Name: Joseph Speece

School: Altoona Area

Age: 18

Grade: Senior

Sport: Baseball

Athlete of the week achievement: Speece was named co-MVP of the Curve Classic baseball tournament after helping Altoona defeat Central for the championship. He tripled twice, homered and drove in five runs in the championship game and had a hit and an RBI in the Lions’ 5-2 win over Hollidaysburg in the semifinals. He added an RBI against Portage in the quarterfinals.

Season update: Speece is hitting .312 with six RBIs for Altoona this season and has scored five runs. Altoona is 6-2.

Coach Tom Smith’s quote: “Joe had a great tournament and is truly deserving of this award. He struggled recently with his hitting but kept a positive attitude and was rewarded for his hard work.”

Favorite teacher: Mr. Simington

Favorite subject: History

Favorite movie: “Happy Gilmore”

Favorite food: Chicken

Favorite song: “High Road” by Zach Bryan

Outside interests: Fishing and lifting

Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Pirates

Favorite college team: Penn State

Pro athlete most admired: Freddie Freeman

Best athlete I ever competed against: Nate Payne

Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents

Proudest athletic achievement: Winning the Curve Classic

How I got my start in baseball: “I watched MLB when I was little and wanted to play when I got older.”

Future goal: Win the District 6 championship