4 Conemaugh Township athletes make college declarations

DAVIDSVILLE — Four talented Conemaugh Township student-athletes made their collegiate declarations at a ceremony held on Thursday.

Dylan Giffin signed a National Letter of Intent to play soccer at Division II Seton Hill University. Teammates Colten Huffman and Tristen Hawkins inked letters to wrestle at Division II Frostburg State University, and Sam Sharbaugh will take his game to the links at Division III Penn State Altoona.

Giffin joining the Griffins

Giffin made Conemaugh Township history, becoming the only male soccer player to pick up an all-state selection as a junior. He backed that up with a second all-state honor as a senior, which was another first at Conemaugh Township.

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Giffin, who will likely play midfield in college, produced 21 goals and 19 assists to wrap up his career, helping the team to a District 5-1A title. His game is built for the collegiate level.

"I'm looking forward to that higher level (of competition) in general," Giffin said. "I like being able to play at higher levels and then become a better player, overall. That's why I joined a team in Pittsburgh the past two years."

Giffin attended a college ID camp at Seton Hill with only a handful of other players. He knew Seton Hill would be home for the next four years after being on campus.

"The coach was nice, and I knew a couple kids that already went there, so it just seemed like a great school to go to," Giffin said.

Giffin boasts a 3.76 GPA and plans to major in exercise science. He is a member of student council, Rotary and Grill team.

He is the son of Michael and Wendy Giffin. He thanks his parents, coaches and everyone who has helped him along the way.

Huffman headed to Frostburg

Huffman wrapped up his high school wrestling career with a 31-9 campaign, capturing a District 5-2A title in an overtime thriller at 172 pounds.

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He improved each season, ultimately earning the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level.

"(Frostburg) is pretty close. It's only 50 minutes away," Huffman said of his decision. "It has the perfect major for what I am getting into. The exercise science major is 5 years with a master's, so that's what really made me choose Frostburg, and the wrestling team ... they just started up a new wrestling team."

The program, which originally began in 1962-63, returned in 2023. Huffman will have the chance to battle for a starting slot on coach Josh Hutchens' squad.

"It's what I've worked for," Huffman said of being able to wrestle in college. "I'm looking forward to making new friends and just have fun down there. It's going to be a ride."

Huffman has a 3.63 GPA and is a member of National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes as well as a member of the football team.

He thanks his parents, Larry and Pam Huffman, his brother Landon Huffman, The Shop co-owner Taylor Cahill, as well as Conemaugh Township coaches Brian Heinrich and Dan Platt.

Hawkins eager to get started at FSU

Hawkins reached 100 career wins this season. He went 32-9, finishing District 5-2A runner-up at 139 pounds. Hawkins has never finished worse than third at the D5 championships, and also claimed gold as a freshman.

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He found the right fit to continue his wrestling career at Frostburg.

"I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school," Hawkins said. "I'm from a small school, so the small campus helped (in my decision). Frostburg's not far away. I looked at a lot of Division II schools, and (Frostburg) felt like home when I went on my visit."

While Hawkins accomplished plenty during his high school tenure, he believes he has more to give at his next stop.

"I want to go down there and compete right away," Hawkins said. "I don't think I accomplished what I wanted in high school. I think I can use that for college, being in the right system."

Hawkins has a 3.9 GPA and plans to major in cyber security. He is the son of Zachery and Amy Hawkins. He thanks Coach Heinrich and Coach Platt, as well as his coaches at The Shop.

Sharbaugh set to split fairways in Altoona

Sharbaugh capped his scholastic career with a District 5 Class 2A individual title and a trip to the PIAA championships. The captain helped Conemaugh Township claim a Heritage Conference team title.

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The program's recent success aided in Sharbaugh's decision to attend Penn State Altoona.

"Penn State Altoona had a really good season in the fall. They are going to the Division III National Championship in a week or so, which really attracted me because I know they're really good. I am looking to travel to places like that and facing better competition."

Sharbaugh will join former Conemaugh Township teammate and good friend, Jack Ankeny at Penn State Altoona. He strengthened his game beyond striping drives and sinking putts as a senior.

"Honestly, my mental game is probably what got me through a lot of the tournaments," Sharbaugh said. "I won districts. It was all mental game. That's how I got through it."

Sharbaugh carries a 3.7 GPA and plans to major in business. He is the senior news editor, a member of Grill team, Students Against Destructive Decisions and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

He is the son of Lee and Steph Sharbaugh. He thanks his friends, family and coaches.

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Township's Giffin, Hawkins, Huffman, Sharbaugh make commitments