton competitive spirit squad adapting to all-new calendar
The Hampton competitive spirit team still hasn’t started its 2020-21 season, when in any other year it would almost be over.

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Hampton wrestler Dawson Dietz (right) works in practice last season.
Hampton heavyweight eager to test himself against Powerade field
January 23, 2021
Hampton’s Dawson Dietz left the Powerade Wrestling Tournament two years ago with a season-ending torn labrum.

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Hampton’s Owen Cirlingione defends Penn-Trafford’s Nate Loughner on Nov. 24, at Center Ice Arena in Delmont.
Hampton hockey focuses on defense to stop slump
The slumping Hampton hockey team is slowing things down in hopes of heating things up.

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Hampton’s Jayden Resch was a WPIAL qualifier last season.
Hampton wrestler steps up to help teammate who lost home in fire
January 16, 2021
On a school night in early November, Hampton’s Jayden Resch disappeared into a spare bedroom for a few hours.

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Hampton girls basketball coach Tony Howard oversees a practice last season.
Hampton girls basketball carries momentum through ‘pause’
January 10, 2021
Hampton had the “best, most intense” three-week preseason in Tony Howard’s 14 years as a girls basketball coach.

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Hampton’s Quinn Morrow shoots during practice last season.
Hampton boys basketball eager for restart
Joe Lafko has seen a lot in three decades as a basketball coach, but this is the first season he has held court at a computer screen.

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North Allegheny’s Lizzy Groetsch (32) eyes the basket against Bethel Park in the WPIAL Class 6A championship game at Petersen Events Center last season.
Last season’s abrupt ending motivates North Allegheny girls basketball
December 13, 2020
After having its state title hopes dashed last season by the covid-19 pandemic, the North Allegheny girls basketball team isn’t worried about a couple of inconveniences.

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Hampton’s Catie Kress competes in the girls 500 freestyle during the 2020 Class AAA WPIAL swimming and diving championship at Trees Pool.
Hampton girls swimmers get up to speed quickly in preseason
With most swimming pools shut down for much of the offseason, Hampton coach Morgan Zweygardt was unsure what to expect from her girls team when practices began.

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Hampton’s Ethan Apaliski competes in the boys 100 breaststroke during the 2020 WPIAL Class AAA swimming and diving championship at Trees Pool.
Hampton boys swimmers a WPIAL title threat in Class AA
The Hampton boys swimming team is looking forward to picking on someone its own size.

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North Allegheny coach Spencer Stefko calls in a play during a WPIAL Class 6A semifinal game against Upper St. Clair Feb. 25, 2020 at North Hills.
North Allegheny girls basketball coach Spencer Stefko returns after battling covid
December 8, 2020
North Allegheny’s Spencer Stefko, the reigning PIAA Class 6A girls basketball coach of the year, will never forget this past Thanksgiving.

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Hampton’s Madison Hurst plays against Armstrong Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 at Hampton High School.
Hampton athletes earn postseason honors after historic fall season
December 5, 2020
The most challenging, unusual sports season in WPIAL history included something else that has never been seen before.

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Hampton’s Justin Hart flattens out Quaker Valley’s Patrick Cutchember at the 2020 Allegheny County Tournament at Fox Chapel.
Led by state qualifiers, Hampton wrestling looks strong in upper weights
If Hampton senior Justin Hart ever says “uncle” in the wrestling room, it will have nothing to do with giving up.

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Kayla Hoehler was Hampton’s leading scorer with 12.6 points per game last season.
Girls basketball preview: Hampton aims to get back on track with up-tempo attack
November 28, 2020
The Hampton girls basketball team is going small in the hopes of something big.

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Hampton’s Seth Koontz (right) is one of two returning starters on the roster.
Boys basketball preview: Hampton getting ready for season unlike any other
There are a lot of new faces on the Hampton boys basketball team, even if coach Joe Lafko can’t quite see them right now.

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Hampton bowlers aiming high with deeper rosters
November 21, 2020
The Hampton bowling team is turning to a familiar face for a season the likes of which it has never seen before.

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Plum’s Makyala Jackson (left) celebrates a point with teammates Oct. 20 at Kiski Area.
Plum volleyball team savors remarkable turnaround season
Plum entered this season with the expressed goal of reaching the WPIAL Class 3A girls volleyball playoffs.

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Hampton’s Owen Cirlingione (17) looks to gain possession against Franklin Regional’s Trent Lunden last season.
Hampton hockey making dramatic improvements
November 17, 2020
The Hampton hockey team last season needed three months to reach two wins.

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Hampton’s Holden Pritts (right) celebrates his goal with Gabe Viszlay during their WPIAL Class 3A first-round playoff game against Kiski Area on Oct. 24.
Hampton teams walk through covid minefield to complete successful fall season
November 14, 2020
Bill Cardone was sitting in the parking lot at Pittsburgh International Airport on Aug. 21, waiting to pick up his wife, when he got the news.

