Student Run Businesses Thrive at GS

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by Reese Price

From painting banners to planting flowers, GS students are turning their passions into businesses that brighten the community. 

Vento’s Landscaping, run by junior Luca Vento and senior Luke Dieter, began in 2021 and expanded in 2023 when the two officially partnered. They specialize in landscaping services that help homeowners across Westmoreland County maintain and improve the look of their yards through the warmer months. 

  Senior Luke Dieter and Junior Luca Vento pose in front of their equipment for an advertisement.

Photo Courtesy: Luke Dieter

“The most rewarding part about my job is being able to satisfy customers and give them the best quality work,” Vento said. 

During the winter they also offer snow plowing, making their business a year-round service. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality work has made them a popular choice in the community. 

“Being able to snow plow this year was great for our business,” Dieter said. 

Another successful business is Pitty Paints, run by junior Reese Pittler. She creates banners that add a colorful and creative touch to all occasions. She paints banners for school events, partiesand other celebrations for people in the community. 

“I love being able to be a part of celebrations within my community and helping to make them extra special,” Pittler said. 

A birthday banner ready to be hung up for a party made by junior Reese Pittler.

Photo Courtesy: Reese Pittler

Her artistic talent has allowed her to build a reputation for designing well liked personalized decorations for a wide variety of events.  

“I typically come up with my designs on my own after getting a description of the event and themes from my customers,” she said. 

Photography has also made an impact on GS students with Ferace Photography. Junior Bryce Ferace specializes in senior portraits, sports, product photography and much more.  

“Photography gives me the opportunity to meet new people and build connections with individuals, businesses and organizations,” he said. “I also get to build trust, work together and be part of someone’s story or event.” 

Junior Bryce Ferace poses for a headshot to use for his business.

Photo Courtesy: Bryce Ferace

The business focuses on providing high quality photos that capture memories for clients and the community. 

“Students are never too young to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and take initiative,” Business Teacher Mr. Tyler Brinton said. “I hope our business classes at GS continue to inspire more students to start thinking seriously about their futures while still in high school.” 

Crystal View Window Cleaning is managed by junior Ace Klingensmith, sophomore Nathan Ross and sophomore Hayden Henry. Their business keeps homes sparkling clean, offering window cleaning services around the GS community.  

Sophomore Hayden Henry cleaning windows on the side of a building.

Photo Courtesy: Ace Kligensmith

“My friends and I have worked very hard to make this business and to be successful together,” Klingensmith said. 

These student run businesses reflect the creativity, work ethic and ambition of GS students. Each business not only provides service to the school and community, but also gives the students hands on experiences in entrepreneurship. 

“Starting a business at a young age teaches lessons that last a lifetime, even for students who don’t pursue business careers,” Mr. Brinton said. “Entrepreneurship builds perseverance, a growth mindset and other traits that transfer to any field.”

Bots IQ Team Scratch

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by Grace Cardoni

The GS Bots IQ team is building the future of engineering one robot at a time. 

Bots IQ is a robot-battling competition created by the Pittsburgh Chapter National Tooling and Machining Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on the future careers of high school students.  

“They wanted kids to get interested in machining, building, electronics and robotics,” Bots IQ Adviser Mr. Matthew King said. “So they started a program in high schools and some middle schools.”  

Each team is tasked with designing and building a 15-pound robot based on the television show BattleBots. The average robot can cost more than $1,000 with all the high-tech parts involved. 

“The average bot, if you had to buy everything brand new and not reuse electronics, you would have over $1,000 in it,” Mr. King said.  

Students will be headed to the preliminary round, along with 65 other schools at Westmoreland County Community College on March 12. This marks the 19th anniversary of the team at GS.  

“We started around two years after the program began,” King said. “So, it’s been about 19 years now; I’ve been on it for 18.” 

However, this season looks vastly different from years past. After graduating their entire team last year, the program had to rebuild from the ground up with nine freshmen. 

A 3D model of the mock Robot created on Fusion 360.

Photo Courtesy: Brandon Pigza

“This year we had a team scratch, all of us are freshman,” freshman Bots IQ member Peyton Comer said. “It went pretty good with Mr. King since he’s done it previous years.” 

Although the team is made up of a brand-new group, many members had experience from their time in the middle school.  

“The reason I think they were interested the most out of everyone, is because they were on the team last year in the middle school,” King said. 

Although most of the team had taken part previously in middle school, they are running on a tight schedule with the new change. 

