John Salerno is a multi‑sports man. He is out for football and baseball, besides being a wrestler. "I wrestle to stay in shape," he says.

John cannot really find a preference for one sport over another. Baseball is naturally attractive "because it's easier."

To him, sports are practically an essential for life. This tall, 180 ‑ pound wrestler thinks, "Sports give you reason for school. School would be pretty boring without them."

Although he feels that he is too small for his football position, tackle, he has earned two letters in that sport. He has been out for football ever since his freshman year.

Like many others, John came up through the Little League circuit to his current position of first baseman on Maine West's varsity baseball team. He says he likes first base because that is where a lot of the action is.

John thinks that Maine West's biggest problem with sports is not getting enough participation. He noted especially that there are not enough seniors on the teams. "We have only two starting seniors in baseball," said John.

"We are wasting a lot of talent. Guys who get cut their freshman years aren't coming out the next year." John urges underclassmen who get cut at first to come out and try again.

As only a returning letterman would know, John Salerno has a hot tip concerning the varsity baseball team. "We're going all the way," he announced. Although it is assumed that he meant "all the way" in conference, he would not specify whether we are going to take state or not.

When he is not involved in his outside activities, which he says are "sports and girls," John has classes. He is taking geology, accounting, English, economics, and government.

Next year John is planning on attending Western Illinois University. He has not yet decided on his major or any other future plans, but he plans on going out for baseball and football at W.I.U.

All in all, John is pretty satisfied with Maine West, although he feels that there is not enough emphasis on sports. He thinks that the spirit is very good this year. He also had a good final analysis on the sports scene. "Sports keep you out of trouble."