Colorado Year in Review: 5th Most Viewed Story

December 26, 2014

By John Cackowski
State Director

We're looking back at the top 15 most viewed stories on our website from the year of 2014. Our 5th most viewed story was a Q&A College Coach Edition with United States Air Force Academy Head Coach Michael Kazlausky. Below you can read the interview in its entirety.

By Jeff Markle
Assistant State Director

Prep Baseball Report was fortunate enough to get an inside look into The United States Air Force Academy and their baseball program during our Southern Colorado Prospect Identification. We recently had the chance to catch up with Air Force coach Michael Kazlausky to gain a little more insight into the unique opportunities afforded to players suit up for the Falcons. Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Air Force plays in the Mountain West Conference and is looking to bounce back in 2014-2015.

PBR: Describe Air Force Baseball to those who have not seen you play?

Kazlausky: We are America’s Team…it is not the Dallas Cowboys! All of our baseball Cadets have raised their right hand and have sworn to serve and protect our country. This is much bigger than just wearing a baseball uniform and having Air Force across our chest, we represent the “best of the best” that our country has to offer and it is about wearing our nation’s uniform. Our baseball uniform should have three letters across the front…U S A! This is truly who we are and what we represent. When the National Anthem is being played, you will see all of our Cadets toeing the line, feet at a 45, left hand cupped at the seam of their pants, chest out, right hand saluting sharply, eyes on the flag, and not moving an inch. I cannot imagine how American citizens could not root for our team and the greatest kids in the world. This is why we are America’s Team!

PBR: What do you look for in players during the recruiting process?

Kazlausky: To attend the greatest school in the world, we are looking for young men that have what it takes in all facets of life. The recruit has to have the character, grades, and the athletic ability. We are looking for a young man that want to be challenged and pushed on a daily basis. We are not looking for someone that just wants to be a baseball player and wants to be average. We want the “whole package” and we are looking for the true go-getter that wants to make a difference in our world. Average is unacceptable and my job is so much bigger than baseball. My job is to make the boy into a man, and make the man into a Warrior. “On the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that on other days and other fields will bear the fruits of victory.” Gen Douglas MacArthur

PBR: Who are some the most notable Colorado ballplayers you've recently had play for you?

Kazlausky: Ben Yokley, SR (Ralston Valley), Griffin Jax, SO (Cherry Creek), Mike Kazakoff (Lt in the AF, Heritage), Blair Roberts (Lt in the AF, Chapparal), Mike Tufte (Highlands Ranch), Michael Bruhn (Pomona), David Diehl (Mullen), Tyler McBride (Broomfield), Shayne Hulce (Fountain Fort Carson), Bowie Frost (Lamar), Rob Giannoni (Rampart), Kevin Runyon (Green Mountain), Mike Stolley (Grand Junction)

PBR: What advice do you have for prospects about the recruiting process?

Kazlausky: You have to make yourself known and be seen. If you are interested in a school, contact the coaches. Be realistic (and your parents) in regards to the level of competition that is the right fit for you, and use baseball as your vehicle to achieve your academic goals. One does not have to jump at the first offer that is on the table. I am 45 years old and no one ever asks me about my high school or college playing days. I can guarantee that this is not uncommon and that the same will happen to you.

PBR: How do you view Colorado baseball and our players?

Kazlausky: I could outfit our team with all Colorado players! Colorado might not have the sheer numbers of players as other states, but Colorado definitely has the talent. It is our goal at the Air Force Academy that if you have the character, grades, and ability that you receive a tour of the greatest school in the world! We are looking for those that are willing to accept the challenge and dare to be different.

PBR: If possible tell us your fondest Air Force Baseball memory to date:

Kazlausky: My fondest memory that stands out to me does not include anything between the white lines. A few years ago, baseball player, Cadet Tyler McBride (Broomfield HS) was not pilot qualified. I assisted in his effort to achieve his goal to fly jets and he received an exception to policy to attend Undergraduate Pilot Training. Tyler was the #1 graduate from Pilot Training and is now flying F-16 Vipers! My other fond memories is getting our players jet rides all across the country during their winter breaks. This is my Christmas present to myself. The players get to put on a flight suit, gravity suit, parachute, helmet, mask, and visor and get to strap into a fighter jet. They go anywhere from 400 kts to Mach 1 and pull 9 times their body weight. They get to fight! This gives them a true understanding of why they are at the Academy and why what they go through on a daily basis in regards to sport, academics, and military will be important for the defense of our great nation.