Eric Neal, RHP, Mariemont

PBR: Why did you choose Eastern Kentucky?
Nerl: I chose EKU because I really like the coaching staff and the direction the program as a whole is moving. They have done a good job developing their players and play a tough schedule.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?
Nerl: I was considering the University of Cincinnati, Seton Hill, and Marietta College.

PBR: Where did the coaches first see you? How did your relationship develop with their coaching staff?
Nerl: Coach Stein first saw me at a showcase in Louisville; we were playing the Ohio Elite. He actually showed up at the wrong time by accident due to a change in the schedule and saw me instead of the team he came to see.

PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Nerl: The coaches expect me to be a possible mid-week starter or a reliever.

PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help EKU?
Nerl: My biggest strength as a pitcher is probably my ability to locate my fastball in different parts of the strike zone, this will be a big help at EKU with hitters still making the transition to the new bats.

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was the most memorable experience from this summer?
Nerl: I play for the CBC Redhawks (Cincinnati Baseball Club). This past summer, however, I played for the Ohio Force. The most memorable experience was playing in East Cobb GA, in the World Wood Bat against some of the best teams in the nation.

PBR: Now that you have your commitment out of the way, what are your goals both individually and for the team going into your senior season?
Nerl: My goals individually are to add a couple MPH to my fastball and to mainly stay healthy throughout the sesaon. Our team goal is to compete for a CHL title.

PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Mariemont?
Nerl: G: 8 IP: 41 W: 5 L: 1 K: 70 SHO: 2 WHIP: 1.15 ERA: 1.85

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?
Nerl: The toughest hitter I've faced has to be either Max Kadish from Wyoming HS, or Andrew Benintendi from Madeira HS.