By Phil Wade
Director, PBR Indiana

Columbus East's William Anderson, a 6-foot-8 RHP, recently committed to Northern Illinois and Head Coach Ed Mathey.  

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose Northern Illinois?

Anderson: I really liked the coaches.  They believed in me early on and made me a great offer.  I also like the athletic facilities and dorms.   

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Anderson: Mostly schools in the MAC, Big 10, and AAC.

PBR: Where did NIU first see you compete and when did you take your first visit?

Anderson: NIU saw me last summer at a tournament and I took a visit to campus last fall.

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

Anderson: They expect me to work hard and gain some weight and muscle and make in impact in the team.

PBR: What were your expectations in regards to the whole recruiting process?

Anderson: I really didn’t know what to expect but it was more stressful than I thought it would be.

PBR: You play for the Indiana Thunder in the summer, talk about your experience playing for them.

Anderson: The Thunder has been my favorite team I’ve ever played on.  The players and coaches are fun and we win a lot of games.   

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

Anderson: Probably my Dad because he was my first coach. 

PBR: What were your stats this spring at Columbus East? 

Anderson: I hit .371 with 27 RBIs and 3 homeruns.  On the mound, I was 5-2 with a 3.0 ERA and one no-hitter.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter you’ve faced in Indiana?

Anderson: I would say Nolan Rogers from Bloomington South.  I pitched against him last year as a sophomore and he was a really tough out because he could get on base so many different ways.