By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois

Mitchel Makarewicz (Oak Creek, 2015) recently made his college commitment to Xavier, marking eight juniors who already made verbal commitments in Wisconsin. We highlighted Makarewicz and Oak Creek teammate Doran Turchin’s commitments last week. Today we catch up with the right handed pitching Makarewicz and see exactly what went into his recruiting process.

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

Makarewicz: I didnt really have any expectations. I wasnt sure how things would go. It was a very difficult process to go through, probably one of the hardest and most important desicions of my life.

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?

Makarewicz: The recruiting process really started to heat up for me after I pitched at the PBR Midwest Future Games.

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

Makarewicz: Location didnt really play a big factor. I was just foccused on a school that offered a great education and a competitive baseball program.

PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Makarewicz: Xavier first saw me at the PBR Midwest Future Games. This past winter they saw me at a showcase in Illinois and we set up a visit. On my visit I got along with all the coaches, and felt at home. 

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

Makarewicz: Wright State was another school that I was talking to before I chose Xavier.

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

Makarewicz: When I first came to Hitters and starting going through the workouts with them I got very serious. I started doing all of the workouts and pitching sessions with RJ Fergus, and knew I had a chance to take my game to the next level.

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

Makarewicz: I was looking for a college with a good business program for my education. Baseball wise I was looking for a competitive team with a good coaching staff that I could get along with. Xavier was a perfect fit for me.

PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Makarewicz: I like everything about Xavier, there isn't one thing that I can pick. I really felt at home when I visited and the coaches all made me feel welcome. I loved everything that they had to offer me academically and baseball wise.

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

Makarewicz: I would like to tell younger baseball players that you need to get serious about everything as early possible. Not just on the field, and in the weight room, but in the class room. Grades are a huge part of the recruitinig process and offers.

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

Makarewicz: In the offseason I spend all my time at Hitters with RJ. The workouts at Hitters not only strengthen you physically, but they add the mental toughness you need to play at the next level. Along with the workouts I make sure to long toss twice a week to strengthen my arm.

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

Makarewicz: My most memorable moment in my baseball career came my freshman year of high school. Playing for varsity, we won the State Championship. I will remember that feeling for the rest of my life.

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

Makarewicz: I have very high expectations for Oak Creek this summer. We are still a young team but I feel like we have a lot of chemistry going into this season. I'm really looking forward to seeing what we can do together this season. I feel like we definitely have a shot at making another state title run.

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