AND SO IT IS WRITTEN...

ONE ON ONE WITH CHARLIE TILSON

Stereotypes. Some are real--some imagined.  New Trier's Charlie Tilson has it all; top athlete, brains, chicks...all except ego. The kid is as personable as they come and positively electric on the field.  It's hard to catch Charlie NOT smiling.  Quick with a joke, a laugh or a classic impersonation, Charlie loves to hang with his friends but also works hard at his craft alone for hours every week.  Four to five hundred swings every week that begin immediately after football ends.  Speed, flexibility and agility training with a single-mindedness that is numbing to the sedentary type. Charlie Tilson; talented athlete...sure he is...he's also among the hardest working athletes you'll ever meet. We sat down for a quick chat this fall...

 AE: So Charlie, Why U of I?  CT: "You know, the baseball is solid but it was the SCHOOL that I liked. I think we can do something special there and show that baseball in the North and Midwest is really strong, too. Being closer to home is also a bonus for me."

AE: When you leave for school--you're only a Junior--but when you depart, what's the advice you'd give you're little bro?  CT: "Well...(laughs)...less cusswords probably! Seriously, I want him to do HIS thing. Baseball's great for me, but he should do what makes him happy and just be a good kid. If that's baseball--fine, but go after it 100%. He's cool."

AE: What are the keys to this year's Trevians success as you see it?  CT: "Pitching. Definitely pitching...and comraderie.  We lost a lot of key personalities--seniors. So much of baseball takes place in the dugout. But before any of that, we gotta have the pitching. Our guys are really talented and we believe in them. The fans will too this spring." 

AE: And for you personally? CT: "I want to lead more vocally. I just want to help put us in position to be solid and confident as a team so we can make another run when the time is right."

AE: You're good at this stuff--you been practicing? CT: (Laughs)...

AE: Okay, some line shots...Perfect girl?  CT: "Country...definitely country...and blonde--gotta be blonde.  She's simple but likes to have a good time. Not uptight. Laid back, blonde and country."

AE: Ice Cream Man is coming?  CT: "Superman." AE: Superman Ice Cream?  CT: "Phil...phenonimal. (laughing) Superman ice cream. you gotta try Superman ice cream.  Hartigans in Evanston is the only place that has it."

AE: Pre-Game Meal?  CT: "Ummm...(thinking hard on this one) I guess before football I do peanut butter and jelly."

AE: Who's the person you'd want to meet?  CT: "Jeremy Roenick. Coolest, baddest dude ever.  Awesome wife, too.  Yeah, Jeremy Roenick. Remember him?... Awesome."

AE: Thanks Charlie--great job.  CT: "Thank you.  This was a lot of fun."

Chris Harang is now teaching hitting and field managing for Academy Elite Baseball!  The former Prep & Collegiate slugger will be available for instruction on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6-9PM and Sundays from NOON-3PM. Formerly the GM of Frozen Ropes, Harang was looking for a pure baseball environment with a positive attitude; "I've always worked hard at the mental side of the game because it didn't come easy. I could always hit, but staying positive and constructive is what teaching is all about...especially when you're talking about hitting.  It's not an easy skill. I love working with the kids and teaching and Academy Elite does an awesome job." Harang will also be in the dugout for the new Homestead Ranchers collegiate baseball club this summer.  Also joining the AE Staff is Ben Lewerke.  Lewerke is a former division I pitcher with pro experience and a college coaching resume.  He will work with pitchers and young hitters and join Harang in the dugout this summer.  Academy Elite is excited to add both of these talented coaches to our family!