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Articles by John Grupp
Championship season was years in the making for senior-led North Allegheny boys volleyball
The North Allegheny boys volleyball team finally had the season they dreamed about. The senior-led Tigers went 17-0, losing only one set all year. They swept the 2026 WPIAL and PIAA Class 3A titles and cemented their legacy in a program dotted with championship banners. “It was one of the most talented groups that we’ve ever had come through North Allegheny, and they were completely bought in,” fourth-year coach Dan Long said.
North Allegheny grad Zach Duckworth vaults to All-American heights
Zach Duckworth seems to rise to the occasion with everything on the line. Three different times at the NCAA Division III track and field championships last month, the North Allegheny graduate was down to his final attempt to clear the pole vault bar. If the Washington (Mo.) University sophomore missed any of those attempts, his dreams were dashed. But all three times Duckworth cleared the height and, at last, landed on the pole vault pad with All-American honors.
Trip to WPIAL finals with young roster gives boost to North Allegheny baseball
North Allegheny this season lost to a pair of aces, but the Tigers have a bunch of chips left. The North Allegheny players are settled onto their respective summer teams with optimism for next season after reaching the WPIAL Class 6A championship game and giving top-seeded Butler and its stud-laden pitching staff all it could handle.
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North Allegheny boys tennis makes historic run
North Allegheny boys tennis is so strong this season that the No. 3 singles player for the Tigers is the No. 2 singles player in the WPIAL. “I don’t know that that’s ever really happened before,” coach Matt Woffington said. “It just shows the depth that we have. When your No. 3 guy comes in second in the entire WPIAL, that’s pretty good.” The Tigers are pretty great this season.
North Allegheny’s Courtney Killian hangs up her whistle after 4 seasons
No one saw this coming. Three days after the North Allegheny girls lacrosse team fell to Upper St. Clair, 18-1, to conclude a 5-13 season, the Tigers suffered another, more unexpected loss. Coach Courtney Killian told her players May 11 she is stepping down after four seasons to spend more time with her family. “This is a very hard decision for me,” Killian said. “It’s time to hang up the whistle. I have been coaching for 20 years. The next chapter is to grow the sport.
Reloaded North Allegheny girls track team looks to return to top of WPIAL heap
The North Allegheny girls track and field team is looking as good as gold. After falling short last season in their bid for a fourth consecutive WPIAL Class 3A team title, the Tigers are eyeing a return to the top of the medal stand. "This is as good of a team as I've coached in a long time," said coach John Neff, in his 23rd season. "I feel good where we are. I don't know where it's going to put us.
Senior-heavy North Allegheny volleyball benefits from early-season tournament experience Original
By: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 11:01 AM North Allegheny middle blocker Peter Bratich, a two-time first-team all-WPIAL selection, has played with most of his fellow seniors year-round since seventh grade. North Allegheny senior Elliott Swierczynski helped the top-ranked Tigers to a third-place finish at the prestigious First Point National High School Invitational on March 27-28 in Austin, Texas.
Reloaded North Allegheny girls track team looks to return to top of WPIAL heap
By: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 11:01 AM North Allegheny senior Taylor Neese is the defending WPIAL Class 3A shot put champion and placed fourth in the event last month at the Adidas Indoor Nationals in Virginia Beach, Va. (Courtesy of Jim Neese) The North Allegheny girls track and field team is looking as good as gold. After falling short last season in their bid for a fourth consecutive WPIAL Class 3A team title, the Tigers are eyeing a return to the top of the medal stand.
North Allegheny softball enters season with something to prove
By: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 11:01 AM North Allegheny coach Bill Aguglia talks with his team during a game against Seneca Valley last season. (Christopher Horner | TribLive) North Allegheny softball hit over .300 as a team last season while facing a steady diet of dominant all-state pitchers. Second-year coach Bill Aguglia believes the Tigers can do a whole lot better this season. “Hitting is going to be the key,” he said. “I didn’t feel we hit really good as a team last year.
North Allegheny baseball driven to succeed after disappointing end to last season
By: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 11:01 AM North Allegheny closer Nate Surman pumps his fist after getting the final out against Shaler last season. (Photos: Christopher Horner | TribLive) North Allegheny’s Mason Dratfinsky flashes the Zoltan sign after his double against Seneca Valley last season. Previous Next The North Allegheny baseball team learned hard work is the best way to remove the bad taste from its mouth.
