Q and A with Akron Commit Austin Mooney (Dublin Scioto)
January 30, 2012
PBR: Why did you choose Akron?
Mooney: I really liked Coach Rem and Coach Worth's attitudes/mentality they brought to the table. It felt like a tremendous fit for me to go their especially with the way the direction of the program was going.
PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Mooney: Central Michigan, Ball State, Ohio State, Lake Erie
PBR: Where did Akron first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?
Mooney: Last years CABA World Series in Cleveland is where I first met Coach Rem - I hit 2 home runs that he saw. We stayed in touch during my Football season and I attended Hitting & Catching camps at Akron after my Football season was over. Also, I attended a couple Showcases that Coach Worth saw me in. When I attended the Silver Spikes Showcase in Avon, OH recently, Coach Rem was their and I guess that he liked my performance enough that he called me with an offer to be a part of the Akron 2012 recruiting class.
PBR: At Akron, you will be joining your high school teammate (Kris Simonton) from the Dublin Scioto. Was he recruiting you hard to Akron?
Mooney: Simo was encouraging for sure. he always said positive things about me and I thank him for everything he did. Kris and I have been playing together since we were 10. We played on the Dublin Green Sox Travel Team, in Middle School and both of us were promoted to the Varsity early in our Freshman year and for the rest of our high school careers.. So it is more than exciting to be able to continue playing along side Kris again at Akron.
PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Mooney: They expect me to bring positive attitude and energy and compete for playing time throughout the year.
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help Akron?
Mooney: My biggest strength as a player is that I bring a positive attitude to the program and a person who is willing to do what ever they can to make the team successful as a team.
PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?
Mooney: I play for the Ohio Elite - Huesman. We were 37 - 9 - 1 last summer and had a blast.My most memorable experience last summer was catching a 9 inning game, throwing out a couple of base runners in 90 + degree heat in a 2-1 victory, driving an hour to Miami University catching a couple of innings, picking a runner off at 2nd, and then pitching no-hit ball for a few innings. But most of all being able to enjoy playing baseball with my friends.
PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Mooney: My biggest impact would have to be my grandpa "Big George" from him teaching me and always giving me tips to do better in life to always willing to travel to all my games and I appreciate that he does what he does for me.
PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Dublin Scioto?
Mooney: My average was .436, OBP was .500, 28 RBI'S, 4 DB, 1 HR. Pitching I was 4 - 1 and lead the team in Wins.
PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher that you have faced in Ohio?
Mooney: Soon to be my fellow teammate Mike Steensen for sure.
