Rutger Luebke, one of the top uncommitted catchers in Ohio's Class of 2012, recently ended his recruitment by committing to Coach McGee and the Lake Erie Storm. He is one of three recent commitments to Lake Erie in the past week. Learn more about his recruitment process ...

   

PBR: Why did you choose Lake  Erie?
Luebke: I chose Lake Erie College because they have a hard working passionate baseball staff and I believe in what they are doing. The more time I spent with them, the more I wanted to be a part of it. Also, I plan on majoring in Business and they have a lot of internship opportunities in downtown Cleveland.    

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Luebke: I had a lot of interest from a variety of schools. When it came to the point where I was ready to make my decision, my choices were Lake Erie, Tiffin, Ashland, and Heidelberg.


PBR: Where did Lake Erie first see you? How did your relationship develop with Coach McGee and the coaching staff?
Luebke: Coach McGee first noticed me last winter at the Buckeye Scout Pitcher/Catcher Showcase at Bucyrus High School. The coaching staff made it a point to see a large percentage of my games throughout the summer. Coach McGee has been in contact with me since July.    

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Luebke: They expect me to come in and compete for the starting catching position.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Lake  Erie?
Luebke:  I consider myself to be a well-rounded player so it’s hard to pick one strength that stands out. I am very competitive and focused.

PBR: What sort of sacrifices did you have to make to play a travel intensive schedule during the summer? What sort of advice would you pass on to players looking to make the same decision?
Luebke: Of course there are social sacrifices you make traveling so much during the summer. I love the game so much I don't feel I missed out on anything. It's worth the sacrifice if you love what you are doing. My advice to other players is that if you want to play at the next level, there are no shortcuts whether you are on the field or in the weight room.  

PBR: What was the most memorable experience from this summer?
Luebke: Hitting a walk off 2 run home-run in the bottom of the 9th inning at The University of Toledo to beat the Cincinnati Flames at the Black Swamp Tournament.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Luebke: My dad. He has been one of my summer coaches throughout the years and has always been available to long toss, throw BP, or take me to camps.

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Medina?
Luebke: .356 Batting Average, .435 OB%, 15 runs, 12 RBIs, threw out 63% of opposing base runners.

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?
Luebke: Stetson Allie my sophomore year