After his OV to Richmond, Ryan has decided to attend CSI. The long process is finally over, and although I have some trepidation with him turning down an incredible offer, I am at ease that he is confident in his decision. Truthfully, I wanted Ryan to accept the Richmond opportunity, because of the excellent education, and from my research of the staff, I believe they have things headed in the right direction. I also strongly believe that with the coaches backgrounds, they would be able to develop Ryan.
Timing was really an issue. Taking an OV in the summer when virtually no one was on campus, made for a particularly boring visit for Ryan. I also strongly believe it would have been good for Ryan to meet the PC. Unfortunately, he was out recruiting. Ryan's connection with the PC at CSI is very strong, and Ryan fully believes he is the guy to get him to the next level. During the last year, Ryan was offered scholarships to several of the best JC's in the nation, but he decided to go to CSI. Many factors included: 2 hours from home, strong relationship to the PC developed over 4 - 5 years, many examples of development by pitchers that have worked under the PC, etc.
We believe that Ryan is a legitimate D-1 talent, and a year or 2 at a JC will help him to realize the dream of playing at that level. Many Big D-1's expressed concern with Ryan's propensity to throw 87 - 89 in the first couple of innings, but he was throwing 82 - 85 shortly thereafter. Hopefully, some coaching to help him use his lower half better will allow him to stay in the high 80's longer, and possible get up to the low 90's. Time will tell.
Another big factor for our family is the cost. Although the Richmond offer was OUTSTANDING, it would have made it very difficult for my wife and I to ever see him play. Richmond doesn't play any games on the West Coast, and flights to Richmond are ridiculously pricey. By staying out west. Ryan will attend CSI for free, and we can see him for cheap.
All in all, he'll be able to go to school for free, and get his generals out of the way while working on his game. I was hoping for Richmond, but Ryan was adamant about his decision, and I believe in him. He is a hard driven worker, and he will succeed wherever he goes.
Thanks to all for their help along the way. Especially one particular poster that helped a great deal behind the scenes and afforded Ryan a couple of opportunities that ultimately, didn't come to fruition, but I am grateful nonetheless.
Kevin
. Free school AND you get to watch lots of games? Sounds perfect to me!
