About Bill Beckner Jr.

Bill Beckner Jr. 724-224-2696
Local Sports Editor
Valley News Dispatch

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2013-06-18

Once considered a college baseball prospect as a power-hitting catcher, Kiski Area's Matt McCutcheon gave up baseball last year to concentrate fully on wrestling.

It seems McCutcheon knew what he was doing. The incoming senior and defending PIAA 182-pound champion recently verbally committed to wrestle at Penn State, which has won the last two national championships.

Some baseball coaches may have a different opinion, but McCutcheon has no regrets about his decision.

“I think I did the right thing there,” McCutcheon said. “Instead of playing baseball I was training all spring and summer. I was in the weight room at Kiski Area.”

McCutcheon wrestled with two club programs over the summer — the Young Guns and a group from Kiski Area. He wrestled in duals tournaments in Virginia Beach and Erie.

Molina to UPJ

Recent Fox Chapel grad Sam Molina has committed to continue his wrestling career at Pitt-Johnstown. A 145-pounder last season, Molina finished 30-8, surpassed the 100-win mark for his career and reached the PIAA Class AAA tournament.

Deshong update

Plum softball standout Hunter Deshong is headed to Indiana (Pa.) University but won't attempt to walk on to the softball team until a lingering arm injury heals.

Deshong tore ligaments in her elbow during her sophomore season, and she said the injury has gotten worse.

Still, she managed a stellar senior season, hitting .485 with four home runs and 25 RBI.

She plans to have surgery.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-224-2696.

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