TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

Well, after five years you get pretty used to it. But as a freshman, I came from playing in Canada so I was used to playing indoors most of the time. We really didn’t get outside most of the time until about May, so it wasn’t too much of an adjustment for me.

2. What was it like coming back last season after missing the 2006 season due to Tommy John surgery?

It felt great. After having to just watch the team for a full season and not be able to contribute it was great to be healthy and be with the guys again.

3. The baseball team will play a full month of road games to start the season. How difficult is all of that travel to begin the season?

After being inside for so long, you are willing to do whatever it takes to get outside, get some grass under your feet and be able to compete. We’ve been training since August, almost everyday, so to be able to actually get out and play some games we are willing to do just about whatever it takes.

4. Do you have a favorite place to play on the road?

Ohio University is a favorite of mine. I played summer ball there one year. It’s a great little university town and the weather always seems to cooperate when we go there. Other than that, my freshman year we went to Kansas State and that is where I made my first college start, so that one stands out for me too.

5. You were drafted by the Seattle Mariners out of high school. What made you choose college rather than turning pro?

If I went pro, I would have been far away from my family and the chance to get an education at a school like UB was too good to pass up. I also knew that if I came here I would get a chance to contribute to the program immediately, and it’s all about playing.

6. Do you have a pre-game routine and if so, what is it?

I try to have a decent meal the night before and then a fairly light breakfast. Then it’s more superstitions that routine. I always wear the same pair of socks, the same undershirt and keep the same thing in my back pocket. So it’s more stuff for luck than routine.

7. What are your goals this season going into this season?

For me individually, there are a few career records at UB that I kind of have my eyes on. It would be kind of nice to go down in the record books. For the team, we want to make the MAC playoffs. Being seventh place last year and just missing, after being not too competitive in years past, it would really be nice this year to show that we are one of the better teams in the MAC and that we have grown.

8. What has been your favorite moment as a student-athlete at UB?

Just having so many teammates and just being part of a close group with the guys. Making so many friendships that will last a lifetime.

9. If you could play any other sport at UB, what and why?

Well, I’d like to play hockey, but we don’t have a hockey team. I don’t know, I haven’t really thought about it. I guess, I can remember Turner Battle and Mark Bortz back a few years ago, I would love to have played basketball with those guys.

10. What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to golf and snowboard. I like to work on cars and hang out with the guys.