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Inside the Recruitment: '15 C Tanner Kaplan commits to Wooster

July 17, 2015

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Tanner Kaplan, C, Traverse City St. Francis, Class of 2015

Tanner KaplanPBR: Why did you choose Wooster?

Kaplan: Wooster was the obvious choice for me. When I arrived on campus, the first thing I noticed was how welcoming everyone was. Upon meeting Coach  Pettorini  and Coach Craddock, as well as some of the players, I realized how  competitive  the program was—something that I was really looking for in my college choice. Having the opportunity to compete alongside a very skilled team and to play under a coach with more than 1,000 career wins were the factors that really pushed me towards Wooster. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Kaplan: I was looking at a number of schools including Trinity (TX), Davidson, Hillsdale, Lafayette, Holy Cross, Marietta, and Denison. 

PBR: What factors did you consider when looking for a school?

Kaplan: The most important things were the seriousness and intensity of the program, the program’s ability to win a national title in either division, the coaching staff, and whether I could help my team as a first-year or not. 

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you?

Kaplan: I first talked to Coach Craddock in Long Island, NY at the Headfirst Honor Roll Camp where I had the chance to perform in front of him for 3 days. 

PBR: What team are you playing for this summer and what has been the most memorable moment?

Kaplan: I play for the Michigan Jets out of Novi, MI and the most memorable moment so far is catching 14 innings against the Detroit Metro Stars in the championship game. 

PBR: What were your expectations going into the recruiting process? Did it go as you expected and what advice would you have for younger recruits?

Kaplan: I was fortunate to have a lot of coaching support from both my summer coaches as well as my hitting and catching coaches who have been through this  process  before so I knew, for the most part, what to expect. I’d say the most important advice I can give is to enjoy the process as much as you can, because the process goes quick. Just make the best of what you have and never stop competing. 

PBR: What were your stats during the high school season?

Kaplan: I hit .407 with 37 RBIs and 11 doubles and received First Team All-State, All-Region, All-District.

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