Trib HSSN athletes of the week: Blackhawk’s Michael Turconi, Seton LaSalle’s Lexi Wagner

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, April 18, 2018 | 10:33 PM

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Michael Turconi

School: Blackhawk

Sport: Baseball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Blackhawk has been one of the top WPIAL baseball programs this century with eight title-game trips and three district crowns, including the Class 4A championship a year ago. There have been plenty of great players to come through the system, but veteran coach Bob Amalia says Michael Turconi is one of the best players he had coached. Last week, Turconi was 5 for 11 at the plate, but was dominant on the hill. He picked up saves in a 3-2 win over South Fayette and a 7-5 victory over Hopewell, plus he threw a five-inning no-hitter against Central Valley in which he walked one and struck out seven in an 11-0 whitewash of the third-place Warriors.

Blackhawk has been one of the teams to beat in Class 4A since the season started. Is it repeat or bust for this year's team?

I think we are a championship caliber team because we have the experience, pitching and defense to try and defend our championship.

What was the biggest lasting memory for you personally in last year's WPIAL championship run?

My most lasting memory was winning the championship game with all my teammates and then being on the bottom of the dog pile at the end of the game.

Blackhawk has a reputation as a great baseball program and a well-earned reputation of being a pitching factory through the years. How does it feel to be part of both?

I have been very lucky to have played on such great teams over the last four years; we have contended every year. I think it is a testament to my teammates and coaches. Every year we expect to win and know how to put the time and effort in to continue to win.

Would you rather throw a no-hitter as you did last week, or have a monster game at the plate in leading your team to victory?

I would rather have a monster game at the plate because I consider myself a hitter rather than a pitcher. I will be going to college as a position player, so the majority of my focus is on hitting and fielding. Although, I do like the one-on-one challenge of trying to strike someone out.

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

I eat a Snickers bar before every game.

If Hollywood made a movie about the 2017 Blackhawk Cougars, who would play you in the film? Who would play coach Bob Amalia?

I love the TV show “The Office,” so I think I would have the character Jim played by (John Krasinski) play me and have the character Michael played by (Steve Carell) play Coach Amalia.

Lexi Wagner

School: Seton LaSalle

Sport: Softball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Lexi Wagner is capping off a great career at Seton LaSalle in which she has helped the Rebels to the WPIAL semifinals twice. This year's team is challenging Serra Catholic for the Section 1-2A title. Last week in three section victories over OLSH, Carlynton and Brentwood, Wagner was 8 for 12 with eight runs scored, nine RBIs, a double and four home runs as Seton LaSalle remained undefeated in section play.

Your team is sitting in first place in Section 1-2A. Did playing early down in Myrtle Beach help?

Yes, absolutely it did. We played five games in three days, and it really helped us mold together as a team and get off to a fast start.

The Rebels have made the playoffs twice in your three previous seasons and both times lost in the semifinals. Can this team take the next step and reach the district finals?

That definitely is our goal, but right now we are just focused on winning one game at a time to win the section and make the playoffs. My dad was part of the 1995 WPIAL championship team, and it's something he said he will never forget. I'd love to experience that myself, as well.

You are headed way west to continue your career at the next level. Why Oregon?

Honestly, I've worked so hard at the game since I was 7 years old, and I wanted to play for a program that consistently makes it to the College World Series. Oregon showed some interest, and I really hit it off with Coach Jimmy (Kolaitis) and felt it was a great fit for me. I can't wait to get there and compete.

What is one part of your game you have improved on during your high school days, and what aspect of your game do you feel still needs some work?

The mental side of the game for sure. Not letting one bad at-bat or one bad play ruin my day has been a key factor in my success this season. I definitely need to improve my defensive game and my baserunning.

Your dad is in his first year as head coach of the Seton LaSalle baseball team. How would you rate the job he has done?

My dad is the main reason I am where I am today, and I feel like if they listen to him like I have, they will be successful. I know the team went 3-11 last season and they already have five wins and are on pace for a playoff spot, including upsetting Brownsville on Friday. There were 250 people at that game, and it was intense. The team seems to be feeding off his and my Uncle Eddie's intensity for sure.

Outside of the softball, what were some of the highlights of your trip to the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach?

The team bonding was a great experience. The baseball team went as well, and we got to watch each other's games. Overall, I think it was a great experience for all of us, and both teams are playing great so far this season.

How much time per day do you spend on social media?

Very little. … Most days, I don't even get home until 10 p.m. with my schedule, but when I do, I follow Oregon softball on twitter.

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

Tags: Blackhawk, Seton-LaSalle