Hampton 3-sport standout Chris Belch caps stellar career

Hampton’s Chris Belch has made headlines recently, concluding his high school athletic career with an impressive array of accomplishments that set him apart in the WPIAL (Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League). This 3-sport standout not only showcased his talents across swimming, cross country, and track but also demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, leaving a remarkable legacy at Hampton High School.

Belch’s senior year was nothing short of extraordinary. He managed to place in the top two at the district championships across all three sports: winning a gold medal in swimming, securing a runner-up position in cross country, and finishing second in track and field. This tier of success is a rarity in the WPIAL, and few athletes can boast such a diversified skill set and achievement list. Reflecting on his busy year, Belch expressed, “It was a pretty busy year, but I think I accomplished what I wanted to.”

Highlighting his achievements, Belch capped off the track season with a phenomenal performance at the WPIAL Class 3A championships. On May 14, at Slippery Rock, he clocked in at 4:16.53, securing second place in the 1,600-meter run. This feat was particularly impressive given that he had previously ranked 19th and 20th in the same event in the past two years. His last lap, where he surged forward with a time of 59.48 seconds, showcased not only his physical prowess but also his strategic racing acumen.

What set Belch apart was his versatility as an athlete. He began his journey in second grade with swimming and transitioned to cross country in seventh grade. His commitment to excellence earned him 11 varsity letters over his high school career, which is a testament to his ability to balance multiple sports effectively. As a freshman, he was part of WPIAL champion teams in both swimming and cross country, further solidifying his status as a top-tier athlete with a bright future.

Hampton’s cross country and track coach, Heather Dietz, praised Belch for his incredible talent and hard work. “He was a remarkable athlete,” she said, noting that she felt a palpable sense of loss as he graduated. They found success together, highlighted by Belch’s impactful junior year when he helped lead the cross country team to a third consecutive WPIAL Class 2A title and its first state championship.

Transitioning between sports seamlessly was another hallmark of Belch’s athleticism. Despite overlapping seasons, he maintained peak performance across disciplines. For instance, his commitment to training allowed him to transition from swimming into track and field effectively. According to Dietz, he had the advantage of being in great shape from swimming, allowing him to hit the ground running — literally — when track season began.

Belch’s final performances were marked with a sense of accomplishment. In cross country, he placed second at the WPIAL Class 2A championships and finished fourth at the PIAA championships, signifying a career-best performance. In swimming, he achieved personal records, notably winning the 100 backstroke at the WPIAL Class 2A championships and setting yet another school record (50.24 seconds) during state competitions, where he took home silver medals in both the 100 backstroke and the 100 butterfly.

Closing out his competitive career, Belch reflected on the joy of standing atop the podium at the WPIAL championships. “That was a cool experience,” he shared, emphasizing the significance of his achievements in a league filled with talented athletes. His final race at the PIAA Class 3A championships in May, where he placed 13th in the 1,600-meter run, accentuated the bittersweet nature of his high school journey.

Academically, Belch proved just as accomplished, maintaining an impressive 4.4 GPA throughout high school. He is set to attend the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in engineering, with aspirations of continuing his athletic journey as a walk-on for the cross country and track teams. His proactive approach includes ongoing discussions with Pitt’s running coach, who is optimistic about Belch’s potential to contribute to the team, even if he doesn’t officially start on the roster.

Chris Belch’s remarkable journey at Hampton High School serves as an inspiration to future athletes. His exceptional achievements highlight the importance of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence both in sports and academics. As the Hampton community looks on with pride, Belch’s commitment to sports and academics is a testament to the potential of student-athletes, and his future endeavors are surely ones to watch.

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