The Questions With Alma Stolen Base Leader Ray Ribitch
Q & A with one of Alma College baseball’s top returners, junior outfielder Ray RibitchWhy did you choose to come to Alma College?
“It got to be May of my senior year in high school at Mt. Pleasant and I had not chosen any place to go and Alma was close by, so being close to home was a big part of it. The academics at Alma also played a large part; they have a really good science program here and I want to go to med school.”
What made you want to continue playing at the college level?
“I came here with my best friend from high school and he had already been talking with [head baseball] Coach [John] Leister and my friend kind of talked me into it. I didn’t know if I wanted to play or if I had the ability to play, but I went out and played fall ball and it kind of happened from there. Two of the seniors that year took me under their wing and showed me the ropes so I didn’t really feel like a freshman; I felt more like a junior which was real helpful.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your athletic career?
“My brother [freshman Scott Ribitch] has had a big impact. Just growing up we always pushed each other, and he is here now as a freshman and I always wanted to keep the option open so we could play together again. My parents also had a big impact on my career. They would let me do what I wanted to and would push me in that direction.”
What are the team goals for this season?
“Always to win a championship, and I know that is definitely on everybody’s mind. I think also to make a name for ourselves. We started out really well last year and we tapered off fast and I think we want to earn the respect of people not just on campus but people in the league as well. We want to establish Alma as a baseball school.”
What is your outlook for this season?
“I think we have more talent this year. We only lost two seniors so we have a lot of people really anxious to play and we’re all really excited for the spring trip. I think we can do as well as we work for and I think we have been pushing people to work harder not just in season but in the off-season too. I expect a lot out of this season.”
What would you consider to be the team’s strong points?
“Our infield is really solid. Also, we have Brandon Teenier coming back from last year who was undefeated pitching and I think he definitely is a strong point. A lot of guys look to him when he is on the mound. He is really intense and I think people feed off of that. I think our outfield is another strong point; we are fast out there and it will be fun to watch us make plays.”
What has been your most memorable moment playing sports?
“Going to Florida my freshman year and playing down there. You almost feel like a pro down there. You hang out with the guys and play baseball all day. It is just unparallel to anything; it is just so relaxing and intense all at the same time. You get out of Alma and out of Michigan and are down playing in 70 degree weather. It’s really awesome.”
What is the biggest difference between playing high school and college athletics?
“Responsibility. In high school coach’s spoon feed you everything, and when you get to college you’re expected to do everything on your own. I like that but some guys can’t adjust to it. You have to put a lot into the off-season so you can be ready for the season.”
What is the motto that you and your team live by?
“Coach always compares us to being a family. We all are as good as the person next to us and the person next to them and that we are like a family. We are always together; when we go on away trips it’s just the guys, no girls or girlfriends around and I think that is big. We help each other out here on campus and we’re there for each other.”
What is the best part of playing sports for Alma?
“I think playing and competing for such a small college like Alma and knowing that you’re not on scholarship is different because you know you are playing because you love playing that sport and not because you’re getting money to play. You can come back from a game and go into lab and talk to your professor about the game and do your school work at the same time, and you’re not swallowed up in the rat race like you would be at a school like MSU or CMU. There are a lot of guys who have names on the field but then they get back on campus and they kind of keep a low profile. I think that is different and something you don’t experience at a bigger college.”
Posted: Tue, March 22nd, 2005 at 6:57PM
