Almanac announces male finalists for athlete of the year
Brett Brumbaugh South Fayette senior Football, basketball Duquesne Two-time state and district champion. All-state and record holder for passing.
Ryan Dudzinski Upper St. Clair senior Swimming Stanford All-American. PIAA & WPIAL champion. State, district and school record-holder.
Alec Ferrari Chartiers-Houston senior Football, basketball, baseball Undecided All-conference in football. School record holder in basketball.
Matt Hoffman Mt. Lebanon senior Football, basketball University of Pennsylvania 4.7 GPA
Phil Mary Peters Township senior Baseball, wrestling Undecided Civil Engineering 4.2 GPA. Over 100 career wins.
Matty McConnell Chartiers Valley senior Basketball Robert Morris University All-state, WPIAL champ & scoring leader
Alex Minton Bethel Park senior Football, track Drake University All-Conference, All-Almanac
Kobe Phillippi Keystone Oaks senior Football, basketball, volleyball 4.0 GPA All-conference, all-section, captain
Kellan Stout Mt. Lebanon senior Wrestling Penn State All-American, undefeated state and district champion
Jared Walker South Fayette senior Wrestling, football, baseball Kent State Two-time state & district champion. Record holder for wins in wrestling.
Two All-Americans, four state champions, a pair of three-sport performers and one, 2,000-point scorer comprise the field of finalists for The Almanac’s male athlete of the year. These individuals, along with MVPs in their respective sports, will be honored at the 25th annual Premier Performers All-Sports Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 31 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bethel Park.
After an exhaustive search, which included an online survey canvassing the opinions of area coaches and the general public, the field of nominations was narrowed to the top 10 males from the various high schools in The Almanac’s coverage. Listed are the male finalists along with a synopsis of their qualifications. So without further ado, let’s meet The Almanac Male Athlete of the Year finalists.
Brett Brumbaugh
This South Fayette senior holds every quarterback record imaginable. With 11,084 yards, he finished his career as the leading passer in Pennsylvania history. He also threw for a 127 career touchdowns, second best in state history. He holds the WPIAL single-season record for yards (3,897), breaking the mark set by his brother, Christian.
As a starting signal caller, the two-time Almanac MVP for football compiled a 45-2 record complete with three undefeated conference championships and two, back-to-back district and state titles. In addition, he claimed all-state and all-conference honors three times. In addition to being named Observer-Reporter Athlete of the Year, he grabbed All-State Player of the Year accolades the past two years.
Brumbaugh also lettered four years in basketball and helped the Lions to the playoffs. For his career, he averaged 7.1 points and 5.9 rebounds. This winter, he averaged 12.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game.
Away from the athletic arena, Brumbaugh continued to achieve. He participates in Teen Institute, Yearbook and Future Business Leaders of America clubs at South Fayette. Plus, he is a member of the National Honor Society.
According to his football coach Joe Rossi, “Brett carries himself on and off the field just as coach would want his star player to do. He is a role model for our younger players as he is all go all the time. Practice or game,” he added. “He is a great student in the classroom as well.”
Brumbaugh, who pulls down a 3.7 GPA in his courses, will play football at Duquesne University. He will major in business.
Ryan Dudzinski
Already qualified for the 2016 United States Olympic Trials, this senior has garnered All-America honors 22 times during his swimming career at Upper St. Clair. The four-time Almanac MVP shattered a plethora of records.
He broke PIAA standards in the 100-yard butterfly and 200 medley relay. He holds WPIAL marks in the 50 freestyle, 100 fly, 100 backstroke, 200 medley, 200 and 400 free relays. He also smashed a pool record at the University of Pittsburgh, previously held by a collegiate swimmer from Kentucky. Dudzinski’s name adorns the record board at USC with fastest swims in the 50 and 100 free, 100 back and fly as well as all three relays.
A four-year PIAA and WPIAL qualifier and placewinner, Dudzinski led the Panthers to the team runner-up title in Pennsylvania in 2015. His teams were WPIAL runners-up for four seasons.
Out of the water, Ryan is a member of the National Honor Society. He is president of the Ethics Club at USC and belongs to Athletes Taking Action. He volunteers at the Outdoor Classroom and is an assistant swim coach at Valley Brook Country Club.
According to his head coach, Dudzinski is a very dedicated competitor who leads by example. A year-round swimmer since he was 6, Dudzinski rarely misses practice. “He is a driven competitor who works hard. He has achieved at such a high level for so long that he has made all those around him faster swimmers. The fact that our boy’s swim team has achieved unprecedented success during Ryan’s time on the team is a testament to his leadership and his ability to make those around him better.
“In addition to being an exceptional swimmer,” David Schraven continued, “Ryan is also a great student and just a very nice person. Many people with his extraordinary ability let it go to their head. Ryan is very humble and does not make a big deal of his accomplishments. He is someone who leads by example, but when he talks–everybody listens.”
