May 21, 2007 By Joyce Koballa 3 min read

PERRYOPOLIS – At 18, Jeff Baluch Jr. is ready to protect his country by sea, air or land. A 2006 graduate of the former Geibel Catholic High School, Baluch will begin his four-year journey on June 27, when he is inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy, where he will enter as a sophomore and major in mechanical engineering with hopes of one day serving in the Navy’s Sea, Air and Land forces (SEALs).

The SEALs are considered by the armed forces as the premier maritime special operations force in the world for their missions of counter-terrorism operations, special reconnaissance, direct action operations and clandestine/unconventional warfare.

“I’m up for the challenge,” said Baluch, the son of Jeff and Vicki Baluch of Perryopolis.

U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, D-Johnstown, nominated Baluch to the academy earlier this year as well as last year when he initially applied and fell shy of his appointment, but he was accepted at Grove City College, where he is a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering.

After finals in May, Baluch said he plans to brush up on his military history and intensify his physical conditioning routine to better prepare him for what lies ahead.

In order to be considered for the Naval Academy, the admissions board first reviews the academic record of candidates while evaluating their physical fitness, leadership potential and motivation.

Candidates must also be recognized by teachers, interviewed by an academy representative and nominated by at least one official source.

“The admissions process at the Naval Academy is unique in that we are not just selecting men and women for the purpose of attending a college, rather we are selecting these young Americans to prepare them for a calling to service and a very special way of life,” said Dave Vetter, Naval Academy dean of admissions.

Baluch said that his grandfather and several uncles from both sides of the family also served in the armed forces.

Throughout his youth and into high school, Baluch was most noted for being a baseball pitcher, a position he played on various teams since he was 9.

Vicki Baluch said her son’s talent also provided him with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, such as pitching for the Pittsburgh Tigers summer league as well as being invited to play in the Blue and Gold Baseball Tournament in 2005 in St. Petersburg, Fla., where Jeff ended up representing the Orlando team, taking the place of an injured player.

Jeff’s younger brother, Eric, 17, is also an avid baseball player and will graduate from Geibel this spring.

While the Baluchs are proud of their son, they said that they always knew that he had the persona of the military because of his patriotism and academic discipline. “It’s an honor to be selected, it’s so competitive,” said Vicki Baluch.

According to Jeff Baluch Sr., his son developed a strenuous exercise routine over the years that he uses to warm up before each baseball game.

“He’s very dedicated,” added Baluch.

Still a bit nervous, but also anxious, Baluch said he is looking forward to taking his physical and mental discipline to a higher level.

“I always thought about serving my country. It seems like the right thing to do,” said Baluch.

As for the uniform, Baluch didn’t seem concerned, stating that he was used to wearing one in high school.