Burrell senior aims for second state team title

It seems like Burrell senior Shane Welsh excels at everything.

Welsh finished second in the state as a wrestler, earned all-conference first team honors as a linebacker, and graduated as valedictorian.

Now, he is starting at first base for the Burrell baseball team (20-2), which will take on Loyalsock (21-4) in the PIAA Class AA championship game at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Blair County Ballpark in Altoona.

With that kind of excellence on his resume, it seems fitting Welsh has a chance to do something rare -- be a part of two state team championships in the same school year.

Welsh was a crucial cog in the lineup for Burrell's wrestling team, which captured its first state team title in early February.

The first baseman, who makes his major contributions with his glove, will try to help the Bucs' baseball team finish on top as well.

"It's a surreal experience," Welsh said. "I never expected to be here once, let alone twice. I'm hoping to do my best and make the best of it."

Making the best of it seems to come naturally for Welsh, as his accomplishments indicate.

"Everything he tries, he gives 100 percent," Burrell coach Mark Spohn said. "His parents have got to be very proud."

In baseball, Welsh has made his mark with his glovework more than his bat. His agility, honed on the wrestling mat, allows him to stretch for and catch throws that are off line or scoop sharply hit balls.

"He's extremely agile," Spohn said. "He's been in multiple wrestling positions throughout his life. He seems to be able to stretch."

Welsh, who will continue his wrestling career at Division I Lehigh, has one hit and two RBI in seven at-bats this season. A designated hitter usually takes his place in the lineup.

But his leadership abilities and defense make him a valuable asset for the Bucs.

"He's a kid you can rely on," Spohn said.

"Shane The Brain," as his teammates have nicknamed him, also has a wicked sense of humor, which often comes out in the form of chatter during baseball games.

"He's witty, along with his book smarts," Spohn said.

Burrell has developed a reputation for its creative banter.

"It's a Burrell tradition to be as loud and annoying as we can be," Welsh said. "I take that to heart and do as much as I can do."

Welsh admits that wrestling is his first love. Last season, he went 42-4 and won WPIAL Class AA and Southwest Regional titles before taking silver at the state tournament in Hershey. He finished his career with a local-record 178 wins.

Burrell won the PIAA Class AA title by beating Bermudian Springs, 37-29, on Feb. 9.

Right now, however, the mat has been rolled up, and Welsh is focused solely on the diamond.

Welsh wouldn't want it any other way.

"Many people discouraged me from playing baseball this season," Welsh said. "But this is my last year. I wanted to have this experience with my friends. All of this is just great."