Q and A with 2013 Western Carolina Commit: Ryan Arington (Cincinnati Christian HS)

Ryan Arington, SS/RHP, Cincinnati Christian HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Western Carolina?
Arington: The Western Carolina staff identified me very early on and I had an opportunity to visit their staff and campus on four different occasions.  Each time there I felt really comfortable.  Their coaching staff are outstanding communicators and the campus and facilities are great. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Arington: Kentucky, Michigan State and Xavier.  Each of those schools are phenomenal in their own right and all have outstanding programs.

PBR: You have made your commitment very early.  Why did you chose to  make your decision so soon and are you finished with the recruiting process?
Arington: I really felt a personal connection with Coach Moranda and Coach Beck at WCU.  I felt like they really want the best for me as much off the field as on the field.  My Dad and myself did a lot of work this past fall in visiting schools and meeting the respective staffs.  In the end I felt that going to WCU is the best choice for me personally and I don't see that changing. 

PBR: Where did the WCU coaches first see you?
Arington: Coach Beck saw me play at a Showball event in Ft. Myers, Florida this past August.  He watched my play three games while there.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Arington: They expect me to come in immediately and be an impact player.

PBR: What are some of your strengths as a baseball player and what are some things that you are hoping to work on before your senior season?
Arington: The feedback I receive from other coaches and scouts is that they love my athleticism and my ability to move for a 6'6 player and my overall upside.  I have been told that I am above average as a defensive player and my ability to hit with power and run are my strengths.  As far as things to work on, I would like to continue to gain strength and gain 10 pounds of muscle going into my senior year.

PBR:  What team do you play for in the summer?
Arington: I play for the Cincinnati Spikes and we are based out of Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio.

PBR: What sort of sacrifices did you have to make to play a travel intensive schedule during the summer? What sort of advice would you pass on to players looking to make the same decision?
Arington: None.  To have the opportunity to travel and play against and with some of the best players in the country is not a sacrifice but rather a blessing.  My family is the one that really have made the sacrifices.  My advice to players would be to work hard every single day.  To try and get better each day even if it is only for a few minutes. Get better each day and be thankful and appreciative of every single opportunity.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Arington: Other than my Grandfather and my Father I would have to say my two Spikes coaches Trent Hanna and Bubba O'Donnell and my best friend Hannah Locke.  Those three have loved, mentored, pushed and held me accountable for virtually everything in my life on and off the field.  Also, as a Christian, I give glory to God for the ability he has given me and feel incredibly blessed each day to be able to play.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Cincinnati Christian?
Arington: My average was .511.  I had 8 doubles, 10 triples, 9 home runs and 42 RBI.  I was also 6-0 with a 0.46 ERA and had 73 strikeouts in 46 innings on the mound.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?
Arington: Brian Burkhart