Schwierking Overcomes Injuries On Journey To CMU

Chase Schwierking RHP / 1B / Walled Lake Western, MI / 2024

NOVI - A two-year setback due to breaking a foot three times only made Chase Schwierking appreciate a college commitment more.

Unlike the lengthy dealing with injuries, which included a false diagnosis, the recruiting process went quickly between Schwierking and Central Michigan.

“I was hanging with friends and texted the coach congrats on his new job and I got a text back ‘Can you call tonight?’ ” Schwierking reflected back to the start of a two-week process that ended in a commitment to the Mid-American Conference university in Mount Pleasant, two hours from home. “He said, ‘Can you visit, we’ll figure out a date and make it official.’ But it ended up being canceled because the head coach’s wife had a kid.

“After that I went to a camp a few days later and our team had a no-show pitcher,” the 26th-rated 2024 right-handed pitcher in Michigan continued. “I ended up facing 15 and struck out nine. After that I told the coaches thanks for having me and they said they’d stay in touch. But before I got to the car (pitching) coach (Aaron) Hilt said he wanted to talk. Four days later I made an official visit and they eventually sat me down.”

One thing stood out in the eyes of the Walled Lake Western senior.

“They wanted me as much as I wanted them,” Schwierking said. “You know if it’s right. They made me comfortable and that made me feel good and I wanted to put on a show for them. They offered and I accepted the next day.”

It was a memorable time.

“It was pretty emotional, I shed a few tears, I'm not going to lie,” related Schwierking, who had his parents, sister, both grandfathers and one grandmother with him. “Having family there and recording it was awesome. I loved everything about it. Being in the atmosphere of coach Hilt, I love his philosophy. It all made me feel great.”

The feeling was mutual.

“They really like my size, you can’t teach size,” the 6-6 210-pounder noted. “They like my breaking ball and love the way my two-seam runs in on righties. My curve has a speed change of 12 miles an hour and my change another two so it’s 14. I’m lanky and coming down on hitters.”

While there was missed time on the ball diamond and Schwierking quit basketball to focus on recovery, the 90th-ranked 2024 in the state eventually was back playing and being recruited.

“It was stressful,” Schwierking admitted. “I really did start late. I did a video of every pitch I had, but I wasn’t at my full potential with the foot and that really stressed me out. I ended up getting back in a throwing program and made a six mile-an-hour jump. After that a bunch of schools reached out and wanted me to come on a visit. Central Michigan saw me at the PBR Future Games and said they wanted me to throw in person.”

Lawrence Tech, Mott, Adrian, McComb and Oakland were other state schools interested in Schwierking, who gave credit to physical therapist Brad Page for playing a major role in getting back to 100 percent.

“He helped me for two years straight,” Schwierking noted. “He made it fun for me. I went in three times a week and went to work.”

Kyle Fedorka and Greg Haeger with High Performance Training are also credited by Schwierking with helping the cause in becoming a CMU commit.

“I can’t wait, but I know I have to go out and earn my spot,” Schwierking said of what he believes he can provide the program at Central. “I want to be a force on the mound and give every hitter a problem. I’m going to throw my best pitch and you’re going to have to hit it. I’m ready to compete and help the team win.”

That is just part of what Schwierking is looking forward to at the next level.

“I’m ready for the atmosphere,” Schwierking said. “I’m ready to experience college life, to be on campus and not at home, where your job is to play baseball. Do what you signed up for.

“I’m also excited to connect with the team. When I was there I met a few of them and I’m ready to make connections with the other players, go there and bond with everybody.”

Physical therapy or sports medicine will be the major according to Schwierking, a 3.1 student at Walled Lake Western who is still feeling great about his commitment.

“Honestly, it was surreal,” the 17-year-old concluded. “It was a day I didn’t think would come true with all the stress and doubt I had from injuries. To go from where I was to where I ended up landing is amazing.”