North Allegheny wrestler Bradyn McConneha caps ‘amazing’ run to state finals
By: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 11:01 AM North Allegheny’s Bradyn McConneha beats Council Rock’s Matthew Scott during a PIAA Class 3A 285-pound quarterfinal bout March 6 at Giant Center. (Chaz Palla | TribLive) “Big B” got an “A” this postseason. North Allegheny senior heavyweight Bradyn McConneha won sectional and regional titles and reached the PIAA Class 3A wrestling championship match — the first Tiger to advance that far in nearly a decade — to cap a stellar season.
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North Allegheny wrestler Bradyn McConneha builds on big wins
At 6-foot, 260 pounds, North Allegheny senior wrestler Bradyn McConneha may look like a heavyweight. But he doesn’t act like one. McConneha has used quickness and aggressiveness — rare traits in most heavyweights — to construct a 22-2 record this season with a No. 1 ranking in the WPIAL and No. 3 in the state. “Everybody thinks that heavyweight is just like hard tie-ups, fat, slow, doesn’t really want to wrestle,” McConneha said. “I am weighing in at 260, and I can do a round-off backflip.
‘Sky is the limit’ for North Allegheny swimmer Claire Bacu
North Allegheny senior Claire Bacu is making quick work in the longest event in high school swimming. The Brown recruit is eyeing her third consecutive WPIAL Class 3A 500 freestyle title, something accomplished by only three other girls in league history. “As far as Claire goes, the sky is the limit,” said coach Patrick Wenzel, whose North Allegheny girls are favored to win their 18th consecutive WPIAL team title.
Hampton girls basketball accelerates into new season
The Hampton girls basketball team is going from being a blah to being a blur. One year after having a plodding, low-scoring attack, the Talbots are turning up the pace with four returning starters. "Last year, it felt like we did a lot of walking up the court," coach Tony Howard said. "The style of play was not helpful to scoring points.
New coach gets started on North Allegheny boys basketball rebuild
North Allegheny's Rob Niederberger is coaching again after taking last season off following his remarkable turnaround job at Shaler. His new team also is eager to get back into it. North Allegheny, coming off the program's worst season in at least 35 years, is energized and motivated to return to its winning ways under its first-year boys basketball coach. "I know they are coming off a rough year," said Niederberger, hired at his alma mater to replace Dave DeGregorio.
Strong offseason lifts Hampton boys basketball
Hampton boys basketball used the motto "Bring the Noise" last season. This offseason was more about the sound of clanging steel plates inside a secluded weight room. "We're not getting pushed around anymore," senior forward Zack Danner said. "Everyone has put on weight. Everyone is much stronger. Guys are jumping higher and looking a lot faster.
Rare losing season lights fire under North Allegheny girls basketball
The North Allegheny girls basketball team is ready to distance itself from its first losing season in nearly four decades. First-year coach Jill Capozzi said the Tigers are focused on the future as they try to rebound from a 9-14 disappointment. “We’re not looking in that rearview mirror at all,” Capozzi said. “We put it aside, and we asked everyone to put it aside, because we are forward-facing.” Capozzi was hired in early May to replace Gabby Baldasare, who stepped down after her lone season.
North Allegheny water polo reflects on emotional state title run
The greatest season in the history of North Allegheny water polo was a mixture of elation and joy sprinkled with grieving heartache. But what a ride it was. The Tigers rolled to a 22-1 record and won their second consecutive state championship, while helping their beloved coach cope with the mid-season loss of his father.
Freeport girls banking on experience to return to playoffs
Experience means everything for the Freeport girls basketball team. Second-year coach Jason Kerr says whatever his youthful team went through during last year's 6-17 season - good and bad - will be valuable moving forward. "Everything that happened last year, regardless of score and record, was important," Kerr said. "They played key section games for the first time, close games, intense games, and then went into the playoffs.
Freeport boys look to turn up tempo on defense
Freeport coach Rich Macura is ready to release a swarm of Yellowjackets. One season after having one of the most porous defenses in WPIAL Class 4A boys basketball, Freeport is poised to turn up the pressure on opposing teams. "The fact that we can go a little deeper than in the past, we're going to be a little bit more up-tempo and press," said Macura, in his third year.
North Allegheny girls defy expectations with WPIAL championship, deep state playoff run
By: John Grupp Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 11:01 AM Christopher Horner | TribLive North Allegheny’s Kieran Shannon celebrates with Ava Hutter after scoring against Seneca Valley during the WPIAL Class 4A championship game Oct. 31 at Highmark Stadium. Christopher Horner | TribLive North Allegheny’s Rosalia Varlotta watches her game-winning goal in double overtime of the WPIAL Class 4A championship against Seneca Valley on Oct. 31 at Highmark Stadium.
