On Friday, May 3, 2019, Council Rock South seniors Shamir Parker & Matt Checchia were recognized for committing to continue their football careers at the collegiate level. To view photos of the college recognition breakfast, please visit the Photo Gallery at the following link: https://solsports.zenfolio.com/p775859561
“I can’t say enough about both of them, being the type of players they were and especially how they grew as seniors,” coach Vince Bedesem said. “They both made an impact and left an impression on all of the coaches when we got together for all-star selection. They have done a tremendous job.”
Matthew Checchia – West Chester University (Football)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: West Chester, Penn State, Temple
Reasons for choosing West Chester: “I chose West Chester because of the academics, being able to play a sport I have loved since I was born, and it is close to home. I fell in love with the campus when I had my visit. The coaches and players at West Chester made me feel at home.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “I didn’t think of playing football in college until a couple games into my senior season. I had a string of good games, and I thought to myself that this game is going to be super tough to let go. I emailed coaches and throughout the winter, coaches filtered through my school.”
Coach Vince Bedesem says: “Matt Checchia was such an integral part of our defense as far as being the quarterback of our defense. He just grew from being a junior starter to just a phenomenal leader as a senior. I think he led our team in interceptions and might have even led the league in interceptions. He was like a turnover machine. He brought just a great spirit to our defense that a lot of kids fed off of.”
About Matt:
Favorite food: Anything Taco Bell
Favorite movie: Friday Night Lights
Favorite music: Rap, Hip Hop and Alternative
Shamir Parker – McDaniel College (Football)
Major: Criminal Justice
Final list of colleges: McDaniel, Ursinus, Bloomsburg, East Stroudsburg
Reasons for choosing McDaniel: “I feel like I really found a place that I can call home for the next four years. They really focus on my schoolwork and how to develop me into a better person.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in football at the collegiate level? “When I was seven years old, I really fell in love with the sport. I (dedicated) basically my whole life to the sport of football until I became the best in my area at my position – D-line. It has always been a dream of mine to play at the college level and eventually make it to the big stage (NFL). The recruiting process started my junior year when I got to meet my recruiting coach Marr. Ever since then, it’s been a grind to prove I belong at McDaniel.”
Coach Vince Bedesem says: “Shamir was just a solid kid for us from the start – from his sophomore year, junior year, senior year. He just played that proverbial down tackle on defense and was so stout in the middle and such a run stopper. He was a presence as a pass defender in terms of rushing the passer. He just had a tremendous impact for us as a defensive lineman the last three years that he’s been here. He’s going to be missed.”
About Shamir:
Favorite food: Burgers
Favorite movie: Transformers
Favorite music: Hip Hop and R&B
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