Congratulations to Lane Goetz, Watkins Memorial 2022, for selecting Muskingum University, New Concord, Ohio, to continue his academic pursuits and play college baseball! Muskingum's team is known as the 'The Fighting Muskies' and competes in the tough Ohio Athletic Conference comprised of NCAA Division III schools.
Going to college and playing college baseball is a big deal for anyone, and Post 11 is very happy for Lane and proud of his accomplishment. He has certainly worked hard and deserves it!
Last summer, Lane helped his Post 11 2021 squad land a 4th place finish in the tough State of Ohio American Legion Baseball Tournament. Legion teams have to earn their way to the state tournament - 60+ team fight for it but only 8 make it - and Lane played a critical role in that honor for Post 11. On the mound, Lane led the team with 7 wins, threw 3 complete games and earned a solid ERA of 3.20 over 54 innings pitched and 255 batters faced. Not many pitchers get that many opportunities in summer ball and Lane made the most of it, for sure! Hitting, Lane had 102 plate appearances with 87 at bats, 14 RBIs, 3 triples and a .332 batting average. At first base, Lane appeared in 31 games with a .991 fielding percentage. That is a heck of a season! Post 11 is excited to see the fruit of Lane's winter and spring work in our 2022 summer season.
Below is an interview with Lane on his decision to go to college and play baseball. It's a great read. You'll quickly see his competitive spirit, respectful attitude toward the game, his team and his coaches, and a focused, persistent work ethic. Lane is diligent and works hard to help his team succeed. He is always one of the first to step up both on and off the field; one of the first to show up and one of the first to answer a call. He enjoys the entire game and has an exceptionally high baseball IQ. In other words, Lane does the small things right. Planning on going to college and playing baseball? If so, pay especial attention to Lane's advice to other players on the recruiting trail.
We're happy for you, Lane, and grateful to be on a team with you this summer!
Here's a link to Muskingum University. Check it out: https://fightingmuskies.com/sports/bsb/index
You can follow Lane on Twitter @GoetzLane and Muskingum Baseball @MuskieBaseball_.
Congratulations, Lane!
Which college have you committed to?
I have committed to Muskingum University.
What major have you chosen and why?
I have chosen to pursue engineering. I chose engineering as I enjoy math, have always been interested in engineering and can see myself being successful in the future.
How does it feel to know that you’ll be going to college and why?
It feels good to have my decision finalized! I have been stressing about it throughout high school and to officially be accepted is a relief.
What is your favorite thing about the college you chose and why?
On my first visit it felt like it was home and where I could see myself waking up every morning.
How do you see yourself contributing to your new college baseball team?
I see myself being a good teammate. I have always strived to contribute in a positive and successful way.
What do you know about your new coach? And, how will you go about getting to know him and his staff and what they expect of a new team member?
In speaking with Coach Thompson, his expectations have been well laid out and I understand what is being asked of me. All of the coaches have been easy to talk with and have allowed me to understand my role.
What do think will be the most challenging about college baseball?
I think the toughest thing for me will be time management. I have a challenging major, I am going to have to manage classes, labs and baseball.
How does it feel to be facing your final year of school ball?
I am super excited to show my abilities and growth this last year.
Will you approach your final year of school ball and summer ball differently now that you are a committed college baseball player?
I will not be approaching anything differently this year. I am still going to keep working hard and I still have a lot to prove.
What advice would you give other Post 11 players going through the recruiting process and considering a college baseball career?
Put everything you can out there and work hard every day. Just work hard at everything you do and push yourself every day. When it comes to the college coaches annoy them like you do your parents. Don’t stop sending emails, it shows interest and that will help you in the long run!
What do you think will be the first thing you do when you get to campus?
I will go meet the team and get to know the guys but then comes the academics. I will figure out my schedule and get right to work - in the classroom and on the field.
Prediction – how many all-nighters do you think you’ll pull in your freshman year in college?
If I have control over it, ZERO!!