Redshirt senior Conor Philbin has been the starting right fielder for the Flames the past two seasons appearing in 102 games (87 starts). Philbin, a career .285 hitter will play a big role for the Flames success this upcoming season.

What's your thought process going into this season compared to your freshman year?

Philbin - This year is much more relaxed, but from a leadership perspective I'm going to be a better leader vocally. In years past I wouldn't say I was a great leader emotionally, but physically I need to show progress and success on the field. Compared to my freshman year, I was just hoping to play and see if I was good enough to play Division I baseball.

You lived with former Flames player Tyler Detmer your first four years at UIC. What is it like not being around him?

Philbin - Tyler and I have become best friends. We lived together for four years and had a lot of great moments and I contribute that to UIC. We both loved talking about sports, but at the same time we were so different.

You've played on a lot of different teams throughout your time here. Which year was your favorite group you played with?

Philbin - There's a different atmosphere from when I first arrived at UIC to now. There were great players I played with in my career like Nick Addison, Joe Betcher and Jon Ran. So far I would say last year (2015) was my favorite group since we haven't embarked on this season. Last year we had guys like Tyler Detmer, Tommy Field, Alex Lee, Jeff Boehm, and Mickey McDonald that were all a part of the Horizon League regular-season championship team. Off the field we created a brotherhood that made us stronger on the field which helped us towards our success.

You've played in big games for the Flames and you've had the opportunity to play against powerhouse programs such as Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Michigan, Note Dame, Texas A&M, and Missouri. What's been your favorite moment and game in your collegiate career?

Philbin - I loved playing against all those teams. I love playing at Vanderbilt. I actually love playing in front of big crowds, I thrive off of it. I never let the crowd get the best of me. My favorite game was my first collegiate game against Texas A&M University. It was a packed house and it felt like I was playing in a major league ballpark. At first I felt emotionally and physically overmatched against the pitcher, but it turned out I wasn't. Despite the end result (0-2), it gave me a lot of confidence and it was a big moment in my collegiate career.

You've played with Ian Lewandowski in high school and you guys won a state championship in 2010 with Naperville Central. You guys also won the Horizon League regular season crown with the Flames last season. Being teammates and friends for the past seven years, what's your relationship like now?

Philbin - We've been really good friends throughout the years and I bet he would tell you the same thing. We hung out all through high school; we also played football together and had the same friends. Obviously we both felt UIC was the right choice for us and we became even closer in college. I love his competitive makeup and the leader he has become today.

Three rapid fire questions:
1. Cubs win the World Series or the Flames make it to the College World Series?

Philbin - For how much I love the Cubs, I still would say there would be no cooler experience than playing in Omaha, Nebraska for the College World Series.

2. If you could bring back one former or current injured Flame to play with in your last season who would that be?

Philbin - Former Flame I would say Tyler Detmer because he was my best friend in college and a close second would be Mickey McDonald. McDonald (injured) is still around us and supporting the guys. I've always had a really good relationship with Mickey and it stinks he is not able to play.

3. Which celebrity would you compare yourself too?

Philbin - Wow, I would say either Jason Bateman or Ross from Friends.

Interview was conducted by Tommy Field, current baseball player and communications major.