This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
In a borough riddled with talented division-one athletes, State College Area High School’s best often fly under the radar. Ty Salazer, with his impressive three-sport resume, does not.
The senior has garnered nothing but praise and headlines over the last three years for his work ethic and talent, leaving impressions on the football field in the fall, the basketball court in the winter and the lacrosse field in the spring.
This season the State College Little Lions football team is 3-1 and looking to improve on their round three exit in the 2023 PIAA class 6A playoffs.
“My biggest goal right now is to not lose another game this season. And along with that, the goal is to get to that state semifinals game again,” Salazer said. “Personally, with this being my last season as a senior, I just want to put it all out there, and perform to my best ability every single game, because I don’t get any more.”
Though the season is still young, it’s safe to say Salazer has given it his all up to this point. The senior leads the Little Lions in total touchdowns (5), receiving yards (291) and interceptions (2).
This success is partially due to Salazer’s determined mindset.
“I try to be the hardest worker in any environment I am in, I think in this day and age, it is very easy to outwork the people around you, and that is exactly what I intend to do,” Salazer said.
One way he is able to keep his mind fresh and in the right place is through his other sports. Salazer cited that the constant switching of athletic seasons has helped him not burn out and allows him to give it his all 365 days of the year.
Playing multiple sports has helped him in more than just athletics though. Off the field, Salazer impressively balances a social life while maintaining a 4.6 GPA.
“I think that the biggest thing that I have learned, more developed, is discipline,” Salazer said. “I am constantly in season during school, and I pride myself in my academics, thus trying to balance all of it can be tough sometimes and takes a lot of discipline.”
Salazer says that he looked up to a lot of people when he was growing up but noted that his success would not be possible without his parents. Now as a role model himself, Salazer had a message for aspiring athletes in the State College area.
“Just put in the work, put yourself out there. You’ve got to become comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Salazer said. “It is certainly not easy, but if you truly put in the work, I am telling you that you will see results.”
