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By Andrew John

Published: Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Updated: Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Vinnie Defazio

School: Greensburg Salem

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Hockey

Claim to fame: Defazio scored a hat trick and had three assists for Greensburg Salem (3-1) in an 11-3 win over Carrick in PIHL Open Class action on Nov. 12. Defazio, who also plays amateur hockey for the Allegheny Badgers, has scored five goals and has seven assists this season.

“So far the team has done pretty good,” Defazio said. “I myself have stepped up a little bit. But, I wouldn't have done it without my linemates.”

What were your goals going into the season?

The team goal is to get to the Chiefs Cup final. My goal was to contribute to the team and know that I did the best that I could every time I go out there.

What is your strongest part of your game?

My communication with my teammates, especially with Garrett King. We have been playing for a long time together. He got four points in the same game I got six. We work well together.

What is something you think you need to work on?

Not to get down on myself when something goes wrong. I try to live through it and play on.

How did you get into hockey?

Back when was little, my dad got me started in it. I started when I was 5 years old in the Greensburg Salem Developmental Program. It's sort of something you do your whole life.

What is something people might not know about you?

I'm a state champion chess player. I won states in fourth grade. I go to states each year, and I do pretty well. My two older brothers and dad taught me. My principal in elementary school got me hooked, and I got coaches to help me with my game.

Malea Fabean

School: Greensburg Central Catholic

Class: Junior

Sport: Soccer

Claim to fame: Fabean, who finished the season with 36 goals and 32 assists, scored two goals in a 5-1 win over Conwell-Egan in the PIAA Class A championship game Friday in Hershey. The victory gave GCC girls soccer its first state championship. Fabean also scored two goals for Greensburg Central Catholic (23-1) in a 4-3 semifinal win over Shady Side Academy on Nov. 13.

“I thought I did pretty good. I feel like we worked our hardest,” Fabean said. “In the Shady Side Academy game, I worked really hard, and I wanted to score cause we were down.”

How does it feel to win the first state championship for the program?

It feels pretty good. Maybe more people will see how we did and will want to come to our school and play on a team that has done good things. It brings a lot of pride in winning states.

What was the most crucial moment of the season?

Our first game against Fox Chapel (a 9-0 loss). It gave us a reality check. It let us know what we had to do to win each and every time we go out there.

What is it like to play with another talented scorer like Frannie Crouse?

It's nice to have someone to play with her skill. She's a good leader as a player. She helps with the scoring. She helps us get the ball and move it forward and gives us opportunities to score.

What will you and the team need to do to continue the success into next year?

I think we need to do the same thing we did this year. We need to work as a team, and I think we will get as far next year as we did this year.

How will you spend your Thanksgiving?

We are just spending it at our house this year, and we will have a few of my friends over for dinner.

— Andrew John

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