Prep Baseball Report

Q&A with Northeast CC commit Mike Ripa of Papillion LaVista





By Brian Feekin

Prep Baseball Report Nebraska

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Name: Mike Ripa 
Class: 2017
Commitment: Northeast CC 
School:
Papillon LaVista
Position:
3B/RHP
Height/Weight: 6-foot, 185 pounds
Throws/Bats: R/R
State Ranking: 48



PBR: Why did you choose Newman? 
I took a visit to NECC in March and liked the campus, the academic opportunities and the training facilities 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

My situation was a little unusual. I had to decide between playing football and baseball. Some football choices were: Florida Tech, Benedictine. Other baseball schools were: Dakoto State, Midland, Doane.

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

Coach Clapp saw me at a PBR event this winter and reached out to me by inviting me for a campus visit in which he personally conducted my tour. He showed me all of the facilities related to baseball, buildings of my academic interest, and the dorms. He also watched me play this spring and after talking to him a few times I liked the fact that although this is a new baseball program, he has had several years of coaching at the college level.


PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?

Yes definitely. My priority right now is helping our team game by game, climb the ladder to make it to, and make a run in the state tournament. 

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?

The opportunity to contribute to the team right away was a huge factor. Also, NECC will be competing against other top ranked JuCo's  which will lead me to improve while getting plenty of exposure to 4 year colleges.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?

Both of my parents have gone the extra mile to get me where I am today. Paying for hitting lessons, Strike Zone memberships, hitting me ground balls in the backyard. What ever it took, they would do it. I am blessed to have a dad with such great knowledge of the game.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?

I was very excited to begin the recruiting process last summer. But I found that a lot of work is required by the player as well. Applying to colleges, researching their academic opportunities, trying to get sneak peeks of their facilities. Over all I would say it is a long process rather than difficult or easy.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?

I will be an immediate contributor and continue to develope in all areas of the game.

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

My walk off single against the Titans (Papillion South) my Junior year.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?

Logan Foster.

 

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