“We’ve been designing the parts, and we’ve been putting them together on the CAD program to see kind of if it fits together since October,” Comer said. “We haven’t actually built it yet, but the parts are being manufactured.” 

Students note that this year has proved to be much more challenging than their experiences before but nonetheless rewarding.  

“It’s harder, much more complicated,” Peyton said. “But it’s much better; we are all really looking forward to the final product; the process has been fun.” 

Anything Goes is Underway

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by Annabelle Volk

Anything goes here at GS! 

This year, GS will present “Anything Goes” on Feb. 27, Feb. 28 and March 1. 

“‘Anything Goes’ is a triple love story,” sophomore Janna Miller said. “Of course, there are other factors that go along with it. Everyone on the boat works together to make sure the right people are with each other by the end.”  

Though this year’s musical is characterized by true love and marriage, it also incorporates comedy to keep the audience giggling.  

Anything Goes posters hanging in classrooms and in the hallways promoting the show.

Photo by: Annabelle Volk

“Anything Goes” features four complete numbers of tap-dancing routines.  

“It’s very funny to watch,” Miller said. “There’s lots of tap dancing in it, too. The whole cast works together in order to make all the tapping sounds in sync.”  

Rehearsals are in full swing as opening night approaches.  

“It’s tech week,” she said. “It’s the week that prepares us for the actual musical. We run the show full out every day of the week and slowly start adding in more things like lights, costumes, mics, and even the live orchestra.”  

Tech week serves to prepare the cast for opening night by perfecting quick changes and other behind-the-scenes operations.  

“Tech week is really like seeing the fruits of your labor,” senior Ian Smith said. “Rehearsals are much longer. Everything in the show is finally laid out.” 

Students singing “Bon Voyage” during rehearsals.

Photo by: Annabelle Volk

Between the dancing and singing, many characters appear back-to-back.  

“Most people have very few quick changes,” sophomore Rachel Reese said. “But some people have to wear wigs and also change their costumes. I pity the Angels, and I pity Reno with all ofmy heart because of the number of quick changes those girls have.” 

Many cast members remarked on their quick changes between scenes, but they all agreed that Reno has the most difficult changes.  

“I have 11 costumes,” junior Magee Heverly said. “Sometimes I layer the costumes. They made me my own personal dressing room under the set because I have so many quick changes.” 

Despite all of the chaos backstage, the show must go on. Cast members are excited to perform for their family and friends and bring the writing of “Anything Goes” to life.  

“It’s almost like star-crossed lovers,” Smith said. “It’s a Golden Age musical where reality bends to the will of the characters.”  

The plot is complex and captivates the audience with bursts of comedy and vulnerable dialogue. It’s proven difficult to describe it shortly. 

“I like to put it this way,” senior Dakota Glad said. “Think Titanic, but it doesn’t sink. Mix in some tap dancing, and you have ‘Anything Goes.’” 

DECA Club Takes on Hershey

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by Abigail Romeo

GS’s DECA team has qualified for States.  

The program has sky-rocketed in the last two school years. DECA is preparing high school students for careers specified in marketing, business, finances, hospitality and management.  

“Mrs. Pozik told my friend Lola and I about it, and it seemed fun and outside of my comfort zone, so I wanted to do it,” junior Hope Ewing said.  

Students were introduced to the program in the 2024-2025 school year and sprang into action.  

“I was looking to expand and strengthen our business department and noticed that we didn’t have a club for students to join,” Business Teacher Mrs. Rachael Pozik said. “I met with PA DECA representatives and decided it would be a great fit for our students.” 

Starting the organization, the main focus was the amount of impact it would have. 

“DECA helps to bridge the gap between the classroom and the real world, preparing students to become future business leaders while positively representing their school in the community,” Mrs. Pozik said.  

Students often find the program as something that helps them to pursue their future careers and create new adventures within their high school education.  

 DECA Club students pose outside of Duquesne’s business building after their district competition.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Pozik

“I saw it as a way to pursue my specific career, heard about adventuring to different places,” junior Connor Wilson said.  

Skills are needed within the program; students grow as they move forward.  

“I have gained problem solving, confidence when talking in front of people, communication skills and time management while in DECA,” Ewing said.  

Committing to the DECA program throughout high school shows a strong level of dedication, responsibility and personal growth, even with the demanding commitments.   

“The pressure of going into an event and only having 15 minutes or less to present your project or role play,” Wilson said.  