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JV success points to bright future for Hampton football
Hampton reached the WPIAL football playoffs for the first time in five years this season, and a lot more help is on the way.

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Hampton’s Corey Scherer celebrates his goal during a WPIAL Class 3A first-round playoff game against Kiski Area on Oct. 24.
Hampton notebook: Strong boys soccer season ends in OT loss to No. 1 Mars
November 7, 2020
Hampton senior Corey Scherer needed some time to ease the sting of a 1-0 double-overtime playoff loss to nemesis Mars.

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Hampton coach Jacque DeMatteo guided his team to the WPIAL playoffs just four years after a winless season.
Hampton football takes huge step forward
Hampton senior lineman Dawson Dietz stood along a chainlink fence at Aliquippa’s Carl Aschman Stadium, wearing a muddy uniform and a smile.

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Hampton’s Arianna Erka competes in a match during the 2020 season.
Pair of birdies highlight Oakmont experience for Hampton’s Arianna Erka
October 25, 2020
There was a time when back-to-back triple bogeys at the WPIAL golf championships would have ruined Arianna Erka.

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Freeport’s Christopher Doerr (12) works against Hampton’s Liam Nichols during their game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, at Freeport.
Longtime friends, teammates Nichols, Viszlay lead Hampton soccer into postseason
October 24, 2020
Hampton’s Liam Nichols and Gabe Viszlay are dynamic teammates on the field and the best of friends away from it.

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Hampton girls tennis players have no trouble finding silver linings in season
October 17, 2020
The Hampton girls tennis team is proof a season that looks dreadful on paper can look pretty good in person.

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Hampton’s Madison Hurst plays against Armstrong Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020 at Hampton High School.
Freshman phenom brings scoring punch to Hampton girls soccer team
Hampton girls soccer coach Bill Paholich needed one workout to realize freshman Madison Hurst had a chance to be special.

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New Hampton volleyball coach ‘strong leader’
October 10, 2020
Annie Bozzo is Hampton’s third girls volleyball coach in as many years, but the transition appears to be smooth.

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Hampton’s Julia Resch competes during a recent game.
Hampton senior Resch vocal leader for volleyball team
For the past two years, Hampton’s Julia Resch has drawn loud cheers before her volleyball matches even start.

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Hampton’s Gage Galuska (16) makes a catch behind Kiski Area’s Kryell Hutcherson last year at Hampton.
Gage Galuska part of turnaround season for Hampton football
Hampton three-sport senior Gage Galuska plays football in the fall, wrestles in the winter and runs track in the spring.

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Members of the Hampton girls cross country team, from left, Kendall Solkovy, Ava Vitiello, Ciara Evans and Lydia Bailey, compete at Hartwood Acres during the 2020 season.
Hampton girls cross country ‘moving in the right direction’
October 3, 2020
The Hampton girls cross county team has hit the ground running.

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Hampton’s Jackson McGrath (left) and Aidan Sawyer (right) compete at Hartwood Acres during the 2020 season.
Hampton cross country team finds its stride in Class AA
Talk about a kick to the shins.

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Hamption golfer Ruzomberka on quest for redemption
September 26, 2020
Hampton senior Matt Ruzomberka has played thousands of holes of golf since his father introduced him to the sport growing up in England a decade ago.

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Hampton quarterback Matt DeMatteo after beating Armstrong: “That feeling after a win, you want that to keep coming back. We came back to practice even hungrier.”
Hampton upbeat after rare shutout win
A 3-by-3-foot white board hangs on the wall inside the clubhouse at Hampton’s Fridley Field to commemorate “Football Shutouts.”

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Hampton girls soccer coach Bill Paholich led the Talbots to a 12-6-1 record last season.
Rebuilding Hampton girls eye 5th straight postseason berth
September 19, 2020
Emmy Chismer got a head start on what 2020 would bring.

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Hampton’s Max Saltrelli brings the ball upfield during a game at Freeport.
Saltrelli’s return to midfield bolsters Hampton boys soccer team
Max Saltrelli is a starting center midfielder for the Hampton boys soccer team and a 40-goal scorer for the school’s lacrosse program.

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Northgate quarterback Christian Davin throws a pass during practice Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019, in Bellevue.
Northgate optimistic after nightmare season in 2018
August 20, 2019
One season after the Northgate Flames were barely an ember, second-year coach Mike Fulmore is feeling a bit more optimistic.

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Seneca Valley’s Josh Kaltenberger is a Purdue recruit.
High expectations for Class 6A Seneca Valley after WPIAL title-game run
August 15, 2019
Seneca Valley used mainly its experience and size to reach last year’s WPIAL Class 6A title game.

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Butler receiver Charlie Kreinbucher (right) works out during practice on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019.
Class 6A Butler faces debilitating lack of numbers
After going 0-10 in his first full season as coach at his alma mater, Butler’s Eric Christy knows the real challenge is about to begin.

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