Allderdice wraps up season on emotional roller coaster

The past 10 days have been a roller coaster of emotions for the Allderdice High School girls volleyball team. Coach Rich O’Brien’s squad claimed its fifth consecutive City League title Oct. 24.

Four days later, the city of Squirrel Hill was rocked by news of a gunman who killed 11 people at Tree of Life synagogue, which is located two blocks from Allderdice High School.

“Some of my girls were at Cupples Stadium waiting for the start of the City League football title game [between Allderdice and Westinghouse] when word of the gunman came out,” O’Brien said. “Thegame was postponed.

“We were fortunate that none of our players had family members who were shot, but a shooting this close to the high school is something they will never forget. Some of my girls live blocks away from the high school and walk past Tree of Life synagogue every day on the way to school. Our prayers are with the families affected by this senseless shooting.”

Preparing for Tuesday’s PIAA playoff match with Erie McDowell was another matter.

“I had the girls come in on Monday for a practice, but our minds were on something else,” O’Brien said. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy, especially since we had two starters out of the lineup.”

With that in mind, it was no surprise that the Dragons were swept by Erie McDowell.

“I’m very pleased with what the girls were able to achieve this year,” O’Brien said. “We won our fifth consecutive City League title and have won 54 consecutive matches against City League opponents. That’s something tobe proud of.”

O’Brien credited the play of setter Emily Graham, middle hitter Trinity Johns and outside hitter Ella Rubenstein for their success in the City League tournament.

WPIAL finals

Fox Chapel High School is the site for Saturday’s WPIAL girls volleyball finals.

“We’ve never hosted the WPIAL finals before,” said Phil O’Keeffe, the head coach of both programs at Fox Chapel. “It’s been at Baldwin thepast four years.”

Five matches will be held, beginning with the Class 1A consolation match at 10 a.m. The four title matches will follow at 12, 2, 4 and 6 p.m.

“We have a nice facility for volleyball,” O’Keeffe said. “All five matches will be held in the main gym. We will also have our auxiliary gym open for teams to warm-up in prior totheir match.”

Hopewell coach honored

The Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance has chosen Hopewell coach Terry Borkovic for its “Excellence in Coaching Award.” The award will be presented to Borkovic at the PSAHPERD’s annual convention Nov. 9 at Seven Springs Resort.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized for my years of coaching,” said Borkovic, who recently completed his 29th season at Hopewell. “It’s an award that spans across my entire career. I’ve worked very hard to put Hopewell’s program where it is now, as one of the top programs in Pennsylvania.”

Borkovic’s coaching career highlights include 12 section championships, 10 undefeated seasons, a 105 section match winning streak from 2001-2009, 6 WPIAL championships, 1 PIAA title (2004) and 22 consecutive playoff appearances. His career record is 346-118. He also coached Hopewell’s boys team for 23 years and led the Vikings to six WPIAL playoff appearances.

“I’m not sure who nominated me, but it’s very satisfying to be recognized, especially since they only pick one coach each year,” Borkovic said.

Borkovic has plans to return for a 30th season.

“I have a nice group of young kids coming back, so I planto keep on coaching.”

Avonworth coach retires

Avonworth coach Doug Vandervort has decided to call ita career. After 18 seasons, all at Avonworth, Vandervort turned in his resignation after the Antelopes lost to Frazier in the first round of the WPIAL Class 2A playoffs Oct. 25.

“I’ve been considering retirement the past couple years,” Vandervort said. “I wanted to go two more years, but it really got to be a grind. At age 67, it’s become too tough to handle the duties of head coach. It’s time to step aside and let a younger coach takeover.”

Vandervort, a Neville High School and Pitt graduate, became Avonworth’s coach 18 years ago, despite having no previous coaching experience.

“I didn’t start playing volleyball until after I got out of college,” Vandervort. “My coaching career started when Avonworth could not find a head coach. It was supposed to be one year only. I never imagined I would last 18 years.”

Avonworth made 18 consecutive WPIAL playoff appearances and won five section titles with Vandervort at the helm.

“I’ve met a lot of great players and parents over the years, ”Vandervort said.