Caye making plays at Bethel Park
Whether on the football field or the basketball court, Austin Caye of Bethel Park plays with an intense passion. He knows that any down or any jump shot could be his last.
“If there is one lesson that sports has taught me, it’s that your season can be stripped from you on any given play,” he said. “So don’t take anything for granted because in an instant, it could all be gone.”
Three years ago, Caye was a carefree sophomore when his football season evaporated. During his first varsity game against rival Upper St. Clair, he tore his hamstring.
Because surgery was deemed too dangerous, Caye suffered through a 10-month recovery that was punctuated by a hip flexor injury and a limp caused compensating for the injured limb.
“I was really messed up,” he said. “It was a hard injury. The worst of my life.”
The best though laid ahead. Caye returned to have an all-conference junior year, where he led the defensive secondary in tackles and interceptions.
Today, he is doing even better. In a season-opening win against North Hills, 22-10, Caye equaled his interception totals for 2021 and he scored a touchdown.
Of the interceptions Caye said, “the first was a good read and the second we got good pressure. I happened to be there to make the play.”
On offense, Caye pulled in four passes for 118 yards. His 22-yard reception from Tanner Pfeuffer pumped up the Hawks and enabled them to enter the locker room ahead, 13-10, at halftime.
“That touchdown was a big thrill,” Caye said. “We had just converted on a fourth-down pass and I knew I would be open again for a TD when the play was called because they were in man coverage.”
Caye, indeed, was the man of the night even though Pfeuffer completed 10 of 19 aerials for 121 yards in his debut at quaterback, Dinari Clacks caught a 39-yard scoring strike as well and Kaden Wetzel kicked a 28-yard field goal for the Hawks.
“Austin was unbelievable,” said BP head coach Brian DeLallo. “First and foremost, his ball security was excellent. He ran between the tackles and picked up hard yards, and yards after contact, while doing a great job of taking care of the ball.
“On defense, he was physical and always around the ball. His two interceptions were huge plays.”
DeLallo expects Caye to continue making plays for the Hawks. He anticipates he will be one of the team leaders and one of the best players throughout the 2022 campaign because he has all the tools.
“Austin is fast, strong and smart, which allows us to do a lot of things. His versatility really helps us, on both sides of the ball,” DeLallo said.
“Austin’s also a great teammate. He would play left tackle if we asked him. He loves football and all he wants to do is win football games with his buddies. He’s a fun kid to be around but he knows the difference between time to have fun and time to go to work.”
Long before the sophomore setback, Caye cultivated his work ethic. Encouraged by his father, Caye embarked on an athletic career. He competed in everything, including baseball and basketball, but started playing football at age 6.
”My dad was the most influential person in my life. He pushed me to not be lazy. Even on an off day, you should do something, like lift weights in the basement,” Caye said.
In the early days of his career, that was probably the best place for Caye to practice and not in the living room.
Caye chuckled as he recalled watching Steelers games on the television with his dad.
”We would throw the football in the living room,” he said. “We broke a few Christmas tree ornaments. My mom got upset about that.”
Julius and Sharon Caye are not too undone about their son choosing football as his No. 1 sport. Both excelled at different sports while attending Seton LaSalle High School.
Sharon played softball and raised a daughter that starred as an outfielder on BP’s 2021 WPIAL championship club. Lauren Caye earned a scholarship to play softball at Seton Hall in New Jersey.
Julius was the starting point guard on SLS’s 1988 state championship basketball team. He went on to play the game at IUP.
”My dad regrets not playing football,” Caye said. “He knows the game well just by watching it and my playing.”
Seeing his father’s sports memorabilia as well as his sister’s medals fuels Caye.
”It makes me want to win,” he said. “My dad won states. My sister won a WPIAL. For sure, that definitely motivates me. Since I haven’t won anything yet, my main goal is to win something.”
With 18 returning starters, nine on each side of the ball, the Black Hawks have lofty expectations for success. The big goal, says Caye, is to win a WPIAL and state championship but the essential thing is to take it game by game.
“Be 1-0 every week,” he said. “The main thing is to stay healthy, keeps our heads down and keep working.”
Even after an impressive win against North Hills, Caye says BP has to “clean up mistakes” and play assignment football. Regardless, he is ready to do his part, even improve upon his performance.
“North Hills was a big game to start the season off with a victory,” he said. “Honestly, it wasn’t just me. The O-line did a good job and the fullback (Gavin Moul) blocked for me. Our coach had a good plan going into the game.
“Last year I was more defense but this year I’m more involved on offense. I kind of enjoy that, having the ball in my hands and having parts of the game decided on what I do. I want to be a playmaker.”
Age: 17
Birthday: May 9
Parents: Sharon and Julius
Sibling: Lauren
School: Bethel Park
Year: Senior
GPA: 3.9 (unweighted)
Sports: Football, basketball
Activities: NHS
College: Undecided but has scholarship offer from Dayton
Major: Exercise science
Food: Steak
Restaurant: Armstrongs
Color: Blue
Music: “Before games, I let my teammates control the radio. The pump up music is usually Rap but I listen to country music. My favorite artist would be Morgan Wallen. I was supposed to go see him this summer but I had to give my two free tickets to my sister because we had football practice the next morning.”
Book: “It was a biography about Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly.”
Movie: Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues
Who would play you in a movie: “My teammate Jack Reilly. He’s the best at imitating people.”
Dream Destination: The Netherlands. “I’d like to see the Northern Lights.”
Person you would like to have dinner with: Michael Jordan. “I like how he took the game competitively. He hates losing and I hate losing too.”
People might be surprised to know this about you: I take golf seriously but I can’t play on the golf team because it interferes with football. There are a couple guys I play with who are on the team, but they always kill me.”
Dream golf course: St. Andrews
In 15 years, “I will be 32 to be exact. So, hopefully married with at least two kids and with a well-paying job.”