MONTROSE - Conner Flynn a senior at Montrose, will get to live out something most little leaguers can only dream about. Flynn recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball collegiately at the Division One level with Rider University.

When asked how it feels to be a Division One commit Flynn responded, "I'm very excited to go to Rider University next year and the challenge that it will be."

Rider University is a private institution located in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, with a total enrollment just north of 4,000 students.

Playing baseball at any level in college is quite a feat, with only about eight percent of high school ball players continuing their baseball career after graduating.

Playing at the Division One level is even more impressive, with less than two percent getting an opportunity to compete at that level.

Montrose baseball coach Josh Winn isn't surprised by Flynn's Division One commitment, noting first, "Conner has spent countless hours at the cage perfecting his swing and throwing."

Anyone that knows the game of baseball, knows the work and dedication needed to make it to the next level. It's what you're doing when nobody is watching that will decide your fate.

Coach Winn admitted that Flynn was one of the more hungry players he's ever coached, "Conner is a delight to coach. He is an incredible teammate with a deep love and passion for improvement in his game."

Coach Winn added, "Conner is an immense talent, but is a shining example of what can happen when a player focuses on development." 

Flynn has put together a solid high school career, despite missing the entirety of his senior season due to an injury in basketball season, where he was averaging almost 20 PPG.

When asked how his recovery is going Flynn replied, "my recovery is going great, my leg feels like it's almost brand new."

Flynn compiled a solid .435 career batting average, with a .573 on base percentage. While slugging 23 extra base hits, including three homers, driving in 35 runs and scoring 32 more, all while only striking out a total of 13 times.

From the mound Flynn can throw smoke, topping 89 as a junior at Montrose, then touching 93 in Jupiter, Florida this past fall.

On the bump for the Meteors Flynn was 9-3, striking out 101 batters in just 82 innings of work, all while holding his opponents to just a .195 batting average.

For the Meteors and Coach Winn it has been tough not to pencil the senior leader into the lineup. With Coach Winn confessing, "Conner has been a vital contributor as a pitcher and as a third baseman, along with his role in the middle of our offense."

As for expectations for Flynn in the college game, Coach Winn said, "I have zero doubt that Conner will be exceptional at the next level." With Flynn's talent, desire and work ethic, I think most of us will agree with Coach Winn!

Despite the injuries, Montrose just finished a solid regular season campaign and will host a playoff game against Lakeland this week.