Q and A with 2012 Wright State University Commit Robert Sexton
October 26, 2011
Watkin's Memorial left-handed pitcher Robert Sexton recently committed to Wright State University. Read more about the 31st ranked prospect in the Class of 2012 ...
PBR: What schools were you considering?
Sexton: It got down to Wright State and University of Cincinnati. I also had interest in Ohio State and Bowling Green. They both made offers.
PBR: Why did you choose Wright State?
Sexton: It was just the best fit for me. I liked the coaches, and hearing what they had in mind for me. I like their history making the NCAA regionals. I think I will get a chance to develop as a pitcher right off the bat.
PBR: How did your relationship develop with Coach Lovelady and Coach Cooper? How did you connect with Coach Lovelady?
Sexton: Coach Lovelady stayed in contact with me a lot since the beginning of September. He said they really needed a good LHP, and they liked what they saw in me. Later on, Coach Cooper called me too. Coach Oeder and Lovelady showed me and my parents around campus and introduced me to players. They made sure I saw everything. Not just baseball things.
PBR: Was it important to stay close home?
Sexton: Yes. For cost, and to be close to family. It wasn’t my number one priority but it was important.
PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Sexton: They said I would get a chance to compete and pitch as a freshman, and go from there. Coach Lovelady said he pitches his young guys in games so they will be ready come tournament time. I liked hearing that a lot.
PBR: What were your expectations about recruiting heading into the summer?
Sexton: I really had no idea where I stood. I really hadn’t been noticed much until about halfway through my varsity season. So I was just hoping to hear from some schools that could do scholarships.
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help WSU?
Sexton: My biggest strength is that I am really competitive. It makes me work hard to be able to be the best I can be. In the weight room, working out, pitching workouts, and the game. I think this will help me contribute to Wright State too. I want to be the best I can be to help my team.
PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Sexton: I have had some great coaches. My high school coach Don Schone who gave me my shot on varisty. My legion coach, Chris Weber who drove me to get the best out of me. And assistant coach Jim Miller who always knew what to say to me when things were tough. I could always talk to him.
PBR: This summer, it seemed like your “stock” went up after the Buckeye Scout event. Would you agree? How do you feel that a showcase event can open up the doors during the recruiting process?
Sexton: I got invited to the Buckeye Scout by Coach Dan Machovina after he saw me pitch at the American Legion state tournament for Pickerington Post 283. The Buckeye Scout really opened doors for me. I began to get calls right away. Then Coach Mac introduced me to Coach Brian Hopkins with the Midwest Redbirds fall team. Pitching for them made even more calls happen. So yes I agree. After Coach Mac invited me to the Buckeye Scout things really took off.
PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Watkins?
Sexton: I pitched in 9 games. Started 8. Did 1 relief inning. 2.23 ERA. 52 K/15 BB, 44 IP, and Opp. Batting Avg - .161
PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?
Sexton: I think it was Zach Ratcliff. I faced him at the Buckeye Scout. I had good stuff that day, but he gave me a hard at bat. I’m pretty sure I kept him to a single. But he is a really good hitter.
PBR: What schools were you considering?
Sexton: It got down to Wright State and University of Cincinnati. I also had interest in Ohio State and Bowling Green. They both made offers.
PBR: Why did you choose Wright State?
Sexton: It was just the best fit for me. I liked the coaches, and hearing what they had in mind for me. I like their history making the NCAA regionals. I think I will get a chance to develop as a pitcher right off the bat.
PBR: How did your relationship develop with Coach Lovelady and Coach Cooper? How did you connect with Coach Lovelady?
Sexton: Coach Lovelady stayed in contact with me a lot since the beginning of September. He said they really needed a good LHP, and they liked what they saw in me. Later on, Coach Cooper called me too. Coach Oeder and Lovelady showed me and my parents around campus and introduced me to players. They made sure I saw everything. Not just baseball things.
PBR: Was it important to stay close home?
Sexton: Yes. For cost, and to be close to family. It wasn’t my number one priority but it was important.
PBR: What role do the coaches expect you to play your first year on campus?
Sexton: They said I would get a chance to compete and pitch as a freshman, and go from there. Coach Lovelady said he pitches his young guys in games so they will be ready come tournament time. I liked hearing that a lot.
PBR: What were your expectations about recruiting heading into the summer?
Sexton: I really had no idea where I stood. I really hadn’t been noticed much until about halfway through my varsity season. So I was just hoping to hear from some schools that could do scholarships.
PBR: What is your biggest strength as a player and how do you feel that you will help WSU?
Sexton: My biggest strength is that I am really competitive. It makes me work hard to be able to be the best I can be. In the weight room, working out, pitching workouts, and the game. I think this will help me contribute to Wright State too. I want to be the best I can be to help my team.
PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?
Sexton: I have had some great coaches. My high school coach Don Schone who gave me my shot on varisty. My legion coach, Chris Weber who drove me to get the best out of me. And assistant coach Jim Miller who always knew what to say to me when things were tough. I could always talk to him.
PBR: This summer, it seemed like your “stock” went up after the Buckeye Scout event. Would you agree? How do you feel that a showcase event can open up the doors during the recruiting process?
Sexton: I got invited to the Buckeye Scout by Coach Dan Machovina after he saw me pitch at the American Legion state tournament for Pickerington Post 283. The Buckeye Scout really opened doors for me. I began to get calls right away. Then Coach Mac introduced me to Coach Brian Hopkins with the Midwest Redbirds fall team. Pitching for them made even more calls happen. So yes I agree. After Coach Mac invited me to the Buckeye Scout things really took off.
PBR: What were your stats for this spring season at Watkins?
Sexton: I pitched in 9 games. Started 8. Did 1 relief inning. 2.23 ERA. 52 K/15 BB, 44 IP, and Opp. Batting Avg - .161
PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ohio?
Sexton: I think it was Zach Ratcliff. I faced him at the Buckeye Scout. I had good stuff that day, but he gave me a hard at bat. I’m pretty sure I kept him to a single. But he is a really good hitter.