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Q&A with Minnesota State Commit Will Conard

September 19, 2016

By Matt Huck
Area Scout

RHP Will Conard of Green Bay Preble recently committed to Minnesota State-Mankato. Conard is ranked No. 35 in the Wisconsin Class of 2017. Here is a report on Conard from the PBR Top Prospect Showcase in June.

Will Conard6.16.16 - 5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed pitcher, slender wiry frame, live loose body. Delivery works with regular effort, square landing, finishes to first base side. Arm action is quick and loose, over the top slot. Fastball mostly straight, four seam type, topped at 87 mph, sat 84-86 mph. Curveball played 12/6, 66-69 mph. Straight changeup thrown with fastball arm speed, 74-77 mph. Live arm with upside, overall three pitch control can improve.


PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Conard: I didn't really know what to expect going into my junior year of high school and the summer before my senior year. It had it's easy points but it's also had some difficult times as well.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Conard: was looking for a place with a winning passion and a place for me to improve myself as a baseball player and as a person.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Conard: Distance and location did not play a huge factor in my decision.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Conard: The recruiting process really heated up for me after the PBR Top Prospect Showcase in Joliet this past June and after my first tournament the ball really got rolling.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Conard: Minnesota State first saw me in a tournament at the University of Minnesota. My relationship developed in a really great way with both of the coaches. We stayed in touch all summer and often talked about hunting, fishing, and of course baseball.  

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Conard: The thing I like the most about Minnesota State was that it feels like I'm going to fit in. Everything just felt right. 

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Conard: Indiana-Purdue-Fort Wayne (IPFW).

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Conard: The best player I've faced in the state was Jacob Lindeman, he's got great stuff.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Conard: During my winter training at MASH during my junior year. 

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Conard: Don't give up. Everyone goes through adversity and how you handle it really shows a lot about yourself and always do the little things. When you're older the worst thing that can happen is you look back and know you could've done more.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Conard: Going to state with my high school team for the first time since 2002. 

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Conard: Our high school team should be very competitive as we have a strong core of guys coming back and a deep pitching staff. Our goal is the same goal we have every year, make it to the state tournament.  

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Conard: I played with the Wisconsin Mash and the most memorable moment was becoming friends with kids that I'll never forget.

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