Chicago, Ill.----Wingate University two-time All-American right-hander Brody McCullough was drafted in the 10th round of the Major League Baseball Draft Monday afternoon by the Chicago Cubs. McCullough was the 293rd pick of the 2022 draft. He is the highest draft pick in Wingate's history as an NCAA Division II university, and also the first player in WU Division II history to be taken on day two of the draft.

"It means everything for me to be drafted," McCullough says. "I had an unlikely journey from a small high school, to turning down Division I offers to eventually attend Division II Wingate. It was the best choice I've ever made. I have worked extremely hard over the past four years to put myself in a position to get this opportunity. Many people do not know half of the struggles I have had to go through to get to this point. I would like to thank my family, my girlfriend, coaches and teammates, for always standing behind me and supporting me along this journey. This being said, a new journey is just beginning and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a Chicago Cub! Go Cubbies!"

McCullough piled up the awards over his last two seasons at Wingate, earning All-American accolades both years. An All-SAC and All-Region selection in 2021, McCullough was named the SAC Pitcher of the Year in 2022, while also being named the D2CCA Region Pitcher of the Year. After earning third team All-American accolades from the ABCA in 2021, McCullough picked up D2CCA second team All-American honors in 2022, while adding honorable mention NCBWA All-American recognition as well. He finished his Bulldog career with a 2.95 ERA, going 20-6 while adding five saves. McCullough piled up 258 strikeouts in 189 innings of work.

"I am incredibly happy for Brody," head coach Jeff Gregory says. "He's had a tremendous career here, and now he's getting a chance to continue his career at a professional level. I'm so excited that he gets a chance to pursue his dreams. He's worked tremendously hard since the day he stepped on campus. It's a goal he's had since day one, and he's worked towards it, he's put in the time and has created the opportunity for himself."

McCullough is the sixth Bulldog to be drafted since the 2012 season and gives Wingate a draft pick for the second straight year, after Hunter Dula went in the 18th round of the 2021 draft to the San Francisco Giants. In addition, Tommy McCollum signed a free agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2021. He is the 23rd player in Wingate history to be drafted. In Wingate's recent history, All-American outfielder Dodson McPherson went in the 30th round of the 2012 draft, while All-American Thomas Spitz was taken by the Cardinals in the 32nd round in 2015. Two-time All-American Shane Billings went in the 13th round of the 2016 draft, which was previously the highest draft pick from Wingate as an NCAA Division II school. Left-handed pitcher Kory Behenna was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 25th round of the 2017 draft. Prior to Wingate's Division II days, Jim Fortenberry went in the fifth round of the 1984 draft. Ron Grout went in the sixth round of the 1977 winter draft, when Wingate was a junior college. Richard Motsinger was a first-round pick in the 1969 winter draft.

McCullough went 9-1 with a 2.40 ERA during the 2022 season, piling up 110 strikeouts against just 24 walks in 63 2/3 innings of work. Opponents hit just .210 against McCullough, who did not allow a homer and gave up just 10 extra-base hits in over 63 innings of work. He had double-digit strikeouts five times in his 11 starts, while striking out eight or more eight times. He struck out 13 in 5 1/3 innings against Charleston, while striking out 10 in 7 1/3 shutout frames at Limestone. McCullough piled up 17 strikeouts in just 6 1/3 shutout innings against UVA Wise, allowing just two hits to earn National Pitcher of the Week honors. He struck out 13 in six innings against Mars Hill as the 'Dogs clinched the regular season SAC title. McCullough punched out eight in 6 2/3 innings to lead Wingate to an NCAA Tournament victory over Young Harris.

McCullough went 7-2 with a 2.21 ERA in the 2021 season, making 20 appearances including five starts in Wingate's national championship season. He added four saves on the year, while striking out 81 in 69 innings of work and holding opponents to a .220 average. In his first start of the season against #8 Mount Olive, McCullough struck out five while allowing just one hit in five shutout innings. He got the start against regular season SAC champion Catawba and allowed just two hits in six shutout frames, striking out nine. McCullough picked up a win in NCAA regional play against Mount Olive, striking out five in five innings of work. He was back on the mound two days later to pick up a two-inning save against Columbus State to give the 'Dogs their first-ever NCAA regional championship. McCullough went eight innings against #14 Southern New Hampshire in an elimination game at the NCAA Division II World Series, allowing just one run while striking out nine. He was back on the mound three days later against #9 Angelo State, striking out six in six innings of work, allowing just three runs.

In the shortened 2020 season, McCullough made six starts, posting a 3.64 ERA while notching a pair of wins in 29 2/3 innings of work. He struck out 26 while holding opponents to a .179 average. His season was highlighted by striking out 10 in seven innings against Charleston. McCullough made 18 appearances out of the bullpen as a freshman in 2019, going 2-0 while adding a save. He piled up 41 strikeouts in 26 2/3 innings of work.

WINGATE UNIVERSITY
 
Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a laboratory of difference-making that serves more than 3,400 students in North Carolina. Wingate offers 38 undergraduate majors as well as seven master's and four doctoral degrees. The University is home to the Cannon College of Arts and Sciences; the Levine College of Health Sciences; the Byrum School of Business; the Thayer School of Education and the School of Sport Sciences. 

Wingate is a leader in healthcare education, and nearly one in five Wingate undergraduate students is preparing to be a pharmacist, physician assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist or nurse. Student-athletes on Wingate's 25 teams compete in NCAA Division II and have brought home the SAC Echols Athletic Excellence Award for 14 years straight. The University's motto is "Faith, Knowledge, Service." View current news and videos at www.wingate.edu.