Elliott Chamberlain, a baseball and basketball standout at Tussey Mountain High School, will continue his education and baseball career at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
Chamberlain, who has played shortstop and pitched the past four seasons for Tussey's baseball program, will be used as a pitcher at UPJ, a Division II baseball school.
Chamberlain has averaged over two strikeouts an inning in his first 25 innings pitched this season. In his career at Tussey, Chamberlain has struck out 102 batters in 69.2 innings pitched, walked just 44, and thrown four shutouts.
"He's really developed as a pitcher,'' said Tussey baseball coach Rob Reed, who has coached Chamberlain all four seasons. "He's got a fast ball in the mid-80's, he's developed a curve and changeup, and he has a great mound presence. He's one of those kids who gets out there and has a great idea of what he's doing.''
Chamberlain plans to study civil engineering, and UPJ offers that major, which is another big reason for his college decision.
"They had the major that I wanted, and I just felt at home with the coaches there, and I knew a lot of the players there,'' Chamberlain said. "I felt that it would be a good fit for me.''
Reed believes that Chamberlain can thrive as a college baseball player.
"He's a great kid, a hard worker, and a great competitor,'' Reed said. "I think he has a huge upside for baseball in college.''
Chamberlain scored over 1,000 points for Tussey as a three-year varsity basketball starter, but pitching a baseball will be his athletic focus at UPJ.
"I just try to get people out, whether it's a strikeout, ground ball, or fly out,'' he said. "I'm looking forward to going on, facing better competition, and playing in a good Division II program.''
