Rock Bridge OF/RHP Beau Burkett looks ahead to the 2012 season, a season in which he should be one of the offensive leaders at the plate and provide senior leadership to a veteran team looking to build on the success of the 2011 season.

PBR: Last season you had the opportunity to be part of a Rock Bridge team that finished the season 25-3 and was ranked by Prep Baseball Report as the No. 1 team in Missouri for a majority of the year.  What was it like to be part of such a successful team?    

Burkett: It was awesome to be part of such a successful team. We had great team chemistry the whole year, and every single player on the team did their part to help the team be successful. We didn’t accomplish our goal though, which was to win a district championship. This year we have a strong senior class and will set our goals even higher.

PBR: In the Class 4A Quarterfinal game against Timberland, you accounted for all your team’s offense by going 3-for-3 including a dramatic, game-tying home run. Although the game ultimately ended in a loss, what was it like coming through in such a crucial spot?

Burkett: I’ll be honest, it was pretty cool. That was one of the most exciting games I have ever played in.  I thought we had them beat after that home run because their team looked pretty devastated. They retaliated though and scored a run to win the game in extra innings.

PBR: As a junior you were still recovering from shoulder surgery.  Now you are fully healthy and ready for your senior season. What has the recovery process been like and how has it impacted your off-season training?

Burkett: The recovery process has been pretty rough. I spent the entire off-season trying to get my shoulder healthy again.  I played injured all sophomore year, and it was really frustrating because I lost a lot of the zip on my throws.  My surgeon, Pat Smith, also repaired Max Schertzer’s Labrum a few years ago so I was confident I would be 100% as well.  Rehab taught me to strengthen the muscles that caused the problem and now I work year round on keeping those muscles strong. This off-season I am just trying to throw a lot and keep my shoulder healthy.

PBR: Considering that you’re now healthy, you’ve had the chance to begin pitching again.  How have you progressed and how does it feel to be on the mound once again?

Burkett: The pitching is coming along really well. I try to throw bullpens at least twice a week. I am throwing in the mid to upper 80s and it feels great to be back on the mound again.

PBR: Do you feel that playing in Columbia and facing the competition you have has prepared you for the various showcase events you’ve attended?

Burkett: Playing the best teams in the Southwestern and Midwestern U.S. this past summer with my Sunbelt State Team helped prepare me for high level competition. Playing in Columbia allows my high school team to play teams from Kansas City and Saint Louis because we’re right in the middle of the state. We compete against teams from all over the state, and I feel like it has prepared me for all of the showcases I have been to thus far. As a Pre-Season Under Armour All American I will be competing in their Tournament in Tucson Presidents Day weekend. The competition there will be the best in the Nation.

PBR: What kind of interest have you drawn from colleges thus far? Are there any specific schools that have expressed considerable interest?

Burkett: I have drawn interest from programs on every college level. The schools showing the most interest are the University of Portland, Butler, Miami(FL), Cornell, UC San Diego, Amherst, and Missouri S&T.

PBR: What type of program would you like to play at? What is most important to you: Caliber of program, coaching staff, academics, etc…?

Burkett: I would like to play for the best program that I possibly can. Academics are pretty important to me when it comes to deciding on a school. I want to play at a school with great baseball and academics.

PBR: What do you hope to accomplish this fall and off-season on an individual level?

Burkett: I am just trying to become a better all-round baseball player this off-season. I try to hit, throw, condition, and lift at least every other day.

PBR: What are you looking forward to as the 2012 season rapidly approaches?

Burkett: I am just looking forward to the season to start. I can’t wait to get back out on the field and put in work. There’s nothing better than baseball season.