The wait is almost over. UNLV Baseball is four days away from opening weekend. They are picked to finish fifth in conference, but after sitting down for an interview with junior first baseman Xavier Scruggs, I think he has other plans for the team. Here’s what he had to say:
Q: How do you feel about you guys being picked to finish fifth in conference this year?
A: I really don’t pay too much attention to anyones predictions. I focus on my team and how my team can get better each and everyday to win a MWC (Mountain West Conference) championship.
Q: What do you want to be remembered for when your playing days at UNLV are over?
A: I want to be remembered as a student-athlete that was the hardest worker and able to lead his team and do something they’ve never done before, which is lead the team to Omaha, Nebraska for the College World Series.
Q: On February 3, 2006, you hit the second pitch you saw in your collegiate career over the fence for a solo home run against Pepperdine. Describe that feeling.
A: That was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in baseball. Mainly because my parents were at the game and it was their anniversary and having that kind of success in your first at bat is pretty rare.
Q: Does each home run feel the same? When your bat connects does it feel the same each time?
A: No it does not. Some home runs feel better than others. Some balls that you don’t hit as well don’t go as far as you want them to so some clear the fence and others barely get over the fence. The ones that feel the best are the ones that you know are gone as soon as they hit the bat.
Q: Do you feel any added pressure because it’s a draft year for you? Are you approaching this season any differently than seasons past? If so how?
A: I don’t feel any added pressure. I try not to think about it. At the same time I am focusing on the smaller details in my game that will help me get to the next level this year.
Q: Do you think the steroids problem at the professional level affects young players like yourself?
A: Yes it does because it opens younger players eyes to the problem as well and helps them to realize that steroids is something that will not be accepted and should never be taken.
Q: Is there anything else you want to add or that you want the fans to know about you or the team?
A: The fans should know it’s going to be a special year for UNLV baseball and the more they come out and support the Rebels the more success we will have.
Meet Xavier Scruggs:
Year in School: Junior
Major: Business/Human Resources Management
Favorite Color: Turquoise
Favorite Music: R&B and Hip-Hop
Favorite Food: Chinese
Favorite MLB Team: San Diego Padres
Favorite Thing To Do On An Off Day: Take naps, play videogames
Run with the Rebels 
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