Westmoreland athletes of the week: Greensburg Salem’s Mark Brown, Franklin Regional’s Aly Kindelberger

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, October 30, 2018 | 3:27 PM

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Mark Brown

School: Greensburg Salem

Sport: Cross Country

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Brown captured the WPIAL Class AA cross country championship in 16 minutes, 52 seconds at Cal (Pa)’s Roadman Park last Thursday. Brown led Greensburg Salem to a team title, while fellow Golden Lion Cameron Binda finished second (17:02). Brown will compete in the PIAA championship Saturday in Hershey.

“It was awesome. Winning at WPIALs is always a dream. Winning as a team is a great experience,” Brown said.

What are your college plans for next year?

I’ve committed to Duquesne. I’m running there for cross country and track. I like the team and the coaches a lot. Staying in Pittsburgh was big for me since I love the city.

What does it mean to you to lead the team to a WPIAL team title?

Leading the team to a team title is sweet, and it was a really good day.

What is your mindset heading into the state meet?

I’m super excited, and I think I can compete with everybody there. As long as I stick to my plan, I will do well. It’s going to be my last race in high school, so lets go for it.

What is your favorite course?

The state course at Hershey. I like the hills there. I would also say the course at Slippery Rock.

What is your favorite scary movie?

The Conjuring. I’m not a big scary movie guy, but that’s one that I’ve watched.

Aly Kindelberger

School: Franklin Regional

Sport: Volleyball

Class: Sophomore

Claim to fame: Kindelberger, who plays on the Allegheny Volleyball Club for Franklin Regional coach Mike Feorene, had eight of her match-high 19 kills in the final set, as No. 11 Franklin Regional took down No. 6 Laurel Highlands, 3-1, in the WPIAL Class AAA first round at Serra Catholic on Oct. 25. Kindelberger had 243 kills and 73 solo blocks this season after the opening-round win.

“I thought it was a great win. I thought everyone played well. It was the program’s first ever win in the playoffs. All my success has to go to my teammates. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t get all those kills,” Kindelberger said.

What was your mindset going into the match against Laurel Highlands?

I think our mindset was we had nothing to lose, and we were going to give it our all. We were going to do anything to win.

What does it mean to you to earn the program’s first playoff victory?

It feels great. I’m so proud of my whole team. Our bench was our seventh man. It feels great to bring this win to the program.

What was the biggest difference for you as you progressed through club volleyball?

I think just more practice. It really helps you really improve. The club team allows you to focus on your skills since the team is smaller.

What do you like the most about volleyball?

I love how much volleyball is a team sport. One player can dominate in other sports. However, it takes a team in volleyball. It’s not just a sport, but we’re all friends outside of volleyball.

What’s your favorite Halloween candy?

Kit Kats. They’re my favorite chocolate bar.

— Andrew John

Andrew John is a freelance writer.

Tags: Franklin Regional, Greensburg Salem