Caption: Former Tyrone players playing in college, from left, are Cory Lehman (PSU DuBois), Kevin Lehner (PSU Harrisburg), Rodney Shultz (UPJ), and senior Aiden Coleman (Penn State commit). Missing from the photo is Colson Lewis (Juniata College)
With the opening of college baseball only a month away, the number of Tyrone alumni preparing to set foot on the collegiate diamond has increased over the last few years. Eagle baseball has produced several collegiate players in the past notably 2013 graduate Jacob Belinda who played at Lock Haven University then was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and 2016 graduate Coy Focht who began a four year stint with Juniata College that year. However, the recent growth in the Tyrone baseball program and achieving a Mt League championship in 2019 and the PIAA state championship in 2021 have brought new attention to the team and its players from college coaches.
Currently, four Eagle alum are playing at the collegiate level and one senior is already committed to playing at a Division 1 school. Rodney Shultz is beginning his freshman year as a pitcher with the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. “Training is very different from high school to college. Our diets are stricter, and we have to get the proper rest for our bodies while on the road and playing four game series,” said Shultz. Being a starter for the Tyrone 2021 State Championship team, Rodney feels Tyrone’s program provided a solid foundation. “Playing in the Mountain League was key. The competition in the Mountain League is very strong and in order to be successful you have to put in the work.” The routine at UPJ is rigorous with practices daily along with weight lifting and team bonding experiences. During this new season, number 11 is looking forward to “competing at the college level and playing in the PSAC (PA State Athletic Conference).” Rodney’s inaugural game will be on February 19 against Concord University in Athens, West Virginia.
Outfielder Kevin Lehner is in his second year of play as a Nittany Lion at PSU Harrisburg. With his first year of play affected by COVID, Lehner is looking forward to this new season. “COVID gave a lot of the older kids an extra two years to play making it harder for underclassmen to get playing time. We also had to make a lot of sacrifices to play our season, like keeping ourselves distanced from other people to prevent the spread of the virus.” Lehner was one of only several freshman chosen to travel with the team and earn playing time in most games. That experience fostered a new perception of playing on the collegiate level. “The game of baseball is the same, it’s just a lot faster and you’re seeing better and more consistent talent on a daily basis. The training is a lot more intense in college and you’re competing against kids who are equally as strong as you. You’re also waking up at 6 am every morning to lift before starting your day.” Even into his second year, Kevin knows the benefit of his Golden Eagle roots. “Playing in the Mountain League and competing against great competition has prepared me well for the collegiate level. Also, being coached by Coach Soellner, Coach Mease, and Jim Lang through the years has helped me succeed.” In 2022, number 7 is looking forward to competing against really good teams and working towards a second trip to the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament. That journey will begin on February 26 at Ferrum College in Virginia.
Having lost his senior year of Golden Eagle baseball due to the COVID shutdown, Colson Lewis decided to approach the coach at Juniata College about playing for the team as a freshman. After several meetings and try-out sessions Colson became an outfielder for the JC Eagles. Reflecting on his time in Tyrone sports, Colson said, “High school really helped me prepare for collegiate ball because the level of competition was so hard. College, however, requires a lot more preparation and hard work. It’s different than high school because you have to juggle the high level academics with playing a sport.” When asked about what he found to be the greatest challenge, Lewis replied, “In college the main objective is pursuing a career, and it can be challenging to devote time to both school and playing a sport.” Colson will begin his second season traveling to Virginia to take on Mary Baldwin University on February 26.
With his high school senior season still ahead of him, Tyrone Eagle pitcher Aiden Coleman has already committed to playing Division 1 baseball with the Penn State Nittany Lions. Even before his solid showing on the mound during the 2021 State Championship game, Coleman had garnished the attention of several college scouts. His decision to play at University Park rested on a few important factors: “the very high level of competition, the college atmosphere, and a chance to meet new people.” Even with next year decided, Coleman sees this season as extremely important in his continued development. “The competition definitely will benefit me. We’ve played some pretty good teams throughout my high school career which I feel will really help me out at the collegiate level. Right now the preparation includes hitting in the cages, hitting the weight room to get bigger and stronger, and throwing whenever I can.” With the March 28 opening game at Hollidaysburg approaching, Aiden is looking forward to, “playing my senior year with my brothers with whom I have grown up playing baseball.”
When Cory Lehman graduated in 2019, his decision to play baseball at PSU DuBois paid off in a 2021 USCAA World Series Championship. Like many athletes, COVID cancelled what was to be his first year of college ball.” My freshman year was taken from me, but I got to make that up by coming back for another year. Then last season it was pretty hard to go home and see my family because we didn’t want to take the risk of getting COVID and causing the team to miss many games.” Despite those challenges, Cory earned a spot in the lineup as a pitcher and utility player for catcher, first base and outfield. Preparation for this season began in the fall with practices, intersquad games, and eight scrimmages against other college teams. “Then when winter hits we move to an indoor facility for practice and then go to Myrtle Beach for games against well talented teams,” added Lehman. Even with a third collegiate season looming, Cory still reflects on the value of his high school experience. “The very talented Mountain League competition I believe helped a lot and the coaching staff I had was always pushing me to do my best, especially my dad (Chip Lehman).”
Last season saw Lehman and his PSU DuBois teammates winning the United States Collegiate Athletic Association World Series Championship, a three-peat for the program. “Playing in these games has tested my skills greatly and I feel that I had a decent impact on both games, Lehman commented. “Also meeting the people who just love the sport of baseball and talking to them was one of the greatest parts of the whole World Series. That and just seeing the talent all around the nation was a great thing to watch.” Being on the winning team meant Cory also got to fulfill another dream. “The dog piles at the end of each game was something I have always dreamed of doing. Although I got up from both with a bloody nose and turf burn on my face, it only added to the memories.” Opening at home on March 11 against Westminster College, Lehman is optimistic about the season ahead. “We have lost some key players from last year, but we have some veterans and talented young players and I cannot wait to see the competition.”
Despite his busy schedule, Lehman still keeps in touch with his Eagle teammates and willingly offers some advice on playing past high school, “If you love the sport as much as I do, it’s the best thing to do. You’re getting your education and also meeting many wonderful people. It doesn’t matter how big the school is if you’re having a great time and enjoying the sport, there is no reason not to play!”
For information on the 2022 Tyrone Golden Eagle team and season visit Tyrone Golden Eagle Baseball at tyroneeaglesbaseball.com or on Facebook.
