The student news site of Baldwin High School

The Purbalite
The student news site of Baldwin High School

The Purbalite
The student news site of Baldwin High School

The Purbalite
Paul Kercher

Paul Kercher, Sports Editor

Junior Paul Kercher is in his third year on staff. When he is not writing about sports, he is probably playing, watching, or listening to sports.

The Baldwinaires and the band watch the graduating seniors on the field.

[Photo] Class of 2022 Commencement video story, slideshow

Purbalite Staff
June 3, 2022

Podcast debates NBA playoffs

Andrew Barrett, Carson Chapel, Paul Kercher, and Jacob Staley
May 27, 2022
Senior Shajit Pokwal excels in track.

Pokwal to represent Baldwin track at states this weekend

Jacob Staley and Paul Kercher
May 25, 2022
The Girls Softball team takes on Norwin today in first round of play-offs.

Softball team looks to keep season rolling with playoff game against Norwin

Seth Franco and Paul Kercher
May 16, 2022
Gamers sought for Rocket League tournament

Gamers sought for Rocket League tournament

Paul Kercher and Ayushma Neopaney
May 13, 2022
The Baldwin girls volleyball team has won numerous section titles over the years.

Boys volleyball loses to Hempfield, Bethel Park

Paul Kercher, Sports Editor
May 9, 2022
The Baldwin girls volleyball team has won numerous section titles over the years.

Boys Volleyball falls to Canon-Mac

Paul Kercher, Sports Editor
May 4, 2022
The Baldwin girls softball team loses after a hard fought game against NA.

Girls softball falls to Bethel

Paul Kercher and Ethan Spozarski
May 3, 2022
Baseball defeats Quaker Valley to break losing streak

Baseball defeats Quaker Valley to break losing streak

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
April 29, 2022
The Baldwin girls softball team loses after a hard fought game against NA.

Softball falls to Chartier Valley

Paul Kercher and Ethan Spozarski
April 28, 2022
The girls tennis team plays in the fall sports season.

Boys tennis defeats Woodland hills

Paul Kercher and Maddison Houser
April 22, 2022
Pirates season preview.

Pirates need breakout years from several players

Paul Kercher, Sports Editor
April 6, 2022

Purb Take talks March Madness tourney brackets

Ethan Spozarski, Jacob Staley, Sam Tobiczyk, and Paul Kercher
March 17, 2022
Boys varsity Basketball lost to NA in the first round of WPIALs.

Boys basketball season ends with playoff loss to North Allegheny

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
February 23, 2022

Video story: Hockey falls to Lebo

Paul Kercher, Ethan Spozarski, and Jacob Staley
February 15, 2022
The Baldwin Fighting Highlander basketball teams play in the 6A division.

Boys hoops splits last two games of the season

Paul Kercher, Sports Editor
February 14, 2022
Baldwin alum Sean Kealey has been a substitute teacher at the high school for the past few months, but over the summer he was on the pitching mound in Wisconsin, getting his first shot as a reliever in the minors during his first season in High A baseball for the Peoria Chiefs.

Your substitute teacher is a minor league baseball pitcher

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
February 11, 2022

Purb Take podcast offers Super Bowl predictions

Carson Chapel, Paul Kercher, Ethan Spozarski, and Jacob Staley
February 7, 2022
The Baldwin Fighting Highlander basketball teams play in the 6A division.

Girls basketball defeats Hempfield

Jacob Staley and Paul Kercher
February 2, 2022
The Fighting Highlanders basketball teams compete at the 6A level

Boys hoops falls to Upper St. Clair, Blackhawk

Paul Kercher, Sports Editor
January 31, 2022

Podcast: Purb Take team offers NFL conference championship picks

Ethan Spozarski, Carson Chapel, Paul Kercher, and Jacob Staley
January 28, 2022
After the last season in 1986, the USFL is returning to televisions across America.

Returning USFL faces long odds again

Paul Kercher, Sports Editor
January 28, 2022

Video story: Boys basketball loses to Chartiers Valley

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
January 26, 2022
The Baldwin Fighting Highlander basketball teams play in the 6A division.

Girls hoops falls to USC

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
January 26, 2022

Podcast: Purb Take team predicts second week of NFL playoffs

Ethan Spozarski, Jacob Staley, Paul Kercher, and Carson Chapel
January 21, 2022

Podcast: Purb Take team offers wild card playoff predictions

Carson Chapel, Paul Kercher, Ethan Spozarski, and Jacob Staley
January 14, 2022

Purb Take team discusses Steelers win, college football championship

Ethan Spozarski, Carson Chapel, Paul Kercher, and Jacob Staley
January 10, 2022
The Baldwin Fighting Highlander basketball teams play in the 6A division.

