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Inside the Recruitment: '15 LHP Robert Wilson commits to Niagara

November 24, 2014


Robert WilsonFollow @PBR_Ontario

By Chris Kemlo
PBR Ontario Director of Scouting

Robert Wilson, LHP, 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Niagara University?

Wilson: It’s a good fit both academically and athletically. I can graduate with a solid degree as well as having the opportunity to play division 1 baseball. I got along with the coaching staff really well, and had confidence in them to develop me as a player.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Wilson: University of West Alabama, Buffalo, Morningside College, University of Sioux Falls

PBR: Where did Coach McCoy and Coach Spatafora first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?

Wilson: Coach McCoy first saw me when he attended one of our indoor workouts around January. I remember McCoy videotaping me, and then Spatafora sending me a letter a couple months later. From there, McCoy came out to a couple of our games where I pitched pretty bad in front of him. I thought I blew it haha, but a few phone calls later I decided to commit. McCoy and Spats are great guys and I’m excited to begin my collegiate career at Niagara.

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

Wilson: My family has always supported my goals. Whether it was driving me out to Port Hope to get some extra work in or driving me to the gym, my parents never complained. My family always believed that I was good enough to make it to the next level and helped motivate me to get there.

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

Wilson: The recruiting process was surprisingly very difficult. You have to keep on top of it if you truly want to play at the next level. College coaches won’t come knocking on your door asking you to play for them, so if you don’t work hard at it you’ll lose contact with coaches and it’s tough to get through to them again. You have to put as much effort into the recruiting process as on the baseball field.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and how has that helped you prepare for the next level?

Wilson: I play for the Ontario Terriers in the summer. They do a real good job of replicating the college life for ball players, so when you actually go to college you’re not overwhelmed by it all. I know the kind of work load I’m heading into next year when I go to Niagara. The Coaches with the Terriers really simplify the game and stress the basics, which has helped me realize what kind of pitcher I am and how to attack hitters.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff of the Purple Eagles have in store for you?

Wilson: Right now the coaching staff sees me as a lefty specialist and maybe fitting into a reliever role later on but to be honest I think my future with the Purple Eagles is in my own hands. I want to get that starting job and I’m going to do whatever it takes to earn it.

PBR: What do you feel are the strengths about your game?

Wilson: I throw a lot of strikes and am able to mix in three pitches to keep guys off balance. I know how to attack guys and work off my strengths.

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

Wilson: My most memorable baseball moment is going to the Jr. Sunbelt Classic last summer in Oklahoma. You’re amerced in a new lifestyle down there and the baseball is like nothing I’ve ever seen. You see guys down there throwing 96 mph as juniors in high school. Crazy.

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