Where were you when the news dropped about all sports being canceled for the rest of the year?
Home in Ohio it was only a few days after we had to leave campus because while everyone was on break, we were still on campus because we had games.
What was your initial reaction to the news?
Devastated, although we had a young team, I thought we had a chance to win the MEAC. When I first found out about the virus, I did not think it was this serious. Luckily, the NCAA is granting everyone another year, but I still miss it every day especially on the days that we were supposed to be having games.
What do you miss the most with the season being taken away so abruptly?
I was mostly hurt for the other seniors because I didn't think that they would get there season back but I had another year of eligibility because of my redshirt my freshman year at Kent State. The thing I miss most is bus rides and traveling with my team. We are all close for the most part and it's always good energy on the bus.
Everyone that I have interviewed so far from the team said that you guys were close. What makes this team so special?
I think it was the young talent and leadership that we had this year. With the big freshman class that we had come in most of them had to step up early. Also, right before everything got canceled everyone on the team was starting to hit their stride and get in the flow and once the conference play came around, we would have been rolling. Last year it took us a lot longer to get everyone going and we were still (just) one game away from a MEAC championship.
As one of the seniors on the squad did you address the entire team after the news dropped?
I did not I leave most of that stuff to the guys that have been here for all 4 years but I did talk to a few guys individually. Everyone is just working hard and trying to stay ready for next season because you never know when you can get your season taken from you.
How are you able to keep your head up and train during the shutdown?
It's tough, it's so easy to be lazy and just play PS4 and eat all day. But you can ask anyone I love being in the gym getting a workout in, getting stronger, and hitting in the annex. So, I just feel like it's a part of my routine. My parents have helped by buying me a net, a tee, and a bucket of baseballs so I could train right at home because with parks and training facilities closing down it has been hard to do everything that you want to.
How can this young team still develop despite the season being cut short? And what role do you play in as a senior and helping them grow as student-athletes?
Everyone just has to keep a level head and keep working. We will post in our Snapchat group of us working whether it's weights or hitting to keep that competitive energy. We all want to get better and we are all wishing this will be over sooner than later but we have to keep pushing each other even when we are not together. As a senior I lead by example I am not as vocal as some of the other guys like Chandler and Tommy but I do my part by working hard on the field and in the class room. Sometimes guys will need a partner when they go hit outside of practice and 9 times out of 10 I will be there to help if I am not doing anything. Even if I already went myself, I will at least go and toss to the guys if they need it.
Does this shutdown in some way help prepare you for life after baseball?
Yes, I think so because it can literally get taken away at any moment whether it be from injury or a crazy pandemic or anything. You will have to adapt to that life eventually and unfortunately for some people this will bring it sooner than later.
Any concerns about the possibility of not being able to finish your classes this semester?
Not at all. All I had this semester was my internship so I finished the assignments to make up for my hours and I will be graduating this semester. But I know this adjustment is not so easy for people with other classes because people have varying situations at home and there are some classes that are hard to complete without a teacher in front of you being able to help you. Also, I feel like there is more ways to slack off because you are not being forced to go to class.
With the possibility of not having a traditional graduation, how will you celebrate getting your bachelor's degree?
Haven't really thought about it because I am going back to get my masters. Plus, I wouldn't have been able to walk this year anyway because we would have been in Florida for the conference tournament. So I haven't really thought about it especially with everything going on. Plus, I'm not the biggest fan of a virtual commencement.
What was your reaction when the news broke, that the NCAA gave all spring athletes an extra semester of eligibility?
I was relieved I wanted another chance to play with the other seniors Jared Gillis, Tommy (Jordan), Brandon Bly, and Chandler (Fitzgerald).
What are your expectations for next season?
I feel like it is going to be one for the books everyone will be coming back with a fire lit under them. Especially the seniors, so I think that now all freshman know what it takes to play at this level, and they will be ready next year. I think the expectations will be higher next year because we will have the most experience on the team and we will have a good chance of winning the conference and going to a regional.
Mark Herron being committed to return for the Hornets is good news for the program. The outfielder from Cortland, Ohio has shown promise as a power hitter in DSU's lineup. He recorded nine walks, eight runs batted in on six hits, five runs and recorded one homerun before the season was cancelled.
