By Jeff Markle
Assistant State Director of Scouting

PBR Colorado is continuing it's look at committed players and recently we had a chance to catch up with Colorado Mesa commit, Will Dixon.  The 6-foot-4, senior, right-handed pitcher burst on the scene last year with a perfect 6-0 record, logging 40 innings and recording 41 strikeouts.  At the plate, Dixon collected 21 hits and 19 RBI for the Golden Eagles.  Going into this spring, Dixon will be a key piece for a young team, looking to make it's way back to post season play.

PBR: Why did you choose Colorado Mesa?

Dixon:  I chose Colorado Mesa because I believe that they are the best baseball school in the state of Colorado. Every year they are competing to win the RMAC. Also last year they were in the national championship game and that is something that I want to be a part of. I want to go somewhere with the goal of helping a team win a national championship. 

PBR: Where did Colorado Mesa first see you compete?

Dixon:  To be honest with you I do not know the first time that the Mesa coaching staff watched me play. I do know however that they originally were looking at me as a pitcher but during the Area Code tryouts I did not pitch I only played first and third. This opened up the possibility of me playing both the corners while pitching. They also were at a few of my baseball games during the Senior Fall Classic in Arizona. 

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Dixon:  I committed to the role of a corner guy who can also pitch. However I am just looking for the opportunity to get a chance to help the team out in anyway possible as a freshman. 

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help Colorado Mesa?

Dixon:  I believe that my best strength is being a leader. I have learned a lot about leadership and what it takes to be a leader from my head coach Ron Quintana. He has mentored me a lot through out my high school career. He has taught me that baseball is a game of failure and it does not matter how much God given talent you have if you cannot handle the mental aspect of this game you will never make it. 

PBR:  What advice would you give about the recruiting process?

Dixon:  The recruiting process is definitely a very stressful time but it all about finding your right place. It is hard for a 17 or 18 year old kid to try to pick where he will spend the next four years of his life, but if you keep an open mind to every college that has interest in you eventually you will find the right place. 

PBR:  What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

Dixon:  My most memorable baseball moment had to be from last spring. The team that I played on was a brotherhood we were such a close nit group of guys that really cared about each other. We were all fighting for the same goal. It was something that was very special everyone knew their role and did not try to do more. We fell a little bit short of what we wanted to accomplish but I would not have wanted to be on any other team in the state. 

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Dixon:  A lot of people have had monumental impacts on my baseball career. Obviously my father is at the top of this list. He has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and do what I love. Without him I do not know where I would be today. 

 PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience?

Dixon:  I have played for both Batters Box and Colorado Instructional league. Summer baseball is great because you get to just go out and play. You get to make great friendships that otherwise you would not make with kids from all over the state. 

PBR:  What would you say are your best assets on and off the field that will help your team next year?

Dixon:  This year we do not return very many seniors. We will only have three guys that started every game last year. (Marc Mumper, Brady Subart, and myself) we will need leadership and I believe that the three of us will all bring that to the table. We will be strong this year and we should be able to make a run at a state championship and if we do have that opportunity I believe that Marc, Brady and I will be able to help out the rest of the team with how to carry yourself in a playoff atmosphere. 

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Colorado?

Dixon:  The toughest pitcher that I have ever faced has to be David Peterson from Regis last year. You don't see a kid with his size throwing as hard as he does from the left side very often. 

PBR: What are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

Dixon:  I just have one goal for both my team and myself for this upcoming season, and that is to be state champions. This is my last chance at this. The Mountain Vista baseball program has given so much to try to win a state championship and I want it. My team wants it and we will go out there and give it out best shot.