Westmoreland athletes of the week: Hempfield’s Ben Midlik, Yough’s Justine Appolonia

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, September 13, 2017 | 11:00 PM

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Ben Midlik

School: Hempfield

Sport: Soccer

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Midlik, who had five goals last season, scored a pair of penalty kicks to lead Hempfield (2-2, 0-2) to a 3-2 win over Greensburg Central Catholic in nonsection play Sept. 9.

“I thought it was good-fought game. It wasn't one of our best performances, but it was a win,” Midlik said.

What are your college plans for next season?

I'm looking Pitt or Penn State for engineering. If I was going to play soccer, I'm looking at St. Vincent or Pitt-Greensburg. However, I want to focus on academics rather than soccer.

What has it been like under first-year coach Jason Demko?

Bringing in a new coach brought in a new inspiration and work ethic to win. His philosophies are a change, and so far it looks like it's for the better.

What would it mean to have the Spartans return to the WPIAL playoffs?

It would mean a whole lot to not just me but everyone because I know how much work everyone puts in is tremendous, and it would be great to see it pay off.

What do you need to do to be in the playoff conversation?

I think we need to create more chances and finish them, as well. I think what we have as a structure is good, but we need to put in the extra details.

What were you working on during the offseason to improve?

Throughout the summer, the guys and myself would do drills, pick up and get in the gym. I think that is the difference. We have put in the extra work as opposed to just the practices.

Justine Appolonia

School: Yough

Sport: Soccer

Class: Sophomore

Claim to fame: Appolonia, who scored 20 goals last season, scored four times to lead Class AA No. 3 Yough (4-0, 2-0) to a 7-0 win over McGuffey in Section 3 action Saturday. Appolonia scored two goals for the Cougars in a 4-0 win over Greensburg Salem in nonsection play Sept. 7.

“It's definitely nice to come out strong. We knew we were going to be a good team this year, but we are young again,” Appolonia said.

What did the team learn from its run to the Class AA quarterfinals last season?

We learned we could do it. It was nice to know that we played teams that we could beat if we continue to get better.

What will be the key for a deep run into the playoffs?

Putting all of our hearts and souls into it. It's not about individuals but all of us working as a team.

What did you work on during the offseason to improve?

Staying determined and being more physical since I'm a smaller player.

What is your mindset going into this season with your abilities on the field being well know by your opponents?

We take it game by game. We don't worry about how our opponents are doing but worry about how we are doing as a team. We need to make sure we stay determined as a team.

Who is your favorite soccer player?

(Lionel) Messi because of his skill, and I look up to him for how successful his career has been.

— Andrew John

Tags: Hempfield Area, Yough