On Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, Central Bucks East seniors Matthew Sharkey and Colin Lynch were recognized for committing to compete in baseball at the collegiate level.
Colin Lynch University of Dayton (Baseball)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Dayton, Seton Hall, Boston College, Lehigh, Virginia Tech
Reasons for choosing Dayton: “Dayton felt like home. It feels a lot like Doylestown. I really liked the size – it’s not too big and not too small. The coaching staff there is great. The opportunity to develop is great, and I’ll get a good degree as well.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “I’ve been playing baseball since I’ve been two. My dad played in college, so I knew that was always a path I wanted
to go. It started getting pretty serious after my freshman year. That’s when things started to pick up, playing in bigger summer league tournaments with schools coming out to see you and talking to different schools.”
Coach Kyle Dennis says: “There are people that I worry about. Then there is Colin Lynch. This is an expression I have used with only a handful of players during my tenure. What it means to me is that as a high school coach, in general, we worry about our players. We worry about them making good decisions not only on the field, but off the baseball field. We worry when they tell us they are working out away from the team in the offseason. We worry about them attending to their schoolwork and, in general, we worry about them overall being good human beings and citizens.
“But then, I meet guys like Colin Lynch. All those concerns disappear. Colin is a great example of what I think it means to be an elite high school athlete. He gets ‘it.’ He understands that nothing great happens without a desire to keep working on self-improvement. He is grounded enough to know that even though he is a tremendously gifted baseball player, there are always ways to get better.
“At our youth clinics, despite towering over the young athletes, he is welcoming and kind. At our practices, he is amongst the first to arrive and last to leave. Every single person I have met and talked to about Colin, whether it be an opposing coach, umpire, teacher or administrator, says some version of the same thing – ‘He is such a great young man.’ Colin Lynch is not just an exceptional athlete, he is an exceptional person. He embodies the values we strive to instill in all our players. Colin, Dayton is lucky to have you. Keep working, keep being you.”
About Colin:
Favorite foods: Steak, mashed potatoes & green beans.
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite music: Country/80s music
Matthew Sharkey – Chestnut Hill College (Baseball)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Chestnut Hill, Frederick Community College, Holy Family
Reasons for choosing Chestnut Hill: “The coaching staff – I’ve known Coach (Robert) Spratt and his son Thomas Spratt a while, and that definitely played a part. Also, their playing style and their culture. That played a part in my decision also.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Going into my junior fall, I realized I had the skill set to do so, and I just wanted to see how far I could take my baseball skills.”
Coach Kyle Dennis says: “Matthew Sharkey is a remarkable student-athlete. If I had to summarize Matthew Sharkey into four character traits, I would use these: invested, strong, fearless and respected. He has
consistently demonstrated growth as a student-athlete. His investment in himself over the last four years in the weight room has led to tremendous personal growth in strength. He is absolutely one of the strongest athletes we have seen come through our program. With a heavy investment in himself to become better and stronger, Matthew shows a fearless attitude on the field. There is no one he is unwilling to compete against. It doesn’t matter if it is 5 pass game at PDC in January or getting on base late in a tight game, Matthew is unfazed. His confidence comes from his preparation.
“Because of how invested he is in himself and his teammates and the selflessness he demonstrates, he has earned the respect of all his teammates. He is one of the most respected guys in the locker room, amongst both his teammates and his coaches. Sharkey, please continue to lead, get stronger, get better, and you will not only have a great senior year but also a great career at Chestnut Hill.”
About Matthew:
Favorite food: Hot Wings
Favorite movie: Whiplash
Favorite music: All types of rock music
- Log in to post comments
