By Derek Pyda

Eagle Staff Writer

Westminster College will help prepare Noah Wolford for his future, while providing him the chance to feed his passion.

The Butler High senior recently committed to attend the school in Lawrence County where he will join the Titans’ men’s soccer program as a goalkeeper.

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was a little kid and it was always a goal of mine to play in college,” Wolford said. “Westminster was the only school in the area that offered creative media (as a field of study). I really like the campus and atmosphere there.

“I’m excited to be able to play for four more years.”

Wolford started in net for the Golden Tornado the last two seasons, helping Butler reach the WPIAL playoffs in both campaigns. He earned nine shutouts last fall.

“I became more aggressive this year and got a lot better at diving to my left. Those are things I knew I had to improve on.”

Westminster head coach Girish Thakar is high on what Wolford can bring to the Titans.

“I am excited in having Noah as a part of our team for this fall,” he replied in an emailed interview. “He’s going to add to our already talented group of goalkeepers.”

Wolford’s involvement in club soccer has aided his progression. He has played for Northern Steel, Hot Spurs and most recently, Arsenal.

With many games in net under his belt, Wolford is comfortable with the challenges of the position.

“There are times in a game when a goalie doesn’t get much action, but the outcome can come down to his ability to make a save,” he said. “It can be tough, but you have to remain focused.”

Westminster is coming off a 12-9 season, which included a trip to the Presidents’ Athletic Conference semifinals. Thakar has led the Wolverines for 24 seasons, compiling a record of 239-192-35 and winning five PAC championships, the most recent one coming in 2018.

“Our focus is always on development and helping individual players reach their potential,” replied Thakar. “Our consistency is about players coming through and improving every year, mentally, physically and tactically.

“We work with our younger players in season and throughout the year. They take advantage of this and buy into what our overall team goals are. We want to win championships, but also want to do it the right way.”

Thakar explained that Westminster has a development team that plays nine games per season, allowing players who are reserves for the main squad to gain valuable experience.

Regarding Wolford, however, Thakar replied: “I expect him to come in and challenge for our starting position.”

Wolford plans to make the most of that opportunity.

“One of my goals is to start as a freshman,” he said. “I’m going to work as hard as I can to get that spot.”