University of North Carolina Athletics
Q&A With Adam Warren
March 28, 2008 | Baseball
March 28, 2008
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - TarHeelBlue.com recently caught up with junior right-hander Adam Warren, a native of New Bern, N.C. In 20 career starts, Warren posts a record of 17-0, including two wins last season at the College World Series. In three league starts this season, he stands 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA. Warren is a two-time All-ACC Academic Honor Roll selection and a student of the Kenan-Flagler Business School at Carolina. Warren, who will start Saturday's game, and Tar Heels open a three game series against rival NC State Friday at 7 p.m.
THB.com: How have you adjusted to the USA Baseball Training Complex?
AW: The USA Baseball Training Complex has been a great home away from home for us this year. The support staff in Cary has been unbelievable in helping us to adjust this year. It's definitely not easy traveling to every home game, but as the coaches have told us all year, we aren't going to use that as an excuse or let it keep us from achieving our team goals.
THB.com: How is pitching in Cary compare to Boshamer?
AW: The park plays a lot bigger than the Bosh, but I feel like as a pitching staff we haven't changed our approach too much from the previous years. We are still pitching to our strengths and allowing our defense to make plays.
THB.com: I understand your dad played football at NC State, any thoughts on the upcoming series against rival NC State?
AW: This weekend will be very exciting. I grew up cheering for NC State football and basketball, but once I stepped foot on campus as a freshman that changed quickly. It is safe to say that I am a true Tar Heel now and this weekend will be a fun, competitive series.
THB.com: In 20 starts in your career, you have posted a 17-0 record, how does that make you feel?
AW: It's pretty neat, but it's one of those things that I don't really think about while on the field. I just try to give our team a chance to win. Some luck is involved, but it is a reflection on how good our team has been recently. I have had great defense behind me and plenty of run support.
THB.com: Carolina is the only team to rank among the ACC's top three in batting and pitching, what facet of the game needs the most improvement?
AW: On paper, I would have to say defense, but I feel like we are starting to play our best defense like we are capable. Everyone has worked hard on improving this part of the game and it is starting to show.
THB.com: How important are the young arms to this pitching staff?
AW: During fall and preseason practices, it was obvious to everyone that our young pitchers were very talented, but you wonder who will perform when the season comes. It is unreal how mature these guys are, and they haven't flinched through adversity. They are very important to the staff because they add a lot of depth and allow the coaches to choose from an arsenal of weapons every game.
THB.com: Do you favor starting on the weekend as opposed to the mid-week start?
AW: I enjoy starting on the weekend more because I get to compete against other ACC schools, but that doesn't mean that they are any more important than the mid-week games. We are trying to win every game so that we can host a regional and super regional again.
THB.com: How do upperclassmen leaders, like Rob Wooten and Chad Flack, help the team?
AW: The leadership on this team has been a huge part of our success so far. Our leaders have really helped the younger guys to adapt to college and the extra responsibilities. Also, when the team is struggling our leaders step up in many different ways to pick everyone up.
THB.com: How disappointing is it to finish second in back-to-back seasons at the College World Series, and do you guys believe you can return?
AW: It's disappointing to finish second back to back years, but at the same time it has been an exciting journey. Every single guy on our team has no doubt that we can return to the College World Series, but we realize that we can't make it to Omaha in March. As Coach Forbes says, "We have to stay with the process.
THB.com: You have been named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll in consecutive seasons, how important are academics to you?
AW: Academics are very important to me. My parents stressed the importance of academics as I was growing up and it has stuck with me through college.
