LebCo Athlete of the Week: Aidan Long

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Aidan Long

During the week of April 27th, Aidan Long came through with the kind of pitching performances that helped Northern Lebanon keep its perfect season rolling while also locking up the Section 4 Championship. The senior fired a complete-game shutout against Lancaster Catholic, striking out 10 and issuing no walks, then returned later in the week with 2 scoreless relief innings to earn the win against Pequea Valley. Those efforts earned Long recognition as a LebCo Athlete of the Week.

That strong week was another example of the season Long has put together for the Vikings. He is now 7-0 with a 1.51 ERA, 2 complete games, and 45 strikeouts in 37 innings pitched, while issuing just 8 free passes all season.

As for his own goals, Long said he is hoping to reach at least 75 strikeouts before the end of the season. He also said he has tried to fit into the team’s overall goals by doing whatever is needed each time he steps on the field.

“I do what I need to do every time I step foot on the field,” said Long.

Long’s senior season has stood out to Northern Lebanon head coach Travis Thome, who said the right-hander has grown into a dependable part of the Vikings’ success.

“Aidan has come into his own during his Senior campaign,” said Thome. “He has developed into a very reliable pitcher in the rotation and has surpassed all expectations. He has thrown pivotal games throughout the season and has shown up with confidence. His contribution to the success of this year’s team does not go unnoticed.”

Part of what makes this season especially meaningful for Long is the path it took to get here. He said he spent the last 3 years on JV before finally getting the opportunity to pitch on varsity this spring.

“I had to overcome being on JV for the last three years, and I am finally getting the chance to play on varsity,” said Long. “I’m hoping to accomplish even more throughout the rest of the season.” Not only did he earn a spot on the varsity roster, he became a key piece of the calculation that has fueled the Vikings’ success so far this season. Long has helped lead a Northern Lebanon pitching staff that has been a major reason why the Vikings are now 20-1 and set to be the No. 1 seed in District 3 4A, alongside fellow arms Adrian Gonzalez and Blake Burdick.

Long also made sure to thank his parents and coach Thome for their support along the way.

Athletics run in the family as well. His cousin, Joby Long, is a District 3 qualifier in the 100m High Hurdles and is set to compete this weekend at Shippensburg. During the winter, she also finished 5th at Sectionals and racked up 21 wins as a key member of the Vikings’ girls wrestling team.

Outside of baseball, Long also plays golf and volleyball. He plans to attend Mansfield University, where he will major in aquatics and fisheries biology.When he is not training, Long said he is usually spending time outdoors fishing or hunting.

Asked what he enjoys most about sports, Long pointed to the chance to compete alongside his friends. “It has been being able to play the sport that I love with my friends,” said Long.

Long also wanted to share a message of appreciation for the support he has received.

“I thank my family, friends, and classmates for voting me Athlete of the Week,” said Long. “I couldn’t have done it without you guys supporting me.”

Congratulations to Aidan on earning LebCo Athlete of the Week honors, and best of luck to him and the Vikings as they continue their postseason push.

Photos provided by the Long Family

LebCo Female Athlete of the Week: Ava Lantz

Past Winners

Braden Gettle Week of 4/23)

Thadeous Gilbert (Week of 4/13)

Grant Reesor  (Week of 4/6)

Davin Kolter (Week of 3/30)

Brett Wenger (Week of 3/23)

Adrian Gonzalez (Week of 3/9, 3/16)