Norwin notebook: Viola dojo competitors shine at national championships

The Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo had the most qualifiers advance from the World Karate and Kickboxing Commission National Championships last month in Detroit, Mich.

The North Huntingdon-based dojo had 17 competitors advance.

The top four finishers in each division earned a spot on Team USA, which consists of top athletes who won national team trials.

Last year, Gabby Viola and Riley Evans earned medals in Killarney, Ireland during the world championships.

This year, the event will be in October in Orlando, Fla.

Top honors for Viola’s went to Gabby Viola and Xander Eddy.

Gabby won five gold medals and Xander four at the national meet.

Other Team USA medalists from western Pennsylvania and on Team Kumite included: Cameron Klos, Katelyn Regina, Lucy Lokay, Sammy Pietrzyk, Xander Eddy, Bella Guardado, Aidan Johnson, Flora Bilott, Riley Evans, Noelle Kravetz, Becca Nowalk, Dryce Davis, Alexa Daly, Zoey Bostard, Austin Hladek, Daniel Barrett and Remmington Whatule.

Rosensteel soccer

Matchups are set for the second Moe Rosensteel Memorial Kickoff Classic soccer event on Sept. 2 at Norwin Knights Stadium.

The three-game set will feature Franklin Regional vs. Thomas Jefferson at 10 a.m., followed by Hickory vs. Ringgold at 11:30 and Latrobe vs. Norwin at 1.

The same three matchups took place in last year’s inaugural event.

Money raised at the event will go to the Kaitlyn “Moe” Rosensteel Scholarship Foundation, which annually awards a scholarship to a senior standout.

Small world

A few years ago, Penn-Trafford grad Anthony Sherwin was working out at FSQ Sports Training in Trafford.

A few feet away, another local baseball standout also was putting in some work.

Norwin alum JJ Matijevic was home from the minor leagues.

While established outfits like FSQ have done the unthinkable and brought together rivals — even those from Penn-Trafford and Norwin — Sherwin had no idea at the time that he would soon have more in common with Matijevic than a weight bench.

“It’s crazy,” said Sherwin, a shortstop at Bucknell. “I’m working out with him and a few years later, we’re both in the minors.”

Two local standouts in the same farm system is notable.

Sherwin signed last week with the Houston Astros. He signed his free-agent deal and was awaiting his assignment, likely in Rookie ball.

Matijevic is a home run-hitting presence with the Sugar Land Cowboys, the Astros’ Triple-A affiliate.

He had several call-ups last season and earned a World Series ring as a member of Houston’s taxi squad.

“I just can’t believe this happened,” Sherwin said. “It’s amazing to think where the game can take you.”

On the day he was offered a contract, Sherwin stopped by the American Legion District 31 championship game at Penn-Trafford.

“I wanted to say hey to the guys,” he said, “and thank all the coaches who have helped me get to this point.”