Gainer gains attention for sports skills

Senior Austin Gainer is a midfielder on the Boys Soccer Team, a shooting guard on the Boys Basketball Team and a first baseman on the Baseball Team.

According to Austin, his parents got him into sports 12 years ago when he began playing soccer. They are very supportive and make him want to play sports, he added.

Austin has received four varsity letters in soccer. He has received Most Improved Player last year from his coaches. He was also awarded Second Team Midfield in District Four in his junior year and the two-time Player of the Game his junior year. His sophomore year, Austin received honorable mention for the All-Star voting held by all the coaches in District Four.

In basketball, Austin received two varsity letters and Offensive Player of the Year his last year from his coaches. In baseball, he was awarded a varsity letter his junior year.

Austin said that his worst sports memory was when the soccer team lost to Midd-West 11-0 his freshman year.

Austin added that his best memory was during his sophomore year, when the soccer team won their first playoff game against Williamson (in Tioga County.) This was the first ever Boys Soccer District win in school history.

After high school, Austin said he plans to attend Penn State University to major in Engineering. He does not plan to play any sports in college, he added.

“It takes more time and dedication than people realize, so I thought it would be best to focus strictly on academics and pursuing a career,” he explained.

According to Austin, his pre-game rituals consist of listening to music to pump himself up. “I typically listen to older/throwback music from 2010s,” he added.

Austin offered advice to younger athletes. “First of all everything goes by so fast. Take in the moment. Have fun during the process; not everything is about winning championships or finals,” he said. “You want to enjoy every game along the way.”

“First I’ve made so many memories along the way. You meet new people and teammates that become your friends for the rest of your life,” added Austin. They can help you during tough times, he said.

Senior Brodey Scoggins said that he has played on the same team with Austin since he was seven-years-old.

Brodey said that his best memory with Austin is when either of them score a goal. He added that they are both genuinely happy for each other. He remembers each and every goal they both have scored, he said.

According to Brodey, he has learned a lot from Austin. He added that Austin has inspired him with the effort he gives during games.