Slavik: I chose Ashland because I love the school and the facilities. I feel like it will be a place where I will be challenged academically and be able to reach my full potential as a baseball player.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Slavik: I had narrowed my final choices down to Ohio Dominican, Walsh, Earlham, and Ohio Northern.
PBR: Where did Coach Schaly first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?
Slavik: I think Coach Schaly first saw me at one of their camps last winter. Due to the weather, I was one of only a few people who were able to make it through the snow, so we had a lot of time together. It was a good chance for him to evaluate me. After that, I went on my first visit, and we continued talking throughout the spring and summer. Then, I went back for another showcase this fall and Coach Schaly and Coach Hilt stayed in contact with me after that.
PBR: Ashland is making several new upgrades to their baseball facility. How much of a role did that play in your decision?
Slavik: It is nice to know that new facilities are on the way. To me it shows that Ashland is continually improving and moving forward. I was more than happy with their current facilities, however.
PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team for the rest of your senior season?
Slavik: Individually, I have a couple of small things mechanically I would like to improve, as well as work on driving more powerfully with my lower half. On a larger scale I want to establish myself as a presence on the mound. I love coming in to big situations and pitching in the biggest games. I believe that part of my game can never be worked on enough. This year as a team, my goals are to win the CCL and bring home a district title. It all starts there. If we are able to take things one game at a time, I think we will be able to do that and I hope it will not stop there.
PBR: Your high school teammate, Sam Rice, just committed to Ashland. How much of an influence did he have in your decision?
Slavik: Seeing Sam commit a few days before me was nice, but it did not play a role in my decision. I made my decision based on the criteria I had set. I made sure that no one would play a factor in that decision other than my family and I in order to make sure that I found the best fit.
PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable experience?
Slavik: In the summer I played for Ohio Elite 17U – Bookmyer. I cannot really pick out one experience that was more memorable than the rest. I enjoy all the time that I get to spend with my teammates and coaches.
PBR: What were your stats for last spring?
Slavik: My innings were limited by a broken leg, but I finished 4-1, 3-0 in the league, over 27.2 innings. I recorded 33 strike outs while walking 9 with an ERA of 2.27. I also collected one save.
PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?
Slavik: I would say Marques Inman. I had the opportunity to face him several times over the summer and once more this fall. His hands are so quick that he has more time to read the pitch which challenges me to be more effective. All in all, he is a tough hitter to face, but a fun one to face as well.
Chris Slavik, RHP, Watterson, Class of 2015