Sports, Sports Columns
June 16, 2024

VALLEY SPORTS HISTORY

2014

• The much anticipated matchup between the top two teams in the Fayette County Baseball League didn’t turn out to be much of a game. Carmichaels rode the powerful right arm of Bentworth graduate Tyler Delval to a 10-0 victory over Mitch’s Bail Bonds at Vets Field. Delval, who went 2-5 for Clarion, pitched a complete game two-hitter for the Copperheads. The former Bearcat didn’t allow a hit until the sixth inning and struck out eight Jailbird batters. Mitch’s player- coach Ryan Encapera admitted, “It was all Delval. He threw a lot of strikes and kept us off balance with his slider or whatever that pitch is.”

• The Belle Vernon American Legion team upped its record to 3-1 with a 6-1 victory over Farmington at Cedar Creek Park. Josh Kucmeroski finished 2 for 3 with a double and an RBI. Cody Menges picked up the win on the mound allowing five hits through six innings and striking out eight batters. Nolan Stulock picked up the save, tossing the final three innings and striking out six. Belle Vernon pulled away with three runs in the sixth inning as Sam Kovell reached on an error that two runs to score.

2004

• The hiring of a new athletic director for the Ringgold School District drew some criticism from members of the board.

Steve Campos was appointed to the post with a three-year contract. He will begin his duties on July 1st replacing Jeff Matty.

Campos was hired on a 5-4 vote after a 35-minute executive session. Director Janette Baisley, who voted against Campos, said, “We had some very qualified local candidates who should have been given more consideration.” Campos is a teacher at Western Beaver. Prior to that he was the head football coach at Bethany College where he also taught sports administration. He was chosen from a field of 52 candidates.

• Don’t be surprised if Becky Siembak, star of the Cal U women’s basketball team, ends up as the new Burgettstown girls basketball coach. The Burgettstown School Board is expected to hire Siembak as a special education teacher at their next meeting. Siembak is considered to be the leading candidate to replace Coach Kevin Krzekzowski. The Blue Devils are coming off a 3-21 season, finishing the year with 13 straight losses. Burgettstown competes in Class AA Section 5 with Charleroi, Frazier, Bentworth, Beth-Center, Brownsville, Fort Cherry and Washington.

1994

• Newell Santa Barbara tightened the Belle Vernon Rostraver Softball League with a 16-9 romp over front-running Baker’s Pub. Newell jumped out to a 7-2 lead after two innings and broke open a 7-5 contest with three runs in the fifth and six in the sixth. Mario Gallo (double and three singles), Elmer Gola (home run, double and single), Bill Molish (two doubles and a single) and Bruce Brandt (home run and single) led Newell’s 21-run attack.

• Union Grill took an early lead in the Mon Valley Merchant’s Summer Basketball League after winning its second game in as many nights. Union Grill knocked off Foster House, 119-93. All five players on the winning team hit for 20 points or more in the game led by Mike Bright with 27,

Bill Greco and Ryan Brown each had 25,

James Satterfield had 22 and Mike Williamson had 20. Foster House was led by Kenny Toomer with 27 and Greg King added 23.

Charleroi glassmaking memories buried in time capsule
Latest News, Main
By TAYLOR BROWN, Senior Reporter 
December 2, 2025
Former Corelle workers were joined by public officials for an emotional ceremony in Charleroi. Charleroi stood in the cold Monday in Meadow Avenue Park to say goodbye to the plant that shaped its peop...
Kennel contract renewed despite public objections
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The new agreement with Hoffman Kennels will run for one year. Elizabeth Township commissioners renewed a contract with Hoffman Kennels for one year for deer removal and dog control services despite so...
Season’s first big snowfall hits Mon Valley, western Pa.
Latest News, Main
By LADIMIR GARCIA lgarcia@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
The worst part of the storm is forecast for today’s morning commute. The first big snowfall of the season hit Western Pennsylvania on Tuesday morning, coating the ground and roadways. Speed limits hav...
Elizabeth Twp. hydrant replaced after failing during fire
Latest News, Main
By SARAH PELLIS spellis@yourmvi.com 
December 2, 2025
Pennsylvania American Water installed the new hydrant Monday and submitted the broken one to the manufacturer. Pennsylvania American Water has replaced a fire hydrant on Dillon Road in Elizabeth Towns...
Annual McKeesport Festival of Trees opens Thursday
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
The long-running holiday celebration will feature dozens of decorated trees. By the MVI Renziehausen Park’s Jacob Woll Pavilion will be converted into a village of Christmas trees this week, which is ...
Two-vehicle crash in Charleroi
Around The Valley, Latest News, Main
December 2, 2025
Charleroi Fire Department responded Monday night to a collision involving two cars at Fifth and Washington Avenue in Charleroi. Charleroi FIre Department