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Malave Bettinger, 1B, Coldwater, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose Toledo?

Bettinger: I chose Toledo because I really like Coach Mee and his coaching staff – Nick McIntyre, Josh Bradford and Jake Oester plus the facilities, campus and atmosphere are awesome.  I also feel that the Rockets are on the uprise in the MAC.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Bettinger: Only Toledo

PBR: Where did the Coach Mee first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Bettinger: Coach Mee’s coaching staff seen me last year the first Saturday in August, 2014 at an Ohio Elite Camp in Lexington.  I attended a camp at UT in October, 2014 - Coach Mee invited me to visit the campus.  I went on an unofficial visit in December, 2014 and another unofficial visit in January 2015 which is when Coach Mee offered me a scholarship to play for the Rockets. 

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?

Bettinger: To come out hitting the ball and getting on base offensively.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Rocket baseball?

Bettinger: My biggest strength is the fact that I can hit the ball and get on base.  I am pretty sure Toledo wants me for my bat.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Bettinger: I played Coldwater Acme Baseball for Coach Tommy Brunswick and Ohio Elite Baseball for Coach Ray Noe.  The summer has been filled with baseball almost everyday.  I made a lot of good friends with Ohio Elite.  My most memorable experiences from this past summer and spring was playing in Nashville, Atlanta and hitting for the cycle with a Grand Slam bonus this past May.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team next spring?                                                   

Bettinger: To become a stronger person both on the field and off.  I have played with my high school teammates for a very long time and I know we are champions and we will have the opportunity to prove ourselves again this Spring – we were Division III State Champs in 2014 – Coldwater Cavaliers.

PBR: What were your stats for last spring?

Bettinger: Batting Average = .411, RBI’s = 33, Homeruns = 4; OBP = .509, SLG .633, BB = 17, Stolen Bases = 15 for 16.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced?

Bettinger: Shay Smiddy from Defiance.  He has a wicked curveball.