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 - ­­­Guerin Szafraniec (Brighton, Colo./Brighton)

Guerin is the embodiment of hard work. He works hard to refine his craft and to be as successful of a baseball player as he can be. The sophomore from Brighton, Colorado has seen extended time in center field over the course of his two seasons and figures to remain a key cog in the Eagles lineup over the next two years. In addition to his excellence on the baseball field, the biology major is also a standout performer in the classroom. His work ethic is contagious and his desire to be successful in everything that he does is infectious.

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

Why did you decide to come to Northwestern?
I decided to come to Northwestern because I knew that there was no place else I should be. Going to a Christian university was not a necessity of mine when I was looking for schools, but after my visit here, I knew there was no other school that could offer me what Northwestern could, especially the opportunity to grow in my faith. 
 
What is your favorite part of being in the baseball program?
My favorite part about being in the baseball program is not only the opportunity to get to play the game I love, but being able to build relationships with guys who all have the same values and principles that I do. 

Who are some of your favorite professors/staff at UNW?
Two of my favorite professors at UNW are Dr. Simat and Dr. M.

What does your day look like during the season and what does it look like during the off season?
During the season, my day consists of waking up early to study, attending all my classes, heading to the field and spending all night there as there is nowhere else I'd rather be, and finish off the night with some more studying. During the off-season, my day consists of morning lifts with the team, attending all my classes, hitting in the cages with some of my teammates, and studying the rest of the night. 

What is the funniest thing that has happened during your time at UNW?
Probably the funniest thing that has happened at UNW was last year, Parker and I taped all of Chris's things to the ceiling in our room as a prank. 

What is the best advice you would share with others?
The best advise I would share with others is there are only so many things in your life that you can control. How hard you work and your attitude towards everything are the main things you can control. The rest is up to God and you have to lean on Him for everything else in your life that is out of your control. 

What is something people should know about you?
Something people should know about me is I really enjoy reading. If I have time, I really enjoy relaxing with reading. I enjoy learning about new things and I think a lot of that comes by way of reading. 

What does FOCUS mean to you?
To me, FOCUS is something to strive for. Not one of us can be perfect in all five parts, but we have to try. Taking the view off of ourselves and not just playing baseball for each other or for the glory of God, but carrying out our lives in general as such. 

What is something an incoming student should know about our baseball program?
Something I would say to an incoming student is our program is unlike any other baseball program they've been a part of. It's more than baseball. I know everybody says that but it is completely true. We all play baseball, but we do it for something much bigger. 

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

Thanks Guerin, 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.