Q&A With Iowa Commit Adam LaRock

January 28, 2015

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Supervisor – Wisconsin/Illinois

Adam LaRock (Eau Claire North, 2016) burst onto the scene this past summer and climbed the rankings and recruiting boards of many schools. LaRock, a switch-hitting infielder has a strong arm, great runner and excellent athlete. This week LaRock made his commitment to Iowa and should bring a wealth of versatility to the Hawkeyes. Adam LaRock

Here’s a look at our conversation with LaRock and his whirlwind of a summer.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

LaRock: I didn’t want to expect anything to high, but I didn’t want to set my standards to low either. The whole process went as expected and it was a very fun process while it lasted.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

LaRock: A coach that really cared for me as a player and a person, and coach Heller did a very good job of that and I loved all the facilities, I could see myself playing their the first time I saw the field.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

LaRock: I’ve always wanted my parents to be able to come watch me play at the next level, and Iowa offered that to me. I like how it is far away and it’ll be nice to go someplace new but at the same time my parents are able to make a trip to come down and watch me multiple times throughout the year.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

LaRock: It all started when I played down in Franklin Wisconsin for a showcase, I put up some impressive numbers after being virtually a nobody in the recruiting process. Than got invited to go play in Indiana for the Under Armor Future Games for team Wisconsin. After the Future Games the recruiting really blew up, dozens of coaches calling my phones and texting me.

PBR: Where did Iowa first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

LaRock: Marty Sutherland saw me at the Future Games and he was the one to contact me and that was early fall. We would call and text back and forth for months and we finally got to set up a visit for January 24^th.

PBR: What do you like most about Iowa and what were the key factors in making your decision?

LaRock: One of the things I love the most about Iowa is the atmosphere. I love the college town feel of Iowa City. The coaching staff lead by Coach Rick Heller is one of the best in the country and one of the best infield coaches to offer, so I couldn’t pass up this opportunity.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

LaRock: Other colleges that had interest in me and on my short list were Kent State, Minnesota, Richmond, FIU, and Valpo.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

LaRock: One of the best players I have faced is Jake Sparger, or Dalton Roach. Both amazing pitchers that made me better with every pitch. Both went on to play at big name schools, and are happy for them and their success. Another player that I had an honor to play with on my high school team was Sam Hurt. Who currently plays at MATC.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

LaRock: I started to realize I had the chance to be a college level player in the future when I played varsity as a freshman in high school, and lead the team in some stats my sophomore year. I knew I had good arm strength and power but never had my velocity clocked, so at the Franklin showcase that was the first time I had a chance to prove myself.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

LaRock: My advice would be in the quote by Will Smith “Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind feelings and emotions”. Don’t listen to the people that doubt you and just go out and let your talent, hard work and effort do the talking. Put in work behind the scenes, late nights in the gym and early mornings. Because someone out there is working harder to beat you out, so you have to do the same.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

LaRock: My most memorable moment was going undefeated and being able to be the winning pitcher in the conference championship game with Eau Claire North and Minnesota alum Phil Isaacson, who has been battling cancer and is a true hero and idol of mine, was able to be in the stands to watch his team capture the conference championship he once won himself.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel Eau Claire North will be? What are your expectations and goals?

LaRock: My team this year is preseason ranked #5 in the state for Division 1, and we have 6 all conference players returning from last year. If we play the way we can and I know we can, than it’ll be fun to watch and see how far we will go this year, and hopefully make it down to Appleton for the state tournament.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

LaRock: Last year I played for my local Legion team, Eau Claire American Legion, we placed 3^rd in the state tournament last year and was able to make many memories with older players and learn from their experiences and maturity. The years before I played for Eau Claire Babe Ruth team where I was able to win multiple state titles and move onto the regional championships, coached by one of the best coaches in the area, Nathan Kilness. But this next year I will be playing for the GRB Rays which I am very much looking forward too.

Q&A With Iowa Commit Adam LaRock

Related Content