Chuckey-Doak senior Lynkin Cutshaw’s future will involve a lot more baseball as the senior pitcher inked his way to the collegiate level by signing to continue his career at Pellissippi State University on Wednesday.
“It feels great. I’ve been looking forward to doing this my entire baseball career. Especially getting into high school. Just looking to sign in front of everybody. Always thought it was a pretty cool moment. Always been looking forward to doing it,” Cutshaw expressed.
After putting ink to paper, Cutshaw became the first Chuckey-Doak athlete to ever sign with Pellissippi State.
Cutshaw’s time in black and gold ended in the District 1-2A Tournament, but it’s not the end for Cutshaw. Chuckey-Doak’s ace will continue to toe the rubber and take his pitching talents to the next level. He has been a 4-year starter with the program and has contributed at many positions for many years. Everybody knows him best for his dominance on the mound and that’s where he looks to stay. He spoke about when the idea first came to his mind about potentially becoming a college baseball player.
“My junior year I’d say I had a breakout season on the mound. That’s when I really realized that I can definitely do this. I always had pitching on my mind to go to college for,” he explained.
Pitching is Lynkin’s favorite and that’s what he plans on sticking with going into college. “Definitely going to be on the bump. It’s my favorite thing to do. I personally think that’s what I’m the best at and that’s what they’re wanting me to do and I’m looking forward to pitching,” Cutshaw stated.
The coaching staff was a key reason in Cutshaw’s decision to join Pellissippi’s squad. The friendliness the staff displayed helped Cutshaw feel right at home.
“I hopped on a phone call with Coach Pewitt one night. I talked to him for about an hour. It wasn’t like I was really talking to a coach, it was almost like I was talking to a really good friend I’ve known my whole life. Same thing with the Head Coach, Coach Hughes. Really cool guy,” Cutshaw said.
Pellissippi State is located down the road in Knoxville. The Panthers are the team’s mascot. They compete in the NJCAA’s Division 1 level and the Tennessee Community College Athletic Association (TCCAA). Shawn Hughes is the Head Coach.
Lynkin spoke about the competitive nature of juco and how it brings the best out of every player, “The juco route is one of the better routes to take. Everybody is hungry to make it to the next level and to make it D1, D2, or wherever you can go. Just keep climbing and climbing.”
He plans on getting stronger, gaining weight, and adding to his velo to prepare for college.
Lynkin enters college undecided on his degree, but has an interest in business.
Cutshaw reflected back on his time at Chuckey-Doak and everything it’s meant to him.
“It’s meant everything. It’s shaped who I am. Shaped the baseball player I am. It’s really just led me up to this moment to keep moving forward,” he said.
