By Brett Jager And Catherine Laroche
Last season, the University of Louisville baseball team made an appearance in the College World Series with help from a young freshman, whereas, the experienced senior watched from the dugout.
This season, sophomore Justin Marks and fifth-year senior B.J. Rosenberg will be integral parts of the U of L pitching staff. The duo is poised and ready to make another run to the College World Series.
Q. How excited are you to be playing again after sitting out all of last season?
A. (Rosenberg) You can’t really put it into words. All last season made me hungry to get back this year. I’m excited. I’ve been counting down the days. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.
Q. What are your thoughts on the growth of the program?
A. (Rosenberg) It’s been tremendous. We’ve been building every year since I’ve been here. We’re getting in great talent. We’ve got Coach McDonnell here. He’s a great coach. This program keeps going up and up.
Q. What’s the team chemistry like this year?
A. (Rosenberg) Great. We’ve got 20 new guys. It’s pretty amazing how fast we all gelled together and how well we’re all getting along.
Q. What are your personal goals and expectations for this season?
A. (Rosenberg) The main goal is staying healthy and keeping my arm strong. Try to stick around and help the team in any way I can. I’d like to get ten wins. I want to win a Big East Championship more than anything else.
(Marks) Just being consistent. Going out there on a daily basis, having good outings, no ups and downs and keep things on an even keel.
Q. How do you feel about being named 2007 Big East Freshman of the Year?
A. (Marks) It was a great experience. I didn’t really expect it. Going in as a freshman, you don’t really have high expectations. It was great last year, but it’s over with now and kind of take it step-by-step this year.
Q. How did it feel playing in the College World Series as a freshman?
A. (Marks) All of the seniors dreamt about it, but coming in as a freshman there’s not much thought I had to do about it. It was great. Great atmosphere and the fans were great.
