By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

Carmel High school 2017 RHP Aaron Ernst recently committed to the University of Dayton. 

PBR: Why did you choose Dayton? What were some key factors in making your decision? 

Ernst: One of the main reasons that I choose Dayton was because I felt like I would fit into the program right when I got there. The coaches also were guys that I could definitely see myself working with and having a good relationship with. Dayton also has the major that I was planning on doing, and the campus lifestyle that I wanted. 

PBR: Where did they first see you compete? 

Ernst: They first saw me compete at the end of this summer in the 17u National Championship at Grand Park. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering? 

Ernst: Morehead State, Ball State, and University of Indianapolis 

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

Ernst: I really didn’t know what to expect with the recruiting process. I kind of just was going with where it was going to take me, but It was a moderately easy process overall. 

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

Ernst: I wanted to be apart of a college program where I have a chance to compete as a freshman. I was also looking at the coaches and seeing if they are guys that I would want to work with for the next 4 years. Along with those things I was also looking at the recovery process for pitchers and Dayton’s process of recovery was something I really liked. Another thing I was looking for in a college was to see if it was a campus that I could see myself being apart of and I think Dayton was the perfect fit for me because they had all the things I was looking for. 

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? 

Ernst: The process started for me at the start of the summer but didn’t really start to heat up until the end of July. I wouldn’t necessarily say that there was one particular game that heated up the recruiting process for me as much as I would say that the whole summer started the recruiting process for me because it was my first summer being a pitcher only. 

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

Ernst: I think I realized I could play college baseball at the start of this summer. I always kind of had the dream of playing college baseball but it came to realization this summer that it was definitely an option for me. 

PBR: Who is the best player you've faced in Indiana, and why? 

Ernst: I would say the best hitter that I have ever faced in Indiana is Rhett Wintner. He might be one of the best hitters I’ve ever faced and he is possibly the best hitter in the state. The best pitcher I’ve ever seen is Tommy Sommer. His command, location, velocity, and the fact that he comes from the left side makes him one of the best pitchers in the state. 

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

Ernst: To never give up on your dream and if that you are truly passionate about your dream to work hard and do everything in your ability to achieve it. 

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

Ernst: There has been a lot of memorable moments in my baseball career but I would say that one of the biggest would be winning the ABC National Championship this summer. 

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

Ernst: With the majority of our team being seniors this year I think we will have a lot of experience and that will only help us in the end. With all the talent at Carmel I think a State Championship is a realistic outcome and definitely the goal for us this year. 

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

Ernst: This summer I will being playing for the Indiana Blue Jays but last year I played for the Bulls. I will never forget this past summer as it was one of the best teams I’ve ever played for and I learned so many lessons on how to become a better baseball player.