There’s no time like the present for John Acha.

With graduation just three months around the corner, the Hornets’ third baseman knows this could be it.

2004 could mark the end of a baseball career. Or it could punch his ticket to following in the footsteps of recent Hornet alumni at the next level.

While trying to see the future is daunting for most, Acha seems content in the present. He seems to have found a comfort level after a 2003 season that was full of uncertainty, at least for Acha on the diamond.

Playing time was never a problem, but his position in the batting order took on the qualities of an elevator.

“Sometimes I would bat sixth, second or even last,” Acha said of the 2003 season.

Part of the reason was the powerful hitting of outfielders Jesse Schmidt and Mikela Olsen, who had cemented them in the heart of the lineup.

Schmidt and Olsen have since moved on to the minor leagues and Acha has been given the opportunity to fill their vacancy.

Acha now knows exactly what his role is every day he arrives to the ballpark. “I know I’ll be batting in the three spot every game,” he said.

While his new home in the heart of the lineup brings him new challenges and expectations, don’t expect Acha to start swinging for the fence every time at the plate.

“I’m not expected to hit 16 bombs like Mikela or Jesse, but they’re expecting me to supply some power,” Acha said. “I just want to do what’s expected of a three hitter.”His focus now must turn to hitting more deep fly balls and driving in runs.A tweak in batting philosophy isn’t the only adjustment for Acha. He’ll have to learn the ropes of his new infield position.

Growing up in Turlock and continuing at Modesto Junior College, Acha spent most of his baseball life playing second base.

Upon arriving to Sacramento State two years ago, he continued at second. But with the sudden promise of shortstop Brett LeVier and second baseman Jack Arroyo, the shortage of spots now has Acha at third base.

The transition has been smooth so far as his 6-foot, 200-pound frame includes a strong and accurate throwing arm.

That strength is partly attributed to Acha and the rest of the Hornets spending valuable time in the weight room as part of the off-season training routine.

Immediately following the 2003 season, the Hornets returned to the gym in May to begin the strength and conditioning process all over again.

For the next eight months it was all about bulking up in preparation for the marathon regular season.

Acha focused on lifting heavier weights at lower repetitions, while mixing in some light running.

Now with the season underway, Acha and his teammates still frequent the Sac State gym, but only with the intent of light maintenance lifting to keep his body tuned for the long haul.

The hard work looks to have initially paid off with the Hornets off to a strong start and Acha right in the middle of it.

His walk-off game-winning homer against the University of San Francisco on Saturday improved the Hornets record to 9-4.

A playoff berth may be reachable if the first three weeks of the schedule are any indication.

“If we get 40 wins then we have a chance to get a regional spot,” Acha explains. “And we feel like there’s not one team on the schedule we can’t beat.”

The Hornets have not reached the 40-win plateau since 1991 and haven’t made a post-season appearance since 1989, when they were still in Division II.

Although Acha was just a little kid in those days, Sac State manager John Smith was over a decade into his tenure, cultivating those winning programs. Acha appreciates the wealth of experience the manager has to offer.

“If I’m struggling, he’ll come up and say, ‘Let it go and relax tonight,'” Acha said. “Tomorrow’s a new day.”

And if the baseball career doesn’t pan out, Acha says he’ll turn to his future degree in business.

“Being my own boss would be nice,” he said smiling. “I’ll check into real estate possibly.”

Those who deal with Acha on the diamond on a day to day basis seem to have the utmost confidence in the senior’s present and future.

“He’s one of the best kids I’ve ever coached,” assistant coach Rusty McClain said. “If I could pick my All-Rusty team, he’d be at the top of the list. He’s the total package.”