Peterson brothers seek a smooth transition to Division-I level.
For twin brothers and freshmen pitchers Eric and Patrick Peterson, attending college together “just happened.”
As graduates of the Charter School of Wilmington, Del. last year, Eric and Patrick Peterson began their college search with baseball in mind. The two wanted to go to a school that was close to home, had a strong academic reputation and was in a city.
The two pitchers are coming off All-State performances during their high school baseball careers with a conference championship, a state tournament appearance, and a combined 12-1 record as starters. The brothers both had Temple on their lists, but did not necessarily plan to attend the same university.
“I chose Temple because I wanted to go to a large school with a good academic reputation,” Patrick Peterson said. “I like the fact that it is located in the city, too.”
After a few visits to Temple, Eric Peterson said he knew Temple would be his choice because it was close to home and in Philadelphia.
So far the Peterson brothers have had a smooth adjustment into collegiate baseball at Temple.
“There’s a lot more time year round dedicated to baseball, such as lifting and practice that we have to manage our time really well, balancing baseball and school work,” Eric Peterson said.
“College baseball almost seems like a job with all the work you have to put in athletically and academically,” Patrick Peterson added.
Though some would never dream of attending college with their sibling, the Peterson brothers have actually quite enjoyed it.
“It makes adjusting to college easier,” Patrick Petersonsaid.
“It made college much easier for me, certainly not harder,” Eric Peterson added.
The Peterson brothers were recruited to the Cherry and White by Rob Valli, who was head coach for the Owls for six years until he resigned this past June.
“I had not seen the brothers prior to them coming to Temple, but I have been very impressed with them so far,” first-year coach Ryan Wheeler said. “Before coming to Temple, I had heard good things about the Peterson brothers and they have each done fantastic jobs.”
The sibling pitchers said the team respects Wheeler.
“A lot of the players, including myself, like coach Wheeler,” Patrick Peterson said. “He has a history of being able to win and hopefully he will be able to bring that success to Temple.”
Eric Peterson added that the other coaches have been helpful for himself and the Owls’ squad.
“Our team really expects to have a better season with the new coaching staff,” Patrick Peterson said.
With some possible injuries and the brothers working hard in practice, Wheeler said he hopes to give the brothers some playing time in the upcoming season.
“I plan to start them off in the bullpen,” Wheeler said. “They both have the ability to be starting pitchers at this level, but right now they will have to establish their roles in practice and inter-squad games.”
Wheeler added that the two have great control and command of their pitches and do not seemed to be phased at the college level.
As of right now, the brothers will begin the season in the bullpen with one common goal between the two, the same goal that is shared between each of their Owl teammates, to make the Atlantic Ten Conference Tournament.
“The team has worked really hard in the off season and is moving in the right direction,” Eric Peterson said.
John Murrow can be reached at john.murrow@temple.edu.
Be the first to comment