Hurler does job on, off the mound

      Baseball is the one sport that can usually lead a high school player away from college and to the professional ranks.
      With the wave of a magic wand -- which generally comes in the form of a minor-league contract and/or a signing bonus -- college becomes an afterthought.
      The wand didn't work for Western graduate Andy McCulloch, a sophomore pitcher at UNLV, who was taken in the 54th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 1996 draft.
      For the second year in a row, McCulloch was named as one of the university's 1998 Academic Top 30, which honored student-athletes for academic achievement in the spring and fall semesters of 1997.
      "I work hard on the field and in class," McCulloch said. "I'm honored and it's great to be recognized as an athlete. It brings out the other side. People don't know how hard you work in the classroom."
      As a freshman, McCulloch ranked fourth in his class of 425 athletes with his 3.81 grade-point average.
      "My career in baseball will eventually end," he said. "I'll need my education when it does."
      McCulloch said he is interested in pursuing a career in kinesiology, the study of human muscular movements.
      "We'd like to have a few more Andy's there is no doubt about that," UNLV coach Rod Soesbe said. "He is the type of athlete we like to have."
      On the field, the right-hander appeared in 15 games through April 21, and had a 4-2 record with a 3.97 ERA (which ranked second on the team). In 34 innings, he allowed 36 hits, struck out 29 and was second on the staff with two saves.
      His role as a relief pitcher was established in the season-opener as he recorded a save against the University of California at Santa Barbara.
      "I'm accepting that role because I know I have another two years," McCulloch said. "And I've pitched a lot this year, so I've gotten my fill."
      Of his 15 appearances, only three have been starts.
      "He has a super attitude and whatever it takes to get a win for the ball club," Soesbe said. "We feel if we can get to him in the late innings, we're in pretty good shape with the lead."
      Maybe the biggest pitching win of his career came on Feb. 20, when the Rebels beat nationally ranked California State University, Fullerton.
      McCulloch improved to 4-0 with his first start of the season on March 15, against Grand Canyon College.
      "The thing about Andy is he is such a competitor," Soesbe said. "You put him on the mound and you're gonna get full effort. He is just a bulldog and I feel good when he is out there."
      Aside from his classes and baseball, McCulloch has become involved with student government and volunteer work with the Key club.
      "I'm pretty much trying to stay focused on my studies and my baseball," he said. "I'm just doing whatever it takes to get my job done"
      McCulloch admits there has probably been less stress during his college career, than there might have been if he went away for college.
      "It's definitely a lot easier when you're not missing home and you're away from your surroundings and friends," he said. "It's also nice to be a local product and getting that attention (during home games). I love being able to play in front of family and friends."
      As a freshman with the Rebels, McCulloch appeared in 39 games (24 as a position player/designated hitter and 15 as a pitcher). McCulloch compiled a 2-4 record with three saves and an 8.56 ERA. In 27 1/3 innings, he allowed 55 hits and struck out 22 batters.
      At Western, McCulloch lettered three years under coach Jerry Reyes.
      As a senior, he led the Warriors to the Sunset Division title. He split time at third base, but as a pitcher compiled an 8-1 record and a 1.48 ERA.