Tony Gwynn has posted a 103-123 mark in four-plus seasons as San Diego State coach. The former Padres star and eight-time NL batting champion acknowledges the post is "more challenging than I thought," particularly this season, which has included a 14-game losing skid. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Every once in a while, Tony Gwynn reminisces about his four years as San Diego State baseball coach. The experience has not been what he expected.

"It's more challenging than I thought," he said, laughing, "and I'm loving every minute of it."

Gwynn's one wish is to win more. The Aztecs are 103-123 since he took over the program, and in their lowest moment earlier this season, they suffered through a 14-game losing streak.

Why does a future Hall of Famer need this?

"This is what I want to do," he said. "People keep expecting me to quit. As long as they don't fire me, I am going to be here."

Gwynn is bringing his team to Las Vegas this weekend for a three-game series against UNLV at Wilson Stadium. The series opens at 6:30 p.m. today.

Both teams are backed into a corner. San Diego State (13-27) is third in the Mountain West Conference at 6-4. The Rebels (16-22) are sixth in the seven-team league at 3-7.

UNLV has accomplished little since winning two of three games against defending national champion Texas in early March.

It was about that time when San Diego State hit its losing skid. Gwynn said injuries to his pitching staff caused the downfall as the Aztecs were roughed up by Cal State Fullerton, San Diego, Oklahoma State, UCLA and Pacific.

"We've played an aggressive schedule. But I'm not making any excuses," Gwynn said. "We just got lit up a couple times with our pitching problems early."

San Diego State was the Mountain West's regular-season champion two years ago but lost the tournament title game to UNLV, which has made three consecutive trips to the NCAA Regionals.

Gwynn decided he had to bring in better athletes, and he said his next recruiting class might be his best. The group includes six players from Las Vegas, three from the Community College of Southern Nevada, which has been a talent pipeline to the Rebels' program.

The Aztecs signed outfielder Cameron Johnson and pitchers Aaron Brady and Steven Hirschfeld from CCSN. They also got commitments from Las Vegas High outfielder Josh Chasse, Spring Valley outfielder Kenny Mickens and Coronado pitcher Trevor Clausen.

"I let my two assistants go and I said, 'Go get the best guys you can find,' " Gwynn said. "Your program depends on bringing in quality players every year."

Those assistant coaches, Rusty Filter and Mark Martinez, do most of the recruiting. But it's not because Gwynn lacks the motivation to do that part of the job.

"It's tough because when I go out, people recognize me, and I hate to be a distraction," said Gwynn, who won eight National League batting titles during a 20-year major league career with the San Diego Padres and will become eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2007.

He does go to summer tournaments to scout players, but Gwynn said his star status does not make it easier to seal the deal with high school kids who look up to him.

"People seem to think I get every recruit I want," he said. "Believe me, we wouldn't be under .500 if that's the case.

"I get turned down all the time. I've been turned down so much it's disgusting. When they tell you no, it's sometimes tough to take. But you can't be discouraged and you've just got to keep plugging away."

The job is a huge challenge, Gwynn said, not just a four-month hobby that allows him to prop his feet on a desk and eat sandwiches.

"It's not just sitting around. It's a lot of work," he said. "I hate losing."

• NOTES -- In today's pitching matchup, Rebels left-hander Chris Saddoris (5-5, 5.07 ERA) opposes Aztecs right-hander Justin Masterson (4-5, 4.02). ... UNLV is 3-15 away from Wilson Stadium and 13-7 at home this season.