On Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, Central Bucks West seniors Michael Bukowski, Andrew Kohl & James Carbone were recognized for committing to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level.
Michael Bukowski – Washington College (Baseball)
Major: Finance
Final list of colleges: Washington College, Jefferson, Cabrini, Widener, McDaniel, Chestnut Hill
Reasons for choosing Washington College: “I really liked the area - going down South was a big plus, and it’s a nice school. I like all their facilities, their baseball coach was a good guy, and it just felt like a good fit.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “Ever since I got to high school, I knew I wanted to take it further. I’m just glad I got the opportunity.”
Coach Brian Weaver says: “Mike Bukowski has been a leader since day one. As a catcher, you’re kind of the general of the game, and you have to have the ability to talk to pitchers in a pretty direct way if you’re going to have an impact on the game. He started as a sophomore and had to take over the reins of a program that had a few tough years, and he controlled the role masterfully. He has been a leader since then, and last year, despite having the season cut short, he was at every workout, at every lift and was just such a visible presence. I think our young guys are a pretty good bunch, and a lot of that is because they see Mike and Andrew Kohl on a daily basis just out front.”
About Michael:
Favorite food: Waffles
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite music: Hip Hop
James Carbone – Alvernia University (Baseball)
Major: Business Management
Final list of colleges: Alvernia, Nichols College, Keystone College, Penn State Harrisburg, Penn State Altoona, Babson
Reasons for choosing Alvernia: “Really, it was the coaching staff and the school. It was the perfect size for me, and it really gave an intimate feeling with classroom size. The baseball program is very prestigious, the coach really runs a very tight ship. I thought it was a really good fit, and I’m looking forward to my next four years there.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “When I was 14, I really stood out against the general population of players, and once I reached 16, I started getting looks, and it was a definite. Fourteen was a very pivotal point where I realized I had the skill to play at some level of college baseball.”
Coach Brian Weaver says: “In his sophomore year, James hit a little bit of a rut about halfway through the year. Last year he came back, and he was just a different person as a junior. He was in really good shape, he made a lot of improvements in his workouts over the year, and he made probably the biggest leap I have seen coaching three varsity sports over 15 years. I’ve never seen an athlete go from one year to the next – to turn himself into a contributor, to turn himself into an integral part of the lineup. We lost a really good first baseman after the season two years ago, and James showed up with a first baseman’s mitt last year and said, ‘I can do it.’ Just to step into that role, he ended up playing great defensively, and he would been in the lineup in pen every game last year. He’s a catcher and he’s going to catch in college, but that willingness to say, ‘This is what the team needs,’ you just hope a guy like that comes along to your program who says, ‘I’ll contribute however I can,’ so I’m really lucky.”
About James:
Favorite food: Hot Wings
Favorite TV show: Family Guy
Favorite music: Hip Hop
Andrew Kohl – Lehigh University (Baseball)
Major: Finance
Final list of colleges: Lehigh, Bucknell, Hartford, Holy Cross, University of the Sciences, Lafayette
Reasons for choosing Lehigh: “The coaching staff there was really welcoming, I liked the facilities they had, and the campus is beautiful.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in baseball at the collegiate level? “It was a recent decision a few years back. I started getting reached out to by the coaches, and I thought it would be a pretty fun opportunity.”
Coach Brian Weaver says: “Andrew is a five-tool player, and if there was a sixth tool for character, he excels in that too. He’s always happy, and the one thing I consistently told college coaches was – the only time I’ve ever seen that kid not thrilled on the baseball diamond is when we say, ‘All right guys, that’s it for the day.’ He plays center field. He’s excited to be out there, and his attention to detail is exceptional. He’s always looking for an edge, and despite being a really, really fierce competitor, he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.”
About Andrew:
Favorite food: Waffles
Favorite movie: Step Brothers
Favorite music: Country
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