Derek Turocy, OF, Canfield HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Lake Erie?

Turocy: I chose Lake Erie because I felt like it was a good fit for me. I felt like I could make an impact and help the program in my early years. I also liked the coaches and liked the players that I got to meet with.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Turocy: I was also in contact with Marshall and Bowling Green

PBR: Where did Lake Erie first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?

Turocy: I was invited to a camp they were running for their recruits. I developed a relationship the moment I was in contact with the coach. He was interested in me as a player early on and kept up with me in my recruiting process.

PBR: Lake Erie seems to be a program on the rise, especially with this current recruiting class.  How did that impact your decision to go up north?

Turocy: I've talked with my friend who goes to Lake Erie and he had nothing but great things to say about the program and coaches. They have really turned that program into a hard working and determined team, and they expect their talent to keep improving, especially with this recruiting class. 

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

Turocy: The coaches expect me to go in first year and work my tail off. Even if I do not get a starting spot first year, I will be helping my team in every way possible. That means on and off the field.

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

Turocy: I feel like I can help lake erie with my bat, and my ability to get good reads on the ball and add a good arm to the outfield. They batted a majority of right handed hitters in their line up last year and I can help them mix in a left handed hitter with power and speed.

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

Turocy: Last year we were OTN PERFORMANCE, and this year we are the SBA Aces. We are the same team, but a new sponsor. My most memorable experience from the summer was getting to play the schedule we did. Our coach, Joe Gabriel, made an awesome schedule for us. He scheduled the best competition we could play without having to travel too far. We even got to play Midland a few times and see some of the best players they had to offer.

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Canfield?

Turocy: This past season I was hitting the three spot in our lineup and staring in the outfield. I had a .322 batting average with thirty hits, six doubles, two triples, two home runs, twenty RBIs, and seven stolen bases.

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

Turocy: Honestly, all the pitching I faced this summer was tough. We faced a lot of D1 recruits, especially when we got to play Midland. The best pitcher I faced in high school was Canton South's number one, who at the time was going to Ohio State to pitch.