Trib HSSN athletes of the week: Bethel Park’s Justin Meis, Avonworth’s Hunter Robinson

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 | 10:33 PM

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Justin Meis

School: Bethel Park

Sport: Baseball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Justin Meis has developed into the ace of the Bethel Park pitching staff and is one of the top pitchers in the WPIAL. When not on the hill, he is the Black Hawks' starting shortstop. Last week in a game against Baldwin, Meis threw a complete-game four-hitter, allowing one unearned run with 13 strikeouts in a 2-1 victory. Earlier in the week, Meis came on in the final 1 ¹⁄₃ innings for the save in a 6-3 win over Canon-McMillan that lifted the Black Hawks into first place in Section 3-6A. The senior is headed to Eastern Michigan to continue his baseball career next year.

The Black Hawks have become the team to beat in Section 3 through the first half of section play. Are you surprised at how well this team is playing?

No, not at all. I think our team has a strong core of senior leaders and very talented underclassmen. Everyone on the team knows their role and does what we need them to do. Our team chemistry is great this year both on and off the field.

You have become one of the top pitchers in the WPIAL. What are your strengths and what aspects do you have to work on?

I have a lot of confidence in myself on the mound. I try to stay poised in pressure situations, and I have been working hard to improve my change-up this season.

Bethel Park has a great baseball tradition, but it has been a long time since the team won it all. Is this team capable of making a long playoff run?

Absolutely. Our team has been finding ways to win close ball games this season, and we never quit. We believe in each other. I think we have talent at all positions, and we work hard in practice to push each other to get better.

Are there any pitchers, past of present, that you pattern yourself after?

I wouldn't say that there is one particular pitcher. I like to watch a lot of videos on MLB pitchers and try to learn from them.

Do you have any superstitions or rituals that you must do on game day or before you pitch?

Yes. I always wear my hat backwards when I drive to the field before the game. I also drink a blue Gatorade in school the days I pitch.

You also played hoops at Bethel Park with your younger brother Ryan. You may be able to strike him out on the diamond, but who wins in a one-on-one game of basketball?

I hate to admit it, but he wins most of the time. My passion is definitely baseball while Ryan's is basketball. I may have the size advantage, but he makes up for it with his ball-handing and 3-point shooting.

Will the Penguins beat the Capitals again, and how many games will the series last?

Yes. Pens in six.

Hunter Robinson

School: Avonworth

Sport: Track and field

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Hunter Robinson lives up to her first name when it comes to seeking gold on the track. On Friday at the Butler Invitational, Hunter was a triple winner as she took first place in the 100-, 200- and 400-meter events. This past winter, she joined her two sisters, junior Hayden and freshman Harris, in the Antelopes' basketball team's starting lineup. Avonworth finished 16-8 and reached the WPIAL quarterfinals. Robinson is headed south to continue her track career next year at Tulane in New Orleans.

How would you evaluate your performance at the Butler Invitational?

I am very proud of what I was able to accomplish at Butler last Friday. We have had lots of bad weather, resulting in a lot of canceled meets this season. So to go out and perform the way that I did, I was happy with the results.

Has it been tough this spring getting into any sort of groove with the cold and wet weather?

It has been difficult getting into a competition mindset, especially with all the rain and snow that we've had this season. Being a sprinter, you're always worried about the colder weather, as those meets can possibly result in injuries. It'll be great to get some nicer meets in the near future.

Of the three events, the 100, 200 and 400, do you feel stronger and more confident about one of them or is your mindset the same no matter the length?

Whether I am running the 100, 200, 400 or either of the relays, I go in with the mindset that I am going to do my best. However, if I had to pick one, I'd say that I feel strongest in the 400. I have a combination of speed and endurance that other runners don't have, and it allows me to feel confident going into the race.

What stood out about Tulane?

If there was such thing as a perfect match, Tulane would be it for me. I immediately fell in love with the surrounding city, the campus, the team and the coaches. I felt like Tulane was a place where I could really thrive during the next four years of my life.

You played with your two sisters this past winter on the Antelopes basketball team. What was that like, and do they participate in track?

Playing with my sisters this past basketball season was amazing. It was something I had always wanted to do, and to finally be able to compete with them at the varsity level was something that I will never forget. And the dream didn't stop there, as both of my sisters are running track this year as well. We are running a 4-by-100-meter relay this season, and to say that I am excited about this opportunity would be an understatement.

What are three foods that you know probably aren't good for you that you can't run away from?

Like any high school student, I like all food quick and cheap. This includes pizza, Moe's and cookies. Of course, I know these things aren't good for me, but in moderation, I enjoy those foods just as much as anybody else.

Will the Penguins beat the Capitals again, and how many games will the series last?

I know the Penguins will beat the Capitals once again, and I predict that they will do it in six games.

Don Rebel is a TribLive High School Sports Network broadcaster and staff writer. Reach him at drebel@tribweb.com.

Tags: Avonworth, Bethel Park