PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Ripp: My expectation was that I would be able to be seen at the big events and I hoped that a bunch of colleges would talk to me if I did well. I didn’t realize that I actually had to send a bunch of emails to the coaches of the schools I was interested in for them to see me. It was a little more difficult than I thought, but it was definitely worth it.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Ripp: Not necessarily, I was looking for a good educational experience as well.

PBR: Where did George Washington first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Ripp: GW reached out to me after my very first Perfect game event when I was in Fort Meyers Florida. I developed a relationship with Coach Oliveri when I continually sent him emails or texts telling him how I was doing in my season and asking if he was going to be at some of my future events.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Ripp: I think that Will Dennis was a very tough opponent when it came to pitching because he was a tough lefty to hit off of.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Ripp: Never expect anything to just be given to you. Work extremely hard day on and day off, and if you are interested in a college, don’t just expect them to know who you are. Make sure you are sending them emails with attachment videos of your performance and showing them articles that were written about you.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shap! e and prepare for the upcoming season?

Ripp: I workout with Bob Zimmerman at Premier baseball and do a lot of arm care in the off-season. I also lift with Matt Hinkley 3 times a week to continue to develop my body so I can be ready to preform the upcoming season.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Ripp: My most memorable moment was probably when I played with my brother Derek down in Ft. Meyers Florida for the perfect game national championships. My team ended up going 6-0 for the overall winning of the tournament.

PBR: What do you like most about George Washington and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Ripp: I think the big thing that helped me decide was the high level of education presented at GW. Other than that, I really liked the coaching staff and the complex at the school.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Ripp: Bucknell, Lehigh and Dayton

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Ripp: Right after my perfect game event in Florida, my profile really started to pick up speed and it started to get a lot of attention.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Ripp: I think that St James will have a pretty good defensive season, but on offense I think we will need some work. I am hoping that we can advance to state, but that is likely to happen if we improve our hitting throughout the season. My goal is to have teams fear me when I step on the mound.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Ripp: I played with the Bullets this summer and my most memorable experience with them was when we were out in fort Scott for a tournament and the team really bonded together.