Carey grew up in Manitowoc, WI, playing youth baseball in the Manitowoc County Youth Baseball League. In high school, at Manitowoc Lincoln, he was standout, four-year starter on the baseball team, earning all-conference honors in three of his four seasons. Schrank holds numerous Lincoln pitching records and was named a second-team all-district selection during his senior season.
After a successful high school career, Schrank headed to Madison to be a part of Leo Kalinowski's Madison Area Technical College baseball team. In his first season, Schrank made his presence felt as he helped the team to their first ever national title. As a first year starting outfielder he hit .325, posted 37 RBIs along with a team leading three triples and three home runs. Contributing to his team in anyway possible, Schrank also pitched ten innings, giving up only six hits and no runs. On the biggest stage, Schrank had a run-scoring triple and shut down Joliet Junior College from the mound in the dramatic 1995 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division III World Series final to earn his team the victory and their first national title. For his outstanding play, Schrank earned NJCAA World Series all-tournament honors. In addition to those honors, he was an all-conference selection and the team’s Gold Glove award winner.
With an incredibly successful first year behind him Schrank set his sights on yet another great season and another national title for his team. Schrank continued to excel at the plate as he raised his batting average to .408. He scored a team-high 52 runs, had 44 RBIs, 14 doubles, four triples and three home runs. On the mound, he pitched 52 innings, struck out 53 batters and posted a 3.12 ERA. In both roles, Schrank continually proved how valuable he was to his team as he was selected all-conference and all-state in addition to the team’s most valuable player. Once again, on the biggest stage, Schrank excelled, shutting down Waubonsee Community College in a must win game in the 1996 NJCAA Division III World Series. Schrank struck out 10 batters and did not record a walk to earn the victory. In addition to the win, Schrank had two hits and drove in a run in the team’s 5-2 win. Madison Area Technical College went on to win their second straight national title and for his efforts, Carey Schrank was named World Series MVP.
"Carey was a true competitor with a diligent work ethic. Simply put, he led by example," commented former Head Baseball Coach and current assistant, Leo Kalinowski. "He had a great career for us and won a championship game for us. He was definitely a pleasure to coach.”
When the dust finally settled on Carey Schrank's career at Madison Area Technical College he was among the best. Pitching-wise he ranks in the top 25 in career wins, strikeouts and ERA… and that is just for pitching. On the offensive side, he currently ranks in the top ten in five career statistical categories including hits, RBIs, runs scored, triples and doubles. His versatility and willingness to do whatever his team needed him to do make him one of the best all-around players to ever take the field at Madison Area Technical College.
His abilities caught the eye of University of Nebraska-Omaha coach Bob Nowaczyk as well. The Mavericks coach signed him to a scholarship and he played there for two years earning first team all-conference honors in his senior season.
Schrank currently lives in Manitowoc, WI and works as a laborer and mason for Quality Building Restoration.
