The Journal

Issue date: 3/27/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Jeff Curry Senior Brett Mueller pitches in relief against Harris-Stowe State College on March 24, 2007. Mueller's transition from closer to starter has been successful in 2008.

When 5-foot-11-inch Brett Mueller takes the mound, he doesn't seem very intimidating at first. However, the fourth-year senior's 3-0 record, 1.82 earned run average, and 15 strike outs sure do.

The southpaw is new to this year's starting rotation following his role last year the team's closer. A successful closer-turned-starter, Mueller credits much of this year's pitching success from experience and the abundance of run support he has had from the team.

"Being a senior and being here all four years makes you understand the game a whole lot better," Mueller said.

The decision to make Mueller a starter was a no-brainer. In the relief role last year, Mueller put together a 16 and two-thirds scoreless inning streak. During that streak, he was virtually unhittable.

"Within the last year we realized Brett was one of our best pitchers," said Head Coach Bill Kurich. "He did a great job closing and we basically wanted him to control more of the game himself therefore making the decision of adding him to the starting rotation."

The transition has been a smooth one, and Mueller said he enjoys both pitching roles.

"I liked being a closer because of the intensity it brought," Mueller said. "Going out there pretty much everyday and throwing as hard as you can for that one inning you're in the game - there's nothing like it."

The make-up of last year's team forced Mueller into the bullpen, but this year he and Kurich were confident he would make more of an impact as a starting pitcher.

"If it was up to Brett he would start everyday," said Kurich. "That is the kind of attitude he brings to the team."

The mental aspect and amount of innings the starting role comes with is what Mueller said he enjoys the most.

"If you expect to be successful you're going to be successful," Mueller said. "It's all about the positive mental aspect you bring to the ball field."

All of Mueller's goals are team oriented. He is a leader on and off the field who pushes his fellow teammates to play to the best of their ability.

"(He has) a lot of energy," said senior Greg Bade. "It motivates everyone else to play better."

This year's team has one goal - to get to Appelton, Wis., the site of the Division III World Series.

"(It) should be the goal of every team in college - wanting to win the World Series - and that is what we want to do," Mueller said.

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