Nick Kamrada, RHP, Grand Ledge HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Ohio?

Kamrada: From the moment I stepped on campus, I was amazed. And after meeting Coach Smith and the rest of the staff, I knew that I would be comfortable making Athens my home for the next 3-4 years. I knew I would be in good hands at OU and Coach Smith showed great interest in me and my potential. I'm confident that he will make me the best player I can be.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Kamrada: I was in serious communication with Central Michigan, Western Michigan, and a few other smaller schools, but Ohio University showed me that they were excited for me to become a Bobcat, and that they saw great potential in me that they wanted to work with. That made all the difference.

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Kamrada: Coach Smith first saw me in a video, then came out to watch me pitch in Blissfield, MI on Thursday, June 12th. And only two days after that I received my scholarship offer after visiting campus. Coach Smith has shown me nothing but enthusiasm and he and the other coaches have told me repeatedly how badly they want me on campus. I'm sure once I get on campus in August that relationship will grow even stronger very quickly. 

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Kamrada: Coach Smith told me that he sees me being a major contributor as a freshman. He said that it could be as high as the #2 or #3 pitcher in the rotation. I'm excited to just get to Athens and help the Bobcats get some wins next spring.

PBR: Was the recruiting process what you expected?

Kamrada: The recruiting process for me got off to a late start because of me moving down from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan during my junior year. I was just getting on college coaches' radars as a late junior competing with kids who had been on those same radars since they were freshmen. It was a long, frustrating road and I'm glad to have finally achieved my dream of committing to a division 1 school. 

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

Kamrada: My dad has supported me more than anyone throughout my entire career. He always pushed me when I was young and made me put the work in even if I didn't want to. If it weren't for him I would not be where I am today, and I can't thank him enough. 

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

Kamrada: I am playing for East Lansing Post 205 this summer. My best experience so far has been just spending time with my team in the hotels bonding. This is a great group of guys and I am excited for a great summer with them. 

PBR: What were your stats last season for Grand Ledge?

Kamrada: 12-0 (7 shutouts). 90 strikeouts in 60 innings, 0.81 ERA and only 14 walks