When the Tyrone baseball team prepared to face Philipsburg-Osceola in the District 6 3A championship in June, Jon Stroup was a pitcher who wanted the ball, and that was very much on-brand for the boisterous sophomore.
But it’s one thing to want something another thing to deliver.
Against the Mounties, Stroup delivered. Over 7 innings, he struck out four, never walked a batter, and surrendered a single unearned run to lead Tyrone to its first District 6 baseball title since 1992.
Football coach Jason Jones is looking for Stroup to deliver in similar fashion this season on the gridiron.
Stroup was a starter last season as a receiver opposite Mason Emigh and Brayden Parsons, and in that mix he was decidedly the third option. However, that won’t be the case in 2026, and with Emigh bound to draw a lot of attention, Stroup will be expected to get open and make big catches every week.
“When you talk to Jon, his personality shines,” said Jones. “He’s not afraid to show his personality, and on this team, I consider that to be a plus. Through 7-on-7’s up until now, he’s taken control of our free safety and wideout positions.”
When 2025 began, Stroup looked like he was headed for a big season. He opened the campaign with 3 catches for 49 yards against Bellefonte, but he only had one more reception the remainder of the season.
Some of that had to do with the emergence of Parsons as a strong second option to Emigh, but Jones saw something else at play when he watched those games on film.
“I think there was a lack of confidence within himself offensively last year,” Jones said.
If that’s the case, it would have been understandable. Playing on a senior heavy team, looking for catches in a space that included Emigh, Caleb Whitby, Parsons, and at times Eli Woomer, it would be easy for a sophomore to wither under the pressure.
Our staff has been pushing him to be a leader. People turn to him because of his personality. He’s got to use that in the right way.
Tyrone Coach Jason Jones
However, that’s all changed this season. Now, Jones and his coaches are dialing in on Stroup with clear expectations.
“Our staff has been pushing him to be a leader,” Jones said. “People turn to him because of his personality. He’s got to use that in the right way. But we’re very excited about him and very excited about his leadership.”
While Stroup’s speed and athleticism put him squarely in the mix on offense, Jones has seen a lot that he likes from Stroup on the other side of the ball, as well.
“As a free safety, he can bump down in the box, and Jon has shown in practice he’s going to be a good tackler,” said Jones. “One of our biggest strengths is our secondary is so versatile, and there’s so much flexibility in how we can use these guys.”
As a two-way player, Stroup could be headed for a big season, and it’s clear he will be given opportunities to deliver.
If the moxie he showed in baseball season is any indication, that’s a good thing for the Golden Eagles.
ORANGE AND BLACK 