North Allegheny hockey skates to quick start under 1st-year coach
By: John Grupp Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 11:01 AM Christopher Horner | TribLive North Allegheny’s Ed Scherer celebrates after scoring during a 2024 Penguins Cup Class 3A semifinal against Seneca Valley. The North Allegheny hockey team got off to one of its best starts in 20 years, but Justin Glock is staying grounded. “They are well aware that I think we can play a lot better,” the first-year coach said. “It’s still a work in progress.” So far, it’s working.
North Allegheny girls defy expectations with WPIAL championship, deep state playoff run
The North Allegheny girls soccer team saved its best for last. After entering the WPIAL Class 4A playoffs as a third-place section finisher and a fifth-seeded underdog, the Tigers used a remarkable run to put together arguably the most memorable postseason in program history. “We were kind of overlooked because we had some losses during the season,” coach Chuck Kelley said.
North Allegheny hockey skates to quick start under 1st-year coach
The North Allegheny hockey team got off to one of its best starts in 20 years, but Justin Glock is staying grounded. “They are well aware that I think we can play a lot better,” the first-year coach said. “It’s still a work in progress.” So far, it’s working. The Tigers (5-1) won their first five games for only the third time since 2005-06. An aggressive offense, opportunistic special teams and a thriving first-year varsity goalie spurred the fast start.
Hampton’s Rebekah Hall completes comeback with WPIAL cross country title
The Hampton girls didn’t repeat at the 2025 WPIAL Class 2A cross country championships, but they did rejoice. Junior Rebekah Hall, who last season helped the Talbots to their first-ever team title, became the first Hampton runner in 27 years to bring home a WPIAL individual cross country championship.
No regrets for North Allegheny boys soccer after 'tricky season'
The North Allegheny boys soccer team ended this season with 10 wins, six losses, three ties and zero regrets. In the wake of a 1-0 loss at top-seeded Peters Township in the WPIAL Class 4A quarterfinals on Oct. 25, the No. 8 Tigers recalled a “tricky season” with many more highs than lows. “I couldn’t have asked for a better group,” senior defender Elliott Swierczynski said. “I feel like our team left it all out on the field.
North Allegheny has experience in putting bye week to good use
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North Allegheny girls tennis doubles down on winning season
Oct. 25—There were no troubles at doubles this season for the North Allegheny girls tennis team. The Tigers' doubles teams went a combined 42-2 while leading North Allegheny to its fifth consecutive Section 2-3A title and a spot in the PIAA Class 3A playoffs. kAm%96 }@] ` 5@F3=6D E62> @7 D6?:@C pF5C6J +96?8 2?5 7C6D9>2?
North Allegheny has experience in putting bye week to good use
Oct. 25—North Allegheny coach Art Walker is getting better at byes. For the fourth consecutive season, the Tigers — and the rest of the WPIAL Class 6A bracket — will have a bye week to prepare for their playoff opener, and Walker has grown more comfortable with the atypical schedule. kAmQ(96?
North Allegheny girls tennis doubles down on winning season
There were no troubles at doubles this season for the North Allegheny girls tennis team. The Tigers’ doubles teams went a combined 42-2 while leading North Allegheny to its fifth consecutive Section 2-3A title and a spot in the PIAA Class 3A playoffs. The No. 1 doubles team of senior Audrey Zheng and freshman Rouxi Bai posted a 17-1 mark, while the No. 2 pair of senior Ella Mangene and junior Remi Hayward went a perfect 21-0, losing only one set all season.
North Allegheny has experience in putting bye week to good use
North Allegheny coach Art Walker is getting better at byes. For the fourth consecutive season, the Tigers — and the rest of the WPIAL Class 6A bracket — will have a bye week to prepare for their playoff opener, and Walker has grown more comfortable with the atypical schedule. “When this all started, it was a process to figure it out,” Walker said. “I would say the first time we did OK with it.
North Allegheny frustrated after PIAA tennis loss to late-arriving opponent Original
By: Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 7:07 PM North Allegheny’s Michelle Weniger has witnessed a lot in her two decades as girls tennis coach, but nothing like this. The NA Hall of Fame coach was still looking for answers one day after a 3-2 loss to Hollidaysburg on Tuesday in the PIAA Class 3A team tournament in which the Tigers’ No. 1 singles player was forced to wait more than two-and-a-half hours to start her match against a late-arriving opponent. “It was terrible,” Weniger said.
