High School Playbook Pittsburgh - WTAE - Clearview Student-Athlete Of The Week

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Clearview Student-Athlete Of The Week

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November 05, 2009
Shaler

Shaler's Jesse Della Valle is a man of few words, and has quietly become one of the best individual performers in the WPIAL this season.

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By Josh Taylor, School Coordinator

Run the ball? No problem.

Catch the ball? OK.

Score touchdowns? Sure, why not?

Shaler's Jesse Della Valle has had a lot of different things asked of him this season, but he has never turned any of them down. He has answered the challenge every time with a silent, team-first work ethic that has helped his team succeed this season and earned him this week's Clearview Federal Credit Union Student-Athlete of the Week award.

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Jesse is a senior wide receiver who has helped the Titans to an 8-1 overall record and second place in the WPIAL's Northern Six Conference this season. Playing the "slotback" position in the offense, a combination of wide receiver and running back, he has rushed and received for over 1,000 combined yards for the second straight year and has scored 20 touchdowns this season.

Jesse rushed for three touchdowns and caught seven passes for 133 yards to lead Shaler to a 29-7 win over Pine-Richland in last week's regular season finale. His 27 receptions, 554 receiving yards and 20.5 yards per catch average are all among the best in the WPIAL.

But when asked about his role, he simply shrugs it off as a reflection on his team. "Just doing what the team needs me to do to win," he said.

Channel 4 Action News anchor Michelle Wright was in Shaler this week to honor Jesse with this week's award, which he accepted in front of his teammates and the student body. Also in attendance were his parents, as well as his aunt and uncle.

Shaler athletic director Paul Holzshu decided to keep the award a secret, and Jesse had no idea until he was announced during the assembly. It was the perfect surprise and testament to an outstanding athlete who is also an outstanding student with a 3.5 GPA.

Shaler will face Mt. Lebanon at home Friday night for their first round matchup in a rematch of their September 26 game, which the Titans won, 21-12. Jesse is confident about their chances the second time around, and his outlook about the game was simple.

"We beat them before, and we can beat them again," he said.

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