By Steve Svetovich
The Holy Cross Crusaders won four of its first five basketball games this season and one of the big reasons is sophomore center/forward Adam Badyrka.
Poised and confident, Adam scored 20 points in each of the first two games this season and has been consistently in double figures in scoring. He also averages about eight rebounds per contest.
Son of Daniel and Johanna Badyrka, Adam last season averaged over 10 points per game for the Crusaders. This season he is averaging over 17 points per contest.
His brother Peyton Badyrka, now 21 and a senior at Penn State, was an All Region kicker at Dunmore.
Adam, always a hard worker, attributes his and the team’s strong improvement to the coaching staff.
“The coaching staff as well as teammates push us in practice. We have come together as a team. We bought into it. My coaches and teammates make me better.”
Adam talked about what it takes to excel at the forward and center positions. “It really depends on how the game is going,” he said. “You get rebounds, post, and transition. Some games you need to score more. You drive to the basket, kick and find your open teammates. You score when you have the right shot.”
The sophomore scholar-athlete has a highly impressive 4.1 grade point average at Holy Cross. He is a member of the chess club. His best academic subject is math.
Adam also is an excellent soccer player. He was a second team all-star as a striker for the Holy Cross soccer team.
Mult- talented, he is also a member of the Holy Cross golf team and plans to be on the track and field team this season.
Adam said he is not sure where he will attend college yet, but would like to study radiology. He would also like to play college basketball. His dream college is the University of Tennessee.
“My goal right now,” he said, “is to help this team get back to the state title game. Only this time we want to win it. We have a solid team and can win it all. That’s the goal.”
Adam has high praise for Holy Cross basketball coach Al Callejas Jr., and his assistant Corey Joyce.
“Coach Callejas has made a big impact on me,” he said. “He is a phenomenal coach. He built up my game. He has a high basketball IQ. He is very hard on us when he needs to be. He tells us we need to realize our mistakes.
“He also teaches us discipline and the human side of things. It’s kind of like learning life lessons.
“Corey Joyce has a lot of energy. I learn a lot from him too. He’s a really cool guy too.”
Personable and outgoing, Adam gives a lot of credit to his parents.
“My parents taught me discipline,” he said. “They told me to hold my emotions. They tell me not to worry about being better than everyone else. Just be kind to people.”
The sophomore stalwart said he loves listening to music in his spare time and saw John Fogerty in concert at Bethel Woods last summer. “He was great. I definitely want to go see him again. He was amazing.”
Adam said he is thoroughly enjoying his experience at Holy Cross.
“It has been nothing but perfection,” he said. “The school has shown nothing but kindness and love to me. I especially appreciate it coming from a public school. I have made lots of friends here. The teachers and faculty are great. The education is great. It’s just been a great experience and good choice for me so far.”