TIM WEIGHT/ For The Express Penns Valley’s Spencer Althouse competes in a sprint during a track invitational at Lock Haven this year. He’s heading to the state meet in Shippensburg.

While competing in multiple sports is beneficial, both in terms of keeping an athlete in shape and complementary technique, it can also take its toll. It’s challenging enough just to balance course work and training through one semester, and doing so for two is bound to create stressful times.

Penns Valley junior Spencer Althouse has taken that challenge to the extreme. Through three years, more including junior high, the Ram has competed the full year-round, playing football in the fall, basketball in the winter and track in the spring.

It was a challenge he took on confidently going into high school, and three seasons doing so haven’t done much to question whether or not he’s doing what’s right for him. He’s competed in basketball all his life and took on football and track in middle school, and love for all three has driven him to continue pursuing them.

“I don’t think I could do it without loving all three,” said Althouse after earning District 6 silver in the 100-meter dash last Wednesday. “I really love all three, and it’s a great time whenever I’m in those seasons.”

He’s also prospered in each.

On the football field, Althouse finished second on the team in receptions (46), receiving yards (600) and receiving touchdowns (two). On the basketball court, he’s been a consistent starter and point-getter for the Rams. And as a member of the track and field team, he just qualified for states for the second time in the 100-meter dash.

They’re sports that certainly build off each other, with sprints and basketball going hand-in-hand according to Althouse.

“They’re different in a way. Football is definitely more physical, but for basketball, those lower sprints, getting from zero to 100 as quick as you can, definitely helps there,” said Althouse.

Pursuing sports year-round has certainly presented challenges, most notably in balancing it all out with school and other extracurriculars. But Althouse feels that challenge in itself has been beneficial, and he’s had a great time competing in each.

“It’s helped me improve as a person,” said Althouse. “I can balance my things well, it keeps me active and I just love doing it. I’ve learned to balance all three and what I need to be at my best in all three.”

“Shout out to my coaches, they definitely help me a lot. Shout out to my parents, they push me,” he added.

Heading into Friday, Althouse hopes to build off his first crack at states.

As a sophomore, the Ram ran an 11.32 to finish 16th in the 100-meter prelims and has since cut just under four tenths off his personal best. He’s seeded around that slot, but don’t be surprised if he blows it out of the water. His PR of 10.88 would have him seeded sixth.

“Last year, I was just really excited to be there. But this year, my goal was to get to states and place at states,” said Althouse. “I’m happy that I made it and that’s the goal so far, but now, my mind’s on placing at states.”

He’s set to compete on Friday at Shippensburg, with the 100-meter dash prelims set for 10 a.m.