SAC Student-Athlete Insider: Baseball

With SAC baseball season set to begin in early February, several student-athletes discussed the upcoming year with theSAC.com.

What most excites you about the upcoming season?

Riley McDermott, Anderson: "The most exciting part about this upcoming season is having the chance reap the rewards of all the hard work that we put into our preparation. We feel that we have a lot to prove and that we have the necessary pieces to make this a memorable year for our program."

Casey Burnette, Brevard: "I'm very excited about the upcoming season for a couple reasons. One is the payoff for all of the hard work that our team has put in since August. The second is getting to go up against the great competition we have in the SAC."

What was the most challenging aspect of your offseason preparations, and how will that benefit you once the season gets underway?

Riley McDermott, Anderson: "The most challenging part of our offseason is building the chemistry with the new guys on the team in a relatively short period of time. We've had the chance to see this team come together and see some of the new guys battle for spots on the field, which has made everyone better."

Casey Burnette, Brevard: "Staying motivated, because you aren't playing real games. The offseason is when mental toughness is a great trait to have because sometimes practices and workouts can get monotonous. It takes mental toughness to push through."

What are the keys for your team to achieve its goals this season?

Riley McDermott, Anderson: "I think the keys to having a successful season will be having everyone on the team buying into our plan, and having fun doing it. Teams can achieve great things if every player -- from starter to last guy on the bench -- is willing to do whatever is necessary for the team to be successful."

Casey Burnette, Brevard: "The biggest key for us this year, as well as any team, is to stay healthy. In the past we have had a few key injuries that led to guys getting thrown in to an unfamiliar role. If we can stay healthy and stay together as a team good things will happen for BC baseball in 2012."

In what ways do you try to serve as a leader on your team and on your campus?

Riley McDermott, Anderson: "I just try to be there for my teammates whenever they need me. A baseball season is long. I feel it is the leader's job to make sure the team keeps an even keel in all situations. Leading is easy when you have a great group of guys around you, which I believe we have this year. I think that the best way to be leaders on campus is by being a good example both in the class and on the field. Student athletes are held to a higher standard on campus and it is our job to meet those expectations."

Casey Burnette, Brevard: "I try to lead by example mostly. I'm not the type of guy that's going to get up in front of the team and rant and rave. If we have a problem on the team I try and talk to the person alone, and see what the problem is. As a senior one of my goals was to take care of problems before they reached the coaching staff, and in my opinion, leading by example is one of the best ways to avoid those problems."

What comes to mind when you think of the level of competition and the overall experience of being a student-athlete in the South Atlantic Conference?

Riley McDermott, Anderson: "The competition in the SAC is very challenging. With the amount of great teams we play there is no chance for us to take a day off. This constant pressure brings out our best and requires extremely high focus throughout the course of the season."

Casey Burnette, Brevard: "In my three previous years at Brevard, I have been very impressed with the conference and the level of competition it presents, especially in baseball. It has been a great honor and privilege to have the opportunity to play in this conference."

Dodson McPherson, Wingate: "The South Atlantic Conference puts academics first and high-quality athletics are a close second. SAC student-athletes perform in the classroom and also succeed in their field of play throughout the year."