By Jean Pierre Guzhnay -- STAFF WRITER
From Fort Collins, Colo. to Garden City, Kan., baseball has taken Chris Bonk across the United States – a journey that currently has him studying management on the other side of the country in New York at Hofstra University, where he is the main pitcher for the Pride this season.
For Bonk, settling into New York was relatively easy. His previous relocation to Kansas made the move to Hofstra an easier adjustment.
“Anytime you move across the country, its always going to be different in adjusting, you have to make the best of what the situation is,” Bonk said.
Bonk also reflected on how important it was for the Hofstra community to make the lifestyle of a student athlete as easy as possible. He noted the hardships of studying and playing sports at the same time.
“It’s always difficult juggling school and sports,” said Bonk. “I think here, especially with Michelle, my advisor, the coaches and professors, they’re all working together, helping you as much as they can, because they want the best for you.”
The Pride coaches not only prepare the athletes for the games, but also help the players gain crucial skills for the upcoming season. Head coach John Russo and the rest of the coaching staff play a crucial role in the adjustment of new players.
“[The coaching staff has] all been great. They prepare us for the opponents we are going to face, our skills and our mentality. They make sure we are mentally sharp for every game and practice.”
Bonk thanked his fellow teammates from the men’s baseball team for his swift adaptation and noted that the teams unity is their biggest strength.
“The team is great. That is one of our strengths, especially as the season develops we are just going to become better and better just because we are a close-knit group,” said Bonk.
Chris Bonk played the most innings of the team so far with 14 innings to his name. He described his time at Hofstra as the “best of both worlds.”
“When I came here I was looking for a school with a chance to be a starting pitcher and to be able contribute to the team,” said Bonk. “For me, coming to Hofstra is the best of both worlds. I felt like I had the opportunity to compete here as well as get a good education.”
Bonk currently studies management and believes that Hofstra is the ideal place to continue his education and prepare his future in the management field.
“Right now, I am still letting things develop and I want to eventually go to grad school. I’m currently in the process of applying to grad school at Hofstra. Hopefully I’ll get in their sports entertainment management program.”