5 Super Athletes With Ties To Peters

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Peters area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Natalie Wetzel (Basketball)

Natalie Wetzel, a standout forward from Peters Township High School, has established herself as one of the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL)’s top players. Entering her senior year with 1,136 career points, the 6-foot-3 athlete averaged 17.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season, earning Class 6A second-team all-state honors. Wetzel recently announced her verbal commitment to the University of Miami, selecting the Hurricanes from over 20 college offers. Drawn to Miami’s academics, warm climate and her strong relationship with head coach Tricia Cullop, Wetzel will be the first WPIAL player to join the program in over a decade

2. Grace O’Korn (Wrestling)

Grace O’Korn, a trailblazing wrestler from Peters Township High School, has become a leader in the sport's growing popularity among girls in Pennsylvania. A two-time national qualifier and silver medalist at the WPIAL Championships, O’Korn has used her platform to inspire younger athletes and advocate for body positivity in wrestling. She credits her family’s rich wrestling legacy and her father, Buck O’Korn, as her coach, for her success.

3. John-Henry Krueger (Speed Skating)

John-Henry Krueger, who grew up in Peters, has achieved international success in short-track speed skating, representing both the U.S. and Hungary. A 2018 Winter Olympics silver medalist in the 1,000-meter event, he transitioned to the Hungarian national team in 2018, reuniting with his brother Cole. Krueger has since earned multiple medals, including a bronze in the 2000-meter mixed relay at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

4. Steve Bell (Soccer)

Steve Bell, a Peters Township High School graduate, enjoyed a career in professional soccer with the Washington Warthogs and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds before transitioning into broadcasting. As a standout at Robert Morris University, Bell helped his team achieve a perfect conference record in 1995. After retiring from play, he became the voice of soccer on Fox Soccer Channel, calling USL matches and hosting USL Breakaway.

5. Brian Simmons (Baseball)

Brian Simmons, a multi-sport athlete from Peters Township High School, excelled in baseball, earning a scholarship to the University of Michigan before embarking on a 10-year professional career. Drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1995, Simmons played 119 MLB games and set a record by hitting home runs from both sides of the plate in his fourth major league game. His accomplishments netted him an induction into the WPIAL Hall of Fame in 2022.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.