While most athletes strive for success in their favorite sport, Tim Freiling decided to become a star in three.
The Northeast High School junior plays varsity for the Vikings’ soccer, football and baseball teams.
And he does it with style.
"I went to Northeast wanting to play soccer and baseball, but then sophomore year they needed a kicker," said Freiling. "I’ve never had any hopes of playing football. But the opportunity came and I took and it ended up working out. I like football a lot, and I’m getting a lot better."
Freiling has scored 20 points for the Vikings this season, but his success spans beyond the gridiron.
On the soccer field, the goalie has led the Vikings on their current 10-game winning streak, outscoring their opponents, 31-2, and earning a spot in the finals for the first time since 1998.
"It feels incredible," said Freiling, after Northeast beat Bartram, 1-0, in the semifinals on Oct. 24. "It didn’t really hit me at first. But later that night I couldn’t sleep. I had goose bumps just thinking about it. I know we have to work twice as hard to be ready now."
Having a chance to compete in a championship game has been a long time coming for the three-year varsity player. Despite being a regular on several strong teams, the versatile athlete hasn’t been able to go all the way.
That is, until now.
The third time must be the charm, because the Vikings were on their way to face Central High School in the finals, held on Halloween, as the Times went to press this week.
"This really is a dream come true," said Freiling.
The 16-year-old athlete has certainly come close to the promised land over the past two years. On the diamond, he helped the Vikings baseball team earn a spot in the semifinals twice, but they lost to Central both times.
Last year on the football field, despite scoring 23 points as the team kicker, Freiling experienced heartbreak once again as the Vikings lost in the semis.
Things weren’t too different on the pitch, either — with another defeat in the soccer semifinals once again.
But the diehard athlete never lost hope. And Freiling’s determination has finally scored him a shot at a championship in soccer.
"He’s a gifted player," said soccer coach Sam Feldman. "You will never find anyone who can kick the ball harder. He’s a good kid and he’s a great leader."
Things can become extremely hectic playing three highly competitive sports, but it’s no sweat for Freiling.
"I try to keep it under control," he said. "Last year was the first time I had to go right from soccer to football in the same day. This year it’s routine. I’m used to it. Sometimes it can get overwhelming, but I love being busy."
On occasion, Freiling’s zealousness can lead to problems — mostly scheduling conflicts.
"This year I lucked out because no games were on the same day," said Freiling. "But last season, our Washington soccer game was rained out and rescheduled for that Friday — the same day that we were supposed to play Dobbins in football."
Feldman, who coaches Northeast’s soccer and baseball teams, and football coach Mel Hinton are fully aware of Freiling’s broad athletic talents. And according to the man of the hour himself, they completely understand.
"In that situation, when I have two games on the same day, I go to soccer," said Freiling. "But my coach (Hinton) understands. He knows soccer is my first priority.
"And at the same time, on Thursdays I have to be at football for practice, so I might miss soccer practice," he continued. "But coach (Feldman) understands too. He doesn’t get mad when I miss a practice."
Although the fall season is filled with excitement and night games under the lights, for Freiling, the real fun is in the spring.
"Baseball is my favorite," he said. "I think it’s what I’m the best at, too. In baseball, I’m the catcher and I can control the whole game."
So which sport will be his path to success after the glory days at Northeast are over?
"I have absolutely no idea," Freiling said with a laugh. "I’ll take SATs in the spring and look at colleges and then decide. I’ll play any (of the three sports) in college, but it also depends on whatever the various schools wants me for."
In the meantime, Freiling is keeping busy juggling three sports with the Vikings.
"Soccer is over soon. Football is almost over, too," he said. "Then I get to have December off, then in January I start 6 a.m. practices inside for baseball.
"It’s really an all-year process," he continued. "But it’s perfect because I like being busy. I hate being bored." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com