Rawlings Tigers Interview Series

Whitt Callahan, a senior infielder at Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, joins Carter Mize on this episode of Tiger Alumni Player Spotlight.
A Southern Indiana Rawlings Tigers alum, Callahan played four full summer seasons with the Tigers from 15U to 18U before beginning his collegiate career at Spalding.
Reflecting on his time with the Tigers, Callahan shared: "I played all my high school summers with the Tigers. I'm really glad I did—it gave me the reps and exposure I needed to connect with college coaches and make my way into college baseball."
Callahan’s path to college baseball is unconventional in today’s era of frequent transfers. Preparing for his final season of eligibility, he has stuck at Spalding University throughout his collegiate journey.
The senior infielder found Spalding after the Southern Indiana Rawlings Tigers held a private workout for Spalding’s coaching staff to see.
“There were about 10 of us that attended this mini-camp that Spalding was high on. After that workout they brought me into the locker room and offered me a spot. In Division 3 there are no athletic scholarships so we didn't talk about any scholarship money obviously but I really liked the campus and facilities. It didn't take me long to commit at all.”
The infielder has played in 75 games over 3 seasons for Spalding playing both third base, and second base.
“I’ve played a large majority of third base here, with some spot starts at second base sprinkled in. If you hit, you play so I just play wherever they put me.” Winning is a hallmark of Spalding's baseball program. The NCAA Division III team has captured back-to-back SLIAC conference titles, with Callahan playing a key role in their success. In the 2024 SLIAC conference final, he hit a two-run home run, bringing his season total to a career.
"I never thought about transferring out of Spalding. I love it here—they push me every day, and I’ve become a much better player since I first arrived. Plus, we win all the time, which always makes it fun," he said.
As Whitt enters his final season of eligibility, the Rawlings Tigers community wish him the best as he looks to cap his time at spalding off with an all-SLIAC caliber season.

1. Coaching Philosophy: Simplicity and FundamentalsDJ's coaching philosophy centers on simplifying the game. Whether it’s teaching players to "hit the big part of the barrel" or guiding young pitchers to focus on direction and movement toward the catcher's mitt, the emphasis remains on mastering the basics. For pitchers, the message is clear: a fastball and perhaps a cutter, combined with accuracy and trust in the defense, are sufficient tools to excel.

2. Player Development: Building Strength and VersatilityA strong foundation in core and leg strength was highlighted as critical for developing arm strength and throwing harder. DJ stressed the importance of variety in pitches to disrupt batters' timing and the need for pitchers to prioritize throwing strikes and mastering location. Beyond physical skills, players are encouraged to embrace versatility by learning multiple positions, making them more valuable assets to their teams.

3. The Importance of Trust, Flexibility, and IndividualizationTrust plays a central role in DJ’s approach, both in the context of pitchers relying on their defense and coaches building relationships with players. Recognizing the unique personalities and characteristics of each athlete, DJ underscored the importance of tailoring coaching methods to the individual. Flexibility and adaptability, both on and off the field, were identified as keys to success, along with stepping outside comfort zones to foster growth.

4. Navigating Challenges with a Competitive EdgeDespite acknowledging that the overall talent pool may be down, DJ expressed optimism that certain teams can overcome this through hard work and a competitive mindset. High expectations, coupled with a refusal to blame others for failures, create an environment where players can thrive and develop.

In the latest podcast episode, Grayson Weber and I dove deep into the multifaceted world of baseball and softball development, discussing everything from coaching philosophies to cutting-edge technology in training. At the heart of the conversation was a focus on cultivating commitment, versatility, and a genuine love for the game, elements essential to a player's growth both on and off the field.

Dexter Swims, a 2018 graduate of the Rawlings Tigers program, found his college home at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. As a freshman in 2018, Swims made an immediate impact in the Division II program, showcasing his skill both at the plate and in the field.In his freshman season, Swims batted an impressive .325, tallying 75 hits, 49 runs, and 36 RBIs. Among his 75 hits, 22 were for extra bases, including 16 doubles, a triple, and five home runs. On defense, he recorded a .978 fielding percentage with 78 putouts, highlighting his well-rounded abilities. His stellar season earned him the titles of MIAA Freshman of the Year and a place on the All-MIAA First Team.Over three years with the Lions, Swims sustained a career batting average of .310, notching 10 home runs and 81 RBIs. After his successful Division II career, he made the jump to Division I, playing at the University of Missouri and later at the University of Memphis.Today, Dexter continues his baseball journey in the professional sphere, working in the Amateur Scouting Department for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Ethan Willoughby’s recruitment process stands out, beginning in his high school days and culminating in his decision to join Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville (SIUE).
Willoughby, a member of the Tigers class of 2022, hails from Maroa, IL, where he played for Maroa-Forsyth High School. As a senior infielder, he boasted an impressive .407 batting average and recorded 46 RBIs.
Before changes to NCAA recruiting rules, commitments to college baseball programs often occurred early in a player’s high school career, especially for Division I athletes. During his sophomore year, Ethan committed to Illinois State University.
“I committed to Illinois State my sophomore year. They started reaching out to me as early as my freshman summer with the Tigers,” he shared.
After being committed to the Redbirds for about a year, Ethan decommitted from the Missouri Valley Conference program, which initiated a second round of recruitment.
“It was the same process all over again—phone call after phone call. I spoke with numerous programs at all levels of college baseball. But when I talked to Coach Lyons (Sean Lyons, head baseball coach at SIUE), I knew it was the right fit for me.”
Ethan credits the Tigers coaching staff for their role in promoting him to colleges nationwide.
“The Tigers really helped me a lot. I posted frequently on Twitter, tagging the Tigers staff, who would then repost my content and send it directly to college contacts. Their support was invaluable in getting my name and videos in front of coaches everywhere.”
This spring, Ethan started all 56 games for the Cougars at SIUE, hitting .309 and collecting 69 hits—second on the team—along with 13 doubles.
Looking ahead to the 2025 OVC campaign, Ethan aims to maintain consistency at the plate.
“Consistency in my swing is key for me. I’m always striving to get my best swing off regularly, which I hope will lead to positive results.”
From the entire Tigers community, we thank Willoughby for sharing his journey from the Tigers to Division I baseball.
We wish Ethan the best of luck in his upcoming season at SIUE and look forward to celebrating his future successes on the field.
#Train #Educate #GrowTheGame
By: Carter Mize
Rawlings Tigers National Director - Player Development
[email protected]
@mize_carter on X

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