Laurel Highlands’ Rodney Gallagher has been named the 2022-23 TribLive HSSN Boys Athlete of the Year. The talented multi-sport athlete, who excelled in both basketball and football, contemplated playing both sports in college but ultimately chose to pursue football as his future appeared brighter in the sport.
Gallagher’s decision came after a conversation with his father while they were driving home from a Steelers game at Heinz Field. They discussed whether he should continue as a two-sport athlete or focus on one sport. Gallagher ultimately decided that if he dedicated himself to one sport, he could reach new heights. His father supported his decision either way, and it turned out to be the right choice for Gallagher.
Gallagher, who is now preparing to play wide receiver for West Virginia this fall, will always be remembered as one of the top multi-sport high school athletes in Western Pennsylvania. He received Terrific 10 honors in basketball for all four years of high school and was named to the Terrific 25 in football during his junior and senior seasons.
On the basketball court, Gallagher, a 6-foot point guard, helped lead his team to two WPIAL championships and scored a total of 2,034 career points. In his senior season, he averaged an impressive 22.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. The Laurel Highlands Mustangs had a successful run during Gallagher’s time, with a record of 82-18 and three section titles.
In football, Gallagher began his senior season as a wide receiver and caught four touchdowns before transitioning back to quarterback. He threw for 1,272 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for 690 yards and 11 additional scores. Gallagher’s leadership and skills helped the football team achieve historic milestones, including their first WPIAL playoff win in school history during his junior year.
In addition to his athletic achievements, Gallagher made history as the first PIAA athlete to sign an NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal. He spoke about his experiences at Laurel Highlands and his pioneering signing during an interview with TribLive HSSN’s Don Rebel on the Rebel Yell podcast.
Rodney Gallagher’s remarkable high school career and impressive performances in both basketball and football have earned him the recognition of being named the 2022-23 TribLive HSSN Boys Athlete of the Year. As he embarks on his college football journey with West Virginia, Gallagher’s future appears promising, and the lessons he learned as a two-sport athlete will undoubtedly continue to shape his success on the field.
