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Q&A with 2015 Purdue-Calumet Commit Andrew Atchison

December 1, 2014



By Phil Wade
Indiana Executive Director

Andrew AtchisonCrown Point senior Andrew Atchison recently committed to Purdue-Calumet and Head Coach Dave Griffin. 

PBR: Ultimately, why did you choose Purdue-Calumet?  

Atchison: I am planning to pursue a degree in Nursing.  Purdue University - Calumet's Nursing program ranks among the top Nursing programs.  Additionally, Coach Griffin is developing a new baseball program at Purdue University - Calumet.   Coach Griffin views me as a player with the potential to help build the Peregrine Baseball Program.  I am fortunate to have the opportunity play baseball for Coach Griffin while pursuing a Nursing degree at Purdue University - Calumet. 

PBR: Where did PUC first see you compete?  

Atchison: 2014 Crossroads Event at the Steel Yard. 

PBR: When did you take your first visit to PUC?  

Atchison: Fall 2014 

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play when you first arrive on campus?  

Atchison: Coach Griffin wants me to play 1st base and feels I have the potential to hit in the middle of the lineup. 

PBR: What other schools were you considering?  

Atchison: Wabash College, Huntington University and Minot State University. 

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

Atchison:  I have been fortunate for many great people during my baseball career, but three men stand out. 

  1. Coach Jim Nohos:  I played for Coach Nohos the summers seasons after my 7th and 8th grade years.  Coach Nohos provided me with the instruction to make me ready to play high school baseball.
  2. Coach Steve Strayer:  Coach Strayer provided me the opportunity to play at the Varsity level during my sophomore year at Crown Point High School.  He has believed in my abilities behind and at the plate and has provided me the opportunity to perform. 
  3. Chuck Alexander:  Mr. Alexander has taught me how to train to be in top physical condition.  He has taught me how to prepare myself physically and mentally to allow for top performance. 


PBR: Who do you play for in the summer, and how has playing with them helped you develop as a baseball player?  

Atchison:  I played for APEX Baseball during the 2013 and 2014 Summer seasons.  I was the primary catcher both summers. I had the opportunity to learn the capabilities of my pitching staff, many who are the number one pitchers for rival schools during the high school season, and earn their confidence in throwing any pitch in any situation.  Additionally, I had the opportunity to bat either 3rd or 4th against some of the top pitchers in some of the most competitive tournaments.  I learned the importance of understanding the situation and focusing on run production from my spot in the line-up. In both cases, my goal was to be viewed as a leader by being the hardest working player on the diamond.   

PBR: What are your goals both personally and as team next spring at Crown Point?  

Atchison: Crown Point High School has all the pieces to win a state championship.  The returning Seniors all proved their capabilities during the 2013-14 season when we won the Duneland Athletic Conference Championship with the Junior and Sophomore classes producing a lot of talent.  We will need focus on winning as a team and not let anything distract us from supporting team performance. 

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you've faced in Indiana?

Atchison: Playing in the Duneland Athletic Conference has provided me an opportunity to face many talented pitchers.  I try not to focus on who is on the mound but rather on the hitting situation and the job that needs to be accomplished in each situation. 

PBR: What were your stats last spring at Crown Point? 

Atchison: .350 batting average with 28 RBI. 

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date? 

Atchison: My most memorable baseball moment is when I had the opportunity to play baseball in Cooperstown, New York. My team, the Region Redbirds, had the opportunity to play at Cooperstown Dreams Park. While there my team placed 6th out of 96 total teams. We ended up losing to the Chattanooga Chiefs, who ended up winning the entire tournament.

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