In The Nest: Talking Baseball With Fifth Year Falcon And Friday Starter Gage Schenk
by Medical Mutual
3/13/2023
Gage Schenk is now in his fifth year as a BGSU Falcon and his second as the Friday starting pitcher for the Orange and Brown.
Q: The 2023 season just got underway. Talk about the expectations for the season, both on an individual and team level?
Schenk: We all have very high expectations for this year. This is definitely the most confident I have been about a team in my five years here. Individually, my goal is to do whatever it takes to give our team the best chance to win every time I go out there.
Q: The team just picked up a win over Louisville, the program's first ranked win since 2006. What were the emotions around the win and how does it set the tone for the rest of the season?
Schenk: It was great to get that win over Louisville. It showed that we can compete against any team we face and gives us a lot of confidence rolling into MAC play.
Q: You've been the Friday starter for the Falcons for multiple seasons now. What does having that role mean to you?
Schenk: Being the Friday starter means that I have to set the tone for the weekend. Getting the win on Friday is very important for the momentum of the series, so I do everything in my power to make that happen.
Q: Who is the funniest player on the team and why?
Schenk: Jack Krause. He is constantly in a good mood and cracking jokes that make everyone laugh.
Q: Where is your favorite spot in Bowling Green and why?
Schenk: Easy Street Café. Every time my family comes up to BG for games, that is always our go to spot afterwards.
Q: You were part of the program during the brief shutdown. Can you talk about what it means to have the backing of the alumni that not only saved the program, but continue to push it forward?
Schenk: The alumni mean everything to us. We are all aware that we would not be playing baseball for BGSU right now if it were not for them. It makes us much more grateful for what we have, and it makes us realize that we are playing for a lot more people than just ourselves. I have been in contact with multiple alumni who stay updated on everything we do. They want nothing but the best for BGSU baseball.
Q: The program has had somewhat of a resurgence over the past couple seasons. What's it been like to be part of the turnaround?
Schenk: It has been great to be part of the turnaround. I know how hard all of my teammates and coaches have worked, so it is awesome to see all of that hard work finally pay off.
Q: What are some of your hobbies off the field?
Schenk: Off the field I enjoy hanging out with my teammates/friends. Also, I have recently started golfing, so that will definitely be my next hobby once my baseball career is over.
Q: What are your career goals after baseball?
Schenk: I am currently working towards my Master’s in Accounting. I eventually plan on becoming a CPA.
Q: If you could play baseball in any major league stadium, which one and why?
Schenk: I think I would have to choose Great American Ball Park. I have been a Reds fan my whole life and growing up I always went to Reds games with my family, so it would be really cool to pitch there.
Q: Is there something not many people know about you?
Schenk: I was very close to not playing baseball in college. It was kind of a last-minute decision for me to come to BGSU to play. I am very glad I made that decision because I could not imagine my life without the experiences and friends that I have made here.
Q: You are from Wapakoneta, Ohio. What's your favorite place to eat back home and what's your go-to order?
Schenk: LaGrande Pizza, and my go-to order is the meatball sub with a side of beer fries. They have great food, and I have so many memories with my family and friends in there.
Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most athletically growing up?
Schenk: Both of my parents encouraged me to anything that I wanted growing up, so I have them to thank for spending so much time and money to take me to so many tournaments, practices, camps etc. My dad would never pass up on the opportunity to take me to the field or gym to practice, so his support definitely helped me get to where I am today.
Q: Growing up, how did you gravitate towards baseball?
Schenk: Growing up we had a very talented class of baseball players, so we had a lot of success from a young age. I think it was having all of that success that made me love the game of baseball and want to continue working towards it.
Q: If you could pitch against any hitter in the history of baseball, who would it be and why?
Schenk: Probably Barry Bonds. Growing up, he was the best hitter in baseball, and he was the guy that everyone wanted to watch, so it would be really cool to pitch against him.
Q: Describe Coach Hallock in one word…
Schenk: Determined. He is willing to do anything that it takes to be successful.
