Injuries hit W. Allegheny football, baseball

In one game, West Allegheny got a double dose of season-ending injuries to top players. And it was bad news for West Allegheny’s baseball team, too.

In a game against Shaler Sept. 17, West Allegheny senior quarterback Gavin Miller suffered a torn labrum to his right (throwing) shoulder, while senior tight end Devan Zirwas sustained an elbow injury. Both injuries ended their seasons, which meant the WPIAL lost one of its top quarterbacks in Miller.

But the injuries will have a ripple effect all the way to the spring at West Allegheny. Miller and Zirwas are two of theWPIAL’s top baseball players and will play major-college baseball — Miller at Auburn and Zirwas at Virginia Commonwealth.

Miller will have surgery on his shoulder in the upcoming weeks. He is a talented pitcher and shortstop and hopes to be a designated hitter at the start of the baseball season. He will not pitch. Zirwas also is a pitcher.

“As the days have gone on, I’ve gotten over it,” Miller said. “I’ve had injuries before and I have to take the mindset, which is I’ll take some time and be all right at the end.”

Miller said the injury won’t affect his Auburn future.

“They said I don’t have to worry about anything,” Miller said. “They’re 100% behind me. They just want me to be healthy next fall.

“Hopefully, if everything goes well, I’ll be a DH the first part of the year (at West Allegheny). Maybe by the middle of the year or the end of the year I’ll be playing the field.

The player who might take over shortstop at West Allegheny lives in the same house as Miller. It’s his brother, Brady, a sophomore.

West Allegheny’s football team was 3-0 with Miller and Zirwas, but has lost both games without the two and scored only 10 points.