Trending
Name: Matt Smith
School: Hollidaysburg
Age: 17
Grade: Senior
Sport: Baseball
Athlete of the week achievement: Smith went 2-for-3, scored three runs, drove in three runs, doubled and had the go-ahead home run in the sixth inning of a 5-4 triumph over Philipsburg-Osceola. He also started on the mound and struck out five. Earlier in the week, he had two of Hollidaysburg's three hits in a 2-0 win over Huntingdon.
Season update: Smith is batting .583 with eight RBIs, two home runs and has scored five runs for the 4-1 Golden Tigers.
Coach Jon Szynal's quote: "Matt has had a great start to the season. He's so versatile. He can play anywhere and pitch. He's showing very good senior leadership and is getting rewarded for all his hard work."
Favorite teacher: Mr. Walstrom
Favorite subject: Math
Favorite movie: "The Sandlot"
Favorite food: Tacos
Favorite song: "Jungle" by Drake
Outside interests: Fishing, working out
Favorite professional team: Pittsburgh Pirates
Favorite college team: Penn State
Pro athlete most admired: Derek Jeter
Best athlete I ever competed against: Central graduate Paxton Kling
Most influential person on my athletic career: My parents, Jennifer and Jerry Smith
Proudest athletic achievement: "Receiving a scholarship and signing my NLI to play baseball for Gannon University."
How I got my start in baseball: "I started playing T-ball when I was 6."
Future goal: To play baseball as long as I can.