Boys basketball loses to Upper Saint Clair

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
January 5, 2022
The Fighting Highlanders basketball teams compete at the 6A level

Buzzer beater helps boys hoops to doubleheader split

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
January 3, 2022

The Purb Take crew offers their perspectives on holiday tradtions

Ethan Spozarski, Carson Chapel, Jacob Staley, and Paul Kercher
December 22, 2021

Purb Take discusses Steelers, Kenny Pickett’s decision

Ethan Spozarski, Paul Kercher, Carson Chapel, and Jacob Staley
December 21, 2021
The win pushed the team's record to 4-1. All games so far have been against teams outside of their section.

Boys basketball defeats TJ

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
December 20, 2021
The Fighting Highlanders basketball teams compete at the 6A level

Girls basketball overpowers Gateway

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
December 16, 2021
The Boys Basketball team has beat Franklin Regional to improve their record to 3-1.

Boys Hoops picks up third straight win

Paul Kercher, Sports Editor
December 15, 2021

Video story: Boys basketball opens season by splitting two games

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
December 13, 2021

Purb Take discusses Pitt championship, college football playoffs

Ethan Spozarski, Carson Chapel, Paul Kercher, and Jacob Staley
December 6, 2021

Purb Take podcast talks baseball with BHS alum from DK Pittsburgh Sports

Paul Kercher, Carson Chapel, and Ethan Spozarski
December 2, 2021
The Yankees and Dodgers will play in the World Series

Opinion: MLB’s likely lockdown will cause big disruptions

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
December 1, 2021
Connor Gitzen is straying away from his family's past and is embracing himself in basketball.

Gitzen goes his own way, making his mark in basketball

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
November 23, 2021

Purb Take podcast discusses Steelers loss, Pitt victory

Ethan Spozarski, Jacob Staley, Carson Chapel, and Paul Kercher
November 22, 2021
The Baldwin varsity ice hockey team plays in the 3A division.

Baldwin ice hockey defeats Canon Mac in close game

Ethan Spozarski, Carson Chapel, and Paul Kercher
November 10, 2021
The competitive cheer team had another successful competition on Sunday in Johnstown, placing first in the mat division and second with their game day routine.

Cheer team earns bid to nationals

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
November 1, 2021
The Purple Flood student section cheers at a football game earlier in the season.

[Photo] In tough fall sports season, Purple Flood student section cheers on

Jacob Staley and Maddison Houser
October 29, 2021
The Baldwin varsity ice hockey team plays in the 3A division.

Hockey team falls to Seneca in OT

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
October 29, 2021
Girls volleyball picks up big win during senior rec

Girls volleyball picks up big win during senior rec

Paul Kercher, Carson Chapel, and Ethan Spozarski
October 20, 2021
The girls volleyball team playing against Bethel Park.

Girls Volleyball

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
October 20, 2021
Grande a standout on and off the field

Grande a standout on and off the field

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
October 19, 2021
The Baldwin varsity football team defeated Hempfield on Friday.

Football team shares credit for shutout win over Hempfield

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
October 12, 2021
The Yankees and Dodgers will play in the World Series

Column: MLB division playoffs offer great matchups

Paul Kercher, Sports Editor
October 8, 2021
The Baldwin varsity football team defeated Hempfield on Friday.

Big plays secure win over Norwin for football team

Ethan Spozarski, Paul Kercher, and Carson Chapel
October 4, 2021

Purb Take previews Steelers v. Bengals showdown

Ethan Spozarski, Carson Chapel, and Paul Kercher
September 23, 2021
Girls volleyball falls to Lebo

Girls volleyball falls to Lebo

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
September 22, 2021

Video: Football team falls to North Allegheny

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
September 20, 2021
The Baldwin varsity ice hockey team plays in the 3A division.

Ice hockey defeats Greater Latrobe in tourney

Paul Kercher and Jacob Staley
September 9, 2021
On Friday, the first football game of the 2021 season took place. The student section theme was Hawaiian.

SLIDESHOW: First football game of the year

Paul Kercher and Carson Chapel
September 9, 2021
Cheerleaders stunting during a break in the game.

The student section cheering on players.

Video story: Friday night lights return

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
September 6, 2021

Video story: The Class of 2021 graduates

Ethan Spozarski, Leila Usanovic, Sara Scheeser, Grace Spozarski, and Paul Kercher
June 9, 2021
The Yankees and Dodgers will play in the World Series

MLB Draft League showcases prospects

Paul Kercher, Staff Writer
June 8, 2021
The boys hockey team gather one last time with Dr. Lutz and Mr. Saras around the Pen and State Cups.

For hockey players, becoming champions was unfinished business

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
May 7, 2021
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[Photo] Boys volleyball loses to Canon Mac

Colton Brain, Sports Editor
April 9, 2021

Video story: Boys volleyball falls to Moon Township

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
April 30, 2021
Girls softball defeated Steel Valley 6-5.

