All Summer Long: Kyle Czaplak

Posted: Aug 11, 2014

Note: Summer and baseball have always seemed to fit together perfectly. For fans of the game, summer is a time to enjoy the sights, sounds and atmosphere of America's pastime, but for college baseball players, it is a time for development. College players across the country, including members of the Santa Clara baseball squad, have already left for their summer experiences just weeks after finals as they begin preparation for the 2015 season.

After a much-improved 2014 campaign on the Mission Campus, Bronco ball players now occupy rosters throughout the nation in summer leagues that are helping them grow as players. Santa Clara is represented in twelve different leagues from the Bay Area to New England, while others play for independent teams. The "All Summer Long" series, in its fourth season, will chronicle the Broncos as they play in various summer leagues nationwide.

By Dylan Lynch '16

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - After appearing on the diamond 40 times for the Broncos this past season, rising sophomore Kyle Czaplak and his coaches made the tough decision to stay on the Mission campus and spend the summer focusing on his rehabilitation. Due to a bulged disc and injuries to both of his hips, Czaplak has devoted his summer to working with the team's training staff to make sure he's prepared for next season. Though he originally planned to play summer ball in Maine, Kyle has been able to balance training, classes and working with the youth camps at Santa Clara.

Czaplak says of his training schedule, "my physical therapy schedule typically consists of meeting with our trainer, John Ursone, two to three times a week as well as going to Sparta in Menlo Park every Tuesday to train with them."

While many of his teammates are playing all over the country, Czaplak has enjoyed having fellow recovering teammates, Rory Graff-Brennen and Mitchell White back on campus as well. Though, it hasn't been too difficult for Kyle to keep in touch with the rest of the team.

"I've been keeping in touch with a few of my teammates mostly through texts and Snapchats. I am definitely looking forward to having my boys back at Santa Clara."

The infielder from Pacific Grove, California is still looking to improve on both sides of the ball.

"This upcoming season I want to develop into a much more consistent player both offensively and defensively. I hope to improve my on base percentage in order to help create offense and put runs on the board for the team. Defensively, I am going to work hard to make the routine play routinely and expand my range to help my pitchers out in any way possible."

With a full training and rehabilitation schedule, Czaplak also was able to take a World Geography class on campus this summer. In addition to rehabilitation and class, Czaplak has also made time to work with RD Academy Summer Youth Camp at Santa Clara.

"I have really enjoyed working the youth camps every day during the week. I love working with kids and helping them develop a love for the game."

The RD Academy Summer Youth Camp is a program that is run by the Santa Clara University baseball staff. The staff emphasizes teaching useful skills as well as instilling a love for the game in campers. The camp, for players between the ages of 7 and 13, takes place over five weeks during July and August.

Through the exhausting rehabilitation process, Czaplak has maintained an optimistic outlook on his road to recovery.

"I'm not exactly sure when I will be 100% but I am getting closer every week. I am very hopeful that I will be back to full strength by this upcoming year."