Like most high schoolers, St. Clairsville’s Will Balgo is hoping for the best. And he’s preparing for it.
The incoming Red Devils’ senior is dealing with the aftermath of a canceled spring. He’s worked hard to improve both his mind and body as best he can. At first, that called for a lot of at-home personal strength and conditioning work.
As restrictions eased, he was able to participate in team workouts for football. He was also able to play baseball for the St. Clairsville Patriots, the independent baseball team normally known as Post 159.
Balgo was looking forward to the spring season at St. C. The Red Devils returned some key components from the 2019 team that reached the state semifinals.
But like so many others across the country, those what-ifs will never be answered.
Competing with teammates old and new on the Patriots has dulled the pain somewhat and kept his spirits high.
The promise of what’s still to come has kept Balgo putting in the work in preparation for his final go-round.
He’s on board with doing what’s necessary to have that season. Whether that’s wearing a mask, socially distancing, he’s in. If some off-the-wall adjustments are called for, he’ll gladly make those too.
Balgo just wants to play. Whatever fashion that may take, he’s ready for it.
He’s a key member of the baseball and basketball teams. But Balgo’s first love, and best sport, is football.
That’s where Balgo puts his 6-3, 235-pound frame to its best use as a linebacker for the Red Devils. Others have noticed. He’s already received an offer from Tiffin University.
More will follow, especially if Balgo turns in another 100-tackle season. The big question now is will he, like so many other senior athletes, get that opportunity?
Were you able to keep active during the last months of spring, and how did it feel to get back out onto the field for that first practice?
Thankfully I was able to stay active and put in work to become a better athlete, even if it was just going outside and running around, but getting out on the field with your teammates and coaches is a feeling that is unmatched.
Does this make up somewhat for not having that junior season in high school? Was St. C. expecting another big season after the success the year prior?
It does. Being able to play and compete against players in a different uniform is great after hitting in cages during this pandemic. These games will help players prepare for their next season as time moves along. Our team, after losing a good number of seniors the year before, needed to fill in some spots. But with the hard work and experience from the upperclassmen, our team could’ve had big things ahead.
How has summer training for football gone? How has it differed from years past, and is there a worry that the season may not be played?
Training for football has gone well. Despite all of the precautions that we have to take and the changes that are made due to the virus, everyone is taking practice very seriously and working hard for this upcoming season. Not having a season is always in the back of my head, but I just to keep a positive mind and hope for the best.
When you saw how the senior year ended last year for some of your teammates, not only in terms of sports but in-school experiences, did you think you’d possibly have to deal with that too this season, or was the hope things would be back to normal come the fall?
I would love for everything to return to normal. That’s why it is very important to follow guidelines and wear a mask. If things stay the same and school and sports are affected, then we would just have to learn to adapt.
Between baseball, football and basketball, what sport are you most looking forward to getting to play your senior season?
I am really excited to get into the football season. All the time and commitment that is put into our season excites me to see what we can do.