Softball gets statement win over Cannon Mac

Paul Kercher and Jacob Staley
April 29, 2021
Picture of Grace and Anna Schumacher standing together before their softball game.

Schumacher sisters motivate each other on and off the mound

Carson Chapel, Sajan Dangal, and Paul Kercher
April 28, 2021
The Baldwin varsity ice hockey team plays in the 3A division.

Ice hockey defeats Penn-Trafford in first-round playoff game

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
April 6, 2021
Junior Maleah Pacella plays shortstop for the girls softball team.

Pacella unites team on and off the field

Carson Chapel, Paul Kercher, and Sajan Dangal
March 29, 2021

Purb Take podcast talks March Madness

Ethan Spozarski, Colton Brain, and Paul Kercher
March 18, 2021
The Baldwin competitive cheer team competed at the WPIAL championship this weekend, qualifying them for states.

Competitive cheer qualifies for states

Ethan Franco and Paul Kercher
March 16, 2021

Video story: Ice hockey falls to TJ in first loss of season

Carson Chapel, Paul Kercher, and Ethan Spozarski
March 10, 2021

Video story: Ice hockey defeats South Fayette on senior rec night

Paul Kercher, Carson Chapel, and Ethan Spozarski
March 2, 2021
championship.

Stokes, Herrle gear up for WPIALs in swimming, diving

Carson Chapel and Paul Kercher
February 26, 2021

Video story: Ice hockey team remains unbeaten with win over West Allegheny

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
February 23, 2021
Senior James Wesling scores 24 points as Baldwin defeats Trinity.

Sophomore James Wesling makes his mark on the boys basketball team

Paul Kercher and Carson Chapel
February 23, 2021
Varsity basketball starter Joey Starzynski hopes that despite a wrist injury , he will be back for the end of season.

Injury forces Starzynski, hoops team to adapt

Mason Hurley and Paul Kercher
February 2, 2021
The boys hockey team defeated Greater Latrobe 6-2 on Thursday.

Ice hockey rolls on with win over Greater Latrobe

Paul Kercher, Staff Writer
January 29, 2021
The Baldwin varsity ice hockey team plays in the 3A division.

Reed gets another hat trick to lead ice hockey over Hampton

Paul Kercher, Staff Writer
January 22, 2021
New football league breaks onto the scene as NFL nearing super bowl.

Opinion: Fan-controlled football league faces long odds

Paul Kercher, Staff Writer
January 21, 2021

Podcast: Purb Take discusses Steelers, Chiefs, Ravens

Colton Brain, Mason Hurley, and Paul Kercher
November 23, 2020
Adding to the dominant performance by Baldwin’s offense, the Highlanders put 58 shots on goal against the Mustangs.

Keith Reed, Trevor Belak score hat tricks to lead hockey to 11-0 win over Plum

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
November 13, 2020

Video story: Homecoming game, festivities bring a bit of normalcy to year

Ethan Spozarski and Paul Kercher
October 27, 2020
Baldwin played Central Catholic on Friday during the second home game of the season

Football team falls in homecoming game

Ethan Franco and Paul Kercher
October 27, 2020

Podcast: Boys soccer readies for second straight trip to playoffs

Colton Brain and Paul Kercher
October 20, 2020

Video story: Freshman Gabrielle Moder stands out in tennis

Ethan Franco and Paul Kercher
October 15, 2020
The Baldwin varsity football team defeated Hempfield on Friday.

Football team comes up with big win, but ends up in quarantine again

Lena Barakat, Lindsay Bonetti, Mason Hurley, and Paul Kercher
October 12, 2020
The Highlander football team, its 14-day quarantine over, played Norwin on Friday and lost, 28-12.

Football team, following loss to Norwin, preps for Hempfield

Paul Kercher and Ethan Franco
October 5, 2020
Dylan Farabaugh is the Highlander mascot for this year, in charge of supporting sports teams and firing up the crowd.

The Highlander returns, with original dance moves

Grace Hampton and Paul Kercher
September 22, 2020
The Yankees and Dodgers will play in the World Series

Baseball works to save its season

Paul Kercher, Staff Writer
May 26, 2020
Major League Baseball fans can see live baseball played by the Korean Baseball Organization.

Korean baseball draws in MLB fans

Paul Kercher, Staff Writer
May 26, 2020

PODCAST: Pens make big trades, baseball hits spring training

Ethan Spozarski, Chris Bobuk, and Paul Kercher
February 28, 2020
The girls 4x800 relay team qualified for states over the weekend.

Indoor track relay team qualifies for states

Paul Kercher and Chris Bobuk
February 24, 2020
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