Westmoreland athletes of the week: Ligonier Valley’s Avery Arnone, Latrobe’s Kiley Myers

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 | 7:09 PM

Avery Arnone

School: Ligonier Valley

Sport: Track and field

Year: Senior

Claim to fame: Arnone, who is the defending District 6 champion in the 400 meters, led Ligonier Valley to a first-place finish at the Appalachian Invitational on Saturday at United. Arnone won the 200-meter dash (23.36 seconds) and 400 (51.57) and was part of the winning 400 and 1,600 relays.

“It has been a good season. I lost my first 400 against Purchase Line so it gave me something to work toward,” Arnone said.

What are your college plans?

I will be attending Penn State. I'm looking to study nuclear engineering. They have the third or fourth best program in the country. I think our physics teacher had a great lesson on it. We took a tour of the test reactor at Penn State. It was pretty cool.

What are your goals?

I'm looking to break a couple school records in the 100 meter, 200 and 400. I want to go back to states and win districts.

What's your favorite event?

I would say the 400 meter since it's my best. I compete at the highest level in that event compared to my other ones.

What's your favorite sport, football or track?

Track is my favorite. I think I'm personally better at track. It's my own personal drive on how well I do.

Who's your favorite artist?

Red Hot Chili Peppers. Californication.

Kiley Myers

School: Latrobe

Sport: Softball

Year: Junior

Claim to fame: Myers struck out 14 to lead Class 6A No. 2 Latrobe (6-1, 5-1) to a 3-0 victory over Class 4A No. 2 Yough on April 21. Heading into a loss against Hempfield on Monday, Myers was 4-0 without allowing a run while striking out 37 batters and walking five. She is batting .357 with a grand slam, two doubles and six RBIs.

“I worked really hard this offseason. I knew this would be a big season. It starts on the mound, and performing there is a big priority for me,” Myers said.

What has been the key to the early-season success?

Confidence in the defense behind me. I can throw every pitch with no hesitation because they are there to back me up.

What has it been like taking over for Meredith Carr as the ace of the staff?

They're big shoes to fill. I hope to fulfill all the coaches' expectations this year.

How did your enhanced role change your preparation?

I wanted to perfect my movement with my rise pitch. I really focused on getting my velocity up, knowing the batters I'm going to face in the section are good.

What's your favorite sport?

Softball. I love watching college softball on television.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Kelly Barnhill from Florida.

— Andrew John

Tags: Ligonier Valley