Westmoreland athletes of the week: Greensburg Central Catholic’s Eva Denis, Ligonier Valley’s Duncan Foust

By: Bill Beckner Jr. And Paul Schofield
Saturday, May 3, 2025 | 7:53 PM

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Eva Denis

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Class: Senior

Sport: Track & field

Claim to fame: Denis is having a record-breaking season for the Centurions. An NCAA Division I Delaware commit, she broke the stadium record in the 100-meter dash and was named combined MVP at the Westmoreland County Coaches Association meet, which saw the GCC girls win the 2A title for the fifth straight year.

She won the 100 in 12.17 seconds, finished second in the 200 (25.78) and third in the long jump (17 feet, 0.25 inches). She also ran the anchor leg for the first-place 400 relay.

Denis helped GCC make the WPIAL 2A playoffs after an undefeated section title. In the semifinals, she set a school record in the 100 with a time of 11.96 seconds.

Denis played a key role in GCC’s run to WPIAL and PIAA girls volleyball titles in the fall.

How does this season align with your expectations?

Good. My goal was to go under 12 seconds this year (in the 100) and also PR in the 200, which I have accomplished.

What was the key to your success at the WCCA meet?

I had a positive mindset, my legs felt good and the weather was finally nice.

What are your target times for the WPIAL individual postseason?

I’m hoping for below 11.9 in the 100, sub-25 in the 200, 18 feet in long jump and a win for my 4-by-1 team.

What do you like most about Delaware?

I loved the campus, the energy of the team and coaches, and the beach is also a plus.

What other colleges did you consider?

I considered Duquesne, Dayton, James Madison and Miami (Ohio).

What events do you want to run at Delaware?

I would like to mostly focus on the 100, long jump and 4-by-1, but I will likely also be thrown into the 200.

What sports did your parents (Lori and BJ) play in high school and college (and where did they

go)?

My mom played softball, basketball and also ran track in high school. My dad played baseball and football, but neither of them ever played in college.

You like to cook and bake. What are your specialities?

I like to bake cupcakes, and everyone likes my brownies.

What kind of music do you like?

I’ll listen to anything honestly. I love SZA and Billie Eilish.

Did you lose power at home during Tuesday’s storms?

I did. My power was off for most of the night.

What are you most looking forward to about the summer?

I’m looking forward to going to Nashville and the beach.

Can you compare the feeling of winning a volleyball championship to winning a track event or meet?

They are very different sports, so it is a very different feeling. I’m more anxious when running track, but it feels more rewarding to win an individual event. In volleyball, it’s a team-based sport, so I definitely feel more relaxed when playing but it’s just as exciting to win.

What other sports are you good at?

I used to do gymnastics, and I have also been told I was good at basketball and soccer.

People would be surprised to know I _____.

I’m an aunt.

What is your go-to order at Sheetz?

App sampler.

What actress would play you in a movie?

Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Becoming a speech language pathologist, living in the city and eventually becoming a stay-at-home mom.

Where will GCC standout Samir Crosby commit to college for football?

He’s keeping his options open.

Duncan Foust

School: Ligonier Valley

Class: Senior

Sport: Baseball

Claim to Fame: The Ligonier Valley senior pitched a six-inning perfect game Thursday against East Allegheny. He struck out nine. But Foust considers himself more of a third baseman. He is hitting .386 with 15 runs scored, three doubles and a triple. He is 3-1 with an ERA of 2.85 with 23 strikeouts and three walks in 27 innings.

Talk about the perfect game.

I did not know it was a perfect game until my teammates dogpiled me after the final out. I’m glad I did not know because I might have been stressed.

Are you the ace of staff?

No. Tyler Smith is. He has a sore elbow, and the rest of the staff has picked it up. I am not a power pitcher, so I was surprised I struck out so many. I am a contact pitcher, and I just my defense.

What pitches do you throw?

I throw a fastball and curveball.

Have you ever been clocked?

No.

What other sport do you play at Ligonier Valley?

I was a linebacker on the football team.

Have you picked a college to attend?

I am going to Penn State as a student.

What do you play on majoring in?

I plan to major in cybersecurity analytics.

What does it mean to be a Ram?

It means everything. The entire community is behind you, and you go out to make them proud.

Who has the best pizza in the valley?

I like Bigginz in New Florence.

Where do you and your teammates head for a snack after a game or practice?

We go to Dino’s for wings. I like sweet and hot.

What is your favorite meal your mom or dad makes?

I love tacos.

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Nags Head, N.C. I love the beach.

Do you have a dream vacation spot you’d like to go to?

Bora Bora.

What type of movies do you like?

Sports movies. “Money Ball.”

What type of music do you like?

I like all music.

Do you have any hidden hobbies?

Not really.

Who is your favorite Pittsburgh athlete?

Paul Skenes. I’m growing a mustache in his honor.

Who is your favorite Pittsburgh team?

I like the Steelers.

Did you like the Steelers’ first round pick, Derrick Harmon?

No. I think they should have drafted another offensive lineman.

If you were to have lunch with someone famous, who would it be and what would you talk about?

It would be the Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley. He’s the reason I am a Penn State fan. We would talk about football.

Tags: Greensburg C.C.