SLIPPERY ROCK — Ian Balquist and David Duffalo worked closely together on the diamond for the Slippery Rock High baseball team.

Balquist, a left-handed pitcher, and Duffalo, a catcher, developed a great relationship.

In college, however, they will be in opposite dugouts.

Balquist signed his national letter of intent with Slippery Rock University and Duffalo signed his with Gannon University Wednesday afternoon.

Both schools are in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference-West.

“I think it's fun,” Duffalo said. “We're going to get to see each other for four years. I'm sure Ian will succeed. He's just determined and driven.”

Balquist had a similar glowing recommendation for Duffalo.

“He's a great competitor and a great leader,” Balquist said.

As teammates, the duo has done some big things for the Rockets.

As juniors, Balquist went 6-1 with a 1.95 ERA and Duffalo batted .348 with a pair of home runs and 17 RBI.

Balquist also hit .357.

Balquist figures to work out of the bullpen early in his career at Slippery Rock University. He said he hopes to eventually move into the rotation.

“I need to work on my changeup,” Balquist said. “I can locate my fastball and curveball. I don't overpower people.”

He didn't need to.

Balquist still struck out 57 in 43 innings pitched.

He said he chose The Rock because of his familiarity with the program and the campus.

Signing to play there was a culmination of years of hard work, he added.

“It was definitely a stressful process, but exciting, too,” Balquist said. “It was just a pay-off for the work I put in.”

For Duffalo, signing with Gannon was a chance for him to finally exhale.

“It was relief almost,” he said. “It was like a weight off my shoulders. The process was fun, but there was also a lot of pressure trying to find the right fit academically and athletically and finding a place where I can succeed.”

Complicating matters a bit for Duffalo was the sudden interest in him for football.

Duffalo had a breakout season for Slippery Rock as a junior and built on that this season as a dual threat running and receiving.

“I was shocked that football came up at all,” he said. “It's very humbling that I got looks in (both football and baseball).”

Crouching behind the plate is what Duffalo has always wanted to do since he was a Little Leaguer and the starting catcher on his team abruptly quit.

Duffalo played right field for Slippery Rock as a freshman, but has caught the last two seasons.

This past spring, he was given more responsibility in calling games for the pitching staff.

“What I love most about catcher is you're in control,” Duffalo said. “Your teammates look to you. Catching is a passion of mine.”