When he was younger, Chad Beller never thought about receiving individual football honors in high school. It was just a matter of playing the game.

As he got older, the honors were a steady stream for the Catasauqua football and wrestling standout. Beller’s Rough Riders’ football career was capped off when he was recently named the PA Football News Class 2A first-team middle linebacker.

“When I was younger, I never really thought about getting an achievement like this,” recalled Beller. “I was just trying to play the best and be the best I could be. It wasn’t until last year that I compared myself to others when I felt like I could get an all-state honor.

“My initial reaction was that I was surprised.”

Beller, who also was a first-team, all-Colonial/Schuylkill League selection, recorded 165 tackles this season. For his career, Beller had 453 career tackles and 49 career tackles for loss. Both of them were school records as well as his 26 tackles for loss this season.

Former head coach Travis Brett knew he had a generational defensive player.

“Chad was a very hard worker, and this honor was certainly deserved,” said Brett a couple weeks ago. “In our opinion, he was the best defensive player in the league.

“He cleaned up everything in the middle and broke a few school records. He’s a great kid, who the program will miss tremendously.”

Beller credits his father, Chad Beller Sr., for his support and motivation through the years.

“My dad is a big part of the linebacker I am today,” he said. “He would always push me to be the best and always tell me what I should be doing to be the best.

“He and my coaches helped me read the guards as well as instinct and effort.”

Beller cited his stellar wrestling career as a complement to his football one. He posted a 38-11 record last season, finishing third at districts and sixth at regionals. The 215-pounder currently has 68-26 overall record and a 14-1 slate this season.

“Being a wrestler really helps you became a better football player in many ways,” noted Beller. “It makes you mentally tougher, gives you better positioning and form. It builds your strength, speed, and endurance. It also helps you with your balance, flexibility, and footwork.”

Due to a neck injury and others incurred during football, Beller has chosen not to pursue a football career in college as well as profession through a college education. Instead, he will pursue a career in welding through a trade school.

Beller took a realistic and sensible approach.

“I felt it was the best decision that I don’t continue to play and destroy my body more than it already is,” he offered. “It’s a tough choice and I thought about it a lot. I think the best option is to benefit myself.”

It’s a different twist for Beller, who has helped the Catasauqua football and wrestling programs benefit countless times over for his countless contributions.