Baldwin QB Stahl looks to add to family’s success for Fighting Highlanders

By: HSSN Staff
Thursday, August 2, 2018 | 10:54 PM

Alexa Stahl was honored in 2013 as the senior female athlete of the year at Baldwin.

Alexa, now 23, was a WPIAL all-star selection in soccer and lacrosse, set the school record for goals scored in girls lacrosse and continued her soccer career at West Liberty.

After starting for two years for the Hilltoppers, Alexa suffered a career-ending injury and went on to attain a nursing degree at Community College of Allegheny.

Alina Stahl is a 2018 Baldwin graduate who recently wrapped up a brilliant four-year soccer and indoor and outdoor track and field career.

Alina, 18, earned nine WPIAL track medals, and is the school’s all-time leading goal-scorer in girls soccer.

She will continue her career on the nationally acclaimed West Virginia women’s soccer team in the fall.

Next in line to make a major impact on the Baldwin athletic program is Mason Stahl, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior quarterback on the Fighting Highlanders’ football team.

Stahl, 16, is a second-year starter at the signal calling position.

“Although my sister (Alina) is a great athlete going on to play soccer at WVU, I have carved out my own niche and will be looking to set my own legacy as an athlete,” said Mason, who also has a 2-year-old sister named Nia.

“Last year, it was a new staff, a new system and a totally new set of expectations. This year, I feel comfortable in every aspect of the game, both mentally and physically. I read defenses and get through my progressions with an approach of next-tier quarterbacks. Colleges have begun taking notice but will really see what I am capable of this year.”

Stahl, who owns a 4.65 time in the 40, was lauded as the quarterback MVP at the 2/10ths High School Football Showcase in May at Baldwin Stadium.

“Mason has worked extremely hard this offseason,” said Loran Cooley, Baldwin’s second-year coach. “He has added about 15 pounds and has grown at least 2 inches since last season.

“Mason has improved a lot in his decision-making and the way he is throwing the ball. He was a threat last year with his running ability, but now he is throwing the ball extremely well. He can hurt you with his arm and feet. He is also emerging as a leader. We have been to seven-on-seven passing camps at WVU, Mt. Union, Toledo and W&J, and he has been one of the best, if not the best, quarterback at each camp. I’m excited to watch him this year.”

Baldwin is a member of the Class 5A Allegheny Eight Conference, along with Bethel Park, Chartiers Valley, Moon, Peters Township, Upper St. Clair, West Allegheny and Woodland Hills.

The Fighting Highlanders open the 2018 season Aug. 24 at home against Fox Chapel, followed by another home game Aug. 31 against Butler. Their conference opener is Sept. 7 at home against USC.

“We feel comfortable with what we’re doing and have risen to every challenge set before us,” Stahl said. “Coach Cooley is a great motivator, and together with his staff, the sky’s the limit.

“Our expectations are to prove that this is a new Baldwin team and one that will leave a lasting legacy. We have won a few seven-on-seven tournaments, but the real goals will be reached this season. We’re excited to show the WPIAL what we’re about.

“Last season, our team was comprised of mostly ninth and 10th-graders, and for what we had in talent, we lacked in experience. This year is different, way different.”

Stahl, who serves as a Special Olympics volunteer, also is an outfielder in the Baldwin baseball program. He led the team in stolen bases last season.

The showcase event at Baldwin Stadium was held for athletes from the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 classes. Position-specific drills took place, and college coaches were on hand to watch.

The camp’s purpose was to assist underclassmen in getting an early jump in their recruiting process, providing players’ information and video footage to college football programs.

Along with Stahl, three other Baldwin gridders went home with MVP plaudits: Lucas Strayer (LB), Lucas Perfetti (OL) and Jaquon Parker (DL).

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin