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Athlete of the Week

Nelen does it all for Heights

2 min read

Name: Stephen Nelen

School: Cambria Heights

Age: 18

Grade: Senior

Sport: Football

Athlete of the week achievement: Nelen had 16 carries for 129 yards and the go-ahead 59-yard touchdown run for Cambria Heights in its 42-21 win over Richland in the District 6 Class 2A championship game. Nelen sparked the Highlanders' offense when he was switched into the wildcat position.

Season update: Nelen has 790 yards rushing on 107 carries with 11 touchdowns. He's also caught 19 passes for 409 yards and seven more touchdowns.

Coach Jarrod Lewis' quote: "His ability to play multiple positions makes it extremely difficult on defenses. You always have to know where he is. Whether he's playing wide receiver, running back or quarterback -- he can line up all over the field. He's a good thrower, an extremely good runner and he's got good hands. I think his ability to play all those positions makes it really difficult for teams to plan against him and understand where he is on the field at any given time."

Favorite teacher: Mr. Krug

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite movie: "The Green Mile"

Favorite food: Chicken

Favorite song: "Hey Driver" by Zach Bryan

Outside interests: Golf, lifting and hanging out with friends

Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite college team: Penn State

Pro athlete most admired: Andrew McCutchen

Best athlete I ever competed against: Northern Cambria's Ty Dumm

Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents, Pat and Kim Nelen

Proudest athletic achievement: Winning the District 6 championship the last two years

How I got my start in football: "In sixth grade, my dad's friend convinced me to play."

Future goal: To go to college and begin a coaching career after college.

Starting at /week.