During the summer, Catasauqua’s Evan DeLong has made the most of his workouts. Playing three sports, DeLong took some time during the summer to refresh and re-energize.

But the 6-3, 275-pound rising junior has kept busy.

DeLong figures heavily in the Rough Riders’ football plans as well for basketball and track. He can be the Roughies’ man for all sports’ seasons.

He is one of three returning linemen on the Roughies’ line on both sides of the ball.

“Summer [went] going great,” beamed DeLong before the season started. “I have really loved the time that I have spent with my teammates. We really got our work done this summer.”

DeLong is coming off his track season. He was among the Colonial League weekly leaders in the shot put and javelin. At the District 11 meet, DeLong was fifth in the javelin with a mark of 125-3, and he was eighth in the shot put with a toss of 42-4.5.

Over the winter, DeLong worked to develop as one of the Roughies’ post players. He also was a regular for the Roughies’ summer league teams.

“Evan has worked hard during the summer,” said Roughies’ head boys’ basketball coach Eric Snyder. “He began to recognize how he needed to use his feet and establish his presence underneath.”

DeLong has strived to work on his footwork as well as his intensity in a game.

“The biggest thing I changed was being more aggressive,” stated DeLong. “It is about working with my hands more, and also being more quick with my feet.”

DeLong has worked to increase his strength, and he also has risen to a role as a leader. “Yes, definitely, my strength has gone up in every lift I do,” stressed DeLong. “I noticed it during practice.

“I see my role as a leader, but not so much as a vocal one. I can be one that can help my teammates if they need help with football or anything outside of football. I want to be someone who can give help for anything.”

Head coach Joe Henrich believes DeLong can reach another level this season.

“Evan has been a consistent member of the offensive line for two years,” noted Henrich. “His size, strength and experience should be a big factor for us this year.”