Indiana University of Pennsylvania Athletics

When you set records that stand for decades, you know you have something special in your makeup.  Michael Sheleheda could certainly vouch for that statement.

During an IUP career on the baseball diamond that spanned from 1960 through 1964, Sheleheda shone as a truly outstanding and versatile player.  He played outfield, third base, first base, and pitched.  He was a member of the starting team all four years.  In 1964, he achieved a batting average of .427 – impressive enough on its own, but it also set a school record that stood for 33 years, from 1964 to 1997.  That same magical year, 1964, Sheleheda also set a school record for stolen bases with 15 – another mark that stood for 25 years, until 1989.  He also was recognized as an NAIA All-District and All-American in 1964, receiving contract offers from both the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers.  He also played guard on the IUP basketball team fro 1960 to 1963.

The Ambridge native graduated from Ambridge High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in education from IUP in 1965, and master’s degree in education from Frostburg State University and Penn State in 1973.  Sheleheda taught in the Upper St. Clair School District in suburban Pittsburgh, where he also served as athletic director.  He and his wife, Patricia, live in Jefferson Hills, PA, and have two grown daughters, Michelle and Tracey, and four grandchildren.