Whether he’s hitting on the wrestling mat, with a baseball bat or on the football field, Chris James is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to athletics.
The North Catholic High School senior — who competes with the varsity football, wrestling and baseball squads — loves to get physical.
"In baseball it’s a great feeling to hit a shot and in football it’s fun to sack, but in wrestling, there’s nothing better than a pin," said James. "I can’t really say one is better than the other . . . all three are great things."
James, 6-feet-1 and 204 pounds, has experienced success in all three of his athletic ventures this year. Most recently, he helped the Falcons sweep Archbishop Ryan on the diamond.
The pair of victories began on April 7, when North downed Ryan, 6-5. Two days later, North hosted the rematch, scoring another triumph.
It didn’t take long for the Falcons to put some runs on the scoreboard in the second outing, scoring two of them in the second inning. The third inning brought in two more; in the fourth, six Falcons crossed home plate.
Ryan’s momentum picked up, with the Raiders scoring two runs in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings — including a two-run, out-of-the-park homer by Nick Ferdinand.
Final score: North Catholic, 10, Archbishop Ryan, 6.
"It’s a real good thing we had that lead, because they came back later," said James, a first baseman who hit a two-run double in the first game and a two-run triple in the second. "Right now things are looking all right. I think we’ll make the playoffs."
It’s still early in the season, but that hasn’t stopped the Falcon family’s anticipation of postseason play. Just four games in, North is standing at the .500 mark — two wins, two losses.
"We struggled our first two games, then we came back strong," said James, referring to the Falcons’ two losses against Father Judge in their season-opening series. "I thought we’d at least win one out of the two against Judge. We really needed this sweep here, so I’m happy we won."
Next up on North’s schedule is Roman Catholic High School. The series was scheduled to begin on April 15 (the Times went to press before the game), with the second game set for April 17.
"This is a very competitive league," said coach Nick Chichilitti. "I’m expecting every game to be like a playoff series."
James certainly is no stranger to the aggressive run for postseason play. After all, this is the third time this season that he’s trying to reach the playoffs.
On the gridiron last fall, James — a linebacker who also served as team co-captain — helped the Falcons earn a playoff spot in the Catholic League Red Division. Their season ended shortly after with a loss to Roman Catholic High School in the first round.
James wasn’t down and out for long, though. With wrestling season right around the corner, the tri-athlete continued training for the upcoming season.
Three months later, it was playoff time once again. And this time around, the Falcons basked in triumphant bliss.
James’ heavyweight victory helped his squad defeat La Salle, 29-20, for the championship crown.
"To come out and win it this year, as a senior, was incredible," said James, still glowing as he described winning the wrestling title. "This year we had the experience. We knew what we were doing. In wrestling we won the championship and in football we made the playoffs . . . I’m trying to make it three out of three."
In a couple of months, once James’ senior season is complete and his trio of sports has come full circle, the Oxford Circle resident plans to attend Delaware Valley and study business management.
"I’m not sure which sport I’m going to concentrate on," he said. "I play all three, and I really like all three a lot, but I’ll probably focus on football and baseball.
"I’m looking forward to graduation and everything," he added. "But right now my mind is on baseball." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com