Name: Jared Salyards
School: Central
Age: 18
Grade: Senior
Sport: Tennis
Athlete of the week achievement: Salyards won his third straight District 6 Class AA singles tennis title.
Season update: Salyards will compete in the PIAA state singles tennis tournament in Hershey on May 28-29.
Coach Brian Denis' quote: "Jared's pretty much the ultimate standard for what high school athletes should strive for. Not only is he a three-time district champion, but he's an exemplary student. And as far as character, he's one of the best kids I've ever coached.''
Favorite teacher: Mr. Waite
Favorite subject: Biology
Favorite movie: "Shawshank Redemption''
Favorite food: Red velvet cake
Favorite song: "Jupiter'' by Gustav Holst
Outside interests: Reading, racquetball, fishing
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite college team: Temple Owls
Pro athlete most admired: Roger Federer
Best athlete I ever played with: Peter Riley
Best athlete I ever competed against: Hollidaysburg's Brendan Van Buren
Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents, Mark and Kim, and coaches Brian and Amanda Denis
Proudest athletic achievement: Winning districts three years in a row.
How I got my start in tennis: "My parents bought me a racket when I was 12, and I started to play with them.''
Future goal: Go to medical school.
