After going to school for eight hours, practicing for a few hours, and keeping up grades, high school athletes frequently crumble under the pressure. However, senior Seth Werchan juggles his busy schedule while keeping strong morals and staying grounded.

Werchan began his athletic career at the young age of five with swimming, which he continued for nine years.

“[After swimming,] I then played soccer and basketball for a few years, along with track and football, but I’ve always been a baseball player,” Werchan said.

Werchan is going to be playing Division 1 baseball at University of Pennsylvania.

“The opportunity to play baseball in college has been my dream since middle school,” Werchan said. “It’s rewarding to see my dream come true.”

Werchan is frequently noticed by coaches and viewers when he plays sports.

“Seth’s best strengths are his work ethic and [the fact that] he is coachable,” baseball coach Sam Degelia said. “He is always the first on the field and the last one to leave, and does everything you ask him to do.”

Werchan is not only involved in sports, but is also active in his church and community.

“I’ve had so many supporters, such as a handful of amazing coaches, a few great men from my church; including my pastor; my grandparents,  and my parents,” Werchan said. “I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by some special leaders that I’ve learned a lot from.”

Werchan stole 44 bases last year and was an All-District selection in baseball.

“Those 44 stolen bases were the most that I have had since I have been here at Bowie,” Degelia said.

Only 11.5% of high school boys continue their sport into college, according to scholarshipstats.org.

“I would tell people who want to reach a level like I did to work hard every day, be patient, and be productive,” Werchan said. “Stay humble and consistent, and just have fun. If it’s something you love, go for it.”

Werchan’s excellence in cooperation has shaped him to be a strong team player.

“Seth is a very smart young man and he has a great personality; for me that is his best quality,” Degelia said. “He is a natural leader on the field who really leads by example.”

Werchan’s coaches are appreciative of his attitude because it pushes the team to a more competitive level.

“Seth’s attitude pushes us to be the best we can be every day. Especially downtime at practice he makes sure we are always working,” baseball coach Steve Villanueva said.

Werchan struggled with the yips his freshman year during baseball tryouts, which is a mental obstacle that stops people from doing simple tasks.

“For me, I was so nervous to make a bad throw that I then couldn’t even make an accurate throw,” Werchan said. “I would throw the ball 20ft in front of my partner or 20ft over their head; I was so scared because I had no control. I’ve struggled with that throughout high school, but I’m through with it now.”

The Bowie coaches teach students from P.E to varsity sports, shaping many members in the community.

“I’ve learned so much from the Bowie coaches, football and baseball,” Werchan said. “If I didn’t play football, I know for a fact I wouldn’t be standing where I am today.”

Werchan has a reputation of being very consistent and motivated.

“I’m very honest in myself because nobody can get better if they can’t admit failures that they’ve done,” Werchan said. “I have a solid mindset to be consistent, come prepared, and motivated toward a goal.”

Student athletes commonly go to school for almost eight hours and practice for a few more hours.

“Sometimes you have night games or tournaments that you miss school or get home late,” Werchan said. “It’s just part of being a student athlete and you must accept the fact that you can’t just do sports, but you must be a student first. I try to get the highest grades I can because I’m also competing academically too.”

Werchan’s work ethic has risen above the average level, according to Villanueva.

“Seth’s strengths are his leadership and work ethic,” Villanueva said. “His work ethic has got him where he is, and his leadership has made the team who we are.”