North Allegheny to play rare role of underdog at WPIAL cross country meet
The North Allegheny girls cross country team finds itself in an unusual position heading into the WPIAL Class 3A championships. The seven-time defending champion Tigers are underdogs - and in a big way. "I think it's pretty refreshing, to be honest," North Allegheny coach John Neff said. "Sometimes we go (to WPIALs) and it's almost, 'You either win it or you look bad.' We don't have that this year.
Hampton's Josh Wukitch motivated for return to WPIAL championships
Hampton's top cross country runner is swapping a walking boot for racing spikes for the WPIAL Class 2A championships. Junior Josh Wukitch, who missed last year's finals with a broken foot, is back to full strength and motivated for his return to the WPIAL meet Oct. 23 at White Oak Park. "I'm definitely hungry for some action," Wukitch said. "It's been a long time since I felt this good." For sure, he has never run faster.
Hampton girls soccer goes into attack mode to earn WPIAL playoff spot
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North Allegheny golfer rallies to keep season alive Original
By: Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 11:01 AM North Allegheny senior Kayli Dings entered the final round of the WPIAL golf championships feeling like she had nothing to lose. And not much to gain. After a disappointing first round gave her a slim chance to qualify the PIAA championships, Dings lowered her hopes heading into the WPIAL individual final round Oct. 1 at Sewickley Heights Golf Club.
North Allegheny to play rare role of underdog at WPIAL cross country meet
The North Allegheny girls cross country team finds itself in an unusual position heading into the WPIAL Class 3A championships. The seven-time defending champion Tigers are underdogs — and in a big way. “I think it’s pretty refreshing, to be honest,” North Allegheny coach John Neff said. “Sometimes we go (to WPIALs) and it’s almost, ‘You either win it or you look bad.’ We don’t have that this year.
North Allegheny golfer rallies to keep season alive
Oct. 18—North Allegheny senior Kayli Dings entered the final round of the WPIAL golf championships feeling like she had nothing to lose. And not much to gain. kAmp7E6C 2 5:D2AA@:?E:?8 7:CDE C@F?5 82G6 96C 2 D=:> 492?46 E@ BF2=:7J E96 !xpp 492>A:@?D9:AD[ s:?8D =@H6C65 96C 9@A6D 9625:?8 :?E@ E96 (!xp{ :?5:G:5F2= 7:?2= C@F?5 ~4E] ` 2E $6H:4<=6J w6:89ED v@=7 r=F3]k^Am kAmQx ;FDE H2?E65 E@ ECJ >J 36DE 2?5 D66 H92E 92AA6?65[Q D2:5 s:?8D[ H9@ ?66565 E@ >2<6 FA D6G6? DEC@<6D :?
Hampton girls soccer goes into attack mode to earn WPIAL playoff spot
Hampton first-year girls soccer coach Chris Garraffa wants his players to focus on possibility, not perfection. Garraffa has instilled an attacking mindset in his debut season with the WPIAL Class 3A playoff-bound Talbots, emphasizing increased scoring chances above pinpoint passes. “We are willing to go to the goal immediately compared to bringing the ball down, passing it around, holding possession and waiting for the exact perfect moment,” he said.
Hampton girls soccer goes into attack mode to earn WPIAL playoff spot
Oct. 18—Hampton first-year girls soccer coach Chris Garraffa wants his players to focus on possibility, not perfection. Garraffa has instilled an attacking mindset in his debut season with the WPIAL Class 3A playoff-bound Talbots, emphasizing increased scoring chances above pinpoint passes. kAmQ(6 2C6 H:==:?8 E@ 8@ E@ E96 8@2= :>>65:2E6=J 4@>A2C65 E@ 3C:?8:?8 E96 32== 5@H?[ A2DD:?8 :E 2C@F?5[ 9@=5:?8 A@DD6DD:@?
North Allegheny to play rare role of underdog at WPIAL cross country meet
Oct. 18—The North Allegheny girls cross country team finds itself in an unusual position heading into the WPIAL Class 3A championships. The seven-time defending champion Tigers are underdogs — and in a big way. kAmQx E9:?< :EVD AC6EEJ C67C6D9:?8[ E@ 36 9@?6DE[Q }@CE9 p==6896?J 4@249 y@9? }677 D2:5] Q$@>6E:>6D H6 8@ WE@ (!xp{DX 2?5 :EVD 2=>@DE[ V*@F 6:E96C H:? :E @C J@F =@@< 325]V (6 5@?VE 92G6 E92E E9:D J62C] (6VC6 :? 2 H:?\H:? D:EF2E:@?]Qk^Am kAm(9:=6 E96 %:86CD Wh\_[ e\_X HC2AA65 FA 2?
