I'm an '07 from MA who's seriously considering Rollins as my school of choice. Can any FLA residents tell me some more info about the school? Thanks a lot.

Rollins is considered one of the best academic schools in the southeast. They play D-2 ball in one of the toughest divsions in the country. The national champs regularly come from their division. The coach is in his 2nd year, Coach Sjogren, used to be at Bryant in R.I. He's a good teacher and motivator. Their program will always compete. The campus is in very trendy Winter Park. It sits surrounded by beautiful lakes and is a wealthy school. Thats about all I can give. Oh Yeah, their field is an older stadium, nice surface and right next to downtown Winter park. Good luck.

Thanks a lot Coach Ric. BTW I enjoy your signature.

I know Rollins has some history. That's the alma mater of former American League Rookie of the Year, Minnesota Twins 3B John Castino.

You can visit Rollins web site as well as see how they are doing this year in their conference.

http://www.sunshinestateconference.com/baseballmain.html

What can anyone tell me about the Rollins program lately, the coaches and the level of competition?

Thanks in advance for any information.

Competition: Conference opponents U. of Tampa and FL Southern are at the top of D2 with plenty of tradition. Talent level drops from there, but is fairly good.

Thanks Dad04.

Bring money. According to the former coach (and my views from living in WP for a school year), lots of very hot young ladies driving BMW 3-Series convertibles, with fists full of dollars and partying in mind. Potentially distracting social environment for ballplayers. Outside going to the "parks" (Disney, Universal, Sea World) a few times (which grows old and costs a ton), and Daytona Beach (40-miles drive), little to do on campus, in Winter Park, and in Orlando, which is developing a serious street crime problem. Plus, expect maybe $10,000 in support freshman year. Current support level of the administration toward baseball program is uncertain.

TARatko
Great information!!
Your kind of place.

What do you mean by the comment "current support level of the administration toward baseball program is uncertain"? Thanks.

In other words, how they view sports programs versus the academic mission. Rollins is a very strong school academically, so things like admissions standards (not sure of how flexible they may be for athletes), class and sports conflicts, and such may not be as "flexible" as at other more sports-oriented schools. That was the view I was given by the former coach (Rikeman) so perhaps it has changed. It's a very pricey school, so it's good to understand the program before getting into it.

Taratko, leave your news info social issues out of this. Orlando is not Winter Park. Orlando went from very little crime to some crime and that of course is national news due to its rep as family friendly. Winter Park police are crazy when it comes to keeping their town quiet and trouble free and you would know it if you went to school there. It is pricey in WP, certainly not perfect, but a great place to get educated. There's more validity to your words on admin opinon of sports. If they could cut baseball, they probably would and they may in the future.

Sorry Coachric, didn't mean to offend, just gave my views. Crime has become an issue in Orlando, as it has in other parts of Florida that have grown fast.

BTW - my son graduated from WPHS in 2005, so I know a little about the difference between Orlando and WP...

After seeing some of the equipment that the Winter Park Police Department has in their coral, I don't think crime is an issue in town. While I was coaching in the FCSL, playing a game at Rollins, the WPPD rolled in with a nice piece of military surplus equipment that I don't think any wrongdoer would want to have to meet on the streets. I'm talking armored troop carrier that could easily be outfitted with some heavy duty hot metal throwing devices.

Oh, and I believe that Justin Varitek is an assistant at Rollins again. He's a pretty good guy.

Coachric
Agree with your opinion of Rollins and Winter Park. My son is playing there now. It's a nice place to get a great education. The baseball is also competitive playing in a strong conference. Just curious where your hearing about cutting baseball. My understanding was the admin was fully behind coach Sjogren and the baseball program.

Not saying they are cutting baseball Rockit, just saying that the old word at Rollins is that they would rather keep it academics only, maybe rowing and S*****, but have never been in favor of sports like baseball. I have spoken to many coaches in the past and I had the pleasure of meeting the current coach many years back. Current situation is said to be supportive, and tolerant of baseball for now. I still love the school, the program, coach and the campus. Good luck to your son and keep us up on his progress.