Luke Kuczewski: OP connection

Last year, while playing for Orchard Park High School, Luke Kuczewski was the Quaker's starting catcher on a team ranked No. 1 in Class AA most of the year. Seems like a pretty normal situation right? Well that's where you're wrong.

Throughout his whole life, Luke had actually been a pitcher. It was not until his senior year of high school when he decided that he would make the transition to catcher. The Quakers had a deep staff, including the WNY Pitcher of the Year, but the team needed a catcher. "I caught for my senior year because there was a space to be filled at catcher," said Luke. "I wanted to ensure myself a position while trying to help my team."

Coach Palisin had initially seen Luke at a Showcase during the summer where he performed well. Freshman-at-the time Patrick Sheehan, an OP grad, had also recommended Luke, as did coach Jeff Helmbrecht of the Buffalo Braves travel team. "He's got a pretty good stick, too," Helmbrecht mentioned.

Luke visited Fredonia in the fall, and indicated that he wanted to pitch for the Blue Devils. Upon getting his opportunity to pitch at the collegiate level, Luke said "I am definitely happy to be back at my normal position on the mound. I can't wait to show what I can do and to compete for some innings."

Luke turned in a strong fall, and will push for a spot in the rotation. He spun three scoreless against FLCC in this fall's playdate.

Luke is not the only player on the team to reverse his roles throughout his baseball career. Sheehan, his high school friend and teammate, was a pitcher at O.P. Patrick was brought in to pitch, but last year after a season-ending injury to senior catcher Anthony Schiro, and junior Dan Cecilia not being cleared for the 13-game Florida trip, Sheehan moved to catcher and was the Opening Day starter. Sheehan's brother had been an All SUNYAC catcher in 2013.

Luke also gives Pat a lot of credit for his interest in Fredonia. "When pitching to Pat there is a connection that makes me feel more comfortable when I am on the mound," said Luke. "So when it came to deciding where I wanted to go it didn't take much for me to consider here thanks to Pat." The duo also played MUNY ball together this past summer.

Beside having a love for baseball, Luke also has a love for his Buffalo Bills. "I wasn't always an avid Bills fan but over the past few years I have began to develop a love for our boys," said Luke. "I love how the city comes together because of the team and how much energy there is around town on game days." You can catch Luke wearing his Kyle Williams jersey around campus on game days.

Here's what Luke had to say about what he looks forward to for the upcoming season:

Did you Know?:
Both Luke and Patrick work the luxury boxes at the Bills home games.
Lives 1.3 miles from Ralf Wilson Stadium.
OP connection: Brian Sheehan --> brother Patrick Sheehan --> friend Luke Kuczewski --> who's next?
Roommate: Freshman pitcher Josh Koepsell

Lucas Schaefer: The Rival

Lucas Schaefer attended St. Mary's of Lancaster High School located just outside Buffalo, New York. It is a small catholic private school that plays out of the Monsignor Martin League throughout Western New York. This league consists of eight teams: Bishop Timon-St. Jude, St. Francis High School, Canisius High School, St. Joseph's High School, Cardinal O'Hara High School, Nichols High School, Christian Central Academy and of course St. Mary's High School.

Throughout Lucas' high school career, he faced a few  of his current Blue Devil teammates (Quinn Danahy, Trot Kelly and Michael Prentice). When asked about what it was like to play against them, Lucas was quoted saying:

Once Lucas finished his time at St. Mary's he decided to take his talents to Niagara County Community College, a two year program school, located in Sanborn, New York.

It was here where Lucas really learned how to improve his game as a pitcher. "I learned a lot more about the game of baseball during my time at NCCC," said Lucas. "I learned to focus on the little things that can make me a better pitcher and to control what only I can control." He feels the things he learned during his time at NCCC are things he can carry with him outside of baseball as well.

Lucas is also an advocate of playing with "swagger." Throughout the fall, it was noticed by a few of his teammates that he likes to rock the high sock look when pitching. When asked about why he chooses to do so he said, "I like the way it looks. I feel that I have had great success when wearing my socks up. Baseball players are always trying to be a little swaggy. Look good, play good."

