World traveler: Speedy senior paces Kiski Area

Kiski Area senior Stefan Lundberg got a taste of what World Cup soccer is like when he played in an international tournament in Italy during the offseason.

The Allegheny Township resident matched skills against players from England, Ireland, Mexico and Italy.

Now, the 5-foot-8 Lundberg is back for his senior season at Kiski Area and could give opponents a world of trouble.

"He's not particularly big in size, but when you watch him play, he makes up for that," Kiski Area coach Bob Wright said.

Last season, Lundberg collected 18 goals and 12 assists while becoming one of only three Alle-Kiski Valley players to earn all-state honors. The others were Plum's Mike McDade, who's at Pitt, and Paul Paradise.

Lundberg, a midfielder/forward, is a big reason Kiski Area notched its first WPIAL playoff appearances in 2004 and '05. He transferred from Pittsburgh Central Catholic after his freshman season and was named all-WPIAL the past two years.

Lundberg also soon will have the distinction of being the first Division I college recruit during Wright's six seasons. Lundberg has a full scholarship offer from Duquesne, and he has made a verbal commitment. The signing period starts Feb. 7.

"I met the coach. He's a great guy," Lundberg said. "They have a good program in pre-law. And it's close to home."

Opponents plan to stay close to Lundberg when he is on the field. He can shred defenses with his skills and speed. Kiski Area lost to Plum, the eventual WPIAL Class AAA champion, in the first round of last year's playoffs. One of the keys to victory for Plum was containing Lundberg.

"He plays at a very fast speed," Plum coach Jeff Nese said. "When he gets the ball, he's dangerous. At the Division I level, he'll be able to succeed because you can't teach speed. He's a guy we always wanted to know where he was on the field."

Lundberg's goals are to help Kiski Area win its first section title, return to the WPIAL playoffs and notch its first postseason win. The Cavaliers have been bumped in the first round in each year.

"We want to be section champs," Lundberg said. "Norwin will be our big rival. We're not expecting anything less than making the playoffs."

Kiski Area and perennial power Norwin compete in Section 1-AAA.

As a member of the Region I Olympic Development Program Under-17 team, Lundberg played against players from all over the world and noted their different styles and strengths. The weeklong tournament was held near Venice, Italy, in the spring.

"It was a great experience," Lundberg said. "They were top quality."