Name: Christian Helsel
School: Altoona
Age: 18
Grade: Senior
Sport: Baseball
Athlete of the week achievement: Helsel struck out 10 batters in pitching a complete-game victory and also went 3-for-4 with two RBIs in a 9-4 victory over Seneca Valley in the PIAA Class AAAA first round and went 3-for-4 and scored two runs in a 6-3 victory over Mount Lebanon in the quarterfinals.
Season update: Helsel is hitting .419 with four doubles, two homers, 12 RBIs and 25 runs. His on-base percentage is .591. Pitching, he is 4-1 with five saves and a 1.62 ERA.
Coach Tom Smith's quote: "He's been around for four years. This week he had a phenomenal week with three hits in both games and pitched a great game in the first round. He pretty much led the way for us the past two victories.''
Favorite teacher: Mr. Lowe
Favorite subject: History
Favorite movie: "Cinderella Man''
Favorite food: Wings
Favorite song: "The Prayer'' by Kid Cudi
Outside interests: Fishing, hunting, ping pong
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Favorite college team: Ole Miss Rebels
Pro athlete most admired: Michael Young
Best athlete(s) I ever played with: Anthony Lombardo and Ben Wyland
Best athlete I ever competed against: State College's Saige Jenco
Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents, Mark and Dotty
Proudest athletic achievement: Making it to the PIAA Class AAAA semifinals
How I got my start in baseball: "My dad played growing up, and I wanted to be like my dad. I started in T-ball when I was 5 or 6.''
Future goal: "To play major league baseball.''
