Jeff Paul, RHP/OF, St. Henry HS, Class of 2014

PBR: Why did you choose Ohio Dominican? 

Paul: When I visited campus and met the coaches, everything felt right and I felt like I could see myself at Ohio Dominican for my next four years. The academics and athletics were both a good fit for me, and I couldn't pass up playing for Coach Page.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Paul: Ashland, Bluffton, Ohio Wesleyan

PBR: Where did Ohio Dominican first see you? How did your relationship develop with Coach Page?

Paul: They were in contact with my high school coach, Coach Dorner, and he helped sell me to Ohio Dominican. And when I met with Coach Page, I felt our meeting went great and I developed high respect for him.

PBR: Coach Page has made Ohio Dominican a baseball powerhouse. What will it be like to play under the legendary coach?

Paul: It's going to be great. Playing for a coach that has coached for over 20 years doesn't happen very often, and that was a big factor in my decision making. 

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

Paul: They like my potential right now. Coach Page told my coach that he could see me as both a pitcher and outfielder. They just want to see where I best fit.

PBR: Now that you have your recruitment out of your way, what are your individual and team goals going into the spring?

Paul: My individual goals are to lead the area in batting average, and have the lowest ERA. Also, to repeat as First Team All Ohio. Our team goals are extremely high this year.  We have a lot of experienced and well rounded guys on the team, and we feel that we can have a very memorable upcoming spring.

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

Paul: I play for Piqua Legion Post 184. Playing travel ball has allowed me to face some great pitchers and hitters, and has also allowed me the chance to be on the same team as some great ball players. 

PBR: What was the most memorable experience from this summer?

Paul: When I was able to pitch well and go 2-3 with a triple, double, and a walk against my former team, the Tipp City Raptors. Or when we were able to win our Region and beat Troy to go to Legion State Tournament.

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

Paul: One of my coaches, Coach Kunk. He has always been here for me anytime I have needed anything with baseball. Whether it was calling him to come and work out with me and throw BP to me, or whether it was if I just needed to talk and get myself prepared to perform at a high level. He showed me that playing baseball is about having fun, and when you're having fun, that's when you can perform at your highest level. 

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at St. Henry?

Paul: .398 BA. 29 RBI. 5 Doubles. 1 Triple. 7-0. 50 Innings. 31 K's. 1.54 ERA

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

Paul: Adam Niemeyer.