Name: Ben Wyland
School: Altoona
Age: 17
Article Photos
Grade: Junior
Sport: Baseball
Athlete of the week achievement: Wyland had two hits and struck out nine batters in beating State College. He went 2-for-3 with two RBIs in the first round of the Curve Classic, went 1-for-3 with a run scored in a semifinal victory over Huntingdon, and he threw a three-hitter, striking out eight batters, and went 1-for-3 with an RBI in a win over Hollidaysburg in the championship. He was named the tourney's MVP.
Season update: Wyland is batting .529, with three RBIs. He is 2-0 pitching with a 1.75 ERA with 20 strikeouts and two walks.
Coach Tom Smith's quote: "He pitched two really good games last week, beating State College and Hollidaysburg. He has just had a very solid season for us this year pitching and offensively so far this year."
Favorite teacher: Mr. Sipes
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: "The Sandlot"
Favorite food: Chicken parmesan
Favorite song: "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley
Outside interests: "Playing golf and hanging out with friends."
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Penguins
Favorite college team: Clemson
Pro athlete most admired: Brian Wilson
Best athlete I ever played with: Christian Helsel
Best athlete I ever competed against: Hollidaysburg's Brett Hileman
Most influential person on my athletic career: "My parents and my past coaches."
Proudest athletic achievement: "Winning MVP of the Curve Classic."
How I got my start in baseball: "I've been playing ever since I was little. My dad had me outside throwing the ball, and I never stopped."
Future goal: "I want to attend college and play baseball and see how far that goes. I want to major in physical therapy in college and become a physical therapist."
