Senior Eric Olexa has had quite a year. He is a W.P.I.A.L. champ for OLSH basketball, and is currently helping to lead his team on the road to a state championship. I sat down with Eric to discuss his recent acceptance to Robert Morris University, and his plans for the future.

Q: Was Robert Morris your dream school? If so, why?

A: If not number one, it’s number two. I’ve always wanted to play D-1 football, and now, as a kid from Coraopolis, I get the chance to play right in my backyard, so to speak.

Q: What is a source of inspiration for you? 

A: Mamba mentality: whatever you’re going through, don’t let it break you. Rise above.

Q: What do you hope to achieve in college? 

A: To graduate, to excel in football, to build new relationships, and to just mature as a young man.

Q: Do you already know some people there? 

A: Not too many, but a few. Some of my previous football teammates, and some kids I’ve played against, go there.

Q: Are you nervous? Excited? 

A: I’m both. This is something completely new, something I’ve never been through before, but I’m excited because I’m the underdog again and I have faith that I’ll do the things necessary to end on top.

Q: What are some things you are looking forward to? 

A: I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter. I’m looking forward to changing and just adapting as a person.

Q: What are some things you’re not looking forward to? 

A: The unknown. There’s going to be speed bumps in the road; I’ll just have to handle it once I get to that place.

Q: What’s your best advice to someone who wants to get into their dream college? 

A: For athletes, I’d say “comparison is a killer of happiness.” Don’t focus on other guys and the offers they have. Focus in your lane and control the things you can control.

Q: What are some of your achievements in football? 

A: WPIAL champ, Honorable mention MLB (2017) 2x All-Conference DE (2018, 2019) All-Conference TE (2019) Beaver County Times Fab-22. I’m working towards possibly attending the Penn-Ohio all-star game (not confirmed yet).

Q: Why do you think you’ve been so successful?

A: I’d say my “amnesia” my “next play mentality.” I tend to not dwell on the past, good or bad. If I make a good play, of course I’ll celebrate, but it’s on to the the next play. Same thing if I make a mistake: just keep moving forward. Also, I try to stay as consistent and as level-headed as possible

Q: Did you face any challenges in the application process? 

A: So when I sent in my application, they sent me an email back saying they didn’t receive my SAT scores, so I panicked a little bit and thought they weren’t going to accept me.

Q: Who has helped you most along the way?

A: My father, without a doubt. He’s been there every step of the way with me and is always in my corner. He’s a reason why I stay level-headed. He doesn’t just hand out compliments to me. Whenever I do something good, that’s just expected; whenever I make a mistake, he’s my biggest critic. But it’s all love, that’s my best friend.

Q: What strengths do you have that will help you along the way?

A: My persistence, I’ve been in a lot of bad situations, but someway, somehow, I figure out a way to push through it all, and I have little doubt that this situation will be any different.

Eric has had many accomplishments. He is extremely hardworking and determined when it comes to his goals. He is truly an inspiration to other students.