Name: Nick Szala
School: Penn Cambria
Age: 17
Article Photos
Grade: 12
Sport: Wrestling
Athlete of the week achievement: Szala won the District 6 Class AA title at 138 pounds, which had five returning regional qualifiers vying for the top four spots. Szala beat two of them - Blairsville's Noah Tarr, 7-3, in the semifinals and Bellwood-Antis' Trevor Helsley, 4-2, in the finals.
Season update: Nick Szala is 33-2 with 16 pins and five major decisions.
Coach Todd Niebauer's quote: "Nick came into high school with high expectations. This year has been the year he has seemed to step it up very well. His losses were very close, and he won a weight class that was the toughest one there.''
Favorite teacher: Mrs. Gleason
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: "Transformers''
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite song: No preference
Outside interests: Working at his job, hanging out with friends
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Pitt-Johnstown
Pro athlete most admired: Muhammad Ali
Best athlete I ever competed with: Former Penn Cambria coach Billy Smith
Best athlete I ever competed against: Juniata's Zach Beitz
Most influential person on my athletic career: My pap
Proudest athletic achievement: "Winning Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling championships."
How I got my start in wrestling: "My dad took me to practice, and I stuck with it.''
Future goal: Getting a good job and supporting a family