Lucas is ready to step up and take on any role  this season for the Blue Devils. He is ready to get the season going and to get after it with his teammates. "SUNYAC's is the measuring stick right now for us," said Lucas. "I am really looking forward to a hardworking offseason with these guys, so we are ready to go as soon as the season hits."


Interesting Facts:
Favorite Movie: Drumline
Favorite Dining Hall on Campus:

Favorite MLB player:Yadier Molina
Favorite Music: Hip-Hop/Rap

Rob Wiegand

It has been three months now and Freshman First Baseman Rob Weigand has already learned what it takes to be successful in college. He knows it is much different than being at Bishop Ludden in Syracuse where he was First Team All CNY. "College is definitely a lot different than high school," said Rob. "You need to stay on top of your game in classes and be sure to always be organized."

Rob of course does not take full credit for developing this type of mindset on his own. He believes that playing under fellow Blue Devil Ciro Frontale's father has helped make him the player and person he is today.

Ciro, Sr. serves as the Athletic Director and Assistant Baseball Coach for Bishop Ludden. "There aren't too many people like Mr. Frontale," said Rob. "It was an awesome experience to play under him for two years and having the opportunity to be around him, as well as my other coaches really helped show me how to reach my goals."

Ciro, Sr.

Rob also had some kind words to say about Ciro, Jr.

From here there was no looking back according to Rob. A friendship had been born which would turnout to be great for the Blue Devil program. Thanks to Ciro and his father, Rob gained interest in the Fredonia Baseball program.

He saw the success that Ciro and the team were having and wanted in. "Following Ciro during his first two years at Fredonia definitely had a major impact on me," said Rob. "I saw the success that Ciro was having and it really made me want to achieve that success as well."

Rob looks to compete for a starting position this season. He played mostly right field at Ludden, but has worked out at first base this fall. He is ready to work and get after the SUNYAC title with his fellow teammates. "I am honestly just ready to start the season with all of the fellas and get to work," said Rob. "Any chance I get to be around baseball is a good day for me and being around this group of guys makes it even better."

Fast Facts:
Huge San Diego Chargers fan.
Huge-er Syracuse U. fan.
Likes Rap and Country music.
Derek Jeter is his MLB role model.
Rooms with fellow Syracuse native Ben Atkinson, apitcher for the Blue Devils.
Personal Quote of the Day:

Kevin Yirinec: Almost a State Champ

Kevin is the son of Brian and Robin Yirinec. He attended Fairport High School where he was a member of the National Honors Society and graduated with High Honors. Kevin played varsity baseball for two years and received numerous honors including First Team All-GreaterRochester his senior year. 

He also played volleyball and won a state championship his junior year. Outside of athletics, Kevin was also a member of the school band, in which he played the trombone.

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Fredonia Baseball Public Relations Manager Quinn Danahy -- and lifting partner -- sat down with Kevin and asked him a few questions so you could get to know him a little better:

 

Walk Up Song
Favorite Movie
Favorite Food


What would you say has been your favorite thing about college so far?
The newly gained freedom. It is nice to be able to set your own schedule and do things on your time.

What are you currently majoring in and what is like to be in the schools honor program?
Business Administration. Being in the Honors Program is really great because it helps push me academically and also provides me with a different friend group aside from the baseball guys.

Who would you say has had the biggest impact on you thus far?
The person who has had the biggest impact on me thus far is Quinn. He was the first upperclassmen to reach out to me and help me get accustomed to the expectations college baseball demands from you. He also helped me relax while I'm playing, which ultimately helped me feel more comfortable around the team.

What was it like to play under former Blue Devil Daniel Fetes?

What did he teach you about college ball?
The big thing that coach Fetes taught me that has helped me transition to college baseball easier is that you must keep a short memory. Don't let little things get into your head and take you out of even just one play. Only focus on what you can control and you will be able to perform at a competitive level.

