Conversations with College Coaches: Washington College
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, Woody Wingfield sat down with Associate Head Coach Travis Turgeon. Find out what Coach Turgeon has to say about his facilities, importance of video and what he looks for in a recruit.
1. How long have you been coaching? How long at Washington College?
It is my third year coaching, second at Washington College.
2. Who are some of your mentors or coaches that you look up to?
A lot of my family has been involved in athletics, whether it is baseball or football, so they are big influences. I also was fortunate to coach with Pat Hall (Central CT) and Kevin Brockway (Cal State LA).
3. What is the first thing that you want recruits to know about Washington College and its baseball program?
If you don’t want to work hard then this is not the place for you. Also, we play in front of one of the best atmospheres in the region as far as our student section and field.
4. What do you look for in a prospective recruit on the field? Off the field?
With the new BBCOR bats there is a premium on pitching and defense. Off the field, we like kids that want to get better, and also want to help those less fortunate as we do a lot of community service.
5. How has video helped you in the recruiting process?
It is great to see a kid before you go out to a live game; it widens your database when evaluating the prospective player.
6. The Centennial Conference features many competitive baseball programs at schools with tougher academics. How do players at Washington College balance academics with baseball?
It all comes down to time management and our college has great resources for the students to do that.
7. Given the tougher admissions standards, do you have any advice for a prospective baseball player looking to be recruited to a school like Washington College?
Work as hard as you do in school as on the field.
8. Can you break down your fall practice schedule? What do you all to accomplish?
6am lift, then in the afternoon we have early work hitting, stretch long toss, position work, team defense, BP and base running. This last fall for us placed an emphasis on competition and mental toughness; it will vary fall to fall.
9. Do you have a strength and conditioning coach?
Yes, Jonnie Jenkins does a great job with our team.
10. What can you tell us about your facilities?
President Reiss and Dr. Matthews (our AD) have been working very hard to get us top notch facilities, as evident by our brand new locker room. There is not a better game day place than Athey Park.
11. What part of the 2012 schedule are you looking forward to the most?
Conference play, as we think it could be a special year for the team.
12. Is there anything you would like to add about your assistant coaches, recruits, parents, or program that we have not asked you about?
Ryan Normoyle, our shortstop, leads a strong group of seniors our team this year, he won the Centennial Conference batting title as well as the Perfect Game Collegiate batting title for the Elmira Pioneers last summer.
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