April 19, 2007

Kendall Rogers
Rivals.com College Baseball Editor

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When gritty right-hander Robert Woodard was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals last June, the veteran weighed the pros and cons of heading to the professional ranks or staying for his senior season at North Carolina.

In the end, Woodard chose to return to Chapel Hill with hopes of leading the Tar Heels to their second-consecutive College World Series berth. He also had visions of being the guy to lead UNC to its first national title.

With those factors present, the decision to stay became easier.

"At the end of last season, I told the coaches I wasn't coming back unless I felt we had a good shot to get to Omaha and perhaps win a national title," Woodard told Rivals.com. "Even before the fall, I thought the pieces were there to win a national title. That was the most significant reason I came back this season."

While Woodard's return has paid dividends for the talented Tar Heels, his role hasn't always been the same.

Woodard arrived in Chapel Hill during the fall of 2003 and wasn't sure what his future might hold. The only thing he knew at the time was that the Tar Heels were also adding a pair of pitchers named Andrew Miller and Daniel Bard.

Unaffected by the competition, Woodard quickly developed a role for the Tar Heels. The righty started the season as the team's closer, but eventually moved to the midweek role.

"When I stepped on campus, the coaches didn't have a set role for me," Woodard said. "They knew Miller and Bard were going to be weekend starters, so I just worked hard throughout the fall and spring to become a better pitcher."

After his freshman season, Woodard was determined to increase his role on the pitching staff. He finally found light at the end of the tunnel during an early March start against Michigan at the Keith LeClair Classic.

From that point on, confidence hasn't been an issue for Woodard.

"After that start against Michigan in 2005, I decided to make the most of my opportunity," he said. "I made specific goals and realized that I just wasn't here to be on the team. I was here to make an impact."

In 2006, Woodard served as a full-time starter for the Tar Heels. He finished the year 7-1 with a 3.43 ERA in 107 2/3 innings. He also struck out 55 and walked 24, while opponents hit him at a .261 clip.

While the daily headlines around the professional ranks consistently mentioned Miller and Bard ? not Woodard ? the veteran never became frustrated. In fact, Woodard enjoyed both helping and learning from the talented duo.

"Miller, Bard and I were each unique in our own way," he said. "I am happy for what they accomplished and I also realize that I can only control what I do. I'm just the guy that focuses on the goal at hand."

	From the first time I saw him, he's always been an extremely hard worker.
? UNC pitching coach Scott Forbes

That attitude has led to success in previous years and is doing the same in Woodard's senior campaign this season.

In nine starts, Woodard is a perfect 7-0 with a 1.98 ERA in 59 innings. He has also struck out 43 and walked 12, while opponents are hitting him at a .212 clip.

Among other things, UNC pitching coach Scott Forbes points to his gritty attitude as a chief reason for his success.

"From the time I saw him pitch in high school, Robert has always been a competitor, hard worker and a leader. Nothing has changed," Forbes said. "When he's not on the mound, he's lifting weights, running or doing anything he can to get ready for his next start."

Woodard also brings a ruthless attitude to the mound.

"He has a ton of success that extends from his bulldog-like mentality," Forbes said. "No matter what the situation is, he always thinks he's going to win. Having a pitcher with that mindset is a treat."

As the Tar Heels move forward and prepare for an important three-game set with Florida State this weekend, Woodard is often reminded of why he came back to school.

It's something he'll remember when he takes the mound against the Seminoles Friday night in Tallahassee, Fla.

"I grew up a diehard North Carolina fan, so it would be like a dream come true to help the team finish the regular season on a high note and also lead them to a national title," Woodard said. "Another chance at a national title is why I'm here today."


Cowboys take big bats to College Station

With an impressive 29-9 record, you'd think Oklahoma State wouldn't have much to prove. But this weekend, the Cowboys hope to make a statement as they travel south to face surprising Texas A&M.

Much like the Aggies, the Cowboys have frustrated opposing pitchers with a barrage of consistent hitters.

OSU enters the weekend hitting .346 as a team and is led at the plate by veteran second baseman Tyler Mach, who's hitting .442 with nine home runs and 52 RBIs.

More than anything else, Pokes coach Frank Anderson is pleased with his team's power production.

"We've got a lot of power on this team. Instead of singles, our guys tend to hit doubles, triples or home runs," he said. "On the flip side of things, we must become more consistent with our bunting and ability to move runners over."

As they have much this season, the Cowboys will rely heavily on the production of junior third baseman Matt Mangini.

Mangini has been a pleasant addition for the Pokes.

The veteran is hitting .353 with nine home runs and 41 RBIs. He also has a .613 slugging percentage and a .448 on-base percentage.

"Matt is just a hard working and physical guy that has made a great transition to our program," Anderson said. "He's also humble and easy to accept."

As the final month of the season nears, the only item concerning the Cowboys is the health of senior outfielder Keanon Simon.

A few weeks ago, the veteran jammed his wrist trying to catch a ball against the wall. Since that point, Simon has been unable to play.

The Cowboys hope to get him back sooner rather than later.

"Keanon is our spiritual leader and we'd love to get him back. But we're also not going to risk further injury," Anderson said. "Right now, his situation is day-to-day. But I can tell you, he's a tough kid and wants to play. We'll see how it goes."

In a battle between two of the Big 12's best, the Cowboys and Aggies play game one of a three-game set Friday night in College Station, Texas.