Inside the Recruitment: '17 LHP Collin Romel commits to Kent State

PBR: Why did you choose Kent?

Romel: It is a great school with a strong baseball tradition and the coaching staff is awesome. I believe it is a great fit for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Romel: West Virginia, Penn St., Virginia, Oklahoma St., North Carolina, Cincinnati

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you and how did your relationship develop?

Romel: They first saw me in a pre-season Diamond League tournament at Baldwin Wallace College. They saw me several times after that including the TPG and Futures games. We developed a strong relationship by talking on the phone several times a week. 

PBR: Was the recruiting process what you expected?

Romel: No. I was not really expecting it to develop that fast. I was surprised at the number of schools who were trying to contact me and the effort involved at calling all the coaches, researching the schools, and then visiting them. 

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 baseball program?

Romel: I am really excited about playing at Kent St and continuing my baseball career while developing my skills with such a great coaching staff. 

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

Romel: Lake Erie Warhawks (Abrahamowicz). My most memorable experience was throwing a no-hitter at a tournament in Columbus in front of several college coaches.

PBR:  What person has had the greatest impact on your baseball career and why?

Romel: There are many, as I have been coached by some really good coaches throughout all levels of my baseball career but my dad always helped me with my development and pushed me to be the best player I can be.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season?
Romel:High School: Pitching: 38.1 IP, 3-3, 0 SV, 1 CG, 6 ER, 1.10 ERA, 56 K  Hitting: 23-71, .324 Avg, 1 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR, 18 R, 23 RBI, 6 SB, 33 BB Travel: Pitching: 36.1 IP, 6-0, 0 SV, 2 CG, 7 ER, 1.36 ERA, 53 K Hitting: 21-72, .292 Avg, 5 2B, 2 3B, 0 HR, 21 R, 20 RBI, 4 SB , 17 BB

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?

Romel: At this level every player is a tough out. This keeps me focused knowing that outs are sometimes tough to come by.