Hampton's Josh Wukitch motivated for return to WPIAL championships
Oct. 18—Hampton's top cross country runner is swapping a walking boot for racing spikes for the WPIAL Class 2A championships. Junior Josh Wukitch, who missed last year's finals with a broken foot, is back to full strength and motivated for his return to the WPIAL meet Oct. 23 at White Oak Park. kAmQxV> 567:?:E6=J 9F?8CJ 7@C D@>6 24E:@?[Q (F<:E49 D2:5] QxEVD 366? 2 =@?8 E:>6 D:?46 x 76=E E9:D 8@@5]Qk^Am kAmu@C DFC6[ 96 92D ?6G6C CF?
Senior standout sets stage for North Allegheny girls volleyball
This past summer, North Allegheny's Keely McMahon-Regan worked at the NA girls volleyball camp for grade-schoolers. This fall, she is putting on a clinic. Tasked with delivering pinpoint passes to a frontline led by a pair of all-state hitters, the senior setter is the lead playmaker for the eight-time defending PIAA Class 4A champion Tigers. "First and foremost, she's just a naturally gifted athlete," North Allegheny coach Russ Hoburg said. "She's been doing it for a long time, and it shows.
Senior standout sets stage for North Allegheny girls volleyball
By: Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 11:01 AM This past summer, North Allegheny’s Keely McMahon-Regan worked at the NA girls volleyball camp for grade-schoolers. This fall, she is putting on a clinic. Tasked with delivering pinpoint passes to a frontline led by a pair of all-state hitters, the senior setter is the lead playmaker for the eight-time defending PIAA Class 4A champion Tigers. “First and foremost, she’s just a naturally gifted athlete,” North Allegheny coach Russ Hoburg said.
North Allegheny grad Lucia Wells finds success in new role for Pitt women's soccer
Former North Allegheny star Lucia Wells is more focused on her place on a soccer field than her location on one. Wells, NA’s all-time leading goal scorer, has transitioned into a versatile two-way player with multiple starts at forward and defender for Pitt this season. “Honestly, I’m good playing anywhere,” she said.
Senior standout sets stage for North Allegheny girls volleyball
This past summer, North Allegheny’s Keely McMahon-Regan worked at the NA girls volleyball camp for grade-schoolers. This fall, she is putting on a clinic. Tasked with delivering pinpoint passes to a frontline led by a pair of all-state hitters, the senior setter is the lead playmaker for the eight-time defending PIAA Class 4A champion Tigers. “First and foremost, she’s just a naturally gifted athlete,” North Allegheny coach Russ Hoburg said. “She’s been doing it for a long time, and it shows.
North Allegheny grad Lucia Wells finds success in new role for Pitt women's soccer
Oct. 11—Former North Allegheny star Lucia Wells is more focused on her place on a soccer field than her location on one. Wells, NA's all-time leading goal scorer, has transitioned into a versatile two-way player with multiple starts at forward and defender for Pitt this season. kAmQw@?6DE=J[ xV> 8@@5 A=2J:?8 2?JH96C6[Q D96 D2:5] Qx ;FDE =@G6 E@ 36 @? E96 7:6=5 2?5 96=A H96C6G6C x 42?]Qk^Am kAm(6==D[ H9@ ?6G6C A=2J65 5676?D6 AC:@C E@ 2CC:G:?8 2E !:EE[ 92D >256 ?:?6 DE2CED 2E 7@CH2C5 2?5 7:G6 @?
Senior standout sets stage for North Allegheny girls volleyball
Oct. 11—This past summer, North Allegheny's Keely McMahon-Regan worked at the NA girls volleyball camp for grade-schoolers. This fall, she is putting on a clinic. kAm%2D<65 H:E9 56=:G6C:?8 A:?A@:?E A2DD6D E@ 2 7C@?E=:?6 =65 3J 2 A2:C @7 2==\DE2E6 9:EE6CD[ E96 D6?:@C D6EE6C :D E96 =625 A=2J>2<6C 7@C E96 6:89E\E:>6 5676?5:?8 !xpp r=2DD cp 492>A:@? %:86CD]k^Am kAmQu:CDE 2?5 7@C6>@DE[ D96VD ;FDE 2 ?2EFC2==J 8:7E65 2E9=6E6[Q }@CE9 p==6896?J 4@249 #FDD w@3FC8 D2:5] Q$96VD 366?
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