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USF's Prado can make school history against his former team

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 13, 2009

TAMPA - Before coming to the University of South Florida three years ago, Lelo Prado spent 11 years building the University of Louisville program.

When he left the Cardinals, he had turned the baseball program around, guiding the Cardinals to their first NCAA Tournament and was UL's winningest coach.

When Prado joined USF, UL athletic director Tom Jurich said how happy he was for Prado. "Lelo did a fabulous job at Louisville, and I'll always be indebted to what he did for this program," Jurich said.

So, without question, the Bulls' three-game series at the 'Ville starting Thursday will have special meaning for Prado – especially since the Bulls only need one win to clinch the program's first Big East title.

"The only thing I wish was we would have won it [the regular season title last weekend] at Notre Dame," Prado said. "Starting off with Tom and the community, I can't tell you how many UL boosters have been wishing me the best. It's a special place. I know I left it a lot better than when I got there. It's a special place. I'm excited to be going back and seeing a lot of old friends."

USF senior Brandon Smith said it's obvious what it would mean for Prado to clinch the Bulls' Big East title at Louisville.

"We know it would mean a lot of coach to do it in Louisville," Smith said. "He doesn't need to say anything. We know. Everyone knows."

Prado is more concerned with the Bulls accomplishments as a team than any personal goals.

"It would be great for our program to win a regular season championship," Prado said. "Anytime you win, it's fun."

As far as his Louisville's days? "We put in a lot of hard work to that place and it's paid off," he said. UL reached the College World Series last season. "They continue to be a good program and you know when it's a good program that starts at the top."

Prado said No. 1 starter Randy Fontanez will not pitch at Louisville. Instead, he'll rest him for the Bulls' opening game in the Big East Tournament on Tuesday in Clearwater. Prado said no other Bulls would sit out the UL series.

The Bulls (32-20, 18-6 Big East) own a 2 1/2-game lead over Louisville (37-14, 16-7 Big East).

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928.

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