SOUTH FAYETTE ATHLETES
Being a standout high school athlete requires skill and talent, but to truly be a winner, it also takes a lot of practice, perseverance, and teamwork. South Fayette High School is honored to have two student athletes this year who’ ve been rewarded for their hard work
– in the classroom, on the field, and on the ice.
Jordan Timmons was recently drafted in the first round of the United States Hockey League, the top junior hockey league in the United States. Timmons, who plays forward, was selected 15th overall. He’ ll soon be heading to Michigan to join the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Timmons played for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U18 program, which won the National Championship this season. In 32 games, he scored 26 goals and recorded 19 assists.
“ Jordan is a very committed and competitive athlete. He enjoys the sport of hockey and plays it with passion. He brought the same dedication and drive every time he stepped on the ice including practice,” said Coach Frank Certo.
Certo also commended Timmons for being a true team player.
“ He served as a leader, mentor, and friend to all his teammates and our program is forever better for having him as an alum,” said Certo.
The USHL is for players 20 years of age and younger and is often a feeder program for the NHL. outh Fayette
SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Another South Fayette High School student is being recognized for her athletic abilities and scholastic achievements. Tori Valachovic has been awarded a 2015- 2016 WPIAL scholar athlete award. She has received a $ 1,000 scholarship and was honored at a luncheon on May 16, 2016.
Valachovic has managed to successfully balance sports and studies. She is ranked third in her class, while also serving as President of the South Fayette Chapter of the National Honor Society and Vice President of her class.
Tori Valachovic is a four-year varsity letter winner in soccer, indoor track and outdoor track, specializing in hurdles and the 4X400 relay. She qualified for the State Championship Track Meet the last three years.
“ Tori might be the hardest working athlete that I have coached in the last 24 years. She is also one of the most selfless studentathletes that I have worked with. She always put her team’ s success before her individual success. I can’ t think of a better choice for this scholarship,” said Track and Field Coach Scott Litwinovich.
Valachovic will attend Allegheny College in the fall and plans to run track there as well.
Article contributor Melinda Roeder is an awardwinning journalist with more than two decades of experience covering local and national news. She has a master’ s degree in Communication & Leadership Studies and teaches college courses in journalism, script writing, and video production. Melinda resides in her hometown of Pittsburgh.
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