Being a multi-sport athlete at any level can be tiring and time consuming. It takes a large amount of focus and time management to balance playing sports year-round, while also striving to succeed in the classroom.

For Ligonier Valley's Haden Sierocky, this lifestyle hasn't been a major obstacle, but rather, a walk in the park… or on the field in this instance.

“It’s definitely been interesting, but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” said Sierocky about how he's balanced school and sports year round. “I feel it’s made me a better person, and I’ve been able to connect with a bunch of other kids I’ve played with and competed with against.”

Sierocky, a three-sport standout in football, basketball and baseball, had to decide what sport he wanted to play in college.

At the start of the fall, he was leaning towards pursuing baseball. But after an outstanding season on the gridiron for the Rams, and being selected to the All-State team in Class 2A as a defensive back, he opened up his options again and wavered between baseball and football.

Ultimately, he couldn't turn away from his love for baseball and the senior made his commitment to continue his career at Seton Hill University.

“By the end of January, I had figured out I wanted to fulfill my opportunity to play baseball at the next level,” Sierocky said. “I was able to get in contact with coach (Marc) Marizzaldi. We figured out a date I could come visit. I had a great time, and I definitely felt at home.”

Sierocky might’ve figured out where he’s headed next on the diamond, but he still has unfinished business with his Ligonier Valley teammates.

Last month, Sierocky put together a pitching performance for the ages as he struck out 17 batters in a 6-0 Section 3-2A victory over Greensburg Central Catholic to open the season.

“It was a weird one,” Sierocky said about the sensational outing. “It was our first game, and it was a section game. We didn’t know what to expect. I got handed the ball in pregame, did my normal pregame, and I felt good.

“Through the game, I didn’t keep track of how many strikeouts I had or hits or anything like that. I was just doing my thing, playing at my pace, and it was definitely something special.”

After getting through the first inning, he felt strong over the next three. He would retire the Centurions in order in the second, third and fourth innings and he knew he was on the brink of a big outing.

The Rams, led by second-year head coach Jason Bush, have built off that performance, and currently sit at 4-2 overall and 3-1 in the section. They’re currently on a three-game winning streak, scoring double-digit runs in each of their last two games, and shutting out Brentwood 7-0.

“We are a really tight, connected group,” he noted on what has been important to his team’s recent success. “I feel, as a team, we don’t have that many kids on the team. But the kids that are there are really connected and bought in to what we have.”

It will be an adjustment for Sierocky next year playing one sport as opposed to three. However, he’s excited to focus on baseball and school at Seton Hill, and to also branch out and step outside of his comfort zone.

“I’m excited to meet new people. In Ligonier, we don’t have that many people in the school, so you’ve been with the same people for 10-plus years. Going to a new college, I’m excited to meet the new people there, having new teammates, and a new experience overall.”