VALLEY SPORTS HISTORY
2005
2005
• The Valley Independent’s 2004 Football Player of the Year is headed to Pitt and they can thank his mother. Ernest “Mick” Williams said, “I let my mother make the decision. We have a lot of family down there with a couple of aunts living in Pittsburgh.” The 6-2, 270-pound fullback-defensive end is a first-team all-stater and the country’s eighth-ranked fullback by Rivals.com. Williams had narrowed his search to the Panthers and WVU. Akron, Indiana and Iowa also expressed interest in him.
• Six Belle Vernon Area Middle School wrestlers placed in the Westmoreland County Tournament at Mt. Pleasant. Jesse Gauden finished first with Travis Scott and Donnie Tasser second. Jeremy Marish third and Tyler House and P.J. Tasser fourth.
1995
• Frazier Middle School girls may soon be able to participate in organized sports like their male counterparts if the school board approves a recommendation by the school’s athletic committee. Currently there are no organized sports open to the girls right now. Dr. Frederick Smeigh, district superintendent, said the issue was brought to his attention and he ordered a survey to study the inequities over the summer. Based on student interest the school will begin offering girls volleyball and softball and is exploring additional sports.
1985
• Wade Nolan grew up in Sutersville and his wife, Hazel Nolan, hails from Stoneboro but the couple now calls Alaska their home. They will be presenting their two-hour family friendly presentation at the Belle Vernon Area High School Auditorium. Nolan said, “It’s a unique show. It’s not just about hunting. The show is about wildlife with lots about hunting, fishing and adventure blended together.” Nolan is an outdoor photographer and biggame hunting guide while his wife is a wildlife photographer and fishing expert.”
• Nobody has to tell Mon Valley Catholic basketball coach Ken Fusina how important the Section 18 game with Bentworth is. There is only one thing on the line for the Spartans when they host the Bearcats — their season. Fusina admitted, “It’s a big game. We have to win this one. We’d like to go to the playoffs, and we have to finish second behind Monessen to get in.” Under the complicated WPIAL format only two teams from the section can advance to the playoffs. Monessen has already earned their spot and if Bentworth beats the Spartans, they will get the second spot.
