Cal State Northridge recently sat down with Matadors head coach Greg Moore to discuss the culture around the baseball program in the classroom and how that will transfer over to the baseball field. You can check out the full interview below.
- What did the fall grades show?
The players on the field are also prepared off the field. Our projected lineup will have that 3.0 GPA this spring. It doesn’t translate directly to hits and pitches but, when the best players are a team’s leadership, you know there will be examples on the field. When the starters are also students, it’s a sign that we as a group will work when no one is watching. -
What is rising in CSUN Baseball’s Academic Culture?
Academics are valued by the coaches and, more importantly, increasingly by the student-athletes. We need more tenacious, methodical work in school. But, the appreciation of class work as being as noble as drive on the field is rising. I would argue more difficult and because of that, more impressive.
- What does this tell your coaching staff?
It says that the coaching staff’s tireless work is paying off. You do what you value. It also allows us to enjoy, and push for more of the complete education that college sports can be. Whether you’re a coach, a college sports fan, a professor here at CSUN or a parent of a young player on this team, the example on the field is one of work in all areas of life. When a ball goes in to the 6-hole, either a 4.0 or a 3.2 student will pick it up and throw it to first base. There’s a comfort in that.
- How will the academic success show up on the field?
Again, it won’t in a direct way. Vin Scully doesn’t quote grades as a reason for a double off the wall. But, baseball is the passion for most. The classroom is valuable because our players learn outside of their scope and discover new abilities. Consistently doing what you’re not excited about shows who will push when things are tough.
- Is there an individual example that you’re most proud of?
There are two. One wouldn’t want me to mention him. But, I will. Last year, junior pitcher Calvin Copping focused on finishing the short term projects; every weight room session, each inning and each day. This fall he set a long term goal to attend every class. He was admittedly uninterested in school his first two years. He achieved perfect attendance in the fall. That’s the hitting streak that no one ever sees.
Yusuke Akitoshi is an international student from Japan. A few years ago he didn’t speak English. He is one of the more resourceful students I’ve ever seen. In seeking help, following up and communicating with professors, he is our best. To balance the schedule and difficult classes is challenging enough; to be learning the language at the same time takes so much more.
- What advice would you give a student-athlete in high school who wants to thrive as a student and an athlete in college?
Get ready now. Take books to your dentist appointment. Talk with a teacher after class about a question from the homework or the lecture. Ask others how they organize school, their sport and meetings. The challenge is the same in college, only better.
- What improvements do you want to see in the Spring of 2015?
I want to see more effort, better planning and improved communication. It’s not about GPAs. The GPA is an indicator of group effort, an individual measuring stick and fun thing to look at. I like the competitiveness in school and with themselves. Two newcomers I talked with today said, in their own words, “I can and will do better.”
- How do you work one-on-one to motivate an athlete in the classroom?
I ask him to take the time in class as personally as they do a game. We start there. Walking into the classroom and saying, “today I’ll learn this material,” takes a grit that comes from within, not from chasing a grade. Every class session, conversation between classes and rep at practice has to be viewed as a chance to create a breakthrough.
- What is on the horizon for the Matadors in the classroom?
We are not done pushing to be better learners. Our newcomers, including a big freshman class, actually outperformed returners. Healthy competition among classes is good for bragging rights and breakthroughs. Same challenge in all areas though: get better.
