CARY, N.C. (May 26, 2010) -- Here's the final press conference quotes of the 2010 season for the Kutztown University baseball team. The remarks were delivered following Kutztown's 6-2 loss to Franklin Pierce Wednesday night at the USA Baseball National Training Complex.
2010 PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Kutztown University baseball vs. Franklin Pierce College on May 26, 2010
Kutztown head coach Chris Blum
Opening statement
“It was two great teams going at each other. Unfortunately, only one could win. They got a couple of key hits when they needed them, but my boys went down fighting as they've done all year and that's all I've ever asked of them.”
Did you notice a difference in Franklin Pierce from the first game to last night?
“That's a tough question to answer. Obviously, they're a good team. I don't know if they were a little tight Sunday being that it was the first game. Maybe since they got a win under their belts, they were relaxed a little bit and you have to be relaxed when you hit. I think they came after us with a little purpose. They wanted to get a little revenge on us.”
Was it tough being the only team to come right back and play a day after losing?
“I wouldn't call it difficult. We've been through it before. We had to go through it during our conference and regionals so I don't think these boys mind that so much. They're geared up every game and ready to go no matter when they tell us to play. We're always going to go out on the field and give it everything we have.”
Reflecting on the season and what they did for the program
“This team went the deepest we've ever gone in Kutztown history. The seniors set out at the start of the year and said they want to get back to the World Series. Obviously, everyone involved had to play a part in that. Their goal was never to win a national championship. Once we get here that became the goal. But we always take things in perspective: go to PSAC conference playoffs, then to regionals and eventually get down here. I am proud of all of my seniors and everybody involved with the Kutztown baseball program from alumni to the administration to everybody who gives us a chance to get down here.”
Sophomore outfielder Shayne Houck (Boyertown, PA/Boyertown)
Talk about the struggles with hitting with runners in scoring position
“All tournament we had been struggling with runners in scoring position. Tonight, the pitcher threw a lot of off-speed and mixed some pitches really well. He kept us off-balanced. When we did get pitches to hit; we just popped them up. Their pitcher battled all game.”
Does this inspire you to get down here next here?
“Definitely. It kind of puts a little chip on your shoulder. We were this close and we battled hard the whole tournament. I definitely want to come back here again and compete for a national title. It's a whole lot of fun and the experience is nice. It's just incredible and to have that opportunity is once in a lifetime.”
Senior catcher Matt Kulbacki (Hershey, PA/Hershey)
On finishing a triple short of hitting for the cycle
“I didn't know that, which is kind of funny. I looked at it as my last game possibly and I just wanted to leave everything on the field. Shayne was actually talking to me in the dugout and he told me this was the same kid we faced the other night. For me, it goes back to the power outage and coming back from a 1-2 count and getting a walk, which eventually led to us getting the win. My mentality was this kid didn't beat me before and he wasn't going to tonight so I just kind of relaxed like coach said and had fun at the plate. I kept my eyes open and hit what I saw. Luckily, he was throwing me inside, I am a pull hitter and I went with it.”
What are you going to remember most about your career at Kutztown?
“Personally, I am going to remember all the guys and the lifelong memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Freshman year, I made it to the World Series and those guys showed me a world of value of what it was like to be a senior. Getting there as a freshman and coming back as a senior is an unreal experience. Being able to participate in a college World Series two times in a career is an unreal experience. What I am going to remember the most is what I learned my freshman year from the older guys. Hopefully, I was able to pass that on to the younger guys as a senior. The bus rides were my favorite and I am so happy we took a bus down here. It's been an unreal experience and I am going to remember everything.”
What was your favorite destination: Alabama or North Carolina?
“In Alabama, Biscut Stadium was unreal and the train tracks added something to the experience and there was a lot going on down there. But here in North Carolina, there was a more of homey feel. There were a lot nicer things here. So I can't really answer that I liked one or the other more because it was a World Series. I can say that I had a great time down here.”
