When Aidan Hapner put pen to paper at his South Side High School signing day in April, he fulfilled a childhood dream that will allow him to play college baseball.
"I've been playing baseball probably since I was able to walk," said Aidan, who will join the baseball team at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus next year. "It's just a big accomplishment for my family and me."
Aidan has steadily improved throughout his time on the South Side baseball team. In nearly three full seasons, he's batting a .321 average with 51 hits (11 for extra bases) and a home run. He also plays shortstop and pitches for the Archers.
"The coaches I've had here have really helped me improve my game. They've just really helped me get to that level to play in college," he adds.
Part of that improvement has come in the weight room, as well. Aidan has taken the PSM Performance strength & conditioning classes for two years. The classes offer weight training, speed and agility training for South Side students during the school day. South Side is one of five Fort Wayne Community Schools high schools that offer PSM strength & conditioning classes during the school day.
"It's a really great class," Aidan says. "We all support each other here. It's helping me gain strength."
South Side is one of 31 high schools that partner with Parkview Sports Medicine for athletic training, nutrition, sports performance strength & conditioning classes, athletic rehab and other sports medicine services for Archer student-athletes.