The dedication from all students and staff elevates the importance of the organization.  

“Many schools have been involved with DECA much longer than we have and even have dedicated classes for their events,” Business Teacher Mr. Tyler Brinton said.  

As the 18 students prepare for State competition, set for February 18, 19, and 20 in Hershey, excitement and nerves are building among the students.  

“I felt proud of myself and the team because in my first year, about 85% of the team made it to States,” Wilson said. “Now that we have grown from last year, most of the team will return to Hershey, for another fun time.”  

A Season of Growth for GS Basketball Teams

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by Reese Price

The girls’ and boys’ basketball teams left the court for the last time this season.

The girls’ and boys’ basketball teams’ seasons came to an end as GS wrapped up the winter sports seasons. The girls’ team competed in WPIAL 5A Section II, a challenging section with many top competitors. The boys’ team was also in a competitive section, which was WPIAL 4A Section II.

“I tried my hardest and gave it my all on the court this season,” senior Mya Heasley said. “I will miss the team and the tight bonds we have because I’ve been playing with some of them for most of my basketball career.”

The girls’ team had a competitive start to their season, playing a few non section games against Franklin Regional and Mt. Pleasant, two well ranked non section teams. Over the course of the season they also traveled and hosted in season tournaments at GS.

 “We played well in the tournaments this season,” Heasley said. “Having the opportunities to play those extra games was really fun.”

Junior Sophie Beckerleg and sophomore Bella Dinkel both won All Tournament Team medals at the tip-off tournament at the beginning of the season hosted at GS. They both were recognized at half court for their efforts in contributing to GS basketball success. Throughout the season Dinkel played guard and Heasley played as the point guard and main ball handler for GS. 

“As a guard I really like giving my teammates the opportunities to score,” Dinkel said. “I like to score just as much as I like to see my teammates succeed.” 

As the season went on, leading into January and February, the Lady Lions battled in close contests within section play. The girls played Penn Trafford, Latrobe, Indiana, Kiski Area, McKeesport and West Mifflin. This season featured many returning players who helped shape the team and contribute to its success. 

Senior Mya Heasley dribbles the ball up the court.

Photo Courtesy: Talan Price

“Penn Trafford and Indiana were high ranked teams we haven’t beaten and sometimes only fell a couple points short to, so it’s always a battle between them,” she said.

Head Coach Mr. Rick Klimchock, who has coached at GS since 2017, announced his retirement at the conclusion of the season. Mr. Klimchock also helps his son, Head Mens’ Basketball Coach at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, with games and practices and plays a tremendous part in his community.

“GS girls’ basketball has been a huge part of my life,” Klimchock said. “I love working with high school, middle school and elementary players. Creating relationships has been so important to me.”

The boys’ basketball team also had success this season going 10-11 overall and 5-7 in conference play, leading them to playoffs. The boys finished fifth in the section and continued to show growth and determination all season. The boys opened their season playing highly competitive teams like Hempfield and Greensburg Central Catholic, helping them prepare for the intensity of their conference play.

“We started preparing for our season last March with workouts and games,” Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Mr. Paul Sapotichne said. “Most of my key players started to prepare months and months ago.”

Throughout the season, they faced several setbacks due to injuries that forced players to step into unfamiliar roles and adjust to new lineups. While these injuries created challenges for consistency, they also allowed younger players to see the court and contribute to the games. The team remained focused and continued to compete against tough section opponents including Penn Trafford, Latrobe, Indiana, Kiski Area, McKeesport and West Mifflin. 

“I got through my injuries with pure will to play,” senior Justice Castaneda-Payne said. “I couldn’t have done it without the guys and especially our trainers.”

As the season progressed, they emphasized teamwork, defensive effort and composure in close and challenging games. The group steadily improved their chemistry on the court as they approached the final stretch of their schedule. Their ability to stay united during difficult games became a defining factor of their season.

“I think we’ve had great chemistry and connection this season because of how many years we’ve been playing together,” senior Ty Harkcom said.

Senior Ty Harkcom shoots a free throw as the GS Salem Psychos watch.

Photo Courtesy: Talan Price

Five seniors played an important role in leading the team both on and off the court, helping younger teammates adjust to varsity play when needed. 

“I think this is the best final season I could have had,” Harkcom said. “We made playoffs and broke the five win curse.”

