Significant Seven
Leah Smith
Nick Kwiatkoski
Sean Lee
Austin Kitchen
TJ McConnell
Michael Hull
Scott Orndoff
These seven sports figures from The Almanac’s readership area made a significant impact on the worldwide, national and regional scenes during 2016.
No. 1 Leah Smith
After qualifying in three events during the U.S. Trials in Omaha, Neb., Leah Smith of Mt. Lebanon traveled to Rio de Janeiro and competed in the 2016 Olympic Summer Games. The daughter of Dan and Margee Smith brought home gold and bronze medals. She helped the United States women win the 200-meter freestyle relay and took third individually in the 400 free. She finished sixth in the 800 free. The U.S dominated the Games, snagging 46 gold medals to contribute to the country’s 121 total, which was the most ever for a U.S. team in a non-boycotted event. The U.S. swim team also claimed the nation’s 1,000th gold medal, a modern-day record. For Smith, her Olympic journey was a long one, commencing with her first lesson with the Mt. Lebanon Aqua Club. She set WPIAL and PIAA standards swimming at Oakland Catholic. The University of Virginia senior is a four-time NCAA champion and an 11-time All-American. She plans to compete in the 2020 Olympics to be held in Tokyo.
No. 2 Nick Kwiatkoski
The Chicago Bears drafted this Bethel Park High School product in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. After a stellar four-year career at West Virginia University, leading the Mountaineers in tackles for three seasons, Nick Kwiatkoski was the 113th pick overall. The 6-2, 242-pound inside linebacker has racked up 25 solo and eight assisted tackles in his first 12 games (five of them starts) with the Bears. An All-Big 12 selection in college, he had 303 tackles, 28 of which went for losses. He recorded 5.5 sacks, recovered two fumbles and intercepted six passes in 48 games. During his senior season, he had 86 tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery. In high school, Kwiatkoski played tailback and receiver on offense as well as safety on defense for Jeff Metheny.
No. 3 Sean Lee
This Upper St. Clair native leads the Cowboys’ defense with more than 90 solo and 40 assisted tackles. The 6-2, 238-pound linebacker, who is a Penn State product, is in his seventh season as a pro. Sean Lee has Dallas positioned atop the NFC East Division standings. The Cowboys have clinched a playoff spot and will enjoy a first-round bye. The 2016-17 NFL season also saw Bruce Gradkowski become a free agent. The SLS product has played nine seasons in the NFL, including the last two with the Steelers before being released in October. His younger brother, Gino, plays for the Carolina Panthers. In other NFL news this season, Paul Lang of Mt. Lebanon was signed as a free agent in May but was waived injured by the Steelers.
No. 4 Austin Kitchen
This Mt. Lebanon resident helped Coastal Carolina win the College World Series. As a freshman relief pitcher, Austin Kitchen posted a 4-0 record with a 3.19 ERA. He struck out 36 batters in 42.1 innings. The Chanticleers defeated Arizona in the best-of-three series played June 28-30 at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha. After losing to the Wildcats, 3-0, Coastal Carolina posted one-run victories, 5-4 and 4-3, against the Wildcats. A southpaw, Kitchen was The Almanac’s MVP in 2015.
No. 5 T.J. McConnell
In June, this Chartiers Valley graduate was inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame and Collier Township dedicated a basketball court in his name after he completed his first successful season in the NBA. During his rookie season, T.J. McConnell started several games, averaging 6.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game for Philadelphia. He ranked second among rookies with 367 assists and first with 95 steals. He also became just the fourth player in 76ers history to pull down 250 rebounds, dish up 350 assists and have 95 steals in his debut year. A standout in college for the Arizona Wildcats, McConnell is one of three players in CV school history to tally over 2,000 career points. His brother, Matty, is another. The younger McConnell, who plays for Robert Morris, had his high school jersey retired earlier this year when the Colts raised their 2015 WPIAL championship banner during a 77-71 loss to Peters Township.
No. 6 Michael Hull
This Canon-McMillan and Penn State product made his first NFL start one to remember. During Miami’s 26-23 win on Dec. 11 against the Arizona Cardinals, the 6-0, 237-pound linebacker recorded his first career interception on the first drive of the game. Michael Hull ended up tying for the team lead with eight tackles in the game. A special teams standout, Hull has 16 stops and was tied with teammate Michael Thomas for the NFL lead.
No. 7 Scott Orndoff
This Seton-La Salle graduate spearheaded Pitt’s upset win against Clemson, 43-42. Scott Orndoff caught a career-high nine passes for 128 yards and a 55-yard touchdown. His two receptions set up the decisive field goal, a 48-yarder by Chris Blewitt with six seconds remaining. A 6-5, 255-pound senior tight end, Orndoff, who is a potential NFL draft prospect, has the Panthers poised to participate in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl versus Northwestern in Yankee Stadium.