Westmoreland County athletes of the week: Latrobe’s Brady Pevarnik, Jenna Bell

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, September 18, 2018 | 3:51 PM

Previous Next

Previous Next

Brady Pevarnik

School: Latrobe

Sport: Golf

Class: Senior

Claim to fame: Pevarnik, a Penn State commit, captured his second Westmoreland County Coaches Association title after defeating Franklin Regional’s Palmer Jackson in a scorecard tiebreaker at the Latrobe Elks Golf Club on Sept. 13. Each golfer shot a 3-under par 69, however, Pevarnik claimed the tiebreaker after birding the fifth toughest hole, No. 3.

“It’s has been a real good start for me and the team,” he said. “That event has been really good to me. My match average this year is 35, which is my lowest. It’s been a good start that flowed in from having a really good summer.”

What made you decide to commit to Penn State?

I had a lot of options, but my mind and heart was set in Happy Valley. It’s a great school. They have a great business program, and they have a really good golf program. I though it was the best fit for me.

What does it mean to you to capture your second WCCA title?

It means a lot because our county is really, really talented. It’s not an easy title to win. Competing against Palmer is really difficult since we’re the top two players in the state. It means a lot to win on a course I grew up on.

What does it mean to you to win by tiebreaker at WCCA after losing by tiebreaker in 2015?

My freshman year, I lost in the scorecard tiebreaker. I know how it feels to be on the losing end. I know how bad it feels because you technically win but have no chance to play for it. I’m happy with how I played. I understand how Palmer feels, but it feels good to get one back after losing one my freshman year.

What parts of your game are you looking to improve before college?

Over the winter, I’m just trying to get stronger, longer and more powerful. Everything is really good right now. I’m really excited for a run at WPIALs and states. I can’t see much more to do besides get stronger and more consistent.

What is your favorite meal?

Pasta. I like to carbo load.

Jenna Bell

School: Latrobe

Sport: Tennis

Class: Freshman

Claim to fame: Bell defeated teammate Addison Kemerer, 6-2, 6-1, to capture the Section 1-AAA singles title at the Greensburg Racquet Club on Sept. 13. Bell advanced to the WPIAL singles tournament Thursday and Friday at North Allegheny.

“I thought it was a competitive week. I was really excited for the win. I’m really excited for WPIALs,” Bell said.

What was it like to compete against your teammate for the section title?

We’ve been friends for a long time, and it’s always hard to play her. But it was a competitive match, and she played really well.

What’s your mindset heading into the WPIAL singles tournament?

I hoping to do my best. There’s a lot of good players, and I know a lot of them. I’m hoping to play well and win some rounds.

How do you prepare yourself for a tournament?

I hit every day leading up to the day like any other tournament that I would play in.

Who is your favorite tennis player?

Rafael Nadal. He’s really competitive, and he always has the mindset to win. He’s a good sport.

What’s your earliest memory of picking up a tennis racquet?

I was 5 years old when I started playing. I went to a clinic at the Greensburg Racquet Club. I would also play with my family sometimes.

Andrew John is a freelance writer.

Tags: Latrobe