Sports Editor Matthew Yannie recently talked to baseball player Greg Van Horn ’11. Van Horn is the starting shortstop for the Scots this season.
After transferring to Wooster† from Princeton University, he is leading the team in three offensive categories and has a 0.00 ERA.
MY: So far the team has taken care of the early schedule with relative ease. With only four losses thus far what are your expectations for the remainder of the season?
GVH: At the beginning of the season the expectation, especially for a team as good as Wooster can be, is to win a national championship. That is definitely the main goal, but that being said we need to make sure we take the proper approach and take care of what we need to do.
MY: You’ve gotten to see a little bit of what the NCAC has to offer having faced two conference opponents thus far. What improvements can still be made to ensure that this team meets its goals in the conference?
GVH: We need to improve a little bit in just about every area. Our starting pitchers have done a pretty good job of doing what they need to do, but I’m sure that they would tell you that they need to improve. There are always things that we can work on to get better during the season.
MY: What led to your decision to come to Wooster after having so much success in your time at Princeton?
GVH: I knew that I wanted transfer. My dad went here, and played soccer, so I knew a lot about the school and the traditions. I also knew that the team was coming off a season in which they played for a national championship. That was one thing I was really looking for, an opportunity to win.
MY: You’ve not only led the team in three offensive categories, but also have contributed eight and a third scoreless innings from the mound. What has contributed most to your success in both batting and pitching?
GVH: Pitching is a funny thing because if you were to tell the kids from back home in New Jersey that I was pitching they would probably laugh at you. I haven’t had the opportunity to pitch since little league so I’m having a good time with that. At the plate it has just been taking the approach that you really can’t waste any at-bats. We try not to worrying about the hits because the hits will take care of themselves.
MY: You have experienced vast personal success, but have also made a seamless transition into the Scots’ lineup. What has allowed you to acclimate to your new team so quickly and so successfully?
GVH: One of the big things is just having a great group of guys around me. It really starts with the seniors and the few captains that we have. The team has done a great job making it easy for me as a transfer student to come in and already feel like one of the guys.
MY: As a starter at shortstop, you have helped turn 31 double plays this season. How has the chemistry between you and Matt Johnson ’10 developed and thrived early this season?
GVH: It was tough in the fall because he was still coming off of an injury and wasn’t able to play at all. I had heard he was really talented, but I had no idea how good he actually was. He has come back from his injury so easily that it has made it easier for us to work up the middle. Changing positions is a lot harder than he makes it look. The toughest part is the footwork around the base on double plays, but† he makes it look as easy and effortless as anyone.