Recent Salisbury High School graduate Quintin Stephens played the positions that many boys grow up wanting to play. He was the quarterback of the football team and the point guard on the basketball team. When plays were made and points were scored, the ball was normally in his hands.

After a successful senior year on the gridiron and court, Stephens earned the Salisbury Press Male Athlete of the Year honors for the second straight year.

“My senior year was something unforgettable with COVID 19,” said Stephens. “Although masks were still required for both sports, I was just thankful that we could have a season. We had less games, and practices were a bit limited, but the coaches and my teammates still made it worth playing and the seasons still went well and we still had fun playing together. It meant a lot to me that I still could compete in both sports this year.”

Stephens led both of his teams last year. In eight games during the fall, he passed for 1,364 yards, finishing with over 3,000 passing yards for his career. He threw for a career-high 20 touchdowns last season. In 19 basketball games this past season, Stephens averaged a career-best 13.2 points per game in leading the Falcons to the District 11 3A semifinals.

“I feel like both seasons went well,” Stephens said. “In football, we had a very tough season. We won our last two games and beat an EPC team and beat Saucon Vallley which hasn’t happened in eight years. As a team we played well overall, and personally I had 3,000 yards passing, so that was a big achievement in my high school career.

“For basketball, we made it to leagues and made it to the district semifinal. We beat the league champs (Bangor) when they were undefeated in the regular season. Altogether I got athlete of the week in both sports which I was very proud of too.”

Stephens’ success can be credited to hard work and a lot of years practicing the sports that he loves.

“I started playing basketball and football when I was five years old, so around kindergarten,” said Stephens. “One thing I like about both football and basketball is the competition. I have such a huge passion for both sports and when I am playing these sports I feel at home. It is the one place I can be where I know what I’m doing and what I’m talking about.”

He completed his high school athletic career during the spring season, when he was a league and district medal-winning jumper for the Salisbury track and field team.

So what does he try to bring for his teams when he puts on his uniform?

“Being the quarterback in football is a huge responsibility,” said Stephens. “The aspect that I try to bring to my team is leadership and being able to count on others when in need. Being the point guard in basketball, you have to be smart and be a great decision maker, so I feel like passing is what I bring to the basketball court and is my biggest strength.”

Stephens credits his time as a Falcons student-athlete for his success in the classroom and in the athletics realm.

“My experience at Salisbury was awesome,” Stephens said. “I made a lot of lifelong friends and memories that I will never forget, whether it was on the field or court or in the classroom. At Salisbury, academics is important and I always worked hard to be better either in the classroom or competing athletically. That mindset is something that will help me succeed at the next level at Juniata.”