Inside the Recruitment: '15 INF Michael Gilliland commits to Defiance College

PBR: Why did you choose Defiance?

Gilliland: I just felt very comfortable with the school and the people involved with the school.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Gilliland: Concordia, Heidelberg, Bluffton, Anderson 

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Gilliland: I attended the DC prospect camp my sophomore year and through talking to the coaches and finally visiting they made me feel like a great fit for the program

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Gilliland: They expect me to come and work hard and do all I can to help the program become better

PBR:  Defiance is very close to home.  How important of a role was distance in your decision?

Gilliland: Very important, I want my family to be able to attend as many games as possible so it was a big factor

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

Gilliland: My Dad and brother have both influenced me very much on the baseball field 

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

Gilliland: I play for the Napoleon River Bandits legion team. My most exciting experience was traveling with the team and competing in the Legion district, state, and regional tournaments along with the legion state tournament

PBR: What were your stats last season? 

Gilliland: B.A- .363 RBI- 11 1B- 19 2B-9 3B- 1 SB- 10

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Ohio?

Gilliland: Austin Hancock