Conversations with College Coaches: Arcadia University
In our latest interview, Woody Wingfield spoke with Coach Brian Pugh from Arcadia University. Arcadia is a Division III program out of the Middle Atlantic Conferences. From use of video to what he looks for in a prospect coach Pugh gives insight to his program at Arcadia University.
1. How long have you been coaching? How long at Arcadia?
I have been coaching since I graduated in 2001, so nine years. I’ve been the Head Coach at Arcadia for three years now.
2. Who are some of your mentors or coaches that you look up to?
I’ve tried to take bits and pieces from everyone I’ve played for and coached under. I really learned a great deal from Harvey Shapiro when I was his pitching coach with the Bourne Braves in the Cape Cod League.
3. What is the first thing about your school and program that you’d want a recruit to know about?
That there is a great deal of opportunity to get a quality education, and have the ability to come in and make an immediate impact on our program.
4. What qualities do you look for in a prospect on the field? Off the field?
On the field, certainly talent is great. But we tend to look for what we call “grinders.” Those guys who just get out there and get after it, day in and day out, and keep grinding. Off the field, we look for individuals who can handle themselves, take their academics seriously, and make our program stand out in a positive way. You’ve got to have a personality to be in our program too!
5. How has video helped your recruiting?
Video has allowed us to do a couple things. One, to see each player we are interested in, as well as those we might get interested in after watching their video. It also gives us a reference point as to what may need to be worked on when they show up on campus, so that we go into their first fall with a plan.
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6. Do you recruit from Junior Colleges?
We do recruit from JC’s but don’t always get JC players
7. Can you break down your fall practice schedule? What do you try to accomplish?
By Division III rules, we are allotted 16 days of practice with our team, including one game against outside competition. We use the fall to get our team defensive and offensive concepts in place so that we can roll right into spring practices and just review. It’s also a big time to evaluate not only the new players, but the returning guys as well, and start to get an idea of how things might work out in the spring.
8. Do you have a strength and conditioning coach?
We have a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist on staff. He is our Men’s Soccer Coach. My background (degree) is in Kinesiology, so I have a pretty good idea of what needs to be done, and try new things all the time.
9. What is your favorite away game/series/ballpark?
I’ve really enjoyed our spring trip two of the past three years when we’ve gone to Georgia. For the middle of March, you get great weather, and really nice facilities.
10. What do you think of the new BBCOR bats?
I think they’ve definitely sped up the game, and forced quite a few teams to concentrate on manufacturing runs. I’m sure I am biased though as a former pitcher knowing that the cheap homerun, or getting [in] on a guys hands and it not dropping in over your middle guy isn’t as much of a factor now.
11. Anything planned for your facilities (upgrades, changes, etc.)?
We’re looking at re-sodding our infield and doing some upgrades there, as well as reconstructing our cage(s) and bullpen areas.
