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Power arm

Warren senior Nick Hussey to continue baseball career at Mercyhurst North East

Warren Area High School senior Nick Hussey, with his father, Bill, signs to play college baseball at Mercyhurst North East.

Nick Hussey’s natural baseball abilities shine every time he steps on the field.

But what has helped the Warren Area High School senior take his game to the next level is his dedication to the craft.

It’s a big reason why he will be continuing his baseball career at the collegiate level next season at Mercyhurst North East.

“It just shows that hard work pays off,” he said.

Indeed it does.

Nick Hussey will continue his baseball career at Mercyhurst North East.

The hard-throwing right-hander’s arrival, if you will, came in the second game of his sophomore year against Cathedral Prep, when he got the starting pitching nod.

Hussey rewarded coach Rick Eaton and his coaching staff’s faith in him by striking out four, part of a dominating 11-3 win by the Dragons.

He wasn’t a secret after that game.

For the Saints, he will certainly get a chance to shine, and he is looking forward to it.

“They have a good JUCO program going and I thought it was the best fit for me,” he said. “The experience, going to places that I’ve never played before, and just the excitement and buildup is what I’m looking forward to the most.”

As a junior for the Dragons last season, Hussey compiled a 3.37 ERA and struck out over a batter per inning.

He shines against the best competition, and that showed again last season. Against McDowell on April 22, he tossed five innings of two-hit baseball, allowing just one run and striking out six in a 7-1 victory.

He was a key cog in the 2018 run to the District 10 championship, as were his fellow teammates who are also part of the signing class of 2020 – Mitch Grosch, Ryan Rafalski and Hunter Loomis.

During the summer, he teamed with Grosch and Rafalski playing for the Steelheads, tossing a no-hitter as part of an impressive run.

In fact, he acknowledges Grosch and Rafalski’s fathers, Jim and Jason, with helping him along the way.

“Mr. Grosch and Mr. Rafalski have really helped me with my attitude and have kept me in check,” he said. “It’s paid off.”

Hussey, Rafalski, Grosch, Loomis and the rest of their Dragon teammates are looking to repeat as District 10 champions in 2020, and they certainly have the talent to do so.

They also join an impressive group of recent Dragons to go on to play at the college level.

“It’s great to be a part of that and the players that have played here before us,” he said.

And as for the advice he would give to his younger teammates?

“Work hard and keep a positive attitude,” he said simply.

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