Q&A With University of Iowa Commit: 2016 Cole Pennock- Clinton

March 17, 2015

By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Iowa

Cole Pennock, LHP, Clinton, Class of 2016

PBR: Why did you choose the University of Iowa?

PENNOCK: I was really comfortable with the situation at Iowa & Coach Heller has the program heading in the right direction. I feel like Iowa is the best place for me to continue to develop & eventually reach my dream of being drafted.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

PENNOCK: Nebraska, Creighton, & Illinois.

PBR: Where did the coaching staff first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

PENNOCK: They first saw me as a freshman in the first round of the 4A Iowa State Tournament. They then reached out to my high school coach, which eventually led to a couple of visits in the spring of my sophomore season.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?

PENNOCK: I am very relieved that the process is over. Now I can focus on getting better every day & preparing for the high school season.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put your choice over the top?

PENNOCK: Coach Heller & staff made me feel really comfortable. They believe in my ability & they are Iowa guys coaching Iowa kids. I feel that like they are as committed to me as I am committed to them. I could sense their loyalty to Iowa baseball players.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?

PENNOCK: My family has been supporting me since day one. It started with my travel baseball coaches & now my high school coaches. Everyone has been behind me all the way towards achieving the goal of playing division 1 baseball. They are all excited to have me commit to Iowa & be close to home.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?

PENNOCK: I expected it to be difficult to get noticed. However, as soon as I pitched as a freshman in the state tournament, I began hearing from schools & was being heavily recruited before my sophomore season. I actually received my first offers (Nebraska & Creighton) in the spring of my sophomore season. This process went much quicker than anticipated, but I feel like I handled it pretty well.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?

PENNOCK: They expect me to compete for a weekend job as a freshman. They have a need for left-handed pitching & they told me that I will have the opportunity to compete as a freshman. It will be up to me to continue to work hard every day & earn a key role right away.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

PENNOCK: Getting the win as a freshman in the 2013 Iowa State Tournament by beating Ankeny (they were the defending champs). It was a big moment for my school & my team. I was proud to be a part of it.

PBR: Who is the toughest player that you have competed against?

PENNOCK: Keaton McKinney was on the Ankeny team that we beat in the 2013 state tournament. I faced him three times in that game.

Q&A With University of Iowa Commit: 2016 Cole Pennock- Clinton

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