With the regular season complete, the boys prepared to face Hopewell in the first round of playoff competition. The team focused on perfecting their plays, improving execution, and staying disciplined on defense. On Feb. 13, the boys fell short to Hopewell, losing 74-49. 

“I am very proud of our team and players,” Sapotichne said. “We had many films of Hopewell, and all of the coaching staff watched their games and prepared a game plan.”

GS Girls Flip into WPIALS

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by Grace Cardoni

Sticking the landing on their spot in the WPIAL, the GS girls’ gymnastics team found their hard work has paid off, the final time for many on the team.  

On Feb. 4 and 5, the GS gymnastics team traveled to Moon Area High School and Monaca Turners Gymnastics to compete in the WPIAL championships.  

“It’s been a bit stressful because you want to make sure your scores are high enough in order to qualify and perform well, but you get used to it,” sophomore gymnast Caylee Kingerski said. 

The WPIAL meet consisted of various divisions and events like beam, vault, bars and floor.  

GS gymnasts pose in front of the floor before starting their competition.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs.Price

“There are different divisions based on scores which tell you where you will be,” senior gymnast Sophia Kunkle said. “You then rotate through all the events until you are done and then they have awards.”  

With outstanding performances all around in each division, the five seniors on the team finished tying or beating their best scores in each of their events, a fitting conclusion to a year of demanding work.  

“I think the senior performances at WPIALs this year were impressive and showed their dedication,” gymnastics Coach Mrs. Amy White said. “All the girls know what they need to do, and they trust themselves and their skills.” 

Not only did the seniors have an incredible performance, but they also shared their final moments on the floor together. 

“I feel like it is bittersweet,” senior gymnast Emma Visnick said. “We had a great end to the season and I’m happy with how everything went, but I’m going to miss the other girls a lot.” 

With five out of the seven members of the team leaving, that marks a major turning point for the GS gymnastics team, but they leave behind a strong group that they have helped lead throughout their time in the program.  

“While the team is going to be very different without them, they have helped foster an upfront environment and connection that will undoubtably influence the team long after they’ve graduated,” Mrs. White said.  

Talented Students Take the Bocce Court

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by Annabelle Volk and Dylan Sedlacko

The Unified Bocce season is approaching its end, with two games remaining. 

The GS Unified Bocce team is still relatively new. This winter marks the second year Bocce has been included in the district’s winter sports. Despite the sport still being fairly new, it sees plenty of support from staff and students.  

“The entire football team was there,” Girls’ Basketball Assistant Coach Miss Sierra Aires said. “The entire girls’ basketball team was there, too. Some other teachers were seated throughout with more students and, of course, the parents of the players.” 

The Bocce matches are typically supported by student athletes. Some student-athletes requested that their coaches incorporate Bocce match attendance into their practice schedule.  

Ryleigh Peters prepares to roll the ball as her teammates watch down the court.

Photo by: Mr.Lenzi

“We just kinda built it into our schedule,” Miss Aires said. “I know Patty Redinger had heard about it from one of the kids on the Bocce team, and she asked if we could go to it and support it. We were all about that, so we decided to show up.” 

Although the game scheduled for the evening of the 28th was rescheduled due to the weather, the team competed on the 21st in the GS gym. 

“Wednesday’s Bocce game was against Latrobe,” sophomore Brady Gillott said. “We blew them out in the first match. The second match was a little closer, but we came out with both wins.”  

Danny Pavolik rolls the bocce ball across the floor.

Photo by: Mr. Lenzi

Gillott’s favorite part of participating in a unified sport is the strategizing behind it. He enjoys working with the other athletes to improve their gameplay and ensure a win.  

“I’ve played since my 9th-grade year,” he said. “It’s the first coed sport I’ve played.”  

In addition to some new student-athletes, the team has a new assistant coach for the 25-26 season.  

“I have a passion to work with students who have disabilities,” Assistant Coach Mr. Alan Gray said. “I’m actually the son of a life skills teacher. My mom taught special ed and life skills for 36 years, so it’s just kind of something I’ve always had a passion for.” 

Finley Steward watches to see if he scores in their match against Greater Latrobe.

Photo by: Mr. Lenzi

Though the sport is still relatively new to the district, it has seen support from students and staff, as well as passion from its coaches.  

“My goal for students on the Bocce team is to have fun, build relationships, and to gain exposure to other individuals, schools, and activities,” Mr. Gray said.  

ChatGPT Enters the Classroom

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by Gabi Elentri and Abigail Romeo

Although one of the reasons artificial intelligence was invented is to improve education, today’s students use it in a separate way. 

