Baseball Factory is privileged to work with programs from every level of college baseball. We strive to educate and guide our players when it comes to choosing the right school. The more information a player knows about a school, coach and program, the better. Recently, Dan Mooney went one-on-one with Ryan Wheeler, the head coach at the Temple University. From his mentors, to the type of players he recruits to his approach during fall ball, Coach Wheeler gave some insight into the outstanding program he’s developed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Check out our list of College Alumni and see what alumni  played last year at Temple and other Division I programs.

1. How long have you been coaching? How long at Temple University?
I have been a college coach for 16 years and I am in my first season as the Head Coach of Temple.

2. Who are some of your mentors or coaches that you look up to?
One of my biggest mentors was Joe Paterno. He embodied the meaning of the word coach and understood it was more than just the X’s and O’s. He did things the right way with class and dignity and cared about players getting an education as well as a great athletic experience. I also studied John Wooden. I thought his approach to the basics helps to simplify whatever sport you are coaching. The fundamentals of any sport are imperative and being able to execute them when the game is on the line is very important.

3. What is the first thing about your school and program that you would want a recruit to know about?
Temple is a diverse school with a lot of opportunities for student-athletes both on and off the field. We have strong baseball program rich in tradition and history.

4. What qualities do you look for in a prospect on the field? Off the field?
On the field, I like athletes. I look at body types, strength and hand/eye coordination. I like players that have versatility and quickness to them. I like players that are confident but not cocky and demonstrate an understanding of the game. I want players that are tough and are willing to compete.

Off the field, I want mature, responsible young men. I want to know they are going to make good choices. I want to know that education is important to them and that they are going to do what it takes to succeed in the classroom.

5. How has video helped your recruiting?
We get bombarded with emails telling me how great this player is or that player is. You can lie with words but not with video. By using video we can see some of the things I talked about earlier in what we look for. It gives us an idea of where a player is at and if we want to go see them in person. It saves us time on the road so we can be more effective in getting the right players instead of chasing the wrong ones.

6. Do you recruit from Junior Colleges?
Yes.

7. Can you break down your fall practice schedule? What will you try to accomplish?
The fall is a big teaching time for us and the time when we see our players really develop. We start the fall in late August and get into the weight room immediately to start our strength and conditioning workouts. We will begin individual workouts with players during the second week and continue with them until mid-September. From mid-September to almost the end of October we will practice 5-6 days a week as a team. After team fall practice ends, we go back to individual workouts with players up until Thanksgiving. All during this time we are continuing to lift to get stronger and develop our conditioning for the upcoming season.

8. Do you have a strength and conditioning coach?
Yes, we have a full time strength coach who is responsible for the workouts and conditioning of our team.

9. Anything planned for your facilities (upgrades, changes, etc.)?
We hope with our move to the Big East Conference we will see some significant upgrades to our facility. Right now everything is in the planning stages and it is too early to speculate on what the specifics will be.

10. Is there anything you would like to add about your assistant coaches, recruits, parents, or program that we have not asked you about?
Temple University is a tremendous school with a lot of great opportunities. Look beyond the surface and explore what Temple is all about. My staff, along with the other support personnel at Temple, is some of the best I have worked with in my time in college baseball. If you are looking for a great education and a high level of baseball then Temple may be the place for you.

Check out more "Conversations with College Coaches"