Expect excitement from loaded Norwin boys soccer team

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, August 19, 2023 | 11:01 AM

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Scott Schuchert is looking at this boys soccer season with eager eyes.

“Exciting times,” the veteran Norwin coach said.

The Knights always seem to be in the hunt in Class 4A, and it doesn’t appear this season will be any different.

Despite falling to eventual champion Pine-Richland in the WPIAL quarterfinals — the Knights were the No. 3 seed — the thought is that the returning talent they have, battled-tested and growingly cohesive, can take them farther given another shot at the postseason.

The Knights have a talented and versatile senior to build around in Owen Christopher, a fourth-year starter who could be utilized more offensively. He was the Section 2 player of the year as a defender.

“He’ll make our engine tick,” Schuchert said. “In my opinion, he is the best overall player in the WPIAL. Every year we have moved him up a layer. His value lies in his ability to interchange and cover multiple layers with his endurance. So he will be able to help out defensively or attacking depending on the demands of the game.”

Senior goalkeeper Anthony Scalise, senior forward Alex Brown and junior midfielder Daniel Maddock bring experience to the Knights’ starting 11.

“Scalise is returning after being the unanimous section goalie of the year,” Schuchert said “And he’s gotten better.”

Other key returnees are senior Rick Zappone, junior George Bunovich and junior Dylan Moyer. The Knights have an established back line.

They also have a promising freshman in Ryan Schoemer. His class will support the main core.

“We have a phenomenal incoming ninth grade class, providing depth at every position,” Schuchert said. “We will be led by two exceptional seniors (Christopher and Scalise) and (Maddock) will be the headline player in our attack.”

Norwin has added three new assistant coaches in Dave Kozak, Matt Henry and Mike Powers.

“We have had lots of energy this summer,” Schuchert said. “In the gym and outside. You’ll see a different team to start this year.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin