‘Strongest core of seniors’ has Norwin boys soccer ready for run at repeat

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, August 31, 2024 | 11:01 AM

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With an experienced group of seniors as a pillar, Norwin has its eyes on a WPIAL Class 4A repeat.

If the Knights do go back-to-back, veteran coach Scott Schuchert believes his veterans will pave the way.

“We have the strongest core of seniors I’ve ever had from top to bottom,” Schuchert said.

Norwin went 17-6-1 and captured the program’s first WPIAL title in the sport, firing up a fanbase that had only been able to celebrate titles with the girls team.

The boys also reached the PIAA semifinals, the farthest the Knights had ever been in the state playoffs.

“The mindset hasn’t changed,” Schuchert said. “Grit and determination is our foundation at Norwin. We are willing to face any obstacle in our path. After the boys got a taste of that championship, they are hungry for more. Success brings success.”

A top returnee is senior forward Daniel Maddock, whose offensive donation should increase.

“Daniel will take over where he left off,” Schuchert said. “He had a historic playoff run — a goal or assist in every playoff game last year. He’s gotten stronger and is taking over the leader role.”

Standout Owen Christopher, now at Pitt, will be tough to replace as an originator of many scoring possessions.

Senior defender Dylan Moyer returns to anchor a back line that should be strong.

“There’s not a more game-aware and defensively strong player in the WPIAL,” Schuchert said. “He has the Castle on locks and his other counterparts, the other back three, are all senior returning key players, too.”

Those players are Ryan Schiller, Tanner Schneck and George Bunovich.

Sophomore forward Ryan Shoemer returns after a significant contribution as a freshman, as does sophomore Chase Molinaro.

Senior Ryan Dooen and junior Ty George played behind standout goalkeeper Anthony Scalise, who also graduated.

Another possible weapon is junior Tristan Josephic, who was an MLS Next player for the past two years.

“Our style won’t change much,” Schuchert said. “Owen and Anthony were leaders and taught the younger players how to play at a top level.

“Although those two can never be replaced, we’ve never been a one-trick pony at Norwin, and we’re looking forward to opening a few surprises this year.”

Norwin opened the season ranked No. 1 in 4A by TribLive HSSN.

“(Class) 4A is becoming more and more wide open,” Schuchert said. “We got to peak at the right time, while stacking up wins in the regular season. If you’re healthy, you’ve got a shot.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

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