VALLEY SPORTS HISTORY
2014
• The WPIAL’s decision to push back the baseball playoff games back a day, won’t help Carmichaels. Their game is now scheduled for 3:30. The 24-hour delay still won’t give Mikes pitcher Brandon Lawless a chance to finish his duel with California pitcher Josh Luko. WPIAL rules require a pitcher to rest his arm for 48 hours between appearances on the mound. The two teams were tied 1-1 when a storm forced the game to be delayed. California coach Nick Damico has already said he will send Luko to the mound. Luko doesn’t require the rest period because he only pitched three innings.
• Belle Vernon Area freshman Jarod Verkleeren is looking to make a name for himself in international wrestling circles. Verkleeren qualified for the FILA Cadet World Championships in Slovakia in July after he dominated a stacked 63-KG (138.5-pound) field at nationals. Verkleeren said, “It’s pretty hard to describe, I came in as an underdog, but I knew I could do it. I am just glad my parents supported me. My mom pushed me to go to the tournament and my dad helped me with the training.”
2004
•
Bev Rogers doesn’t like to be No. 2 but has no complaints after finishing second in the PIAA Class AAA javelin finals. The Ringgold High senior said of her throw of 143-11, “I’ve been struggling and I’m happy with it.” Ringgold coach Scott Frederick said, “It was tremendous that she came through on her last throw. That was her only loss all year long. She’s had a great career.” Rogers’ final throw allowed her to take the silver medal away from Palmyra freshman Meghan Briggs.
1994
• Sunday – no paper
