University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Athletics

            Brent Matish came to Pitt-Johnstown from Glendale Area High School as an infielder in 2001, but graduated in 2004 as one of the top outfielders in the North Atlantic Region.  Mr. Matish, who helped turn the Mountain Cat baseball program into a perennial winner, set several Pitt-Johnstown records and was named First-Team All-North Atlantic Region following his senior season in 2004.
            After playing in 22 games as a true freshman, Mr. Matish made the move from second base to centerfield the following year and started each of Pitt-Johnstown’s 133 games over his final three seasons.
            He batted .350 in 47 games as a sophomore in 2002, before hitting .380 and stealing 20 of 22 bases in 41 games in 2003.
            As a senior in 2004, Mr. Matish batted .405, and set Pitt-Johnstown single-season records for hits (70), at-bats (173), runs scored (56), and stolen bases (21).  His efforts also helped the Mountain Cats to a then program-best 31-14 overall record.
            Thirteen years later, Mr. Matish’s efforts remain at the top or near the top of the Pitt-Johnstown record books.  His 55 career stolen bases and 90.2% (55-61) stolen base success rate remain program records, while his 142 career runs-scored rank third.  Mr. Matish also still owns the single-season record for runs scored, and his 70 hits and 21 stolen bases in 2004 are third-best on the single-season lists.
            Mr. Matish, a native of Fallentimber, Pa., graduated from Pitt-Johnstown in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Studies and Geography.
            In 2005, Mr. Matish began working for Pier Heating and Cooling Company in Blandburg, Pa. as a HVAC Technician, a position he still holds today.
            He and his brother, Brian are also co- owners of Matish Farms in Fallentimber where they expanded the family farm and produce a variety of crops.                                                                                                                                                       
            Mr. Matish’s love for baseball continues today as a member of the Lilly franchise that has won 13 of the last 14 Altoona City League Championships.
            Mr. Matish remains very close with his parents, Bob and Linda, brother, and sister, Beth Burmeister, who all reside in the Fallentimber area.
            In December, Mr. Matish got engaged to Sarah Troxell.  The couple is planning to marry this fall.
            “With baseball being such a big part of my life, it is quite an honor to be inducted into the Pitt-Johnstown Athletics Hall of Fame with the other great athletes and coaches,” Mr. Matish said.  “I was lucky enough to be a part of a great team with hard-working guys who have become lifelong friends.  I would like to thank Coach Todd Williams, Coach Chris Caputo, and all of my teammates, along with the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown for this opportunity.  I also want to thank my parents and family for all of their support over the years to help make this day possible.”