By Tim Casey - MileSplit Recruiting Reporter
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On consecutive weekends last month, Bryce Ruland took official visits to the University of Iowa and the University of Southern California.
Both schools are in major conferences, but their locations and weather patterns couldn't be much more different.
After careful consideration, Ruland didn't take any other visits after those two, even though numerous colleges -- such as UCLA, Minnesota and Baylor -- were interested in signing one of the nation's best throwers.
On Sept. 19, Ruland committed to Iowa, choosing a men's program that was closer to his home in Waterford, Wisconsin. Ruland, a senior at Waterford Union High School, said he felt a connection to Hawkeyes head coach Joey Woody and throws coach Ray Robinson.
"I thought it was a perfect location for me," Ruland said. "I'm more of a Midwest kind of guy. I also really liked coach Ray...
