1.    How long have you been coaching?  How long at California University of PA?
I have been coaching at Cal for 11 seasons.

2.    Who are some of your mentors or coaches that you look up to?
I didn’t have much instruction in high school or in younger leagues.  My mentors are my JUCO coaches, Mike Draghi and Terry Mularsky, and my 4-year coach and best friend who I currently coach with, Mike Conte.  All 3 men have different styles of teaching and coaching.  I picked and chose what works for me and added my own twist.  

3.    What is the first thing about your school and program that you’d want a recruit to know about?
The first thing about the university would be the great academic emphasis, even though it is a state school and not a private college.  Our president has mandated that all professors have their terminal degrees in their particular field.  He also has mandated that all offered programs work towards being nationally accredited and has given them a time table.  No professor can be hired now that doesn’t have their terminal degree.  Professors teach all the classes.  We do not have teacher’s aides teaching.  
The first thing about the program would be that when you come to Cal, it’s a well-rounded experience, not just about wins and losses.  I know I treat the guys like my nephews.  They can come to us about anything: girls, school, home, or ball.  We really want all of the guys to graduate and live productive lives in whatever they choose to do.  We have guys that are teachers, businessmen, sales reps, personal trainers, lawyers, pro athletes and all things in between.  

4.    What do you look for in a prospective recruit on the field? Off the field?
    First, obviously I look at skill level and see if he projects well.  Is he the type of player that fits well in our team concept? The kid has to be a quality person.  That has nothing to do with grades, but is he a reliable, dependable, trust worthy kid?  Would you want to go to battle with that kid?  Is he tough?

5.    Do you recruit from Junior Colleges?
I was a junior college guy, so yes, we do recruit JUCO guys.  They have to meet the criteria to make our program, however.  

6.    Can you break down your fall practice schedule? What do you try to accomplish?
We work on strength and conditioning practice.  We try to figure out where our fringe guys stand.  We pride ourselves in giving kids opportunities to prove what they can do through intersquads, games and individuals.  

7.     Do you have a strength and conditioning coach?
We are blessed with a great strength and conditioning department.  Our S/C program is second to none.  And I mean Division I or Division II.  Our coaches take pride in all of the athletes.  They don’t see starter or reserve guy. Just work habits and goals.  They individualize the programs to the athletes individual goals.

8.    What is your favorite away game/series/ballpark?
My favorite series is our PSAC rivals, like Slippery Rock and Mercyhurst.  My favorite ballpark is on our spring break trip in Savannah, Georgia: Grayson Stadium.  It is a “grand old ballpark” that Babe Ruth played in.  It’s obviously been remodeled, but it still has that old feel to it and Joe Roberts from Armstrong Atlantic State and the Grayson staff are great hosts.  

9.    What do you think of the new BBCOR bats?
The BBCOR bats have changed the game.  They have changed recruiting to how you position your players.  If you’re a “hitting first” coach you, then you probably do not like them.  If you are a “pitching, defense and execution” coach, then you probably love the bats.  They have basically evened the playing field for whoever you are playing if you have some cold weather.  The bats just don’t perform in the sub-50 degree range.  

10.    Anything planned for your facilities (upgrades, changes, etc.)?
Our home field in Washington, PA, Consol Energy Park, just added prograss.  The school is also building us a brand new site on campus to practice and play.   

11.    Is there anything you would like to add about your assistant coaches, recruits, parents, or program that we have not asked you about?
We have a great following of parents and alumni. 

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