By Chris Valentine
PBR Ohio Scouting Director



Today, Otterbein head coach George Powell talks about recruiting at the Division III level. He provides some insight into Otterbein's success, on and off the field, and his program's strategy for building a roster of talented student-athletes.

Coach Powell is entering his 15th season as the head coach of the Otterbein baseball program. The Cardinals have finished among the top four teams in the Ohio Athletic Conference in 10 of the past 15 seasons under Powell, including four NCAA Tournament appearances over the last decade. The team has amassed 20 or more victories in a season ten different times under his guidance.

PBR: As a DIII program, what is your approach to recruiting? What type of player are you looking for?

Coach Powell: Our basic approach at Otterbein is we don't put any limitations on recruiting. This starts with me and the staff outworking all programs at being at a game every day in the summer. This is starting to run all year with fall ball programs and showcases. We NEVER look at a student-athlete and say he is too good for us or he is a D1 or scholarship kid. We always evaluate a player and visualize how we could develop and make him optimize his ability no matter how talented he is. We believe with our academic reputation and facilities, along with our baseball philosophy on the full development of the baseball player, we should attract talented student-athletes.

We look for talented baseball players that are good people, and serious about getting a great education. We want players that want to take their abilities beyond whatever restriction that they may of or somebody might have put on them. I am realistic with all players that aspire to play pro-ball.  The odds are against them, but I would also say don't think by coming to Otterbein would affect that dream. We have had 6 players go on and play professionally since 2004, currently Dan Remenowsky pitched for the AAA Charlotte Knights this past summer. 

PBR: Obviously, many kids have the desire to play DI or DII levels. How do you help them understand the advantages of playing DIII baseball at Otterbein?

Coach Powell: I have coached at both D1 and D3, so I have a good perspective on the expectations of both levels. The biggest thing we talk about is the opportunity to play early and that you only have 4 years. Many of your talented high school players are both successful in the field and on the mound. At Otterbein we give players the opportunity to be a dual baseball player, where as many D1's, D2's, and some D3's will only allow you to do one or the other. Also, the competitive difference at Otterbein between D1's and D2's is not as great as most people think. We proved this in 2011 when we beat the University of Cincinnati 6-4 in a well played college baseball game. At Otterbein, winning championships and playing NCAA tournament is our goal every year. No one at any level has higher expectations for their baseball program than we do, and with the support from our administration, outstanding facilities, and the focus we put on developing our student-athletes we feel this allows us to set high, but realistic expectations.

PBR: Many DIII programs in Ohio aren't located in big cities. How does being in Columbus help you in the recruiting process? 

Coach Powell: There are many advantages being located in a suburb of Columbus, one is everyone knows where Columbus is even if they are not familiar with Otterbein. The biggest advantage from a baseball standpoint is that there are 80 high schools within a 45 minute drive. This is an advantage by simply being able to see more games and evaluating more players. This holds true in the summer as well. In the recent tough economic times we can recruit kids that want to stay close to home. Another advantage is how Otterbein has many opportunities from a degree standpoint. Otterbein takes advantage of the resources Columbus has to offer academically. Many of our students complete internships and independent studies with local companies. Many of our players have interned with the Columbus Clippers, Ohio State Buckeyes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Greater Columbus Sports Commission, and many other high profile companies in the Central Ohio area. This makes Otterbein attractive not only from a baseball standpoint, but from an academic standpoint as well. 

PBR: What is your biggest obstacle in the recruiting process? 

Coach Powell: Really the biggest obstacle is when a local student-athlete wants to get away from Columbus. I know people think the cost of our school is an obstacle, but even through the tough economic times it seldom factors into a student-athlete not wanting to come to Otterbein. Our admissions office recently had a study to show exactly that, and it went on to state Otterbein has had great success with low to middle income student-athletes. Now it is often used as an excuse when a player decides not to come to Otterbein, but there are usually other circumstances that factor in that decision.

PBR: What is the difference between Otterbein and other Division III programs in the state?

Coach Powell: I believe there are many reasons that separate Otterbein from all D3's in Ohio. To start, our location and the opportunities both academically and socially are both unique compared to any other DIII school in Ohio. Our facilities are outstanding and are competitive with most D1's and D2's in the state. Players have access to facilities where they can get better year round, whether that is long tossing, taking full infield work, or dropping down our four cages and hitting. We place a huge emphasis on the physical development of our players. My Assistant Coach John LaCorte is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist which most other DIII schools do not have on staff. Otterbein Baseball has succeeded at the national level and with the continued hard work and dedication from our players and support from our administration; we will continue to succeed at a high level.