Matt Poland, C, Pickerington North HS, Class of 2013

PBR: Why did you choose Dayton?
Poland:  Dayton fit every qualification that I looked for in a college. The facilities are great, campus is the perfect size, academics are top notch, and the coaching staff really made an impact on me when we first met with how caring and driven they are to win championships.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Poland:  Miami, Wright State, Toledo, Campbell, Elon, and Bowling Green.

PBR: Where did Coach Vittorio first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?
Poland:  Coach V first saw me at a showcase double header at Wright State, but Coach Talarico saw me at the Walsh Jesuit Showcase For the Cure before that. Coach Talarico called me on July 1st and we kept in strong contact up until my visit.

PBR: How does it feel to be a part of a Division 1 baseball program?
Poland:  It feels great to be part of a division 1 program and even better to be apart of a championship caliber team.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Poland:  Coach V would like me to come in and adjust as quickly as possible which will decide when I could play. I hope to see some time my freshman year.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?
Poland:  I play for the Columbus Cobras in the summer and getting to be apart of the East Coast Pro showcase was a great memory. There were a bunch of great players there and it was fun to compete.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? 
Poland:  I did not know what to expect with the recruiting process. I pursued some schools, but really went with what came to me. But I did know I wanted to be apart of a D1 program and play at the top level of competition.

PBR: What were your stats this spring season at Pickerington North?
Poland:  AVG .391 with 11 doubles 20 RBI SLG% .565 OB% .494 threw out 8-12 base runners picked off 4

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?
Poland:  Nick Jensen-Clagg