close

Bethel Park rings in new year with bling

By Eleanor Bailey almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.Net 3 min read
1 / 7

Eleanor Bailey/The Almanac

David Kessler tries on his state championship ring. After helping Bethel Park capture back-to-back PIAA baseball titles, Kessler is poised to play at Indiana this spring. He has been named a Player To Watch among newcomers in 2023 by the American Baseball Association’s Baseball Coaches Association’s NCAA Division II All-America Committee.

2 / 7

The Bethel Park baseball team were awarded championship rings on Jan. 6 for capturing their second straight PIAA title. Pictured are the members of the team that have two rings thanks to being part of both the 2021 and 2022 championship clubs. From left are: Ben Hudson, Ray Altmeyer, Dylan Schmude, Nate Vargo, (back) Jason Nuttridge, John Chalus, David Kessler, Evan Holewinski, Evan LeJeune and Coby Goelz. Missing is Cody Geddes.

3 / 7

Ray Altmeyer shows off his bling. The Bethel Park High School senior was rewarded his second state championship ring during a ceremony held at halftime of the Black Hawks’ basketball game against Trinity on Jan. 6. Altmeyer has played on two of BP’s PIAA winning clubs. The ring on his right hand is from the championship in 2021 and the ring on his left hand is the most recent one for the 2022 triumph. Altmeyer is one of 17 players and seven starters returning to the roster this spring.

4 / 7

Members of the Bethel Park baseball team show off their PIAA state championship rings. The team received them during a ceremony at halftime of the Black Hawks’ basketball victory against Trinity on Jan. 6. Pictured from left are: (front) Nick Gasper, Nate Vargo, Will Sokira, Jason Nuttridge, Dylan Schmude, Josh Clunan, Gianni Magnotti, Ryan Petras, Bo Conrad, Ray Altmeyer, Nick Calano, (back) Coby Goelz, Coach Patrick Zehnder, Ben Hudson, Sabastian Schein, Evan LeJeune, Lucas Lybarger, Evan Holewinski, John Chalus, David Kessler, Cody Geddes, Ryan Walsh, Santino Diulus, Jack Edner, Coach Tyler Dillinger and Coach Jared King.

5 / 7

Bethel Park baseball 2022 PIAA championship ring.

6 / 7

The 2021 Bethel Park baseball championship ring.

7 / 7

The Bethel Park championship rings. At left is the ring for 2022 and at right is the 2021 ring.

Forget fireworks. Bethel Park ushered in the new year with bling as the baseball team was awarded championship rings for winning a second straight PIAA title.

The Black Hawks were honored for their accomplishment during a special ceremony held at halftime of the boys basketball game against Trinity on Jan. 6.

“This is unbelievable,” said David Kessler.

Kessler started at shortstop on both of BP’s championship clubs in 2021 and 2022. He was one of a dozen team members that own two rings.

“To not just win one but two with a great group of guys and to have such a great community supporting and being around us is a great feeling,” he said. “Honestly, both of them are special and as amazing as each other but the second one to add on to the first is even better.”

The 2022 rings feature the BP insignia in the center of a baseball diamond. Each base contains an orange gem. The 2021 rings are similar but the script and bases feature black ornamentation.

The 2022 rings cost $5,580. While Dr. Eckerd from Allegheny Physical Medicine made a considerable donation, Bethel Park Baseball picked up the majority of the tab. The parents had to pay $63.50 for each player’s rings. Patrick Zehnder received a complimentary ring because he managed the team. The baseball boosters paid $127 for two additional coaches rings.

While the majority of the BP roster remains intact, a half dozen graduates will not be part of the team’s attempt to make it three in a row this spring. BP returns 17 underclassmen, seven of them starters, from last year’s 21-4 squad.

“We’re disappointed not to have a chance to three-peat,” Kessler said.

Kessler, though, is like many of the graduates that are continuing their baseball careers. He’s looking forward to getting another championship while playing for Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Kessler enjoyed a successful fall campaign on the diamond and in the classroom. Academically, he posted a 3.78, made the Dean’s List and has been nominated for NSLS. Athletically, he has been named to the Blue-Chip NCAA Division II Players Listed to Watch for 2023.

Blue-chip players are those who have proven themselves to be among the best at their positions in their respective sports and are more sought after and wanted than other players. They are typically perceived as “can’t miss.” Blue-chip athletes are likely to have an immediate impact on teams that acquire them and have proven skills. Many top recruits eventually go on to be successful at the professional level, especially in basketball and baseball.

“I’m looking forward to the spring at IUP and winning the D2 championship there,” Kessler said.

“Hopefully, I can help lead my team there to one of these as well,” he said pointing to the rings on his fingers.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at $/week.

Subscribe Today