Students today view artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT as a free cheat sheet instead of the education enhancing technology it was created to be.  

ChatGPT offers instant information and quick answers. While it is a great tool for things like immediate homework help and language translation, convenience comes with a cost.  

Some students have discarded the idea of ChatGPT being a tool to help learn new things and have replaced it with it being a tool that does work for them. 

“Most students use ChatGPT to cheat on assignments and quizzes instead of studying,” sophomore Katie Jurkiewicz said.  

 ChatGPT can be used negatively by copying answers and using it to do the work for them, which avoids the challenging work needed to understand a subject.  

“Students also use ChatGPT to write entire essays instead of just researching themselves,” Jurkiewicz said. 

Reliance on ChatGPT can make students lazy, skipping the demanding work needed to understand a subject. It can also give answers that are not always correct, which is just confusing.  

“Students are losing the ability to conduct actual research,” History teacher Mr. Mark Zahorchak said.  

 What may seem like a harmless habit now can expand into long lasting behaviors. Relying on ChatGPT will cause students to trust information without checking twice, weaken their critical thinking, and their struggle to solve problems on their own will worsen.  

“It’s going to ruin people’s ability eventually because they are not going to learn how to articulate their thoughts and writing,” English teacher Mr. Marcus Moffa said.  

Teachers have learned to adapt to the use of ChatGPT and have started to run each essay through Ai detecting websites. Some students run their writing through the same websites to makesure it looks like their own work.  

A student uses ChatGPT for research in the classroom.

Photo by: Abigail Romeo

“I think the hardest part is that we don’t necessarily know anymore when kids are cheating,” Mr. Moffa said. “With some it’s hard to tell.”  

Ways to limit ChatGPT usage might involve re-introducing traditional paper-pencil assignments and making sure every assignment does not leave the classroom.  

“I could go back to paper assignments, but I don’t really want to do that because that’s not the real world,” Moffa said.  

Restricting electronics and having students complete every assignment on paper might seem ideal, but it doesn’t reflect real-world expectations. 

“I think that ChatGPT can be helpful to education if used correctly,” freshman Shayne Grzelewski said.  

 In most jobs and adult life, people manage tasks in their own time. If students never practice working independently outside the classroom, they might struggle with time management and self-discipline later on. 

While ChatGPT and similar tools offer opportunities to enhance learning, it’s important to use them wisely.  

Education can be designed to help students complete assignments while also encouraging critical thinking, time management, and the development of skills that may be useful beyond the classroom. Striking a balance between these aspects can support students in their future.  

“ChatGPT can be a helpful classroom tool if used correctly,” Jurkiewicz said. “I do think it can be beneficial, but it shouldn’t do all the work.” 

Students Thrive in NAHS and Mock-Trial

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by Grace Cardoni and Mae Grisenthwaite

Mock Trial and National Art Honors Society are vital parts of GS, yet many students and staff members remain unaware of their roles despite all of their accomplishments.  

Both organizations have been active for years and meet regularly, whether that be through a class or a club. Teachers in charge aide and guide members through the opportunities and challenges that come along with being a part of them. Despite all of this, many who are not involved are left unaware of what goes on behind the classroom doors.  

“With Mock Trial I know who’s on it but not really much of what they do; NAHS I know even less about,” senior Austin Brown said. 

The Mock Trial team, which is led by English Teacher Mrs. Kristen Solomon, is a competitive academic activity that challenges students to take on roles as lawyers and witnesses in a 30-minute simulated court room case.  

Members of the Mock Trial Team pose in the Cathedral of Learning after competing in a tournament at Pitt.

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Solomon

“Mock Trial is part creative writing and part acting,” senior Mock Trial member Ian Smith said. “You work hard to write good material and then perform it to your best so you can win points.”  

Mock Trial gives students the opportunity to explore interests in law and exposes them to a fast-paced learning environment, whether that is through the Mock Trial class or the competitive team.  

“Mock Trial is a competition that tests your ability to think on your feet and respond to unknown elements,” Smith said. 

Similarly the National Art Honors Society is an organization that many students at GS may not realize exists, despite its long-standing presence.  

“We have had a chapter for probably about 15 years so it’s not new to our school, it’s just that we’ve kind of gone through some revitalization in the last couple years,” Art Teacher Mr.Darryl Audia said. 

