Trending
Name: Ben Dodson
High school: Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
Hometown: East Freedom
Sport: E-Sports
College choice: Saint Francis
Other colleges considered: Penn State
Why I picked E-Sports: "I always loved playing games while growing up.''
Greatest high school achievement: "High academic honors most of high school.''
Coach Jonathan Shaw's quote: "This program couldn't have been what it was this year without students like Ben. He's been more like my mentor than me being his mentor.''
Favorite college growing up: Ohio State
Other interests: Car shows, hanging out with friends, football
What getting to play in college means to me: "It's like a kid's dream.''
Probable college major: Engineering
Parents: Tyke and Julie Dodson
Name: Jacob Harker
High school: Bishop Carroll Catholic
Hometown: Lilly
Sport: Track and field
Position: Shot put and discus
College choice: Waynesburg University
Other colleges considered: PennWest, Clarion
Why I picked Waynesburg: "I had a great connection with the track coach. It is in my best interest with how I would like to continue my athletic career in college while also being able to pursue a good academic career that will provide me well for my future career goals."
Greatest high school achievement: Breaking the school record in the shot put. It was 50-feet, 3 inches. Now it's 52-feet, 1.25 inches
Coach Chad Ryan's quote: "Jake is a remarkable young man. He possesses a drive to improve that every coach wants in their athletes. But more importantly, he possesses that same drive throughout his life. Jake is a natural leader that leads through his actions. He is not the leader telling everyone what to do, he is in the front leading by example. Jake will go far in this world with his tenacity to better himself. It's been an honor to coach such a wonderful human being."
How I got my start competing in track and field: "Everyone was doing it my freshman year and it seemed like something fun to do to get better for other sports."
Favorite college growing up: Penn State
Other interests: Playing football, fishing, weightlifting, hanging out with friends.
What getting to compete in college means to me: "It means a lot that I have more years to throw and have fun in the pits. It gives me another chance to show off my talents and do what I love to do. I'm able to bring what I have learned in high school and take it to a while other level.
Probable college major: Communication/Sports information
Parents: Joseph and Melissa Harker
Name: Lia Simanski
High school: Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic
Hometown: Altoona
Sport: Volleyball
Position: Outside
College choice: Penn State Altoona
Other colleges considered: Saint Francis, Penn State
Why I picked volleyball: "I choose to play this sport, because it is my passion. I have grown up playing it for a long time, and it is now a big part of my life.''
Greatest high school achievement: "Winning District 6 my junior year and receiving All-State honors both my junior and senior year.''
Coach Rachel Potopa's quote: "I coached Lia since junior high, and I'm really proud of her. She's probably one of the best and most hard-working players we have ever had in the program, even going back to when I played here. She is two-time all state, All-district, Altoona Mirror first team, and she's just a great kid. Very hard working, dedicated and never complained and worked hard. She was a role model for all the kids that came up behind her. I really look forward to seeing all the success in her future."
How I got my start playing volleyball: "I played co-ed volleyball in elementary school.''
Favorite college growing up: Penn State
Other interests: "Working out, skiing, spending time outdoors and with my friends."
What getting to play in college means to me: "It means so much as this sport has become a big part of my life. I am excited to continue it in the next chapter of my life.''
Parents: Kimberly and Patrick Simanski
Name: Olivia Vincent
High school: Hollidaysburg Area
Hometown: Hollidaysburg Area
Sport: Softball
Position: Pitcher,third base
College choice: Penn State Altoona
Other colleges considered: Mount Aloysius, Saint Francis, IUP
Why I picked Penn State Altoona: "I wanted to stay close to home while in school.''
Coach Heather Perry's quote: "Olivia is an outstanding leader and is a threat to opposing teams both offensively and defensively. She exhibits all five tools of softball -- speed, power at the plate, consistency, superior throwing strength and top-notch fielding ability. As a bonus, she led her team in the circle as she accumulated nearly 200 strikeouts over the past three years. I'm excited to see Olivia grow as she takes her game to the next level at Penn State Altoona.''
How I got my start playing softball: "All my friends were signing up for rec league and wanted me to play with them.''
Favorite college growing up: Florida State
Other interests: Swimming, hunting
What getting to play in college means to me: "It's something I have always wanted to do.''
Probable college major: Pediatric nursing
Parents: Sheena Hicks, Jay Vincent
Name: Collin Yeatts
High school: Northern Bedford County
Hometown: Martinsburg
Sport: Soccer
Position: Mid-fielder
College choice: Geneva College
Other colleges considered: Messiah, Cedarville
Why I picked Geneva: "Strong business program and great soccer program."
Greatest high school achievement: Two-time Pennsylvania State Coaches Association all-state player in soccer
Coach Marcus Yeatts quote: "They saw Collin at a camp and I think they like his potential as a mid-fielder and his ability to create scoring chances for the team. I think it will come down to how hard he works at it. He has been a pretty hard worker in high school and if he does that in college, he'll succeed."
How I got my start playing soccer: Began playing youth soccer at age 6
Favorite college growing up: Ohio State
Other interests: Basketball, playing drums, football
What getting to play in college means to me: "I can continue to have fun playing and keep improving."
Probable college major: Accounting
Parents: Marcus and Emily Yeatts
Name: Lydia Knarr
High school: Central Cambria
Hometown: Ebensburg
Sport: Women's wrestling
Weight class: 130-136
College choice: Lock Haven University
Other colleges considered: Alvernia
Why I picked Lock Haven: "Because of the great psychology program and incredible women's wrestling program, I felt Lock Haven would be the best place for me to become the wrestler I strive to be."
Greatest high school achievement: "Winning my first-ever wrestling tournament."
Coach Dominic Farabaugh's quote: "Working with Lydia has been an absolute pleasure. I truly admire her unwavering dedication and eagerness to absorb every piece of advice and guidance. As a coach, it's a privilege to work with such a determined and coachable athlete who embraces challenges and consistently strives for excellence. With her attitude and willingness to learn, there's no doubt in my mind that Lydia will continue to achieve great things."
How I got my start in wrestling: "I've been wanting to wrestle for a couple of years but it seemed it was not in my future until Central Cambria started the girls program. I started to go to practices with the boys varsity team along with the girls practices, and it took off from there."
Favorite college growing up: Clemson
Other interests: Soccer, cross country, track and field, softball and weightlifting
What getting to play in college means to me: "It truly is an amazing honor to be able to continue my athletic career in college. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be a college athlete, and I really couldn't be happier to tell that little girl who worked so hard she did it."
Probable college major: Psychology
Parents: Jay and Melanie Knarr