Trib HSSN athletes of the week: North Hills’ Sam Hillegas, CWNC’s Tess Myers

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, March 14, 2018 | 9:09 PM

Sam Hillegas

School: North Hills

Sport: Wrestling

Class: Sophomore

Claim to fame: Sam Hillegas is off to a golden start halfway through his scholastic career. The sophomore has captured two WPIAL and now a pair of PIAA wrestling championships. He is looking at joining the exclusive four title club on both a district and state level if he can repeat what he has already accomplished in his junior and senior years. A year ago, Hillegas became the first ever North Hills wrestler to win a state championship, which he matched Saturday.

Back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA championships in your first two high school years. How does it feel?

I'm grateful for being able to win both tournaments two years in a row because I set both at the top of my list of goals.

Do you allow yourself to think about joining the elite club of four-time champions in both the district and the state over the next couple of years?

I believe in myself that I can achieve winning four state titles, but it will take a lot of hard work in the room with my coaches and parents helping get me there. I want to take it one step at a time and focus on what's in front of me for now.

You lost your first ever high school match this winter at the Powerade tournament. How tough was that to deal with, and was it a learning experience?

It was tough losing my first high school match, but I couldn't let it hold me back. It really opened my eyes and made me focus and improve on key things.

Last year, you became the first North Hills wrestler to win a state championship. How special was that?

Winning any state title is special no matter being the first or last to win one, but becoming the first ever was very special and meant a lot to me.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years, I could see myself at a college studying and working hard towards my degree. Along with studying, I could see myself competing and having fun with the sport.

Away from the mat, your three favorite things to do are?

My three favorite things to do away from the mat are hanging out with friends, playing pick-up basketball and going fishing.

If you could go anywhere for a dream vacation, where would it be?

If I could go anywhere for a dream vacation I would probably go to Maldives to relax on a private beach with my family.

Tess Myers

School: Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic

Sport: Basketball

Class: Sophomore

Claim to fame: Tess Myers became a household name in the WPIAL Class 4A finals when she went the length of the court and hit a buzzer-beating shot in Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic's 50-49 win over Beaver. Myers didn't let fame go to her head though as she pumped in 22 points in the Trojans' PIAA first-round victory over Keystone Oaks, 74-41. After beating Ambridge on Wednesday, the Trojans are now three wins from a second state championship in the last three years.

You are 2 for 2 in your high school career as far as district titles go. How does it feel to win back-to-back WPIAL championships?

It's definitely a great accomplishment. It feels really special and amazing, especially for our team. We put a lot of time and work in.

You joined an elite group in WPIAL basketball championship history with your buzzer-beating, game-winning shot. How has life been for you since?

It's been pretty awesome. I've gotten a lot of congratulations. But overall I'm just super happy for our team. We really fought back for the win.

Was that game-winning play designed for you to bring the ball up the court and let fly all the way or did you have options?

Yes, Coach Rottmann told me to get the ball and make a play. Fortunately, it went in!

How tough was it to come down from that high in the WPIAL finals and start over with the first-round game in the PIAA playoffs, both for you and your team?

I wouldn't necessarily say tough. Of course winning WPIAL was a goal of ours, but ultimately we want to win states too. We are all focused, along with our coaches keeping us grounded; it was easy to get back on track.

What's it like playing for coach Molly Rottmann?

I love playing for Coach Rottmann. She's really influential and constantly pushes each and every one of us to be our best. She has very high expectations.

What are some things you like to do that have nothing to do with basketball or sports in general?

Other than basketball, I guess I don't really do much. I like to hang out with my friends.

Are you a March Madness fan? If so, who are your Final Four predictions?

I love watching college basketball, especially when March Madness comes around. My Final Four predictions would be Kentucky, UNC, Villanova and Duke.

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

Tags: Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, North Catholic, North Hills