Name: Mason Sparks

High school: Central

Hometown: Martinsburg

Sport: Baseball

Position: Pitcher

College choice: Pitt-Johnstown

Other colleges considered: Ohio University, Penn State Harrisburg

Why I picked UPJ: “I picked UPJ because it felt like the right school for me. I have great trust in the coaches that they will make me a better adult and athlete.”

Greatest high school achievement: “Sharing the diamond with my closest friends and great coaches. But also being able to say that I wore the Central C on my jersey and hat with pride for the community and program, not just for me.”

Coach AJ Hoenstine’s quote: “Mason has a huge upside and was dominant the second half of the season this year on the mound. He also had an excellent year swinging the bat and was a tremendous first baseman when not pitching. UPJ is getting an outstanding player and young man.”

How I got my start in baseball: “Playing T-Ball as a young kid in the Spring Cove Youth Baseball League.”

Favorite college growing up: Clemson

Other interests: Fishing, traveling and pickup basketball

What getting to play in college means to me: “It’s an honor to me. I’ve always dreamed of playing baseball in college, and I couldn’t be more excited to play the sport I love for four more years against very good athletes.”

Probable college major: Secondary Education

Parents: Andrea and Barry Sparks