Rising senior accepts scholarship

Matthew Zoltak

Matthew Zoltak, a 17 year-old senior at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School, has just accepted an athletic scholarship to play baseball at Clemson University in South Carolina upon his graduation in 2006.

According to his mother, Monique Seyler, a number of pro scouts who have seen Matt play in various tournaments have suggested that he could be ready to head right for the pros, but Matt is intent on getting a college education while maturing as a player.

Nearly 90 schools actively courted Matt in a process that started unusually early, she said. Coaches attribute the early recruiting process this year to the high number of student athletes who were drafted out of college in their senior year, leaving rosters at lower levels than in the past.

Zoltak’s strong performance at the Perfect Game Junior Nationals in Atlanta in July brought numerous offers for scholarships. From these, he decided on Clemson based on the school’s strong academics, its long tradition of winning records in the Atlantic Coast Conference and its continuing appearance in Super Regionals.

As a left hand pitcher, Matt is determined to pursue a career in professional baseball. Jack Leggett, the Head Coach at Clemson, and Pitching Coach Kevin O’Sullivan both see this as a strong option for him.

Zoltack lives in Chestnut Hill and attends Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School as an out-of-district student.

Zotak's 2005 Highlights
• Throws a complete game shutout in March 30 season opener, chalking up 15 strikeouts in a 2-hit effort.
• Strikes out 17 in a complete game shutout on April 25, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks.
• In his final outing of the season, pitches a no-hitter to finish the season with a .98 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 45 innings pitched. Finishes 8-2 on the season.
• In June, awarded Suburban League first team All League and pitched in the Carpenter Cup tournament.
• Named by Philadelphia Inquirer to All-Southeastern Pennsylvania Baseball, second team.