Jordan Witcig (right), a RHP from Staley HS, recently committed to the Kansas State University. Witcig, ranked No. 15 in the Class of 2012, impressed at the PBR Open ID Showcase at The Yard in Lee's Summit in February.

Learn more about his recruiting process.

PBR: Which schools were you considering prior to committing to Kansas State University?

Witcig: In the beginning I was just trying to continue playing at any level.  I was interested in Maple Woods, Johnson County, and Kansas City Kansas Community Colleges.  Then I received some interest from UCM and Missouri Western and I thought maybe I could make it at the D2 level.  I then began to think about D1 programs like Missouri, OSU, KU, and K-State

 

PBR: What were the reasons that you ultimately chose K-State?

Witcig: Head Coach Brad Hill built a winning program at UCM and now he’s at K-State.  Pitching Coach Josh Reynolds pitched for Coach Hill and was part of UCM’s success.  I felt that Coach Reynolds pitching experience is what will help me to be successful.

 

PBR: What was the relationship you had with the coaching staff in the recruitment process?

Witcig: I pitched in two showcases and a camp at K-State.  They gave me tips and showed real interest in me.  Coach Hill traveled to Chicago and watched me pitch in the Midwest Classic Baseball Tournament.  At the camp Coach Reynolds gave me extra pitching instruction then told me that he would be in contact with me.  Throughout the process all of the coaches were open and honest with me about by abilities.

 

PBR: You and Brian Young make up what looks to be one of the top starting rotations in the state, what are your thoughts on that?

Witcig: I’ve been competing against Bryan since little league.  He’s a great pitcher but most people don’t realize that he has a lot of pop in his bat also.  With Chris Moncha and Bryce McLaughlin we will have a lot of depth.  So it should be a good season for us.  

 

PBR: Staley was one of the top ranked teams most of 2011, how do you think the team can stay among the top teams of 2012?

Witcig: We lost some very talented seniors at key positions but I think we have the personnel to replace them.  Most of next year’s starters are preparing to start fall ball and have made plans for conditioning over the winter.

 

PBR: Do you feel that playing in Kansas City and facing the competition you do has prepared you to be a DI player?

Witcig: I have read where people that say the best college players are found on the coasts or in the south.  I have played against teams from New Jersey, California, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, and Georgia.  I can honestly say I’ve faced some exceptional hitters right here in the Kansas City area.

 

PBR: What are your thoughts on the implementation of BBCOR bats from a pitching perspective?

Witcig: As a pitcher I’m all for it! With the reduced sweet spot, the bats should be more forgiving if I miss a pitch and leave one in the zone.  Hopefully hitters won’t be able to weakly fan at a pitch low and away and bloop one into the shallow outfield.

 

PBR: What team did you play for over the summer and how did it go for you? Were there any aspects of your game that you wanted to improve during the summer?

Witcig: My summer team for the last two years has been the KC Select coached by Jin Brennan.  I worked to improve my pitch placement and limiting the running game.

 

PBR: As you head into your senior year, is it good to have the commitment and recruiting process done?

Witcig: For me it is.  Now if I have a bad outing I don’t have to worry who’s watching in the stands and if it will negatively affect my chances of playing at the next level.

 

PBR: Do you feel that this season will be any different considering that you know where you’ll attend college?

Witcig: I’m hoping that I can play more relaxed but I know after the first pitch my competiveness will kick in.

 

PBR: What do you hope to accomplish in this upcoming season, both individually and as a team?

Witcig: I want to put on more weight and get stronger.  I want to be part of the first Staley baseball championship team.