Geneva senior Bryan Callaly entered the baseball season as the ace of the Vikings’ pitching staff and has not disappointed. The 6-foot-7, 210-pound right-hander has three of Geneva’s six wins on the mound this season, including a five-inning shutout of Streamwood in his latest start on Thursday – a 10-0 Geneva win. In the latest edition of the Weekend Chit-chat, Callaly, a Southeastern Community College (Iowa) commit, caught up with Kane County Chronicle sports reporter Chris Casey to talk about the season thus far and what the Vikings are capable of accomplishing this season. An edited transcript follows:
How was the team’s spring break trip to Nashville (Tennessee)?
It was a lot of fun. It’s always fun going out of town and staying in hotel with friends and teammates. We finished 3-1 and played some really good teams. I think that trip will help us a lot not only on the field, but being able to bond and have fun together builds chemistry.
What was your favorite part of the trip?
We went to a Vanderbilt baseball game as a team. They played South Carolina, and we got a tour of all of the facilities, including the football and basketball facilities.
The weather was a little nicer there, huh?
Oh, for sure. It was 60 degrees or better each day, and then coming back here and there’s snow. That’s no fun.
What’s been key to your fast start on the mound?
My defense has been unreal. I have a sophomore catcher (Josh Rose) who throws out everyone, I feel like, and the rest of the infield is mostly seniors and hardly ever make errors. When you have that behind you, it gives you confidence on the mound.
Did you work on anything mechanically in the offseason?
After I committed Southeastern Community College in August, the pitching coach there told me I need to focus on keeping my weight back and separating my hands earlier. I was dragging my arm a little bit, so that’s something I have focused on improving on.
What’s that been like working with Rose?
It’s been good. At first kinda weird because I was used to having [2015 Geneva grad Nate Montgomery] behind the plate the last two years, but he’s gotten used to everything and caught up to speed very well.
Through nine games [six wins] where are this team’s strengths?
Honestly, we just play for each other and have fun. There’s no real downside this year. I feel like we have it all.
What do you think of the UEC River this year?
It’s always strong. Batavia has a great team, St. Charles North has a bunch of Division I kids. St. Charles East is always good. There’s no easy games. You have to come to play every day.
What is your favorite MLB team?
Oh, the Chicago Cubs, for sure.