Would you say he had any help in you earning First Team All Greater Rochester?
He spent countless hours helping me with my swing and pushing me to become better every day. He not only helped me prepare physically, but mentally as well. In many ways, I am a product of coach Fetes.

What was it like to play in the New York State Legion Championship game?
A once in a lifetime experience. It was really cool being able to compete against some of the best teams in the state and see what type of competition there is out there.

You met your current roomate DJ Schiersing at the Legion State Tournament in Utica. Tell us more.
The first time I ever met DJ was when he was walked in the final game of the New York State Legion Championship's round robin group stage. I was playing first base so we were able to have a brief conversation right then and there. I had known for some time that DJ was going to be my roommate, which made it even more exciting to be able to face him in the tournament.

What has been the most memorable baseball moment from your career?| 
Going 3-4 with 3 triples in a game at the state tournament. Coincidently it was the game in which I was facing DJ's team, which made it even sweeter because I think I made a decent first impression.

DJ Schiersing: State Champ No. 3

DJ graduated from West Seneca East High School located just outside Buffalo where he played baseball and basketball. He was named an ECIC Division Two All-Star three times in baseball, as well as the league's Defensive Player of the Year as a shortstop. He will move to the outfield with the Devils.

On the court DJ was a three year member of the varsity basketball team and started at small forward. DJ was also a member of the 2015 West Seneca Legion Post that captured the New York State Legion Championship. He joins current Blue Devils Michael Prentice and Trot Kelly (2013 State Champs) who also played for the West Seneca Legion Post.

Coach Palisin originally saw DJ playing for a local travel team, Full Circuit Power. The FCP team plays a game each summer at Ludwig Field, so coach Palisin and DJ originally met at the field on campus.

"DJ had a short, compact swing, something we look for. He had a good approach at the plate and his coach mentioned what a high-character individual he was. DJ was looking to major in Education, and we have one of the best programs in the state for that major."
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Senior captain Quinn Danahy sat down with DJ to ask him a few questions so you can get to know him a little better:

DJ's Walkup Song
Favorite Baseball Player
Favorite Movie

What would you say has been the biggest adjustment of college so far?
The biggest adjustment in college is going from a school where you know everyone to a school where you know only a fraction of the people.

What is your focus in education?

I am undecided but in the future I would like to get into Education. I would love to teach high school History one day.

What would you say was your greatest high school sports moment?
Being a part of the high school basketball team that set a school record in wins and having the first winning season in 20 years.

You put together a special event for your high school coach basketball when he was ill. What was that like? (Read article from Time Warner Cable here)
Last basketball season our assistant basketball coach was diagnosed with Leukemia. His son was our head coach so the team and I set up Leukemia Awareness Night. It was extremely special to me and to this day still feels great knowing I made a difference in someone’s life. At the event we made $2,500 and it was all donated to the American Cancer Society. The school is planning to make this an annual event and I hope to stay close with running the event.

Would you say this has helped shape you as a player and a person?

This has absolutely helped shape me into a player and person. It has made me realize some things in life are just greater than sports and it’s made me want to continue to make a difference in people’s lives.

What was it like to win the New York States Legion baseball championship?

The NYS Legion Baseball Championship was an unreal experience and winning the championship made it even cooler. It was cool meeting and beating my (current Fredonia) roommate Kevin Yirinec (Fairport Legion) at the tournament as well. He played for the opposing Legion Post we saw in the finals.

Does it give you pride knowing that you followed in the footsteps of fellow Blue Devils Mike Prentice and Liam Kelly?

It’s pretty cool that I got to follow those two. We take pride in playing for West Seneca Post 735 and its cool that all three of us got to win state championships for our hometown.

What was it like to be an inaugural member of the Full Circuit Travel team in Western New York? Was it fun to play under Coach Charlie?

Why did you choose Fredonia? 
I chose Fredonia because I liked the school and how close it is to my family. Fredonia gives my parents the opportunity to continue to watch me play, which means a lot to me.