Student Athlete of the Week- Matt Lavin

BY HEIDI ZENEFSKI
Sports Correspondent

Spring sports have begun in Susquehanna County and the season kicks off with Mountain View baseball player Matt Lavin as the Independent’s Student Athlete of the Week.

Lavin started playing 10 years ago on the tee-ball field. “I started playing baseball because my father was really into the sport and my older brother was playing it too.”

Lavin, a utility player says, “I like the teamwork involved in baseball along with the fun that comes with it.”

The Eagles, who are coached by Ernie Griffis and Anthony Borgia, have had an exciting pre-season which has included some time away from home. “We just returned from a trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., where we played four games against good competition and got a lot of practice time.”

Several teams from Susquehanna County head south to take advantage of warmer weather and the chance to get outside and play ball a little earlier.

Mountain View will have their first division game on Monday, April 4 when they face the Sabers in Susquehanna.

Lavin says he is inspired by professional athletes such as Alex Rodriguez and Lebron James because of their work ethic.

With 10 years of baseball under his belt, one memory stands out as his favorite. “My favorite memory of baseball is probably hitting my first home run in little league.”

Lavin also plays golf and basketball at Mountain View so he is busy with sports all year. He was named a District First Team All-Star for basketball this past season and honorable mention last year.

He also keeps his grades high and is a member of the National Honor Society.

His plans for after graduation are still a little up in the air. He would like to do something in the medical field, but has not decided what school he will attend.

Lavin is the son of Edward and Susan Lavin of Clifford Township.