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High School Soccer

Local girls compete nationally

By John Hartsock jhartsock@altoonamirror.com Lainey Farabaugh and Ella Garner are outstanding high school soccer players who are veteran competitors for the varsity girls soccer programs at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic and Central, respectively. But both young women, who will be seniors this fall, have been making a year-round commitment to their sport that extends far beyond the scholastic season. Farabaugh, who plays the position of an attacking midfielder on the soccer field, and Garner, who is a center-defender, are both members of an Atlanta, Ga.-based girls ages 19-U traveling ...

USWNT’s Oliaro has local roots

Our region has seen a number of teams and individuals attain soccer success on a state, and even national, level. Coaches Maurice Taylor and Mike Pastore have won state championships with their Blazer and Hooligans squads, and FC814 coach Mark Frye and his Energy girls team played for a national title in the Presidents Cup last year. Now our area has a connection to the United States Women’s National U-17 team. USWNT forward Mia Oliaro has strong family roots in the Hollidaysburg area. Oliaro’s grandfather is longtime local attorney Mike Dorezas, and her mother, Jeri, is a ...

College signing: Lauren Kiser: Penn State Behrend soccer

Name: Lauren Kiser High school: Altoona Area Hometown: Altoona Sport: Soccer Position: Attacking midfield College choice: Penn State Behrend Other colleges considered: Bloomsburg, IUP, Clarion, Chatham, Carlow Why I picked Penn State Behrend: “I made my final decision to attend Penn State Behrend University for many reasons. In comparison to other campuses I visited, I felt Penn State Behrend’s nursing curriculum was superior. After speaking with a few members from the nursing program, I realized it was the best fit for me. Penn State Behrend’s nursing program ...

Sophia Nelson: Penn State Altoona soccer

Name: Sophia Nelson High school: Bellwood-Antis (played scholastically for Tyrone co-op) Hometown: Bellwood Sport: Soccer Position: Midfield College choice: Penn State Altoona Other colleges considered: Penn State (University Park) Why I picked Penn State Altoona: “Both of my parents went to Penn State, and I grew up going to soccer games in University Park every fall. Though I was accepted to the main campus, I decided to transfer after visiting the Altoona branch and their soccer program. Penn State Altoona has a great kinesiology program, and it’s very close to my ...

College signings

Natalie Despot: Mt. Aloysius soccer Name: Natalie Despot High school: Hollidaysburg Hometown: Hollidaysburg Sport: Soccer Position: Forward College choice: Mount Aloysius Other colleges considered: None Why I picked Mount Aloysius: “Outstanding nursing program and athletic program.’’ Greatest high school achievement: Four-time District 6 champion in girls soccer. Coach Dave Soellner’s quote: “Natalie had a great four-year career as a student-athlete at Hollidaysburg and I think she will do well moving to the next level.” How I got my start playing soccer: ...

Hollidaysburg, Tyrone athletes recognized by Mtn. League

The Mountain League fall sports all-stars features 23 student-athletes from Hollidaysburg and 17 from Tyrone Area High School. In football, the Golden Eagles’ Ross Gampe made first-team offense (receiver) and defense (end). The second team consisted of the Eagles’ Corrie Beck (back) on offense and Nate Patterson (linebacker), Cortlynd Rhoades (corner) and Zac Legars (punter) on defense. Honorable Mention honors were picked up Caleb McKinney and Grayden Ewing (lineman) on offense and Beck (safety) on defense). In cross country, Hollidaysburg’s Chris Love and Ben Love made first ...