By Tim Clinton

SPORTS EDITOR

McCullough reels in top awards

West Seattle High School graduate Morgan McCullough earned four top individual awards at this past weekend’s JUCO (junior college) World Series held in Grand Junction, Colo. in leading the Chipola College Indians of Florida to the national championship.

McCullough was named as the Most Valuable Player as well as taking the Top Hitter and Defensive MVP awards. He was also chosen to the all-tournament team.

The sophomore shortstop played outstanding defense while batting .519 for the tournament with two home runs, one double, nine RBI and seven walks.

It is the second straight national title for Chipola under coach Jeff Johnson, whose team won this year’s final by a 10-7 score over Walters State.

McCullough stood out for the University of Oregon as a freshman before his transfer to Chipola.

“It would have been worth it even if we lost early in the tournament,” McCullough said of the switch. “Meeting coach Johnson and everyone that is associated with Chipola College has been a blessing. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

McCullough has signed on to play for the University of Alabama next year.

Mann comes and goes in Texas

Mount Rainier graduate Mann was recalled from the Round Rock Express to the Texas Rangers briefly before being sent back down in time to miss appearing during the team’s recent trip to Seattle.

The left-handed reliever appeared in three games and threw five innings for the Rangers, not allowing a single earned run in posting a 0-0, 0.00 record. He gave up two hits and two walks and struck out one.

Mann also has impressive numbers at Round Rock, the Rangers’ Class AAA affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. He is 1-0 with a 0.90 ERA including before and after his Texas stay. He has pitched in 16 games and thrown 20 innings, striking out 16.

Kela keeps closing for Rangers

Chief Sealth graduate Keone Kela, meanwhile, remains as the closer in relief for the Texas Rangers’ Major League Baseball team.

The hard-throwing right-hander has 13 saves, posting a 3-2, 4.22 record. Kela has struck out 24 in 21.1 innings of work.

Barnette also still with Texas

Thomas Jefferson graduate Tony Barnette has a 1-0, 3.68 record in the same bullpen for the Texas Rangers.

The right-hander has struck out 14 in 14.2 innings.

Brett batting .238 for Barons

Highline graduate Ryan Brett is batting .238 (25-for-105) as an outfielder for the Birmingham Barons, the Class AA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

Brett started off spring training with the Texas Rangers, was released, then picked up by the White Sox organization.

He has seven doubles, two home runs, 11 RBI and 15 runs scored for the Barons.

Gallagher, Huskies finish second

Kennedy Catholic graduate Maggie Gallagher and the University of Washington women’s fastpitch softball team took second place in this week’s NCAA Division 1 World Series in Oklahoma.

Gallagher got in on the action, scoring a run as a pinch runner in the Huskies’ Friday win over No. 1-seeded Oregon.

Gallagher hit .250 (6-for-24) for Washington as a sophomore this year with two doubles, five runs, four walks, four RBI and one stolen base.

McPhee cut on final day

Mount Rainier graduate Brittany McPhee made it to the final day before mandatory roster cuts by the Seattle Storm from 15 down to 12 players. The Stanford University standout is now a free agent.

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