South Fayette senior sets WPIAL record
Welhorsky breaks points mark
During middle school, Drew Welhorsky of South Fayette was a three-sport athlete. He excelled in football, basketball and lacrosse.
When he entered high school, he dropped basketball.
“I only wanted to play two sports,” he said.
Winter time would be a time to “relax” and to also sharpen his lacrosse skills. Yet Welhorsky never envisioned starting for the lacrosse team as a freshman.
“All winter, I didn’t know if I’d play varsity or not. I thought I’d be on JV and grow as a player.”
When spring arrived, Welhorsky learned he’d start as an attack man.
“I was nervous and scared,” he said. “But I had great coaches and teammates who helped me out.”
Together the Lions and Welhorsky had a great season. They captured a section banner and went undefeated until they reached the WPIAL finals. Despite a hat trick by Welhorsky, the Lions lost to Mars, 16-7, in the Class 2A final.
For Welhorsky, it was a humble start to what would eventually be an illustrious career. Most recently, Welhorsky cemented his legacy.
During a 19-7 victory at Seneca Valley on April 8, Welhorsky broke the WPIAL boys lacrosse career point record when he assisted on a goal by Jack Makar.
“I was super pumped,” Welhorsky said. “They announced it on the loudspeakers but the game kept going. After I celebrated with my family and teammates. I was just another point.”
Welhorsky had 230 goals and 181 assists entering the game and needed nine points to reach and break the record of 411 set by Peet Poillon in 2005. A Seneca Valley graduate, Poillon went on to play collegiately at Ohio State University and professional for Major League Lacrosse.
“I always knew (the record) was coming but I never understood the weight of it until I finally did it because the record literally was set before I was born,” he said. “So it’s awesome but at the same time surreal.”
Unreal is the success South Fayette has enjoyed with Welhorsky in the lineup. The Lions have participated in the past three WPIAL finals, finishing as runners-up to Mars each year. They have been PIAA qualifiers, reaching the quarterfinals of the Class 2A tournament in 2025.
Of the program that started in 2016 Welhorsky said he has been honored to be a part. “Being able to grow the sport and bring attention to it feels great. Not a lot of people have the opportunity to help build something like what we have at South Fayette. I hope it continues to grow and thrive into a bigger program after I leave.”
Upon graduation in June, Welhorsky will matriculate to Robert Morris University. He will major in business while playing lacrosse for the Colonials, who recently clinched the NEC regular season title.
“The program is great and they were undefeated in the conference,” said the 17-year-old son of Michael and Melissa Welhorsky. “I love the culture there, the coaches and the players. It’s tight knit. I’m excited to be part of it all.”
At the same time, Welhorsky is experiencing mixed emotions. He is leaving football behind.
“I do like lacrosse better than football but I have many great memories playing football,” he said.
In 2025, he passed for 1,244 yards and 10 scores. He rushed for 610 yards and six more touchdowns. In 2024, he passed for 1,881 yards and 16 touchdowns and also rushed for 1,030 yards and 12 more scores as a junior last year.
“I had a great career in football and I think it helps my lacrosse play. Football taught me discipline, time management, all about the team aspect. It’s turned me into a better person because, like all sports, it’s taught great life lessons.”
In overcoming a fractured wrist as a freshman and a severe ankle injury during his senior football season, Welhorsky learned all about adversity.
“Sometimes the hurt is more emotional than physical. Adversity can get the best of you,” he said. “In dealing with it, you have to have a short-term memory, especially after a loss.”
After a tough loss, 8-7 in overtime to undefeated Peters Township, the Lions have looked to rebound in Section 1, which have 10 other clubs vying for playoff position. The top six teams in the two section division qualify for the postseason, which begins May 11.
The WPIAL championships in both Class 3A and 2A for boys and girls will be held May 20-21 at Upper St. Clair High School.
“I’ve had a great career but a WPIAL title is missing. That’s the main goal,” Welhorsky said. “The really big goal right now.”