Nick Lubanski, C, Turpin HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose John Carroll?

Lubanski: I could have gone the bigger school route but I felt that John Carroll was a school where I could make an impact as a player and also as a pre-med student intending to join the Military Medical Corps.  Within the first hour of my first visit I knew that JCU was right for me and I did not have that feeling at any of my other visits.  JCU is a historically great academic school with a rich tradition for athletics and I could not find another school that fit the bill as well as JCU for me.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Lubanski: Morehead State & Mount Union

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with the coaching staff?
Lubanski: The Ohio Top Prospect Games at Prasco Park.  My relationship began when it set in that JCU was very interested in not only having me as a player, but also advising me on and off the field for my four years of college and beyond.

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

Lubanski: Coach really thinks I'll be able to make an impact my first year on campus behind the plate if my hard work continues and that influenced my decision.

PBR: What summer team do you play on and how has travel baseball helped your development as a player?

Lubanski: Last year I played for the 18u Cincinnati Stix Elite under head coach Jeff Keith.  Coach Jeff is a phenomenal guy with great wisdom for the game helping me hit .320 last summer.  Travel baseball is vital if you want to move up to the next level.  The level of competition makes you realize that there are a lot of good baseball players out there and to keep up you can't take a day off.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Lubanski: My father for sure.  He introduced me to the game and coached me from age 3-16 and taught me every single thing I know about the game.

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

Lubanski: Last season as a junior I hit .270.

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

Lubanski: There are a lot of great pitchers in this great state but I have to give the title to Midland Redskin and good friend of mine Zack Shannon.