Shocking College Transfer: C-M Grad Takes 1st-Team Honor but Risks Everything by Entering Portal!

Geno Calgaro, a standout linebacker for the St. Francis football team, has made significant waves this season by earning a spot on the All-Northeast Conference first team. A graduate of Canon-McMillan High School, Calgaro's impressive performance garnered him a team-leading 105 tackles, with five games in which he recorded at least ten tackles. This remarkable achievement made him a key player for St. Francis as they navigated a competitive season.

Calgaro excelled statistically, leading the NEC with an average of 9.5 tackles per game and ranking second overall in total tackles. His defensive prowess was further highlighted by his fifth-place ranking in the league for tackles for a loss, with 10.5 such plays to his credit. By ranking 17th in the FCS for tackles per game, he joined an elite group of just 39 players nationwide who reached the century mark in tackles this season.

However, as St. Francis transitions to the Division III Presidents' Athletic Conference next year, Calgaro recently announced his decision to enter the transfer portal in January. With two years of eligibility remaining, he will be looking for a new opportunity to continue his football career at a higher competitive level.

In the world of wrestling, another Canon-McMillan graduate, Joey Gardner, has made a name for himself at Washington & Jefferson. Recently selected as the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Week, Gardner has been a formidable presence on the mat, securing five wins in various events over the week. Competing at the 157-pound weight class, he scored two victories in dual meets against Waynesburg and Mount Union, including a pin at the 1:46 mark against the Yellow Jackets. At the Ohio Northern Invitational, he placed sixth after showcasing his skills with an impressive 19-4 technical fall and a notable upset against the No. 2 seed in his bracket.

The basketball courts have also seen impressive performances from several local athletes. Natalie Wetzel, a freshman at Miami (Fla.), is having a solid start to her collegiate career. The former Observer-Reporter Girls Basketball Player of the Year from Peters Township has played in all nine games for the Hurricanes, starting five. Wetzel is averaging 5.6 points and 16 minutes per game, with notable shooting percentages of 56.3% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range, along with an average of 3.4 rebounds per game.

Maddie Webber is also making headlines as she steps into a significant role for Illinois basketball. The 2023 O-R Girls Basketball Player of the Year from South Fayette is currently the fourth-leading scorer for the Illini, averaging 10.9 points per game in her first season after transferring from Villanova. She is shooting an impressive 52% from the field and 44% from beyond the arc, having recorded a season-high of 16 points on three occasions.

On the men's side, Gavin Cote, a redshirt junior guard from Venetia and Peters Township graduate, is making headlines as the leading scorer for Clarion. With an average of 17.1 points per game, Cote has hit the 20-point mark three times this season, including a standout performance of 29 points against Frostburg State. His shooting statistics are equally impressive, with 45% from the field and 41% from three-point range.

Another notable athlete is Elijah Hill, a redshirt freshman at Slippery Rock, who was selected as the PSAC West Division Defensive Athlete of the Week for the period of November 24-30. Hill contributed to Slippery Rock's success in securing two double-digit wins, showcasing his defensive capabilities with eight rebounds, three steals, and one blocked shot while averaging 11.5 points per game on 66.7% shooting.

In women's basketball, Eden Williamson, a junior guard from Washington and a Trinity graduate, has started in all seven games for New York University's women’s basketball team. NYU has established dominance in Division III, winning the last two national championships and beginning this season with an impressive 7-0 record, which includes a staggering 69 consecutive victories. Williamson is contributing to the team's success with averages of 3.9 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.

Lastly, in football, former Belle Vernon standout Devin Whitlock has had a stellar season as a wide receiver for IUP, leading his team with 84 receptions for 927 yards and six touchdowns. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations was evident with two games where he caught 11 passes, and a remarkable 13 receptions for 152 yards in the NCAA Division II playoff game against Assumption.

These athletes not only highlight the talent emerging from the Canon-McMillan and surrounding areas but also signify the competitive spirit and dedication that characterize collegiate sports across the nation.