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In 2010, Monaca and Center High Schools merged to form Central Valley High School, creating a new chapter while carrying forward the legacy of both storied programs. The newly formed Central Valley Warriors baseball team continues to honor the traditions, work ethic, and success of its predecessors.
Today, the Warriors compete in the WPIAL, representing a unified community and the combined history of two proud baseball legacies—one built on postseason glory, the other on decades of consistency and character. Every pitch, swing, and inning played by the Warriors carries with it the spirit of Monaca and Center baseball.
Class 4A (20 teams)
Section 1: Ambridge, Beaver, Blackhawk, Central Valley, Hampton, Hopewell, North Catholic
Section 2: Albert Gallatin, Belle Vernon, Elizabeth Forward, Laurel Highlands, Ringgold, Uniontown, West Mifflin
Section 3: Derry, Greensburg Salem, Highlands, Indiana, Knoch, Valley
Monaca High School baseball was a fixture of consistency and competitive fire in Western Pennsylvania. Under long-time head coach Dave Nichol, the Monaca Indians reached their peak in 1985 with a standout 16-4 season, earning trips to both the WPIAL and PIAA state finals. Nichol, a respected figure in Pennsylvania high school baseball, finished his career with over 380 wins.
That 1985 roster included Mark Grater, a dominant pitcher who advanced to the Major Leagues, where he pitched professionally from 1991 to 1993. The Monaca program earned its reputation through hard-nosed play, quality coaching, and a deep commitment to community pride.
While Monaca was making its mark, nearby Center High School was assembling a baseball dynasty of its own. Center captured back-to-back WPIAL titles in 1989 and 1990, dominating district competition in Class AA. That momentum carried over in 1990 when Center reached the pinnacle of Pennsylvania high school baseball by winning the 1990 PIAA Class AA State Championship.
This state title was the ultimate validation of Center’s baseball excellence—highlighting a team built on toughness, teamwork, and championship-caliber execution. The 1990 state championship remains one of the proudest achievements in the school’s athletic history.
Season Recap
Central Valley put together a strong season in section play, finishing with an overall section record of 7-5.
• Black: 1-1
• Beaver: 2-0
• Burrell: 0-2
• North Coast: 1-1
• Hopewell: 2-0
• Hampton: 1-1
The Warriors entered the final game with a chance to claim the section championship but fell in a hard-fought 6-5 comeback loss to Hampton.
In the WPIAL tournament, Central Valley won its first two games(we will never forget Will Ciucci's step off throw home to pick off the winning run and keep our hopes alive against West Mifflin) before dropping a 4-1 contest to Elizabeth Forward. That result qualified the Warriors for the third-place game against Belle Vernon, where they came away with a 7-3 victory.
The win secured the program’s first-ever trip to the PIAA State Tournament, where Central Valley made history by defeating Erie Cathedral Prep 3-2 in the opening round. The Warriors’ memorable run came to an end in the next game against eventual state champion Indiana, falling 7-0.