RAY SWANSON | Keystoner Bukowski letters in four sports at Neshannock

Neshannock High has certainly had its share of outstanding athletes through the years.
It's rather doubtful, however, if the Lancers have ever had one as diversified as 18-year-old Jessica Bukowski, who will take part in her school's graduation exercises on Tuesday evening.
Jessica had the distinction of lettering in four sports her senior year. Lettering in one or two sports for most athletes is a tremendous accomplishment but lettering in four takes a special type of person. Jessica is that type of person.
Earns 14 letters
She lettered in soccer, basketball, track and field and softball. With he exception of softball, which she started playing only last season, she has lettered in all of the other three sports since her freshman year.
"I just love playing all of the sports," Jessica said. "If I had to pick one that I like a little better than the others, it would probably be soccer."
On the soccer field, she loves playing defense and on the softball field she plays at shortstop. In track and field, she throws the javelin.
The daughter of Jeff and Janice Bukowski, 103 West Oakwood Way, New Castle, Jessica is a twin. Her brother, Luke, is also an athlete and his sport is basketball.
Jessica said she was still undecided as to which college she will attend this fall, however she is leaning very strongly towards either Slippery Rock University or Baldwin-Wallace. Thiel and Waynesburg are two other schools which have shown a desire in landing Jessica's talents.
Excells in classroom
Being involved in four sports is time consuming but Jessica made sure her academics did not take a back seat. In fact, she is ranked eighth in her senior class.
The young athlete said she has been involved in sports since elementary school. "I believe I started playing soccer and basketball when I was in the fourth grade," she said.
Her coaches at Neshannock were John Langowski, soccer; Mark Daugherty, basketball; Mike Grego, track and javelin; and Tracey Kimmel, softball.
For her efforts, Jessica has received numerous awards. At a recent awards assembly at her school, she was the recipient of the National Scholar/Athletic Award of the U.S. Army Reserve. She also was presented the Principal's Athletic Award, a certificate designating Jessica's athletic accomplishments and achievements.
As for her other hobbies, Jessica says, "I like to hang out with my friends and I love movies, all kind of movies."
Though her careers are over at Neshannock High School, we're certain we'll hear more about this young lady in her collegiate career and in whichever sport (or sports) in which she decides to participate.
Brown takes over
Reynolds High didn't have to look far to find a new boys basketball coach. Looking at some old year books may have been the key.
Brian Brown, who played for the Raiders during the mid-1980's and was Mercer County League most valuable player, is the man heading up the Raiders roundball program. Brown succeeds former coach Don Andres, who resigned following last season. Andres had been the Raider mentor for the past three years.
Reynolds has been a wrestling power in Mercer County for many years and has had its share of success in Mercer County football. Brown is dedicated to returning the basketball program to much higher standards.
Reynolds, which finished last season at 11-13, made the playoffs but lost to Wilmington.