Westmoreland athletes of the week: Ligonier Valley’s Caldwell, Belle Vernon’s Boff

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, February 21, 2018 | 6:42 PM

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Alex Caldwell

School: Ligonier Valley

Sport: Wrestling

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Caldwell (26-2) won the 145-pound title at the PIAA District 6 Class AA championships Saturday at Altoona. Caldwell pinned St. Joseph's Evan Courts at 1 minute, 14 in the finals. Caldwell, who has a career record of 106-38, will wrestle at Lindsey Wilson, an NAIA school in Columbia, Ky., next season.

“I was really excited for it. It was my first high school tournament win. Getting it at districts is pretty special,” Caldwell said.

What made you decide to attend Lindsey Wilson?

It reminded me a lot of home. I liked the coaches and campus a lot. At first, I was pretty set on advertising but now I'm torn between that and education.

How does it feel to get your first tournament win at this point in the season?

Earlier in the season, both of my losses happened in the finals. It's going to help my confidence heading into regionals and states.

What's your mindset heading into the Southwest Regionals this weekend?

Last year, I was hoping to make it to states and was not worried where I placed. This year, I feel real good about making the finals and getting one of the top seeds for states.

What was it like to reach the 100-win plateau earlier this season?

It really meant a lot to me. It was the biggest goal going in as a freshman. It was a pretty surreal moment.

How have you evolved over the years on the mat?

I think every year I have progressed. I had it technically but I had to work it out in my head. It's all starting to come together this year.

Keira Boff

School: Belle Vernon

Sport: Basketball

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Boff, who was 18 of 20 from the free-throw line, finished with 23 points to lead No. 6 Belle Vernon (18-5) to a 54-45 win over No. 11 Knoch (11-12) in the first round of the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs Saturday at Baldwin. Boff, who is shooting 81 percent from the free-throw line this season, is averaging 11.7 ppg. Belle Vernon will face No. 3 Beaver (16-5) Thursday in the quarterfinals.

“I wouldn't have had those fouls shots without my teammates and our great defense. I wouldn't have those without us hustling on defense,” Boff said.

What are your college plans for next year?

I'm not sure yet. I'm in between schools as far if I want to play basketball. I want to go to school for physical therapy.

What's it like to be back in the playoffs after missing it last season?

It felt really good making the playoffs this year knowing we had such great players. We should have had made it to the playoffs last year.

What's the key for the team to defeat Beaver?

It's going to be our defense. They are a quick and taller team. We need to make sure we get back on defense and find the girls in our zone.

What goes through your mind while you're at the free-throw line?

Not really anything. I just put my focus on the rim. I just let my body do what it knows what to do.

What has been your favorite memory thus far in your career?

During my sophomore year, we made it to the playoffs, and we had a play-in game against Central Valley. We were expected to get demolished. We had a practice in an auxiliary gym and sung a cappella from Pitch Perfect. We went out and had such a great game. It got rid of our nerves since most of us were sophomores.

— Andrew John

Tags: Belle Vernon, Ligonier Valley