Conemaugh Township athletes set college plans on Senior Signing Day

"Coaching staff definitely was a big part," said Dinyar of his decision to sign with UPJ. "Their two main coaches are the owners of the Flood City organization travel ball team that I played for. They've been really nice to me. They are just guys I really like."

He will not only pitch, but play the field as well, where he excels as well.

Dinyar is also a standout basketball player, who finished his career with 1,444 points, 709 rebounds, 264 steals and 241 assists. He is a member of Grill Team, Students Against Destructive Decisions and National Honor Society. Dinyar boasts a 3.7 GPA and plans to major in computer science.

He is the son of Eric and Sherri Dinyar.

Jacob Bartis

Bartis has been a key cog in the wheel for Conemaugh Township in the trenches. He will play for coach Chris Villarrial and the Red Flash in the program's first year at the Division III level.

"Whenever I went out for St. Francis' visit, it felt very personal," Bartis said. "It felt like it was more than football. It felt like they had a community there that they were inviting me and the other recruits to. I am extremely excited. I thank God that I have the opportunity to be able to go out and continue this great sport collegiately."

Bartis will likely begin his career on the defensive side of the ball as a tackle. However, his versatility will allow him to transition to the offensive line if needed.

He is also a member of the basketball team, SADD, journalism, video production and weightlifting at Conemaugh Township. Bartis has a 3.8 GPA and plans to major in secondary education.

Bartis is the son of Mike Bartis and Monica Hawkins.

Madee Roman

Roman was initially planning to play volleyball at Slippery Rock University, but the impression the Red Flash made on her was too hard to pass up.

"It was the team. St. Francis was very welcoming," said Roman of her decision. "They had everything in order. It was more of a family-type of environment."

Roman will serve as an outside hitter or an opposite and play all six rotations in coach Sara Spielvogel's lineup. Her dynamic court presence, no matter where she is lined up, will serve Roman well at the next level. Roman surpassed both 500 kills and digs in her career.

She has a 4.0 GPA and plans to major in physical therapy. Roman has also competed in soccer, track and field and basketball. She is a member of SADD, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Grill Team, vice president of National Honor Society, student council secretary and choir secretary.

She is the daughter of Eric and Michele Roman.

Kaitlyn Hillegass

It was important for Hillegass to continue her cheerleading career beyond high school. She found a home at St. Francis where she will be able to do so.

"I knew I wanted to cheer in college, but when I walked onto the campus I just absolutely loved it," Hillegass said. "I loved the staff. Everything was just amazing. I just really thought it was a good fit for me.

Being a member of the cheerleading squad and continue to do what she loves after high school is something Hillegass is looking forward to.

She holds a 3.4 GPA and is a member of the Euro Club and National Technical Honor Society. Hillegass plans to major in early childhood education with special education.

She is the daughter of Donald and Heather Hillegass.

Brennan Lohr

Lohr had a breakout senior season, rushing for 1,313 yards and 13 touchdowns in 12 games. He also caught 16 passes for 194 yards and three scores. He finished his career with 2,138 rushing yards.

The senior captain is eager to continue that success with the Bearcats.

"It is an amazing opportunity," Lohr said. "I've been dreaming of doing something like this forever and being able to go to college and be one of those few athletes to continue playing the sport that I love is just an amazing thing."

Lohr was drawn in by the campus, coaches, culture and the current players on the St. Vincent football program. Lohr's known he's wanted to play football for as long as he could since Elementary school, when he began watching the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He also is a member of the Conemaugh Township basketball and baseball team. He is the senior class secretary, member of National Honor Society, SADD, Spanish Club, Math Team, Physics Team, Junior Achievement and weightlifting.

Lohr has a 4.0-plus GPA and is undecided on a college major.

He is the son of Scott and Danyel Lohr.

Josh Baker

Baker will join Lohr on the field at St. Vincent. A 3-year captain and 4-year starter, Baker has made significant contributions during his career for Conemaugh Township and for the sport that has given him so much.

"Football for me has just kind of been a way for a distraction," Baker said. "I've had some personal stuff happen in my life the past few years that football's gotten me through. My dad has had some health issues. Football has been a good distraction through that."

Baker was recruited as a defensive end, but could shift inside or to linebacker, depending on the depth chart. He racked up 122 total tackles in his career.

He has also competed on the basketball and track and field teams. He is a member of National Honor Society, SADD, Grill Team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is the editor-in-chief of Media Page. Baker carries a 3.7 GPA and plans to major in mathematics, while earning a teaching certificate.

He is the son of Kevin and Melissa Baker.

Aidan Burnworth

While Conemaugh Township does not have a swim team, Burnworth has made a name for himself competing as an independent. Now, he will finally have an opportunity to be a member of a team at St. Vincent.

"It's very exciting," Burnworth said. "I haven't had a real team for a while, even with my YMCA team in Johnstown. I don't have many people my age to practice with, so having those people to train with is definitely going to push me to be better and finally do some relays for stuff that counts. That's a lot of fun. That's one thing I really missed out on. I'm looking forward to it a lot."

Burnworth captured District 6 Class 2A gold three times in the 50-yard freestyle, and twice in the 100 freestyle. He was a PIAA finalist in the 50 freestyle this past season.

He has also participated in football and track and field at Conemaugh Township. Burnworth is a member of SADD, RAK Club and student council.

Burnworth boasts a 4.0 GPA and plans to major in economics and political science.

He is the son of Britten and Stacy Burnworth.

Nathan Dail

Dail has known Penn Highland coach Will Harris since his days leading the Greater Johnstown High School program. Harris was on hand Monday to take in the commitment ceremony.

The investment Harris has in Dail and the program led him to Penn Highlands.

"It was actually really cool that (Harris) was here to support me," Dail said. "I know he has a lot to do, looking for people for next year and just building the program. It was really nice that he came here to support me for this."

Penn Highlands established a team and competed for the first time this past season under Harris, who also coaches the women's team. Harris extended an offer to Dail, who is hoping to help the program grow in Year 2.

He has also competed on the soccer team at Conemaugh Township. Dail is a member of Skills USA, county choir, Rotary Interact Club and student council. Dail was a 2026 National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American, and a Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association scholar all-state selection.

Dail has a 3.5 GPA and plans to major in business management.

He is the son of Brian and Amber Dail.

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: 8 Conemaugh Township athletes set to continue careers in college