Two months ago, freshman Billy Vithanage envisioned himself as a high school dual-sport athlete, transitioning seamlessly from football in the fall to baseball in the spring. While he may still hit the baseball diamond next spring, Vithanage may not see much of the football field this season: Vithanage fractured his growth plate in his right shoulder during a practice over the summer.

“I’m injured for most if not all of the football season,” Vithanage said, “but I really liked football, and I wish I could play more.” Vithanage was going to play fullback and linebacker in football and is going to pitch as well as play third base during baseball season.

Vithanage prefers baseball because he has played the sport since he was young and just in general finds the sport fun. If Vithanage forgoes surgery, he will be return by the end football season; however, if he opts to have the surgery, he will be back just in time for baseball season.