Mike Baloga is in the final chapter of his kicking career at Cortland State, and has set numerous school records in the process.

However, his route to defending NCAA Division 3 champion Cortland State took a unique spin from his native New York to Marian High School.

Over the past eight years, Baloga’s ride has been a momentous one with some twists and turns.

During his senior high school year, Baloga had hoped to finish his kicking career at New York state’s Cornwall Central High, but COVID ravaged the area.

He and his parents believed a change of scenery would be beneficial for his senior year, as teams in New York play football in the spring instead of the fall.

Baloga made a move to his father’s parents’ home in Hazleton. Fortunately for he and the program, Baloga would play his final season in 2020 at Marian.

At the time the Colts’ program was on a down cycle, and they produced a 1-7 record his senior season, scoring just 31 points. Baloga made all six extra points and converted two of three field goal attempts, one a school-record 47-yarder.

It was a short time, but Baloga immediately gained acceptance and developed some potential longtime friendships with teammates Robby Sunder and Corey Rehnert.

“Being at Marian opened up a whole new life for me and experiences I’ll never forget,” said Baloga. “I made two close friends with Robby and Corey, and really learned how to kick.

“I spent countless hours kicking and finding my craft at Stan Dakosty Stadium.”

Current Marian head coach Billy O’Gurek was an assistant at the time Baloga was there, but O’Gurek knew he was going to be a key contributor.

“It was pretty apparent early on that we were dealing with a special talent in Mike,” said O’Gurek. “He was dedicated to his craft, working hard to perfect his kicking motion, while still being a great leader on our team. His school-record 47-yard field goal to help beat Shenandoah in 2020 will be tough to beat.”

Baloga didn’t begin kicking until he was a freshman at Cornwall Central, and he was an integral part of his team winning two sectional and state titles. Like his life path over the past five years, his beginnings also began in an unorthodox manner.

“I started kicking when I was a freshman in high school, and I really began to fall in love with the sport,” recalled Baloga. “I started because it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.

“Actually, it was my mother’s idea, and we just rode with it after I found out I could be a good kicker. I had been a soccer player my whole life and then dropped everything for football.”

His parents, Katie and Barry, have been a steady presence in all of his decisions.

“My parents have had the biggest influence over me as an athlete,” he said. “They always pushed me to be the best competitor and person I could be, and they used their experiences as athletes to push me to be great.”

Baloga also has drawn plenty of his own inspiration as a solo actor on the field.

“My inspiration as a kicker comes from within,” he added. “Being on an island for the position is not always the easiest thing, and you have to be a very self-motivated person.”

Baloga also quickly recognized and adjusted to the changes of kicking at the collegiate level. He has developed plenty of self-motivation.

“Well, obviously you have to keep practicing your skills throughout your career to improve,” said Baloga. “The biggest difference is speed and pressure. The speed of a kickoff, punt or field goal play is quicker than high school and forces you to go faster.

“Pressure wise, no matter what school you go to for kicking, you will always have a competition for the starting job. Performing every week knowing you might get taken out for the second string is something that stuck with me in my early years, and pushed me to never let that happen.”

His road to Cortland included a brief stop at Bloomsburg before he headed back home.

Heading into this season, Baloga set school single-season records for PAT kicks made and points by a kicker (130), and school career marks for PAT kicks made (150), points scored by a kicker (207) and consecutive PAT kicks (91 that spanned the 2022 and 2023 seasons).

This season as his team heads into their home game against Springfield in an NCAA Division 3 third-round playoff game Saturday at noon, Baloga has made eight of 10 field goal attempts and has converted 63 of 65 PATs.

At Cortland State, Baloga has found a home.

“Cortland is a special football family that I should’ve been at since Day 1, and couldn’t be happier that I made that choice to come here,” said Baloga. “My favorite memory from my four years is kicking the game-winning field goal against SUNY Brockport to win the Empire 8. It was such a great moment for me to see that the kick won it for everyone else, and to see happiness born from my actions.”

O’Gurek and Baloga’s Marian alumni have kept a close watch on their former kicker, and they have appreciated his efforts.

“We watched with pride last season while Mike and his teammates won the national championship,” said O’Gurek. “We are waiting to see how he can add on to his record-setting career in the playoffs, and his team is a top seed ready to defend their championship.”

Baloga, who is a physical education major, doesn’t see his kicking career ending after he graduates in May.

“My plans for next year is not to give up on football,” emphasized Baloga. “I’ll do whatever it takes to get to the next level.”

Chances are, Baloga will get there, as he’s worked hard to endure every phase of his life.

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Former Panther Valley volleyball standout Chloe Diekman recently concluded her junior year at Allegheny College. Diekman, a defensive specialist, saw action in 43 matches, and helped her team to a PAC championship.

The Gators lost in the opening round of the NCAA Division 3 championship to East Texas State, and they finished with an overall 26-6 record.

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Palmerton graduate Jordan Nelson is a senior linebacker at Villanova. Through last week’s game, Nelson has 43 tackles over the last three seasons.

The Wildcats will travel to Incarnate Word for the second round of the NCAA FCS playoffs Saturday.

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Former Tamaqua standout Sean Lavine was a defensive end for King’s College as a graduate student this season. Lavine recorded 32 tackles and 4.5 sacks this season.

The Monarchs recently finished their season with an overall 10-2 record after they were eliminated by Salisbury University, 33-13, in the second round of the NCAA Division 3 playoffs.

College Corner will be a review of local athletes who are excelling and extending their career at the next level. Submit your thoughts or any college athlete to tnsports@tnonline.com