Q&A with New Mexico Junior College Commit: Ryan Koehler

November 11, 2014

By Jeff Markle
Assistant State Director

Prep Baseball Report brought you into the world of Eaton Baseball. A tradition rich program that produces top quality baseball players year in and year out. We continue our look at committed players this week by focusing on a few players from Eaton who will take their skills to the next level at the conclusion of the spring season. Up first, 5-foot-11, 160 pound, Ryan Koehler, outfielder and New Mexico Junior College commit.

PBR: Why did you choose New Mexico J.C.? Ryan

Koehler: I chose New Mexico J.C. for many reasons. The amount of success that the program has had caught my attention right away. Also, the competition is extremely high in their league. It's a different kind of game when the pitching staff throws 90+ mph. I want to get better as a player and person and from visiting and talking to the coaches, I feel this program will do just that. Their facilities are also top of the line. It was very hard to beat!

PBR: Where did New Mexico J.C. first see you compete?

Koehler: Actually they didn't personally see me playing to catch their attention. My coach, Tagg Lane sent them some videos and scouting reports about me. Coach Simpson then sent me down to Hobbs to visit the campus and workout. That is how I got my scholarship.

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

Koehler: The role the coaches expect me to play during the first year is to try and be a hitter in the top of the order and be in the outfield.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that will help New Mexico J.C.?

Koehler: My biggest strength as a player is that I always want to get better or do better than I did the day before. I don't like to settle. I'm always striving to get better.

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

Koehler: The advice I would give about the recruiting process would be that it can be a stressful process. There are a lot of factors that weigh on the decision but take your time with it. Don't rush through it at all, make sure it's YOUR decision because you are the one who has to go to that school and play for that team.

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

Koehler: The most memorable baseball moment I have would have to be throwing three no hitters in my junior year.

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

Koehler: I would say that some of my best assets are working hard. I always want to get better so whether it's in the weight room during off-season, or on the field, I am going to work to get better.

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

Koehler: My brother, Brandon who pitches at Colby has had the biggest impact on me as a player. He has gone through many obstacles as a player and to see him overcome those obstacles and become a good college player motivates me to work hard for him. He never gave up. He has been my biggest supporter even when he was not there to watch, always texting me and congratulating me on my games and accomplishments. I owe a lot to my brother.

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

Koehler: I play for Eaton in the summer and my most exciting moment was playing in the legion A tournament and playing some of the best competition in the state. We didn't win, but we showed we could play with them.

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

Koehler: Tyler Stephens from Rocky Mountain was the best pitcher I faced. We played against each other in a fall ball game in Cheyenne. I got a walk but he made me swing and miss a couple of times. The best hitter that we have faced was definitely Devlin Granberg. We couldn't get him out, any pitch we threw he hit.

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

Koehler: Individually, I want to make sure that as a team we become the best that we can be. I want to make sure that the team connects and works well together from the beginning of the season, all the way to the end. As a team, I want us to play as a team, and win for each other.

Q&A with New Mexico Junior College Commit: Ryan Koehler

Related Content