Charlie Karstedt
Assistant Director, New York

College Coaches Q & A
College or University: University At Buffalo
Level: Division 1 (MAC)
Coaches Name: Adam Skonieczki
Coaches Title: Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator

Playing Career 2007-2010 University At Buffalo

Coaching Career – 2010-2012 – Volunteer Assistant Coach, Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi (Division 1, Southland Conference)2012-2015 – Recruiting Coordinator, Georgetown College (NAIA, Mid South Conference)

2015-Present – Recruiting Coordinator, University at Buffalo ( Division 1, Mid American Conference)

PBR: Please give a little background on the UB Baseball Program
Skonieczki: The University at Buffalo is a division 1 program in the prominent Mid-American Conference.  Since the 2012 season, the Bulls have had 6 players continue their playing careers with MLB affiliated teams.  Currently, there are two Buffalo Bulls on Major League rosters in Steve Geltz and Tom Murphy.

PBR: What is unique to your program that your staff and team takes great pride in?
Skonieczki: We are big believers of developing our kids into great young men and baseball players.  We can promise that by the time you leave the University, you will reach your full potential as a ball player.

PBR: What do you look for in potential players?

Skonieczki: We look for three things in our recruits.  Obviously the first thing is, can the prospective student athlete play at this level.  If the answer is yes, then we can evaluate the transcripts of the student.  Finally, and also very important to us, is character.  We need to decipher if this is a good kid and if he will be able to fit into our “team first” atmosphere.

PBR: Are there any immediate “Red Flags” when recruiting players?

Skonieczki: Taking the game for granted; lazy actions and overall lack of hustle.  

PBR: Academically are there any base numbers that you look for?

Skonieczki: We look for all around good students.  If you cannot take care of business in the classroom it will likely translate to the field.
PBR: Have any players gone on to play professionally from your program if so how many ?

Skonieczki: We have numerous players currently playing in the Minor League system. 2 current big leaguers in Tom Murphy (Rockies) and Steve Geltz (Rays).  We are one of only two schools in the MAC to have at least one player drafted in each of the last four Major League Baseball Drafts.

PBR: Do you have any interesting facts or stories about UB Baseball?

Skonieczki: In the last 4 years, the Bulls have produced 2 MAC players of the year – Tom Murphy and Jason Kanzler.  Two National Gold Glove awards – Jason Kanzler(2).  One MAC Head Coach of the Year in Ron Torgalski.

PBR: Do you have any advice for prospective student athletes?

Skonieczki: Play the game hard and the correct way.  Do not take things for granted.  The game of baseball does not owe you anything.

*Please check back periodically as we will look to release another interview weekly*