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Q&A with Dubuque commit Tyler Lewan

December 12, 2013

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Illinois/Wisconsin

Tyler Lewan (Dundee-Crown, 2014) recently committed to Dubuque and we caught up with the 6-foot-2, 175-pound shortstop to talk about how the whole process went down.

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

Lewan: It was pretty time consuming researching each school in terms of academics, athletic facilities, roster, coaches etc. to find the right fit. Going in to it I wasn't sure of what I wanted but over time it all came out right. I would say it was a little difficult but worth the effort.

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

Lewan: Definitely. After a number of five hour trips I just didn't want to have that extra trouble. I looked for a three hour window and researched those schools the most. I wouldn't ignore other schools, it was just much harder to see them multiple times and get a good feel for the whole place.

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

Lewan: They first saw my PBR player page from a referral and then the phone calls with Head Coach Wyczawski started. He reached out to my high school coach, Jon Anderson, and from there we spoke about twice a week until I visited. The first visit went really well and the second one gave me a chance to meet the team and do an overnight. It just felt right the more time I spent there. Coach really took the time to make sure it was a good fit for me and for them.

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

Lewan: Somewhere I could get a chance to play early on and had facilities that allowed year-round work. I also wanted coaches that believed in me and that I could contribute right away.

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

Lewan: Carthage, Grand Valley State and Judson 

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

Lewan: It just was a real friendly place both academically and athletically. Their facilities are great and the coaches and team made me feel welcome and important as a recruit.  They also feel like a team on the rise, hungry.

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

Lewan: We should have a strong pitching staff coming back and our defense should be strong as well.  If our bats get hot I think we can make another run. Beating Huntley in Regionals last year gave us a real confidence boost and we've got some players coming up that are hungry. Coach Anderson is also in his second year and I think we’re getting used to his expectations and working hard in the pre-season is a part of that.

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