On Thursday, April 15, 2021, five Upper Moreland seniors were recognized for committing to play baseball at the collegiate level.
John Bozzola – Bucks County Community College (Baseball)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Bucks County, Penn State, Mount St. Mary’s
Reasons for choosing Bucks County: “Just the opportunity to play baseball. I know the coaches really well, and I just liked the way they coach and who they are as people.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “I always wanted to play in college, and last summer I started talking to coaches.”
Coach Dan Heiland says: “It goes for a lot of these guys. Missing last year because of COVID pushed them back a little bit with their growth. John was one of those guys. Coming into the season, John was going to be our number three or four pitcher or middle relief. Unfortunately, after the first game, he got an elbow injury and it sidelined him pretty much the whole season. With that, he worked hard every day. He worked with our pitching coach to rehab at practice, and he battled. He did what he could to try to be on the field. John was a positive kid who showed up and worked hard. It was just an unfortunate situation.”
About John:
Favorite food: Cheesesteak
Favorite movie: The Sandlot
Favorite music: Rap
Connor English – Delaware Valley University (Baseball)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Delaware Valley, Gwynedd Mercy, Penn State Abington
Reasons for choosing Del Val: “The atmosphere at Del Val – everyone was so kind and generous. I think it was the perfect match for me – - the coach and I really connected.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Ever since I was little, looking at all the MLB players – I just wanted to be like them.”
Coach Dan Heiland said. “Connor is another kid I think last year would have been a big year for him, another stepping stone to grow as a player. He was a very solid third baseman for us and was solid at the plate. He came up big in multiple situations to give us key victories. He worked hard, and the one thing with him – he’s very coachable. He’d ask questions, he wanted to get better – that was his goal. He always wanted to play at the next level and came to practice with a good attitude.”
About Connor:
Favorite food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Den of Thieves
Favorite music: Rap
Ryan Lennox – Penn State Abington (Baseball)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: Penn State Abington, Ursinus
Reasons for choosing Penn State Abington: “It’s closer to home, and I know some of the guys on the baseball team and they’re good guys.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “I always loved baseball as a kid, and I always wanted to play at the next level. I just kept working at it - I decided I can and I want to.”
Coach Dan Heiland says: “Ryan’s junior year would have been a big year for him stepping up to the varsity field. Unfortunately, with everything that happened, it was his senior year. Just the way the cards were laid out – he was out right fielder when Greg Wiley was pitching, and when he wasn’t, he was our closer, so any game that we tied or we were ahead, we brought Ryan in and knew he was the guy that would get the job done to close out the game and seal the victory for us.”
About Ryan:
Favorite food: Cheesesteak
Favorite TV shows: All American
Favorite music: Rap & Country
Michael Olszewski – Cairn University (Baseball)
Major: Sports Management
Final list of colleges: Cairn, York College, Millersville, DeSales, Delaware Valley
Reasons for choosing Cairn: “I had worked with their baseball coach in the past, and he was such a great guy and really put an emphasis on character before baseball. I really liked how welcoming of a person he was and how the entire program was. As far as the major, Cairn University has a fantastic sports management program, and I really think they’re going to help me a lot for my future.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Baseball was always my favorite sport. When I was younger, just like every other young kid, I wanted to play in the MLB and then quickly realized that wasn’t going to happen. Every time I step on the field, I just enjoy every second on the field. I never really considered playing baseball until my junior year. I always thought after high school that was going to be it, but the closer I got to the finish line, the more I realized I wasn’t ready to stop playing, so I really wanted to focus on a chance to play college baseball because I wasn’t ready to let that go yet.”
Coach Dan Heiland says: “Michael was one of those guys who unfortunately didn’t get to play a lot because he was behind Kevin Davis, who was a three-year starter for us, but Mike was one of those kids who showed up every day, he didn’t complain, he worked his tail off, and he got better every single day. That was his goal, and it showed. The opportunities he was presented during the season – he made the most of them.”
About Michael:
Favorite food: Cheeseburger with cheddar cheese
Favorite movie: Moneyball
Favorite music: Country
Greg Wiley – Penn State Abington (Baseball)
Major: Education
Final list of colleges: Penn State Abington, DeSales
Reasons for choosing Penn State Abington: “I really liked the environment and atmosphere. It felt like the right choice.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to play at the next level. Freshman year I started to realize I could really go somewhere with it.”
Coach Dan Heiland says: “Greg had an injury leading into the season, and we knew he’d be limited on pitches early in the season. He battled and did everything he could do to be prepared for the season. He was our MVP. He led the team in innings pitched, strikeouts, anything you could ask for. He also contributed at the plate and in the outfield as well. He’s extremely hardworking and is a great leader.”
About Greg:
Favorite food: Cheesesteak
Favorite TV show: New Girl
Favorite artist: Nirvana
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