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Q&A with Iowa commit Luke Schafer

February 18, 2014

By Steve Nielsen
Scouting Director – Wisconsin/Illinois

Luke Schafer, a 2014 graduate of Middleton HS, recently committed to Iowa. Schafer is currently ranked No.34 in the state and we got to catch up with Schafer about his recruiting process.Luke Schafer

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Schafer: The process was just about how I expected it to be, lots of work to talk to some schools and once they saw me play it was just about playing my game and trying to perform to my optimum level. Overall it was a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.

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?

Schafer: The process heated up over the past summer. My summer team at GRB played in some big tournaments and always received a lot of attention from college coaches.

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Schafer: I preferred to stay close to home, but in the end the factor that had the most impact on me was the school that would give me the best opportunity in baseball as well as in academics.  

PBR: Where did Iowa first see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Schafer: They first saw me a couple of summers ago. After that we stayed in contact and they came to see me a few times after that in some of my summer tournaments as well.

PBR: What do you like most about Iowa and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Schafer: I have the utmost respect for Coach Heller and think that the program is headed into an extremely positive direction. I would say the academics and the tremendous campus were key factors that persuaded me to the school besides the baseball aspect.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Schafer: I had been talking to Indiana State, South Dakota State, Bradley and Kent State.

PBR: What were you looking for out of a college program to continue your baseball career at?

Schafer: I was looking for a school with a great baseball tradition as well as a business school that would help me pursue my goals after college. Iowa was really the dream school for me, a big school with a great campus and great energy around their athletics, especially baseball.

PBR: At what point in your career did you realize you were a college caliber player and became serious about taking your game to the next level?

Schafer: I would say in the summer of my freshman year. I played with some older teams and played pretty well. Once I was able to make an impact on my high school team my sophomore year I started getting very serious about improving my skills and taking my game to the next level which has continued to this date.

PBR: What is your best attribute as a baseball player and how does that transfer onto the field for your team?

Schafer: I would say that my best attribute is my leadership abilities. As a middle infielder I’ve always had tremendous pride in the leadership aspects that go along with the position, and I believe that my skills have helped in my team’s successes over the years.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Schafer: My advice would be to work as hard as possible. Working out outside of practice with either your school or summer team is crucial and can pay large dividends in the end. Most importantly hit the books, because good grades can carry you a long ways and can open up many doors in your future.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Schafer: I hit the weight room about as much as possible outside of my sports. Over the past couple of years I have worked out with the GRB Academy and that has helped me a lot. I play basketball in the winter so I take advantage of that conditioning to help me in baseball as well.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Schafer: I expect a strong season for our team at Middleton. We return six starters from our team a year ago including some strong bats in our lineup. We hope to contend for a conference championship and the ultimate goal is to get to the state tournament.

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