JOHNSTOWN —
National letter-of-intent day on Wednesday had numerous area athletes committing to go to the colleges of their choices in a variety of different sports:
n Casey Gallaher, Forest Hills, St. Francis, soccer: A 5-foot-5 midfielder, Gallaher scored 45 goals and had 32 assists for the Rangers this season and holds the school record for goals (120) and assists (100).
In addition to being a four-year starter in soccer, she also was a four-year starter in basketball, where she topped 1,000 points in her junior year, and in track, where she holds two school individual records in the 400 and the 800 and is part of the school records in the 1600 and 3200 relays.
The daughter of Chip and Donna Gallaher will major in mathematics/computer science at St. Francis.
n Cody Law, Forest Hills, Penn State wrestling walk-on: Law has a career record of 101-26 for the Rangers and is currently ranked first in the state at 160.
The son of Trevor and Crystal Law finished second last year at the state championship.
n Kacie Erb, Forest Hills, Robert Morris, track/cross country: Erb is a four-year letterwinner and four-year state qualifier for cross country. She is also a three-year letterwinner in track and a state qualifier in the 3200 relay.
The daughter of James and Christine Erb will major in accounting.
n Ashley Lucas, Forest Hills, Penn State-Altoona, soccer: A strong defender and holding midfielder, the 5-6 Lucas was part of a Rangers defense that allowed only nine goals in 21 games her senior year.
Daughter of Brian and Shannon Lucas, she is a four-year starter and letterwinner in soccer.
n Ben Myers, Cambria Heights, St. Francis, football: Myers was part of a revival of the football program at Cambria Heights, as he helped the Highlanders go 7-4 last season, the team’s first winning record since 1998.
The 6-foot, 205-pound Myers was used at a number of positions by coach Jarrod Lewis.
As a running back he carried 29 times for 158 yards and a score. At receiver, he made seven receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown. At linebacker, Myers made 15 solo stops and 35 tackles.
He will play for St. Francis coach Chris Villarrial, a former All-Pro offensive lineman with the NFL’s Chicago Bears.
Myers is the son of Thomas and Brenda Myers.
n Nick Subich, Greater Johnstown, Lock Haven, football: Johnstown two-way standout Subich signed a letter to continue his education and career at Lock Haven University in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, one of the top NCAA Division II conferences.
Trojans coach Tony Penna Jr. credited Subich for his skill and leadership, especially during the past two seasons.
A three-year starter, Subich played on the offensive line and at linebacker.
He played guard as a sophomore and was center the past two seasons on offense.
Initially, Subich said he was recruited as a linebacker by Lock Haven but the Bald Eagles also might give him a look on the offensive line.
“I just loved the area,” Subich said. “Lock Haven has a relatively new coach, a young guy. He’s really inspiring. The players love him. They’re trying to rebuild the program and I like that. I’m really excited to be a part of the program.”
Subich has a 3.7 grade point average and he intends to major in political science.
He is the son of Brian Subich and Michael Jimerson, and stepmother Theresa Subich and stepfather Chris Jimerson.
n Judah Sandak, Greater Johnstown, Pitt-Johnstown, baseball: Sandak plays both outfield and infield for coach Dee Dee Osborne.
He will take that versatility to UPJ, which will compete in the PSAC during the next academic calendar year.
UPJ coach Todd Williams has built the one-struggling Mountain Cats program into a regular contender in the WVIAC and Division II.
“UPJ has a good team,” Sandak said. “I met with the coach and really liked his game plan and everything that is provided up there. It’s a good environment all around.
“I think playing for Johnstown prepared me very well,” he added. “Coach Dee Dee does a good job preparing players for the next level.”
He is the son of Richard and Janice Sandak of Johnstown.
n Brody LoBoi, Greater Johnstown, Mount Aloysius, baseball: A two-year starter, LoBoi is a right-handed pitcher and infielder for the Trojans.
He is expected to lead the rotation this spring for Osborne.
LoBoi will play for Mount Aloysius coach Kevin Kime, who has brought a winning tradition to the Mounties. Mount Aloysius advanced to the AMCC championship game in 2012 and had 20 wins in 2011.
“I like where the college located and what the coach has done with the team and the program,” LoBoi said. “He’s really turned it around. It’s a really nice place to spend my college years.
“With all that coach Osborne has taught me I feel I’m going to be ready for the next level.”
He is the son of Mike and Dawn LoBoi.
n Alkwan Williams, Greater Johnstown, IUP, football: Williams was part of Division I Temple’s class in 2012 after initially being recruited by former Pitt coach Todd Graham.
The 2011 Tribune-Democrat Defensive Player of the Year changed plans and already is on the IUP campus.
He will have freshman eligibility this fall.
Williams was the 60th-ranked outside linebacker and had a three-star rating by Scout.com in 2012. He initially had offers from Pittsburgh, Kent State and Toledo.
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Area athletes commit to careers in college
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