By Chris Fuller
Kentucky Scouting Director

Zac Wiley's performance at the Kentucky Top Prospect Games in June and subsequent No.8 ranking in the 2014 class opened eyes to the ability he possesses on the baseball field.  At 6-foot-2, 180-pounds, Wiley showed a multifaceted game which saw him run a 6.91 sixty, display an 88 mph arm from both the infield and outfield, an 80 mph arm from behind the plate, and a 90 mph tee exit velocity.  He followed that up in game play the following day with two hits, including a triple to deep center field.

Wiley's performance put him on the radar of many schools which ultimately resulted in several offers, including three from the Division I level.  Last week, Wiley decided that Bellarmine was the best fit for him to continue his education and baseball career.  We recently caught up with him to discuss his decision.

PBR: You had multiple Division I offers on the table.  What was it about Bellarmine that made it feel like the right fit for you?

Wiley:  Bellarmine is the right fit for me because it is an outstanding school with a lot of momentum in their sports programs. Once I got on the campus I fell in love with it. I really felt comfortable with Coach Owens and Coach Davis and the baseball program, which is expanding with renovations to the facilities. It is also a place that I feel like I can compete for a championship as Bellarmine was just one game away from the Division II World Series last year.  Overall Bellarmine was the school that I could see myself achieving the goals I have set in baseball as well as in school.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Wiley:  I was considering The University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Murray State University, University of the Cumberlands, Wabash Valley Junior College, Lincoln Trail Junior College, and some other schools in the area.

PBR:  Where did the coaching staff first see you compete?

Wiley:  Assistant Coach Terry Davis saw me compete for the first time when I was in 8^th grade at a showcase and has continued to watch me throughout my high school career.  He also saw me at the PBR Top Prospect showcase and games this summer. 

PBR: What role does Coach Owens expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Wiley:   Coach Owens thinks I have the ability to play multiple positions and that it is up to me to compete for my role on the team.

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

Wiley:  My dad and grandfather have had the biggest impact on me as a baseball player. They have both pushed me to be the best that I can be and has supported me in everything that I have done. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Wiley:  I play for Shelbyville American Legion Post 37. The most exciting experience playing summer ball would have to be winning the 2012 American Legion State Championship and moving on to play in the Southeast Regional Tournament in Sumter, South Carolina.

PBR: Collins got off to a tremendous start last season and made a run in the State Tournament.  What are your goals for your senior season?

Wiley:  My goals are the goals that we set at Collins when it opened four years ago; to win the Regional Tournament, advance to the State Tournament and win a State Championship.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced in Kentucky?

Wiley:  Clinton Hollon, Woodford County High School