Matt Wollenzin
Catcher
6′1″, 195 lbs
Green Mountain High School
Lakewood, Colorado
Matt “Mr. Clutch” Wollenzin (see video below) is one of two catchers signed by Austin Peay State University during the early signing period. Wollenzin, while throwing right-handed, bats left-handed. He hit over .559 last season on his way to being an Honorable Mention to the Denver Post Class 5A team. He was named the Jefferson County League MVP and was named as a league first team performer. He was also earned the Big Stick award at the 2009 Westminster Baseball Fever Classic.
Mr. Clutch earned his nickname in last season’s epic Colorado Class 5A District 4 championship game. Wollenzin hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the seventh to force extra innings. In the top of the 14th inning, Green Mountain fell behind by three runs and the game was suspended until morning due to darkness. The next morning, Wollenzin blasted a walk-off grand slam that sent his team to the state playoffs.
News Report of Matt’s Performance in the Colorado Class 5A District 4 Champsionship game
Green Mountain Head Coach Brad Madden on Matt Wollenzin:
What are Matt’s biggest strengths? What does he need to work on most?
“He is one of the best pure hitters I have seen in high school. He can hit for power and average. I think making the adjustment to college pitching will be a challenge but he will over come that very quickly.”
Describe his work ethic.
“Matt is a hard worker both on the field and off. He wants to do what ever it takes to be the best player possible.”
Do you think Matt can contribute immediately as a freshman?
“At the plate he could help this year so I expect him to be a immediate contributor in some way.”
Does he play any other sports?
“He has chosen to play only baseball but could have been a great football and basketball player if he would have went that direction.”
How familiar are you with the Austin Peay program and Coach McClure? What is your opinion of the program?
“I think Austin Peay is a program on the rise in a very competitive league and if they continue to get players of Matt’s caliber they will be on the rise quickly.”
ESPNRISE.com’s Andrew Knepper on Matt’s Performance at the Cincinnati Reds Area Code Tryouts
“A well-built catcher out of Green Mountain High School displayed raw power and good times behind the dish.”
Notes from Official Austin Peay State University Athletics Release
Career Notes: Under head coach Brad Madden, hit .559 with 10 home runs and 46 RBI in 20 games as a junior… was Jefferson County League “Most Valuable Player” and all-conference selection… selected to All-Colorado Class 5A honorable mention squad… hit walk-off grand slam in 14th inning of district championship game to advance Green Mountain to state tournament, also had a two-run home run in seventh inning of same game… was selected and played in 2009 Area Code Games.
Coach McClure’s Comments: “After seeing Matt play and having followed the progress of his junior season we feel Matt has the opportunity to come in and hit in the middle of the lineup and contribute heavily as a freshman. Matt – like P.J, our other catching signee – can really swing the bat and also hits for power. I feel confident about the situation we will have behind the plate with these two young men the next few years.”
Discussion can be found here.
