Sam Sustersic, OF, Revere HS, Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Dayton?

Sustersic: I chose the University of Dayton for many reasons. The school was a perfect fit both academically and athletically for me. My brother already attends UD so I knew going into the recruiting process that I loved the school and wanted to be a part of the baseball program.  I have been very impressed with the way Coach Vittorio and Coach Talarico run the Flyer program.  Once they offered me, I knew UD would be the place I would choose.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Sustersic: Toledo, Buffalo, Xavier 

PBR: Where did Coach Vittorio first see you?

Sustersic: Coach Vittorio first saw me at Dayton’s winter prospect camp. Then they came out and saw me play during the summer.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable moment.

Sustersic: I play for the Midwest Pelicans Demarini 17U. My most memorable moment from this summer was winning the All Prospect World Series and finishing the year on a 7 game winning streak. 

PBR: You have competed in numerous PBR events.  How has PBR helped you in the recruiting process?

Sustersic: I have attended three PBR events. The one event that significantly jumpstarted my recruiting process was the 2013 Underclass Games. I received good feedback from the PBR staff and college coaches after that showcase. Then, the 2014 Top Prospect Games helped me be seen by a large amount of college coaches. Overall, PBR has been beneficial in the recruiting process by getting my name out to a number of colleges.

PBR:  What team do you play for in the summer?

Sustersic: Midwest Pelicans Demarini 17U coached by Neall French, who I would like to thank for helping me in the recruiting process. Coach French really helped me grow as a player and taught me many things to improve my skills. My Pelican teammates were all great, hardworking players who I know will all be successful at the college level. 

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

Sustersic: I expected the recruiting process to be stressful because I wanted to find the right school. My coaches told me that I had to remain patient throughout the process, continue to work hard, and everything would fall into place.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Revere?

Sustersic: Batting Average: .397 Hits: 27 RBIs: 21 Doubles: 10 Triples: 3 HR: 1 OBP: .500 Slugging: .676 OPS: 1.176 

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

Sustersic: Without a doubt my Pelican teammate Chris Machamer is the toughest pitcher I have ever faced (inside and outside of Ohio). I faced Chris during the high school season when we played Massillon.

I want to thank my hitting coach Dan Smego, who I have hit with since I was 8 and has helped me become the ball player that I am today.