Prep Baseball Report

Inside the Recruitment: '16 C Christian Kroger commits to Ohio Wesleyan



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Christian Kroger, C, Bishop Watterson, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Ohio Wesleyan?

Kroger: I chose OWU mainly for my academic interests. Wesleyan is a great school where I saw myself pursuing my academic and athletic career over the next four years. I also loved Coach Mott and he was a huge part in my decision.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Kroger: I was also considering Walsh, Ashland, Denison, John Carroll, and Heidelberg. 

PBR: Where did the Coach Mott first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
Kroger: I was told Coach Mott saw me at several of my Watterson games last season. I know he was at our State Semi-final game and the PBR unsigned senior games. Coach Mott has always been my hardest recruiter. Ever since the summer he has contacted me at least once a week and our relationship has grown tremendously since then. I am extremely excited to play for him over the next four years.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Kroger: Coach Mott expects me to compete for a starting position my freshman year. I will do anything to help the team and I will put in all the hard work necessary to earn a starting job on the collegiate level.  

PBR: Ohio Wesleyan is basically in your backyard.  How much of a factor did distance play in your decision?

Kroger: At first I thought OWU was too close to home and that was the only thing I did not like about the school. After thinking about it, I am glad I chose a college so close to home. My two biggest influences and biggest fans, which happen to be my parents, have never missed any of my games. Choosing a college so close to home will allow them to always be there and be able to support me. 

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help OWU baseball?

Kroger: I would say my biggest strengths as a baseball player include my athleticism and my willingness to be a team player. I'm willing to do what is best for the team and I will always play baseball under Coach Manahan's mindset: "big team, little me".

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Kroger: Last season I played for the Triple Crown Royals and my favorite moment from this past summer was winning the Notre Dame Tournament of Champions. 

PBR: Now that recruiting process is over what are your individual and team goals for this spring?

Kroger: This season my focus is on the team and not myself.  Right now and throughout the entire season the goals will be winning the CCL and then moving on to the District. If I perform well enough to repeat as All Ohio that would be awesome.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Watterson?

Kroger: Last season I hit .355 with 25 RBIs, 30 runs scored, six triples and six doubles.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?

Kroger: Josh Shapiro from Bexley,