David Adley, Baldwin

Last week: Adley finished first at the Mingo Classic with a personal-record time of 15 minutes, 52 seconds Thursday.

Check this out: A senior, Adley has won just about every race he has entered this season, including the Red, White & Blue Classic and the Central Catholic and Gateway invitationals. He will be one of the favorites at the WPIAL championships Oct. 25 at Cooper's Lake Campground. Adley is the senior class president at Baldwin, ranks 20th out of 421 academically and is working toward being an Eagle Scout.

To what do you attribute your success this season? I had a good sophomore season, but my junior year was disappointing all the way. I worked a lot during the summer and expected to do well. But I didn't expect to win as many events as I have.

Why do you torture yourself with all this running? This year, I've grown to love this sport. I have a new understanding of it. I also have a great coach [Rich Wright]. If I can't win for myself, I want to win for him.

If you weren't a runner, what activity would you pursue? Karate. I liked karate, but I had to give it up for running.

Running along Route 51 isn't recommended, but is it safer than driving? Sometimes. Actually, I've run along Route 51 and it's quite an experience. It might be safer in a car.

People might be surprised to know that ... I play four instruments, the violin, viola, piano and guitar.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to have a bachelor's degree and a graduate degree and a steady job.

-- By Rick Shrum

Michelle Walker, West Allegheny

This week: Walker helped the West Allegheny girls' volleyball team defeat Washington, 3-0, Monday. West Allegheny plays Montour tonight in a match to decide the WPIAL Class AA Section 4 championship.

Check this out: Walker is a talented 6-2 junior middle hitter who was second-team all-state last season. She also is a member of West Allegheny's basketball and track and field teams. She has been a basketball starter since her freshman year. She has a sister, Andrea, on the Ohio State women's basketball team.

Is your future in basketball or volleyball? I knew you were going to ask that. Right now, I really love playing both sports. I'm sure whichever sport I pick, I'll love it in the end.

Ever dream of dunking a basketball? I've always wanted to, but I can't do it yet. I can touch the rim, but I just can't throw it down yet.

All four kids in your family are tall. Where does the size come from? My dad. He's 6-9. He's from Jamaica. He's really not a basketball person, though. He played soccer.

Who is the best athlete in all of sports? I love Candace Parker [of the University of Tennessee women's basketball team]. I love how she dunks on people.

Most embarrassing moment in sports? When I was in eighth grade, I was going up for a layup and a girl tried to block my shot. But she pulled down my shorts instead.

Subway or some other sandwich shop? Quiznos.

-- By Mike White