1 ON 1 CONVERSATION: Spring Creek's Sawyer Smith

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on February 19, 2016 1:48 PM

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Spring Creek right-hander Sawyer Smith heads to Averett (Va.) University in the fall and will play baseball for the Cougars in the highly-competitive USA South Conference. Smith helped lead the Gators to the eastern regional semifinals last spring.

The News-Argus conducted a short Q&A session with Smith, who has been working in the offseason to rehab a minor injury he sustained during travel ball.

Q: Why did you choose Averett University?

A: I went to one of their camps in November. Their coach is really experienced and is a former Triple-AAA (minor league) player. (The school) is not too big and I feel like it would be a good fit for me right now because they're losing 10 players. They've got an aviation program, so that's what I'm going to major in. My brother-in-law (Wayne Brumley) is in the Air Force. He works on airplanes and that's what got me interested. I'm hoping to become an airline pilot. Thought it would be cool to fly planes every day.

Q: How do you think you can help Averett?

A: They're looking at me as both a pitcher and middle infielder. When I'm not pitching, I'll play either second base or shortstop. That's definitely a big plus for me, but not set in stone until I play for them and prove that I can be in the starting lineup. I feel like I can do that.

Q: You gained considerable experience on the mound as a junior last season. Where did you show the most improvement to earn the opportunity to pitch more?

A: Whenever I was pitching in the workouts before the season began, I was hitting a lot of spots -- outside low, inside low -- throwing my fastball, curveball and changeup (well). That's what got Coach (Carl Whittington) into throwing me more. I'm not a strikeout pitcher. I let the defense work for me.

Q: What have you done in the offseason to prepare for this spring?

A: I haven't been able to work much with my pitching. I've had a little issue with my arm. I just threw my first bullpen last Thursday and was about 70 to 80 percent. (The injury) is in the middle of my arm near my elbow. It was tight and is just now loosening up. (Editor's note: Smith plays travel ball with the Carolina Stars.)

Q: What's the reason for wearing goggles when you pitch?

A: To tell you the truth, my vision is really bad. I broke my goggles. I tried to switch over to contacts during Legion season. (The) contacts were always irritating my eyes, making them burn. I have astigmatism, too. I've switched back to the goggles ... can't play without them.

Q: What did you learn from the four seniors a year ago?

A: Whenever we had a bad day, they would come up to you and make you feel better. They had a light air in the dugout and they hung out with you off the field. They were all great players. It's going to be tough to fill their shoes this year. (This year's seniors) have to lead by example, show the freshmen how to hustle on and off the field, respect the game, play the game right and understand how to clean up the field after a game.

Q: How valuable was playing for the Wayne County Post 11 Senior Legion team last summer?

A: It helped me out a lot. Every single player on teams from one through nine could hit solid, not like you'd see in high school where the one through four are usually the best hitters. You couldn't take a break against any of them. It's a better level of competition because it's the best players on teams from that area. You always had to be on your 'A' game.

Q: Spring Creek won the Carolina 1-A Conference regular-season championship and reached the eastern regional semifinals for the first time in program history. How do you build on that success?

A: It's definitely a big confidence booster, especially for the sophomores and juniors who are now juniors and seniors this year. That's a good feeling going into the season. You feel like you're on top of the world (but) we know we've got a target on our back. We're going to work to try to stay on top because you know everyone is gunning for you because your'e a good team.

Q: Have you guys discussed any goals for this season?

A: We haven't discussed all of our goals because some of our teammates are still playing basketball -- some of our primary guys we need. Coach (Heath Whitfield) is telling us to play hard (eacy day) and be ready.