BUTLER TWP — When it comes to multi-tasking, Jake Pomykata is a seasoned veteran.

The Butler junior has been involved in band since elementary school. He's played football for nine years, been a wrestler for seven.

He also has the third-longest throw in the discus in Butler Junior High history.

“That's my claim to fame,” he said, smiling.

For now.

The 6-foot, 245-pound Pomykata carries a 4.18 grade point average. He participates in academic games at school as well, competing in cube and trivia games.

A third-year starter in wrestling, he is off to a 3-1 start as the Golden Tornado's heavyweight. Pomykata was 16-12 his freshman year, 18-15 last season.

“We move him into different spots against different opponents and Jake just handles it,” Butler wrestling coach Scott Stoner said. “He attacks everything he does.

“He simply wears down his opponents. He wills himself to wins.”

Pomykata throws the shot put and discus for the Tornado track team. He is a two-way lineman in football, playing guard, center and tackle at times offensively, tackle and end on the defensive side of the ball.

He was named a team captain in football last fall.

“Jake can play so many positions. He's versatile on both sides of the ball,” Butler football coach Eric Christy said. “Jake epitomizes what we look for in a high school kid.

“He carries a full plate all the time, yet never complains. He's all about the team, all about the school.”

He even performs at halftime.

While his football teammates and coaches are in the locker room discussing strategy and adjustments at halftime, Pomykata scoops up his tuba and takes the field with the marching band.

“I don't do the pregame show,” he said. “But when the first half ends, I take off the shoulder pads, slip my jersey back on and go out there with the band.”

The band practices each Wednesday at 4 p.m. Pomykata never misses.

“We do a lot of special teams work on Wednesdays during the season,” Christy said. “Jake's not really involved with that. When we do work on plays that day, it gives us an opportunity to work in another lineman.

“Jake's an intelligent kid. He picks up on things quickly. After halftime, we relay any adjustments pertinent to him. He just gets it.”

Pomykata says he gets about a five-minute break between the end of the band's performance and the start of the second half.

“I have enough time to grab a water or Gatorade, gather myself a little bit,” he said.

He played tenor saxophone for a couple of years before switching over to the tuba.

“The band director asked me to switch — and I always wanted to play the tuba,” Pomykata said.

A few years ago, he figured he'd have to choose between playing in the marching band and playing football.

As soon as he learned he could do both?

“If I don't have to choose ... why choose,” Pomykata said.

Being involved in so many activities may open up college options for Pomykata. At least, that's his plan.

He's hoping to either play football or compete in track and field at the next level.

Butler boys track coach Mike Seybert said Pomykata will be the Tornado's No. 1 discus thrower this spring.

He suffered a knee injury that required surgery last year “and probably would have missed the outdoor season anyway,” Seybert said. The season was canceled by the COVID-19 outbreak regardless.

“Jake lifted (weights) on his own and pushed hard to make it back in time for football,” Seybert said. “If anything, that kid works too hard and that's a good problem to have.”

In terms of football, “the Ivy League may be available to him, or Division II of III,” Christy said.

Stoner hopes he doesn't rule out wrestling.

“When it comes to high school heavyweights, a lot of them choose football as their college sport,” Stoner said. “Collegiate wrestling coaches often go searching for heavyweights. Jake could fill a void there for somebody.

“That option will be on the table for him.”

As will others.

“Jake Pomykata is using his high school years to experience a lot of things,” Christy said. “With that work-ethic comes versatility and opportunity. That's what I love about the kid.

“He should serve as an example to others.”