Q&A With North Iowa Area CC Commit: '16 Blake Elsbecker, OF, Algona

January 8, 2016

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Iowa

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Name: Blake Elsbecker
Position: OF
Class: 2016
Height/Weight: 6-foot, 170-pounds
High School: Algona
PBR Rank: #38 in IA 2016 Class

PBR: Why did you choose North Iowa Area CC?
ELSBECKER: I chose NIACC because I loved the coaching staff and how they pride themselves on developing players. I also loved their hitting approach, strength program, and I had the sense they loved the game as much as I did. I think going there will help me develop into a better player and hopefully get me to the next level.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
ELSBECKER: I was also considering Iowa Lakes CC, Iowa Central CC, and Bradley University.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
ELSBECKER: The hitting coach saw me play this fall with the Perfect Game Iowa Select teams. I talked to the hitting coach over the phone a couple times and liked what he had to say so I went on a visit. When I got on campus and met the head coach and hitting coach in person I knew it was the place for me.

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?
ELSBECKER: I am very relieved the recruiting process is over. I was very stressed I would not get a school because I was coming off a torn ACL, but luckily I found the perfect fit and now I can just focus on getting better and not having to worry about what school I'm going to attend.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?
ELSBECKER: The number one factor in choosing NIACC was the fact that they have developed players into better players and have sent 3 kids to the SEC which no other school in that conference has done so I felt confident they knew their stuff about baseball.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?
ELSBECKER: All credit goes to my Dad on getting me where I am today. He pushed me every day to get better and continues to do so, I am very lucky to have the relationship I do with Dad.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?
ELSBECKER: I had no clue on what the recruiting process would be like when it started. I found it to be a good experience and it was easier than I thought it would be.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?
ELSBECKER: The coaches said they plan on developing me to become a better player by hard work and dedication and hopefully giving me the opportunity to play at the next level.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?
ELSBECKER: The most memorable moments I've had in baseball is playing in the state tournament as a sophomore, and playing in the WWBA tournament in Jupiter twice.

PBR: Who is the best player that you have competed against?
ELSBECKER: The best player I've competed against has been Spencer Van Scoyoc from Cedar Rapids.