2016 Record Book | 2016 Quick Facts | Roster | Schedule | Tickets | #OwlsOnDeck

KENNESAW, Ga. – The 2016 Kennesaw State baseball season has arrived and 25th year head coach Mike Sansing and the Owls are ready to set its sights on a 54-game slate, which will begin at Stillwell Stadium on Feb. 19 as part of opening weekend and the Atlanta Classic.
 
The Owls will host 34 games on its home grass and embark on 20 road games, featuring non-conference matchups with in-state rivals Georgia, Georgia State, Georgia Southern and Mercer. Kennesaw State will also welcome SEC foe Auburn to Stillwell Stadium on April 12 as part of a home-and-home. KSU will trek to USC Upstate, Jacksonville and Florida Gulf Coast in A-Sun action, while welcoming UNF, defending conference champions Lipscomb, Stetson and A-Sun newcomer NJIT on the campus of Kennesaw State.
 
The skipper recently sat down with KSUOwls.com to talk about the upcoming season, players and much, much more.

The full Q&A is below.

KSUOwls.com: You will be entering your 25th season as the head coach for the Owls. Give us an overview of where the program is today.

Sansing: I feel like the program is continuing to develop. I think for all programs, you want them to continue to improve and get better. I feel like our program has been on the rise coming off the Super Regionals two years ago. Our facilities are improving and the play has been more consistent over the past couple of years. Things are moving in the correct direction.

KSUOwls.com: Is the way the season ended last spring with a two and out in the A-Sun Tournament a source of motivation for the Owls entering 2016?

Sansing: To me, it was very disappointing how we played in the postseason last year. I feel like Kennesaw State baseball has always had a history of progressing throughout the season and getting stronger at the very end. This was one of the few times in postseason history that it didn't go well. We pride ourselves in developing guys and the team to get ready for those postseason opportunities. Personally, and our coaching staff, we are always striving to do better and we are ready to go for the 2016 season.

KSUOwls.com: What are your keys to the upcoming season?

Sansing: We re-evaluated some things from a season ago. Goal setting is important, but we talk to our guys about the process. In the fall, we focused on taking it day by day and wanting to get better each day. That has been the philosophy this year. Work that day and develop that day to prepare for the upcoming season and the 2016 postseason.
 
KSUOwls.com: How will the bullpen take shape this year with new arms, and with the losses of Will Lowman, Nathan Harsh and even key starters Travis Bergen and Jordan Hillyer?

Sansing: We felt like the bullpen was an issue last year throughout the back half of the game. Those were things we addressed in the recruiting period the best we could. There were some late additions and I feel good with the guys we have. Richard Lovelady, Erich Stahl, Logan Hutchinson are just a few to name that will be in the bullpen for the late innings. We have depth this year that we will be able to have some flexibility with certain matchups.

KSUOwls.com: Looking back when you started in 1992, what were some of the things you wanted the program to improve on and what are some of the key turning points in making what the program is today?

Sansing: I think back in 1992 and one of the big issues was consistency. There were several coaches turned over in that five year span. When I got here, just for me, I wanted to get the program to a certain point and have some consistency. I think we were able to do that early and the 1994 and 1996 National Championships was a huge turning point. We went to a lot of World Series and there were a lot of things that happened in the 90's. Those are the kind of things that elevated the program and can be looked at as turning points.
 
KSUOwls.com: When you were hired to become the Owls' head coach, what was your vision and has that changed today?

Sansing: The vision then was to get in a great area for recruiting to be successful. It's a huge area for good recruiting and still is today. The location and facilities were great. But we want to always improve and develop guys not only on the field but off of it as well. The vision is to always be successful and to produce good players on the field and in the classroom.

KSUOwls.com: Last March you won your 1,000th career game against USC Upstate. What was that feeling like to accomplish a milestone like that?

Sansing: Looking back at it, a combination of great players, coaches and great fans made it possible. Definitely some great memories and something I will always remember.
 
KSUOwls.com: How have you evolved as a head coach? We know you pride yourself on building relationships with your players and trust, but there must have been tough stretches that you learned from and have become a great leader for the Owls.

Sansing: There will always be some difficult times. You struggle with wins and losses, but we always try to treat people the right way and we expect that in return. Our guys have always been focused and know what our expectations are as we talk about it in the recruiting process.

KSUOwls.com: Looking forward to the 2016 season, what are some of the expectations from the guys returning? Jeremy Howell, Alex Liquori, Taylor Allum, Gabe Friese and Chris Erwin –just to name a few- all return with experience. Are you expecting them to step up and become not only leaders on the field but off?

Sansing: Anytime you can gain a year of experience playing collegiate baseball is huge. Our upperclassmen will be able to mentor some of the younger guys in what's important on and off the field. The season is a grind with weights, travel, classwork, games and it's a unique group this year. You will see seniors, juniors, sophomores and freshmen all playing. It will be a good blende of classes playing this season and I am excited to get started.
 
KSUOwls.com: With the addition of NJIT to the Atlantic Sun, do you think that will strength the conference? What does adding a team like them do for the conference and for the future of the league?

Sansing: Conference play is what it's all about. I believe the Atlantic Sun is a strong conference in baseball and when you can win this conference you can get some respect on the national level. All the teams in the conference have strengthen our RPI over the last three to five years, for sure. Adding NJIT is another great addition and will strengthen our conference that much more.

KSUOwls.com: Is there a few things you will be looking forward to seeing or accomplishing this season?

Sansing: You always want to develop guys. I love seeing our guys learn the game and do well in the classroom. When they take the initiative to learn on the field and do well in the classroom, that's great to see. I believe each class has a leader and the more comfortable they are the better they play. Guys are anxious to get out there and so are the coaches. I'm ready to go.

KSUOwls.com: What is one word that will describe the Owls in 2016?

Sansing: Aggressive

To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State baseball news follow the team on Twitter @KSUOwlNation and @KSUOwlsBaseball or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. The Owls can also be found on Instagram at KSUOwlsBaseball.