3 teams from Shaler Area High School aiming to win PIAA state championships
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Shaler Area High School has already made history, but is looking to make more with its sports teams competing for state championships today and this weekend.
It's the first time in state history that three teams from the same school are all competing for state titles in the same season. The three teams are the boys volleyball, baseball, and softball teams.
The volleyball team is trying to put the finishing spike on a historic season. It's the team's first state title game.
"This season has meant a lot not only to this group of guys, but our program, our parents, and the community," volleyball coach Paul Stadelman said.
For the baseball and softball squads, it's a tradition of dominance. For the softball team, this next game is just another on the calendar. The team has played enough playoff games this season to not let the stage be a distraction.
"The novelty has kind of warn off. The first couple of games there's a lot of nerves and jitters," softball coach Tom Sorce said. "They realize now what's in front of them and want to close it out."
Each team has pulled for each other. They've gone to each other's games and made sure to show their support.
"I know a lot of the kids on the other teams. ... For all of us to be in the same sporting position to accomplish the same goal is really good," volleyball senior Joey Gannon said.
The community is right behind them. People express their support when they see student-athletes in public, and they've sent messages showing they are in the students' corner.
"I got an email from my first-grade teacher after the game on Tuesday saying congrats and good luck," Gannon said.
Regardless of what happens, these coaches and athletes have already achieved history and made their community proud.
"It's a history-making event already and it can stay a history-making event for Pennsylvania if we're able to pull off a trifecta," Stadelman said.
Volleyball plays on Saturday, softball plays Friday and baseball won a state title Friday!