Dudzinski, who maintains a 3.7 GPA, will swim at Stanford University.
Alec Ferrari
Until a blood clot stopped him, this senior had been a three-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball and baseball at Chartiers-Houston. Ferrari will likely play basketball, however, in college and currently is being recruited by Mount Union, where he hopes to major in sports management.
Ferrari earned Observer-Reporter basketball player of the year honors as well as Almanac recognition. Section 3-AA coaches voted him co-MVP. Ferrari averaged 23.6 points per game and topped the 1,000-point plateau for his career. Ferrari holds the school record for assists and for points in a single game. He did that twice, firing in 44 and 47 markers in wins against section rival Fort Cherry. Ferrari led the Buccaneers to back-to-back playoff appearances.
A medical condition interfered with football and ended his baseball career. In the summer of 2013, he was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. A pinch in his vein stopped blood flow to his heart and caused him to spend a week in the hospital. After surgery to insert a stent, he underwent 12 weeks of physical therapy. Ferrari recovered to again play football but not baseball.
Last autumn, he earned all-conference honors at quarterback. He completed 68 of his 130 passing attempts for 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for 195 yards. A two-way starter, he also excelled at cornerback on defense.
According to Terry Fetsko, Alec is not just a great competitor. “He is a great person,” said the Buccaneers football coach. Noting how Ferrari battled back from adversity to experience success again, Fetsko added that distinguished him as a leader. “Alec provided great leadership for all of his teams.”
Ferrari is a leader off the court and field as well. An honor-roll student, he is involved in Varsity Club and Leo Club as well as student government. Ferrari also works with the Light, Vision and Sound group controlling effects during musicals and play productions.
Matt Hoffman
This senior weighs in with a 4.7 GPA and will graduate with highest honors from Mt. Lebanon. He also belongs to the school’s prestigious Cum Laude Society. Socially, he is a member of the Spanish club and is a Link Leader, assisting freshman transitioning to high school. Plus, he is a lector in his church.
A three-year starter in football, Hoffman garnered Almanac and All-Conference honors, twice as a lineman. Plus, he gained All-State, honorable mention acclaim. He helped the Blue Devils to the WPIAL Quad-A playoffs three years in a row and a shared conference championship his junior season.
After a brief sabbatical from basketball, Hoffman picked up a roundball again and helped the Blue Devils win a section championship and qualify for the district and state playoffs. He averaged 8.3 points and 8.2 rebounds a game.
“Matt has demonstrated his commitment to his team on and off the court,” said his coach Joe David. “He has demonstrated leadership and a sacrifice of himself for the good of the team. His involvement off the court in school and community activities demonstrates his unselfish qualities.”
Hoffman will play football at the University of Pennsylvania. He will also be enrolled in the Wharton School for business.
Phil Mary
A 4.2 student, this senior plans to major in civil engineering. He also hopes to play baseball beyond his high school days at Peters Township. Elon, Mt. Union and Allegheny College are interested in his talents. And they are many.
On the diamond, Mary is a three-year letterwinner and team captain. A .300-plus batter and a winning pitcher, he has the Indians poised to contend for a playoff spot. On the mats, Mary belongs to the Century Club at Peters Township for over 100 career wrestling wins. He is a four-year WPIAL qualifier and a one-time section champion. He finished fourth in the prestigious Powerade Tournament.
Outside of sports, Mary belongs to the National Honor Society. He is a member of the Spirit Committee and he is active with the youth baseball and wrestling programs.
“Phil is a great role model in both sports,” said Joe Maize. “His leadership skills and the respect that he has from his teammates is evident from being selected as a captain in both sports.”
Matt McConnell
A two-time Almanac MVP, this Chartiers Valley senior led the WPIAL in scoring during the regular season with a 30-plus point average. He tallied 795 points during a championship campaign. In addition, he led his squad in rebounding with a 9.1 average, in steals with 132 for nearly five per game, in assists with 157 for a 5.8 average and blocked shots with 34. He buried 66 3-point field goals as the Colts posted a 23-4 record.
McConnell led the Colts to four WPIAL title games, culminating with a championship this winter. In addition, he compiled a 92-15 career record, complete with four section banners and three state playoff appearances.
McConnell is one of only three players in school history to surpass 2,000 points during his tenure at CV. He also tied the school record for points in one game with 54 tallies in a win against Bethel Park.
Voted the top player in Section 4-AAAA, McConnell gained All-WPIAL and All-State acclaim.
An honors student, McConnell reads and works on math problems with primary students in the school district. He volunteers at summer basketball camps and clinics, instructing young athletes on what it takes to become a better basketball player.
A team captain, McConnell is held in high esteem among his peers in school says his coach. “Students at Char Valley really look up to him because Matty is so humble,” said Tim McConnell.
McConnell earned a scholarship to Robert Morris University. He plans to major in sports management.
