Luke Schaefer, RHP, Portage Central HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Toledo?

Schaefer: The coaching staff was a big factor in my decisions, as well as the academic support I will receive to be successful as a student athlete. Coach Mee and coach Bradford really made me feel at home when I visited campus.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Schaefer: Of all of the schools I had visited and had given me offers my final decision was between Toledo and Wayne State.

PBR: Where did the Coach Mee first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Schaefer: Coach McIntyre was the first to see me at the PBR, Top Prospects Game. From there I had started to develop a stronger relationship with their pitching coach Josh Bradford.

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

Schaefer: I have not been given a specific role yet, however Toledo has proven to give all players an opportunities to contribute to their success. I hope to be a major contributor of that.

PBR: The Toledo campus is very close to home.  How much of a role did that play in your final decision?

Schaefer: Location was not a factor in my decision, I picked Toledo because I believed I could succeed as a ball player and as a student.

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

Schaefer: I feel my biggest strength as a player is my composure on the mound and control of my pitches. I fell my mental strength and skills can be shared with my teammates.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Schaefer: My summer team is the Kalamazoo Maroons. Playing in new Perfect Game complex was by far the most memorable moment of this summer.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team for the rest of your senior season?

Schaefer: Individually I plan to work on my velocity and improve my change-up, and for my high school team I hope to be a leader and to help them achieve their personal goals.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Portage Central?

Schaefer: 35.2 innings pitched, 40 strikeouts, 2.87 ERA, 5-3 Record, with one no-hitter.