Ryan Fox, RHP, Centerville HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Lewis?

Fox: I chose Lewis University for many reasons.  (Pitching) Coach Sobkowiak and I formed a great relationship right off the bat when he called me and I felt very comfortable around all of the coaches the moment I stepped foot on campus.  I'm also a fan of the team's family and close-knit feel.  I also simply like a team that wins games.  I think that I will have a great opportunity to grow and improve my skills under the direction of the coaches and players at Lewis.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Fox: I was considering Thomas More College, Ohio Dominican University, Heidelberg University, and Ohio Wesleyan University.

PBR: Where did the Lewis coaches first see you?  How did your relationship develop with them?

Fox: I made an unedited video of a bullpen session I threw indoors at my high school.  With the help of my great CHS coaching staff, they were able to send it out to a few schools with Lewis being one of them.  After watching the video, Coach Sobkowiak gave me a call and I could tell he was really interested in me as more than just a player, and he cared about forming a relationship with me as well.  I liked how our phone call went so I took a visit to Lewis and immediately fell in love with the school and the baseball program.  I really value forming a relationship with my coaches like I've done at Centerville with Coach Dickten, Coach Whited, Coach Swan, and Coach Suter, and I feel that I can form the same kind of great relationships with Coach McDonough and Coach Sobkowiak.

PBR: Lewis is located in Illinois, was distance from home a factor in your decision?

Fox: Prior to being contacted by Lewis University, distance from home was a real factor.  I wanted to stay close to home.  But as soon as I discovered all of the opportunities to be had at Lewis, I didn't think twice about the distance from home.  It is not something I'm worried about anymore because I feel that regardless of location, Lewis University is where I belong.

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

Fox: In my first year I am hoping to learn and soak up as much coaching as possible, and I am fully aware that the bullpen may be where I begin my career at Lewis.  I am hoping to pitch meaningful innings whether they be in relief or in starts.

PBR: You have participated in numerous PBR events.  How has PBR helped you with the recruiting process?

Fox: PBR has done an excellent job of getting me in front of college coaches in a very professional and organized fashion.  The PBR showcases that I attended have definitely been some of the most beneficial and high quality showcases that I have participated in. 

PBR:  Who do you play for in the summer and what is your most memorable experience?

Fox: This summer I will be playing for the Cincinnati Riverbats.  It is my first year on the team so I do not have any real experiences yet.

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

Fox: The person that has had the biggest impact on me is definitely my CHS teammate for two years, Nick Bertram.  Since my sophomore year he has been my mentor and trainer.  He has an unmatched work ethic and I've just done everything I can for the past three years to match his level of passion, intensity, and skill.  He took me under his wing and instilled in me a work ethic and mind for the game of baseball that I believe has made me the player I am today.