Significant seven
T.J. McConell
Mike Hull
Leah Smith
Ian Happ.
Grace Tandon
Lauren Woodring
Tim McConnell
These seven sports figures made a significant impact on the worldwide, national and regional scene during 2015.
No. 1 T.J. McConnell
After leading Arizona to a two straight Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA finals, this Chartiers Valley graduate earned a spot on the Philadelphia 76ers roster. Undrafted, he signed with the 76ers on Sept. 27 after a successful NBA Summer League. In 32 games, this former Almanac MVP is averaging 6.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game.
No. 2 Michael Hull
The Miami Dolphins signed this Canon-McMillan and Penn State product. After going undrafted, he signed with the Dolphins only to be released Sept. 5 after final roster cuts. Regulated to the practice squad a day later, the 2010 Almanac Male Athlete of the Year was called up Nov. 14 and made his NFL debut against the Philadelphia Eagles the following day. Though waived Nov. 28, he re-signed on Dec. 1 and is assigned to the Dolphin practice squad.
No. 3 Leah Smith
This Mt. Lebanon native proved golden during international swimming competition. She claimed gold at the FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia as part of the 4×200-meter freestyle relay. She helped win that event as well as the 400-meter freestyle race during the World University Games held in Korea. In addition to shattering the event’s record, Smith holds the fourth fastest time in the world for that event. The University of Virginia senior also won NCAA titles in the 500- and 1,650-yard freestyle races. She hopes to compete in 2016 Summer Olympic Games to be held in Brazil.
No. 4 Ian Happ
This Mt. Lebanon product was drafted ninth overall in the Major League Baseball amateur draft. The Chicago Cubs selected the University of Cincinnati junior in the first round. During three seasons with the Bearcats, he batted .338 with 25 home runs and 107 RBI. Happ, who started second base and played in the outfield, excelled during his playing days at Mt. Lebanon. He owned a .449 career batting average and was named The Almanac’s MVP in 2012.
No. 5. Grace Tandon
This Mt. Lebanon teenager gave up her cross country and track career to chase her musical dreams. And, she is succeeding. Best known in pop circles as “Daya”, she topped the charts this summer with her hit single “Hideaway” and is currently touring the country to promote her EP. She returned to Pittsburgh to play gigs at Stage AE, perform during Light-up Night festivities and the Celebrate the Season parade.
No 6. Lauren Woodring
This Bethel Park resident is qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials to be held in February, 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. The marathon runner finished second among women and 16th overall in the half event in Milwaukee held in November. In October, Woodring won the Columbus Marathon with a 2:45.29 time, qualifying her for the Boston Marathon to be held in April.
No. 7. Tim McConnell
This Chartiers Valley basketball skipper became the fastest to reached 500 career coaching victories when his Colts defeated Peters Township, 86-55. In his 22 years at the helm, the Colts have won 15 section banners, six district championship and competed in two PIAA state finals in 1989 and 2010. His first WPIAL title came in 1997 when the Colts upended Blackhawk, which was considered the elite program at the time. The Colts won the 2015 WPIAL Quad-A title. They are off to a 7-2 start this season.