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Q&A with Missouri State Commit: RHP Connor Sechler (Bolivar, 2017)

February 4, 2016

Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director

Connor Sechler (Bolivar, 2017) recently committed to Missouri State.  Sechler had a good showing at Midwest Nationals Winter Workout on January 17.  His fastball was consistently 88-89 mph with his fastball and was 72-75 with his breaking ball which had depth and 11-to-5 action.  His change up was 78-80 mph.  Sechler throws with some effort and a loose arm action at a high three quarters release. 

Sechler will be attending the Preseason All-State Showcase East on Feb. 15 and is preparing for his season with Bolivar High.  Here is a look inside the recruiting process for Connor Sechler.

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

Sechler: Being a small kid playing baseball I had always hope that I would be involved in the recruiting process and luckily enough for me I had the opportunity to be involved with it. When it finally started I just let it run its course so that part was pretty easy for me once it got going.

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

Sechler: Yes it had big part in my decision to play at Missouri State. Having campus just a 30 minute drive away is a very big plus for me. Being close to family has alway been big for me so it'll be nice to come home and visit or have mom do my laundry.

PBR: Where did Missouri State first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Sechler: Well, I had always gone to their camps when I was a little kid I can still remember the first one I ever went to I thought it was the coolest thing and place. But then I had the opportunity to pitch in front of them last summer on my travel team then this past January is the most recent time they have seen me at the Nat House for the showcase they put on for us. Which I believe played a huge role for them seeing me and then to go ahead and offer me.

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

Sechler: That is a tough one, but the all around best player I played against would have to be Jeremy Eierman I got to play against him in school ball and you could just tell he was on another level. The best pitcher I have played against would be Brad Archer but luckily they are both at Missouri State so I won't have to play against them from now on.

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

Sechler: To outwork yesterday. I know it's cliche but it really will take you a long ways. Just never settle always be looking for ways you can improve your craft.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Sechler: I do a series called "Championship Training" through my travel organization the Midwest Nationals it has really elevated my game in all aspects. I take August-November off for football but then start baseball almost immediately after just getting my arm back into baseball shape.

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

Sechler: I don't know if I can narrow it down to just one. But these past two summers that I have spent with the Nationals the guys I have been around the coaches I have had the opportunity to play for have really impacted my life more than just baseball and for that I'm grateful. Also you know playing at all the big time Division 1 programs fields that we get to play at isn't half bad either.  

PBR: What do you like most about Missouri State and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Sechler: Well there are a ton of things to like about Missouri State for me some of the top ones for me were all the support I had from coaches from Coach Guttin, Coach Evans and Coach Thompson they were all so welcoming and just made it feel at home. Also when I went on my unofficial visit I had the chance to watch the players throw bullpens and every single one of them took time out of their practice to come talk to me. Just made it feel like I was welcome and apart of the family. I could write so much more but that those were big keys for me.

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

Sechler: I had it narrowed down to Florida International or I was going to go to Drury.

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?

Sechler: Honestly it all happened really quick. I pitched on a Sunday the Nationals Showcase and I hit a good number on the mound and by Tuesday I had heard from Missouri State, Missouri and Arkansas. But when Missouri State invited me for an unofficial visit I knew that it could be the one.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel Bolivar will be? What are your expectations and goals? Name some player that will play a key role for Bolivar in 2016.

Sechler: I believe we are going to be a load this spring. I know everybody says that but I truly believe that we graduated one off of last years District Championship winning team. I see no reason why we can't big an even bigger run than we did last year, that was the farthest Bolivar has been in baseball in more than 15 years. We will all have a key role in our success this spring but to name a few Seniors that will be big for us will be JD Murders, Jackson Abdon, Camden Burns and Gavin Morris the first three have signed to play college baseball JD signing at Texas Tech and Gavin is my catcher and our voice on the field.

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

Sechler: I play with the Midwest Nationals I can't say enough for what they have done for me in the recruiting process and just building character in general. It would probably be last summer in Lubbock Texas at the Premier World Series it was just a great experience and we also had a lot of fun while doing it.

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