Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

Inside the Recruitment: 2017 RHP/1B Brian Skelton Commits to IU-South Bend

November 17, 2016



By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

Westfield senior RHP/1B Brian Skelton recently made his commitment to Indiana University-South Bend. 

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose to commit to IUSB?

Skelton: They believe I can have an impact right away on the mound and at the plate. The Chicagoland Conference is very competitive.  Since this is a state school the overall cost was very reasonable.

PBR: Where did they first see you compete?

Skelton: Grand Park last Summer

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Skelton: Earlham, Anderson, Indiana Wesleyan and Illinois State

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

Skelton: Very difficult and at times confusing and frustrating, but in the end very rewarding.

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

Skelton: I wanted to go somewhere that I could play right away and have an opportunity to be a two way player.  I also want to play for a Championship.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you?  Was there a particular game or event you feel turned the corner for you?  

Skelton: Recruiting really heated up for me after our Nashville,TN tournament this past summer.  I had a really solid week at the plate.

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

Sketlton: I have always felt I could play at the College level, but choose to play Football as well as Baseball throughout high school which seemed to negatively impact my recruiting.  Fall baseball seems to be very important and I was not able to play.

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

Skelton: Tommy Sommer.  He hides the ball well and has great command of several pitches.

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

Skelton: Grades, Grades, Grades.  There is very little baseball scholarship money and thus any academic money you can get is very helpful.

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

Skelton: Having the game winning hit to win the HCC as a Sophomore.

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

Skelton: We have a very small senior class, but strong and we have a lot of strong Juniors and Sophomores.  We should have a strong team, but not a lot of depth.  My goal is to be among leaders in the HCC in pitching and hitting and win a sectional title.

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

Skelton: Indiana Bulls.  Playing for Dave Taylor and meeting Scott Rolen.

Related News