At the Midwest Future Games, Storm Rynard (Raymore-Peculiar) showed why he is more than deserving of the No. 2 ranking in the Class of 2014 for Missouri, and will soon see himself move way up the ranks of the combined Class of 2014 rankings. Rynard wasted no time shutting down Team Indiana for three innings with a nearly unhittable 88-90-mph fastball and a knee buckling 77-79-mph slider. Rynard separated himself as one of the premier prospects in the Midwest, surrendering just one hit and striking out four in his overpowering three innings of work.

While Rynard excelled on the mound, he also showed versatility in the field, setting a Future Games record with his 91-mph throw across the infield and showing ability at both shortstop and third base. 

Recently committed to the Unversity of Arkansas (the first Class of 2014 committment), we caught up with Rynard to talk about some of his success and plans for the future:

PBR: Which schools were you considering prior to committing to the University of Arkansas? 

Rynard: Missouri State, Missouri, Nebraska, Kansas and Wichita State

PBR: What were the reasons that you ultimately chose Arkansas?

Rynard: A couple of years ago I made a list of the schools that I wanted to play at. Arkansas has always been number one on the list. Great coaching, great facilities, in the best baseball conference, and it meant a lot for my family to be close enough to see me play.

PBR: What was the relationship you had with the Arkansas coaches in the recruitment process?

Rynard: Coach Van Horn and Coach Jorn came out to watch me play on numerous occasions and were in constant contact with my summer coach. I called and had many conversations with the coaches and every time felt more and more comfortable. Once we went to the campus and met with the coaches, I knew I didn’t need to look any further. Once I said the words, “I am going to be a Razorback…” It was awesome to see the coaches high fiving, and I thought I saw Coach Butler do a cartwheel. 

PBR: Do you feel that playing in the Kansas City area and facing the competition you do has prepared you to be a DI player?

Rynard: I am lucky to play on a summer team that travels to some of the best tournaments. I have also been fortunate to play in showcases that matched me up against the best of the best. I think that is a huge part to being prepared and will continue to play against the best competition I can.

PBR: As one of the top ranked players in the Class of 2014, do you feel any added pressure to follow up on your success from 2012 and beyond?

Rynard: Not really. I work with some great coaches in the off season and will just try to continue to improve.  

PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from a hitting and pitching perspective?

Rynard: As a player that goes both ways: As a pitcher, I wish they would go to only wood bats. As a hitter, bring back the BESR bats!

I think it is good overall, it makes you learn to hit. 

PBR: What team did you play for over the summer and how did it go for you? Were there any aspects of your game that you wanted to improve during the summer?

Rynard: I played for Jeremy Jones on Building Champions. I owe a lot of my success to Jeremy and his program.

I tried to focus on all aspects of my game, but probably my biggest focus was on becoming a “pitcher”. I have always thrown hard but this summer I worked hard on learning how to pitch to get the batter to get themselves out.

PBR: As you head into your junior year, is it good to have the commitment and recruiting process done?

Rynard: Absolutely! Does that mean I cruise from here? Not a chance, now is when I can concentrate on working the next two years on getting prepared for the next level.

PBR: Do you feel that this season will be any different considering that you know where you’ll attend college?

Rynard: Not at all, I will continue to work as hard as I can and prepare myself like I always do.

PBR: What do you hope to accomplish in this upcoming season on an individual level?

Rynard: I have been consistent at 87-90 and have topped at 93 this year. My goal on the mound is to try to be consistent at 90-92 and be able to hit 95.

At the plate I would like to continue to improve hitting the off speed pitch.

 

PBR: What advice would you give to other players who are just beginning the recruiting process?

Rynard: Just to remember that it’s a process. Focus on getting better in the off season. That is where you get the most improvement. In the summer play against the best competition. Finally, work with your summer and high school coaches to contact the schools you want to play for.

To view Storm's profile and video, click here.