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Austin Thompson, 3B, Loy Norrix HS< Class of 2015

PBR: Why did you choose Calvin?

Thompson: I chose Calvin because of the environment and small classroom size. I also wanted to get out of Kalamazoo to be on my own and be independent. The coaches were very interested in me and I developed a good relationship with them ever since the first time I visited Calvin. The facilities their are great. The main reason why I chose Calvin is because I wanted to get a good education while playing baseball.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Thompson: I was considering Kalamazoo College and took a visit there. At the beginning of the year I was talking to Eastern Michigan. Some other schools were interested like Cleary University, Robert Morris University and KVCC as well. 

PBR:  Where did the coaches first see you compete and how did your relationship develop with the rest of the coaching staff?

Thompson: Calvin's recruiting coordinator first saw me at a PBR showcase. I met head coach John Rypel a few days later and we developed a good relationship on the visit.

PBR: What role does the coaching staff expect you to play during your first year on campus?

Thompson: The coaching staff expects me to pitch and play third base throughout my years at Calvin. They see me as a two way player.

PBR:  What are you individual and team goals for this spring?

Thompson: For Loy Norrix my individual goals are to have a low ERA, a batting avg. over .400 and have a great season. As a team our goals are to win more than half our games and win districts. We haven't won districts in many years and I believe this year will be the year that we can win.

PBR: Who has had the biggest impact on you as a baseball player?

Thompson: As a baseball player, my brother has had the biggest impact on me. We would throw in our street even when the street lights came on. He helped me improve as a player and as a person. After baseball games we would stay after and hit until it got dark. He's a big reason why I get to play at the next level. 

PBR: Who do you play for in the summer and what was your most exciting experience playing summer ball?

Thompson: Last summer I played for the Kalamazoo Maroons. The most exciting experience was playing in the Perfect Game tournament in Atlanta, Georgia and getting to play on some of the nicest fields and getting to play the best competition throughout the nation. 

PBR: What were your stats last season?

Thompson: Last season I batted .300 with 4 doubles and 12 RBI's. 

PBR: Who is the toughest pitcher you have faced?

Thompson: The toughest pitcher I have faced in high school was Luke Schaefer from Portage Central High School.