John Cackowski
State Director, Colorado

We look back at the top 15 most viewed stories on our website from the year of 2014. Regis Jesuit and ThunderRidge were asked to participate in the 3rd Annual National High School Invitational hosted by USA Baseball in Cary, North Carolina. This is an invite only tournament and some the top high school programs in the nation participate it in it. To have two programs from our state invited to this tournament is quite an honor for Colorado Baseball. Our #15 most viewed story is the interview we did with Head Coaches Matt Darr of Regis Jesuit and Joe White of ThunderRidge talking about the experience their programs had going to this prestigious tournament.

Prep Baseball Report Question and Answer session with NHSI participants ThunderRidge High School and Regis Jesuit High School head coaches:  Joe White and Matt Darr.

Prior to leaving for Cary, NC, what were your expectations for this trip?

JW:   I just wanted our team to go there and compete.  We knew we were going to face some of the best teams in the country and looked at it as a great challenge.

MD:  I was hoping that we would be competitive and the experience there would really help us in our upcoming year.  As far as wins and losses I was really not sure.  

Reflecting on your time in Cary, what are your impressions of the NHSI?

JW:  It was an awesome experience for all of us.  The USA Baseball staff worked so hard for us.  It was a first class all the way.  Feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play in the NHSI.  

MD:  Great tournament.  Well run.  A great experience for our guys,  high level of competition

Did your team do anything different to prepare for this trip then previous season and spring trips?

JW:   No not really.  We did our same preseason schedule with scrimmages etc.  We just want to get our kids prepared for our season.  It was in the back of my mind all preseason though.  

MD:  First year at Regis for me, so hard to answer.

What are one or two takeaways from this experience that you will carry with you into the league season and hopefully post season?

JW:  That teams from Colorado can compete on a national stage.  Our two Colorado teams went 4-4 against teams from across the country.  It should give us more confidence going into our league season. If we make the post season it should help us with our confidence.  But I know that the teams we play in our league and playoffs are very good and would compete at a national level as well. 

MD:  1) We can compete with teams from across the nation

2) Kids want to compete with the highest level teams and that kids raise their    level of play in these situations

Having coached in this tournament a few years ago, I know the level of teams you played, Colorado does not always seem to get the same amount of publicity for its players as some other states.  After your impressive showing do you feel Colorado has closed the gap on other states?  

JW:  Yes we did and I am very proud of how Regis and ThunderRidge did.  We both beat some very good teams.  Our teams in Colorado can compete with teams from around the country.  

MD:  It would seem so.  I think us making it to semi finals “shocked” some people. ThurderRidge also faired well going 2-2