UVSC teams already making big wins

OREM — The 2006 baseball and softball seasons are under way at Utah Valley State College.

Baseball

HEAD COACH: Steve Gardner (16th season, 410-327)

2005 AT A GLANCE: Although the Wolverines posted a 17-39 mark in 2005 (their second year of Division I play), UVSC compiled some pretty big wins. The Wolverines took three of five from the University of Utah, defeated BYU for the first time ever, and, most notably, went on the road to defeat an Arizona State team that was ranked 16th at the time and that would go on to finish third at the College World Series.

SO FAR THIS YEAR: Utah Valley dropped three in a row to Southern Utah last weekend before rebounding to smash the T-birds 15-2 in the series finale and avert a sweep.

MONSTER ON THE MOUND: Kam Mickolio, listed at 6-foot-9 and 260 pounds, should not have to worry about opposing batters ever charging the mound while he's pitching. The senior from Bozeman, Mont., can touch 93 mph on the radar gun and sit in the low 90s. Also boasting above-average pitches in his curveball and changeup, Mickolio should be UVSC's ace and Friday night starter. The good news for Mickolio about starting Friday nights is that he will get plenty of exposure to the pro scouts who drool over his large frame and the way his natural tools project developmentally. The bad news about starting Fridays is that wins will be hard to come by since Mickolio will always be matched against the opposition's ace.

CARRYING A BIG STICK: Junior infielders Dan Bulow (Springville High) and Eli Slesk are UVSC's two top hitters. Bulow led the Wolverines with 15 home runs in 2005, and Slesk hit a team-high .367. The 6-foot-2, 240 pound Bulow will log time at first base and designated hitter, while Slesk is the team's shortstop. Center fielder Nick Connor and utilityman Vance Canyon (Spanish Fork) hit .329 and .328, respectively, last year.

TOP NEWCOMERS: Transfers Ryan Jessop (Southern Idaho) and Kalen Parson (BYU) will be given the opportunity to prove themselves in the starting rotation. Junior transfer Kade Boyer (Arkansas, Little-Rock) is penciled in as the team's right fielder.