One of the unfortunate truths about the pandemic is that it has hit the higher education industry hard. While the Harvards and Yales of the world will be fine since there’s no shortage of students eager to get an Ivy League degree, there will be a huge impact on the mid-tier colleges that will have a lower enrollment than they ever had. We have already seen colleges close in the pre-pandemic era such as Dowling College and Briarcliffe. Now we will be seeing many casualties post-pandemic. New York Tech announced in August that they will be leaving the NCAA for at least two years. Concordia has taken it a step further by announcing they will be closing and the campus will be purchased by Iona College following the spring semester. The school opened in 1881, so this is rather remarkable.
The impact is widespread, right down to the students who haven’t even gotten to the school yet. One of these prospective-students is Sean Mileti, a senior at Connetquot HS. The southpaw pitcher had committed to Concordia, but found out last week that the school would be closing and he would need to find a new home – and soon since it’s February.
Fortunately, southpaw pitchers that can throw strikes are always in demand. Mileti pivoted quick and announced his decision to attend another Division-II program today – Molloy College. The Lions are building a very strong foundation for future success,, benefitting not only from their own reputation but also New York Tech and now Concordia’s decision.
I had a chance to speak with Sean and here’s what he had to say…
Did you find out the news about Concordia closing when everyone else did? What did you do once you heard?
I found out the news on Thursday morning and knew that I had to get to work. I began to circle back around to connections that I had made prior to my commitment to Concordia. Ultimately, Molloy ended up being a great fit for me as student and pitcher.
What were your goals for this offseason?
My focus this offseason has been on trying to increaser my velocity by getting stronger and working on my mechanics.
What are your goals for 2021?
My goals for 2021 are winning our league and repeating as Suffolk County Champions.
Do you feel like Connetquot had a chance to repeat as Suffolk County Champs?
I feel like we had a very good chance of repeating in 2020. We had a strong lineup led by Matt Brown-Eiring, Alex Ungar and James Goff. Also, we had a solid pitching staff with multiple guys who could contribute.
Who are some people that have had a positive influence on your career?
My parents have been the biggest influence on my baseball career. From driving multiple hours for tournaments to my dad throwing with me in our backyard. Also, all of the coaches I’ve had throughout the years have had a major influence. Lastly, I started going to Bobby DeMichael last year and he has helped me continue to improve as a pitcher.
Favorite players in Major League Baseball?
Some of my favorite players are Clayton Kershaw and Bryce Harper.
Toughest batter to pitch to?
James Goff
Favorite pregame meal?
Chicken cutlets and pasta
Favorite artist?
Drake
Any superstitions?
A superstition I have is not touching the line when going out to the mound before each inning.
