Q & A with Wichita State Commit 2B/SS Luke Ritter (Rockhurst, 2015)
December 11, 2013
Shon Plack
Missouri Scouting Director
Recently, Luke Ritter (Rockhurst, 2015) a 6-foot 185-pound 2B/SS, gave his verbal commitment to play at Wichita State. He will be joining his Rockhurst teammate Trey Vickers (2014) on the Shockers roster. Ritter is a sub-7 runner that will hit in the middle of the powerful Rockhurst line-up this year. He also plays defensive back for the Hawklets football team in the fall. Ritter, who is currently ranked #10 in Missouri and #117 overall, gave us some insight to the process that led to him Wichita State.
PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?
RITTER: I didn’t know what to expect, but everyone told me to relax and it would take care of itself. For the most part it did. I was really fortunate that it happened pretty quickly.
PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?
RITTER: Yes, I wanted to stay in the Midwest for sure. I wanted to be close enough that my family could see me play.
PBR: Where did the college you chose first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?
RITTER: I first went to a WSU’s winter camp last year and meet the old coaching staff. They encouraged me to come back for the summer showcase camp. The new coaching staff watched our summer team play a few times this summer and then I really got to know them at the summer showcase camp.
PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?
RITTER: There are a lot of guys in our area that are really good. I think of Brian Sharp, Brendan Stanek and Isiah Campbell as some great players I have faced. I also play with some guys on Mac N Seitz and Rockhurst that are really good like Conner Kaiser, Trey Vickers and the Benninghoff brothers.
PBR: What has been the lowest point in your baseball career; what have you learned from it and
how has it helped you grow as a player?
RITTER: I didn’t hit very well at the Perfect Game World Series last year. I think I was too worried about what all the scouts thought of me. Towards the end I relaxed and just played and the hits came. That taught me a lot.
PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were an elite player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?
RITTER: I was very blessed to make the Midwest team for USA baseball for 14U. I played well in North Carolina against some really great competition. That gave me a bunch of confidence. Also, getting to play with my summer Mac N Seitz team. We have so many good players and we play such a tough schedule.
PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?
RITTER: I was looking for was supportive coaches, a good business school and a program that I can grow
as a baseball player.
PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for
your team?
RITTER: I am just trying to work hard and get better in all areas.
PBR: What part of your game needs the biggest improvement, why, and what will you do to improve it?
RITTER: I am working on trying to have better quickness and arm strength
PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?
RITTER: Work hard on your own and be the best teammate that you can be.
PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the
upcoming season?
RITTER: I am working out with Rob Jackson at Mac N Seitz – doing his baseball speed and agility classes. I also play football at Rockhurst, so I do strength and speed training for that as well. My summer team also does off season practices and I also do as much cage work as possible.
PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?
RITTER: Winning the Triple Crown World Series at 14 with my Mac N Seitz team was really fun. But mostly I just like playing with my Rockhurst and Mac N Seitz teammates.
PBR: What do you like most about the college you committed to and what were the key factors in making your decision?
RITTER: Coach Butler and Walker really made me feel at home there and I wanted to be a part of the program. They have a plan to compete nationally and I want to be a part of that. They have a great baseball tradition and I really loved the facilities. I also like the fact that it is close and my family can watch me play.
PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?
RITTER: With the help of my parents, I made a list of the schools that I wanted to consider before last season. They were Wichita State, k-State, Creighton, Saint Louis U and Missouri State.
PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?
RITTER: I made visits or went to camps to the short list of schools. I feel that really helped me get a feel for the coaching staffs at each school and what was a good fit for me. After those camps and visits I weighed my options and choose Wichita State.
PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your
expectations and goals?
RITTER: We are all very excited for baseball season to begin at Rockhurst. We have a great group of guys and we expect to do well.
PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?
RITTER: I play for Coach Felix on the Mac N Seitz Indians. The whole organization has been so supportive of me throughout the years that I have played with them. I have learned so much from Kevin, Mac and the rest of the staff, and my team coaches on how to be a better baseball player and person. I can’t thank them enough.
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