Alex Minton
A natural-born leader, this Bethel Park senior captained the football team in the fall. He ranked among the top rushers in Quad-A of the WPIAL with more than 1,400 yards. He scored 14 touchdowns and started at linebacker on defense. An All-Conference performer, Minton also claimed Almanac recognition.
A sprinter in the spring with best times of 11.3 in the 100 meters and 23.4 in the 200 dash, Minton has helped the Hawks’ qualify in relay events for the WPIAL championships for several seasons. This spring his units anticipate earning berths in the PIAA championships later in May.
Academically, he is a highest honor roll student with a 4.0-plus GPA. He is vice president of the Principal Advisory Council for students and he is a member of the National Honor Society. Minton also is involved in PACs Pals, which works with special needs students.
According to his football coach, Minton is the player that you want on your team because he gives you everything he has. “Alex was the hardest worker on the team and performed like it,” said Jeff Metheny. “Not only is he our hardest working kid, he’s one of our finest persons on the team. He is always there for you. He’s a confident, poised young man. A great student, too,” Metheny added. “He set the bar high for everybody around him.”
Minton will play football at Drake University. He plans to pursue a career in medicine, becoming a doctor some day.
Kobe Phillippi
A three-sport standout, this senior started three seasons at quarterback for Keystone Oaks. After passing for over 1,000 yards as a sophomore and a junior, he threw for 1,686 yards and 15 scores last fall despite losing his top receiver to an injury. He gained All-Conference and Almanac honors on the gridiron.
In addition to football, Phillippi captained the basketball team. He is a four-year letterwinner on the courts. Additionally, he is an all-section performer in volleyball. A KDKA Extra Effort award winner, Phillippi volunteers in the Green Tree Athletic Association. He is a member of the National Honor Society and his owns a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Phillippi earned the highest praise from his football coach. “Being a first-year had coach,” said Greg Perry, “Kobe was very instrumental in getting the team together for off-season conditioning drills. He helped me gain support. He never missed a workout and he still maintained high academic standards. Kobe is not a rah-rah guy. He led by example. He was a fantastic high school athlete and a great face of a program. Kobe has it all, work ethic, academics, respect of others,” Perry continued. “He will be a success as he moves on to the next phase of his life.”
Kellan Stout
A two-time Almanac Athlete of the Year finalist, this senior is also this year’s Most Valuable Grappler. Stout capped his career with a state championship and a perfect, 38-0, record. Overall, he posted a 138-18 mark.
In addition, Stout is a three-time PIAA qualifier and two-time place-winner; a four-time WPIAL place-winner, including first this winter; a four-time section place-winner, three times as champion; and two-time Powerade finalist, winning the title this winter.
Stout is the first Lebo wrestler to reach the century mark for victories. He surpassed the previous record set by Kurt Angle. Additionally, he was the first Lebo freshman to place at the WPIAL championships and first Lebo wrestler to place in four district championships. Additional firsts include being the first Lebo sophomore to qualify for the state finals and the first state champion since Angle won in 1987.
In addition to being named an All-American, Stout has been recognized three times to the PWCA state all-academic team, thanks to his 3.9 GPA. According to his coach, Stout works equally hard in the classroom as he does in the wrestling room. He volunteers his time to read to elementary school students.
“Kellan is a special athlete. He is also a well-rounded person that has grown into an outstanding young man,” said Bill Lewis. “He is very coachable and loyal to his teammates and the program. He represents all the things a coach wants in his athletes. He has a tremendous work ethic. He spends countless hours pursing his goals. He has raised the bar and standard in our room and has helped everyone around him to become better. Kellan represents our program with class and pride.”
Stout will wrestle at Penn State University.
Jared Walker
This senior may be the most decorated athlete in South Fayette High School history.
A four-year letter winner in wrestling, he set the record for victories with 152 in his career. Ranked seventh at 170 pounds at Flo Nationals, Walker earned three PIAA medals, including bronze as a senior and silver as a junior. He is a four-time WPIAL champion and three-time sectional winner. A four-time regional participant, he owns two silver medals, a fourth-place finish and a gold medal in his collection. Plus, he was selected to participate in the prestigious Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic and named to the Almanac all-star squad.
A four-year letter winner in football, he led the Lions in tackles for two seasons. Walker was instrumental in leading South Fayette to back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA state championships. He earned All-Almanac and All-Conference acclaim for both seasons.
A letter winner in track, Walker returned to baseball this spring and collected another varsity moniker.
According to his coach of six years, Walker is one of the most dedicated young men that he has mentored. “It’s very hard to describe him,” said Rick Chaussard. “He is passionate, dedicated and loyal in whatever he’s involved. He is very soft spoken but when he does speak his teammates listen. His work ethic sets an example for others to follow. He encourages his teammates. I am sure he will be successful at the next level and in whatever he chooses to do in life. He is a very special young man.”
Walker will wrestle at Kent State. He will pursue a major in geology.