(March 3, 2010) The University of Southern Indiana baseball team is preparing for a historic weekend as it gets set to host the Dunn Hospitality Invitational March 5-8. This weekend's invitational is scheduled to conclude Monday when the Screaming Eagles host Wayne State College (Neb.) in the USI Baseball Field's first-ever night game.
Leading the No. 26 Eagles into this weekend's games, which begin Friday at 3 p.m. against the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, is senior utility player Tyler Choate. The right-handed pitcher leads the Eagles with a 3-0 record and is second on the team with a 3.60 ERA.
The preseason All-American and 2009 All-GLVC performer, Choate is hitting .357 with a double and four RBIs and has posted a perfect fielding percentage in 27 chances. A physical education major, Choate recently sat down with USI women's basketball player and sports information intern Abby Williams for a little Q&A. Below is what he revealed:
Williams: What is your full name?
Choate: Tyler Jordan Choate
Williams: When were you born?
Choate: April 28, 1987
Williams: Where is your hometown?
Choate: Carmi, Illinois
Williams: Do you have any nicknames, and if so how did you get them?
Choate: I do not have specific nicknames. Most people just call me by my last name, but I did nickname one of my pitches “The Raptor”.
Williams: What is your biggest sports accomplishment?
Choate: Hitting a walk-off homerun last year to beat Northern Kentucky in the regional tournament.
Williams: What is your best childhood memory?
Choate: All of the athletic events I went to with my Dad and brother.
Williams: Describe yourself in three words.
Choate: Efficient, Personable, and Casual
Williams: How did you get started playing baseball?
Choate: I started playing baseball at an extremely young age because I wanted to imitate and be just like my older brother. I thought he was a professional baseball player and I wanted to be his teammate.
Williams: What do you like most about USI?
Choate: The people I have the opportunity to learn from are by far the best aspect of USI. Whether it is in the Physical Education department or on the baseball field, I believe USI has tremendous mentors.
Williams: What is the best thing about college life?
Choate: Getting to meet people and making friendships that will last a lifetime.
Williams: What are your plans after college?
Choate: I plan to enter grad school to obtain a masters degree and eventually coach baseball at the collegiate level.
Williams: Who has been the biggest influence on your personal life?
Choate: My parents
Williams: What is the best/worst thing about being a college athlete?
Choate: Most people say missing class to travel for athletics is the worst part of being an athlete but I completely disagree. I think missing class is by far the best part of being a college athlete. I also enjoy the competitive atmosphere that comes with being a student athlete. The worst part of being a college athlete is learning to manage your time between athletics, school, and friends.
Williams: What motivates you as a baseball player?
Choate: The idea that when my collegiate career at USI is over that I did all I could to be successful. I want to leave it all on the field and not want to have the feeling of regret when the final out of my career is made.
Williams: What’s your favorite college course?
Choate: Foundations of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Science with Dr. Kamla
Williams: What kind of music do you listen to before games to get you pumped up?
Choate: I do not listen to an iPod before games because I prefer the musical selections of Mr. Ray Simmons.
Williams: What’s your favorite college sports team other than USI?
Choate: THE Ohio State University Buckeyes
Williams: What’s your dream vacation spot?
Choate: Rome
Williams: What drives you as a player?
Choate: The thought of winning a national championship
Williams: What kind of teammate are you?
Choate: One who holds himself and his teammates accountable for getting done what they are supposed to get done.
