Keoni raking in the awards

Ian Mayer Arizona Daily Wildcat Sophomore shortstop Keoni DeRenne (11) launches a ball into the outfield during a game earlier this season at Sancet Field. DeRenne was named Pac-10 Player of the Week after hitting .667 over four games.

DeRenne moved from the No. 2 batting spot to No. 3 and led the Wildcats to a perfect 4-0 mark last week, defeating Grand Canyon 13-1 and Oregon State 11-9, 10-7 and 10-5, batting .667 behind a double, triple, seven runs scored and seven RBI. With numbers like that, it's no surprise he was named the Pacific 10 Conference Player of the Week.

"No, I never really thought about it (Pac-10 Player)," DeRenne said. "In order to get an honor like that in this league is pretty tough because of the caliber of players. I am actually more fortunate for the wins than my performance."

DeRenne went 10 for 15, drew four walks and was hit by a pitch, leading him to an on-base percentage of .750 for the week.

"He did everything well this week," UA head coach Jerry Stitt said, "from fielding his position to running the bases to hitting well. He really deserved that award."

Vote for athlete of the year Rather than leave it solely up to ourselves, the sports staff of the Daily Wildcat invites readers and fans to vote for a male and female athlete of the year. There are 16 candidates total, ranging from basketball's Jason Terry to swimmer Ryk Neethling on the men's side and from distance runner Amy Skieresz to softball pitcher Becky Lemke on the women's side. The full list will appear online. Fans' votes will count for 1/3 of the total, with the other 2/3 coming from the Wildcat staff and any and all coaches who wish to vote. Voting begins this Friday on the Wildcat online (wildcat.arizona.edu). Just follow the links and pick who's the best for 1998-99, and feel free to e-mail any additional comments to sports@wildcat.arizona.edu.

For the first time this season, DeRenne stepped up to the plate as the No. 3 hitter, proving to be right at home in the new batting order.

"The pitchers kind of get lackadaisical on Troy (Gingrich) and Andy (Juday)," DeRenne said. "And before you know it, they are on base and I am up and feeling confident that I can move them over."

Stitt echoed DeRenne's confidence in the batting order change.

"It has been good for him to have men on base in front of him," Stitt said. "Also, knowing that Shelley (Duncan) is behind him is good for him mentally. Traditionally your third hitter is your best hitter and he is our best hitter."

DeRenne graduated from Iolani High School in Honolulu, where he earned four letters as a shortstop before he began his career as the Wildcats' starting shortstop last season.

In his senior year he batted .530 with six home runs, 13 doubles, six triples and 41 RBI. He was also presented with the Easton Reflex Defense Award that saw him commit only three errors in the field.

His solid play in high school carried over to DeRenne's collegiate career, setting him apart as a leader for the team despite being only a sophomore.

"It is rare for a sophomore to have his role," Stitt said. "He is our most experienced player and all the guys respect him for everything he has done."

DeRenne took the leadership-by-example role early as a Wildcat, establishing himself as the first freshman to lead Arizona in at-bats (232) and hits (81), as well as setting freshman records for runs (68), hits, doubles (15) and RBI (55). He was also named a first-team freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball and second-team by The Sporting News.

"I am really glad the coaches have put me in this situation," DeRenne said in regards to being a leader. "They know I am not a very vocal guy, but when the team needs to get picked up I don't mind taking on that responsibility."

Along with the leadership responsibility, DeRenne has made it a personal point to take every at-bat seriously, no matter who the opponent may be.

"Sometimes when you go in too relaxed and confident things don't go your way," he said. "You have to take every at-bat like you are playing Stanford or USC. You can't slack off because things won't go your way. I went up there (against OSU) wanting to hit and feeling really confident."

His effort last week, as well as throughout the season, has paid off as he stands at .396 on the season and .404 in conference play. And the effort hasn't gone unnoticed, as the Beavers walked DeRenne four times, including once intentionally.

"When I got walked on Sunday I didn't know it was happening," he said. "I looked at the pitcher and saw him go into his motion. I didn't see the catcher standing up with his arm out. He threw the pitch and it was a slow windup and throw, and when I turned around, I was disappointed because I wanted to get another hit. But, if they have that much respect for me than I am happy about that."

After playing Grand Canyon last night, DeRenne and the Wildcats continue with conference play at Washington State Friday.

"I knew that once Pac-10 play started I hoped that my swing would feel in sync again," DeRenne said. "Throughout the Pac I have felt really comfortable. I am doing nothing different, but I guess I am a little more relaxed."

Kate Longworth can be reached at Kate.Longworth@wildcat.arizona.edu. Wildcat reporter Dan Rosen contributed to this story.