ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The University of Northwestern baseball program has built its foundation on the pillars of faith, obedience, compassion, unity and selflessness (FOCUS). With this in mind, Head Coach
Dave Hieb understands the importance of getting to know his student-athletes beyond the baseball field. Each day over the course of the next few weeks, we will be getting to know the Eagles.
Through faith, obedience, compassion, unity and selflessness (FOCUS) the baseball team lives and breathes. Get ready to check-in for different players' answers to questions asked by Coach Hieb. These will also be posted to the team's Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Today's F.O.C.U.S. Feature -
Eric Peterson (Coon Valley, Wis./Westby)
Eric Peterson (Coon Valley, Wis./Westby) has been a very valuable contributor to the Northwestern Eagles. The junior from Coon Valley, Wis., has bounced around the dirt the past three years. He entered as a third basemen, quickly switched to first, and is now catching. The Marketing Management major had never caught before last season, but was willing to switch for the betterment of the team. The Kwik Trip fanatic's career highlight was when he hit a three-run home run against Bethel his freshmen year in the Eagles' 5-1 victory. Eric hit .370 this season and was a key contributor to the Eagles offensive success. His passion and drive to excel motivates his teammates to succeed.
Let's find out more about Eric and his baseball journey -
Why did you decide to come to Northwestern?
I came to UNW because of the opportunity to grow in my faith while being able to play baseball and majoring in something I was really passionate about.
What is your favorite part of being in the baseball program?
Having a brotherhood with my teammates that expands beyond the field.
Who are some of your favorite professors/staff at UNW?
John Donaldson (Marketing Professor), Jessa Nelson (Head of the Business department), Coach Gish (Strength and Conditioning Coach)
What does your day look like during the season and what does it look like during the off season?
In season: wake up, go to class, go to the cafe, go to chapel, go to class, grab some lunch, go to the field, go back to the dorm and do homework, lights out.
Off season: wake up, go lift, go to class, go to the cafe, go to chapel, go to class, do homework, go to work, hang out with friends, lights out.
What is the funniest thing that has happened during your time at UNW?
Watching Waffles get worked by Brad in Super Smash Bros in Florida my sophomore year.
What is the best advice you would share with others?
Be prepared to be changed in your time here. I've seen God work in me and through so much since coming here. As well as so many others. This is a truly special place!
What is something people should know about you?
I grew up in a small town in eastern Wisconsin of 765 people, a true pre-bandwagon Patrick Mahomes II fan, and I am a huge fan of Ke$ha.
What does FOCUS mean to you?
It's our mission as members of the team. As coach Hieb tells us from time to time, we may be the only bible some people ever read. FOCUS is our way to show Christ in our actions and words on and off the field.
What is something an incoming student should know about our baseball program?
-Your teammates and coaches truly care about you as a player, person, and a Christian. You will be challenged and encouraged in new ways day after day. This program is very unique and life changing in those ways.
In a word or two, how would you sum up our baseball program?
Family.
Thanks Eric, we appreciate your commitment to excellence! ~ Coach Hieb
To learn more about the UNW Baseball team visit
www.unweagles or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @unwbaseball.
