Jackson O'Neill
School: Sewickley Academy
Class: Senior
Sport: Soccer
Claim to fame: O'Neill posted a shutout in the Panthers' 3-0 win in the PIAA Class A championship game, the team's fourth consecutive appearance in the state final. O'Neill led his team to wins in penalty kicks in both the PIAA quarterfinals and semifinals.
How did it feel to win the state title after coming up just short last year?
It was great because I've been to the state final the past four years, so we definitely wanted to get this win because if we would have lost, we would have had three losses in the state final and one win from the win in 2013 so we kind of wanted to break even and have two wins and two losses.
Is that something you'll always remember?
I think it's a great accomplishment. Freshman year we had a great team, sophomore year I knew we had guys returning. ... I knew junior year was going to be really hard to fight back because me and Matt Teitelbaum were the only returning starters from that season. ... I think it was definitely a big goal to get back this year and just come out with gold this year.
As a goalie, what is your approach to stopping penalty kicks?
Just pick a spot and go with it. Try and cover that area if you guess right. ... They're usually going to pick one side, so I just try to cover that side the best I can and really try to see the save before I dive.
What's your favorite part about the Thanksgiving holiday?
We go to New York every year, so I would have to say watching the Thanksgiving football games with my uncles, my dad and my grandpa and just eating with family.
Emma Hasco
School: Upper St. Clair
Class: Senior
Sport: Soccer
Claim to fame: Hasco netted two goals in PIAA Class AAA final in the team's 2-1 win over Central Bucks East on Saturday. The win marked the girls soccer program's first state championship.
What was it like to score two goals in the state championship?
All season, I haven't been scoring as many goals as I would have hoped, so I guess I hadn't been choosing enough opportunities, and come Saturday I kind of knew the circumstances of how important this game was. The first goal I saw my opportunity and I went for it. … I saw the ball go in the goal, and I couldn't really believe it, it kind of hits you that you just scored in the state championship. Right then it was an overwhelming feeling of happiness. … With six minutes left, we got a great opportunity, I made my run and my teammate Rachel Witte played me an excellent ball back, and I just took the opportunity and finished it. … It was just so incredible, and I could not ask for a better way to end my senior season with the team that I've enjoyed playing with for so long.
How did it feel to be a part of a historic win in the program's history?
It's incredible because we won and then you take the time to realize that this is a first and it's very special. It's such an excellent program and it's so humbling … and you realize how special it is, how special winning a state championship is.
What is your favorite part about Thanksgiving?
I love the food, I love sitting around the table after you've finished eating and just relaxing, talking to your family.
What are your future plans?
I am headed to Penn State to play soccer and study business.
