SLIPPERY ROCK — The word versatility and name Shane Thompson are synonymous.

The Slippery Rock High junior was recently named District 10, Region 2 Baseball Player of the Year. He made first team all-region as a pitcher and first baseman, joining Grove City senior Mason Jones as the only ones to be so honnored at two spots on the diamond.

Thompson's skill-set goes well beyond that.

He starts at running back and linebacker for the Rockets in football. He is a starter on the basketball team as well.

His goals for his senior year?

“Win District 10,” he declared.

While an effective athlete in all sports, Thompson's athetic future appears to be in baseball.

“He is such a hard worker,” SR assistant baseball coach Mark White said. “I've been Shane's pitching coach since seventh grade. He gets better every year, every month, by the work he puts in.

“Being a three-sport athlete, he is in the weight room every day. He never misses a day. That's why we encourage our kids to play multiple sports.”

Thompson was Slippery Rock's mound ace this past spring, putting together an 8-1 record with a 1.20 earned run average. He struck out 65 in roughly 70 innings.

A left-hander, his fastball is in the mid-80's. He also throws a curveball and changeup.

“Control is a big key for me,” Thompson said. “I like pitching more than hitting.”

He is one of Slippery Rock's best hitters, too, batting fourth in the lineup and hitting .400 last season. He's been a starter on the baseball team since his freshman year.

Despite such a solid season on the mound and at the plate, Thompson was not expecting to be named Region Player of the Year.

“I was a little surprised,” he said. “There's a lot of good players in our league. I feel like I deserve it, but so many other people I've played with and against deserved it, too.”

White projects Thompson to be a Division II collegiate baseball player in 2023. Slippery Rock University, Mercyhurst and Gannon are among PSAC schools showing interest in him.

Coastal Carolina, a Division I school, has expressed interest as well.

“We'd love to get him down south (for college),” White said. “But if that doesn't happen, I'm sure (SRU coach) Jeff Messer would take care of him.

“I know Jeff would love to have him.”

Thompson said he prefers to stay home and play for SRU.

“I don't know if that will happen, but I'd love it,” he said. “That's what I'm hoping for.

“I know I've got room to get better. I fell off a little bit at the plate at the end of this past season. I can't let that happen again. As far as pitching goes, I just need to keep throwing strikes, work ahead in the count.”

White said Thompson could very well be a Division I college baseball prospect if he played fall ball throughout high school. Still, he's happy he's been playing football.

“He's enjoying all of the sports, always has a smile on his face,” the coach said. “That's the way it should be. Kids need to enjoy sports in high school.

“Our baseball program, has sent 14 kids to college ball in the past five years. Sports helps you get an education and we wants kids to use that.”

Thompson is playing summer baseball for the Northeast Twins, a travel tournament team in Olean, N,Y. A University of Florida baseball player and son of Minnesota Twins scout Jay Weitzel coaches that team.

“It's high-caliber baseball and Shane is learning a lot there,” White said.

“The level of competition is making me better,” Thompson said.

In Thompson's mind, playing competitive summer baseball and being named Region Player of the Year have something in common.

“Both are helping me get a step closer to where I want to be,” he said.