Junior Colin Clark (Business Administration/Circleville, Ohio) gives YSUsports.com an update in this Q&A session.

Why did you choose to come to Youngstown State?

A combination of the great facilities and opportunities that surrounded the YSU community, along with the great energy surrounding Coach Bertolini and his staff.

How did you get started in your sport? / Where did your passion for your sport originate?  

I started in baseball when I was five playing tee ball. My passion originated from taking my glove with me everywhere and always wanting to play any opportunity I got when I was young.

Who or what has been the biggest influence or inspiration during your athletic career?

It has been a combination of many people.  My family and their support to allow me to chase my dreams have been huge in my development. Every coach I have had from the ground up has helped to shape me into the player I am today. I have also been inspired by my teammates through the years, there is nobody I would've rather went to war with.

Did you have a favorite athlete or team that inspired you growing up? – If so, what athlete or team and why?

My favorite athlete growing up was Nick Foligno of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The way he carries himself as a leader and how gritty he is on the ice is something any athlete at any level can learn from.

What has been your favorite part about being a student-athlete at YSU?

Without a question, it has been the relationships I've built. Not only from the coaching staff and my teammates, but beyond that as well. I always say that we have the best support staff in the nation and I believe it. Between people like Tim Gallo, Drae Smith, Tom Morella and Rachel Froehlich. The list goes on and on. Between our Strength and AT staff, everyone here makes YSU feel like home.

What is your favorite memory or moment during your time at YSU?

There's been a few but I would have to say watching our freshmen hit tanks on Sunday at Houston in that comeback win.

Do you have a favorite place or venue that you've traveled to or competed at during your time at YSU?

Anywhere in the Lone Star State and I'll be happy. Love Abilene sunsets.

What are you studying academically and why?

 Business. There are many avenues you can go.

What are your plans and goals after graduation?

Going to try to ride my left arm out as long as I can. After that, I can see myself doing hands-on work or something with coaching ball.

What would be your advice to other student-athletes in terms of managing athletics and academics? Two things. Stay engaged in class and always develop a relationship with your professors. You're going to miss class quite a bit. They want to help you, let them.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of your sport?

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of country music so I like to find new artists and spend a lot of time in my headphones. I enjoy playing my guitar a bit and being in the outdoors on my grandparents' farm.

What are you doing to stay in shape during this time?

Business as usual. Now we have to be a bit more creative. For example, I had to build a plyometric wall in my horse barn back home. But our strength coach Matt has been good about giving us lifts that are manageable under these circumstances. Farm work keeps me busy and I have friends who enjoy flipping the ball around with me so that is nice.

What was your reaction when you found out the season was coming to an end?

 It was upsetting for sure but everyone is going through it. So we just have to work like tomorrow is opening day.

What do you miss most about being around the team and playing your sport?

Honestly, just hearing the chirps from the dugout. We are a tight-knit group and there's so much love here. I miss the bus rides too, sometimes we can get a little too rowdy playing mafia but the bus is where a lot of memories are made.

What have you learned throughout this whole situation? How has it changed your perspective on things?

I've learned that through faith in the Lord and trust in his plans everything will work out. It has made me appreciate the little things in life. It has made me hungry to get on the mound with my team again and compete.

What are your personal and team goals for next season?

I personally want to put my head down and continue to work every day. Also, I would like to grow out my beard until we are back on the diamond.

Team Goals: Eat at a nice steakhouse in Omaha, Neb., in late June.