Multisport athletes remain rare commodity at Shaler

By: HSSN Staff
Sunday, December 17, 2017 | 11:00 PM

Looking on social media — or the internet in general — about high school athletics and one common refrain stands out. Former athletes, current coaches and neutral all lament when athletes specialize in one-sport year round instead of branching out.

Whether that number has declined over the years is difficult to determine, as schools don't typically keep that information. When it relates to Shaler this school year, the Titans have roughly 89 athletes who play at least two sports.

Fifteen of those kids play at least three sports.

Shaler athletic director Clint Rauscher said he has seen more kids focusing in one area. But he pointed to Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer as an example of a coach who said he prefers to recruit multi-sport athletes.

“Athletes are being asked to compete more year-round, most often with outside club teams that draw them away from competing on their own high school teams,” Rauscher said. “There is definitely a perception if you're going to be successful, the only way is you compete in your sport year round, which many college recruiters have said is now what they think is most beneficial.”

The rise of club sports is one factor in limiting kids to one activity. The rising cost of an education after high school, which forces kids to hold down after-school jobs, is another key component.

According to the College Board, the average cost and fees for the 2016-17 school year was $33,480 at private schools, $9,650 for state residents at public colleges and $24,930 for out-of-state residents attending public universities.

Shaler sophomore Bella Pilyih is one of those, participating in bowling, cross country and track.

“I guess it's just really getting different experiences,” she said. “Not being focused on one thing and you're getting different sports, I guess. You're getting different experiences and meeting different people.”

Darin Mizgorski enjoys having an all-around skill set. He plays football, baseball and basketball. That provides him with a wide array of experience.

“I like how I can go from one to another and not get too bored from sticking to one sport all year,” Mizgorski said. “Every sport teaches you different things to use in the others.”

Balancing time is the important factor for anyone who tries to to take on the challenge.

“Bowling's only two days a week, so it isn't bad,” Pilyih said. “Cross country is every day. It's tough to get practice in and do homework. I don't get a lot of time during the fall.”

Josh Rizzo is a freelance writer

Tags: Shaler