University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
From The Mound
2/8/2002 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
From The Mound
6-3, 220, Sr., RHP
Columbia Academy
Columbia, Miss
Q - Is it a different feeling now that it is your senior year?
A - It kind of is. All the guys are looking up to me, but I am excited and ready to play this year.
Q - You had a shoulder injury last year. How's everything with your injury?
A - Everything is fine. I am 100 percent. It was a little arm problem, but I feel great now. The fall went well and my arm feels awesome.
Q - What are the expectations for the team this year?
A - We want to go to the conference tournament, win the conference and make it a regional. The team?s feeling is the same as mine.
Q - Does it feel different with so many new faces?
A - It is, but everybody is energetic about the season. Everyone is ready to play.
Q - Is your leadership role different?
A - I am trying to be more vocal and trying to help the younger guys make the adjustment to Division I baseball. Leadership is going to be the key, and I hope I can do it.
Q - How exciting is it that you are starting the season next week?
A - It is great. I am so excited that next weekend we start up.
Q - Can you describe how it feels to be warming up on the mound before a game starts?
A - It is the best feeling in the world to see the fans in the stands and the first batter come up to the plate. It is unbelievable.
Q - Is there any special thing you do to prepare for a game when you are pitching?
A - I just try to get my mindset together, stretch with the trainer and concentrate on the batter and that team.
Q - How much mental preparation goes into the game?
A - It is a lot. Most of it is mental in pitching, and the rest of it is just throwing the ball. You have to learn about the batters and listen to Coach Palmer and everything.
Q - How is the new baseball center?
A - It is awesome. Moving from Reed Green is great. Now, we don?t have to wait for the cars to pass so we can cross the street. It is great.
