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 - ­­­Sam Peterson (Aitkin, Minn./Aitkin)

Sam has anchored the middle infield the past two seasons for the Eagles. He had a huge season last year as one of the three players to start all sixteen conference games. He hit .317 and had the highest slugging percentage on the team at .567. His highlight last year was a grand slam against St. Scholastica to tie the game against his former school. The junior shortstop from Aiken, Minn. also had a huge game against the Saints as the Eagles knocked them out of the conference tournament. The Kinesiology major hit .353 as he started all ten games this season and his huge day against Gettysburg College led to the Eagles first win of the season. Peterson is known for his love of the game of baseball and his competitive spirit and desire to get the best out of his teammates.

Let's find out more about Sam and his baseball journey -

Why did you decide to come to Northwestern?
I chose to come to UNW because I liked the size of the campus and I wanted to play baseball with teammates who cared as much about baseball as I did as well as grow closer with people who had the same values.
 
What is your favorite part of being in the baseball program?
My favorite part of being on the baseball team is the proximity I have with my teammates. I have had the opportunity to get to know everyone and I find it interesting to hear everyone's story. It goes to show the outreach UNW has in regard to recruiting.

Who are some of your favorite professors/staff at UNW?
One of my favorite professors is Dr. Parish who teaches in the Kinesiology Department. I have enjoyed getting to know who he is as a person as well as a professor. His classes are made so much easier because of his passion for teaching.

I also enjoy Coach Hieb's classes because they are very practical Kinesiology classes. I have learned so much from him that I will implement in my coaching career. 

What does your day look like during the season and what does it look like during the off season?
The offseason and in-season have distinct differences but similar experiences, respectively. The entire year consists of spending hours with teammates getting bigger, faster, stronger in the weight room and on the diamond. I enjoy improving and bettering my craft on the diamond day-in and day-out. The biggest difference is coming from class and either going to practice or games. However, I will point out that in season requires much more diligence with time-management and preparation.

What is the funniest thing that has happened during your time at UNW?
The time when Eric Peterson (Coon Valley, Wis./Westby) drove backwards around the entire campus because I told him we don't need to wear seatbelts.

What is the best advice you would share with others?
You get out what you put in. Don't let future you become disappointed because of what you do right now.

What is something people should know about you?
I enjoy stargazing whenever I have the chance and when the midnight sky allows for it!

What does FOCUS mean to you?
When I think of FOCUS, I think of how each person on the team is just a piece of the puzzle in the grander scheme of life. We are together unified in the body of Christ and in smaller cohort in the baseball program.

What is something an incoming student should know about our baseball program?
Be ready to grow as an individual as well as a better teammate. These guys care about how you develop not only on the baseball diamond but also personally. They build into your life whether you like it or not and it's important to be open for new experiences. Be prepared to become a great student. The professors genuinely care about your wellbeing and will do everything in their power to help you succeed.

In a word or two, how would you sum up our baseball program?
Brotherhood.

Thanks Sam, 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.