TCU coach still feels for Rebels

Thursday, March 30, 2006 | 6:36 a.m.

He last wore a UNLV baseball uniform 32 months ago, but Texas Christian coach Jim Schlossnagle still believes he will feel a few emotions Friday in San Diego.

The Horned Frogs play the Rebels at 7 p.m. in Mountain West Conference preseason action at Tony Gwynn Stadium, which will be the first time Schlossnagle has faced his former squad.

"There will certainly be mixed emotions," Schlossnagle said from Fort Worth, Texas. "We want to get every win we can possibly get ... (but) Buddy's a lifelong friend."

Buddy Gouldsmith, Schlossnagle's former assistant with the Rebels, replaced his boss when Schlossnagle was hired at TCU in July 2003. Both were weaned as assistants under longtime Tulane coach Rick Jones.

UNLV pitcher Matt Luca and infielder Chris Bonnell were recruited by Schlossnagle.

"It'll be kind of like playing against Tulane last season, and we opened with Tulane this season," Schlossnagle said. "I know how bad I feel when we lose. When you play a friend and you win, it's always bittersweet. I'm looking forward to it."

Both UNLV (12-15 heading into the games) and TCU (12-14) are thirsty for victories.

Schlossnagle was 77-47 in two seasons at UNLV, having guided the Rebels to a 47-17 record in 2003, when they made their first NCAA postseason appearance since 1996. Gouldsmith took the Rebels to the postseason in 2004 and '05.

UNLV plays a three-game series against TCU in Texas in two weeks, and the Rebels will play host to the Mountain West tournament at the end of May.

Conference call

Not long after TCU athletic director Eric Hyman hired Schlossnagle, the Horned Frogs announced they would leave Conference USA for the Mountain West. Schlossnagle said Hyman had no idea.

"(Hyman) said if he'd have known, he would have let me know," Schlossnagle said. "The first thing that came to mind was, 'I'd much rather root for Buddy all season than see him in the regionals or Omaha, rather than playing him in a conference.' "

Schlossnagle steered TCU to a school-record 39 victories in 2004, then it won 41 last season. The Horned Frogs played in the NCAA regionals both seasons.

Tuesday, Schlossnagle was named to the 2006 USA Baseball national team staff that will compete internationally this summer.

Dr. Danny Morrison, who took over for Hyman after Hyman left for South Carolina in May, extended Schlossnagle's contract last summer.

Infield flies

If so, Gwynn has his work cut out for him. The Aztecs have a 7.29 team ERA, worst in the conference.