Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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ND SPORTS BY JORDAN WELLS J unior pitcher Ryan Smoyer will at- test to the theory that success hap- pens when preparation meets oppor- tunity. After only mostly brief appearances as a freshman, the Bowling Green, Ohio, native grew into a midweek starter as a sophomore and then even- tually slid into a weekend role to fin- ish with a stunning 9-1 overall record in 2015. "For me, it's about going out there and giving ourselves a chance to win," Smoyer said. "If I can just keep getting better every day, along with the rest of our team, we'll be in a very good spot." The right-hander 's rise to success begins all the way back in his days at Otsego High, where he played basket- ball and football in addition to star- ring on the mound. Coincidentally, Smoyer faced current Irish quarter- back DeShone Kizer — representing Toledo (Ohio) Central Catholic — in a matchup on the diamond, a game Smoyer said Otsego lost 2-1. He still hasn't let it go. "I knew him more for football than I did for baseball, but I remember him being in the outfield," Smoyer said. "I know his running back from high school was from my area, and he hit a go-ahead double to beat us. "That's one game I wish I had back from high school." Several Mid-American Conference and Big Ten schools gave Smoyer a look early during his prep career, along with the Irish. In the spring of Ryan Smoyer Ready To Lead In 2016 Smoyer, who posted a 9-1 record in 11 starts and six relief appearances in 2015, was 1-2 with a 2.75 ERA after his first three starts of the 2016 campaign. PHOTO COURTESY NOTRE DAME MEDIA RELATIONS