Jun 5, 2008 By Jim Downey 3 min read

Tyler Erdely has had highs and lows in his four years as a three-sport athlete at Geibel Catholic, but the recently graduated senior scholar-athlete had nothing but success in the classroom.

Erdely, son of Rob and Michelle Erdely of Perryopolis, has been selected as the top male student-athlete in the graduating class at Geibel Catholic High School through the Fayette County Student-Athlete Scholarship Program. Sponsored by Davis and Davis Attorneys at Law, the program provides a $500 award to the top male and female student-athlete in each of Fayette County’s seven high schools. A luncheon to honor these 14 student-athletes will be held Sunday at 1 p.m. at Uniontown Country Club. Erdely played basketball and baseball all four years, missing only his junior season in football.

The baseball Gators finished second in the WPIAL in his sophomore season, and were a contending team in the section all four years. Erdely and the Gators had some success in basketball, while the woes of the football team are well documented.

Through it all, Erdely learned life lessons he used both on the field and in the classroom.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing football so much. I just wanted to go out and have fun. It was hard to come out each week,” said Erdely. “We were told to always be a good person and respect your opponents.

“In baseball, we are a group of guys that have experience (of success).”

As with so many successful student-athletes, Erdely used time management skills he would often let lapse in his few off-season days with the extra time.

“Sometimes early in the season baseball practices run late, and you still have to get your homework done,” explained Erdely, who lists calculus as his favorite course. “Physics takes a lot of time. We’re always getting homework.

“(In between seasons) you think you have all the time to get things done. I noticed in between seasons I get a little lazy.”

The message of what a true student-athlete is obviously has gotten through to Erdely.

“I always thought school was real important. Sports are something fun to do.”

He is the second son of Rob and Michelle Erdely to be so honored with older brother Mitchell the 2006 recipient. Mitchell Erdely continued his student-athlete career at Washington & Jefferson College, where he was a football stalwart on special teams as a sophomore.

“Mitch told me to work hard and do your best,” the younger brother said. “Don’t settle with where you are.”

Erdely plans to continue his schooling at Penn State-Altoona with the intent of attending the main campus in his third year. He’s not sure if he’ll continue his athletic career.

“My mom told me about (Penn State-Altoona). That’s where she went to school,” said Erdely of his decision.

After receiving advice from his brother and mother, Erdely offered his own to those following his footsteps at what recently became his alma mater.

“(Sports and academics) are both important. You should put an even amount of time into both.”