The Colorado Rockies drafted junior outfielder Tim Wheeler June 9, the highest draft pick ever for a Sacramento State player.

Wheeler was selected with the 32nd pick in the first round and was the only player in the Western Athletic Conference to be drafted in the first round.

“It’s been an awesome experience for me this week,” Wheeler said. “I’m just excited for what’s in store for me.”

Director of Athletics Terry Wanless praised Wheeler for his latest achievement and said he has high hopes for Wheeler.

“Tim is a great student, he’s a man of character and he’s gifted,” Wanless said. “What’s most important about him is that he made himself a great player. His skills didn’t come overnight; he had to work at it and now he’s being rewarded for it. He has impressive stats, but that’s only a small part of his success. He’s shown great leadership both on and off the field and is the best example of a great athlete.”

Zach Wilson, manager of scouting for the Rockies, believes that Wheeler was a great draft pick for the team.

“We like the tools that he has and he has a great track record,” Wilson said. “We think he can hit, he’s a great athlete and he’s a strong runner. He also possesses great character that we admire; that’s why we picked him.”

In addition to pursuing his career in baseball, Wheeler said that he would like to eventually finish his college education.

“I have 25 more units to finish and it would take me about two semesters to do that,” Wheeler said. “As far as when I will finish school, it all depends with how the tables turn for me in baseball, but I would like to finish at some point.”

A Sacramento native, Wheeler had a stellar season in 2009 with a .385 batting average, 18 home runs and 72 RBIs — leaving him with 142 RBIs in his career, a school record.

Wheeler hit .457 during this past season with runners in scoring position and .451 when runners were on base. He also had 15 stolen bases and five outfield assists.

Wheeler batted .330 during his sophomore season in 2008, with three home runs, 43 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. He also had hits in 20 consecutive games, which tied him for the conference’s longest hitting streak that season.

During his freshman season in 2007, Wheeler hit .310 with six home runs and batted .352 in the WAC.

A graduate of El Camino High School, Wheeler was named to the Cape Cod League All-Star team in 2008 and was named a third team preseason All-American by Baseball America.

Nick Hunte can be reached at [email protected].