Caleb Lang completed his first season as an assistant coach with the Concordia University Baseball program in 2020-21. As hitting coach, Lang helped the offense thrive. The Bulldogs broke numerous school records on their way to reaching the NAIA World Series for the first time in program history. A native of Batavia, N.Y., Lang was a star himself on the baseball diamond having been named a two-time NCAA Division III All-American. Find out more about Lang in this Q&A.
Q&A with Coach Lang
Which athlete(s) did you idolize growing up?
Albert Pujols, a 12-year run where he averaged 40 home runs and 110 RBIs – the consistency was unbelievable. Gerry McNamara and Eric Moulds were two others that I enjoyed watching play.
Who are your favorite professional sports teams?
New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills, New York Knicks and Syracuse Orange Basketball.
What is the most memorable sporting event you have attended as a spectator?
I would say Red Sox and New York Yankees playoff baseball. I also attended the third coldest game in NFL history – that was memorable for a completely different reason.
Which person/people were most influential in your career choice?
My father and my college coach.
What is one book you would recommend to others in your profession?
The Bible might be cliché, but it’s the Bible so it’s never cliché and always the answer.
What’s the best coaching advice you’ve received?
If players are only improving in their athletics, then you failed miserably as a coach.
What do you find most rewarding about coaching?
The relationships developed with players and coaches.
What has changed the most about the profession since you started coaching?
Analytics have started being used to the Nth degree.
Beyond athletic talent and ability, what is the No. 1 trait you’re looking for in a prospective recruit?
I am looking for someone who is striving to become a better version of themselves and is desiring to learn and grow.
Name something your own student-athletes have taught you in your time as a coach.
Patience … Really, they have taught me to laugh, learn from mistakes and be vulnerable with others when the time is necessary.
How are you most likely spending your free time away from work?
Traveling, reading, lifting, watching sports, cooking.
What would you choose to eat for your last meal?
Lamb chops with a nice garlic sauce with sides of Mexican street corn, grandma’s mac and cheese and my mom’s apple pie for dessert.
What’s your favorite Lincoln (or Lincoln area) restaurant?
I have only eaten out once in Lincoln so I will just go with La Cocina for lunch special here in Seward.
Which movie or TV show do you quote from the most?
Either HIMYM or The Office (Thanks to my college roommate).
Where did you go for vacation this summer?
Been to NY, Idaho, California and Hawaii.
Which social medium (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc.) do you use the most?
Twitter 100%. Facebook deleted freshman year of college, Snapchat was deleted to clear space on phone, Instagram to check in on my nieces and nephews.
What genre of music do you prefer?
Country and Christian.
What was the first car you drove?
My dad let me drive his car when I was like 12, don’t remember what it was.
Name a famous person you’ve met.
Ryan Dupic, give it time.
If you had to choose any band or musical artist to perform at Bulldog Stadium, who would you choose?
Alive or Dead? Going Elvis and inviting Grandpa out.
What is the No. 1 thing that makes Concordia a special place?
The people.
What is it that keeps you excited about your job as you look ahead to the 2021-22 academic year?
The players, easy to say but it is the truth. I genuinely enjoy spending time with our current roster.