Alex Sanders, C, Worthington Christian, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Ashland? 

Sanders: I chose Ashland because of how inviting the academic and athletic programs felt. With a highly recognized academic institution like Ashland and the appealing success of Ashland baseball under Coach Schaly it was the perfect fit.  

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Sanders: I was looking at other schools in Ashland's conference such as Malone and Tiffin. I was also considering some D3 schools such as Bluffton, and Ohio Wesleyan and also NAIA Mount Vernon Nazarene.  
PBR: Where did the Coach Schaly first see you? How did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Sanders: My first ever interaction with Coach Schaly began in the spring of my junior year. I sent Coach an E-mail with a link to my skills video on YouTube and he then invited me to come up and visit the campus. I was able to spend time on campus and touring facilities with the assistant coaches, Coach Rowland and Coach Patton. The assistant coaches were then also able to see me play in the buckeye elite tournament showcase and Coach Schaly was able to see me at the Ashland Fall Prospect Camp.   

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

Sanders:  The coaches expect me to work hard and continue to get better as I adapt to the college game. I have been told I will be given opportunities but its obviously up to me to work hard and make the most out of my chances. One of the big roles that is expected of me is to make sure I am not only focusing on baseball but also working hard in the classroom.

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

Sanders: My strength is definitely my defensive style of play. I have always focused on controlling the run game and blocking every pitch. I feel as I get stronger and quicker I will adapt well to the college run game and will help on the defensive side of things.   

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

Sanders: I have jumped around from team to team in the past few summers. Mainly because I have played 18u for the past 3 years and the teams I play on end the year I play for them. Last summer I played for the Central Ohio Zebra Elite (COZE) and the most memorable part of the summer was going 3 for 3 with a couple RBI's and throwing a few guys out on Notre Dame's field in a Pastime tournament there.

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? 

Sanders: Now that my commitment is out of the way I think the first goal I want to establish is just to enjoy my senior year. Individually I would love to be first team all district and 1st team all conference. I was able to achieve 2nd team last year and would love to improve on that. For the team I want to first and foremost like every one to stay healthy. Also I would love to see some of our underclassmen who will be given opportunities step and fill their spots well. I feel if we stay focused and and get good contributions from everyone I feel we can make a good run in the tournament 

PBR: What were your stats for last spring season at Worthington Christian?

Sanders: Last season I batted .280 and threw out around 60% of runners trying to steal.

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

Sanders: The toughest pitcher I have had to face would either have to be Michael Gingrich who played for Shekinah Christian and also the Ohio Panthers or current Ashland pitcher Mitch Cox who we faced in the district final against Newark Catholic and also when we faced him against the Columbus Cobras.