Trib HSSN athletes of the week: Ringgold’s Ryan Varley, South Park’s Kaitlyn Morrison

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 | 10:50 PM

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Ryan Varley

School: Ringgold

Sport: Baseball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: It had been nine years since Ringgold qualified for the WPIAL baseball playoffs, until that drought ended last spring. Ryan Varley and his Rams teammates finished third in Section 3-4A with a 9-5 mark, 12-5 overall. In the WPIAL first round, Ringgold shut out Freeport, 7-0, before falling to eventual champion Blackhawk in the quarterfinals. Now, Ringgold is off and running this season thanks to the play of Varlay, the team captain. The senior pitcher/infielder was 3 for 6 with three runs scored, four RBIs and a home run in back-to-back wins over Keystone Oaks and West Mifflin. Plus, he allowed only an unearned run on four hits with seven strikeouts over six innings in the 3-1 triumph over the Titans.

Ringgold not only made the playoffs for the first time since 2005 last year, but you also picked up a postseason victory. What was that breakout season like?

It was exhilarating. It was great being on a team where everyone had a strong chemistry and passion for the game. We showed up for every game with energy and intensity. It was the first time in a long time we had a winning season. I felt blessed to be a part of that team; it was a great experience.

Those turnaround seasons can draw a lot of attention. Did you notice more folks coming out and supporting you as compared to your first two years?

Yes. It was definitely something I didn't experience in my earlier years. The more we won, the more support we started to see in the stands. Having more students in the crowd helped to drive our excitement.

Is the feeling from you and your teammates that last year was a nice first step, but this year could be very special?

Absolutely. Last year we fell a little short of our goals, but it was a great first step. This year, we have seven returning starters, and we have all been working hard to hopefully exceed last season's outcome.

You are the team captain. As a senior, what does that mean to you and how do you go about being a leader?

This is actually my second year as a team captain, and I am honored to fill this role on my team. We have a really good group, so it makes my job easy. I try to set a good example by working hard every day.

If you had to pick one, what is more satisfying, a big day at the plate or a big performance on the mound?

A big day on the mound is more satisfying to me because pitching allows me to control the game. I can be involved with every play, and hopefully influence the outcome in a positive way for my team.

You have a day with nothing to do and nowhere to go. What are three things you would likely do before that day ends?

Work out, relax with family and friends, and probably sleep.

How many games will it take for the Penguins to beat the Flyers, and do you think the Pens can three-peat?

Penguins all the way. It will take five games to beat the Flyers. The Cup is staying in Pittsburgh. LGP!

Kaitlyn Morrison

School: South Park

Sport: Softball

Class: Junior

Claim to fame: The 2017 PIAA Class 3A softball champs have been a big smash early on in 2018. South Park is 2-0 and outscored Section 3 foes McGuffey and Charleroi, 31-0, last week. While many have contributed to the Eagles dominating start, Kaitlyn Morrison has been front and center. The junior shortstop is 6 for 6 with seven runs scored, nine RBIs with a double and four home runs. Last year, Morrison and the Eagles lost to Deer Lakes in the WPIAL semifinals, but qualified for the PIAA playoffs and ripped off four convincing wins to claim the school's first state softball crown.

With the success of the 2017 season, is there a target on the Eagles back this season?

I would probably say there is, but we wouldn't have it any other way because that only makes the team work harder. Deer Lakes beat us last year so we have something to prove back to them, but for right now the team is focusing on winning our section and then moving forward from there.

You have four home runs in your first two games. Have you always been a big power hitter?

I've never considered myself as a power hitter as I've always focused on trying to hit line drives and using my speed. If home runs come along with that, it's great, but it's not my mindset when I'm in the box.

What was the key to re-grouping prior to the WPIAL consolation game after losing in the district semifinals to Deer Lakes?

As it goes for last year and regrouping after our loss to Deer Lakes, we focused on learning from our mistakes, but also not dwelling on them. We moved forward from the loss with an even bigger drive to make it to state playoffs.

You guys were a team on a mission in the PIAA playoffs, outscoring your four opponents 35-3. Looking back, what were your thoughts on your state championship title run?

Our state title run last year was one for the history books. As a team we had good pitching and defense which definitely helped us calm down at the plate because we didn't have to put so much pressure on ourselves to try and make up for the runs we had let score while on defense. Our team chemistry last year was also incredible, which allowed all of us to get along and most importantly have trust and faith in each other. It was definitely an unforgettable season last year, and we can only hope to get back to WPIAL and state playoffs again this year.

Coach Larry Mercurio took over the program in your freshman year and has led the Eagles to a WPIAL runner-up and PIAA championship. What's it like playing for him?

Getting to play for Coach Mercurio is a privilege. I've known him for a couple years prior to my freshmen year because he had coached in my travel organization, so having him as coach is an awesome opportunity. His understanding of how to play the game is what gave us a chance to go far in playoffs over the past two years, and I have nothing but respect for all the hours he gives up to coach our team.

If you could have dinner with any five people, who would you invite and where would that dinner take place?

If I could have dinner with five people I would probably invite Warren Buffet, Sue Enquist, Sydney Crosby, and my parents. I would go to Ruth Chris's steak house in downtown Pittsburgh because their steak is probably the best I've ever had.

How many games will it take for the Penguins to beat the Flyers, and can the Pens three-peat?

For the Pens, I think it will take them six games to beat the Flyers and, as long as the team stays healthy — three-peat.

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

Tags: Ringgold, South Park