Andy Tressler

Prosecutor (N.): One who prosecutes, i.e. 1.) Initiates civil or criminal court action against; 2) pursues (an undertaking, for example) until completion; follows to the very end; 3) chases or pursues; 4) carries on, engages in, or practices.

He carried out the on-court procedures against the defense over the last two years, and now that the prosecution has rested in the Leechburg High School gym, Andy Tressler is making a motion to close the case and open a new one. The point guard of the Blue Devils’ basketball team is going on to La Roche College to study Criminal Prosecution, and eventually, to law school. In some ways, it is a natural progression.

The point guard on a basketball team directs play and carries out the coach’s plan of attack against the defense. He is almost like an on-court coach. Tressler played point and also shooting guard all four years at Leechburg, averaging 24pts, 12 rebounds and 6 assists a game. During those years, he also built a 3.5GPA in the classroom (which led to an academic scholarship,) and even found a way to spend some time in the chess club and science club. Funny how all these things involve aggressive strategies…scientific methods, checkmates, criminal justice—it seems to be Tressler’s M.O. (“method of operation” for anyone who’s never seen a TV law and order show.)

“It’s the competitive nature of basketball, knowing there’s no tie in a game,” says Tressler. “It’s the best part about it. The art of playing basketball is a lot different than any other sport.” Then, comparing chess to basketball (which he will also play in college,) Andy notes, “It helped in decision making. Every move is crucial in a game of chess." Or basketball. Or law. You can tell he likes doing the ‘prosecuting.’ He loves the game.

It all helps explain a lot about the son of Janice and Dean Tressler. It makes it easy to see why he was basketball team captain two years; why he also played football six years and baseball for five; why he played with some of the best basketball players in America for four years in AAU ball; why he recognizes and appreciates the opportunity to start as a freshman that gave him experience for the future; and maybe even why he expresses thanks for a good year to Leechburg Basketball Coach Damian Davies and the rest of the team.

And why we should all hope that one day we never have to face: Andy Tressler, The Prosecutor.