By Cory Nidoh
Asst. Sports Editor
Not everyone is able to transfer from one school to another and have immediate success when playing a sport.
Some players don’t succeed on the field while others have trouble forming relationships with teammates.
However, for senior pitcher Ryan Lubreski, success has come in ample amounts for the righty since coming to East Stroudsburg University.
Lubreski, a Division I transfer from UMass-Amherst said the transfer wasn’t a major concern for him. “In transferring, I haven’t changed my game at all. It’s still baseball and still played with the same rules. I really just worry about pitching to my strengths every time I pitch.”
The North Plainfield, New Jersey native came to ESU as a junior and proved he was able to pitch comfortably in the PSAC, which is regarded as one of the best conferences in all of Division II.
Lubreski posted an 8-1 record winning his first eight starts. Those eight victories set a single-season record for most wins in ESU history and his five complete games showed that he has the stamina to be a durable pitcher.
When asked if he was considered a workhorse, Lubreski said, “I’ve never thought of myself that way, but that is a fitting description. Everytime I take the ball, I just have the mindset to get as many hitters out as effectively as I can.”
Last year, Lubreski’s success against PSAC opponents helped the Warriors capture their first PSAC Championship since 1971. The senior went 5-0 with a dazzling 1.58 ERA against PSAC opponents.
He pitched in the second game of the PSAC Tournament against Millersville where he tossed eight innings allowing just one run on six hits to earn the win.
While talking about how his experience was winning the PSAC title on their championship run, Lubreski said, “Being part of the PSAC Championship team was an incredible experience. I was a transfer as were a number of other players and we combined with an already talented squad. Everybody came together. We came to the field to get better, to win, to have fun and really just play baseball.”
As the pitching staff’s ace this year, Lubreski is continuing to be one of the best pitchers in the PSAC.
He is now 5-1 on the year with his most recent victory coming on Saturday against Mansfield, as the Warriors continue to defend their PSAC Title.
Email Cory at:
cnidoh@live.esu.edu
