May 23, 2001
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player Dave Bush of Wake Forest stopped by at
to discuss the Demon Deacons chances in the upcoming NCAA Baseball
Tournament.
Bush, a junior relief pitcher, appeared in four out of the five games for
Wake Forest in the ACC Tournament. He did not allow a run in 8.1 innings,
recording a 1-0 record with two saves.
The native of Devon, Pa., enters the NCAA Tournament on a roll. He has
allowed just two earned runs in 21.2 innings since April 18. Bush leads the
ACC in saves (15), appearances (39) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.6)
and is second nationally in saves as of May 21.
Bush, a first-team All-ACC selection, doesn't fit the traditional mold of a
closer. Several times this season, Bush has been called upon in the
seventh, or even the sixth inning to come on in relief for the Deacs. He
is Wake Forest's all-time leader in saves (24) and appearances (109).
Wake Forest (41-16) is making its fourth straight appearance in the NCAA
Tournament. The Deacons open the tournament against Tennessee Tech in
Knoxville on Friday.
The following is Dave Bush's Q&A from Thursday:
Dave Bush wasn't able to make it by the live chat at 2:30, but he did stop
by and answer some of the questions fans had submitted. Be sure to check
out the ACC Tournament MVP's answers below.
Aaron: How far do you think you can go?
Dave Bush: We have a pretty good team this year. Winning the
tournament reinforced it. We have a pretty good draw in the NCAA
Tournament. It will be tough, but this is probably the best shot we have of
going to Omaha in the three years I have been here.
Omaha: Hey Dave I live in Omaha, Nebraska, and I'm looking forward to
seeing you here. I just wanted to know what you do to mentally prepare for a
game?
Dave Bush: My role is a little different. Before the game I
do some throwing and running. I relax and enjoy the game. By the sixth and
seventh inning I know it is my time to start preparing physically and
mentally to get ready for the game. I get more serious.
Gary Mull, Morganton: David, What is the secret for your amazing arm
strength? Best of luck. See you in Knoxville.
Dave Bush: I think the one thing that has helped me is
throwing long toss. I throw long toss every day. If I do my long toss
every day it keeps my arm strong and keeps it from getting hurt.
Clint Dawg (Thermopolis, WY): Dave, Can you tell us what you know
about Tennessee Tech? What are their strengths? Weaknesses?
Dave Bush: To be honest with you, I don't know a whole lot.
They have to be pretty strong since they won their conference tournament.
As everyone knows if a team is in a regional they can win it. We can't be
too over confident if we want to come out on top.
S. Deacota (Sioux Falls): Dave, When you originally enrolled at Wake
Forest did you foresee yourself as a closer? If not, what type of mentality
do you find is different as oppossed to pitching as a starter? Congrats to
you and the Deacs for a great season, and best of luck in the tournament!
Dave Bush: When I came to school I was a catcher. I closed a
little bit in high school, but not more than 10 innings. It was more of a
learn on the job routine for me.
Tim (Mebane, NC): Dave Bush, what has been the key to success for the
Deacons in 2001?
Dave Bush: I think the biggest thing has been going out and
playing our game. As long as we go out and play as well as we can, without
putting pressure on ourselves, we will do well.
Ben, Greensboro: Dave Bush - Do you think we will see the return of
Scott Siemon this weekend in Knoxville?
Dave Bush: He is back healthy again. It is going to depend
how the games play out. If the situation provides for it, you will see
Scott this weekend.
