Par Hills Baseball Star Moves Forward in Sports and Life

Parsippany Hills High School scholar-athlete Connor Clark has his eye on the future, and it will include baseball. The senior recently signed a National Letter of Intent during the early signing period to play the sport for West Liberty University in West Virginia.

"After speaking with a number of college coaches and receiving other offers, Connor decided to commit to West Liberty University, which is Division 2 baseball," said proud dad Matt Clark. "He will be attending West Liberty in fall 2013, where he will pitch and play first base."

Clark said his son chose West Liberty for reasons that go beyond balls and strikes.

"We are very pleased because the university is a good fit both academically and athletically for Connor," said Clark. "Connor is looking to pursue a career in the medical field. West Liberty will prepare him well for his future goal to go to medical school."

Connor agreed that academics were behind his choice.

"Back in middle school, I really liked science, and as I got older, I realized I wanted to pursue a medical career," he told Patch. "The baseball program at West Liberty wanted me and I looked into their medical program and it was a really good fit for me."

Indeed, the university's website indicates that its pre-med graduates have a 98 percent acceptance rate into medical schools.

Connor, 17, said Parsippany Hills High has prepared him well for the challenges that lie ahead.

"Being at the Hills made me more of an independent person," he said, noting that this should help him in purusing his athletic and academic goals.

In the meantime, the 6-foot-3 pitcher/fielder has another high school season to get through prior to graduation.

"We have a lot of returning players this year," he said, saying he's looking forward to the Vikings having a winning season on the baseball diamond. "It's good to have the experience."

Matt Clark said that at Par Hills, his son has excelled at baseball and as a student.

"Connor has worked very hard to achieve success both on the baseball field and in school," said his dad. "He has been a very diligent student athlete participating in regional competitive baseball year round playing up and down the East Coast. He has also worked very hard to achieve success in school.

"We are very proud of Connor’s work ethic and determination, and wish him success in the future."

For his part, the young man said his biggest worry is making new friends at college.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people and hope it all goes well," he said. "West Virginia is very different from New Jersey."