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Noah West, INF, Westerville Central HS, Class of 2016

Why did you choose OSU?

West: I chose OSU because I’ve always wanted to be a Buckeye. After meeting Coach Beals, Coach Holick and the other coaches, I knew OSU was the perfect fit for me.  OSU has always been the school I wanted to attend given its strong academics.  It’s a dream come true to know that I will one day be playing in Bill Davis Stadium as a Buckeye.   

What other schools were you considering?

West: After attending a couple PBR events this summer I started to receive interest from schools in the ACC, Atlantic South, Atlantic Sun, Big East, Big South, Big Ten, Big 12, and Horizon Conferences. I had several unofficial visits scheduled to meet with coaches; but once OSU offered I cancelled my visits.     

Where did Coach Beals first see you?

West: I am not 100% sure.  However, Coach Beals may have first seen me at either the D1 College Coaches Showcase Camp, the Ohio Elite Baseball College Coaches Camp or a PBR event.  I then attended OSU’s Baseball Infield Defense Camp and the OSU Baseball Elite Showcase Skills Camp this summer. Coach Beals, Coach Holick and the rest of coaches were able to work with me and get to know me more on an individual basis at these camps.

How did your relationship develop with them?

West: Once September 1, 2014 arrived, OSU contacted my high school coach to get his thoughts on me as a student athlete.  Shortly thereafter, Coach Holick contacted me to let me know he and Coach Beals were really interested in me.  We stayed in touch weekly up until they invited me to visit.  I committed the day of my visit.

You performed extremely well in some of the premier PBR events this summer.  How did that help your recruiting process?

West: The PBR events gave me the opportunity to be seen by numerous college coaches at one time. These events let the coaches know I could compete against some of the best high school baseball players from all over the country.      

How does it feel to have your college decision made at such an early age in your high school career?

West:  It is a huge load off my shoulders knowing the recruiting process is over for me.  I can now relax and focus in the classroom and on the baseball diamond the next two years

Your high school team, Westerville Central, is loaded with talent this year.  What are your team and individual goals for this spring?

West:  My teammates and I have really high expectations for this coming season.  We were 24 – 4 on the season and undefeated in the Ohio Capital Conference – Cardinal Division.  Let’s just say, another league championship and a runner-up in the district isn’t going to satisfy us.  My individual goals are for me to get better each and every time I step on the field. 

Who do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable experience?

West:  The past two summers I have played for the Ohio Surge.  Coach Griffith has worked hard to build a great organization and has attracted some of the most talented ballplayers from all over the state.  I also played for my high school summer team.  My most memorable experience this summer was in a Cincy Flames tournament where we were a huge underdog and we beat one of the best teams in Ohio with their ace on the mound. 

I am looking forward to playing on the Ohio Elite – Valentine this coming summer with some of my PBR Future Games teammates.

What were your expectations about the recruiting process?

West: The past few months have been somewhat stressful.  Thankfully, since I committed early in the process, it never got too intense.  It all worked out in the end and I am very happy with my decision. 

Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

West:  I have been very fortunate to have had really good coaches along the way.  I also admire the way that Derek Jeter handles himself both on and off the field.  I try hard to handle myself the same way.  However, without a doubt my parents have had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. They have spent a lot of time and money to help develop me into the player I am today.

Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?

West:  I have faced several really talented pitchers over my high school and summer baseball seasons.  However, during inter-squad scrimmages with my high school team, the Warhawks’ pitching staff as a whole is the toughest pitching I’ve seen.