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9-year-old goalie stands tall in nets
That's not really unusual; goalies are supposed to do that.
What makes Crugnale different is that she is 9-years-old and competed for the Southpointe Rink Rats in this past season's 14-under league in the Amateur Hockey Association. It is just one of the notable aspects of a league that offers girls the opportunity to play hockey.
"I like to think it's unique, especially since she is a goalie," said the team's head coach Nancy Parker. "She's a petite 9. I tell her to go out there and be like a puffer fish."
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The costs to compete - and they can be extensive - are shouldered by the parents. They also are responsible for travel to away games, which are played against teams in Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair and Wheeling, the longest trip for this age group.
"The biggest difference with this team is the social aspect," said Parker, whose 14-year-old daughter Rachel plays forward. "The age difference is such that there isn't much off-ice bonding. They all get along but they are not at the same stage of life."
n In an effort to bring you extensive coverage of the Major League Baseball season, the Observer-Reporter is offering a new blog called "Seams to Me."
The goal is not to bemoan how bad the Pirates are going to be this season, and next, and next. You already know that.
We'll offer you opinions about the Pirates, but the focus will be league wide. We promise not to be dull and we would like your opinions. You can find the blog on the newspaper's Web site: www.observer-reporter.com.
n Two Charleroi wrestlers won their weight class in last week's Middle Atlantic Wrestling Association (MAWA) Scholastic Program, 2009 District Tournament.
Josh Kwasny won the 115-pound medal with a 2-1 decision over Ty Dively of Sproul, and Jake Linn won heavyweight with a 4-1 decision over William Grove of McVeytown.
They advanced as top seeds to the Western Regional Tournament this weekend at Shippensburg University.
n The Tri-County Athletic Director's Coach of the Year Banquet will be held Saturday, May 2 at the Holiday Inn, Meadow Lands. Coach of the Year winners in football, girls basketball, boys basketball, wrestling, college men and college women will be announced at the banquet.
In the coming weeks, stories will run in the O-R, revealing the three finalists in each category. A number of other coaches and athletes will be recognized.
Tickets for the banquet are $30 each and can be purchased by calling Burgettstown High School athletic director Jon Vallina at 724-947-8109.
Proceeds benefit Tri-County Special Olympics.
Assistant sports editor Joe Tuscano can be reached at jtuscano@observer-reporter.com
