CLARKSTON - While size doesn’t hurt, Trevor Busyn has a lot more to bring to a college program.

“I have that competitive edge of wanting to win games,” explained the 6-8 225-pound right-handed pitcher. “I’ve got that teammate mentality, everyone comes first and then you.”

The 70th-rated 2022 in the state also brings an improved game that has attracted more and more colleges along the recruiting trail. But the process of looking for the right school has come to an end for the Clarkston High School senior after making a commitment to Central Michigan.

“I was waiting to see if a few Big 10 schools would offer but they were out-of-state and Central is in-state,” Busyn reasoned as to the decision to go to the Mid-American Conference school located a little less than two hours from home. “Central has done well and it’s close to home, so I decided I’m just going to pull the plug and make the right decision.”

What the 17-year-old saw in CMU head coach Jordan Bischel helped in making his college choice.

“What stood out was how he manages his team and grows players,” Busyn said of Bischel, who in his first season as Central Michigan head coach led the Chippewas to their first MAC regular-season title since 2015 and first conference tournament title since 1995. “The team’s success is the biggest thing. He’s been able to beat powerhouses in the midwest and get his team to regionals.”

Shane Stout, president of the Indiana Prospects organization, set up a bullpen of Busyn for Bischel to watch and the rest is history.

“A week after the bullpen they offered,” Busyn noted. “I sat on that for a while.”

Soon after, a decision was made.

“I’ve got a few friends going there, Cole Prout and Evan Waters, and it just felt right,” Busyn said  

The idea of playing at the next level began in 14 and 15U ball.

“That’s when I knew I really wanted to pursue it,” Busyn reflected. “I knew I had the skills, I just had to work for it.”

A back injury this past spring became an obstacle to overcome.

“That was a tough time,” Busyn admitted. “Contact was slow with schools.”

There was also some uncertainty.

“Coming out of the injury I didn’t think I’d be where I was,” Busyn noted. “I came out better than expected, but I wasn't sure if I was still D-I or was I JUCO.”

Fortunately, Central Michigan thought strongly enough of Busyn to make the Division I school his future home.

“They like how I repeat my mechanics and they like my fastball movement,” Busyn related. “They said the offspeed they can work with and get the spin rate up.”

Sport management will be the college major for Busyn, who carries a 2.93 GPA and is thrilled about the chance to be part of a college program at the highest level.

“This is an amazing opportunity to play with the best players in the country,” Busyn said. “Only about 7,000 coming out of high school get to do this. All the work I’ve put in is paying off.”

The Clarkston product looks forward to what college life as a student-athlete will be all about.

“I’ve always liked to travel,” Busyn related. “The chance to see all the big colleges around is going to be fun. Getting to play the good teams in the south and enjoying college life on your own and figuring everything out is going to be great.”

Admittedly, the end of the recruiting process brings comfort.

“What a relief for me and my family,” Busyn concluded. “There was a lot of travel with different conversations and weighing all the options. In the end it all paid off. My parents are relieved and I’m staying in state and they can come watch.”