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Q&A with Indiana Wesleyan Commit Tommy Sautel

January 7, 2015


 
By Jeff Markle
Assistant State Director

Prep Baseball Report Colorado continues it's look at players who have committed to play at the next level, this time catching up over the Winter Break with the 6-foot-0, 157-pound, short stop from Dakota Ridge High School, Tommy Sautel. A mainstay in the top of the Eagles line-up, and up the middle defensively.  Prep Baseball Report Colorado got a first hand look at Sautel this fall as a member of the PBR Colorado Elite team.  Dakota Ridge has a host of returning players including Sautel and are coming off a summer state Championship run and look to carry that momentum deep into May.

PBR: Why did you choose Indiana Wesleyan University?

Sautel:   I chose Indiana Wesleyan University because it is the school I feel I can grow the quickest as a person. It is a place where I will receive a very good education. I am very comfortable with the campus and I love everything it has to offer. From a baseball standpoint, it is a team in which I can make an impact right away and put forward the most positive difference I can.

PBR: Where did Indiana Wesleyan first see you compete?

Sautel:   The first time Indiana Wesleyan University saw me compete was at my high school field, Dakota Ridge. I was very fortunate for this opportunity. My infield coach, Coach Fugita, gave me the chance to show Coach Newhard what I could do. Thankfully he liked what he saw and a relationship began to build.

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

Sautel:  The role the coaches expect me to play my first year on campus is to make an immediate impact. It may not come with a starting role, but they would like to see what I can do on the field. They feel as I can make a difference for their team whether it's in a smaller or a bigger way. The coaches also want me to become comfortable with the school and baseball program the first year on campus.

PBR:  Describe your experience this Fall with the PBR Elite Team:

Sautel:  I loved my experience with PBR this fall. I really enjoyed it because of the variety of showcases we got the chance to be in. As a player it makes you become more confident in your talent as a baseball player. We also played in a couple of very competitive tournaments with high ability players. Whenever you get that chance, you can improve so much faster. I also loved how laid back the PBR season is. I thought you could really focus on making yourself better as an individual as well as working with a new team involving new players. I got to meet some really great players and guys throughout my time this fall.

PBR: Describe yourself as a baseball player to people who have not seen you play:

Sautel:  If I was to describe myself as a baseball player to someone who has not seen me play I would say: I am a hard working player that is always trying to get better. I have a team first attitude and want nothing more but to win. I don't make my defensive plays look very good, but I get the job done and make the play. Offensively, I am  a line drive hitter with the ability to hit with power.

PBR:  What advice would you give about the recruiting process?

Sautel:  The recruiting process is a very difficult time. If you stay active and keep a positive attitude there will be a spot for you. It does get stressful, but the best thing to do is try and enjoy it as much as possible. There is a place where about any player can fit in and make an impact on a team.

PBR:  What would you say are your best assets both on and off the field that will help your team this year?

Sautel:   My best asset off the field is keeping a good bond with everybody I know. Everyone makes a difference on you as a person and is important for your success. My best asset on the field is leading by example. I believe if player always goes 110% that will start a chain reaction to the rest of the team.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Sautel:  My parents have the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. They have been supportive my entire baseball career and have gave me the ingredients in order to be successful. They rarely miss games and always stay interested in everything that happens.

PBR:  Do you have any game day or season superstitions or rituals?

Sautel:   I'm not sure if I have any superstitions or rituals, but I do think it's important to be consistent each and every practice/game with how you do things.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher/hitter you have faced in Colorado?

Sautel:  The best pitcher I faced in the state of Colorado would be Nick Leonard from Mountain Vista High School. He wasn't just able to throw in the low 90's, but he could also hit his spots.

PBR: What are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?

Sautel:   Like every team, our team goal is to win a state championship. Another team goal is to win our 5A Jeffco league because we believe we have the ability to do just that. My individual goals this upcoming season is to become a better leader. I would also like to sharpen up my defense and increase my average on the offensive side of the ball.

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