Back to the Pittsburgh Penguins Newsfeed

Forged by military schooling and drive, how Skenes ascended to No. 1 pick

Related Topics: Paul Skenes

Over the past two years, Paul Skenes had been the model cadet, both on the baseball field and off. He was the one who carried the American flag to all sporting events at the Air Force Academy. He was the one who held his fellow cadets accountable. When on the diamond, he had risen to being the team captain in just his sophomore year and held just about every role in two years there. Friday Night starter. Closer. Catcher. Leadoff hitter.

Today, he was crying in his coach's office.

He was torn. He wanted to serve in the military.