National Art Honors Society, or NAHS, is a service organization that allows members to support others through their missions in art. They provide help to those who need it, doing things like face painting for Mini -THON or donating funds raised to organizations like the Giving Tree. 

“The mission is for them to gather service hours that are related to not just art, but helping people’s missions through art,” Mr. Audia said.  

Students utilize a model vinyl project created by Mr. Audia in order to create their own.

Photo By: Grace Cradoni

With these clubs not being well known by the school community, most students interested in either know truly little about how to get involved; Mock Trial being a great choice for students interested in law, and NAHS for any students interested in the arts.  

“Most students start in middle school with Mr. Doran,” sophomore Mock Trial member Ava Richards said. “Some of us started through the B- Team competition.” 

“B-Team” is a beginner trial attended once to see if there is true interest in the team. Mock Trial is a great choice for any student with a good writing foundation who can persevere in independent work. 

 “To solidify the understanding and concept it is great to take the Mock Trial class or Intro to Mock Trial class,” Richards said. 

NAHS also requires some further experience from students while still being broad enough that anyone interested can easily qualify to become part of the group. 

 “Students have to be in an art elective or have taken an art elective before,” Audia said. “Students who don’t meet these requirements would do more service hours to balance that out.” 

Both Mock Trial and National Art Honors Society have proven themselves to be parts of GS that uphold a strong community and culture. 

“I really think everyone should look more into both honestly,” junior Mock Trial member Kagan McBreen said. “I know people who are part of both NAHS and Mock Trial, and I think they represent our school well.” 

Girls Hit the Mat as a Team for the First Time at GS

Posted on by gshslionsdenadmin

by Reese Price, Editor in Chief

This season marked a major milestone for the Girls’ Wrestling Club as they took the mat for the first time.  

At the beginning of the school year, GS introduced a Girls’ Wrestling Club, creating a new athletic opportunity for female students. The club began practicing in the fall to prepare for their first season. The team is comprised of 14 student athletes who compete in high school and junior high matches. 

“Teaching them something new was definitely a challenge,” wrestling coach Mr. Randy Parsley said. 

The female wrestlers have been practicing alongside the boys’ team since preseason workouts started. During these shared practices, the athletes have learned new techniques and skills that have helped and impacted all of the athletes. The female wrestlers have been extremely dedicated and hardworking as they build the program and shape the future.  

“It was great seeing them compete with other girls, using the moves we’ve been going over,” Mr. Parsley said. “I am very impressed with them; they are very hardworking and are anxious to learn more.” 

The PIAA hosted its first season for girls wrestling in 2023-24, opening this sport up to many high school students across Pennsylvania. Girls wrestling has become one of the fastest growing girl’s sports in Pennsylvania. More than 100 girls wrestling teams have been established which was needed for the state to gain PIAA sponsorships. GS’s increase in female participation has allowed them to compete in girls’ wrestling events instead of wrestling only boys’ teams or not at all.  

“Wrestling has increased my self-confidence, mental toughness, resilience and discipline,” sophomore Zoey Zeoli said. “It teaches accountability and has empowered me to get in the best shape of my life.” 

GS hosted the Westmoreland County Coaches Association Wrestling Tournament, marking the school’s first year entering a girls’ team. As more local schools add programs, the participation in the sport has continued to grow.  

“It’s an honor to be a part of the first ever girls’ wrestling team and to pave the way for younger athletes who want to be involved in a sport that pushes them to be their very best,” Zeoli said. 

Senior wrestler Sadie Sarver has been competing since eighth grade and is a captain of the high school team. She committed to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to continue her academic and athletic career. Sarver is ranked 16 out of 118 wrestlers in District 7 girls wrestling so far this year.  

Senior Sadie Sarver looks into the crowd before a match

Photo Courtesy: Mrs. Sarver

“The hardest part of wrestling is that you need to build a whole different mindset,” she said. “It’s physically demanding and learning how to wrestle takes time, but once you get used to it, it’s all about feel and looseness.” 

Learning and adapting to a new sport can be hard for any athlete, but these girls have paved the way for future athletes. Young middle school and elementary school kids have already showntheir interest in starting wrestling at a young age. The PIAA has worked very hard to grow the sport, involving 264 teams and over 100 clubs across Pennsylvania, with GS being one of them, which has contributed to the growth girls’ wrestling has seen in the past few years. 

“Wrestling has helped me become more confident and disciplined to be the best I can be, showing me a true supportive environment,” Sarver said