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Saturday, May 4, 2024 | 11:01am
Owen Christopher had interest in college soccer from many schools at different levels.
But he has only revealed one of them, and that is Norwin Senior's winner.
Christopher, who was named the 2023 TribLive Westmoreland Boys Soccer Player of the Year, will play at Pitt next fall.
“I couldn’t have asked for anything better,” he said. “This was the perfect scenario for me.”
Christopher led No. 8 seed Norwin to its first WPIAL championship in boys soccer, and the Knights (17-6) also advanced to the PIAA 4A semifinals. He had 13 goals and five assists as a frontman for the Knights, earned all-section, all-WPIAL and all-state recognition and played in the WPIAL 4A All-Star Game.
Dedication to Pitt at least partially achieves Christopher's long-held goal.
“It was always my goal to play at the Division I level. Ever since I was in middle school, I would go to Ambrose Urbanic Field with my dad to watch games,” he said. “Since then, it has been a dream for me to play at Pitt, but making that dream a reality seemed out of reach. The talent is top-notch and they play a great style of soccer that is fun to watch. .”
Pitt became an ACC contender and appeared in the College Cup (college soccer's top four) two years ago.
“Everything about the team environment is very professional and the attention to detail really stands out,” Christopher said. “The coaches are some of the best in college soccer, and the support staff is just as good. Being surrounded every day by people who push me to be the best I can be is extremely important to me, and the support staff is just as good. is one of the main factors in the decision.”
Christopher was accepted into Pitt's Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
“So, academically, it was a no-brainer for me,” he said.
There are also benefits to playing close to home.
“Being able to see my family, friends, former coaches and teammates every week as well as just knowing the area well should make the transition a little smoother,” he said.
Knights coach Scott Schuchart said Christopher will be known as one of the best players to come out of Norwin.
“I'd like Owen to play either an outside back or center midfield position (at Pitt),” Schuchart said. “These roles require the exceptional agility, stamina and technical ability that Owen possesses.
“Almost every D-1 athlete is a very hard worker like Owen. His ability to improve his team's game and win is what sets him apart. He is an all-around athlete who loves to compete. He’s a great person.”
Although there is no guarantee that his accomplishments will make him an established program, Christopher accepts the call.
“Being able to represent my city means so much to me and I want to never take it for granted,” he said. “I know it will be a big challenge both mentally and physically, but I’m ready and looking forward to it.”
Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.
Tag: Norwin