By Mike Kovak, Staff writer

mkovak@observer-reporter.com

The senior class trip is an annual rite of post-graduation celebration at many high schools. Trinity is no exception.

Fortunately for the Hillers baseball team, the seniors are flexible with their departure date.

Trinity's senior players recently approached second-year coach Levi Bristor with an important question. They needed to know when the state championships are being played so scheduling could be made afterward.

Yep, the Hillers hold some lofty expectations for the upcoming season.

"They asked if the seniors left on June 20 if that would be enough time," Bristor said. "I told them it would and that the state championships would most likely be over by the 14th. They're already planning. They think they have a chance."

Part of the Hillers' confidence can be attributed to last year's success.

The Hillers won a share of the Section 4-AAA title and the third-place consolation game in the WPIAL playoffs. They also reached the PIAA quarterfinals.

"These kids came in more confident. There's a swagger," Bristor said. "There's a feel that they could do it."

Trinity must do it with a new-look lineup. The Hillers must replace ace pitcher Matt Shade, outfielder Andrew Armstrong and Andrew Sweat, an Ohio State football recruit and the reigning Observer-Reporter Boys Athlete of the Year who graduated early to enroll in college.

Pitchers Alex Frey, Evan Bukowski and Tyler Schrader are the likely starters. Schrader struck out 21 batters in a seven-inning junior varsity game last year.

Bristor also expects significant contributions from sophomore outfielder Joey Havrilak as well as seniors Frank Dobbin and Kevin Podelk.

"We'll be a totally new-look team but I think we can improve on last year's success," Bristor said. "These guys got a taste last year and they want to compete. I think we have a legit chance of playing into June."

Killen to West Virginia Wesleyan

Standing out on an offensive line that annually blocks for 1,500-yard rushers is difficult, but Trinity senior Ian Killen consistently drew praise for his play.

"He was really, really good," Trinity football coach Ed Dalton said. "He consistently graded out as our best lineman week after week. Next to (Thomas Jefferson's) Nate Nix, I don't think it's a stretch to say he was the best in the conference."

At 6-2 and 255 pounds, Killen was a two-time All-Big Seven Conference performer at offensive and defensive tackle. He's also headed to Division II West Virginia Wesleyan on a football scholarship.

Killen chose WVW over several Division II programs, including many PSAC schools, and he's the sixth player from Trinity's senior class to move on to college football.

Home turf

One advantage of installing field turf comes during the spring when WPIAL baseball and softball teams attempt to practice outside.

Occasionally, Mother Nature forces teams to remain inside, even for practice, until after the first play date. For schools such as Peters Township and Chartiers-Houston, field turf makes it possible.

"It's huge. We are so lucky," Chartiers-Houston softball coach Tricia Alderson said. "Once track is done, we have anywhere from 5 to 9 (p.m.) on the turf. It's been great."

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