Our Q&A 

PB: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Dean: I never really saw any option other than going JUCO. I know I have the tools to get me to the next level but not the polish. So my goal was to go to a high level JUCO that could get me to my dream 4 year school. 

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

D: Distance never mattered to me but location did. I’m not a city kid so Wabash Valley is a good place for me as it’s definitely off the beaten path.   

P: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Where did the school you committed to first see you play?

D: My first looks happened after the West Milwaukee Preseason ID. But it really started to pick up during the Super17 in Kansas City. That is also when Wabash Valley reached out to me for the first time.  

P: What do you like most about the program you chose, and what were the key factors in making your decision?

D: I heard about Wabash from some of my coaches who praised their program for producing D1 guys year after year, so I was already interested in them when they first reached out. During my visit the entire coaching staff was very welcoming and they made me feel like I belonged there. So, in combination with the family culture Wabash has and their track record of placing guys at power four schools, I knew they were the school for me.

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

D: It really came down to Wabash Valley and Youngstown State. The deciding factor was Wabash Valley’s track record for producing talent. In addition the whole coaching staff was very welcoming which made me feel like I wasn’t just another recruit.

P: Who is the best player you have faced in your state? What about them makes for a tough opponent?

D: Peter Kussow. His slider is untouchable simply put.  

P: 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?

D: At some point during my sophomore year after I started to train hard I knew I had a future in baseball. 

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

D: Get in the weight room, get on a throwing program, and eat like it’s a job. 

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

D: After a struggle of a high school season the way I was able to turn a new page and bounce back when summer ball started. I was able to find my confidence again. So, I would say the whole season as a whole because it showed how far I came. 

P: Preview your high school team's season for us. How do you feel your team will be?

D: Muskego will be dangerous, we expect to have another strong season and to make a push in the playoff. 

P: How did the Future Games and/or the Wisconsin State Games affect your recruitment process? Did you receive more attention following the event(s)?

D: Going into future games I was almost decided on where I was going to commit and it would’ve taken a lot for me to commit elsewhere, but the attention I received at future games definitely made my decision a little harder.

P: If you could steal any tool or quality from another player in the state, what would it be and who would it be from?

D: I would take Jack Lutz’s bat to ball skills. He always finds a way to get on base and has sneaky pop. 

P: Who is the next talented young player to keep an eye on out of your high school or travel program?

D: Kyle Rogosienski. He has all the tools and he is only going to get better. 

P: Did Prep Baseball assist in your recruiting? Whether it be through a showcase, tournament coverage, tweets, etc? If yes, please explain. 

D: Prep Baseball definitely helped me a lot by getting my name out there. All the write-ups and video they took during the spring and summer really helped with my recruiting process. 

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