Here is a link to an interview. I know it is shameless promotion, but I am still proud.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/sfl-0410hs-showdown,0,5338697.realvideo?coll=sfla-highschools2Posted on Fri, Apr. 09, 2004
TITAN CLASSIC
Taravella ace stifles Nova
Eric Ridener strikes out 10 in a 3-1 victory over the No. 4 team in the nation.
BY GEORGE RICHARDS
grichards@herald.com
Taravella ace Eric Ridener asked his teammates for two runs, saying that would be enough to beat nationally-ranked Nova on Thursday night.
Nova actually came through for the big Texan, giving Taravella two runs off four miscues, and the 6-4 transfer from East Plano, Texas, did the rest.
Ridener allowed four hits -- two to All-American candidate Warren McFadden -- struck out 10 and drove in a run with a double to lift Taravella to a 3-1 victory in the Titan Classic final.
''I came in knowing I needed to have good stuff,'' said Ridener, who carried a shutout into the seventh and gave up his lone run on a double play. ``I knew I had to pitch well to give us a chance to win. I think this makes a statement that we're not going to lose to hype. We're not going to lose to someone before we step on the field. This shows anyone can be beaten.''
Nova, ranked fourth nationally by Baseball America, had the hype but no answer for Ridener. The Titans (17-2) threw ace Anthony Swarzak, but Taravella (13-3) didn't seem to notice.
The Trojans took a 1-0 lead in the first when Jason Gray reached on an error and went to third on an errant pickoff. A sacrifice fly by Ricky Gerena did the rest.
In the fourth, Chris Persandi singled with two outs off Swarzak (7-2), then raced home when Ridener drove a pitch to right field to make it 2-0. Ridener was subbed for a pinch runner, and bounded off the field pumping his fists. He was one of the first to greet pinch-runner O.D. Thomas when he reached third on a passed ball and scored on another.
With a 3-0 lead, Ridener -- the tournament's MVP -- looked invincible.
''I have to commend him for pitching so well,'' said first-year coach Jason Stein. ``I think we're really coming along.''
Nova coach Pat McQuaid held a 20-minute postgame meeting but said he wasn't angry about his team's first loss since a season-opening tournament in Louisiana.
''Their kid pitched a great game,'' McQuaid said. ``We made some mistakes and handed them some runs. They did a real good job taking advantage, and Ridener just dominated the game.''
"Don't sweat the small stuff."
"I am responsible for the effort -- not the outcome. "
Tournament MVP -- whooooowhoooooo!!! (the big texan???) 
